[{"UniqueID":268634,"EventID":"S4W-04825","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-04T15:17:22.18","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-04T11:09:17.607","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many (a) prisoner-on-prisoner and (b) prisoner-on-staff assaults have been recorded at HMP Addiewell in each year since it opened.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many (a) prisoner-on-prisoner and (b) prisoner-on-staff assaults have been recorded at HMP Addiewell in each year since it opened.\r\n","AnswerText":"I have asked John Ewing, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service, to respond. His response is as follows: The following table shows the number of assaults in HMP Addiewell since it opened in December 2008.\r\nThe prisoner on prisoner assaults figures for 2008/09 cannot be directly compared to the figures for 2009/10 onwards as they were calculated differently at that time and do not include assaults as a result of fights between two or more people, which can result in multiple assaults:\r\n\r\nPrisoner on Prisoner Assaults\r\nPrisoner on Staff Assaults\r\n2008/09\t\r\n26\r\n14\r\n2009/10\t\r\n284\r\n46\r\n2010/11\r\n253\r\n36\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-01-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-01T15:17:22.32","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":268635,"EventID":"S4W-04826","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-04T15:17:22.383","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-04T11:09:17.607","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the cause was of the reported incident that occurred at HMP Addiewell on 2 January 2012.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the cause was of the reported incident that occurred at HMP Addiewell on 2 January 2012.","AnswerText":"I have asked John Ewing, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service, to respond. His response is as follows:\r\nThis incident is currently subject to an investigation by Lothian and Borders Police and may be subject to court action. It would not be appropriate therefore to comment further in advance of the completion of these enquiries.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-01-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-01T15:17:22.397","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":268636,"EventID":"S4W-04828","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-04T15:17:22.443","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-04T11:09:17.607","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many (a) prisoner-on-prisoner and (b) prisoner-on-staff assaults have been reported in each prison in each of the last five years.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many (a) prisoner-on-prisoner and (b) prisoner-on-staff assaults have been reported in each prison in each of the last five years.\r\n","AnswerText":"I have asked John Ewing, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service, to respond. His response is as follows:\r\nThe table below illustrates the total number of prisoner on prisoner assaults and prisoner on staff assaults broken down by Establishment for the last five years. Serious, minor and non injury assaults are included. The difference in the number of assaults is in part linked to differences in the prisoner population housed in each prison. The prisoner on prisoner assaults figures for 2007/08 and 2008/09 cannot be directly compared to the figures for 2009/10 onwards as they were calculated differently at that time and do not include assaults as a result of fights between two or more people, which can result in multiple assaults. \r\nPrisoner-on-prisoner assaults:\r\n\r\n2007/08\r\n2008/09\r\n2009/10\r\n2010/11\r\n2011/12\r\nAberdeen\r\n26\r\n46\r\n113\r\n110\r\n126\r\nAddiewell*\r\n\r\n26\r\n284\r\n253\r\n159\r\nBarlinnie\r\n67\r\n64\r\n309\r\n228\r\n201\r\nCornton Vale\r\n41\r\n48\r\n156\r\n183\r\n182\r\nDumfries\r\n26\r\n24\r\n41\r\n63\r\n66\r\nEdinburgh\r\n67\r\n90\r\n296\r\n259\r\n252\r\nGlenochil \r\n28\r\n30\r\n80\r\n120\r\n109\r\nGreenock\r\n26\r\n37\r\n55\r\n51\r\n49\r\nInverness\r\n18\r\n17\r\n50\r\n56\r\n47\r\nKilmarnock\r\n58\r\n61\r\n162\r\n184\r\n258\r\nLow Moss**\r\n1\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nOpen Estate\r\n1\r\n2\r\n1\r\n2\r\n2\r\nPerth\r\n64\r\n67\r\n145\r\n174\r\n173\r\nPeterhead\r\n13\r\n14\r\n29\r\n25\r\n10\r\nPolmont\r\n137\r\n153\r\n572\r\n547\r\n734\r\nShotts\r\n10\r\n15\r\n66\r\n49\r\n74\r\nTotals\r\n583\r\n694\r\n2359\r\n2304\r\n2442\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nPrisoner-on-staff assaults:\r\n\r\n\r\n2007/08\r\n2008/09\r\n2009/10\r\n2010/11\r\n2011/12\r\nAberdeen\r\n2\r\n7\r\n8\r\n7\r\n2\r\nAddiewell*\r\n\r\n14\r\n46\r\n36\r\n14\r\nBarlinnie\r\n19\r\n27\r\n17\r\n17\r\n23\r\nCornton Vale\r\n22\r\n47\r\n46\r\n51\r\n50\r\nDumfries\r\n3\r\n3\r\n1\r\n1\r\n4\r\nEdinburgh\r\n13\r\n9\r\n11\r\n17\r\n13\r\nGlenochil \r\n9\r\n3\r\n3\r\n0\r\n3\r\nGreenock\r\n1\r\n0\r\n4\r\n4\r\n5\r\nInverness\r\n3\r\n1\r\n0\r\n3\r\n0\r\nKilmarnock\r\n16\r\n12\r\n9\r\n12\r\n22\r\nLow Moss**\r\n0\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nOpen Estate\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n1\r\n0\r\nPerth\r\n14\r\n11\r\n12\r\n5\r\n5\r\nPeterhead\r\n1\r\n2\r\n1\r\n7\r\n2\r\nPolmont\r\n8\r\n7\r\n16\r\n11\r\n21\r\nShotts\r\n3\r\n10\r\n6\r\n1\r\n5\r\nTotals\r\n114\r\n153\r\n180\r\n173\r\n169\r\n*HMP Addiewell opened December 2008\r\n**HMP LowMoss closed in March 2007 and re-opened in March 2012\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-01-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-01T15:17:22.443","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":268637,"EventID":"S4W-04829","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-04T15:17:22.507","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-04T11:09:17.607","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many full-scale responses have been required at HMP Addiewell since it opened and what the cause was in each case.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many full-scale responses have been required at HMP Addiewell since it opened and what the cause was in each case.\r\n","AnswerText":"I have asked John Ewing, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service (SPS), to respond. His response is as follows:\r\nThere have been no “full-scale” responses required at HMP Addiewell since it opened in 2008.\r\nThe SPS defines a “full-scale” or Level 3 incident as one that requires a full (prison) command structure which will require additional resources and back up services to be deployed.","AnswerDate":"2012-01-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-01T15:17:22.523","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":268638,"EventID":"S4W-04830","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-04T15:17:22.553","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-04T11:09:17.607","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many full-scale responses have been required at prisons other than HMP Addiewell in the last five years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many full-scale responses have been required at prisons other than HMP Addiewell in the last five years.","AnswerText":"I have asked John Ewing, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service, to respond. His response is as follows:\r\nThere have been no “full-scale” responses at prisons in the last five years, inclusive of HMP Addiewell. All incidents have been resolved locally without recourse to a full Incident Command response from the Scottish Prison Service.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-01-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-01T15:17:22.57","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":268639,"EventID":"S4W-04832","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3896,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":97,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-04T15:17:22.6","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-04T14:03:03.07","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S4W-04235 by John Swinney on 7 December 2011, for what reason no record of relocation of jobs is held centrally; whether information is","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S4W-04235 by John Swinney on 7 December 2011, for what reason no record of relocation of jobs is held centrally; whether information is held centrally on the relocation of public bodies, and, if so, how many have been relocated since January 2008 and to where.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-04235 on 7 December 2011. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-01-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-01T15:17:22.617","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":268641,"EventID":"S4W-04834","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4964,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-05T15:14:20.007","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-05T10:34:27","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it last reviewed the procedures for testing people for dementia.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it last reviewed the procedures for testing people for dementia.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network (SIGN) is responsible for providing and reviewing clinical guidelines for the NHS in Scotland.\r\nSIGN guideline 86 on the management of patients with dementia, published in 2006, includes guidance on screening, assessment and testing.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-01-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-02T15:14:20.333","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":268642,"EventID":"S4W-04835","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4964,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-05T15:14:20.66","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-05T10:34:27","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to review the procedures for testing people for dementia.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to review the procedures for testing people for dementia.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network (SIGN) is responsible for providing and reviewing clinical guidelines for the NHS in Scotland.\r\nSIGN guideline 86 on the management of patients with dementia, published in 2006, includes guidance on screening, assessment and testing.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-01-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-02T15:14:20.66","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":268643,"EventID":"S4W-04836","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4964,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-05T15:14:20.693","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-05T10:34:27","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what training is offered to health professionals to help them identify the signs of dementia.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what training is offered to health professionals to help them identify the signs of dementia.\r\n","AnswerText":"A major part of the change programme in Scotland’s National Dementia Strategy is around up skilling and developing the workforce, including in identifying the signs of dementia.\r\nNHS Education for Scotland (NES) and the Scottish Services Council (SSSC) are implementing Promoting Excellence, the knowledge and skills framework for the entire health and social services workforce. It outlines various levels of knowledge and skills from a baseline that all staff are required to achieve to expert levels of practice in a range of areas including screening for, identifying and diagnosing dementia. Implementation of the framework includes the development of educational resources, delivery of training programmes and establishing educational infrastructures to ensure sustainability.\r\nTo support diagnosis, NES commissioned accessible online learning materials in the administration and scoring of the Addenbrooke’s Cognitive Examination-Revised (ACE-R) – an evidence-based dementia screening tool. This will improve staff skills in the detection of dementia.\r\nThe Standards of Care for Dementia state that assessment should be by skilled, confident and well-trained staff using recognised diagnostic tools. SIGN Guideline 86 on the management of patients with dementia recommends the use of the ACE-R to improve traditional cognitive screening using the Mini Mental State Examination, for individuals suspected of developing dementia. ACE-R is being introduced in specialist memory assessment and community mental health services around Scotland.\r\nPsychiatrists must acquire skills in specialist assessments, including on dementia, as part of attaining the Certificate of Completion of Training for old age psychiatry. GP training includes a requirement to acquire skills and knowledge in psychiatric conditions often associated with old age, such as dementia.\r\nLast year, we delivered our national target to increase the level of dementia diagnosis. This has now evolved into a national standard.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-01-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-02T15:14:20.707","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":268644,"EventID":"S4W-04837","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4964,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-05T15:14:20.753","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-05T10:34:27","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what emphasis the Curriculum for Excellence places on the importance of play in the early years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what emphasis the Curriculum for Excellence places on the importance of play in the early years.","AnswerText":"Play is central to how children learn, both in terms of cognitive skills and softer skills around relating to other people. Through Curriculum for Excellence, the Scottish Government and local partners will continue to promote play-based learning, including in early primary to develop a motivating, challenging and enjoyable learning experience. Education Scotland will continue to focus on the quality of energetic and outdoor play on all inspection activities.\r\nThe Scottish Government also emphasises the importance of play outside a formal setting. On 18 January at Thornlie Primary School, I announced a £1 million funding package for play each year for the next three years. This funding will enhance play spaces and play opportunities for the children of Scotland.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-01-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-02T15:14:20.753","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Aileen Campbell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":268645,"EventID":"S4W-04838","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2123,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":103,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-05T15:14:20.8","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-05T11:24:24.557","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it abandoned the target set in 2006 to stabilise road traffic volumes at 2001 levels by 2021.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it abandoned the target set in 2006 to stabilise road traffic volumes at 2001 levels by 2021.","AnswerText":"As set out in the 2006 National Transport Strategy, the then Scottish Executive began to move away from the earlier aspiration to stabilise road traffic volumes at 2001 levels by 2021, favouring the development of more sophisticated outcomes and targets linked to reducing emissions, reducing congestion and improving health.\r\nAs highlighted in the Infrastructure Investment Plan and the recent announcement on the Future Transport Fund, current Scottish ministers are similarly focussing on reducing emissions, reducing traffic congestion and increasing the proportion of journeys made by public or active transport, as we move towards a low carbon economy.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-02T15:14:20.8","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":268646,"EventID":"S4W-04839","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2123,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":103,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-05T15:14:20.847","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-05T11:24:24.557","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what estimate it has made of the consequences of its road building programme for road traffic levels by 2021.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what estimate it has made of the consequences of its road building programme for road traffic levels by 2021.","AnswerText":"There is no direct relationship between road building and road traffic levels. Traffic levels will be influenced by how we manage the road network, the further development of public travel choices and potential improvements to vehicle technology. Based on information contained in the recently published Infrastructure Investment Plan and Scottish Transport Statistics 2011, traffic levels are projected to grow by 25% between 2001 and 2021. However, other indicators suggest that emissions from road traffic in 2021 will be below the level recorded in 2001.\r\nFurther information on Scottish Transport Statistics can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.Scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Statistics/Browse/Transport-Travel/TablesPublications/ScottishTransportStats.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-02T15:14:20.863","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":268647,"EventID":"S4W-04840","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2123,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":103,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-05T15:14:20.91","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-05T11:24:24.557","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what estimate it has made of road traffic levels in 2021 compared with 2001.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what estimate it has made of road traffic levels in 2021 compared with 2001.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-04839 on 2 February 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-02T15:14:20.91","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":268648,"EventID":"S4W-04841","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2123,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":103,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-05T15:14:21.05","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-05T11:24:24.557","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what impact the estimated change in road traffic levels between 2001 and 2021 will have on climate change emissions.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what impact the estimated change in road traffic levels between 2001 and 2021 will have on climate change emissions.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-04839 on 2 February 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-02T15:14:21.067","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":268649,"EventID":"S4W-04842","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1845,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-05T15:14:21.113","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-05T12:39:57.443","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many independent patient treatment requests for medicines licensed for use in the UK in the last five years have been (a) made to NHS boards and (b) approved.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many independent patient treatment requests for medicines licensed for use in the UK in the last five years have been (a) made to NHS boards and (b) approved.","AnswerText":"Information on the number of Individual patient treatment requests made to NHS boards and approved in the last five years is not held centrally.\r\nNHS boards and clinicians are expected to take full account of advice from the Scottish Medicines Consortium and Healthcare Improvement Scotland in the planning and provision of NHS services. Where this advice clarifies that a new medicine is not accepted for use within NHSScotland, NHS boards are not expected to make it routinely available. However, NHS boards have arrangements in place for the clinical consideration of “not recommended” medicines for individual patients in certain circumstances (Individual Patient Treatment Requests).\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-01-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-02T15:14:21.113","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":268652,"EventID":"S4W-04843","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-06T14:46:55.703","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-06T09:35:02","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many women have had breast implants (a) on the NHS and (b) privately where these have been manufactured by PIP.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many women have had breast implants (a) on the NHS and (b) privately where these have been manufactured by PIP.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4F-00931 on 12 January 2012. The answer to the First Ministers parliamentary question is available on the parliament’s website, the official report can be viewed at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28862.aspx?r=6658&mode=html#iob_60660.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-01-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-01-20T14:46:55.813","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":268653,"EventID":"S4W-04844","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-06T14:46:55.907","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-06T09:35:02","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what advice it is providing to women who have had breast implants where these have been manufactured by PIP.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what advice it is providing to women who have had breast implants where these have been manufactured by PIP.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has advised women that there is no evidence for the routine removal of PIP silicone breast implants but where a woman has concerns about their implant they should contact the surgeon or organisation who put the implant in.\r\nFurther information and advice has been made available on the NHS 24 and NHS Inform websites.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-01-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-01-20T14:46:55.923","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":268654,"EventID":"S4W-04845","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-06T14:46:56.28","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-06T09:35:02","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with the UK Government about breast implants where these have been manufactured by PIP.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with the UK Government about breast implants where these have been manufactured by PIP.\r\n","AnswerText":"My officials have been in regular contact with colleagues in both Department of Health and The Medical and Healthcare Regulatory Agency (MHRA), most recently 6 January when the Chief Medical Officers in the UK discussed the outcome of the expert review group chaired by Sir Bruce Keogh.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-01-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-01-20T14:46:56.28","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":268655,"EventID":"S4W-04846","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-06T14:46:56.36","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-06T09:35:02","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its position is on whether corrective surgery is required for women with breast implants where these have been manufactured by PIP.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its position is on whether corrective surgery is required for women with breast implants where these have been manufactured by PIP.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-04844 on 16 January 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-01-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-01-20T14:46:56.36","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":268656,"EventID":"S4W-04847","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-06T14:46:56.407","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-06T09:35:02","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many women have had ruptured breast implants since 2007-08.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many women have had ruptured breast implants since 2007-08.\r\n","AnswerText":"There are no reports of the rupture of breast implants provided by NHSScotland since 2007-08. We have no information on the number of implants provided by the private healthcare sector which have ruptured.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-01-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-01-20T14:46:56.423","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":268657,"EventID":"S4W-04848","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-06T14:46:56.453","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-06T09:35:02","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with private health providers about breast implants where these have been manufactured by PIP.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with private health providers about breast implants where these have been manufactured by PIP.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has had no direct discussions with the private healthcare sector, who have had the input into the work of the Department of Health's Expert Group. However, we will initiate such discussions as we consider to be necessary.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-01-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-01-20T14:46:56.47","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":268658,"EventID":"S4W-04849","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-06T14:46:56.5","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-06T09:35:02","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will provide funding for corrective surgery for breast implants where these have been manufactured by PIP.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will provide funding for corrective surgery for breast implants where these have been manufactured by PIP.\r\n","AnswerText":"No additional funding will be made available to NHS boards.\r\nWhere PIP implants have been provided by the private sector, it is expected that private health care providers will provide, without charge, the same level of service as NHSScotland would provide to NHS patients. This includes offering a consultation, where clinically appropriate removal of the implant and if the woman wishes provision of a replacement.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-01-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-01-20T14:46:56.5","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":268659,"EventID":"S4W-04850","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-06T14:46:56.547","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-06T09:35:02","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its position is on whether the NHS should undertake corrective surgery for breast implants where these have been manufactured by PIP, or if the private sector should","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its position is on whether the NHS should undertake corrective surgery for breast implants where these have been manufactured by PIP, or if the private sector should do so at no cost to the patient.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-04844 on 16 January 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-01-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-01-20T14:46:56.547","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":268660,"EventID":"S4W-04851","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1759,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-06T14:46:56.593","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-06T10:21:42","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps are being taken, beyond funding provided for in the 2012-13 draft budget, to ensure delivery of the £508 million required to reduce emissions from transport in","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps are being taken, beyond funding provided for in the 2012-13 draft budget, to ensure delivery of the £508 million required to reduce emissions from transport in 2012 as set out in Low Carbon Scotland: Meeting the Emissions Reduction Targets 2010-22, The Report on Proposals and Policies.\r\n","AnswerText":"Low Carbon Scotland: Meeting the Emissions Reduction Targets 2010-22, the Scottish Government’s first climate change Report on Proposals and Policies (RPP) provides the current estimated costs for full delivery of the transport proposals contained within it. In the current spending review period difficult decisions have been necessary following the 36% capital investment cut by the UK Government. Nonetheless, we remain committed to meeting our statutory climate change targets, the various transport milestones within the RPP. This commitment is further reinforced by our new strategic priority which lies at the heart of our refreshed Government Economic Strategy - The Transition to a Low Carbon Economy - reflecting the opportunity and contribution a low carbon economy can make to the future prosperity of Scotland. We will take projects forward as and when funding becomes available. This will be aided significantly by our Future Transport Fund which will see a further £50 million made available to support the transition to low carbon transport over the next four years. A second Scottish Green Bus Fund, with a budget of £2 million, was announced on 17 January. The first fund, issued last year, will see the delivery of 48 new vehicles with early indications showing substantial fuel savings and reductions in emissions. This second fund will provide an opportunity to build on these successes.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-01-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-01-20T14:46:56.593","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":268661,"EventID":"S4W-04852","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1759,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-06T14:46:56.64","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-06T10:21:42","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps are being taken, beyond funding provided for in the 2012-13 draft budget, to ensure delivery of the £296 million required for cycling and walking infrastructur","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps are being taken, beyond funding provided for in the 2012-13 draft budget, to ensure delivery of the £296 million required for cycling and walking infrastructure investment in 2012 as set out in Low Carbon Scotland: Meeting the Emissions Reduction Targets 2010-22, The Report on Proposals and Policies.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-04851 on 19 January 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-01-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-01-20T14:46:56.657","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":268662,"EventID":"S4W-04853","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1759,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-06T14:46:56.687","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-06T10:21:42","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to encourage private sector investment in low carbon transport measures for (a) 2012, (b) 2013 and (c) 2014.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to encourage private sector investment in low carbon transport measures for (a) 2012, (b) 2013 and (c) 2014.\r\n","AnswerText":"We are working with Scottish Enterprise, electricity suppliers, vehicle manufacturers, transport operators, technology companies and others to exploit opportunities for private sector investment to help overcome the barriers to an increased take up of low carbon vehicles. \r\nAdditionally, the 2020 Climate Group was established to help to align actions across Scotland to reduce emissions and to support the Scottish Government in the drive to create a low carbon future for Scotland through smarter collaborations and better conversations. The 2020 group has a number of sub-groups that look at specific areas including transport, and both public and business engagement.\r\nLow Carbon Scotland: Meeting the Emissions Reduction Targets 2010-22, the Scottish Government’s first climate change Report on Proposals and Policies, provides current estimated costs for full delivery of the transport proposals contained within it, including for low carbon transport.\r\nA second Scottish Green Bus Fund, with a budget of £2 million, was announced on 17 January 2012. The first fund, issued last year, will see the delivery of 48 new vehicles with early indications showing substantial fuel savings and reductions in emissions. This second fund will provide an opportunity to build on these successes.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-01-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-01-20T14:46:56.703","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":268663,"EventID":"S4W-04854","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1759,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-06T14:46:56.733","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-06T10:21:42","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to encourage private sector investment in walking and cycling measures for (a) 2012, (b) 2013 and c) 2014.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to encourage private sector investment in walking and cycling measures for (a) 2012, (b) 2013 and c) 2014.\r\n","AnswerText":"In delivering cycling and walking projects, we will continue to work with a range of stakeholders from all sectors which have an important role to play in providing facilities and promoting and encouraging active and sustainable travel more widely. For example, Cycling Scotland’s Cycle Friendly Employer scheme encourages employers to provide cycling facilities including secure cycle parking, showers and drying facilities in the workplace. Currently 106 Cycle Friendly Employer awards have been granted in Scotland to various organisations.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-01-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-01-20T14:46:56.75","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":268664,"EventID":"S4W-04855","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1759,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-06T14:46:56.797","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-06T10:21:42","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much it estimates private sector investment in measures to promote low carbon transport will be for (a) 2012, (b) 2013 and (c) 2014.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much it estimates private sector investment in measures to promote low carbon transport will be for (a) 2012, (b) 2013 and (c) 2014.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-04853 on 19 January 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-01-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-01-20T14:46:56.797","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":268665,"EventID":"S4W-04856","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1759,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-06T14:46:56.843","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-06T10:21:42","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much it estimates private sector investment in measures to promote walking and cycling will be for (a) 2012, (b) 2013 and (c) 2014.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much it estimates private sector investment in measures to promote walking and cycling will be for (a) 2012, (b) 2013 and (c) 2014.\r\n","AnswerText":"Low Carbon Scotland: Meeting the Emissions Reduction Targets 2010-22, the Scottish Government’s first climate change report on proposals and policies (RPP) provides the current estimated costs for full delivery of the transport proposals contained within it. There is currently no estimate of any potential private sector investment in measures to promote walking and cycling.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-01-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-01-20T14:46:56.843","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":268666,"EventID":"S4W-04857","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1759,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-06T14:46:56.89","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-06T10:21:42","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what analysis it has carried out on the appropriate balance between public and private sector finance to ensure delivery of the (a) £508 million and (b) £1,281 million re","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what analysis it has carried out on the appropriate balance between public and private sector finance to ensure delivery of the (a) £508 million and (b) £1,281 million required to reduce emissions from transport in 2012 and the period 2012-14 respectively, as set out in Low Carbon Scotland: Meeting the Emissions Reduction Targets 2010-22, The Report on Proposals and Policies.\r\n","AnswerText":"Low Carbon Scotland: Meeting the Emissions Reduction Targets 2010-22, the Scottish Government’s first climate change Report on Proposals and Policies (RPP) provides the current estimated costs for full delivery of the transport proposals contained within it.\r\nThe appropriate balance of spend between the public and private sector will be determined by how much public money is needed to deliver the necessary infrastructure and encourage private investment in more efficient and active travel. Irrespective of where the costs fall, the government will look to deliver all proposals in the most cost effective manner. Given the long timeframe that the RPP covers, it is inevitable that some of the measures that it details will develop and change as circumstances dictate and our understanding of the emissions impact of interventions improves.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-01-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-01-20T14:46:56.89","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":268667,"EventID":"S4W-04859","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3896,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":97,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-06T14:46:56.937","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-06T12:06:54","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether in calculating household income to determine if a household is in fuel poverty, income in the form of feed-in tariff or renewable heating incentive payments is in","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether in calculating household income to determine if a household is in fuel poverty, income in the form of feed-in tariff or renewable heating incentive payments is included.\r\n","AnswerText":"At present no information on income from feed-in-tariffs (FIT) is collected in the Scottish House Condition Survey and therefore income from feed-in tariffs is not added to the income of the household when calculating fuel poverty. However, the Scottish House Condition Survey does record the presence of renewables on a property and where a renewable is found the modelled fuel cost is adjusted for the property to take account of the energy generated by these renewables.\r\nFrom 2013, we will include the estimated impact of income from FIT’s and other forms of incentive payment in our fuel poverty modelling. However, it is important to note that the main impact of micro generation on fuel poverty will be from the reduction in energy costs which as noted above is already modelled in fuel poverty estimates.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-01-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-01-20T14:46:56.953","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":268668,"EventID":"S4W-04860","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3896,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":97,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-06T14:46:57","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-06T12:06:54","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether repayments of Green Deal Finance are included as a deduction from household income when determining whether a household is fuel poor.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether repayments of Green Deal Finance are included as a deduction from household income when determining whether a household is fuel poor.","AnswerText":"The Green Deal does not start until later in 2012 so no data could be collected on Green Deal repayments until Scottish House Condition Survey data collection starts in 2013. The fuel poverty forum is currently undertaking a review of fuel poverty. Once this review is concluded the Survey team will identify whether additional information or methods are required to measure fuel poverty.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-01-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-01-20T14:46:57","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":268670,"EventID":"S4F-00386","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":3743,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":123,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-09T14:19:13.82","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-09T11:26:04","Title":"To ask the First Minister what progress has been made toward securing an agreement with ambulance staff on emergency interruption of rest breaks.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what progress has been made toward securing an agreement with ambulance staff on emergency interruption of rest breaks.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-01-23T14:19:13.82","MeetingDate":"2012-01-12T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":268671,"EventID":"S4F-00387","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":3901,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":127,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-09T14:19:13.833","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-09T11:27:00","Title":"To ask the First Minister whether it remains the Scottish Government's position to hold a referendum on independence in the second half of the current parliamentary session.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister whether it remains the Scottish Government's position to hold a referendum on independence in the second half of the current parliamentary session.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-01-23T14:19:13.833","MeetingDate":"2012-01-12T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":268672,"EventID":"S4F-00390","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":2080,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":87,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-09T14:19:13.897","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-09T12:35:56","Title":"To ask the First Minister what engagements he has planned for the rest of the day.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what engagements he has planned for the rest of the day.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-01-23T14:19:13.913","MeetingDate":"2012-01-12T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":268673,"EventID":"S4F-00391","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-09T14:19:13.927","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-09T12:35:56","Title":"To ask the First Minister what the Scottish Government’s most recent estimate is of the number of women in Scotland who have received breast implants manufactured by PIP.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what the Scottish Government’s most recent estimate is of the number of women in Scotland who have received breast implants manufactured by PIP.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-01-23T14:19:13.927","MeetingDate":"2012-01-12T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":268674,"EventID":"S4F-00392","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":4941,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-09T14:19:13.943","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-09T12:37:26","Title":"To ask the First Minister what action the Crown Office has taken in response to legislative changes relating to double jeopardy.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what action the Crown Office has taken in response to legislative changes relating to double jeopardy.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-01-23T14:19:13.943","MeetingDate":"2012-01-12T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":268677,"EventID":"S4W-04820","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4016,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":133,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-09T16:50:10.647","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-04T09:24:02.16","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the case has been made for a bypass for Selkirk.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the case has been made for a bypass for Selkirk.","AnswerText":"Although a bypass for Selkirk was considered as part of the Strategic Transport Projects Review (STPR), the review concluded that it would not have a significant impact on the objective for the transport corridor of “continuing reduction in accident rates across the strategic transport network.”\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-01-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-01-23T16:50:10.677","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":268678,"EventID":"S4W-04821","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4016,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":133,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-09T16:50:10.707","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-04T09:24:02.16","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what further improvements to the A7 through Hawick it will carry out during the current parliamentary session.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what further improvements to the A7 through Hawick it will carry out during the current parliamentary session.","AnswerText":"The Strategic Transport Projects Review recommended a programme of active route management and targeted individual investment in the A7 to maintain and safely operate the route.\r\nThe following improvements to the A7 through Hawick have been programmed by Bear Scotland, the Operating Company for the South East of Scotland, and are subject to available funding and competing priorities across the Scottish trunk road network. \r\n2012-13 \r\nA7 The Dunk, South of Hawick\r\nCarriageway resurfacing\r\n2012-13 \r\nA7 Commercial Rd, Hawick \r\nCarriageway resurfacing\r\n2012-13 \r\nA7 Commercial Rd, Hawick \r\nUpgrade of pedestrian crossing to puffin\r\n2014-15\r\nA7 Buccleuch Rd, Hawick \r\nCarriageway resurfacing \r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-01-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-01-23T16:50:10.723","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":268679,"EventID":"S4W-04822","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4016,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":133,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-09T16:50:10.753","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-04T09:24:02.16","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to introduce minimum nutritional standards for food served in NHS hospitals.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to introduce minimum nutritional standards for food served in NHS hospitals.","AnswerText":"In 2008, the Scottish Government published Food in Hospitals – A National Catering and Nutrition Specification for Food and Fluid in Scottish Hospitals http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2008/06/24145312/21.\r\nThis publication sets standards for nutrient and food provision for patients within hospitals: it provides guidance on how these standards can be met, through assessment of population’s dietary needs, menu planning, guidance and practical suggestions on food choices suitable for different dietary needs, including special and therapeutic diets.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-01-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-01-23T16:50:10.77","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":268680,"EventID":"S4W-04823","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4016,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":133,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-09T16:50:10.8","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-04T09:24:02.16","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many hospital meals have been returned uneaten in each of the last five years, broken down by hospital.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many hospital meals have been returned uneaten in each of the last five years, broken down by hospital.","AnswerText":"Specific information on how many meals are returned uneaten in hospitals is not held centrally. However, some individual NHS boards monitor the annual food waste for their area.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-01-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-01-23T16:50:10.817","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":268681,"EventID":"S4W-04824","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4016,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":133,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-09T16:50:10.847","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-04T09:24:02.16","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to encourage an increase in consumption of vitamin D by adults.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to encourage an increase in consumption of vitamin D by adults.","AnswerText":"The main source of vitamin D is obtained through synthesis in the body via the action of ultraviolet B (UVB) rays in the sunlight on the skin. In addition, some vitamin D is available from eggs, oily fish and supplements.\r\nAt present it is recommended that certain at risk groups of the adult population take a vitamin D supplement. These include, pregnant and breastfeeding women, people over 65, people who are not exposed to much sunlight, for example, those who cover their skin for cultural reasons, are housebound or who stay indoors for long periods and people who have darker skin \r\nThe Scottish Government and Health Scotland have recently in 2010 and again in 2011 issued leaflets to health professionals as well as the wider public to raise awareness about the present recommended vitamin D levels for at risk groups.\r\nThe UK Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition (SACN) is reviewing their advice on vitamin D. We understand that they will publish a draft report in 2013 for a period of consultation.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-01-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-01-23T16:50:10.847","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":268682,"EventID":"S4W-04861","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5079,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-09T16:50:10.893","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-07T16:41:05","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with (a) Transport Scotland, (b) Network Rail, (c) ScotRail and (d) representatives of passengers and communities regarding a possible reconfi","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with (a) Transport Scotland, (b) Network Rail, (c) ScotRail and (d) representatives of passengers and communities regarding a possible reconfiguration of rail services or stations in Glasgow.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government is consulting widely across Scotland, including with passengers and community representatives, on the future of rail services in Scotland. Transport Scotland officials have held a number of stakeholder meetings and events in relation to the Rail2014 consultation since November 2011.\r\nIn the context of the Rail2014 consultation, no meetings have taken place with Network Rail or ScotRail in relation to any reconfiguration of services and stations in Scotland, including Glasgow.\r\nTransport Scotland officials have regular and ongoing dialogue with Network Rail and ScotRail in relation to station and service improvements across Scotland.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-01-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-01-23T16:50:10.893","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":268683,"EventID":"S4W-04862","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5079,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-09T16:50:10.957","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-07T16:41:05","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what guidance it provides on advertising public sector vacancies over the festive period.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what guidance it provides on advertising public sector vacancies over the festive period.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government does not provide standing guidance on advertising vacancies over the festive period; requests for advice are considered on a case-by-case basis.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-01-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-01-23T16:50:10.957","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":268684,"EventID":"S4W-04863","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5079,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-09T16:50:11.02","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-07T16:41:05","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what it considers to be the minimum period of time for which a public sector vacancy should be advertised.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what it considers to be the minimum period of time for which a public sector vacancy should be advertised.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government would normally advertise public sector posts for two weeks; this is considered to be good practice.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-01-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-01-23T16:50:11.037","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":268685,"EventID":"S4W-04864","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5079,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-09T16:50:11.083","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-07T16:41:05","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress it is making toward the reform of the Children's Hearings System and when local plans will be in place.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress it is making toward the reform of the Children's Hearings System and when local plans will be in place.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government is continuing to work towards September 2012 as the target date for the delivery of the reforms set out in the Children’s Hearings (Scotland) Act 2011 at both national and local level, including agreement around the establishment of area support teams.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-01-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-01-23T16:50:11.083","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Aileen Campbell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":268686,"EventID":"S4W-04865","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5079,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-09T16:50:11.13","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-07T16:47:55","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it considers its agenda for cities, as set out in Scotland's Cities: Delivering for Scotland, to be a plan or a project.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it considers its agenda for cities, as set out in Scotland's Cities: Delivering for Scotland, to be a plan or a project.\r\n","AnswerText":"The agenda for cities sets out our intent for cities, through the Scottish Cities Alliance, to collaborate to develop investment programmes of scale that support sustainable economic growth\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-01-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-01-23T16:50:11.13","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":268687,"EventID":"S4W-04866","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5079,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-09T16:50:11.19","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-07T16:47:55","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether its agenda for cities, as set out in Scotland's Cities: Delivering for Scotland, has been subject to a strategic environmental assessment.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether its agenda for cities, as set out in Scotland's Cities: Delivering for Scotland, has been subject to a strategic environmental assessment.\r\n","AnswerText":"Scotland’s Cities: Delivering for Scotland has been considered within the terms of the Environmental Assessment (Scotland) Act 2005. It has been determined to be exempt under Section 7 of the 2005 Act, as it is likely to have no or minimal effect in relation to the environment.\r\nA copy of the exemption decision, referred to as a pre-screening decision, is available on the Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) Database, which can be accessed at:\r\nwww.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Environment/environmental-assessment/sea/SEAG. The case identification reference is PRE\\00406.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-01-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-01-23T16:50:11.19","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":268688,"EventID":"S4W-04867","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5079,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-09T16:50:11.253","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-07T16:47:55","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the duty on public (a) bodies and (b) office holders to further the conservation of biodiversity under the Nature Conservation (Scotland) Act 2004 applies to the ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the duty on public (a) bodies and (b) office holders to further the conservation of biodiversity under the Nature Conservation (Scotland) Act 2004 applies to the secretariat of the Scottish Cities Alliance.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Cities Alliance is a partnership between Scotland’s six cities and myself. It has no legal status, however, its constituent public bodies and office holders will continue to be subject to the public sector duty.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-01-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-01-23T16:50:11.253","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":268689,"EventID":"S4W-04868","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5079,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-09T16:50:11.3","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-07T16:47:55","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the sustainable development duty under the Climate Change (Scotland) Act 2009 applies to the secretariat of the Scottish Cities Alliance.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the sustainable development duty under the Climate Change (Scotland) Act 2009 applies to the secretariat of the Scottish Cities Alliance.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Cities Alliance is a partnership of Scotland’s six cities and the Deputy First Minister, as Cities Minister. It has no legal status, however, its constituent public bodies will continue to be subject to the public sector duty.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-01-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-01-23T16:50:11.3","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":268690,"EventID":"S4W-04869","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5079,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-09T16:50:11.347","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-07T16:47:55","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what organisations were consulted during the development of its agenda for cities, as set out in Scotland's Cities: Delivering for Scotland. \r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what organisations were consulted during the development of its agenda for cities, as set out in Scotland's Cities: Delivering for Scotland. \r\n","AnswerText":"The agenda for cities was developed by the Scottish Government in collaboration with the six city local authorities which in turn led an engagement with their wider regional stakeholders. Many organisations were involved in the development process and in November 2011, a workshop on the emerging themes was held for the public, private, academic and third sectors which also included representatives from COSLA.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-01-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-01-23T16:50:11.347","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":268691,"EventID":"S4W-04870","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5079,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-09T16:50:11.38","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-07T16:47:55","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what role biodiversity conservation has in promoting the sustainability of cities.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what role biodiversity conservation has in promoting the sustainability of cities.\r\n","AnswerText":"Biodiversity conservation can play a variety of roles in promoting the sustainability of cities including contributing to green networks, local food production, flood management, recreation, sense of place and energy efficiency.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-01-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-01-23T16:50:11.393","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":268692,"EventID":"S4W-04872","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5079,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-09T16:50:11.44","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-07T16:47:55","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether projects for furthering biodiversity conservation will be eligible for funding through the Cities Investment Fund.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether projects for furthering biodiversity conservation will be eligible for funding through the Cities Investment Fund.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Cities Alliance is focussed on collaborative opportunities for enhancing sustainable economic growth, attracting large scale investment and creating jobs. The Cities Investment Fund will support the alliance in its work and programmes that meet these criteria will be considered.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-01-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-01-23T16:50:11.44","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":268693,"EventID":"S4W-04873","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5079,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-09T16:50:11.487","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-07T16:47:55","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what role nature conservation organisations will have in the Scottish Cities Alliance.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what role nature conservation organisations will have in the Scottish Cities Alliance.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Cities Alliance is a partnership of Scotland’s six cities and the Deputy First Minister, as Cities Minister. The alliance will take forward a programme of collaborative action aimed at optimising the contribution of our cities and their regions to sustainable economic growth and it will determine the appropriate wider engagement that best supports its work.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-01-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-01-23T16:50:11.487","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":268694,"EventID":"S4W-04874","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5079,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-09T16:50:11.533","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-07T16:47:55","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what role public health considerations had in the development of its agenda for cities, as set out in Scotland's Cities: Delivering for Scotland.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what role public health considerations had in the development of its agenda for cities, as set out in Scotland's Cities: Delivering for Scotland.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Cities Alliance is focussed on collaborative opportunities for enhancing sustainable economic growth, attracting large scale investment and creating jobs. Consistent with the Government Economic Strategy, it recognises sustainable economic growth as the route to a better, healthier and fairer society.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-01-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-01-23T16:50:11.55","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":268695,"EventID":"S4W-04875","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5079,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-09T16:50:11.597","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-07T16:47:55","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what guidance it has given to the Scottish Council for Development and Industry (SCDI) in that organisation's role as facilitator of the Scottish Cities Alliance on the d","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what guidance it has given to the Scottish Council for Development and Industry (SCDI) in that organisation's role as facilitator of the Scottish Cities Alliance on the duty of public bodies to further the conservation of biodiversity.\r\n","AnswerText":"Guidance on the duty of public bodies to further the conservation of biodiversity is available to all on the Biodiversity Scotland website:\r\nhttp://www.biodiversityscotland.gov.uk/duty/.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-01-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-01-23T16:50:11.597","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":268696,"EventID":"S4W-04876","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5079,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-09T16:50:11.66","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-07T16:47:55","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how its agenda for cities, as set out in Scotland's Cities: Delivering for Scotland, furthers the conservation of biodiversity.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how its agenda for cities, as set out in Scotland's Cities: Delivering for Scotland, furthers the conservation of biodiversity.\r\n","AnswerText":"Scotland’s Cities: Delivering for Scotland is focussed on collaborative opportunities for enhancing sustainable economic growth, attracting large scale investment and creating jobs. Through its themes, it recognises the importance of the sustainability of our cities including resource efficiency and green spaces, both of which can contribute to the conservation of biodiversity.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-01-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-01-23T16:50:11.66","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":268697,"EventID":"S4W-04877","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5079,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-09T16:50:11.69","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-07T16:47:55","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what guidance the Cabinet Secretary for Health, Wellbeing and Cities Strategy sought regarding the cabinet secretary's duty as a holder of public office to further the co","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what guidance the Cabinet Secretary for Health, Wellbeing and Cities Strategy sought regarding the cabinet secretary's duty as a holder of public office to further the conservation of biodiversity before approving its agenda for cities, as set out in Scotland's Cities: Delivering for Scotland.","AnswerText":"Biodiversity will be considered in relation to specific investment programmes and projects, once these have been identified by the Scottish Cities Alliance.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-01-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-01-23T16:50:11.707","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":268698,"EventID":"S4W-04878","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-09T16:50:11.77","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-09T10:30:32","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will publish a business and regulatory impact assessment on its two new business rate taxes relating to retailers and firms with empty premises and what the reaso","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will publish a business and regulatory impact assessment on its two new business rate taxes relating to retailers and firms with empty premises and what the reasons are for its position on this matter.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has made clear that to carry out a business and regulatory impact assessment (BRIA) for the public health supplement, which impacts on just 0.1% of commercial premises in Scotland would be disproportionate.\r\nReform of empty property relief is aimed at incentivising empty property back into economic use.\r\nThe savings from reform of empty property relief will generate estimated savings of around £18 million a year, which is a modest saving compared to the total annual cost of the relief which even after reform is still estimated to be around £144 million by the end of this Spending Review period. Accordingly there no plans for a BRIA to be conducted for reform of empty property relief.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-01-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-01-23T16:50:11.77","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":268699,"EventID":"S4W-04879","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5057,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-09T16:50:11.8","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-09T12:20:20","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S4W-04180 by Stewart Stevenson on 8 December 2011, when each successful application to the climate change fund was submitted.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S4W-04180 by Stewart Stevenson on 8 December 2011, when each successful application to the climate change fund was submitted.\r\n","AnswerText":"A table listing each of the 461 individual projects in receipt on an award from the Climate Challenge Fund in CCF1 (2008-11) and CCF2 (2011-12) has been produced. This gives, for each project, total grant awarded, the anticipated CO2 reduction in tonnes as estimated on the original application form date of the final application was submitted. Copies of this table are available from the Scottish Parliaments Information Centre (Bib. number 53591).\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-01-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-01-23T16:50:11.817","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":268700,"EventID":"S4W-04883","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5109,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":101,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-09T16:50:11.863","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-09T14:17:16.34","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what contact it has had with the Department of Energy and Climate Change on feed-in tariffs for community energy projects.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what contact it has had with the Department of Energy and Climate Change on feed-in tariffs for community energy projects.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government is in regular contact with Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) regarding the feed-in tariffs (FITs). As part of its current consultation on solar PV we have urged the UK Government to exclude social housing from the proposed aggregated tariff, which will ensure a higher tariff rate for these projects.\r\n \r\nScotland leads the way across the UK in how we support community energy projects. DECC is currently considering whether more could be done to enable community projects to benefit from FITs, and I have written this week to my counterpart in DECC to urge him to ensure that the FIT scheme offers an appropriate level of support for projects of this type.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-01-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-01-23T16:50:11.863","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":268701,"EventID":"S4W-04884","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":81,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-09T16:50:11.91","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-09T14:29:40.383","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will provide (a) a list of all railway stations that are less than a mile from another station and (b) the reasons for each of these stations being included in","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will provide (a) a list of all railway stations that are less than a mile from another station and (b) the reasons for each of these stations being included in or excluded from the list provided on Rail 2014 Consultation - FACT SHEET - 1.","AnswerText":"(a) Stations in Scotland on the same line and within one mile of another offering similar services:\r\nAirbles\r\nAlexandra Parade\r\nAnderston\r\nAnniesland\r\nArdrossan Harbour\r\nArdrossan South Beach\r\nArdrossan Town\r\nArgyle Street\r\nAshfield\r\nBarnhill\r\nBearsden\r\nBellgrove\r\nCarnoustie\r\nCarntyne\r\nCathcart\r\nCharing Cross\r\nCorkerhill\r\nCroftfoot\r\nCrosshill\r\nCulrain\r\nDalreoch\r\nDuke Street\r\nDunbarton Central\r\nDunbarton East\r\nExhibition Centre\r\nGarscadden\r\nGilshochill\r\nGlasgow Central\r\nGlasgow Queen Street\r\nGolf Street\r\nGreenock Central\r\nGreenock West\r\nHigh Street\r\nHillfoot\r\nInvershin\r\nKelvindale\r\nKennishead\r\nKings Park\r\nLangside\r\nMaryhill\r\nMaxwell Park\r\nMosspark\r\nMotherwell\r\nMount Florida\r\nNitshill\r\nPaisley Gilmour Street\r\nPaisley St James\r\nPollokshaws East\r\nPollokshields East\r\nPollokshields West\r\nPossilpark & Parkhouse\r\nPrestwick International Airport\r\nPrestwick Town\r\nPriesthill & Darnley\r\nQueens Park\r\nScotstounhill\r\nShawlands\r\nShettleston\r\nSpringburn\r\nSummerston\r\n(b) There is no list of stations in the Rail 2014 Consultation document. The Fact Sheet was provided during the consultation period at the request of stakeholders.\r\nThe pairs of stations listed in Rail 2014 Consultation – FACT SHEET – 1, on the Transport Scotland website, are those with footfall of less than 120,000 at one or more of the stations in the pairing, as stated in the request from stakeholders and not as part of any Transport Scotland plan or option, based on data from the Office of Rail Regulation’s Station Usage report (2009-10) and Google maps. \r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-01-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-01-23T16:50:11.91","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":268702,"EventID":"S4W-04885","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5079,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-09T16:50:11.94","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-09T15:33:22.037","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will consider introducing mandatory disclosure checks in respect of private landlord registration.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will consider introducing mandatory disclosure checks in respect of private landlord registration.\r\n","AnswerText":"Under the Private Rented Housing (Scotland) Act 2011 local authorities already have the power to request disclosure checks on registered landlords. A local authority can require that a private landlord provide a criminal record certificate if it deems it necessary when applying the fit and proper person test.\r\nThe Scottish Government is working in partnership with members of the Scottish Private Rented Sector Strategy Group to produce a consultative strategy aimed at improving standards and quality within the private rented sector in Scotland.\r\nAs part of development of the final strategy, due in summer 2012, the views of local authorities and other key stakeholders will be considered on the case for introduction of mandatory disclosure checks for all private landlords.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-01-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-01-23T16:50:11.957","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":268703,"EventID":"S4W-04886","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5079,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-09T16:50:12.017","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-09T15:33:22.037","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether local authorities have the power to perform random checks or checks in response to specific information on the premises of registered private landlords.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether local authorities have the power to perform random checks or checks in response to specific information on the premises of registered private landlords.","AnswerText":"Local authorities in Scotland do not have a general power to perform random checks on the premises of registered private landlords. However, they do have specific rights of entry in relation to property standards in private rental dwellings that are licensed houses in multiple occupation (HMOs).\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-01-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-01-23T16:50:12.017","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":268704,"EventID":"S4W-04887","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5079,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-09T16:50:12.063","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-09T15:33:22.037","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will consider introducing stated grounds of appeal for refusal of private landlord registration.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will consider introducing stated grounds of appeal for refusal of private landlord registration.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government is working in partnership with members of the Scottish Private Rented Sector Strategy Group to produce a consultative strategy aimed at improving standards and quality within the private rented sector in Scotland.\r\nAs part of development of the final strategy, due in summer 2012, the views of local authorities and other key stakeholders will be considered on the proposal to introduce stated grounds of appeal for refusal of registration as a private landlord.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-01-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-01-23T16:50:12.063","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":268705,"EventID":"S4W-04888","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5079,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-09T16:50:12.127","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-09T15:33:22.037","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will consider the case for management control orders, or similar, to allow local authorities to take control of premises that continue to operate after a priva","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will consider the case for management control orders, or similar, to allow local authorities to take control of premises that continue to operate after a private landlord’s registration has been revoked or refused.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government is working in partnership with members of the Scottish Private Rented Sector Strategy Group to produce a consultative strategy aimed at improving standards and quality within the private rented sector in Scotland.\r\nAs part of development of the final strategy, due in summer 2012, the views of local authorities and other key stakeholders will be considered in relation to the case for introduction of management control orders.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-01-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-01-23T16:50:12.127","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":268706,"EventID":"S4W-04889","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5079,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-09T16:50:12.173","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-09T15:33:22.037","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will consider introducing a minimum fine for landlord registration offences.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will consider introducing a minimum fine for landlord registration offences.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government is working in partnership with members of the Scottish Private Rented Sector Strategy Group to produce a consultative strategy aimed at improving standards and quality within the private rented sector in Scotland.\r\nAs part of development of the final strategy, due in summer 2012, the views of local authorities and other key stakeholders will be considered in relation to the case for introduction of a minimum fine for landlord registration offences.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-01-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-01-23T16:50:12.173","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":268707,"EventID":"S4W-04890","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5079,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-09T16:50:12.22","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-09T15:33:22.037","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will consider third-party reporting rights to allow private rented housing panels or others to defend appeals against decisions of the panel rather than the te","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will consider third-party reporting rights to allow private rented housing panels or others to defend appeals against decisions of the panel rather than the tenant complainer.","AnswerText":"Local authorities already have powers to serve work notices and to take other steps, such as closing a property if they are concerned that it is serious disrepair.\r\nThe Scottish Government is working in partnership with members of the Scottish Private Rented Sector Strategy Group to produce a consultative strategy aimed at improving standards and quality within the private rented sector in Scotland.\r\nAs part of development of the final strategy, due in summer 2012, the views of local authorities and other key stakeholders will be considered on the case for enabling third party referrals to the Private Rented Housing Panel.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-01-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-01-23T16:50:12.22","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":268708,"EventID":"S4W-04891","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5079,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-09T16:50:12.283","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-09T15:33:22.037","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will publish guidance on the operation of overcrowding statutory notices.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will publish guidance on the operation of overcrowding statutory notices.","AnswerText":"A working group of key stakeholders, including local authority interests, has been established to support implementation of Part 3 (Overcrowding) of the Private Rented Housing (Scotland) Act 2011. The development of guidance on operation of Overcrowding Statutory Notices will be taken forward by the working group.\r\nThe Scottish Government intends to make considerable progress on this matter during 2012, with a view to enabling use of overcrowding statutory notices by local authorities in early 2013.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-01-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-01-23T16:50:12.283","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":268709,"EventID":"S4W-04892","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5079,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-09T16:50:12.33","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-09T15:33:22.037","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is considering reforming housing in multiple occupation legislation and what data it holds on the court success rates of enforcement action against landlords i","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is considering reforming housing in multiple occupation legislation and what data it holds on the court success rates of enforcement action against landlords in breach of the legislation.\r\n","AnswerText":"On 31 August 2011 the Scottish Government brought the new legislative regime for the licensing of houses in multiple occupation (HMOs) into effect.\r\nThe Scottish Government is working in partnership with members of the Scottish Private Rented Sector Strategy Group to produce a consultative strategy aimed at improving standards and quality within the private rented sector in Scotland.\r\nAs part of development of the final strategy, due in summer 2012, the views of local authorities and other key stakeholders will be considered in relation to the need to make any further alteration to legislation on HMOs.\r\nThe Scottish Government does not monitor court action related to HMO licensing. However, prior to 31 August 2011, three local authorities advise that they obtained more than 70 prosecutions attracting fines ranging from £130 to £4,000. Prior to implementation of the new HMO licensing regime the maximum fine for landlords was £5,000. The Private Rented Housing (Scotland) Act 2011 has since raised this to £50,000.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-01-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-01-23T16:50:12.33","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":268710,"EventID":"S4W-04893","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5079,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-09T16:50:12.393","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-09T15:33:22.037","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will consider the case for licensing and regulation of letting agents.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will consider the case for licensing and regulation of letting agents.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government is working in partnership with members of the Scottish Private Rented Sector Strategy Group to produce a consultative strategy aimed at improving standards and quality within the private rented sector in Scotland.\r\nAs part of the development of the final strategy, due in summer 2012, the views of local authorities and other key stakeholders will be considered in relation to the form of legislation required to regulate the activities of letting agents in Scotland.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-01-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-01-23T16:50:12.393","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":268711,"EventID":"S4W-04894","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5079,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-09T16:50:12.457","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-09T15:33:22.037","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether and, if so, when it will introduce further legislation regarding private rented housing in the current parliamentary session.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether and, if so, when it will introduce further legislation regarding private rented housing in the current parliamentary session.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government is working in partnership with members of the Scottish Private Rented Sector Strategy Group to produce a consultative strategy aimed at improving standards and quality within the private rented sector in Scotland.\r\nAs part of the development of the final strategy, due in summer 2012, the views of local authorities and other key stakeholders will be considered on the case for introduction of further legislation relating to private rented housing.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-01-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-01-23T16:50:12.457","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":268712,"EventID":"S4W-04895","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5079,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-09T16:50:12.503","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-09T15:33:22.037","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is considering designating private rented pressured areas.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is considering designating private rented pressured areas.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government is working in partnership with members of the Scottish Private Rented Sector Strategy Group to produce a consultative strategy aimed at improving standards and quality within the private rented sector in Scotland.\r\nAs part of the development of the final strategy, due in summer 2012, the views of local authorities and other key stakeholders will be considered in relation to the case for the introduction of designated private rented pressured areas.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-01-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-01-23T16:50:12.503","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":268724,"EventID":"S4W-04881","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2108,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":141,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-10T14:08:00.037","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-09T12:36:16","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what (a) work is being done and (b) action it is taking to ensure that people over 65 are not excluded from receiving mental health services provided by the voluntary sec","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what (a) work is being done and (b) action it is taking to ensure that people over 65 are not excluded from receiving mental health services provided by the voluntary sector.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government sets national policy direction for mental health and provides funding to NHS boards and local authorities to support implementation of policy. The management of local actions in implementing national policy, and decisions on local service planning and delivery, spending priorities, and the important contribution of the voluntary sector in this, is the responsibility of relevant local agencies.\r\nNHS boards and their partners are expected to plan and deliver services in line with relevant legislation including the Mental Health (Care and Treatment) (Scotland) Act 2003 which has at its heart fundamental principles to ensure equal access to health care: participation; non-discrimination; respect for diversity; reciprocity; and equality.\r\nAs part of the work to support NHS boards to achieve the HEAT target Deliver faster access to mental health services by delivering 18 weeks referral to treatment for Psychological therapies from December 2014, we have identified that there are barriers to psychological therapy provision of older people. Through a working group made up of relevant experts and professionals, the group has made an initial report to the Scottish Government, identified the key barriers, and set out potential solutions to address this.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-01-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-01-24T14:08:00.05","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":268725,"EventID":"S4W-04896","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2108,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":141,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-10T14:08:00.113","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-09T12:36:16","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is aware of difficulties experienced by older people in accessing or receiving mental health services provided by the voluntary sector.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is aware of difficulties experienced by older people in accessing or receiving mental health services provided by the voluntary sector.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government sets national policy direction for mental health and provides funding to NHS boards and local authorities to support implementation of policy. The management of local actions in implementing national policy, and decisions on local service planning and delivery, spending priorities, and the important contribution of the voluntary sector in this, is the responsibility of relevant local agencies.\r\nAs part of the work to support NHS boards to achieve the HEAT target Deliver faster access to mental health services by delivering 18 weeks referral to treatment for Psychological therapies from December 2014, we have identified that there are barriers to psychological therapy provision for older people. This target is intended to drive improvement across mental health services, and will require NHS boards to have in place services that meet the full range of people’s needs, and all areas including the voluntary sector to be working effectively together.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-01-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-01-24T14:08:00.113","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":268726,"EventID":"S4W-04897","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-10T14:08:00.16","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-09T16:47:12","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive for what reason local authorities are allowed to charge up to £20 for a Blue Badge and what its position is on this being twice the maximum charge in England. \r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive for what reason local authorities are allowed to charge up to £20 for a Blue Badge and what its position is on this being twice the maximum charge in England. \r\n","AnswerText":"The fee was increased, by Tavish Scott, from not exceeding £2 to not exceeding £20 from 1 April 2007, through The Disabled Persons (Badges for Motor Vehicles) (Scotland) Amendment Regulations 2007. At that time, I believe the then Scottish Executive recognised that the fee had not changed since 1983 and the increase was made to take account of inflation and assist local authorities meet the costs of issuing badges to successful applicants.\r\nhttp://www.legislation.gov.uk/ssi/2007/162/contents/made.\r\nThe Scottish Government is not changing the fee as part of the current Blue Badge reforms.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-01-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-01-24T14:08:00.16","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":268727,"EventID":"S4W-04898","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-10T14:08:00.207","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-10T11:02:48","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the annual percentage sickness absence rate is for each public sector organisation.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the annual percentage sickness absence rate is for each public sector organisation.\r\n","AnswerText":"The standardised measure used to report sickness absence across Civil Service organisations is average working days lost per full-time equivalent employee (AWDL). Sickness absence is reported over a full 12 month period to account for the seasonal patterns associated with sickness absence. The most recently available data covers the 12 month period to 30 September 2011. The equivalent period from the prior year is given for comparison.\r\nScottish Government Human Resources can only provide this data for organisations to which it provides an HR service, or those which provide a sickness return to Scottish Government. AWDL figures for these organisations are given in the following table.\r\n \r\nAWDL\r\nOrganisation\r\n1 October-2009\r\n30 September 2010\r\n1 October 2010 \r\n30 September-2011\r\nScottish Government Core\r\n7.5\r\n6.4\r\nAccountant in Bankruptcy\r\n8.7\r\n10.4\r\nCrown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service\r\n8.4\r\n7.7\r\nDisclosure Scotland\r\n17.8\r\n13.1\r\nEducation Scotland\r\n-\r\n**\r\nGeneral Register Office for Scotland\r\n8.7\r\n-\r\nHM Inspectorate of Education\r\n7.1\r\n-\r\nHistoric Scotland\r\n.8.6\r\n8.7\r\nNational Archives of Scotland\r\n10.0\r\n-\r\nNational Records of Scotland\r\n-\r\n7.1\r\nOffice of the Scottish Charity Regulator\r\n6.8\r\n4.8\r\nRegisters of Scotland\r\n11.1\r\n8.0\r\nStudent Awards Agency for Scotland\r\n13.4\r\n12.5\r\nScottish Courts Service\r\n12.9\r\n7.7\r\nScottish Housing Regulator\r\n4.2\r\n6.2\r\nScottish Public Pensions Agency\r\n10.2\r\n7.8\r\nScottish Prisons Service\r\n8.5\r\n9.2\r\nSocial Work Inspection Agency\r\n4.5\r\n-\r\nTransport Scotland\r\n5.4\r\n7.1\r\nNotes:\r\n- Organisation not in existence for this time period\r\n** Not currently available.\r\nWe are also aware that sickness absence figures for NHS Scotland are published by Information Services Division.\r\nNHS Scotland records sickness absence differently – it is reported in terms of an annual percentage rate and is therefore not directly comparable to the AWDL figures above. The information on sickness absence in the NHS is available at the following link:\r\nhttp://www.isdscotland.org/Health-Topics/Workforce/Publications/data-tables.asp?id=659#659.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-01-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-01-24T14:08:00.207","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":268728,"EventID":"S4W-04899","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-10T14:08:00.27","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-10T11:02:48","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made in achieving the tree planting target by 2015.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made in achieving the tree planting target by 2015.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scotland Rural Development Programme (SRDP) is the main delivery mechanism for private sector planting. Since the beginning of 2010 support for 17,263 hectares of new woodland creation has been approved. Taking an average stocking of 2,000 trees per hectare this equates to 34.5 million trees.\r\nIn addition, by the end of March 2012, Forestry Commission Scotland will have created 1,712 hectares of new woodland on the national forest estate. Using the same average stocking this equates to almost 3.5 million trees.\r\nThe following table provides details of woodland creation schemes approved within SRDP.\r\nSRDP Woodland Creation Area of Approvals in Hectares\r\n\r\n2010\r\n2011\r\n2012\r\n2013\r\nTotal\r\nProductive Conifer Low Cost\r\n812\r\n1,480\r\n273\r\n27\r\n2,592\r\nProductive Conifer High Cost\r\n60\r\n167\r\n5\r\n0\r\n232\r\nProductive Broadleaf Woodland\r\n27\r\n113\r\n17\r\n0\r\n157\r\nNative Woodland Planting\r\n2,919\r\n5,366\r\n3,671\r\n756\r\n12,712\r\nNative Woodland Nat Regeneration\r\n10\r\n17\r\n13\r\n67\r\n107\r\nMixed Conifer Broadleaved Woodland\r\n757\r\n477\r\n185\r\n44\r\n1,463\r\nTotal\r\n4,585\r\n7,620\r\n4,164\r\n894\r\n17,263\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-01-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-01-24T14:08:00.27","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":268729,"EventID":"S4W-04900","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-10T14:08:00.317","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-10T11:02:48","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assistance is given to communities to plant fruit trees.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assistance is given to communities to plant fruit trees.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government supports a number of projects including:\r\n(a) Central Scotland Green Network (CSGN) which has provided more than £100,000 to support the creation of over 100 community / school orchards since July 2010.\r\n(b) £15,000 to the Children’s Orchard Fruitful Schools Project to enable the planting of 771 trees at 73 schools as a focal point to develop learning around food through outdoor learning.\r\n(c) Forestry Commission Scotland which has supported over 120 schools and community groups within Tayside, Stirling and the Loch Lomond National Park to establish fruit trees for the benefit of children and communities. This represents £18,000 of funding over three years from 2009-12.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-01-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-01-24T14:08:00.333","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":268730,"EventID":"S4W-04901","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2066,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-10T14:08:00.38","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-10T11:50:09.52","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what support it will provide to help the Scottish nephrops fleet to deliver the highly selective gears that will allow it to continue to catch whitefish.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what support it will provide to help the Scottish nephrops fleet to deliver the highly selective gears that will allow it to continue to catch whitefish.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has worked closely with nephrops fishing vessels and their representative associations to assist the development of selective fishing gears that aim to reduce unwanted catches of whitefish. In 2011, the government allocated additional fish and nephrops quotas and time at sea to vessels taking part in trials of new gear designs, to partly offset the operating costs of trial voyages.\r\nTrials of two new gear designs commenced in 2011. One set of trials has now been completed, with positive results. It is now expected that this new gear will be introduced into the Scottish “Conservation Credits” scheme, which sets days at sea limits for nephrops trawlers, and will allow fishermen to access additional days at sea. Trials will continue in 2012 and the Scottish Government will aim to offer incentives to fishing vessels to use more selective gears.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-01-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-01-24T14:08:00.38","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":268742,"EventID":"S4W-04905","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-10T17:07:04.507","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-10T12:21:51.873","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the referral pathway is for a patient with chronic pain who is referred for alternative therapy.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the referral pathway is for a patient with chronic pain who is referred for alternative therapy.","AnswerText":"We recognise that complementary therapies may offer relief to some people living with long term conditions including chronic pain, however, the Scottish Government does not fund or deliver complementary therapies directly.\r\nIt is open to NHS boards to make complementary therapy services available to their populations based on an assessment of needs within their respective areas. It is therefore for individual NHS boards to determine whether to make complementary therapies available in accordance with national and local priorities and in line with the health needs of their local population.\r\nGuidance HDL (2005) 37 issued to boards in August 2005 sets out the framework for the provision of these services across NHSScotland. The guidance is available online and can be found at: http://www.show.scot.nhs.uk/sehd/mels/hdl2005_37.pdf\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-01-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-01-24T17:07:04.567","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":268743,"EventID":"S4W-04906","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-10T17:07:04.973","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-10T12:21:51.873","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what mechanisms are in place to enable a GP to assess the competence of an alternative therapy practitioner to whom a patient with chronic pain is referred.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what mechanisms are in place to enable a GP to assess the competence of an alternative therapy practitioner to whom a patient with chronic pain is referred.","AnswerText":"Guidance HDL (2005) 37, issued to NHS boards in August 2005 sets out the framework for the provision of these services in the NHS and clarifies that any NHS clinician wishing to make a referral for alternative treatment would be required to be satisfied of the value of the treatment and competence of the practitioner. The guidance is available online and can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.show.scot.nhs.uk/sehd/mels/hdl2005_37.pdf\r\nThe British Medical Association’s (BMA) guidance Referrals to complementary therapists regulated by statute - Guidance for GPs contains advice on referrals to complementary therapists: \r\nregulated by statute\r\nwho are registered with the General Medical Councils GMC, or Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC); and, \r\ndelegation to other practitioners\r\nThe BMA guidance can be viewed at: \r\nhttp://www.bma.org.uk/images/refcomtherap0406_tcm26-190153.pdf\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-01-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-01-24T17:07:04.99","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":268744,"EventID":"S4W-04907","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-10T17:07:05.037","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-10T12:21:51.873","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether alternative therapy treatment for which a patient with chronic pain is referred is provided free of charge.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether alternative therapy treatment for which a patient with chronic pain is referred is provided free of charge.\r\n","AnswerText":"Clinicians in NHSScotland can only refer a patient for complementary therapy where their NHS board agrees to the referral. In such instances the treatment is provided free of charge.\r\nMembers of the public are free to use complementary therapy services privately if they choose. \r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-01-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-01-24T17:07:05.05","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":268745,"EventID":"S4W-04908","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-10T17:07:05.113","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-10T12:21:51.873","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what research has been conducted on non-pharmacological interventions in pain management, including alternative and complementary therapies, since 2007.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what research has been conducted on non-pharmacological interventions in pain management, including alternative and complementary therapies, since 2007.\r\n","AnswerText":"The UK Clinical Research Network Portfolio Database is a register of all research funded by the UK Government, Research Councils and Partner Charities. It documents that 16 studies on the non-pharmacological management of pain have been completed since 2007 with a further 12 ongoing. Details of these studies can be accessed at http://public.ukcrn.org.uk/search/. The Scottish section of the register, which can be accessed at http://scotland.ukcrn.org.uk/, records three ongoing and three completed studies.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-01-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-01-24T17:07:05.113","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":268746,"EventID":"S4W-04909","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2675,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":93,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-10T17:07:05.177","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-10T14:05:29","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with the UK Government regarding its proposals for the Coastal Communities Fund.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with the UK Government regarding its proposals for the Coastal Communities Fund.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government along with other devolved administrations are working closely with the UK Government regarding its proposals for the administration and operation of the Coastal Communities Fund.\r\nDiscussions have covered proposals for finance of the fund, draft outline of initial priorities and guidance for fund applications and operational programme by The Big Lottery Fund.\r\nDiscussions are ongoing with the UK Government to ensure that the design of the fund allows Scottish Government discretion to deliver the most benefit to Scottish coastal communities. We will seek to ensure that the decision making criteria including the proposed applicable organisations and types of eligible projects, align with Scottish Government priorities for economic development and community benefit.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-01-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-01-24T17:07:05.193","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":268747,"EventID":"S4W-04910","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2675,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":93,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-10T17:07:05.24","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-10T14:05:29","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with the UK Government regarding who will administer the Coastal Communities Fund in Scotland.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with the UK Government regarding who will administer the Coastal Communities Fund in Scotland.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-04909 on 20 January 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-01-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-01-24T17:07:05.253","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":268748,"EventID":"S4W-04911","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2675,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":93,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-10T17:07:05.317","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-10T14:05:29","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with the UK Government regarding how the Coastal Communities Fund will be administered in Scotland.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with the UK Government regarding how the Coastal Communities Fund will be administered in Scotland.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-04909 on 20 January 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-01-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-01-24T17:07:05.317","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":268749,"EventID":"S4W-04912","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2675,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":93,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-10T17:07:05.38","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-10T14:05:29","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with the UK Government regarding the types of project that will be eligible for funding from the Coastal Communities Fund.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with the UK Government regarding the types of project that will be eligible for funding from the Coastal Communities Fund.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-04909 on 20 January 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-01-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-01-24T17:07:05.38","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":268750,"EventID":"S4W-04913","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2675,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":93,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-10T17:07:05.443","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-10T14:05:29","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with the UK Government regarding what types of organisation will be eligible to apply for funding from the Coastal Communities Fund.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with the UK Government regarding what types of organisation will be eligible to apply for funding from the Coastal Communities Fund.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-04909 on 20 January 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-01-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-01-24T17:07:05.443","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":268751,"EventID":"S4W-04914","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2675,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":93,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-10T17:07:05.503","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-10T14:05:29","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with the UK Government regarding the criteria that will be used to assess suitability for funding from the Coastal Communities Fund.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with the UK Government regarding the criteria that will be used to assess suitability for funding from the Coastal Communities Fund.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-04909 on 20 January 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-01-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-01-24T17:07:05.503","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":268752,"EventID":"S4W-04915","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2675,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":93,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-10T17:07:05.643","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-10T14:05:29","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with (a) the Crown Estate, (b) businesses, (c) charitable organisations, (d) statutory agencies and (e) community and other interest groups re","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with (a) the Crown Estate, (b) businesses, (c) charitable organisations, (d) statutory agencies and (e) community and other interest groups regarding the administration and operation of the Coastal Communities Fund.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government along with other devolved administrations are working closely with the UK Government regarding its proposals for the operation and administration of the Coastal Communities Fund.\r\nThe Scottish Government have had initial discussions with the UK and Scottish representatives of the Big Lottery Fund. The Scottish Government will widen its discussions to include interested external stakeholders in Scotland once the UK Government announce further details regarding the fund.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-01-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-01-24T17:07:05.643","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":268753,"EventID":"S4W-04920","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2675,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":93,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-10T17:07:05.723","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-10T14:05:29","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with the UK Government regarding how the Coastal Communities Fund will be administered and operated in a way that provides most benefit to com","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with the UK Government regarding how the Coastal Communities Fund will be administered and operated in a way that provides most benefit to community and other coastal-based groups.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-04909 on 20 January 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-01-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-01-24T17:07:05.723","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":268754,"EventID":"S4W-04921","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2675,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":93,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-10T17:07:05.77","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-10T14:05:29","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consultation it will hold regarding the operation and administration of the Coastal Communities Fund.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consultation it will hold regarding the operation and administration of the Coastal Communities Fund.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-04915 on 20 January 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-01-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-01-24T17:07:05.77","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":268755,"EventID":"S4W-04922","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5080,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-11T14:08:38.6","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-10T16:02:23","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S4W-04541 by Keith Brown on 20 December 2011, what requirements are placed on (a) bus services, (b) rail services and (c) licensed taxi","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S4W-04541 by Keith Brown on 20 December 2011, what requirements are placed on (a) bus services, (b) rail services and (c) licensed taxis to anchor wheelchairs during travel as a safety precaution.\r\n","AnswerText":"Disability discrimination legislation is reserved to the UK Government bus services are covered by the Public Service Vehicles Accessibility Regulations (PSVAR) 2000 states that buses designed to carry standing passengers are not required to be fitted with seat belts, but instead can provide a rearward facing protected area as an alternative.\r\nThe Public Service Vehicles (Conduct of Drivers, Inspectors, Conductors and Passengers) Regulations 2002 require that the driver of a regulated bus (i.e. one meeting the requirements of the PSVAR) must ensure that, once on board, the wheelchair user is correctly and safely positioned within the designated space.\r\nThere is no requirement on train operators to anchor wheelchairs during travel. A designated wheelchair space normally has a partition to prevent the chair tipping backwards, whilst the wheelchair’s own braking mechanism should prevent any other movement during travel.\r\nThe Scottish Government does not stipulate requirements for licensed taxis to anchor wheelchairs during travel. The Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982 provides a framework for the licensing of taxis and private hire cars. Local licensing authorities then design, administer and enforce a local licensing regime according to local needs. While licensing authorities may make such requirements of taxis, no statutory regulations have been made on the carrying of wheelchairs.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-01-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-01-25T14:08:38.693","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":268756,"EventID":"S4W-04923","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5080,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-11T14:08:38.943","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-10T16:02:23","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S4W-04541 by Keith Brown on 20 December 2011, what information it has on the percentage of (a) bus services, (b) rail services and (c) ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S4W-04541 by Keith Brown on 20 December 2011, what information it has on the percentage of (a) bus services, (b) rail services and (c) and licensed taxis that has the capacity to anchor wheelchairs during travel.\r\n","AnswerText":"Disability discrimination legislation is reserved to the UK Government.\r\nThe Scottish Government does not collect this data in respect of bus services nor from taxi licensing authorities.\r\nTrains are not required to anchor wheelchairs during travel.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-01-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-01-25T14:08:38.943","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":268757,"EventID":"S4W-04924","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4947,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-11T14:08:39.007","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-10T16:16:41","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what criteria have to be met for the Scottish Crime and Drug Enforcement Agency to issue Special Alerts Bulletins on emerging drug issues.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what criteria have to be met for the Scottish Crime and Drug Enforcement Agency to issue Special Alerts Bulletins on emerging drug issues.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Crime and Drug Enforcement Agency (SCDEA) and Scottish Government work together closely when monitoring and responding to emerging drug issues.\r\nThe SCDEA continuously monitor, collate and analyse a variety of drug and drug trend information from a range of sources, including organisations such as: forensic providers, Scottish police forces, national and international law enforcement organisations, intelligence submissions, NHS health boards, alcohol and drug partnerships (ADPs), treatment and harm reduction organisations. \r\nAny information received will be examined by the SCDEA’s National Drug Coordinator, the Forensic Science Manager and the Statement of Opinion Manager to validate or provenance the level of accuracy and credibility. At the same time this group will risk assess the information on the basis of the threat, harm or risk that a current (or emerging) trend presents to a particular group within Scotland.\r\nAn appropriate release or bulletin will then be drafted and submitted to the Association of Chief Police Officers in Scotland (ACPOS) or the Scottish Police Services Authority corporate communications department prior to general circulation or general release. Consideration of joint releases with non-law enforcement organisations is also made to maximise target audiences and add additional credibility to a particular message.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-01-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-01-25T14:08:39.007","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Roseanna Cunningham","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":268758,"EventID":"S4W-04925","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1866,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-11T14:08:39.067","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-10T18:04:41","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether its Local Government - Council Tax Abolition unit is still in operation and, if so, how many staff are deployed there; what its annual operating costs are, and wh","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether its Local Government - Council Tax Abolition unit is still in operation and, if so, how many staff are deployed there; what its annual operating costs are, and whether it will publish the unit's work programme.\r\n","AnswerText":"All work on local tax policy and administration is being taken forward by a small unit of officials in Local Government Division. The government is committed to produce a fairer system of local taxation based on the ability to pay.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-01-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-01-25T14:08:39.083","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":268759,"EventID":"S4W-04926","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1866,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-11T14:08:39.117","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-10T18:04:41","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether its position remains that the powers contained in the Scotland Bill represents its preferred option for establishing a future local income tax.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether its position remains that the powers contained in the Scotland Bill represents its preferred option for establishing a future local income tax.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government will consult with others to produce a fairer local tax based on ability to pay later in this parliament. Those proposals will be based on the powers available to ministers and parliament at the time.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-01-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-01-25T14:08:39.13","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":268760,"EventID":"S4W-04927","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-11T14:08:39.177","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-10T19:16:51","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its position is on the recommendations contained in the Equality and Human Rights Commission report on its inquiry into human trafficking in Scotland; what action it","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its position is on the recommendations contained in the Equality and Human Rights Commission report on its inquiry into human trafficking in Scotland; what action it will take in response, and when.","AnswerText":"Human trafficking is an abhorrent crime and the Scottish Government is committed to making further progress in tackling the criminals who engage in it and supporting the victims who are subjected to it. We supported the Equality and Human Rights Commission’s Inquiry into Human Trafficking in Scotland and have publicly welcomed the contribution that it has made to our knowledge of this horrendous crime.\r\nThe Scottish Government is currently considering the recommendations contained within this report and others on the same subject. A response will be prepared in due course.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-01-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-01-25T14:08:39.193","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":268761,"EventID":"S4W-04928","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-11T14:08:39.257","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-10T19:26:22","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has assessed the demand for independent advocacy services.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has assessed the demand for independent advocacy services.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-04931 on 23 January 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\nNHS boards were asked in 2010-11 to undertake an assessment of advocacy needs and to review and update their advocacy plans. The Scottish Independent Advocacy Alliance (SIAA) was funded to support boards with this work and has recently submitted its report on progress. We are considering this report with individual NHS boards.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-01-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-01-25T14:08:39.257","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":268762,"EventID":"S4W-04929","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-11T14:08:39.41","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-10T19:26:22","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its position is on the findings of the publication, More for Less? Independent Advocacy – More Demand, Less Funding, which predicts increased demand for advocacy ser","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its position is on the findings of the publication, More for Less? Independent Advocacy – More Demand, Less Funding, which predicts increased demand for advocacy services as a result of the recession.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government acknowledges the publication of this report by the Scottish Independent Advocacy Alliance earlier this month and will consider its findings.\r\nThe report findings and recommendations will also be brought to the attention of local authorities and NHS boards as they have responsibility, within their respective areas, for provision of advocacy for those who need it.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-01-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-01-25T14:08:39.427","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":268763,"EventID":"S4W-04930","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-11T14:08:39.567","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-10T19:26:22","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what financial support it has provided for advocacy services in each year since 2007-08.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what financial support it has provided for advocacy services in each year since 2007-08.\r\n","AnswerText":"In each year since 2005-06, £13 million has been included in the overall funding for local authorities and £5 million has been included in NHSScotland funding to help in the implementation and delivery of the Mental Health (Care and Treatment) (Scotland) Act 2003. This includes funding for the provision of advocacy services.\r\nFrom 2010-11, additional annual recurring funding of £500,000 has also been provided for advocacy services.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-01-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-01-25T14:08:39.6","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":268764,"EventID":"S4W-04931","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-11T14:08:39.647","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-10T19:26:22","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what guidance it has provided to local authorities about the need to maintain funding for independent advocacy services in the last year.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what guidance it has provided to local authorities about the need to maintain funding for independent advocacy services in the last year.\r\n","AnswerText":"Local authorities and NHS boards are responsible for ensuring that advocacy is available to all who need it within their respective areas and that resources are matched to meet these needs.\r\nThe Guide to Commissioners, issued in 2010 and produced by the Scottish Independent Advocacy Alliance is available to assist local authorities and NHS boards in the scoping of needs and procurement of advocacy services. Also relevant is the Guidance on the Procurement of Care and Support Services by public bodies in Scotland which was published jointly by the Scottish Government and COSLA in September 2010.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-01-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-01-25T14:08:39.66","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":268765,"EventID":"S4W-04932","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-11T14:08:39.693","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-11T09:12:16","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much funding is allocated to each local authority for Gaelic medium education per annum.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much funding is allocated to each local authority for Gaelic medium education per annum.\r\n","AnswerText":"The following table shows how much additional funding is allocated to each local authority in 2011-12 for Gaelic medium education.\r\nLocal Authority\r\n2011-12\r\n\r\nAberdeen City Council\r\n£138,000\r\nAberdeenshire Council\r\n£ 37,000\r\nAngus Council\r\n£ 45,000\r\nArgyll and Bute Council\r\n£385,000\r\nCity of Edinburgh\r\n£300,000\r\nCNES\r\n£995,000\r\nEast Ayrshire Council\r\n£153,000\r\nEast Dunbartonshire Council\r\n£ 74,000\r\nEast Renfrewshire Council\r\n£ 20,000\r\nFalkirk Council\r\n£ 12,000\r\nGlasgow City Council\r\n£520,000\r\nHighland Council\r\n£995,000\r\nInverclyde Council\r\n£ 95,000\r\nNorth Ayrshire Council\r\n£ 85,000 \r\nNorth Lanarkshire Council\r\n£290,000\r\nPerth and Kinross Council\r\n£120,000\r\nRenfrewshire Council\r\n£ 33,000\r\nScottish Borders Council\r\n£  4,000\r\nSouth Lanarkshire Council\r\n£159,000\r\nStirling Council\r\n£138,000\r\nWest Dunbartonshire Council\r\n£ 20,000\r\nTotals\r\n£4.578 million\r\n\r\nThe following tables show how many schools offer Gaelic medium education in three categories. 1. Gaelic medium education in primary schools, 2. Gaelic language for fluent speakers in secondary schools and, 3. Other subjects delivered through the medium of Gaelic. In all cases below the name of the relevant local authority is also attached.\r\nGaelic-Medium Education in Primary Schools\r\nPrimary School\r\nCouncil\r\n\r\nAberdeen: Gilcomstoun\r\nAberdeen City Council\r\nAberfeldy\r\nPerth and Kinross Council\r\nAcharacle\r\nThe Highland Council\r\nAird, Lewis\r\nComhairle nan Eilean Siar\r\nAiridhantuim\r\nComhairle nan Eilean Siar\r\nBack, Lewis\r\nComhairle nan Eilean Siar\r\nBalallan\r\nComhairle nan Eilean Siar\r\nBalivanich, Benbecula\r\nComhairle nan Eilean Siar\r\nBarvas, Lewis\r\nComhairle nan Eilean Siar\r\nBernera, Lewis\r\nComhairle nan Eilean Siar\r\nBishopbriggs:\r\nMeadowburn\r\nEast Dunbartonshire Council\r\nBonar Bridge\r\nThe Highland Council\r\nBowmore, Islay\r\nArgyll and Bute Council\r\nBreasclete, Lewis\r\nComhairle nan Eilean Siar\r\nBroadford, Skye\r\nThe Highland Council\r\nCarinish, North Uist\r\nComhairle nan Eilean Siar\r\nCarloway, Lewis\r\nComhairle nan Eilean Siar\r\nCastlebay, Barra\r\nComhairle nan Eilean Siar\r\nCondorrat\r\nNorth Lanarkshire Council\r\nDaliburgh, South Uist\r\nComhairle nan Eilean Siar\r\nDingwall\r\nThe Highland Council\r\nDunoon: Sandbank\r\nArgyll and Bute Council\r\nDunvegan, Skye\r\nThe Highland Council\r\nEast Kilbride: Mount Cameron\r\nSouth Lanarkshire Council\r\nEdinburgh: Tollcross\r\nCity of Edinburgh Council\r\nEriskay\r\nComhairle nan Eilean Siar\r\nForfar: Whitehills\r\nAngus Council\r\nFort William RC\r\nThe Highland Council\r\nGairloch\r\nThe Highland Council\r\nGlenurquhart\r\nThe Highland Council\r\nGlasgow:SGG\r\nGlasgow City Council\r\nGreenock: Highlanders Academy\r\nInverclyde Council\r\nInverness: BSGI\r\nThe Highland Council\r\nIochdar, South Uist\r\nComhairle nan Eilean Siar\r\nKilmarnock: Onthank\r\nEast Ayrshire Council\r\nKilmuir\r\nThe Highland Council\r\nLaxdale, Lewis\r\nComhairle nan Eilean Siar\r\nLeverburgh\r\nComhairle nan Eilean Siar\r\nLionel, Ness\r\nComhairle nan Eilean Siar\r\nLochcarron\r\nThe Highland Council\r\nMallaig\r\nThe Highland Council\r\nNairn\r\nThe Highland Council\r\nNewtonmore\r\nThe Highland Council\r\nOban: Rockfield\r\nArgyll and Bute Council\r\nPaible\r\nComhairle nan Eilean Siar\r\nPàirc\r\nComhairle nan Eilean Siar\r\nPerth\r\nPerth and Kinross Council\r\nPlockton\r\nThe Highland Council\r\nPortree\r\nThe Highland Council\r\nSalen\r\nArgyll and Bute Council\r\nShawbost\r\nComhairle nan Eilean Siar\r\nSleat\r\nThe Highland Council\r\nStaffin\r\nThe Highland Council\r\nStirling: Riverside\r\nStirling Council\r\nStornoway\r\nComhairle nan Eilean Siar Isles Council\r\nStrath of Appin\r\nArgyll and Bute Council\r\nTain: Craighill\r\nThe Highland Council\r\nTarbert\r\nComhairle nan Eilean Siar\r\nTiree\r\nArgyll and Bute Council\r\nTong\r\nComhairle nan Eilean Siar\r\nUllapool\r\nThe Highland Council\r\n\r\nGaelic Medium Education in Secondary Schools: Gàidhlig for Fluent Speakers\r\nSecondary School\r\n\r\nCouncil\r\nAberdeen: Hazelhead\r\nAberdeen City Council\r\nArdnamurchan\r\nThe Highland Council\r\nBack\r\nComhairle nan Eilean Siar\r\nBishopbriggs\r\nEast Dunbartonshire Council\r\nCastlebay\r\nComhairle nan Eilean Siar\r\nCumbernauld:\r\nGreenfaulds\r\nNo","AnswerDate":"2012-01-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-01-25T14:08:39.707","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alasdair Allan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":268766,"EventID":"S4W-04933","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-11T14:08:39.787","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-11T09:12:16","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many schools offer Gaelic medium education, broken down by local authority.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many schools offer Gaelic medium education, broken down by local authority.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-04932 on 18 January 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-01-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-01-25T14:08:39.787","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alasdair Allan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":268767,"EventID":"S4W-04934","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-11T14:08:39.817","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-11T09:12:16","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its policy is on the provision of free transport for pupils to access Gaelic medium education.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its policy is on the provision of free transport for pupils to access Gaelic medium education.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-04932 on 18 January 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-01-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-01-25T14:08:39.833","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alasdair Allan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":268801,"EventID":"S4W-04935","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2610,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-11T17:09:48.917","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-11T14:19:15.427","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive which NHS boards operate prostate cancer screening initiatives.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive which NHS boards operate prostate cancer screening initiatives.","AnswerText":"NHS boards do not currently operate prostate cancer screening initiatives. Scottish Government takes advice on the introduction of population based screening programmes from the UK National Screening Committee. The UK committee’s current evidence based advice is that a population based screening programme for prostate cancer is not recommended.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-01-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-01-25T17:09:48.933","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":268802,"EventID":"S4W-04936","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2610,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-11T17:09:48.997","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-11T14:19:15.427","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what priority it gives to prostate cancer.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what priority it gives to prostate cancer.","AnswerText":"Cancer remains a top clinical priority for Scottish Government. Our cancer policy is generic in that its aims are to improve cancer services for all regardless of cancer type or whether a primary or secondary diagnosis. Better cancer Care, which was published in 2008, outlined the Scottish Governments commitment to address issues around cancer prevention, screening, early detection of cancer, referral and diagnosis, treatment, living with cancer, improving the quality of cancer care and delivery.\r\nWhilst the cancer plan is generic the National Cancer Quality Steering Group (NCQSG), a sub group of the Scottish Cancer Taskforce, has a programme of work to develop quality performance indicators (QPIs) for all cancer types. Prostate cancer QPIs are one of the first cancers to be addressed in this programme of work, with QPIs being published later this year.\r\nA prostate cancer risk management pack was also circulated to all GPs and NHS boards in 2009. The programme provides guidance to medical practitioners on the situations in which it is suitable to offer prostate specific antigen (PSA) testing, the information and guidance that should be provided to patients before PSA testing is undertaken, and the support that may be required by men as they deal with the consequences of the PSA test and any resulting diagnosis.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-01-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-01-25T17:09:49.01","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":268803,"EventID":"S4W-04937","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2610,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-11T17:09:49.043","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-11T14:19:15.427","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether screening for prostate cancer is standard practice for NHS boards.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether screening for prostate cancer is standard practice for NHS boards.","AnswerText":"It is not standard practice for NHS boards to operate screening for prostate cancer. I would refer the member to my answer set out in S4W-04935 on 23 January 2012 which outlines the rationale for this. \r\nAll answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-01-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-01-25T17:09:49.043","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":268804,"EventID":"S4W-04938","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2610,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-11T17:09:49.09","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-11T14:19:15.427","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many deaths have been attributed to prostate cancer in the last six years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many deaths have been attributed to prostate cancer in the last six years.","AnswerText":"As set out in the National Records of Scotland, the figure for the total amount of deaths in Scotland as a result of prostate cancer from 2005 to 2010 is 4,768. This information is available at the following link and under “Malignant neoplasm of prostate”:\r\nhttp://www.gro-scotland.gov.uk/files2/stats/ve-reftables-2010/ve10-t6-1.xls \r\nThe preliminary figure for 2011 will be published on 8 March at http://www.gro-scotland.gov.uk/statistics/theme/vital-events/general/bmd-preliminary/index.html.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-01-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-01-25T17:09:49.09","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":268805,"EventID":"S4W-04939","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2610,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-11T17:09:49.12","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-11T14:19:15.427","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what (a) best practice advice and (b) guidance the Chief Medical Officer for Scotland has issued to health authorities in relation to prostate cancer.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what (a) best practice advice and (b) guidance the Chief Medical Officer for Scotland has issued to health authorities in relation to prostate cancer.","AnswerText":"Guidance in the form of a Prostate Cancer Risk Management Pack which supports the Prostate Cancer Risk Management Programme was issued to NHS boards (urologists, histopathologists, PSA testing laboratories) and all general practitioners in Scotland in 2009. The programme provides guidance to medical practitioners on the situations in which it is suitable to offer PSA testing, the information and guidance that should be provided to patients before PSA testing is undertaken, and the support that may be required by men as they deal with the consequences of the PSA test and any resulting diagnosis.\r\nDetails of the programme and copies of the Prostate Cancer Risk Management Pack can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Health/health/cancer/publications.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-01-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-01-25T17:09:49.137","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":268806,"EventID":"S4W-04940","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1893,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-11T17:09:49.167","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-11T14:24:18.977","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it considers that the system to regulate sport through recognised governing bodies protects individuals who may unwittingly be involved in a sport of which the go","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it considers that the system to regulate sport through recognised governing bodies protects individuals who may unwittingly be involved in a sport of which the governing body is not recognised by sportscotland.\r\n","AnswerText":"Sportscotland is responsible jointly with the other home nation Sports Councils and with UK Sport for the recognition of National Governing Bodies. The recognition process operates to identify a single lead governing body having achieved a position of pre-eminence within its sport. However, non-recognition of a governing body does not imply that it is in any way lacking in its ability and capacity to properly administer and manage the sport.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-01-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-01-25T17:09:49.167","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Shona Robison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":268807,"EventID":"S4W-04941","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1893,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-11T17:09:49.213","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-11T14:24:18.977","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its position is on whether individual users of unregulated sports facilities are being treated as a source of revenue and are not receiving assistance with sports de","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its position is on whether individual users of unregulated sports facilities are being treated as a source of revenue and are not receiving assistance with sports development.","AnswerText":"All owners and operators of sports facilities have a duty of care to their users and will as a minimum be subject to health and safety legislation. Thereafter it is for the owners and operators to determine the level of charges to be applied and these would include an element for any sport development related activity. Individual users have the option to use alternative facilities should they consider the charges applied to be excessive.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-01-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-01-25T17:09:49.213","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Shona Robison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":268808,"EventID":"S4W-04942","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1893,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-11T17:09:49.247","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-11T14:24:18.977","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it considers that the system of recognising coaching qualifications protects individual participants from unsafe and potentially dangerous methods.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it considers that the system of recognising coaching qualifications protects individual participants from unsafe and potentially dangerous methods.","AnswerText":"This government believes that modern governing body coaching qualifications offer the best method of providing coaches with the appropriate training, instruction and knowledge required to deliver coaching in their sport.\r\nEnsuring coaches have up to date qualifications, are registered with the appropriate governing body, and undertake appropriate development and Coaching Personal Development opportunities, offers the best assurance to the participant that the coach operates safely and appropriately.\r\nA number of sports do have their own qualifications and sportscotland work closely with them to help develop sport specific qualifications based on the UKCC framework principles.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-01-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-01-25T17:09:49.26","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Shona Robison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":268809,"EventID":"S4W-04943","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-11T17:09:49.293","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-11T14:49:04.827","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will publish responses to, and an analysis of, its consultation on equal marriage.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will publish responses to, and an analysis of, its consultation on equal marriage.\r\n","AnswerText":"Analysis of the responses to our consultation on the registration of civil partnerships and same sex marriage is currently underway. We expect to publish the analysis in the spring. Initial analysis suggests that we have received over 50,000 responses, including postcards.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-01-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-01-25T17:09:49.293","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":268810,"EventID":"S4W-04944","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-11T17:09:49.34","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-11T14:50:15.99","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive which recommendations of the independent Commission on the Funding of Care and Support, chaired by Professor Dilnot, it will take forward.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive which recommendations of the independent Commission on the Funding of Care and Support, chaired by Professor Dilnot, it will take forward.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-01771 on 5 August 2011. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-01-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-01-25T17:09:49.34","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":268811,"EventID":"S4W-04945","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4956,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":106,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-11T17:09:49.37","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-11T16:05:33.823","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress it has made in nominating the Forth Bridge for UNESCO World Heritage Site status.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress it has made in nominating the Forth Bridge for UNESCO World Heritage Site status.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Forth Bridge is currently on the UK Tentative List of sites for potential World Heritage nomination that was revised during 2010-2011 by the UK Government.\r\nTransport Scotland has recently convened the Forth Bridges Forum working group that comprises officials from Network Rail, City of Edinburgh Council, Fife Council, West Lothian Council, Forth Estuary Transport Authority (FETA), Historic Scotland and Transport Scotland. The forum has been created to ensure local stakeholders remain at the core of the management and operation of the Forth Bridges, and to provide a mechanism for the collective promotion of the Forth Replacement Crossing, The Forth Road Bridge and the Forth Bridge.\r\nThe forum is also being used to support the Forth Bridge's potential nomination for World Heritage Site Status and the members of the group are currently overseeing work to take forward the bid to achieve World Heritage Site Status for the Forth Bridge.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-01-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-01-25T17:09:49.387","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":268812,"EventID":"S4W-04946","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4956,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":106,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-11T17:09:49.417","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-11T16:05:33.823","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with Network Rail regarding Network Rail's opposition to nominating the Forth Bridge for UNESCO World Heritage Site status.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with Network Rail regarding Network Rail's opposition to nominating the Forth Bridge for UNESCO World Heritage Site status.\r\n","AnswerText":"Transport Scotland, Network Rail and Historic Scotland have been engaged in dialogue and discussions over recent months. These discussions have resulted in Network Rail confirming its support for the inclusion of the Forth Bridge on the Tentative List and its possible nomination for inscription as a World Heritage Site.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-01-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-01-25T17:09:49.433","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":268830,"EventID":"S4W-04947","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5109,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":101,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-12T13:41:34.65","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-11T16:52:50","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S4W-04620 by Fiona Hyslop on 11 January 2012, whether it considers that, under the Scotland Act 1998, it would be competent for it to t","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S4W-04620 by Fiona Hyslop on 11 January 2012, whether it considers that, under the Scotland Act 1998, it would be competent for it to take a different interpretation of the obligations arising from an international agreement than those taken by the UK Government. \r\n","AnswerText":"Ministers have an overarching duty to comply with the law, including international law and treaty obligations. To the extent that the requirements arising from a particular agreement lie within devolved competence, it is a matter for the Scottish Ministers and the Scottish Parliament to determine the most appropriate manner in which to implement the relevant obligation. It is a central principle of the devolution settlement that Ministers and the parliament should reach their own view on such matters.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-01-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-01-26T13:41:34.697","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":268831,"EventID":"S4W-04948","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3896,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":97,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-12T13:41:34.837","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-11T18:42:23","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how changes in policy since the publication of the National Planning Framework for Scotland 2 will be considered at any public inquiry associated with the decision-making","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how changes in policy since the publication of the National Planning Framework for Scotland 2 will be considered at any public inquiry associated with the decision-making process for applications for new electricity generation stations that are also national developments.","AnswerText":"This will be a decision for the Inquiry Reporter.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-01-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-01-26T13:41:34.853","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Derek Mackay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":268832,"EventID":"S4W-04949","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3896,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":97,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-12T13:41:34.883","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-11T18:42:23","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether inclusion of a project as a national development in the National Planning Framework for Scotland 2 establishes the need for that development where the primary pro","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether inclusion of a project as a national development in the National Planning Framework for Scotland 2 establishes the need for that development where the primary project consent required is not a planning consent and what the reasons are for its position on this matter.\r\n","AnswerText":"Section 3A of the Town and Country Planning (Scotland) Act 1997 makes provision for ministers to designate certain developments as “national developments” in the National Planning Framework. If the National Planning Framework contains such a designation, it must contain a statement by Scottish Ministers of their reasons for considering that there is a need for the development in question. Section 25 of the 1997 act makes provision as to how such statements are to be applied when determining a planning application. In relation to other consent procedures there is no similar statutory provision, however, ministers’ reasons for considering that there is a need for a development should be given equivalent status in reaching a decision.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-01-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-01-26T13:41:34.9","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Derek Mackay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":268833,"EventID":"S4W-04950","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3896,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":97,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-12T13:41:34.93","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-11T18:42:23","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what legal mechanisms would establish the need for a project listed in the National Planning Framework for Scotland 2 where the primary project consent required is not a ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what legal mechanisms would establish the need for a project listed in the National Planning Framework for Scotland 2 where the primary project consent required is not a planning consent.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-04949 on 24 January 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-01-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-01-26T13:41:34.947","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Derek Mackay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":268834,"EventID":"S4W-04951","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3896,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":97,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-12T13:41:34.977","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-11T18:42:23","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive under what circumstances consideration of need could be excluded from the remit of a public local inquiry into a proposed project where the primary project consent is not","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive under what circumstances consideration of need could be excluded from the remit of a public local inquiry into a proposed project where the primary project consent is not a planning consent.","AnswerText":"Once a development is designated as a national development in the National Planning Framework, the policy setting out the “need” for it will not normally be a matter for further consideration in any inquiry associated with an application for consent.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-01-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-01-26T13:41:34.977","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Derek Mackay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":268835,"EventID":"S4W-04952","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3896,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":97,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-12T13:41:35.023","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-11T18:42:23","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the need for a project listed in the National Planning Framework for Scotland 2 can be established where the primary consent for a project is made under legislati","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the need for a project listed in the National Planning Framework for Scotland 2 can be established where the primary consent for a project is made under legislation that is reserved and what the reasons are for its position on this matter.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-04949 on 24 January 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-01-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-01-26T13:41:35.023","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Derek Mackay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":268836,"EventID":"S4W-04953","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-12T13:41:35.057","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-12T10:08:51","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is legal in Scotland for teeth whitening to be offered commercially by people not registered with the General Dental Council.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is legal in Scotland for teeth whitening to be offered commercially by people not registered with the General Dental Council.","AnswerText":"It is illegal in Scotland for teeth whitening to be offered commercially by people not registered with the General Dental Council.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-01-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-01-26T13:41:35.07","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":268837,"EventID":"S4W-04954","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-12T13:41:35.103","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-12T10:08:51","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what inspections Healthcare Improvement Scotland carries out of businesses offering teeth whitening.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what inspections Healthcare Improvement Scotland carries out of businesses offering teeth whitening.","AnswerText":"Healthcare Improvement Scotland do not carry out inspections of businesses offering teeth whitening.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-01-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-01-26T13:41:35.117","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":268838,"EventID":"S4W-04955","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-12T13:41:35.15","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-12T10:08:51","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any inspection body has taken action against a business undertaking teeth whitening.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any inspection body has taken action against a business undertaking teeth whitening.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-01-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-01-26T13:41:35.163","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":268839,"EventID":"S4W-04956","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4934,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-12T13:41:35.21","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-12T10:31:35","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the aggregate (a) tonnage and (b) engine power of the pelagic fishing fleet was in (i) 1990-91 and (ii) 2010-11.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the aggregate (a) tonnage and (b) engine power of the pelagic fishing fleet was in (i) 1990-91 and (ii) 2010-11.\r\n","AnswerText":"The aggregate tonnage of the pelagic fishing fleet was 18,120 tonnes in 1991 and 46,518 tonnes in 2011. The aggregate power of the pelagic fishing fleet was 82,850kws in 1991 and 116,115kws in 2011.\r\nYear\r\nTonnage\r\nPower\r\n1991\r\n18,120\r\n82,850\r\n2011\r\n46,518\r\n116,115\r\nMarine Scotland Analytical Unit.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-01-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-01-26T13:41:35.21","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":268840,"EventID":"S4W-04958","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4934,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-12T13:41:35.243","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-12T10:31:35","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many crew in the offshore fishing fleet are from (a) EU countries and (b) the Philippines.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many crew in the offshore fishing fleet are from (a) EU countries and (b) the Philippines.\r\n","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally by the Scottish Government as EEA nationals are not subject to immigration controls and responsibility for non-EEA nationals is reserved to the UK Government.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-01-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-01-26T13:41:35.257","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":268841,"EventID":"S4W-04965","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3806,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-12T16:59:28.113","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-12T15:22:42.893","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S4W-02387 by Keith Brown on 27 September 2011, when the freedom of information request on the Air Discount Scheme lodged by David Stewa","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S4W-02387 by Keith Brown on 27 September 2011, when the freedom of information request on the Air Discount Scheme lodged by David Stewart MSP on 24 October 2011 will receive a substantive response.","AnswerText":"A substantive response to this request will be provided shortly. The nature of the request has required Transport Scotland officials to liaise with counterparts in the Department for Transport and the UK’s Permanent Representation to the EU. The member has received interim updates and officials have apologised for the delay in responding substantively.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-01-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-01-26T16:59:28.147","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":268842,"EventID":"S4W-04966","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5041,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-12T16:59:28.223","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-12T15:28:30","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many inpatient beds there were in NHS Lanarkshire in (a) 2010 and (b) 2011 and how many there are now, broken down by (i) specialism and (ii) hospital.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many inpatient beds there were in NHS Lanarkshire in (a) 2010 and (b) 2011 and how many there are now, broken down by (i) specialism and (ii) hospital.","AnswerText":"Average available staffed beds in NHS Lanarkshire by specialty and location for the quarters ending 31 March 2010 to 30 September 2011 are provided in the following table.\r\nTable 1 - Average Available Staffed Beds1 in NHS Lanarkshire by specialty: Quarters Ending 31 March 2010 to 30 September 2011\r\n Specialtiy\r\nQuarter Ending:\r\nMar-10\r\nJun-10\r\nSep-10\r\nDec-10\r\nMar-11\r\nJun-11\r\nSep-11\r\nAll specialties\r\n 2,477\r\n 2,450\r\n 2,445\r\n 2,448\r\n 2,385\r\n 2,304\r\n 2,288\r\nAccident and Emergency\r\n  4\r\n  4\r\n  4\r\n  3\r\n  3\r\n  3\r\n  3\r\nAnaesthetics\r\n  31\r\n  31\r\n  32\r\n  32\r\n  30\r\n  29\r\n  28\r\nCardiology\r\n  31\r\n  31\r\n  31\r\n  33\r\n  33\r\n  32\r\n  31\r\nCommunicable Diseases\r\n  17\r\n  16\r\n  17\r\n  17\r\n  15\r\n  15\r\n  15\r\nDermatology\r\n  13\r\n  16\r\n  11\r\n  9\r\n  10\r\n  9\r\n  9\r\nEar, Nose and Throat (ENT)\r\n  18\r\n  20\r\n  18\r\n  22\r\n  20\r\n  20\r\n  20\r\nForensic Psychiatry\r\n  11\r\n  11\r\n  11\r\n  11\r\n  11\r\n  11\r\n  11\r\nGeneral Medicine\r\n  432\r\n  404\r\n  413\r\n  418\r\n  430\r\n  401\r\n  397\r\nGeneral Psychiatry\r\n  201\r\n  201\r\n  200\r\n  200\r\n  203\r\n  196\r\n  196\r\nGeneral Surgery\r\n  214\r\n  219\r\n  213\r\n  207\r\n  195\r\n  188\r\n  186\r\nGeriatric Medicine\r\n  680\r\n  671\r\n  680\r\n  661\r\n  620\r\n  595\r\n  589\r\nGP Other than Obstetrics\r\n  95\r\n  94\r\n  94\r\n  99\r\n  95\r\n  90\r\n  90\r\nGynaecology\r\n  13\r\n  12\r\n  13\r\n  13\r\n  10\r\n  10\r\n  10\r\nHaematology\r\n  13\r\n  15\r\n  16\r\n  16\r\n  23\r\n  18\r\n  18\r\nLearning Disability\r\n  9\r\n  9\r\n  9\r\n  9\r\n  9\r\n  9\r\n  12\r\nMedical Oncology\r\n  1\r\n  1\r\n  0\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\nMedical Paediatrics\r\n  68\r\n  68\r\n  67\r\n  68\r\n  66\r\n  63\r\n  62\r\nNephrology\r\n  15\r\n  14\r\n  14\r\n  16\r\n  13\r\n  11\r\n  11\r\nObstetrics\r\n  72\r\n  79\r\n  76\r\n  74\r\n  71\r\n  69\r\n  68\r\nOral and Maxillofacial Surgery\r\n  8\r\n  10\r\n  8\r\n  6\r\n  4\r\n  4\r\n  4\r\nOrthopaedics\r\n  146\r\n  146\r\n  142\r\n  136\r\n  128\r\n  125\r\n  124\r\nPalliative Medicine\r\n  30\r\n  30\r\n  30\r\n  48\r\n  48\r\n  48\r\n  47\r\nPsychiatry of Old Age\r\n  317\r\n  316\r\n  315\r\n  315\r\n  318\r\n  328\r\n  326\r\nRheumatology\r\n  2\r\n  3\r\n  3\r\n  2\r\n  3\r\n  4\r\n  4\r\nUrology\r\n  36\r\n  30\r\n  29\r\n  36\r\n  26\r\n  25\r\n  25\r\n\r\nTable 2 - Average Available Staffed Beds1 in NHS Lanarkshire; by location: Quarters Ending 31 March 2010 to 30 September 2011\r\n Specialty\r\nQuarter Ending:\r\nMar-10\r\nJun-10\r\nSep-10\r\nDec-10\r\nMar-11\r\nJun-11\r\nSep-11\r\nAll locations\r\n 2,477\r\n 2,450\r\n 2,445\r\n 2,448\r\n 2,385\r\n 2,304\r\n 2,288\r\nAirbles Road Centre\r\n  27\r\n  27\r\n  26\r\n  26\r\n  27\r\n  27\r\n  26\r\nBrain Injury Rehabilitation Unit\r\n  21\r\n  21\r\n  21\r\n  21\r\n  21\r\n  21\r\n  21\r\nCaird House\r\n  10\r\n  10\r\n  10\r\n  10\r\n  10\r\n  10\r\n  10\r\nCarrickstone House and Day Hospital\r\n  35\r\n  35\r\n  35\r\n  35\r\n  35\r\n  35\r\n  35\r\nCleland Hospital\r\n  31\r\n  31\r\n  30\r\n  30\r\n  31\r\n  31\r\n  30\r\nCoathill Hospital\r\n  45\r\n  45\r\n  45\r\n  45\r\n  44\r\n  43\r\n  43\r\nCumbernauld Nursing Home\r\n  52\r\n  52\r\n  52\r\n  52\r\n  52\r\n  52\r\n  51\r\nHairmyres Hospital\r\n  503\r\n  491\r\n  497\r\n  481\r\n  468\r\n  444\r\n  441\r\nHartwoodhill Hospital\r\n  73\r\n  73\r\n  72\r\n  72\r\n  73\r\n  73\r\n  72\r\nHatton Lea Nursing Home\r\n  90\r\n  90\r\n  90\r\n  90\r\n  91\r\n  90\r\n  89\r\nKello Hospital\r\n  22\r\n  22\r\n  24\r\n  25\r\n  23\r\n  22\r\n  22\r\nKirklands Hospital\r\n  9\r\n  9\r\n  9\r\n  9\r\n  9\r\n  9\r\n  12\r\nLady Home Cottage Hospital\r\n  25\r\n  25\r\n  24\r\n  25\r\n  23\r\n  22\r\n  22\r\nLockhart Hospital\r\n  31\r\n  30\r\n  30\r\n  32\r\n  33\r\n  30\r\n  30\r\nMonklands District General Hospital\r\n  533\r\n  523\r\n  514\r\n  533\r\n  525\r\n  498\r\n  494\r\nParksprings Care Centre\r\n  49\r\n  50\r\n  50\r\n  52\r\n  34\r\n  33\r\n  33\r\nRoadmeetings Hospital\r\n  34\r\n  34\r\n  34\r\n  34\r\n  33\r\n  31\r\n  31\r\nSt Andrew's Hospice\r\n  36\r\n  36\r\n  36\r\n  32\r\n  32\r\n  32\r\n  32\r\nStonehouse Hospital\r\n  40\r\n  40\r\n  40\r\n  40\r\n  39\r\n  37\r\n  37\r\nUdston Hospital\r\n  108\r\n  108\r\n  108\r\n  108\r\n  106\r\n  115\r\n  115\r\nVictoria Memorial Cottage Hospital\r\n  17\r\n  17\r\n  17\r\n  17\r\n  17\r\n  16\r\n  16\r\nWester Moffat Hospital\r\n  57\r\n  51\r\n  58\r\n  58\r\n  56\r\n  53\r\n  53\r\nWishaw General Hospital\r\n  628\r\n  631\r\n  623\r\n  621\r\n  604\r\n  579\r\n  573\r\nSource: ISD Scotland, ISD(S)1.\r\nNote: 1. Includes beds for use by NHS patients that are located in non-NHS locations e.g. joint-user and contractual hospitals.\r\nThere has been a noticeable reduction in the complet","AnswerDate":"2012-01-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-01-26T16:59:28.223","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":268843,"EventID":"S4W-04967","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5059,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-12T16:59:28.287","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-12T15:45:18","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the commissioning dates were for each of the 330 school building or renovation projects completed in the last parliamentary session.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the commissioning dates were for each of the 330 school building or renovation projects completed in the last parliamentary session.\r\n","AnswerText":"It is local authorities and not Scottish ministers which commission school building projects. The Scottish Government does not, hold the information requested.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-01-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-01-26T16:59:28.287","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":268844,"EventID":"S4W-04968","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2033,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":132,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-12T16:59:28.317","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-12T16:09:21","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many modern apprenticeship new starts there were in East Lothian in (a) 2009-10, (b) 2010-11 and have been in 2011-12.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many modern apprenticeship new starts there were in East Lothian in (a) 2009-10, (b) 2010-11 and have been in 2011-12.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government does not hold this information centrally. I will ask the Chief Executive of Skills Development Scotland to respond to you with this information.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-01-26T16:59:28.333","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angela Constance","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":268854,"EventID":"S4W-04969","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3759,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":80,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-13T14:50:05.647","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-13T10:53:28.557","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures it takes to support victims of crime, other than providing direct funding to Victim Support Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures it takes to support victims of crime, other than providing direct funding to Victim Support Scotland.","AnswerText":"In addition to funding for Victim Support Scotland, the Scottish Government supports victims of crime in a range of ways including: funding for other support organisations dealing with murder, suicide and human trafficking (over £900, 000 per annum). In addition, around £25 million has been made available to fund Scottish cases within the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme.\r\nDuring the period 2008-12, the Scottish Government committed £55 million to tackle violence against women, including funding for Scottish Women’s Aid, Rape Crisis Scotland and the rape crisis and domestic abuse helplines. Around £780,000 per annum has been provided for support services at specialist domestic abuse courts plus £2 million for the Caledonian Programme to ensure there is an integrated approach to addressing men’s domestic abuse and improve the lives of those affected.\r\nPolice, Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service and other criminal justice organisations spend a significant amount of their operational time on victim issues, including providing the Victim Information and Advice service. The Scottish Government also provides a variety of information to victims. This includes a website, information cards and packs which are aimed at victims of serious crime such as rape and sexual assault and for bereaved families following murder, culpable homicide or a road death.\r\nThe Scottish Government is committed to introducing a victims and witnesses bill in this parliamentary session and has been in dialogue with stakeholders to identify areas that need either legislation or other measures.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-01-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-01-27T14:50:05.74","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":268855,"EventID":"S4W-04970","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3759,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":80,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-13T14:50:05.897","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-13T10:53:28.557","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what support it gives to kinship carers and what progress there has been since 2007.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what support it gives to kinship carers and what progress there has been since 2007.\r\n","AnswerText":"We have done more than any previous administration to support kinship carers, including legislating to recognise kinship care for the first time. We supported this with comprehensive guidance and delivered training with our partners. We also backed this with significant funding for local authorities who are responsible for supporting carers. However, many carers have their benefits reduced as a result of receiving these payments. Therefore, the UK Government needs to play its part to ensure carers receive their allowances in full.\r\nA nationally available service was launched in March 2011 with Children 1st to provide support on non-financial issues and this service can be contacted through Parentline on 0800 028 2233. We also fund Citizens Advice Scotland to provide advice to kinship carers on financial and legal issues and this service can be contacted through local Citizens Advice Bureaux or a free, confidential helpline service on 0808 800 0006.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-01-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-01-27T14:50:05.91","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Aileen Campbell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":268856,"EventID":"S4W-04971","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3759,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":80,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-13T14:50:05.943","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-13T10:53:28.557","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what review has been carried out of the impact of the Family Law (Scotland Act) 2006.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what review has been carried out of the impact of the Family Law (Scotland Act) 2006.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Family Law (Scotland) Act 2006 is very wide-ranging and we would not plan to review it as a whole. We are aware of a study of legal practitioners' perspective of the cohabitation provisions in the 2006 Act:\r\nhttp://www.crfr.ac.uk/researchprojects/rp_cohabitation.html. \r\nThe Scottish Law Commission has recommended, in part 4 of its report on succession, changes to section 29 of the 2006 Act, on financial provision where a cohabitant dies intestate:\r\nhttp://www.scotlawcom.gov.uk/download_file/view/390/http://www.crfr.ac.uk/researchprojects/rp_cohabitation.html.\r\nThe Scottish Government also published in 2010 a study on contact cases http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2010/12/08145916/0 and in 2011 a study on reports in child welfare hearings:\r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2011/01/07142042/0.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-01-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-01-27T14:50:05.957","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Roseanna Cunningham","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":268857,"EventID":"S4W-04972","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2345,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":128,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-13T14:50:05.99","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-13T11:40:09","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to abolish the Home Report system.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to abolish the Home Report system.","AnswerText":"There are no plans to abolish the Home Report system.\r\nThe Scottish Government believes that the benefits of Home Reports remain valid, particularly in encouraging buyers to make confident decisions in a difficult market.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-01-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-01-27T14:50:06.003","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":268858,"EventID":"S4W-04974","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5080,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-13T14:50:06.037","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-13T13:12:07","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many of the 25,000 modern apprenticeship places contracted with Skills Development Scotland in the current financial year have been registered, broken down by (a) sec","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many of the 25,000 modern apprenticeship places contracted with Skills Development Scotland in the current financial year have been registered, broken down by (a) sector, (b) age group and (c) provider. \r\n","AnswerText":"Skills Development Scotland publish statistics on national training programmes, including modern apprenticeships, on their website:\r\nhttp://www.skillsdevelopmentscotland.co.uk/knowledge/national-reports/national-training-programmes-statistics.aspx \r\nThe most recent published statistics offer detail on the Modern Apprenticeship Programme for July-September 2011, and previous quarterly and annual statistics are also available.\r\nSDS will publish statistics for October-December 2011 in February 2012.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-01-27T14:50:06.053","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angela Constance","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":268868,"EventID":"S4W-04973","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5080,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-13T14:56:54.783","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-13T13:12:07","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many of the 25,000 modern apprenticeship places contracted with Skills Development Scotland in the current financial year have been filled.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many of the 25,000 modern apprenticeship places contracted with Skills Development Scotland in the current financial year have been filled.\r\n","AnswerText":"Skills Development Scotland publish statistics on national training programmes, including modern apprenticeships, on their website:\r\nhttp://www.skillsdevelopmentscotland.co.uk/knowledge/national-reports/national-training-programmes-statistics.aspx.\r\nAdditionally, I can confirm that all 25,000 for 2011-12 have now been contracted.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-01-27T14:56:54.813","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angela Constance","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":268871,"EventID":"S4W-04975","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4014,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-13T16:16:17","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-13T13:28:16.137","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many of its properties have not been in use in each year since 1999.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many of its properties have not been in use in each year since 1999.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Ministers have no properties not in use from 1999 to 2004.\r\nFor the period 2004 to present date the Scottish Ministers have one property: Jeanfield House, 4 Jeanfield Road, Perth which was vacated in February 2004. \r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-01-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-01-27T16:16:17.017","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":268872,"EventID":"S4W-04976","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4014,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-13T16:16:17.097","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-13T13:28:16.137","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much it has spent in each year since 1999 on (a) security and (b) rent for properties not in use.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much it has spent in each year since 1999 on (a) security and (b) rent for properties not in use.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Ministers have no property not in use from 1999 to 2004. Jeanfield House, Perth was vacated by the Scottish Ministers in 2004. There have been no rental payments made on Jeanfield House. Security costs are as follows:\r\nYear\r\nCost\r\n2004\r\n4,537.50\r\n2005\r\n4,262.50\r\n2006\r\n4,425.20\r\n2007\r\n3,199.65\r\n2008\r\n4,802.90\r\n2009\r\n4,999.00\r\n2010\r\n5,603.10\r\n2011\r\n5,656.90\r\nTotal\r\n37,486.75\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-01-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-01-27T16:16:17.097","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":268873,"EventID":"S4W-04978","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4014,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-13T16:16:17.143","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-13T13:28:16.137","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many local authority properties have not been in use in each year since 1999, broken down by local authority.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many local authority properties have not been in use in each year since 1999, broken down by local authority.\r\n","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally. An approach should be made to the relevant local authority.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-01-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-01-27T16:16:17.157","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":268874,"EventID":"S4W-04979","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4014,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-13T16:16:17.19","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-13T13:28:16.137","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much each local authority has spent on (a) security and (b) rent for properties not in use in each year since 1999.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much each local authority has spent on (a) security and (b) rent for properties not in use in each year since 1999.\r\n","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally. An approach should be made to the relevant local authority.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-01-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-01-27T16:16:17.203","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":268875,"EventID":"S4W-04980","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-13T16:16:17.25","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-13T14:33:30","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S4W-04534 by Keith Brown on 10 January 2012, how much has been returned from Northlink Orkney and Shetland Ferries Ltd as part of the N","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S4W-04534 by Keith Brown on 10 January 2012, how much has been returned from Northlink Orkney and Shetland Ferries Ltd as part of the North Isles ferry contract’s clawback mechanism in each of the last five financial years and how much is anticipated in the current financial year.\r\n","AnswerText":"Please see the following information:\r\nNorthLink Ferries Ltd - Contract Year\r\nAmount Received\r\nFinancial Year in which Clawback was received by Scottish Government\r\nContract Year 1\r\n£1,246,942\r\n2008-09\r\nContract Year 2\r\n£836,356\r\n2008-09\r\nContract Year 3\r\n£412,452\r\n2009-10\r\nContract Year 4\r\n£2,808,508\r\n2010-11\r\nContract Year 5 (forecast)\r\n£2,267,817\r\n2011-12\r\n\r\nThis is in the context of increasing subsidies paid to NorthLink Ferries Ltd, net of clawback payments, as set out in the following table:\r\nFinancial Year\r\nGrant\r\n2006-07\r\n£33.3 million \r\n2007-08\r\n£29.2 million \r\n2008-09\r\n£32.8 million \r\n2009-10\r\n£35.9 million \r\n2010-11\r\n£37.3 million \r\n2011-12\r\n£39.6 million  (budget)\r\nSource: NorthLink Ferries Ltd and Transport Scotland.","AnswerDate":"2012-01-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-01-27T16:16:17.25","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":268876,"EventID":"S4W-04981","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-13T16:16:17.297","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-13T14:33:30","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S4W-04534 by Keith Brown on 10 January 2012, how much money has been allocated to the Gourock-Dunoon ferry service in each of the last ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S4W-04534 by Keith Brown on 10 January 2012, how much money has been allocated to the Gourock-Dunoon ferry service in each of the last five financial years and how much is anticipated in the current financial year.\r\n","AnswerText":"Please see the information in the following table:\r\nFinancial Year\r\nAmount\r\nOperator\r\n2007-08\r\n£2,270,000\r\nCowal Ferries Ltd\r\n2008-09\r\n£3,130,000\r\nCowal Ferries Ltd\r\n2009-10\r\n£3,040,000\r\nCowal Ferries Ltd\r\n2010-11\r\n£3,163,000\r\nCowal Ferries Ltd\r\n2011-12 (forecast) *\r\n£3,775,182\r\nCowal Ferries Ltd/Argyll Ferries Ltd (from 30 June 2011)\r\nSource: David MacBrayne Ltd and Transport Scotland.\r\nNote: *Included in this amount is the grant for the last three months of Cowal Ferries Ltd (April-June 2011) redundancy costs, grant for the first six months of the contract (30 June to end December 2011) to Argyll Ferries Ltd and the estimated grant for the remainder of the Financial Year for Argyll Ferries Ltd.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-01-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-01-27T16:16:17.297","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":268877,"EventID":"S4W-04982","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-13T16:16:17.36","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-13T14:33:30","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S4W-04537 by Keith Brown on 10 January 2012, how much has been allocated to the road equivalent tariff scheme in each of the last five ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S4W-04537 by Keith Brown on 10 January 2012, how much has been allocated to the road equivalent tariff scheme in each of the last five financial years and how much is anticipated in the current financial year.\r\n","AnswerText":"The following table details the Scottish Government spend on the Road Equivalent Tariff scheme since it started in October 2008.\r\nFinancial Year\r\nRET spend\r\n2007-08\r\nN/A\r\n2008-09\r\n£1,700,000\r\n2009-10\r\n£6,500,000\r\n2010-11\r\n£6,500,000\r\n2011-12 (forecast)\r\n£6,500,000\r\nSource: David MacBrayne Ltd and Transport Scotland.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-01-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-01-27T16:16:17.36","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":268878,"EventID":"S4W-04983","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-13T16:16:17.407","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-13T14:33:30","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what budget receives the money returned from Northlink Orkney and Shetland Ferries Ltd as part of the North Isles ferry contract’s clawback mechanism.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what budget receives the money returned from Northlink Orkney and Shetland Ferries Ltd as part of the North Isles ferry contract’s clawback mechanism.\r\n","AnswerText":"Clawback payments received go back into the “Support for Ferry Services” budget.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-01-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-01-27T16:16:17.407","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":268879,"EventID":"S4W-04984","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-13T16:16:17.453","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-13T14:33:30","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive from what budget the road equivalent tariff scheme is funded.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive from what budget the road equivalent tariff scheme is funded.","AnswerText":"The Road Equivalent Tariff scheme is funded from the “Road Equivalent Tariff” budget line.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-01-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-01-27T16:16:17.453","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":268880,"EventID":"S4W-05033","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":2,"MSPID":5108,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":139,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-16T13:28:10.8","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-16T13:20:53.95","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will announce its plans to establish enterprise areas.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will announce its plans to establish enterprise areas.\r\n","AnswerText":"I can confirm the Government will establish four Enterprise Areas in Scotland. In collaboration with Scottish Enterprise and Highlands and Islands Enterprise, Scottish Government officials identified a number of potential sites across Scotland. These sites have been rigorously assessed against criteria, including the need to improve local economic performance and the opportunity to generate additional economic activity. By focusing on growth sectors, we aim to create new employment opportunities and stimulate increased private investment, boosting economic growth.\r\nSubject to detailed discussion with the relevant local authorities on aspects of implementation, for example a streamlined approach to the planning process proposed by the COSLA leadership board and agreed with ministers, the government plans to include the sites in the following table within Scotland’s Enterprise Areas and aim to have them operational by April 2012:\r\nLife Sciences Enterprise Area\r\nEA Site\r\nIrvine\r\nForrest\r\nInverness Campus\r\nBioQuarter\r\nBiocampus\r\nLocal Authority\r\nN Ayrshire\r\nMoray\r\nHighland\r\nCity of Edinburgh\r\nMidlothian\r\nLow Carbon / Renewables North Enterprise Area\r\nEA Site\r\nHatston\r\nArnish\r\nNigg\r\nScrabster\r\nLyness\r\nLocal Authority\r\nOrkney\r\nWestern Isles\r\nHighland\r\nHighland\r\nOrkney\r\nLow Carbon / Renewables East Enterprise Area\r\nEA Site\r\nDundee Port\r\nLeith\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nLocal Authority\r\nDundee City\r\nCity of Edinburgh\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nGeneral manufacturing and Growth sectors Enterprise Area\r\nEA Site\r\nCreative Clyde\r\nPrestwick International (aerospace)\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nLocal Authority\r\nGlasgow City\r\nS Ayrshire\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n ","AnswerDate":"2012-01-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-01-30T13:28:10.847","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":268889,"EventID":"S4F-00398","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":4976,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-16T14:48:04","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-13T15:22:44","Title":"To ask the First Minister when he will next meet the Prime Minister.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister when he will next meet the Prime Minister.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-01-30T14:48:04.047","MeetingDate":"2012-01-19T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":268890,"EventID":"S4F-00399","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-16T14:48:04.063","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-16T11:25:01","Title":"To ask the First Minister whether the Scottish Government supports the aims of the National Union of Students Scotland campaign, Our Future, Our Fight.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister whether the Scottish Government supports the aims of the National Union of Students Scotland campaign, Our Future, Our Fight.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-01-30T14:48:04.08","MeetingDate":"2012-01-19T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":268891,"EventID":"S4F-00400","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-16T14:48:04.093","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-16T11:45:21","Title":"To ask the First Minister what impact the sale of Robert Wiseman Dairies to Müller Dairy will have on the Scottish economy.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what impact the sale of Robert Wiseman Dairies to Müller Dairy will have on the Scottish economy.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-01-30T14:48:04.093","MeetingDate":"2012-01-19T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":268892,"EventID":"S4F-00404","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":5009,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-16T14:48:04.25","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-16T13:01:40.617","Title":"To ask the First Minister what issues will be discussed at the next meeting of the Cabinet.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what issues will be discussed at the next meeting of the Cabinet.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-01-30T14:48:04.25","MeetingDate":"2012-01-19T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":268893,"EventID":"S4F-00405","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":2080,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":87,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-16T14:48:04.283","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-16T13:05:11.03","Title":"To ask the First Minister what engagements he has planned for the rest of the day.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what engagements he has planned for the rest of the day.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-01-30T14:48:04.297","MeetingDate":"2012-01-19T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":268894,"EventID":"S4F-00407","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":3751,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":108,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-16T14:48:04.343","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-16T13:20:30.127","Title":"To ask the First Minister what progress is being made in building international business connections.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what progress is being made in building international business connections.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-01-30T14:48:04.36","MeetingDate":"2012-01-19T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":268895,"EventID":"S4W-04985","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":86,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-16T16:18:01.217","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-13T15:57:19.147","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what investment it has made to eradicate child poverty.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what investment it has made to eradicate child poverty.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Programme for Government and the Government Economic Strategy set out the Scottish Government’s determination to shift resources to invest in early intervention and prevention. This is a long-term process which will take place across a range of policy areas and is reflected in the Scottish Spending Review 2011 and Draft Budget 2012-13. The success of a shift to early intervention will be influenced heavily by actions by local government to shift resources. The Scottish Government approach is characterised by the introduction of the £270 million Early Years Change Fund which is designed to encourage moves towards early years early intervention.\r\nThe concordat between central and local government establishes the responsibility on community planning partnerships to understand their local populations and design and implement strategy to improve outcomes. Tackling inequality and improving children’s circumstances and life chances are central to these objectives. The concordat is underpinned by a substantial financial settlement - £11,478.689 million in 2012-13.\r\nIn addition, the Scottish Government is funding specific voluntary sector projects which support child poverty-related outcomes through the Early Years, Early Action Fund as well as targeted family interventions such as the Family Nurse Partnership and the Healthier, Wealthier Children project in the NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde area.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-01-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-01-30T16:18:01.247","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":268896,"EventID":"S4W-04986","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":86,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-16T16:18:01.327","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-13T15:57:19.147","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to shift resources into early intervention and other action to prevent child poverty.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to shift resources into early intervention and other action to prevent child poverty.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Programme for Government and the Government Economic Strategy set out the Scottish Government’s determination to shift resources to invest in early intervention and prevention. This is a long term process which will take place across a range of policy areas, and is reflected in the Scottish Spending Review 2011 and Draft Budget 2012-13.  Over the next three years, through the Joint Priorities work of national and local government, preventative spending initiatives will be boosted by £500 million. This includes the introduction of the £270 million Early Years and Early Intervention Change Fund.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-01-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-01-30T16:18:01.343","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":268897,"EventID":"S4W-04987","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":86,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-16T16:18:01.39","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-13T15:57:19.147","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to maximise household resources.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to maximise household resources.","AnswerText":"We have funded a number of income maximisation projects to help people claim all the financial support to which they are entitled. Income maximisation checks are also available through the Energy Assistance Package. We have taken the following key actions to reduce pressure on household incomes: freezing council tax and water bills, abolishing prescription charges, scrapping bridge tolls, continuing concessionary travel.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-01-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-01-30T16:18:01.403","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":268898,"EventID":"S4W-04988","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":86,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-16T16:18:01.437","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-13T15:57:19.147","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to maximise the potential for parents to (a) access and (b) sustain good quality employment.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to maximise the potential for parents to (a) access and (b) sustain good quality employment.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-04995 on 27 January 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-01-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-01-30T16:18:01.45","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Aileen Campbell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":268899,"EventID":"S4W-04989","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":86,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-16T16:18:01.483","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-13T15:57:19.147","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to promote greater financial inclusion and capability.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to promote greater financial inclusion and capability.","AnswerText":"Financial inclusion and financial capability are a matter for local authorities, who are best placed to assess local need for services and put in place appropriate provision. The Scottish Government provides national infrastructure and support which it would be inefficient to organise at a local level, for example training for debt advisors, the Healthier Wealthier Children project and the Financial Learning Online Scotland website for financial capability practitioners.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-01-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-01-30T16:18:01.497","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":268900,"EventID":"S4W-04990","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":86,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-16T16:18:01.53","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-13T15:57:19.147","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to improve children’s wellbeing and life chances.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to improve children’s wellbeing and life chances.","AnswerText":"We plan to publish proposals soon for a Children’s Bill. The bill will form one element in a wider programme of measures to drive forward manifesto commitments around early years and early intervention, Getting It Right for Every Child (GIRFEC) and updating the Children (Scotland) Act 1995. GIRFEC seeks to improve the well-being and life chances of all children and young people by providing a common framework, practice model and language to deliver a co-ordinated approach which is appropriate, proportionate and timely, and has the child at the centre.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-01-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-01-30T16:18:01.543","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Aileen Campbell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":268901,"EventID":"S4W-04991","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":86,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-16T16:18:01.577","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-13T15:57:19.147","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to tackle the underlying social and economic determinants of poverty in order to improve the circumstances in which children grow up.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to tackle the underlying social and economic determinants of poverty in order to improve the circumstances in which children grow up.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Child Poverty Strategy for Scotland sets out the our approach to tackling child poverty in Scotland. It is available at http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2011/03/14094421/6.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-01-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-01-30T16:18:01.59","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":268902,"EventID":"S4W-04992","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":86,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-16T16:18:01.623","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-13T15:57:19.147","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress it is making in eradicating child poverty and made in the previous parliamentary session.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress it is making in eradicating child poverty and made in the previous parliamentary session.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has signed up to the UK Child Poverty Act which contains four measures of child poverty. Progress on these measures are reported on in the annual Poverty and Income Inequality in Scotland publication at www.scotland.gov.uk/Resource/Doc/933/0116722.pdf.\r\nThe National Performance Framework also includes an indicator measuring child deprivation. Information on this can be accessed at http://scotland.gov.uk/About/scotPerforms/indicator/childdeprivation.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-01-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-01-30T16:18:01.637","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Aileen Campbell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":268903,"EventID":"S4W-04993","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":86,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-16T16:18:01.67","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-13T15:57:19.147","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress it is making in shifting resources into early intervention and other action to prevent child poverty and what progress was made in the previous parliamentar","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress it is making in shifting resources into early intervention and other action to prevent child poverty and what progress was made in the previous parliamentary session.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-04986 on 26 January 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-01-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-01-30T16:18:01.687","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":268904,"EventID":"S4W-04994","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":86,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-16T16:18:01.733","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-13T15:57:19.147","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress it is making in maximising household resources and what progress was made in the previous parliamentary session.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress it is making in maximising household resources and what progress was made in the previous parliamentary session.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-04987 on 26 January 2012. All answers to written Parliamentary Questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-01-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-01-30T16:18:01.733","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":268905,"EventID":"S4W-04995","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":86,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-16T16:18:01.78","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-13T15:57:19.147","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress it is making in maximising the potential for parents to access and sustain good quality employment and what progress was made in the previous parliamentary ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress it is making in maximising the potential for parents to access and sustain good quality employment and what progress was made in the previous parliamentary session.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government is committed to supporting everyone who wants to work to do so. Scotland currently has the highest rate of working households with children of any part the UK. The employment rate for lone parents in Scotland has also risen from 56.3% in 2007 to 56.8% in 2010.\r\nOur Early Years Framework affirms that high quality, affordable and accessible early learning and childcare is key both for children’s development and to enable parents to balance work and family life. A number of organisations receive Scottish Government funding to provide a wide range of support, including benefit advice, to individuals and families.  These include: \r\nOne Parents Families Scotland; \r\nParenting in Scotland; \r\nCitizens Advice Direct; \r\nContact-a-Family, and \r\nThe Family Nurse Partnership.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-01-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-01-30T16:18:01.78","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Aileen Campbell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":268906,"EventID":"S4W-04996","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":86,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-16T16:18:01.81","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-13T15:57:19.147","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress it is making in increasing the number of parents in good quality employment and what progress was made in the previous parliamentary session.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress it is making in increasing the number of parents in good quality employment and what progress was made in the previous parliamentary session.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-04995 on 27 January 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at: \r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-01-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-01-30T16:18:01.827","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Aileen Campbell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":268907,"EventID":"S4W-04997","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":86,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-16T16:18:01.873","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-13T15:57:19.147","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress is being made in promoting greater financial inclusion and capability and what progress was made in the previous parliamentary session.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress is being made in promoting greater financial inclusion and capability and what progress was made in the previous parliamentary session.\r\n","AnswerText":"Financial inclusion and capability have a number of dimensions. Action to tackle these is taken locally, in response to local circumstances, and we expect progress to be assessed and reported on locally.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-01-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-01-30T16:18:01.887","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":268908,"EventID":"S4W-04998","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":86,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-16T16:18:01.95","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-13T15:57:19.147","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress is being made in improving children’s wellbeing and life chances and what progress was made in the previous parliamentary session.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress is being made in improving children’s wellbeing and life chances and what progress was made in the previous parliamentary session.\r\n","AnswerText":"Government officials are working directly with 17 Community Planning Partnerships to support implementation of Getting It Right for Every Child (GIRFEC), a person centred approach to services for children and young people. Good progress is being made in implementing the main elements of GIRFEC across Scotland, including the role of the Named Person. This has already been implemented in areas including Highland, Edinburgh, Fife, Angus and South Ayrshire. The GIRFEC Highland Pathfinder showed that, by having a Named Person, a child’s needs are identified at an earlier stage and, where necessary, the child receives extra support form different agencies much more quickly.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-01-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-01-30T16:18:01.967","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Aileen Campbell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":268909,"EventID":"S4W-04999","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":86,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-16T16:18:02.013","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-13T15:57:19.147","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress is being made in tackling the underlying social and economic determinants of poverty in order to improve the circumstances in which children grow up and wha","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress is being made in tackling the underlying social and economic determinants of poverty in order to improve the circumstances in which children grow up and what progress was made in the previous parliamentary session.\r\n","AnswerText":"The key measures relating to child poverty are contained within the Child Poverty Strategy for Scotland which is available at http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2011/03/14094421/6. These measures are reported upon annually on the Scotland Performs website which is available at http://www.scotland.gov.uk/About/scotPerforms.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-01-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-01-30T16:18:02.027","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":268910,"EventID":"S4W-05000","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":86,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-16T16:18:02.077","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-13T15:57:19.147","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what change there has been in the levels of child poverty since May 2011 and what change there was in the previous parliamentary session.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what change there has been in the levels of child poverty since May 2011 and what change there was in the previous parliamentary session.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government publishes figures annually on the levels of child poverty in Scotland. This information can be accessed at www.scotland.gov.uk/Resource/Doc/933/0116722.pdf.\r\nThe data is based on information from the Family Resources Survey and the latest available data refers to the year 2009-10.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-01-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-01-30T16:18:02.09","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":268911,"EventID":"S4W-05001","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":86,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-16T16:18:02.153","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-13T15:57:19.147","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to address child poverty in families affected by disability.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to address child poverty in families affected by disability.","AnswerText":"The Child Poverty Strategy for Scotland sets out the our approach to tackling child poverty in Scotland. It is available at http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2011/03/14094421/6.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-01-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-01-30T16:18:02.153","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":268912,"EventID":"S4W-05002","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":86,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-16T16:18:02.217","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-13T15:57:19.147","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to address child poverty in ethnic minority communities.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to address child poverty in ethnic minority communities.","AnswerText":"The Child Poverty Strategy for Scotland sets out the our approach to tackling child poverty in Scotland. It is available at http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2011/03/14094421/6.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-01-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-01-30T16:18:02.217","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":268913,"EventID":"S4W-05003","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":86,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-16T16:18:02.247","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-13T15:57:19.147","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to address child poverty in lone parent families.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to address child poverty in lone parent families.","AnswerText":"The Child Poverty Strategy for Scotland sets out the our approach to tackling child poverty in Scotland. It is available at http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2011/03/14094421/6.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-01-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-01-30T16:18:02.247","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":268914,"EventID":"S4W-05004","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":86,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-16T16:18:02.293","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-13T15:57:19.147","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how the 2012-13 budget will address child poverty.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how the 2012-13 budget will address child poverty.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-04985 on 26 January 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-01-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-01-30T16:18:02.293","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":268915,"EventID":"S4W-05005","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":86,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-16T16:18:02.34","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-13T15:57:19.147","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to address child poverty in those communities with the highest levels.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to address child poverty in those communities with the highest levels.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Child Poverty Strategy for Scotland sets out the our approach to tackling child poverty in Scotland. It is available at http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2011/03/14094421/6.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-01-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-01-30T16:18:02.34","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":268916,"EventID":"S4W-05006","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":86,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-16T16:18:02.387","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-13T15:57:19.147","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to improve (a) access to and (b) affordability of childcare services.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to improve (a) access to and (b) affordability of childcare services.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government is working to increase the capacity and range of early learning and childcare. This includes the £6.8 million Early Years Early Action Fund to support third sector front-line delivery which has contributed £2.8 million towards childcare or play related services this year; the allocation of £4.5 million Families and Communities Fund to support local projects that bring real tangible benefits for children and families such as community playgroups, crèches, wrap around care provision, parents’ groups and wider family support; and, the allocation of £4.5 million from the early years Change Fund to provide early learning and childcare provision for looked after two year olds. We will identify with the Early Years Task Force how best to drive forward further provision for all vulnerable two year olds.\r\nWith regard to affordability, most support for childcare costs are provided through the benefits system. The Scottish Government supports the principle of a welfare benefits system that is simpler, makes work pay and lifts people out of poverty. However, changes to benefits, tax and employment support systems must work in harmony to help those who are capable of pulling themselves out of poverty through work.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-01-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-01-30T16:18:02.403","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Aileen Campbell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":268917,"EventID":"S4W-05007","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":86,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-16T16:18:02.433","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-13T15:57:19.147","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what impact the reduction of the further education budget might have on child poverty levels.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what impact the reduction of the further education budget might have on child poverty levels.\r\n","AnswerText":"Child poverty reflects the complex interaction of many factors and it is not possible to identify the impacts of specific changes. The Equality Statement Scottish Spending Review 2011 and the Draft Budget 2012-13 available at http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2011/09/26110945/26 provides an overview of the impact of budget changes on those on low incomes.\r\nThe Scottish Budget in February 2011 boosted support to college students in the current academic year to a record £95.5 million, a real-terms increase of more than 9%.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-01-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-01-30T16:18:02.433","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":268918,"EventID":"S4W-05008","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":86,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-16T16:18:02.497","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-13T15:57:19.147","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what impact the reduction of the local government  budget might have on child poverty levels.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what impact the reduction of the local government  budget might have on child poverty levels.\r\n","AnswerText":"Child poverty reflects the complex interaction of many factors and it is not possible to identify the impacts of specific changes. The Equality Statement Scottish Spending Review 2011 and the Draft Budget 2012-13 available at http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2011/09/26110945/26 provides an overview of the impact of budget changes on those on low incomes.\r\nDespite UK funding cuts, local government’s share of the 2011-12 Scottish Budget was preserved at 2010-11 levels following year on year increases in local government’s share of the overall Scottish Budget since 2007-08. For 2012-15 local government’s revenue funding will be maintained and their share will still be higher in 2014-15 than it was in 2007-08.\r\nIn addition, the Council Tax freeze, introduced by the Scottish Government in 2008-09, has helped ease financial pressure on all families in Scotland in tough times. As a proportion of net household income, households in lower deciles are estimated to have seen the greatest benefit.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-01-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-01-30T16:18:02.497","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":268919,"EventID":"S4W-05009","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":86,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-16T16:18:02.527","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-13T15:57:19.147","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what impact the reduction to the Warm Homes Fund might have on child poverty levels.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what impact the reduction to the Warm Homes Fund might have on child poverty levels.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-03883 on 22 November 2011 by John Swinney. This confirms that the Warm Homes Fund is a new fund, commencing in 2012-13 and has increased funding year-on-year over the spending review period. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-01-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-01-30T16:18:02.543","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":268920,"EventID":"S4W-05010","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":86,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-16T16:18:02.573","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-13T15:57:19.147","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what impact the reduction in education maintenance allowances might have on child poverty levels.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what impact the reduction in education maintenance allowances might have on child poverty levels.\r\n","AnswerText":"Child poverty reflects the complex interaction of many factors and it is not possible to identify the impacts of specific changes. The Equality Statement Scottish Spending Review 2011 and the Draft Budget 2012-13 available at http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2011/09/26110945/26 provides an overview of the impact of budget changes on those on low incomes.\r\nThe draft budget continues to support Education Maintenance Allowances (EMA) funding at current levels and there are no plans to make changes to the current EMA scheme. Previous changes to the EMA scheme refocused support towards students from the lowest income households, protecting our most vulnerable young people.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-01-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-01-30T16:18:02.573","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":268921,"EventID":"S4W-05011","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":86,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-16T16:18:02.62","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-13T15:57:19.147","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what impact the reduction in the housing and regeneration budget might have on child poverty levels.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what impact the reduction in the housing and regeneration budget might have on child poverty levels.","AnswerText":"Child poverty reflects the complex interaction of many factors and it is not possible to identify the impacts of specific changes. The Equality Statement Scottish Spending Review 2011 and the Draft Budget 2012-13 available at http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2011/09/26110945/26 provides an overview of the impact of budget changes on those on low incomes.\r\nimpact of budget changes on those on low incomes.\r\nThe housing and regeneration spending review settlement keeps us on track to deliver the manifesto commitment to 30,000 affordable houses over the life of the parliament. We have increased funding for fuel poverty programmes to £65 million in 2012-13 and in 2013-14, rising to £66.25 million in 2014-15 representing a 35% increase on the original spend in 2011-12. In addition, £18 million will be spent in the next financial year on energy efficiency advice and the Warm Homes Fund will receive £30 million of funding over the Spending Review period.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-01-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-01-30T16:18:02.637","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":268922,"EventID":"S4W-05012","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":86,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-16T16:18:02.667","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-13T15:57:19.147","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what impact the reduction in teacher numbers might have on child poverty levels.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what impact the reduction in teacher numbers might have on child poverty levels.\r\n","AnswerText":"Child poverty reflects the complex interaction of many factors and it is not possible to identify the impacts of specific changes. The Equality Statement Scottish Spending Review 2011 and the Draft Budget 2012-13 provides an overview of the impact of budget changes on those on low incomes.\r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2011/09/26110945/26.\r\nOur spending review plans make clear our commitment to provide the necessary funding to maintain pupil teacher ratios.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-01-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-01-30T16:18:02.667","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":268923,"EventID":"S4W-05013","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":86,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-16T16:18:02.713","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-13T15:57:19.147","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what impact the real-terms reduction in the health budget might have on child poverty levels.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what impact the real-terms reduction in the health budget might have on child poverty levels.\r\n","AnswerText":"All NHS boards providing direct patient care services have received real term annual increases in funding of 2.9% in 2012-13, 3.3% in 2013-14 and 3.1% in 2014-15, a total of £720 million, reflecting our commitment to direct resources to protect point of care healthcare services.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-01-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-01-30T16:18:02.713","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":268924,"EventID":"S4W-05014","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":86,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-16T16:18:02.76","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-13T15:57:19.147","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what impact the reduction in the number of NHS frontline staff might have on child poverty levels.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what impact the reduction in the number of NHS frontline staff might have on child poverty levels.","AnswerText":"Child poverty reflects the complex interaction of many factors and it is not possible to identify the impacts of specific changes. The Equality Statement Scottish Spending Review 2011 and the Draft Budget 2012-13 provides an overview of the impact of budget changes on those on low incomes.\r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2011/09/26110945/26.\r\nThe Cabinet Secretary for Health, Wellbeing and Cities Strategy has given her assurance to patients that quality will always come first. Changes will happen only if boards can demonstrate - in partnership with staff - that they flow from service redesigns that do not compromise quality.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-01-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-01-30T16:18:02.76","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":268925,"EventID":"S4W-05015","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":86,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-16T16:18:02.793","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-13T15:57:19.147","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it expects to deliver its commitment that all unintentionally homeless people will have the right to settled accommodation by 2012.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it expects to deliver its commitment that all unintentionally homeless people will have the right to settled accommodation by 2012.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government and its partners remain committed and are on course to achieve the 2012 homelessness commitment. Current statistics show that 88% of applications are being accorded priority need by local authorities, representing steady progress towards the target. The next statistical bulletin is due to be published on 14 February 2012.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-01-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-01-30T16:18:02.793","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":268926,"EventID":"S4W-05016","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":86,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-16T16:18:02.887","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-13T15:57:19.147","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what impact the public sector pay freeze might have on child poverty levels.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what impact the public sector pay freeze might have on child poverty levels.\r\n","AnswerText":"Child poverty reflects the complex interaction of many factors and it is not possible to identify the impacts of specific changes. The Equality Statement Scottish Spending Review 2011 and the Draft Budget 2012-13 provides an overview of the impact of budget changes on those on low incomes.\r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2011/09/26110945/26.\r\nThe public sector pay policy protects family incomes for the lowest paid by increasing the Living Wage to £7.20 per hour and setting a minimum increase of £250 a year for those paid less than £21,000.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-01-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-01-30T16:18:02.887","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":268927,"EventID":"S4W-05017","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":86,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-16T16:18:02.933","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-13T15:57:19.147","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what impact the increase in 2011 in average P1, 2 and 3 class sizes might have on child poverty levels.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what impact the increase in 2011 in average P1, 2 and 3 class sizes might have on child poverty levels.\r\n","AnswerText":"Child poverty reflects the complex interaction of many factors and it is not possible to identify the impacts of specific changes. The Equality Statement Scottish Spending Review 2011 and the Draft Budget 2012-13 available at http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2011/09/26110945/26 provides an overview of the impact of budget changes on those on low incomes.\r\nThe National Statistics published on 7 December 2011 show:\r\nThe average P1 class size is down from 21.1 in 2010 to 20.5 in 2011  -  a new record low.\r\nThe number of P1 pupils in classes of over 25 is down from 6,896 in 2010 to 638 in 2011  -  a decrease of 90%.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-01-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-01-30T16:18:02.95","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":268928,"EventID":"S4W-05018","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-16T16:18:02.997","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-13T16:10:42.59","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what schools were included in Aberdeenshire Council’s submission to the Scottish Futures Trust for funding under the Scotland's Schools for the Future programme.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what schools were included in Aberdeenshire Council’s submission to the Scottish Futures Trust for funding under the Scotland's Schools for the Future programme.","AnswerText":"In their submission to the first phase of the Scotland’s Schools for the Future building programme, Aberdeenshire Council requested funding from the Scottish Government for the replacement of Mearns and Ellon Academies.\r\nWith regard to the next phase of the programme, a short term working group, comprising representatives from the Scottish Government, the Association of Directors of Education in Scotland and the SFT, has been set up to consider the way forward with regard to criteria and any bidding process. We expect to be able to provide more information with regard to the considerations of the group shortly. Aberdeenshire Council will, of course, be invited to make a bid when it is appropriate to do so.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-01-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-01-30T16:18:02.997","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":268929,"EventID":"S4W-05019","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-16T16:18:03.043","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-13T16:10:42.59","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive which Aberdeenshire schools the Scottish Futures Trust has approved for funding under the Scotland's Schools for the Future programme.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive which Aberdeenshire schools the Scottish Futures Trust has approved for funding under the Scotland's Schools for the Future programme.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has approved funding under the Scotland’s Schools for the Future building programme for the replacement of Ellon Academy and Mearns Academy.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-01-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-01-30T16:18:03.057","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":268930,"EventID":"S4W-05020","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-16T16:18:03.103","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-13T16:10:42.59","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much funding has been allocated to each Aberdeenshire school receiving funding under the Scotland's Schools for the Future programme.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much funding has been allocated to each Aberdeenshire school receiving funding under the Scotland's Schools for the Future programme.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government will provide of up to £19.76 million of funding for the replacement of Ellon Academy and up to £9.73 million for the replacement of Mearns Academy under the Scotland’s Schools for the Future building programme. However, the final level of funding for both projects will be adjusted to take account of any movements in inflation between 1 April 2011 and tender return date, using the BCIS All-in Tender Price Index.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-01-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-01-30T16:18:03.103","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":268931,"EventID":"S4W-05021","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1759,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-16T16:18:03.167","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-13T16:34:15.563","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people in each local authority area are in receipt of kinship carer allowance.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people in each local authority area are in receipt of kinship carer allowance.\r\n","AnswerText":"Data on the number of kinship carers in receipt of kinship carer allowance is not held centrally.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-01-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-01-30T16:18:03.183","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Aileen Campbell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":268932,"EventID":"S4W-05023","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1759,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-16T16:18:03.213","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-13T16:34:15.563","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress is being made toward meeting the commitment in its concordat with COSLA to ensure that kinship carers receive an allowance equivalent to that received by fo","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress is being made toward meeting the commitment in its concordat with COSLA to ensure that kinship carers receive an allowance equivalent to that received by foster carers.\r\n","AnswerText":"The level of kinship care payments are the responsibility of local authorities, who are best placed to determine local need. The Scottish Government recognises progress so far on delivering kinship care payments and we are committed to working with local authorities to ensure that kinship carers receive the support they need. However, many carers have their benefits reduced as a result of receiving these payments. Therefore, the UK Government needs to play its part to ensure carers receive their allowances in full.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-01-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-01-30T16:18:03.23","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Aileen Campbell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":268933,"EventID":"S4W-05024","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1759,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-16T16:18:03.277","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-13T16:34:15.563","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what guidance it has made available to local authorities in relation to setting (a) kinship and (b) foster carer allowance.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what guidance it has made available to local authorities in relation to setting (a) kinship and (b) foster carer allowance.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Looked After Children (Scotland) Regulations 2009 provide the legislative framework for the planning and care of children who have been identified as needing to be looked after. Regulation 33 makes provision for the payment of allowances but does not determine how much and to whom an allowance shall be paid.\r\nWe supported the introduction of these regulations by publishing comprehensive guidance and delivering training with our partners in every local authority.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-01-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-01-30T16:18:03.277","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Aileen Campbell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":268934,"EventID":"S4W-05025","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1759,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-16T16:18:03.323","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-13T16:34:15.563","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to review any guidance that it has made available to local authorities in relation to setting (a) kinship and (b) foster carer allowance.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to review any guidance that it has made available to local authorities in relation to setting (a) kinship and (b) foster carer allowance.\r\n","AnswerText":"There are no current plans to review the guidance that is made available to local authorities in relation to setting a kinship and foster care allowance.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-01-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-01-30T16:18:03.34","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Aileen Campbell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":268935,"EventID":"S4W-05027","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2066,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-16T16:18:03.37","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-13T16:49:44.917","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with the European Commission regarding the public service obligation contract with Argyll Ferries Limited since 1 July 2011.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with the European Commission regarding the public service obligation contract with Argyll Ferries Limited since 1 July 2011.\r\n","AnswerText":"The public service contract with Argyll Ferries Ltd was awarded by the Scottish Government in line with the requirements of EU maritime cabotage and State Aid rules and the parameters set by the Commission’s Decision on subsidies paid for the provision of ferry services in Scotland. There has therefore been no need for further contact with the Commission other than to inform them of the outcome of the tendering exercise, which was done following the award of the contract to Argyll Ferries Ltd on 7 June 2011.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-01-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-01-30T16:18:03.387","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":268936,"EventID":"S4W-05028","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5080,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-16T16:18:03.417","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-16T13:13:52.373","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it expects to progress community-based facilities in NHS Lanarkshire that are being explored under the hub initiative.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it expects to progress community-based facilities in NHS Lanarkshire that are being explored under the hub initiative.\r\n","AnswerText":"It is expected that the South West hubco which will support the NHS Lanarkshire area will be formed in October 2012. NHS Lanarkshire however, do have proposals for three projects which they wish to be advanced under the hub arrangements and are currently developing their proposals which will be submitted as a programme Initial Agreement to the Scottish Government Capital Investment Group for their March 2012 meeting. The projects were identified as being part of Tranche 2 of NHS Lanarkshire’s Picture of Health when the board set out its Capital Programme in March 2008. A project board has been established to provide governance and leadership for the delivery of these projects which are:\r\nEast Kilbride Community Health Centre \r\nKilsyth Community Health Centre \r\nWishaw Community Health Centre.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-01-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-01-30T16:18:03.433","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":268937,"EventID":"S4W-05029","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5080,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-16T16:18:03.48","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-16T13:13:52.373","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with the Scottish Futures Trust regarding the hub initiative since 2007.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with the Scottish Futures Trust regarding the hub initiative since 2007.\r\n","AnswerText":"Scottish ministers and Scottish Government officials meet regularly with the Scottish Futures Trust to discuss a wide range of issues, including the hub initiative. Scottish ministers approved Scottish Futures Trust’s five year corporate plan for 2009 to 2014, which set out its mission, objectives and core activity, including delivering hub, and Scottish Government officials sit on the National Programme Board for hub.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-01-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-01-30T16:18:03.48","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":268938,"EventID":"S4W-05030","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5080,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-16T16:18:03.51","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-16T13:13:52.373","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of the (a) resource and (b) total departmental expenditure limit (DEL) will be allocated toward revenue-financed investment charges in each year of the sp","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of the (a) resource and (b) total departmental expenditure limit (DEL) will be allocated toward revenue-financed investment charges in each year of the spending review period.\r\n","AnswerText":"Projected revenue-financed investment charges for the spending review period as a percentage of the resource departmental expenditure limit (DEL) and the total DEL are provided in the following table. The charges relate to the Scottish Government share of unitary charges for inherited private finance initiative (PFI) projects, the Regulatory Asset Base (RAB) charges to be paid to Network Rail for rail investments, and the unitary charges for non-profit distributing projects. The projected levels of DEL are those published in the Scottish Spending Review 2011.\r\n\r\n2012-13\r\n2013-14\r\n2014-15\r\nRevenue-Financed investment Charges as a % of Resource DEL\r\n3.4%\r\n3.5%\r\n3.9%\r\nRevenue-Financed investment Charges as a % of Total DEL\r\n3.1%\r\n3.3%\r\n3.6%\r\nThe total is likely to be an overestimate of the charges related directly to investment, as some of the PFI payments will include costs related to ongoing maintenance. At present it is not possible to separate the different elements of the unitary charges.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-01-30T16:18:03.527","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":268941,"EventID":"S4W-05026","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2066,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-16T16:42:46.527","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-13T16:49:44.917","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to reintroduce new passenger and vehicle vessels under the public service obligation contract with Argyll Ferries Limited.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to reintroduce new passenger and vehicle vessels under the public service obligation contract with Argyll Ferries Limited.\r\n","AnswerText":"A public service contract for the delivery of ferry services between the town centres of Gourock and Dunoon was awarded by the Scottish Government to Argyll Ferries Ltd, with the new service coming into operation on 30 June 2011. The contract was tendered in line with the Decision of the European Commission (Decision (2009) 8117) following its in-depth State Aid investigation of subsidies paid for the provision of ferry services in Scotland. The Decision included the stipulation that subsidy for the Gourock to Dunoon service should be for passengers only, with any vehicles carried at the commercial risk of the operator. Whilst we would have preferred a vehicle service to have continued, none of the bids proposed this.\r\nThe passenger ferry service provided by Argyll Ferries Ltd has improved significantly in recent months and an improvement plan was published on 22 January 2012. We will continue to monitor performance and work with the operator and other interested parties to ensure that the passenger ferry service is the best it can be.\r\nThe government therefore has no plans to introduce new passenger and vehicle vessels to the route.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-01-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-01-30T16:42:46.527","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":268942,"EventID":"S4W-05037","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2108,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":141,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-16T16:42:46.573","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-16T14:39:51","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive for what reason the indicator to reduce the number of Scottish public bodies by 25% by 2011 was removed from the National Performance Framework.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive for what reason the indicator to reduce the number of Scottish public bodies by 25% by 2011 was removed from the National Performance Framework.\r\n","AnswerText":"The number of devolved public bodies was reduced from a baseline of 199 in October 2007 to 144 by December 2011, and will reduce further to around 112 when the Children’s Hearings (Scotland) Act 2011 is fully implemented later this year.\r\nThe original commitment to a 25% reduction in the number of public bodies has therefore been delivered in full, which is why the refreshed National Performance Framework includes new indicators focusing on the quality and responsiveness of public services.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-01-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-01-30T16:42:46.573","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":268943,"EventID":"S4W-05038","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2108,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":141,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-16T16:42:46.683","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-16T14:39:51","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it met its target to reduce the number of Scottish public bodies by 25% by 2011.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it met its target to reduce the number of Scottish public bodies by 25% by 2011.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-05037 on 23 January 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-01-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-01-30T16:42:46.697","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":268944,"EventID":"S4W-05039","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":89,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-16T16:42:46.73","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-16T15:22:51","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the 2012-13 grant settlement for colleges will be published.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the 2012-13 grant settlement for colleges will be published.\r\n","AnswerText":"The funding of individual colleges is a matter for the Scottish Funding Council. I wrote to the Scottish Funding Council on 25 January 2012 asking it to advise colleges of their funding and student number targets for 2012-13.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-01-30T16:42:46.743","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":268945,"EventID":"S4W-05036","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2345,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":128,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-17T14:37:23.007","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-16T14:19:31.583","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many times police officers have raided domestic homes in error since 2007.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many times police officers have raided domestic homes in error since 2007.\r\n","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-01-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-01-31T14:37:23.053","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":268946,"EventID":"S4W-05040","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4016,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":133,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-17T14:37:23.16","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-16T20:36:10","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to change the maximum fees that local authorities can charge in connection with planning applications.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to change the maximum fees that local authorities can charge in connection with planning applications.","AnswerText":"We are currently reviewing the structure and scale of charges associated with the submission of planning applications. We will consult on our proposals.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-01-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-01-31T14:37:23.16","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Derek Mackay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":268947,"EventID":"S4W-05041","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4016,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":133,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-17T14:37:23.207","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-16T20:36:10","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is intended that the fees that local authorities collect in connection with planning applications should be sufficient to cover the costs of running that autho","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is intended that the fees that local authorities collect in connection with planning applications should be sufficient to cover the costs of running that authority’s planning department.","AnswerText":"No. I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-05040 on 31 January 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-01-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-01-31T14:37:23.207","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Derek Mackay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":268948,"EventID":"S4W-05042","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4080,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-17T14:37:23.253","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-17T10:26:07","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, in light of the findings of the investigatory group on waiting times in NHS Lothian, how it will ensure that NHS boards will not offer patients short-notice surgery appo","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, in light of the findings of the investigatory group on waiting times in NHS Lothian, how it will ensure that NHS boards will not offer patients short-notice surgery appointments in England.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government received an assurance from NHS boards that they do not send patients to England at short-notice. The current guidance makes clear that offers of treatment to patients should be fair and reasonable. However, the guidance was drawn up some years ago and the Scottish Government is currently refreshing it so that there is no possibility of misinterpretation.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-01-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-01-31T14:37:23.27","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":268949,"EventID":"S4W-05043","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-17T14:37:23.3","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-17T12:16:35.057","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the policy intention is in the NHS cancelling its agreement with the Copyright Licensing Agency, which allowed health professionals to reproduce copyrighted material","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the policy intention is in the NHS cancelling its agreement with the Copyright Licensing Agency, which allowed health professionals to reproduce copyrighted material.\r\n","AnswerText":"The introduction of NHS Education for Scotland’s Knowledge Network in 2010 provided NHS staff with access to a vast range of knowledge and learning resources available to NHSScotland from a single website. The Network brings together a range of articles, books and journals, guidelines, and more. Licence fees are paid direct to copyright owners to enable all NHSScotland staff to access journals and books electronically through the Knowledge Network. This electronic access has largely replaced the need for on-site photocopying of print materials. In the small proportion of cases where print copies are needed, NHSScotland staff can obtain copyright cleared copies from the British Library or via a permissions agent.\r\nBecause NES has developed the Knowledge Network and is actively and successfully promoting use of copyright licensed electronic resources through this route, we do not believe that a blanket copyright licence for print publications is the appropriate mechanism for NHSScotland.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-01-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-01-31T14:37:23.317","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":268950,"EventID":"S4W-05044","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-17T14:37:23.363","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-17T12:16:35.057","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what arrangements it has put in place to ensure that health professionals seeking to reproduce copyrighted material that is necessary to their work will be protected from","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what arrangements it has put in place to ensure that health professionals seeking to reproduce copyrighted material that is necessary to their work will be protected from liability.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government, working with NHSScotland, has comprehensive plans in place to ensure that health professionals have access to all relevant materials.\r\nNHSScotland staff have access to the Knowledge Network - a vast electronic database of articles, books, journals, guidelines, and other sources of information for healthcare staff. Significant licence fees are paid to copyright owners to enable NHSScotland staff to access journals, books and other reference materials through the Knowledge Network. NHSScotland staff can therefore access these resources in compliance with copyright law from a single website, wherever they are. The Knowledge Network has superseded much of the use of print copyrighted material, and its scope and use have increased considerably over the years. This has greatly decreased the need to photocopy documents in print form.\r\nIn the small proportion of cases where NHSScotland staff require a resource not on The knowledge Network, NHSScotland has put a system in place whereby they may request “copyright cleared” copies of materials from the British Library. In the rare situations where the British Library route will not produce a copy in sufficient time, NHSScotland has secured the services of a permissions agent to obtain copyright permission direct from the copyright holder. The Scottish Government has made funding available to NHSScotland for both these purposes.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-01-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-01-31T14:37:23.363","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":268951,"EventID":"S4W-05045","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":131,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-17T14:37:23.41","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-17T12:18:53.727","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the mechanism of appeal is against a decision by the Keeper of the Registers of Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the mechanism of appeal is against a decision by the Keeper of the Registers of Scotland.","AnswerText":"The Keeper of the Registers of Scotland is responsible for 16 public registers, the largest of which are the two Scottish property registers (the Land Register of Scotland and the General Register of Sasines). The mechanism of appeal differs according to the register in question.\r\nIn respect of the Land Register of Scotland, section 25 of the Land Registration (Scotland) Act 1979 provides (subject to limited exceptions) for appeal to the Lands Tribunal for Scotland “on any question of fact or law arising from anything done or omitted to be done by the Keeper under [the 1979] Act”. A similar provision appears in the Land Registration etc. (Scotland) Bill introduced in the Scottish Parliament on 1 December 2011. In relation to the registration of agricultural holdings in the Register of Community Interests in Land, there is provision in section 25 of the Agricultural Holdings (Scotland) Act 2003 for appeal to the Scottish Land Court where the Keeper makes a decision in respect of a challenge by the owner to the registration of the interest of a tenant.\r\nIn addition to these appeal procedures, a decision made by the Keeper in relation to the operation of any of the registers under her control may be challenged in the courts.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-01-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-01-31T14:37:23.427","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":268952,"EventID":"S4W-05046","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5057,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-17T14:37:23.473","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-17T12:20:08.033","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service has copies of all statements, productions and papers relative to the Chhokar inquiry.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service has copies of all statements, productions and papers relative to the Chhokar inquiry.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-01-31T14:37:23.49","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":268962,"EventID":"S4W-05047","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3758,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":76,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-17T17:09:26.85","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-17T14:44:12","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what statutory obligations there are on registered social landlords to meet registered organisations that represent their tenants.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what statutory obligations there are on registered social landlords to meet registered organisations that represent their tenants.","AnswerText":"The Housing (Scotland) Act 2001 requires social landlords to have in place a tenant participation strategy that includes arrangements for landlords to consult their registered tenant organisations (RTOs) on a range of housing and related matters. The act does not specify how social landlords should consult their RTOs.\r\nIn September 2002 the Scottish Executive issued guidance for landlords on the preparation of tenant participation strategies. This guidance suggested a variety of methods for landlords to consult and engage with RTOs, including public meetings, conferences, seminars, tenants’ forums, and special taskforces of tenants and housing officers to review policy or management of services.\r\nLandlords should, in consultation with their RTOs, agree their consultation arrangements and publish these as part of the tenant participation strategy.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-01-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-01-31T17:09:26.943","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":268963,"EventID":"S4W-05048","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3758,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":76,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-17T17:09:27.053","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-17T14:44:12","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much the Scottish Ambulance Service has paid in business rates in each year since 1999, broken down by (a) NHS board area and (b) local authority area.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much the Scottish Ambulance Service has paid in business rates in each year since 1999, broken down by (a) NHS board area and (b) local authority area.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-01-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-01-31T17:09:27.07","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":268964,"EventID":"S4W-05049","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3758,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":76,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-17T17:09:27.1","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-17T14:44:12","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much each NHS board has paid in business rates in each year since 1999, broken down by (a) NHS board area and (b) local authority area.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much each NHS board has paid in business rates in each year since 1999, broken down by (a) NHS board area and (b) local authority area.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-01-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-01-31T17:09:27.117","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":268965,"EventID":"S4W-05050","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-17T17:09:27.147","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-17T15:29:45.793","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many part-time or retained firefighters are employed in each fire and rescue service and were employed in (a) 2010-11, (b) 2009-10, (c) 2008-09, (d) 2007-08 and (e) 2","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many part-time or retained firefighters are employed in each fire and rescue service and were employed in (a) 2010-11, (b) 2009-10, (c) 2008-09, (d) 2007-08 and (e) 2006-07.\r\n","AnswerText":"Headcount of Retained Duty System Officers as of 31 March:\r\nFRS\r\n2006-07\r\n2007-08\r\n2008-09\r\n2009-10\r\n2010-11\r\nCentral\r\n155\r\n156\r\n*\r\n155\r\n144\r\nDumfries and Galloway\r\n216\r\n220\r\n*\r\n225\r\n213\r\nFife\r\n104\r\n104\r\n*\r\n102\r\n111\r\nGrampian\r\n441\r\n439\r\n*\r\n437\r\n425\r\nHighlands and Islands\r\n1,065\r\n1,039\r\n*\r\n1,038\r\n1,035\r\nLothian and Borders\r\n305\r\n318\r\n*\r\n305\r\n279\r\nStrathclyde\r\n583\r\n592\r\n*\r\n585\r\n581\r\nTayside\r\n247\r\n245\r\n*\r\n216\r\n251\r\nScotland\r\n3,116\r\n3,113\r\n*\r\n3,063\r\n3,039\r\nNotes:\r\n2006-07, 2007-08 – data provided by HMFSI Annual Reports.\r\n2008-09 – data not centrally held.\r\n2009-10, 2010-11 – data provided by Scottish Government Fire and Rescue Services Statistics, 2009-10, 2010-11.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-01-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-01-31T17:09:27.163","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Roseanna Cunningham","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":268984,"EventID":"S4O-00599","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2159,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":88,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-18T14:18:33.01","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-11T15:24:39.253","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it has taken recently to tackle unemployment in Glasgow Provan.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it has taken recently to tackle unemployment in Glasgow Provan.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-01T14:18:33.057","MeetingDate":"2012-01-26T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":268985,"EventID":"S4O-00600","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1961,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-18T14:18:33.15","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-11T15:24:40.143","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it expects the 2011-12 financial outturn of NHS boards to demonstrate that they have operated within their budget allocation.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it expects the 2011-12 financial outturn of NHS boards to demonstrate that they have operated within their budget allocation.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-01T14:18:33.15","MeetingDate":"2012-01-26T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":268986,"EventID":"S4O-00601","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2029,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":145,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-18T14:18:33.213","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-11T15:24:40.19","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the Minister for Public Health will next meet the Insulin Pump Awareness Group Scotland to discuss the provision of insulin pumps.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the Minister for Public Health will next meet the Insulin Pump Awareness Group Scotland to discuss the provision of insulin pumps.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-01T14:18:33.213","MeetingDate":"2012-01-26T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":268987,"EventID":"S4O-00602","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1893,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-18T14:18:33.273","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-11T15:24:40.25","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many homes will be constructed under phase one of the National Housing Trust initiative.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many homes will be constructed under phase one of the National Housing Trust initiative.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-01T14:18:33.273","MeetingDate":"2012-01-26T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":268988,"EventID":"S4O-00603","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2610,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-18T14:18:33.337","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-11T15:24:40.297","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the next review of the Scottish Agricultural Wages Board will take place.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the next review of the Scottish Agricultural Wages Board will take place.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-01T14:18:33.353","MeetingDate":"2012-01-26T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":268989,"EventID":"S4O-00604","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":131,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-18T14:18:33.43","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-11T15:24:40.343","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representations it has made to the relevant authorities regarding the kidnap of former Dumfries resident Khalil Rasjed Dale in Pakistan on 5 January 2012.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representations it has made to the relevant authorities regarding the kidnap of former Dumfries resident Khalil Rasjed Dale in Pakistan on 5 January 2012.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-01T14:18:33.43","MeetingDate":"2012-01-26T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":268990,"EventID":"S4O-00605","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2633,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-18T14:18:33.51","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-11T15:24:40.377","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what recent discussions it has had with the Scottish Court Service in relation to plans to consult on the closure of courts.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what recent discussions it has had with the Scottish Court Service in relation to plans to consult on the closure of courts.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-01T14:18:33.51","MeetingDate":"2012-01-26T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":268991,"EventID":"S4O-00606","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2892,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-18T14:18:33.57","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-11T15:24:40.437","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to prevent land and property transactions being used for the purpose of laundering money and other criminal activities.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to prevent land and property transactions being used for the purpose of laundering money and other criminal activities.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-01T14:18:33.587","MeetingDate":"2012-01-26T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":268992,"EventID":"S4O-00607","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":4964,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-18T14:18:33.633","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-11T15:24:40.5","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to review the way in which section 75 developer contributions under the Town and Country Planning (Scotland) Act 1997 are used by local authorities.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to review the way in which section 75 developer contributions under the Town and Country Planning (Scotland) Act 1997 are used by local authorities.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-01T14:18:33.633","MeetingDate":"2012-01-26T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":268993,"EventID":"S4O-00608","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":3771,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-18T14:18:33.697","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-11T15:24:40.78","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it is taking forward strategic plans to improve the rail network in Glasgow.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it is taking forward strategic plans to improve the rail network in Glasgow.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-01T14:18:33.697","MeetingDate":"2012-01-26T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":268994,"EventID":"S4O-00609","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":1841,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":120,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-18T14:18:33.76","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-11T15:25:04.18","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it encourages co-operation and collaboration between universities.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it encourages co-operation and collaboration between universities.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-01T14:18:33.773","MeetingDate":"2012-01-26T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":268995,"EventID":"S4O-00610","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":2674,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":99,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-18T14:18:33.82","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-11T15:25:04.383","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its position is on the progress of Gaelic medium education in the Highlands. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its position is on the progress of Gaelic medium education in the Highlands. ","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-01T14:18:33.837","MeetingDate":"2012-01-26T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":268996,"EventID":"S4O-00611","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":5057,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-18T14:18:33.9","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-11T15:25:04.553","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assessment it has made of the impact on vulnerable groups, such as disabled students, of reductions to the further education budget.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assessment it has made of the impact on vulnerable groups, such as disabled students, of reductions to the further education budget.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-01T14:18:33.9","MeetingDate":"2012-01-26T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":268997,"EventID":"S4O-00612","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":2615,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":143,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-18T14:18:33.96","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-11T15:25:04.647","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress is being made in secondary schools to prepare young people for life, learning and work. \r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress is being made in secondary schools to prepare young people for life, learning and work. \r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-01T14:18:33.977","MeetingDate":"2012-01-26T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":268998,"EventID":"S4O-00613","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":2876,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-18T14:18:34.04","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-11T15:25:04.693","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many secondary schools were inspected in 2011. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many secondary schools were inspected in 2011. ","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-01T14:18:34.04","MeetingDate":"2012-01-26T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":268999,"EventID":"S4O-00614","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":4014,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-18T14:18:34.103","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-11T15:25:04.757","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had about the future of modern language teaching in primary and secondary schools. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had about the future of modern language teaching in primary and secondary schools. ","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-01T14:18:34.103","MeetingDate":"2012-01-26T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269000,"EventID":"S4O-00615","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":1860,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-18T14:18:34.163","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-11T15:25:04.93","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the increase in number of children entering Gaelic medium education has been since the Gaelic Action Plan was published.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the increase in number of children entering Gaelic medium education has been since the Gaelic Action Plan was published.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-01T14:18:34.18","MeetingDate":"2012-01-26T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269001,"EventID":"S4O-00616","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":2673,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":114,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-18T14:18:34.243","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-11T15:25:04.99","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it expects to publish the findings of the consultation on post-16 education reform.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it expects to publish the findings of the consultation on post-16 education reform.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-01T14:18:34.257","MeetingDate":"2012-01-26T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269002,"EventID":"S4O-00617","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-18T14:18:34.303","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-11T15:25:05.223","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assessment it has made of the consequences of the proposed reduction in the college student support budget. \r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assessment it has made of the consequences of the proposed reduction in the college student support budget. \r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-01T14:18:34.32","MeetingDate":"2012-01-26T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269003,"EventID":"S4O-00618","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":2033,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":132,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-18T14:18:34.367","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-11T15:25:05.413","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it will ensure that reductions in college budgets will not have a disproportionate impact on opportunities for people with learning disabilities.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it will ensure that reductions in college budgets will not have a disproportionate impact on opportunities for people with learning disabilities.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-01T14:18:34.367","MeetingDate":"2012-01-26T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269004,"EventID":"S4O-00619","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":3824,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-18T14:18:34.477","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-11T15:25:05.473","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many full-time teachers are in post and how this compares with 2007.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many full-time teachers are in post and how this compares with 2007.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-01T14:18:34.477","MeetingDate":"2012-01-26T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269005,"EventID":"S4O-00620","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":2134,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":82,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-18T14:18:34.71","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-11T15:25:05.85","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it last met representatives of NUS Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it last met representatives of NUS Scotland.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-01T14:18:34.71","MeetingDate":"2012-01-26T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269006,"EventID":"S4O-00621","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":5107,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":124,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-18T14:18:34.82","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-11T15:25:05.927","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to meet its commitment to keep college student numbers at current levels in 2012-13. \r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to meet its commitment to keep college student numbers at current levels in 2012-13. \r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-01T14:18:34.93","MeetingDate":"2012-01-26T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269007,"EventID":"S4O-00622","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-18T14:18:34.99","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-11T15:25:06.02","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it is supporting the delivery of new schools by Aberdeenshire Council. \r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it is supporting the delivery of new schools by Aberdeenshire Council. \r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-01T14:18:35.007","MeetingDate":"2012-01-26T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269008,"EventID":"S4O-00623","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":77,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-18T14:18:35.037","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-11T15:25:06.067","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether national guidelines are issued in relation to testing for dyslexia.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether national guidelines are issued in relation to testing for dyslexia.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-01T14:18:35.053","MeetingDate":"2012-01-26T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269009,"EventID":"S4O-00624","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-18T14:18:35.13","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-11T15:25:06.13","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what impact the 20% reduction in college budgets will have in terms of staffing, student numbers and the range of courses available.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what impact the 20% reduction in college budgets will have in terms of staffing, student numbers and the range of courses available.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-01T14:18:35.13","MeetingDate":"2012-01-26T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269010,"EventID":"S4O-00625","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":2059,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":91,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-18T14:18:35.21","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-11T15:25:06.333","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to find employment for probationary teachers.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to find employment for probationary teachers.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-01T14:18:35.223","MeetingDate":"2012-01-26T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269011,"EventID":"S4O-00626","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":5041,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-18T14:18:35.257","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-11T15:25:06.597","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the National Steering Group on Advocacy Support for Children and Young People last met and what issues were discussed.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the National Steering Group on Advocacy Support for Children and Young People last met and what issues were discussed.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-01T14:18:35.273","MeetingDate":"2012-01-26T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269012,"EventID":"S4O-00627","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":3743,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":123,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-18T14:18:35.303","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-11T15:25:06.723","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what it is doing to help young people into employment.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what it is doing to help young people into employment.\r\n","AnswerText":"This government is fully committed to supporting young people toward and into employment.\r\nAs announced as part of the Programme for Government, Opportunities for All will ensure that every 16 to 19-year-old in Scotland not in work, a modern apprenticeship or education will be offered a place in learning or training.\r\nAnd, on top of the £1.8 billion already invested in post-16 education and training, we are providing a further £30 million over the next three years specifically for youth employment.\r\nFurthermore, this government has appointed a dedicated Minister for Youth Employment, the first such appointment anywhere in the UK. My appointment brings a focus to efforts across government and beyond to support young people seeking work.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-01-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-01T14:18:35.32","MeetingDate":"2012-01-26T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Angela Constance","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269013,"EventID":"S4O-00628","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":5106,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":118,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-18T14:18:35.35","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-11T15:25:06.863","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what initiatives are in place to encourage children to read more. \r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what initiatives are in place to encourage children to read more. \r\n","AnswerText":"The launch of the Literacy Action Plan on 27 October 2010 heralded our commitment to raising standards of literacy for all, from the early years to adulthood.\r\nWe continue to work with our partners to support measures to develop our nation’s literacy and to encourage more reading, with a particular focus on the early and school years. This includes working with the Scottish Book Trust to deliver our Play Talk Read and Book Bug campaigns and we also provide funding to the Scottish Library and Information Council to increase the number of children and young people reading and using public libraries.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-01-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-01T14:18:35.367","MeetingDate":"2012-01-26T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Aileen Campbell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269014,"EventID":"S4W-05051","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-18T17:10:05.427","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-18T12:31:31","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it identifies and counts young people between 16 and 19 who have not entered employment, education or training on leaving school and have not presented at Jobcentre P","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it identifies and counts young people between 16 and 19 who have not entered employment, education or training on leaving school and have not presented at Jobcentre Plus.\r\n","AnswerText":"To enable us to deliver opportunities for all it is essential that Scottish Government and partners are able to identify and track all young people aged between 16 and 19 in Scotland.\r\nBy utilising and supplementing data supplied by local authorities, Skills Development Scotland is able to provide the Scottish Government with the number of 16 to 19-year-olds in Scotland and what activity they are known to be participating in.\r\nThis then allows us to identify and count the young people in Scotland who are not participating in employment, education or training, irrespective of their school leaving date.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-01T17:10:05.58","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angela Constance","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269015,"EventID":"S4W-05052","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-18T17:10:05.66","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-18T12:31:31","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to introduce a minimum waiting time guarantee for young people to go into an opportunities for all programme.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to introduce a minimum waiting time guarantee for young people to go into an opportunities for all programme.\r\n","AnswerText":"We will ensure that the support available through Opportunities for All is sufficiently flexible to take account of the needs of individuals.\r\nThose working with young people will be made aware of the full range of opportunities available in their local area in order to ensure that young people can access them as efficiently as possible.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-01T17:10:05.66","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angela Constance","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269016,"EventID":"S4W-05053","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-18T17:10:05.707","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-18T12:31:31","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to accredit all training offered through an opportunities for all programme.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to accredit all training offered through an opportunities for all programme.\r\n","AnswerText":"Provision delivered through Opportunities for All will be accredited where that is appropriate to the needs of the young person.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-01T17:10:05.707","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angela Constance","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269017,"EventID":"S4W-05054","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-18T17:10:05.753","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-18T15:39:29","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will publish the invitation list for the National Economic Forum meeting on 1 February 2012.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will publish the invitation list for the National Economic Forum meeting on 1 February 2012.\r\n","AnswerText":"Details of the organisations invited to the National Economic Forum on the 1 February are available on the National Economic Forum website.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-01-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-01T17:10:05.753","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269018,"EventID":"S4W-05055","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-18T17:10:05.8","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-18T15:39:29","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive who attended the National Economic Forum meeting on 1 February 2012.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive who attended the National Economic Forum meeting on 1 February 2012.\r\n","AnswerText":"The list of those organisations that attended the National Economic Forum on the 1 February 2012 will be published on the National Economic Forum website soon after the event.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-01-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-01T17:10:05.8","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269039,"EventID":"S4W-05056","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-19T13:51:57.187","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-18T15:41:05","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the block grant to the further education sector is for (a) 2012-13, (b) 2013-14 and (c) 2014-15.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the block grant to the further education sector is for (a) 2012-13, (b) 2013-14 and (c) 2014-15.\r\n","AnswerText":"The block grant to the further education sector for (a) 2012-13, (b) 2013-14 and (c) 2014-15 is shown in the following table. The figures for 2012-13 are subject to parliamentary approval and the figures for 2013-14 and 2014-15 are plans. The capital split between further education and higher education in each of the years has not yet been finalised. \r\n\r\n2012-13 (£ million)\r\n2013-14 (£ million)\r\n2014-15 (£ million)\r\nFE Programme\r\n506.9\r\n494.7\r\n470.7\r\nFE/HE Capital\r\n60.7\r\n45.9\r\n56.4\r\n\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-01-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-02T13:51:57.233","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269040,"EventID":"S4W-05057","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-19T13:51:57.28","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-18T15:41:05","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive for what reason there has been a delay in confirming with colleges their budget allocation for 2012-13.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive for what reason there has been a delay in confirming with colleges their budget allocation for 2012-13.\r\n","AnswerText":"There has been no delay. The timetable published in our consultation paper on college regionalisation indicated college funding allocations would be made available in March 2012, following parliamentary approval of the 2012-13 budget. This is what we will do.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-01-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-02T13:51:57.293","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269041,"EventID":"S4W-05058","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-19T13:51:57.343","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-18T15:41:05","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether changes are being made to the block grant being provided to the further education sector as proposed in the Scottish Spending Review 2011 and Draft Budget 2012-13","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether changes are being made to the block grant being provided to the further education sector as proposed in the Scottish Spending Review 2011 and Draft Budget 2012-13.\r\n","AnswerText":"Yes. For example, the £15 million college transformation fund that I announced on 7 December 2011 will be available to colleges in 2012-13 to support change in the sector and help fund the cost of regional mergers. As in previous years, there may also be in-year adjustments to amounts allocated.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-01-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-02T13:51:57.343","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269042,"EventID":"S4W-05059","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-19T13:51:57.39","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-18T15:41:05","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether discussions have taken place regarding changing the further education budget since the publication of the Scottish Spending Review 2011 and Draft Budget 2012-13.\r","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether discussions have taken place regarding changing the further education budget since the publication of the Scottish Spending Review 2011 and Draft Budget 2012-13.\r\n","AnswerText":"Yes. Discussions have taken place with a range of interested parties. For example, we have discussed the terms of the college transformation fund with Scotland’s colleges.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-01-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-02T13:51:57.39","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269043,"EventID":"S4W-05060","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-19T13:51:57.42","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-18T15:41:05","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what budget was proposed for each college when the Scottish Spending Review 2011 and Draft Budget 2012-13 was published.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what budget was proposed for each college when the Scottish Spending Review 2011 and Draft Budget 2012-13 was published.\r\n","AnswerText":"Matters relating to the funding of individual colleges fall within the responsibility of the Scottish Funding Council. I have asked its Chief Executive to write to the member.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-01-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-02T13:51:57.437","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269044,"EventID":"S4W-05061","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-19T13:51:57.467","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-18T15:41:05","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what budget is allocated for each college for (a) 2012-13, (b) 2013-14 and (c) 2014-15.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what budget is allocated for each college for (a) 2012-13, (b) 2013-14 and (c) 2014-15.","AnswerText":"Matters relating to the funding of individual colleges fall within the responsibility of the Scottish Funding Council. I have asked its Chief Executive to write to the member.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-01-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-02T13:51:57.467","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269045,"EventID":"S4W-05062","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-19T13:51:57.53","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-18T15:41:05","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what funding for student support in the further education sector was provided in (a) 2009-10 and (b) 2010-11, is provided in 2011-12 and is proposed for (i) 2012-13, (ii)","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what funding for student support in the further education sector was provided in (a) 2009-10 and (b) 2010-11, is provided in 2011-12 and is proposed for (i) 2012-13, (ii) 2013-14 and (iii) 2014-15.\r\n","AnswerText":"Matters relating to the funding of colleges fall within the responsibility of the Scottish Funding Council. \r\nFunding for student support in the further education sector is detailed in the following table.\r\nYear\r\nTotal Student Baseline £ Million\r\nAddition to Baseline\r\n£ Million\r\nTotal Student Support\r\n£ Million\r\n2009-10\r\n78.9\r\n\r\n78.9\r\n2010-11\r\n83.8\r\n5\r\n88.8 \r\n2011-12\r\n84.2 \r\n11.4*\r\n95.5 \r\n2012-13\r\n(planned by SFC)\r\n84.2\r\n\r\n84.2 \r\n2013-14\r\nLevel not yet set by SFC\r\n\r\nLevel not yet set by SFC\r\n2014-15\r\nLevel not yet set by SFC\r\n\r\nLevel not yet set by SFC\r\nNote: *£10 million to fund extra student support plus an additional £1.4 million, representing the “student support” element of an extra one-off £8 million to fund additional student places and related costs\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-02T13:51:57.543","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269046,"EventID":"S4W-05063","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-19T13:51:57.607","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-18T15:41:05","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much funding for student support was provided to each further education college in (a) 2009-10 and (b) 2010-11, is provided in 2011-12 and is proposed for (i) 2012-13","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much funding for student support was provided to each further education college in (a) 2009-10 and (b) 2010-11, is provided in 2011-12 and is proposed for (i) 2012-13, (ii) 2013-14 and (iii) 2014-15.\r\n","AnswerText":"Matters relating to the funding of individual colleges fall within the responsibility of the Scottish Funding Council. I have asked its Chief Executive to write to the member.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-01-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-02T13:51:57.607","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269047,"EventID":"S4W-05064","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-19T13:51:57.717","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-18T15:41:05","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what criteria will be used to determine which colleges will receive a budget reduction other than 8.5% in 2012-13.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what criteria will be used to determine which colleges will receive a budget reduction other than 8.5% in 2012-13.","AnswerText":"Matters relating to the funding of individual colleges fall within the responsibility of the Scottish Funding Council. I have asked its Chief Executive to write to the member.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-01-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-02T13:51:57.733","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269048,"EventID":"S4W-05065","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-19T13:51:57.857","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-18T15:41:05","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what recent discussions it has had with the Scottish Funding Council to ensure that baseline student numbers at further education colleges are maintained in (a) 2012-13, ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what recent discussions it has had with the Scottish Funding Council to ensure that baseline student numbers at further education colleges are maintained in (a) 2012-13, (b) 2013-14 and (c) 2014-15.","AnswerText":"My officials are routinely involved in discussions with the Scottish Funding Council on matters relating to further education, including on maintaining the baseline of student numbers at colleges.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-01-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-02T13:51:57.887","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269049,"EventID":"S4W-05066","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-19T13:51:57.92","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-18T15:41:05","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has published detailed plans of how baseline student numbers will be maintained at 96% for (a) 2012-13, (b) 2013-14 and (c) 2014-15.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has published detailed plans of how baseline student numbers will be maintained at 96% for (a) 2012-13, (b) 2013-14 and (c) 2014-15.\r\n","AnswerText":"I wrote to all college principals on 11 January, providing them with high level planning assumptions for maintaining student numbers in 2012-13. I also wrote to the Scottish Funding Council on 25 January providing additional strategic guidance, which asked them now to make funding allocations for individual colleges in 2012-13.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-01-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-02T13:51:57.933","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269050,"EventID":"S4W-05067","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-19T13:51:57.98","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-18T15:41:05","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what funding is available to ensure that the further education sector can accommodate a 96% student number target for 2012-13 and what targets for student numbers have be","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what funding is available to ensure that the further education sector can accommodate a 96% student number target for 2012-13 and what targets for student numbers have been set for (a) 2013-14 and (b) 2014-15.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-05066 on 30 January 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-01-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-02T13:51:57.98","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269051,"EventID":"S4W-05068","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-19T13:51:58.027","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-18T15:41:05","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive where the pilot scheme to promote a greater synergy between Skills Development Scotland and colleges will take place; when it will begin, and what areas of college educat","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive where the pilot scheme to promote a greater synergy between Skills Development Scotland and colleges will take place; when it will begin, and what areas of college education it will cover.","AnswerText":"I have made clear I will bring forward details of the pilot scheme in due course.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-01-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-02T13:51:58.027","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269052,"EventID":"S4W-05069","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-19T13:51:58.073","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-18T15:41:05","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what meetings have taken place in relation to the pilot scheme to promote a greater synergy between Skills Development Scotland and colleges; what partners are involved, ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what meetings have taken place in relation to the pilot scheme to promote a greater synergy between Skills Development Scotland and colleges; what partners are involved, and what (a) analysis, (b) reports and (c) strategy papers have been produced.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-05068 on 30 January 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-01-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-02T13:51:58.073","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269053,"EventID":"S4W-05070","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4080,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-19T13:51:58.123","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-18T16:20:25.973","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many vocational training places are available in 2011-12 as part of the Forth Replacement Crossing construction project.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many vocational training places are available in 2011-12 as part of the Forth Replacement Crossing construction project.\r\n","AnswerText":"This information is not currently available. However, the main contractors propose to offer an average of 50 vocational training places per annum. This is double the minimum requirement as set out as part of the procurement process.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-02T13:51:58.137","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angela Constance","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269054,"EventID":"S4W-05071","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4080,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-19T13:51:58.17","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-18T16:20:25.973","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what employment opportunities are available to locally resident long-term unemployed people as a result of the Forth Replacement Crossing construction project.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what employment opportunities are available to locally resident long-term unemployed people as a result of the Forth Replacement Crossing construction project.","AnswerText":"The Principal Contract for the Forth Replacement Crossing includes a requirement for the Contractor to provide an average of 46 positions for the long-term unemployed each year and for all positions to be advertised in local job centres.\r\nSimilarly, for the M9 Junction 1a Contract an average of five positions each year must be provided.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-01-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-02T13:51:58.183","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269055,"EventID":"S4W-05072","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4080,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-19T13:51:58.23","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-18T16:20:25.973","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many school leavers are employed as a result of the Forth Replacement Crossing construction project.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many school leavers are employed as a result of the Forth Replacement Crossing construction project.","AnswerText":"We do not hold the information requested.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-01-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-02T13:51:58.23","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angela Constance","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269056,"EventID":"S4W-05073","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4080,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-19T13:51:58.293","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-18T16:20:25.973","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with the Forth Crossing Bridge Constructors regarding maximising modern apprenticeship opportunities.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with the Forth Crossing Bridge Constructors regarding maximising modern apprenticeship opportunities.\r\n","AnswerText":"As part of the procurement process for the Forth Replacement Crossing Scottish Government set out a minimum requirement of 25 vocational training places, including modern apprenticeships, per annum. The successful main contractors propose to offer an average of 50 places per annum.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-02T13:51:58.293","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angela Constance","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269057,"EventID":"S4W-05074","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4080,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-19T13:51:58.323","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-18T16:20:25.973","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many modern apprenticeships have been offered in 2011-12 by the Forth Crossing Bridge Constructors.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many modern apprenticeships have been offered in 2011-12 by the Forth Crossing Bridge Constructors.\r\n","AnswerText":"This performance information is not yet available for 2011-12.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-02T13:51:58.34","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angela Constance","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269058,"EventID":"S4W-05075","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5057,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-19T13:51:58.37","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-18T17:50:15.933","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S4W-04879 by Stewart Stevenson on 18 January 2012, on what date the application for each of the 461 projects was received.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S4W-04879 by Stewart Stevenson on 18 January 2012, on what date the application for each of the 461 projects was received.","AnswerText":"Further to the answer provided to question S4W-04879, a table listing all 461 individual projects in receipt of an award from the Climate Challenge Fund since its launch in 2008 has been produced. This provides details of the project name, the date the project submitted an Expression of Interest to apply to the fund, and the date their final application was submitted for consideration by the Independent Grants Panel. Copies of this table are available from the Scottish Parliament Information Centre (Bib. number 53620).\r\nOn providing the information above, some of the dates provided for the answer to S4W-04879 were found to be inaccurate. This has been amended with an updated copy of the table provided to the Scottish Parliament Information Centre (Bib. number 53591).\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-01-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-02T13:51:58.37","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269059,"EventID":"S4W-05093","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2134,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":82,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-19T13:51:58.433","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-18T18:22:15","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive for what reason no NHS board has published an equal pay review similar to NHS24's previous analysis of the pay differentials between (a) disabled and non-disabled staff, ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive for what reason no NHS board has published an equal pay review similar to NHS24's previous analysis of the pay differentials between (a) disabled and non-disabled staff, (b) staff in different age bands and (c) black and minority ethnic (BME) and other staff.","AnswerText":"As I have set out in previous answers, it is for NHS boards as employers to decide when they can publish an equal pay review based on the information available to them. With the exception of NHS 24, NHS boards are awaiting the final element of the Agenda for Change pay system involving remuneration of on-call commitments being put in place, and will then progress the equal pay review process.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-01-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-02T13:51:58.433","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269060,"EventID":"S4W-05095","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-19T13:51:58.48","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-19T08:32:11","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consideration it has given to the (a) administration and (b) policing arrangements for the proposed referendum on independence and whether it has discussed this with","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consideration it has given to the (a) administration and (b) policing arrangements for the proposed referendum on independence and whether it has discussed this with the UK Government.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government’s proposals for the referendum were published in the consultation document Your Scotland, Your Referendum on 25 January. The UK Government has accepted our invitation to discuss the referendum and the meetings are being arranged.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-01-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-02T13:51:58.48","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Bruce Crawford","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269061,"EventID":"S4W-05085","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1860,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-19T17:13:46.7","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-18T17:03:32","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether details will be published of the 300 projects allocated funding under the Community and Renewable Energy Scheme.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether details will be published of the 300 projects allocated funding under the Community and Renewable Energy Scheme.\r\n","AnswerText":"Details of projects funded under the Community and Renewable Energy Scheme will be published on the Community Energy Scotland website in the near future.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-01-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-02T17:13:46.73","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269062,"EventID":"S4W-05086","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1860,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-19T17:13:46.793","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-18T17:03:32","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much funding has been allocated to each of the 300 projects funded under the Community and Renewable Energy Scheme.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much funding has been allocated to each of the 300 projects funded under the Community and Renewable Energy Scheme.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-05085 on 31 January 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-01-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-02T17:13:46.81","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269063,"EventID":"S4W-05087","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1860,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-19T17:13:46.84","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-18T17:03:32","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much funding has been allocated to developing local community energy schemes on Forestry Commission land in each year since 2007.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much funding has been allocated to developing local community energy schemes on Forestry Commission land in each year since 2007.\r\n","AnswerText":"The following table lists Community and Renewable Energy Scheme (CARES) funding to communities on the national forest estate. The CARES funding was a grant unless stated as a loan.\r\nProject\r\nAmount of Funding since 2007\r\nCallander Development Trust\r\n£9,733\r\nColintraive and Glendaruel Development Trust\r\n£8,812\r\nGleneig and Arnisdale Community Trust\r\n£15,000\r\nKilfinan\r\n£8,340 + £146,000 Cares Loan\r\nLochgoilhead\r\n£2,143\r\nMull and Iona Community Trust\r\n£2,143\r\nMull and Iona Community Trust\r\n£42,786 + Cares Loan £37,940\r\nNorth West Mull Community Woodland Company\r\n£26,089\r\nRumster\r\n£99,777\r\nTarbert and Skipness\r\n£21,553\r\nSunart Community\r\n£18,000\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-01-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-02T17:13:46.84","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269064,"EventID":"S4W-05088","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1860,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-19T17:13:46.887","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-18T17:03:32","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the estimated annual payment to local communities on Forestry Commission land will be from the Forestry Commission Scotland renewables contracts.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the estimated annual payment to local communities on Forestry Commission land will be from the Forestry Commission Scotland renewables contracts.","AnswerText":"Forestry Commission Scotland (FCS) has negotiated a community benefit payment of £5,000 per megawatt installed per year (index linked). This rate applies to developments that will take place under the partnership arrangements that have been agreed with developers since 2009. Any community benefits under earlier “legacy” cases will be significantly lower.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-01-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-02T17:13:46.887","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269065,"EventID":"S4W-05089","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1860,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-19T17:13:46.95","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-18T17:03:32","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much has been invested by local communities on Forestry Commission land in Forestry Commission Scotland renewables contracts.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much has been invested by local communities on Forestry Commission land in Forestry Commission Scotland renewables contracts.","AnswerText":"At present there have been no investments by local communities in renewable projects on Forestry Commission land. However, in addition to current negotiations with communities about potential projects, the Forestry Commission Scotland website has details of opportunities for communities. These include the possibility of community developments on Forestry Commission land and the option of participating in joint ventures with Forestry Commission Scotland development partners.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-01-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-02T17:13:46.967","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269066,"EventID":"S4W-05091","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1860,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-19T17:13:46.997","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-18T17:03:32","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of income generated by Forestry Commission Scotland renewables contracts will be given directly to local communities.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of income generated by Forestry Commission Scotland renewables contracts will be given directly to local communities.\r\n","AnswerText":"It is estimated that the community benefit payment of £5,000 per megawatt installed per year (index linked) equates to about 20% of the rent that will be paid by developers to Forestry Commission Scotland under the partnership arrangements agreed with developers since 2009. (However, the rent is calculated as a proportion of gross revenue and is therefore subject to change).\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-01-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-02T17:13:46.997","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269067,"EventID":"S4W-05092","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1860,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-19T17:13:47.043","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-18T17:03:32","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive which renewables developers have entered into (a) rental agreements or (b) joint ventures with Forestry Commission Scotland.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive which renewables developers have entered into (a) rental agreements or (b) joint ventures with Forestry Commission Scotland.\r\n","AnswerText":"To date, Forestry Commission Scotland has entered into lease rental agreements for wind power with EoN Climate and Renewables UK, National Engineering Laboratory, \r\nRWE Npower Renewables, Scottish Power Renewables and Scottish and Southern Renewables. Additionally, lease rental agreements for hydro power have been arranged with Conaglen Estate, Dulas Hydro Generation, Inverleiver Hydro, Infinis, Triodos Renewables, Wyvis Plant & Power, RWE Npower Renewables, Mr Peter Brown, Mr Tony Dalton and Mr Roy Foster.\r\nForestry Commission Scotland has not entered into any Joint Venture arrangements as yet. However, Forestry Commission Scotland will have the option of entering into joint ventures with Partnership for Renewables, Scottish Power Renewables, PNE Wind UK, E.ON Climate & Renewables and Fred Olsen Renewables (for wind power) and with Green Highland Renewables and a consortium of Broadland Properties and Gilbert Gilkes & Gordon (for hydro power).\r\nIn addition, Forestry Commission Scotland has a number of agreements relating to access across the national forest estate that is required to service renewable developments on neighbouring land.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-01-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-02T17:13:47.043","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269068,"EventID":"S4W-05096","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-19T17:13:47.09","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-19T13:39:10.83","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much has been written off by each public sector organisation as a result of failed IT contracts in each of the last five years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much has been written off by each public sector organisation as a result of failed IT contracts in each of the last five years.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally. In the case of the core Scottish Government, there have been no such write offs.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-01-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-02T17:13:47.09","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269069,"EventID":"S4W-05097","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2673,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":114,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-19T17:13:47.137","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-19T14:33:07.337","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what recent discussions it has had with the UK Government regarding the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme Review announced in 2010.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what recent discussions it has had with the UK Government regarding the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme Review announced in 2010.","AnswerText":"The UK Government has not yet published its proposed changes to the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme. Scottish Government officials are in regular contact with the Ministry of Justice and the most recent meeting was on 23 January 2012.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-01-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-02T17:13:47.137","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269070,"EventID":"S4W-05098","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-19T17:13:47.183","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-19T15:23:12.6","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will release details of the allocation of funding from the £10 million Housebuilding Infrastructure Loan Fund, broken down by project.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will release details of the allocation of funding from the £10 million Housebuilding Infrastructure Loan Fund, broken down by project.","AnswerText":"The assessment process for applications for the Housebuilding Infrastructure Loan Fund is currently being finalised. We aim to make announcements on the outcome of the applications in February.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-01-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-02T17:13:47.183","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269085,"EventID":"S4W-05099","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-20T13:49:43.68","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-19T17:01:13.24","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S4W-04539 by Fiona Hyslop on 11 January 2012, what discussions took place between it, its media agency and The Shetland Times on the in","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S4W-04539 by Fiona Hyslop on 11 January 2012, what discussions took place between it, its media agency and The Shetland Times on the inclusion of editorial content on the First Minister’s visit to China in the same edition, on 2 December 2011, as a Natural Scotland-sponsored column about the arrival of pandas at Edinburgh Zoo; how many newspapers published the Natural Scotland-sponsored column, and what the cost of publication was. \r\n","AnswerText":"No conversation took place between the Scottish Government, its agencies and the Shetland Times with regards to the editorial on the First Minister's visit to China. The inclusion of the editorial article about the First Minister’s visit was entirely at the discretion of the editor of the Shetland Times.\r\nThe Shetland Times is one of 108 local newspaper titles to carry a regular Scottish Government sponsored column under the terms of a commercial arrangement between the newspaper publishers and the Scottish Government’s media buying agency which was put in place by the previous Labour/Liberal Democrat coalition administration.\r\nThe column is designed to support Scottish Government public information and behaviour change campaigns. In this case the column was used to inform people about the arrangement with China whereby the pandas were loaned to Edinburgh zoo as part of a programme of strengthening ties with China in the areas of trade, culture, and education.\r\nThe cost of the sponsored column across the 108 local titles was £24,025.77 gross.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-03T13:49:43.727","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269086,"EventID":"S4W-05100","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4016,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":133,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-20T13:49:43.79","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-19T19:07:02","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it is supporting homeless Scots in London.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it is supporting homeless Scots in London.","AnswerText":"In 2011-12, the Scottish Government provided £25,000 to Borderline to support homeless Scots in London.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-01-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-03T13:49:43.807","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269087,"EventID":"S4W-05101","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4016,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":133,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-20T13:49:43.837","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-19T19:07:02","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what funding it has given organisations supporting homeless Scots in London in each year since 2007, broken down by organisation.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what funding it has given organisations supporting homeless Scots in London in each year since 2007, broken down by organisation.","AnswerText":"Borderline is the only organisation the Scottish Government has provided funding to, to support homeless Scots in London.\r\nFunding is broken down as follows:\r\n2006-07: £105,000\r\n2007-08: £105,000\r\n2008-09: £105,000\r\n2009-10: £107,000\r\n2010-11: £49,000\r\n2011-12: £25,000.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-01-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-03T13:49:43.853","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269088,"EventID":"S4W-05102","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4016,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":133,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-20T13:49:43.883","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-19T19:07:02","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive on what information it based its decision to remove funding from Borderline for 2012-13.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive on what information it based its decision to remove funding from Borderline for 2012-13.","AnswerText":"Scottish Ministers intend to offer Borderline funding support of £50,000 per annum over the Spending Review period.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-03T13:49:43.883","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269089,"EventID":"S4W-05103","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5109,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":101,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-20T13:49:43.913","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-19T23:03:32","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many times it has allocated funds arising from Barnett consequentials or other in-year funds to the Scottish Funding Council since 1999 and how much was provided on e","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many times it has allocated funds arising from Barnett consequentials or other in-year funds to the Scottish Funding Council since 1999 and how much was provided on each occasion.\r\n","AnswerText":"The following table provides details of additional funding provided to the Scottish Funding Council from financial year 2000-01, the first year of supporting records. The figures have been sourced from the published annual budget revision supporting documents.\r\nFinancial Year\r\n£ Million\r\n2000-01\r\n10.0\r\n2001-02\r\n6.0\r\n2002-03\r\n30.9\r\n2003-04\r\n9.4\r\n2004-05\r\n16.0\r\n2005-06\r\n0.0\r\n2006-07\r\n5.0\r\n2007-08\r\n122.2\r\n2008-09\r\n0.0\r\n2009-10\r\n19.7\r\n2010-11\r\n17.0\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-01-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-03T13:49:43.93","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269090,"EventID":"S4W-05104","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-20T13:49:43.963","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-19T17:01:13.24","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S4W-04539 by Fiona Hyslop on 11 January 2012, what discussions have taken place between it, its media agency and local newspapers to se","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S4W-04539 by Fiona Hyslop on 11 January 2012, what discussions have taken place between it, its media agency and local newspapers to seek tie-ins between paid-for advertising from government agencies and editorial content promoting the work of ministers.","AnswerText":" No discussions of this sort have taken place.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-01-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-03T13:49:43.963","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269102,"EventID":"S4W-05106","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2108,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":141,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-20T15:58:18.067","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-20T14:19:42","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it will ensure that the proposed public health levy will not negatively affect stores' staff (a) numbers, (b) recruitment and (c) working hours.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it will ensure that the proposed public health levy will not negatively affect stores' staff (a) numbers, (b) recruitment and (c) working hours.\r\n","AnswerText":"Retailers decisions on staff numbers, recruitment and working hours will depend on a wide range of internal and external factors.\r\nThe Scottish Government engages regularly with all sectors of the business community, including the small number of retailers which will pay the public health supplement. That dialogue will continue throughout and beyond the current spending review period.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-01-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-03T15:58:18.113","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269103,"EventID":"S4W-05107","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2108,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":141,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-20T15:58:18.16","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-20T14:19:42","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it plans to assess the impact of the public health levy once it has been introduced. \r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it plans to assess the impact of the public health levy once it has been introduced. \r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-05106 on 26 January 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-01-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-03T15:58:18.177","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269104,"EventID":"S4W-05118","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1769,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":75,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-20T15:58:18.223","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-20T15:25:00.697","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what advice it has given to women with PIP implants who wish to breastfeed.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what advice it has given to women with PIP implants who wish to breastfeed.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government is not aware of any new evidence that suggests that Poly Implant Prothese (PIP) breast implants affect breast milk. We therefore advise that mothers who wish to start /or continue breastfeeding their babies should do so.\r\nThe situation will be kept under close review and the Medical and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MRHA) experts will continue to examine any further domestic or international evidence on this issue.\r\nWe understand that this is a worrying time for women with PIP implants and we recommend that if women are concerned about their breasts or implants, they should seek clinical advice from their implanting surgeon or GP.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-01-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-03T15:58:18.223","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269105,"EventID":"S4W-05119","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1769,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":75,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-20T15:58:18.27","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-20T15:25:00.697","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it considers breastfeeding to be safe for mothers with PIP implants.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it considers breastfeeding to be safe for mothers with PIP implants.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-05118 on 30 January 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-01-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-03T15:58:18.287","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269106,"EventID":"S4W-05120","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1769,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":75,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-20T15:58:18.333","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-20T15:25:00.697","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what guidance it provides to women with breast implants who wish to breastfeed.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what guidance it provides to women with breast implants who wish to breastfeed.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-05118 on 30 January 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-01-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-03T15:58:18.333","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269107,"EventID":"S4W-05108","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-23T14:04:29.64","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-20T15:07:19.96","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will provide details of the (a) recruitment process for and (b) membership of the post-16 education equality and diversity working group.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will provide details of the (a) recruitment process for and (b) membership of the post-16 education equality and diversity working group.","AnswerText":"No post-16 education equality and diversity working group has been established as part of the Post-16 Reform process. Issues relating to equality and diversity are currently being considered on a continual basis as we develop our policy in this area.\r\nThe Scottish Government takes its responsibilities under the Equality Act 2010 and the public sector equality duty very seriously and we continue to work to ensure that the policy and spending decisions we take pay due regard to their impact on equality and diversity.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-06T14:04:30.933","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269108,"EventID":"S4W-05110","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-23T14:04:31.06","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-20T15:07:19.96","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive (a) how many times and (b) when the post-16 education equality and diversity working group has met and who attended the meetings.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive (a) how many times and (b) when the post-16 education equality and diversity working group has met and who attended the meetings.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W–05108 on 3 February 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-06T14:04:31.06","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269109,"EventID":"S4W-05111","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-23T14:04:31.137","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-20T15:07:19.96","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many times the post-16 education equality and diversity working group has met the Scottish Funding Council Access and Inclusion Committee.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many times the post-16 education equality and diversity working group has met the Scottish Funding Council Access and Inclusion Committee.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W–05108 on 3 February 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-06T14:04:31.153","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269110,"EventID":"S4W-05112","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-23T14:04:31.213","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-20T15:07:19.96","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many times the post-16 education equality and diversity working group has met to discuss the further education equality impact assessment carried out prior to the dra","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many times the post-16 education equality and diversity working group has met to discuss the further education equality impact assessment carried out prior to the drafting of the Scottish Spending Review 2011 and Draft Budget 2012-13.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-05108 on 3 February 2012 and S4W-04212 on 8 December 2011. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-06T14:04:31.23","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269111,"EventID":"S4W-05113","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-23T14:04:31.293","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-20T15:07:19.96","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will provide details of (a) any reports produced and (b) the equality impact assessment carried out by the post-16 education equality and diversity working gro","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will provide details of (a) any reports produced and (b) the equality impact assessment carried out by the post-16 education equality and diversity working group prior to the publication of the Scottish Spending Review 2011 and Draft Budget 2012-13.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W–05108 on 3 February 2012 and S4W-04212 on 8 December 2011. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-06T14:04:31.293","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269112,"EventID":"S4W-05114","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-23T14:04:31.357","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-20T15:07:19.96","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the membership is of the Scottish Funding Council Access and Inclusion Committee.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the membership is of the Scottish Funding Council Access and Inclusion Committee.","AnswerText":"Details of the membership of the Scottish Funding Council’s Access and Inclusion Committee can be found on the Scottish Funding Council’s website at:\r\nhttp://www.sfc.ac.uk/about_the_council/council_board_committees/council_committees/access_inclusion_committee/council_committees_access.aspx \r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-06T14:04:31.357","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269113,"EventID":"S4W-05115","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-23T14:04:31.403","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-20T15:07:19.96","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what new approach the Scottish Funding Council Access and Inclusion Committee is taking to equality, access and inclusion.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what new approach the Scottish Funding Council Access and Inclusion Committee is taking to equality, access and inclusion.","AnswerText":"In 2010, the Scottish Funding Council reviewed all of its access and inclusion programmes and funding related to retention, articulation, schools/college programmes and community programmes in response to the implementation of Horizon funding and the emergence of new policy contexts, particularly Curriculum for Excellence. The Scottish Funding Council’s priority is to better target resources to where there is greatest need and to align resources to deliver maximum return on the Government’s investment.\r\nIn relation to the Post-16 Reform process, issues relating equality, access and inclusion are currently being considered and the Scottish Government will work with the Scottish Funding Council on a continual basis to develop policy in these areas.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-06T14:04:31.403","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269114,"EventID":"S4W-05116","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-23T14:04:31.463","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-20T15:07:19.96","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many times ministers have met the (a) Scottish Funding Council Access and Inclusion Committee and (b) post-16 education equality and diversity working group and what ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many times ministers have met the (a) Scottish Funding Council Access and Inclusion Committee and (b) post-16 education equality and diversity working group and what was discussed.","AnswerText":"Scottish ministers have not met with the Scottish Funding Council's Access and Inclusion Committee and have no immediate plans to do so. An official from the Scottish Government attends the Access and Inclusion Committee meetings as an observer.\r\nNo post-16 education equality and diversity working group has been established as part of the Post-16 Reform process. Issues relating to equality and diversity are currently being considered on a continual basis as we develop our policy in this area.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-06T14:04:31.463","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269115,"EventID":"S4W-05117","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-23T14:04:31.543","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-20T15:07:19.96","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it will ensure further education provision for (a) older female students, (b) disabled students and (c) students from low-income backgrounds if there are reductions i","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it will ensure further education provision for (a) older female students, (b) disabled students and (c) students from low-income backgrounds if there are reductions in the funding of non-recognised qualifications.","AnswerText":"We have made clear to the college sector the value we place on non-recognised qualifications where they provide an access route to employment, and we have made equally clear that we expect such provision to be protected.\r\nColleges exist to help people towards employment and we believe this should be the case regardless of age, gender, disability or financial circumstances.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-06T14:04:31.543","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269116,"EventID":"S4W-05128","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3758,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":76,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-23T14:04:31.59","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-22T22:42:50","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its position is on the reported suggestion by UCAS that pupils should apply to university after they receive their examination results.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its position is on the reported suggestion by UCAS that pupils should apply to university after they receive their examination results.","AnswerText":"Post-application qualification brings an element of certainty to the application process by dispensing with conditional offers. It is already the case for a proportion of pupils in Scotland that they will apply to University in sixth year having achieved the necessary highers for entry to higher education in fifth year. Accordingly, the notion of a post-results application system is not completely new here.\r\nWe would however want to think about the implications for those who need two years to attain their entry qualifications, particularly those from widening access backgrounds who tend to take longer to accumulate the necessary qualifications.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-06T14:04:31.59","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269117,"EventID":"S4W-05129","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4947,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-23T14:04:31.653","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-23T10:42:52.627","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many Scottish Crime and Drug Enforcement Agency Special Alerts Bulletins have been issued in each year since 2005, broken down by police force area.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many Scottish Crime and Drug Enforcement Agency Special Alerts Bulletins have been issued in each year since 2005, broken down by police force area.","AnswerText":"Scottish Crime and Drug Enforcement Agency (SCDEA) bulletins are issued on the basis of the perceived threat, risk or harm of an issue. If accurate and validated information is received (or obtained) that a particular drug or substance presents an additional significant risk to individuals then this information will be circulated. From July 2010 to January 2012 there has been four bulletins that have been released nationally. Local bulletins are not currently recorded centrally.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-06T14:04:31.667","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Roseanna Cunningham","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269118,"EventID":"S4W-05130","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4947,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-23T14:04:31.73","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-23T10:42:52.627","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many private journeys the Scottish Ambulance Service has made in each year since 2005, broken down by parliamentary region.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many private journeys the Scottish Ambulance Service has made in each year since 2005, broken down by parliamentary region.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-01-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-06T14:04:31.73","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269119,"EventID":"S4W-05131","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4947,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-23T14:04:31.793","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-23T10:42:52.627","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the cost to the public sector will be of providing a public holiday for the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the cost to the public sector will be of providing a public holiday for the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee.","AnswerText":"Public Holidays are devolved in Scotland. On 19 March 2010, the First Minister announced that Scotland should have a public holiday to celebrate the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee on Tuesday, 5 June 2012. As this holiday will be a privilege day any decision to allow staff in public bodies the day off work will be at the discretion of individual employers. Many employers have yet to take a decision on whether or not to observe the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee and as such the Scottish Government does not currently have information on the cost of the holiday across the public sector.\r\nStaff in the Scottish Government Main bargaining unit, SG Marine Off-Shore and the Senior Civil Service will observe a holiday on that date.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-01-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-06T14:04:31.807","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269120,"EventID":"S4W-05132","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-23T14:04:31.853","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-23T13:19:59.857","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of the contracts awarded by the Scottish Futures Trust has gone to Scottish firms, broken down by year.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of the contracts awarded by the Scottish Futures Trust has gone to Scottish firms, broken down by year.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government does not hold this information, and Scottish Futures Trust (SFT) does not directly award contracts other than in relation to its administrative expenditure (e.g. advisory and legal services).\r\nThe Scottish Government recognises the importance of public contracts to the Scottish economy and that is why we have worked with business bodies to ensure that Scottish businesses have equality of opportunity and that procurement processes are standardised and streamlined to encourage local businesses to bid for public contracts. We launched a contract advertising portal, Public Contracts Scotland (PCS), in 2008 and 75% of all contracts advertised on PCS (82% of spending through PCS) go to suppliers registered with a Scottish address.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-06T14:04:31.853","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269130,"EventID":"S4F-00417","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":4976,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-23T14:19:18.203","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-19T15:44:57","Title":"To ask the First Minister when he will next meet the Secretary of State for Scotland.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister when he will next meet the Secretary of State for Scotland.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-06T14:19:18.233","MeetingDate":"2012-01-26T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269131,"EventID":"S4F-00419","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":5009,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-23T14:19:18.28","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-23T11:29:54.713","Title":"To ask the First Minister what issues will be discussed at the next meeting of the Cabinet.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what issues will be discussed at the next meeting of the Cabinet.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-06T14:19:18.297","MeetingDate":"2012-01-26T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269132,"EventID":"S4F-00420","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":136,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-23T14:19:18.313","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-23T11:49:22.883","Title":"To ask the First Minister what the Scottish Government's response is to the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions' statement that the UK Government's proposed benefit reforms will not lead to an in","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what the Scottish Government's response is to the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions' statement that the UK Government's proposed benefit reforms will not lead to an increase in child poverty in Scotland.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-06T14:19:18.327","MeetingDate":"2012-01-26T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269133,"EventID":"S4F-00421","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":2134,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":82,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-23T14:19:18.343","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-23T11:50:12.17","Title":"To ask the First Minister whether the Scottish Government considers any local authority to be not fit for purpose.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister whether the Scottish Government considers any local authority to be not fit for purpose.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-06T14:19:18.343","MeetingDate":"2012-01-26T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269134,"EventID":"S4F-00423","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":4947,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-23T14:19:18.39","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-23T12:18:45.543","Title":"To ask the First Minister what steps the Scottish Government is taking to promote Scotch whisky overseas.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what steps the Scottish Government is taking to promote Scotch whisky overseas.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-06T14:19:18.407","MeetingDate":"2012-01-26T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269135,"EventID":"S4F-00430","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":2080,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":87,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-23T14:19:18.967","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-23T13:49:42.207","Title":"To ask the First Minister what engagements he has planned for the rest of the day.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what engagements he has planned for the rest of the day.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-06T14:19:18.983","MeetingDate":"2012-01-26T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269136,"EventID":"S4W-05133","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2345,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":128,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-23T16:51:06.473","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-23T13:24:12.89","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people have received incorrect home energy reports from the Energy Saving Trust as a result of a computer malfunction and when the problem will be resolved.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people have received incorrect home energy reports from the Energy Saving Trust as a result of a computer malfunction and when the problem will be resolved.\r\n","AnswerText":"To date, the Energy Saving Trust have received around 90 complaints from customers about obvious inaccuracies in their Home Energy Checks (HECs) that are due primarily to the computer malfunction. This is out of a total of 54,000 HECs issued.\r\nThe problem, which relates to paper HECs scanned and uploaded in the last few weeks only, has already been identified and the contractor responsible for the computer system is taking steps to resolve it. The EST have in the meantime stopped processing paper HECs until they receive confirmation that the problem has been resolved. They will then send updated reports, with a letter of explanation, to all those whose Home Energy Report was significantly in error. We expect that normal service will have resumed by the week commencing 6 February 2012.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-06T16:51:06.52","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269137,"EventID":"S4W-05134","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5079,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-23T16:51:06.627","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-23T13:48:17.68","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S4W-04864 by Aileen Campbell on 19 January 2012, for what reason it has changed the target date for the agreement of local plans from J","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S4W-04864 by Aileen Campbell on 19 January 2012, for what reason it has changed the target date for the agreement of local plans from January 2012 to September 2012.\r\n","AnswerText":"The establishment of area support teams (ASTs) represents one element of the implementation programme due to take effect in September 2012. That is the implementation target date that the Scottish Government remains committed to delivering.\r\nIn respect of ASTs, the January target date is the date by which the National Convener anticipated having local plans agreed. The Scottish Government has not changed the target date for the agreement of ASTs from January to September 2012.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-06T16:51:06.627","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Aileen Campbell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269138,"EventID":"S4W-05135","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5079,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-23T16:51:06.723","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-23T13:48:17.68","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to the supplementary to question S4F-00316 by the First Minister on 1 December 2011 (Official Report, c. 4225) when it will seek a debate in the Pa","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to the supplementary to question S4F-00316 by the First Minister on 1 December 2011 (Official Report, c. 4225) when it will seek a debate in the Parliament on human trafficking.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government is currently considering the recommendations contained within the report referred to on 1 December and others on the same subject. A date for the debate will be announced in due course.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-01-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-06T16:51:06.723","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269139,"EventID":"S4W-05136","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5059,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-23T16:51:06.783","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-23T14:35:25.24","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive for what reason it is proposing to abolish prison visiting committees.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive for what reason it is proposing to abolish prison visiting committees.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government’s reasons for proposing to abolish the visiting committees are set out in my letter of 5 December to the Justice Committee. The letter can be found in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre (Bib. number 53514).\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-01-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-06T16:51:06.783","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269140,"EventID":"S4W-05138","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5059,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-23T16:51:06.83","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-23T14:35:25.24","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it plans to tackle possible increases in human trafficking to Scotland that might arise from the 2012 Olympic Games and the 2014 Commonwealth Games.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it plans to tackle possible increases in human trafficking to Scotland that might arise from the 2012 Olympic Games and the 2014 Commonwealth Games.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government continues to work closely with the police and other law enforcement agencies on security planning for the London 2012 Olympics and Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games. Intelligence gathering mechanisms are in place and being monitored continually. There is currently no intelligence to indicate that human trafficking will be an issue for Scotland from either games. However, should the current intelligence position change or any instances of human trafficking arise, partner agencies will co-ordinate positive enforcement action and provide support to victims.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-01-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-06T16:51:06.847","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Shona Robison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269141,"EventID":"S4W-05139","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5059,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-23T16:51:06.893","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-23T14:35:25.24","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it considers that an independent Scotland should have a written constitution.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it considers that an independent Scotland should have a written constitution.\r\n","AnswerText":"As laid out in Choosing Scotland's Future (paragraphs 3.9 - 3.11) and Your Scotland Your Voice (paragraphs 9.17 - 9.19), the current constitutional arrangements would provide a robust initial framework for an independent Scotland. A white paper drawing together the Scottish Government’s proposals for independence will be published in November 2013.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-06T16:51:06.91","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Bruce Crawford","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269146,"EventID":"S4W-05140","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-24T14:00:41.64","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-23T16:29:15","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S4W-03303 by Michael Matheson on 2 November 2011, what the current position is regarding the provision of HIV prevention services in NH","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S4W-03303 by Michael Matheson on 2 November 2011, what the current position is regarding the provision of HIV prevention services in NHS Grampian.","AnswerText":"The provision of HIV prevention services are a matter for local NHS boards. The role of government is to ensure that our policy priorities of fewer new blood-borne virus infections and fewer STIs are achieved, and that individual are not adversely affected by any local commissioning decision. NHS Grampian has informed us that there has been no gap in the provision of HIV prevention services since December and we will continue to monitor this closely.\r\nNHS Grampian has continued to provide and support a range of prevention activities since December, including promotion of the HIV Wake Up call campaign; the promotion and distribution of condoms across Grampian, and ongoing promotion of Sexual Health and Relationships Education (SHARE) in schools. NHS Grampian is also undertaking an HIV needs assessment to shape and inform future services.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-07T14:00:41.733","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269147,"EventID":"S4W-05141","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-24T14:00:41.813","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-23T16:29:15","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S4W-03303 by Michael Matheson on 2 November 2011, when NHS Grampian initiated the competitive tendering process for HIV prevention serv","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S4W-03303 by Michael Matheson on 2 November 2011, when NHS Grampian initiated the competitive tendering process for HIV prevention services; when it was advertised, and when a service is likely to start.","AnswerText":"The tender for HIV prevention services in the NHS Grampian area was scheduled to be advertised on 6 February 2012, with the contract due to be awarded on 7 March 2012. The contract award notice will be published on 9 April 2012 with the expectation that the service will commence as soon as possible after that date.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-07T14:00:41.813","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269148,"EventID":"S4W-05142","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-24T14:00:41.873","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-23T16:29:15","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there has been a gap in the provision of HIV prevention services in the NHS Grampian area from 1 December 2011.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there has been a gap in the provision of HIV prevention services in the NHS Grampian area from 1 December 2011.","AnswerText":"The provision of HIV prevention services are a matter for local NHS boards. The role of government is to ensure that our policy priorities of fewer new blood-borne virus infections and fewer STIs are achieved, and that individual are not adversely affected by any local commissioning decision.\r\nNHS Grampian has informed us that there has been no gap in the provision of HIV prevention services since 1 December 2011, and they have continued to undertake a range of prevention activities. We will continue to monitor this closely.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-07T14:00:41.873","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269149,"EventID":"S4W-05143","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-24T14:00:41.937","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-23T16:29:15","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what contingency plans are in place for HIV prevention work in NHS Grampian.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what contingency plans are in place for HIV prevention work in NHS Grampian.","AnswerText":"The provision of HIV prevention services is a matter for local NHS boards. The role of government is to ensure that our policy priorities of fewer new blood-borne virus infections and fewer STIs are achieved, and that individuals are not adversely affected by any local commissioning decision.\r\nNHS Grampian has continued to provide and support a range of prevention activities since the THT contract was terminated. There has been no gap in the provision of HIV prevention services and no gap is expected.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-07T14:00:41.937","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269150,"EventID":"S4W-05144","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-24T14:00:41.983","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-23T16:29:15","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how the funding allocated to NHS Grampian for HIV prevention work has been spent since the termination of the contract with the Terence Higgins Trust on 1 December 2011.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how the funding allocated to NHS Grampian for HIV prevention work has been spent since the termination of the contract with the Terence Higgins Trust on 1 December 2011.","AnswerText":"The provision of HIV prevention services, and local decisions about the use of funding, are a matter for NHS boards. The role of Government is to ensure that our policy priorities of fewer new blood-borne virus infections and fewer STIs are achieved, and that individual are not adversely affected by any local commissioning decision.\r\nFunding attached to prevention projects that were not specifically delivered through the Terrence Higgins Trust contract continues to be used for HIV prevention services. The funding that had been allocated to the THT contract that was left over following termination of the contract has been allocated to cover the cost of the HIV Needs Assessment that NHS Grampian is now undertaking. This activity includes surveys of patient views on services and patient interviews. The Needs Assessment is expected to report by the autumn this year and will be used to inform ongoing HIV prevention work in the NHS Grampian area.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-07T14:00:41.983","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269151,"EventID":"S4W-05145","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5079,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-24T14:00:42.047","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-23T16:49:20","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S4W-03280 by Michael Russell on 31 October 2011, when it will complete engagement activity with the education community on the future d","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S4W-03280 by Michael Russell on 31 October 2011, when it will complete engagement activity with the education community on the future development of Glow.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government continues to engage with the education community on the future development of Glow.\r\nFor example, activity specifically relating to scoping the functionality of the new Glow solution is due to conclude in February 2012. Looking forward, an event to engage the wider education community about progress with the new Glow solution and the ICT in Education programme is planned for April 2012.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-07T14:00:42.047","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269152,"EventID":"S4W-05146","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5079,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-24T14:00:42.123","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-23T16:49:20","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S4W-03279 by Michael Russell on 31 October 2011, what progress it is making on the development of the next generation of Glow.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S4W-03279 by Michael Russell on 31 October 2011, what progress it is making on the development of the next generation of Glow.\r\n","AnswerText":"Work on specifying the functionality of the new Glow solution will be completed in February 2012. The new solution will be in place in time for the end of the current Glow contract in September 2012.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-07T14:00:42.123","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269153,"EventID":"S4W-05147","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5079,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-24T14:00:42.17","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-23T16:49:20","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S4W-03287 by Michael Russell on 31 October 2011, what payments it has since made and what contracts it has now agreed in relation to Gl","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S4W-03287 by Michael Russell on 31 October 2011, what payments it has since made and what contracts it has now agreed in relation to Glow.\r\n","AnswerText":"From October to December 2011, the Scottish Government has made payments of £833,334 excluding VAT, related to Glow. No additional contracts have been agreed in relation to Glow.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-07T14:00:42.17","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269154,"EventID":"S4W-05148","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3896,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":97,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-24T14:00:42.217","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-23T17:51:44","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much new money it has allocated to the Early Years and Early Intervention Change Fund, as referred to on page 38 of the Scottish Spending Review 2011 and Draft Budget","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much new money it has allocated to the Early Years and Early Intervention Change Fund, as referred to on page 38 of the Scottish Spending Review 2011 and Draft Budget 2012-13, and what period the money will cover.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government will provide £50 million of resource to the Early Years and Early Intervention Change Fund over the current Parliamentary term through the Sure Start component of the Scottish Futures Fund.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-07T14:00:42.217","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Aileen Campbell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269155,"EventID":"S4W-05149","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3896,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":97,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-24T14:00:42.28","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-23T17:51:44","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the additional money for the Early Years and Early Intervention Change Fund is in addition to the Sure Start Fund referred to on page viii of the Scottish Spendin","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the additional money for the Early Years and Early Intervention Change Fund is in addition to the Sure Start Fund referred to on page viii of the Scottish Spending Review 2011 and Draft Budget 2012-13 and how much, over what period, has been allocated to the Sure Start Fund.\r\n","AnswerText":"No. The £50 million allocated to the Early Years and Early Intervention Change Fund over the period of the Parliamentary term is the Sure Start Fund component of the Scottish Futures Fund.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-07T14:00:42.28","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Aileen Campbell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269156,"EventID":"S4W-05150","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3896,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":97,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-24T14:00:42.313","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-23T17:51:44","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much of the Early Years and Early Intervention Change Fund has already been allocated and how much remains available.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much of the Early Years and Early Intervention Change Fund has already been allocated and how much remains available.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government contribution to the Early Years and Early Intervention Change Fund is £50 million over the Parliamentary term. Of that £50 million, £12m has been allocated. This comprises £1.5 million per year over the next three years to establish a Communities and Families Fund. £1 million per year over the next three years to support free play opportunities and quality play spaces; and £1.5 million per year over the next three years for additional early learning, childcare and parental support for looked after two year olds.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-07T14:00:42.327","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Aileen Campbell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269157,"EventID":"S4W-05151","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3896,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":97,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-24T14:00:42.36","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-23T17:51:44","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the remainder of the Early Years and Early Intervention Change Fund total of £270 million will come from existing NHS and local authority budgets and whether the ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the remainder of the Early Years and Early Intervention Change Fund total of £270 million will come from existing NHS and local authority budgets and whether the successive year allocations of £20, £45 and £50 million referred to on page 59 of the Scottish Spending Review 2011 and Draft Budget 2012-13 will come from this £270 million.\r\n","AnswerText":"Yes.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-07T14:00:42.36","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Aileen Campbell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269190,"EventID":"S4W-05152","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5080,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-24T17:32:40.637","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-24T13:34:48","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many public procurement portals there are in Scotland and how many fall within the responsibility of the Scottish Government.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many public procurement portals there are in Scotland and how many fall within the responsibility of the Scottish Government.","AnswerText":"In 2008, the Scottish Government launched Public Contracts Scotland (PCS) as a free-of-charge portal that allows public sector organisations to advertise their public contracting opportunities in a standard format, and provides businesses with easy access to those contract opportunities. Since the launch, over 400 public bodies have placed almost 19,000 contract opportunities on PCS and over 61,500 suppliers are now registered. Public Contracts Scotland is the only procurement portal for which the Government is responsible.\r\nAt the time of the launch of PCS many organisations had their own arrangements for advertising contract opportunities, including portals in some cases. Most organisations now use PCS to advertise contracts, however there are some exceptions such as: \r\nStrathclyde Fire Brigade http://strathclydefire.g2b.info/; \r\nSouth Lanarkshire Council http://southlanarkshire.g2b.info/;\r\nStrathclyde Passenger Transport http://spt.g2b.info/cgi-gen/profile.pl?action=view_profile&oid=4377#6, and \r\nthe Glasgow Business Portal  \r\nhttp://www.glasgow.gov.uk/businessportal. \r\nThe Scottish Government is clear that there should be a presumption against public sector bodies purchasing new services similar to those offered free of charge via PCS (recognising that some public bodies have existing alternative systems whose contract has yet to expire), and that, as part of the cycle of procurement improvement and best practice, all organisations not already using PCS should plan to do so.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-07T17:32:40.667","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269191,"EventID":"S4W-05153","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5080,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-24T17:32:40.887","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-24T13:34:48","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consideration it has given to a single public procurement portal for Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consideration it has given to a single public procurement portal for Scotland.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-05152, on 3 February 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-07T17:32:40.887","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269192,"EventID":"S4W-05154","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5080,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-24T17:32:40.947","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-24T13:34:48","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will publish details of its proposed sustainable procurement Bill.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will publish details of its proposed sustainable procurement Bill.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive will introduce a sustainable procurement Bill during the lifetime of the current Parliament. We anticipate that a formal consultation on the policy content will be held at the earliest possible opportunity.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-07T17:32:40.963","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269193,"EventID":"S4W-05155","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5080,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-24T17:32:41.01","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-24T13:34:48","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many contracts have been awarded to small businesses through public procurement in each year since 2007.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many contracts have been awarded to small businesses through public procurement in each year since 2007.\r\n","AnswerText":"A micro business is defined as an enterprise which employs fewer than 10 persons. Small enterprises are those that employ 10 to 49 persons.\r\nPublic Contracts Scotland has only recorded data on contracts awarded to companies by their size since late 2010. A breakdown of the number of contract awards to small and micro businesses for the years available is given in the following table.\r\n\r\n2010\r\n2011\r\n2012 (1– 27 Jan)\r\nSmall\r\n384 (26.6%)\r\n2808 (30.1%)\r\n181 (24%)\r\nMicro\r\n242 (16.8%)\r\n2215 (24%)\r\n275 (36.3%)\r\nTotal contract awards\r\n1,443\r\n9,211\r\n754\r\nIt is not possible to record the value of contracts awarded to suppliers through Public Contracts Scotland. This is due to a number of reasons, for example: the contract value is often an estimate (since the actual use of the contract cannot be determined exactly in advance); and in framework contracts, or contracts won by a consortium of businesses, the actual spend with the individual suppliers will not correlate to the estimated overall value of the contract recorded in the system.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-07T17:32:41.01","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269194,"EventID":"S4W-05156","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5080,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-24T17:32:41.043","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-24T13:34:48","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the total value has been of contracts awarded to small businesses through public procurement in each year since 2007.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the total value has been of contracts awarded to small businesses through public procurement in each year since 2007.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-05155 on 3 February 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-07T17:32:41.043","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269195,"EventID":"S4W-05157","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5080,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-24T17:32:41.09","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-24T13:34:48","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its definition is of a microbusiness.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its definition is of a microbusiness.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-05155 on 3 February 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-07T17:32:41.09","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269196,"EventID":"S4W-05158","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5080,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-24T17:32:41.137","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-24T13:34:48","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many contracts have been awarded to microbusinesses through public procurement in each year since 2007.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many contracts have been awarded to microbusinesses through public procurement in each year since 2007.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-05155 on 3 February 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-07T17:32:41.137","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269197,"EventID":"S4W-05159","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5080,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-24T17:32:41.183","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-24T13:34:48","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the total value has been of contracts awarded to microbusinesses through public procurement in each year since 2007.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the total value has been of contracts awarded to microbusinesses through public procurement in each year since 2007.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-05155 on 3 February 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-07T17:32:41.183","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269198,"EventID":"S4W-05160","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3815,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-24T17:32:41.23","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-24T14:55:53.937","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with Fife Council regarding the future of Madras College in St Andrews following the breakdown of negotiations with the University of St Andre","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with Fife Council regarding the future of Madras College in St Andrews following the breakdown of negotiations with the University of St Andrews.","AnswerText":"There have been no discussions. Fife Council have subsequently taken a decision to rebuild the school on the Kilrymont site and they are currently undertaking a statutory public consultation.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-07T17:32:41.23","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269199,"EventID":"S4W-05161","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3815,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-24T17:32:41.277","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-24T14:55:53.937","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what guidelines it provides to local authorities on the formal consultation processes required when altering education provision.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what guidelines it provides to local authorities on the formal consultation processes required when altering education provision.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Schools (Consultation) (Scotland) Act 2010 sets out the consultation process that is to apply as respects various proposals made by education authorities for schools. The Scottish Government provides statutory guidance to local authorities on the application of the act, and this is available on the Scottish Government website at:\r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Education/Schools/Buildings/changestoschoolestate/consultaionguidance.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-07T17:32:41.277","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269200,"EventID":"S4W-05162","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3815,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-24T17:32:41.323","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-24T14:55:53.937","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assistance it provides to local authorities seeking to replace school buildings rated category D for condition or suitability of estate.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assistance it provides to local authorities seeking to replace school buildings rated category D for condition or suitability of estate.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government is providing assistance to local authorities to replace school buildings through the Scotland’s Schools for the Future building programme, the third phase of which has been recently announced. We are currently finalising the process and timescales for local authorities to apply for funding from Phase III of the programme. I expect to be able to announce the details shortly.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-07T17:32:41.323","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269201,"EventID":"S4W-05163","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3815,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-24T17:32:41.37","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-24T14:55:53.937","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it (a) assesses and (b) prioritises schools in the Scottish Schools for the Future programme.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it (a) assesses and (b) prioritises schools in the Scottish Schools for the Future programme.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-05162 on 3 February 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-07T17:32:41.37","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269202,"EventID":"S4W-05177","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1866,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-25T14:19:09.653","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-25T12:22:55.283","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many students in Lothian have received college bursaries in each of the last five years, broken down by college.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many students in Lothian have received college bursaries in each of the last five years, broken down by college.\r\n","AnswerText":"The information requested contained in Table 1.\r\nFigures on the number of students receiving bursary funds who are in receipt of Maintenance Allowance is also given in Table 2.\r\nTable 1: Number of Students in receipt of bursaries at Colleges in Edinburgh and the Lothians (2005-06 to 2009-10)\r\nCollege\r\n2005-06\r\n2006-07\r\n2007-08\r\n2008-09\r\n2009-10\r\nEdinburgh's Telford College\r\n1,507\r\n1,698\r\n1,718\r\n1,731\r\n1,795\r\nJewel and Esk College\r\n844\r\n1,107\r\n1,071\r\n1,132\r\n1,374\r\nStevenson College\r\n1,053\r\n1,321\r\n1,446\r\n1,620\r\n1,611\r\nOatridge College\r\n142\r\n163\r\n151\r\n171\r\n190\r\nWest Lothian College\r\n672\r\n772\r\n867\r\n943\r\n1,018\r\nTotal\r\n4,218\r\n5,061\r\n5,253\r\n5,597\r\n5,988\r\nSource: Scottish Funding Council.\r\n \r\nTable 2: Of the students in receipt of bursaries, the number in receipt of Maintenance Allowance1 at Colleges in Edinburgh and the Lothians (2005-06 to 2009-10)\r\nCollege\r\n2005-06\r\n2006-07\r\n2007-08\r\n2008-09\r\n2009-10\r\nEdinburgh's Telford College\r\n863\r\n936\r\n841\r\n928\r\n1,006\r\nJewel and Esk College\r\n614\r\n538\r\n445\r\n487\r\n603\r\nStevenson College\r\n651\r\n741\r\n864\r\n988\r\n945\r\nOatridge College\r\n49\r\n46\r\n46\r\n30\r\n37\r\nWest Lothian College\r\n335\r\n345\r\n317\r\n336\r\n476\r\nTotal\r\n2,512\r\n2,606\r\n2,513\r\n2,769\r\n3,067\r\nSource: Scottish Funding Council.\r\nNote: Maintenance allowance accounts for over half of the assistance given from the bursary fund.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-08T14:19:09.73","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269203,"EventID":"S4W-05178","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1866,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-25T14:19:09.793","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-25T12:22:55.283","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many students it plans to support in each college in Lothian during the next spending review period.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many students it plans to support in each college in Lothian during the next spending review period.","AnswerText":"We have indicated to College Principals that funding for 2012-13 will enable colleges to maintain student numbers at this year’s baseline levels.\r\nIt is the responsibility of the Scottish Funding Council to allocate funding to individual colleges. The eventual number of students then enrolled, or given financial support, is then a matter for the college.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-08T14:19:09.81","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269215,"EventID":"S4O-00629","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":4948,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-25T14:43:53.097","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-18T14:22:24.517","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it can assist private owners meet the costs of common repairs where councils or housing associations propose significant improvements or repairs to the external fabri","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it can assist private owners meet the costs of common repairs where councils or housing associations propose significant improvements or repairs to the external fabric of blocks of flats with a proportion of private ownership.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-08T14:43:53.127","MeetingDate":"2012-02-02T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269216,"EventID":"S4O-00630","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":4941,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-25T14:43:53.19","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-18T14:22:24.61","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what recent discussions it has had with the Scottish Road Works Commissioner.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what recent discussions it has had with the Scottish Road Works Commissioner.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-08T14:43:53.207","MeetingDate":"2012-02-02T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269217,"EventID":"S4O-00631","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2159,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":88,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-25T14:43:53.27","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-18T14:22:24.673","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the Cabinet Secretary for Health, Wellbeing and Cities Strategy last met members of NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde and what matters were discussed.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the Cabinet Secretary for Health, Wellbeing and Cities Strategy last met members of NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde and what matters were discussed.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-08T14:43:53.27","MeetingDate":"2012-02-02T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269218,"EventID":"S4O-00632","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1741,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-25T14:43:53.317","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-18T14:22:24.753","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what NHS structures exist to support whistleblowers and what plans there are to develop them.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what NHS structures exist to support whistleblowers and what plans there are to develop them.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-08T14:43:53.317","MeetingDate":"2012-02-02T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269219,"EventID":"S4O-00633","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":5109,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":101,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-25T14:43:53.363","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-18T14:22:24.83","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its position is on assistance to those affected by the Edinburgh tram project.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its position is on assistance to those affected by the Edinburgh tram project.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-08T14:43:53.363","MeetingDate":"2012-02-02T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269220,"EventID":"S4O-00634","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2633,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-25T14:43:53.41","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-18T14:22:24.893","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the impact of the proposed reductions in the agri-environment budget will be.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the impact of the proposed reductions in the agri-environment budget will be.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-08T14:43:53.423","MeetingDate":"2012-02-02T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269221,"EventID":"S4O-00635","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":5034,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-25T14:43:53.457","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-18T14:22:24.94","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it will ensure that the proposed single fire and rescue service has the capability to effectively coordinate emergency responses across Scotland at a local level.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it will ensure that the proposed single fire and rescue service has the capability to effectively coordinate emergency responses across Scotland at a local level.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-08T14:43:53.47","MeetingDate":"2012-02-02T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269222,"EventID":"S4O-00637","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":3824,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-25T14:43:53.503","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-18T14:22:25.05","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what services will be lost when prison visiting committees are replaced with an independent advocacy service.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what services will be lost when prison visiting committees are replaced with an independent advocacy service.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-08T14:43:53.503","MeetingDate":"2012-02-02T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269223,"EventID":"S4O-00638","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":5107,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":124,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-25T14:43:53.55","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-18T14:22:25.127","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what it has done to improve access to health services for veterans.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what it has done to improve access to health services for veterans.","AnswerText":"In 2008, the Priority Treatment scheme was extended to allow all veterans priority access to treatment for service-related conditions and we have ensured that injured veterans have access to state of the art prosthetic limbs from the NHS – matching those provided by the Defence Medical Services.\r\nIn addition, we have committed to taking forward the recommendations made by Dr Andrew Murrison in his report, A Better Deal for Military Amputees. Published last year, one of the key commitments is the development of eight multi-disciplinary prosthetics centres across the UK, one of which will be in Scotland.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-08T14:43:53.55","MeetingDate":"2012-02-02T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269224,"EventID":"S4O-00639","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":131,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-25T14:43:53.597","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-18T14:23:39.867","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much Scottish Government funding was held by the Treasury in the central unallocated provision at the end of the financial year 2006-07.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much Scottish Government funding was held by the Treasury in the central unallocated provision at the end of the financial year 2006-07.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-08T14:43:53.597","MeetingDate":"2012-02-02T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269225,"EventID":"S4O-00640","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":1866,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-25T14:43:53.643","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-18T14:23:39.913","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, in light of the disparity in rates of employment for disabled and non-disabled workers, what action it is taking in support of supported employment.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, in light of the disparity in rates of employment for disabled and non-disabled workers, what action it is taking in support of supported employment.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-08T14:43:53.643","MeetingDate":"2012-02-02T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269226,"EventID":"S4O-00641","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":1778,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":110,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-25T14:43:53.69","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-18T14:23:39.96","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what criteria it used when deciding which areas would become enterprise areas.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what criteria it used when deciding which areas would become enterprise areas.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-08T14:43:53.69","MeetingDate":"2012-02-02T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269227,"EventID":"S4O-00642","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":3759,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":80,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-25T14:43:53.72","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-18T14:23:40.007","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what recent discussions it has had with the Scottish Retail Consortium.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what recent discussions it has had with the Scottish Retail Consortium.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-08T14:43:53.737","MeetingDate":"2012-02-02T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269228,"EventID":"S4O-00643","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":2615,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":143,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-25T14:43:53.783","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-18T14:23:40.07","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what initiatives it is pursuing to get people into employment.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what initiatives it is pursuing to get people into employment.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-08T14:43:53.783","MeetingDate":"2012-02-02T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269229,"EventID":"S4O-00644","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":1961,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-25T14:43:53.83","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-18T14:23:40.117","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the Parliament's agreement to motion S4M-01526 on 8 December 2011, whether it will explain its reasons for not carrying out a Business and Regulatory Impact A","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the Parliament's agreement to motion S4M-01526 on 8 December 2011, whether it will explain its reasons for not carrying out a Business and Regulatory Impact Assessment on the proposed public health levy.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-08T14:43:53.83","MeetingDate":"2012-02-02T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269230,"EventID":"S4O-00645","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":1893,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-25T14:43:53.893","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-18T14:23:40.163","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the reasons are for the loss of 30,000 construction jobs in the year to September 2011.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the reasons are for the loss of 30,000 construction jobs in the year to September 2011.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-08T14:43:53.907","MeetingDate":"2012-02-02T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269231,"EventID":"S4O-00646","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":1860,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-25T14:43:53.94","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-18T14:23:40.21","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the Cabinet Secretary for Finance, Employment and Sustainable Growth last met COSLA and what issues were discussed.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the Cabinet Secretary for Finance, Employment and Sustainable Growth last met COSLA and what issues were discussed.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-08T14:43:53.953","MeetingDate":"2012-02-02T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269232,"EventID":"S4O-00647","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":1882,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":129,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-25T14:43:53.987","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-18T14:23:40.257","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what it estimates the job creating potential of enterprise areas will be, net of displacement.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what it estimates the job creating potential of enterprise areas will be, net of displacement.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-08T14:43:54","MeetingDate":"2012-02-02T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269233,"EventID":"S4O-00648","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":5110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":89,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-25T14:43:54.033","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-18T14:23:40.32","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many businesses in Glasgow Shettleston have received support from the small business bonus scheme.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many businesses in Glasgow Shettleston have received support from the small business bonus scheme.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-08T14:43:54.05","MeetingDate":"2012-02-02T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269234,"EventID":"S4O-00649","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":5059,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-25T14:43:54.08","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-18T14:23:40.367","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what support has been provided to help employees of Remploy find alternative employment.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what support has been provided to help employees of Remploy find alternative employment.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-08T14:43:54.097","MeetingDate":"2012-02-02T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269235,"EventID":"S4O-00650","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":3061,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-25T14:43:54.143","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-18T14:23:40.413","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it last met the Scottish Retail Consortium.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it last met the Scottish Retail Consortium.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-08T14:43:54.143","MeetingDate":"2012-02-02T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269236,"EventID":"S4O-00651","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":2010,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":137,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-25T14:43:54.19","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-18T14:23:40.46","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what funding it provides to local organisations seeking to get people in Clydebank and Milngavie into work.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what funding it provides to local organisations seeking to get people in Clydebank and Milngavie into work.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-08T14:43:54.19","MeetingDate":"2012-02-02T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269237,"EventID":"S4O-00652","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":4014,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-25T14:43:54.237","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-18T14:23:40.507","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with local authorities on introducing council counters in Post Office branches.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with local authorities on introducing council counters in Post Office branches.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-08T14:43:54.237","MeetingDate":"2012-02-02T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269238,"EventID":"S4O-00653","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":86,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-25T14:43:54.297","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-18T14:23:40.553","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its budget priorities are for Glasgow.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its budget priorities are for Glasgow.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-08T14:43:54.297","MeetingDate":"2012-02-02T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269239,"EventID":"S4O-00654","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":3743,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":123,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-25T14:43:54.343","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-18T14:23:40.617","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to increase the number of overseas visitors to Angus and Aberdeenshire.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to increase the number of overseas visitors to Angus and Aberdeenshire.\r\n","AnswerText":"Overseas visitors are a crucial part of the Scottish tourism industry – in 2010 they provided around 35% of visitor expenditure from 16% of total trips.\r\nVisitScotland already have a number of key campaigns which are targeted at our international markets. These fall within four key product areas: touring plus, city plus, ancestral and golf. The events that lead up to 2014 will generate an unprecedented opportunity to showcase all of Scotland’s tourism assets.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-08T14:43:54.343","MeetingDate":"2012-02-02T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269240,"EventID":"S4O-00655","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":3815,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-25T14:43:54.39","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-18T14:23:40.647","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many businesses in Mid Scotland and Fife have taken part in the small business bonus scheme.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many businesses in Mid Scotland and Fife have taken part in the small business bonus scheme.\r\n","AnswerText":"Data on the number of recipients of the small business bonus scheme is held on a local authority and not a constituency area basis.\r\nThe number of recipients of the small business bonus scheme by local authority area as at September 2011 was published on 27 October 2011 within the official statistics publication Non-Domestic Rates Relief Statics for Small Businesses in Scotland 2011.\r\nThe Mid Scotland and Fife constituency area includes the local authorities of Clackmannanshire, Fife, Perth and Kinross and Stirling, where in total 11,935 properties were in receipt of relief from the small business bonus scheme.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-08T14:43:54.39","MeetingDate":"2012-02-02T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269241,"EventID":"S4O-00656","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":2108,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":141,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-25T14:43:54.44","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-18T14:23:40.71","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assessment it has made of the effects of the proposed public health levy on retail employment.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assessment it has made of the effects of the proposed public health levy on retail employment.\r\n","AnswerText":"Retailers’ decisions on employment levels will depend on a wide range of internal and external factors.\r\nThe Scottish Government continues to engage regularly with all sectors of the business community, including the small number of retailers which will pay the public health supplement. That dialogue will continue throughout and beyond the current spending review period.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-08T14:43:54.453","MeetingDate":"2012-02-02T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269242,"EventID":"S4O-00657","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":1742,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-25T14:43:54.487","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-18T14:23:40.757","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representations it has made to the UK Government on reducing the VAT rate for the domestic repair, maintenance and improvement sector, given the impact on small busi","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representations it has made to the UK Government on reducing the VAT rate for the domestic repair, maintenance and improvement sector, given the impact on small businesses.\r\n","AnswerText":"Scottish ministers have written to the UK Government on a number of occasions over the past four years to make the case for a reduction in the rate of VAT on work to houses. The Cabinet Secretary for Finance, Employment and Sustainable Growth last wrote to the Chancellor in relation to this issue on 16 November for consideration in his Autumn Statement.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-08T14:43:54.5","MeetingDate":"2012-02-02T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269243,"EventID":"S4O-00658","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":1986,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":142,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-25T14:43:54.547","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-18T14:23:40.803","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what it is doing to promote jobs in Greenock and Inverclyde.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what it is doing to promote jobs in Greenock and Inverclyde.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government is committed to supporting sustainable economic growth and promoting job creation throughout Scotland, including in Greenock and Inverclyde, and our Economic Strategy provides us with the overarching economic framework to do that.\r\nWe work closely with a wide range of organisations including: Scottish Enterprise; Scottish Development International; Skills Development Scotland; VisitScotland; local authorities; the third sector; financial institutions, and other specialist sectoral advisory bodies to promote job creation.\r\nThis support includes the recent Regional Selective Assistance grant of £200,000 awarded by Scottish Enterprise to Blairs Windows Limited in Greenock, expected to create 70 new jobs in the town.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-08T14:43:54.547","MeetingDate":"2012-02-02T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269245,"EventID":"S4W-05164","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3815,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-25T17:24:02.36","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-24T16:14:42.067","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S4W-04144 by Angela Constance on 5 December 2011, how much of the Early Years Early Action Fund has been allocated; to what projects; h","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S4W-04144 by Angela Constance on 5 December 2011, how much of the Early Years Early Action Fund has been allocated; to what projects; how many families are receiving the fund, and in what way.\r\n","AnswerText":"The entire Early Years Early Action Fund for the financial year 2011-12 has now been allocated.\r\nThe projects receiving funding are as follows.\r\nAberlour Child Care Trust\r\nGlasgow Bridges\r\nAberlour Child Care Trust\r\nPartnership Early Years Service Dumfries and Galloway\r\nAction for Children\r\nRoots of Empathy\r\nAction for Sick Children (Scotland)\r\nSpecial Smiles\r\nBarnardo Services Ltd\r\nYou First\r\nBig Issue Foundation Scotland\r\nWith Kids Wester Hailes Project\r\nBreastfeeding Network\r\nAyrshire Project\r\nCare and Learning Alliance\r\nPlay Practice \r\nCircle\r\nSolo Early Years Project\r\nCrossreach\r\nThe Hub\r\nFour Square (Scotland)\r\nADAPT\r\nGrounds for Learning\r\nNurturing Outdoor Play\r\nLicketyspit\r\nLicketyLeap\r\nMellow Parenting\r\nMellow Bumps with Teenage Mums to Be\r\nNational Deaf Children's Society\r\nEarly Years Programme\r\nOne Parent Families Scotland\r\nFamilies at Play\r\nOne Parent Families Scotland\r\nFathers and Children\r\nOpen Secret\r\nEarly Years Service\r\nPartners in Advocacy\r\nYoung Voices for Choices\r\nQuarriers\r\nRuchazie\r\nQuarriers\r\nGlasgow School Transition\r\nSave the Children \r\nBorn to Blossom\r\nScottish Childminding Association\r\nCommunity Childminding \r\nSmart Play Network\r\nPlay on Wheels\r\nScottish Pre-School Play Association\r\nLearning Through Play\r\nStepping Stones For Families\r\nAyrshire Project\r\nStepping Stones For Families\r\nGlasgow Project\r\nYWCA Scotland\r\nTeen Parent Project\r\n \r\nThe total number of children currently benefitting from the Early Years Early Action Fund is 2509. This number will increase as the projects being funded become fully operational.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-08T17:24:02.423","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Aileen Campbell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269246,"EventID":"S4W-05167","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3815,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-25T17:24:02.517","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-24T16:14:42.067","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S4W-04144 by Angela Constance on 5 December 2011, what mechanisms it has in place to ensure that the Early Years Early Action Fund impr","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S4W-04144 by Angela Constance on 5 December 2011, what mechanisms it has in place to ensure that the Early Years Early Action Fund improves the (a) quality, (b) accessibility, (c) affordability and (d) flexibility of childcare  and what improvements the fund has provided in these areas.\r\n","AnswerText":"The £6.8 million Early Years Early Action Fund was set up to support the broad aims of the Early Years Framework, particularly in the area of early intervention. The fund is administered by Inspiring Scotland on behalf of the Scottish Government. As part of Inspiring Scotland’s ongoing engagement with the projects funded, quarterly reviews are carried out with each organisation.\r\nAs this is a new fund, the projects are still in their first quarter period of activity. Scottish Government will remain informed of project outcomes and progress via Inspiring Scotland.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-08T17:24:02.517","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Aileen Campbell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269247,"EventID":"S4W-05168","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3815,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-25T17:24:02.627","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-24T16:14:42.067","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S4W-04145 by Angela Constance on 5 December 2011, when the review and update of the existing data on childcare provision will be comple","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S4W-04145 by Angela Constance on 5 December 2011, when the review and update of the existing data on childcare provision will be completed and made publicly available.\r\n","AnswerText":"Work to synthesise recent research and statistics mapping childcare provision in Scotland is ongoing. This draws on published Care Inspectorate findings, along with published statistics covering provision and use of childcare and pre-school in Scotland; and recent evidence exploring the experiences of users and non-users of childcare from numerous published sources. This work will be used internally to inform discussions around the development of policy for the Early Years.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-08T17:24:02.627","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Aileen Campbell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269248,"EventID":"S4W-05169","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3815,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-25T17:24:02.69","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-24T16:14:42.067","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S4W-04146 by John Swinney on 6 December 2011, whether the number of places at its workplace nursery in Victoria Quay is determined by f","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S4W-04146 by John Swinney on 6 December 2011, whether the number of places at its workplace nursery in Victoria Quay is determined by facility limitation or by staff demand.\r\n","AnswerText":"In line with Care Inspectorate guidelines and regulations, the number of places in the Scottish Government workplace nursery in Victoria Quay is limited by the size and physical layout of the facility.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-08T17:24:02.703","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269249,"EventID":"S4W-05170","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3815,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-25T17:24:02.767","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-24T16:14:42.067","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S4W-04146 by John Swinney on 6 December 2011, whether the number of places at its workplace nursery in Victoria Quay takes into account","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S4W-04146 by John Swinney on 6 December 2011, whether the number of places at its workplace nursery in Victoria Quay takes into account a flexible working hour range of 7.00 am to 7.00 pm.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government workplace nursery at Victoria Quay is open from 7.30am to 6.30pm and also has a wrap-a-round care provision providing parents with additional flexibility. Parent/guardian representatives and the trades unions were fully involved in setting the operational requirements of the contract, including hours of opening.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-08T17:24:02.783","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269250,"EventID":"S4W-05171","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3815,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-25T17:24:02.843","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-24T16:14:42.067","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S4W-04147 by John Swinney on 6 December 2011, what consideration is given to (a) flexible  and (b) part-time working during the recruit","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S4W-04147 by John Swinney on 6 December 2011, what consideration is given to (a) flexible  and (b) part-time working during the recruitment process.\r\n","AnswerText":"As part of our ongoing commitment to ensuring all staff can enjoy a satisfactory work-life balance, the Scottish Government’s recruitment policy requires all recruiting managers to consider the flexible working options that can be accommodated, including part-time and flexible hours, before advertising a vacancy.\r\nApplicants are asked on the application form to state whether they wish to work full or part-time, or another non-standard full-time work pattern.\r\nDecisions taken in the process of filling advertised vacancies must comply with the Scottish Government’s policies on equal opportunities, diversity and flexible working. Flexible working brings a range of benefits for both staff and the organisation and, in November 2011, over 95% of staff indicated that they worked flexible hours.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-08T17:24:02.86","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269251,"EventID":"S4W-05172","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3815,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-25T17:24:02.907","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-24T16:14:42.067","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S4W-04149 by John Swinney on 1 December 2011, how many of its staff work part-time, broken down by (a) gender and (b) pay-grade, also e","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S4W-04149 by John Swinney on 1 December 2011, how many of its staff work part-time, broken down by (a) gender and (b) pay-grade, also expressed as a percentage of its employees. \r\n","AnswerText":"The following tables show percentages of part-time staff in Scottish Government (SG) core directorates by gender and pay range at 31 October 2011.\r\nPart-time Staff by Gender\r\nPart-time Staff by Gender\r\n \r\nFemale\r\nMale\r\nTotal\r\nSG Core\r\nFull-Time\r\n1,898\r\n2,566\r\n4,464\r\nPart-Time\r\n696\r\n106\r\n802\r\nTotal Employees\r\n2,594\r\n2,672\r\n5,266\r\nPercentage Part Time\r\n27%\r\n4%\r\n15%\r\n\r\nPart-time Staff by Pay Range\r\n \r\nA3\r\nA4\r\nB1\r\nB2\r\nB3\r\nSG Core\r\nFull-Time\r\n785\r\n225\r\n661\r\n923\r\n727\r\nPart-Time\r\n152\r\n47\r\n121\r\n145\r\n137\r\nTotal employees\r\n937\r\n272\r\n782\r\n1,068\r\n864\r\nPercentage Part-Time\r\n16%\r\n17%\r\n15%\r\n14%\r\n16%\r\n\r\n \r\nBFS\r\nC1\r\nC2\r\nC3\r\nLT\r\nNA\r\nSCS\r\nTotal\r\nSG Core\r\nFull -Time\r\n48\r\n448\r\n208\r\n47\r\n10\r\n235\r\n147\r\n4,464\r\nPart-Time\r\n4\r\n129\r\n47\r\n2\r\n0\r\n9\r\n9\r\n802\r\nTotal employees\r\n52\r\n577\r\n255\r\n49\r\n10\r\n244\r\n156\r\n5,266\r\nPercentage Part-Time\r\n8%\r\n22%\r\n18%\r\n4%\r\n0%\r\n4%\r\n6%\r\n15%\r\nNotes:\r\n1. BFS – Band B, Fast Stream.\r\n2. NA – Non-assimilated to SG grading structure.\r\n3. Unpaid staff, such as those on career breaks or unpaid maternity leave are excluded.\r\n4. The numbers of part-time staff above include those working under a job-share arrangement.\r\nThe Scottish Government’s current human resources system, eHR, was introduced for HR professional users in September 2007. The employee self-service interface went live to the wider SG employee base in January 2008.\r\nModifications and enhancements are frequently introduced to ensure that the system continues to meet business needs. The enhancement to allow recording of job-share arrangements was made in September 2009.\r\nThe current configuration of the eHR system is designed to record and count people and not posts. Therefore we are able to accurately report the number of part time staff but are unable to accurately identify where a post is shared by more than one employee.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-08T17:24:02.923","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269252,"EventID":"S4W-05174","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3815,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-25T17:24:02.97","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-24T16:14:42.067","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S4W-04149 by John Swinney on 1 December 2011, when its current human resource system was introduced.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S4W-04149 by John Swinney on 1 December 2011, when its current human resource system was introduced.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-05172 on 2 February 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-08T17:24:02.987","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269253,"EventID":"S4W-05175","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3815,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-25T17:24:03.047","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-24T16:14:42.067","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S4W-04149 by John Swinney on 1 December 2011, whether its current human resource system records how many staff work on a job-share basi","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S4W-04149 by John Swinney on 1 December 2011, whether its current human resource system records how many staff work on a job-share basis and, if so, whether it will provide these details.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-05172 on 2 February 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at: \r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-08T17:24:03.047","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269254,"EventID":"S4W-05176","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3815,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-25T17:24:03.08","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-24T16:14:42.067","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S4W-04149 by John Swinney on 1 December 2011, whether the information regarding part-time staff includes those working on a job-share b","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S4W-04149 by John Swinney on 1 December 2011, whether the information regarding part-time staff includes those working on a job-share basis.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-05172 on 2 February 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-08T17:24:03.093","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269255,"EventID":"S4W-05179","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5047,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-25T17:24:03.127","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-25T12:23:44","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what events are taking place in schools to promote 2012 as the UN International Year of Cooperatives.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what events are taking place in schools to promote 2012 as the UN International Year of Cooperatives.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government does not keep details of the vast range of activities that take place in individual schools regarding themed years. Education Scotland supports schools that use such event as a context for learning in key curricular areas through various online channels, including Glow, to engage teachers in thinking and action around the themes.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-08T17:24:03.14","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269256,"EventID":"S4W-05180","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5047,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-25T17:24:03.187","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-25T12:23:44","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what additional finance will be provided to support start-up funding for businesses using the cooperative model during the UN International Year of Cooperatives.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what additional finance will be provided to support start-up funding for businesses using the cooperative model during the UN International Year of Cooperatives.","AnswerText":"Co-operative businesses, like any other business, can access business advice and support from Business Gateway, including information on sourcing existing financial assistance that may be available to support new and growing businesses.\r\nIn addition, Co-operative Development Scotland (CDS), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Scottish Enterprise, has a specific role to promote and support new and existing co-operative enterprises with growth potential. Working closely with Business Gateway, CDS provides specialist advice and support, promotes the co-operative model, and helps develop markets for co-operative and employee-owned businesses.\r\nThere are no specific plans to provide additional finance to support start-up funding for businesses using the co-operative model during the UN International Year of Co-operatives.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-08T17:24:03.203","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269273,"EventID":"S4W-05121","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-26T14:22:31.84","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-21T16:05:06","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it became aware that the previous Chief Scientist would be ending his/her employment contract; when the post became vacant, and when the vacancy was advertised.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it became aware that the previous Chief Scientist would be ending his/her employment contract; when the post became vacant, and when the vacancy was advertised.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Chief Scientist, Health post became vacant at the end of September 2010 when Professor Sir John Savill ended his secondment to the Scottish Government from Edinburgh University. The vacancy was advertised in October 2011. A shortlisting meeting was held on 14 November 2011 and interviews were held on 12 January 2012. The successful candidate will be announced shortly.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-09T14:22:32.09","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269274,"EventID":"S4W-05123","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-26T14:22:32.137","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-21T16:05:06","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the (a) shortlisting meetings were held and (b)  interviews carried out to fill the most recent vacant post of Chief Scientist.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the (a) shortlisting meetings were held and (b)  interviews carried out to fill the most recent vacant post of Chief Scientist.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-05121 on 2 February 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-09T14:22:32.137","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269275,"EventID":"S4W-05124","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-26T14:22:32.183","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-21T16:05:06","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it became aware that the previous director of the Chief Scientist Office would be ending his/her employment contract; when the post became vacant, and when the vacan","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it became aware that the previous director of the Chief Scientist Office would be ending his/her employment contract; when the post became vacant, and when the vacancy was advertised.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government is not aware of any employment contracts which have come to an end. The director of the Chief Scientist Office post has not been vacant and has therefore not been advertised. The duties of the post have been covered on a temporary basis since 24 January 2011.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-09T14:22:32.433","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269276,"EventID":"S4W-05127","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-26T14:22:32.48","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-21T16:05:06","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive for what reason the posts of Chief Scientist and director of the Chief Scientist Office have not been filled on a permanent basis for 16 and 12 months respectively.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive for what reason the posts of Chief Scientist and director of the Chief Scientist Office have not been filled on a permanent basis for 16 and 12 months respectively.\r\n","AnswerText":"The post of Chief Scientist was reviewed in the context of a wider review of the provision of scientific advice across government. It was decided that this role should remain. The post was advertised following the review and the successful candidate will be announced shortly. The post of director Chief Scientist Office is not vacant.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-09T14:22:32.48","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269277,"EventID":"S4W-05216","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-26T14:22:32.527","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-25T14:15:25.65","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether each NHS board has completed its review of patient records to establish if PIP breast implants have been used and, if so, what the outcome was.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether each NHS board has completed its review of patient records to establish if PIP breast implants have been used and, if so, what the outcome was.\r\n","AnswerText":"NHS boards have advised my officials that they have completed their review of patient records and this has confirmed that no PIP silicone breast implants have been used by NHSScotland.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-09T14:22:32.527","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269278,"EventID":"S4W-05218","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-26T14:22:32.557","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-25T14:15:25.65","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the registration of private health clinics is a matter reserved to the UK Parliament and, if not, what the criteria are for this.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the registration of private health clinics is a matter reserved to the UK Parliament and, if not, what the criteria are for this.\r\n","AnswerText":"The regulation of independent healthcare services is a matter devolved to the Scottish Parliament and is carried out by Healthcare Improvement Scotland on behalf of Scottish ministers.\r\nThe independent healthcare services regulated by HIS do not include private health clinics, so there is no requirement for them to register.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-09T14:22:32.573","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269279,"EventID":"S4W-05219","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-26T14:22:32.65","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-25T14:15:25.65","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether private health clinics in Scotland are required to have insurance cover.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether private health clinics in Scotland are required to have insurance cover.\r\n","AnswerText":"Employer’s Liability Insurance is a reserved matter. All employers are obliged to hold this type of insurance to cover any harm to an employee arising out of their employment. Other insurance provision is a matter for the private clinic.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-09T14:22:32.65","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269280,"EventID":"S4W-05222","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-26T14:22:32.697","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-25T14:15:25.65","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will establish a national registry of breast implants.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will establish a national registry of breast implants.\r\n","AnswerText":"As a follow up to the Interim Report of the Expert Group, published on 6 January, Professor Sir Bruce Keogh is leading a further review into the regulation of cosmetic surgery, including looking critically at the value and feasibility of a comprehensive register of significant surgical devices, including breast implants, and how best to put this into action.\r\nMy officials will be working with colleagues in Department of Health on this review and considering the implications for NHSScotland.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-09T14:22:32.697","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269281,"EventID":"S4W-05223","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-26T14:22:32.743","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-25T14:15:25.65","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what faults have been found with medical devices, other than PIP breast implants, in the last five years and what remedial action has been taken.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what faults have been found with medical devices, other than PIP breast implants, in the last five years and what remedial action has been taken.\r\n","AnswerText":"Information is not held centrally in the form requested.\r\nAll adverse incidents reported to the Incident Reporting and Investigation Centre (IRIC) of National Services Scotland are reviewed and, where appropriate, an in depth investigation into the cause undertaken. Adverse incidents can arise from a number of causes which include either a failure or fault with a medical device, incorrect use or issues with the packaging, storage or instructions for use.\r\nInformation from both adverse incident reports and investigations is shared with the Medical and Healthcare products Regulatory Authority (MHRA) who assess the most appropriate form of remedial action including issuing a medical device alert, or discussions the manufacturer and issue of a Field Safety Notice.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-09T14:22:32.76","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269282,"EventID":"S4W-05226","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-26T14:22:32.807","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-25T14:17:26.72","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people have attempted or committed suicide at the Erskine Bridge in each year since 2007.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people have attempted or committed suicide at the Erskine Bridge in each year since 2007.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally.  \r\nThe Scottish Suicide Information Database (ScotSID) Report published on 20 December 2011, holds information on Place of Suicidal Act with categories such as Private Dwelling, Street or Highway, and Method of Suicide, including the category Jumping or Falling from a High Place. However it does not name any specific locations, such as the Erskine Bridge.\r\nThe second phase of ScotSID’s development involves working with the Procurator Fiscal to provide more extensive information on an individual’s circumstances of death, and common suicide locations may at some point be considered for future inclusion. \r\nThe ScotSID Report can be accessed at: http://www.isdscotland.org/Health-Topics/Public-Health/Publications/2011-12-20/2011-12-20-Suicide-Report.pdf.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-09T14:22:32.823","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269283,"EventID":"S4W-05227","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-26T14:22:32.853","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-25T14:17:26.72","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many times the Clyde Coastguard has attended incidents at the Erskine Bridge in each year since 2007.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many times the Clyde Coastguard has attended incidents at the Erskine Bridge in each year since 2007.\r\n","AnswerText":"Coastguards at Clyde Maritime Rescue Co-ordination Centre (MRCC) do not routinely attend incidents. Clyde MRCC performs a search and rescue co-ordination function. The Maritime and Coastguard Agency search and rescue records show the number of incidents at Erskine Bridge reported to Clyde MRCC each year since 2007 as follows:\r\nYear\r\nTotal\r\n2007\r\n11\r\n2008\r\n7\r\n2009\r\n16\r\n2010\r\n34\r\n2011\r\n44\r\n\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-09T14:22:32.883","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269284,"EventID":"S4W-05228","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-26T14:22:32.93","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-25T14:17:26.72","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many suicides have been recorded in each year since 2007.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many suicides have been recorded in each year since 2007.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S3W-28833 on 16 November 2009. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-09T14:22:32.93","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269285,"EventID":"S4W-05229","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-26T14:22:32.963","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-25T14:17:26.72","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the number of calls to Breathing Space has increased since 2007 and, if so, by how many and in what age category.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the number of calls to Breathing Space has increased since 2007 and, if so, by how many and in what age category.","AnswerText":"Please see the following information regarding call demand, with both annual and monthly figures.\r\nAge Category information has only been collected since June 2010, and the figures represent the periods June to December 2010, and January to December 2011.\r\nTotal call demand represents a percentage increase from 2007 to 2011 of 114%\r\n\r\n2007\r\n2008\r\n2009\r\n2010\r\n2011\r\nCall\r\nDemand\r\n38,641\r\n51,055\r\n50,700\r\n75,974\r\n82,674\r\n\r\nMonthly Breakdown\r\n\r\nJAN\r\nFEB\r\nMAR\r\nAPR\r\nMAY\r\nJUN\r\nJUL\r\nAUG\r\nSEP\r\nOCT\r\nNOV\r\nDEC\r\n2007\r\n3,204\r\n2,984\r\n3,623\r\n3,179\r\n3,354\r\n2,983\r\n3,325\r\n2,876\r\n3,131\r\n3,213\r\n3,087\r\n3,682\r\n2008\r\n4,255\r\n3,991\r\n4,760\r\n4,187\r\n4,505\r\n4,062\r\n4,083\r\n3,993\r\n4,740\r\n4,709\r\n4,058\r\n3,712\r\n2009\r\n4,800\r\n5,199\r\n4,232\r\n3,558\r\n3,462\r\n2,833\r\n3,504\r\n4,735\r\n4,003\r\n4,353\r\n5,245\r\n4,776\r\n2010\r\n6,246\r\n5,364\r\n6,413\r\n5,881\r\n6,102\r\n5,398\r\n6,354\r\n6,523\r\n6,877\r\n6,336\r\n7,471\r\n7,009\r\n2011\r\n6,744\r\n6,732\r\n8,169\r\n8,445\r\n7,822\r\n6,642\r\n5,955\r\n5,711\r\n7,727\r\n6,896\r\n6,025\r\n5,806\r\n\r\nAge Group %Interactive calls Age Group\r\n\r\nYear\r\nU16\r\n16-24\r\n25-34\r\n35-44\r\n45-54\r\n2010\r\n0.3%\r\n11.8%\r\n15.0%\r\n16.6%\r\n16.1%\r\n2011\r\n0.2%\r\n10.8%\r\n13.9%\r\n16.8%\r\n19.2%\r\n\r\nYear\r\n55-64\r\n65-74\r\n75 +\r\nUndisclosed\r\n Blank\r\n2010\r\n7.7%\r\n2.2%\r\n0.6%\r\n5.8%\r\n23.9%\r\n2011\r\n9.9%\r\n2.4%\r\n0.9%\r\n6.4%\r\n19.5%\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-09T14:22:32.98","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269286,"EventID":"S4W-05230","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-26T14:22:33.087","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-25T14:17:26.72","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much funding it provided to Breathing Space in 2010-11, is providing in 2011-12 and will provide in 2012-13.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much funding it provided to Breathing Space in 2010-11, is providing in 2011-12 and will provide in 2012-13.\r\n","AnswerText":"Breathing Space Funding is as follows:\r\n2010-11\r\n£1,043,000 total funding received:\r\n£825,000 Scottish Government funding allocation for Breathing Space\r\n£218,000 NHS 24 funding (internal allocation).\r\n2011-12 \r\n£1,178,152 total funding received\r\n£825,000 Scottish Government funding\r\n£353,152 NHS 24 funding (internal allocation)\r\nFunding has not been allocated yet for 2012-13.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-09T14:22:33.103","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269287,"EventID":"S4W-05236","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4947,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-26T14:22:33.15","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-25T15:02:15","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many evictions have been carried out in each year since 2000, broken down by local authority area, and how many have involved children.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many evictions have been carried out in each year since 2000, broken down by local authority area, and how many have involved children.\r\n","AnswerText":"The number of eviction actions against council house tenants is published annually by local authority area on the Scottish Government website. Data is available from 2001-02 which was the first year this data collection was carried out.\r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Statistics/Browse/Housing-Regeneration/HSfS/Evictions.\r\nThe Scottish Housing Regulator publishes the number of eviction actions against registered social landlord tenants annually by local authority area. Data is available from 2006-07 to 2010-11.\r\nhttp://www.scottishhousingregulator.gov.uk/stellent/groups/public/documents/webpages/shr_statisticstables-evictions.hcsp#TopOfPage.\r\nData on the number of evictions involving children is not held centrally.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-09T14:22:33.167","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269288,"EventID":"S4W-05238","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4947,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-26T14:22:33.197","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-25T15:02:15","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will provide the reasons for all (a) evictions and (b) evictions involving children carried out in each year since 2000, broken down by local authority area","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will provide the reasons for all (a) evictions and (b) evictions involving children carried out in each year since 2000, broken down by local authority area","AnswerText":"(a) The number of eviction actions against council house tenants broken down by reason for eviction is published annually by local authority area on the Scottish Government website. Data is available from 2001-02 which was the first year of this data collection:\r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Statistics/Browse/Housing-Regeneration/HSfS/Evictions.\r\nThe Scottish Housing Regulator publishes data on the number of eviction actions against registered social landlord tenants annually by local authority area. Data on the reasons for evictions is available for 2006-07 to 2008-09:\r\nhttp://www.scottishhousingregulator.gov.uk/stellent/groups/public/documents/webpages/shr_statisticstables-evictions.hcsp#TopOfPage \r\n(b) Data on the number of evictions involving children by type is not held centrally.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-09T14:22:33.197","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269289,"EventID":"S4W-05239","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5060,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-26T14:22:33.243","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-25T15:59:56.897","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will publish the responses to the consultation on the proposed Rights of Children and Young People Bill.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will publish the responses to the consultation on the proposed Rights of Children and Young People Bill.\r\n","AnswerText":"The consultation responses were published by the Scottish Government on 1 February 2012.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-09T14:22:33.26","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Aileen Campbell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269290,"EventID":"S4W-05245","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":81,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-26T14:22:33.29","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-25T16:13:04.347","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to its response to the report of the No-fault Compensation Review Group, what (a) progress has been made on how the scheme would work in practice and (b) further","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to its response to the report of the No-fault Compensation Review Group, what (a) progress has been made on how the scheme would work in practice and (b) further analysis of the cost implications has been carried out.\r\n","AnswerText":"My officials have been working with the researchers on further analysis around the cost estimates and hope to be in a position shortly to publish the research report.\r\nA public consultation on the review group recommendations to seek wider views and help in understanding how such a scheme could work in practice will follow.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-09T14:22:33.307","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269291,"EventID":"S4W-05246","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-26T14:22:33.337","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-25T16:31:56.303","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answers to questions S4W-04953, S4W-04954 and S4W-04955 by Michael Matheson on 20 January 2012, who is responsible for the inspection of people involved i","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answers to questions S4W-04953, S4W-04954 and S4W-04955 by Michael Matheson on 20 January 2012, who is responsible for the inspection of people involved in the provision of teeth whitening.","AnswerText":"Teeth whitening is the practice of dentistry and only those registered with the General Dental Council may lawfully offer it as a treatment. The General Dental Council will take action against businesses undertaking teeth whitening illegally.\r\nNHS dental practices which offer teeth whitening privately will be inspected by the local NHS health boards as part of the routine dental practice inspection \r\nprogramme.\r\nNon-NHS dental practices are not currently regulated as independent healthcare services.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-09T14:22:33.337","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269292,"EventID":"S4W-05247","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-26T14:22:33.383","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-25T17:22:46.967","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, in light of the replacement of Gpass in the Scottish Prison Service (SPS), at which point the SPS will move to the replacement system.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, in light of the replacement of Gpass in the Scottish Prison Service (SPS), at which point the SPS will move to the replacement system.\r\n","AnswerText":"From 6 April 2012 onwards there will be a phased roll-out of InPS Vision to all nine NHS health boards with prisons. The rollout will take approximately six weeks.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-09T14:22:33.383","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269293,"EventID":"S4W-05248","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-26T14:22:33.43","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-25T17:22:46.967","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what funding it will provide for the transfer from Gpass in the Scottish Prison Service to the replacement system.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what funding it will provide for the transfer from Gpass in the Scottish Prison Service to the replacement system.","AnswerText":"The total funding transferred to NHS boards for the replacement of the Gpass system in prisons is £1,444,100.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-09T14:22:33.447","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269294,"EventID":"S4W-05250","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1866,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-26T14:22:33.477","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-25T18:17:16","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will investigate reports that Consort failed to carry out disclosure checks on its staff contracted to the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will investigate reports that Consort failed to carry out disclosure checks on its staff contracted to the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh.\r\n","AnswerText":"This is a contractual matter for NHS Lothian to resolve with Consort. Progress on resolving this issue is being made and we are monitoring the situation.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-09T14:22:33.477","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269295,"EventID":"S4W-05251","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1866,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-26T14:22:33.523","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-25T18:17:16","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with and  information it has requested from NHS Lothian regarding reports that Consort failed to carry out disclosure checks on its staff cont","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with and  information it has requested from NHS Lothian regarding reports that Consort failed to carry out disclosure checks on its staff contracted to the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh.\r\n","AnswerText":"This is a contractual matter for NHS Lothian to resolve with Consort and the Scottish Government is monitoring progress. NHS Lothian and Consort have met several times and interim measures have been put in place to prevent one to one contact between Balfour Beatty Workforce staff and patients. These actions are being monitored by NHS Lothian via formal weekly meetings which will continue until satisfactory conclusion is reached. Full completion of Disclosure Scotland checks on all staff is expected by 10 March.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-09T14:22:33.523","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269296,"EventID":"S4W-05253","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1866,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-26T14:22:33.557","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-25T18:17:16","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what guidance it provides to NHS boards regarding disclosure checks on staff.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what guidance it provides to NHS boards regarding disclosure checks on staff.","AnswerText":"The guidance for the completion of disclosure checks is contained within the Safer Pre and Post Employment Checks Partnership Information (PIN) Policy. This PIN Policy describes the process that Boards must undertake in relation to disclosure checks and applies to all directly employed staff in NHSScotland, and to temporary, locum, and agency staff. This PIN policy is currently under review to reflect the changes in legislation in respect of Disclosure and Protection of Vulnerable Groups (PVG) checks. The current PIN Policy can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.show.scot.nhs.uk/publications/j9227.pdf.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-09T14:22:33.57","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269297,"EventID":"S4W-05254","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1866,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-26T14:22:33.603","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-25T18:17:16","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will review its guidance in relation to disclosure checks in light of reports that Consort failed to carry out such checks on its staff contracted to the Royal","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will review its guidance in relation to disclosure checks in light of reports that Consort failed to carry out such checks on its staff contracted to the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh.\r\n","AnswerText":"As stated in the answer to question S4W-05253 on 7 February 2012 the Safer Pre and Post Employment Checks Partnership Information Network (PIN) Policy is currently under review, as part of a planned review programme for all PIN policies.\r\nAll answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-09T14:22:33.603","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269298,"EventID":"S4W-05255","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1866,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-26T14:22:33.65","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-25T18:17:16","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the procedures are to ensure that NHS boards comply with the guidance in relation to disclosure checks on staff.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the procedures are to ensure that NHS boards comply with the guidance in relation to disclosure checks on staff.\r\n","AnswerText":"The guidance contained within the Safer Pre and Post Employment Checks Partnership Information Network (PIN) Policy sets out the requirement of NHS boards to undertake disclosure checks as appropriate. The decision to conduct a disclosure check is a matter for individual employers based on their risk assessments of particular posts.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-09T14:22:33.65","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269299,"EventID":"S4W-05256","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5080,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-26T14:22:33.697","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-25T20:01:14","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what projects are to be supported by the South West hubco.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what projects are to be supported by the South West hubco.\r\n","AnswerText":"I have asked Scottish Futures Trust to respond. The response is as follows:\r\nThe following projects were named in the Prequalification Questionnaire for the South West hub.\r\nProject Name\r\nDescription\r\nMontrose House\r\nCare home on Arran\r\nStevenson Institute\r\nMulti-agency health unit of Largs\r\nIrvine East Primary School\r\nNew unnamed school campus\r\nIrvine West Primary School\r\nNew unnamed school campus\r\nReplacement for Magnum Centre\r\nNew leisure centre\r\nGarnock Academy\r\nSchool campus\r\nKnockroon\r\nSchool\r\nKilmarnock day centre (Woodstock)\r\nCommunity facility\r\nAuchinleck CC\r\nCommunity facility\r\nLittlemill\r\nSchool\r\nSorn\r\nSchool\r\nAyr Academy\r\nSecondary School\r\nDalbeattie High School\r\nSecondary School\r\nFlowerbank Nursery\r\nNursery School\r\nDalbeattie Primary Care Centre\r\nPrimary Care Centre\r\nDunscore Primary Care Centre\r\nPrimary Care Centre\r\nEast Kilbride Hunter Health Centre\r\nHealth Centre\r\nKilsyth Health Centre\r\nHealth Centre\r\nLarkhall Health Centre\r\nHealth Centre\r\nWishaw Health Centre\r\nHealth Centre\r\nClyde Valley Schools Campus\r\nSecondary and Primary School campus\r\nArdrossan Harbourside\r\nOffice Development\r\nIrvine Annickbank\r\n1st phase Business Park\r\nIrvine Ailsa Road\r\nPhase 2 Industrial units\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-09T14:22:33.697","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269300,"EventID":"S4W-05257","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5080,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-26T14:22:33.727","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-25T20:01:14","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what community benefit clauses are included in the hub procurement process.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what community benefit clauses are included in the hub procurement process.\r\n","AnswerText":"I have asked Scottish Futures Trust to respond and their response is as follows:\r\nThe hub procurement process sets minimum standards of performance which are measured through Key Performance Indicators (KPIs).\r\nThe KPIs cover, amongst other things, the hubCos' performance in relation to recruitment and training opportunities; creation of opportunities for SMEs and third sector organisations; community engagement; meeting sustainability and energy efficiency standards; and reducing waste.\r\nThe KPI guidance can be accessed at: http://www.scottishfuturestrust.org.uk.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-09T14:22:33.743","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269301,"EventID":"S4W-05258","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5080,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-26T14:22:33.79","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-25T20:01:14","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with NHS Lanarkshire regarding medical staffing difficulties.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with NHS Lanarkshire regarding medical staffing difficulties.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government maintains regular contact with all NHSScotland boards on a range of issues. At the mid-year review of NHS Lanarkshire’s performance on 11 November 2011, pressures in medical staffing were discussed and, looking forward to the summer of 2012, the board believed that the position would improve.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-09T14:22:33.79","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269302,"EventID":"S4W-05259","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5080,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-26T14:22:33.837","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-25T20:01:14","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S4W-04673 by Nicola Sturgeon on 11 January 2012, what \"specific investment\" associated with the plans in A Picture of Health will no lo","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S4W-04673 by Nicola Sturgeon on 11 January 2012, what \"specific investment\" associated with the plans in A Picture of Health will no longer be taken forward in relation to acute hospital care at Hairmyres Hospital and Wishaw General.\r\n","AnswerText":"NHS Lanarkshire have confirmed that under the plans associated with their previous A Picture of Health strategy, the board’s intention had been that there would be a new build/extension, including expansion of accident and emergency facilities, at both Hairmyres Hospital and Wishaw General Hospital in order to accommodate the activity levels anticipated with two emergency hospitals and one planned care hospital as a result of the board’s original proposal to close the accident and emergency department at Monklands Hospital.\r\nFollowing this Government’s decision to overturn the previous Administration’s endorsement of the proposal to close the accident and emergency department at Monklands Hospital, thereby maintaining this important emergency facility for the benefit of local people, further detailed planning on extending the accident and emergency facilities at Hairmyres and Wishaw Hospitals was not required.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-09T14:22:33.837","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269303,"EventID":"S4W-05260","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5080,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-26T14:22:33.913","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-25T20:01:14","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S4W-04673 by Nicola Sturgeon on 11 January 2012, what \"significant re-development\" is required at Monklands Hospital.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S4W-04673 by Nicola Sturgeon on 11 January 2012, what \"significant re-development\" is required at Monklands Hospital.\r\n","AnswerText":"NHS Lanarkshire has confirmed that they regard Monklands Hospital as a key facility in delivering healthcare services to local people and, as such, continue to make substantial investment in Monklands Hospital; with the board investing approximately £5 million per annum over the last four years.\r\nThe board has confirmed that Monklands Hospital requires substantial redevelopment due to its age and the need to maintain the full range of emergency service provision in an environment that is consistent with modern service delivery requirements. This work will need to take place while the hospital remains fully operational and, as such, will be extremely complex and will require a significant amount of planning. The board has advised that it will be undertaking some of the initial planning work this year with a view to developing an initial agreement.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-09T14:22:33.93","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269304,"EventID":"S4W-05261","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5080,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-26T14:22:33.977","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-25T20:01:14","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to S4W-04673 by Nicola Sturgeon on 11 January 2012, when scoping work on the future of acute mental health services at Hairmyres Hospital will be c","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to S4W-04673 by Nicola Sturgeon on 11 January 2012, when scoping work on the future of acute mental health services at Hairmyres Hospital will be complete.\r\n","AnswerText":"The board assures me it remains committed to achieving the strategic aim of delivering two integrated mental health inpatient facilities to cover the north and south of the region.\r\nWhilst the board are continuing to consider how best to enhance local community based provision of mental health services, in line with national policy, NHS Lanarkshire has confirmed that revised plans for the provision of the north integrated mental health inpatient unit will be considered by the board later this year. NHS Lanarkshire intends to consider the plans for the other inpatient unit at Hairmyres Hospital following this.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-09T14:22:33.993","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269305,"EventID":"S4W-05262","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5059,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-26T14:22:34.023","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-26T11:09:29","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what contingencies it has if the Scottish people vote against independence.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what contingencies it has if the Scottish people vote against independence.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government set out its proposals for the referendum to be held in Autumn 2014 in Your Scotland, Your Referendum. As part of the process the Government will set out full details of its prospectus to the people of Scotland in a comprehensive white paper on independence in November 2013. The people of Scotland will make the decision about Scotland’s future and the Government is confident that they will choose independence.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-09T14:22:34.023","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Bruce Crawford","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269306,"EventID":"S4W-05263","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5059,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-26T14:22:34.07","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-26T11:09:29","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, if Scotland becomes independent, whether it will subsequently be possible to rejoin the United Kingdom if a majority of the Scottish people demands it.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, if Scotland becomes independent, whether it will subsequently be possible to rejoin the United Kingdom if a majority of the Scottish people demands it.","AnswerText":"Since 1945, more than 50 countries have gained independence from the United Kingdom. None has subsequently chosen to return to its previous status.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-09T14:22:34.087","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Bruce Crawford","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269307,"EventID":"S4W-05265","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":2,"MSPID":5107,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":124,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-26T14:31:50.69","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-26T14:26:39.13","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its performance was in answering ministerial correspondence in the second and third quarters of 2011.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its performance was in answering ministerial correspondence in the second and third quarters of 2011.\r\n","AnswerText":"In the period May and June 2011, 2882 letters were received by ministers and 92% received a reply within our target of 20 working days.\r\nIn the period July to September 2011, 7,217 letters were received by ministers and 92% received a reply within our target of 20 working days.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-01-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-09T14:31:50.703","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Brian Adam","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269312,"EventID":"S4W-05181","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-26T17:11:38.55","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-25T14:07:35.627","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W–38402 by Nicola Sturgeon on 11 January 2011, how many patients have been sent to pain management centres outside of Scotland since ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W–38402 by Nicola Sturgeon on 11 January 2011, how many patients have been sent to pain management centres outside of Scotland since 15 September 2010; from which NHS board areas, and to which centres.\r\n","AnswerText":"The following table sets out the number of people, by NHS Board, who were referred to pain management centres outside of Scotland between 15 September 2010 and 9 January 2012. In all cases people were referred to the Royal National Hospital for Rheumatic Diseases NHS Trust, in Bath.\r\nReferrals to pain management centres outside Scotland\r\nNHS Board\r\n15 September 2010 to 9 January 2012\r\nAyrshire and Arran\r\n3\r\nFife\r\n2\r\nGrampian\r\n5\r\nGreater Glasgow & Clyde\r\n4\r\nShetland\r\n1\r\nTayside\r\n11\r\nTotal\r\n26\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-09T17:11:38.58","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269313,"EventID":"S4W-05182","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-26T17:11:38.627","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-25T14:04:53.313","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many paramedic vacancies there are in the Scottish Ambulance Service.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many paramedic vacancies there are in the Scottish Ambulance Service.","AnswerText":"This is a matter for the Scottish Ambulance Service. The information is not held centrally.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-09T17:11:38.643","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269314,"EventID":"S4W-05183","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-26T17:11:38.673","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-25T14:07:35.627","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the cost to individual NHS boards of sending patients with chronic pain to pain management centres outside of Scotland was in (a) 2008-09, (b) 2009-10 and (c) 2010-1","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the cost to individual NHS boards of sending patients with chronic pain to pain management centres outside of Scotland was in (a) 2008-09, (b) 2009-10 and (c) 2010-11 and has been since April 2011.\r\n","AnswerText":"The cost of sending patients with chronic pain to pain management centre’s outside Scotland was:\r\n(a) 2008-09 - £229,559\r\n(b) 2009-10 - £201,347\r\n(c) 2010-11 - £313,339 \r\n(d) 2011-12 to 09-01-12 - 231,757.\r\nThese costs are shared across all NHS boards as part of the national risk share arrangements administered by National Services Division. Boards’ contribution is calculated on their percentage share of the baseline allocation.\r\nAs a result of late presentation and/or invoice queries, figures can be subject to change. The total cost for 2009-10 provided in the table updates the figure of £184,937 provided in answer to question S3W-37826 on 10 December 2010.\r\nAll answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-09T17:11:38.69","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269315,"EventID":"S4W-05184","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-26T17:11:38.72","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-25T14:04:53.313","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the increase in frontline Scottish Ambulance Service staff of approximately 150 announced by the Cabinet Secretary for Health, Wellbeing and Cities Strategy on 18","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the increase in frontline Scottish Ambulance Service staff of approximately 150 announced by the Cabinet Secretary for Health, Wellbeing and Cities Strategy on 18 January 2012 will not include the number of current vacancies.","AnswerText":"The approximately 150 jobs announced are new posts which will be created as a result of this agreement. These will be over and above any current vacancies.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-09T17:11:38.737","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269316,"EventID":"S4W-05185","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-26T17:11:38.767","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-25T14:04:53.313","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many of the approximately 150 additional Scottish Ambulance Service staff announced by the Cabinet Secretary for Health, Wellbeing and Cities Strategy on 18 January 2","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many of the approximately 150 additional Scottish Ambulance Service staff announced by the Cabinet Secretary for Health, Wellbeing and Cities Strategy on 18 January 2012 will be paramedics.\r\n","AnswerText":"This will be an operational matter for the Scottish Ambulance Service. However, a programme board is being established to ensure a smooth implementation of the new arrangements. Current ambulance policy commits the service to ensuring that patients receive the most appropriate treatment. This is delivered by paramedics and other appropriately trained clinical staff and this mix of provision is likely to be reflected in the recruitment plan.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-09T17:11:38.783","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269317,"EventID":"S4W-05186","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-26T17:11:38.83","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-25T14:07:35.627","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W–38403 by Nicola Sturgeon on 11 January 2011, whether the Chronic Pain Steering Group has considered establishing a residential pain","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W–38403 by Nicola Sturgeon on 11 January 2011, whether the Chronic Pain Steering Group has considered establishing a residential pain management centre in Scotland.\r\n","AnswerText":"A scoping exercise in 2009, found insufficient evidence for an economic case to support the development of a Residential Pain Management Programme.\r\nThis will be reviewed by the Chronic Pain Steering Group in August 2012.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-09T17:11:38.83","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269318,"EventID":"S4W-05187","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-26T17:11:38.86","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-25T14:04:53.313","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what categories are used to grade calls to the Scottish Ambulance Service and what response times apply to each category.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what categories are used to grade calls to the Scottish Ambulance Service and what response times apply to each category.","AnswerText":"Emergency (999) calls to the Scottish Ambulance Service are categorised as A, B and C.\r\nThe national response time target for category A calls (life threatening) across mainland Scotland is that 75% of all incidents should be reached within eight minutes.\r\nThe national response time target for category B calls (serious but not life threatening) across mainland Scotland is that 95% of all incidents should be reached within 14, 19 or 21 minutes depending on population density.\r\nThe remaining calls (neither life threatening nor serious) are described as category C. Where an ambulance response is required that will generally attend within one hour. Many category C calls do not require an ambulance to attend, patients might be transferred to NHS 24, offered advice or referred to alternative pathways of care.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-09T17:11:38.877","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269319,"EventID":"S4W-05188","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-26T17:11:38.907","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-25T14:07:35.627","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what meetings the Chronic Pain Steering Group held in (a) 2009, (b) 2010 and (c) 2011.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what meetings the Chronic Pain Steering Group held in (a) 2009, (b) 2010 and (c) 2011.\r\n","AnswerText":"The information requested is set out in the following table:\r\nDates of Chronic Pain Steering Group meetings:\r\n2009\r\n2010\r\n2011\r\n29-10-09\r\n02-11-10\r\n01-12-11\r\n01-09-09\r\n24-06-10\r\n22-08-11\r\n18-06-09\r\n02-03-10\r\n19-05-11\r\n12-05-09\r\n\r\n24-02-11\r\nFurther information on the Steering Group, including meeting papers, can be found on the Chronic Pain page of the NHS Knowledge Network website at: \r\nhttp://www.knowledge.scot.nhs.uk/pain/steering-group.aspx\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-09T17:11:38.923","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269320,"EventID":"S4W-05189","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-26T17:11:38.953","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-25T14:04:53.313","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether calls to the Scottish Ambulance Service have been re-categorised in the last six months and whether any changes will be made following the settlement on rest brea","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether calls to the Scottish Ambulance Service have been re-categorised in the last six months and whether any changes will be made following the settlement on rest breaks.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government does not collect this type of operational data. It is for the Scottish Ambulance Service to categorise calls, or re-categorise as necessary, according to the best and most up to date clinical information available. This has always been the case and will not change following the recently announced settlement on rest breaks.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-09T17:11:38.953","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269321,"EventID":"S4W-05190","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-26T17:11:39.003","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-25T14:04:53.313","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when all of the approximately 150 additional Scottish Ambulance Service staff announced by the Cabinet Secretary for Health, Wellbeing and Cities Strategy on 18 January 2","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when all of the approximately 150 additional Scottish Ambulance Service staff announced by the Cabinet Secretary for Health, Wellbeing and Cities Strategy on 18 January 2012 will be in post.\r\n","AnswerText":"It is planned that the posts will be filled within 18 months. However, recruitment activity is already underway and it is anticipated that a large proportion of the staff should be in place more quickly than that.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-09T17:11:39.003","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269322,"EventID":"S4W-05191","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-26T17:11:39.05","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-25T14:07:35.627","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will provide all territorial NHS boards with pump priming to extend the creation of managed clinical networks for chronic pain.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will provide all territorial NHS boards with pump priming to extend the creation of managed clinical networks for chronic pain.\r\n","AnswerText":"It is for NHS boards to develop and deliver healthcare services to meet the needs of their local population.\r\nHowever, we continue to advocate a managed clinical network (MCN) approach to the development of chronic pain services and see the existing Network in NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde as setting an example for other boards to follow.\r\nThe Chronic Pain Steering Group has been working to establish a quality improvement infrastructure to support chronic pain service improvements in NHS boards, including work to establish a chronic pain service improvement group or MCN in each NHS board.\r\nWe would therefore be pleased to receive applications for two year funding from any board wishing to develop an MCN approach to chronic pain services, including setting up local service improvement groups.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-09T17:11:39.05","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269323,"EventID":"S4W-05192","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-26T17:11:39.097","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-25T14:04:53.313","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much was paid in (a) availability and (b) disturbance payments during the recent Scottish Ambulance Service dispute.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much was paid in (a) availability and (b) disturbance payments during the recent Scottish Ambulance Service dispute.\r\n","AnswerText":"Precise accounting information would need to be sought from the Scottish Ambulance Service direct but there are some 2,400 staff who were eligible for the £250 availability and the £100 ignore payments. Paying the availability payment on a pro-rata basis for three months therefore works out at £156,250. Figures supplied to us by the Scottish Ambulance Service as part of the regular monitoring arrangements show that there were 1,130 incidents where staff were disturbed during rest breaks between 10 October 2011 and 8 January 2012 (the most recent date for which we have validated data). A total of 2,100 disturbs of individual staff members resulted from these. This therefore amounts to some £210,000 in disturb payments.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-09T17:11:39.097","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269324,"EventID":"S4W-05193","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-26T17:11:39.157","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-25T14:04:53.313","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much has been paid in overtime in the Scottish Ambulance Service since April 2011.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much has been paid in overtime in the Scottish Ambulance Service since April 2011.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Ambulance Service has advised that overtime payments covering hours worked between April and December 2011 total £6,218,303. Overtime is generally paid one month in arrears so overtime incurred in December is paid in January.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-09T17:11:39.157","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269325,"EventID":"S4W-05194","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-26T17:11:39.19","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-25T14:07:35.627","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive in which NHS boards there are managed clinical networks for chronic pain.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive in which NHS boards there are managed clinical networks for chronic pain.\r\n","AnswerText":"There is currently an MCN for Chronic Pain operating in NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde.\r\nIn addition, Chronic Pain Service Improvement Groups have been established in NHS Fife and NHS Lanarkshire and we continue to encourage NHS boards to establish service improvement groups or MCNs for chronic pain.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-09T17:11:39.203","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269326,"EventID":"S4W-05195","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-26T17:11:39.237","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-25T14:04:53.313","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the annual cost of the settlement on rest breaks in the Scottish Ambulance Service will be from January 2012.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the annual cost of the settlement on rest breaks in the Scottish Ambulance Service will be from January 2012.","AnswerText":"It is anticipated the annual cost of the recently announced longer term agreement will be in the region of £5 million. The transitional arrangements from 17 January 2012 to the end of June 2012 are anticipated to cost £1.875 million at most. Although the quicker staff move to their new working arrangements, the less that sum will be.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-09T17:11:39.25","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269327,"EventID":"S4W-05196","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-26T17:11:39.283","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-25T14:04:53.313","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many calls received by the Scottish Ambulance Service between 6 October 2011 and 18 January 2012 were categorised as (a) red, (b) yellow and (c) amber.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many calls received by the Scottish Ambulance Service between 6 October 2011 and 18 January 2012 were categorised as (a) red, (b) yellow and (c) amber.\r\n","AnswerText":"Emergency calls to the Scottish Ambulance Service are not categorised under these operational definitions, I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-05187 on 6 February 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx. \r\nThe information requested is not held centrally.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-09T17:11:39.283","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269328,"EventID":"S4W-05197","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-26T17:11:39.33","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-25T14:07:35.627","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much money has been allocated by the Long Term Conditions Alliance to projects connected with the management of chronic pain.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much money has been allocated by the Long Term Conditions Alliance to projects connected with the management of chronic pain.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Long Term Conditions Alliance Scotland, through its administration of the Self Management Fund over the last three years, has allocated a total of £1,089,841 to projects which support people to live with chronic pain in Scotland.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-09T17:11:39.33","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269329,"EventID":"S4W-05198","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-26T17:11:39.377","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-25T14:04:53.313","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many calls received by the Scottish Ambulance Service between 1 July 2011 and 1 October 2011 were categorised as (a) red, (b) yellow and (c) amber.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many calls received by the Scottish Ambulance Service between 1 July 2011 and 1 October 2011 were categorised as (a) red, (b) yellow and (c) amber.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-09T17:11:39.377","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269330,"EventID":"S4W-05199","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-26T17:11:39.423","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-25T14:04:53.313","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many calls received by the Scottish Ambulance Service between 1 July 2010 and 1 October 2010 were categorised as (a) red, (b) yellow and (c) amber.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many calls received by the Scottish Ambulance Service between 1 July 2010 and 1 October 2010 were categorised as (a) red, (b) yellow and (c) amber.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-09T17:11:39.423","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269331,"EventID":"S4W-05200","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-26T17:11:39.47","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-25T14:07:35.627","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Chronic Pain Steering Group has completed its scoping exercise with NHS boards to assess each board's service levels and how these relate to the agreed servic","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Chronic Pain Steering Group has completed its scoping exercise with NHS boards to assess each board's service levels and how these relate to the agreed service model for chronic pain and, if so, when this will be published.\r\n","AnswerText":"A scoping exercise of pain management services in Scotland has been carried out by Healthcare Improvement Scotland and our lead clinician on chronic pain, which has gathered information on the resources available in each NHS board.\r\nAnalysis and verification of the findings is under way and a report is expected to be completed by the end of March 2012.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-09T17:11:39.487","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269332,"EventID":"S4W-05201","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-26T17:11:39.533","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-25T14:04:53.313","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many calls received by the Scottish Ambulance Service between 6 October 2010 and 18 January 2011 were categorised as (a) red, (b) yellow and (c) amber.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many calls received by the Scottish Ambulance Service between 6 October 2010 and 18 January 2011 were categorised as (a) red, (b) yellow and (c) amber.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-09T17:11:39.533","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269333,"EventID":"S4W-05202","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-26T17:11:39.58","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-25T14:07:35.627","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether referral to treatment waiting time targets apply to chronic pain services and, if so, whether any penalties have been incurred.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether referral to treatment waiting time targets apply to chronic pain services and, if so, whether any penalties have been incurred.\r\n","AnswerText":"Patients referred to chronic pain clinics are covered by the 18 weeks referral to treatment target. The 18 weeks target which came into effect on 31 December 2011 is that 90% of patients should be seen and treated within 18 weeks from referral.\r\nLatest published figures for September 2011 showed that 89.8% of patients were seen and treated within 18 weeks from initial referral. Performance against the target for 31 December 2011 is due to be published on 28 February 2012.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-09T17:11:39.593","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269334,"EventID":"S4W-05203","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-26T17:11:39.627","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-25T14:04:53.313","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many Scottish Ambulance Service ambulances are based at (a) Clydebank and (b) Vale of Leven ambulance station.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many Scottish Ambulance Service ambulances are based at (a) Clydebank and (b) Vale of Leven ambulance station.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Ambulance Service has provided the following table setting out rostered resources based at Clydebank Ambulance Station.\r\n\r\nResource\r\nMon\r\nTues\r\nWed\r\nThur\r\nFri\r\nSat\r\nSun\r\nDay shift A&E Ambulance\r\n4\r\n5\r\n6\r\n5\r\n5\r\n3\r\n3\r\nBack Shift A&E Ambulance\r\n2\r\n1\r\n1\r\n1\r\n1\r\n1\r\n1\r\nNight Shift A&E Ambulance\r\n2\r\n2\r\n3\r\n2\r\n2\r\n2\r\n2\r\nDay Shift PRU\r\n1\r\n1\r\n1\r\n1\r\n1\r\n1\r\n1\r\nNight Shift PRU\r\n1\r\n1\r\n1\r\n1\r\n1\r\n1\r\n1\r\nTotal\r\n10\r\n10\r\n12\r\n10\r\n10\r\n8\r\n8\r\nNotes:\r\n*PRU = Paramedic Response Unit\r\n*The day, night and back shifts will cover a variety of shift patterns.\r\n \r\nThe Scottish Ambulance Service have confirmed that the accident and emergency ambulances operating from Clydebank Ambulance Station are rostered to be double-crewed by a paramedic and a technician, and that the PRU is rostered to be crewed by a paramedic.\r\nIn relation to rostered resources based at Vale of Leven Ambulance Station, I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-02448 on 21 September 2011. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-09T17:11:39.64","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269335,"EventID":"S4W-05204","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-26T17:11:39.673","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-25T14:04:53.313","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many times ambulances from (a) Clydebank and (b) Vale of Leven ambulance station have attended calls in Old Kilpatrick in each year since 2007-08.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many times ambulances from (a) Clydebank and (b) Vale of Leven ambulance station have attended calls in Old Kilpatrick in each year since 2007-08.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-09T17:11:39.687","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269336,"EventID":"S4W-05205","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-26T17:11:39.72","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-25T14:04:53.313","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many ambulances attending calls from Old Kilpatrick have had an end destination of the (a) Western General, (b) Royal Alexandra and (c) Vale of Leven hospital in each","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many ambulances attending calls from Old Kilpatrick have had an end destination of the (a) Western General, (b) Royal Alexandra and (c) Vale of Leven hospital in each year since 2007-08.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-09T17:11:39.733","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269337,"EventID":"S4W-05206","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-26T17:11:39.767","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-25T14:04:53.313","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the (a) average and (b) longest wait has been for an ambulance after a call has been attended by a Rapid Response Unit in each year since 2007-08.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the (a) average and (b) longest wait has been for an ambulance after a call has been attended by a Rapid Response Unit in each year since 2007-08.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-09T17:11:39.783","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269338,"EventID":"S4W-05207","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-26T17:11:39.83","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-25T14:04:53.313","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether attendance at an emergency call by a Rapid Response Unit counts as part of the target emergency response time.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether attendance at an emergency call by a Rapid Response Unit counts as part of the target emergency response time.\r\n","AnswerText":"Yes, the arrival on scene of a paramedic response unit (sometimes referred to as a rapid response unit) counts as part of the emergency response time. I refer the member to the answer to question S3W-33014 on 23 April 2010.\r\nAll answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-09T17:11:39.83","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269339,"EventID":"S4W-05208","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-26T17:11:39.877","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-25T14:04:53.313","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there is a paramedic in every Scottish Ambulance Service ambulance crew.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there is a paramedic in every Scottish Ambulance Service ambulance crew.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S3W-33017 on 23 April 2010. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-09T17:11:39.877","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269340,"EventID":"S4W-05209","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-26T17:11:39.923","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-25T14:04:53.313","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there is a target for the number of paramedics in Scottish Ambulance Service ambulance crews; how this is monitored, and whether the target has been met in each y","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there is a target for the number of paramedics in Scottish Ambulance Service ambulance crews; how this is monitored, and whether the target has been met in each year since 2007-08.","AnswerText":"There is no target for the number of paramedics in Scottish Ambulance Service crews.\r\nI refer the member to the answer to question S3W-33017 on 23 April 2010. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-09T17:11:39.923","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269341,"EventID":"S4W-05210","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-26T17:11:39.953","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-25T14:04:53.313","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of paramedics is on relief Scottish Ambulance Service rosters (a) in Scotland and (b) the Vale of Leven ambulance station.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of paramedics is on relief Scottish Ambulance Service rosters (a) in Scotland and (b) the Vale of Leven ambulance station.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-09T17:11:39.97","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269342,"EventID":"S4W-05211","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-26T17:11:40","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-25T14:04:53.313","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many shifts have been discontinued at the Vale of Leven Ambulance Station since May 2007.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many shifts have been discontinued at the Vale of Leven Ambulance Station since May 2007.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-09T17:11:40.017","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269343,"EventID":"S4W-05212","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-26T17:11:40.047","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-25T14:04:53.313","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many single-crewed ambulances have been dispatched from the Vale of Leven Ambulance Station in the last year.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many single-crewed ambulances have been dispatched from the Vale of Leven Ambulance Station in the last year.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-09T17:11:40.063","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269344,"EventID":"S4W-05213","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-26T17:11:40.093","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-25T14:04:53.313","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many weekend rosters have included paramedics at the Vale of Leven Ambulance Station in each of the last six months.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many weekend rosters have included paramedics at the Vale of Leven Ambulance Station in each of the last six months.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Ambulance Service have advised that rosters for the Vale of Leven Ambulance Station include paramedics on a 24/7 basis, including on the weekend. I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-02448 on 21 September 2011.\r\nAll answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-09T17:11:40.11","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269345,"EventID":"S4W-05214","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-26T17:11:40.14","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-25T14:14:22.713","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the cap of 8.5% in the reduction of teaching grant to colleges uses the baseline figures in Scottish Funding Council Circular SFC/35/2010, Indicative main grants ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the cap of 8.5% in the reduction of teaching grant to colleges uses the baseline figures in Scottish Funding Council Circular SFC/35/2010, Indicative main grants to colleges and universities for academic year 2011-12 .\r\n","AnswerText":"Yes.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-09T17:11:40.14","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269346,"EventID":"S4W-05215","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-26T17:11:40.187","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-25T14:14:22.713","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, whether the actual cap in the reduction of teaching grant to colleges is 9.9% when using the baseline figures in the actual grant award outlined in Scottish Funding Coun","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, whether the actual cap in the reduction of teaching grant to colleges is 9.9% when using the baseline figures in the actual grant award outlined in Scottish Funding Council Circular SFC/09/2011, Main grants to colleges and universities for academic year 2011-12.\r\n","AnswerText":"No. The maximum reduction in teaching grant that any college will face when compared with the baseline figures (which are those set out in Scottish Funding Council Circular SFC/35/2010) is 8.5%. Circular SFC/09/2011 included funds which were not baselined.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-09T17:11:40.187","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269347,"EventID":"S4W-05217","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-26T17:11:40.233","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-25T14:14:22.713","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the reductions in college teaching grants will be equally shared or whether a regional allocation model will be considered.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the reductions in college teaching grants will be equally shared or whether a regional allocation model will be considered.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Funding Council letter of 2 February provides detail on college teaching grants and the regional allocations.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-09T17:11:40.25","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269348,"EventID":"S4W-05220","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-26T17:11:40.28","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-25T14:14:22.713","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether student support funding for 2012-13 will be based on the baseline figure of £84.2 million in Scottish Funding Council (SFC) Circular SFC/35/2010, Indicative main ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether student support funding for 2012-13 will be based on the baseline figure of £84.2 million in Scottish Funding Council (SFC) Circular SFC/35/2010, Indicative main grants to colleges and universities for academic year 2011-12, or £95.6 million, as set out in SFC Circular SFC/09/2011, Main grants to colleges and universities for academic year 2011-12.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Funding Council has indicated that it intends to allocate £84.2 million to further education student support in the academic year 2012-13.\r\nThis maintains the baseline for academic year 2011-12, protecting college students from the reductions we have been forced to make elsewhere as the result of the swingeing cut which the UK Government is making to Scotland’s block grant.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-09T17:11:40.297","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269349,"EventID":"S4W-05224","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-26T17:11:40.343","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-25T14:14:22.713","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the strategic funding for colleges outlined in the letter to principals from the Cabinet Secretary for Education and Lifelong Learning on 11 January 2012 is for m","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the strategic funding for colleges outlined in the letter to principals from the Cabinet Secretary for Education and Lifelong Learning on 11 January 2012 is for more than one academic session.","AnswerText":"My letter to Principals of 11 January relates to funding for academic year 2012-13.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-09T17:11:40.343","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269350,"EventID":"S4W-05225","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-26T17:11:40.39","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-25T14:14:22.713","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when colleges can expect their indicative grant letter for 2012-13.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when colleges can expect their indicative grant letter for 2012-13.","AnswerText":"The SFC provided colleges with indicative funding allocations on 2 February 2012.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-09T17:11:40.39","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269351,"EventID":"S4W-05231","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-26T17:11:40.437","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-25T14:18:33.19","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there have been recorded cases of pseudomonas bacteria being detected in NHS facilities.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there have been recorded cases of pseudomonas bacteria being detected in NHS facilities.","AnswerText":"Information on pseudomonas bacteria detected in NHS facilities is not held centrally.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-09T17:11:40.437","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269352,"EventID":"S4W-05232","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-26T17:11:40.53","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-25T14:18:33.19","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it ensures that sinks in NHS facilities are infection free.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it ensures that sinks in NHS facilities are infection free.","AnswerText":"To review whether or not cleaning standards are being met, the Healthcare Environment Inspectorate undertake a rolling programme of inspections of all acute hospitals in Scotland.\r\nThis is a matter for NHS boards to manage. Detailed guidance is made available to NHS boards in the NHSScotland National Cleaning Services Specification and the Monitoring Framework for NHSScotland National Cleaning Services Specification Guide for NHSScotland Managers.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-09T17:11:40.547","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269353,"EventID":"S4W-05233","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1866,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-26T17:11:40.577","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-25T14:27:10.003","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to comments by the Minister for Local Government and Planning on 19 January 2012 (Official Report, c. 5439) regarding the phasing of an awareness campaign for th","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to comments by the Minister for Local Government and Planning on 19 January 2012 (Official Report, c. 5439) regarding the phasing of an awareness campaign for the 2012 local government elections, what plans it has for promoting voter participation and when each phase of publicity will take place; what it will cost, and whom it will target.","AnswerText":"I met with the Electoral Commission on 30 January to discuss the ongoing preparations for the 2012 Local Government Elections.\r\nAs the member will know The Local Electoral Administration (Scotland) Act 2011 extended the statutory remit of the Electoral Commission to cover local government elections in Scotland. Among other things, this will allow the Commission to run public awareness and information campaigns on elections. The Scottish Government is working with the Commission and has provided it with £1.5 million to develop and deliver the campaign for this year’s local government elections.\r\nThe information campaign will begin on 19 March 2012 and will be delivered through a multi-media campaign as well as a door drop leaflet delivered to every household.\r\nThe campaign will run in two phases.\r\nPhase 1 will focus on registration. The target audience for this phase will be all potential voters, although during this phase it will be weighted towards \r\nunder-registered groups including young people, black and minority ethnic groups and home-movers.\r\nPhase 2 will focus on voter education and will aim to provide voters with the information they need to be able to complete their ballot paper validly using the STV system.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-09T17:11:40.593","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Derek Mackay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269354,"EventID":"S4W-05234","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1866,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-26T17:11:40.623","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-25T14:27:10.003","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to target the involvement of young voters in the 2012 local government elections.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to target the involvement of young voters in the 2012 local government elections.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-05233 on 7 February 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-09T17:11:40.64","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Derek Mackay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269355,"EventID":"S4W-05235","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1866,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-26T17:11:40.67","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-25T14:27:10.003","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much it has budgeted for publicity in relation to the 2012 local government elections.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much it has budgeted for publicity in relation to the 2012 local government elections.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-05233 on 7 February 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-09T17:11:40.687","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Derek Mackay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269356,"EventID":"S4W-05249","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-26T17:11:40.733","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-25T17:22:46.967","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S4W-03580 by Michael Matheson on 4 November 2011, what additional weekly costs would arise from a consumption of (a) 7, (b) 14 and (c) ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S4W-03580 by Michael Matheson on 4 November 2011, what additional weekly costs would arise from a consumption of (a) 7, (b) 14 and (c) 21 units of (i) beer, (ii) wine and (iii) spirits a week at a minimum unit price of (A) 45p and (B) 50p.\r\n","AnswerText":"It is not possible to estimate the additional weekly costs incurred because this would depend upon the strength of the alcohol and the current price being paid - which may be under or over 45 or 50p. Professor Ludbrook's research has shown that all income groups purchase cheap alcohol and the Sheffield study shows that individuals' behavioural response includes a reduction in demand and switching to cheaper products. The Sheffield study reports the mean impact on groups of drinkers. This is disaggregated in terms of consumption of wine, beer and spirits in the detailed tables within the Sheffield report.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-09T17:11:40.733","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269357,"EventID":"S4W-05264","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2892,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-26T17:11:40.78","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-26T14:21:45","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive for what reason section 206 of the Bankruptcy and Diligence etc. (Scotland) Act 2007 has not been fully commenced and when the insertion of section 73D into the Debtors (","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive for what reason section 206 of the Bankruptcy and Diligence etc. (Scotland) Act 2007 has not been fully commenced and when the insertion of section 73D into the Debtors (Scotland) Act 1987 will be implemented.","AnswerText":"Section 206 of the Bankruptcy and Diligence etc. (Scotland) Act 2007 inserts section 73D into the Debtors (Scotland) Act 1985. Section 73D contains a requirement for a Debt Advice and Information Package (DAIP) to be provided to a debtor within 48 hours of an arrestment of a debtor’s goods or bank account.\r\nThe provision of the DAIP after an arrestment has taken place would not provide debtors with an opportunity to seek advice prior to enforcement. This may undermine the value of the DAIP. Stakeholders also believe that the short timescale for provision of the DAIP may present practical difficulties for sheriff officers. Therefore, section 73D was specifically excluded when section 206 of the 2007 act was commenced in April 2009.\r\nOfficials are considering whether section 73D, as drafted, requires to be amended. Such an amendment would require an opportunity for primary legislation with sufficient scope to include diligence; therefore there are no immediate plans to amend or to commence this section.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-09T17:11:40.78","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269358,"EventID":"S4W-05266","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5079,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-26T17:11:40.843","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-26T14:44:47","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will next convene a meeting of the Tackling Poverty Board.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will next convene a meeting of the Tackling Poverty Board.\r\n","AnswerText":"Last year a review took place to look back at the effectiveness of the Tackling Poverty Board (TPB) and what the requirements of an incoming government might be in relation to the Scottish Government's strategy. One of the main outcomes of the TPB's considerations was consensus that, despite the economic situation being different to that when Achieving Our Potential (AoP) was published, the principles and objectives set out in AoP and the other social policy frameworks were the right model for the long-term change that would ultimately succeed in tackling inequality in Scotland. This has since been further supported by the report of the Christie Commission. Furthermore, and in line with this, it was concluded that to effectively tackle the priority aspects of AoP, our action had to be embedded into the mainstream approach adopted by the Scottish Government, local authorities and our partners. This is now happening.\r\nAs part of its considerations the Tackling Poverty Board assessed progress against Achieving our Potential as well as the impact of its key areas of action. Papers can be found at – \r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/People/tacklingpoverty/TacklingPovertyBoard.\r\nProgress in tackling poverty at local level is set out in community planning partnership single outcome agreements.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-09T17:11:40.843","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269359,"EventID":"S4W-05267","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5079,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-26T17:11:40.89","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-26T14:44:47","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Tackling Poverty Board has met since 13 April 2011.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Tackling Poverty Board has met since 13 April 2011.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-05266 on 6 February 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-09T17:11:40.89","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269360,"EventID":"S4W-05269","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5079,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-26T17:11:40.92","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-26T14:44:47","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S4W-02421 by Michael Matheson on 13 September 2011, whether the membership of the Tackling Poverty Board has changed since that date. \r","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S4W-02421 by Michael Matheson on 13 September 2011, whether the membership of the Tackling Poverty Board has changed since that date. \r\n","AnswerText":"No.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-09T17:11:40.937","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269361,"EventID":"S4W-05270","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5079,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-26T17:11:41","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-26T14:44:47","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress it is making on achieving the objectives set out in Achieving Our Potential: A Framework to tackle poverty and income inequality in Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress it is making on achieving the objectives set out in Achieving Our Potential: A Framework to tackle poverty and income inequality in Scotland.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-05266 on 6 February 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-09T17:11:41.013","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269362,"EventID":"S4W-05271","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5079,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-26T17:11:41.047","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-26T14:44:47","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it is monitoring its progress on achieving the objectives set out in Achieving Our Potential: A Framework to tackle poverty and income inequality in Scotland\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it is monitoring its progress on achieving the objectives set out in Achieving Our Potential: A Framework to tackle poverty and income inequality in Scotland\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-05266 on 6 February 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-09T17:11:41.06","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269363,"EventID":"S4W-05273","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5079,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-26T17:11:41.107","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-26T13:55:45","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to carry out a business and regulatory impact assessment on the proposed public health levy.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to carry out a business and regulatory impact assessment on the proposed public health levy.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4O-00644 on 2 February 2012. The answer to the oral parliamentary question is available on the Parliaments website, the official report can be viewed at: \r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28862.aspx?r=6780&mode=html#iob_61539.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-09T17:11:41.107","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269364,"EventID":"S4W-05274","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3824,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-26T17:11:41.233","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-26T14:26:56","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with the NHS regarding PIP breast implants.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with the NHS regarding PIP breast implants.","AnswerText":"My officials have written to NHS boards to confirm the clinical care to be provided by NHSScotland to women with PIP silicone breast implants.\r\nThey have also been in contact with NHS boards to confirm that PIP silicone breast implants have not been used by NHSScotland and more recently to ask NHS boards if they have completed re-checking their patient records to confirm that.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-09T17:11:41.233","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269365,"EventID":"S4W-05279","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-26T17:11:41.28","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-26T15:37:13","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many children had (a) a parent and (b) their mother admitted to prison in (i) 2008, (ii) 2009 and (iii) 2010.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many children had (a) a parent and (b) their mother admitted to prison in (i) 2008, (ii) 2009 and (iii) 2010.\r\n","AnswerText":"I have asked John Ewing, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service, to respond. His response is as follows:\r\nThe Scottish Prison Service does not collect this information. It would not be possible to collect accurate data on the number of children affected by the imprisonment of a parent, as some prisoners are unwilling to disclose such information and the SPS does not have access to verifiable data. However the Scottish Prison Service does conduct an annual survey of prisoners, with the last one being published in November 2011. The following information is extracted from those survey results.\r\nPercentage of prisoners responding “Yes” to the question “Are you the parent of a child?\r\n2008       51%\r\n2009       51%\r\n2011       48%\r\nTotal number of children under 18 disclosed:\r\n2008       3950\r\n2009       3893\r\n2011       4614.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-09T17:11:41.28","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269366,"EventID":"S4W-05281","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-26T17:11:41.327","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-26T15:37:13","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many children were taken into care as a result of a parent being admitted to prison in (a) 2008, (b) 2009 and (c) 2010.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many children were taken into care as a result of a parent being admitted to prison in (a) 2008, (b) 2009 and (c) 2010.","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-09T17:11:41.343","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269367,"EventID":"S4W-05282","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-26T17:11:41.39","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-26T16:23:12.64","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive on how many occasions (a) cabinet secretaries and (b) ministers have met their UK Government counterparts to discuss kinship care and on what dates.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive on how many occasions (a) cabinet secretaries and (b) ministers have met their UK Government counterparts to discuss kinship care and on what dates.\r\n","AnswerText":"Since 2007, the following meetings between Scottish and UK Ministers took place, at which kinship was discussed.\r\nCabinet Secretary Fiona Hyslop met with:\r\nStephen Timms, Financial Secretary to the Treasury, 29 April 2008\r\nTony McNulty, Minister of State for Employment and Welfare Reform, 22 November 2008\r\nJim Knight, Minister of State for Employment and Welfare Reform, 25 August 2009\r\nYvette Cooper, Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, 17 November 2009\r\nCabinet Secretary Mike Russell met with:\r\nMichael Gove, Secretary of State for Education, 30 September 2010\r\nMinister for Children and Early Years, Adam Ingram met with:\r\nBeverley Hughes, Minister for Children, Schools and Families, 15 July 2008\r\nDeputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon met with:\r\nIain Duncan Smith, Secretary of State for Work and Pensions,15 September 2011.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-09T17:11:41.403","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Aileen Campbell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269368,"EventID":"S4W-05283","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-26T17:11:41.437","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-26T16:23:12.64","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S4W-04930 by Nicola Sturgeon on 23 January 2012, how much of the funding for (a) local authorities and (b) NHS Scotland was spent on in","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S4W-04930 by Nicola Sturgeon on 23 January 2012, how much of the funding for (a) local authorities and (b) NHS Scotland was spent on independent advocacy services.\r\n","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally.\r\nI refer the member to the answer to question S4W-04931 on 23 January 2012 respectively. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-09T17:11:41.45","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269379,"EventID":"S4W-04960","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-27T15:19:58.953","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-12T14:22:33","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive for what reason the Public Participation Forum was not represented on the investigatory group on waiting times in NHS Lothian.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive for what reason the Public Participation Forum was not represented on the investigatory group on waiting times in NHS Lothian.","AnswerText":"The Chief Executive of NHS Lothian initiated the investigation into waiting times in NHS Lothian. It was therefore a matter for board to consider the membership of the investigation group. An external audit of the NHS Lothian’s waiting times management is currently underway.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-10T15:19:59.033","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269380,"EventID":"S4W-04961","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-27T15:19:59.08","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-12T14:22:33","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive for what reason no patient suspended after declining an offer of treatment in England was interviewed as part of the inquiry into waiting times in NHS Lothian.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive for what reason no patient suspended after declining an offer of treatment in England was interviewed as part of the inquiry into waiting times in NHS Lothian.","AnswerText":"The Chief Executive of NHS Lothian initiated the investigation into waiting times in NHS Lothian. It would be a matter for the Group undertaking the investigation to consider whose views should be sought as part of the inquiry.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-10T15:19:59.097","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269381,"EventID":"S4W-04962","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-27T15:19:59.127","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-12T14:22:33","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, in light of the failure of the TRAK system to record two reasonable offers, as acknowledged in the report on waiting times in NHS Lothian, whether it will ensure that th","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, in light of the failure of the TRAK system to record two reasonable offers, as acknowledged in the report on waiting times in NHS Lothian, whether it will ensure that the IT systems in all NHS boards record both offers and the reasons for refusal.","AnswerText":"All NHS boards must ensure that their waiting times management systems are fully compliant to meet the requirements of “New Ways of Defining and Measuring Waiting Times”. This includes the recording of reasonable offers and the reason for refusal of the reasonable offer.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-10T15:19:59.143","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269382,"EventID":"S4W-04963","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-27T15:19:59.19","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-12T14:22:33","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many of the 45 NHS endoscopy units have specialist endoscopy (a) nurses or (b) technicians.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many of the 45 NHS endoscopy units have specialist endoscopy (a) nurses or (b) technicians.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not centrally held. However, published information showing whole time equivalent and headcount for Nurses and Technicians are available on the ISD website at the following link, it should be noted that Endoscopy Technicians are recorded as support workers, Band 3-4.\r\nhttp://www.isdscotland.org/Health-Topics/Workforce/Publications/data-tables.asp.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-10T15:19:59.19","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269383,"EventID":"S4W-04964","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-27T15:19:59.25","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-12T14:22:33","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its position is on the adequacy of the New Ways waiting time recording system given the finding in the report on waiting times in NHS Lothian that in 332 cases out o","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its position is on the adequacy of the New Ways waiting time recording system given the finding in the report on waiting times in NHS Lothian that in 332 cases out of 1,153 the reason for suspension was unknown.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-04962 on 6 February 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx\r\nLocal systems must have the capability to record the reason why a period of unavailability has been applied to the patient’s waiting time clock.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-10T15:19:59.25","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269384,"EventID":"S4W-05268","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5079,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-27T15:19:59.297","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-26T14:44:47","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to the second supplementary to question S4F-00420 by the First Minister on 26 January 2012 (Official Report, c. 5873), what consultation it will un","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to the second supplementary to question S4F-00420 by the First Minister on 26 January 2012 (Official Report, c. 5873), what consultation it will undertake on a review of Achieving Our Potential, A Framework to tackle poverty and income inequality in Scotland and when papers will be brought forward.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has a clear vision on its long-term approach to tackling poverty. This is set out in Achieving our Potential http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2008/11/20103815/0 and supplemented by \r\nthe Child Poverty Strategy for Scotland http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2011/03/14094421/0. We will consider next steps following the publication of our first annual report on the Child Poverty Strategy for Scotland in March.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-10T15:19:59.297","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269385,"EventID":"S4W-05285","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2066,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-27T15:19:59.343","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-26T16:49:04","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to introduce new guidance relating to advertising signage being erected at the side of roads and, if so, how it will ensure that businesses with existing","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to introduce new guidance relating to advertising signage being erected at the side of roads and, if so, how it will ensure that businesses with existing advertising signs are not disadvantaged by any such guidance.","AnswerText":"Trunk road safety is a priority for Scottish ministers and Transport Scotland. Transport Scotland intends to publish guidance relating to roadside advertising on their website by 30 March 2012, which seeks to provide clarity to developers and businesses on the issues involved.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-10T15:19:59.343","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269386,"EventID":"S4W-05286","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3896,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":97,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-27T15:19:59.377","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-26T16:49:51","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what proportion of (a) adults and (b) children in (i) mainland Scotland and (ii) the Scottish islands have blood levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D below the minimum level of ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what proportion of (a) adults and (b) children in (i) mainland Scotland and (ii) the Scottish islands have blood levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D below the minimum level of 25 nanomoles per litre.","AnswerText":"This information is not currently available. The Food Standards Agency in Scotland and the Scottish Government have funded an analysis of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25-OHD) in blood samples collected in the 2010 and 2011 Scottish Health Surveys. This data is currently being analysed and is expected to report towards the end of this year. In addition, the Scottish Government are funding the Northern Isles Vitamin D Study - prevalence and impact of hypovitaminosis D in a high risk population which is expected to report in spring this year.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-10T15:19:59.39","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269387,"EventID":"S4W-05287","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3896,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":97,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-27T15:19:59.423","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-26T16:49:51","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the uptake rate is for Scottish (a) women and (b) children who qualify for vitamins under the healthy start scheme. \r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the uptake rate is for Scottish (a) women and (b) children who qualify for vitamins under the healthy start scheme. \r\n","AnswerText":"Based on the Management Information report received from the Department of Health for the reporting period (21 November to 15 December 2011) there were 50,294 Scottish beneficiaries eligible under the scheme and 38,625 receiving the benefit. This represents an uptake rate of 77%. The information contained in this report does not include data relating to pregnant women aged under 18 nor does it show, as a separate statistic, the uptake rate for Scottish children.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-10T15:19:59.44","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269388,"EventID":"S4W-05288","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3896,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":97,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-27T15:19:59.487","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-26T16:49:51","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what proportion of Scottish children qualifying for healthy start vitamins actually take up the benefit.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what proportion of Scottish children qualifying for healthy start vitamins actually take up the benefit.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-05287 on 8 February 2012. The information contained in the management information report received from the Department of Health, does not show, as a separate statistic, the proportion of Scottish children who are eligible for the vitamins and actually take them up. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-10T15:19:59.5","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269389,"EventID":"S4W-05289","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3896,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":97,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-27T15:19:59.547","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-26T16:49:51","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the annual cost to Scotland is of the healthy start programme.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the annual cost to Scotland is of the healthy start programme.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Healthy Start scheme is managed by the Department of Health on behalf of the UK Governments. The administrative costs of running the scheme are met by the Department of Health and are thought to be around £5 million per year. We do not contribute towards the cost of scheme delivery contracts, however we do meet the cost of vouchers redeemed by beneficiaries living in Scotland and we reimburse NHS boards for the cost of vitamins distributed. Based on the information received from the Department of Health, the cost of vouchers redeemed as at 18 December 2011 was £7,628,238.80, with a forecast spend of £10,275,118.32 as at March 2012. To date the total costs claimed by NHS boards for vitamins distributed is £27,208.80.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-10T15:19:59.563","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269390,"EventID":"S4W-05290","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3896,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":97,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-27T15:19:59.64","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-26T16:49:51","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what proportion of older people living in publicly funded care homes is given regular vitamin D supplements. \r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what proportion of older people living in publicly funded care homes is given regular vitamin D supplements. \r\n","AnswerText":"This information is not collected \r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-10T15:19:59.64","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269391,"EventID":"S4W-05291","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3896,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":97,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-27T15:19:59.703","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-26T16:49:51","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to promote additional vitamin D for (a) pregnant women and (b) children. \r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to promote additional vitamin D for (a) pregnant women and (b) children. \r\n","AnswerText":"In September 2010 the Chief Medical Officer for Scotland wrote to all health professionals urging them to explain the importance of vitamin D to patients at risk of deficiency. In June 2011 we produced a leaflet for the general public and health professionals highlighting the importance of vitamin D supplementation for at-risk groups, including pregnant women, young children, older people and those with limited sun exposure. The Chief Medical Officer for Scotland and his counterparts in the UK issued a joint letter to health professionals on 2 February 2012 to restate these messages and give them maximum impact across the UK.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-10T15:19:59.703","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269392,"EventID":"S4W-05302","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-27T15:19:59.75","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-26T16:55:01","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what proportion of (a) adults and (b) children have blood levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D below the minimum level of 25 nanomoles per litre.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what proportion of (a) adults and (b) children have blood levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D below the minimum level of 25 nanomoles per litre.","AnswerText":"This information is not currently available. The Food Standards Agency in Scotland and the Scottish Government have funded an analysis of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25-OHD) in blood samples collected in the 2010 and 2011 Scottish Health Surveys. This data is currently being analysed and is expected to report towards the end of this year. In addition the Scottish Government are funding the Northern Isles Vitamin D Study - prevalence and impact of hypovitaminosis D in a high risk population which is expected to report in spring this year.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-10T15:19:59.75","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269393,"EventID":"S4W-05303","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-27T15:19:59.797","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-26T16:55:01","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the uptake rate is for Scottish (a) women and (b) children who qualify for vitamins under the healthy start scheme.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the uptake rate is for Scottish (a) women and (b) children who qualify for vitamins under the healthy start scheme.\r\n","AnswerText":"Based on the Management Information report received from the Department of Health for the reporting period (21 November to 15 December 2011) there were 50,294 Scottish beneficiaries eligible under the scheme and 38,625 receiving the benefit. This represents an uptake rate of 77%. The information contained in this report does not include data relating to pregnant women aged under 18 nor does it show, as a separate statistic, the uptake rate for Scottish children.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-10T15:19:59.797","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269394,"EventID":"S4W-05305","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-27T15:19:59.83","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-26T16:55:01","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the annual cost to Scotland is of the healthy start programme.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the annual cost to Scotland is of the healthy start programme.","AnswerText":"The Healthy Start scheme is managed by the Department of Health on behalf of the UK Governments. The administrative costs of running the scheme are met by the Department of Health and are thought to be around £5 million per year. We do not contribute towards the cost of scheme delivery contracts, however we do meet the cost of vouchers redeemed by beneficiaries living in Scotland and we reimburse NHS boards for the cost of vitamins distributed. Based on the information received from the Department of Health, the cost of vouchers redeemed as at 18 December 2011 was £7,328,238.80 with a forecast spend of £10,275,118.32 as at March 2012. To date the total costs claimed by NHS boards for vitamins distributed is £27,208.80.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-10T15:19:59.843","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269395,"EventID":"S4W-05306","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-27T15:19:59.877","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-26T16:55:01","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what proportion of older people living in publicly funded care homes is given regular vitamin D supplements.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what proportion of older people living in publicly funded care homes is given regular vitamin D supplements.","AnswerText":"This information is not collected.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-10T15:19:59.877","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269396,"EventID":"S4W-05307","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-27T15:19:59.923","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-26T16:55:01","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to promote additional vitamin D for (a) pregnant women and (b) children.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to promote additional vitamin D for (a) pregnant women and (b) children.\r\n","AnswerText":"In September 2010 the Chief Medical Officer for Scotland wrote to all health professionals urging them to explain the importance of vitamin D to patients at risk of deficiency. In June 2011 we produced a leaflet for the general public and health professionals highlighting the importance of vitamin D supplementation for at-risk groups, including pregnant women, young children, older people and those with limited sun exposure. The Chief Medical Officer for Scotland and his counterparts in the UK issued a joint letter to health professionals on 2 February 2012 to restate these messages and give them maximum impact across the UK.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-10T15:19:59.923","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269397,"EventID":"S4W-05308","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-27T15:19:59.983","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-27T09:20:01","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive for what reason NHS Scotland did not use PIP implants.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive for what reason NHS Scotland did not use PIP implants.\r\n","AnswerText":"The question of whether or not breast implants are used by NHSScotland on women and the kind of implant to be used are clinical issues managed by NHS boards.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-10T15:19:59.983","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269398,"EventID":"S4W-05309","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-27T15:20:00.047","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-27T09:20:01","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive which (a) NHS boards and (b) hospitals have purchased PIP implants and what types of implants, broken down by year.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive which (a) NHS boards and (b) hospitals have purchased PIP implants and what types of implants, broken down by year.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-05216 on 7 February 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-10T15:20:00.047","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269399,"EventID":"S4W-05311","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-27T15:20:00.11","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-27T09:20:01","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what guidance has been issued to NHS boards regarding PIP implants.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what guidance has been issued to NHS boards regarding PIP implants.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-05274 on 7 February 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-10T15:20:00.11","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269400,"EventID":"S4W-05312","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-27T15:20:00.17","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-27T09:20:01","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures there are to ensure that private health care providers in Scotland inform patients of any product recalls.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures there are to ensure that private health care providers in Scotland inform patients of any product recalls.\r\n","AnswerText":"This is for private healthcare providers to manage.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-10T15:20:00.17","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269401,"EventID":"S4W-05313","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-27T15:20:00.233","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-27T09:20:01","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what guidance it has issued to GPs regarding requests for scans from patients who were fitted with PIP implants by private healthcare providers. \r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what guidance it has issued to GPs regarding requests for scans from patients who were fitted with PIP implants by private healthcare providers. \r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-05274 on 7 February 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-10T15:20:00.233","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269402,"EventID":"S4W-05314","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-27T15:20:00.297","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-27T09:20:01","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether NHS Scotland will offer scans for patients concerned about their PIP implants.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether NHS Scotland will offer scans for patients concerned about their PIP implants.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-05274 on 7 February 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-10T15:20:00.297","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269403,"EventID":"S4W-05315","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-27T15:20:00.36","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-27T09:20:01","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to ensure that patients concerned about their PIP implants are able to receive a scan from their private healthcare provider free of charge.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to ensure that patients concerned about their PIP implants are able to receive a scan from their private healthcare provider free of charge.\r\n","AnswerText":"It is for private healthcare providers to ensure that they provide a clinically appropriate package of care to women with PIP silicone breast implants.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-10T15:20:00.36","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269404,"EventID":"S4W-05316","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-27T15:20:00.407","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-27T09:20:01","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the Cabinet Secretary for Health, Wellbeing and Cities Strategy last met representatives from private clinics Transform, the Hospital Group and the Harley Medical Gr","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the Cabinet Secretary for Health, Wellbeing and Cities Strategy last met representatives from private clinics Transform, the Hospital Group and the Harley Medical Group and what was discussed.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Cabinet Secretary for Health, Wellbeing and Cities Strategy has not met representatives from these private healthcare providers. At the request of the provider, Scottish Government officials are scheduled to meet with representatives of Transform on 9 February 2012.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-10T15:20:00.407","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269405,"EventID":"S4W-05317","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5079,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-27T15:20:00.453","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-27T11:09:26.86","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many (a) full-time, (b) part-time and (c) other (i) teaching, (ii) support, (iii) management and (iv) other staff were employed by further education institutions in t","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many (a) full-time, (b) part-time and (c) other (i) teaching, (ii) support, (iii) management and (iv) other staff were employed by further education institutions in the Glasgow parliamentary region on 27 January (A) 2007, (B) 2011 and (C) 2012.\r\n","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally.\r\nHowever it can be estimated that at the end of the academic year 2006-07 there were 2,672 full time equivalent staff working in Glasgow colleges compared with 2,630 full time equivalent staff working in these colleges at the end of the academic year 2010-11.\r\nEmployment in Glasgow colleges in 2006-07 and 2010-11 can be broken down as follows:\r\nMode\r\n2006-07\r\n2010-11\r\nHeadcount\r\nFTEs\r\nHeadcount\r\nFTEs\r\nTeaching\r\nNon-Teaching\r\nTeaching\r\nNon-Teaching\r\nTeaching\r\nNon-Teaching\r\nTeaching\r\nNon-Teaching\r\nFull-time\r\n1,164\r\n1,054\r\n1,056\r\n912\r\n1,151\r\n1,023\r\n1,049\r\n903\r\nPart-time\r\n2,324\r\n628\r\n473\r\n232\r\n1,720\r\n619\r\n416\r\n262\r\nTotal\r\n5,170\r\n2,672\r\n4,513\r\n2,630\r\nSource: Scottish Funding Council Staffing Data.\r\nNotes:\r\n1. Status of staff is at end of academic year (31 July).\r\n2. The Scottish Funding Council collects information annually on staffing in Colleges in Scotland. All members of staff who have been on the payroll at any point during the year are included in these figures.\r\n3. These figures cover the following nine Glasgow colleges: Anniesland College, Cardonald College, Central College, Glasgow Metropolitan College, Glasgow College of Nautical Studies, John Wheatley College, Langside College, North Glasgow College and Stow College.\r\n4. All college payroll staff are included.","AnswerDate":"2012-02-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-10T15:20:00.453","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269406,"EventID":"S4W-05318","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4086,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-27T15:20:00.483","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-27T11:09:54.51","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how the environmental effects of operational wind farms are monitored.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how the environmental effects of operational wind farms are monitored.","AnswerText":"Planning consent for a wind farm is normally subject to conditions that may specify limits, thresholds, inspection or environmental monitoring obligations that require to be observed. It will be the responsibility of the planning authority in consultation with agencies such as the Scottish Environment Protection Agency and Scottish Natural Heritage to ensure that those obligations are met.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-10T15:20:00.5","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269407,"EventID":"S4W-05319","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4086,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-27T15:20:00.53","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-27T11:09:54.51","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what support it gives to (a) Scottish Natural Heritage, (b) local planning authorities or (c) others to ensure that the environmental impacts of wind farms are monitored ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what support it gives to (a) Scottish Natural Heritage, (b) local planning authorities or (c) others to ensure that the environmental impacts of wind farms are monitored and do not exceed statutory limits.","AnswerText":"Through the planning system and the provision of energy consents guidance the  Scottish Government provides a framework to ensure that the development of wind farms takes place in locations where the technology can operate efficiently and environmental and cumulative impacts can be satisfactorily addressed.\r\nSNH receives grant in aid from the Scottish Government to fulfil a wide range of functions in relation to natural heritage, including its role as a statutory adviser within the planning system. The Scottish Government also works with SNH on the development of relevant guidance and policy, such as in the Scottish Windfarm Bird Steering Group, which aims to improve our understanding of the impacts of wind farms on birds, and lead to improvements in information sharing and mitigation measures.\r\nOnline renewables planning advice for onshore wind and Circular 4/1998 (use of conditions in planning permissions) provides support for planning authorities in deciding appropriate monitoring conditions.\r\nIn addition, the Scottish Government is leading the EU Good Practice Wind project (GP Wind), which is identifying and promoting best practice in reconciling objectives on renewable energy with wider environmental objectives.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-10T15:20:00.53","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269408,"EventID":"S4W-05320","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":131,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-27T15:20:00.593","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-27T12:44:41","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether decisions of the Scottish Public Services Ombudsman can be investigated and to whom he is responsible.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether decisions of the Scottish Public Services Ombudsman can be investigated and to whom he is responsible.","AnswerText":"A complainant may ask the Scottish Public Services Ombudsman (SPSO) to review their decision if it was based on inaccurate evidence or facts or the complainant has new and relevant information. If they remain dissatisfied they may seek a judicial review of the decision.\r\nThe terms of appointment of the Scottish Public Services Ombudsman (SPSO) are laid down by the Scottish Public Services Ombudsman Act 2002 (Schedule 1). The Ombudsman is appointed by Her Majesty, on the nomination of the Scottish Parliament. In order to safeguard the independence of the SPSO, under the provisions of the Scottish Public Services Ombudsman Act 2002, in the exercise of the SPSO’s statutory functions, the SPSO is not subject to the direction or control of any member of the Scottish Government or the Parliamentary corporation.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-10T15:20:00.61","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Roseanna Cunningham","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269409,"EventID":"S4W-05321","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4947,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-27T15:20:00.657","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-27T13:56:05","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S4W-05130 by Nicola Sturgeon on 26 January 2012, for what reason information on private journeys made by the Scottish Ambulance Service","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S4W-05130 by Nicola Sturgeon on 26 January 2012, for what reason information on private journeys made by the Scottish Ambulance Service is not held centrally.","AnswerText":"This is a matter for the Scottish Ambulance Service, as such the information requested is not held centrally by the Scottish Government. The Scottish Ambulance Service can be contacted at:\r\nScottish Ambulance Service\r\nCorporate Affairs Department\r\nNational Headquarters\r\nGyle Square\r\n1 South Gyle Crescent\r\nEdinburgh\r\nEH12 9EB.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-10T15:20:00.657","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269410,"EventID":"S4W-05322","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4947,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-27T15:20:00.75","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-27T13:56:05","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what income the Scottish Ambulance Service has received from private journeys in each year since 2003, broken down by NHS board area.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what income the Scottish Ambulance Service has received from private journeys in each year since 2003, broken down by NHS board area.\r\n","AnswerText":"This is a matter for the Scottish Ambulance Service, the information requested is not held centrally.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-10T15:20:00.763","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269411,"EventID":"S4W-05323","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4947,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-27T15:20:00.827","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-27T13:56:05","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what services the Scottish Ambulance Service provides for private patients.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what services the Scottish Ambulance Service provides for private patients.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Ambulance Service are permitted to generate income from sources other than the Scottish Government and NHSScotland as long as this is consistent with their main functions. The Scottish Ambulance Service provides a range of services including private event cover (for example music festivals and sporting events), admission and discharge to and from private hospitals, and social care journeys.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-10T15:20:00.827","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269413,"EventID":"S4W-05324","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3751,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":108,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-27T15:36:10.89","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-27T15:08:50","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive at what stage the plans are for redeveloping the Sherrifhall roundabout in Midlothian and how grade separation will be achieved.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive at what stage the plans are for redeveloping the Sherrifhall roundabout in Midlothian and how grade separation will be achieved.","AnswerText":"Intervention 22 of the Strategic Transport Projects Review (STPR) recommends targeted road congestion/environmental relief schemes, including junction improvements at the Sheriffhall roundabout on the A720 City Bypass.\r\nFurther detailed design and development work is required to determine the nature of these junction improvements, the timetable for which will be set in the context of overall affordability and our commitments to other STPR proposals.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-10T15:36:11.11","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269414,"EventID":"S4W-05327","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":2,"MSPID":3763,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-30T10:27:49.91","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-30T10:17:36","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will legislate to ensure that, where a person was diagnosed with pleural plaques and did not initiate a claim for damages within three years, a claim for damag","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will legislate to ensure that, where a person was diagnosed with pleural plaques and did not initiate a claim for damages within three years, a claim for damages for mesothelioma or other distinct asbestos-related diseases would not be time-barred if that condition was subsequently diagnosed.\r\n","AnswerText":"In the course of the judicial review of the Damages (Asbestos-related Conditions) (Scotland) Act 2009, it was suggested by the petitioners that “any person found to have asymptomatic plaques would be obliged to raise an action within three years, or risk losing his right of action should he develop symptomatic asbestos-related disease after the expiry of that period”. In making that suggestion, the petitioners appeared to rely on their interpretation of the implications of the decision of the Inner House in Aitchison v. Glasgow City Council [2010], which overruled an earlier decision of the Inner House in Carnegie v. Lord Advocate [2001]. However, the 2010 decision, which was issued some months after the 2009 act came into force, does not refer directly to that legislation.\r\nThe future interpretation of the law is a matter for the courts, which will have regard to all relevant facts and circumstances. To date, however, there is understood to have been no specific ruling from the courts that the decision in Aitchison, which related to a relatively recent diagnosis of psychological injury following a much earlier physical injury, would necessarily be interpreted as meaning that claims for damages for a different asbestos-related disease, such as mesothelioma, would be time-barred if there had been no claim for damages following a diagnosis of pleural plaques more than three years previously. Still less has there been any specific ruling from the courts that, even if that were the interpretation, they would also conclude that is would not be equitable to exercise their discretion under section 19A of the Prescription and Limitation (Scotland) Act 1973 to allow a claim for damages for that distinct disease to proceed.\r\nMoreover, as regards future industry practice, the Scottish Government is aware that the Association of British Insurers has given repeated assurances of “insurers continued commitment to pay compensation to people with asbestos-related diseases, such as mesothelioma, which impact on their health”.\r\nAt this point, therefore, an imperative for legislation on this issue has not been established. However, the Scottish Government will keep the position under review, in order to determine whether – in advance of the forthcoming consultation exercise which will inform our planned modernisation of the law on damages for personal injury – any specific elements of our modernisation agenda require to be accelerated. Pending the outcome of that consultation exercise, the Scottish Government’s policy view remains that, as was understood to be the case when the 2009 act was passed, a claim for damages for mesothelioma should not be rejected simply because the limitation period for a claim for damages for pleural plaques has expired.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-01-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-13T10:27:49.99","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269423,"EventID":"S4W-05325","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5079,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-30T15:45:11.31","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-27T16:50:02","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will review the criteria for the Student Awards Agency for Scotland's care leavers grant to include others who have previously had prolonged periods in care.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will review the criteria for the Student Awards Agency for Scotland's care leavers grant to include others who have previously had prolonged periods in care.\r\n","AnswerText":"We conducted a review of the Vacation Grant for Care Leavers in 2011 with a view to extending eligibility. This resulted in some changes to the criteria which means that students who are under the age of 23 on the first day of their course and who have been or were in local authority care for at least three continuous months following their 16th birthday may be eligible.\r\nThis allows some account to be taken of historical circumstances in situations going back up to seven years, however there was no call during the review for the grant to be extended to students who were in care during their early years but who had left the care system by the time they were 16.\r\nAccordingly, we have no plans to extend the criteria further.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-13T15:45:11.373","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269424,"EventID":"S4W-05326","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2059,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":91,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-30T15:45:11.48","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-28T14:14:47","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when a report on the pilot project to tackle sectarianism involving the Scottish Community Development Centre and Voluntary Action Fund  will be published.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when a report on the pilot project to tackle sectarianism involving the Scottish Community Development Centre and Voluntary Action Fund  will be published.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Community Development Centre and Voluntary Action Fund are working collaboratively to deliver a series of pilot projects on tackling sectarianism. A report on progress will be provided to ministers in April 2012.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-13T15:45:11.497","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Roseanna Cunningham","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269425,"EventID":"S4W-05328","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-30T15:45:11.56","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-30T10:37:02","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what work it is doing with the Care Inspectorate to promote and raise the profile of the inspectorate's complaints' process.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what work it is doing with the Care Inspectorate to promote and raise the profile of the inspectorate's complaints' process.\r\n","AnswerText":"We have agreed with the Chair of the Care Inspectorate that we will support the Inspectorate in the work they are doing to promote their complaints processes with the objective of encouraging more people to come forward if they have concerns about the treatment they, their relatives or friends are receiving. Addressing complaints is a key way in which we can take forward service improvement.\r\nThe Care Inspectorate has recently undertaken a consultation process on its complaints process and included within this consultation focus groups with people who had made or had to respond to complaints. A report on the outcome of the consultation will be available on the Care Inspectorates website in March.\r\nThe Care Inspectorate also require that all providers of care services inform users and their carers that they have the right to raise concerns directly with the Care Inspectorate.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-13T15:45:11.56","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269426,"EventID":"S4W-05329","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-30T15:45:11.653","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-30T10:37:02","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what work the Care Inspectorate is doing to improve care homes and personal care and support services.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what work the Care Inspectorate is doing to improve care homes and personal care and support services.\r\n","AnswerText":"All services regulated by the Care Inspectorate are assessed against a standard rating scale which enables an assessment of how services are performing in relation to the National Care Standards. If services fall below an adequate standard of care the Care Inspectorate will issue improvement notices and may take enforcement action to ensure standards are met.\r\nIn addition, poorly performing services are inspected more frequently under the risk based scrutiny arrangements. New regulations came into force on 8 February 2012 that increase the frequency of planned unannounced inspections for a number of services including care homes and care at home. The Care Inspectorate is working to improve and promote its complaints processes and also increasing the engagement of service users and their carers in the scrutiny process.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-13T15:45:11.653","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269427,"EventID":"S4W-05331","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5079,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-30T15:45:11.73","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-30T13:12:51","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what guidance there is on non-standard conditions in relation to home detention curfews.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what guidance there is on non-standard conditions in relation to home detention curfews.\r\n","AnswerText":"I have asked John Ewing, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service, to respond. His response is as follows:\r\nGuidance is available in Circular No JD 7/2008: Home Detention Curfew – Guidance for Agencies. A copy of this guidance has been provided to the Scottish Parliament Information Centre.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-13T15:45:11.747","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269428,"EventID":"S4W-05332","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5079,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-30T15:45:11.81","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-30T13:12:51","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it monitors the appropriateness of non-standard conditions that are imposed as part of home detention curfews.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it monitors the appropriateness of non-standard conditions that are imposed as part of home detention curfews.\r\n","AnswerText":"I have asked John Ewing, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service, to respond. His response is as follows:\r\nBefore non-standard conditions are applied in any individual case, Scottish Prison Service consults any relevant organisations/authorities e.g. Criminal Justice Social Workers, alcohol counselling services for assurance that these can be effectively monitored or that the condition is appropriate.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-13T15:45:11.823","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269429,"EventID":"S4W-05333","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5079,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-30T15:45:11.87","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-30T13:12:51","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what non-standard conditions have been imposed as part of home detention curfews in each year since the publication of Circular No JD 7/2008: Home Detention Curfew - Guid","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what non-standard conditions have been imposed as part of home detention curfews in each year since the publication of Circular No JD 7/2008: Home Detention Curfew - Guidance for Agencies.","AnswerText":"I have asked John Ewing, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service, to respond. His response is as follows:\r\nThe SPS do not collect this information. Non-standard license conditions are tailored to the risks and needs of individual prisoners.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-13T15:45:11.887","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269430,"EventID":"S4W-05334","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5079,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-30T15:45:11.933","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-30T13:12:51","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it considers that all non-standard conditions used in home detention curfews are appropriate and proportionate.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it considers that all non-standard conditions used in home detention curfews are appropriate and proportionate.\r\n","AnswerText":"I have asked John Ewing, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service, to respond. His response is as follows:\r\nNon-standard license conditions are added only where it is deemed appropriate to do so. These are tailored to the risks and needs of individual prisoners. When the Scottish Prison Service considers what conditions to apply to a license, it takes into consideration the protection of the public, preventing reoffending and securing the successful reintegration of the prisoner into the community.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-13T15:45:11.933","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269431,"EventID":"S4W-05335","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5079,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-30T15:45:11.98","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-30T13:33:56.737","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Scottish Ministers have the power to vary conditions imposed as part of a home detention curfew license, under the Prisoners and Criminal Proceedings (Scotlan","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Scottish Ministers have the power to vary conditions imposed as part of a home detention curfew license, under the Prisoners and Criminal Proceedings (Scotland) Act 1993 and, if so, (a) when and (b) how it has done so since 1999.\r\n","AnswerText":"I have asked John Ewing, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service, to respond. His response is as follows:\r\nThe power to vary non-standard licence conditions only is provided under Section 12AA(6)(b) of the Prisoner and Criminal Proceedings (Scotland) Act 1993, amended by the Management of Offenders etc (Scotland) Act 2005. The power is exercised by the Scottish Prison Service on behalf of Scottish Ministers when required.\r\nStandard conditions are prescribed by The Home Detention Curfew Licence (Prescribed Standard Conditions) (Scotland) (No 2) Order 2008.\r\nThe other information requested is not available. It would require a manual search of each individual prisoner’s records for those released on Home Detention Curfew (HDC) to retrieve this information. As at 27 January 2012, 10,758 prisoners had been released on HDC.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-13T15:45:11.98","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269432,"EventID":"S4W-05337","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3896,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":97,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-30T15:45:12.027","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-30T14:01:44.737","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what proportion of (a) adults and (b) children have blood levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D below the minimum level of 25 nanomoles per litre.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what proportion of (a) adults and (b) children have blood levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D below the minimum level of 25 nanomoles per litre.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-05302 on 8 February 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-13T15:45:12.043","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269433,"EventID":"S4F-00432","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":4976,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-30T14:08:16.197","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-26T16:04:42","Title":"To ask the First Minister when he will next meet the Prime Minister.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister when he will next meet the Prime Minister.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-13T14:08:16.23","MeetingDate":"2012-02-02T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269436,"EventID":"S4F-00437","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":3759,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":80,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-30T14:08:16.353","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-30T12:04:09.427","Title":"To ask the First Minister what action the Scottish Government is taking to address unemployment among young people.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what action the Scottish Government is taking to address unemployment among young people.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-13T14:08:16.353","MeetingDate":"2012-02-02T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269437,"EventID":"S4F-00438","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":2080,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":87,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-30T14:08:16.37","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-30T12:09:23","Title":"To ask the First Minister what engagements he has planned for the rest of the day.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what engagements he has planned for the rest of the day.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-13T14:08:16.37","MeetingDate":"2012-02-02T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269439,"EventID":"S4F-00441","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":2123,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":103,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-30T14:08:16.447","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-30T13:05:36","Title":"To ask the First Minister whether the Scottish Government will reconsider the decision to abolish prison visiting committees.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister whether the Scottish Government will reconsider the decision to abolish prison visiting committees.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-13T14:08:16.447","MeetingDate":"2012-02-02T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269440,"EventID":"S4F-00445","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":3743,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":123,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-30T14:08:16.54","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-30T13:35:16.68","Title":"To ask the First Minister what impact the increase in applications to Scottish universities from Scottish-based students will have on the higher education sector.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what impact the increase in applications to Scottish universities from Scottish-based students will have on the higher education sector.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-13T14:08:16.54","MeetingDate":"2012-02-02T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269441,"EventID":"S4F-00450","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-30T17:27:49.893","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-30T12:00:02.643","Title":"To ask the First Minister what support the Scottish Government has given to Edinburgh's bid to host the Green Investment Bank.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what support the Scottish Government has given to Edinburgh's bid to host the Green Investment Bank.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-13T17:27:49.893","MeetingDate":"2012-02-02T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269443,"EventID":"S4W-05338","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1841,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":120,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-30T17:44:16.597","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-30T14:14:24","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made on implementing the findings of the ministerial working group on Scots.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made on implementing the findings of the ministerial working group on Scots.\r\n","AnswerText":"We are making good progress with implementing the recommendations of the Ministerial Scots Language Working Group. The recommendations of the Group are wide ranging, touching on a number of sectors such as education (including the appointment of Scots language co-ordinators), broadcasting, publishing and more.\r\nThe Scottish Government has been able to take forward some recommendations, other recommendations await the outcome of developments such as the Scottish Studies Working Group and where recommendations are for others to implement, I have written to all the relevant authorities, agencies and bodies seeking their support.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-13T17:44:16.627","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alasdair Allan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269444,"EventID":"S4W-05339","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5079,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-30T17:44:16.69","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-30T15:19:32.93","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has made representations to the UK Government regarding exempting Scotland from legislation requiring the letting of rail passenger services as franchises.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has made representations to the UK Government regarding exempting Scotland from legislation requiring the letting of rail passenger services as franchises.","AnswerText":"No. The Scotland Office has made clear that the UK Government does not support such a change and the Scotland Bill Committee of the House of Commons also voted against making such changes.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-13T17:44:16.69","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269445,"EventID":"S4W-05341","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5079,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-30T17:44:16.737","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-30T15:19:32.93","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assessment has been made of any (a) economic and (b) passenger benefits of running rail services on a not-for-dividend basis.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assessment has been made of any (a) economic and (b) passenger benefits of running rail services on a not-for-dividend basis.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-04559 on 4 January 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-13T17:44:16.737","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269446,"EventID":"S4W-05342","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5079,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-30T17:44:16.767","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-30T15:19:32.93","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much (a) private and (b) public sector investment there has been in ScotRail services since 2007 and how much revenue has been raised from fares.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much (a) private and (b) public sector investment there has been in ScotRail services since 2007 and how much revenue has been raised from fares.\r\n","AnswerText":"Scottish ministers make franchise payments to ScotRail in accordance with the terms of the franchise agreement. Rail Franchise Budget information is shown in the following table.\r\nFare box revenue information is disclosed within the published annual report and accounts for First ScotRail Ltd. The fare box revenue figures disclosed are shown in the following table.\r\nFinancial Year\r\nRail Franchise Budget\r\nFare Box Revenue\r\n2007-08\r\n£289 million\r\n£216 million\r\n2008-09\r\n£306 million\r\n£235 million\r\n2009-10\r\n£295 million\r\n£243 million\r\n2010-11\r\n£315 million\r\n£258 million\r\nTransport Scotland only holds information on ScotRail private investment where it relates specifically to terms in the franchise agreement. This includes ScotRail’s commitment to invest £40 million capital investment over the first seven years of the franchise and the franchise extension investment. Transport Scotland does not hold information on all private investment out with the terms of the franchise agreement.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-13T17:44:16.783","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269447,"EventID":"S4W-05343","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5079,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-30T17:44:16.813","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-30T15:19:32.93","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what meetings it has had with the Scotland Office since 2007 to discuss allowing 16 and 17-year-olds to vote in (a) local government and (b) Scottish Parliament elections","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what meetings it has had with the Scotland Office since 2007 to discuss allowing 16 and 17-year-olds to vote in (a) local government and (b) Scottish Parliament elections. \r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has consistently argued that the Scottish Parliament should have full responsibility for elections to the Scottish Parliament and local government, including the ability to determine the franchise.\r\nThe Scottish Government has raised the issue of the franchise in its published responses to the Gould Report in 2008, the Report of the Commission on Scottish Devolution in November 2009 and in evidence to the Scottish Parliament on the Scotland Bill. It has pressed the case for full devolution of local and Scottish Parliament elections in meetings and exchanges of correspondence with the UK Government.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-13T17:44:16.83","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Derek Mackay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269448,"EventID":"S4W-05345","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5041,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-30T17:44:16.86","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-30T16:23:06","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will provide a substantive answer to question S4W-02241, which received a holding response from John Swinney on 16 November 2011.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will provide a substantive answer to question S4W-02241, which received a holding response from John Swinney on 16 November 2011.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-02241 on 27 September 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-13T17:44:16.877","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269455,"EventID":"S4W-05344","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2892,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-31T14:27:00.507","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-30T16:11:04.79","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people under 18 have been placed on Lifelong Restriction Orders since the establishment of the Risk Management Authority, and what proportion of the total number","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people under 18 have been placed on Lifelong Restriction Orders since the establishment of the Risk Management Authority, and what proportion of the total number of people placed on such orders in Scotland is under 18.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Order for Lifelong Restriction (OLR), which is a life sentence, has been available to the High Court of the Justiciary since June 2006. The following table sets out the number of OLR sentences imposed by the court including those for offenders under the age of 18:\r\n \r\nFinancial Year\r\nOLRs Made by High Court\r\nNo. Under 18*\r\n% Under 18*\r\n2006-2007\r\n1\r\n0\r\n0\r\n2007-2008\r\n5\r\n0\r\n0\r\n2008-2009\r\n16\r\n1\r\n6.25\r\n2009-2010\r\n26\r\n0\r\n0\r\n2010-2011\r\n20\r\n1\r\n5\r\n2011-2012\r\n12\r\n0\r\n0\r\nTotal\r\n80\r\n2\r\n2.5\r\nNote: *On date of sentencing\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-14T14:27:00.867","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269456,"EventID":"S4W-05346","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4934,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-31T14:27:00.93","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-30T16:42:54","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether all egg producers in Scotland are compliant with the Welfare of Laying Hens Directive and, if not, how many producers are non-compliant and what action is being t","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether all egg producers in Scotland are compliant with the Welfare of Laying Hens Directive and, if not, how many producers are non-compliant and what action is being taken to ensure compliance.\r\n","AnswerText":"I am pleased to confirm that the last Scottish producer to have laying hens in conventional cages contrary to the requirements of the Laying Hens Directive had removed the hens before 1 February. All egg producers in Scotland now comply with the ban on keeping hens in conventional cages that came into force on 1 January.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-01-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-14T14:27:00.943","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269457,"EventID":"S4W-05347","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-31T14:27:00.977","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-31T08:28:45","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has the power to fully incorporate the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child into Scots law.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has the power to fully incorporate the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child into Scots law.\r\n","AnswerText":"The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child is an international treaty and, as things stand, it applies to Scotland by virtue of the fact that the United Kingdom is a signatory to it. Under the current devolution settlement, international relations are reserved matters. Observing and implementing international obligations are, however, not reserved. The Scottish Parliament can legislate for the purpose of observing and giving effect to international obligations insofar as they relate to devolved matters.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-14T14:27:00.99","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Aileen Campbell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269458,"EventID":"S4W-05348","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-31T14:27:01.037","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-31T08:28:45","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the proposed Rights of Children and Young People Bill will be implemented before the proposed Children's Services Bill commences and whether it foresees any incon","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the proposed Rights of Children and Young People Bill will be implemented before the proposed Children's Services Bill commences and whether it foresees any inconsistencies if not.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government seeks to reflect the principles of the UNCRC in the development of national policy and legislation wherever possible in order to promote and strengthen the rights of its children and young people. We believe that the proposed children’s legislation, along with wider policy development, will help us to improve significantly the practical realisation of children’s rights.\r\nWe are currently analysing the consultation responses for the proposed Rights of Children and Young People Bill and considering the issues raised. This will inform the development of the proposed legislation and influence the timing of its implementation. We will take whatever steps are necessary to ensure that the measures that we bring forward relating to children’s and young people’s rights and services are consistent and complementary.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-14T14:27:01.037","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Aileen Campbell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269459,"EventID":"S4W-05349","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5057,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-31T14:27:01.083","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-31T12:11:36.92","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information it records on incidences of retail crime and whether it plans to publish this. \r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information it records on incidences of retail crime and whether it plans to publish this. \r\n","AnswerText":"The police recorded crime data collected centrally is based on an aggregate return from each of the eight police forces in Scotland and does not include details relating to victims or locations. The only form of retail crime that is separately identifiable is shoplifting, which is published in Table 1 of the annual Recorded Crime in Scotland statistical bulletin. This can be found on the Scottish Government website at: \r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2011/09/02120241/0.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-14T14:27:01.1","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269460,"EventID":"S4W-05350","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4080,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-31T14:27:01.147","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-31T12:37:48.843","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what support it can provide to young people with cancer in light of the Macmillan Cancer Support survey finding that 14% of young Scots thought they had no one to talk to","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what support it can provide to young people with cancer in light of the Macmillan Cancer Support survey finding that 14% of young Scots thought they had no one to talk to when faced with a serious problem.","AnswerText":"Ensuring people have the appropriate support for cancer is important at any age, but it can be particularly challenging for young people when they or a loved one are diagnosed with cancer. We are aware that there are a number of organisations who offer a very valuable service in supporting people regardless of their age such as MacMillan Cancer Support.\r\nHowever, it’s also important that young people know they can turn to their family and friends when they need them, and we will consider these findings as part of our work in relation to transforming care.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-14T14:27:01.147","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269461,"EventID":"S4W-05351","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4080,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-31T14:27:01.21","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-31T12:37:48.843","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it will take to ensure that criminal record checks are conducted on all staff working in the NHS.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it will take to ensure that criminal record checks are conducted on all staff working in the NHS.","AnswerText":"The guidance for the completion of criminal record checks within NHSScotland is contained within the Safer Pre and Post Employment Checks Partnership Information Network (PIN) Policy. The PIN Policy describes the process that boards must undertake in relation to such checks and applies to all staff in NHSScotland. In addition, in the case of staff working for contractors, national procurement rules require that all such contracts include provisions to ensure that satisfactory criminal record checks are undertaken. The PIN Policy is currently under review to reflect the changes in legislation in respect of Disclosure and Protection of Vulnerable Groups (PVG) checks. The decision to conduct a criminal record check is a matter for individual employers based on their risk assessments of particular posts, but must comply with current legislation.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-14T14:27:01.227","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269462,"EventID":"S4W-05352","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4080,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-31T14:27:01.273","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-31T12:37:48.843","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many gastric (a) bypass and (b) band operations were carried out in 2010-11.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many gastric (a) bypass and (b) band operations were carried out in 2010-11.\r\n","AnswerText":"The following table shows information on the number of gastric band and gastric bypass operations undertaken, where a main diagnosis of obesity has also been recorded, by NHS board of residence in 2010-11.\r\nNHS Board of Residence\r\nFinancial Year 2010-11\r\nGastric Band\r\noperations\r\nGastric Bypass\r\noperations\r\nAyrshire and Arran\r\n29\r\n10\r\nBorders\r\n0\r\n0\r\nDumfries and Galloway\r\n6\r\n0\r\nFife\r\n1\r\n2\r\nForth Valley\r\n1\r\n0\r\nGrampian*\r\n1\r\n17\r\nGreater Glasgow and Clyde\r\n31\r\n5\r\nHighland\r\n5\r\n1\r\nLanarkshire*\r\n12\r\n2\r\nLothian\r\n4\r\n31\r\nOrkney\r\n0\r\n0\r\nShetland\r\n0\r\n0\r\nTayside\r\n6\r\n1\r\nWestern Isles\r\n0\r\n0\r\nSource: ISD Scotland SMR01.\r\nNote:*Data for NHS Scotland for 2010-11 are estimated to be only 97% complete. NHS Grampian and NHS Lanarkshire data are estimated to be 91% and 96% complete respectively. This is mainly due to the implementation of a new IT patient management system, which has resulted in data submission backlogs for this time period. The NHS boards are working to resolve these submission issues.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-14T14:27:01.287","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269463,"EventID":"S4W-05353","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4080,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-31T14:27:01.32","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-31T12:37:48.843","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it will take to encourage women under 25 (a) in the Lothian area and (b) across Scotland to take smear tests.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it will take to encourage women under 25 (a) in the Lothian area and (b) across Scotland to take smear tests.","AnswerText":"In 2009, the Breast and Cervical Screening National Advisory Group commissioned NHS Health Scotland to undertake research into the reasons for non-uptake of the cervical screening invitation. Following this research, a new range of targeted information leaflets was produced in August 2010. In addition to the leaflet issued with each women’s invitation to screening, a new leaflet has been produced which gives more specific information for young women who are attending screening for the first time.\r\nThese leaflets can be accessed via NHS Health Scotland’s website at: http://www.healthscotland.com/topics/health-topics/screening/cervical.aspx.\r\nNHS Lothian, as with all NHS boards, promotes these leaflets in healthcare and community settings, including GP surgeries, to encourage women to find out more about the screening test.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-14T14:27:01.333","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269464,"EventID":"S4W-05358","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4080,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-31T14:27:01.397","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-31T12:47:48.16","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many (a) people and (b) hospital patients have contracted norovirus in the last three years, broken down by NHS board.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many (a) people and (b) hospital patients have contracted norovirus in the last three years, broken down by NHS board.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-04429 on 20 December 2011. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-14T14:27:01.397","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269465,"EventID":"S4W-05360","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4080,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-31T14:27:01.443","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-31T12:47:48.16","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will issue guidance to NHS boards on providing verbal advice to hospital visitors regarding links between norovirus and the handling of laundry.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will issue guidance to NHS boards on providing verbal advice to hospital visitors regarding links between norovirus and the handling of laundry.\r\n","AnswerText":"In line with their professional code of conduct, NHS staff are expected to meet the needs of patients by providing safe, compassionate and effective care. This includes ensuring that information, such as information about the norovirus and its implications, is communicated clearly and effectively.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-14T14:27:01.46","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269466,"EventID":"S4W-05361","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4080,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-31T14:27:01.507","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-31T12:47:48.16","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what advice it provides to patients who might have been adversely affected by metal-on-metal hip replacements.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what advice it provides to patients who might have been adversely affected by metal-on-metal hip replacements.\r\n","AnswerText":"A medical device alert prepared by the Medical and Healthcare products Regulatory Authority (MHRA) about metal on metal hip replacements was circulated in April 2010 to NHS boards by NHS National Service’s Incident Reporting and Investigation Centre.\r\nThis advised NHS boards to put in place arrangements for the follow up of all patients with metal on metal hip replacements.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-14T14:27:01.523","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269467,"EventID":"S4W-05362","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4080,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-31T14:27:01.57","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-31T12:47:48.16","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it ensures the safety of patients who might have been adversely affected by metal-on-metal hip replacements.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it ensures the safety of patients who might have been adversely affected by metal-on-metal hip replacements.\r\n","AnswerText":"This is a matter for NHS boards to manage.\r\nI refer the member to the answer to question S3W-05361 on 7 February 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-14T14:27:01.583","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269490,"EventID":"S4W-05354","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4080,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-31T17:26:45.087","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-31T12:43:49.443","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive on what grounds it decided to reduce the student intake for nursing and midwifery from 2,700 in 2011-12 to 2,430 for 2012-13.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive on what grounds it decided to reduce the student intake for nursing and midwifery from 2,700 in 2011-12 to 2,430 for 2012-13.","AnswerText":"The reduced student intake for nursing and midwifery takes account of NHS boards’ workforce plans and projections and reflects changing patterns of care and service delivery, as well as improvements in student attrition which have resulted in the number of students in training reaching an all-time high of 10,384.\r\nThe 2012-13 intake sets a balance between ensuring the right number of nurses and midwives for the future while minimising the risk of oversupply and graduate unemployment.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-14T17:26:45.117","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269491,"EventID":"S4W-05355","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4080,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-31T17:26:45.21","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-31T12:43:49.443","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its response is to concerns expressed by the Royal College of Nursing that the reduction in the number of student nurses and midwives for 2012-13 is not sustainable ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its response is to concerns expressed by the Royal College of Nursing that the reduction in the number of student nurses and midwives for 2012-13 is not sustainable and \"risks there not being enough professionally qualified nurses graduating to meet the demand for health services in the future\".","AnswerText":"Student nurse and midwifery intake numbers, including those of 2012-13, are set on an annual basis to ensure the number of students is in line with emerging employment trends in NHS Scotland and the wider healthcare sector.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-14T17:26:45.227","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269492,"EventID":"S4W-05356","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4080,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-31T17:26:45.273","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-31T12:43:49.443","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to tackle mental health problems in males.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to tackle mental health problems in males.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government sets national policy direction for mental health and provides funding to NHS boards and local authorities to support implementation of policy. The management of local actions in implementing national policy, and decisions on local service planning and delivery, spending priorities, and the contribution of the voluntary sector in this, is the responsibility of relevant local agencies.\r\nNHS boards and their partners are expected to plan and deliver services in line with relevant legislation including the Mental Health (Care and Treatment) (Scotland) Act 2003 which has at its heart fundamental principles to ensure equal access to health care: participation; non-discrimination; respect for diversity; reciprocity; and equality\r\nThe Scottish Government is currently developing its mental health strategy, and the consultation period closed on 31 January 2012. This strategy will build on the work of Towards a Mentally Flourishing Scotland and Delivering for Mental Health, bringing together mental health improvement work, and our work to improve services in one document.\r\nOne of the outcomes in the consultation on the mental health strategy focuses on improving the reach of mental health services to give better access to minority and high risk groups and those who might not otherwise access services.\r\nFor example, the national Suicide. Don't Hide it. Talk about it. campaign tackles the stigma associated with suicide, and encourages people at risk to talk to someone about feeling suicidal as the first step towards getting help. The campaign signposts people to the Breathing Space and Samaritans help lines. Since almost three out of four suicides are by men and young people are more vulnerable, the campaign particularly aims to reach young men, who traditionally find it less easy to talk about their mood or difficulties they may be facing.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-14T17:26:45.273","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269493,"EventID":"S4W-05357","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4080,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-31T17:26:45.32","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-31T12:43:49.443","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has considered setting up a review into hygiene practices in hospitals to deal with the impact of norovirus.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has considered setting up a review into hygiene practices in hospitals to deal with the impact of norovirus.","AnswerText":"Cleaning in hospitals is regularly assessed by Health Facilities Scotland’s quarterly NHSScotland National Cleaning Compliance Report, and hand hygiene by Health Protection Scotland’s bi-monthly National Hand Hygiene Compliance with Hand Hygiene Audit Report, both of which demonstrate high levels of compliance. Also, Health Protection Scotland revised and reissued their document Norovirus Outbreak Preparedness, Control Measures & Practical Considerations for Optimal Patient Safety and Service Continuation in Hospitals on 30 September 2011. This provides extensive guidance to NHS boards to help prevent outbreaks of norovirus. Additionally, the Healthcare Environment Inspectorate was established in April 2009 to undertake at least one announced and one unannounced inspection to all acute hospitals across NHSScotland every three years to provide public assurance that effective hygiene practices and infection control policies are being rigorously applied.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-14T17:26:45.32","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269494,"EventID":"S4W-05363","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1961,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-31T17:26:45.367","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-31T13:13:23","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people under the age of 18 have been charged with attempting to purchase alcohol in each year since 2009.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people under the age of 18 have been charged with attempting to purchase alcohol in each year since 2009.","AnswerText":"Information on the number of persons charged is not held centrally. There were four and three persons proceeded against for purchasing alcohol when under 18 in the financial years 2009-10 and 2010-11 respectively.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-14T17:26:45.367","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269495,"EventID":"S4W-05364","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1961,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-31T17:26:45.413","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-31T13:13:23","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people have been charged with attempting to purchase alcohol on behalf of someone under the age of 18 in each year since 2009.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people have been charged with attempting to purchase alcohol on behalf of someone under the age of 18 in each year since 2009.\r\n","AnswerText":"Information on the number of persons charged is not held centrally. There were 156 and 98 persons proceeded against for purchasing alcohol on behalf of someone under the age of 18 in the financial years 2009-10 and 2010-11 respectively.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-14T17:26:45.413","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269496,"EventID":"S4W-05366","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1961,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-01T14:31:33.353","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-31T13:13:23","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people have been charged with attempting to purchase tobacco on behalf of someone under 18 since April 2011.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people have been charged with attempting to purchase tobacco on behalf of someone under 18 since April 2011.\r\n","AnswerText":"Information on the number of persons charged is not held centrally. Information on the number of persons proceeded against in Scottish courts in 2011-12 will not be available until publication of the Criminal Proceedings in Scotland, 2011-12 Statistical Bulletin. This is due to be published in November 2012. \r\nThe dates of all Scottish Government Official and National Statistics publications are pre-announced, and the up to date list of future publications can be found at: http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Statistics/Search/Forthcoming.\r\nCrown Office and Procurator Fiscal Services advise that 22 charges have been reported to them under the Tobacco and Primary Medical Services (Scotland) Act 2010 for buying or attempting to buy tobacco for persons under 18, since April 2011.\r\nNote: \r\n1. The information for this question has been extracted from the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service's Case Management Database. The database is a live, operational database used to manage the processing of reports submitted to procurators fiscal by the police and other reporting agencies. If a Procurator Fiscal amends a charge submitted by a reporting agency the database will record details only of the amended charge.\r\n2. The database is charge-based. The figures quoted therefore relate to the number of charges rather than the number of individuals charged or the number of incidents that gave rise to such charges.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-29T14:31:33.367","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269497,"EventID":"S4W-05367","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2678,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-31T17:26:45.507","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-31T13:27:20","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S4W-03307 by Nicola Sturgeon on 2 November 2011, what the timescale is for the review of the evidence on transcatheter aortic valve imp","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S4W-03307 by Nicola Sturgeon on 2 November 2011, what the timescale is for the review of the evidence on transcatheter aortic valve implantation and what steps are being taken to ensure that it takes account of (a) the updated guidance from the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE), (b) the health technology assessment commissioned by the National Institute for Health Research and (c) findings in peer-reviewed medical journal articles that the intervention is cost effective in high-risk patients for whom traditional open-heart surgery is not appropriate.\r\n","AnswerText":"The National Planning Forum will consider both the updated guidance from the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE), and the health technology assessment (HTA) on TAVI commissioned by the National Institute for Health Research as soon as they are published.\r\nNICE has indicated that it expects the Interventional Procedures Programme (IPP) guidance on TAVI to be published before the end of March 2012.\r\nThe National Institute for Health Research has indicated that the HTA has been extended in scope to also examine the cohort of people who are eligible for surgery, but are considered high risk. As a result, the HTA is now expected to be published later this summer.\r\nAs indicated in the answer to question S4W-03307 on 2 November 2011, the Scottish Health Technologies Group has robust processes in place for monitoring and reviewing publications relating to TAVI.\r\nIn the interim, NHS boards continue to ensure that local arrangements are in place so that people with severe aortic stenosis get access to appropriate clinical treatment. As part of those arrangements, where it is considered clinically appropriate by their doctors, people can get access to TAVI treatment through consideration by an individual case panel.\r\nAll answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.","AnswerDate":"2012-02-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-14T17:26:45.523","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269498,"EventID":"S4W-05365","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1961,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-01-31T17:31:30.94","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-31T13:13:23","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people under the age of 18 have been charged with attempting to purchase tobacco since April 2011.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people under the age of 18 have been charged with attempting to purchase tobacco since April 2011.","AnswerText":"Information on the number of persons charged is not held centrally. Information on the number of persons proceeded against in Scottish courts in 2011-12 will not be available until publication of the Criminal Proceedings in Scotland, 2011-12 Statistical Bulletin. This is due to be published in November 2012. \r\nThe dates of all Scottish Government Official and National Statistics publications are pre-announced, and the up to date list of future publications can be found at: http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Statistics/Search/Forthcoming.\r\nCrown Office and Procurator Fiscal Services advise that one charge has been reported to them under the Tobacco and Primary Medical Services (Scotland) Act 2010 for buying or attempting to buy tobacco when under 18, since April 2011.\r\nNotes: \r\n1. The information for this question has been extracted from the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service's case management database. The database is a live, operational database used to manage the processing of reports submitted to procurators fiscal by the police and other reporting agencies. If a Procurator Fiscal amends a charge submitted by a reporting agency the database will record details only of the amended charge.\r\n2. The database is charge-based. The figures quoted therefore relate to the number of charges rather than the number of individuals charged or the number of incidents that gave rise to such charges.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-14T17:31:30.957","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269511,"EventID":"S4O-00659","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":3815,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-01T14:31:30.857","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-25T14:49:51.293","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will provide an update on the Forth Replacement Crossing project. \r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will provide an update on the Forth Replacement Crossing project. \r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-29T14:31:30.95","MeetingDate":"2012-02-09T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269512,"EventID":"S4O-00660","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-01T14:31:31.027","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-25T14:49:51.513","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to improve transport infrastructure in North East Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to improve transport infrastructure in North East Scotland.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-29T14:31:31.027","MeetingDate":"2012-02-09T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269513,"EventID":"S4O-00661","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1961,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-01T14:31:31.06","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-25T14:49:51.637","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it welcomes the increase in the number of students from European Union countries receiving free higher education in Scotland's universities. \r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it welcomes the increase in the number of students from European Union countries receiving free higher education in Scotland's universities. \r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-29T14:31:31.073","MeetingDate":"2012-02-09T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269514,"EventID":"S4O-00662","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-01T14:31:31.107","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-25T14:49:51.763","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will hold a public inquiry into the PIP breast implant situation.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will hold a public inquiry into the PIP breast implant situation.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-29T14:31:31.107","MeetingDate":"2012-02-09T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269515,"EventID":"S4O-00663","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":3061,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-01T14:31:31.153","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-25T14:49:51.917","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assistance it provides for the early identification of, and how it raises awareness of and supports people with dyslexia.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assistance it provides for the early identification of, and how it raises awareness of and supports people with dyslexia.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-29T14:31:31.167","MeetingDate":"2012-02-09T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269516,"EventID":"S4O-00664","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2123,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":103,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-01T14:31:31.2","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-25T14:49:52.073","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it will take to improve services for children and adults with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it will take to improve services for children and adults with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. ","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-29T14:31:31.213","MeetingDate":"2012-02-09T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269517,"EventID":"S4O-00665","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":3745,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":122,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-01T14:31:31.247","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-25T14:49:52.247","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it has taken to ensure that broadband will be accessible across the whole country.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it has taken to ensure that broadband will be accessible across the whole country.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-29T14:31:31.26","MeetingDate":"2012-02-09T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269518,"EventID":"S4O-00666","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":3743,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":123,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-01T14:31:31.307","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-25T14:49:52.387","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what support it gives to people living in homes without cavity walls to help them reduce their carbon footprint and stay warm.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what support it gives to people living in homes without cavity walls to help them reduce their carbon footprint and stay warm.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-29T14:31:31.307","MeetingDate":"2012-02-09T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269519,"EventID":"S4O-00667","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":4016,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":133,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-01T14:31:31.357","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-25T14:49:52.45","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its transport priorities are for the Scottish Borders.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its transport priorities are for the Scottish Borders.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-29T14:31:31.357","MeetingDate":"2012-02-09T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269520,"EventID":"S4O-00668","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1943,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-01T14:31:31.403","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-25T14:49:52.543","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it last met the Auditor General for Scotland. \r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it last met the Auditor General for Scotland. \r\n","AnswerText":"The last formal occasion on which I met the Auditor General was when I gave a speech to an Audit Scotland conference on 1 November 2011. My next scheduled meeting with the Auditor General is on 14 March.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-29T14:31:31.417","MeetingDate":"2012-02-09T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269521,"EventID":"S4O-00669","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":5041,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-01T14:31:31.51","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-25T14:50:18.423","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many offences against Gypsy/Travellers have been recorded in the last 12 months.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many offences against Gypsy/Travellers have been recorded in the last 12 months.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-29T14:31:31.51","MeetingDate":"2012-02-09T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269522,"EventID":"S4O-00670","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":4947,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-01T14:31:31.557","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-25T14:50:21.45","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the proposed single Scottish police service will result in a reduction in the number of police superintendent posts.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the proposed single Scottish police service will result in a reduction in the number of police superintendent posts.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-29T14:31:31.573","MeetingDate":"2012-02-09T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269523,"EventID":"S4O-00671","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":5110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":89,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-01T14:31:31.853","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-25T14:50:21.543","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the chief constable will be appointed for the proposed single Scottish police service.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the chief constable will be appointed for the proposed single Scottish police service.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-29T14:31:31.9","MeetingDate":"2012-02-09T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269524,"EventID":"S4O-00672","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":2674,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":99,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-01T14:31:31.947","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-25T14:50:21.62","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress it has made with its plans for a single Scottish police service.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress it has made with its plans for a single Scottish police service.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-29T14:31:31.947","MeetingDate":"2012-02-09T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269525,"EventID":"S4O-00673","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":3759,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":80,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-01T14:31:32.087","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-25T14:50:21.713","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will consider changing the law so that sentences for crimes committed by an offender released on licence are served consecutively rather than concurrently.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will consider changing the law so that sentences for crimes committed by an offender released on licence are served consecutively rather than concurrently.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-29T14:31:32.137","MeetingDate":"2012-02-09T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269526,"EventID":"S4O-00674","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":2892,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-01T14:31:32.167","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-25T14:50:21.76","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its reasons are for placing independent custody visiting on a statutory footing as part of the Police and Fire Reform (Scotland) Bill.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its reasons are for placing independent custody visiting on a statutory footing as part of the Police and Fire Reform (Scotland) Bill.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-29T14:31:32.183","MeetingDate":"2012-02-09T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269527,"EventID":"S4O-00675","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":1775,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":146,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-01T14:31:32.587","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-25T14:50:21.823","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether plans for the new Low Moss prison, such as prisoners working a 35-hour week and commercial projects and courses aimed at addressing their offending, will be used ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether plans for the new Low Moss prison, such as prisoners working a 35-hour week and commercial projects and courses aimed at addressing their offending, will be used as a blueprint for other prisons across the country.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-29T14:31:32.587","MeetingDate":"2012-02-09T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269528,"EventID":"S4O-00676","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-01T14:31:32.633","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-25T14:50:21.887","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it last met the Scottish Court Service.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it last met the Scottish Court Service.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-29T14:31:32.65","MeetingDate":"2012-02-09T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269529,"EventID":"S4O-00677","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":5034,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-01T14:31:32.697","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-25T14:50:21.95","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many prisoners have completed an alcohol-related course in the last year.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many prisoners have completed an alcohol-related course in the last year.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-29T14:31:32.697","MeetingDate":"2012-02-09T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269530,"EventID":"S4O-00678","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":131,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-01T14:31:32.743","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-25T14:50:22.01","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the implications are of the Police and Fire Reform (Scotland) Bill for police support staff numbers.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the implications are of the Police and Fire Reform (Scotland) Bill for police support staff numbers.","AnswerText":"The Police and Fire Reform (Scotland) Bill will create a single police service for Scotland which will require fewer support staff. It will be for the new service to plan its own staffing requirements.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-29T14:31:32.743","MeetingDate":"2012-02-09T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269531,"EventID":"S4O-00679","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":5074,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":104,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-01T14:31:32.79","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-25T14:50:43.337","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what data is available on the attitudes of people in Scotland to environmental issues.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what data is available on the attitudes of people in Scotland to environmental issues.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-29T14:31:32.79","MeetingDate":"2012-02-09T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269532,"EventID":"S4O-00680","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":2675,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":93,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-01T14:31:32.837","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-25T14:50:43.46","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made to accommodate upland grazing interests and forestry development targets.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made to accommodate upland grazing interests and forestry development targets.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-29T14:31:32.853","MeetingDate":"2012-02-09T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269533,"EventID":"S4O-00681","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":1866,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-01T14:31:32.93","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-25T14:50:43.697","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will meet the 2011 interim environmental performance targets set out in its Environmental Policy.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will meet the 2011 interim environmental performance targets set out in its Environmental Policy.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-29T14:31:32.947","MeetingDate":"2012-02-09T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269534,"EventID":"S4O-00682","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":4941,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-01T14:31:32.993","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-25T14:50:43.913","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress is being made on reducing nitrogen dioxide levels and improving air quality in Glasgow.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress is being made on reducing nitrogen dioxide levels and improving air quality in Glasgow.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-29T14:31:32.993","MeetingDate":"2012-02-09T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269535,"EventID":"S4O-00683","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":3101,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-01T14:31:33.057","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-25T14:50:44.117","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its response is to the Committee on Climate Change's report, Reducing emissions in Scotland: 1st Progress Report.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its response is to the Committee on Climate Change's report, Reducing emissions in Scotland: 1st Progress Report.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-29T14:31:33.057","MeetingDate":"2012-02-09T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269536,"EventID":"S4O-00684","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":5078,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":111,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-01T14:31:33.117","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-25T14:50:44.303","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures are in place to support dairy farmers.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures are in place to support dairy farmers.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-29T14:31:33.117","MeetingDate":"2012-02-09T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269537,"EventID":"S4O-00685","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":4939,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":78,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-01T14:31:33.163","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-25T14:50:44.49","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it will take to ensure that the Scottish Environment Protection Agency uses the enforcement powers that it has.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it will take to ensure that the Scottish Environment Protection Agency uses the enforcement powers that it has.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-29T14:31:33.18","MeetingDate":"2012-02-09T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269538,"EventID":"S4O-00686","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":2059,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":91,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-01T14:31:33.21","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-25T14:50:44.693","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures it will take to ensure the continued progress of the Zero Waste Plan following the Scottish budget.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures it will take to ensure the continued progress of the Zero Waste Plan following the Scottish budget.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-29T14:31:33.227","MeetingDate":"2012-02-09T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269539,"EventID":"S4O-00687","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":5060,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-01T14:31:33.257","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-25T14:50:44.913","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress it is making in meeting its targets for reducing emissions by 2020.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress it is making in meeting its targets for reducing emissions by 2020.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-29T14:31:33.257","MeetingDate":"2012-02-09T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269540,"EventID":"S4O-00688","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":4952,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-01T14:31:33.307","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-25T14:50:45.113","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the recent announcement of Total Income From Farming increase means for Scottish farming.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the recent announcement of Total Income From Farming increase means for Scottish farming.","AnswerText":"The 4.1% increase in farm incomes in 2011 is good news for Scottish farming. It builds on the 25% increase seen in 2010 and this trend is generating optimism in the industry, which is at a 16-year high according to the recent Lloyds Bank Group agricultural survey.\r\nBut the figures also present a challenge to farmers, to make the most of their high value resources and to reduce their costs, which also rose substantially in 2011.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-29T14:31:33.32","MeetingDate":"2012-02-09T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269541,"EventID":"S4W-05368","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3806,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-01T14:31:33.4","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-31T15:02:57","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the Deloitte Touche final report on the options for the ferry service between Gourock and Dunoon will be put back on the Scottish Government website.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the Deloitte Touche final report on the options for the ferry service between Gourock and Dunoon will be put back on the Scottish Government website.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Deloitte Touche final report was removed from the Scottish Government’s website due to the age of the document (1998). Given continued interest in this report, the final report and the Addendum to the report have been put back on the website and are available at:\r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2012/02/6773.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-29T14:31:33.4","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269542,"EventID":"S4W-05369","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":131,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-01T14:31:33.447","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-01-31T17:00:52","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Scottish Ambulance Service is required to meet a target response time for category A call-outs and, if so, what the target is; whether it is legally binding, ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Scottish Ambulance Service is required to meet a target response time for category A call-outs and, if so, what the target is; whether it is legally binding, and what penalties might be imposed if it is not achieved on a consistent basis.\r\n","AnswerText":"The national response time target for category A calls (life threatening) across mainland Scotland is that 75% of all incidents should be reached within eight minutes. This target is not legally binding but the Scottish Ambulance Service (SAS) is expected to meet it and it is a key target that the Service is performance managed against. There are no plans to impose penalties on the Scottish Ambulance Service, rather the Scottish Government continues to work with the service in order that the target can be achieved and sustained on a consistent basis.\r\nBoth the Scottish Government and the Scottish Ambulance Service are committed to driving continuous improvement in the care provided to patients. A range of annually agreed targets are the subject of ongoing performance management, including the annual review meeting which is held in public and chaired by myself. The Scottish Ambulance Service is required to account for the level of performance it achieves each year through a published annual report.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-29T14:31:33.46","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269543,"EventID":"S4W-05370","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3896,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":97,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-01T16:58:16.57","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-01T09:30:34","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there are countries in which it is not prepared to allow Scottish Water International Business Development to operate and, if so, which countries.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there are countries in which it is not prepared to allow Scottish Water International Business Development to operate and, if so, which countries.","AnswerText":"Scottish Water International Business Development makes its own judgements on the suitability of visiting and operating in particular countries and does so with reference to the published advice available from the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office concerning the advisability of travel to each country and other published advice of the UK and Scottish Governments concerning business links with each country.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-29T16:58:16.71","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269544,"EventID":"S4W-05371","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3896,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":97,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-01T16:58:16.787","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-01T09:30:34","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what Scottish Water International Business Development's operational targets are and how these will be measured.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what Scottish Water International Business Development's operational targets are and how these will be measured.\r\n","AnswerText":"The governance framework the Scottish Government has put in place with Scottish Water requires the organisation to produce an annual business plan that sets out the overarching business strategy for Scottish Water and its subsidiaries including how it shall exercise its non-core functions through its subsidiaries or otherwise. The governance framework can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Resource/Doc/917/0063038.pdf.\r\nScottish Water’s Business Plan for 2012-13 is expected to be received shortly.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-29T16:58:16.787","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269545,"EventID":"S4W-05372","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3896,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":97,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-01T16:58:16.867","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-01T09:30:34","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether Scottish Water International Business Development's operations will provide advice and expertise only.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether Scottish Water International Business Development's operations will provide advice and expertise only.\r\n","AnswerText":"Scottish Water International Business Development will provide advisory services - it has no plans to make financial investments in overseas assets.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-29T16:58:16.867","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269546,"EventID":"S4W-05373","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3896,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":97,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-01T16:58:16.943","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-01T09:30:34","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how Scottish Water International Business Development's operations will be funded and how its performance will be reflected in Scottish Water’s budget.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how Scottish Water International Business Development's operations will be funded and how its performance will be reflected in Scottish Water’s budget.\r\n","AnswerText":"The start up costs of Scottish Water's international activities are funded from the retained profits of other commercial activities of Scottish Water. All the income generated and costs incurred in Scottish Water's international activities will be consolidated in Scottish Water’s annual accounts which are laid before the Scottish Parliament each year.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-29T16:58:16.943","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269547,"EventID":"S4W-05374","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-01T16:58:17.007","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-01T11:21:19.193","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S4W-03690 by Nicola Sturgeon on 18 November 2011, how much has been spent by the Care Inspectorate and its predecessor organisations on","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S4W-03690 by Nicola Sturgeon on 18 November 2011, how much has been spent by the Care Inspectorate and its predecessor organisations on (a) staff redundancies and (b) early retirement packages since April 2010.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-03690 on 18 November 2011. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\nNo staff were lost due to compulsory redundancy by the Care Inspectorate or its predecessors’ since April 2010.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-29T16:58:17.023","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269548,"EventID":"S4W-05375","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-01T16:58:17.083","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-01T11:22:40.877","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S4W-03688 by Nicola Sturgeon on 18 November 2011, how many Care Inspectorate inspectors (a) are studying for the Regulation of Care Awa","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S4W-03688 by Nicola Sturgeon on 18 November 2011, how many Care Inspectorate inspectors (a) are studying for the Regulation of Care Award and (b) have completed the course.","AnswerText":"As previously indicated in the answer to S4W-03688 on 18 November 2011, all Care Inspectorate Inspectors have completed the Regulation of Care Award or are currently undertaking it. Currently, 12 Inspectors are studying for the Regulation of Care Award with expected completion dates between April and December 2012. A further 10 have completed the required study and are awaiting results in March 2012.\r\nThree hundred inspectors have completed the Regulation of Care Award. Of these 300, 44 have since left the Care Inspectorate.\r\nAll answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-29T16:58:17.083","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269549,"EventID":"S4W-05376","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-01T16:58:17.163","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-01T11:24:04.29","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S4W-03697 by Nicola Sturgeon on 14 November 2011, whether the investigation into the delivery of care at the Elsie Inglis nursing home ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S4W-03697 by Nicola Sturgeon on 14 November 2011, whether the investigation into the delivery of care at the Elsie Inglis nursing home is now complete.","AnswerText":"The police investigation is still on-going.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-29T16:58:17.163","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269550,"EventID":"S4W-05377","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-01T16:58:17.24","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-01T11:25:42.667","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much was allocated to each local authority to meet the concordat commitment to kinship carers in 2007.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much was allocated to each local authority to meet the concordat commitment to kinship carers in 2007.","AnswerText":"The vast majority of the funding provided to local government by the Scottish Government, including the funding for kinship care allowances, is provided by means of a block grant. It is the responsibility of each local authority to allocate the total financial resources available to it on the basis of local needs and priorities having first fulfilled its statutory obligations and the jointly agreed set of national and local priorities including the Scottish Government’s key strategic objectives.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-29T16:58:17.24","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Aileen Campbell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269551,"EventID":"S4W-05379","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-01T16:58:17.287","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-01T11:25:42.667","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has met the 2007 concordat commitment to kinship carers of looked-after children that, by 2011, they will be provided with an allowance on a par with foster ca","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has met the 2007 concordat commitment to kinship carers of looked-after children that, by 2011, they will be provided with an allowance on a par with foster carers.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has achieved significant progress with all local authorities now financially supporting kinship carers and we have won benefit concessions worth up to £50 a week.\r\nWe remain committed to working with local authorities to ensure that kinship carers receive the support they need.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-29T16:58:17.303","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Aileen Campbell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269552,"EventID":"S4W-05380","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-01T16:58:17.38","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-01T11:25:42.667","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive for what reason kinship carer allowances are not on a par with foster carer allowances in the majority of local authority areas.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive for what reason kinship carer allowances are not on a par with foster carer allowances in the majority of local authority areas.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government does not set rates for minimum allowances to kinship carers or foster carers but guidance issued in 2010 to support these regulations recommends using The Fostering Network’s recommended minimum allowances as a guide. Local authorities are best placed to make decisions about what is needed to support a particular child with a particular carer.\r\nWe remain committed to providing meaningful and sustainable financial support to kinship carers and we have achieved worthwhile progress with all local authorities now financially supporting kinship carers. We will continue to work with local authorities to ensure that kinship carers receive the support they need.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-29T16:58:17.38","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Aileen Campbell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269553,"EventID":"S4W-05381","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-01T16:58:17.427","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-01T11:27:46.313","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S4W-03666 by Michael Matheson on 11 November 2011, when it will carry out a review of the provision relating to people with learning di","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S4W-03666 by Michael Matheson on 11 November 2011, when it will carry out a review of the provision relating to people with learning difficulties and autism in the Mental Health (Care and Treatment) (Scotland) Act 2003.","AnswerText":"We do not intend to commission such a review at this time.\r\nWe are currently in the process of taking forward amendments to the Mental Health (Care and Treatment) 2003 Act following the McManus Limited Review Report and other minor technical issues identified by external stakeholders in the Mental Health and Adults With Incapacity Amendment Bill.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-29T16:58:17.427","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269554,"EventID":"S4W-05382","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-01T16:58:17.507","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-01T11:28:51.927","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S4W-03956 by Nicola Sturgeon on 17 November 2011, whether it has received the report of Sir Ian Kennedy’s review of paediatric cardiac ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S4W-03956 by Nicola Sturgeon on 17 November 2011, whether it has received the report of Sir Ian Kennedy’s review of paediatric cardiac surgery at Yorkhill Hospital and, if so, (a) whether the report recommends any changes and (b) when it will be published.","AnswerText":"I have not yet received Sir Ian Kennedy’s report.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-29T16:58:17.507","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269555,"EventID":"S4W-05388","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5109,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":101,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-01T16:58:17.553","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-01T15:41:13","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much funding it has provided to the Edinburgh tram project in each year since the project began.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much funding it has provided to the Edinburgh tram project in each year since the project began.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government accepted Parliament’s decision on 27 June 2007 to support the capital cost of the Edinburgh Trams project, subject to a maximum contribution of £500 million.\r\nDetails of funding are as follows:\r\nFinancial Year\r\nAmount\r\n(£ million)\r\n2002-03\r\n2.0\r\n2003-04\r\n7.2\r\n2004-05\r\n6.4\r\n2005-06\r\n13.5\r\n2006-07\r\n25.7\r\n2007-08\r\n50.6\r\n2008-09\r\n122.6\r\n2009-10\r\n107.2\r\n2010-11\r\n58.4\r\n2011-12\r\n62.0\r\nThe funding for the years 2002-03 to 2004-05 were authorised under a previous grant arrangement.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-02-29T16:58:17.553","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269569,"EventID":"S4W-05378","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-02T13:53:39.567","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-01T11:25:42.667","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S4W-02560 by Angela Constance on 21 September 2011, for what reason information on the number of kinship carers of looked-after childre","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S4W-02560 by Angela Constance on 21 September 2011, for what reason information on the number of kinship carers of looked-after children is not held centrally.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Children Looked After Statistics collect information only on the number of children and young people in kinship care, reflecting the Scottish Government’s need to trace information about children and young people who require statutory intervention and care. Information on formal carers is held by local authorities, who are responsible for commissioning care.\r\nThere is no routine collection by the Scottish Government of children in informal looked after arrangements. An estimate of the total number of kinship carers will be possible from data provided by the 2011 census due later this year.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-01T13:53:39.627","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Aileen Campbell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269570,"EventID":"S4W-05384","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2108,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":141,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-02T13:53:39.673","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-01T13:37:45.553","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has had discussions with the UK Government about making UK Government-owned empty or underutilised buildings available to small businesses in Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has had discussions with the UK Government about making UK Government-owned empty or underutilised buildings available to small businesses in Scotland.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government’s Property Advice Division liaise with the UK Government’s Government Procurement Unit who operate the Electronic Property Information Mapping System. The e-PIMS system is used to identify vacant space records for both the UK Government within Scotland and the Scottish Executive’s Estate.\r\ne-PIMS does not currently explicitly record underused space.\r\nWhen a building owned by the Scottish Ministers is declared surplus it is sold on the open market and is thus available for any business interest that wishes to make a bid. With rented space, where this cannot be returned to the landlord, every effort is made to reuse it, usually to public sector bodies needing space.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-01T13:53:39.673","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269571,"EventID":"S4W-05385","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2108,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":141,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-02T13:53:39.723","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-01T13:37:45.553","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will make empty or underutilised buildings that it owns available to small businesses.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will make empty or underutilised buildings that it owns available to small businesses.","AnswerText":"When an owned  property is empty and declared surplus the Scottish Government puts it on the open market so that any potential bidder including businesses, small businesses, community groups or individuals may bid for it.\r\nWhere a leased property is empty and the lease allows it, it is returned to the landlord. If a leased property cannot be returned and is under occupied in the longer term, the Scottish Government usually backfills the space with public bodies requiring space. Subject to the requirements of the Scottish Public Finance Manual and other operational considerations backfilling or subletting to the private sector may also be considered.\r\nWith third parties the Scottish Public Finance Manual requires that underutilised space is let to third parties on the basis of ‘market rent’.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-01T13:53:39.723","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269572,"EventID":"S4W-05386","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2108,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":141,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-02T13:53:39.753","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-01T13:37:45.553","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many empty or underutilised buildings it owns and where they are located.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many empty or underutilised buildings it owns and where they are located.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Ministers have one owned property empty: Jeanfield House, 4 Jeanfield Road, Perth. Underutilisation fluctuates across the estate as business changes. With the contraction in staff numbers currently underway, and changing working practices, the Scottish Government is working towards occupying 25% less space by 2015.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-01T13:53:39.77","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269573,"EventID":"S4W-05389","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":131,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-02T13:53:39.83","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-01T16:26:49.2","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what standards exist regarding noise insulation between upper and lower flats in socially rented properties and whether it plans to review these.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what standards exist regarding noise insulation between upper and lower flats in socially rented properties and whether it plans to review these.","AnswerText":"In 2010 enhanced noise standards and guidance were introduced into Scottish building regulations. These cover all tenures, not just social rented housing. They apply to the wall and floor construction that separates dwellings, when new building work is carried out. These standards are considered the most demanding in the UK and there are no plans to review them at present.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-01T13:53:39.83","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Derek Mackay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269574,"EventID":"S4W-05390","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":131,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-02T13:53:39.877","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-01T16:26:49.2","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many affordable homes have been procured in each local authority area under the first phase of the National Housing Trust initiative.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many affordable homes have been procured in each local authority area under the first phase of the National Housing Trust initiative.\r\n","AnswerText":"614 affordable homes have been procured to date in the following local authority areas under the first phase of the National Housing Trust initiative:\r\nLocal Authority\r\nNumber of Units\r\nAberdeen City Council\r\n41\r\nThe City of Edinburgh Council\r\n422\r\nFalkirk Council \r\n27\r\nThe Highland Council\r\n57\r\nStirling Council\r\n16\r\nScottish Borders Council\r\n51\r\n\r\nThe potential procurement of up to a further 16 units within the Dundee City Council area is dependent on a planning decision to be taken by the local authority.\r\nTo date, 16 of these homes have been completed and let in Stirling Council’s area. The remaining 598 homes approved to date under the first phase of the initiative are expected to complete between spring 2012 and spring 2014.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-01T13:53:39.877","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269575,"EventID":"S4W-05391","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":131,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-02T13:53:39.923","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-01T16:26:49.2","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many affordable homes procured under the first phase of the National Housing Trust initiative have been completed, broken down by local authority area, and when the r","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many affordable homes procured under the first phase of the National Housing Trust initiative have been completed, broken down by local authority area, and when the remaining procured homes will be completed.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-05390 on 23 February 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nwww.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-01T13:53:39.923","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269576,"EventID":"S4W-05392","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":131,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-02T13:53:39.97","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-01T16:26:49.2","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the level 4 allocation for affordable housing supply in the Scottish budget 2011-12 was prior to the announcement of a further £10 million in the spring revision ann","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the level 4 allocation for affordable housing supply in the Scottish budget 2011-12 was prior to the announcement of a further £10 million in the spring revision announced on 31 January 2012.","AnswerText":"Prior to the spring budget revisions the Housing Supply/Economic Growth budget was £274.5 million of which £249.5 million was for housing supply. This excludes the allocations for the Home Owners Support Fund and Open Market Shared Equity scheme which sit within the Supporting Transitions budget.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-01T13:53:39.97","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269577,"EventID":"S4W-05393","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":131,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-02T13:53:40.05","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-01T16:26:49.2","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the level 4 allocation for regeneration programmes was in the supporting economic growth/housing supply budget line in the Scottish budget 2011-12 prior to the annou","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the level 4 allocation for regeneration programmes was in the supporting economic growth/housing supply budget line in the Scottish budget 2011-12 prior to the announcement of a further £0.9 million in the spring revision announced on 31 January 2012.","AnswerText":"The level 4 “Regeneration Programmes”, to which some of the £0.9 million funding will be attributed, had a budget of £25 million. The £0.9 million figure announced on 31 January 2012 is a combination of housing and regeneration funding. The regeneration budget line benefits from £0.35 million capital and will be used to fund projects undertaken by Clydebank Re-built Urban Regeneration Company. The remainder of the monies (£0.5 million capital) will be utilised for the boiler scrappage scheme, and that is part of a separate housing and regeneration level 4 “Fuel Poverty/Domestic Energy Efficiency/Climate Change” as announced on 15 February.\r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/News/Releases/2012/02/boilerscrappage15022012.\r\nNote: uses the level 4 descriptors provided for the 2012-13 budget process to ease illustration.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-01T13:53:40.05","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269578,"EventID":"S4W-05394","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":131,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-02T13:53:40.097","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-01T16:26:49.2","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the level 4 allocation for adaptations was in the supporting transitions budget line (housing and regeneration) in the Scottish budget 2011-12 prior to the announcem","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the level 4 allocation for adaptations was in the supporting transitions budget line (housing and regeneration) in the Scottish budget 2011-12 prior to the announcement of a further £2 million in the spring revision announced on 31 January 2012.","AnswerText":"The level 4 allocation for adaptations within the Housing and Regeneration Supporting Transitions line of the 2011-12 Scottish budget, prior to the announcement of a further £2 million in the Spring Budget Revision, was £8 million.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-01T13:53:40.097","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269579,"EventID":"S4W-05395","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":131,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-02T13:53:40.143","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-01T16:26:49.2","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will provide a level 4 breakdown of how it will allocate the £4.5 million announced for road transport in the spring revision to the 2011-12 Scottish budget on","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will provide a level 4 breakdown of how it will allocate the £4.5 million announced for road transport in the spring revision to the 2011-12 Scottish budget on 31 January 2011.","AnswerText":"£2 million to local authorities for potholes. (Level 4 budget line routine and winter maintenance).\r\n£2 million for road maintenance on the trunk road network. (Level 4 budget line road improvements).\r\n£0.5 million for A96 Dunkeld land purchase. (Level 4 budget line capital land and works).\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-01T13:53:40.143","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269580,"EventID":"S4W-05396","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-02T13:53:40.19","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-02T09:56:17.427","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to review the role and functions of the Accountant in Bankruptcy.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to review the role and functions of the Accountant in Bankruptcy.","AnswerText":"This government has a broad and ambitious agenda for reform which focuses on outcomes and improvements to the bankruptcy, and the insolvency system which includes Protected Trust Deeds. The current five year term of office provides the opportunity to develop and deliver this reform and a public consultation is planned late this year to develop the details of the reform.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-01T13:53:40.207","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269581,"EventID":"S4W-05397","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-02T13:53:40.237","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-02T09:56:17.427","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Accountant in Bankruptcy is equipped to support individuals on completion of a protected trust deed.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Accountant in Bankruptcy is equipped to support individuals on completion of a protected trust deed.","AnswerText":"A Protected Trust Deed is a formal arrangement between an individual and an insolvency practitioner who becomes their trustee. The Accountant in Bankruptcy does not act as a trustee in Protected Trust Deeds but does take on a supervisory role.\r\nIn accordance with the Bankruptcy (Scotland) Act 1985, the Accountant in Bankruptcy does not hold a role or function with regards supporting an individual in a Protected Trust Deed. However, the Scottish Executive does provide funding for advice through the National Debtline and local authorities as well as funding for the training of free sector money advisers throughout Scotland. The Scottish Executive also produces a number of free publications for those people in debt.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-01T13:53:40.237","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269582,"EventID":"S4W-05398","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-02T13:53:40.283","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-02T09:56:17.427","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to review the law on protected trust deeds.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to review the law on protected trust deeds.","AnswerText":"The Protected Trust Deed – Improving the Process Consultation was made available to the public on 17 October 2011. The purpose of this consultation was to review and decide on the future of Protected Trust Deeds. The closing date for responses from the public was 31 January 2012 and the responses are currently being collated and considered. The results of the consultation are due to be published on 24 April 2012, however should you wish to view the consultation you can access it at the following website:\r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2011/10/14103349/0.\r\nSubject to the responses received the Scottish Executive will review the law on Protected Trust Deeds.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-01T13:53:40.283","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269583,"EventID":"S4W-05399","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-02T13:53:40.33","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-02T11:25:57","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what access doctors on night shift have to rest facilities in each (a) hospital and (b) NHS board, broken down by type of rest facility.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what access doctors on night shift have to rest facilities in each (a) hospital and (b) NHS board, broken down by type of rest facility.\r\n","AnswerText":"Detailed information on rest facilities is not held centrally, but minimum standards on such facilities are detailed in HDL 2001-50, Living and Working Conditions for Doctors in Training.\r\nAll doctors have access to either dedicated mess facilities or staff rooms where they can take breaks during and after their shifts.\r\nThe majority of doctors in training now work on a shift system, similar to nursing and other staff. Rotas are constructed to meet the relevant contractual and legal requirements to ensure staff are well rested before, during and after periods of work. \r\nNo dedicated rest facilities are provided for any group of staff coming off night shift within the NHS but, if any member of staff has any concern about their fitness to travel home after a shift, this can be raised locally with their manager.\r\nFor those who still work on a traditional on-call rota, the majority of these are on call from home, with support in place to gain a minimum amount of rest time while on call which ensures that staff are well rested. Where on call from home is not possible, NHS boards provide dedicated on call rooms which must meet minimum standards as detailed in HDL 2001-50.\r\nAny areas of concern can be raised with our new deal manager, who can arrange to inspect facilities to ensure that they meet the required minimum standards.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-01T13:53:40.33","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269584,"EventID":"S4W-05400","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-02T13:53:40.377","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-02T11:25:57","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what access doctors who have been on-call have to rest facilities in each (a) hospital and (b) NHS board, broken down by type of rest facility.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what access doctors who have been on-call have to rest facilities in each (a) hospital and (b) NHS board, broken down by type of rest facility.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-05399 on 28 February 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-01T13:53:40.377","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269590,"EventID":"S4W-05403","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1866,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-02T16:54:13.61","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-02T14:48:35","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many jobs have been secured for disabled people through contracts awarded using Article 19 of the EU procurement directive following the publication of the Sustainabl","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many jobs have been secured for disabled people through contracts awarded using Article 19 of the EU procurement directive following the publication of the Sustainable Procurement Action Plan.\r\n","AnswerText":"In 2010-11 Scottish public bodies spent £24.1 million with supported businesses. While the Scottish Government does not hold information regarding the number of jobs this spending secures, public sector spending with supported business clearly plays an important role in supporting the sector. \r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-01T16:54:13.763","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269595,"EventID":"S4W-05402","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1866,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-03T14:12:07.627","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-02T14:48:35","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it met the Sustainable Procurement Action Plan objective that every public body should have a strategy for awarding at least one contract to a supported business ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it met the Sustainable Procurement Action Plan objective that every public body should have a strategy for awarding at least one contract to a supported business or factory by 30 November 2010.\r\n","AnswerText":"Implementation of the Sustainable Procurement Action Plan is a matter for individual public bodies. The Scottish Government has a number of contracts which assist supported businesses. Capability St Judes was awarded a contract for laundry services 1 April 2009. Remploy are working as a sub-contractor on refurbishment of the Scottish Fire College premises and three business are engaged as sub-contractors on the Scottish Government’s Design Print Printing and Associated Services contract.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-02T14:12:08.187","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269596,"EventID":"S4W-05404","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":86,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-03T14:12:08.373","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-02T15:49:03","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what it considers to be the rights and responsibilities of a normal, sovereign state, as referred to on page 4 of Your Scotland, Your Referendum.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what it considers to be the rights and responsibilities of a normal, sovereign state, as referred to on page 4 of Your Scotland, Your Referendum.\r\n","AnswerText":"Paragraphs 2.11 to 2.13 of the Scottish Government’s white paper Your Scotland, Your Voice (published in November 2009) outlined the rights and responsibilities of an independent Scotland.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-02T14:12:08.373","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Bruce Crawford","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269597,"EventID":"S4W-05405","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":86,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-03T14:12:08.467","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-02T15:49:03","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what matters relating to an independent Scotland will be dealt with in the white paper on independence referred to on page 12 of Your Scotland, Your Referendum.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what matters relating to an independent Scotland will be dealt with in the white paper on independence referred to on page 12 of Your Scotland, Your Referendum.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government will ensure that voters have all of the information they need about the referendum, and about independence, in order to be able to take an authoritative, well informed decision about Scotland's constitutional future. The comprehensive white paper on independence to be published in November 2013 will detail the positive platform for Scotland's future on which Scottish voters will be asked to decide.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-02T14:12:08.483","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Bruce Crawford","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269598,"EventID":"S4W-05406","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":86,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-03T14:12:08.577","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-02T15:49:03","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the white paper on independence referred to on page 12 of Your Scotland, Your Referendum will deal with (a) the currency, (b) border control, (c) the welfare and ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the white paper on independence referred to on page 12 of Your Scotland, Your Referendum will deal with (a) the currency, (b) border control, (c) the welfare and social security system, (d) the taxation system, (e) international relations, (f) membership of international bodies or organisations, (g) membership of the EU, (h) the armed forces, (i) impact on pension funds, savings and bank accounts, (j) the Royal Family, (k) the structure or system of government, (l) corporation tax, including specific rates at which it will be set, (m) income tax, including specific rates at which it will be set, (n) oil and gas, (o) energy policy, (p) the structure of any continuing relationship with the UK and (q) shared interests of the UK and an independent Scotland.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-05405 on 22 February 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-02T14:12:08.577","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Bruce Crawford","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269599,"EventID":"S4W-05407","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":86,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-03T14:12:08.653","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-02T15:49:03","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the proposed referendum question will be independently tested.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the proposed referendum question will be independently tested.","AnswerText":"Yes.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-02T14:12:08.653","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Bruce Crawford","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269600,"EventID":"S4W-05408","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":86,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-03T14:12:08.687","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-02T15:49:03","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it contacted the Electoral Commission in relation to the referendum (a) before or (b) during the drafting of the referendum consultation and whether it consulted ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it contacted the Electoral Commission in relation to the referendum (a) before or (b) during the drafting of the referendum consultation and whether it consulted the Electoral Commission on the formulation of the referendum question.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government had contact with the Electoral Commission on a number of occasions in relation to the proposals contained in the Government’s February 2010 consultation paper Scotland’s Future. The proposals in the current consultation paper (Your Scotland, Your Referendum) were developed in the light of the response to the previous paper, including comments from the Electoral Commission. Paragraph 1.10 of Your Scotland, Your Referendum explains that the ballot paper set out in the consultation document is designed to comply with the Electoral Commission’s guidelines. The paper also sets out the proposed role of the Electoral Commission in the referendum.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-02T14:12:08.703","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Bruce Crawford","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269601,"EventID":"S4W-05409","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2029,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":145,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-03T14:12:08.733","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-02T15:50:59.58","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it had with the (a) UK Government and (b) Student Loans Company regarding the (i) appointment and (ii) contractual terms and conditions of Ed Lester as c","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it had with the (a) UK Government and (b) Student Loans Company regarding the (i) appointment and (ii) contractual terms and conditions of Ed Lester as chief executive of the Student Loans Company and whether it was aware of the reported tax-avoidance arrangements that were put in place for him.\r\n","AnswerText":"The appointment and remuneration package for Ed Lester, the Chief Executive of the Student Loans Company was approved by UK Ministers from the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills following general consultation with and the agreement of Scottish ministers.\r\nAt no time were Scottish ministers made aware of any special tax concession arrangements, or asked to approve the method by which Mr Lester was paid.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-02T14:12:08.733","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269602,"EventID":"S4W-05410","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":86,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-03T14:12:08.78","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-02T15:49:03","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive for what reason spending limits were increased in the consultation on the Draft Referendum (Scotland) Bill published in January 2012 compared with the consultation on the","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive for what reason spending limits were increased in the consultation on the Draft Referendum (Scotland) Bill published in January 2012 compared with the consultation on the Draft Referendum (Scotland) Bill published in February 2010.","AnswerText":"The proposed spending limits were increased in the light of responses to the government’s February 2010 consultation. The rationale for the proposals is set out in paragraphs 3.7 to 3.13 of the Scottish Government’s consultation paper Your Scotland Your Referendum published on 25 January 2012.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-02T14:12:08.797","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Bruce Crawford","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269603,"EventID":"S4W-05413","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2029,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":145,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-03T14:12:08.843","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-02T15:50:59.58","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information it has on whether companies that it has ownership in pay their employees via a private company in order for the employees not to pay tax.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information it has on whether companies that it has ownership in pay their employees via a private company in order for the employees not to pay tax.\r\n","AnswerText":"In all instances, the Scottish Government expects those who work on public sector business to do so within the tax system, whether that is through the Scottish Government payroll or the payroll of a parent company that the Scottish Government has a contractual arrangement with.\r\nThere are six organisations listed in the Scottish Government annual accounts in which the Scottish Ministers have some form of interest. Of these, the shares in the Student Loan Company are held by the Secretary of State for Scotland and the shares in Partnerships UK were relinquished on 31 March 2011 when remaining staff and assets transferred to Infrastructure UK (part of HM Treasury). Of the remaining organisations - Caledonian Maritime Assets Ltd, David MacBrayne Ltd, Highland and Islands Airports Ltd and the Scottish Futures Trust - we are not aware of any permanent employees who are paid through a private company.\r\nThe role of Managing Director of Cal Mac Ferries Ltd, a subsidiary of David MacBrayne Ltd, is being undertaken on an interim basis by someone paid through Capita Resourcing. This will continue until May 2012 when a permanent replacement should be in place.\r\nThe Chair of Scottish Futures Trust works without payment, and his fees are given as a charitable donation to the National Museums of Scotland.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-04-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-02T14:12:08.843","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269604,"EventID":"S4W-05414","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-03T14:12:08.89","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-02T16:16:56.63","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether support will be available for local authorities that choose to delay the introduction of the new national exams.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether support will be available for local authorities that choose to delay the introduction of the new national exams.\r\n","AnswerText":"Directors of Education have confirmed their schools are on track to deliver the new National Qualifications. Where a secondary school - with the agreement of the local authority - identifies a department in need of support beyond that already provided through the local authority, Education Scotland and SQA will work in close partnership with the local authority to identify what further support is necessary how to deliver it.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-02T14:12:08.89","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269605,"EventID":"S4W-05415","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-03T14:12:08.937","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-02T16:16:56.63","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it can guarantee that there will be no adverse effect on local authorities that choose to delay the introduction of the new national exams.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it can guarantee that there will be no adverse effect on local authorities that choose to delay the introduction of the new national exams.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-05414 on 29 February 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-02T14:12:08.937","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269606,"EventID":"S4W-05416","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-03T14:12:08.983","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-02T16:16:56.63","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what additional financial support will be provided to schools for the introduction of the new national exams.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what additional financial support will be provided to schools for the introduction of the new national exams.","AnswerText":"Funding for individual schools is a matter for local authorities. In 2011-12 the Scottish Government is providing local authorities with revenue funding of £10.9 billion. The vast majority of this funding, which includes funding for education, is provided by means of a block grant.\r\nFor 2012-15 local government’s revenue funding will be maintained at £10.9 billion per year and their share will still be higher in 2014-15 than it was in 2007-08. Within this, funding of £3.762 million is available to help support quality assurance and moderation of assessment in schools.\r\nIn addition, Education Scotland is funded to provide advice and guidance to the system. SQA also receive funding towards the development of the new qualifications including providing advice and guidance to schools. In 2011-12, the budget for this was £8.351 million.\r\nThe Cabinet Secretary for Education and Lifelong Learning recently met with Larry Flanagan of EIS and offered to consider any requests for additional resources which might be received from local authorities.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-02T14:12:08.983","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269607,"EventID":"S4W-05417","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2633,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-03T14:12:09.06","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-02T16:18:33.177","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much it will spend in (a) 2011-12, (b) 2012-13 and (c) 2013-14 on promoting sustainable and active travel and how much of the money will arise from the Barnett conseq","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much it will spend in (a) 2011-12, (b) 2012-13 and (c) 2013-14 on promoting sustainable and active travel and how much of the money will arise from the Barnett consequentials received as a result of UK Government spending decisions on road transport.\r\n","AnswerText":"The following table provides a breakdown of the levels of funding which directly support the promotion of sustainable and active travel, including a note of the contribution made by Barnett Consequentials funding.\r\n£m\r\n2011-12\r\n2012-13\r\n2013-14\r\nSustainable and Active Travel\r\n25.1\r\n16.0\r\n25.0\r\nBarnett Consequentials\r\n-\r\n4.0\r\n5.0\r\nFuture Transport Fund: \r\nLow carbon vehicles\r\nCycling infrastructure\r\n\r\n-\r\n-\r\n\r\n1.0\r\n1.5\r\n\r\n1.75\r\n1.25\r\nTotal\r\n25.1\r\n22.5\r\n33.0\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-02T14:12:09.06","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269608,"EventID":"S4W-05418","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-03T14:12:09.153","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-02T16:16:56.63","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assessment it has made of the preparedness of each local authority for the introduction of the (a) Curriculum for Excellence and (b) new national exams.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assessment it has made of the preparedness of each local authority for the introduction of the (a) Curriculum for Excellence and (b) new national exams.\r\n","AnswerText":"Curriculum for Excellence (CfE) has been implemented progressively in every secondary school in Scotland starting with S1 in August 2010. Directors of Education have confirmed their schools are on track to deliver the new National Qualifications. Education Scotland, through its District Inspector and Area Adviser networks, maintains regular discussions with local authorities over delivery of CfE. Education Scotland along with other national partners gathered evidence from its inspection and development activities in 2011 on progress towards implementation of CfE. This evidence included assessment of progress in delivering the broad general education up to S3 which will provide a secure platform for the study for new national qualifications from S4. Educations Scotland gathers evidence on an ongoing basis through regular meetings and inspections in secondary schools in every local authority area.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-02T14:12:09.153","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269609,"EventID":"S4W-05421","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-03T14:12:09.2","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-02T16:16:56.63","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it has engaged with school communities and what assessment it has made of their preparedness for the introduction of the (a) Curriculum for Excellence and (b) new nat","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it has engaged with school communities and what assessment it has made of their preparedness for the introduction of the (a) Curriculum for Excellence and (b) new national exams.","AnswerText":"Curriculum for Excellence was successfully implemented in every secondary school in Scotland from August 2010. Education Scotland has gathered information on ongoing delivery through its inspections evidence which has been included in the CfE progress report for the Management Board. SQA’s CfE liaison team has also been working closely with all local authorities and their schools and will continue to do so to support schools in delivering the new National Qualifications.\r\nThrough the Cabinet Secretary's CfE Action Plan 2011-12 we are committed to providing further materials for parents, where and when needs are identified, to explain what's new and different about the new curriculum, plus the benefits it is bringing to learning and teaching. To this end we have just published some new short films, in conjunction with the National Parent Forum of Scotland, which illustrate in learners', parents' and teachers' own words the kinds of impact and benefits that Curriculum for Excellence is currently having around the country. The films can be viewed at www.engageforeducation.org/cfefilms.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-02T14:12:09.2","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269610,"EventID":"S4W-05424","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-03T14:12:09.247","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-02T16:16:56.63","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it has engaged with local authorities regarding the introduction of the (a) Curriculum for Excellence and (b) new national exams.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it has engaged with local authorities regarding the introduction of the (a) Curriculum for Excellence and (b) new national exams.\r\n","AnswerText":"A local authority chief executive, director of education and Head of Children's Services were all on the original Curriculum Review Group who published A Curriculum for Excellence on 1 November 2004. COSLA is a member of the CfE Management Board. The Association of Directors of Education (ADES) has been fully involved in the implementation of CfE, which also includes the unprecedented involvement of teachers. It sits on the CfE Management Board and the newly formed CfE Implementation Group. Education Scotland has engaged with local authorities through its inspection programmes across all sectors. It has provided a wide range of support and CPD activities focused on key aspects of curriculum, learning, teaching and assessment to assist authorities, schools and practitioners. SQA’s CfE Liaison team has been making regular visits to schools and local authorities to ensure they have the most up to date information on the new qualifications. The CfE Implementation Group meets every two months.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-02T14:12:09.247","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269611,"EventID":"S4W-05426","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-03T14:12:09.293","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-02T16:16:56.63","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it has engaged with pupils to assess their views on the (a) Curriculum for Excellence and (b) new national exams and what assessment it has made of their preparedness","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it has engaged with pupils to assess their views on the (a) Curriculum for Excellence and (b) new national exams and what assessment it has made of their preparedness for their introduction.\r\n","AnswerText":"Learners have been consulted on Curriculum for Excellence and the new qualifications. HM Inspectors gather young people’s views of their learning experiences during inspection and use their responses to inform inspection activities, discussions with staff and HM Inspectors update reports to Management Board on CfE implementation. The Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) has sought the views of pupils in coming up with the general design for the new National Qualifications, and on some subject specific issues. The Scottish Government is currently funding Children in Scotland and the Scottish Youth Parliament to create a web-based resource to encourage young people to learn about and participate in Curriculum for Excellence. This will be launched in spring 2012.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-02T14:12:09.293","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269612,"EventID":"S4W-05427","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-03T14:12:09.34","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-02T16:16:56.63","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representations it has received requesting a delay in the introduction of the (a) Curriculum for Excellence and (b) new national exams.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representations it has received requesting a delay in the introduction of the (a) Curriculum for Excellence and (b) new national exams.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Educational Institute of Scotland (http://www.eis.org.uk/) has called for some form of delay to the introduction of the new qualifications and met the Cabinet Secretary for Education and Lifelong Learning on 9 February 2012 to discuss this. The Cabinet Secretary also met with the Scottish Secondary Teachers Association (SSTA) on 14 February 2012 who supported the EIS position.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-02T14:12:09.357","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269613,"EventID":"S4W-05428","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-03T14:12:09.387","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-02T16:16:56.63","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive in which local authority areas secondary school pupils will make their subject choice at the end of (a) second and (b) third year.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive in which local authority areas secondary school pupils will make their subject choice at the end of (a) second and (b) third year.\r\n","AnswerText":"Decisions around the delivery of education are the responsibility of each local authority. Schools review their own curriculum plans. Education Scotland has written to all Directors of Education and reminded them of the expectation that plans for the S1 to S3 curriculum should avoid closing off options for the choice of qualifications for learners when they enter the Senior Phase at the start of S4.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-02T14:12:09.387","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269614,"EventID":"S4W-05429","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-03T14:12:09.42","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-02T16:16:56.63","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what each local authority's success rate is in obtaining short-term supply teacher cover.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what each local authority's success rate is in obtaining short-term supply teacher cover.","AnswerText":"Recruitment and deployment of supply teachers are matters for local authorities to determine and the information requested is not centrally collected.\r\nThe Scottish Negotiating Committee for Teachers is currently monitoring the implementation of all aspects of the teachers’ pay agreement, including the impact of the changes to the terms and conditions of short term supply teachers, and the Scottish Government will play its full part in that through our representation on the committee.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-02T14:12:09.433","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269615,"EventID":"S4W-05430","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-03T14:12:09.467","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-02T16:16:56.63","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how schools that are unable to recruit short-term supply teachers ensure that fully trained teaching staff are covering classes.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how schools that are unable to recruit short-term supply teachers ensure that fully trained teaching staff are covering classes.","AnswerText":"All schools have locally agreed cover arrangements. Local authorities are legally required to employ adequate numbers of teachers who are registered with the General Teaching Council for Scotland.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-02T14:12:09.483","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269616,"EventID":"S4W-05431","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-03T14:12:09.513","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-02T16:16:56.63","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what advice it provides to schools regarding classes that cannot be covered by a fully trained member of staff.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what advice it provides to schools regarding classes that cannot be covered by a fully trained member of staff.","AnswerText":"Recruitment and deployment of teachers are matters for local authorities, as employers, to determine. The Scottish Government does not provide specific advice to local authority employers. However, all local authorities are legally required to employ adequate numbers of teachers who are registered with the General Teaching Council for Scotland and all schools will have locally agreed cover arrangements.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-02T14:12:09.513","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269617,"EventID":"S4W-05432","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-03T14:12:09.56","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-02T16:16:56.63","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many supply teachers each local authority has on its supply list.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many supply teachers each local authority has on its supply list.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government does not collect information on local authority supply lists. Recruitment and deployment of teachers are matters for the local authorities, as the employers of teachers, to determine.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-02T14:12:09.56","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269618,"EventID":"S4W-05433","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-03T14:12:09.59","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-02T16:16:56.63","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it last met teachers' trade unions to discuss teacher workloads.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it last met teachers' trade unions to discuss teacher workloads.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government regularly meets with the teaching unions to discuss a wide range of issues including teacher workload.\r\nIn addition, the Scottish Negotiating Committee for Teachers (SNCT), the tripartite body comprising the Scottish Government, COSLA and Teacher Unions, has a process for monitoring teacher workload. The SNCT has provided guidance to local negotiating committees on managing teacher workload and working time arrangements. The Scottish Government plays its full part in all SNCT discussions.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-02T14:12:09.607","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269619,"EventID":"S4W-05434","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":86,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-03T14:12:09.653","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-02T17:39:31.303","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many staff have left the employment of Historic Scotland in each of the last four years, broken down by the number of staff who have (a) left to pursue other employme","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many staff have left the employment of Historic Scotland in each of the last four years, broken down by the number of staff who have (a) left to pursue other employment opportunities, (b) taken early retirement and (c) left due to ill-health.\r\n","AnswerText":"The following table gives data for each of the last four years on the number of staff who (a) resigned (b) took early retirement and (c) left due to ill-health. Staff may resign for a number of reasons, including to pursue other employment opportunities.\r\n \r\n(a)\r\n(b)\r\n(c)\r\n2007-08\r\n117\r\n0\r\n1\r\n2008-09\r\n81\r\n0\r\n1\r\n2009-10\r\n71\r\n0\r\n1\r\n2010-11\r\n58\r\n20\r\n0\r\n\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-02T14:12:09.653","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269620,"EventID":"S4W-05435","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":86,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-03T14:12:09.717","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-02T17:39:31.303","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many Historic Scotland staff have requested transfers to other departments in the last four years, broken down by year.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many Historic Scotland staff have requested transfers to other departments in the last four years, broken down by year.\r\n","AnswerText":"Scottish Government employers operate a “common citizenship” scheme which allows Historic Scotland and other employees to apply for internal vacancies in other organisations without making a formal request for a transfer to another department. In the last four years no Historic Scotland staff have made a formal request to transfer. Historic Scotland records identify 28 staff who have applied for and secured posts in other organisations within the “common citizenship” scheme over this period. The total is broken down by year in the following table.\r\nYear\r\nNo. of staff\r\n2007-08\r\n10\r\n2008-09\r\n5\r\n2009-10\r\n9\r\n2010-11\r\n4\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-02T14:12:09.717","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269621,"EventID":"S4W-05436","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":86,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-03T14:12:09.763","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-02T17:39:31.303","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will investigate allegations of bullying in Historic Scotland.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will investigate allegations of bullying in Historic Scotland.\r\n","AnswerText":"In common with the Scottish Government and its associated bodies, Historic Scotland takes seriously any allegations of bullying. Its policy on bullying and harassment in the workplace reflects that of the Scottish Government and provides a number of ways for staff to raise concerns or complaints.\r\nWhere cases of alleged bullying of Historic Scotland staff are raised formally, these are investigated. There are currently no active cases under investigation.\r\nHistoric Scotland works proactively with its recognised trade unions to discuss and act upon any staffing concerns that arise. Staff at Historic Scotland also have access to the Scottish Government’s “Employee Assistance Programme” offering free, 24-hour access to independent health and welfare information and advice including counselling, family care support, and legal advice.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-02T14:12:09.777","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269622,"EventID":"S4W-05437","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":86,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-03T14:12:09.81","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-02T17:39:31.303","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with trade unions representing Historic Scotland staff concerning allegations of bullying.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with trade unions representing Historic Scotland staff concerning allegations of bullying.\r\n","AnswerText":"Historic Scotland staff are represented by 4 trade unions. The trade unions and Historic Scotland’s management are fully committed to their partnership agreement. This provides regular opportunities for both sides to discuss the health and welfare of staff.\r\nThe Scottish Government has had no separate discussions with Historic Scotland trade unions.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-02T14:12:09.823","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269623,"EventID":"S4W-05438","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":86,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-03T14:12:09.873","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-02T17:39:31.303","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many Historic Scotland staff have qualifications in (a) archaeology, (b) architecture and (c) conservation.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many Historic Scotland staff have qualifications in (a) archaeology, (b) architecture and (c) conservation.\r\n","AnswerText":"Historic Scotland employs staff with the range and depth of skills and qualifications necessary to enable it to meet the objectives set by ministers. The total number of senior manager posts is 40 of which 22 have Archaeology, Architecture and Conservation as their primary focus. All 22 staff in these posts have a professional qualification in the relevant field. Across the agency as a whole, many more staff hold professional qualifications in these and other disciplines relevant to the delivery of the agency’s objectives.\r\nHistoric Scotland is committed to developing staff, building on existing expertise and maintaining and developing links with academic and professional institutions and others within the historic environment sector to continue to increase the knowledge, skills and experience within the agency.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-02T14:12:09.873","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269624,"EventID":"S4W-05439","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3806,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-03T14:12:09.903","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-02T17:41:18.777","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its policy on dynamic pricing is in relation to new tenders for ferry services.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its policy on dynamic pricing is in relation to new tenders for ferry services.","AnswerText":"Work is currently well advanced on securing a new contract for ferry services to the Northern Isles which will be in place from July 2012. The tender documentation allows bidders a certain amount of flexibility in their pricing proposals. However, this flexibility falls far short of dynamic pricing. Once the new contract is in place the operator will be required to publish the tariff scheme for the services for each year in advance and must not, without the consent of Scottish ministers, make changes to the published scheme.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-02T14:12:09.933","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269625,"EventID":"S4W-05440","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5060,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-03T14:12:09.967","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-02T17:42:33.783","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will publish its response to the report by the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Occupational Safety and Health, which stated that more than 75% of Britain’s st","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will publish its response to the report by the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Occupational Safety and Health, which stated that more than 75% of Britain’s state schools contain asbestos.\r\n","AnswerText":"Occupational health and matters relating to health and safety at work is a reserved issue on which the Scottish Government receives advice from the Health and Safety Executive. The Scottish Government would expect the Health and Safety Executive to consider the recent findings from the Westminster All Party Group on Occupational Safety and Health and, if necessary, revise their guidance for local authorities and others on the management of asbestos in light of the report's findings.\r\nCurrently, The Control of Asbestos at Work Regulations 2006 place a duty on those responsible for buildings to manage the risk from asbestos. In the case of publicly funded schools, that is the local authority.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-02T14:12:09.98","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269626,"EventID":"S4W-05441","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5060,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-03T14:12:10.013","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-02T17:42:33.783","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many schools in Scotland contain asbestos.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many schools in Scotland contain asbestos.\r\n","AnswerText":"The information is not held centrally. The control of Asbestos at Work Regulations 2006 place a duty on those responsible for buildings to manage the risk from asbestos. In the case of publicly funded schools that is the local authority, for independent schools it is the proprietors of the individual school.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-02T14:12:10.013","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269627,"EventID":"S4W-05443","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1866,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-03T14:12:10.06","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-02T14:48:35","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress is being made in relation to the implementation of strategies by all public bodies to award at least one contract to a supported business or factory, as out","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress is being made in relation to the implementation of strategies by all public bodies to award at least one contract to a supported business or factory, as outlined in the Sustainable Procurement Action Plan.\r\n","AnswerText":"This is a matter for individual public bodies. To help make it easier for Scottish public bodies to award contracts to supported businesses the Scottish Government has worked with the British Association for Supported Employment (BASE) to publish guidance for buyers on working with Scottish supported businesses. We have also developed new functionality on the Public Contracts Scotland (PCS) portal which alerts public sector buyers to the possibility of buying from supported businesses whenever they create a notice on PCS for goods or services that a supported business could provide. We are also working with BASE to establish national framework agreements reserved for supported businesses, providing public bodies in Scotland with easy access to the wide range of high quality goods and services that supported businesses provide.\r\nWe intend to consider what further measures might be appropriate to assist supported businesses in Scotland as part of the Sustainable Procurement Bill which we have committed to introducing during the lifetime of this Parliament.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-02T14:12:10.073","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269628,"EventID":"S4W-05448","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-03T14:12:10.12","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-03T12:15:44.543","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive who carried out the equality impact assessment in relation to the further education sector section in the equality statement in the Scottish Spending Review and Draft Bud","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive who carried out the equality impact assessment in relation to the further education sector section in the equality statement in the Scottish Spending Review and Draft Budget for 2012-2013.\r\n","AnswerText":"The chapter within the Equality Budget Statement in relation to the Further education sector was drafted by the appropriate Scottish Government officials.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-02T14:12:10.137","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269630,"EventID":"S4W-05447","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-03T15:51:19.047","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-03T12:15:44.543","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to establish an equality and diversity working group for its Putting Learners at the Centre initiative and, if so, when this will be established.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to establish an equality and diversity working group for its Putting Learners at the Centre initiative and, if so, when this will be established.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government takes its responsibilities under the Equality Act 2010 and the public sector equality duty very seriously and we continue to work to ensure that the policy and spending decisions we take pay due regard to their impact on equality and diversity.\r\nAs part of our Post-16 Reform process issues relating to equality and diversity are currently being considered on a continual basis as we develop our policy in this area. We will continue to consider, in discussions with stakeholders, the equality and diversity issues raised in the responses to the “Putting Learners At the Centre” consultation paper. In these discussions we will also consider the need for establishing a formal external equality and diversity working group.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-02T15:51:19.063","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269631,"EventID":"S4W-05444","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4086,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-03T15:46:43.967","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-03T10:02:39.237","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is a legal requirement for snaring training under the Wildlife and Natural Environment (Scotland) Act 2011 to be UKAS accredited.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is a legal requirement for snaring training under the Wildlife and Natural Environment (Scotland) Act 2011 to be UKAS accredited.\r\n","AnswerText":"No, it is not a legal requirement for snaring training under the Wildlife and Natural Environment (Scotland) Act 2011 to be accredited with UKAS.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-02T15:46:44.013","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269632,"EventID":"S4W-05445","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4086,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-03T15:46:44.09","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-03T10:02:39.237","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Scottish SPCA or another independent animal welfare organisation will review the content of snaring training courses required under the Wildlife and Natural E","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Scottish SPCA or another independent animal welfare organisation will review the content of snaring training courses required under the Wildlife and Natural Environment (Scotland) Act 2011.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Order which will set out the requirements for the snaring training course, as required under the Wildlife and Natural Environment (Scotland) Act 2011, has not yet been made. However, The Scottish Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals has reviewed the animal welfare aspects of the snaring training courses that currently are being run.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-02T15:46:44.09","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269633,"EventID":"S4W-05446","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4086,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-03T15:46:44.153","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-03T10:02:39.237","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will review the regulations on snaring before 2016 in light of the publication of the report, Determining the Extent of Use and Humaneness of Snares in England","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will review the regulations on snaring before 2016 in light of the publication of the report, Determining the Extent of Use and Humaneness of Snares in England and Wales, by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, which is expected to be published in February 2012.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government will consider the findings of the report, Determining the Extent of Use and Humaneness of Snares in England and Wales by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, when it is published. At present we have no plans to review the regulations on snaring in Scotland before 2016.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-02T15:46:44.153","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269634,"EventID":"S4W-05450","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5079,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-03T15:46:44.217","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-03T12:45:42","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S4W-05147 by Michael Russell on 3 February 2012, who has been paid and for what services.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S4W-05147 by Michael Russell on 3 February 2012, who has been paid and for what services.","AnswerText":"The figure of £833,334 excluding VAT referred to in the response to question S4W-05147 was for two of the monthly contractual payments paid to the contractor RM Education plc, for delivery of the Glow contract.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-02T15:46:44.217","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269635,"EventID":"S4W-05457","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4086,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-03T15:46:44.263","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-03T10:02:39.237","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it requires training providers offering training required by legislation to be UKAS accredited.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it requires training providers offering training required by legislation to be UKAS accredited.\r\n","AnswerText":"No, snaring training providers offering training are not required to be accredited by the United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS). The British Association for Shooting and Conservation, the Game and Wildlife Conservation Trust and the Scottish Gamekeepers Association are considered by the Scottish Government to have the necessary knowledge and expertise in a Scottish context to carry out training in the setting of snares, without the need to seek additional accreditation by UKAS.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-02T15:46:44.263","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269641,"EventID":"S4W-05449","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3763,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-06T15:42:45.07","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-03T12:32:16.18","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has had recent discussions with the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) regarding the agency outsourcing employment opportunities to Scotland.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has had recent discussions with the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) regarding the agency outsourcing employment opportunities to Scotland.\r\n","AnswerText":"Yes; we last discussed the scope for outsourcing employment opportunities to Scotland with the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) on 14 February 2012.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-05T15:42:45.26","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269642,"EventID":"S4W-05451","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3824,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-06T15:42:45.94","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-03T13:46:13.91","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will be possible for resources to be transferred between the Kilwinning and Inverclyde campuses of James Watt College following the establishment of the new co","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will be possible for resources to be transferred between the Kilwinning and Inverclyde campuses of James Watt College following the establishment of the new college regions.\r\n","AnswerText":"In my statement to Parliament on 1 February, I announced that the new Ayrshire region will include the Kilwinning campus of James Watt College. There are a number of different options for the future funding of Kilwinning as part of Ayrshire. With the Funding Council and the colleges, we shall consider these options in the next few weeks.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-05T15:42:45.95","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269643,"EventID":"S4W-05452","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3824,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-06T15:42:46.13","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-03T13:46:13.91","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the establishment of the new college regions will lead to the existing James Watt College structure being broken up and, if not, how having two separate campuses ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the establishment of the new college regions will lead to the existing James Watt College structure being broken up and, if not, how having two separate campuses with different funding streams will  impact on the operation of the college.\r\n","AnswerText":"Regionalisation is fundamentally about learners and employers – not institutions – and ensuring there is coherent provision to meet their needs.\r\nJames Watt College is in the unique position in having campuses in two of the newly defined regions. I have made clear that I want to re-align the funding for Kilwinning, from next academic year, as part of one outcome agreement for Ayrshire. To that end, I have asked the Funding Council, working with the colleges, to determine the optimal solution for 2012 to 2013 and beyond.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-05T15:42:46.14","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269644,"EventID":"S4W-05454","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3824,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-06T15:42:46.34","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-03T13:46:13.91","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Kilwinning campus of James Watt College is the only campus in Scotland with PFI-related debt and, if so, whether ministers took this into consideration when c","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Kilwinning campus of James Watt College is the only campus in Scotland with PFI-related debt and, if so, whether ministers took this into consideration when considering the make-up of the new college regions and the regions' funding settlements.\r\n","AnswerText":"James Watt College is the only college with a remaining PFI contract. Whilst the main drivers in determining the new college regions relate to maximising the educational benefits, financial considerations such as this have been, and will continue to be, an important element of the governance and due diligence considerations.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-05T15:42:46.35","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269645,"EventID":"S4W-05455","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3824,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-06T15:42:46.41","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-03T13:46:13.91","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what impact the PFI-related debt of the Kilwinning campus of James Watt College will have on the new Ayrshire college region and what steps ministers are taking to ensure","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what impact the PFI-related debt of the Kilwinning campus of James Watt College will have on the new Ayrshire college region and what steps ministers are taking to ensure that this will not leave the region in a disadvantageous position.\r\n","AnswerText":"This debt will be taken into account as part of detailed decisions around establishing the new college region.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-05T15:42:46.42","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269646,"EventID":"S4W-05456","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3824,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-06T15:42:46.48","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-03T13:46:13.91","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether James Watt College will continue to operate with a single board covering its Kilwinning and Inverclyde campuses following the establishment of the new college reg","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether James Watt College will continue to operate with a single board covering its Kilwinning and Inverclyde campuses following the establishment of the new college regions or whether regional-based boards will be established.\r\n","AnswerText":"Following the publication of Professor Russel Griggs’s Review of FE Governance I wrote to colleges seeking their views on all 34 recommendations, including those pertaining to the establishment of regional boards.\r\nI subsequently met with college leaders on 28 February and had a detailed discussion on the future governance of the college sector.\r\nI will very closely consider both Professor Griggs’s proposals and the views expressed by the college sector before reaching any final view on the establishment of regional boards.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-05T15:42:46.49","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269647,"EventID":"S4W-05458","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5059,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-06T15:42:46.55","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-03T15:19:57","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will hold a referendum on the future of the monarch as head of state in a Scotland separated from the rest of the United Kingdom.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will hold a referendum on the future of the monarch as head of state in a Scotland separated from the rest of the United Kingdom.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government’s consultation document Your Scotland, Your Referendum published on 25 January 2012 confirmed that in an independent Scotland Her Majesty the Queen would remain as Head of State.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-05T15:42:46.55","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Bruce Crawford","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269648,"EventID":"S4W-05459","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5059,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-06T15:42:46.6","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-03T15:19:57","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether a Scotland separated from the rest of the United Kingdom will have its own Supreme Court.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether a Scotland separated from the rest of the United Kingdom will have its own Supreme Court.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government’s proposal for Scotland is not “separation”, but independence, with a new relationship of equality between Scotland and the other nations of these islands, and a voice in Europe and the wider world. The Scottish Government set out proposals for independence in its publication Your Scotland Your Voice published in 2009 (http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2009/11/26155932/0). The comprehensive white paper on independence to be published in November 2013 will detail the positive platform for Scotland’s future on which Scottish voters will be asked to decide.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-05T15:42:46.61","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Bruce Crawford","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269649,"EventID":"S4W-05460","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5059,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-06T15:42:46.68","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-03T15:19:57","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has for Scottish lords in a Scotland separated from the rest of the United Kingdom.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has for Scottish lords in a Scotland separated from the rest of the United Kingdom.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-05459 on 5 March 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-05T15:42:46.69","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Bruce Crawford","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269650,"EventID":"S4W-05461","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5059,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-06T15:42:46.75","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-03T15:19:57","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether interest rates will be controlled by the Bank of England if a Scotland separated from the rest of the United Kingdom continues to use sterling.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether interest rates will be controlled by the Bank of England if a Scotland separated from the rest of the United Kingdom continues to use sterling.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-05459 on 5 March 2012. Maintaining a currency zone between an independent Scotland and the United Kingdom would be in the economic interests of both countries. Under a formal monetary union, interest rates would be set for the whole of the Sterling Zone in order to ensure price stability.\r\nAn independent Scotland in a formal monetary union would have the fiscal freedom to tailor policies to enhance the performance of the Scottish economy.\r\nAll answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-05T15:42:46.75","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269651,"EventID":"S4W-05462","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5059,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-06T15:42:46.81","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-03T15:19:57","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there are plans to create a central bank in a Scotland separated from the rest of the United Kingdom.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there are plans to create a central bank in a Scotland separated from the rest of the United Kingdom.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answers to questions S4W-05459 on 5 March 2012 and S4W-05461 on 21 March 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-05T15:42:46.82","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269652,"EventID":"S4W-05463","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5059,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-06T15:42:46.88","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-03T15:19:57","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has for the creation of a welfare state in a Scotland separated from the rest of the United Kingdom.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has for the creation of a welfare state in a Scotland separated from the rest of the United Kingdom.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-05459 on 5 March 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-05T15:42:46.89","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Bruce Crawford","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269653,"EventID":"S4W-05464","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5059,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-06T15:42:46.96","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-03T15:19:57","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will maintain the current levels of welfare benefits in a Scotland separated from the rest of the United Kingdom or adopt the reforms planned by the UK Governm","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will maintain the current levels of welfare benefits in a Scotland separated from the rest of the United Kingdom or adopt the reforms planned by the UK Government.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-05459 on 5 March 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-05T15:42:46.96","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Bruce Crawford","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269654,"EventID":"S4W-05465","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5059,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-06T15:42:47.02","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-03T15:19:57","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will provide funding for a Scottish Olympic team in a Scotland separated from the rest of the United Kingdom and, if so, how much funding will be provided in r","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will provide funding for a Scottish Olympic team in a Scotland separated from the rest of the United Kingdom and, if so, how much funding will be provided in relation to the 2016 Olympics.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government's proposal for Scotland is not \"separation\", but independence, with a new relationship of equality between Scotland and the other nations of these islands. Under the Olympic Charter, any independent states recognised by the international community can participate in the Olympic Games. Scotland already funds its teams to compete in Commonwealth Games and would do so for an Olympic team in the future.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-05T15:42:47.03","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Shona Robison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269655,"EventID":"S4W-05466","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5059,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-06T15:42:47.09","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-03T15:19:57","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many civil service jobs will be lost in a Scotland separated from the rest of the United Kingdom in relation to matters reserved to the UK Government.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many civil service jobs will be lost in a Scotland separated from the rest of the United Kingdom in relation to matters reserved to the UK Government.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-05459 on 5 March 2012. An independent Scotland would take responsibility for matters presently reserved to the UK Government, so existing civil service posts currently relating to reserved matters will still be required. The comprehensive white paper on independence to be published in November 2013 will detail the positive platform for Scotland's future on which Scottish voters will be asked to decide.\r\nAll answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-05T15:42:47.1","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Bruce Crawford","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269656,"EventID":"S4W-05467","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5059,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-06T15:42:47.16","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-03T15:19:57","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to regenerate HMNB Clyde and the surrounding areas in a Scotland separated from the rest of the United Kingdom.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to regenerate HMNB Clyde and the surrounding areas in a Scotland separated from the rest of the United Kingdom.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government’s proposal for Scotland is not “separation” but Independence, based on new relationships of equality to make our nation more successful and to improve the lives of the people who live in Scotland. Scottish ministers have provided a commitment to operate conventional naval forces from HMNB Clyde following independence. We believe that the Trident weapons system currently based on the Clyde is not sustainable morally, strategically or economically, and that the release of Scotland’s share of the costs of both running and replacing Trident, which equates to around £153 million in tax contributions each year plus a further estimated £85 million per year for 15 years, would support HMNB Clyde and the surrounding area.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-05T15:42:47.16","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Bruce Crawford","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269657,"EventID":"S4W-05468","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1961,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-06T15:42:47.22","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-03T16:01:28","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people have been (a) charged with and (b) convicted of an offence relating to the smuggling of mobile phones into prisons.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people have been (a) charged with and (b) convicted of an offence relating to the smuggling of mobile phones into prisons.\r\n","AnswerText":"Bringing or introducing or attempting to bring or introduce a personal communication device, which includes a mobile phone and any component part thereof, into a prison is an offence under section 41(1)(a) of the Prisons (Scotland) Act 1989, as amended by the Criminal Justice and Licensing (Scotland) Act 2010. Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS) does not have data on the number of people charged with this offence. Since the provisions came into force on 13 December 2010, a total of 28 charges have been reported to the COPFS of which 17 were prosecuted. In six out of the nine charges in which proceedings have concluded there was a finding of guilt. A further eight charges are still the subject of on-going court proceedings.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-05T15:42:47.23","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lesley Thomson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269658,"EventID":"S4W-05469","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1961,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-06T15:42:47.33","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-03T16:01:28","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many prisoners have been (a) charged with and (b) convicted of possession of a mobile phone. \r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many prisoners have been (a) charged with and (b) convicted of possession of a mobile phone. \r\n","AnswerText":"Being in possession of a personal communication device, which includes a mobile phone and any component part thereof, whilst inside a prison is an offence under section 41ZA(3) of the Prisons (Scotland) Act 1989, as amended by the Criminal Justice and Licensing (Scotland) Act 2010. \r\nCrown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS) does not hold data on the number of prisoners charged with this offence but since these provisions came into force on 13 December 2010, 119 charges, relating to prisoners possessing personal communication devices whilst inside prison, have been reported to the COPFS by the police. There have been convictions in 58 of the 69 charges in which proceedings have concluded. A further 47 charges are still the subject of ongoing court proceedings.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-05T15:42:47.34","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lesley Thomson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269659,"EventID":"S4W-05470","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1961,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-06T15:42:47.47","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-03T16:01:28","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people have been prohibited from making visits to prisons as a result of having been caught attempting to smuggle in a mobile phone.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people have been prohibited from making visits to prisons as a result of having been caught attempting to smuggle in a mobile phone.\r\n","AnswerText":"I have asked John Ewing, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service, to respond. His response is as follows:\r\nIn the period between 1 January 2011 and 31 January 2012, 12 visitors were caught attempting to bring a mobile phone into the prison.\r\nFour visitors were banned as a result.\r\nTwo of the remaining visitors were placed on closed visits and in the case of the other six it was believed that it was a genuine mistake on the part of the visitor, so no further action was taken.”\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-05T15:42:47.48","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269660,"EventID":"S4W-05471","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5109,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":101,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-06T15:42:47.54","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-03T19:41:03","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what support it has given to hydrogen-fuelled vehicles and associated infrastructure since 2007.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what support it has given to hydrogen-fuelled vehicles and associated infrastructure since 2007.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government is technology-neutral in supporting the transition to low carbon vehicles, recognising that a range of technology options are likely to be required in order to meet ambitious emissions reduction targets.\r\nWe made £4.3 million of funding available in 2010-11 to enable Scotland's public services to purchase 145 low carbon vehicles, including cars, vans and street sweepers, and install 74 charging points across the country. This scheme was open to all alternative fuel technologies, including hydrogen.\r\nAdditionally, we made £4.4 million available under the Scottish Green Bus Fund in 2010-11. This will fund 48 new hybrid vehicles for introduction by August 2012. The Fund was open to hydrogen powered vehicles, although none were procured due to the high relative cost compared to hybrid alternatives. A second round of the scheme was announced on 17 January 2012, with a budget of £2 million. This will also be open to hydrogen powered vehicles.\r\nThe Scottish Government continues to engage with stakeholders in the low carbon transport, renewables and energy sectors to ensure that new transport technologies not only deliver emissions reduction for transport but support the Scottish Government’s wider agenda of efficient energy storage and use.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-05T15:42:47.54","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269661,"EventID":"S4W-05472","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-06T15:42:47.58","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-05T20:08:53","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will extend its advice on vitamin D supplements to include older people (a) in care homes or (b) who are confined to home.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will extend its advice on vitamin D supplements to include older people (a) in care homes or (b) who are confined to home.\r\n","AnswerText":"The current recommendations specify that people over the age of 65 should take a daily supplement containing 10 micrograms of vitamin D. In addition it is recommended that people under the age of 65 who are not exposed to much sun, for a variety of reasons also take a supplement of the same dosage.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-05T15:42:47.59","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269662,"EventID":"S4W-05473","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-06T15:42:47.66","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-05T20:25:37","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive for what reason it takes 13 months from the end of one year to publish the figures on perinatal mortality.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive for what reason it takes 13 months from the end of one year to publish the figures on perinatal mortality.\r\n","AnswerText":"Figures on perinatal mortality are published by National Records of Scotland (NRS) on a quarterly basis, usually three months after the end of the relevant quarter. These figures are published here: http://www.gro-scotland.gov.uk/statistics/theme/vital-events/general/bmd-quarterly/index.html.\r\nMore detailed information on these mothers and babies is subsequently published annually by Healthcare Improvement Scotland (HIS) and Information Services Division (ISD) in the Scottish Perinatal and Infant Mortality and Morbidity Report (SPIMMR). The interval before publication is fairly standard and similar to the equivalent figures for England and Wales.\r\nThe 13 month gap for the SPIMMR to be published from the end of the relevant calendar year is due to the time required to match the additional information in this report to the NRS data. For each infant death and stillbirth recorded by NRS, Healthcare Improvement Scotland contacts the relevant hospital or general practice to ask them to complete the Scottish Stillbirth and Infant Death Survey (SSBIDS) form and to provide any additional information relating to the event (e.g. postmortem/histology/cytogenetic reports and perinatal meeting summary reports). They also receive information on late fetal deaths directly from maternity units. All cases in the SPIMMR are reviewed by the Reproductive Health Clinical Advisor from Healthcare Improvement Scotland who then assigns a cause of death. More information on the process involved is available here:\r\nhttp://www.isdscotland.org/Health-Topics/Maternity-and-Births/Stillbirth-and-Infant-Deaths/SPIMMR-Background-Information.pdf.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-05T15:42:47.66","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269663,"EventID":"S4W-05474","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-06T15:42:47.71","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-05T20:25:37","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how its recently published figures on perinatal mortality compare with those for the rest of Europe.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how its recently published figures on perinatal mortality compare with those for the rest of Europe.\r\n","AnswerText":"Perinatal deaths are defined in Scotland as stillbirths and deaths in the first week of life. The most recently published full-year figure on perinatal mortality in Scotland is 6.9 perinatal deaths per 1,000 live and still births\r\nhttp://www.gro-scotland.gov.uk/statistics/theme/vital-events/general/bmd-quarterly/index.html.\r\nThe 2010 UK Health Statistics published by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) gives comparable figures across the UK for 2009 for the perinatal mortality rate per 1,000 live births (rather than live and still births, as calculated by National Records of Scotland):\r\n\r\n2009\r\nUK\r\n7.6\r\nEngland\r\n7.6\r\nWales\r\n7.4\r\nScotland\r\n7.4\r\nNorthern Ireland\r\n7.8\r\nSource: ONS : http://www.ons.gov.uk/ons/rel/ukhs/united-kingdom-health-statistics/2010/edition-4--2010.pdf.\r\nThere are variations in the definitions of stillbirth and neonatal death between countries. It is not possible to assess how Scotland’s recent perinatal mortality figures compare with other European countries as figures which take account of these differences have not been calculated.\r\nThe EURO-PERISTAT project, which works to develop valid and reliable indicators to monitor perinatal health in the EU, produced a report in 2004 which does provide comparable data. \r\nPerinatal mortality per 1,000 births\r\nBelgium\r\n1.68\r\nDenmark\r\n1.51\r\nGermany\r\n0.83\r\nSpain\r\n0.48\r\nFrance\r\n0.94\r\nIreland\r\n2.37\r\nItaly\r\n0.25\r\nMalta\r\n2.56\r\nNetherlands\r\n1.1\r\nAustria\r\n0.76\r\nPoland\r\n1.48\r\nPortugal\r\n0.22\r\nUK\r\n1.1\r\nNorway\r\n0.48\r\nTotal\r\n0.93\r\nSource: Europeristat: http://www.europeristat.com/publications/european-perinatal-health-report.shtml.\r\nFigures on perinatal mortality up to 2007 can be also selected from the European Health for All database, but some of the differences in rates relate to variations in definition, particularly whether very low birthweight babies are included, whether late terminations of pregnancy should be counted and whether pre-viable fetuses who show some signs of movement should be included.\r\nhttp://www.scotpho.org.uk/comparative-health/scotland-and-european-hfa-database.\r\nSources: National Records of Scotland, Office for National Statistics, Europeristat, ScotPHO.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-05T15:42:47.72","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269664,"EventID":"S4W-05475","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-06T15:42:47.78","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-05T20:25:37","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made with its audit and research on foetal alcohol (a) syndrome and (b) spectrum disorder.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made with its audit and research on foetal alcohol (a) syndrome and (b) spectrum disorder.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government and Chief Scientist’s Office have co-funded a four year surveillance study on fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) only. This study has just entered its third year of operation and is collecting and collating information on the incidence of fetal alcohol syndrome in children under six years of age. The study group is also funded to raise awareness of fetal alcohol harm and enhance the ability of clinicians to recognise and diagnose the condition more effectively.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-05T15:42:47.79","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269665,"EventID":"S4W-05476","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-06T15:42:47.84","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-05T20:25:37","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many pregnant women in (a) 2009 and (b) 2010 were referred to a children's hearing or the Scottish Children's Reporter because of alcohol or drug abuse.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many pregnant women in (a) 2009 and (b) 2010 were referred to a children's hearing or the Scottish Children's Reporter because of alcohol or drug abuse.\r\n","AnswerText":"This is an operational matter for the Scottish Children’s reporter Administration (SCRA). I have asked the principal reporter to respond. He has responded as follows:\r\nThe information is not available in the format requested from SCRA’s central Referrals Administration Database. \r\nIt is therefore not possible to ascertain, without significant further work, including analysis of individual case files, the number of expectant mothers, themselves children or young people, who were referred on substance misuse grounds during the time period of interest to the member. Nor is it possible therefore to produce data on how many of these cases then proceeded to children’s hearings following referral to the Principal Reporter.\r\nHowever, the Member will wish to note that, in terms of section 52(2) (j) (having misused alcohol or drugs) totals  over the period of interest to the member, SCRA’s online statistical analysis shows:\r\n2010-11\r\n818 referrals received in respect of 744 children and young people\r\n2009-10\r\n1,230 referrals received in respect of 1,144 children and young people\r\n2008-09\r\n1,360 referrals received in respect of 1,188 children and young people.\r\nBreakdowns of these figures by age and gender, as well as by local authority area, are available from SCRA on request.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-05T15:42:47.85","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269666,"EventID":"S4F-00451","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":4976,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-06T14:15:57.07","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-02T15:04:23","Title":"To ask the First Minister when he will next meet the Secretary of State for Scotland.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister when he will next meet the Secretary of State for Scotland.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-05T14:15:57.15","MeetingDate":"2012-02-09T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269667,"EventID":"S4F-00454","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":5009,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-06T14:15:57.21","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-03T14:12:39.24","Title":"To ask the First Minister what issues will be discussed at the next meeting of the Cabinet.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what issues will be discussed at the next meeting of the Cabinet.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-05T14:15:57.227","MeetingDate":"2012-02-09T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269668,"EventID":"S4F-00459","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":2029,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":145,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-06T14:15:57.29","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-06T13:02:45","Title":"To ask the First Minister whether the Scottish Government considers that the introduction of new national exams in 2013-14 is on schedule.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister whether the Scottish Government considers that the introduction of new national exams in 2013-14 is on schedule.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-05T14:15:57.303","MeetingDate":"2012-02-09T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269669,"EventID":"S4F-00460","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":2673,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":114,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-06T14:15:57.32","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-06T13:03:22","Title":"To ask the First Minister what recent discussions he has had with the Secretary of State for Defence regarding the establishment of a multi-role brigade at Leuchars.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what recent discussions he has had with the Secretary of State for Defence regarding the establishment of a multi-role brigade at Leuchars.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-05T14:15:57.32","MeetingDate":"2012-02-09T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269670,"EventID":"S4F-00461","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":2080,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":87,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-06T14:15:57.337","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-06T12:57:16.47","Title":"To ask the First Minister what engagements he has planned for the rest of the day.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what engagements he has planned for the rest of the day.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-05T14:15:57.337","MeetingDate":"2012-02-09T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269671,"EventID":"S4F-00463","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":3763,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-06T14:15:57.35","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-06T13:22:04","Title":"To ask the First Minister how important offshore opportunities in the west of Scotland are in helping to meet the Scottish Government's renewables targets.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister how important offshore opportunities in the west of Scotland are in helping to meet the Scottish Government's renewables targets.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-05T14:15:57.35","MeetingDate":"2012-02-09T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269689,"EventID":"S4W-05481","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-06T16:54:57.69","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-06T11:06:33.527","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what NHS dental treatments are available and whether it plans reductions in these.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what NHS dental treatments are available and whether it plans reductions in these.\r\n","AnswerText":"NHS Dental Treatments are detailed in the Statement of Dental Remuneration. We have made no reductions in treatments available and have no plans to do so.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-05T16:54:57.703","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269690,"EventID":"S4W-05482","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-06T16:54:57.97","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-06T11:06:33.527","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its position is on the safety of using mercury amalgam in dental treatments.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its position is on the safety of using mercury amalgam in dental treatments.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government consider that mercury amalgam fillings are safe to use. This view is supported by other UK Health departments and the British Dental Association.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-05T16:54:57.97","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269698,"EventID":"S4W-05501","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4086,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-08T09:58:59.97","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-06T16:20:31","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many bus routes in South Scotland it estimates will be withdrawn or reduced in frequency following the 20% reduction in the Bus Service Operators Grant, broken down b","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many bus routes in South Scotland it estimates will be withdrawn or reduced in frequency following the 20% reduction in the Bus Service Operators Grant, broken down by local authority area.\r\n","AnswerText":"Service routes and frequencies are a matter for individual bus operators. We are maintaining total support for the bus sector at £248.6 million per annum, a reduction of less than 3% on the 2011-12 figure. Within that total, next year will see a reduction of £7 million (or 11%) in the Bus Service Operators Grant. However, the changes to the scheme will lead to a limited redistribution of funding towards longer and more rural services, which should be beneficial for the South of Scotland.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-07T09:59:00.11","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269704,"EventID":"S4W-05477","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1860,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-07T14:09:55.997","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-06T10:23:12.433","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether implementing the Scotland's Digital Future - Infrastructure Action Plan will prevent Highlands and Islands Enterprise from progressing its current broadband procu","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether implementing the Scotland's Digital Future - Infrastructure Action Plan will prevent Highlands and Islands Enterprise from progressing its current broadband procurement process.\r\n","AnswerText":"No, the implementation of Scotland’s Digital Future – Infrastructure Action Plan, published on 31 January 2012, will not prevent Highlands and Islands Enterprise from progressing its current broadband procurement.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-06T14:09:56.137","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269705,"EventID":"S4W-05478","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1860,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-07T14:09:56.213","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-06T10:23:12.433","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what impact the implementation of the Scotland's Digital Future - Infrastructure Action Plan will have on the aim of the Highlands and Islands Enterprise broadband projec","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what impact the implementation of the Scotland's Digital Future - Infrastructure Action Plan will have on the aim of the Highlands and Islands Enterprise broadband project to deliver 100% coverage of next generation broadband by 2020, and what future broadband requirements of the Highlands region it anticipates taking forward on a national basis. \r\n","AnswerText":"The current Highlands and Islands Enterprise broadband procurement is an integral part of the Scottish Government’s approach to broadband delivery, as set out in Scotland’s Digital Future – Infrastructure Action Plan, published on 31 January. The action plan makes clear the Scottish Government’s commitment to continue to work with Highlands and Islands Enterprise to support the aims of its project. At the same time, we are ensuring that it contributes effectively and economically to the Scottish national strategy.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-06T14:09:56.213","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269706,"EventID":"S4W-05479","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1860,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-07T14:09:56.277","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-06T10:23:12.433","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much Scottish Government funding will be allocated to the Highlands and Islands Enterprise broadband project under the Scotland's Digital Future - Infrastructure Acti","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much Scottish Government funding will be allocated to the Highlands and Islands Enterprise broadband project under the Scotland's Digital Future - Infrastructure Action Plan.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government is working with COSLA and the Digital Programme Board to review options for funding allocations across the whole of Scotland including the potential allocation for the Highlands and Islands Enterprise broadband project.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-06T14:09:56.277","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269707,"EventID":"S4W-05480","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1860,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-07T14:09:56.34","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-06T10:23:12.433","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether funding of £10 million received from Broadband Delivery UK (BDUK) will revert to (a) the Scottish Government and (b) BDUK if the Highlands and Islands Enterprise ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether funding of £10 million received from Broadband Delivery UK (BDUK) will revert to (a) the Scottish Government and (b) BDUK if the Highlands and Islands Enterprise broadband project does not proceed under the Scotland's Digital Future - Infrastructure Action Plan.\r\n","AnswerText":"The £10 million allocated by BDUK to the Highlands and Islands Enterprise broadband project forms part of the total £68.8 million allocated to the Scottish Government by BDUK.\r\nThe Highlands and Islands broadband project is an integral part of the Scottish Government’s approach to broadband delivery, as set out in Scotland’s Digital Future – Infrastructure Action Plan, published on 31 January 2012. The Scottish Government continues to work collaboratively with Highlands and Islands Enterprise on the ongoing development of its project and has not seen an indication that the project will fail to proceed.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-06T14:09:56.34","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269708,"EventID":"S4W-05485","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2108,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":141,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-07T14:09:56.4","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-06T12:16:28","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the drug, ipilimumab, has been made available for patients requesting it through the Individual Patient Treatment Request (IPTR) system and, if not, (a) for what ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the drug, ipilimumab, has been made available for patients requesting it through the Individual Patient Treatment Request (IPTR) system and, if not, (a) for what reason the requests were unsuccessful and (b) in light of the drug being available to patients in England, whether it will review how the IPTR system operates. \r\n","AnswerText":"Information on the numbers of applications to NHS boards for the drug ipilimumab through the Individual Patient Treatment Request (IPTR) arrangements is not held centrally.\r\nScotland’s robust, independent arrangements for the appraisal of newly licensed medicines focus on patients having access to clinically and cost-effective medicines to treat all conditions, including cancer, throughout all parts of Scotland in accordance with clinical need.\r\nThe Scottish Government has given a commitment to keeping the IPTR Good Practice guidance under review.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-06T14:09:56.417","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269709,"EventID":"S4W-05488","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5057,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-07T14:09:56.48","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-06T14:24:26","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S4W-05075 by Stewart Stevenson on 27 January 2012, what the actual reduction in CO2 tonnage was by the (a) Going Carbon Neutral Stirlin","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S4W-05075 by Stewart Stevenson on 27 January 2012, what the actual reduction in CO2 tonnage was by the (a) Going Carbon Neutral Stirling, (b) Castlemilk and Carmunnock Community Windpark Trust, (c) Decrease CO2 Footprint, Shetland, (d) Active Leith and (e) NET Your Carbons project, which received a grant from the Climate Challenge Fund in 2008.\r\n","AnswerText":"The actual reduction in CO2 tonnage by each of the projects listed are (a) not yet known, final report to be submitted in April 2012 including CO2 reductions data, (b) zero, as this was a wind power feasibility study and no CO2 would be reduced over the period of the award. The estimated CO2 reduction provided at application referred to reductions following the installation of a turbine, (c) 1,863, (d) 263, and (e) zero, as we were unable to obtain actual CO2 reduction information from the community group. \r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-06T14:09:56.48","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269710,"EventID":"S4W-05493","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5057,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-07T14:09:56.543","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-06T14:24:26","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S4W-05075 by Stewart Stevenson on 27 January 2012, what the actual reduction in CO2 tonnage was by the (a) Argyll Energy and Informatio","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S4W-05075 by Stewart Stevenson on 27 January 2012, what the actual reduction in CO2 tonnage was by the (a) Argyll Energy and Information, (b) Castlemilk and Carmunnock Community Windpark Trust and (c) Newburgh Community Wind Power project, which received a grant from the Climate Challenge Fund in 2009.\r\n","AnswerText":"The actual reduction in CO2 tonnage by each of the projects listed are (a) 53,684 tonnes, (b) zero, (c) zero. Projects (b) and (c) were wind power feasibility studies that would not produce any CO2 reductions over the period of the award; the estimated CO2 reductions provided at application refer to reductions following the installation of turbines. \r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-06T14:09:56.543","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269711,"EventID":"S4W-05496","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4080,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-07T14:09:56.603","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-06T16:16:51.187","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many cases of E. coli there have been in each of the last three years, broken down by NHS board.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many cases of E. coli there have been in each of the last three years, broken down by NHS board.\r\n","AnswerText":"Health Protection Scotland (HPS) receives laboratory notifications of positive cases of E. coli bacteraemia and culture positive cases of E. coli O157 infection. \r\nThe figures requested in relation to E. coli bacteraemia are as follows:\r\nHealth Board\r\n2008*\r\n2009*\r\n2010\r\nTotal\r\nAyrshire and Arran\r\n195\r\n215\r\n223\r\n633\r\nBorders\r\n65\r\n93\r\n89\r\n247\r\nDumfries and Galloway\r\n84\r\n55\r\n82\r\n221\r\nFife\r\n161\r\n215\r\n218\r\n594\r\nForth Valley\r\n160\r\n217\r\n236\r\n613\r\nGolden Jubilee National Hospital\r\n5\r\n10\r\n7\r\n22\r\nGrampian\r\n78\r\n288\r\n309\r\n675\r\nGreater Glasgow and Clyde\r\n930\r\n983\r\n1026\r\n2939\r\nHighland\r\n33\r\n113\r\n124\r\n270\r\nLanarkshire\r\n248\r\n423\r\n402\r\n1073\r\nLothian \r\n275\r\n522\r\n507\r\n1304\r\nOrkney\r\n2\r\n1\r\n5\r\n8\r\nTayside\r\n262\r\n335\r\n356\r\n953\r\nWestern Isles\r\n1\r\n16\r\n18\r\n35\r\nTotal\r\n2,499\r\n3,486\r\n3,602\r\n9,587\r\nNote: Increased reporting (of E. coli bacteraemia) was observed from 2008 to 2009 as electronic reporting became fully established in Scotland in this period. Thus, increases in the number of cases from 2008 to 2009 may to some degree reflect increased reporting rather than increases in actual numbers of cases.\r\nThe following figures relate to gastrointestinal infections with E. coli O157, identified from stool samples. Data is provided for 2009-2011, although 2011 data is provisional* \r\nHealth Board\r\n2009\r\n2010\r\n2011*\r\nTotal\r\nAyrshire and Arran\r\n22\r\n20\r\n20\r\n62\r\nBorders\r\n5\r\n3\r\n5\r\n13\r\nDumfries and Galloway\r\n12\r\n18\r\n20\r\n50\r\nFife\r\n15\r\n21\r\n12\r\n48\r\nForth Valley\r\n6\r\n6\r\n18\r\n30\r\nGrampian\r\n60\r\n48\r\n43\r\n151\r\nGreater Glasgow and Clyde\r\n30\r\n33\r\n45\r\n108\r\nHighland\r\n12\r\n24\r\n13\r\n49\r\nLanarkshire\r\n19\r\n14\r\n38\r\n71\r\nLothian \r\n21\r\n12\r\n22\r\n55\r\nOrkney\r\n3\r\n2\r\n0\r\n5\r\nShetland\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\nTayside\r\n32\r\n11\r\n17\r\n60\r\nWestern Isles\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\nTotal\r\n237\r\n212\r\n253\r\n702\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-06T14:09:56.62","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269712,"EventID":"S4W-05497","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4080,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-07T14:09:56.683","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-06T16:16:51.187","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive on how many occasions hospital wards have had to close due to E. coli infection in the last three years, broken down by NHS board.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive on how many occasions hospital wards have had to close due to E. coli infection in the last three years, broken down by NHS board.","AnswerText":"NHS boards report Healthcare Associated Infection outbreaks and ward closures to Health Protection Scotland (HPS). \r\nHPS have received no reports of ward closures as a result of E.coli in the last three years. Reports are submitted on a voluntary basis and therefore this data may not necessarily be comprehensive.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-06T14:09:56.683","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269713,"EventID":"S4W-05498","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4080,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-07T14:09:56.743","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-06T16:16:51.187","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many cases of assault against hospital staff have been recorded in each of the last three years, broken down by hospital.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many cases of assault against hospital staff have been recorded in each of the last three years, broken down by hospital.\r\n","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-06T14:09:56.743","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269714,"EventID":"S4W-05499","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4080,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-07T14:09:56.823","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-06T16:16:51.187","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much was paid in legal costs by the NHS in (a) 2008-09, (b) 2009-10 and (c) 2010-11 and how much was paid to firms offering no-win, no-fee legal arrangements.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much was paid in legal costs by the NHS in (a) 2008-09, (b) 2009-10 and (c) 2010-11 and how much was paid to firms offering no-win, no-fee legal arrangements.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-06T14:09:56.823","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269715,"EventID":"S4W-05500","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4080,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-07T14:09:56.887","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-06T16:16:51.187","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has considered introducing a liver screening test across the country.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has considered introducing a liver screening test across the country.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government receives independent expert advice on screening by the UK National Screening Committee. The UK National Screening Committee does not currently recommend routine screening for liver disease.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-06T14:09:56.887","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269716,"EventID":"S4W-05502","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4086,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-07T14:09:56.947","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-06T16:20:31","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage increase in bus fares across South Scotland it considers appropriate following the 20% reduction in the Bus Service Operators Grant.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage increase in bus fares across South Scotland it considers appropriate following the 20% reduction in the Bus Service Operators Grant.\r\n","AnswerText":"Across Scotland, the average impact on fares of the changes we are making to the Bus Service Operators Grant scheme should be around 1% or 2%. It is for individual bus operators to decide whether to pass these costs on to customers. However, the changes will also lead to a limited redistribution of funding towards longer and more rural services. This should further reduce the impact on operators in the South of Scotland.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-06T14:09:56.947","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269717,"EventID":"S4W-05503","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-07T14:09:57.027","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-07T10:42:47","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what legal requirement there is for a consultation to be held regarding the establishment a of wind farm with a capacity of greater than 50 megawatts.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what legal requirement there is for a consultation to be held regarding the establishment a of wind farm with a capacity of greater than 50 megawatts.\r\n","AnswerText":"Applications for electricity generating stations over 50MW are considered by ministers under s36 of The Electricity Act 1989, and relevant related environmental regulations.\r\nThese regulations require that an initial consultation is undertaken upon receipt of an application requiring consultees and interested members of the public to respond within 28 days (four months for the relevant Planning Authority). Upon receipt of the first statutory consultee response (this being a response from SEPA or SNH) a further 28-day period of consultation is afforded for members of the public to submit new representations, or to make additional representations, having now considered the view of a statutory consultee.\r\nShould further environmental information be submitted by an applicant, or requested by ministers, this information will be subject to full consultation for a further 28 days prior to any determination.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-06T14:09:57.027","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269718,"EventID":"S4W-05506","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-07T14:09:57.103","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-07T11:16:47","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much was spent by the NHS on (a) payouts and (b) other costs in relation to negligence claims in each year since 2007-08 and how much it has spent in 2011-12. \r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much was spent by the NHS on (a) payouts and (b) other costs in relation to negligence claims in each year since 2007-08 and how much it has spent in 2011-12. \r\n","AnswerText":"The total amount spent by NHSScotland on clinical negligence claims since 2007-08 is detailed in the following table:\r\n\r\n\r\n2007-08\r\n£million\r\n2008-09\r\n£million\r\n2009-10\r\n£million\r\n2010-11\r\n£million\r\nNHSScotland\r\n18.9\r\n28.4\r\n31.1\r\n60.7\r\n\r\nFluctuations in the sums paid from year to year are due to the number of high value settlements occurring in any one year. These tend to relate to birth cases where the sums paid can be substantial. In 2010-11 there were 25 claims paid that were in excess of £1m compared to 16 in 2009-10.\r\nThe amount spent for 2011-12 as at 31 January totalled £22.5 million.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-06T14:09:57.12","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269719,"EventID":"S4W-05507","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-07T14:09:57.18","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-07T11:16:47","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much has been budgeted by the NHS for dealing with (a) payouts and (b) other costs in relation to negligence claims for (i) 2012-13 and (ii) each subsequent year of t","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much has been budgeted by the NHS for dealing with (a) payouts and (b) other costs in relation to negligence claims for (i) 2012-13 and (ii) each subsequent year of the spending review period.\r\n","AnswerText":"The NHS has budgeted £50 million in relation to negligence claims in 2012-13 and in subsequent years of the current spending review period.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-06T14:09:57.197","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269728,"EventID":"S4W-05504","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":81,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-07T17:21:59.587","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-07T10:55:31","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to the fourth supplementary to question S4F-00432 by the First Minister on 2 February 2012 (Official Report, c. 6045), what the value of the subcon","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to the fourth supplementary to question S4F-00432 by the First Minister on 2 February 2012 (Official Report, c. 6045), what the value of the subcontracts awarded for the Forth Replacement Crossing project is and what the value is for subcontracts given to firms in Scotland.","AnswerText":"Two hundred and twenty-two Scottish firms have so far benefitted from either sub contracts or supply orders associated with the Forth Crossing.\r\nThe value of individual subcontracts and supply orders awarded is a matter for Forth Crossing Bridge Constructors.\r\nAs of 15 February 2012, FCBC have advised Transport Scotland that nine months into the six year contract about £23 million of subcontracts have been awarded to Scottish companies and about £13 million of supply orders. It is expected that more subcontracts and supply orders will be awarded to Scottish companies as the project continues.\r\nIn total about £140 million of subcontracts and about £20 million of supply orders have been issued.\r\nA breakdown of individual subcontracts is not available.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-06T17:21:59.947","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269729,"EventID":"S4W-05505","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":81,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-07T17:22:00.01","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-07T10:55:31","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to the fourth supplementary to question S4F-00432 by the First Minister on 2 February 2012 (Official Report, c. 6045), what the value of the supply","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to the fourth supplementary to question S4F-00432 by the First Minister on 2 February 2012 (Official Report, c. 6045), what the value of the supply orders awarded for the principal contract for Forth Replacement Crossing project is and what the value is of supply orders given to firms in Scotland.","AnswerText":"As of 15 February 2012, about £20 million of supply orders have been awarded as part of the Principal Contract for the Forth Replacement Crossing. About £13 million of these orders were to Scottish companies.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-06T17:22:00.01","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269730,"EventID":"S4W-05508","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-07T17:22:00.073","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-07T12:34:01.367","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what it is doing to support victims of cyberbullying.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what it is doing to support victims of cyberbullying.","AnswerText":"The Education (Additional Support for Learning) (Scotland) Act 2004 (as amended) places a duty on education authorities to identify, meet and provide for the additional support needs of all children for whose school education they are responsible, and to tailor provision according to the child’s individual needs. This includes children whose additional support needs relate to incidents of bullying.\r\nIn addition, the Scottish Government provides funding to Childline to provide the bullying helpline which provides confidential advice, information and support to children and young people affected by any type of bullying.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-06T17:22:00.073","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alasdair Allan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269731,"EventID":"S4W-05509","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-07T17:22:00.133","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-07T12:34:01.367","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has had discussions with organisations regarding cyberbullying in the last five years and, if so, what organisations.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has had discussions with organisations regarding cyberbullying in the last five years and, if so, what organisations.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Anti-Bullying Steering Group is co-ordinated by the Scottish Government and meets three to four times per year. The group aims is to steer, co-ordinate and promote developments in anti-bullying work, including cyberbullying.\r\nThe group includes representatives from Scottish Government; Convention of Scottish Local Authorities; Association of Directors of Education in Scotland; Scotland’s Commissioner for Children and Young People; Education Scotland; Care Commission; Equality and Human rights Commission; Association of Chief Police Officers in Scotland; Community Learning and Development Managers Scotland; respectme; CHILDREN 1ST; Centre for Excellence for Looked After Children in Scotland; LGBT Youth Scotland; Scottish Association for Mental Health; Children’s Parliament, and Youth Scotland.\r\nThrough its membership of the United Kingdom Council for Child Internet Safety, the Scottish Government has also had discussions with internet organisations, including representatives from social network providers, about cyberbullying.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-06T17:22:00.133","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alasdair Allan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269732,"EventID":"S4W-05510","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-07T17:22:00.197","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-07T12:34:01.367","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what it is doing to prevent cyberbullying.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what it is doing to prevent cyberbullying.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government funds the national anti-bullying service, Respectme, that works with organisations across Scotland, including schools and local authorities, to give them the practical skills and confidence to deal with any bullying behaviour including cyberbullying. Respectme offers free training at events across Scotland for any adult who has a role to play in the lives of children and young people, including a training programme on cyberbullying.\r\nOnline safety is monitored by the Scottish Government-led Stakeholder Group on Child Internet Safety which includes representatives from the police, Young Scot, Respectme, Education Scotland, local authorities and Scottish Government policy leads. Cyberbullying is an action area identified by the stakeholder group.  The group works with Respectme, to support those working in schools, local authorities and children’s services to build capacity to prevent and tackle bullying effectively, including cyberbullying, through training, policy development and making publications and information available through their website.\r\nIn partnership with the Scottish Anti-Bullying Steering Group, the Scottish Government published “A National Approach to Anti-Bullying for Scotland’s Children and Young People” in November 2010. The purpose is to communicate and promote a common vision and aims, and to make sure that work across all agencies is consistently and coherently contributing to a holistic approach to all types of anti-bullying work in Scotland.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-06T17:22:00.197","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alasdair Allan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269733,"EventID":"S4W-05511","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-07T17:22:00.26","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-07T12:34:01.367","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with the UK Government in the last five years regarding the prevention of cyberbullying.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with the UK Government in the last five years regarding the prevention of cyberbullying.\r\n","AnswerText":"The UK Council for Child Internet Safety was established in September of 2008 and brings together over 170 organisations and individuals from government, industry, law enforcement, academia and charities – including groups representing parents and children. Through its membership of the United Kingdom Council for Child Internet Safety, the Scottish Government has had discussions with internet organisations, including representatives from social network providers, about cyberbullying.\r\nThe Scottish Government sits on the executive board of UKCCIS which is responsible for identifying priority areas of work and setting strategic direction. The executive board meets every six weeks.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-06T17:22:00.273","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alasdair Allan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269734,"EventID":"S4W-05512","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-07T17:22:00.337","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-07T12:34:01.367","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people have been charged with breach of the peace in relation to offences on the internet in each of the last five years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people have been charged with breach of the peace in relation to offences on the internet in each of the last five years.","AnswerText":"Information held centrally on persons proceeded against for breach of the peace cannot identify whether the offence was internet related.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-06T17:22:00.337","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269735,"EventID":"S4W-05513","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-07T17:22:00.413","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-07T12:34:01.367","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what it is doing to assist schools in protecting pupils from cyberbullying.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what it is doing to assist schools in protecting pupils from cyberbullying.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government funds the national anti-bullying service, respectme, that works with organisations across Scotland, including schools and local authorities, to give them the practical skills and confidence to deal with any bullying behaviour including cyberbullying. Respectme offer free training at events across Scotland for any adult who has a role to play in the lives of children and young people, including a training programme on cyberbullying.\r\nIn partnership with the Scottish Anti-Bullying Steering Group, the Scottish Government published “A National Approach to Anti-Bullying for Scotland’s Children and Young People” in November 2010. The purpose is to communicate and promote a common vision and aims, and to make sure that work across all agencies is consistently and coherently contributing to a holistic approach to all types of anti-bullying work in Scotland.\r\nTo support implementation of Curriculum for Excellence, Education Scotland provides information to teachers, parents and young people on all aspects of internet safety and responsible use.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-06T17:22:00.413","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alasdair Allan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269736,"EventID":"S4W-05514","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":86,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-07T17:22:00.477","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-07T13:38:42","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what it considers the traits are of a responsible member of the international community, as referred to on page 3 of Your Scotland, Your Referendum.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what it considers the traits are of a responsible member of the international community, as referred to on page 3 of Your Scotland, Your Referendum.\r\n","AnswerText":"Paragraphs 8.14 to 8.17 of Your Scotland Your Voice, published by the Scottish Government in 2009, set out the role and responsibilities of an independent Scotland in Europe and the wider international community.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-06T17:22:00.477","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269737,"EventID":"S4W-05515","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":86,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-07T17:22:00.557","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-07T13:38:42","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it considers that Scotland is presently a responsible member of the international community, as referred to on page 3 of Your Scotland, Your Referendum.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it considers that Scotland is presently a responsible member of the international community, as referred to on page 3 of Your Scotland, Your Referendum.\r\n","AnswerText":"Paragraphs 8.3 to 8.4 of Your Scotland Your Voice, published by the Scottish Government in 2009, set out the role which Scotland can presently play in Europe and the wider international community.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-06T17:22:00.557","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269738,"EventID":"S4W-05516","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":86,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-07T17:22:00.617","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-07T13:38:42","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what a strong social union between the rest of the UK and an independent Scotland, as referred to on page 3 of Your Scotland, Your Referendum, would look like.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what a strong social union between the rest of the UK and an independent Scotland, as referred to on page 3 of Your Scotland, Your Referendum, would look like.\r\n","AnswerText":"The features and benefits of a strong social union between an independent Scotland and the rest of the UK are set out in paragraphs 8.2 and 8.18 to 8.22 of Your Scotland Your Voice, published by the Scottish Government in 2009. The First Minister has also detailed how a strong social union could benefit both Scotland and the rest of the UK, in his statement to parliament on 25 January 2012, and in his Hugo Young lecture on 24 January 2012. The text of the Hugo Young lecture is available on the Scottish Government website:\r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/News/Speeches/fmhugoyoung24012012.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-06T17:22:00.617","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Bruce Crawford","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269739,"EventID":"S4W-05517","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":86,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-07T17:22:00.68","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-07T13:38:42","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what it considers would be sufficient support for the inclusion of a full devolution question, as referred to on page 15 of Your Scotland, Your Referendum.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what it considers would be sufficient support for the inclusion of a full devolution question, as referred to on page 15 of Your Scotland, Your Referendum.\r\n","AnswerText":"Your Scotland, Your Referendum specifically seeks views on the inclusion of a second question in the referendum and the voting system that could be used. All responses will be analysed and considered at the end of the consultation period, along with any other available evidence, to inform the government’s final proposals for the referendum which will be put to Parliament in early 2013.\r\nAs the First Minister told Parliament on 25 January 2012 if there is an alternative of maximum devolution that would command wide support in Scotland it is only fair and democratic that that option should be among the choices that are open to the people of Scotland.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-06T17:22:00.68","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Bruce Crawford","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269740,"EventID":"S4W-05518","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":86,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-07T17:22:00.727","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-07T13:38:42","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it anticipates that the independence referendum will have long and short campaigning periods and, if so, what (a) the length of these will be and (b) spending lim","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it anticipates that the independence referendum will have long and short campaigning periods and, if so, what (a) the length of these will be and (b) spending limits will be in place.\r\n","AnswerText":"Long and short campaign periods are a feature of elections and do not apply to referendums. The proposed spending limits set out in Your Scotland, Your Referendum will apply during the 16 week regulated period before the Referendum. The regulated referendum period for the AV Referendum in 2011 was 11 weeks from Royal Assent for the Parliamentary Voting System and Constituencies Act 2011 to polling day on 5 May.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-06T17:22:00.743","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Bruce Crawford","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269741,"EventID":"S4W-05520","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":86,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-07T17:22:00.79","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-07T13:38:42","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive for what reason the regulated period in the Draft Referendum (Scotland) Bill has been set at 16 weeks and not the 34 weeks suggested in the previous Draft Referendum (Sco","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive for what reason the regulated period in the Draft Referendum (Scotland) Bill has been set at 16 weeks and not the 34 weeks suggested in the previous Draft Referendum (Scotland) Bill that was published in February 2010.\r\n","AnswerText":"The draft Bill published in February 2010 did not set a referendum period of 34 weeks. The proposed period was described as beginning two weeks after Royal Assent and ending on the day of the referendum.\r\nThe proposals in the Scottish Government’s consultation Your Scotland, Your Referendum and the draft Referendum (Scotland) Bill were developed in light of comments received on the 2010 consultation and the experience of the Welsh Assembly and AV Referendums in 2011. As part of its report into the AV Referendum, published in October 2011, the Electoral Commission recommended on page 107 that “the statutory minimum referendum period should be at least \r\n16 weeks”.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-06T17:22:00.79","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Bruce Crawford","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269742,"EventID":"S4W-05521","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5059,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-07T17:22:00.853","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-07T14:14:21","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many lawyers and solicitors are members of black and ethnic minorities.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many lawyers and solicitors are members of black and ethnic minorities.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally. Membership of the legal profession in Scotland is a matter for the relevant professional bodies (namely the Law Society of Scotland and the Faculty of Advocates).\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-06T17:22:00.853","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Roseanna Cunningham","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269743,"EventID":"S4W-05522","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5079,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-07T17:22:00.913","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-07T14:47:28","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what meetings it has had with UK (a) ministers and (b) Government officials in relation to the Welfare Reform Bill, and what issues were discussed.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what meetings it has had with UK (a) ministers and (b) Government officials in relation to the Welfare Reform Bill, and what issues were discussed.\r\n","AnswerText":"(a) The Cabinet Secretary for Finance, Employment and Sustainable Growth and I have met separately with the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions on 15 September 2011 to discuss the UK Welfare Reform Bill and related matters. A further meeting is planned and there has been correspondence and telephone discussion in the intervening period.\r\n(b) Scottish Government officials have regularly met with UK counterparts to discuss a wide range of welfare matters and the Bill. We expect this to continue for the foreseeable future.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-06T17:22:00.93","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269744,"EventID":"S4W-05524","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5079,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-07T17:22:00.993","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-07T14:47:28","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what guidance it provides to the police and prosecution services on the release of materials to the public or press, including scene of crime images and telephone or inte","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what guidance it provides to the police and prosecution services on the release of materials to the public or press, including scene of crime images and telephone or interview recordings, which are collated as evidence or for any other purpose, as part of a criminal investigation.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government does not provide the police or any of the prosecuting services with guidance on the release of materials to the public or press as part of criminal investigations. Such decisions are for the police and prosecuting services.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-06T17:22:00.993","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269745,"EventID":"S4W-05525","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5079,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-07T17:22:01.053","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-07T14:47:28","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many police officers have been disciplined as a result of inappropriate sharing of information with the media in each year since 2007.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many police officers have been disciplined as a result of inappropriate sharing of information with the media in each year since 2007.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government does not collect statistics on this issue. Conduct of individual officers is the responsibility of the chief constable for each police force. Forces hold information on any misconduct of officers under their jurisdiction.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-06T17:22:01.053","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269746,"EventID":"S4W-05526","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-07T17:22:01.133","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-07T15:26:31","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S4W-05093 by Nicola Sturgeon on 30 January 2012, when the final element of the Agenda for Change pay system involving remuneration of o","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S4W-05093 by Nicola Sturgeon on 30 January 2012, when the final element of the Agenda for Change pay system involving remuneration of on-call commitments will be put in place.\r\n","AnswerText":"When the Agenda for Change terms and conditions system was being discussed in partnership during the early part of the last decade, it was recognised that formulating a unified on-call system would be challenging because of the number and complexity of on-call arrangements in place around the country. Not wanting to delay the implementation of Agenda for Change, therefore, on-call provisions were de-coupled from the main body of the Agenda for Change system when this was introduced in 2004. The Agenda for Change agreement protected staff’s previous on-call arrangements until 31 March 2011 to allow time for an alternative unified system to be negotiated and put in place.\r\nDiscussions continued at a UK level through the NHS Staff Council. However, the staff council were not able to identify an appropriate unified system. Instead, in 2010, they agreed a set of general principles within which local agreements should operate. The matter was then devolved to local systems. In Scotland, it was decided this should be the whole country and a Scottish working group was set up under the auspices of the Scottish Terms and Conditions Committee with a remit to negotiate and agree a unified system for Scotland. It was recognised that further time would be needed to progress talks in Scotland and an extension of protection for previous on-call arrangements until 31 March 2012 was sought by the working group and granted.\r\nDiscussions remain ongoing and I would not wish to prejudice these by commenting further at this time other than to say that all sides remain committed to finding an appropriate way forward by the end of the present protection period.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-06T17:22:01.133","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269747,"EventID":"S4W-05527","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-07T17:22:01.21","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-07T15:26:31","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether paediatric trainees will continue to be sent to St John’s Hospital in Livingston after April 2012.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether paediatric trainees will continue to be sent to St John’s Hospital in Livingston after April 2012.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-05774 on 5 March 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-06T17:22:01.21","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269748,"EventID":"S4W-05528","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-07T17:22:01.273","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-07T15:26:31","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether paediatric services at St John’s Hospital in Livingston will change following the proposed withdrawal of paediatric trainees from April 2012.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether paediatric services at St John’s Hospital in Livingston will change following the proposed withdrawal of paediatric trainees from April 2012.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-05774 on 5 March 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-06T17:22:01.273","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269749,"EventID":"S4W-05540","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":2,"MSPID":4952,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-08T11:13:25.853","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-08T10:03:50","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many properties receive reduced or zero business rates under its rates relief package in each local authority area.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many properties receive reduced or zero business rates under its rates relief package in each local authority area.\r\n","AnswerText":"The following table shows the percentage of non-domestic properties in receipt of business rates relief, as at 1 April 2011.\r\nProportion of all Non-domestic Properties in Receipt of Rates Relief (SBBS, Rural, Charity, Religious, Disabled, Sporting, Empty, Renewable etc)\r\nAll Scotland\r\n57%\r\nAberdeen City\r\n42%\r\nAberdeenshire\r\n55%\r\nAngus\r\n65%\r\nArgyll and Bute\r\n65%\r\nClackmannanshire\r\n64%\r\nDumfries and Galloway\r\n57%\r\nDundee City\r\n55%\r\nEast Ayrshire\r\n58%\r\nEast Dunbartonshire\r\n59%\r\nEast Lothian\r\n67%\r\nEast Renfrewshire\r\n63%\r\nEdinburgh, City of\r\n44%\r\nEilean Siar\r\n68%\r\nFalkirk\r\n48%\r\nFife\r\n59%\r\nGlasgow City\r\n55%\r\nHighland\r\n64%\r\nInverclyde\r\n61%\r\nMidlothian\r\n53%\r\nMoray\r\n59%\r\nNorth Ayrshire\r\n66%\r\nNorth Lanarkshire\r\n44%\r\nOrkney Islands\r\n77%\r\nPerth and Kinross\r\n60%\r\nRenfrewshire\r\n61%\r\nScottish Borders\r\n68%\r\nShetland Islands\r\n67%\r\nSouth Ayrshire\r\n58%\r\nSouth Lanarkshire\r\n57%\r\nStirling\r\n59%\r\nWest Dunbartonshire\r\n55%\r\nWest Lothian\r\n55%\r\n \r\nA copy of this table has been placed in the Scottish Parliaments Information Centre (Bib. number 53672).\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-07T11:13:25.977","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269750,"EventID":"S4W-05529","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3758,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":76,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-08T13:52:03.93","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-07T15:45:02","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information it holds on the educational attainment levels of deaf and hard of hearing children.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information it holds on the educational attainment levels of deaf and hard of hearing children.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government holds information, supplied by the Scottish Qualifications Authority, on exams taken in Scotland. This information can be matched, by Scottish Candidate Number, to the Pupil Census, which collects information on additional support needs, including a category of hearing impairment. Attainment can be reported in a number of different ways, the only information the Scottish Government publishes on attainment by additional support need category is that of school leavers. Information on school leaver attainment by additional support need is  published on our website:\r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Statistics/Browse/School-Education/PubAttainment.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-07T13:52:04.243","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alasdair Allan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269751,"EventID":"S4W-05530","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3758,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":76,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-08T13:52:04.32","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-07T15:45:02","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to improve the educational attainment levels of deaf and hard of hearing children.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to improve the educational attainment levels of deaf and hard of hearing children.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Education (Additional Support for Learning) (Scotland) Act 2004, as amended, places a duty on education authorities to identify, meet and keep under review the additional support needs of all pupils for whom they are responsible and to tailor provision according to their individual needs.\r\nIn November 2010, Education Scotland published the Review of the Additional Support for Learning Act: Adding Benefits for Learners which noted that children with sensory impairments continue to have their additional support needs identified and addressed at an early stage through well established partnership working between health and education and through the implementation of early intervention strategies. In November 2007, Education Scotland also published guidance for schools Count Us In: Achieving Success for Deaf Pupils. This aims to help teachers, support staff and managers to improve the experiences and outcomes of deaf and hard of hearing children and young people.\r\nThe National Partnership Group is currently developing detailed plans to implement the recommendations in Teaching Scotland's Future. The overall aim of the group is to improve outcomes for children and young people through improved learning and teaching. This includes developing detailed plans to implement proposals on teachers' career-long professional learning at Masters level and identifying priority areas for continuing professional development.\r\nThe Scottish Government also fund the Scottish Sensory Centre to provide high-quality continuing professional development to teachers of children with sensory impairments, including deaf and hard of hearing children.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-07T13:52:04.337","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alasdair Allan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269752,"EventID":"S4W-05531","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3758,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":76,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-08T13:52:04.4","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-07T15:45:02","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how the attainment levels of deaf and hard of hearing children in mainstream education compares with those in specialist education.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how the attainment levels of deaf and hard of hearing children in mainstream education compares with those in specialist education.\r\n","AnswerText":"Table 1 sets out the attainment levels of school leavers with a hearing impairment from mainstream and special schools. However, no significant conclusions can be drawn from the data as there is a very small number of leavers from specialist provision with a hearing impairment.\r\nTable 1. Highest Qualifications Attained by School Leavers with a Hearing Impairment, 2009-10.\r\n \r\nPublicly Funded\r\nSpecialist\r\nTotal leavers (=100%)\r\n54\r\n12\r\nNo NQ Qualifications @ Level 2 or better\r\n*\r\n41.7\r\n1+ @ SCQF Level 2\r\n0\r\n*\r\n1-4 @ SCQF Level 3\r\n11.1\r\n*\r\n5+ @ SCQF Level 3\r\n*\r\n*\r\n1-4 @ SCQF Level 4\r\n16.7\r\n0\r\n5+ @ SCQF Level 4\r\n13\r\n0\r\n1-4 @ SCQF Level 5\r\n31.5\r\n0\r\n5+ @ SCQF Level 5\r\n0\r\n0\r\n1-4 @ SCQF Level 6\r\n14.8\r\n0\r\n5+ @ SCQF Level 6\r\n*\r\n0\r\n1+ @ SCQF Level 7\r\n*\r\n0\r\n\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-07T13:52:04.4","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alasdair Allan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269753,"EventID":"S4W-05532","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3758,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":76,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-08T13:52:04.463","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-07T15:45:02","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it ensures that deaf and hard of hearing children are able to access and make the most of opportunities to learn at school. \r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it ensures that deaf and hard of hearing children are able to access and make the most of opportunities to learn at school. \r\n","AnswerText":"The Education (Additional Support for Learning) (Scotland) Act 2004, as amended, places a duty on education authorities to identify, meet and keep under review the additional support needs of all pupils for whom they are responsible and to tailor provision according to their individual needs.\r\nIn November 2010, Education Scotland published the Review of the Additional Support for Learning Act: Adding Benefits for Learners which noted that children with sensory impairments continue to have their additional support needs identified and addressed at an early stage through well established partnership working between health and education and through the implementation of early intervention strategies. In November 2007, Education Scotland also published guidance for schools Count Us In: Achieving Success for Deaf Pupils. This aims to help teachers, support staff and managers to improve the experiences and outcomes of deaf and hard of hearing children and young people.\r\nThe National Partnership Group is currently developing detailed plans to implement the recommendations in Teaching Scotland's Future. The overall aim of the group is to improve outcomes for children and young people through improved learning and teaching. This includes developing detailed plans to implement proposals on teachers' career-long professional learning at Masters level and identifying priority areas for continuing professional development.\r\nThe Scottish Government also fund the Scottish Sensory Centre to provide high-quality continuing professional development to teachers of children with sensory impairments, including deaf and hard of hearing children.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-07T13:52:04.463","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alasdair Allan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269754,"EventID":"S4W-05533","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3758,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":76,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-08T13:52:04.523","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-07T15:45:02","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information it has on the destinations of deaf and hard of hearing children on leaving school in each year since 1999 and how these destinations compare with those f","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information it has on the destinations of deaf and hard of hearing children on leaving school in each year since 1999 and how these destinations compare with those for other children.\r\n","AnswerText":"Information on individual school leaver destinations by reason for additional support need is held from 2007-08 onwards. Only limited analysis of school leaver destinations by pupil characteristics is available in 2006-07, prior to this information was collected at a school level.\r\nIn 2010-11, the proportion of leavers with a hearing impairment, from publicly funded secondary schools, entering positive destinations was higher than for any other additional support need and was similar to that for those with no additional support needs, 89.1 per cent compared to 89.7 per cent. See table 3.3: http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Statistics/Browse/School-Education/schleavdest2011\r\n\r\nInformation on school leavers from publicly funded schools, from 2007-08 onwards, broken down by additional support need is published on our website at the following links: \r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Statistics/Browse/School-Education/PubDestinationLeavers and \r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Statistics/Browse/School-Education/dsintleav\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-07T13:52:04.523","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alasdair Allan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269755,"EventID":"S4W-05534","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3758,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":76,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-08T13:52:04.587","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-07T15:45:02","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the impact has been of the British Sign Language and Linguistic Access Working Group's report, The Long and Winding Road - A Roadmap to British Sign Language & Lingu","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the impact has been of the British Sign Language and Linguistic Access Working Group's report, The Long and Winding Road - A Roadmap to British Sign Language & Linguistic Access in Scotland.\r\n","AnswerText":"The BSL Roadmap has helped identify and inform issues and allowed the Scottish Government and many other agencies in the community to develop policy and strategies to help improve the lives of BSL users and people who have a sensory impairment.\r\nSince the introduction of the Roadmap, the Scottish Government has (this list is illustrative but not exhaustive):\r\nofficially recognised BSL as a language (5 March 2010);\r\nworked with Third Sector partners in piloting a number of sensory impairment one-stop-shops across Scotland;\r\njoined a newly created working group looking at lipreading provision, the availability of lipreading tutors and re-establishment of a lipreading tutors training course in Scotland;\r\nworked with organisations representing BSL users, as well as the wider sensory impaired community, to assist and support users to gain a full understanding and awareness of Self Directed Support;\r\nmade improvements in Audiology services, including the development of quality standards;\r\nestablished a pilot to consider the practicalities and benefits of establishing a local record of deaf children with the aim of ensuring their needs are addressed in a more “joined up” way across health, education, etc;\r\nconsidered how best to respond to some of the issues affecting families with Deaf babies, and\r\nset up a Languages Working Group to advise on how we can deliver on our commitment to strengthen language learning in Scotland, whereby all children should have the opportunity to learn two languages in addition to their first language which, for some children, will be BSL.\r\nNHS Health Scotland has: \r\ncommissioned and published a literature review “Researching Models of BSL Interpreting in the UK and Beyond” which presented various options for providing BSL interpreting using new technologies;\r\ndeveloped the Competency Framework for Interpreting as part of the Translating, Interpreting and Communication Support (TICS) Joint Action Group, which provides guidance for those working with patients with preferred communication other than spoken English, including British Sign Language;\r\ncontinued to facilitate sharing of good practice in communication support between NHS boards through the TICS Joint Action Group, and\r\nbegun developing a new programme of work to ensure communication preferences are recorded and actions are taken to overcome communication and physical barriers to health related appointments and consultations.\r\nNHS 24 is in the process of establishing a pilot for remote BSL interpreting. \r\nOther aspects influenced by the Roadmap include:  \r\ntwo cohorts of Deaf students have completed the Heriot-Watt University Graduate Diploma in Training of BSL Tutors;\r\nHeriot-Watt University is introducing an undergraduate course in British Sign Language (Interpreting, Translating and Applied Language Studies) with support from the Scottish Funding Council;  \r\nthe Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) has a suite of stand alone National Qualifications Units in learning British Sign Language, and \r\nSQA has validated a professional development award designed to develop skills in British Sign Language which was made available to centres in August 2011.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-07T13:52:04.603","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269756,"EventID":"S4W-05535","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5060,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-08T13:52:04.65","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-07T15:58:07","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it will take to reduce the number of empty retail units in Paisley town centre.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it will take to reduce the number of empty retail units in Paisley town centre.\r\n","AnswerText":"This is a matter for the local authority which is responsible for local economic development and regeneration. The wider issue of empty retail units and their impact on town centres was highlighted by a number of respondents to our Regeneration Discussion Paper –Building a Sustainable Future.\r\nAs set out in our regeneration strategy, Achieving a Sustainable Future we are committed to undertake a national review of town centres in 2012, in partnership with local authorities and other key stakeholders. Whilst the detail is still being scoped, it is likely that this issue will be identified as a priority for further action.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-07T13:52:04.663","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269757,"EventID":"S4W-05536","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5060,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-08T13:52:04.743","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-07T15:58:07","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it last met Renfrewshire Council to discuss action to reduce the number of empty retail units in Paisley town centre.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it last met Renfrewshire Council to discuss action to reduce the number of empty retail units in Paisley town centre.\r\n","AnswerText":"We have not been approached by Renfrewshire Council to discuss this issue.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-07T13:52:04.743","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269758,"EventID":"S4W-05537","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1845,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-08T13:52:04.807","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-08T09:47:48","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will review the planning guidance regarding dividing housing developments for separate purposes and whether this will include a review of the requirement to ho","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will review the planning guidance regarding dividing housing developments for separate purposes and whether this will include a review of the requirement to hold a consultation prior to making an application to do so.\r\n","AnswerText":"At present there are no plans to review the planning legislation on requirements for pre-application consultation with communities.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-07T13:52:04.807","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Derek Mackay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269759,"EventID":"S4W-05539","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1845,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-08T13:52:04.9","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-08T09:47:48","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many planning applications to divide housing developments for separate purposes have been submitted to each local authority since 1999.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many planning applications to divide housing developments for separate purposes have been submitted to each local authority since 1999.\r\n","AnswerText":"This is a matter for planning authorities. The information requested is not held centrally. The most relevant planning statistics that the government collects and publishes are available via the Scottish Government Website:\r\nNew House Building Statistics Web Page (including a breakdown by local authority area):\r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Statistics/Browse/Housing-Regeneration/HSfS/NewBuild.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-07T13:52:04.913","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Derek Mackay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269760,"EventID":"S4W-05541","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4934,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-08T13:52:04.993","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-08T12:30:50","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to ensure that new and existing hydropower schemes (a) have minimal adverse impact on biodiversity and (b) do not compromise Scotland’s ability to","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to ensure that new and existing hydropower schemes (a) have minimal adverse impact on biodiversity and (b) do not compromise Scotland’s ability to meet the water framework directive requirements.\r\n","AnswerText":"(a) The Scottish Government has published online planning guidance in relation to hydropower. It highlights that Environmental Impacts Assessments (EIA) are expected to establish whether or not there are any significant impacts on the biodiversity of an area, including aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems, habitats and species.\r\n(b) The Water Environment and Water Services (Scotland) Act 2003 (WEWS) implements the EU Water Framework Directive (WFD) in Scotland and gives Scottish Ministers powers to introduce regulations to control activities that can adversely effect the water environment. The Water Environment (Controlled Activities) (Scotland) Regulations 2011 (CAR) were subsequently made and establish controls over such activities including abstraction for hydro power schemes. By requiring all hydro power schemes to gain authorisation under CAR, environmental conditions specific to the individual hydro scheme can be set, ensuring that the aims of the WFD are met. SEPA is currently reviewing the authorisations for existing hydro schemes to ensure any necessary improvements are made in line with our WFD obligations.\r\nThe Scottish Government has also issued the following policy statement outlining the required balance between water environment protection and renewable generation from hydropower:  http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Business-Industry/Energy/Energy-sources/19185/17851-1/HydroPolicy.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-07T13:52:04.993","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269764,"EventID":"S4W-05401","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-08T17:11:11.96","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-02T11:40:50","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S4W-03746 by Nicola Sturgeon on 11 November 2011, whether it is possible that a multi-pack of beer can be sold at a price less than it ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S4W-03746 by Nicola Sturgeon on 11 November 2011, whether it is possible that a multi-pack of beer can be sold at a price less than it would cost if the same quantity of items in the pack were sold individually and, if so, whether it will amend the Alcohol etc. (Scotland) Act 2010 to prevent this. \r\n","AnswerText":"If a retailer sells a single can of beer then a multi-pack of the same beer must be sold for no less than the appropriate multiple of the single can price.  If a retailer does not sell a single can then no such restriction applies.\r\nWe have no current plans to further amend the Alcohol etc. (Scotland) Act 2010.\r\nThe Scottish Government has always been clear that setting a minimum price per unit of alcohol is a necessary adjunct to dealing with irresponsible promotions.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-07T17:11:12.57","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269765,"EventID":"S4W-05542","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4080,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-08T17:11:12.757","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-08T12:39:42","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to extend the Scotland-wide Free Bus Travel Scheme for Older and Disabled People to community transport services.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to extend the Scotland-wide Free Bus Travel Scheme for Older and Disabled People to community transport services.","AnswerText":"We have no plans to extend the Scotland-wide Free Bus Travel Scheme for Older and Disabled People at this time. However, it is our intention to amend bus registration legislation to allow flexibly routed community and demand responsive transport services that are available to the general public to become local registered bus services. As a consequence, such services will qualify for concessionary travel under the Scotland-wide Free Bus Travel Scheme for Older and Disabled People.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-07T17:11:12.757","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269766,"EventID":"S4W-05543","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4080,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-08T17:11:12.85","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-08T12:39:42","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what internal discussions it has had regarding the scope of the Scotland-wide Free Bus Travel Scheme for Older and Disabled People since May 2011.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what internal discussions it has had regarding the scope of the Scotland-wide Free Bus Travel Scheme for Older and Disabled People since May 2011.\r\n","AnswerText":"Ministers and Transport Scotland officials have regular discussions about the scheme’s policy, scope and operational matters.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-07T17:11:12.85","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269767,"EventID":"S4W-05552","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5059,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-08T17:11:12.927","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-08T15:05:11","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S4W-05263 by Bruce Crawford on 8 February 2012, whether it will address the specific issue raised in the question as to whether it will","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S4W-05263 by Bruce Crawford on 8 February 2012, whether it will address the specific issue raised in the question as to whether it will be possible for an independent Scotland to subsequently rejoin the United Kingdom if a majority of the Scottish people demands it.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-05263 on 8 February 2012. We are confident that a yes vote in the referendum will result in a stable and enduring position for Scotland amongst the independent nations of the world in the context of a continuing social union with the other nations of these islands.\r\nAll answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-07T17:11:12.943","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Bruce Crawford","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269768,"EventID":"S4W-05553","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1775,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":146,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-08T17:11:13.007","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-08T15:44:13.637","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the drug, Xiapex, for the treatment of Dupuytren’s contracture is available to the NHS.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the drug, Xiapex, for the treatment of Dupuytren’s contracture is available to the NHS.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Medicines Consortium (SMC) appraised collagenase clostridium histolyticum injection (Xiapex®) for the treatment of Dupuytren’s contracture in adult patients with a palpable cord and published “not recommended” advice in August 2011.\r\nNHS boards and clinicians are expected to take full account of advice from the Scottish Medicines Consortium. Where the SMC does not accept a new medicine, NHS boards are not expected to make it routinely available. However, NHS boards have arrangements in place for the clinical consideration of SMC “not recommended” medicines for individual patients in certain circumstances (individual patient treatment requests).\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-07T17:11:13.007","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269769,"EventID":"S4W-05554","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1775,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":146,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-08T17:11:13.07","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-08T15:44:13.637","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people have Dupuytren’s contracture and how many are awaiting an operation for this.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people have Dupuytren’s contracture and how many are awaiting an operation for this.\r\n","AnswerText":"The specific information requested is not available centrally. Information is however available on the number of in-patient or day cases treated in hospital for Dupuytren’s Contracture. The latest figures for the year ending December 2010 shows that the number of patients discharged with a main diagnosis of Dupuytren’s Contracture following in-patient and day case treatment was 1,611.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-07T17:11:13.07","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269770,"EventID":"S4W-05555","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":81,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-08T17:11:13.13","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-08T15:45:30.777","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the evaluation of the bids for supplying  steel for the Forth Replacement Crossing took account of carbon emissions associated with the bids and, if so, whether t","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the evaluation of the bids for supplying  steel for the Forth Replacement Crossing took account of carbon emissions associated with the bids and, if so, whether this included an analysis of emissions resulting from transportation of the steel and the manufacturing processes.","AnswerText":"Total carbon emissions were taken into account at the tender stage for the FRC Principal Contract. A similar assessment will be made following completion and if this shows that the cost associated with any total carbon emission is greater than FCBC’s tender estimate, a financial penalty will be imposed.\r\nThe evaluation of bids for steel supply is a matter for the Forth Replacement Crossing Principal Contractor, FCBC.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-07T17:11:13.13","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269771,"EventID":"S4W-05556","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3806,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-08T17:11:13.21","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-08T15:49:19.17","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many repayment orders have been issued under the Housing (Scotland) Act 2006.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many repayment orders have been issued under the Housing (Scotland) Act 2006.\r\n","AnswerText":"Repayment charges are made by local authorities under section 172 of the Housing (Scotland) Act 2006 and should be registered in the appropriate property register. Information on the number of charges made is not held centrally. However, I have asked Sheenagh Adams, Keeper of the Registers of Scotland, how many repayment charges have been registered since the provision came into force on 1 April 2009. Her response is as follows: \r\nThree repayment charges have been registered in the Land Register and six have been recorded in the Register of Sasines as at 31 January 2012.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-07T17:11:13.21","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269788,"EventID":"S4W-05557","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":2,"MSPID":3771,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-09T10:20:13.27","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-09T10:00:07","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what funds are being made available to NHS boards for 2012-13.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what funds are being made available to NHS boards for 2012-13.\r\n","AnswerText":"Territorial boards have been given a revenue resource allocation increase of £215 million for 2012-13, an average increase over the equivalent 2011-12 allocation of 2.9%. Special health boards allocations have increased by 0.8%; in addition, differential efficiency savings have been allocated to the elements of special boards budgets not providing direct patient care.\r\nDetails of Boards revenue resource allocations for 2012-13 and indicative figures for 2013-14 to 2014-15 are as follows:\r\n \r\n2012-13\r\nInitial\r\nAllocation\r\n2012-13\r\nFunding\r\nUplift\r\n \r\n2013-14\r\nIndicative\r\n2013-14\r\nIndicative\r\n2014-15\r\nIndicative\r\n2014-15\r\nIndicative\r\n \r\n£m\r\n%\r\n£m\r\n%\r\n£m\r\n%\r\nTerritorial Boards\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nAyrshire and Arran \r\n586.9\r\n2.3%\r\n603.1\r\n2.8%\r\n618.5\r\n2.6%\r\nBorders \r\n170.7\r\n2.2%\r\n175.4\r\n2.8%\r\n179.8\r\n2.5%\r\nDumfries and Galloway \r\n246.4\r\n2.2%\r\n253.2\r\n2.8%\r\n259.6\r\n2.5%\r\nFife \r\n520.8\r\n2.8%\r\n535.1\r\n2.8%\r\n548.8\r\n2.6%\r\nForth Valley \r\n418.2\r\n4.0%\r\n429.8\r\n2.8%\r\n440.8\r\n2.6%\r\nGrampian \r\n713.1\r\n3.4%\r\n732.8\r\n2.8%\r\n751.5\r\n2.6%\r\nGreater Glasgow and Clyde \r\n1,937.9\r\n2.4%\r\n1,991.3\r\n2.8%\r\n2,042.7\r\n2.6%\r\nHighland \r\n496.0\r\n2.5%\r\n509.7\r\n2.8%\r\n522.6\r\n2.5%\r\nLanarkshire \r\n837.9\r\n2.8%\r\n861.0\r\n2.8%\r\n883.0\r\n2.6%\r\nLothian \r\n1,092.7\r\n3.7%\r\n1,122.8\r\n2.8%\r\n1,151.6\r\n2.6%\r\nOrkney \r\n32.8\r\n4.2%\r\n33.7\r\n2.8%\r\n34.5\r\n2.6%\r\nShetland \r\n37.6\r\n2.7%\r\n38.6\r\n2.8%\r\n39.6\r\n2.6%\r\nTayside \r\n611.2\r\n2.7%\r\n628.0\r\n2.8%\r\n644.0\r\n2.5%\r\nWestern Isles \r\n59.1\r\n2.5%\r\n60.7\r\n2.8%\r\n62.2\r\n2.6%\r\n \r\n7,761.3\r\n2.9%\r\n7,975.2\r\n2.8%\r\n8,179.2\r\n2.6%\r\nNRAC \r\n(allocations to be confirmed)\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n2013-14\r\n-\r\n-\r\n42.0\r\n0.5%\r\n43.1\r\n2.6%\r\n2014-15\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n42.0\r\n0.5%\r\n \r\n-\r\n-\r\n8,017.2\r\n3.3%\r\n8,264.3\r\n3.1%\r\nSpecial Health Boards\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nNational Waiting Times Centre\r\n39.4\r\n0.8%\r\n39.8\r\n1.0%\r\n40.2\r\n1.0%\r\nScottish Ambulance Service\r\n203.8\r\n3.0%\r\n205.9\r\n1.0%\r\n207.9\r\n1.0%\r\nNational Services Scotland\r\n277.3\r\n-0.6%\r\n280.0\r\n1.0%\r\n282.8\r\n1.0%\r\nHealthcare Improvement Scotland \r\n16.6\r\n-4.2%\r\n16.8\r\n1.0%\r\n16.9\r\n1.0%\r\nThe State Hospitals Board for Scotland\r\n33.2\r\n0.8%\r\n33.6\r\n1.0%\r\n33.9\r\n1.0%\r\nNHS 24\r\n60.1\r\n0.8%\r\n60.7\r\n1.0%\r\n61.3\r\n1.0%\r\nNHS Education for Scotland\r\n391.1\r\n-0.5%\r\n395.0\r\n1.0%\r\n398.9\r\n1.0%\r\nNHS Health Scotland\r\n19.3\r\n-4.2%\r\n19.5\r\n1.0%\r\n19.7\r\n1.0%\r\n \r\n1,040.8\r\n0.2%\r\n1,051.3\r\n1.0%\r\n1,061.6\r\n1.0%\r\nTotals\r\n8,802.1\r\n2.5%\r\n9,068.5\r\n3.0%\r\n9,325.9\r\n2.8%\r\n \r\nThe 2011-12 baseline on which the uplift has been calculated has been restated reflecting in-year recurrent allocations to both territorial and special health boards.\r\nThe uneven spread of revenue resource uplift across territorial boards is due to various funding allocations being made on a basis other than the NRAC formula i.e. £76 million Access Support, £32 million NRAC funding parity, £22 million Prisoner Healthcare transfer to NHSScotland and £10 million additional funding to support the Adult Social Care Change Fund.\r\nThe Capital allocation is part of a £2 billion capital programme during the four years of the CSR. In 2012-13 the allocation of £580.9 million represents a record high for the health capital investment programme.\r\nDetails of boards capital resource allocations for 2012-13 and indicative figures for 2013-14 to 2014-15 are as follows:\r\n \r\n2012-13\r\n2013-14\r\nIndicative\r\n2014-15\r\nIndicative\r\n \r\n£m\r\n£m\r\n£m\r\nTerritorial Boards\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nAyrshire and Arran \r\n12.0\r\n13.0\r\n19.5\r\nBorders \r\n4.3\r\n4.1\r\n2.4\r\nDumfries and Galloway \r\n6.0\r\n5.4\r\n5.1\r\nFife \r\n12.5\r\n14.7\r\n13.9\r\nForth Valley \r\n5.0\r\n5.5\r\n6.3\r\nGrampian \r\n49.1\r\n19.1\r\n23.0\r\nGreater Glasgow and Clyde \r\n336.4\r\n313.3\r\n145.9\r\nHighland \r\n8.3\r\n12.6\r\n8.5\r\nLanarkshire \r\n19.2\r\n11.0\r\n12.5\r\nLothian \r\n50.9\r\n44.3\r\n40.5\r\nOrkney \r\n1.0\r\n1.0\r\n1.0\r\nShetland \r\n3.1\r\n1.0\r\n1.1\r\nTayside \r\n15.6\r\n12.2\r\n9.8\r\nWestern Isles \r\n1.7\r\n3.7\r\n1.4\r\n \r\n525.1\r\n460.9\r\n290.9\r\nSpecial Health Boards\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nNational Waiting Times Centre\r\n3.0\r\n3.0\r\n3.0\r\nScottish Ambulance Service\r\n14.3\r\n13.1\r\n8.5\r\nNational Services Scotland\r\n3.8\r\n5.8\r\n5.8\r\nHealthcare Improvement Scotland \r\n0.2\r\n0.2\r\n0.2\r\nThe State Hospital\r\n1.6\r\n0.3\r\n0.3\r\nNHS","AnswerDate":"2012-02-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-08T10:20:13.363","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269797,"EventID":"S4W-05442","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3101,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-09T13:54:46.697","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-02T17:43:59.283","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will list the 50 UN countries that the First Minister stated on 26 January 2012 had become \"independent from London\" since the Second World War (Official Repor","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will list the 50 UN countries that the First Minister stated on 26 January 2012 had become \"independent from London\" since the Second World War (Official Report, c. 5778) and how many of these were members of the United Kingdom.","AnswerText":"At least 50 countries who are members of the United Nations have gained independence since 1945, having previously been under full or partial British rule. They include the following:\r\nAntigua and  \r\n    Barbuda\r\nBahrain\r\nBangladesh\r\nBarbados\r\nBelize\r\nBotswana\r\nBrunei\r\nBurma\r\nCameroon\r\nCyprus\r\nDominica\r\nFiji\r\nGambia\r\nGhana\r\nGrenada\r\nGuyana\r\nIndia\r\nIsrael\r\nJamaica\r\nJordan\r\nKenya\r\nKiribati\r\nKuwait\r\nLesotho\r\nMalawi\r\nMalaysia\r\nMaldives\r\nMalta\r\nMauritius\r\nNauru\r\nNigeria\r\nPakistan\r\nQatar\r\nSaint Kitts and Nevis\r\nSaint Lucia\r\nSaint Vincent and \r\n   the Grenadines\r\nSeychelles\r\nSierra Leone\r\nSingapore\r\nSolomon Islands\r\nSomalia\r\nSouth Sudan\r\nSri Lanka\r\nSudan\r\nSwaziland\r\nTanzania \r\nThe Bahamas\r\nTonga\r\nTrinidad and Tobago\r\nTuvalu\r\nUganda\r\nUnited Arab \r\nEmirates\r\nVanuatu\r\nYemen\r\nZambia\r\nZimbabwe\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-08T13:54:47.117","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269798,"EventID":"S4W-05544","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4086,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-09T13:54:47.257","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-08T12:43:17","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it will determine the environmental impact of any compensatory tree planting linked to the programme of wind power development on the national forest estate at (a) si","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it will determine the environmental impact of any compensatory tree planting linked to the programme of wind power development on the national forest estate at (a) site level and (b) cumulatively across the country.","AnswerText":"At the site level, compensatory planting required by local authorities or (in the case of consents under the Electricity Act 1989) Scottish Ministers should be carried out in accordance with the requirements of the UK Forestry Standard and its associated environmental guidelines. While all tree planting is potentially subject to environmental impact assessment, the environmental impacts of compensatory planting may also be considered during environmental assessments of individual wind power developments. At the cumulative level, compensatory planning should help deliver the Scottish Forestry Strategy (2006), which was subject to strategic environmental assessment.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-08T13:54:47.273","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269799,"EventID":"S4W-05545","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4086,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-09T13:54:47.367","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-08T12:43:17","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it will ensure that the (a) design, (b) consent and (c) operation of all renewable energy developments on the national forest estate is carried out in accordance with","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it will ensure that the (a) design, (b) consent and (c) operation of all renewable energy developments on the national forest estate is carried out in accordance with its statutory duties to biodiversity.","AnswerText":"All renewable energy developments on the national forest estate will require planning approval by the local authority or (for wind farms in excess of 50 megawatts) consent from Scottish Ministers under section 36 of the Electricity Act 1989. The implications for biodiversity will be considered fully as a part of these processes.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-08T13:54:47.367","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269800,"EventID":"S4W-05546","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4086,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-09T13:54:47.46","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-08T12:43:17","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether a strategic environmental assessment is required for the programme of wind energy development on the national forest estate and what the reasons are for its posit","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether a strategic environmental assessment is required for the programme of wind energy development on the national forest estate and what the reasons are for its position on this matter.","AnswerText":"No strategic environmental assessment is required for the programme of wind energy development on the national forest estate as it forms part of our overall programme for developing opportunities for onshore wind and hydro power. This programme is set out in the 2020 Routemap for Renewable Energy in Scotland, which is subject to strategic environmental assessment.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-08T13:54:47.46","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269801,"EventID":"S4W-05547","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4086,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-09T13:54:47.553","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-08T12:43:17","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consultation it has carried out on the programme of wind energy development on the national forest estate; which stakeholders have been consulted, and when.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consultation it has carried out on the programme of wind energy development on the national forest estate; which stakeholders have been consulted, and when.","AnswerText":"Between November 2008 and January 2009, we carried out a public consultation (Climate Change and the National Forest Estate) that explained there were significant opportunities relating to wider development of the renewable energy potential of the national forest estate and sought views on allowing the Forestry Commissioners to enter into joint ventures, with the intention of participating in renewable energy programmes. There were 368 responses to this question, from a wide range of stakeholders. The analysis of responses is available at: \r\nhttp://www.forestry.gov.uk/pdf/ccbillconsultationanalysis.pdf/$FILE/ccbillconsultationanalysis.pdf.\r\nIn addition, between April and June 2008, Forestry Commission Scotland had consulted on its Framework Strategic Plan which stated that, with due regard for community, planning and environmental concerns, Forest Enterprise Scotland would maximise for wind farms and small scale hydro-electricity developments on the national forest estate; There were 105 responses to this consultation, from a wide range of stakeholders. The analysis of responses is available at: \r\nhttp://www.forestry.gov.uk/pdf/FSPConsultationsummaryandanalysis.pdf/$FILE/FSPConsultationsummaryandanalysis.pdf.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-08T13:54:47.553","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269802,"EventID":"S4W-05548","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4086,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-09T13:54:47.633","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-08T12:43:17","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it will ensure that developments on the national forest estate will be planned strategically to maximise renewable energy capacity and minimise environmental impact.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it will ensure that developments on the national forest estate will be planned strategically to maximise renewable energy capacity and minimise environmental impact.","AnswerText":"All renewable energy developments on the national forest estate will require planning approval by the local authority or (for wind farms in excess of 50 megawatts) consent from Scottish ministers under section 36 of the Electricity Act 1989. As a part of these processes, all developments on the national forest estate will be subject to the strategic framework set out in Scotland’s National Planning Framework (NPF2) and Scottish Planning Policy (SPP). SPP explains that development plans prepared by planning authorities should provide a clear indication of the potential for development of wind farms of all scales, and should set out criteria to be considered in deciding applications, including cumulative impact.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-08T13:54:47.633","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269803,"EventID":"S4W-05549","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4086,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-09T13:54:47.727","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-08T12:43:17","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it will consider the cumulative environmental impact of wind energy developments when developing wind energy on the national forest estate.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it will consider the cumulative environmental impact of wind energy developments when developing wind energy on the national forest estate.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-05548 on 28 February 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-08T13:54:47.74","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269804,"EventID":"S4W-05550","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4086,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-09T13:54:47.85","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-08T12:43:17","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it considers that a habitats regulations appraisal is required for the programme of wind energy development on the national forest estate and what the reasons are","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it considers that a habitats regulations appraisal is required for the programme of wind energy development on the national forest estate and what the reasons are for its position on this matter.","AnswerText":"In line with guidance from Scottish Natural Heritage, individual potential renewable energy developments on the national forest estate will be screened in relation to the Habitats Regulations to determine whether there could be an effect upon any Natura site (nature site of European importance), and whether an appropriate assessment should be carried out.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-08T13:54:47.85","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269805,"EventID":"S4W-05551","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4086,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-09T13:54:47.943","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-08T12:43:17","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it will ensure that suitable land is made available for communities to develop wind power on the national forest estate.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it will ensure that suitable land is made available for communities to develop wind power on the national forest estate.","AnswerText":"As part of its recent competitive negotiation process, aimed at identifying development partners for renewable energy, Forestry Commission Scotland has reached agreements that will allow communities to take an equity share in these wind and hydro-power developments on the national forest estate. In addition, communities wishing to develop projects themselves may apply, through the National Forest Land Scheme, for land that is not under option or extended exclusivity with developers. Further information is available at:\r\nhttp://www.forestry.gov.uk/website/forestry.nsf/byunique/infd-8f2ez7.\r\nThis site includes a map showing opportunities for hydro-power development and a similar map for wind-related opportunities will be published in due course.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-08T13:54:47.943","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269806,"EventID":"S4W-05558","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5034,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-09T13:54:48.083","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-09T10:52:27.263","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will launch the bidding process for the proposed national football academy.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will launch the bidding process for the proposed national football academy.","AnswerText":"I was pleased to announce on 21 February that Stewart Regan, Chief Executive of the Scottish FA, had agreed to chair a Steering Group to oversee the delivery of the National Performance Centre. The first meeting of the Steering Group will be held on 14 March and the first order of business will be to develop a detailed workplan setting down the timescale including key milestones involved in ensuring that the Centre is delivered by 2016.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-08T13:54:48.1","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Shona Robison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269807,"EventID":"S4W-05559","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4014,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-09T13:54:48.18","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-09T11:23:05","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many children are in temporary accommodation, broken down by local authority.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many children are in temporary accommodation, broken down by local authority.","AnswerText":"Information on the number of children in temporary accommodation is collected at the end of each quarter. The most recent information available is for 31 December 2011.\r\nAt 31 December 2011, there were a total of 5,259 dependent children in temporary accommodation, a decrease of 1,160 children (-18%) compared to one year ago.\r\nOverall, the most recent statistics for 31 December 2011 show an improving picture with:\r\nFewer households overall in temporary accommodation. There were 10,685 households in temporary accommodation - a decrease of 410 households (-4%) compared to one year earlier. \r\nFewer households with children in temporary accommodation. There were 3,364 households with children in temporary accommodation - a decrease of 516 households (-13%) compared with one year earlier. \r\nThe lowest number on record of households with children or pregnant women in bed and breakfast accommodation – a total of 15.\r\nThe lowest number on record of breaches of the Unsuitable Accommodation Order - just three were reported in South Lanarkshire (1) and Fife (2).\r\nTable 14c of Operation of the Homeless Person’s legislation gives a breakdown by local authority. The most recent publication is available at:\r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2012/02/7556/0.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-08T13:54:48.18","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269808,"EventID":"S4W-05560","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4014,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-09T13:54:48.367","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-09T11:23:05","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many children have been living in temporary accommodation for (a) one year, (b) two years, (c) three years, (d) four years and (e) longer than five years, broken down","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many children have been living in temporary accommodation for (a) one year, (b) two years, (c) three years, (d) four years and (e) longer than five years, broken down by local authority.\r\n","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-08T13:54:48.38","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269809,"EventID":"S4W-05561","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1845,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-09T13:54:48.49","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-09T11:23:14","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many patients discharged from hospital have been recorded as having no fixed abode, in each year since 2007, broken down by NHS board.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many patients discharged from hospital have been recorded as having no fixed abode, in each year since 2007, broken down by NHS board.\r\n","AnswerText":"The following table shows information on the number of patients who’s NHS board of residence was specifically recorded as ‘No Fixed Abode’ when they were discharged from hospital. The information is presented by the NHS board which discharged the patient from hospital and for financial years 2007-8 to 2010-11 inclusive.\r\n\r\nNHS Board of Treatment\r\nFinancial Year\r\n2007-08\r\n2008-09\r\n2009-10\r\n2010-11*\r\nScotland*\r\n214\r\n216\r\n206\r\n209\r\nAyrshire and Arran\r\n31\r\n31\r\n19\r\n32\r\nBorders\r\n2\r\n1\r\n1\r\n2\r\nDumfries and Galloway\r\n6\r\n3\r\n5\r\n4\r\nFife\r\n15\r\n10\r\n9\r\n12\r\nForth Valley\r\n17\r\n4\r\n2\r\n7\r\nGrampian*\r\n26\r\n30\r\n32\r\n16\r\nGreater Glasgow and Clyde\r\n63\r\n79\r\n88\r\n92\r\nHighland\r\n21\r\n18\r\n13\r\n6\r\nLanarkshire*\r\n1\r\n0\r\n1\r\n0\r\nLothian\r\n20\r\n21\r\n23\r\n30\r\nOrkney\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\nShetland\r\n0\r\n2\r\n0\r\n0\r\nTayside\r\n12\r\n15\r\n17\r\n12\r\nWestern Isles\r\n0\r\n1\r\n0\r\n0\r\nGolden Jubilee National Hospital\r\n0\r\n1\r\n0\r\n0\r\nNon-NHS Location\r\n1\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\nSource: ISD Scotland SMR01\r\nNote:* Data for NHS Scotland for 2010-11 are estimated to be only 97% complete. NHS Grampian and NHS Lanarkshire data are estimated to be 91% and 96% complete respectively. This is mainly due to the implementation of a new IT Patient Management System, which has resulted in data submission backlogs for this time period. The NHS boards are working to resolve these submission issues.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-08T13:54:48.49","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269810,"EventID":"S4W-05562","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1845,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-09T13:54:48.57","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-09T11:23:14","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people have been registered on a social housing waiting list in each year since 1999, broken down by local authority.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people have been registered on a social housing waiting list in each year since 1999, broken down by local authority.\r\n","AnswerText":"The number of applications to local authority housing lists and common housing registers - including a split between new and transfer lists - is published annually at local authority level on the Housing Statistics for Scotland web pages of the Scottish Government’s website. Data on local authority housing lists is available from 2001. Prior to this data was not collected centrally.\r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Statistics/Browse/Housing-Regeneration/HSfS/StockManagement \r\nThe number of applications to housing association housing lists is collected by the Scottish Housing Regulator (SHR). Data is available from 2001-02. The following table shows the number of applications on housing association housing lists in Scotland from 2001-02 to 2010-11. From 2009-10, this analysis distinguishes numbers of applications to direct lists from the number to common housing registers (CHRs). Prior to 2009-10 some housing associations may have included numbers on common housing lists within the direct housing list figures. Data is not available at local authority level.\r\nNumber of Applications To Housing Association Housing Lists, 2001-02 to 2010-11\r\nYear\r\nNumber of applications to direct waiting lists\r\nNumber of applications to CHRs with Councils\r\nNumber of applications to CHRs operated by RSLs\r\n2001-02\r\n91,158\r\n\r\n\r\n2002-03\r\n120,583\r\n\r\n\r\n2003-04\r\n177,659\r\n\r\n\r\n2004-05\r\n237,142\r\n\r\n\r\n2005-06\r\n301,127\r\n\r\n\r\n2006-07\r\n266,971\r\n\r\n\r\n2007-08\r\n285,622\r\n\r\n\r\n2008-09\r\n244,335\r\n\r\n\r\n2009-10\r\n189,890\r\n134,820\r\n9,749\r\n2010-11\r\n191,798\r\n138,385\r\n10,640\r\nSource: RSL APSR returns 2001-02 to 20010-11.\r\nNotes:\r\n1. Figures do not include those on transfer lists.\r\n2. The number of applications on CHRs with Councils is also included within the local authority published figures.\r\n3. Before 2009-10, some housing associations may have included numbers for common housing lists within the direct housing list figures.\r\nSome applicants will be on more than one local authority and/or housing association list and therefore total housing list figures for Scotland include an unquantifiable amount of double counting. The above local authority and housing association figures count each application and while these are recorded accurately within each authority, there is difficulty in recording and identifying actual numbers of people wishing to access all social housing due to the issue of double counting.\r\nRather than the number of applications, official statistics obtained from an Omnibus Survey carried out in February 2011 estimate the number of households which contain someone who is currently on a social housing list to be around 128,000 – this is irrespective of how many applications to different housing registers that they have made. This estimate eliminates the double counting included in the administrative data collected annually from councils and housing associations. However, as these questions are only asked of a sample of the population there is a level of uncertainty around each of these estimates. To provide some idea of the level of uncertainty around each value the 95% confidence level can be calculated to shows the range of values within which we can be confident that the true value sits. For this estimate, the number of households which contain someone who is currently on a social housing list is between 97,500 and 158,500. It should be noted that these confidence levels have been calculated without taking account of the design of the omnibus survey and therefore may underestimate the true level of uncertainty. The excel tables showing the results of the Omnibus Survey can be accessed through the following link:\r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Statistics/Browse/Housing-Regeneration/HSfS/HousingListSurvey.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-08T13:54:48.57","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269817,"EventID":"S4W-05563","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-09T17:06:07.113","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-09T11:58:10.13","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether individual crofters will pay for the creation of a crofting register with a map acceptable to the National Records of Scotland and what the estimated cost will be","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether individual crofters will pay for the creation of a crofting register with a map acceptable to the National Records of Scotland and what the estimated cost will be of each registration application.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government will meet the full costs of creating the new Crofting Register under Part 2 of the Crofting Reform (Scotland) Act 2010, which is expected to become available for registration of crofts and other croft land later this year.\r\nThe government has also indicated its intention to provide a further £100,000 towards reducing the cost of registration for groups submitting 10 or more crofts for registration at the same time. In addition, the government is also funding the full costs of preparing and registering applications for common grazings and lands held runrig and the Crofters Commission has been asked to take this work forward. The government would encourage all those with an interest in common grazings to adopt a collaborative approach and to agree the boundary of the common grazing, shareholder details and any other information before applications for registration are submitted to the commission. This is an opportunity for common grazings to be entered on the new register when it becomes available at no cost to crofters, landowners or any other party with an interest in the grazing.\r\nThe Scottish Government has indicated that the cost of registering an individual croft on the new register is expected to be between £80 and £120. In maintaining the new register, the Registers of Scotland (RoS) is required to work on a cost-recovery basis and the Scottish Government is working with RoS to ensure that registration costs to crofters are kept to a minimum. Details of mapping requirements will be made available in advance of the register being commenced.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-08T17:06:07.16","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269818,"EventID":"S4W-05564","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-09T17:06:07.317","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-09T13:52:52.607","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the Cabinet Secretary for Health, Wellbeing and Cities Strategy last met EU commissioners about minimum unit pricing of alcohol.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the Cabinet Secretary for Health, Wellbeing and Cities Strategy last met EU commissioners about minimum unit pricing of alcohol.\r\n","AnswerText":"I met the European Commissioner for Health and Consumer Policy, John Dalli on 7 February 2012. During the same visit I also met with senior officials from DG Enterprise and Industry. I was accompanied by Donald Henderson, Head of Public Health Division, Scottish Government.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-08T17:06:07.317","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269819,"EventID":"S4W-05565","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-09T17:06:07.44","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-09T13:52:52.607","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive which EU commissioners the Cabinet Secretary for Health, Wellbeing and Cities Strategy met on 7 February 2012 to discuss minimum unit pricing of alcohol.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive which EU commissioners the Cabinet Secretary for Health, Wellbeing and Cities Strategy met on 7 February 2012 to discuss minimum unit pricing of alcohol.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-05564 on 6 March 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-08T17:06:07.44","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269820,"EventID":"S4W-05566","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-09T17:06:07.533","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-09T13:52:52.607","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will formally notify the European Commission about introducing legislation on minimum unit pricing of alcohol.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will formally notify the European Commission about introducing legislation on minimum unit pricing of alcohol.\r\n","AnswerText":"The European Commission has confirmed that it is for Member States to decide if and at what stage to notify their proposals. We are clear that the bill itself does not require to be notified, and we are currently considering whether the subordinate legislation that sets the minimum price per unit of alcohol requires to be notified.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-08T17:06:07.55","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269821,"EventID":"S4W-05567","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-09T17:06:07.627","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-09T13:52:52.607","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will publish the formal advice that the Cabinet Secretary for Health, Wellbeing and Cities Strategy received from the European Commission about the legality of","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will publish the formal advice that the Cabinet Secretary for Health, Wellbeing and Cities Strategy received from the European Commission about the legality of minimum unit pricing of alcohol in the context of EU law.\r\n","AnswerText":"The discussions I have had with relevant contacts in the European Commission as regards the Scottish Government’s proposal to introduce a minimum price per unit of alcohol were very constructive and positive. I have written to the Convenor of the Health and Sport Committee informing him of the content of these discussions.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-08T17:06:07.643","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269822,"EventID":"S4W-05568","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-09T17:06:07.72","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-09T13:52:52.607","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive who accompanied the Cabinet Secretary of Health, Wellbeing and Cities Strategy to her meeting with EU commissioners on 7 February 2012.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive who accompanied the Cabinet Secretary of Health, Wellbeing and Cities Strategy to her meeting with EU commissioners on 7 February 2012.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-05564 on 6 March 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-08T17:06:07.72","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269823,"EventID":"S4W-05569","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-09T17:06:07.783","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-09T13:52:52.607","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is the member state that should notify the European Commission about the proposal for minimum unit pricing for alcohol.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is the member state that should notify the European Commission about the proposal for minimum unit pricing for alcohol.\r\n","AnswerText":"Where a proposal made by the Scottish Government requires it, the Member State notifies the European Commission of its terms.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-08T17:06:07.783","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269824,"EventID":"S4W-05570","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-09T17:06:07.923","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-09T13:52:52.607","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will publish the minimum unit price for alcohol. \r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will publish the minimum unit price for alcohol. \r\n","AnswerText":"As I indicated to the Health and Sport Committee on 31 January, I hope to indicate a preferred minimum price per unit of alcohol at Stage 2, but certainly before Stage 3 of the Bill process.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-08T17:06:07.94","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269825,"EventID":"S4W-05571","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-09T17:06:08","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-09T14:25:13","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether women with PIP breast implants have been turned away from giving blood.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether women with PIP breast implants have been turned away from giving blood.\r\n","AnswerText":"On current evidence, the Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service (SNBTS) considers women with Poly Implant Prothese (PiP) silicone breast implants to be eligible to donate blood, provided that they meet all of SNBTS’s donor selection criteria.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-08T17:06:08","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269826,"EventID":"S4W-05572","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5059,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-09T17:06:08.11","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-09T13:54:43","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S4W-05262 by Bruce Crawford on 9 February 2012, whether it will address the specific issue raised in the question as to what contingenc","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S4W-05262 by Bruce Crawford on 9 February 2012, whether it will address the specific issue raised in the question as to what contingencies it has should the Scottish people vote against independence. \r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government will ensure that voters have the information they need to participate in the national debate and to make an informed decision in the referendum. The government will set out full details of the proposals on offer to the people of Scotland in a comprehensive white paper on independence. The Scottish Parliament overwhelmingly supported a motion on 26 January 2012 which acknowledged the sovereign right of the Scottish people to determine the form of government best suited to their needs and asserted the right of the Scottish people to make a clear, unambiguous and decisive choice on the future of Scotland. The government is confident the people of Scotland will agree that independence is the right choice. Whatever the outcome the Scottish Government will continue to focus government and public services on creating a more successful country with opportunities for all of Scotland to flourish.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-08T17:06:08.11","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Bruce Crawford","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269827,"EventID":"S4W-05580","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1866,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-09T17:06:08.173","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-09T15:50:07.597","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether a reduction in the size of its estate will be sufficient to meet its energy consumption target of 12.6% by March 2012. \r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether a reduction in the size of its estate will be sufficient to meet its energy consumption target of 12.6% by March 2012. \r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has set a target to reduce CO2 emissions from energy used in its buildings by at least 30% by 2020, with an interim target of reducing CO2 emissions by 12.6% by March 2011. \r\nThe Scottish Government is planning to reduce the size of its office estate by 25% by 2016 and it is expected that this reduction will contribute towards achieving the 2020 target.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-08T17:06:08.173","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269828,"EventID":"S4W-05604","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":2,"MSPID":4940,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-10T13:11:21.04","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-10T11:59:05.04","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will report on the outcome of the 17th British-Irish Council Summit.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will report on the outcome of the 17th British-Irish Council Summit.","AnswerText":"On 13 January 2012, the First Minister, the Minister for Youth Employment and I represented the Scottish Government at the 17th Summit of the British Irish Council in Dublin. The Summit was attended by all eight member administrations and was hosted by the Irish Government.\r\nThe meeting began with discussion on the current economic situation. There followed a discussion on Youth Unemployment where the First Minister and the Minister for Youth Employment drew attention to the range of measures put in place by the Scottish Government since 2008 including the creation of a dedicated Minister for Youth Employment in Scotland (the first appointment of its kind in the UK) additional investment of £30 million and restated our commitment to the Opportunities for All programme.\r\nThe council agreed to continue to focus on youth unemployment, to explore how best this might be advanced through the BIC, and to report on the impact of initiatives in respect of youth unemployment at the next meeting of the council in Scotland in June 2012.\r\nThe council welcomed a discussion paper on Recovery from Problem Drug Use. During the discussion I highlighted Scotland’s first recovery-focused strategy to tackle drug misuse which is intended to produce a generational change. The council agreed that member administrations will actively encourage the renewed focus on recovery and will work together to evaluate and share successful approaches.\r\nMember administrations also noted the establishment of the Standing Secretariat, based in Edinburgh, on 4 January 2012.\r\nThe Summit Communiqué agreed by the British Irish Council can be found on the British Irish Council’s Standing Secretariat website at:\r\nhttp://www.britishirishcouncil.org/communiqu%C3%A9s/communiqu%C3%A9-17th-bic-summit-dublin.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-09T13:11:22.99","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269839,"EventID":"S4W-05588","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2610,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-10T15:57:46.127","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-09T17:03:11.47","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will introduce legislation, in line with England and Wales, to offer full protection to the water vole population.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will introduce legislation, in line with England and Wales, to offer full protection to the water vole population.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has recently consulted on changes to Schedules 5 and 8 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, including on whether or not water voles should receive full protection. The consultation closed on 11 January 2012. We expect to publish our response shortly.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-09T15:57:46.377","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269840,"EventID":"S4W-05589","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2610,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-10T15:57:46.453","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-09T17:03:11.47","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what conditions should apply to proposed housing developments where there has been a water vole colony.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what conditions should apply to proposed housing developments where there has been a water vole colony.\r\n","AnswerText":"Scottish Natural Heritage will advise planning authorities on any conditions required to ensure compliance with the species protection plan and any additional mitigation required to satisfy the licensing tests in the Conservation (Natural Habitats, &c.) Regulations 1994.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-09T15:57:46.453","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269841,"EventID":"S4W-05590","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-10T15:57:46.5","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-09T16:54:10","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will provide funding from the Bellwin scheme to West Dunbartonshire Council to help pay for recent storm damage and, if so, how much.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will provide funding from the Bellwin scheme to West Dunbartonshire Council to help pay for recent storm damage and, if so, how much.\r\n","AnswerText":"Following the severe storm on 3 January, and as a result of representations from West Dunbartonshire and South Lanarkshire Councils, I confirmed that the Bellwin scheme had been triggered on 16 January. Now that the Scheme has been triggered all local authorities have four months from the date of the incident to submit a formal claim. On receipt of any claims, I will give careful consideration to all eligible expenditure under the terms of the scheme.\r\n.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-09T15:57:46.53","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269842,"EventID":"S4W-05591","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-10T15:57:46.577","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-09T16:54:10","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how the £20 million contingency fund for welfare reform will be allocated across the spending review period.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how the £20 million contingency fund for welfare reform will be allocated across the spending review period.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has held back the allocation of around £20 million of Resource DEL consequentials available in 2012-13 because of a number of risks presented by the current economic and financial climate including, in particular, those presented by UK welfare reform and the unpredictability surrounding the eurozone. The government will announce decisions on the allocation of remaining consequentials in due course.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-09T15:57:46.577","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269843,"EventID":"S4W-05592","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-10T15:57:46.657","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-09T16:54:10","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the annual cost would be of providing council tax benefit and the successor arrangements for (a) community care grants and (b) crisis loans if the claimant count was","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the annual cost would be of providing council tax benefit and the successor arrangements for (a) community care grants and (b) crisis loans if the claimant count was to remain the same as in 2010-11.\r\n","AnswerText":"Council tax benefit payments for 2010-11 in Scotland totalled £387.4 million with entitlement depending on a variety of circumstances, including unemployment. Council tax benefit is also paid to pensioners, those on low pay and those unable to work because of disability or caring commitments.\r\nThe UK Government’s Welfare Reform Bill will, if enacted, abolish council tax benefit from April 2013, removing this support from the social security system altogether. Responsibility for helping people meet their council tax liabilities will then fall to the Scottish Government, although UK Government has confirmed the budget transferred to Scotland will be reduced by 10%.\r\nCommunity Care Grants and Crisis Loans for living expenses will also be abolished in April 2013 and the Scottish Government will receive the amount spent in Scotland at this point. While DWP anticipate this will be lower than spend in 2010-11, spend on Community Care Grants in Scotland in 2010-11 was £20,813,600 and on Crisis Loans for living expenses £8,597,800. The Scottish Government is considering successor arrangements in discussion with stakeholders.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-09T15:57:46.657","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269844,"EventID":"S4W-05593","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1986,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":142,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-10T15:57:46.733","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-10T09:51:22","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much funding it allocated to each No Knives, Better Lives campaign area in (a) 2009-10 and (b) 2010-11, is allocating in 2011-12 and will allocate in 2012-13.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much funding it allocated to each No Knives, Better Lives campaign area in (a) 2009-10 and (b) 2010-11, is allocating in 2011-12 and will allocate in 2012-13.\r\n","AnswerText":"The budget for No Knives, Better Lives is managed centrally and there is no specific allocation per area. Monies are used to create a national program of materials that can be used as the initiative rolls out to new areas. This includes social advertising, web resources, educational and youth work toolkits, training to build the capacity of local workers, resources to support youth diversion activities/youth engagement projects, peer education and schools programmes.\r\nThe central budget for No Knives, Better Lives was £250,000 during 2009-10, £250,000 in 2010-11 and £500,000 has been assigned to support the initiative during 2011-12. Discussions with partner organisations are ongoing ahead a budget for 2012-13 being agreed.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-09T15:57:46.733","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269845,"EventID":"S4W-05594","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1793,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-10T15:57:46.797","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-10T10:25:40","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures it can take to address the difficulties being faced by the Scottish whitefish fleet after being excluded from Faroese fishing grounds.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures it can take to address the difficulties being faced by the Scottish whitefish fleet after being excluded from Faroese fishing grounds.","AnswerText":"The recent talks in Reykjavik did not result in an EU/Faroes agreement for 2012, as a consequence of which there will be no access to Faroes waters by Scottish vessels again this year. That is regrettable in view of the interest of Scottish vessels in fishing these waters. I anticipate now that the European Commission will return quotas to member states which would otherwise have been transferred to the Faroes Home Government in return for access. In that event, I will reflect on how best to allocate those quotas to Scottish vessels, taking into account the interests of the Scottish fleets and associated onshore economic interests.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-09T15:57:46.797","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269846,"EventID":"S4W-05607","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1866,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-10T15:57:46.873","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-10T14:18:57","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what additional (a) administrative, (b) regulatory, (c) legislative, (d) emergency and (e) other powers have been devolved to the Parliament since May 1999.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what additional (a) administrative, (b) regulatory, (c) legislative, (d) emergency and (e) other powers have been devolved to the Parliament since May 1999.\r\n","AnswerText":"A variety of additional powers have been devolved to the Parliament since May 1999. The details are contained in orders made under section 30 of the Scotland Act and in primary legislation passed by the UK Parliament.\r\nThe Scottish Parliament website lists Sewel Motions and Legislative Consent Motions arising in connection with UK primary legislation. The text of relevant Scotland Act Orders and UK Acts of Parliament can be found at www.legislation.gov.uk.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-09T15:57:46.873","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Bruce Crawford","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269850,"EventID":"S4W-05612","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5079,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-13T14:22:59.737","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-10T16:49:01","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to reduce the suicide rate.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to reduce the suicide rate.\r\n","AnswerText":"We are continuing to take action to reduce suicide in Scotland through Choose Life, our suicide prevention strategy, and a range of initiatives including: the Breathing Space telephone advice service; action to increase access to psychological therapies, and support to voluntary organisations including Samaritans. \r\nThe number of deaths by suicide in 2010 was one of the lowest in Scotland since 1991.\r\nAs annual numbers tend to fluctuate from year to year, three year rolling average rates are used for monitoring purposes. Based on these three-year rolling averages, between 2000-02 and 2008-10, there has been an overall downward trend in suicide rates, with an overall decrease of 14%.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-12T14:23:00.453","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269851,"EventID":"S4W-05613","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5079,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-13T14:23:00.547","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-10T16:49:01","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive for what reasons the male suicide rate is increasing.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive for what reasons the male suicide rate is increasing.","AnswerText":"The number of deaths by suicide in 2010 was one of the lowest in Scotland since 1991; however, as annual numbers tend to fluctuate from year to year, three year rolling average rates are used for monitoring purposes. Based on these three year rolling averages, there has been an overall downward trend in suicide rates in Scotland between 2000-02 and 2008-10, with an overall decrease of 14%.\r\nThe equivalent comparison for males shows a decrease of 15%.\r\nInformation regarding numbers of suicide can be found on the General Register Office for Scotland Website, by using the following link, http://www.gro-scotland.gov.uk/statistics/theme/vital-events/deaths/age-standardised-rates.html.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-12T14:23:00.547","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269852,"EventID":"S4W-05614","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-13T14:23:00.627","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-10T16:56:05","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the current salary is of the chief executive of Healthcare Improvement Scotland.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the current salary is of the chief executive of Healthcare Improvement Scotland.\r\n","AnswerText":"The salary for the Chief Executive of Healthcare Improvement Scotland is in the range approved by Ministers for Executive Grade F (£84,411 - £115,046). The post is currently filled on an interim basis through a secondment of the former Medical Director of NHS Fife on her existing terms and conditions. The remuneration paid to NHS Fife for the full cost of the secondment is in the range of £170,000-175,000, which includes all taxable benefits and employer pension contributions.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-12T14:23:00.643","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269853,"EventID":"S4W-05615","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-13T14:23:00.72","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-10T16:56:05","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the current chief executive of Healthcare Improvement Scotland was appointed on a temporary basis.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the current chief executive of Healthcare Improvement Scotland was appointed on a temporary basis.\r\n","AnswerText":"The role of Healthcare Improvement Scotland Chief Executive is being filled on an interim basis through a secondment of the former Medical Director of NHS Fife.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-12T14:23:00.72","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269854,"EventID":"S4W-05616","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-13T14:23:00.797","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-10T16:56:05","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the current chief executive of Healthcare Improvement Scotland was seconded to the post and, if so, from where.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the current chief executive of Healthcare Improvement Scotland was seconded to the post and, if so, from where.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answers to questions S4W-05615 and S4W-05614 on 9 March 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-12T14:23:00.797","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269855,"EventID":"S4W-05617","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-13T14:23:00.953","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-10T16:56:05","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the current chief executive of Healthcare Improvement Scotland was appointed.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the current chief executive of Healthcare Improvement Scotland was appointed.\r\n","AnswerText":"Healthcare Improvement Scotland was established on 1 April 2011. The interim Chief Executive of Healthcare Improvement Scotland took up her role on that date.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-12T14:23:00.953","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269856,"EventID":"S4W-05618","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-13T14:23:01.017","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-10T16:56:05","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the salary was for the chief executive of Healthcare Improvement Scotland when the post was advertised in September 2010.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the salary was for the chief executive of Healthcare Improvement Scotland when the post was advertised in September 2010.\r\n","AnswerText":"The salary for the Chief Executive of Healthcare Improvement Scotland advertised in August 2010 was in the range approved by Ministers for Executive Grade F (£84,411 - £115,046).\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-12T14:23:01.017","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269857,"EventID":"S4W-05619","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-13T14:23:01.08","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-10T16:56:05","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether (a) the Cabinet Secretary for Health, Wellbeing and Cities Strategy and (b) the board of Healthcare Improvement Scotland are aware of negotiations with the health","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether (a) the Cabinet Secretary for Health, Wellbeing and Cities Strategy and (b) the board of Healthcare Improvement Scotland are aware of negotiations with the health directorate about the salary of the chief executive of Healthcare Improvement Scotland.\r\n","AnswerText":"There are no negotiations with the Health directorates on the salary of the Chief Executive of Healthcare Improvement Scotland.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-12T14:23:01.08","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269858,"EventID":"S4W-05620","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-13T14:23:01.157","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-10T16:56:05","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the annual salary is of an NHS employee in the lowest pay band.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the annual salary is of an NHS employee in the lowest pay band.\r\n","AnswerText":"The lowest annual salary currently available for NHSScotland staff is £14,258.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-12T14:23:01.157","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269859,"EventID":"S4W-05621","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-13T14:23:01.28","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-10T16:56:05","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any NHS employee is exempt from a pay freeze.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any NHS employee is exempt from a pay freeze.\r\n","AnswerText":"The policy adopted in NHSScotland for 2011-12, which mirrored the Scottish Government’s public sector pay policy, saw pay frozen for all staff earning over £21,000 per annum. Staff earning below £21,000 received a £250 flat rate uplift, and those on point 1 of the Agenda for Change pay matrix benefitted from the introduction of the Scottish Living Wage. Staff not yet at the top of their pay scales, however, were still able to benefit from incremental progression. The plan is to adopt the same policy in 2012-13, although the pay review body process (through which recommendations on pay for staff working in the NHS are made each year) is not yet complete.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-12T14:23:01.28","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269860,"EventID":"S4W-05622","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1759,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-13T14:23:01.343","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-13T09:20:40","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what funding has been provided for the protection of the red squirrel in each year since 2007-08.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what funding has been provided for the protection of the red squirrel in each year since 2007-08.\r\n","AnswerText":"The following funding has been provided for the protection of red squirrels in Scotland.\r\n\r\n2007- 08\r\n2008-09\r\n2009-2010\r\n2010-11\r\n2011-12\r\nScottish Government SRDP\r\n0\r\n0\r\n£148,740\r\n£276,945\r\n£413,845\r\nScottish Natural Heritage\r\n0\r\n£150,000\r\n£175,000\r\n£175,000\r\n£175,000\r\nForestry Commission Scotland\r\n£68,700\r\n£56,800\r\n£104,200\r\n£97,900\r\n£90,900\r\nTotal\r\n£68,700\r\n£206,800\r\n£427,940\r\n£549,845\r\n£679,745\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-12T14:23:01.343","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269861,"EventID":"S4W-05623","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1759,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-13T14:23:01.437","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-13T09:20:40","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what funding is to be made available for the protection of the red squirrel until the end of the parliamentary session.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what funding is to be made available for the protection of the red squirrel until the end of the parliamentary session.\r\n","AnswerText":"Scottish Natural Heritage is to provide funding of £350,000 for the Saving Red Squirrels Project between 2012-14.\r\nAdditionally, the Scottish Government has committed funding of £2,733,930 between 2012 and 2016 to projects under the Rural Priorities element of the Scotland Rural Development Programme, for red squirrel conservation.\r\nForestry Commission Scotland has also committed £500,000 between 2012-16 for the conservation of red squirrels in Scotland.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-12T14:23:01.437","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269862,"EventID":"S4W-05624","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1759,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-13T14:23:01.483","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-13T09:20:40","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what groups it provides with funding for work related to the conservation of the red squirrel.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what groups it provides with funding for work related to the conservation of the red squirrel.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government and its agencies provide funding to the following partnerships groups who carry out work in relation to the conservation of red squirrels in Scotland:\r\nSaving Scotland’s Red Squirrels - Scottish Wildlife Trust, Scottish Natural Heritage, Forestry Commission Scotland and Scottish Land and Estates (formerly Scottish Rural Property Business Association).\r\nRed Squirrels in South Scotland - Scottish Wildlife Trust, Scottish Natural Heritage, Forestry Commission Scotland, the Southern Uplands Partnership and the Red Squirrel Survival Trust.\r\nRed Squirrels of the Highlands - Forestry Commission Scotland, Scottish Natural Heritage and the Cairngorms National Park Authority.\r\nSquirrelpox Surveillance Programme - Red Squirrels in South Scotland, the Moredun Institute and the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, Edinburgh.\r\nFunding is also available for land managers under the Scotland Rural Development Programme (SRDP) option Control of invasive non-native species for the targeted control of grey squirrels. \r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/farmingrural/SRDP/RuralPriorities/Options/Controlofinvasivenon-nati.\r\nThis option is available to land managers in control areas identified in the Scottish Red Squirrel Action Plan 2006-2011 (Red Squirrel Action Plan 2006-2011) who have evidence of grey squirrels on their land, or to land managers who have a stand of broadleaf woodland that has been identified by Forestry Commission Scotland as being part of a Biodiversity Action Plan priority habitat or other high biodiversity value.\r\nhttp://www.snh.org.uk/pdfs/species/Squirrel/Red%20Squirrel%20Action%20Plan%20-%20final%20version%20-%20July%202006%20.pdf.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-12T14:23:01.5","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269863,"EventID":"S4W-05625","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1759,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-13T14:23:01.563","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-13T09:20:40","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to control numbers of grey squirrels.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to control numbers of grey squirrels.\r\n","AnswerText":"Red squirrels are one of the species included in SNH’s Species Action Framework and are a focus for practical action. SNH prepared an interim Grey Squirrel Control Strategy following public consultation in April 2010. The Strategy sets out locations where grey squirrel control is most likely to benefit red squirrel conservation. Targeted grey squirrel control is currently being carried out through two public and NGO partnership projects; Saving Scotland’s Red Squirrels (in the north-east of Scotland, Tayside and Loch Lomond and Trossachs) and Red Squirrels in South Scotland. These projects are co-ordinating grey squirrel control and at the same time attempting to measure the costs and the benefits to red squirrels.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-12T14:23:01.563","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269864,"EventID":"S4W-05626","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1759,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-13T14:23:01.75","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-13T09:20:40","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to prevent the spread of the squirrel pox virus.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to prevent the spread of the squirrel pox virus.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Red Squirrels in South of Scotland Project is carrying out grey squirrel control to isolate squirrelpox virus outbreak zones and establish pox containment around these areas in the south of Scotland.\r\nThe Squirrelpox Surveillance Programme, which is made up of a partnership of Red Squirrels in South of Scotland, the Moredun Institute and the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, Edinburgh, tests diseased red squirrel specimens for signs of squirrelpox and other pathogens, and undertakes antibody and tissue tests in grey squirrels to detect and map exposure to squirrelpox virus.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-12T14:23:01.767","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269865,"EventID":"S4W-05627","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1759,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-13T14:23:01.827","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-13T09:20:40","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will send a delegation to the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development (Rio+20).\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will send a delegation to the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development (Rio+20).\r\n","AnswerText":"Scottish Ministers wrote to the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on 9 February making the case for Scotland to have a place on the UK Delegation to the UN Conference on Sustainable Development (Rio+20). The Secretary of State replied on 3 March saying she is happy to consider the request and will write again when she is in a position to give a clear answer.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-12T14:23:01.827","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269866,"EventID":"S4W-05628","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1759,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-13T14:23:01.89","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-13T09:20:40","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive who will attend the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development (Rio+20) on its behalf. \r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive who will attend the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development (Rio+20) on its behalf. \r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-05627 on 12 March 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-12T14:23:01.89","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269867,"EventID":"S4W-05629","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1759,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-13T14:23:01.953","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-13T09:20:40","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what meetings have been planned for its delegation that will attend the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development (Rio+20) and what will be discussed.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what meetings have been planned for its delegation that will attend the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development (Rio+20) and what will be discussed.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-05627 on 12 March 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\nScottish Ministers have been invited to The Climate Group’s Clean Revolution Summit and World Summit of States and Regions from 17 to 19 June.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-12T14:23:01.953","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269868,"EventID":"S4W-05630","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1759,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-13T14:23:02.03","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-13T09:20:40","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the strategic aims will be of its delegation attending the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development (Rio+20).\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the strategic aims will be of its delegation attending the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development (Rio+20).\r\n","AnswerText":"Scottish Ministers strategic aim for Rio+20 is to share the evidence from Scotland on the growth potential of the green economy. Scotland has a very good story to tell on this key themes. We have put sustainable, low carbon growth at the centre of our economic strategy.\r\nIn advance of the summit, the First Minister has urged world leaders to make 2012 a year of climate justice: human rights should be at the heart of global policy on economic and social development and energy. Scotland has been acting as a model of international best practice on climate change and has set world-leading emissions reduction targets backed by a comprehensive climate change programme. We are operating at the forefront of technological innovation in green energy. Scotland also has world-class expertise in water resources, waste management, and environmental and clean technologies, as well as an ambitious forestry programme. We are also moving ahead with the smart cities concept.\r\nRio+20 is focused on the green economy and sustainable development in the context of poverty eradication and in Scotland we are employing our experience on green development to strengthen our support for developing countries. In addition to the First Minister’s championing of climate justice, and our manifesto commitment to a climate justice fund we have supported a number of important projects: a partnership with the Maldives on renewable energy; funding for Strathclyde University in piloting community solar energy in Malawi; at the time of the UNFCCC summit in Durban we announced a £1.3 million International Development Fund round for renewable energy projects in Sub-Saharan Africa; we very recently announced a further £1.7 million for a Strathclyde University project to accelerate community renewables in Malawi; we have a Memorandum of Understanding with the Inter-American Development Bank to share Scottish know-how on clean energy; we are collaborating with the Global Carbon Capture and Storage Institute, and co-operating with South Africa on exploring the feasibility of a carbon capture and storage pilot project.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-12T14:23:02.03","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269869,"EventID":"S4W-05631","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1759,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-13T14:23:02.107","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-13T09:20:40","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will lay before the Parliament a draft report on proposals and policies for meeting annual targets to cover the period 2023-2027 as stipulated by section 35 of th","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will lay before the Parliament a draft report on proposals and policies for meeting annual targets to cover the period 2023-2027 as stipulated by section 35 of the Climate Change (Scotland) Act 2009.\r\n","AnswerText":"We intend to lay a report on proposals and policies setting out how Scotland can meet annual targets for reductions in greenhouse gas emissions for the period 2023-27 in the Scottish Parliament later this year.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-12T14:23:02.107","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269875,"EventID":"S4W-05638","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4956,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":106,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-13T15:55:33.43","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-13T11:33:56.787","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people are currently employed directly on the Forth Crossing Project and how many are expected to be employed during construction.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people are currently employed directly on the Forth Crossing Project and how many are expected to be employed during construction.\r\n","AnswerText":"As of 10 February 2012, the Forth Replacement Crossing (FRC) project is directly employing 384 people on site. Information provided by the main FRC contractors indicates that at its peak, the FRC project will directly support 1,200 jobs.\r\nNeither the current figure of 384 nor the peak figure of 1,200 takes into account the additional large number of people who will be working for the 222 Scottish firms working in the subcontracting and supply chain for the project.\r\nEvery year until its completion in 2016, the Principal Contract will deliver an annual average of 45 vocational training positions, 21 professional body training places and 46 positions for the long-term unemployed, as well as providing further scope to maximise modern apprenticeship opportunities.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-12T15:55:33.54","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269876,"EventID":"S4W-05639","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4956,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":106,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-13T15:55:33.603","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-13T11:33:56.787","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many subcontracts for the Forth Crossing have been awarded to Scottish firms by Forth Crossing Bridge Constructors.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many subcontracts for the Forth Crossing have been awarded to Scottish firms by Forth Crossing Bridge Constructors.\r\n","AnswerText":"As of 15 February 2012, 123 subcontracts have been awarded to Scottish firms by the Contractors working on the Forth Replacement Crossing Project. Of these, 50 have been awarded by Forth Crossing Bridge Constructors.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-12T15:55:33.603","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269877,"EventID":"S4W-05640","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4956,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":106,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-13T15:55:33.667","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-13T11:33:56.787","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many subcontracts for the Forth Crossing are currently advertised on the Public Contracts Scotland advertising portal.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many subcontracts for the Forth Crossing are currently advertised on the Public Contracts Scotland advertising portal.\r\n","AnswerText":"As of 10 February 2012 there were 88 subcontract opportunities advertised on the Public Contracts Scotland portal. The portal is regularly updated with new opportunities. Between the 10 February and the 23 February 2012 eight new opportunities were added to the PCS portal.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-12T15:55:33.667","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269878,"EventID":"S4W-05641","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2892,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-13T15:55:33.743","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-13T13:11:51.023","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether changes to legislation on public entertainment licences made by the Criminal Justice and Licensing (Scotland) Act 2010 leave local authorities discretion regardin","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether changes to legislation on public entertainment licences made by the Criminal Justice and Licensing (Scotland) Act 2010 leave local authorities discretion regarding (a) the level of fees and (b) allowing small events to be exempt from the requirement to hold a licence.\r\n","AnswerText":"Yes, local licensing authorities have discretion both over the level of fees they charge and over what events they choose to licence.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-12T15:55:33.743","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269879,"EventID":"S4W-05642","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2892,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-13T15:55:33.807","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-13T13:11:51.023","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has assessed the likely impact on the Year of Creative Scotland if all free events that were previously exempt from the requirement to hold a public entertainm","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has assessed the likely impact on the Year of Creative Scotland if all free events that were previously exempt from the requirement to hold a public entertainment licence are, in future, required to hold one and are charged the full fee.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Criminal Justice and Licensing (Scotland) Act 2010 gives local authorities the power to licence free to enter public entertainment. This is entirely discretionary and it is for local authorities to decide what types of entertainment they wish to licence. It is also for local authorities to determine the cost of any public entertainment licence fee and limit any provision to the large-scale events which the act now allows to be licensed. For the Year of Creative Scotland and beyond, we would encourage local authorities to interpret the new legislation to the benefit of artists and their creative communities. The Cabinet Secretary for Justice has written to licensing authorities to assist their implementation of the changes and stressing the importance of support for artistic and creative communities.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-12T15:55:33.807","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269889,"EventID":"S4W-05605","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4955,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":105,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-14T14:20:31.663","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-10T13:04:17.753","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much of the £3.2 million allocated by the UK Government to the devolved administrations to fund not-for-profit free advice services has been allocated to it; how it w","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much of the £3.2 million allocated by the UK Government to the devolved administrations to fund not-for-profit free advice services has been allocated to it; how it will distribute this, and what the timescale will be.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government received £1.7 million of the £3.2 million Barnett consequentials allocated by the UK Government. Barnett consequentials accrue to Scotland as a whole and it is for Scottish Ministers to decide collectively how they should be deployed in light of the overall financial position and strategic priorities. Ministers’ allocated consequentials for 2011-12 at the Spring Budget Revision published in January 2012.\r\nWhilst funding for local advice services in Scotland comes predominately from Local Government, which is best placed to assess and meet local requirements, there may be instances where the Scottish Government allocates grant funding directly for particular initiatives. This was case on 29 February 2012, where funding of £4.8 million from the Scottish Government and £2.2 million from the Money Advice Service was committed to fund a programme to be managed by the Scottish Legal Aid Board to help Scots resolve their legal and financial problems.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-13T14:20:31.927","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269890,"EventID":"S4W-05608","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1759,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-14T14:20:32.037","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-10T16:34:54","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S4W-04383 by Richard Lochhead on 19 December 2011, whether it will identify (a) the 10 special protection areas with marine extensions ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S4W-04383 by Richard Lochhead on 19 December 2011, whether it will identify (a) the 10 special protection areas with marine extensions that Marine Scotland has considered licence applications for, (b) the seven licence applicants, (c) the seven licence applications that have had appropriate assessment and (d) on what basis the four licence applications that received consent were considered to have no significant impact on the favourable conservation status of the special protection areas. \r\n","AnswerText":"The four marine licences that have received consent were granted to Shetland Islands Council, Aquamarine Power (2a), Wello Oy, and Shapensay Sound. The three applications which are still under consideration are Nova Innovation, Aquamarine Power (2b & c), and Scappa Flow.\r\nMarine Scotland had originally considered the possible impacts on 10 special protection areas with marine extensions. They are; Fetlar, Hoy, Marwick Head, Sule Skerry and Sule Stack, West Westray, Rousay, Calf of Eday, North Caithness Cliffs, Copinsay,  and Hermaness, Saxa Vord, and Valla Field. A recent update of the Shapensay Sound appropriate assessment has added North Rona and Sula Sgeir special protection area to this list. \r\nThe appropriate assessment for the Shetland Islands Council application concluded that loss of 0.002% of habitat and the utilisation of a non driven pile construction method would not adversely affect the integrity of the Fetlar SPA.\r\nThe appropriate assessment for the Shapensay Sound application concluded that based on the results of the collision risk modelling for the relevant birds species there would not be an adverse affect on the integrity of the following SPAs; Hoy, Marwick Head, Sule Skerry and Sule Stack, West Westray, Rousay, Calf of Eday, North Caithness Cliffs, Copinsay, North Rona and Sula Sgeir.\r\nThe appropriate assessment for the Wello Oy application concluded that the permanent surface visibility of the device meant that potential collision risk was minimal.  Potential displacement was also considered to be minimal for the relevant birds species and therefore would not adversely affect the integrity of the following SPAs; Hoy, and Marwick Head.\r\nThe appropriate assessment for the Aquamarine Power application concluded that the frequent surface visibility of the device meant that potential collision risk was minimal. Potential displacement was also considered to be minimal for the relevant birds species and therefore would not adversely affect the integrity of the following SPAs; Hoy, and Marwick Head.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-13T14:20:32.037","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269891,"EventID":"S4W-05609","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1759,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-14T14:20:32.113","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-10T16:34:54","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether Marine Scotland, Scottish Natural Heritage or any other public body records and monitors the accidental bycatch of seabirds in the fishing gear of vessels operati","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether Marine Scotland, Scottish Natural Heritage or any other public body records and monitors the accidental bycatch of seabirds in the fishing gear of vessels operating out to 200 nautical miles. \r\n","AnswerText":"The UK by catch observer programme, between 1996 and 2010, has records for 1,552 observed trips on vessels using static net fishing gear in ICES Area IV and ICES area VII. These trips have resulted in 10,666 hauls being observed with only 74 hauls resulting in accidental bycatch of seabirds\r\nFor 2010 and 2011 Marine Scotland’s observer programme was active on 129 pelagic and demersal trawl fishing trips in ICES Area IV and ICES area VI. No accidental by catches of seabirds were observed on these trips.\r\nIn 2011 there was a bycatch of 17 fulmars in the longline fishery by vessels from other member states, operating in ICES area VI. Additional monitoring in this fishery is currently being investigated to ascertain any impacts.\r\nBased on the low level of observations of accidental by catch it is unlikely that there is a negative impact on seabird populations, or the favourable conservation status of special protections areas.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-13T14:20:32.113","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269892,"EventID":"S4W-05610","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1759,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-14T14:20:32.207","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-10T16:34:54","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has established if the accidental bycatch of seabirds in fishing gear in the waters around Scotland out to 200 nautical miles has a negative impact on seabird ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has established if the accidental bycatch of seabirds in fishing gear in the waters around Scotland out to 200 nautical miles has a negative impact on seabird populations.  \r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-05609 on 9 March 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-13T14:20:32.207","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269893,"EventID":"S4W-05611","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1759,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-14T14:20:32.27","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-10T16:34:54","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it ensures that the accidental bycatch of seabirds in fishing gear does not impact negatively on the favourable conservation status of special protection areas. \r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it ensures that the accidental bycatch of seabirds in fishing gear does not impact negatively on the favourable conservation status of special protection areas. \r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-05609 on 9 March 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-13T14:20:32.27","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269894,"EventID":"S4W-05633","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":135,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-14T14:20:32.35","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-13T11:14:40.493","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what pancreatic cancer survival rates are in Scotland and what information it has on how this compares with the rest of the (a) UK and (b) world. \r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what pancreatic cancer survival rates are in Scotland and what information it has on how this compares with the rest of the (a) UK and (b) world. \r\n","AnswerText":"Information on survival rates from pancreatic cancer in Scotland can be found on the Information Services Division cancer statistics website: http://www.isdscotland.scot.nhs.uk/Health-Topics/Cancer/Cancer-Statistics/Pancreatic/.\r\nSurvival rate estimates for Scotland and the UK as a whole can be seen on the Cancer e-Atlas provided by the National Cancer Intelligence Network at: http://www.ncin.org.uk/cancer_information_tools/eatlas/network/atlas.html?select=Eav&indicator=i0.\r\nDue to the differences in data collection between countries, it is difficult to make true comparisons between countries.  However, survival rates from cancers which can be compared amongst countries are often estimated as part of international studies. Some studies have attempted to compare survival estimates from a number of countries including Scotland, for example, EUROCARE (www.eurocare.it ).\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-13T14:20:32.35","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269895,"EventID":"S4W-05634","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":135,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-14T14:20:32.41","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-13T11:14:40.493","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information it has on whether survival rates for pancreatic cancer in Scotland have improved since 1992. \r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information it has on whether survival rates for pancreatic cancer in Scotland have improved since 1992. \r\n","AnswerText":"Data showing improvements in survival rates of pancreatic cancer can be found on Information Services Division Scotland's cancer statistics website at: http://www.isdscotland.scot.nhs.uk/Health-Topics/Cancer/Cancer-Statistics/Pancreatic/.\r\nOne year relative survival from pancreatic cancer has improved from 13.7% (diagnosis period 1993-97) to 17.3% (diagnosis period 2003-07). However, there has been no increase in five year relative survival (4.0% in 1983-87; 3.9% in 2003-07).\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-13T14:20:32.427","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269896,"EventID":"S4W-05635","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":135,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-14T14:20:32.503","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-13T11:14:40.493","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to assist in the early detection of pancreatic cancer. \r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to assist in the early detection of pancreatic cancer. \r\n","AnswerText":"Our “Detect Cancer Early” initiative is initially focusing on the three most common cancers, lung, bowel and breast, which represent 45% of all cancers diagnosed in Scotland per year.\r\nTo allow the early stages of the programme to be appropriately managed and be the most effective, we have decided to focus on these three cancers to enable us to have the greatest impact both in terms of patient numbers and in addressing cancer in areas of deprivation where survival has historically been poorest. Once this initial phase is completed, we will consider which others cancers need to be addressed in a similar way and pancreatic cancer will certainly be considered as part of this process.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-13T14:20:32.503","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269897,"EventID":"S4W-05636","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":135,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-14T14:20:32.567","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-13T11:14:40.493","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what proportion of operable pancreatic cancer cases result in an operation being carried out in (a) Scotland and (b) the rest of the UK.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what proportion of operable pancreatic cancer cases result in an operation being carried out in (a) Scotland and (b) the rest of the UK.\r\n","AnswerText":"Information on the proportion of operable cancers cases which result in an operation being carried out in Scotland is not held centrally. Similarly, a figure for England is also not available.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-13T14:20:32.567","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269898,"EventID":"S4W-05637","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":135,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-14T14:20:32.643","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-13T11:14:40.493","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive for what reason operable pancreatic cancer cases might not result in an operation being carried out.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive for what reason operable pancreatic cancer cases might not result in an operation being carried out.\r\n","AnswerText":"There are a number of reasons why pancreatic cancer cases might not result in an operation being undertaken. The fitness of the patient, the choice of whether they wish to be operated on, consideration of how the tumour has developed and the risks involved in potential removal are, as examples, some of the considerations that will be taken into account.\r\nThe most suitable treatment option will be selected following discussion at a multi-disciplinary team meeting and also, most importantly, between the clinician and the individual.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-13T14:20:32.643","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269899,"EventID":"S4W-05643","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3824,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-14T14:20:32.723","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-13T14:35:51.53","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how the £10 million allocated in the budget to Transport Scotland for the Dalry bypass will be spent on each phase of the project.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how the £10 million allocated in the budget to Transport Scotland for the Dalry bypass will be spent on each phase of the project.\r\n","AnswerText":"The £10 million allocated to the Dalry Bypass covers scheme preparation costs and the initial construction costs within this spending review period.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-13T14:20:32.723","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269900,"EventID":"S4W-05644","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3824,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-14T14:20:32.817","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-13T14:35:51.53","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what route the proposed Dalry bypass will follow and how much of the land needed has been procured by Transport Scotland.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what route the proposed Dalry bypass will follow and how much of the land needed has been procured by Transport Scotland.\r\n","AnswerText":"Advance preparatory work on the proposed bypass has already been undertaken which has identified that the preferred route options for further consideration lie to the east of village.\r\nTransport Scotland will look to acquire the land required for the scheme after completion of the statutory process and prior to the procurement process.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-13T14:20:32.833","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269901,"EventID":"S4W-05645","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3824,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-14T14:20:32.94","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-13T14:35:51.53","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much it will save in the next spending review period by cancelling the improvements to the A737 Beith bypass at the Head Street and Barrmill Road junctions and how it","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much it will save in the next spending review period by cancelling the improvements to the A737 Beith bypass at the Head Street and Barrmill Road junctions and how it will use the amount saved.\r\n","AnswerText":"The A737 Beith Bypass Head Street and Barrmill Road improvement projects have not been cancelled. When setting our future programme for all trunk road schemes our assessment considers various factors including the priority of the scheme and availability of funding. The trunk road network is continually assessed and therefore schemes can be reprioritised to take account of changes on the network.\r\nThe strategy for the improvement of the Beith Bypass will be revisited to identify any potential permanent and affordable interventions. In 2012-13 we are taking forward two structural maintenance schemes on the A737 (A737 Disused Railway to Manrahead and the A737 Barrmill Road to Disused Railway Schemes) and a Road Safety, Route Accident Reduction Plan (RARP) has been commissioned and investigations are ongoing. The first phase of the RARP – “Assessment for Provision of Signing at Bends” is complete and works are currently being implemented on site.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-13T14:20:32.94","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269902,"EventID":"S4W-05646","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3824,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-14T14:20:33.05","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-13T14:35:51.53","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much the construction of the Dalry bypass will cost; how it arrives at this figure, and what provision it has made for inflation over the lifetime of the project.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much the construction of the Dalry bypass will cost; how it arrives at this figure, and what provision it has made for inflation over the lifetime of the project.","AnswerText":"The estimate for the Dalry Bypass is £28 million (excluding VAT) which includes allowances for contingencies and project risk applicable to this stage of scheme development. This is an early estimate based on information at the time of the assessment and will be kept under review as the detailed design develops.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-13T14:20:33.05","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269903,"EventID":"S4W-05647","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3824,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-14T14:20:33.16","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-13T14:35:51.53","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will invite tenders for the procurement of the Dalry bypass; how much the procurement will cost, and what additional capital sums it estimates that it will need t","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will invite tenders for the procurement of the Dalry bypass; how much the procurement will cost, and what additional capital sums it estimates that it will need to allocate to this project, and when, in order to proceed to procurement in the next spending review period.\r\n","AnswerText":"Transport Scotland will look to commence the procurement process after satisfactory completion of the statutory process. The £10 million initial funding package, which includes procurement costs, covers the current spending review with remaining costs to be allocated from future reviews.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-13T14:20:33.16","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269904,"EventID":"S4W-05648","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3824,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-14T14:20:33.283","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-13T14:35:51.53","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has begun the statutory processes for the proposed bypass at Dalry and, if so, how much has been completed. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has begun the statutory processes for the proposed bypass at Dalry and, if so, how much has been completed. ","AnswerText":"Advance preparatory work on the proposed bypass has already been undertaken with a route option assessment and environmental assessment complete. Further detailed design work is required to confirm the preferred route prior to publication of draft road orders currently estimated for spring 2013.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-13T14:20:33.283","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269905,"EventID":"S4W-05649","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3824,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-14T14:20:33.393","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-13T14:35:51.53","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how long it will take to complete the statutory processes for the proposed bypass at Dalry; how this compares with the time it took to complete the statutory processes fo","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how long it will take to complete the statutory processes for the proposed bypass at Dalry; how this compares with the time it took to complete the statutory processes for the (a) Roadhead junction of the A737 and (b) previously planned Head Street and Barrmill Road junctions, and what impact inflation will have on this timescale.","AnswerText":"The time taken to complete the statutory process of the Dalry Bypass will, in part, depend on the public reaction to draft road orders and whether there is a need for a Public Local Inquiry.\r\nThe successful completion of the statutory process on road schemes is dependant on the nature and level of representations received to draft orders and as such it is difficult to make direct comparisons with other schemes. Every effort is made to ensure the timely completion of statutory process on every scheme promoted by Transport Scotland.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-13T14:20:33.393","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269906,"EventID":"S4W-05650","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3824,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-14T14:20:33.487","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-13T14:35:51.53","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what upgrades are planned for the A737 other than the Dalry bypass; what the timescales are, and whether the upgrades will be announced in the next spending review period","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what upgrades are planned for the A737 other than the Dalry bypass; what the timescales are, and whether the upgrades will be announced in the next spending review period.\r\n","AnswerText":"A road improvement scheme at the Den Dalry is in preparation and in 2012-2013 we are taking forward two structural maintenance schemes on the A737 (A737 Disused Railway to Manrahead and the A737 Barrmill Road to Disused Railway Schemes) and a Road Safety, Route Accident Reduction Plan (RARP) has been commissioned and investigations are ongoing. The first phase of the RARP - “Assessment for Provision of Signing at Bends” is complete and works are currently being implemented on site.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-13T14:20:33.487","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269907,"EventID":"S4W-05655","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1860,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-14T14:20:33.58","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-13T16:59:01","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what improvements are planned for the A83 over the next 10 years.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what improvements are planned for the A83 over the next 10 years.\r\n","AnswerText":"We are investing £1 million to address the problems created by landslips and this will include extending the length of debris flow netting on the hillside. We are also working closely with Forestry Commission Scotland to explore options for making emergency use of forest roads and using vegetation cover to help reduce the risk of landslips. Work on the netting is expected to start in the spring.\r\nThis allocation will build on a study which will investigate the feasibility of longer term options and is expected to be completed in the summer.\r\nTransport Scotland is arranging a series of local meetings for local communities in the coming months to explain the recent landslide at the Rest & Be Thankful, what happened, what we did and what we are proposing for the future.\r\nIntervention 5 of the Strategic Transport Projects Review (STPR) recommends a series of route management initiatives to maintain the physical condition and safety standards of the A83 trunk road between Tarbet and Kennacraig.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-13T14:20:33.58","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269908,"EventID":"S4W-05656","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":131,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-14T14:20:33.69","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-13T18:04:51","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive for what reason only members of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors Scotland are permitted to issue domestic energy performance certificates for non-rental prope","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive for what reason only members of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors Scotland are permitted to issue domestic energy performance certificates for non-rental properties. \r\n","AnswerText":"This is not the case. An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) may be issued by any party identified as technically competent to do so through membership of an Approved Organisation. There are currently ten organisations approved by Scottish Ministers.\r\nHowever, when a dwelling is marketed for sale and requires a Home Report, the Energy Report element (produced using the EPC process) must be completed by a surveyor registered with the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors.\r\nThis requirement is set out in the Housing (Scotland) Act 2006 (Prescribed Documents) Regulations 2008. The Housing (Scotland) Act 2006 gives powers to Scottish Ministers to identify who can carry out a Home Report. If other organisations wish to become Home Report providers, Scottish Ministers will assess applications against certain criteria.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-13T14:20:33.69","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Derek Mackay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269911,"EventID":"S4W-05651","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2108,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":141,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-14T15:09:22.053","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-13T15:22:56.767","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information it has on the extent of human trafficking in Scotland.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information it has on the extent of human trafficking in Scotland.\r\n","AnswerText":"Under the DETECT strand of Scotland's Serious Organised Crime Strategy, \"Letting Our Communities Flourish\" the Scottish Crime and Drug Enforcement Agency SCDEA have produced a National Strategic Intelligence Assessment in relation to all forms of human trafficking impacting on Scotland. A summary of this assessment is available on its website and confirms that the covert nature of this hideous crime makes it difficult to quantify the scale of the problem.\r\nThe most current data available for Scotland from the United Kingdom Human Trafficking Centre, which is central repository for all data relating to trafficking in human beings, is shown in the following table. The data relates to potential and confirmed victims who have entered the National Referral Mechanism and cover the period 1 April 2009 to 10 February 2012.\r\nNumber of Potential and Confirmed Victims1,2\r\nYear\r\nReferrals\r\nPositive Reasonable\r\nGrounds\r\nPositive Conclusive\r\nGrounds\r\n2009\r\n39\r\n27\r\n11\r\n2010\r\n95\r\n80\r\n60\r\n2011\r\n94\r\n77\r\n55\r\nNotes:\r\n1. Source - UKHTC\r\n2. Includes adults and children\r\n3. Data is as at 10 February 2012 and there are outstanding decisions re reasonable and conclusive grounds still to be made for all years.","AnswerDate":"2012-02-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-13T15:09:22.133","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269912,"EventID":"S4W-05652","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2108,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":141,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-14T15:09:22.227","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-13T15:22:56.767","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S4W-03297 by Lesley Thomson on 2 November 2011, whether it has carried out a comparison between the number of successful convictions fo","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S4W-03297 by Lesley Thomson on 2 November 2011, whether it has carried out a comparison between the number of successful convictions for human trafficking in Scotland and the rest of the UK since 2007 and, if so, what the outcome was.\r\n","AnswerText":"No such comparison exercise has been carried out by the Scottish Government.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-13T15:09:22.243","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269913,"EventID":"S4W-05653","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2108,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":141,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-14T15:09:22.32","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-13T15:22:56.767","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it plans to raise awareness of human trafficking ahead of the 2014 Commonwealth Games.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it plans to raise awareness of human trafficking ahead of the 2014 Commonwealth Games.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-05783 on 29 February 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\nThe Scottish Government continues to work closely with the police and other law enforcement agencies on security planning for the London 2012 Olympics and Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games. Issues associated with trafficking in human beings are embedded in the security planning for the Games.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-13T15:09:22.337","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269914,"EventID":"S4W-05654","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2108,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":141,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-14T15:09:22.397","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-13T15:22:56.767","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it helps the victims of human trafficking in Scotland.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it helps the victims of human trafficking in Scotland.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-05784 on 29 February 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-13T15:09:22.397","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269915,"EventID":"S4W-05662","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":136,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-14T15:09:22.493","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-14T13:20:13","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what research it has commissioned in the last three years on the incidence of post natal depression; what treatment options are available for those with the condition, an","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what research it has commissioned in the last three years on the incidence of post natal depression; what treatment options are available for those with the condition, and what funding is available for the provision of such treatment.","AnswerText":"While The Scottish Government has not funded research specifically on the incidence of post natal depression (PND) in the last three years, evidence referenced in the current Scottish Intercollegiate Guidance Network (SIGN) guideline on the treatment of PND shows that for approximately 1,000 births, 100-150 women experience depression, with a small number developing the more severe form of the illness.\r\nTreatment, care and support is provided on the basis of a multi-disciplinary needs assessment and in line with clinical and other guidelines. A new SIGN guideline on the treatment of PND is published later this month. This updates the current guideline and includes recommendations based on updated evidence, expanding the guideline’s scope to include mood disorders in the antenatal period.\r\nMost people will be treated in the community in primary or community mental health services. For those who require specialist inpatient care, the Mental Health (Care and Treatment) (Scotland) Act 2003 provides for mothers with PND to be admitted to hospital accompanied by their child. NHS boards are responsible for delivering services in line with this specific provision. The NHS response is part of a wider range of integrated community and specialist services across Scotland, including specialist in-patient units in Glasgow and Edinburgh.\r\nNHS boards are responsible for designing, funding and commissioning PND services for their local populations from their overall Board allocations.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-13T15:09:22.493","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269916,"EventID":"S4W-05600","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-14T15:37:31.007","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-10T10:52:26","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many current Integrated Administration and Control System (IACS) 2011 plans are being investigated regarding measurement of land, broken down by Scottish Government R","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many current Integrated Administration and Control System (IACS) 2011 plans are being investigated regarding measurement of land, broken down by Scottish Government Rural Payments and Inspections Directorate area office.\r\n","AnswerText":"We have selected 1,116 cases under the 2011 Integrated Administration and Control System (IACS) for land-based inspections, which include measurement of land. Of these, there are a small number still to carry out. The breakdown by area office is as follows:\r\nOffice Name\r\nTotal\r\n\r\nAyr\r\n104\r\n4\r\nBenbecula\r\n80\r\n0\r\nDumfries\r\n34\r\n2\r\nElgin\r\n29\r\n2\r\nGalashiels\r\n103\r\n0\r\nGolspie\r\n21\r\n1\r\nHamilton\r\n38\r\n0\r\nInverness \r\n85\r\n4\r\nInverurie\r\n158\r\n2\r\nKirkwall\r\n58\r\n0\r\nLerwick\r\n44\r\n2\r\nOban\r\n88\r\n2\r\nPerth\r\n154\r\n0\r\nPortree\r\n24\r\n0\r\nStornoway\r\n47\r\n3\r\nThurso\r\n49\r\n0\r\nTotal\r\n1,116\r\n22\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-13T15:37:31.023","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269917,"EventID":"S4W-05601","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-14T15:37:31.117","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-10T10:52:26","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what pressure the European Commission is bringing to bear on the Scottish Government in relation to land measurement under the Integrated Administration and Control Syste","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what pressure the European Commission is bringing to bear on the Scottish Government in relation to land measurement under the Integrated Administration and Control System (IACS) of croft and farm areas.\r\n","AnswerText":"The European Commission requires all EU member states to maintain a Land Parcel Information System (LPIS) for all land parcels that are involved in a claim for subsidy under the Common Agricultural Policy. This is part of its Integrated Administration and Control System (IACS). All IACS elements, including LPIS, are subject to checks by both national and EC auditors. In addition, since 2010 all member state LPIS systems are subject to a statutory annual Quality Assessment based on a set of criteria defined by the European Commission Joint Research Centre.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-13T15:37:31.117","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269918,"EventID":"S4W-05602","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-14T15:37:31.197","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-10T10:52:26","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what financial target it has for total penalties being applied or to be applied to crofters and farmers under the Integrated Administration and Control System (IACS) of l","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what financial target it has for total penalties being applied or to be applied to crofters and farmers under the Integrated Administration and Control System (IACS) of land measurement.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government does not have a target for levying financial penalties on farmers and crofters who over declare land in support of CAP subsidies (IACS). Any penalties that are applied arise from non-compliance with the definition of what constitutes eligible land and are calculated in accordance with a set formula. These aspects (definition and formula), however, are determined by European regulation and not by Scottish ministers.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-13T15:37:31.197","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269919,"EventID":"S4W-05603","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-14T15:37:31.29","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-10T10:52:26","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many appeals relating to inaccurate Integrated Administration and Control System (IACS) land measurement fines there were at each of the (a) three stages of appeal pr","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many appeals relating to inaccurate Integrated Administration and Control System (IACS) land measurement fines there were at each of the (a) three stages of appeal procedure for each of the years from 2003 to 2008 and (b) two stages of appeal procedure for each of the years from 2009 to 2011.\r\n","AnswerText":"The following table provides a breakdown of the requested figures by year. Please note that each appeal is only counted once i.e. if it proceeds to Stage 3 it is only recorded in that column.\r\nScheme Year\r\n\r\nStage 1\r\nStage 2\r\nStage 3\r\n(Land Court)\r\nTotal for the Year\r\n2003\r\n2\r\n2\r\n1\r\n5\r\n2004\r\n11\r\n1\r\n0\r\n12\r\n2005\r\n39\r\n5\r\n0\r\n44\r\n2006\r\n20\r\n3\r\n1\r\n24\r\n2007\r\n15\r\n2\r\n0\r\n17\r\n2008\r\n12\r\n4\r\n1\r\n17\r\n2009\r\n6\r\n4\r\n0\r\n10\r\n2010\r\n5\r\n1 (Land Court)\r\nNo stage 3 for post-Nov 2009 procedure\r\n6\r\n2011\r\n13\r\n2 (Land Court)\r\nNo stage 3 for post-Nov 2009 procedure\r\n15\r\n\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-13T15:37:31.303","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269921,"EventID":"S4W-05663","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4080,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-15T13:57:50.177","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-15T10:03:31","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to monitor local authorities’ implementation of and compliance with the Social Care and Social Work Improvement Scotland (Requirements for Care Se","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to monitor local authorities’ implementation of and compliance with the Social Care and Social Work Improvement Scotland (Requirements for Care Services) Regulations 2011.","AnswerText":"All registered care services, whether provided by Local Authorities or the independent sector, must comply with the requirements placed on them by the Public Services Reform (Scotland) Act 2010 and the associated Statutory Instruments, including the Social Care and Social Work Improvement Scotland (Requirements for Care Services) Regulations 2011.\r\nWe are confident that the Care Inspectorate will take the necessary action where there is failure in meeting these, including where the local authority is the provider of the service.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-14T13:57:50.507","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269922,"EventID":"S4W-05664","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3758,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":76,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-15T13:57:50.6","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-15T10:04:25","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many patients have died from complications associated with hip-replacement operations and what the cause of death was in each case in each year since 1999, broken dow","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many patients have died from complications associated with hip-replacement operations and what the cause of death was in each case in each year since 1999, broken down by NHS board.\r\n","AnswerText":"ISD Scotland collects hospital data (SMR01 records) from which hip-replacement operations can be identified, and utilises National Records of Scotland (NRS) data from which causes of death (from the death certificate) can be identified. The Scottish Arthroplasty Project combines these data, but due to quality and completeness of recording it is not possible to definitively identify deaths due to complications from hip-replacement operations.\r\nTable 1 shows the number of patients who have undergone one or more hip-replacement operations from 1999 to 2010 and have a subsequent cause of death, as identified from the death certificate, as a complication due to surgical implant. These figures are likely to slightly underestimate the actual number of deaths, due to the complexities of death in a generally elderly population (those receiving hip implants). It may not always be possible for the certifying doctor to definitively record each and all of the causes of death, and complications due to implants may not always be wholly evident.\r\nInformation has been provided for 1999 to 2010 combined instead of by individual year to avoid disclosing small numbers.\r\n\r\nTable 1. Number of patients who have undergone one or more hip-replacement operations 1 January 1999 to  31 December 2010 and have a subsequent cause of death as a complication due to surgical implant, with total number of hip operations by NHS board\r\nNHS Board of Treatment\r\nTotal Number of Hip Replacement Operations\r\nTotal Number of Patients who Have a Subsequent Cause of Death as a Complication due to Surgical Implant\r\n%\r\nNHS Ayrshire and Arran\r\n4,489\r\n28\r\n0.62\r\nNHS Borders\r\n2,084\r\n15\r\n0.72\r\nNHS Dumfries and Galloway\r\n1,503\r\n16\r\n1.06\r\nNHS Fife\r\n4,329\r\n13\r\n0.30\r\nNHS Forth Valley\r\n2,602\r\n13\r\n0.50\r\nNHS Grampian\r\n9,311\r\n31\r\n0.33\r\nNHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde\r\n17,577\r\n82\r\n0.47\r\nNHS Highland\r\n4,318\r\n14\r\n0.32\r\nNHS Lanarkshire\r\n4,645\r\n23\r\n0.50\r\nNHS Lothian\r\n10,783\r\n83\r\n0.77\r\nNHS Tayside\r\n8,810\r\n54\r\n0.61\r\nNHS Western Isles\r\n490\r\n6\r\n1.22\r\nNHS National Waiting Times Unit\r\n5,275\r\n6\r\n0.11\r\nScotland\r\n76,216\r\n384\r\n0.50\r\nSource: ISD SMR01 data.\r\n1. Table 1 shows the number of instances where a patient has undergone one or more hip-replacement operation (including total hip replacements, revisions, resurfacings, hybrid and emergency operations) from 1999 to 2010, has subsequently died and where the ICD10 code Y83.1 “Surgical operation with implant of artificial internal device as the cause of abnormal reaction of the patient, or of later complication, without mention of misadventure at the time of the procedure” is recorded as a cause of death on NRS data, derived from the death certificate.\r\n2. OPCS4 codes for hip arthroplasty, hip resurfacing, hybrid hip replacement, hip revision or hybrid hip revision have been selected. For further information please see:\r\nhttp://www.arthro.scot.nhs.uk/OPCS_codes_summary_150710.pdf. Emergency admissions are included.\r\n3. It is possible that a patient may have had an additional implant other than that fitted in the hip-replacement operation, and that it is this from which the complication (noted as cause of death) arose. Without recourse to the patients medical notes, it is not possible to differentiate between multiple implants and subsequent complications as cause of death.\r\n4. Further information on the quality of NRS death data is available here:\r\nhttp://www.gro-scotland.gov.uk/statistics/theme/vital-events/deaths/bckgr-info/quality-of-nrs-data-on-deaths.html.\r\n5. Further information on the quality of SMR01 data is available here:\r\nhttp://www.isdscotland.org/Products-and-Services/Data-Quality/.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-14T13:57:50.613","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269923,"EventID":"S4W-05665","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2108,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":141,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-15T13:57:50.677","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-15T12:18:34","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will accept a request from the Educational Institute of Scotland (EIS) to engage with teachers on a possible redesign of the Scottish Teachers' Superannuation ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will accept a request from the Educational Institute of Scotland (EIS) to engage with teachers on a possible redesign of the Scottish Teachers' Superannuation Scheme.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government will shortly begin negotiations with trade union and employer representatives on long-term reforms of the Scottish Teachers’ Superannuation Scheme. The Scottish Government place considerable importance on partnership working and want there to be genuine engagement in designing a new teachers’ pension scheme capable of supporting the needs of a modern education service for Scotland. Officials are in the process of making the necessary arrangements and will confirm details with stakeholders, including the Educational Institute of Scotland, shortly.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-14T13:57:50.693","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269924,"EventID":"S4W-05666","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2108,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":141,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-15T13:57:50.77","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-15T12:18:34","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to await the outcome of negotiations between the UK Government and teaching unions on the Teachers' Pension Scheme before meeting the Educational Institu","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to await the outcome of negotiations between the UK Government and teaching unions on the Teachers' Pension Scheme before meeting the Educational Institute of Scotland (EIS) and others to discuss the Scottish Teachers' Superannuation Scheme.\r\n","AnswerText":"The outcome of negotiations between the UK Government and the Teachers’ Pensions Scheme for England and Wales have still to be finalised. However, Scottish Ministers will shortly begin negotiations with trade union and employer representatives on long term reforms of the Scottish Teachers’ Superannuation Scheme.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-14T13:57:50.77","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269925,"EventID":"S4W-05667","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2108,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":141,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-15T13:57:50.85","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-15T12:18:34","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what recent discussions or engagement it has had with trade unions and employers on pension reform.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what recent discussions or engagement it has had with trade unions and employers on pension reform.","AnswerText":"A series of discussions have taken place with employers, trade unions and staff associations on pension reforms since the current administration came to power in May 2011.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-14T13:57:50.85","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269926,"EventID":"S4W-05668","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5109,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":101,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-15T13:57:50.927","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-15T12:27:06.083","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much central funding has been given to strategic park and ride projects in each year since 1999.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much central funding has been given to strategic park and ride projects in each year since 1999.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has provided funding by means of capital grant to Regional Transport Partnerships, and since 2008, to local authorities to enable them to develop and enhance transport, including the provision of park and ride sites, in their areas. It is the responsibility of each authority to determine how they allocate their funding towards competing priorities locally.\r\nSpecifically, in early 2009 we announced a financial package to bring forward capital funding from 2010-11 to 2009-10, to support investment and boost the Scottish economy. Of this £294 million package, some £5 million of capital grant funding to Strathclyde Partnership for Transport was brought forward to support a programme of developing and delivering 10 park and ride sites across west central Scotland.\r\nIn the financial year 2009-10, the Scottish Ministers provided Grant-in-aid funding of £25,000 to the South East of Scotland Transport Partnership (SEStran) as a contribution to the costs of a technical feasibility study and initial scheme design of a Park & Ride facility south of the River Tay.\r\nIn addition, a grant of up to £4.5 million was made to Fife Council in April 2011 as contribution towards the cost of providing a 1000 space park and choose facility with dedicated hub building at Halbeath.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-14T13:57:50.927","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269927,"EventID":"S4O-00690","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":3,"MSPID":1742,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-15T14:12:30.597","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-01T15:03:00","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body how it will monitor the progress of its policy on zero waste.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":"2012-02-22T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269928,"EventID":"S4O-00691","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":3,"MSPID":5110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":89,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-15T14:12:30.72","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-02T17:44:00","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body what plans are in place to provide funding or other travel assistance to schools from deprived areas that cannot afford to visit the Parliament.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":"2012-02-22T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269929,"EventID":"S4O-00692","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":3,"MSPID":2675,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":93,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-15T14:12:30.797","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-02T17:45:00","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body whether it will review the varieties of apple trees in the Parliament garden to ensure that they cross-pollinate.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":"2012-02-22T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269930,"EventID":"S4O-00693","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":3,"MSPID":4016,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":133,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-15T14:12:30.893","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-07T12:15:00","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body whether it considers the Parliament’s IT system to be fit for purpose.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":"2012-02-22T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269931,"EventID":"S4O-00694","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":3,"MSPID":5107,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":124,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-15T14:12:30.97","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-07T15:05:00","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body what provision there is for foreign visitors to access information on the workings of the Parliament in their own language.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":"2012-02-22T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269932,"EventID":"S4O-00695","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":3,"MSPID":5041,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-15T14:12:31.047","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-07T15:06:00","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body when the contract for the provision of catering services to the Parliament will next be up for renewal.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":"2012-02-22T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269933,"EventID":"S4O-00696","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":3,"MSPID":5057,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-23T09:07:00.673","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-07T16:17:00","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body what advice it sought in relation to the proposal for an external security screening facility.","AnswerText":"In 2007, the SPCB commissioned and received official security advice about the measures in place at the Parliament in relation to current risks and threats. In 2011, we asked our security adviser to review the recommendations received in 2007. We received clear advice from our adviser, other official security sources and the police that the risks and threats identified were still relevant, if anything even more so. We have also received advice from the Solicitor to the Scottish Parliament about the SPCB’s responsibility to ensure the safety of employees and visitors in relation to the known risks and threats.","AnswerDate":"2012-02-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":"2012-02-22T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"David Stewart","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269934,"EventID":"S4O-00727","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":3,"MSPID":2610,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-23T09:08:01.483","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-09T14:20:00","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body what external and internal damage was caused to the parliamentary complex by the recent storms and what the financial implications are.","AnswerText":"Two granite cladding panels were dislodged on the south elevation of Tower 1 due to high winds on 9 of December 2011 and a further four panels were removed as a precaution the same day. All six panels were reinstated the following day. \r\nA small section of flashing on the roof of the MSP building roof was lifted from its fixings due to high winds on 3 January 2012. The flashings did not become detached from the building and they were secured back in position the following day. \r\nThe cost for both these repairs was £3,500.","AnswerDate":"2012-02-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":"2012-02-22T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Linda Fabiani","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269935,"EventID":"S4O-00728","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":3,"MSPID":3745,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":122,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-15T14:12:31.297","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-10T12:49:00","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body when it last carried out an accessibility audit of the parliamentary complex and what issues this highlighted.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":"2012-02-22T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269936,"EventID":"S4O-00697","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":5108,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":139,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-15T15:02:42.333","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-08T14:21:02.953","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what recent discussions it has had with local authorities to progress the implementation of a Scottish living wage of £7.20 per hour.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what recent discussions it has had with local authorities to progress the implementation of a Scottish living wage of £7.20 per hour.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-14T15:02:42.333","MeetingDate":"2012-02-23T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269937,"EventID":"S4O-00698","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2675,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":93,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-15T15:02:42.427","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-08T14:21:03.093","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it can take to mitigate the economic impact of high delivery charges and road fuel taxes on sparsely populated areas.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it can take to mitigate the economic impact of high delivery charges and road fuel taxes on sparsely populated areas.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-14T15:02:42.44","MeetingDate":"2012-02-23T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269938,"EventID":"S4O-00699","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":4948,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-15T15:02:42.503","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-08T14:21:03.107","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what advice it can give to local authorities in the Highlands and Islands region to assist them in achieving sustainable economic growth.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what advice it can give to local authorities in the Highlands and Islands region to assist them in achieving sustainable economic growth.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-14T15:02:42.52","MeetingDate":"2012-02-23T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269939,"EventID":"S4O-00700","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":5034,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-15T15:02:42.597","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-08T14:21:03.14","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what recent discussions it has had with firefighters regarding their pensions.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what recent discussions it has had with firefighters regarding their pensions.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-14T15:02:42.613","MeetingDate":"2012-02-23T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269940,"EventID":"S4O-00701","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":5078,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":111,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-15T15:02:42.69","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-08T14:21:03.153","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress is being made on ensuring that Scottish companies get the maximum amount of work possible from the Forth Replacement Crossing project.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress is being made on ensuring that Scottish companies get the maximum amount of work possible from the Forth Replacement Crossing project.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-14T15:02:42.707","MeetingDate":"2012-02-23T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269941,"EventID":"S4O-00702","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":81,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-15T15:02:42.8","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-08T14:21:03.17","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether permitting or promoting payment to housing association board and committee members were intended consequences of the repeal of Schedule 7 of the Housing (Scotland","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether permitting or promoting payment to housing association board and committee members were intended consequences of the repeal of Schedule 7 of the Housing (Scotland) Act 2001.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-14T15:02:42.8","MeetingDate":"2012-02-23T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269942,"EventID":"S4O-00703","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":3815,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-15T15:02:42.893","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-08T14:21:03.2","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the planned refurbishment of the Kincardine Bridge will commence and what measures it will put in place to minimise the impact of the works on the local community.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the planned refurbishment of the Kincardine Bridge will commence and what measures it will put in place to minimise the impact of the works on the local community.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-14T15:02:42.91","MeetingDate":"2012-02-23T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269943,"EventID":"S4O-00704","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2159,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":88,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-15T15:02:42.97","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-08T14:21:03.217","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to regulate bus services.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to regulate bus services.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-14T15:02:42.97","MeetingDate":"2012-02-23T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269944,"EventID":"S4O-00705","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1943,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-15T15:02:43.05","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-08T14:21:03.233","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will ask the Auditor General for Scotland to audit Scottish Government IT projects where costs are in excess of £20 million.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will ask the Auditor General for Scotland to audit Scottish Government IT projects where costs are in excess of £20 million.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-14T15:02:43.05","MeetingDate":"2012-02-23T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269945,"EventID":"S4O-00706","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2033,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":132,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-15T15:02:43.143","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-08T14:21:03.247","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what it is doing to promote buses as a method of travel.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what it is doing to promote buses as a method of travel.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-14T15:02:43.143","MeetingDate":"2012-02-23T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269946,"EventID":"S4O-00707","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":4947,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-15T15:02:43.207","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-08T14:21:49.923","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information it holds on how many lives have been saved by the use of Naloxone in the last year.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information it holds on how many lives have been saved by the use of Naloxone in the last year.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-14T15:02:43.207","MeetingDate":"2012-02-23T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269947,"EventID":"S4O-00708","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":3745,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":122,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-15T15:02:43.267","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-08T14:21:49.953","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it has taken to support Eating Disorder Week, which began on 20 February.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it has taken to support Eating Disorder Week, which began on 20 February.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-14T15:02:43.267","MeetingDate":"2012-02-23T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269948,"EventID":"S4O-00709","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":4016,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":133,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-15T15:02:43.33","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-08T14:21:49.97","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it is supporting deaf and hard of hearing people in the Scottish Borders.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it is supporting deaf and hard of hearing people in the Scottish Borders.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-14T15:02:43.347","MeetingDate":"2012-02-23T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269949,"EventID":"S4O-00710","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":4952,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-15T15:02:43.393","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-08T14:21:50","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it will hold to account those NHS boards that are not meeting clinical standards in neurological health services so that there is a consistent service across Scotland","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it will hold to account those NHS boards that are not meeting clinical standards in neurological health services so that there is a consistent service across Scotland, including in rural areas.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-14T15:02:43.407","MeetingDate":"2012-02-23T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269950,"EventID":"S4O-00711","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":131,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-15T15:02:43.47","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-08T14:21:50.017","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its position is on the backlog maintenance risk profile of NHS Dumfries and Galloway, as reported in The State of the NHSScotland Estate 2011.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its position is on the backlog maintenance risk profile of NHS Dumfries and Galloway, as reported in The State of the NHSScotland Estate 2011.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-14T15:02:43.47","MeetingDate":"2012-02-23T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269951,"EventID":"S4O-00712","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":2345,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":128,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-15T15:02:43.563","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-08T14:21:50.033","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what proportion of backlog maintenance of the NHS Ayrshire and Arran estate is assessed to be of a high or significant risk.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what proportion of backlog maintenance of the NHS Ayrshire and Arran estate is assessed to be of a high or significant risk.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-14T15:02:43.563","MeetingDate":"2012-02-23T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269952,"EventID":"S4O-00713","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":4934,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-15T15:02:43.627","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-08T14:21:50.047","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it considers that it has appropriately balanced its efforts to prevent cancer between lifestyle and environmental risks.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it considers that it has appropriately balanced its efforts to prevent cancer between lifestyle and environmental risks.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-14T15:02:43.627","MeetingDate":"2012-02-23T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269953,"EventID":"S4O-00714","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":2123,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":103,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-15T15:02:43.69","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-08T14:21:50.063","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it will monitor progress by NHS boards in meeting the clinical standards for neurological health services after the implementation programme ends in March 2012.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it will monitor progress by NHS boards in meeting the clinical standards for neurological health services after the implementation programme ends in March 2012.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-14T15:02:43.69","MeetingDate":"2012-02-23T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269954,"EventID":"S4O-00715","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":1882,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":129,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-15T15:02:43.797","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-08T14:21:50.097","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the Cabinet Secretary for Health, Wellbeing and Cities Strategy last met NHS Ayrshire and Arran and what matters were discussed.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the Cabinet Secretary for Health, Wellbeing and Cities Strategy last met NHS Ayrshire and Arran and what matters were discussed.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-14T15:02:43.797","MeetingDate":"2012-02-23T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269955,"EventID":"S4O-00716","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":2108,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":141,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-15T15:02:43.923","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-08T14:21:50.11","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to review the effectiveness of the NHS Individual Patient Treatment Request process.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to review the effectiveness of the NHS Individual Patient Treatment Request process.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-14T15:02:43.923","MeetingDate":"2012-02-23T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269956,"EventID":"S4O-00717","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":5079,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-15T15:02:44.017","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-08T14:21:50.127","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress it has achieved in tackling poverty.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress it has achieved in tackling poverty.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-14T15:02:44.017","MeetingDate":"2012-02-23T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269957,"EventID":"S4O-00718","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":3751,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":108,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-15T15:02:44.08","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-08T14:21:50.157","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how the NHS is increasing access to the Scottish Care Information Gateway referral pathway for local specialised practices.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how the NHS is increasing access to the Scottish Care Information Gateway referral pathway for local specialised practices.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-14T15:02:44.08","MeetingDate":"2012-02-23T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269958,"EventID":"S4O-00719","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":1892,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":134,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-15T15:02:44.14","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-08T14:21:50.173","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to improve access to treatments for people with Tourette's syndrome.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to improve access to treatments for people with Tourette's syndrome.\r\n","AnswerText":"Tourette’s syndrome usually appears in childhood and adolescence, and is normally treated in a multi-disciplinary CAMHS team. This provides thorough bio-psycho-social assessment, and appropriate treatment which can include behavioural and pharmacological intervention.\r\nWe have invested £6.5 million over a three year period to increase the number of psychologists working in specialist CAMHS - £3.5 million in the current financial year.\r\nAs a result of this investment, the overall specialist CAMHS workforce has grown by approximately one third since September 2008.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-14T15:02:44.14","MeetingDate":"2012-02-23T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269959,"EventID":"S4O-00720","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":1860,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-15T15:02:44.22","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-08T14:21:50.203","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the Cabinet Secretary for Health, Wellbeing and Cities Strategy last met NHS board chief executives and what was discussed.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the Cabinet Secretary for Health, Wellbeing and Cities Strategy last met NHS board chief executives and what was discussed.\r\n","AnswerText":"I last met with chief executives of NHS boards as a group on 22 June 2011. I meet frequently with individual chief executives. During the meeting on 22 June we discussed the Scottish Governments priorities for the NHS in Scotland and matters concerning the health of the population.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-14T15:02:44.22","MeetingDate":"2012-02-23T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269960,"EventID":"S4O-00721","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":1841,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":120,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-15T15:02:44.283","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-08T14:21:50.237","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to provide more children with the opportunity to learn to swim.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to provide more children with the opportunity to learn to swim.\r\n","AnswerText":"This Government is keen to ensure that every child is given the opportunity to learn to swim and to also have access to the right facilities so that they can keep swimming.\r\nIn the last two years we have invested over £3.2 million in Scottish Swimming including investment of £1.2 million for the Top Up swimming programme, £420,000 of which will be used to extend this initiative in 2012-13. Last year the “Top Up” programme was supported by all 32 local authority swimming partners across Scotland and helped to increase the number of children who can swim giving them new skills for safety, fitness, health and fun.\r\nOur commitment to delivering our aim is also demonstrated through our investment in quality facilities including 12 new and upgraded swimming pools including the Royal Commonwealth Pool and a 50m pool in Aberdeen.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-14T15:02:44.283","MeetingDate":"2012-02-23T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Shona Robison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269961,"EventID":"S4O-00722","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":1845,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-15T15:02:44.33","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-08T14:21:50.267","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what impact its cities strategy will have on Aberdeen.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what impact its cities strategy will have on Aberdeen.","AnswerText":"The Agenda for Cities was developed in collaboration with Aberdeen City Council and Scotland’s other cities. It provides an opportunity for Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire to collaborate with Scotland’s other cities and their regions to develop investment programmes of scale that support sustainable economic growth.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-14T15:02:44.343","MeetingDate":"2012-02-23T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269962,"EventID":"S4O-00723","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":2059,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":91,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-15T15:02:44.39","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-08T14:21:50.313","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what provision it has made for investment in NHS property in the NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde board area.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what provision it has made for investment in NHS property in the NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde board area.\r\n","AnswerText":"Capital and revenue allocations are made to NHS Board from which they are able to prioritise their investment in property. Capital Allocations over the period 2012-13 to 2014-15 total £795.6 million for NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde.\r\nIn addition to legally committed projects such as the new South Glasgow Hospitals, priority has been given in the Spending Review process to maximise investment in addressing backlog maintenance.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-14T15:02:44.39","MeetingDate":"2012-02-23T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269963,"EventID":"S4O-00724","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":1866,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-15T15:02:44.453","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-08T14:21:50.377","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to address the £140 million maintenance backlog in NHS Lothian, as reported in The State of the NHSScotland Estate 2011.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to address the £140 million maintenance backlog in NHS Lothian, as reported in The State of the NHSScotland Estate 2011.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government is working with NHS Lothian to deliver a number of major projects including the reprovision of the Royal Victoria Hospital and the Royal Hospital for Sick Children and Department of Clinical Neurosciences together with a range of services at the Astley Ainslie and Royal Edinburgh Hospitals. These projects together with on-going maintenance are expected to reduce identified backlog by £84 million.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-14T15:02:44.453","MeetingDate":"2012-02-23T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269964,"EventID":"S4O-00726","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":5109,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":101,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-15T15:02:44.517","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-08T14:21:50.47","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to address the health inequalities particular to lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to address the health inequalities particular to lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people.","AnswerText":"We work in partnership with NHSScotland to ensure that lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people’s health needs are met and that they don’t experience discrimination on the basis of their sexual orientation or transgender identity. NHSScotland has operated a policy of equality impact assessment for LGBT people’s health and wellbeing since 2005 and specific “Fair for All” guidance on responding to the needs of LGBT people has been in place since 2002.\r\nIn relation to some of the specific health inequalities that LGBT people may face, we have undertaken work around patient experience, smoking cessation and also a significant piece of work around improving the care pathway for people seeking gender reassignment. In relation to mental health, we are currently funding the LGBT Centre for Health and Wellbeing in Edinburgh to run a demonstration project to build up knowledge of the mental health needs of LGBT people across NHS Lothian.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-14T15:02:44.517","MeetingDate":"2012-02-23T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269966,"EventID":"S4W-05632","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-15T15:15:39.55","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-13T09:52:15","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many modern apprenticeships there have been in each year since 2002 and, of these, how many have been completed.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many modern apprenticeships there have been in each year since 2002 and, of these, how many have been completed.\r\n","AnswerText":"Apprenticeship numbers in Scotland have increased from 15,010 in 2007-08 to 21,561 in 2010-11. We will support 25,000 Modern Apprentice opportunities in 2011-12, the highest ever number of apprenticeships in Scotland.\r\nThe Scottish Government does not hold this information centrally. I will ask the Chief Executive of Skills Development Scotland to write to you with the information you have requested.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-14T15:15:39.58","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angela Constance","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269967,"EventID":"S4W-05669","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2010,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":137,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-15T15:15:39.94","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-15T14:04:11","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many individuals members there are of the (a) Scottish Older People’s Assembly and (b) Scottish Older People’s Assembly Steering Group.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many individuals members there are of the (a) Scottish Older People’s Assembly and (b) Scottish Older People’s Assembly Steering Group.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Older People’s Assembly is run by older people, for older people, and its purpose is to be a voice for older people in Scotland. It was not set up by the Scottish Government, nor is it a Scottish Government organisation, but information about the Assembly and its Steering Group is at \r\nhttp://www.edinburgh.gov.uk/sopa2011.\r\nThe first Assembly was held in October 2009, and the Scottish Government provided funding of £31,016.32 in 2009-10, £30,000 in each of 2010-11 and 2011-12, and we have promised £30,000 for an assembly in 2012.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-14T15:15:39.94","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269968,"EventID":"S4W-05670","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2010,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":137,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-15T15:15:40","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-15T14:04:11","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many organisations are represented on the (a) Scottish Older People’s Assembly and (b) Scottish Older People’s Assembly Steering Group.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many organisations are represented on the (a) Scottish Older People’s Assembly and (b) Scottish Older People’s Assembly Steering Group.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-05669 on 13 March 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-14T15:15:40","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269969,"EventID":"S4W-05671","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2010,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":137,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-15T15:15:40.08","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-15T14:04:11","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Scottish Older People’s Assembly has a written constitution.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Scottish Older People’s Assembly has a written constitution.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-05669 on 13 March 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-14T15:15:40.08","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269970,"EventID":"S4W-05674","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2010,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":137,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-15T15:15:40.14","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-15T14:04:11","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how (a) individual people and (b) organisations can become members of the Scottish Older People’s Assembly Steering Group.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how (a) individual people and (b) organisations can become members of the Scottish Older People’s Assembly Steering Group.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-05669 on 13 March 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-14T15:15:40.14","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269971,"EventID":"S4W-05675","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2010,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":137,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-15T15:15:40.203","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-15T14:04:11","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what support it gives to the Scottish Older People’s Assembly.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what support it gives to the Scottish Older People’s Assembly.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-05669 on 13 March 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-14T15:15:40.203","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269972,"EventID":"S4W-05676","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2010,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":137,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-15T15:15:40.25","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-15T14:04:11","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what role it considers that the Scottish Older People’s Assembly plays in society.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what role it considers that the Scottish Older People’s Assembly plays in society.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-05669 on 13 March 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-14T15:15:40.267","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269982,"EventID":"S4W-05705","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":5106,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":118,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-16T15:53:38.613","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-16T11:02:07.91","Title":"To ask the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body whether it plans to review the audit processes of the Scottish Public Services Ombudsman.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body whether it plans to review the audit processes of the Scottish Public Services Ombudsman.\r\n","AnswerText":"Under the Scottish Public Services Ombudsman Act 2002, the Scottish Public Services Ombudsman is required to keep and prepare accounts in respect of each financial year in accordance with an Accounts Direction from Scottish Ministers. The Ombudsman must send a copy of the annual accounts to the Auditor General for Scotland for auditing. \r\n \r\nThe audit of accounts is undertaken by Audit Scotland, on behalf of the Auditor General, and the auditors’ responsibility is to audit and express an opinion on the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and international standards on auditing. The SPCB has no plans to review this statutory financial audit process.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-15T15:53:39.02","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Liam McArthur","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269983,"EventID":"S4W-05573","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3896,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":97,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-16T15:54:22.52","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-09T15:10:32","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with local authorities since 2007 regarding the extension of public service obligation flights to all airports that serve routes that are elig","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with local authorities since 2007 regarding the extension of public service obligation flights to all airports that serve routes that are eligible for the Air Discount Scheme.","AnswerText":"I met the Convenors of the three island authorities on 29 September when a number of issues were discussed including the extension of Public Service Obligation services.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-15T15:54:22.597","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269984,"EventID":"S4W-05574","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3896,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":97,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-16T15:54:22.66","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-09T15:10:32","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with the European Commission since 2007 regarding the extension of public service obligation flights to other air routes, including those elig","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with the European Commission since 2007 regarding the extension of public service obligation flights to other air routes, including those eligible for the Air Discount Scheme.\r\n","AnswerText":"We have had no such discussions with the European Commission since 2007.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-15T15:54:22.66","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269985,"EventID":"S4W-05575","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3896,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":97,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-16T15:54:22.723","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-09T15:10:32","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with businesses in the Highlands and Islands since 2007 regarding the extension of public service obligation flights to these areas.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with businesses in the Highlands and Islands since 2007 regarding the extension of public service obligation flights to these areas.","AnswerText":"We have had no such discussions with businesses in the Highlands and Islands since 2007.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-15T15:54:22.723","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269986,"EventID":"S4W-05576","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3896,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":97,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-16T15:54:22.783","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-09T15:10:32","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with (a) Flybe, (b) Loganair and (c) other airlines serving the Highlands and Islands since 2007 regarding the expansion of the public service","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with (a) Flybe, (b) Loganair and (c) other airlines serving the Highlands and Islands since 2007 regarding the expansion of the public service obligation network.","AnswerText":"We have had no such discussions with airlines since 2007.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-15T15:54:22.783","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269987,"EventID":"S4W-05577","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3896,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":97,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-16T15:54:22.847","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-09T15:10:32","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the budget for public service obligation flights has been in each year since 2007.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the budget for public service obligation flights has been in each year since 2007.\r\n","AnswerText":"Details of Public Service Obligation actual spend for the provision of air services between Glasgow International Airport and Campbeltown, Tiree and Barra are as follows:\r\n2007-08\r\n£1.8 million\r\n2008-09\r\n£1.9 million\r\n2009-10\r\n£2.0 million\r\n2010-11\r\n£2.0 million\r\n2011-12 to date\r\n£1.8 million\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-15T15:54:22.863","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269988,"EventID":"S4W-05578","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3896,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":97,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-16T15:54:22.94","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-09T15:10:32","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what criteria it has used since 2007 to determine a region’s eligibility for public service obligation flights.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what criteria it has used since 2007 to determine a region’s eligibility for public service obligation flights.","AnswerText":"We have used the following criteria for our supported air services:-\r\nroutes which are not commercially viable, and\r\nroutes which would not otherwise be provided.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-15T15:54:22.94","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269989,"EventID":"S4W-05579","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3896,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":97,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-16T15:54:23.05","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-09T15:10:32","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much it has spent on the administration of public service obligation flights in each year since 2007.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much it has spent on the administration of public service obligation flights in each year since 2007.","AnswerText":"It is not possible to provide a break-down of the administration costs incurred by the Scottish Government for our Public Service Obligation flights.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-15T15:54:23.05","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269990,"EventID":"S4W-05657","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5047,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-16T15:54:23.16","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-14T12:29:20","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many children ordinarily resident in Scotland have been placed in specialist residential educational facilities in England in each of the last five years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many children ordinarily resident in Scotland have been placed in specialist residential educational facilities in England in each of the last five years.","AnswerText":"This information is not collected centrally.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-15T15:54:23.16","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Aileen Campbell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269991,"EventID":"S4W-05658","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5047,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-16T15:54:23.22","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-14T12:29:20","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many prisoners have applied to be transferred to England in each of the last five years and how many applications are under consideration.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many prisoners have applied to be transferred to England in each of the last five years and how many applications are under consideration.","AnswerText":"I have asked John Ewing, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service, to respond. His response is as follows:\r\nThe number of applications for transfer for the last five financial years are as follows:\r\n2006-07 = 37\r\n2007-08 = 62\r\n2008-09 = 48\r\n2009-10 = 50\r\n2010-11 = 39\r\n2011 to 20 February 2012 = 28.\r\nAs at 20 February 2012 there are eight applications under consideration.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-15T15:54:23.237","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269992,"EventID":"S4W-05659","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5047,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-16T15:54:23.3","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-14T12:29:20","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many offenders given community service or probation orders in England have had their supervision transferred to local authorities in Scotland in each of the last five","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many offenders given community service or probation orders in England have had their supervision transferred to local authorities in Scotland in each of the last five years.","AnswerText":"This is a matter for local authorities. The information requested is not held centrally.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-15T15:54:23.3","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269993,"EventID":"S4W-05660","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5047,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-16T15:54:23.363","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-14T12:29:20","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the Cabinet Secretary for Justice (a) last met and (b) will next meet the Home Secretary to discuss serious and organised crime.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the Cabinet Secretary for Justice (a) last met and (b) will next meet the Home Secretary to discuss serious and organised crime.\r\n","AnswerText":"I last met with the Home Secretary on 14 September 2010 in Whitehall, following her appointment after the UK General Election. At the meeting, a range of justice issues were discussed including the future regulation of the private security industry, the UK Government’s proposals for the National Crime Agency and the good co-operation that exists between the UK Serious Organised Crime Agency and the Scottish Crime and Drug Enforcement Agency – all issues related to tackling serious organised crime. At present, I do not have any planned meetings with the Home Secretary to discuss serious organised crime.\r\nThe Scottish Government has a strong working relationship and shared agenda with the Home Office with regards to tackling serious organised crime and since meeting with the Home Secretary in September 2010, I have been in regular and ongoing correspondence on a wide range of serious organised crime matters with the Home Secretary and other Home Office Ministers. Senior officials from the Home Office have attended the Scottish Serious Organised Crime Taskforce (as recently as October 2011) to get a flavour of how we tackle serious organised crime in Scotland and officials from the Scottish Government Organised Crime Unit are in weekly contact with their counterparts in the Home Office.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-15T15:54:23.377","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269994,"EventID":"S4W-05661","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5047,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-16T15:54:23.44","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-14T12:29:20","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with the UK Government regarding mutual aid in policing for the 2012 Olympics.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with the UK Government regarding mutual aid in policing for the 2012 Olympics.","AnswerText":"It is for individual forces to agree mutual aid arrangements and deployment requirements for the 2012 Olympic Games.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-15T15:54:23.457","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269995,"EventID":"S4W-05677","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4080,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-16T15:54:23.517","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-15T14:50:54.887","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the cost to each NHS board was of prescribing Ritalin to children under 18 in (a) 2009-10, (b) 2010-11 and (c) 2011-12.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the cost to each NHS board was of prescribing Ritalin to children under 18 in (a) 2009-10, (b) 2010-11 and (c) 2011-12.\r\n","AnswerText":"Table 1 shows the Gross Ingredient Cost (£) of prescribing Methylphenidate Hydrochloride, which is the non-proprietry name for drugs including the branded products Ritalin, Equasym, Equasym XL, Concerta XL, Medikinet XL, Medikinet and Tranquilyn.\r\nMethylphenidate Hydrochloride is licensed for use with children and young people under 18. However, the available data as shown in Table 1 may include some unlicensed prescribing for adults.\r\nFull-year data is not available for the year 2011-12.\r\nTable 1\r\n \r\nFinancial Year\r\nNHS Board\r\n2009-10\r\n2010-11\r\nNHS Scotland\r\n2,341,215\r\n2,519,071\r\nNHS Ayrshire and Arran\r\n121,786\r\n139,528\r\nNHS Borders\r\n99,651\r\n125,665\r\nNHS Dumfries and Galloway\r\n93,893\r\n96,671\r\nNHS Fife\r\n373,672\r\n361,743\r\nNHS Forth Valley \r\n137,248\r\n150,998\r\nNHS Grampian\r\n287,877\r\n315,055\r\nNHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde\r\n314,131\r\n342,007\r\nNHS Highland\r\n110,075\r\n124,174\r\nNHS Lanarkshire\r\n83,492\r\n95,922\r\nNHS Lothian\r\n350,740\r\n362,829\r\nNHS Orkney\r\n6,371\r\n6,653\r\nNHS Shetland\r\n9,828\r\n7,588\r\nNHS Tayside\r\n350,711\r\n389,255\r\nNHS Western Isles\r\n1,740\r\n984\r\n\r\nTable 2 shows the Gross Ingredient Cost (£) of prescribing the branded drug Ritalin. Ritalin is licensed for use with children and young people under 18. However, the available data as shown in table 2 may include some unlicensed prescribing for adults.\r\nFull-year data is not available for the year 2011-12.\r\nTable 2\r\n \r\nFinancial Year\r\nNHS Board\r\n2009-10\r\n2010-11\r\nNHS Scotland\r\n48,275\r\n40,381\r\nNHS Ayrshire and Arran\r\n2,751\r\n2,970\r\nNHS Borders\r\n1,916\r\n1,789\r\nNHS Dumfries and Galloway\r\n575\r\n201\r\nNHS Fife\r\n7,065\r\n4,190\r\nNHS Forth Valley \r\n1,364\r\n566\r\nNHS Grampian\r\n6,261\r\n5,703\r\nNHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde\r\n5,365\r\n4,799\r\nNHS Highland\r\n2,058\r\n1,789\r\nNHS Lanarkshire\r\n2,620\r\n2,760\r\nNHS Lothian\r\n14,324\r\n11,764\r\nNHS Tayside\r\n3,654\r\n3,554\r\nIsland Boards\r\n323\r\n295\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-15T15:54:23.517","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269996,"EventID":"S4W-05678","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4080,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-16T15:54:23.58","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-15T14:50:54.887","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people with PIP breast implants have sought advice regarding their implants from each NHS board.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people with PIP breast implants have sought advice regarding their implants from each NHS board.\r\n","AnswerText":"NHS boards have confirmed that up to 27 February 2012, 23 patients have been referred to the four plastic surgery and breast surgery units in NHSScotland. Arrangements are being made for this information to be collated and published by Information Services Division of National Services Scotland.\r\nInformation on patients who have consulted their GP is, however, not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2012-02-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-15T15:54:23.58","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269997,"EventID":"S4W-05679","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4080,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-16T15:54:23.657","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-15T14:50:54.887","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much it has budgeted to treat people with PIP implants who have sought help from the NHS.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much it has budgeted to treat people with PIP implants who have sought help from the NHS.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-04849 on 18 January 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-15T15:54:23.657","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269998,"EventID":"S4W-05680","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4080,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-16T15:54:23.72","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-15T14:54:32.087","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, in light of the findings of the King’s Fund report, Long-term conditions and mental health: The cost of co-morbidities,  what steps it has taken to ensure that all healt","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, in light of the findings of the King’s Fund report, Long-term conditions and mental health: The cost of co-morbidities,  what steps it has taken to ensure that all health professionals have knowledge of mental health problems.","AnswerText":"The King’s Fund report reflects on the organisation of health and social care services in England, and lacks an analysis of the Scottish context. Its broad conclusions for better quality, and improved co-ordination and delivery of care for those with co-morbidities are, however, consistent with the Scottish Government’s current policies and priorities for those with mental health and long term conditions. We have achieved tangible improvements through delivery of our Long Tem Conditions Action, and are now embedding and widening progress through the Quality Strategy delivery groups.\r\nEnsuring our health care professionals have the right knowledge, skills and access to development opportunities remains a high priority, and we continue to work with the professional regulators, and NHS Scotland boards, in delivering required educational standards, and in responding to identified needs. For example, NHS Education for Scotland (NES) is leading a programme of work that is specifically addressing workforce development in relation to the psychological wellbeing and mental health needs of people with long-term conditions.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-15T15:54:23.72","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":269999,"EventID":"S4W-05681","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4080,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-16T15:54:23.953","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-15T14:54:32.087","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, in light of the findings of the King’s Fund report, Long-term conditions and mental health: The cost of co-morbidities, what assessment it has made of NHS spend on menta","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, in light of the findings of the King’s Fund report, Long-term conditions and mental health: The cost of co-morbidities, what assessment it has made of NHS spend on mental health problems in people with long-term conditions.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government sets national direction of policy on mental health and provides funding to agencies, including NHS boards and local authorities, to support implementation of policy. The management of local actions in implementing national policy, and decisions on local spending priorities are the responsibility of relevant local agencies.\r\nPeople with a mental health problem and long-term condition will benefit from the record investment and the range of improvements being delivered as part of the Scottish Government’s wider health and mental health improvement programmes, including the Healthcare Quality Strategy.\r\nThe Scottish Government provided £548,000 funding to 2011 for the three year Living Better partnership project led by RCGP Scotland to help local primary care services improve detection and diagnosis of mental health problems in people living with long term conditions such as diabetes, chronic heart disease, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (www.livingbetter-scotland.org.uk).\r\nWe are also currently considering consultation responses on the future direction of our mental health strategy to 2015. The consultation document recognised the importance of delivering key outcomes such as ensuring mental health services work well with, and are integrated in, other services and settings, and that people and communities act to protect and promote their mental health to reduce the likelihood that they will become unwell. Detailed plans will be set out in the final strategy which will be published in the spring.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-15T15:54:23.97","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270000,"EventID":"S4W-05682","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4080,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-16T15:54:24.033","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-15T14:57:01.253","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will consider introducing a compulsory alcohol sobriety scheme for problem drinkers convicted of serious drink-related offences similar to that recently propos","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will consider introducing a compulsory alcohol sobriety scheme for problem drinkers convicted of serious drink-related offences similar to that recently proposed by the Mayor of London. \r\n","AnswerText":"We currently have no plans to introduce a compulsory alcohol sobriety scheme for problem drinkers convicted of serious drink-related offences, but will follow the success of the pilot proposed by the Mayor of London with interest.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-15T15:54:24.047","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270001,"EventID":"S4W-05683","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4080,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-16T15:54:24.157","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-15T14:57:01.253","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to ensure that nuchal transparency screening is made available in NHS (a) Greater Glasgow and Clyde and (b) Western Isles.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to ensure that nuchal transparency screening is made available in NHS (a) Greater Glasgow and Clyde and (b) Western Isles.","AnswerText":"Between 2008 and 2010, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde and NHS Western Isles were allocated funding of £2,030,401.80 and £207,947 respectively to support the implementation of the nuchal translucency scan.\r\nThe Scottish Government is working closely with NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde and NHS Western Isles to support the redesign and training of the existing workforce to ensure the nuchal translucency scans are available as quickly as possible.\r\nThe nuchal translucency scan is anticipated to be available in NHS Western Isles imminently, and in NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde by September 2012.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-15T15:54:24.157","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270002,"EventID":"S4W-05684","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4080,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-16T15:54:24.25","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-15T14:57:01.253","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive for what reason the introduction of nuchal transparency screening has been delayed in NHS (a) Greater Glasgow and Clyde and (b) Western Isles.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive for what reason the introduction of nuchal transparency screening has been delayed in NHS (a) Greater Glasgow and Clyde and (b) Western Isles.\r\n","AnswerText":"The introduction of nuchal translucancy screening has been delayed in NHS Greater and Clyde and NHS Western Isles as there is a shortage of trained sonographers within these board areas.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-15T15:54:24.267","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270003,"EventID":"S4W-05685","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4080,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-16T15:54:24.343","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-15T14:59:19.563","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it will take to ensure that the mental health of patients with mild to moderate depression or anxiety is not detrimentally impacted by the proposed move to int","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it will take to ensure that the mental health of patients with mild to moderate depression or anxiety is not detrimentally impacted by the proposed move to introduce computer-based counselling in place of face-to-face counselling with a trained therapist.","AnswerText":"Computer-based therapies are not intended to replace face-to-face therapies but to add to the options, flexibility and personal choices available to patients, many of whom prefer this type of interaction. In all cases, an assessment should take place, which will establish whether a computer based therapy is appropriate for and wanted by the patient, and also to establish whether it is safe for them to use this approach.\r\nThis type of intervention is in many cases offered as part of a package of care which may also include face-to-face sessions and drug treatment as appropriate, alongside other initiatives such as exercise referral and bibliotherapy.\r\nThere is an evidence base for the effectiveness of computer based therapies, with National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) and Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network (SIGN) guidelines recommending them. Good practice guidelines recommend computer based therapies are delivered with guidance and monitoring from a support worker.\r\nOther advantages of providing the option of computer-based therapy include making a contribution to overall service improvement through freeing up time for more complex face-to-face therapy, where required, and for more high intensity therapies. Computer-based therapy is also particularly valuable in remote and rural areas where it gives individuals access to support in their own homes.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-15T15:54:24.36","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270004,"EventID":"S4W-05686","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4080,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-16T15:54:24.47","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-15T14:59:19.563","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it will take to ensure that serious mental illness is not missed if computer-based counselling is introduced in place of face-to-face counselling with a traine","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it will take to ensure that serious mental illness is not missed if computer-based counselling is introduced in place of face-to-face counselling with a trained therapist.","AnswerText":"Computer-based therapies are not intended to replace face-to-face therapies but to add to the options and personal choices available to those patients for whom this type of intervention is appropriate, welcomed, likely to be effective, and safe.\r\nIn many cases patients are referred through their GP, who will note any symptoms and problems during a face-to-face consultation, and refer or prescribe accordingly. Good practice suggests that on first contact with a computer based therapy service, patients should be subject to an initial assessment, whether referred through their GP, self-referred or arriving at the service through any other route, to establish whether computer based therapy is suitable for the level of complexity and severity of their problem or illness.\r\nThereafter, ongoing review should take place to ensure that they are benefitting from the intervention and to assess whether other interventions are required. In most cases, standardised tools to rate depression and anxiety levels are used, and if a patient is scoring highly in these, there should be a mechanism in place to alert the support worker and advise the user to seek other help urgently.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-15T15:54:24.47","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270005,"EventID":"S4W-05687","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4080,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-16T15:54:24.58","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-15T14:59:19.563","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many pregnant women have had a flu vaccination in each of the last three years, broken down by NHS board.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many pregnant women have had a flu vaccination in each of the last three years, broken down by NHS board.\r\n","AnswerText":"Influenza vaccine uptake as reported in pregnant women in Scotland by health board for the seasons 2009-10, 2010-11, 2011-12 to date (week eight, 2012). The data is subject to the caveats outlined in the following table:\r\n \r\nNHS Board\r\nVaccine Uptake (%)\r\n2009-10\r\n2010-11\r\n2011-12*\r\nAyrshire and Arran\r\n26.6\r\n62.8\r\n37.2\r\nBorders\r\n51.4\r\n74.4\r\n43.8\r\nDumfries and Galloway\r\n42.8\r\n64.9\r\n40.2\r\nFife\r\n31.0\r\n56.0\r\n30.9\r\nForth Valley\r\n38.6\r\n62.0\r\n36.2\r\nGrampian\r\n23.5\r\n59.4\r\n43.0\r\nGreater Glasgow and Clyde\r\n40.7\r\n73.0\r\n41.3\r\nHighland\r\n31.5\r\n58.3\r\n42.6\r\nLanarkshire\r\n38.6\r\n74.8\r\n40.7\r\nLothian\r\n30.5\r\n63.9\r\n44.5\r\nOrkney\r\n35.0\r\n76.6\r\n40.9\r\nShetland\r\n53.1\r\n46.4\r\n33.5\r\nTayside\r\n30.3\r\n61.3\r\n38.9\r\nWestern Isles\r\n33.1\r\n66.4\r\n38.0\r\nScotland\r\n33.3\r\n65.6\r\n40.3\r\nNotes:\r\n* Figures reported to date (week eight, 2012)\r\n1. Due to the transient nature of pregnancy, the denominator for the population of pregnant women is not constant over the course of the influenza season. Furthermore identification of this group of the population is dependant on eligible pregnant women being identified by the GP (though medical care might be provided by maternity services and/or midwifes), as well as the GP recording a woman as pregnant on their medical records.\r\n2. Where a pregnant woman has been vaccinated elsewhere (within maternity services or at work) notification of that vaccination should have been sent to her GP. This information may not be recorded in an individuals GP record and will result in reducing the number of individuals being recorded as immunised.\r\n3. Vaccine uptake figures are not cumulative – Only those women who are defined as pregnant at the time of data extraction in the GP database are considered for both numerator and denominator figures. This results in women that are no longer pregnant at the end of the season no longer being considered in either the numerator or the denominator in the final uptake figure.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-15T15:54:24.58","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270006,"EventID":"S4W-05688","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5106,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":118,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-16T15:54:24.657","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-15T15:08:16.517","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the UK Government has provided funding to help house military personnel who have been made redundant.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the UK Government has provided funding to help house military personnel who have been made redundant.","AnswerText":"Funding by the UK Government is a matter for the UK Government. But to support those who have served in the armed forces to find suitable housing the Scottish Government has:\r\nPublished a tailored housing options leaflet: A Scottish housing guide for people leaving the armed forces and ex-service personnel, which provides information on housing options and where to go for further advice and support. The leaflet is available online at: http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2010/03/24165717/0;\r\nIssued a new practical guide to social housing allocations in March 2011, which strengthens guidance on housing ex-service personnel to help social landlords address their needs to ensure they are not disadvantaged;\r\nAmended Scottish legislation in 2010 to allow homeless ex-service personnel to establish a “local connection” through their service in an area in the same way that others can;\r\nProvided priority access to people in the armed forces or veterans, widows, widowers and other partners of service personnel killed in action to the Scottish Government's Low-Cost Initiative for First Time Buyers (LIFT) shared equity schemes, and \r\nIn December 2011, announced funding to Ownership Options to provide a new project to help disabled ex-servicemen and women to access suitable housing. Ownership Options will recruit and train a disabled ex-service person to provide this service helping them to engage more effectively with the veterans’ community.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-15T15:54:24.657","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270007,"EventID":"S4W-05689","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5106,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":118,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-16T15:54:24.72","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-15T15:08:16.517","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to issue guidance to local authorities on the allocation of social housing to veterans and those leaving the military.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to issue guidance to local authorities on the allocation of social housing to veterans and those leaving the military.","AnswerText":"A practical guide to social housing allocations was published online in March 2011. This aims to help social landlords understand the requirements and the flexibilities they have in allocating their housing. It includes revised guidance on housing ex-service personnel to help social landlords consider and address their needs and ensure they are not disadvantaged. The guide also provides practical examples of approaches being used by landlords to manage housing allocations including in relation to ex-service personnel. The guide is available on the Scottish Government’s website at:\r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Built-Environment/Housing/16342/management/socialhousingaccess/allocations/Guide.\r\nTo further support landlords to understand and meet the needs of the armed forces community, additional practice examples of approaches being taken by social landlords to support service personnel will be developed and shared through the guide. Once additional practice examples have been identified, we will remind all social landlords of the importance of addressing the housing needs of our armed forces and veterans’ community and highlight the guidance, additional practice examples as well as the Scottish housing options leaflet for people leaving the armed forces and ex-service personnel.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-15T15:54:24.733","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270008,"EventID":"S4W-05690","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5106,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":118,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-16T15:54:24.827","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-15T15:08:16.517","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the UK Government has given any indication of its intention to transfer military housing to local authorities or housing associations.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the UK Government has given any indication of its intention to transfer military housing to local authorities or housing associations.\r\n","AnswerText":"There is a Framework Document between the Defence Infrastructure Organisation and Scottish Government in relation to the disposal of surplus Ministry of Defence property and land in Scotland. This allows Scottish Government early sight of any proposed disposals by the Defence Infrastructure Organisation and is made available on a monthly basis.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-15T15:54:24.827","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270009,"EventID":"S4W-05691","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5106,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":118,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-16T15:54:24.937","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-15T15:08:16.517","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many former military personnel are on each council house waiting list.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many former military personnel are on each council house waiting list.","AnswerText":"This data is not held centrally.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-15T15:54:24.937","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270010,"EventID":"S4W-05692","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-16T15:54:25.03","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-15T15:34:59.9","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to legislate to end or curtail train engine idling.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to legislate to end or curtail train engine idling.","AnswerText":"We are concerned that noise emanating from railways may cause nuisance. We remain unconvinced for the need for legislation at this stage and are pursuing non-legislative means to address potential issues. Accordingly, we have met with the rail industry to discuss what measures could offer appropriate noise mitigation solutions.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-15T15:54:25.03","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270011,"EventID":"S4W-05693","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3758,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":76,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-16T15:54:25.123","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-15T15:37:13.447","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information it has on the (a) monthly productivity since 2005 and (b) current productivity of the Rhum gas field; how this compares with the forecast productivity, a","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information it has on the (a) monthly productivity since 2005 and (b) current productivity of the Rhum gas field; how this compares with the forecast productivity, and what the impact on jobs has been in Scotland.","AnswerText":"Monthly oil and gas production figures by field are published by the Department for Energy and Climate Change and can be found on their website at the following link:\r\nhttps://www.og.decc.gov.uk/pprs/full_production.htm\r\nInformation on forecast productivity and the impact on jobs in Scotland for individual fields is not held centrally.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-15T15:54:25.123","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270012,"EventID":"S4W-05695","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3758,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":76,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-16T15:54:25.217","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-15T15:37:13.447","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the impact on the Scottish economy has been of the gas produced by the Rhum gas field and what the impact is expected to be over the forecast lifespan of the field.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the impact on the Scottish economy has been of the gas produced by the Rhum gas field and what the impact is expected to be over the forecast lifespan of the field.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-15T15:54:25.217","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270013,"EventID":"S4W-05699","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-16T15:54:25.343","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-15T16:32:19.19","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it supports UNICEF’s Rights Respecting Schools programme.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it supports UNICEF’s Rights Respecting Schools programme.","AnswerText":"Curriculum for Excellence provides the framework for schools and local authorities to explore opportunities such as UNICEF’s Rights Respecting Schools Award (RRSA) to provide active and engaging opportunities for Scotland’s learners.\r\nEducation Scotland is working with a range of partners to provide opportunities for Scotland’s children and young people to develop as responsible global citizens. This includes support for local authorities and collaboration with UNICEF.\r\nRRSA is well established in Scotland. The first schools registered in 2007 and these has been significant growth since 2009, with Scottish schools now having the highest take-up rate of anywhere in the UK. 583 primary schools (24%) and 74 secondary schools (16%) are currently involved in the initiative.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-15T15:54:25.343","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alasdair Allan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270014,"EventID":"S4W-05700","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-16T15:54:25.453","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-15T16:32:19.19","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the relationship is between its proposed Rights of Children and Young People Bill and support for UNICEF’s Rights Respecting Schools programme.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the relationship is between its proposed Rights of Children and Young People Bill and support for UNICEF’s Rights Respecting Schools programme.\r\n","AnswerText":"UNICEF’s Rights Respecting Schools Programme is a further tool to promote and advance children’s rights in Scotland and is complementary to Scottish Government wider policy and legislative activity on this issue.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-15T15:54:25.453","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alasdair Allan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270015,"EventID":"S4W-05701","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4947,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-16T15:54:25.56","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-16T10:36:08.803","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many prosecutions there have been for littering since 2003, broken down by police force area.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many prosecutions there have been for littering since 2003, broken down by police force area.\r\n","AnswerText":"The available information is given in the following table\r\nPersons Proceeded Against in Scottish Courts for Litter Offences1, By Police Force Area, 2003-04 to 2010-11\r\nPolice Force\r\n2003-04\r\n2004-05\r\n2005-06\r\n2006-07\r\n2007-08\r\n2008-09\r\n2009-10\r\n2010-11\r\nCentral\r\n0\r\n3\r\n2\r\n5\r\n5\r\n8\r\n4\r\n4\r\nDumfries and Galloway\r\n0\r\n0\r\n1\r\n0\r\n2\r\n3\r\n1\r\n1\r\nFife\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\nGrampian\r\n1\r\n3\r\n0\r\n1\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\nLothian and Borders\r\n1\r\n3\r\n2\r\n4\r\n20\r\n1\r\n4\r\n3\r\nNorthern\r\n0\r\n2\r\n1\r\n1\r\n1\r\n2\r\n0\r\n0\r\nStrathclyde\r\n19\r\n30\r\n33\r\n45\r\n64\r\n33\r\n15\r\n18\r\nTayside\r\n7\r\n2\r\n0\r\n1\r\n1\r\n1\r\n1\r\n1\r\nScotland\r\n28\r\n43\r\n39\r\n57\r\n93\r\n48\r\n25\r\n27\r\nNote: 1. Where main offence.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-15T15:54:25.56","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270016,"EventID":"S4W-05702","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4947,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-16T15:54:25.653","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-16T10:36:08.803","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many fixed penalties have been issued for littering offences since 2003, broken down by police force area.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many fixed penalties have been issued for littering offences since 2003, broken down by police force area.\r\n","AnswerText":"The available information on non-court disposals for littering offences is given in the following table. The information held centrally is only available from the financial year 2008-09.\r\nInformation on fixed penalties issued by local authorities is not held centrally.\r\nPeople Given Non-Court Disposals For Littering Offences1, By Police Force Area, 2008-09 To 2010-11\r\nPolice Force\r\n2008-09\r\n2009-10\r\n2010-11\r\nCentral\r\n\r\n\r\n \r\nPolice Formal Adult Warning\r\n8\r\n4\r\n43\r\nPolice Restorative Justice\r\n1\r\n1\r\n1\r\nFiscal Fine\r\n76\r\n50\r\n200\r\nFiscal Fixed Penalty Notice\r\n1\r\n0\r\n0\r\nFiscal Fixed Penalty (pre-SJR codes)2\r\n1\r\n0\r\n0\r\nDumfries and Galloway\r\n\r\n\r\n \r\nFiscal Fine\r\n24\r\n22\r\n9\r\nFife \r\n\r\n\r\n \r\nFiscal Fine\r\n9\r\n0\r\n13\r\nGrampian\r\n\r\n\r\n \r\nPolice Formal Adult Warning\r\n2\r\n2\r\n1\r\nWarning Letter\r\n3\r\n0\r\n0\r\nFiscal Fine\r\n3\r\n2\r\n33\r\nLothian and Borders\r\n\r\n\r\n \r\nPolice Formal Adult Warning\r\n0\r\n0\r\n3\r\nWarning Letter\r\n0\r\n0\r\n1\r\nFiscal Fine\r\n77\r\n141\r\n350\r\nFiscal Fixed Penalty (pre-SJR codes)2\r\n1\r\n0\r\n0\r\nNorthern\r\n\r\n\r\n \r\nPolice Formal Adult Warning\r\n0\r\n1\r\n1\r\nFiscal Fine\r\n7\r\n3\r\n5\r\nStrathclyde\r\n\r\n\r\n \r\nPolice Formal Adult Warning\r\n29\r\n68\r\n36\r\nPolice Restorative Justice\r\n2\r\n2\r\n2\r\nWarning Letter\r\n6\r\n0\r\n1\r\nFiscal Fine\r\n516\r\n1,309\r\n1,366\r\nFiscal Fixed Penalty (pre-SJR codes)2\r\n14\r\n0\r\n2\r\nTayside\r\n\r\n\r\n \r\nFiscal Fine\r\n30\r\n30\r\n39\r\nUnknown\r\n\r\n\r\n \r\nFiscal Fine\r\n0\r\n2\r\n11\r\nScotland \r\n\r\n\r\n \r\nPolice Formal Adult Warning\r\n39\r\n75\r\n84\r\nPolice Restorative Justice\r\n3\r\n3\r\n3\r\nWarning Letter\r\n9\r\n0\r\n2\r\nFiscal Fine\r\n742\r\n1,559\r\n2,026\r\nFiscal Fixed Penalty\r\n1\r\n0\r\n0\r\nFiscal Fixed Penalty (pre-SJR codes)2\r\n16\r\n0\r\n2\r\nNotes:\r\n1. Where main offence.\r\n2. Number of pre-Summary Justice Reform procurator fiscal fixed penalty codes. It is known that this category contains both fiscal fines and fixed penalties, however it is not possible to separate the numbers of each.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-15T15:54:25.67","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270017,"EventID":"S4W-05703","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5059,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-16T15:54:25.763","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-16T10:37:57.363","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what provisions it has in place for prisoners who have private medical insurance.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what provisions it has in place for prisoners who have private medical insurance.\r\n","AnswerText":"No statutory provisions are in place for prisoners who have private medical insurance.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-15T15:54:25.763","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270018,"EventID":"S4W-05704","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5059,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-16T15:54:25.857","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-16T10:37:57.363","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many prisoners have an agreement with the Scottish Prison Service regarding private companies supplying their medical care.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many prisoners have an agreement with the Scottish Prison Service regarding private companies supplying their medical care.","AnswerText":"No prisoner has an agreement with the Scottish Prison Service regarding private companies supplying their medical care.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-15T15:54:25.857","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270019,"EventID":"S4W-05708","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2066,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-16T15:54:25.983","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-16T13:59:27.983","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its position is on concerns expressed by businesses that, even with the additional support announced for transitional arrangements, there could be fare rises of up t","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its position is on concerns expressed by businesses that, even with the additional support announced for transitional arrangements, there could be fare rises of up to 50% on the ferry routes serving the Western Isles, Coll and Tiree following the end of road equivalent tariff for commercial vehicles.\r\n","AnswerText":"We are absolutely committed to supporting our island and remote communities. We have recognised the impact of removing RET for larger commercial vehicles and have agreed action to address this.\r\nFollowing meetings with key stakeholders and hauliers from across the Western Isles, Coll and Tiree, we have committed to investing £5.3 million next year in RET and on transitional arrangements for larger commercial vehicles. In addition, we have agreed an extension of RET to include small commercial vehicles up to 6 metres in length. Our transitional arrangements will support all hauliers and businesses, regardless of size or frequency of travel, using ferry routes to the Western Isles, Coll and Tiree.\r\nWe have committed to work with key stakeholders and hauliers on a six month study which will consider the broader impacts resulting from the changes in the ferry fares policy. This study will build on the previous monitoring and evaluation of the RET pilot to the Western Isles, Coll and Tiree.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-15T15:54:25.997","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270020,"EventID":"S4W-05709","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2066,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-16T15:54:26.077","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-16T13:59:27.983","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assessment it has made of the economic impact on the Western Isles, Coll and Tiree of the possible fare rises on the ferry routes serving them following the end of r","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assessment it has made of the economic impact on the Western Isles, Coll and Tiree of the possible fare rises on the ferry routes serving them following the end of road equivalent tariff for commercial vehicles.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-05708 on 13 Mach 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/Apps2/MAQASearch/QAndMSearch.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-15T15:54:26.077","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270021,"EventID":"S4W-05710","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2066,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-16T15:54:26.153","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-16T13:59:27.983","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what meetings it has planned with (a) hauliers, (b) the logistics sector and (c) other business to discuss fare rises on the ferry routes serving the Western Isles, Coll ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what meetings it has planned with (a) hauliers, (b) the logistics sector and (c) other business to discuss fare rises on the ferry routes serving the Western Isles, Coll and Tiree following the end of road equivalent tariff for commercial vehicles.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-05708 on 13 March 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/Apps2/MAQASearch/QAndMSearch.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-15T15:54:26.153","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270022,"EventID":"S4W-05711","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2066,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-16T15:54:26.263","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-16T13:59:27.983","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the additional support for transitional arrangements for hauliers and other businesses on the ferry routes serving the Western Isles, Coll and Tiree will be avail","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the additional support for transitional arrangements for hauliers and other businesses on the ferry routes serving the Western Isles, Coll and Tiree will be available for occasional users and what the reasons are for its position on this matter.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-05708 on 13 March 2102. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/Apps2/MAQASearch/QAndMSearch.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-15T15:54:26.28","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270029,"EventID":"S4W-05697","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-17T14:15:58.28","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-15T15:43:42.49","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what proportion of NHS employees disclosed a disability to their employer in 2011-12 and how this compares with each of the last two years for which information is availa","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what proportion of NHS employees disclosed a disability to their employer in 2011-12 and how this compares with each of the last two years for which information is available.\r\n","AnswerText":"Information on the proportion of NHSScotland staff that have disclosed a disability to their employer can be found by following the link below to the Equality and Diversity table on the ISD website:\r\nwww.isdscotland.org/Health-Topics/Workforce/Publications/2011-06-28/Equality_and_Diversity_2011.xls.\r\nThe information can be viewed in terms of the number of staff, or the percentage of workforce headcount, that have made such a disclosure. It can also be viewed by individual NHS board or for NHSScotland overall. It should, however, be noted that the information is based on optional self-reporting by staff in NHSScotland.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-02T14:15:58.747","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270030,"EventID":"S4W-05698","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-17T14:15:58.84","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-15T15:43:42.49","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the list of offences in the Children’s Hearings (Scotland) Act 2011 meets the serious offences test that was outlined in its document, The Police Act 1997 (Crimin","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the list of offences in the Children’s Hearings (Scotland) Act 2011 meets the serious offences test that was outlined in its document, The Police Act 1997 (Criminal Record Certificates - Children's Hearings) (Scotland) Order 2012 Consultation. \r\n","AnswerText":"There is no list of offences set out in the Children’s Hearings (Scotland) Act 2011. The act provides Scottish ministers with the power to make an order which will, in effect, limit the offences Disclosure Scotland can access whilst discharging their functions of providing criminal record checks for recruitment and other purposes. The intention is that the order, which has been subject to a public consultation exercise, will apply to those offences which are considered to be of either a “serious violent” or “serious sexual nature”. The order will be subject to affirmative procedure and will be considered by the Scottish Parliament in due course.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-02T14:15:58.84","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270031,"EventID":"S4W-05706","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-17T14:15:58.937","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-16T13:57:39.367","Title":"To ask the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body whether it plans to review the role of the Scottish Public Services Ombudsman and, if so, whether this will include considering (a) the introduction of","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body whether it plans to review the role of the Scottish Public Services Ombudsman and, if so, whether this will include considering (a) the introduction of panel investigations similar to those operated by the UK Parliamentary Ombudsman and (b) extending the avenue for appeals.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body has no plans to review the role of the Scottish Public Services Ombudsman.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-02T14:15:58.937","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Liam McArthur","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270032,"EventID":"S4W-05707","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3758,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":76,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-17T14:15:58.997","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-16T13:59:40.923","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what minimum car parking space per unit is required for new housing developments to be approved.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what minimum car parking space per unit is required for new housing developments to be approved.\r\n","AnswerText":"Scottish Planning Policy does not set minimum car parking standards for new housing developments. Planning Advice Note 75: Planning and Transport advises that parking policies must be adapted to particular local circumstances, for example through the development of a local authority’s own maximum and optional underpinning minimum parking standards.\r\nThe Scottish building regulations do not require any car parking provision for new housing developments. However, where car parking is provided within the curtilage of flatted properties a proportion of the spaces (1:20) should be designed to be accessible to a person with a mobility impairment.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-02T14:15:58.997","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Derek Mackay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270033,"EventID":"S4W-05712","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-17T14:15:59.06","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-16T15:03:18.2","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the Scottish Sentencing Council will be established.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the Scottish Sentencing Council will be established.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-05715 on 28 February 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-02T14:15:59.077","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270034,"EventID":"S4W-05713","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-17T14:15:59.137","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-16T15:03:18.2","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the remit of the Scottish Sentencing Council will be.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the remit of the Scottish Sentencing Council will be.\r\n","AnswerText":"Section 2 of the Criminal Justice and Licensing (Scotland) Act 2010 provides that the objectives of a Scottish Sentencing Council will be to seek to promote consistency in sentencing practice, assist the development of policy in relation to sentencing and promote greater awareness and understanding of sentencing policy and practice.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-02T14:15:59.137","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270035,"EventID":"S4W-05714","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-17T14:15:59.2","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-16T15:03:18.2","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has consulted on the establishment of the Scottish Sentencing Council.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has consulted on the establishment of the Scottish Sentencing Council.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-05715 on 28 February 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-02T14:15:59.2","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270036,"EventID":"S4W-05715","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-17T14:15:59.263","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-16T15:03:18.2","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with any organisations regarding the establishment of the Scottish Sentencing Council.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with any organisations regarding the establishment of the Scottish Sentencing Council.\r\n","AnswerText":"The judicially-led independent Sentencing Commission examined the issue of consistency in sentencing in our criminal courts. The central recommendation of the commission’s 2006 report, The Scope to Improve Consistency in Sentencing, was the creation of a procedure for giving effect to sentencing guidelines. In September 2008, we published our consultation paper Sentencing Guidelines and a Scottish Sentencing Council: Consultation and proposals to invite views on our proposals for a new system of sentencing guidelines and a Scottish Sentencing Council to develop that system.\r\nWe are committed to the establishment of a Scottish Sentencing Council and brought in provisions in the Criminal Justice and Licensing (Scotland) Act 2010, which paves the way for the new body to be set up.\r\nWe have entered into discussions with the Judiciary of Scotland to consult on options for the establishment of the Scottish Sentencing Council. Discussions are ongoing with a decision to be made in due course.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-02T14:15:59.263","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270037,"EventID":"S4W-05719","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2123,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":103,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-17T14:15:59.327","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-16T16:45:25.613","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people have been convicted each year under the Prostitution (Public Places) (Scotland) Act 2007 broken down by (a) police force and (b) local authority area.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people have been convicted each year under the Prostitution (Public Places) (Scotland) Act 2007 broken down by (a) police force and (b) local authority area.\r\n","AnswerText":"The available information is given in the following tables.\r\nPeople Convicted in Scottish Courts Under the Prostitution (Public Places) (Scotland) Act 20071, by Police Force Area, 2007-08 to 2010-11\r\nPolice Force\r\n2007-08\r\n2008-09\r\n2009-10\r\n2010-11\r\nGrampian\r\n0\r\n39\r\n20\r\n20\r\nLothian and Borders\r\n2\r\n8\r\n9\r\n11\r\nStrathclyde\r\n16\r\n39\r\n29\r\n21\r\nTayside\r\n0\r\n5\r\n10\r\n16\r\nTotal\r\n18\r\n91\r\n68\r\n68\r\nNote: 1. Where main offence.\r\nPeople Convicted in Scottish Courts Under the Prostitution (Public Places) (Scotland) Act 20071, by Approximate Local Authority2, 2007-08 to 2010-11\r\nLocal Authority\r\n2007-08\r\n2008-09\r\n2009-10\r\n2010-11\r\nAberdeen City\r\n0\r\n39\r\n20\r\n20\r\nDundee City\r\n0\r\n5\r\n10\r\n16\r\nEdinburgh, City of\r\n2\r\n8\r\n9\r\n11\r\nGlasgow City\r\n16\r\n38\r\n29\r\n21\r\nNot Known\r\n0\r\n1\r\n0\r\n0\r\nTotal\r\n18\r\n91\r\n68\r\n68\r\nNote:\r\n1. Where main offence.\r\n2. Incorporates an approximate mapping of sheriff courts into local authority areas. Some sheriff courts will deal with cases from more than one local authority area. Some local authority areas do not contain a sheriff court.","AnswerDate":"2012-02-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-02T14:15:59.34","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270038,"EventID":"S4W-05720","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2108,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":141,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-17T14:15:59.403","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-16T16:50:32.467","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to increase teachers’ contributions to the Scottish Teachers' Superannuation Scheme.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to increase teachers’ contributions to the Scottish Teachers' Superannuation Scheme.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government intend to introduce a tiered member contribution structure with effect from 1 April 2012 by means of a Scottish Statutory Instrument which will be laid in Parliament on 2 March 2012. The Scottish Government share public sector workers’ concerns about the level and reasons for these increases, which is why we have publicly opposed them. However, the UK Government has said that it will reduce the Scottish Budget by £100 million in 2012-13 alone if we do not implement these increases.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-02T14:15:59.42","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270039,"EventID":"S4W-05721","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2108,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":141,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-17T14:15:59.48","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-16T16:50:32.467","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will establish a cost ceiling for the Scottish Teachers' Superannuation Scheme.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will establish a cost ceiling for the Scottish Teachers' Superannuation Scheme.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government requested confirmation from the UK Government of the cost ceiling for the Scottish Teachers’ Superannuation Scheme on 22 December 2011. A response has still to be received.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-02T14:15:59.48","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270040,"EventID":"S4W-05722","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2108,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":141,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-17T14:15:59.543","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-16T16:50:32.467","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the last valuation of the Scottish Teachers' Superannuation Scheme took place.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the last valuation of the Scottish Teachers' Superannuation Scheme took place.\r\n","AnswerText":"The last completed valuation of the Scottish Teachers’ Superannuation Scheme was published in 2008 and covered the period 1 April 2001 to 31 March 2005.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-02T14:15:59.543","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270041,"EventID":"S4W-05723","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2108,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":141,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-17T14:15:59.607","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-16T16:50:32.467","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will next conduct a valuation of the Scottish Teachers' Superannuation Scheme.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will next conduct a valuation of the Scottish Teachers' Superannuation Scheme.\r\n","AnswerText":"The next valuation of the Scottish Teachers’ Superannuation Scheme will be undertaken as part of the longer term scheme reform.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-02T14:15:59.607","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270042,"EventID":"S4W-05726","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5079,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-17T14:15:59.67","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-17T10:51:39.757","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has paid a salary to any (a) civil servant, (b) official, (c) consultant or (d) contractor via a (i) private company or (ii) other arrangement for reasons of t","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has paid a salary to any (a) civil servant, (b) official, (c) consultant or (d) contractor via a (i) private company or (ii) other arrangement for reasons of tax efficiency.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government does not pay salaries with reasons of tax efficiency in mind.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-04-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-02T14:15:59.67","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270043,"EventID":"S4W-05727","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5079,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-17T14:15:59.73","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-17T10:51:39.757","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what meetings has it had with the Stagecoach Group, or organisations associated with that group, in the last year and what issues were discussed.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what meetings has it had with the Stagecoach Group, or organisations associated with that group, in the last year and what issues were discussed.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Stagecoach group are an important contributor to the Scottish Economy. As such, they meet regularly with a range of government ministers and officials. A single record of all such meetings could only be obtained at disproportionate cost. However, from the information we have available, Transport Scotland met Stagecoach 23 times last year as set out in the table. Details of ministerial meetings can be found at: \r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/About/14944/Events-Engagements/MinisterialEngagements.\r\nTransport Scotland Meetings with Stagecoach\r\nDate\r\nAttendees\r\nIssues Discussed\r\n20-01-2011\r\nTransport Scotland\r\nStagecoach\r\nFirstGroup\r\nLothian Buses\r\nJacobs\r\nForth Public Transport Strategy - Inaugural bus operators meeting\r\n24-02-2011\r\nTransport Scotland\r\nStagecoach\r\nLogica\r\nERG\r\nConcessionary Travel - ERG Technical Review\r\n14-03-2011\r\nTransport Scotland\r\nStagecoach\r\nConcessionary Travel - Operator Liaison\r\n04-04-2011\r\nTransport Scotland\r\nStagecoach\r\nM77 Hard Shoulder Running\r\n14-04-2011\r\nTransport Scotland\r\nStagecoach\r\nConcessionary Travel - Live Reimbursement Planning\r\n07-06-2011\r\nTransport Scotland\r\nStagecoach\r\nACT\r\nAlmex\r\nConcessionary Travel - Partnering Workshop Host Operator Processing System (HOPS) replacement\r\n\r\n5-07-2011\r\nTransport Scotland\r\nStagecoach\r\nLothian Buses\r\nJacobs\r\nForth Public Transport Strategy - Progress meeting for bus operators\r\n\r\n14-07-2011\r\nTransport Scotland\r\nStagecoach\r\nConcessionary Travel - Live Reimbursement Planning\r\n21-07-2011\r\nTransport Scotland\r\nStagecoach\r\nConcessionary Travel - Fare tables and reimbursement\r\n13-09-2011\r\nTransport Scotland\r\nCPT – Stagecoach, FirstGroup, Lothian Buses, McGill’s Buses, Arriva Scotland West, EM Horsburgh\r\nCPT Conference Closed Door Session\r\n13 & \r\n14-09-2011\r\nNumerous bus stakeholders\r\nCPT Conference\r\n14-09-11\r\nTransport Scotland\r\nStagecoach\r\nDundee City Council\r\nITSO\r\nACT\r\nLogica\r\nConcessionary Travel - Host Operator Processing System (HOPS) Replacement Project Board\r\n30-09-2011\r\nTransport Scotland\r\nStagecoach\r\nFirstGroup\r\nMcGill’s Buses\r\nWinter Resilience\r\n18-10-2011\r\nTransport Scotland\r\nStagecoach\r\nM77 Hard Shoulder Running\r\n28-10-2011\r\nTransport Scotland\r\nStagecoach\r\nDundee City Council\r\nITSO\r\nACT\r\nLogica\r\nConcessionary Travel - Host Operator Processing System (HOPS) Replacement Project Board\r\n11-11-2011\r\nTransport Scotland\r\nStagecoach\r\nDundee City Council\r\nITSO\r\nACT\r\nLogica\r\nConcessionary Travel - Host Operator Processing System (HOPS) Replacement Project Board\r\n15-11-2011\r\nTransport Scotland\r\nStagecoach\r\nFirstGroup\r\nLothian Buses\r\nCPT\r\nJacobs\r\nForth Public Transport Strategy - Progress meeting for bus operators, which included detail on bus driver training\r\n13-12-2011\r\nTransport Scotland\r\nCPT – Stagecoach, FirstGroup, McGill’s Buses, Lothian Buses\r\nBus Service Operators Grant\r\n21-12-2011\r\nTransport Scotland\r\nCPT – Stagecoach, FirstGroup, McGill’s Buses, Lothian Buses\r\nBus Service Operators Grant\r\n11-01-2012\r\nTransport Scotland\r\nStagecoach\r\nArgent Energy\r\nUse of Biofuels\r\n\r\n\r\n17-01-2012\r\nScottish Government\r\nTransport Scotland\r\nStagecoach\r\nFirstGroup\r\nAberdeen Renewable Energy Group\r\nAberdeen City Council\r\nAberdeenshire Council\r\nScottish Enterprise\r\nSSE\r\nAberdeen Hydrogen Bus Project\r\n18-01-2012\r\nTransport Scotland\r\nStagecoach\r\nDundee City Council\r\nITSO\r\nACT\r\nLogica\r\nConcessionary Travel - Host Operator Processing System (HOPS) Replacement Project Board\r\n7-02-2012\r\nTransport Scotland\r\nStagecoach\r\nFirstGroup\r\nCPT\r\nWest Lothian Council\r\nSestran\r\nFife Council\r\nCity of Edinburgh Council\r\nJacobs\r\nForth Public Transport Working Group - Meeting to discuss the proposed refreshed Public Transport Strategy\r\n5-03-2012\r\nTransport Scotland\r\nStagecoach\r\nFirstGroup\r\nLothian Buses\r\nCPT\r\nWest Lothian Council\r\nSestran\r\nFife Council\r\nCity of Edinburgh Council\r\nJacobs\r\nForth Public Transport Working Group - Progress Meeting\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-02T14:15:59.73","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270044,"EventID":"S4W-05728","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5079,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-17T14:15:59.81","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-17T10:52:23.787","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the cost of employing special advisers has been in each year since 2007 and what the projected cost is for (a) 2012 and (b) 2013.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the cost of employing special advisers has been in each year since 2007 and what the projected cost is for (a) 2012 and (b) 2013.\r\n","AnswerText":"The cost of employing special advisers (SPAD) is held in financial years and since 2006-07 is as follows:\r\nSPAD Numbers and Costs Since 2006-07 \r\nYear\r\nNo.\r\nSalary\r\nSalary Uprated\r\nto 2011-12 Prices***\r\nERNIC**\r\nPension**\r\nTotal Cost\r\nTotal Cost Uprated to 2011-12 Prices***\r\n2006-07\r\n12\r\n£684,520\r\n£770,589\r\n£78,634\r\n£91,222\r\n£854,376\r\n£961,802\r\n2007-08\r\n9\r\n£358,281\r\n£394,250\r\n£34,671\r\n£87,299\r\n£480,251\r\n£528,464\r\n2008-09\r\n11\r\n£466,783\r\n£498,664\r\n£40,897\r\n£110,086\r\n£617,766\r\n£659,959\r\n2009-10 \r\n10\r\n£535,331\r\n£561,799\r\n£50,033\r\n£116,263\r\n£701,627\r\n£736,317\r\n2010-11\r\n11\r\n£542,068\r\n£553,993\r\n£48,849\r\n£103,236\r\n£694,153\r\n£709,424\r\n2011-12\r\n12\r\n£528,869\r\n£528,869\r\n£63,223\r\n£125,288\r\n£717,380\r\n£717,380\r\n2012-13*\r\n12\r\n£683,496\r\n-\r\n£67,193\r\n£153,311\r\n£904,000\r\n-\r\nNotes:\r\nTotal Costs include salary, ERNIC and employer pension contributions.\r\n*Estimate based on current team of 12 special advisers being in post for full 12 month period\r\n**The level of the employer ERNIC and pension contributions is not a matter for the Scottish Government. \r\n***Uprated salary and total costs figures have been uprated to 2011-12 prices by GDP deflator. All costs are shown in 2011-12 prices. They have been calculated using the latest HM Treasury GDP financial year deflators, published March 2012. Deflators for 2011-12 have been calculated using forecast data consistent with the March 2012 UK Budget Report.\r\nThere are currently 12 special advisers. They are appointed in accordance with Part 1 of the Constitutional Reform and Governance Act 2010 by the First Minister as a special adviser for the purpose of providing assistance to the Scottish ministers. \r\nTheir specific responsibilities are as follows:\r\nCommunications\r\nName\r\nRole\r\nAppointed\r\nKevin Pringle\r\nHead of Communications and Political Spokesperson \r\nStrategic communications across all portfolios\r\n26 May 2011\r\nStuart Nicolson\r\nDeputy Head of Communications and Political Spokesperson\r\n26 May 2011\r\nMalcolm Fleming\r\nCommunications Special Adviser (special responsibility for forward planning, social media and media management) \r\nPolicy and communications advice on international development\r\n25 July 2011\r\nJohn MacInnes\r\nCommunications Special Adviser (special responsibility for the constitution)\r\n3 June 2011\r\n\r\nSupport to First Minister, Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Parliamentary Business and Government Strategy\r\nName\r\nRole\r\nAppointed\r\nColin Pyle\r\nResponsible for the First Minister’s operations, strategic priorities and business programme in government \r\nFirst Minister’s senior intermediary with key internal and external stakeholders\r\n9 December 2011\r\nGeoff Aberdein\r\nPrincipal staff officer responsible for co-ordination of the Special Adviser team \r\nLead on FMQs and contributor to FM’s keynote speeches \r\nSupport for Government Strategy and constitutional issues \r\nPolicy advice on Commonwealth Games and Sport\r\n26 May 2011\r\nNoel Dolan\r\nSupport to the Deputy First Minister \r\nPolicy advice on Health, Wellbeing and the Cities Strategy\r\n26 May 2011\r\n\r\nStrategy and Policy Advice\r\nName\r\nRole\r\nAppointed\r\nAlex Bell\r\nHead of Policy Research and Strategy \r\nPolicy advice on the Constitution, UK Relations and External Affairs\r\n26 May 2011\r\nStephen Gethins\r\nInternational outreach \r\nPolicy Advice on Energy, Rural Affairs and the Environment and the Infrastructure and Capital Investment portfolio, apart from Transport\r\n26 May 2011\r\nDavid Hutchison\r\nPolicy Advice on Education, Lifelong Learning, Culture and Youth Employment\r\n8 June 2011\r\nLiz Lloyd\r\nPolicy Advice on Transport, Finance, Employment and Sustainable Growth\r\n30 January 2012\r\nJohn McFarlane\r\nPolicy Advice on Justice and Parliamentary Business\r\n26 May 2011\r\n\r\nThe current special adviser pay bands and ranges and the number of special advisers within each pay band are:\r\nPay Band\r\nPay Range\r\nNumber in Pay Band\r\n1\r\n£39,445 – £52,904\r\n6\r\n2\r\n£51,041 - £67,709\r\n2\r\n3\r\n£65,017 - £83,963\r\n4\r\n3 (premium)\r\n£83,549 - £100,942\r\n0\r\n4\r\n£86,965 - £104,462\r\n0\r\nWhet","AnswerDate":"2012-07-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-02T14:15:59.81","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270045,"EventID":"S4W-05729","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5079,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-17T14:15:59.87","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-17T10:51:39.757","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S4W-04927 by Kenny MacAskill on 20 January 2012, when it expects to publish its response to the report.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S4W-04927 by Kenny MacAskill on 20 January 2012, when it expects to publish its response to the report.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government will lead a parliamentary debate on trafficking in human beings on 29 February 2012 which will include an initial outline of our response to the key recommendations within the report. A more formal response will be issued to the Equality and Human Rights Commission in due course.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-02T14:15:59.87","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270046,"EventID":"S4W-05731","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5079,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-17T14:15:59.933","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-17T10:51:39.757","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what services it has procured from Feisty Productions Ltd since 2007 and how much these cost.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what services it has procured from Feisty Productions Ltd since 2007 and how much these cost.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Procurement Information Hub provides analysis of Scottish Government Accounts Payable data and holds no record of any spend with Feisty Productions from April 2006 to September 2011.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-02T14:15:59.95","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270047,"EventID":"S4W-05732","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5079,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-17T14:16:00.01","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-17T10:52:23.787","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answers to questions S4W-00282 by John Swinney on 1 July 2011 and S4W-02893 by Bruce Crawford on 6 October 2011, how many special advisers it now employs;","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answers to questions S4W-00282 by John Swinney on 1 July 2011 and S4W-02893 by Bruce Crawford on 6 October 2011, how many special advisers it now employs; which ministers they are attached to, and what their responsibilities are.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-05728 on 2 July 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-07-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-02T14:16:00.01","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270048,"EventID":"S4W-05733","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5079,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-17T14:16:00.073","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-17T10:52:23.787","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it receives specialist advice from any person on unpaid basis.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it receives specialist advice from any person on unpaid basis.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government receives advice from a range of specialists on an unpaid basis. This advice is often given on an individual basis or as part of an advisory group/panel. \r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-02T14:16:00.073","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270049,"EventID":"S4W-05734","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5079,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-17T14:16:00.153","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-17T10:52:23.787","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any of its special advisers receive remuneration from other sources.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any of its special advisers receive remuneration from other sources.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-05728 on 2 July 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-07-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-02T14:16:00.153","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270050,"EventID":"S4W-05735","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5079,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-17T14:16:00.213","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-17T10:52:23.787","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether all of its special advisers have signed a code of conduct and declaration of interests and, if so, whether these are publicly available. \r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether all of its special advisers have signed a code of conduct and declaration of interests and, if so, whether these are publicly available. \r\n","AnswerText":"The Code of Conduct for Special Advisers is currently under review as part of the new Model Contract for Special Advisers. The opportunity has been taken to incorporate amendments made necessary as a result of the Constitutional Renewal and Governance (CRAG) Act 2010. It is expected that the final version will be laid in both the UK and Scottish Parliaments in the next few months. In the meantime special advisers have been asked to work within the spirit of the new code.\r\nAs temporary civil servants, special advisers are required to abide by the conduct provisions of the Civil Service Code as they relate to the declaration of interests. All staff are expected to record interests on the electronic HR self declaration system. The information held is not publicly available as it is considered personal information, release of which would be a breach of the data protection principles.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-02T14:16:00.213","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270051,"EventID":"S4W-05736","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-17T14:16:00.323","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-17T10:55:36.27","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether Dolby Medical can guarantee full coverage of oxygen supply to patients at home in all areas of Scotland, especially in remote and rural areas.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether Dolby Medical can guarantee full coverage of oxygen supply to patients at home in all areas of Scotland, especially in remote and rural areas.\r\n","AnswerText":"This is a matter for Health Facilities Scotland, a division of NHS National Services Scotland, who may be contacted at nss.oxycon@nhs.net.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-02T14:16:00.323","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270052,"EventID":"S4W-05737","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-17T14:16:00.433","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-17T10:55:36.27","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether community pharmacists will be required to provide a role for NHS boards in the emergency supply of oxygen for use at home.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether community pharmacists will be required to provide a role for NHS boards in the emergency supply of oxygen for use at home.\r\n","AnswerText":"Community Pharmacy involvement in the provision of home oxygen therapy is a matter for local determination between relevant contractors and NHS boards who are responsible for planning the provision of healthcare services based on the assessed needs of their resident populations.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-02T14:16:00.433","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270053,"EventID":"S4W-05738","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5079,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-17T14:16:00.543","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-17T10:52:23.787","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive which special advisers are authorised to brief or comment to the media.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive which special advisers are authorised to brief or comment to the media.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-05728 on 2 July 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-07-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-02T14:16:00.543","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270054,"EventID":"S4W-05739","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5079,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-17T14:16:00.637","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-17T10:52:23.787","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its position is on whether familial relationships between any of its staff and elected politicians should be declared.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its position is on whether familial relationships between any of its staff and elected politicians should be declared.\r\n","AnswerText":"Scottish Government staff are required to register their interests - and those of close family members - where there is the potential for a conflict of interest to arise.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-02T14:16:00.637","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270055,"EventID":"S4W-05740","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5079,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-17T14:16:00.713","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-17T10:52:23.787","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many ministerial parliamentary aides have been appointed; to which ministers, and what their responsibilities are.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many ministerial parliamentary aides have been appointed; to which ministers, and what their responsibilities are.\r\n","AnswerText":"The First Minister has appointed 11 parliamentary liaison officers (PLOs), listed as follows, to assist in developing and maintaining a positive and constructive relationship between the Scottish Parliament and the Scottish Government. Parliamentary liaison officers are unpaid, are not members of the government and are not, therefore, bound by collective responsibility.\r\nParliamentary Liaison Officer\r\nPortfolio\r\nJoan McAlpine MSP\r\nHumza Yousaf MSP\r\nOffice of the First Minister\r\nJim Eadie MSP\r\nHealth, Wellbeing and the Cities Strategy\r\nMark McDonald MSP\r\nFinance, Employment and Sustainable Growth\r\nMarco Biagi MSP\r\nEducation and Lifelong Learning \r\nAnnabelle Ewing MSP\r\nRural Affairs and the Environment \r\nJohn Finnie MSP\r\nJustice \r\nAileen MacLeod MSP\r\nInfrastructure and Capital Investment\r\nClaire Adamson MSP\r\nCulture and External Affairs\r\nPaul Wheelhouse MSP\r\nGovernment Strategy and Parliamentary Business \r\nKevin Stewart MSP\r\nYouth Employment\r\n\r\nI recently sent a letter to the Presiding Officer with this information. A copy of the letter is available from the Scottish Parliament Information Centre (Bib. number 53737).","AnswerDate":"2012-02-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-02T14:16:00.713","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Brian Adam","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270056,"EventID":"S4W-05741","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5079,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-17T14:16:00.777","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-17T10:52:23.787","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether all staff in its directorates and agencies are paid at least the living wage level.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether all staff in its directorates and agencies are paid at least the living wage level.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government’s Public Sector Pay Policy includes a specific requirement for employers covered by the policy to apply the Scottish Living Wage. Public Sector Pay Policy is available on the Scottish Government Internet (http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2011/09/21105455/0). All staff within the Scottish Government and its agencies are paid in excess of the Scottish Living Wage.\r\nA small number of staff transferred into the Scottish Government with effect from 1 January 2012 with salaries below the Scottish Living Wage. These salaries will be increased in March to reflect the Scottish Living Wage, backdated to the date of transfer.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-02T14:16:00.777","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270057,"EventID":"S4W-05742","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5079,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-17T14:16:00.853","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-17T10:52:23.787","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will publish the pay multiples for all staff that it employs, as proposed in the Hutton Review of Fair Pay in the public sector.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will publish the pay multiples for all staff that it employs, as proposed in the Hutton Review of Fair Pay in the public sector.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government prepares annual accounts in accordance with the Government Financial Reporting Manual (the FReM). The FReM requirements for 2011-12 include the disclosure of pay multiples in accordance with relevant guidance.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-02T14:16:00.853","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270058,"EventID":"S4W-05743","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5079,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-17T14:16:00.947","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-17T10:52:23.787","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it or its agencies are, or have been, involved in the provision of workfare placements.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it or its agencies are, or have been, involved in the provision of workfare placements.\r\n","AnswerText":"Neither the Scottish Government nor its agencies provide placements under workfare.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-02T14:16:00.947","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270059,"EventID":"S4W-05744","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5079,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-17T14:16:01.04","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-17T10:52:23.787","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it or its agencies provide internships that are unpaid.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it or its agencies provide internships that are unpaid.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government does not run a formal internship programme but we do offer both paid and unpaid work experience opportunities to students. We also participate in the Cabinet Office Fast Stream Summer Diversity Internship Programme which provides paid placements.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-02T14:16:01.04","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270063,"EventID":"S4W-05746","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-17T14:41:09.683","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-17T13:30:53.23","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what investment it will make to improve broadband in Highland Perthshire and the (a) Glenshee and (b) Killin areas.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what investment it will make to improve broadband in Highland Perthshire and the (a) Glenshee and (b) Killin areas.\r\n","AnswerText":"On 31 January, the Scottish Government published Scotland's Digital Future - Infrastructure Action Plan.\r\nThe action plan sets out our ambition and commitment, and the clear steps we will take to deliver world-class, future proofed digital infrastructure across all of Scotland by 2020, with a step change by 2015. By 2015, we are aiming for speeds of 40-80 Mbps for 85-90% of the population, and the best possible speeds for those where it is not yet possible to deliver 40-80 Mbps. We have so far secured over £250 million of public sector investment to deliver our 2015 targets.\r\nThis funding will be allocated in two closely related procurements: the current Highlands and Islands procurement, and a separate procurement for the rest of Scotland. Highland Perthshire, Glenshee and Killin will be included within the scope of this separate procurement for the rest of Scotland.\r\nWe will produce a procurement strategy for the rest of Scotland by the end of March 2012. Our intention is to commence this procurement by summer 2012 and award a contract in the first half of 2013 at the latest.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-02T14:41:09.933","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270064,"EventID":"S4W-05748","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-17T14:41:10.01","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-17T13:32:48.593","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the level of absenteeism due to mental health problems has been in each of its departments in each of the last five years. \r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the level of absenteeism due to mental health problems has been in each of its departments in each of the last five years. \r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has not operated a Departmental structure since 2007. However, the average working days lost to sickness for the Core Scottish Government, where the reason for absence is categorised as a mental disorder, has been as follows:\r\nAbsence Due To Mental Disorders In The 12-Month Period\r\n\r\nJan-Dec 07\r\nJan-Dec 08\r\nJan-Dec 09\r\nJan-Dec 10\r\nJan-Dec11\r\nAverage Working Days Lost\r\n(Per Full Time Equivalent Employee Per Year)\r\n0.92\r\n0.58\r\n0.34\r\n0.53\r\n0.44\r\n\r\nOver the five year period this equates to just over half a day per employee per year and accounted for around 7% of all sickness absence.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-02T14:41:10.01","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270065,"EventID":"S4W-05768","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":2,"MSPID":4940,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-20T11:41:38.643","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-20T11:33:50.59","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information it can provide regarding the First Minister’s most recent visit to China.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information it can provide regarding the First Minister’s most recent visit to China.\r\n","AnswerText":"The First Minister visited China and Hong Kong from 3 to 10 December spending four days in Beijing, one day in Shandong, one day in Shenzhen and two days in Hong Kong before returning home. The main purpose of the First Minister’s visit was to take forward areas of Sino-Scottish collaboration which were identified during Vice Premier Li’s visit to Scotland in January 2011 and the then Minister for Enterprise, Jim Mather’s follow-up visit to China in March.\r\nThe First Minister began the official visit to China by attending the Beijing Caledonian Society’s St Andrew’s Day Ball to increase awareness and promote Scotland’s national day to key business people in China, diaspora and members of the Scottish expatriate community.\r\nOn Sunday the First Minister visited the Eastern Qing Tombs to demonstrate support for the agreement between Historic Scotland and the Chinese State Administration of Cultural Heritage for Historic Scotland to digitally map the site as part of its Scottish Ten project.\r\nThat evening the First Minister visited Whisky Spirit Empire’s headquarters, Beijing, an ambitious new Chinese Trading Company which imports single malt whisky from Scotland to the Chinese market. The First Minister showed support for Spirit Empire’s plans to open 300 whisky stores across China over the next three years and also welcomed the news that Sprit Empire intends to open a purchasing and business development facility in Scotland in 2012.\r\nThe first Government-level meeting of the First Minister’s visit was with Vice Minister Xia Xinghua, Deputy Administrator, Civil Aviation Administration China (CAAC). This meeting was to continue discussions about the proposed direct air route between Scotland and China. The First Minister and the Vice Minister progressed the discussions to establish such a link by agreeing that a high-level industry led team from China would visit Scotland early in 2012 to examine the detailed business case for a direct route and to work with Scottish Government officials and it agencies.\r\nAt the Ministry of Culture the First Minister held two government-level meetings beginning with Minister Gu of the State Administration of Cultural Heritage (SACH) and the second with Minister Cai of the Ministry of Culture where they discussed the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Culture between China and Scotland which would be signed following the meeting. The First Minister also invited Minister Cai to the International Cultural Summit that Scotland would be hosting after the London Olympics.\r\nThe First Minister and Minister Cai then signed the MoU on Culture between Scotland and China. Following the signing, they then saw the first cultural collaborations resulting from the MoU by witnessing the signing of the agreement between Historic Scotland and the SACH for the Eastern Qing Tombs to be digitally mapped as part of the Scottish Ten project and the signing of a cultural MoU between the Edinburgh International Festival and the China International Culture Association.\r\nThe First Minister then met with Vice Premier Li Keqiang to discuss progress on issues that had been identified following the Vice Premier’s successful visit to Scotland in January 2011. Both the Vice Premier and the First Minister said that they were pleased at how relations between Scotland and China have been strengthening and that they were keen to see this continue. In order to see this happen the Vice Premier pledged his support to take forward three key areas for greater cooperation between China and Scotland: on healthcare, water management and infrastructure, and airline connectivity.\r\nThe First Minister then addressed a reception in Beijing which was being held to promote Scottish culture following the signing of the MoU on culture between Scotland and China. The reception, which also provided the audience to sample a large selection of Scotland’s finest food and drink, was attended by around 300 guests from a variety of sectors across China incl","AnswerDate":"2012-02-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-05T11:41:38.77","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270066,"EventID":"S4W-05772","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":2,"MSPID":4947,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-20T13:22:33.23","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-20T13:02:40.103","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the interim location will be of the proposed single (a) police and (b) fire and rescue service and when the new organisations will become operational.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the interim location will be of the proposed single (a) police and (b) fire and rescue service and when the new organisations will become operational.","AnswerText":"The Police and Fire Reform (Scotland) Bill 2012 was introduced to the Scottish Parliament on 16 January. Discussions have been on-going with the services and other key stakeholders to ensure a smooth transition to the new services.\r\nSubject to parliamentary approval of the legislation, the Scottish Police College at Tulliallan Castle will be the interim operating base for the new Police Service of Scotland, and Perth Community Fire Station will be the interim operating base for the new Scottish Fire and Rescue Service.\r\nBoth these locations provide convenient, cost-effective venues for a small senior management team to lead the new services and reach informed decisions about how they can best serve communities across Scotland. Neither of these locations are current service headquarters, which will help ensure there is no disruption to the public or senior officers and help ensure a smooth transition to the new services.\r\nBoth services are aiming for a start date of 1 April 2013. This will be dependent on key members of the senior management team being in place and ministers and senior personnel being assured the new services can continue to provide an excellent service which keeps Scotland safe and strong.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-05T13:22:33.4","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270067,"EventID":"S4W-05724","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-20T14:22:58.58","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-17T10:46:20.83","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive for what reason its Draft Youth Employment  Strategy does not refer to the contribution of youth work.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive for what reason its Draft Youth Employment  Strategy does not refer to the contribution of youth work.\r\n","AnswerText":"This Draft Youth Employment Strategy outlines an all-Scotland approach to supporting young people toward and into work. Youth work is recognised as part of this, especially for young people in Stages 1 and 2 of the skills and employability pipeline.\r\nAs the Youth Employment Strategy is finalised for publication, we will ensure that the contribution of youth work is fully encapsulated.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-05T14:22:58.58","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angela Constance","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270068,"EventID":"S4W-05749","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3896,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":97,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-20T14:22:58.703","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-17T15:14:17","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what clarification it sought from the European Commission on whether state aid rules were applicable prior to the (a) establishment and (b) extension of the road equivale","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what clarification it sought from the European Commission on whether state aid rules were applicable prior to the (a) establishment and (b) extension of the road equivalent tariff pilot.\r\n","AnswerText":"We have previously made clear to the European Commission details of the Road Equivalent Tariff (RET) pilot to the Western Isles, Coll and Tiree. The European Commission noted our position and did not raise objections or ask for any further clarification. Consequently, it is considered that there is no further need for contact with the European Commission on this issue.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-05T14:22:58.703","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270069,"EventID":"S4W-05751","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-20T14:22:58.783","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-17T15:29:57","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps Health Improvement Scotland takes to (a) review and (b) follow up the outcomes of NHS board responses to (i) fatal accident reports and (ii) sheriff judgements","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps Health Improvement Scotland takes to (a) review and (b) follow up the outcomes of NHS board responses to (i) fatal accident reports and (ii) sheriff judgements in relation to NHS treatment.\r\n","AnswerText":"As part of their role in supporting NHS boards to deliver high quality healthcare, Healthcare Improvement Scotland reviews fatal accident inquiries (FAI) and sheriff judgements in relation to NHS treatment and advises NHS boards of any significant national learning points. Where appropriate they may offer improvement support to NHS boards and may also undertake further reviews of FAI findings through expert review groups. \r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-05T14:22:58.783","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270070,"EventID":"S4W-05752","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-20T14:22:58.847","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-17T18:16:49","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the differences are between a special area of conservation and a marine protected area.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the differences are between a special area of conservation and a marine protected area.","AnswerText":"Marine Protected Areas and Special Areas of Conservation.\r\nThe EU Habitats Directive requires member states to designate locations for certain internationally important habitats and species as Special Areas of Conservation contributing to a EU wide network of protected areas.\r\nThe Marine (Scotland) Act 2010 (“the Act”) created new powers for Scottish ministers to designate Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) in Scottish territorial waters in order to protect marine biodiversity, geodiversity, the historic environment and in order to demonstrate or research new methods of sustainable resource use or management solutions. The MPA powers in the Act complement the powers in the Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009 to designate MPAs in offshore waters adjacent to Scotland to protect marine biodiversity and geodiversity. The powers in both Acts will be used in an integrated way to develop a MPA network that delivers our priorities for biodiversity and geodiversity at a national and international level.\r\nThe designation and management of SACs must comply with the requirements of the Habitats Directive, and the designation and protection of MPAs is governed by the duties and powers in the Marine Acts.\r\nCase law of the European Court of Justice dictates that member states may not take account of economic, social and cultural requirements or regional and local characteristics when selecting and defining the boundaries of Special Areas of Conservation. The European Commission Guidance on Managing Natura 2000 Sites states that management measures should take account of economic, social and cultural requirements or regional and local characteristics subject to ensuring that deterioration of the location is avoided.\r\nA science-led approach is being used to identify nature conservation MPA proposals with provision in section 68(8) of the Marine (Scotland) Act to take account of socioeconomics in decisions on designation. A series of workshops provides an opportunity for stakeholder interests to influence the design of the network including proposed alternatives and to highlight socioeconomic concerns and impact assessments of MPA proposals and equivalent provisions for demonstration and research MPAs are contained in section 71(3). MPAs will be managed on the basis of sustainable use with provision in section 68(8) and 71(3) to take account of socioeconomic impacts including displacement. There is no EU guidance on the inclusion of economic or socioeconomic factors when considering the designation and management of an MPA under national legislation.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-05T14:22:58.847","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270071,"EventID":"S4W-05753","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-20T14:22:58.907","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-17T18:16:49","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive (a) how and (b) when economic factors are taken into account when considering the (i) designation and (ii) management of (A) special areas of conservation and (B) marine ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive (a) how and (b) when economic factors are taken into account when considering the (i) designation and (ii) management of (A) special areas of conservation and (B) marine protected areas.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-05752 on 1 March 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-05T14:22:58.907","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270072,"EventID":"S4W-05754","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-20T14:22:58.987","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-17T18:16:49","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what EU guidance (a) supports and (b) opposes the inclusion of (i) economic or (ii) socioeconomic factors when considering the (A) designation and (B) management of (1) s","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what EU guidance (a) supports and (b) opposes the inclusion of (i) economic or (ii) socioeconomic factors when considering the (A) designation and (B) management of (1) special areas of conservation and (2) marine protected areas.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-05752 on 1 March 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-05T14:22:58.987","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270073,"EventID":"S4W-05755","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-20T14:22:59.047","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-17T18:16:49","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the timeline is for (a) identifying new marine protected areas (MPA), (b) reporting the MPA options to the Parliament for review and (c) the 12-week period of public","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the timeline is for (a) identifying new marine protected areas (MPA), (b) reporting the MPA options to the Parliament for review and (c) the 12-week period of public consultation.\r\n","AnswerText":"As indicated in my ministerial statement on the creation of a network of Marine Protected Areas, which was laid in Parliament on 1 September 2010, the aim is to make significant progress towards identifying Nature Conservation MPA proposals to complete the network by the end of 2012. In accordance with section 103 of the Marine (Scotland) Act, Scottish ministers will report to Parliament on progress at the end of 2012, and then take decisions based on the recommendations and it is envisaged that a 12 week public consultation of MPAs proposed for designation will be held in 2013.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-05T14:22:59.063","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270074,"EventID":"S4W-05756","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-20T14:22:59.127","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-17T18:16:49","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what third parties have recently proposed a new marine protected area; how many have been proposed, and which of these are in Shetland.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what third parties have recently proposed a new marine protected area; how many have been proposed, and which of these are in Shetland.\r\n","AnswerText":"Thirty third party proposals have been received, where 27 are for nature conservation and three are for demonstration and research. The only one in Shetland is the Fair Isle demonstration and research proposal from The Fair Isle Marine Environment and Tourism Initiative. Small Isles Community Council, Community of Arran Seabed Trust, Scottish Sea Angling Conservation Network, National Trust for Scotland, Marine Conservation Society, Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society and Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust (jointly submitted), and RSPB have submitted a total of 27 nature conservation MPA proposals. The two other demonstration and research MPAs have been proposed by Scottish Sea Angling Conservation Network and Lorn Environmental Action Forum.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-05T14:22:59.127","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270075,"EventID":"S4W-05757","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-20T14:22:59.19","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-17T18:16:49","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what proposed new (a) special areas of conservation and (b) marine protected areas (MPA) are in Shetland and what stakeholders have (i) been invited to take part and (ii)","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what proposed new (a) special areas of conservation and (b) marine protected areas (MPA) are in Shetland and what stakeholders have (i) been invited to take part and (ii) taken part in workshops to discuss the MPA search locations.\r\n","AnswerText":"Five proposals for Special Areas of Conservation have been approved by Scottish Ministers for public consultation. This includes the Pobie Bank Reef approximately 12nm east of Shetland. Further details can be found at http://jncc.defra.gov.uk/page-4537. No MPA proposals have yet been finalised as work to develop an MPA network is still at the stage of identifying search locations. There is currently a search location near Fetlar in Shetland.\r\nA full list of stakeholder interests that have attended, as well as those who have been invited but have not attended, MPA workshops is available online (http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/marine/marine-environment/mpanetwork/engagement/attendees).\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-05T14:22:59.203","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270076,"EventID":"S4W-05758","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-20T14:22:59.267","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-18T14:00:37","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is aware of patients requiring treatment for immunological and allergy conditions being sent to Newcastle and, if so, for what reason this treatment cannot be ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is aware of patients requiring treatment for immunological and allergy conditions being sent to Newcastle and, if so, for what reason this treatment cannot be accessed in Scotland.\r\n","AnswerText":"Our generic approach to the management of all long-term conditions is about making sure people get services which are responsive to their needs and which can be provided as locally as possible, with ready access to specialist services where necessary.\r\nIn Scotland, consultant-led adult immunology and allergy services are available in Aberdeen, Dundee, and Glasgow. They deal with a very small number of people who experience near-fatal allergic reactions, or those that occur under a general anaesthetic. They provide highly specialist investigations, such as skin testing and the investigation of specialist antibodies and immune cell function. These services also take referrals from other areas across Scotland.\r\nThere is also a small consultant-led allergy service available in Edinburgh. However, NHS Lothian has said that adults living with immunological and allergy conditions in Lothian can also be referred to The Royal Victoria Infirmary in Newcastle under out-of-area referral arrangements for specialist opinion.\r\nIn addition, NHS Lothian has said that it is currently exploring options for the extending provision of locally managed and delivered specialist allergy and immunology services.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-05T14:22:59.267","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270077,"EventID":"S4W-05759","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":131,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-20T14:22:59.36","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-18T14:42:53","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what proportion of the 6,000 affordable homes to be built in each year of the current parliamentary session will be fully accessible to wheelchair users.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what proportion of the 6,000 affordable homes to be built in each year of the current parliamentary session will be fully accessible to wheelchair users.\r\n","AnswerText":"Within our Strategy and Action Plan Homes Fit for the 21st Century we have highlighted the importance of new supply to meet the needs of our people. In particular we recognise the requirement to produce enough specialist or adapted housing for older and disabled people.\r\nIt is, however, not possible to say what proportion of the 6,000 affordable homes to be built within each year of the current parliamentary session will be fully accessible to wheelchair users. Local authorities are currently bringing forward local housing strategies, informed by housing need and demand assessments which will inform investment decisions about where and what type of housing is required. Through this process local authorities should ensure sufficient fully accessible properties are available to allow disabled people more freedom and choice over where they want to live.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-05T14:22:59.36","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270078,"EventID":"S4W-05760","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":131,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-20T14:22:59.437","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-18T14:42:53","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive for what reason the NHS does not (a) provide or (b) maintain defibrillators for community first responder schemes. \r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive for what reason the NHS does not (a) provide or (b) maintain defibrillators for community first responder schemes. \r\n","AnswerText":"There remains uncertainty around the benefits of Public Access Defibrillators (PADs) and around the best places to put them. While it is likely that places with high footfall such as shopping centres, stadiums and railway stations are potential locations, it remains unclear how busy those locations have to be in order to warrant a PAD.\r\nAlthough the emerging evidence remains uncertain, the Scottish Ambulance Service (SAS) has reported that public access defibrillators can act as a catalyst for community involvement in the wider emergency life support training, and is working with stakeholders to improving access to public access defibrillators (PADs) throughout remote, rural and urban communities in Scotland as part of its community resilience scheme.\r\nThe SAS is working with businesses and charities to map the locations of PAD premises against ambulance response times to identify locations where PADS are likely to save more lives. The SAS is also advising businesses on the purchase and installation of in-store defibrillators in 40 shops, which involves training and supporting staff in the use of PADs.\r\nWe have also invested £7.5 million for the installation of state-of-the-art defibrillators, for use by its trained staff, in all Scottish Ambulance Service ambulances.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-05T14:22:59.437","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270079,"EventID":"S4W-05761","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2892,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-20T14:22:59.517","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-19T00:04:19.743","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its position is on the UK Government statement that \"The education provisions of the Equality Act 2010 which prohibit discrimination against individuals based on the","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its position is on the UK Government statement that \"The education provisions of the Equality Act 2010 which prohibit discrimination against individuals based on their protected characteristics (including their sexual orientation) do not extend to the content of the curriculum\".\r\n","AnswerText":"Section 89 (2) of the Equality Act 2010 states that the provisions of the legislation do not apply to anything done in connection with the content of the curriculum. However, the way in which the curriculum is taught is covered by the provisions of the Act. It would be unacceptable and also unlawful if the curriculum was taught in a school in a way which was considered by the court to be discriminatory or amounted to harassment towards a pupil/s with certain protected characteristics (including their sexual orientation).\r\nWe are committed to enabling schools in Scotland to address all aspects of equality within learning. There are a vast range of resources available to schools to support this, across all protected characteristics, through the Education Scotland website.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-05T14:22:59.517","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270080,"EventID":"S4W-05762","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":86,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-20T14:22:59.58","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-19T12:41:28","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will announce its response to Rail 2014 - Public Consultation.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will announce its response to Rail 2014 - Public Consultation.\r\n","AnswerText":"The consultation closed on 20 February 2012 and it is only right that we respect the people who responded and take time to consider what they had to say before we come to conclusions. The Scottish Government's response will be set out to Parliament in due course.\r\nThe consultation is part of the ongoing considerations for how to contract for rail passenger services, and what infrastructure improvements are required, from 2014.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-05T14:22:59.58","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270081,"EventID":"S4W-05763","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":86,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-20T14:22:59.64","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-19T12:41:28","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its position is on the future of the rail stations in the Glasgow commuter area that were referred to in paragraph 7.10 of Rail 2014 - Public Consultation.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its position is on the future of the rail stations in the Glasgow commuter area that were referred to in paragraph 7.10 of Rail 2014 - Public Consultation.\r\n","AnswerText":"We have no plans to close stations in Glasgow.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-05T14:22:59.657","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270082,"EventID":"S4W-05765","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":86,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-20T14:22:59.72","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-19T12:41:28","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many responses to Rail 2014 - Public Consultation there have been.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many responses to Rail 2014 - Public Consultation there have been.\r\n","AnswerText":"Transport Scotland have received over 1,200 responses.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-05T14:22:59.72","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270083,"EventID":"S4W-05766","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-20T14:22:59.813","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-17T18:16:49","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the timeline is for identifying new special areas of conservation.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the timeline is for identifying new special areas of conservation.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-05757 on 1 March 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-05T14:22:59.813","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270084,"EventID":"S4W-05767","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2123,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":103,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-20T14:22:59.873","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-20T10:52:01","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will continue to give money to community justice authorities for work with women offenders.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will continue to give money to community justice authorities for work with women offenders.\r\n","AnswerText":"Yes. Community Justice Authorities will receive £96.8 million from the Scottish Government in the forthcoming financial year (2012-13) for work with all offenders, regardless of gender. Women offenders are a core component of Community Justice Authorities’ and local authorities’ work and funding should be used to support effective services in their locality to meet identified need.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-05T14:22:59.873","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270085,"EventID":"S4W-05769","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1860,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-20T14:22:59.937","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-20T12:13:23","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive where fibre optic broadband cables have been laid.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive where fibre optic broadband cables have been laid.","AnswerText":"Information provided to the Scottish Government on the location of fibre optic broadband cables is commercial in confidence.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-05T14:22:59.937","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270086,"EventID":"S4W-05770","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1860,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-20T14:23:00.28","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-20T12:13:23","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to promote fibre sharing in order to roll out broadband.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to promote fibre sharing in order to roll out broadband.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government will ensure that fibre infrastructure procured through the implementation of Scotland’s Digital Future – Infrastructure Action Plan will be truly “open access” in nature. This is a stipulation of the current Highlands and Islands broadband procurement and will be a stipulation in the forthcoming procurement for the rest of Scotland. We wish to see the deployment of interoperable, fully “open access” fibre networks as we recognise that networks with these characteristics have the potential to facilitate improved broadband access throughout Scotland.\r\nThe requirement to share infrastructure is, however, a regulatory issue which is currently reserved to the UK Government and Ofcom. The Scottish Government therefore has no jurisdiction in this regard.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-05T14:23:00.297","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270097,"EventID":"S4F-00470","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":4976,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-20T14:18:19.653","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-17T14:58:31","Title":"To ask the First Minister when he will next meet the Prime Minister.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister when he will next meet the Prime Minister.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-05T14:18:19.67","MeetingDate":"2012-02-23T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270098,"EventID":"S4F-00473","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":131,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-20T14:18:19.763","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-20T10:24:05","Title":"To ask the First Minister what action the Scottish Government is taking to improve confidence in the construction sector. \r\n","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what action the Scottish Government is taking to improve confidence in the construction sector. \r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-05T14:18:19.763","MeetingDate":"2012-02-23T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270099,"EventID":"S4F-00477","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":5106,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":118,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-20T14:18:19.92","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-20T11:17:35","Title":"To ask the First Minister, given the economic impact, what action the Scottish Government is taking to ensure that competition remains on routes from Scotland to Heathrow airport.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister, given the economic impact, what action the Scottish Government is taking to ensure that competition remains on routes from Scotland to Heathrow airport.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-05T14:18:19.92","MeetingDate":"2012-02-23T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270100,"EventID":"S4F-00478","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-20T14:18:19.997","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-20T11:34:33","Title":"To ask the First Minister what impact Rangers FC going into administration will have on the economy.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what impact Rangers FC going into administration will have on the economy.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-05T14:18:19.997","MeetingDate":"2012-02-23T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270101,"EventID":"S4F-00480","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":2080,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":87,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-20T14:18:20.06","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-20T12:31:13.953","Title":"To ask the First Minister what engagements he has planned for the rest of the day.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what engagements he has planned for the rest of the day.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-05T14:18:20.077","MeetingDate":"2012-02-23T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270102,"EventID":"S4F-00484","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":5009,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-20T14:18:20.183","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-20T13:19:27.04","Title":"To ask the First Minister what issues will be discussed at the next meeting of the Cabinet.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what issues will be discussed at the next meeting of the Cabinet.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-05T14:18:20.2","MeetingDate":"2012-02-23T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270107,"EventID":"S4W-05774","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-20T16:58:04.557","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-20T14:02:57","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Cabinet Secretary for Health, Wellbeing and Cities Strategy has been advised by NHS Lothian of reports of a shortage of junior doctors available to staff paed","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Cabinet Secretary for Health, Wellbeing and Cities Strategy has been advised by NHS Lothian of reports of a shortage of junior doctors available to staff paediatric services at St John’s Hospital in Livingston and, if so, (a) when this advice was given and (b) what subsequent action was taken.\r\n","AnswerText":"Patient safety is a top priority for the Scottish Government and NHS Lothian is committed to ensuring the continued provision of safe, effective and person-centred healthcare for children across Lothian. The Scottish Government is being kept informed of the situation at St John’s, as are key stakeholders. I have asked that Scottish Government officials work closely with NHS Lothian to support them in maintaining and sustaining paediatric and neonatal services at St John’s Hospital and to support the maternity service at the hospital that delivers 2,800 babies every year.\r\nAs publicly stated by NHS Lothian, in January 2012, the Dean of Postgraduate Medicine for South East Scotland advised NHS Lothian of the decision to withdraw paediatric trainees (with the exception of one community health trainee) from St John’s Hospital from April 2012. The Postgraduate Dean has been working closely with the NHS boards in the South East of Scotland for some time to maintain safe staffing levels for senior trainees in all paediatric units in the region. While the services provided by St John’s Hospital are a priority for all stakeholders, unprecedented gaps (outwith the Deanery’s or health boards’ control) have resulted in the remaining senior trainees being redistributed to other units in the region, in order to both maintain rotas and services in those other units, and to maintain safe and high quality training for the trainees. This decision followed consultation between the South East Postgraduate Dean and the General Medical Council (GMC), Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH), and clinicians from the boards in the south east region.\r\nNHS Lothian has made a considerable investment in childrens’ services at St John’s Hospital to ensure that they can maintain a high standard of patient care and they are now assessing all of the options available, with their key partners, to sustain this important service. In particular, the board are vigorously pursuing all staffing options in the short and long-term; including both the recruitment to additional consultant posts and supplementary medical and nursing staff. This facilitates a move towards a trained doctor delivered service (in line with national policy) to compensate for the gaps left by trainees. It is important to make clear that the issues being experienced by St John’s Hospital are not as a result of insufficient funding but of gaps in senior trainee rotas. \r\nAt a national level to help increase the clinical team available to work in paediatrics, the Scottish Government is currently reviewing a number of specialties and specialty specific educational programmes that may be provided to other clinical professionals to facilitate continuity of care. Paediatric and neonatal nurse practitioners are one area where staff numbers may need to be increased to ensure a safe environment in the event of continuing medical staffing issues. The Scottish Government will shortly be approaching NHS boards to seek information on the numbers of advanced nurse practitioners in paediatrics and neonatology in post together with the numbers required to ensure that safe operating rotas can be maintained. \r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-05T16:58:04.57","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270108,"EventID":"S4W-05776","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-20T16:58:04.82","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-20T14:02:57","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there is a shortage of junior doctors available to staff paediatric services at St John’s Hospital in Livingston and, if so, what impact this will have on these s","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there is a shortage of junior doctors available to staff paediatric services at St John’s Hospital in Livingston and, if so, what impact this will have on these services.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-05774 on 5 March 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-05T16:58:04.82","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270109,"EventID":"S4W-05777","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-20T16:58:04.9","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-20T14:02:57","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will provide additional funding to allow permanent consultant and neonatal nursing cover at St John’s Hospital in Livingston.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will provide additional funding to allow permanent consultant and neonatal nursing cover at St John’s Hospital in Livingston.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-05774 on 5 March 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-05T16:58:04.9","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270110,"EventID":"S4W-05778","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-20T16:58:04.993","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-20T14:02:57","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action is being taken to increase paediatric junior doctor cover at St John’s Hospital in Livingston.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action is being taken to increase paediatric junior doctor cover at St John’s Hospital in Livingston.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-05774 on 5 March 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-05T16:58:04.993","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270111,"EventID":"S4W-05779","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5059,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-20T16:58:05.07","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-20T13:38:50","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S4W-05138 by Shona Robison on 31 January 2012, what its position is on the finding of the  Inquiry into Human Trafficking in Scotland t","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S4W-05138 by Shona Robison on 31 January 2012, what its position is on the finding of the  Inquiry into Human Trafficking in Scotland that Scotland's police service has a \"significant intelligence gap on human trafficking\" and how it will address this issue.","AnswerText":"Intelligence assessments are operational matters for police forces.\r\nThe Scottish Government provided additional funding of £4 million over a two year period from 2009 to 2011 to the Scottish Crime and Drug Enforcement Agency to boost capacity to tackle organised crime, and within that provide a dedicated expert resource to build the intelligence necessary to support and improve human trafficking investigation. That resource is now in place. Trafficking strategic and tactical groups have been set up by the Agency and this is one of the issues that these groups will seek to address.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-05T16:58:05.07","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270112,"EventID":"S4W-05781","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5059,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-20T16:58:05.163","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-20T13:38:50","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will launch a review of the legislation in relation to human trafficking.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will launch a review of the legislation in relation to human trafficking.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government keeps human trafficking legislation under regular review and responds as appropriate to any developments in line with our commitment to tackle this form of serious organised crime.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-05T16:58:05.163","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270113,"EventID":"S4W-05782","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5059,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-20T16:58:05.24","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-20T13:38:50","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will introduce a bill to tackle human trafficking.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will introduce a bill to tackle human trafficking.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has not yet decided its legislative programme for future years.\r\nAny proposal to introduce a specific bill on trafficking in human beings would have to be considered alongside a wide range of other potential priorities for legislation.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-05T16:58:05.257","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270114,"EventID":"S4W-05783","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5059,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-20T16:58:05.337","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-20T13:38:50","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will hold a campaign to raise awareness of human trafficking.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will hold a campaign to raise awareness of human trafficking.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has no current plans but will consider with stakeholders what further specific human trafficking awareness-raising activities would be of benefit within the public and private sectors.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-05T16:58:05.337","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270115,"EventID":"S4W-05784","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5059,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-20T16:58:05.413","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-20T13:38:50","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what funding it has given to tackle human trafficking in each year since 1999.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what funding it has given to tackle human trafficking in each year since 1999.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government provides funding to the Trafficking Awareness Raising Alliance (TARA) and Migrant Help to support suspected victims of trafficking as set out in the following table. Funding for TARA commenced in 2006 and commenced for Migrant Helpline in 2009. The figure provided for 2011-12 is an estimate as we have not yet reached the end of the financial year.\r\nYear\r\nTotal Scottish\r\nGovernment Funding\r\n2006-07\r\n£39,469\r\n2007-08\r\n£75,900\r\n2008-09\r\n£70,950\r\n2009-10\r\n£236,215\r\n2010-11\r\n£730,346\r\n2011-12\r\n£724,211 \r\n\r\nDuring the police led anti-trafficking operation, Pentameter 2, which ran from October 2007 to March 2008, the Scottish Government made available up to £20,000 to reimburse local authorities for any direct costs, on a case-by-case basis, they incurred in providing support, subsistence and accommodation to adult victims of human trafficking who had no recourse to public funds.\r\nIn addition to core police funding, the Scottish Government provided additional funding of £4 million from 2009 to 2011 to the Scottish Crime and Drug Enforcement Agency to boost capacity to tackle organised crime and, within that, provide Scotland’s first dedicated expert resource to build the intelligence necessary to support and improve human trafficking investigation.\r\nThe Police and Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service spend a significant amount of operational time on victim issues, including victims of human trafficking. Information on resources provided by these and other organisations, such as the support of child victims of trafficking by local authorities, is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2012-02-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-05T16:58:05.413","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270116,"EventID":"S4W-05785","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5059,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-20T16:58:05.49","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-20T13:38:50","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will set up a multi-agency organisation to tackle human trafficking.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will set up a multi-agency organisation to tackle human trafficking.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government currently has no plans to set up such an organisation.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-05T16:58:05.49","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270117,"EventID":"S4W-05786","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5059,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-20T16:58:05.57","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-20T13:38:50","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what is being done to improve the level of trust and cooperation between law enforcement and support services for victims of human trafficking\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what is being done to improve the level of trust and cooperation between law enforcement and support services for victims of human trafficking\r\n","AnswerText":"These issues are principally operational matters for the organisations involved.\r\nHowever, the Scottish Government will host a summit in the coming months to bring together the various agencies involved in combating trafficking in human beings to refresh the strategic direction for policy and delivery in this area. Improved co-operation between all organisations will be one of the objectives of the summit.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-05T16:58:05.57","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270118,"EventID":"S4W-05788","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5079,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-20T16:58:05.68","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-20T15:07:52","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will publish the analysis of responses received to its Consultation on Public Sector Equality Duty Revised Draft Regulations.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will publish the analysis of responses received to its Consultation on Public Sector Equality Duty Revised Draft Regulations.","AnswerText":"The analysis of responses to the consultation on public sector equality duty revised draft regulations will be published in March 2012.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-05T16:58:05.68","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270119,"EventID":"S4W-05789","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5079,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-20T16:58:05.773","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-20T15:07:52","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will lay the public sector equality duty revised draft regulations before the Parliament.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will lay the public sector equality duty revised draft regulations before the Parliament.","AnswerText":"It is our intention to lay the public sector equality duty revised draft regulations before the Parliament in March 2012.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-05T16:58:05.773","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270120,"EventID":"S4W-05790","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5079,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-20T16:58:05.833","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-20T15:07:52","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will include a duty to publish equality impact assessments in the public sector equality duty revised draft regulations and what the reasons are for its positi","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will include a duty to publish equality impact assessments in the public sector equality duty revised draft regulations and what the reasons are for its position on this matter.","AnswerText":"It is our intention to include a duty to publish the results of equality impact assessments in the public sector equality duty revised draft regulations. We consulted on this basis and there was support for the proposal. We believe that it will assist transparency and accountability on equality.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-05T16:58:05.833","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270121,"EventID":"S4W-05791","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5079,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-20T16:58:05.96","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-20T15:07:52","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the public sector equality duty revised draft regulations will include proposals to publish data on (a) recruitment, (b) training and (c) grievance and disciplina","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the public sector equality duty revised draft regulations will include proposals to publish data on (a) recruitment, (b) training and (c) grievance and disciplinary procedures for each protected characteristic, with the exceptions of gender reassignment and sexual orientation, as has been done in England and Wales and what the reasons are for its position on this matter.","AnswerText":"We consulted on draft regulations which would require listed authorities to take reasonable steps to gather information on the protected characteristics of employees, including information on the recruitment, development and retention of employees, and to publish information gathered. There was support for these proposals and it is our intention to include requirements in the revised draft Regulations. We believe that this duty will assist authorities to understand and address discrimination and inequality in their workforce. Our proposals include the characteristics of sexual orientation and gender reassignment.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-05T16:58:05.96","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270129,"EventID":"S4W-05716","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2108,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":141,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-21T14:21:48.413","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-16T16:35:50.84","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assessment it will make of the impact of its proposed public health levy on health and how it plans to report this to the Parliament.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assessment it will make of the impact of its proposed public health levy on health and how it plans to report this to the Parliament.\r\n","AnswerText":"The additional income raised from the public health supplement will contribute to the decisive shift to preventative spend measures. The government will include in future draft budgets an assessment of the progress being made towards a more preventative approach.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-06T14:21:48.553","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270130,"EventID":"S4W-05718","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2108,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":141,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-21T14:21:48.647","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-16T16:35:50.84","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it expects the health benefits from its proposed public health levy to arise as a consequence of the manner in which (a) the levy will be raised or (b) funds will","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it expects the health benefits from its proposed public health levy to arise as a consequence of the manner in which (a) the levy will be raised or (b) funds will be allocated.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-03546 on 8 November 2011. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-06T14:21:48.647","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270131,"EventID":"S4W-05787","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-21T14:21:48.723","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-20T14:46:37","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has given an assurance to the Fire Brigades Union since May 2011 that there will be no fire station closures and, if so, what the content of the assurance was ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has given an assurance to the Fire Brigades Union since May 2011 that there will be no fire station closures and, if so, what the content of the assurance was and when it was given.","AnswerText":"The provision of fire and rescue services is currently a matter for each of the Joint Fire and Rescue Boards and Fire and Rescue Authorities not Scottish ministers.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-06T14:21:48.723","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Roseanna Cunningham","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270132,"EventID":"S4W-05794","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-21T14:21:48.817","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-21T10:05:08.667","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Cabinet Secretary for Education and Lifelong Learning has formed an advisory group to consider the future of online resources and a national intranet for educ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Cabinet Secretary for Education and Lifelong Learning has formed an advisory group to consider the future of online resources and a national intranet for education.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-05796 on 1 March 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-06T14:21:48.817","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270133,"EventID":"S4W-05796","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-21T14:21:48.897","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-21T10:05:08.667","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether an advisory group was set up to consider and advise on the future of Glow and, if so, when it was formed; how many times it has met; what organisations are repres","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether an advisory group was set up to consider and advise on the future of Glow and, if so, when it was formed; how many times it has met; what organisations are represented on the group; what the membership is; what the selection criteria were for membership, and whether minutes were taken of the meetings.\r\n","AnswerText":"The development of Glow is based on wide ranging engagement with the education community including teachers, learners, parents and IT experts. I have listened to their advice and agree that Glow must evolve to become more dynamic and flexible, taking advantage of readily available tools and service that already exist on the web.\r\nThe development of Glow is more than just the tools, it is about changing culture, practice and behaviours. That is why it is set in the wider context of delivering against five ICT in Education objectives, governed by an ICT in Education Programme Board. The membership of the Programme Board includes Scottish Government officials, representatives from Education Scotland and the Association of Directors of Education in Scotland. Minutes of the board’s meetings are taken.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-06T14:21:48.897","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270134,"EventID":"S4W-05803","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-21T14:21:48.973","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-21T10:11:17.673","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the business rationale was for abandoning the Glow replacement procurement exercise.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the business rationale was for abandoning the Glow replacement procurement exercise.\r\n","AnswerText":"The development of Glow is based on engagement with the education community to establish a joint future vision for Glow.\r\nThe decision to stop the procured solution for the next Glow was based on ensuring best value for money and educational outcomes from our spending on ICT in education. Investing in the glue to bind together tools and resources that are readily available on the web will ensure that Glow becomes more dynamic and flexible and keeps pace with rapidly evolving developments in ICT.\r\nOur plans for Glow and our objectives for ICT in Education will enable us to focus our approach and invest in a way that delivers outcomes that matter for Scotland’s children and young people.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-06T14:21:48.973","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270135,"EventID":"S4W-05804","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-21T14:21:49.053","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-21T10:11:17.673","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it will protect the investment in resources on Glow to date when it is migrated to the new platform.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it will protect the investment in resources on Glow to date when it is migrated to the new platform.","AnswerText":"The new Glow solution will connect users to existing national resources and they will continue to be able to access nationally procured content. There will also be a data migration solution available to users to transfer user generated content.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-06T14:21:49.053","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270136,"EventID":"S4W-05805","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-21T14:21:49.13","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-21T10:11:17.673","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the replacement system for Glow will incorporate commercial advertising that is visible to users.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the replacement system for Glow will incorporate commercial advertising that is visible to users.\r\n","AnswerText":"No.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-06T14:21:49.13","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270137,"EventID":"S4W-05806","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-21T14:21:49.193","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-21T10:11:17.673","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive who will take day-to-day responsibility for maintenance of the user base of the Glow replacement and who will operate the platform.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive who will take day-to-day responsibility for maintenance of the user base of the Glow replacement and who will operate the platform.\r\n","AnswerText":"The user base will be part of the scope for new authentication service for Glow, which is currently being procured. The contract will set out management responsibilities.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-06T14:21:49.193","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270138,"EventID":"S4W-05808","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-21T14:21:49.27","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-21T10:10:34.88","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what system will replace Glow and whether this will retain the national user identity and authentication system.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what system will replace Glow and whether this will retain the national user identity and authentication system.\r\n","AnswerText":"The new Glow solution will include a managed authentication service which will allow registered users to access an integrated applications suite comprising of tools, services and content.\r\nThe procurement of the new Glow authentication service was announced on 24 February and is currently being advertised to suppliers under the Lot 2 of the Scottish Government IT Managed Services Framework.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-06T14:21:49.27","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270139,"EventID":"S4W-05818","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-21T16:57:33.453","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-21T12:20:23","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive (a) when and (b) which ministers (i) last met and (ii) will next meet representatives of the Edinburgh Tenant’s Federation.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive (a) when and (b) which ministers (i) last met and (ii) will next meet representatives of the Edinburgh Tenant’s Federation.","AnswerText":"Alex Neil as Minister for Housing and Communities, last met with Edinburgh Tenant’s Federation on 13 January 2010. As Minister for Housing and Transport I regularly meet with Registered Tenant Organisations’ Regional Network representatives from across Scotland. Edinburgh Tenant’s Federation were invited to meet with Scottish Government officials in December 2011 but have yet to take up that offer.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-06T16:57:33.577","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270140,"EventID":"S4W-05819","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-21T16:57:33.717","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-21T12:20:23","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will provide details of the (a) dates, (b) locations and (c) attendees of all meetings between the Minister for Housing and Transport and the Regional Networks","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will provide details of the (a) dates, (b) locations and (c) attendees of all meetings between the Minister for Housing and Transport and the Regional Networks of Registered Tenants Organisations in the last year.\r\n","AnswerText":"On the 22 August 2011, I gave the keynote address at the fourth annual event for regional network committee members. The event was held in Atlantic Quay, Glasgow and I met many of the 60 tenant representatives who attended it. On 29 November 2011, I met the nine Chairs of Registered Tenant Organisation Regional Network. The meeting took place in Victoria Quay, Edinburgh.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-06T16:57:33.717","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270141,"EventID":"S4W-05820","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5079,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-21T16:57:33.763","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-21T12:39:44","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to promote health-enhancing physical activity.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to promote health-enhancing physical activity.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government is committed to instil healthy and positive attitudes towards being physically active and to use the Commonwealth Games as a catalyst to encourage Scotland to become a healthier, fitter and more active nation.\r\nWe aim to “Make more Scots active, Keep Scots active and \tHelp Scots be the best” and to help achieve this we have protected the physical activity budget of £3.3 million and are looking to better align all activities with our active policy to ensure that we use this funding in the most effective way.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-06T16:57:33.763","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Shona Robison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270142,"EventID":"S4W-05821","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5079,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-21T16:57:33.857","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-21T12:39:44","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will fund specific work to promote regular healthy exercise in 2012-13.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will fund specific work to promote regular healthy exercise in 2012-13.","AnswerText":"We are continuing to promote regular healthy exercise through Take Life On. This year’s campaign was launched on 13 February by Dr Andrew Murray the Scottish Government’s Physical Activity Champion who is on a six month secondment from the NHS. The campaign continues to have a particular focus on parents of children in the 7 to 11 year age group, informing them of the recommended physical activity guideline of 60 minutes daily for children, and the physical and psychological benefits of integrating regular physical activity into a child’s life.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-06T16:57:33.873","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Shona Robison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270143,"EventID":"S4W-05822","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5079,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-21T16:57:33.967","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-21T12:39:44","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to promote walking as a health intervention for less physically active people.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to promote walking as a health intervention for less physically active people.\r\n","AnswerText":"During the last year Government investment has supported a wide range of projects and interventions that help people get active all over Scotland.\r\nPaths for All is an excellent example of this where around 20,000 people regularly take part in community walking schemes supported through 5,000 volunteers. In 2011-12, the Scottish Government will have invested over £1 million in Paths for All.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-06T16:57:33.967","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Shona Robison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270144,"EventID":"S4W-05823","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4934,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-21T16:57:34.03","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-21T14:14:45.533","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it will continue to support outdoor learning under the Curriculum for Excellence and whether an Outdoor Learning Development Officer will remain in post in the next f","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it will continue to support outdoor learning under the Curriculum for Excellence and whether an Outdoor Learning Development Officer will remain in post in the next financial year.","AnswerText":"We remain committed to promoting outdoor learning as a valuable context for learning in Curriculum for Excellence. Education Scotland, Scottish Natural Heritage and other partners are continuing to provide practical support and both the Scottish Studies Working Group and the One Planet Schools Working Group have made strong connections with outdoor learning which reinforce the value and importance of outdoor learning to Curriculum for Excellence.\r\nEducation Scotland will continue to support the implementation of curriculum for excellence through outdoor learning and work with partners to support the Outdoor Learning Implementation Group and the Outdoor Learning National Network. These have been established to provide advice and support to local authorities and partners involved in outdoor learning.\r\nIn the next financial year, Education Scotland intends to maintain a Development Officer with the capacity to promote outdoor learning as an approach to delivering Curriculum for Excellence.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-06T16:57:34.03","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270145,"EventID":"S4W-05824","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3896,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":97,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-21T16:57:34.09","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-21T14:27:29.657","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether Scottish Natural Heritage has the authority under the Wildlife and Natural Environment (Scotland) Act 2011 to enter land without the owner’s permission to capture","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether Scottish Natural Heritage has the authority under the Wildlife and Natural Environment (Scotland) Act 2011 to enter land without the owner’s permission to capture or cull the Tayside beavers and whether it has sought a species control order in order to do so.\r\n","AnswerText":"The non-native species provisions within the Wildlife and Natural Environment (Scotland) Act 2011 have yet to be commenced and, consequently, no species control orders have been made. Once the provisions are commenced they would empower Scottish Natural Heritage to make a Species Control Order for the purpose of controlling invasive plants or animals. Where any operations required by the Order are not carried out, Scottish Natural Heritage would have the power to carry out the required operations and suitable powers of entry are provided in the legislation.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-06T16:57:34.107","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270146,"EventID":"S4W-05825","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3896,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":97,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-21T16:57:34.17","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-21T14:27:29.657","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it classifies the Tayside beavers as an invasive and non-native species.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it classifies the Tayside beavers as an invasive and non-native species.\r\n","AnswerText":"The beaver is a former native species which, in Scotland, is now out of its native range.\r\nBeavers can have negative, as well as positive, impacts on the environment and their unlicensed release is currently an offence under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 and will remain an offence once the Wildlife and Natural Environment (Scotland) Act 2011 is fully commenced.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-06T16:57:34.187","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270147,"EventID":"S4W-05826","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3896,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":97,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-21T16:57:34.247","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-21T14:27:29.657","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it plans to make an announcement regarding the future of the Tayside beavers.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it plans to make an announcement regarding the future of the Tayside beavers.\r\n","AnswerText":"An announcement will be made shortly.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-06T16:57:34.247","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270148,"EventID":"S4W-05827","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2033,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":132,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-21T16:57:34.34","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-21T15:02:26","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much of the additional £8 million in funding to the Scottish Funding Council in 2012-13 to help colleges deliver their Opportunities for All commitments will be alloc","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much of the additional £8 million in funding to the Scottish Funding Council in 2012-13 to help colleges deliver their Opportunities for All commitments will be allocated to students with learning disabilities aged (a) 16 to 19 and (b) over 19.","AnswerText":"Detailed decisions on the allocation of this funding have not yet been made, although the priority age group for college places, in line with our plans for Putting Learners at the Centre, will be 16 to 19-year-olds.\r\nColleges exist to help people towards employment and we have made clear that this should include everyone, regardless of whether they might have learning or other disabilities. We have also made clear the value we place on non-recognised qualifications where they provide an access route to employment, including for people with disabilities and that, where this is the case, we expect such provision to be protected.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-06T16:57:34.34","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270149,"EventID":"S4W-05828","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5079,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-21T16:57:34.403","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-21T16:02:12","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it considers the (a) building and (b) facilities of the Glasgow Dental Hospital to be fit for purpose.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it considers the (a) building and (b) facilities of the Glasgow Dental Hospital to be fit for purpose.","AnswerText":"The Property and Asset Management Strategy for NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde confirms that the building condition of the Glasgow Dental Hospital was assessed as category C, not satisfactory/major change and/or investment needed for the physical condition facet. However, the quality facet of the Glasgow Dental Hospital building was determined as category B, which is satisfactory/only minor change or investment needed.\r\nThe Glasgow Dental Hospital facilities were assessed as category F, fully utilised, for the space utilisation facet and C, not satisfactory/major change and/or investment needed with regard to the functional suitability facet.\r\nOver the years 2007-08 to 2011-12 NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde has invested capital and revenue funds amounting to £10 million to improve the quality of the Glasgow Dental Hospital and upgrade its supporting mechanical and electrical services infrastructure. Investment is ongoing for the refurbishment of Levels 2, 6 and 7 and for the provision of new plant space and boiler systems. In addition, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde plans further investment in the Glasgow Dental Hospital as part of its statutory compliance and backlog maintenance requirements.  This will be directly related to the Board’s Property and Asset Management Strategy developed for 2012-16 and will be funded from within the boards capital formula allocation.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-06T16:57:34.403","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270150,"EventID":"S4W-05829","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5079,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-21T16:57:34.467","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-21T16:02:12","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive who is assessing bids for the Cities Investment Fund.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive who is assessing bids for the Cities Investment Fund.","AnswerText":"The Cities Investment Fund exists to help deliver the aims of the Scottish Cities Alliance as set out in Scotland’s Cities: Delivering for Scotland. It will be used to support collaborative programmes between cities that promote growth, lever investment and protect and create jobs.\r\nA set of operating principles for the fund, designed to maximise its leverage and impact, will discussed at the leadership group meeting in March. I will be happy to share these with you once they are agreed.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-06T16:57:34.467","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270151,"EventID":"S4W-05830","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5079,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-21T16:57:34.59","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-21T16:02:12","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many bids have been received for the Cities Investment Fund.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many bids have been received for the Cities Investment Fund.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Cities Alliance Leadership Group meeting in March will discuss a set of operating principles for the Cities Investment Fund, designed to maximise its leverage and impact. No bids have yet been received for the fund.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-06T16:57:34.59","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270152,"EventID":"S4W-05831","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5079,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-21T16:57:34.653","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-21T16:02:12","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what projects have been supported by the Cities Investment Fund.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what projects have been supported by the Cities Investment Fund.","AnswerText":"No projects have yet been supported by the Cities Investment Fund.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-06T16:57:34.653","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270153,"EventID":"S4W-05832","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5079,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-21T16:57:34.717","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-21T16:02:12","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what criteria are used to decide on bids to the Cities Investment Fund.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what criteria are used to decide on bids to the Cities Investment Fund.\r\n","AnswerText":"As noted in the answer to question S4W-05829 on 2 March 2012, a set of operating principles for the fund, designed to maximise its leverage and impact, will discussed at the Scottish Cities Alliance Leadership Group meeting in March. I will be happy to share these with you once they are agreed.\r\nAll answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-06T16:57:34.717","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270169,"EventID":"S4O-00729","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2010,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":137,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-22T13:50:22.657","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-22T10:19:36.84","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there are constitutional issues on which it will not compromise in negotiations.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there are constitutional issues on which it will not compromise in negotiations.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-07T13:50:22.813","MeetingDate":"2012-03-01T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270170,"EventID":"S4O-00730","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":3751,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":108,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-22T13:50:22.983","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-22T08:34:10.97","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to combat the dumping of vehicle tyres in rural areas.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to combat the dumping of vehicle tyres in rural areas.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-07T13:50:22.983","MeetingDate":"2012-03-01T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270171,"EventID":"S4O-00731","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":5108,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":139,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-22T13:50:23.047","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-22T10:41:31.763","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to ensure that the education and training of young people is appropriate to meet the future needs of the economy.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to ensure that the education and training of young people is appropriate to meet the future needs of the economy.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-07T13:50:23.047","MeetingDate":"2012-03-01T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270172,"EventID":"S4O-00732","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1742,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-22T13:50:23.11","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-22T08:41:03.893","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to promote economic activity in rural areas.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to promote economic activity in rural areas.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-07T13:50:23.11","MeetingDate":"2012-03-01T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270173,"EventID":"S4O-00733","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-22T13:50:23.17","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-22T09:32:02.12","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will consider the interim operating base at Perth Community Fire Station as the permanent base for the proposed single fire and rescue service.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will consider the interim operating base at Perth Community Fire Station as the permanent base for the proposed single fire and rescue service.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-07T13:50:23.17","MeetingDate":"2012-03-01T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270174,"EventID":"S4O-00734","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":5107,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":124,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-22T13:50:23.233","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-22T08:31:22.573","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether Carer Information Strategy funding will continue in and after 2012.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether Carer Information Strategy funding will continue in and after 2012.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-07T13:50:23.233","MeetingDate":"2012-03-01T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270175,"EventID":"S4O-00735","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":5106,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":118,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-22T13:50:23.297","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-22T08:39:06.45","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with Aberdeen City Council regarding the business rates incentivisation scheme. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with Aberdeen City Council regarding the business rates incentivisation scheme. ","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-07T13:50:23.297","MeetingDate":"2012-03-01T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270176,"EventID":"S4O-00736","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":5047,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-22T13:50:23.36","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-22T11:24:07.91","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it last met the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it last met the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-07T13:50:23.36","MeetingDate":"2012-03-01T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270177,"EventID":"S4O-00737","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1866,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-22T13:50:23.42","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-22T11:50:32.503","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what support it is providing to local authorities to ensure sufficient availability of supply teachers.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what support it is providing to local authorities to ensure sufficient availability of supply teachers.\r\n","AnswerText":"The government conducts an annual teacher workforce planning exercise to determine how many teachers to train to ensure sufficient availability of teachers, including supply teachers.\r\nThe recruitment and deployment of teachers is a matter for local authorities.\r\nDespite UK funding cuts, local government’s share of the 2011-12 Scottish Budget was preserved at 2010-11 levels following year on year increases since 2007-08.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-07T13:50:23.42","MeetingDate":"2012-03-01T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Alasdair Allan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270178,"EventID":"S4O-00738","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":4934,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-22T13:50:23.467","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-22T11:54:52.7","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the draft Renewables Obligation (Scotland) (Amendment) Order 2012 aims to remove subsidies for large-scale biomass plants.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the draft Renewables Obligation (Scotland) (Amendment) Order 2012 aims to remove subsidies for large-scale biomass plants.","AnswerText":"We are not in a position yet to say what amendments will be introduced to Scotland’s Renewables Obligation later this year. We have recently published the responses to our recent consultation exercise on this subject. Many of those who replied shared and echoed my concerns about large scale biomass electricity stations. I expect to announce our decisions and proposed changes during the spring.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-07T13:50:23.467","MeetingDate":"2012-03-01T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270179,"EventID":"S4O-00739","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":3824,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-22T13:50:23.53","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-22T08:32:39.967","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what investment in its transport infrastructure North Ayrshire will receive in the next five years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what investment in its transport infrastructure North Ayrshire will receive in the next five years.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-07T13:50:23.53","MeetingDate":"2012-03-01T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270180,"EventID":"S4O-00740","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-22T13:50:23.593","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-22T09:48:47.847","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the latest statistical bulletin shows that the Scottish Government is meeting its 2012 homelessness target.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the latest statistical bulletin shows that the Scottish Government is meeting its 2012 homelessness target.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-07T13:50:23.593","MeetingDate":"2012-03-01T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270181,"EventID":"S4O-00741","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":1882,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":129,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-22T13:50:23.653","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-22T09:57:01.49","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its priorities are for the development of the Ayr-Stranraer railway line.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its priorities are for the development of the Ayr-Stranraer railway line.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-07T13:50:23.653","MeetingDate":"2012-03-01T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270182,"EventID":"S4O-00742","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":5110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":89,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-22T13:50:23.717","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-21T15:25:35.913","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the tendering process is for work related to the Forth Replacement Crossing project.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the tendering process is for work related to the Forth Replacement Crossing project.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-07T13:50:23.717","MeetingDate":"2012-03-01T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270183,"EventID":"S4O-00743","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":2345,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":128,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-22T13:50:23.78","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-21T15:32:58.273","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to improve rail services in the west of Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to improve rail services in the west of Scotland.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-07T13:50:23.78","MeetingDate":"2012-03-01T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270184,"EventID":"S4O-00744","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":5034,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-22T13:50:23.843","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-22T11:56:15.373","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what it is doing to promote collective bargaining energy schemes as a means of tackling fuel poverty.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what it is doing to promote collective bargaining energy schemes as a means of tackling fuel poverty.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-07T13:50:23.857","MeetingDate":"2012-03-01T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270185,"EventID":"S4O-00745","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":3745,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":122,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-22T13:50:23.92","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-22T09:28:46.363","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is meeting its affordable housing programme targets.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is meeting its affordable housing programme targets.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-07T13:50:23.92","MeetingDate":"2012-03-01T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270186,"EventID":"S4O-00746","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":3815,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-22T13:50:23.997","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-22T11:47:08.103","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will provide an update on its discussions with the European Commission regarding public procurement processes.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will provide an update on its discussions with the European Commission regarding public procurement processes.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-07T13:50:23.997","MeetingDate":"2012-03-01T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270187,"EventID":"S4O-00747","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":2892,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-22T13:50:24.043","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-22T09:47:45.22","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what impact the Edinburgh Glasgow Improvement Programme will have on existing rail services in Glasgow.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what impact the Edinburgh Glasgow Improvement Programme will have on existing rail services in Glasgow.","AnswerText":"The Edinburgh Glasgow Rail Improvement Programme (EGIP) is a comprehensive programme of improvements to Scotland’s railway infrastructure, rolling stock and service provision which will provide a major boost to the wealth of Scotland and its long term economic sustainability.\r\nThe EGIP timetable is currently under development, this work will continue up to the introduction of services. The current operating assumptions include Cumbernauld Line services operating from Glasgow Queen Street Low level station, and the introduction of a suite of new Glasgow to Croy local services.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-07T13:50:24.06","MeetingDate":"2012-03-01T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270188,"EventID":"S4O-00748","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":4939,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":78,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-22T13:50:24.107","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-21T08:56:45.85","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress it has made in delivering improvements in port, road and rail infrastructure to support Grangemouth’s role as Scotland’s largest port and main freight distr","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress it has made in delivering improvements in port, road and rail infrastructure to support Grangemouth’s role as Scotland’s largest port and main freight distribution centre.\r\n","AnswerText":"Progress is being made in delivering the transport connections which are a main component of the development. Transport Scotland is in discussion with Falkirk Council on potential improvements at Junctions 5 and 6 of the M9. Falkirk Council has prepared designs for improvements to Glensburgh Road and Earls Gate roundabout at Junction 6 of the M9.\r\nThe A801 Avon Gorge link road (M9 - M8 link) has secured planning permission and all the land required in Falkirk and West Lothian has been acquired.\r\nThe Strategic Transport Projects Review (STPR) recommends improved access to Grangemouth port and freight hub, allowing larger containers to be transported by rail. This project will be taken forward subject to affordability and the transport allocation in future Spending Reviews.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-07T13:50:24.107","MeetingDate":"2012-03-01T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270189,"EventID":"S4O-00749","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":3907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":135,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-22T13:50:24.17","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-22T11:12:05.413","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will consider establishing closer working relationships with the emerging democracies in Europe in order to share best practice.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will consider establishing closer working relationships with the emerging democracies in Europe in order to share best practice.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-07T13:50:24.17","MeetingDate":"2012-03-01T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270190,"EventID":"S4O-00750","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":85,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-22T13:50:24.233","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-22T11:42:42.093","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representations it has made to BBC Scotland regarding the proposed service reductions and job losses at Radio Scotland and what the outcome has been.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representations it has made to BBC Scotland regarding the proposed service reductions and job losses at Radio Scotland and what the outcome has been.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-07T13:50:24.233","MeetingDate":"2012-03-01T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270191,"EventID":"S4O-00751","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-22T13:50:24.31","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-22T09:49:30.41","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what dialogue it has had with Aberdeen City Council on the potential for funding new contemporary arts initiatives in the city.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what dialogue it has had with Aberdeen City Council on the potential for funding new contemporary arts initiatives in the city.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-07T13:50:24.31","MeetingDate":"2012-03-01T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270192,"EventID":"S4O-00752","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":3743,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":123,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-22T13:50:24.373","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-22T10:08:44.517","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what impact the V&A at Dundee will have on the community of Angus.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what impact the V&A at Dundee will have on the community of Angus.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-07T13:50:24.373","MeetingDate":"2012-03-01T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270193,"EventID":"S4O-00753","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":138,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-22T13:50:24.433","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-22T08:14:20.833","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to raise the Antarctic and Scotland's role there with the UK Government as part of any future discussions on devolution or an independence settlement.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to raise the Antarctic and Scotland's role there with the UK Government as part of any future discussions on devolution or an independence settlement.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-07T13:50:24.433","MeetingDate":"2012-03-01T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270194,"EventID":"S4O-00754","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":1741,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-22T13:50:24.497","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-22T11:07:01.573","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what it is doing to encourage parents to take their children to visit art galleries, theatres and museums.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what it is doing to encourage parents to take their children to visit art galleries, theatres and museums.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-07T13:50:24.497","MeetingDate":"2012-03-01T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270195,"EventID":"S4O-00755","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":131,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-22T13:50:24.56","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-22T08:17:01.98","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive who has the right to dispose of historic buildings that have been gifted to communities.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive who has the right to dispose of historic buildings that have been gifted to communities.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-07T13:50:24.56","MeetingDate":"2012-03-01T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270196,"EventID":"S4O-00756","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-22T13:50:24.623","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-22T10:32:58.387","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the Cabinet Secretary for Culture and External Affairs is doing to support employment opportunities for young people in the culture and arts sector.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the Cabinet Secretary for Culture and External Affairs is doing to support employment opportunities for young people in the culture and arts sector.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-07T13:50:24.623","MeetingDate":"2012-03-01T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270197,"EventID":"S4O-00758","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-22T13:50:24.683","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-22T08:27:25.567","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what recent discussions it has had with Historic Scotland concerning staffing matters.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what recent discussions it has had with Historic Scotland concerning staffing matters.","AnswerText":"Scottish Government and Historic Scotland officials have met recently to discuss recent media coverage of bullying at the Agency. Historic Scotland takes allegations of bullying very seriously. Its policy on bullying and harassment in the workplace reflects that of the Scottish Government and provides a number of ways for staff to raise concerns or complaints.\r\nWhere cases of alleged bullying of Historic Scotland staff are raised formally, including through the trade unions, these are investigated fully. There are currently no active cases under investigation.\r\nThe trade unions and Historic Scotland’s management are fully committed to their partnership agreement. This provides regular opportunities for both sides to discuss the health and welfare of staff.\r\nYesterday I also spoke at the Historic Scotland Conference when the Agency launched its corporate plan for 2012-15. Central to the plan is the Agency working with stakeholders to fulfil the wide-ranging statutory responsibilities of Scottish ministers in relation to the historic environment.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-07T13:50:24.683","MeetingDate":"2012-03-01T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270198,"EventID":"S4W-05814","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4086,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-22T13:55:38.567","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-21T11:46:05","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much it would cost to extend the concessionary travel scheme to all community transport journeys.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much it would cost to extend the concessionary travel scheme to all community transport journeys.\r\n","AnswerText":"The absence of a detailed and up to date registry of Community Transport providers makes it difficult to provide anything but an approximation of the potential total costs. The report from the review of the National Concessionary Travel Scheme for Older and Disabled Persons published in May 2009 suggested that the costs then would be in the region of £5.2 million.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-07T13:55:38.6","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270199,"EventID":"S4W-05815","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4086,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-22T13:55:38.663","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-21T11:46:05","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many journeys were made by (a) registered and (b) non-registered community transport operators in the most recent year for which information is available.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many journeys were made by (a) registered and (b) non-registered community transport operators in the most recent year for which information is available.\r\n","AnswerText":"The information requested is not collected.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-07T13:55:38.663","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270200,"EventID":"S4W-05817","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4086,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-22T13:55:38.99","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-21T11:46:05","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much it would cost to increase the concessionary travel reimbursement rate for registered community transport operators to 100%.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much it would cost to increase the concessionary travel reimbursement rate for registered community transport operators to 100%.\r\n","AnswerText":"This information is not available. It is not possible to accurately separate the costs to the National Concessionary Travel Scheme for Older and Disabled Persons for services operated under community bus permits and those which operate under a standard operator licence.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-07T13:55:39.02","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270201,"EventID":"S4W-05833","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5079,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-22T13:55:39.41","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-21T16:02:12","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive on what date it will publish its analysis of responses to its consultation on equal marriage.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive on what date it will publish its analysis of responses to its consultation on equal marriage.","AnswerText":"We are aiming to publish the analysis of responses in the spring.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-07T13:55:39.41","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270202,"EventID":"S4W-05834","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2892,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-22T13:55:39.49","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-21T16:13:14","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what barriers there are to the establishment by local authorities of energy companies to (a) develop publicly owned renewables, (b) bulk-buy electricity from the wholesal","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what barriers there are to the establishment by local authorities of energy companies to (a) develop publicly owned renewables, (b) bulk-buy electricity from the wholesale market and (c) become retail suppliers of electricity to domestic properties.\r\n","AnswerText":"Many public bodies already own and operate renewable energy technologies manufactured, installed and supplied by third parties and which generate power that can either be exported to the national grid or used on site. The Scottish Futures Trust is working with COSLA to build on the public sector’s experience to date of taking forward renewables projects and to explore a range of potential commercial structures and funding sources for future projects.\r\nIssues for consideration are likely to include the need for specialist knowledge of the energy market and trading requirements, the need to obtain a supply licence from the energy regulator and to comply with the associated regulatory requirements and conditions.\r\nThe Scottish Government is committed to promoting exemplary community benefits from renewables developments on the public estate and would encourage local authorities to consider this when developing any future renewables schemes.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-07T13:55:39.49","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270203,"EventID":"S4W-05835","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2892,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-22T13:55:39.55","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-21T16:13:14","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it considers that the prudential borrowing regime would allow local authorities to borrow in order to invest in renewable energy generation with a view to repayin","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it considers that the prudential borrowing regime would allow local authorities to borrow in order to invest in renewable energy generation with a view to repaying the debt through the income from energy sales.\r\n","AnswerText":"Legislation permits local authorities to borrow for capital expenditure, and places a statutory duty on a local authority to have regard to the CIPFA Prudential Code when determining the maximum amount it can afford to allocate to capital expenditure. Whether a local authority is able to borrow in order to invest in renewable energy generation will depend on the nature of the investment and if the expenditure can be capitalised in accordance with proper accounting practices.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-07T13:55:39.55","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270204,"EventID":"S4W-05836","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2892,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-22T13:55:39.613","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-21T16:13:14","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much renewable electricity generation in megawatts is currently in local and community ownership and what plans there are to achieve the target for local and communit","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much renewable electricity generation in megawatts is currently in local and community ownership and what plans there are to achieve the target for local and community ownership of electricity in the 2020 Routemap for Renewable Energy in Scotland.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has commissioned work to produce a database on community and locally owned renewable energy projects in Scotland which will show how much renewable generation by technology is currently operational in Scotland. The report will be available shortly and will be published on the Scottish Government website.\r\nTo help achieve our target for 500 MW of community and locally owned renewables by 2020, we will continue to provide the Community and Renewable Energy Scheme (CARES) loan scheme which provides finance at the high risk pre-planning stage, and which has a budget of 23.5 million over the next three years. The CARES support will also include advice to communities on technical and financial issues and governance structures.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-07T13:55:39.63","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270205,"EventID":"S4W-05837","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2892,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-22T13:55:39.69","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-21T16:13:14","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many planning enforcement officers there are, broken down by local authority.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many planning enforcement officers there are, broken down by local authority.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government does not hold this detailed information centrally.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-07T13:55:39.707","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Derek Mackay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270206,"EventID":"S4W-05838","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3824,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-22T17:33:32.523","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-22T08:12:14.03","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with the UK Government to ensure that people from Scotland continue to have access to specialist NHS facilities in England  (a) after the plan","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with the UK Government to ensure that people from Scotland continue to have access to specialist NHS facilities in England  (a) after the planned reforms to NHS services in England and (b) if Scotland votes Yes in the proposed independence referendum.","AnswerText":"In relation to part (a) of this question about the planned reforms to the NHS in England, we have sought to ensure that the legislation allows for any arrangements that currently exist between the health service in Scotland and the health service in England to continue within the planned new architecture for Health and Social Care in England.\r\nA Legislative Consent Memorandum (LCM (S3) 33.1) was lodged at parliament on 21 January 2011 regarding the provisions of the UK Health and Social Care Bill that fall within the legislative competence of the Scottish Parliament, or alter the executive competence of Scottish ministers. This was considered by the Health and Sport Committee on 23 February 2011 (Official Report:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28862.aspx?r=6236&mode=html).\r\nThe Legislative Consent Motion (S3M-08063) was lodged on 3 March 2011 and agreed by parliament on 9 March 2011.\r\nAs far as part (b) is concerned, as laid out in Your Scotland Your Voice (paragraphs 6.9 to 6.11), with independence, cross-border cooperation in health could be enhanced. There are already cross-border arrangements for the commissioning of specialist health services and similar agreements exist on a European Union basis. A white paper drawing together the Scottish Government’s proposals for independence will be published in November 2013.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-07T17:33:32.54","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270207,"EventID":"S4W-05839","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3824,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-22T17:33:32.633","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-22T08:12:14.03","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many patients from Scotland have received treatment in NHS facilities in England in each year since 2007, broken down by (a) NHS board and (b) surgery type \r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many patients from Scotland have received treatment in NHS facilities in England in each year since 2007, broken down by (a) NHS board and (b) surgery type \r\n","AnswerText":"Information on the number of patients from Scotland who have received treatment in NHS facilities in England by NHS board and surgery type is provided for all admissions (elective and emergency). The tables are available from the Scottish Parliament Information Centre (Bib. number 53759).\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-04-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-07T17:33:32.633","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270208,"EventID":"S4W-05840","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3824,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-22T17:33:32.697","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-22T08:12:14.03","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people it expects to have elective surgery in NHS facilities in England over the next three years.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people it expects to have elective surgery in NHS facilities in England over the next three years.\r\n","AnswerText":"The provision of services is a matter for individual NHS boards to ensure they meet the needs to their resident population. However, a small number of patients who require specialised treatment that can only be provided in England will continue to travel for their treatment.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-07T17:33:32.697","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270209,"EventID":"S4W-05844","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-22T17:33:32.76","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-22T10:53:43.027","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what body monitors how effectively local authorities monitor welfare guardianships.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what body monitors how effectively local authorities monitor welfare guardianships.","AnswerText":"The primary responsibility for ensuring that a local authority monitors welfare guardianships effectively lies within the authority itself. Under the Adults with Incapacity (Scotland) Act 2000 a local authority is required to do various tasks including supervising welfare guardians, consulting with the Mental Welfare Commission (MWC) and the Office of the Public Guardian on issues of common interest, investigating complaints and providing guardians with information and advice. The Care Inspectorate is responsible for regulating and inspecting social work services.\r\nThe MWC has responsibility under the 2000 Act for a variety of protective functions in respect of adults who are subject to welfare guardianship. The MWC visits a sample of adults. Where not visiting, the MWC writes to guardians and asks  guardians to advise the MWC about any change of circumstances or concerns they may have. The MWC will also investigate a complaint relating to a welfare guardian where the local authority fails to investigate the complaint or where the MWC are not satisfied with the local authority’s investigation.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-07T17:33:32.76","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Roseanna Cunningham","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270210,"EventID":"S4W-05845","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-22T17:33:32.82","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-22T10:53:43.027","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what requirements are placed on local authorities to report how many welfare guardianships they have monitored each year.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what requirements are placed on local authorities to report how many welfare guardianships they have monitored each year.","AnswerText":"There is no specific statutory requirement for local authorities to report on how many welfare guardianships they have monitored each year.\r\nThe local authority’s responsibilities to supervise welfare guardians are set out in The Adults with Incapacity (Supervision of Welfare Guardians etc. by Local Authorities)(Scotland) Regulations 2002 (SSI 2002/95) as amended.\r\nWhere a guardian is appointed for a year or more, the local authority must arrange for the adult and the guardian to be visited on behalf of the local authority within three months of the court making the guardianship order and then at least every six months. That rule does not apply where the guardian is the chief social work officer.\r\nWhere a guardian is appointed for less than one year, the local authority must arrange for the guardian to be visited on behalf of the local authority within fourteen days before or after the midpoint of the period of appointment; and within fourteen days before the end of that period.\r\nThe Care Inspectorate is responsible for regulating and inspecting social work services. The Mental Welfare Commission for Scotland (MWC) has a responsibility to exercise protective functions in respect of adults subject to welfare guardianship. To help the MWC carry out this responsibility, the MWC asks local authorities to provide it with relevant information.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-07T17:33:32.82","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Roseanna Cunningham","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270211,"EventID":"S4W-05846","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-22T17:33:32.883","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-22T10:53:43.027","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what requirements are placed on local authorities to report how many visits to welfare guardians they have carried out each year.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what requirements are placed on local authorities to report how many visits to welfare guardians they have carried out each year.\r\n","AnswerText":"There is no specific statutory requirement for local authorities to report how many visits to welfare guardians they have carried out each year.\r\nThe local authority’s responsibilities to supervise welfare guardians are set out in The Adults with Incapacity (Supervision of Welfare Guardians etc. by Local Authorities)(Scotland) Regulations 2002 (SSI 2002/95) as amended.\r\nWhere a guardian is appointed for a year or more, the local authority must arrange for the adult and the guardian to be visited on behalf of the local authority within three months of the court making the guardianship order and then at least every six months. That rule does not apply where the guardian is the chief social work officer.\r\nWhere a guardian is appointed for less than one year, the local authority must arrange for the guardian to be visited on behalf of the local authority within fourteen days before or after the midpoint of the period of appointment; and within fourteen days before the end of that period.\r\nThe Care Inspectorate is responsible for regulating and inspecting social work services. The Mental Welfare Commission for Scotland (MWC) has a responsibility to exercise protective functions in respect of adults subject to welfare guardianship. To help the MWC carry out this responsibility, the MWC asks local authorities to provide it with relevant information.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-07T17:33:32.883","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Roseanna Cunningham","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270212,"EventID":"S4W-05847","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-22T17:33:32.947","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-22T10:53:43.027","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many local authorities are budgeting to increase the income that they receive from social care charging in 2012-13.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many local authorities are budgeting to increase the income that they receive from social care charging in 2012-13.","AnswerText":"Provisional Outturns for 2011-12 and Budget Estimates for 2012-13 will be submitted shortly by councils in their POBE 2012 return. However, this statistical return only collects net expenditure, not projected income from service charges.\r\nThe only statistical collection of income from charges is through the Local Financial Returns. The earliest that information on social care service charges in 2012-13 will be available is 2014.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-07T17:33:32.96","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270213,"EventID":"S4W-05848","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-22T17:33:33.007","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-22T10:53:43.027","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made by the COSLA short-life working group set up to take forward work on developing new guidance for social care charging with a view to implement","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made by the COSLA short-life working group set up to take forward work on developing new guidance for social care charging with a view to implementation by spring 2012.","AnswerText":"COSLA recently issued it’s National Strategy and Guidance for Charges applying to Non-residential Social Care Services 2012-13 to all local authorities. The guidance will be made public on the COSLA website early in March. \r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-07T17:33:33.023","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270214,"EventID":"S4W-05849","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-22T17:33:33.07","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-22T10:53:43.027","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has had discussions with COSLA regarding the harmonisation of social care charging systems throughout Scotland and, if so, with what outcome.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has had discussions with COSLA regarding the harmonisation of social care charging systems throughout Scotland and, if so, with what outcome.","AnswerText":"In December 2011 COSLA agreed a National Strategy and Guidance for Charges applying to Non-residential Social Care Services 2012-13. This will be published in early March, and includes a chapter on achieving greater consistency.\r\nThe working group which was established, including representation from the Scottish Government, to co-produce the guidance will now take forward the strategy 2012-13.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-07T17:33:33.087","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270215,"EventID":"S4W-05850","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-22T17:33:33.133","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-22T10:53:43.027","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is standard practice for care home residents who are compulsorily rehoused into supported accommodation following the closure of their care home to have to pro","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is standard practice for care home residents who are compulsorily rehoused into supported accommodation following the closure of their care home to have to provide their own furniture.","AnswerText":"The provision of resettlement services (including assistance with furniture) for people moving into supported accommodation is a matter for the discretion of local authorities and landlords (as appropriate to the accommodation), taking account of the needs and wishes of individual service users.\r\nNo information is held centrally on the local provision of these services.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-07T17:33:33.133","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270216,"EventID":"S4W-05851","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3824,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-22T17:33:33.197","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-22T08:12:14.03","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people from Scotland have had elective surgery in (a) NHS facilities in England and (b) NHS commissioned facilities in the independent sector in England in each ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people from Scotland have had elective surgery in (a) NHS facilities in England and (b) NHS commissioned facilities in the independent sector in England in each of last five years.\r\n","AnswerText":"Information on the number of patients from Scotland who had elective surgery in NHS facilities in England and NHS commissioned facilities in the independent sector in England is provided in table 1.\r\nTable 1 - Activity in English NHS Hospitals and English NHS commissioned activity in the independent sector - Count of Elective1 Finished Admission Episodes (FAEs)2 with a main procedure whose SHA (of residence) is Scotland, for the years 2006-07 to 2010-11\r\n \r\n2006-07\r\n2007-08\r\n2008-09\r\n2009-10\r\n2010-11\r\nTotal\r\n 2,717 \r\n 2,750 \r\n2,927 \r\n3,102 \r\n3,580 \r\nNHS\r\n2,708 \r\n2,743 \r\n2,925 \r\n3,099 \r\n3,572 \r\nPrivate\r\n9 \r\n7 \r\n2 \r\n3 \r\n8 \r\nSource: Hospital Episode Statistics (HES), Health and Social Care Information Centre.\r\nNotes:\r\n1. Elective admissions include inpatients and day cases.\r\n2. A finished admission episode (FAE) is the first period of inpatient care under one consultant within one healthcare provider. FAEs are counted against the year in which the admission episode finishes. Admissions do not represent the number of inpatients, as a person may have more than one admission within the year.\r\n\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-07T17:33:33.197","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270217,"EventID":"S4W-05852","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-22T17:33:33.243","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-22T12:02:25.747","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S4W-05382 by Nicola Sturgeon on 15 February 2012, when it expects to receive the report of Sir Ian Kennedy’s review of paediatric cardi","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S4W-05382 by Nicola Sturgeon on 15 February 2012, when it expects to receive the report of Sir Ian Kennedy’s review of paediatric cardiac surgery at Yorkhill Hospital.","AnswerText":"I expect to receive a final report from Sir Ian Kennedy as soon as this becomes available.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-07T17:33:33.257","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270218,"EventID":"S4W-05853","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2633,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-22T17:33:33.32","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-22T13:13:04.813","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many pre-registration student nurse and midwifery intake training places there will be at each higher education institution in 2012-13, also broken down by (a) adult ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many pre-registration student nurse and midwifery intake training places there will be at each higher education institution in 2012-13, also broken down by (a) adult nursing, (b) mental health nursing, (c) learning disability nursing, (d) children’s nursing and (e) midwifery.\r\n","AnswerText":"The 2012-13 intake for pre-registration nursing and midwifery students broken down by branch and university is as detailed in the following table:-\r\n2012-13\r\nDundee\r\nUni\r\nGCU\r\nEdinburgh Napier\r\nRGU\r\nStirling Uni\r\nUWS\r\nOpen\r\nUni\r\nAdult \r\n266\r\n261\r\n299\r\n142\r\n220\r\n469\r\n10\r\nChild\r\n35\r\n62\r\n70\r\n36\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\nMental Health\r\n51\r\n54\r\n54\r\n27\r\n65\r\n109\r\n10\r\nLearning Disability \r\n0\r\n45\r\n45\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\nMidwifery\r\n0\r\n0\r\n30\r\n30\r\n0\r\n40\r\n0\r\nTotal\r\n352\r\n422\r\n498\r\n235\r\n285\r\n618\r\n20\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-07T17:33:33.32","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270219,"EventID":"S4W-05854","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2633,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-22T17:33:33.447","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-22T13:13:04.813","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many pre-registration student nurse and midwifery intake training places there will be at each higher education institution campus in 2012-13.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many pre-registration student nurse and midwifery intake training places there will be at each higher education institution campus in 2012-13.\r\n","AnswerText":"It is for the individual Universities to decide how best to deliver the education programmes they provide to students and this includes allocating places at particular campuses. The 2012-13 intake for pre-registration nursing and midwifery students broken down by University is detailed in the following table:-\r\nDundee Uni\r\nGCU\r\nEdinburgh Napier Uni\r\nRGU\r\nStirling\r\nUni\r\nUWS\r\nOpen Uni\r\n\r\n352\r\n\r\n422\r\n\r\n498\r\n\r\n235\r\n\r\n285\r\n\r\n618 \r\n\r\n20\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-07T17:33:33.46","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270220,"EventID":"S4W-05855","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5079,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-22T17:33:33.507","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-22T13:16:12.15","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it measures the siting or availability of fast food outlets near schools or provides guidance to local authorities on dealing with applications for such outlets.\r","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it measures the siting or availability of fast food outlets near schools or provides guidance to local authorities on dealing with applications for such outlets.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government does not measure the siting or availability of fast food outlets near schools. Scottish Planning Policy (2010) contains guidance on the role of development plans in retailing, though no specific guidance is provided to local authorities on dealing with planning applications for fast food outlets. There may be scope for local licensing authorities to develop policies to help protect public health which can inform the licensing application process for mobile food vans and some have already done so successfully.\r\nHowever, we are committed under the Preventing Obesity Route Map to producing, in partnership with COSLA, a new Beyond the School Gate toolkit to promote healthy eating in the vicinity of schools, and facilitating information sharing across Scotland. While work on the toolkit is progressing, local authorities have been contacted to encourage local take-up of the Healthyliving Award, a Scottish Government funded programme which helps food outlets prepare and promote the sale of healthier food options.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-07T17:33:33.507","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Derek Mackay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270221,"EventID":"S4W-05856","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5079,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-22T17:33:33.57","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-22T13:16:12.15","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what vitamin distribution programmes there are for young children.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what vitamin distribution programmes there are for young children.","AnswerText":"Vitamin supplementation is available to some at-risk groups through the Healthy Start scheme. This scheme was introduced in 2005, to replace the Welfare Food scheme and is a highly successful UK-wide government programme to improve the health of low-income pregnant women and families with young children. At present, Healthy Start vouchers are provided to pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers and families with children under five on income related benefits. All young women who are under eighteen and pregnant are also eligible, regardless of income. The scheme provides vouchers for fresh milk, fresh and frozen fruit and vegetables, infant formula milk and vitamins. Under the terms of the National Health Service Regulations 1976, Healthy Start vitamins can be sold to non-beneficiaries at 10% above cost price or provided free of charge at the discretion of NHS boards.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-07T17:33:33.587","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270222,"EventID":"S4W-05857","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5079,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-22T17:33:33.633","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-22T13:16:12.15","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it carries out inequalities analyses of immunisation uptake.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it carries out inequalities analyses of immunisation uptake.","AnswerText":"ISD Scotland publishes statistics on Childhood Immunisation uptake. These statistic include analysis of uptake by Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation (SIMD).\r\nThe latest statistics are for calendar year 2010 and are available in the Publication Report published at http://www.isdscotland.org/Health-Topics/Child-Health/Publications/2011-03-24/Immunisation-Report-Oct-Dec-2010.pdf.\r\nNo other inequalities analyses of childhood immunisation data are carried out by ISD. Data on ethnicity and disability are not currently recorded on the Scottish Immunisation and Recall System (SIRS).\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-07T17:33:33.647","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270247,"EventID":"S4W-05841","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-23T14:08:34.337","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-22T08:19:28.593","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its position is on the so-called workfare programme that has been introduced by the UK Government and its impact on unemployment in Scotland.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its position is on the so-called workfare programme that has been introduced by the UK Government and its impact on unemployment in Scotland.\r\n","AnswerText":"DWP’s Mandatory Work Activity programme is reserved and a matter entirely for the UK Government. There is no published evidence on outcomes from the scheme so it is impossible to determine the impact this programme in isolation will make on long-term unemployment.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-08T14:08:34.443","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angela Constance","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270248,"EventID":"S4W-05842","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-23T14:08:34.523","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-22T08:19:28.593","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what role unpaid work placements will play in its youth employment strategy.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what role unpaid work placements will play in its youth employment strategy.\r\n","AnswerText":"Meaningful, high-quality work experience is very important for young people. What young people lack – generally as a result of their age - is direct and tangible real-life work experience.\r\nThe United Kingdom Government need to be vigilant about possible displacement in the labour market or potential exploitation of our young people in their programme. We cannot have employers taking on young people for work experience at the expense of paid employment or our young people being pressed to work for no pay. \r\nIn this instance, the DWP have an opportunity to engage with employers and trade unions on the detail of the work experience scheme, to ensure neither young people nor other workers are exploited. In that regard, we welcome the decision by Chris Grayling last week to withdraw the threat of benefit sanctions for young people leaving work experience placements early.\r\nAs we finalise the Youth Employment Strategy we will ensure that it encapsulates the positive role that meaningful, high quality work experience can play in helping young people into work whilst guarding against displacement and exploitation.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-08T14:08:34.523","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angela Constance","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270249,"EventID":"S4W-05843","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-23T14:08:34.587","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-22T08:19:28.593","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its position is on young people being placed on unpaid work placements and the impact of this on long-term youth unemployment in Scotland. \r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its position is on young people being placed on unpaid work placements and the impact of this on long-term youth unemployment in Scotland. \r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government believes that meaningful high-quality work experience which equips young people with the skills and experience to enter the labour market is one of a range of interventions that can help increase youth employment levels. In order to maximise the value of such an approach it is essential that employers and trade unions are consulted on the design of any such scheme. It is for the managing organisation and employer to ensure that young people are not exploited through work experience schemes.\r\nThe United Kingdom Government need to be vigilant about possible displacement in the labour market or potential exploitation of our young people in their work experience programme. We cannot have employers taking on young people for work experience at the expense of paid employment or our young people being pressed to work for no pay.\r\nIn that regard, we welcome the decision by Chris Grayling last week to withdraw the threat of benefit sanctions for young people leaving work experience placements early.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-08T14:08:34.6","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angela Constance","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270250,"EventID":"S4W-05858","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5060,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-23T14:08:34.68","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-22T14:38:46","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures it is taking to tackle the reduction in the number of foreign language assistants in schools and what progress it has made since the Minister for Learning, ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures it is taking to tackle the reduction in the number of foreign language assistants in schools and what progress it has made since the Minister for Learning, Science and Scotland's Languages met consuls general and consulate education officers from France, Germany, Italy, Spain and Austria on 18 January 2012.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government is taking several measures to tackle the reduction in the number of foreign language assistants (FLAs) in schools including continuing to fund British Council Scotland to recruit and support FLAs, promoting the use of FLAs through video and media interviews, as well as meetings with consular officials to discuss ways in which FLAs can enhance language learning in schools.\r\nFollowing the meeting on 18 January 2012, Dr Allan met with the Chair of the Languages Working Group and to discuss the views of the Consuls General. The Chair subsequently met with the German Consul General and a range of consulate education officers. Their views will help inform the group’s report on the delivery of the government’s 1+2 languages commitment which is due in April 2012.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-08T14:08:34.68","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alasdair Allan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270251,"EventID":"S4W-05859","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5079,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-23T14:08:34.773","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-22T14:46:52","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it considers narrowing the income gap between the most and least well off to be part of its overarching purpose and, if so, how it measures this and what progress","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it considers narrowing the income gap between the most and least well off to be part of its overarching purpose and, if so, how it measures this and what progress it is making.","AnswerText":"As set out in the Government Economic Strategy – to which an update was published in September 2011 – reducing levels of inequality in Scotland, as expressed in the Solidarity target, remains one of the Scottish Government’s desired characteristics of sustainable economic growth.\r\nInformation on how this is measured and an overview of recent performance is provided on the “Scotland Performs” website, and more information can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/About/scotPerforms/purpose/solidarity.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-08T14:08:34.773","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270252,"EventID":"S4W-05860","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5079,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-23T14:08:34.867","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-22T14:46:52","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive which formerly contracted-out services it has brought in-house since 2007.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive which formerly contracted-out services it has brought in-house since 2007.\r\n","AnswerText":"Data on all formally contracted out services brought in house since 2007 is not held centrally.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-08T14:08:34.867","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270253,"EventID":"S4W-05861","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5079,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-23T14:08:34.977","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-22T14:46:52","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive which formerly in-house services it has contracted out since 2007.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive which formerly in-house services it has contracted out since 2007.\r\n","AnswerText":"Data on all formally in-house services contracted out since 2007 is not held centrally.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-08T14:08:34.977","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270254,"EventID":"S4W-05862","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5079,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-23T14:08:35.07","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-22T14:46:52","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many young people have been identified as not in employment, education or training in each year since 2007.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many young people have been identified as not in employment, education or training in each year since 2007.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Annual Population Survey (APS) is the official source for data on people not in education, employment or training. Table 1 shows the latest published estimates from the APS, covering the period January to December 2010, of the numbers of people aged 16 to 19 not in education, employment or training in Scotland. Estimates are provided for the latest calendar year and previous calendar years back to 2007.\r\nAPS data for the 2011 calendar year (January to December) will be released in June 2012.\r\nTable 1: Number of People Aged 16 to 19 Not in Education, Employment or Training, Scotland 2007-10\r\nYear\r\nLevel\r\n2007\r\n32,000\r\n2008\r\n31,000\r\n2009\r\n36,000\r\n2010\r\n36,000\r\nSource: Annual Population Survey, January to December datasets.\r\nNote: \r\n1. Estimates are rounded to the nearest thousand.\r\n2. The survey sample sizes for these estimates are small; hence the estimates are subject to a high degree of sampling error.","AnswerDate":"2012-03-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-08T14:08:35.07","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270255,"EventID":"S4W-05863","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5079,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-23T14:08:35.147","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-22T14:46:52","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether all job vacancies in the Scottish Government and its agencies are advertised in the most local job centre and what the reasons are for its position on this matter","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether all job vacancies in the Scottish Government and its agencies are advertised in the most local job centre and what the reasons are for its position on this matter.","AnswerText":"Within the Scottish Government core directorates, all permanent job vacancies, where the annual salary is less than £40,000, are advertised in the most local job centre as well as on the Jobcentre Plus website.\r\nScottish Government agencies have delegated responsibility for recruitment but they too are required to advertise vacancies widely and most do use local job centres as a way to attract potential candidates.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-08T14:08:35.147","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270256,"EventID":"S4W-05864","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5079,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-23T14:08:35.257","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-22T14:46:52","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the average number of visits by a (a) midwife or (b) health visitor is for new mothers.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the average number of visits by a (a) midwife or (b) health visitor is for new mothers.\r\n","AnswerText":"Health For All Children (Hall 4) sets out the core programme of contacts with a health professional for all babies and children. It is intended to ensure that every child and family receive a consistent minimum core programme of contacts wherever they live in Scotland. The core programme of contacts with a community midwife and a Public Health Nurse – Health Visitor are set out in the following tables.\r\n\r\nContacts by a community midwife\r\nfirst 24 hours of life\r\nwithin first 10 days of life\r\n\r\nContacts by a Public Health Nurse – Health Visitor\r\n6 to 8 weeks of life\r\n3 months of age\r\n4 months of age\r\n12 to 13 months of age\r\n24 to 30 months of age (currently being introduced)\r\n\r\nA Public Health Nurse – Health Visitor would normally make a home visit shortly after the case is transferred to them. The visit would usually take place within the first 11 to 14 days of life. The number of home visits would be tailored to the needs of the family. As such the number of visits provided to new mothers may vary in response to the support required.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-08T14:08:35.257","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270257,"EventID":"S4W-05865","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5079,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-23T14:08:35.367","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-22T14:46:52","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many special constables there have been in each police force in each year since 2007.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many special constables there have been in each police force in each year since 2007.","AnswerText":"The information requested can be found in Table 2.11.1 of the Scottish Policing Performance Framework Annual Report, 2010-11, which can be found on the Scottish Government website at:\r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2011/10/25105642/0.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-08T14:08:35.367","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270258,"EventID":"S4W-05866","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5079,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-23T14:08:35.427","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-22T14:46:52","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many community police officers there have been in each police force in each year since 2007.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many community police officers there have been in each police force in each year since 2007.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-08T14:08:35.427","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270259,"EventID":"S4W-05867","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5079,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-23T14:08:35.52","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-22T14:46:52","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of homes has been (a) local authority rented, (b) other socially rented and (c) privately rented in each year since 2007.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of homes has been (a) local authority rented, (b) other socially rented and (c) privately rented in each year since 2007.","AnswerText":"Estimates of the dwelling stock by tenure in Scotland are published annually on the Scottish Government Housing statistics for Scotland website. The latest available estimates, covering the period 1993 to March 2010 are available at: \r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Statistics/Browse/Housing-Regeneration/HSfS/KeyInfoTables \r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-08T14:08:35.52","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270260,"EventID":"S4W-05868","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5079,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-23T14:08:35.613","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-22T14:46:52","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many homes are empty and how it (a) monitors and (b) measures the level of empty residential property.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many homes are empty and how it (a) monitors and (b) measures the level of empty residential property.\r\n","AnswerText":"In September 2011, there were approximately 71,000 empty properties in Scotland. Of these around 25,000 were long term empty properties and around 46,000 were exempt from council tax because they were unoccupied.\r\n(a) The Scottish Government monitors the level of empty residential properties through annual collection of the Council Tax Base (CTAXBASE) statistical return from local authorities. The return collects data on the number of dwellings on the council tax valuation list, and identifies, among other things, the number of dwellings receiving exemptions or discounts because they are empty.\r\n(b) The total number of empty dwellings is measured by counting the number of dwellings which are exempt from paying council tax because they are unoccupied (unoccupied exemptions), plus the number of dwellings receiving a council tax discount because they are long term empty.\r\nDwellings can have an unoccupied exemption under a range of different circumstances. These include unoccupied exemptions with no time limit for example where the liable person has moved to receive or provide personal care, and time limited unoccupied exemptions for new dwellings, dwellings in need of substantial repair or where liability falls to be met from the estate of a deceased person.\r\nLong term empty properties are unfurnished properties which have been empty for six months or more and are currently entitled to a discount between 50% and 10% of their council tax bill.\r\nA full list of council tax liability including discounts and exemptions is available at:\r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Government/local-government/17999/counciltax/leaflets/liability \r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-08T14:08:35.613","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270261,"EventID":"S4W-05869","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5079,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-23T14:08:35.693","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-22T14:46:52","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to bring unused commercial property into residential use.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to bring unused commercial property into residential use.","AnswerText":"Scottish Planning Policy (SPP) sets out the Scottish Government’s policy on nationally important land use planning matters. SPP recognises that vacant and derelict land and obsolete commercial and industrial property has an impact on the economic health of towns and cities. It therefore recommends that: \"authorities should adopt a proactive approach to encouraging the reuse of buildings and previously developed land, making use of land assembly and compulsory purchase powers to enable redevelopment opportunities\".\r\nThe Scottish Government has recently delivered a comprehensive programme to improve the compulsory purchase process. As part of this, the government published Planning Circular 6-2011. This contained guidance for local authorities to help them use their compulsory purchase powers effectively, including using compulsory purchase to bring empty properties back into residential use.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-08T14:08:35.693","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Derek Mackay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270262,"EventID":"S4W-05870","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5079,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-23T14:08:35.757","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-22T14:46:52","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of (a) socially rented and (b) private homes it considers to be under-occupied.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of (a) socially rented and (b) private homes it considers to be under-occupied.","AnswerText":"We estimate that, in Scotland, 43% of households in the social rented sector and 42% in the private rented sector under-occupy their property. This estimate uses information from the Family Resources Survey and is based on the Department for Work and Pension’s definition of under occupation. This definition of under occupation can be found here http://www.dwp.gov.uk/docs/lha-guidance-manual.pdf\r\nThe under occupation penalties in the Welfare Reform Bill will affect only  households in the social rented sector who are (i) under-occupying, (ii) contain working age adults and (iii) who are in receipt of housing benefit. Using the DWP’s definition of under occupation, analysis from the Family Resources Survey shows that around 41% of working age households in the social rented sector on housing benefit will be affected by the under-occupancy penalties.\r\nThe Scottish Government has not adopted the DWP’s definition of under occupancy. Such an inflexible approach runs counter to our policy approach to give social landlords the flexibility they need to take into account individual needs when allocating properties.\r\nFurther information on the impact of the under-occupancy penalty in the social rented sector can be found here: \r\nhttp://scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Built-Environment/Housing/supply-demand/chma/Benefitchanges\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-08T14:08:35.77","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270263,"EventID":"S4W-05871","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5079,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-23T14:08:35.817","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-22T14:46:52","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its position is on whether tenants considered to be under-occupying a socially rented home should be required to move to a smaller property.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its position is on whether tenants considered to be under-occupying a socially rented home should be required to move to a smaller property.","AnswerText":"We do not support requiring social tenants to move purely on grounds of under occupancy. In any case, under the terms of the Scottish Secure Tenancy social landlords cannot require their tenants to move solely on grounds of under occupation. We are in favour of encouraging tenants to move to suitably sized properties through downsizing incentive schemes.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-08T14:08:35.833","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270264,"EventID":"S4W-05872","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5079,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-23T14:08:35.88","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-22T14:46:52","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what guidance it issues to local authorities on the use of compulsory purchase to bring more properties into residential use.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what guidance it issues to local authorities on the use of compulsory purchase to bring more properties into residential use.","AnswerText":"In October 2011 the Scottish Government published Planning Circular 6/2011 – Compulsory Purchase Orders. This sets out Scottish Government policy and guidance on using compulsory purchase orders to facilitate housing and other projects in the public interest. The circular includes guidance on using compulsory purchase to bring empty properties back into residential use.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-08T14:08:35.88","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Derek Mackay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270265,"EventID":"S4W-05873","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4086,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-23T14:08:35.943","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-22T15:37:13.083","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many financial penalties were imposed on farmers for failing to observe cross-compliance standards under the Single Farm Payment scheme in (a) 2008-09, (b) 2009-10 an","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many financial penalties were imposed on farmers for failing to observe cross-compliance standards under the Single Farm Payment scheme in (a) 2008-09, (b) 2009-10 and (c) 2010-11 and have been imposed in 2011-12.\r\n","AnswerText":"The following table provides details of the number of payment reductions imposed on farmers for failing to observe cross compliance requirements and standards.\r\nNumber of Payment Reductions Imposed on Farmers\r\nCross compliance\r\nyear1\r\n\r\n2008\r\n250\r\n2009\r\n429\r\n2010\r\n323\r\n20112\r\n304\r\n20123\r\n44\r\nNotes:\r\n1..The cross compliance year follows the calendar year.\r\n2. Inspection findings for the 2011 have still to be finalised, details correct as of 28 February 2012.\r\n3. Figures for the first two months of the 2012 inspections year, details correct as of 28 February 2012.","AnswerDate":"2012-03-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-08T14:08:35.943","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270266,"EventID":"S4W-05874","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4086,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-23T14:08:36.02","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-22T15:37:13.083","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many (a) successful and (b) unsuccessful appeals farmers lodged against financial penalties for failing to observe cross-compliance standards under the Single Farm Pa","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many (a) successful and (b) unsuccessful appeals farmers lodged against financial penalties for failing to observe cross-compliance standards under the Single Farm Payment scheme in (i) 2008-09, (ii) 2009-10, (iii) 2010-11 and have lodged in 2011-12.\r\n","AnswerText":"The following table provides details of the number of (a) successful and (b) unsuccessful appeals submitted by farmers who incurred financial penalties for failing to observe cross compliance requirements and standards for calendar years 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2011. The table also contains the number of appeals lodged (by 29 February) in 2012, all of which relate to cross compliance year 2011.\r\nScheme Year\r\nSuccessful\r\nUnsuccessful\r\n2008\r\n4\r\n10\r\n2009\r\n14\r\n42\r\n2010\r\n8\r\n10\r\n2011\r\n9\r\n4\r\nTotal\r\n35\r\n66\r\n2012 \r\n18 submitted\r\n\r\n ","AnswerDate":"2012-03-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-08T14:08:36.037","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270267,"EventID":"S4W-05875","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-23T14:08:36.083","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-22T15:31:58","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it ensures the safety of patients who are provided with telehealth services by medical practitioners who are (a) not UK residents and (b) not registered with the Gene","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it ensures the safety of patients who are provided with telehealth services by medical practitioners who are (a) not UK residents and (b) not registered with the General Medical Council.\r\n","AnswerText":"Telehealth delivered through NHS 24 and the Scottish Centre for Telehealth and Telecare is at present provided by existing staff within territorial NHS boards. The Government is not aware of telehealth services being provided by non-UK resident, non-GMC registered medical practitioners within NHSScotland, but in any such event, the government would expect the health board(s) concerned to ensure the same standard of patient safety as they would for more traditional services.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-08T14:08:36.1","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270268,"EventID":"S4W-05881","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2678,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-23T14:08:36.147","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-23T09:32:37.457","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what recent discussions it has had with the UK Department of Health on bringing forward a rare diseases plan.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what recent discussions it has had with the UK Department of Health on bringing forward a rare diseases plan.","AnswerText":"The most recent meeting via teleconference across the four UK administrations was held in November 2011.\r\nThe Draft UK Plan on Rare Diseases was launched for public consultation by the Department of Health on Rare Disease Day, 29 February 2012.\r\nThe consultation document and accompanying equality analysis can be found on the Department of Health (England) website at:\r\nhttp://www.dh.gov.uk/health/category/publications/consultations/.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-08T14:08:36.147","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270269,"EventID":"S4W-05882","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4956,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":106,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-23T14:08:36.207","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-23T10:15:41.873","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the contribution of other EU nationals is to the Scottish economy.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the contribution of other EU nationals is to the Scottish economy.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Government Economic Strategy identifies population growth as a key driver of economic growth and we are focused on creating the conditions for talented people to live, work and remain in Scotland.\r\nMigration from the European Union contributes to Scotland’s economic prosperity, our culture, how we are perceived around the world and helps us mitigate against the potential challenges associated with demographic change.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-08T14:08:36.207","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270277,"EventID":"S4W-05883","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-23T16:52:26.71","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-23T10:22:44","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it was (a) suggested and (b) decided to remove Transport Scotland officials from the management board of the Edinburgh trams project in 2007.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it was (a) suggested and (b) decided to remove Transport Scotland officials from the management board of the Edinburgh trams project in 2007.","AnswerText":"Transport Scotland, with the agreement of ministers stepped down from the Edinburgh trams project board following the July 2007 meeting.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-08T16:52:26.977","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270278,"EventID":"S4W-05884","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-23T16:52:27.083","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-23T10:22:44","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive who (a) proposed and (b) authorised the decision to remove Transport Scotland officials from the management board of the Edinburgh trams project in 2007.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive who (a) proposed and (b) authorised the decision to remove Transport Scotland officials from the management board of the Edinburgh trams project in 2007.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-05883 on 6 March 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-08T16:52:27.083","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270279,"EventID":"S4W-05885","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-23T16:52:27.163","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-23T10:22:44","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive for what reason Transport Scotland officials were removed from the management board of the Edinburgh trams project in 2007.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive for what reason Transport Scotland officials were removed from the management board of the Edinburgh trams project in 2007.","AnswerText":"Scottish Ministers recognised that the effective project management required clear lines of responsibility in the management and governance of the tram project and the need to distinguish City of Edinburgh Council’s role as project owner and TIE Ltd’s responsibility for delivery, with TS role as principal funder.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-08T16:52:27.18","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270280,"EventID":"S4W-05886","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-23T16:52:27.273","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-23T10:22:44","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it received representations from the City of Edinburgh Council on the council's position regarding the decision to remove Transport Scotland officials from the ma","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it received representations from the City of Edinburgh Council on the council's position regarding the decision to remove Transport Scotland officials from the management board of the Edinburgh trams project in 2007.","AnswerText":"No representations from the City of Edinburgh Council were received regarding the decision to remove Transport Scotland officials from the management board of the Edinburgh Trams project in 2007.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-08T16:52:27.273","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270281,"EventID":"S4W-05887","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-23T16:52:27.333","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-23T10:22:44","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the decision to remove Transport Scotland officials from the management board of the Edinburgh trams project in 2007 has been reviewed and, if so, by whom.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the decision to remove Transport Scotland officials from the management board of the Edinburgh trams project in 2007 has been reviewed and, if so, by whom.","AnswerText":"No review was undertaken.\r\nThe Cabinet Secretary for Infrastructure and Capital Investment Alex Neil announced on 14 September 2011 that the Scottish Government will help oversee the final delivery of the Edinburgh Tram Project. A team of experienced project managers from Transport Scotland now fill key senior roles in the new governance structure with City of Edinburgh Council, bringing the professional approach that has seen major projects such as the M74 completed ahead of schedule and under budget.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-08T16:52:27.333","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270282,"EventID":"S4W-05888","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-23T16:52:27.38","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-23T10:22:44","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assessments of risks and ramifications were made before deciding to remove Transport Scotland officials from the management board of the Edinburgh trams project in 2","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assessments of risks and ramifications were made before deciding to remove Transport Scotland officials from the management board of the Edinburgh trams project in 2007.\r\n","AnswerText":"Delivery of the project is and always has been the responsibility of the City of Edinburgh Council as the promoter, authorised undertaker and operator in terms of the Tram Acts.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-08T16:52:27.397","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270283,"EventID":"S4W-05889","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-23T16:52:27.473","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-23T10:22:44","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will publish a response to its consultation on the proposed Rights of Children and Young People Bill and whether it plans to amend any of the elements already pro","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will publish a response to its consultation on the proposed Rights of Children and Young People Bill and whether it plans to amend any of the elements already proposed.","AnswerText":"We are currently giving careful consideration to the 123 consultation responses received and the issues arising from these. The Scottish Government’s response to the consultation will be published in spring 2012 and this will detail whether any legislative proposals will be amended as a result of the consultation exercise.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-08T16:52:27.473","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Aileen Campbell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270284,"EventID":"S4W-05890","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-23T16:52:27.553","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-23T10:22:44","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how the proposed Rights of Children and Young People Bill will take account of the impact of reserved policy matters on the lives and welfare of children and young people","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how the proposed Rights of Children and Young People Bill will take account of the impact of reserved policy matters on the lives and welfare of children and young people.","AnswerText":"The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) is an international obligation of the UK and has been ratified by the UK Government. Under the current constitutional settlement, the Scottish Parliament cannot legislate on those matters that are reserved. In bringing forward their proposals for legislation, Scottish Ministers will seek to reflect the principles of the UNCRC insofar as the current settlement allows, taking into account all factors that are relevant. As outlined in my answer to S4W- 05889 on 6 March 2012, the Scottish Government will provide more detail of its legislative proposals in the spring of this year.\r\nAll answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-08T16:52:27.57","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Aileen Campbell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270285,"EventID":"S4W-05892","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-23T16:52:27.63","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-23T10:22:44","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures will be included in the proposed Rights of Children and Young People Bill to give further effect to the Convention on the Rights of the Child in Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures will be included in the proposed Rights of Children and Young People Bill to give further effect to the Convention on the Rights of the Child in Scotland.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government seeks to reflect the principles of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child wherever possible in the development of national policy and legislation. We believe that the proposed children’s legislation, along with wider policy development, will help us to make major improvements in the practical realisation of children’s rights. As outlined in my answer to S4W- 05889 on 6 March 2012, the Scottish Government will provide more detail of its legislative proposals in the spring of this year.\r\nAll answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-08T16:52:27.63","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Aileen Campbell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270286,"EventID":"S4W-05894","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-23T16:52:27.757","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-23T10:22:44","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S4W-04106 by Angela Constance on 5 December 2011, what its other reasons are for not incorporating the Convention on the Rights of the ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S4W-04106 by Angela Constance on 5 December 2011, what its other reasons are for not incorporating the Convention on the Rights of the Child into Scots law; whether it will clarify the relationship between children’s rights, existing human rights and equalities duties, and what correspondence it has had with public authorities regarding suggestions to extend the due regard duty to local authorities and NHS boards.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government is already accountable to the Scottish Parliament for executive action to ensure the implementation, within devolved competence, of relevant international obligations, including the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child. In order to achieve this, we take steps wherever possible to reflect the principles of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child in policy and legislation.\r\nAll of our ongoing activity to give furtherance to the Convention is being delivered within the context of our wider commitment to respect and realise human rights for the people of Scotland.\r\nHuman rights are at the heart of the Scotland Act and are universal in nature. Like everyone else in Scotland, children enjoy all of the rights recognised internationally by signatories to the European Convention on Human Rights. The Scottish Government has no power to act in ways that breach Convention rights. Legislation passed by the Scottish Parliament is not law if it is incompatible with those rights. These fundamental protections are entrenched and cannot be modified or removed by either the government or the parliament.\r\nThe public sector equality duty in the Equality Act 2010 came into force on 5 April 2011. This duty requires Scottish public authorities to have “due regard” to the need to eliminate unlawful discrimination, advance equality of opportunity and foster good relations. It covers the relevant protected characteristics of age, disability, gender reassignment, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex and sexual orientation.\r\nThrough the recent Scottish Government consultation on the proposed Rights of Children and Young People Bill we obtained a range of views, some of which focussed on the potential extension of duties to other public bodies. We are currently considering next steps following that exercise.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-08T16:52:27.757","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Aileen Campbell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270287,"EventID":"S4W-05895","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2159,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":88,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-23T16:52:27.833","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-23T11:26:14.51","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much has been spent on overseas travel by each minister since May 2011 broken down by (a) date and (b) destination and how many (i) officials and (ii) others accompan","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much has been spent on overseas travel by each minister since May 2011 broken down by (a) date and (b) destination and how many (i) officials and (ii) others accompanied them on each visit.\r\n","AnswerText":"Ministers overseas travel information is proactively published on the Scottish Government Website: \r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/About/14944/travel/visitsoverseas.\r\nWe are currently collating the information for 2011 and this is due to be published at the end of March 2012.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-02-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-08T16:52:27.833","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Bruce Crawford","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270288,"EventID":"S4W-05897","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2159,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":88,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-23T16:52:27.897","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-23T11:26:14.51","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much has been spent on overseas travel by officials not accompanied by ministers since May 2011, broken down by (a) date and (b) destination.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much has been spent on overseas travel by officials not accompanied by ministers since May 2011, broken down by (a) date and (b) destination.\r\n","AnswerText":"Information relating to overseas travel by officials is not held in the form requested.\r\nScottish Government officials undertake overseas travel to ensure we effectively represent the people of Scotland and to ensure Scotland’s voice is heard on important issues. Before arranging travel officials must ensure that their journey is necessary and, if it is, they must use the most cost-effective means of travel.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-08T16:52:27.897","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270289,"EventID":"S4W-05898","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2159,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":88,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-23T16:52:27.973","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-23T11:27:24.977","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much it has spent on taxis since May 2011.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much it has spent on taxis since May 2011.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government spent £188,347 on taxis from May 2011 until the end of January 2012.\r\nBy comparison, the spend for May 2010 to the end of January 2011 was £228,518.The Scottish Government is committed to ensuring that it obtains value for money from its expenditure on travel for official purposes.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-08T16:52:27.973","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270290,"EventID":"S4W-05899","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2159,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":88,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-23T16:52:28.037","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-23T11:27:24.977","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much it has spent on entertaining and hospitality since May 2011, broken down by purpose.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much it has spent on entertaining and hospitality since May 2011, broken down by purpose.\r\n","AnswerText":"Total Scottish Government expenditure on entertaining and hospitality for the period 1 May 2011 to 31 January 2012 (9 months) was £438,485. Information about specific purposes could only be obtained at disproportionate cost.\r\nComparable figures for the three financial years 2008-09 to 2010-11 are:\r\n2008-09 (April 2008 – March 2009, 12 months) £1,186,757\r\n2009-10 (April 2009 – March 2010, 12 months) £1,174,119\r\n2010-11 (April 2010 – March 2011, 12 months) £765,801\r\nThis expenditure is incurred in accordance with internal guidance on the provision of hospitality and includes the costs of events with external stakeholders. The guidance outlines the circumstances and range of official hospitality that justifies funding, subject to the appropriate authorisation being granted.\r\nhospitality for official visitors, including civil servants from other government departments and visitors from overseas;\r\nlight refreshments for meetings;\r\nworking lunches within and outwith the normal workplace;\r\nconference venues, and\r\nspecial occasions.\r\nInformation on events hosted by ministers is available on the Scottish Government website at:\r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/About/14944/Events-Engagements/hospitality.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-08T16:52:28.037","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270291,"EventID":"S4W-05900","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2159,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":88,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-23T16:52:28.113","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-23T11:27:24.977","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many receptions it has hosted since May 2011; what each was for, and what the location was.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many receptions it has hosted since May 2011; what each was for, and what the location was.\r\n","AnswerText":"Information regarding receptions hosted by Scottish Government ministers is routinely published on the Scottish Government website, detailing the date, host, location and guest list. This is currently published every three months and can be accessed at the following link:\r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/About/14944/Events-Engagements/hospitality.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-08T16:52:28.113","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270292,"EventID":"S4W-05901","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-23T16:52:28.193","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-23T11:54:50.727","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it will encourage coastal communities to apply to the Coastal Communities Fund.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it will encourage coastal communities to apply to the Coastal Communities Fund.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government are working closely with the Big Fund (the brand that the Big Lottery Fund used to distribute non lottery funds) to ensure that the Coastal Communities Fund is accessible to all Scottish coastal communities.\r\nAs administrator of the Coastal Communities Fund, the Big Fund in Scotland will notify key Local Authority stakeholders at the programme launch as well circulate information in their next newsletter which has a recipient list of over 2000, and on their BIG Scotland Blog. The Big Fund will also run a series of events across the country at which they will provide information and advice on all programmes including the Coastal Communities Fund.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-08T16:52:28.193","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270293,"EventID":"S4W-05902","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-23T16:52:28.27","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-23T11:54:50.727","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what support it offers to areas such as Portobello to (a) maintain and (b) promote their status as seaside destinations.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what support it offers to areas such as Portobello to (a) maintain and (b) promote their status as seaside destinations.\r\n","AnswerText":"The overarching objective of the Scottish Government is to promote economic growth across the whole of Scotland and for the benefit of all. Over £216 million has been directly invested in Regeneration activity since 2007 to regenerate communities across Scotland.\r\nThere is no specific funding available for the regeneration of seaside towns as tourism destinations, although we recognise they are an important asset for Scottish tourism. However, the Coastal Communities Fund aims to support projects in Scotland’s coastal communities that promote sustainable economic growth and jobs in tourism.\r\nIn addition to this, VisitScotland supports local initiatives through its Growth fund and provides business support for individual tourism businesses and tourism groups.\r\nScottish Enterprise also provides support specifically to Edinburgh through the Edinburgh Tourism Action Group (ETAG). ETAG aims to improve business performance, enhance the visitor experience and strengthen Edinburgh’s position as a world class visitor destination. Portobello is seen as part of the overall Edinburgh tourism product and not as a tourism destination in its own right. Tourism businesses in Portobello are able to benefit from the range of support ETAG offers. \r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-08T16:52:28.27","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270294,"EventID":"S4W-05903","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-23T16:52:28.333","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-23T11:54:50.727","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it anticipates Barnett consequentials arising from the £23.7 million Coastal Communities Fund launched on 9 February 2012 by the Secretary of State for Communitie","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it anticipates Barnett consequentials arising from the £23.7 million Coastal Communities Fund launched on 9 February 2012 by the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government.","AnswerText":"In respect of the £23.7 million Coastal Communities Fund, launched by the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government on 9 February 2012, Scotland’s share for 2012-13 will be £3.9 million. The Coastal Communities Fund will be administered by the Big Fund (the brand that the Big Lottery use to distribute non lottery funds). It has been agreed with the Chief Secretary to the Treasury that the Scottish Government will transfer £3.9 million to the Big Fund once the 2012-13 Block Grant has been augmented by this sum.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-08T16:52:28.333","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270295,"EventID":"S4W-05915","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3806,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-23T16:52:28.397","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-23T16:01:29.36","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much funding is being provided by Highlands and Islands Enterprise to the Cairngorm funicular railway.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much funding is being provided by Highlands and Islands Enterprise to the Cairngorm funicular railway.","AnswerText":"This is an operational matter for Highlands and Islands Enterprise. I will ask its Chief Executive to reply to you.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-08T16:52:28.397","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270296,"EventID":"S4W-05916","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3806,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-23T16:52:28.457","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-23T16:01:29.36","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much in European Structural Funds has been allocated to the financing of the Cairngorm funicular railway.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much in European Structural Funds has been allocated to the financing of the Cairngorm funicular railway.\r\n","AnswerText":"Grant of £2.699 million of European Regional Development Fund was awarded under the 1994-99 Highlands and Islands Objective 1 programme towards the cost of the construction of the funicular.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-08T16:52:28.457","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270297,"EventID":"S4W-05917","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3806,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-23T16:52:28.52","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-23T16:01:29.36","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much public sector funding is being provided for the construction of the Cairngorm funicular railway.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much public sector funding is being provided for the construction of the Cairngorm funicular railway.\r\n","AnswerText":"This is an operational matter for Highlands and Islands Enterprise. I will ask its Chief Executive to reply to you.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-08T16:52:28.52","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270298,"EventID":"S4W-05922","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1845,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-23T16:52:28.597","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-23T16:10:06","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when its Long Term Conditions Unit last met UK Government officials to discuss the draft plan on rare diseases in the UK; what public consultation there will be on the dr","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when its Long Term Conditions Unit last met UK Government officials to discuss the draft plan on rare diseases in the UK; what public consultation there will be on the draft plan, and when it will be published.\r\n","AnswerText":"The most recent meeting via teleconference across the four UK administrations, which involved officials from the Long Term Conditions Unit, was held in November 2011.\r\nThe Draft UK Plan on Rare Diseases was launched for public consultation by the  Department of Health on Rare Disease Day, 29 February 2012.\r\nThe consultation document and accompanying equality analysis can be found on the Department of Health (England) website at:\r\nhttp://www.dh.gov.uk/health/category/publications/consultations/.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-08T16:52:28.597","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270302,"EventID":"S4W-05876","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-24T14:14:53.52","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-22T16:04:45","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether every NHS board has implemented the Partnership Information Network (PIN) policy, Implementing and Reviewing Whistleblowing Arrangements in NHSScotland.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether every NHS board has implemented the Partnership Information Network (PIN) policy, Implementing and Reviewing Whistleblowing Arrangements in NHSScotland.\r\n","AnswerText":"NHSScotland boards’ local policies must meet or exceed the minimum standards set out within NHSScotland Partnership Information Network (PIN) Policies. Given that local policy review mechanisms will differ amongst individual boards, where new/revised PIN policies are published boards will be expected to ensure that their local policies are compliant within a reasonable timescale.\r\nAs part of monitoring performance against the Staff Governance Standard, boards must evidence that their local policies adhere to the national PIN policies.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-09T14:14:53.863","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270303,"EventID":"S4W-05877","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-24T14:14:54.147","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-22T16:04:45","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether all NHS staff contracts have been revised to include terms and conditions regarding the protection of whistleblowers.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether all NHS staff contracts have been revised to include terms and conditions regarding the protection of whistleblowers.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Public Interest Disclosure Act 1998 provides legal protection in relation to whistleblowers. Such protection is therefore an implied term within the contracts of employment of all NHSScotland employees, and does not need to be stipulated as a specific written contractual provision.\r\nAdditionally, all NHSScotland boards are required to have in place local policies which meet or exceed the minimum standards set out within NHSScotland Partnership Information Network (PIN) Policies, including the Implementing and Reviewing Whistleblowing Arrangements in NHSScotland PIN Policy. Given that all NHSScotland employees have a contractual obligation to comply with their board’s local policies, their rights and responsibilities with regard to whistleblowing are further reinforced.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-09T14:14:54.147","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270304,"EventID":"S4W-05878","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-24T14:14:54.253","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-22T16:04:45","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what reports are made to its health directorate and NHS (a) boards and (b) partnership forums on concerns raised by clinicians.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what reports are made to its health directorate and NHS (a) boards and (b) partnership forums on concerns raised by clinicians.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Implementing and Reviewing Whistleblowing Arrangements in NHSScotland PIN policy clearly sets out boards’ obligations in terms of local policies developed in line with the PIN. The operation of local policies, which should be monitored by the area partnership forums, should include regular feedback sessions with area partnership forums to evaluate progress and collect data on the nature and number of concerns raised. The Scottish Government does not receive reports, nor does it hold information on what reports are made to NHS boards or partnership forums, on concerns raised by clinicians.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-09T14:14:54.253","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270305,"EventID":"S4W-05879","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-24T14:14:54.397","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-22T16:04:45","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether all NHS staff have been informed about (a) their obligations regarding and (b) how they should be protected when raising concerns regarding patient care and safet","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether all NHS staff have been informed about (a) their obligations regarding and (b) how they should be protected when raising concerns regarding patient care and safety, as set out in the Partnership Information Network (PIN) policy, Implementing and Reviewing Whistleblowing Arrangements in NHSScotland.\r\n","AnswerText":"The revised Implementing and Reviewing Whistleblowing Arrangements in NHSScotland Partnership Information Network (PIN) policy details the rights and responsibilities of staff in relation to whistleblowing. NHSScotland boards’ local HR policies must meet or exceed the minimum standards set out within the national PIN policies and, in line with the NHSScotland Staff Governance Standard, must be appropriately communicated to staff. Additionally, the Implementing and Reviewing Whistleblowing Arrangements in NHSScotland PIN policy itself clearly sets out boards’ obligations in terms of communicating local policies developed in line with the PIN.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-09T14:14:54.397","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270306,"EventID":"S4W-05880","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-24T14:14:54.503","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-22T16:04:45","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its position is on the introduction of alternative telephone numbers for non-urgent (a) health, (b) fire and (c) police matters similar to that recently piloted by s","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its position is on the introduction of alternative telephone numbers for non-urgent (a) health, (b) fire and (c) police matters similar to that recently piloted by some NHS trusts in England.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government is currently considering the adoption of the “111” number for access to non-emergency healthcare services and work is ongoing to fully understand the technical, financial and service implications of adopting this number in Scotland. We will discuss with the Association of Chief Police Officers in Scotland the results of their planned work on the potential for a single non-emergency police number once this work is complete. We will also discuss this issue with the new fire and rescue service.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-09T14:14:54.52","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270307,"EventID":"S4W-05904","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2134,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":82,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-24T14:14:54.693","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-23T14:48:17.787","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how the Cabinet Secretary for Health, Wellbeing and Cities Strategy will ensure that all NHS boards engage with people and organisations representing the protected charac","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how the Cabinet Secretary for Health, Wellbeing and Cities Strategy will ensure that all NHS boards engage with people and organisations representing the protected characteristics and that their daily experiences of discrimination in the NHS are built into the equality outcomes to be published by each board by 31 December 2012.\r\n","AnswerText":"The regulations which cover the specific requirements that will be placed on listed public authorities have not yet been made. When they do come into force we expect that they will be accompanied by guidance from the  Equality and Human Rights Commission.\r\nOnce this guidance has been developed the Scottish Government will work with the Equality Team at NHS Health Scotland to consider what further support or guidance may be required.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-09T14:14:54.693","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270308,"EventID":"S4W-05905","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2134,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":82,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-24T14:14:54.957","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-23T14:48:17.787","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what checks the Cabinet Secretary for Health, Wellbeing and Cities Strategy will put in place to ensure that the equality outcomes to be published by each NHS board by 31","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what checks the Cabinet Secretary for Health, Wellbeing and Cities Strategy will put in place to ensure that the equality outcomes to be published by each NHS board by 31 December 2012 (a) are fit for purpose, (b) comply with the guidance to be published by the Equality and Human Rights Commission and (c) are fully accessible in one NHS web-based resource.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-05904 on 6 March 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-09T14:14:54.973","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270309,"EventID":"S4W-05906","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2134,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":82,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-24T14:14:55.067","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-23T14:48:17.787","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what baseline data relating to levels of discrimination in the NHS the Cabinet Secretary for Health, Wellbeing and Cities Strategy will use to monitor the effectiveness o","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what baseline data relating to levels of discrimination in the NHS the Cabinet Secretary for Health, Wellbeing and Cities Strategy will use to monitor the effectiveness of NHS boards in setting equality outcomes.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-05904 on 6 March 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at \r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-09T14:14:55.067","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270310,"EventID":"S4W-05907","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2134,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":82,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-24T14:14:55.143","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-23T14:48:17.787","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans the Cabinet Secretary for Health, Wellbeing and Cities Strategy has to monitor, in partnership with people and organisations representing the protected charact","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans the Cabinet Secretary for Health, Wellbeing and Cities Strategy has to monitor, in partnership with people and organisations representing the protected characteristics, the performance of NHS boards in evidencing the delivery of the equality outcomes to published by each board by 31 December 2012.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-05904 on 6 March 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-09T14:14:55.16","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270311,"EventID":"S4W-05908","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2134,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":82,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-24T14:14:55.223","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-23T14:48:17.787","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what guidance the Cabinet Secretary for Health, Wellbeing and Cities Strategy will issue to members of NHS boards to ensure that (a) governance arrangements, (b) accounta","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what guidance the Cabinet Secretary for Health, Wellbeing and Cities Strategy will issue to members of NHS boards to ensure that (a) governance arrangements, (b) accountability and (c) transparency in the setting and delivery of equality outcomes is (i) regularly considered at board level and (ii) placed in the public domain as well as in one central NHS web-based resource.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-05904 on 6 March 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at \r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-09T14:14:55.237","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270312,"EventID":"S4W-05909","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2134,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":82,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-24T14:14:55.3","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-23T14:48:17.787","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what (a) central and (b) accessible resource the Cabinet Secretary for Health, Wellbeing and Cities Strategy will establish to allow people and organisations representing","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what (a) central and (b) accessible resource the Cabinet Secretary for Health, Wellbeing and Cities Strategy will establish to allow people and organisations representing the protected characteristics to compare performance across all NHS boards in setting and delivering equality outcomes.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-05904 on 6 March 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-09T14:14:55.3","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270313,"EventID":"S4W-05910","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2134,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":82,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-24T14:14:55.41","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-23T14:48:17.787","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many times ministers have contacted court appointed administrators regarding companies entering administration in each year since 2007; which administrators were invo","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many times ministers have contacted court appointed administrators regarding companies entering administration in each year since 2007; which administrators were involved, and what companies were subject to the administration.\r\n","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally and could only be obtained at disproportionate cost.\r\nHowever, the Scottish Government does publish, on a monthly basis six months in arrears, details of all engagements carried out by all Ministers since 1 April 2008. The link to the website is:\r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/About/14944/Events-Engagements/MinisterialEngagements\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-09T14:14:55.41","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270314,"EventID":"S4W-05911","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2134,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":82,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-24T14:14:55.473","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-23T14:48:17.787","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many times ministers have contacted court appointed administrators in relation to football clubs entering administration in each year since 2007 and which (a) adminis","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many times ministers have contacted court appointed administrators in relation to football clubs entering administration in each year since 2007 and which (a) administrators and (b) football clubs were involved.\r\n","AnswerText":"I have been in contact, twice by phone with the administrators of Rangers FC (Duff and Phelps) and offered the support of the Scottish Government’s national programme for responding to redundancy situations, Partnership Action for Continuing Employment (PACE). In November 2010 when Dundee FC was in administration, I also had contact with representatives of the club.\r\nPACE have offered support to administrators Duff and Phelps to assist any employees who may be facing redundancy and PACE representatives are maintaining close contact with the administrators. PACE support is always available and is always offered to anyone and everyone facing redundancy, PACE have offered this type of assistance to Scottish football clubs in the past and stand ready to assist any football clubs and other companies in the future.\r\nIn recognition of the significant impact our football clubs have on the social and economic fabric of Scotland, the First Minister, at the request of the club, met with representatives of Heart of Midlothian FC recently to discuss their situation and is due to meet representatives of Dunfermline Athletic FC.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-09T14:14:55.473","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Shona Robison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270315,"EventID":"S4W-05912","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3806,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-24T14:14:55.597","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-23T15:57:34.763","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the timetable is for the establishment of the proposed ferry regulator. \r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the timetable is for the establishment of the proposed ferry regulator. \r\n","AnswerText":"As indicated in the draft Ferries Plan published on 21 December 2011, we intend to explore what legislative provision would be involved in setting up a Ferries Regulator. Further details will be made available in the final Ferries Plan due to be published later this year.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-09T14:14:55.613","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270316,"EventID":"S4W-05913","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3806,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-24T14:14:55.707","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-23T15:57:34.763","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S4W-02879 by Keith Brown on 3 October 2011, whether it will address the specific issue raised in the question as to what the budget of ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S4W-02879 by Keith Brown on 3 October 2011, whether it will address the specific issue raised in the question as to what the budget of the proposed ferry regulator will be.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-05912 on 8 March 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/Apps2/MAQASearch/QAndMSearch.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-09T14:14:55.72","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270317,"EventID":"S4W-05914","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3806,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-24T14:14:55.83","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-23T15:57:34.763","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many staff are assigned 100% to developing its proposal for establishing a ferry regulator.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many staff are assigned 100% to developing its proposal for establishing a ferry regulator.\r\n","AnswerText":"Staff involved in reviewing the need for a ferries regulator and exploring the necessary legislative provision are also engaged on a range of other ferry policy issues.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-09T14:14:55.847","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270318,"EventID":"S4W-05918","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":131,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-24T14:14:55.94","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-23T16:05:44.2","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress its National Housing Trust initiative is making with the second phase of procurement of homes for mid-market rent.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress its National Housing Trust initiative is making with the second phase of procurement of homes for mid-market rent.\r\n","AnswerText":"A second round of procurement under the National Housing Trust initiative was launched during November 2011. The pre-qualification questionnaire stage of the bidding process is nearing completion and tender stage will be reached this month. It will be possible to provide information on successful bids once the procurement process is completed.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-09T14:14:55.957","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270319,"EventID":"S4W-05919","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":131,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-24T14:14:56.063","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-23T16:05:44.2","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many homes for mid-market rent procured through its National Housing Trust initiative will be (a) completed and (b) available for let in each year of the current parl","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many homes for mid-market rent procured through its National Housing Trust initiative will be (a) completed and (b) available for let in each year of the current parliamentary session.\r\n","AnswerText":"The 614 homes procured through the first round of the National Housing Trust initiative, and their current expected completion dates in each year of the current parliamentary session, are detailed in the following table. These dates may be subject to change as construction progresses. It will be possible to confirm when the homes being procured through round two will complete when the procurement process ends. As soon as homes complete and enter the initiative, they are available for let.\r\n\r\nParliamentary Session\r\nNumber of Units\r\n2011-12\r\n16\r\n2012-13\r\n149\r\n2013-14\r\n449\r\n2014-15\r\nTo be confirmed \r\n2015-16\r\nTo be confirmed\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-09T14:14:56.08","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270320,"EventID":"S4W-05923","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1759,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-24T14:14:56.173","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-23T16:14:58","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many seal licences were issued during 2011 under section 110 of the Marine (Scotland) Act 2010 to the nominated marksmen who (a) had undertaken and passed and (b) wer","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many seal licences were issued during 2011 under section 110 of the Marine (Scotland) Act 2010 to the nominated marksmen who (a) had undertaken and passed and (b) were still required to complete the relevant seal management course. \r\n","AnswerText":"A Professional Development Award in Seal Management was developed and approved by the Scottish Qualifications Authority and local colleges commissioned to produce the necessary materials to deliver this course. Seal licences are issued to licensees and not individual marksmen, who are nominated by the licensees. At the start of 2011, 27 nominated marksmen had completed the relevant course and another 37 completed it during that year. 62 nominated marksmen have still to complete the relevant course.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-09T14:14:56.173","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270321,"EventID":"S4W-05924","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1759,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-24T14:14:56.347","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-23T16:14:58","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the average number of fish farms was on each licence issued under section 110 of the Marine (Scotland) Act 2010 in (a) 2011 and (b) 2012, and what the largest and sm","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the average number of fish farms was on each licence issued under section 110 of the Marine (Scotland) Act 2010 in (a) 2011 and (b) 2012, and what the largest and smallest number of fish farms was per licence.\r\n","AnswerText":"The average number of fish farms on each licence issued under section 110 of the Marine (Scotland) Act 2010 in (a) 2011 is 6.6 and (b) 2012 is 7.4. The largest number of fish farms on any single licence is 32 and the smallest number 1.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-09T14:14:56.347","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270322,"EventID":"S4W-05925","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1759,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-24T14:14:56.47","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-23T16:14:58","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what staff resources are available to (a) administer and (b) monitor the seal licensing scheme operated by Marine Scotland under section110 of the Marine (Scotland) Act 2","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what staff resources are available to (a) administer and (b) monitor the seal licensing scheme operated by Marine Scotland under section110 of the Marine (Scotland) Act 2010.\r\n","AnswerText":"Three staff posts are available, one each at B2, B1 and A4 grades respectively, to administer and monitor the seal licensing scheme. It should be noted, however, that seal licensing represents significantly less than 50% of each of their duties.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-09T14:14:56.47","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270323,"EventID":"S4W-05926","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1759,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-24T14:14:56.593","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-23T16:14:58","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many site visits Marine Scotland has made to assess the use of non-lethal methods of deterring seals.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many site visits Marine Scotland has made to assess the use of non-lethal methods of deterring seals.\r\n","AnswerText":"Marine Scotland has made no site visits specifically to assess the use of non-lethal methods of deterring seals. Instead Marine Scotland is currently supporting a number of scientific research studies on seal predation and the practicality and effectiveness of non-lethal measures in preventing this with a view to producing advice for both fisheries and fish farms.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-09T14:14:56.593","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270324,"EventID":"S4W-05927","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1759,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-24T14:14:56.69","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-23T16:14:58","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what data was used to establish the limits for the use of potential biological removals (PBR) of (a) grey and (b) common seals in 2012, broken down by seal management are","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what data was used to establish the limits for the use of potential biological removals (PBR) of (a) grey and (b) common seals in 2012, broken down by seal management area.\r\n","AnswerText":"The basis for the potential biological removal (PBR) figures, which takes account of the latest population trends, can be found on the Marine Scotland web-site at:\r\nhttp://scotland.gov.uk/Topics/marine/Licensing/SealLicensing/PBR.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-09T14:14:56.69","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270325,"EventID":"S4W-05928","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1759,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-24T14:14:56.83","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-23T16:14:58","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there is a reduction in the number of potential biological removal of seals (PBR) used in 2012 when compared with the same period in 2011 and, if so, whether it c","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there is a reduction in the number of potential biological removal of seals (PBR) used in 2012 when compared with the same period in 2011 and, if so, whether it considers that this is because of the further depletion of seal populations.\r\n","AnswerText":"The potential biological removal (PBR) figures for common seals in two seal management regions were marginally reduced. In one of these regions seal numbers had increased and in the other seal numbers had reduced.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-09T14:14:56.843","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270326,"EventID":"S4W-05929","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1759,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-24T14:14:56.983","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-23T16:14:58","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many seal licences were granted under section 110(1)(f) of the Marine (Scotland) Act 2010 for new fish farms prior to the commencement of their operations in (a) 2011","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many seal licences were granted under section 110(1)(f) of the Marine (Scotland) Act 2010 for new fish farms prior to the commencement of their operations in (a) 2011 and (b) 2012.\r\n","AnswerText":"In both 2011 and 2012 licence applications were only considered for fish farm which were already registered by Marine Scotland. If a new fish farm site is established during the year they must either apply for their own seal management licence or apply to be added to an existing seal management licence, if they wish to manage seals.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-09T14:14:56.983","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270327,"EventID":"S4W-05930","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1759,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-24T14:14:57.11","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-23T16:14:58","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consideration the National Marine Plan will give to the siting of new fish farms away from seal haul-out sites.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consideration the National Marine Plan will give to the siting of new fish farms away from seal haul-out sites.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S3W-39492 on 4 March 2011. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-09T14:14:57.11","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270328,"EventID":"S4W-05931","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1759,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-24T14:14:57.28","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-23T16:14:58","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what non-lethal methods have been reported to Marine Scotland as having been used by river fisheries and netting stations before applying for seal licences under section ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what non-lethal methods have been reported to Marine Scotland as having been used by river fisheries and netting stations before applying for seal licences under section 110 of the Marine (Scotland) Act 2010.\r\n","AnswerText":"A wide variety of non-lethal options have been reported as having been attempted in river fisheries and netting stations but this has been accompanied by little or no scientific assessment of their effectiveness. The increasing use of practical and effective non-lethal seal management measures in river fisheries and netting stations depends on progress with scientific research on seal predation and the practicality and effectiveness of non-lethal measures in preventing this. Marine Scotland is currently undertaking important research in this area with a view to producing advice for fisheries.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-09T14:14:57.28","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270329,"EventID":"S4W-05932","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1759,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-24T14:14:57.437","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-23T16:14:58","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what reports of the illegal killing of seals were received by Marine Scotland in 2011.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what reports of the illegal killing of seals were received by Marine Scotland in 2011.\r\n","AnswerText":"No reports of the illegal killing of seals were received by Marine Scotland in 2011.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-09T14:14:57.453","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270330,"EventID":"S4W-05933","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1759,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-24T14:14:57.563","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-23T16:14:58","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many seals were shot in 2011 (a) in open sea, (b) at or near fish farms, (c) in rivers or estuaries and (d) at seal haul-outs under the seal licensing scheme.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many seals were shot in 2011 (a) in open sea, (b) at or near fish farms, (c) in rivers or estuaries and (d) at seal haul-outs under the seal licensing scheme.\r\n","AnswerText":"The seal licence conditions specify that seals cannot be shot on land. In the first three quarters of 2011, 162 seals were shot near fish farms and 200 seals were shot in rivers, estuaries and near coastal netting stations. None were shot in the open sea outwith these areas.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-09T14:14:57.563","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270331,"EventID":"S4W-05934","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1759,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-24T14:14:57.67","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-23T16:14:58","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether, in light of seal licence returns for 2011, it will amend seal licence conditions to specify that seals may not be killed or taken when females of the species of ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether, in light of seal licence returns for 2011, it will amend seal licence conditions to specify that seals may not be killed or taken when females of the species of seal for which the licence has been issued are likely to be in an advanced stage of pregnancy or have dependent pups.\r\n","AnswerText":"A number of seal licences issued in 2011 and also in 2012 include, where considered appropriate, specific additional conditions restricting the numbers of seals killed during key breeding seasons. Marine Scotland will continue to monitor this issue and introduce additional restrictions if necessary.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-09T14:14:57.67","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270333,"EventID":"S4W-05946","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-27T15:05:04.257","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-24T15:41:34","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its position is regarding NHS Lothian's waiting list times management process.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its position is regarding NHS Lothian's waiting list times management process.\r\n","AnswerText":"An external audit of NHS Lothian’s waiting times management process is currently underway. We await the findings of the final audit report and will expect the board to take forward any recommended actions to ensure that patients in Lothian receive the best possible care as swiftly as possible.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-12T15:05:04.447","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270334,"EventID":"S4W-05947","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-27T15:05:04.71","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-24T15:41:34","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it continues to support NHS Lothian's decision to appoint an external auditor to examine its waiting list times management process. \r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it continues to support NHS Lothian's decision to appoint an external auditor to examine its waiting list times management process. \r\n","AnswerText":"In the interests of appropriate corporate governance, the Scottish Government has taken over the management of the external audit. This will ensure not only that the governance arrangements for this piece of work are independent and transparent but that they are seen to be so. \r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-12T15:05:04.71","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270335,"EventID":"S4W-05948","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-27T15:05:04.773","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-24T15:41:34","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it considers that NHS Lothian is in a position to oversee an external audit review of its waiting list times management process and, if not, whether this is due t","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it considers that NHS Lothian is in a position to oversee an external audit review of its waiting list times management process and, if not, whether this is due to elements of appropriate corporate governance in the board’s audit of the process being missing.\r\n","AnswerText":"In the interests of appropriate corporate governance, the Scottish Government has taken over the management of the external audit. This will ensure not only that the governance arrangements for this piece of work are independent and transparent but that they are seen to be so.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-12T15:05:04.773","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270336,"EventID":"S4W-05949","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-27T15:05:04.977","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-24T15:41:34","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is aware of any failings in corporate governance at NHS Lothian.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is aware of any failings in corporate governance at NHS Lothian.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government takes its assurance on the corporate governance arrangements of NHS Lothian from the external auditors; in this case Audit Scotland. The following is an extract from the most recent audit report, for the fiscal period 2010-11:\r\nCorporate Governance is concerned with the structures and process for decision making, accountability, control and behaviour at the upper levels of an organisation. Overall, the high level corporate governance and control arrangements for NHS Lothian operated satisfactorily during the year, as reflected in the Statement on Internal Control.\r\nThe Permanent Secretary is required to sign a Statement on Internal Control in respect of the Scottish Government consolidated accounts. To enable him to sign the statement, which forms part of the accounts, he requires assurance on the maintenance and review of internal control within or affecting the Scottish Government.\r\nWithin the Health and Social Care portfolio, this assurance is provided by statements from each of the accountable officers. Their statements are supported by, among others, statements of assurance from the sponsored bodies, including NHS boards and special health boards. \r\nChairs of the audit committees of sponsored bodies are required to write to the Chair of the Health and Social Care Audit and Risk Committee to advise of:\r\nAny significant issues arising locally or specifically highlighted by internal or external audit;\r\nAny disclosures in their Accountable Officer’s Statement on Internal Control in respect of weaknesses or deficiencies, and\r\nAny significant frauds notified during the year.\r\nNo issues were reported in the Statement of Assurance from NHS Lothian for the fiscal period 2010-11.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-12T15:05:04.99","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270337,"EventID":"S4W-05950","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-27T15:05:05.07","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-24T15:41:34","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to review corporate governance arrangements at NHS Lothian.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to review corporate governance arrangements at NHS Lothian.\r\n","AnswerText":"There are no plans to review corporate governance arrangements at NHS Lothian. The Scottish Governments seeks assurance on these arrangements from NHS Lothian’s external auditors, Audit Scotland.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-12T15:05:05.07","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270338,"EventID":"S4W-05951","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-27T15:05:05.117","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-24T15:41:34","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will publish the results of the audit of NHS Lothian's waiting list times management process.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will publish the results of the audit of NHS Lothian's waiting list times management process.\r\n","AnswerText":"The external audit of NHS Lothian’s waiting list times management process is still underway. On completion, the full findings will be shared with NHS Lothian and will be made available to parliament via SPICe. We will expect the board to take forward any recommendations arising from the audit.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-12T15:05:05.133","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270339,"EventID":"S4W-05952","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3896,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":97,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-27T15:05:05.18","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-24T16:40:12","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it expects to announce the preferred bidder for the Northern Isles ferry contract.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it expects to announce the preferred bidder for the Northern Isles ferry contract.\r\n","AnswerText":"We expect an announcement on the preferred bidder for the next Northern Isles ferry services contract to be made in April 2012.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-12T15:05:05.18","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270340,"EventID":"S4W-05953","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3896,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":97,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-27T15:05:05.273","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-24T16:40:12","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it took to incorporate the views of the Orkney and Shetland communities during the competitive dialogue process leading to the retendering of the Northern Isle","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it took to incorporate the views of the Orkney and Shetland communities during the competitive dialogue process leading to the retendering of the Northern Isles ferry contract.","AnswerText":"During the Competitive Dialogue stage of the Northern Isles tender process, Transport Scotland engaged directly with officials from HITRANS and ZetTrans in order to benefit from their detailed local knowledge and perspective. This followed extensive engagement during earlier phases of the tender process with both of the Regional Transport Partnerships and all the local authorities with an interest. This engagement included meetings with members and officials of both Orkney Islands Council and Shetland Islands Council. This, in turn, followed a full public consultation on the Northern Isles ferry services in 2010 which elicited over 400 responses from individuals and organisations.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-12T15:05:05.287","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270341,"EventID":"S4W-05954","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3896,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":97,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-27T15:05:05.35","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-24T16:40:12","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how the views of the Orkney and Shetland communities will be taken into account when discussions begin with a preferred bidder for the Northern Isles ferry contract. \r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how the views of the Orkney and Shetland communities will be taken into account when discussions begin with a preferred bidder for the Northern Isles ferry contract. \r\n","AnswerText":"The views of the Orkney and Shetland communities were first invited during the full public consultation in 2010. In addition to the published consultation document, government officials held a series of public meetings in both Orkney and Shetland. Once the tender process began in the spring of 2011, officials from the relevant local authorities and regional transport partnerships were invited to comment on emerging proposals and their views were included in the subsequent policy advice to Scottish Ministers.\r\nSignificant efforts have therefore been made to ensure that the views of the Orkney and Shetland communities were taken into account during the period when the service specification was being developed. This has been done and that period is now concluded. Future discussions with the preferred bidder will not influence the services procured. However, once confirmed, the new operator will be actively engaging with the local communities.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-12T15:05:05.35","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270342,"EventID":"S4W-05955","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4956,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":106,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-27T15:05:05.413","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-27T10:24:37.373","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information it has on the proportion of small and medium-sized businesses established in the last three years that were set up by other EU nationals.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information it has on the proportion of small and medium-sized businesses established in the last three years that were set up by other EU nationals.","AnswerText":"The official source of business start-up data is the Inter-Departmental Business Register (IDBR). The IDBR is a database of all businesses that have registered for VAT and/or PAYE in the UK. The IDBR does not include information on the nationality of small and medium sized business owners.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-12T15:05:05.413","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270343,"EventID":"S4W-05956","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":131,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-27T15:05:05.507","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-27T11:57:20.047","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many (a) investigations have been carried out, (b) control notices have been issued and (c) authorised officers have been employed by each local authority since the c","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many (a) investigations have been carried out, (b) control notices have been issued and (c) authorised officers have been employed by each local authority since the commencement of the Control of Dogs (Scotland) Act 2010.\r\n","AnswerText":"Individual local authorities have provided information in the following table that provides a breakdown of the number of investigations carried out by each local authority, the number of authorised officers employed by each authority, and the number of Dog Control Notices served by each local authority since the Control of Dogs (Scotland) Act 2010 came into force on 26 February 2011. The information is current up to 5 March 2012.\r\n\r\nLocal Authority\r\nNumber of Dog Control Notices Served\r\nNumber of Investigations\r\nNumber of Authorised Officers Appointed (Employed (from within Existing Budgets)\r\nAberdeen City Council\r\n4\r\n207\r\n2\r\nAberdeenshire Council\r\n3\r\n89\r\n3\r\nAngus Council\r\n0\r\n27\r\n1\r\nArgyll and Bute Council\r\n7\r\n28\r\n9\r\nClackmannanshire Council\r\n0\r\n30\r\n1\r\nDumfries and Galloway Council\r\n2\r\n24\r\n3\r\nDundee City Council\r\n0\r\n5\r\n1\r\nEast Ayrshire Council\r\n8\r\n24\r\n6\r\nEast Dunbartonshire Council\r\n10\r\n24\r\n18\r\nEast Lothian Council\r\n12\r\n14\r\n2\r\nEast Renfrewshire Council\r\n0\r\n1\r\n2 \r\n(officers to be formally\r\nappointed April 2012)\r\nEdinburgh City Council\r\n0\r\n32\r\n11\r\nFalkirk Council\r\n0\r\n33\r\n2\r\nFife Council\r\n10\r\n55\r\n4\r\nGlasgow City Council\r\n1\r\n12\r\n28\r\nHighland Council\r\n2\r\n16\r\n3\r\nInverclyde Council\r\n0\r\n0\r\n1\r\nMidlothian Council\r\n1\r\n24\r\n2\r\nMoray Council\r\n0\r\n36\r\n2\r\nNorth Ayrshire Council\r\n1\r\n29\r\n3\r\nNorth Lanarkshire Council\r\n0\r\n6\r\n3\r\nOrkney Council\r\n0\r\n3\r\n5\r\nPerth and Kinross Council\r\n0\r\n40\r\n2\r\nRenfrewshire Council\r\n0\r\n36\r\n1\r\nScottish Borders Council\r\n4\r\n16\r\n2\r\nShetland Islands Council\r\n4\r\n32\r\n3\r\nSouth Ayrshire Council\r\n0\r\n3\r\n2\r\nSouth Lanarkshire Council\r\n0\r\n43\r\n35\r\nStirling Council\r\n1\r\n19\r\n2\r\nWest Dunbartonshire Council\r\n0\r\n41\r\n3\r\nWest Lothian Council\r\n22\r\n164\r\n2\r\nWestern Isles Council\r\n0\r\n1\r\n1\r\nTotal\r\n92\r\n1114\r\n165\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-12T15:05:05.507","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270344,"EventID":"S4W-05958","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5009,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-27T15:05:05.583","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-27T12:54:43.507","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive (a) how many and (b) what percentage of freedom of information enquiries received by it in the last six months have been answered (i) within and (ii) outwith 20 working d","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive (a) how many and (b) what percentage of freedom of information enquiries received by it in the last six months have been answered (i) within and (ii) outwith 20 working days of receipt.\r\n","AnswerText":"In the six months ending on 27 February 2012 we received 873 freedom of information requests. 732 (84%) were answered within 20 working days of receipt and 141 (16%) were answered outwith that deadline.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-12T15:05:05.583","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Brian Adam","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270345,"EventID":"S4W-05959","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5009,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-27T15:05:05.663","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-27T12:54:43.507","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many freedom of information requests it is dealing with and how many of these have not been answered within 20 working days of receipt.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many freedom of information requests it is dealing with and how many of these have not been answered within 20 working days of receipt.\r\n","AnswerText":"As at 27 February 2012 we were dealing with 135 freedom of information requests, 22 (16%) of which have not been answered within 20 working days of receipt.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-12T15:05:05.663","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Brian Adam","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270355,"EventID":"S4F-00490","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":4976,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-27T14:55:18.41","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-23T18:05:29","Title":"To ask the First Minister when he will next meet the Secretary of State for Scotland.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister when he will next meet the Secretary of State for Scotland.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-12T14:55:18.567","MeetingDate":"2012-03-01T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270356,"EventID":"S4F-00492","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":1892,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":134,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-27T14:55:18.643","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-27T10:50:21.597","Title":"To ask the First Minister what steps have been taken to deal with Schmallenberg virus if it spreads to Scotland.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what steps have been taken to deal with Schmallenberg virus if it spreads to Scotland.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-12T14:55:18.643","MeetingDate":"2012-03-01T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270357,"EventID":"S4F-00496","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":1841,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":120,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-27T14:55:18.737","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-27T11:40:29.19","Title":"To ask the First Minister what action the Scottish Government is taking to improve childcare provision.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what action the Scottish Government is taking to improve childcare provision.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-12T14:55:18.753","MeetingDate":"2012-03-01T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270358,"EventID":"S4F-00502","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":136,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-27T14:55:18.987","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-27T12:29:34","Title":"To ask the First Minister whether, in light of comments in the recently published biography of Abdelbaset Ali Mohmed al Megrahi, the Scottish Government considers that an inquiry into all aspects of t","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister whether, in light of comments in the recently published biography of Abdelbaset Ali Mohmed al Megrahi, the Scottish Government considers that an inquiry into all aspects of the Lockerbie bombing is now urgent.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-12T14:55:18.987","MeetingDate":"2012-03-01T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270359,"EventID":"S4F-00503","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":5079,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-27T14:55:19.017","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-27T12:47:53.267","Title":"To ask the First Minister whether the timetable for reform of the children’s hearings system has been changed.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister whether the timetable for reform of the children’s hearings system has been changed.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-12T14:55:19.017","MeetingDate":"2012-03-01T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270360,"EventID":"S4F-00511","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":2080,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":87,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-27T14:55:19.283","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-27T13:45:02.253","Title":"To ask the First Minister what engagements he has planned for the rest of the day.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what engagements he has planned for the rest of the day.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-12T14:55:19.283","MeetingDate":"2012-03-01T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270361,"EventID":"S4W-05961","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3896,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":97,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-27T16:49:10.55","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-27T14:03:06.477","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it will ensure that any cultural benefits arising from the Cultural Olympiad and the Year of Creative Scotland 2012 will be carried forward to the 2014 Commonwealth G","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it will ensure that any cultural benefits arising from the Cultural Olympiad and the Year of Creative Scotland 2012 will be carried forward to the 2014 Commonwealth Games.\r\n","AnswerText":"We are committed to ensuring that the benefits of creative and cultural activity underway in 2012 carry through to 2014 and we have already established the appropriate governance structures and evaluation frameworks across all our 2012 and 2014 activity to ensure that happens. On 27 July 2011, I announced Scotland's Cultural Plan for London 2012 and Glasgow 2014, which sets out how we are working to fully capitalise on these amazing opportunities for the cultural sector and our communities. In addition, the Year of Creative Scotland, one of a series of years focussing on some of Scotland's greatest assets, is encouraging collaborative working between the creative and tourism sectors as well as between national agencies working in the arts, events and tourism. The legacy of this work will inform and enhance the exciting programme of activity that will take place across Scotland throughout 2014 and beyond.\r\nhttp://www.creativescotland.com/explore/2012-2014.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-12T16:49:10.567","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270362,"EventID":"S4W-05962","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3896,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":97,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-27T16:49:10.673","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-27T14:03:06.477","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much has been spent on the heritage education travel subsidy scheme in each year, also broken down by site.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much has been spent on the heritage education travel subsidy scheme in each year, also broken down by site.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Heritage Education School Visits Travel Subsidy scheme was established in April 2010 and is administered by Historic Scotland. Information on how the scheme operates and the sites included is available at:\r\nwww.historic-scotland.gov.uk/education-travel-subsidy .\r\nInformation on the numbers of school groups, numbers of pupils and amount of travel subsidy awarded relating to visits to sites are set out in the following table for 2010-2011. Figures for financial year 2011-12 are not currently available.\r\nHeritage Sites* \r\nNumber of School Groups\r\nNumber of Pupils\r\nAmount Awarded to the School through the Heritage Education School Visits Travel Subsidy Scheme\r\nAberdour Castle\r\n6\r\n220\r\n£360.00\r\nAberlemno\r\n1\r\n30\r\n£78.75\r\nArbroath Abbey\r\n5\r\n154\r\n£581.25\r\nArnol Blackhouse\r\n2\r\n22\r\nSubsidy awarded financial year 2011-12 \r\nBannockburn\r\n87\r\n3,016\r\n£11,955.61\r\nBishops Palace\r\n1\r\n49\r\n£147.50\r\nBlackness Castle\r\n6\r\n135\r\n£442.50\r\nBonawe\r\n1\r\n37\r\n£200.00\r\nBothwell Castle\r\n13\r\n517\r\n£1,056.75\r\nBroch of Gurness\r\n1\r\n56\r\n£200.00\r\nCaerlaverock Castle\r\n3\r\n75\r\n£390.00\r\nCairnpapple Hill\r\n2\r\n72\r\n£165.00\r\nClaypotts Castle\r\n6\r\n136\r\n£447.50\r\nCraigmillar Castle\r\n9\r\n250\r\n£1,087.50\r\nCulloden\r\n54\r\n2,111\r\n£6,906.29\r\nDirleton Castle \r\n3\r\n167\r\n£412.50\r\nDoune Castle\r\n6\r\n321\r\n£1,037.50\r\nDuff House\r\n6\r\n138\r\n£577.50\r\nDunfermline\r\n3\r\n84\r\n£427.50\r\nEarl's Palace\r\n1\r\n49\r\n£171.00\r\nEdinburgh Castle\r\n48\r\n1,576\r\n£6,981.22\r\nElcho Castle\r\n1\r\n40\r\n£220.00\r\nElgin Cathedral\r\n2\r\n71\r\n£127.50\r\nFort George\r\n10\r\n301\r\n£1,017.50\r\nHermitage Castle\r\n1\r\n55\r\n£200.00\r\nHolyrood \r\n1\r\n27\r\n£105.00\r\nHuntingtower Castle\r\n8\r\n305\r\n£1,134.75\r\nHuntly Castle\r\n3\r\n75\r\n£356.25\r\nInchcolm Abbey\r\n1\r\n28\r\n£37.50\r\nIona Abbey\r\n2\r\n27\r\n£334.42\r\nJarlshof\r\n2\r\n44\r\nSubsidy awarded financial year 2011-12 \r\nKildrummy Castle\r\n1\r\n25\r\n£24.00\r\nKilmartin Glen\r\n3\r\n66\r\n£356.25\r\nLinlithgow Palace\r\n8\r\n244\r\n£770.00\r\nLochleven Castle\r\n4\r\n154\r\n£502.50\r\nMelrose Abbey\r\n8\r\n245\r\n£677.28\r\nNew Lanark World Heritage Site\r\n108\r\n3,744\r\n£12,671.50\r\nOrkney Sites (multiple)\r\n1\r\n10\r\n£200.00\r\nRing of Brodgar\r\n1\r\n31\r\n£33.75\r\nRobert Burns Birthplace Museum\r\n100\r\n4,020\r\n£10,553.25\r\nRuthven Barracks\r\n1\r\n22\r\n£168.75\r\nSkara Brae\r\n10\r\n278\r\n£926.05\r\nSmailholm Tower\r\n2\r\n44\r\nSubsidy awarded financial year 2011-12 \r\nSt Andrews Castle\r\n7\r\n182\r\n£686.25\r\nStanley Mills\r\n22\r\n745\r\n£1,893.73\r\nStirling Castle\r\n123\r\n4,143\r\n£18,711.25\r\nTolquhon Castle\r\n2\r\n100\r\n£368.75\r\nUrquhart Castle\r\n12\r\n345\r\n£843.75\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nTotal\r\n704\r\n24,422\r\n£86,545.85\r\nNotes:\r\n*Heritage sites where a travel subsidy has been paid to the school visiting. Sites where no claim has been made are not listed.\r\nFor some sites such as Stirling Castle, Bannockburn, Fort George and Culloden, some schools take in more than one site when arranging a visit as part of the scheme.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-12T16:49:10.673","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270363,"EventID":"S4W-05964","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3896,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":97,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-27T16:49:10.737","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-27T14:03:06.477","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many school (a) groups and (b) pupils have gone on visits in each year as part of the heritage education travel subsidy scheme, also broken down by site.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many school (a) groups and (b) pupils have gone on visits in each year as part of the heritage education travel subsidy scheme, also broken down by site.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-05962 on 7 March 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-12T16:49:10.737","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270364,"EventID":"S4W-05966","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3896,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":97,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-27T16:49:10.813","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-27T14:03:06.477","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many school groups from (a) island and (b) remote mainland communities have gone on visits in each year as part of the heritage education travel subsidy scheme, also ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many school groups from (a) island and (b) remote mainland communities have gone on visits in each year as part of the heritage education travel subsidy scheme, also broken down by site.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Heritage Education School Visits Travel Subsidy scheme was established in April 2010 and is administered by Historic Scotland. Information on how the scheme operates and the sites included is available at: www.historic-scotland.gov.uk/education-travel-subsidy.\r\nInformation on the numbers of school groups, numbers of pupils and amount of travel subsidy awarded relating to visits to sites are set out in the following tables for 2010-11. Figures for financial year 2011-12 are not currently available.year 2011-12 are not currently available.\r\nSite\r\nNumber of School Groups from an Island\r\nArnol Blackhouse\r\n2\r\nBishop's Palace\r\n1\r\nBonawe\r\n1\r\nBroch of Gurness\r\n1\r\nEarl's Palace\r\n1\r\nEdinburgh Castle\r\n1\r\nIona Abbey\r\n1\r\nJarlshof\r\n1\r\nKilmartin Glen\r\n2\r\nRing of Brodgar\r\n1\r\nRobert Burns Birthplace Museum\r\n2\r\nSkara Brae\r\n8\r\nStirling Castle\r\n1\r\n\r\n\r\nSite\r\nNumber of School Groups from a Remote Mainland Community *\r\nBannockburn\r\n4\r\nCaerlaverock\r\n1\r\nCulloden\r\n13\r\nDirleton Caslte\r\n1\r\nDuff House\r\n1\r\nEdinburgh Castle\r\n3\r\nFort George\r\n3\r\nHuntly Castle\r\n1\r\nJarlshof\r\n1\r\nKildrummy Castle\r\n1\r\nKilmartin Glen\r\n1\r\nMelrose Abbey\r\n1\r\nNew Lanark World Heritage Site\r\n4\r\nRobert Burns Birthplace Museum\r\n5\r\nSkara Brae\r\n2\r\nStanley Mills\r\n3\r\nStirling Castle\r\n11\r\nUrquhart Castle\r\n3\r\nNote: *Based on the definition of “remote rural areas” - settlements of less than 3,000 people who are not within 30 minutes drive of a settlement of 10,000 or more people.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-12T16:49:10.813","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270381,"EventID":"S4W-05968","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2134,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":82,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-28T14:09:55.117","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-27T15:03:40","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the appointment to the Scotland Committee of the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) of the Head of Patient Focus, Equalities, in its Directorate of Healt","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the appointment to the Scotland Committee of the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) of the Head of Patient Focus, Equalities, in its Directorate of Healthcare Policy and Strategy (a) compromises the EHRC's independence and (b) undermines the principles underpinning its A status as a UN national human rights institution; whether the appointment has been cleared with the UN, and, if so, whether the Scottish Government will publish the UN’s confirmation on this matter.\r\n","AnswerText":"Under the Equality Act 2006, the Commission for Equality and Human Rights (“EHRC”) is required to establish a Scotland Committee. The appointment of members to that Committee is the responsibility of the EHRC. Matters relating to any potential conflict with the status of the Commission as a UN national human rights institution is therefore the responsibility of the EHRC and the sponsoring department. The EHRC is a reserved body accountable to the UK Government.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-13T14:09:55.21","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270382,"EventID":"S4W-05969","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3896,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":97,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-28T14:09:55.383","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-28T09:59:34","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what (a) weight and (b) value of seafood has been exported directly from Scotland to China in each quarter of the last two years, broken down by species.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what (a) weight and (b) value of seafood has been exported directly from Scotland to China in each quarter of the last two years, broken down by species.\r\n","AnswerText":"Due to the way data is reported by HM Revenues and Customs (HMRC) the weight and value of each individual seafood species exported from Scotland to China is unavailable. However, the HMRC Regional Trade Statistics data for “Fish, Crustaceans, Molluscs, Aquatic Invertebrates and Preparations Thereof” by weight and value exported from Scotland to China is shown on the following table. This information covers Quarter 1, 2010 to Quarter 3, 2011 (the latest data available).\r\n \r\nValue\r\n(£)\r\nWeight\r\n(Tonnes)\r\nQ1 2010\r\n200,000\r\n208\r\nQ2 2010\r\n1,400,000\r\n2,628\r\nQ3 2010\r\n1,100,000\r\n1,886\r\nQ4 2010\r\n5,100,000\r\n4,180\r\nQ1 2011\r\n7,900,000\r\n2,038\r\nQ2 2011\r\n6,800,000\r\n1,111\r\nQ3 2011\r\n3,100,000\r\n676\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-13T14:09:55.4","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270383,"EventID":"S4W-05974","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5079,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-28T16:47:38.223","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-28T16:05:12","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether passengers can be refunded for a train journey in relation to which First ScotRail has failed to provide a service or has provided a poor quality of service in te","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether passengers can be refunded for a train journey in relation to which First ScotRail has failed to provide a service or has provided a poor quality of service in terms of punctuality, overcrowding or other grounds for complaint.","AnswerText":"As set out in ScotRail’s Passengers’ Charter, if the train a passenger intends to use is delayed or cancelled, and they decide not to travel, ScotRail will refund in full the cost of their ticket with no administration fee. ScotRail also provides compensation if a train is delayed for 30 minutes or more for non-season ticket holders or one hour for season ticket holders. Compensation is also provided if seat reservations are not honoured.\r\nClaims will also be considered by ScotRail for delays, disruptions or poor service on an individual basis.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-13T16:47:38.27","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270411,"EventID":"S4O-00759","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2134,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":82,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-29T14:46:43.37","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-22T13:57:26.92","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to review the membership and functions of Partnership Action for Continuing Employment.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to review the membership and functions of Partnership Action for Continuing Employment.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-14T14:46:43.54","MeetingDate":"2012-03-08T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270412,"EventID":"S4O-00760","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":5075,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":112,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-29T14:46:43.68","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-22T13:57:27.013","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what involvement it has had with Diageo's plans to build a bond warehouse and ancillary development on the outskirts of Kirkcaldy.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what involvement it has had with Diageo's plans to build a bond warehouse and ancillary development on the outskirts of Kirkcaldy.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-14T14:46:43.697","MeetingDate":"2012-03-08T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270413,"EventID":"S4O-00761","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":3824,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-29T14:46:43.76","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-22T13:57:27.027","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many administrative and hotel services staff were employed by NHS Ayrshire and Arran in 2007 compared with 2012.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many administrative and hotel services staff were employed by NHS Ayrshire and Arran in 2007 compared with 2012.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-14T14:46:43.76","MeetingDate":"2012-03-08T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270414,"EventID":"S4O-00762","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-29T14:46:43.823","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-22T13:57:27.043","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to defend and extend the rights of private sector tenants in Edinburgh. \r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to defend and extend the rights of private sector tenants in Edinburgh. \r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-14T14:46:43.823","MeetingDate":"2012-03-08T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270415,"EventID":"S4O-00763","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":3815,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-29T14:46:43.883","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-22T13:57:27.073","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what mechanisms are in place to ensure that inward investors promote high quality employment opportunities.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what mechanisms are in place to ensure that inward investors promote high quality employment opportunities.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-14T14:46:43.883","MeetingDate":"2012-03-08T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270416,"EventID":"S4O-00764","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2487,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-29T14:46:43.977","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-22T13:57:27.09","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the fuel poverty forum will publish a report on its review.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the fuel poverty forum will publish a report on its review.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-14T14:46:43.993","MeetingDate":"2012-03-08T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270417,"EventID":"S4O-00765","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":4080,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-29T14:46:44.057","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-22T13:57:27.107","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it expects construction work to commence on the Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it expects construction work to commence on the Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-14T14:46:44.057","MeetingDate":"2012-03-08T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270418,"EventID":"S4O-00766","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-29T14:46:44.117","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-22T13:57:27.123","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it expects work to begin on the Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route and the A90/A96 Haudagain junction.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it expects work to begin on the Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route and the A90/A96 Haudagain junction.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-14T14:46:44.133","MeetingDate":"2012-03-08T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270419,"EventID":"S4O-00767","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1961,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-29T14:46:44.197","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-22T13:57:27.137","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will provide an update on the progress made in response to its request to NHS Lothian to carry out an internal audit of the application of its waiting time pra","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will provide an update on the progress made in response to its request to NHS Lothian to carry out an internal audit of the application of its waiting time practices and management.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-14T14:46:44.197","MeetingDate":"2012-03-08T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270420,"EventID":"S4O-00768","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":5106,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":118,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-29T14:46:44.273","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-22T13:57:27.17","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made in securing a Tax Increment Funding pilot for Aberdeen.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made in securing a Tax Increment Funding pilot for Aberdeen.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-14T14:46:44.273","MeetingDate":"2012-03-08T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270421,"EventID":"S4O-00769","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":4964,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-29T14:46:44.337","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-22T13:57:45.56","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the Commission on the Delivery of Rural Education will report its findings to ministers.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the Commission on the Delivery of Rural Education will report its findings to ministers.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-14T14:46:44.337","MeetingDate":"2012-03-08T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270422,"EventID":"S4O-00770","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":2892,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-29T14:46:44.4","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-22T13:57:45.577","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether young unemployed people are at risk of exploitation.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether young unemployed people are at risk of exploitation.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-14T14:46:44.4","MeetingDate":"2012-03-08T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270423,"EventID":"S4O-00771","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":2675,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":93,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-29T14:46:44.46","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-22T13:57:45.607","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assessment it has made of the green energy and climate change-related studies offered by colleges and universities and the numbers of students on these.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assessment it has made of the green energy and climate change-related studies offered by colleges and universities and the numbers of students on these.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-14T14:46:44.46","MeetingDate":"2012-03-08T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270424,"EventID":"S4O-00773","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":5057,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-29T14:46:44.54","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-22T13:57:45.653","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many schools have indicated a wish to delay the introduction of the new national exams and how it plans to assist these schools.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many schools have indicated a wish to delay the introduction of the new national exams and how it plans to assist these schools.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-14T14:46:44.54","MeetingDate":"2012-03-08T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270425,"EventID":"S4O-00774","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":77,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-29T14:46:44.617","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-22T13:57:45.67","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what input companies can have in the operation of apprenticeship schemes in their areas.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what input companies can have in the operation of apprenticeship schemes in their areas.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-14T14:46:44.617","MeetingDate":"2012-03-08T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270426,"EventID":"S4O-00775","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":2123,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":103,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-29T14:46:44.71","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-22T13:57:45.687","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assessment it has made of the availability of supply teachers across the country.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assessment it has made of the availability of supply teachers across the country.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-14T14:46:44.71","MeetingDate":"2012-03-08T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270427,"EventID":"S4O-00776","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":3751,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":108,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-29T14:46:44.773","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-22T13:57:45.717","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it considers that the Curriculum for Excellence places sufficient emphasis on preparing young people for a career in business.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it considers that the Curriculum for Excellence places sufficient emphasis on preparing young people for a career in business.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-14T14:46:44.79","MeetingDate":"2012-03-08T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270428,"EventID":"S4O-00777","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":5107,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":124,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-29T14:46:44.85","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-22T13:57:45.733","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its position is on the claim by the EIS that “many College Boards of Management have become emasculated by powerful College Executive Groups led by powerful Principa","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its position is on the claim by the EIS that “many College Boards of Management have become emasculated by powerful College Executive Groups led by powerful Principals.’’ \r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-14T14:46:44.85","MeetingDate":"2012-03-08T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270429,"EventID":"S4O-00778","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":2059,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":91,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-29T14:46:44.913","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-22T13:57:45.763","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with local authorities regarding the implementation of the new exams linked to the Curriculum for Excellence.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with local authorities regarding the implementation of the new exams linked to the Curriculum for Excellence.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-14T14:46:44.913","MeetingDate":"2012-03-08T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270430,"EventID":"S4O-00779","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-29T14:46:44.977","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-22T13:57:45.78","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many schools in Clackmannanshire, Stirlingshire and Perthshire have asked for further support in implementing the Curriculum for Excellence.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many schools in Clackmannanshire, Stirlingshire and Perthshire have asked for further support in implementing the Curriculum for Excellence.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-14T14:46:44.977","MeetingDate":"2012-03-08T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270431,"EventID":"S4O-00780","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":2615,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":143,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-29T14:46:45.053","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-22T13:57:45.797","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how its plan to introduce Scottish Studies in schools is progressing. \r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how its plan to introduce Scottish Studies in schools is progressing. \r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-14T14:46:45.053","MeetingDate":"2012-03-08T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270432,"EventID":"S4O-00781","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":5078,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":111,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-29T14:46:45.147","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-22T13:57:45.827","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress is being made in the training of science and technology teachers.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress is being made in the training of science and technology teachers.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-14T14:46:45.147","MeetingDate":"2012-03-08T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270433,"EventID":"S4O-00782","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":1943,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-29T14:46:45.227","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-22T13:57:45.857","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress it has made with the development of its Knowledge Transfer/Exchange Strategy.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress it has made with the development of its Knowledge Transfer/Exchange Strategy.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-14T14:46:45.227","MeetingDate":"2012-03-08T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270434,"EventID":"S4O-00783","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":4934,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-29T14:46:45.29","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-22T13:57:45.873","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action is being taken to ensure that, following the end of parental maternity leave, there is equitable access to early childhood education and care for all children","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action is being taken to ensure that, following the end of parental maternity leave, there is equitable access to early childhood education and care for all children.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-14T14:46:45.29","MeetingDate":"2012-03-08T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270435,"EventID":"S4O-00784","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":1778,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":110,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-29T14:46:45.383","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-22T13:57:45.903","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to improve communication between mainstream schools educating children with autism and their parents.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to improve communication between mainstream schools educating children with autism and their parents.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-14T14:46:45.383","MeetingDate":"2012-03-08T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270436,"EventID":"S4O-00785","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":2595,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-29T14:46:45.46","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-22T13:57:45.92","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with law students regarding the removal of student loan support for those studying for the Diploma in Professional Legal Practice.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with law students regarding the removal of student loan support for those studying for the Diploma in Professional Legal Practice.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-14T14:46:45.46","MeetingDate":"2012-03-08T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270437,"EventID":"S4O-00786","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":2066,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-29T14:46:45.523","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-22T13:57:45.95","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what support it provides to the University of the Highlands and Islands.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what support it provides to the University of the Highlands and Islands.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-14T14:46:45.537","MeetingDate":"2012-03-08T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270438,"EventID":"S4O-00787","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":4016,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":133,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-29T14:46:45.6","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-22T13:57:45.983","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to promote the teaching of major Scottish historical events that have significant anniversaries in 2013 and 2014 in schools.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to promote the teaching of major Scottish historical events that have significant anniversaries in 2013 and 2014 in schools.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-14T14:46:45.617","MeetingDate":"2012-03-08T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270439,"EventID":"S4O-00788","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":5079,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-29T14:46:45.68","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-22T13:57:46.013","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to improve the skills base in the economy. \r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to improve the skills base in the economy. \r\n","AnswerText":"We are committed to providing the support people need to find sustainable, productive employment which contributes to economic growth through:\r\nCurriculum for Excellence, where all children and young people are entitled to opportunities for developing skills for learning, life and work throughout their learning;\r\nOur Post-16 Reforms which aim to prepare learners for work and provides the tools they need to be productive and stay in employment;\r\nDirect action to tackle unemployment including Opportunities for All, our National Training Programmes and support for workforce development; and\r\nBy working with partners, including industry bodies, to develop Skills Investment Plans to ensure that skills and training provision meets employers’ needs and anticipates and supports the future growth opportunities across the Scottish economy.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-14T14:46:45.68","MeetingDate":"2012-03-08T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Angela Constance","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270440,"EventID":"S4W-05935","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2029,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":145,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-29T14:53:53.96","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-23T16:55:04","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consultations took place ahead of the renewal of its service contract with TNT Post UK.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consultations took place ahead of the renewal of its service contract with TNT Post UK.","AnswerText":"The framework agreement was advertised via the Official Journal of the European Union by Scottish Procurement on behalf of the Scottish Ministers and was awarded to both TNT Post and Royal Mail.\r\nThis was achieved in line with rigorous stakeholder engagement with representatives from each of the Centres of Expertise endorsing the sourcing strategy. This stakeholder engagement also included dialogue with all the major suppliers of postal services, including Scottish indigenous suppliers.\r\nIn addition to a number of individual meetings with postal suppliers, a Prior Information Notice was published on Public Contracts Scotland on 31 May 2011, inviting suppliers to attend a supplier event on 5 July 2011. In total, 29 individuals across 16 postal organisations attended this event.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-14T14:53:54.007","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270441,"EventID":"S4W-05938","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2029,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":145,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-29T14:53:54.177","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-23T16:55:04","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what differences there are between its current contract with TNT Post UK and the previous contract.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what differences there are between its current contract with TNT Post UK and the previous contract.","AnswerText":"The previous contract was a mini competition utilising the Buying Solutions Postal Services framework agreement and required Scottish public sector organisations to submit a “Notification of Interest” document prior to the competition being carried out to enable them to access the services following contract award. The contract included the collection and delivery of 2nd class mail via TNT Post. Royal Mail retained the collection and delivery of 1st class mail.\r\nThe current framework agreement was advertised via the Official Journal of the European Union by Scottish Procurement on behalf of the Scottish Ministers and is available for all Scottish public sector organisations to utilise. The current framework agreement includes three additional services to 1st class mail via Royal Mail and 2nd class mail via TNT Post:\r\nHybrid Mail – available under Lot 1 via TNT Post;\r\nNext day delivery (central belt only) – available under Lot 1 via TNT Post and;\r\nPlanned Mail – available under Lot 2 via Royal Mail.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-14T14:53:54.177","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270442,"EventID":"S4W-05939","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2029,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":145,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-29T14:53:54.24","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-23T16:55:04","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the (a) value, (b) duration and (c) end date is of its contract with TNT Post UK.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the (a) value, (b) duration and (c) end date is of its contract with TNT Post UK.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Postal Services framework agreement was divided into two lots:\r\nLot 1 – Ad-hoc and Hybrid Mail was awarded to TNT Post and Lot 2 – Planned Mail was awarded to Royal Mail.\r\n(a) The value of Lot 1 is £9 to £15 million per annum.\r\n(b) The duration of the framework agreement is three years, commencing on 1 March 2012, with an option to extend for a further 12 months.\r\n(c) Excluding any possible extension period, the expiry date of the framework agreement is 27 February 2015.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-14T14:53:54.24","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270443,"EventID":"S4W-05941","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2029,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":145,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-29T14:53:54.287","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-23T16:55:04","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether Royal Mail was invited to tender for the contract that the Scottish Government recently awarded to TNT Post UK.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether Royal Mail was invited to tender for the contract that the Scottish Government recently awarded to TNT Post UK.","AnswerText":"Royal Mail was invited to tender for the Postal Services agreement that went live as of 1 March 2012.\r\nThis framework agreement was divided into two lots with Lot 1 – Ad-hoc and Hybrid Mail being awarded to TNT Post and Lot 2 – Planned Mail being awarded to Royal Mail.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-14T14:53:54.303","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270444,"EventID":"S4W-05942","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2029,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":145,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-29T14:53:54.367","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-23T16:55:04","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its plans are for a universal postal service if Scotland separates from the rest of the UK. \r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its plans are for a universal postal service if Scotland separates from the rest of the UK. \r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government’s proposal for Scotland is for independence, with a new relationship of equality between Scotland and the other nations of these islands, and a voice in Europe and the wider world.\r\nWe are currently consulting on plans to hold a referendum on independence in 2014.\r\nThe Scottish Government has a clear commitment to post offices and postal services, to the maintenance of universal service obligations and to ensuring Post Office Ltd remains in public ownership. We will make clear our proposals for the smooth operation of postal services which fulfil the needs of Scotland's communities, business and organisations in the White Paper in 2013, following the completion of the UK Government’s actions to establish Post Office Ltd as a separate publicly owned company.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-14T14:53:54.367","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270445,"EventID":"S4W-05943","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2029,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":145,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-29T14:53:54.443","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-23T16:55:04","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its plans are for post offices if Scotland separates from the rest of the UK.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its plans are for post offices if Scotland separates from the rest of the UK.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to the question S4W-05942 on 13 March 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-14T14:53:54.443","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270446,"EventID":"S4W-05944","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2029,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":145,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-29T14:53:54.507","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-23T16:55:04","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to establish a Scottish post office service independent of the UK post office service if Scotland separates from the rest of the UK.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to establish a Scottish post office service independent of the UK post office service if Scotland separates from the rest of the UK.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to the question S4W-05942 on 13 March 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at::\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-14T14:53:54.507","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270447,"EventID":"S4W-05970","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2029,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":145,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-29T14:53:54.583","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-28T12:40:32","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how long it should take  in winter to assess an application for a replacement central heating system under the Energy Assistance Package.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how long it should take  in winter to assess an application for a replacement central heating system under the Energy Assistance Package.\r\n","AnswerText":"Scottish Gas is the Energy Assistance Package Stage 4 Managing Agent. The contract sets demanding performance criteria that link payment to performance on a regional basis, including a target of 60 days from referral of an application for assistance to completion.\r\nWithin this 60 day target, Scottish Gas must carry out all initial surveys to assess customer’s eligibility for assistance including central heating systems within 15 days.\r\nThere have been issues with the EAP Stage 4 delivery and problems caused by IT related issues at Scottish Gas in 2011. This impacted on service delivery to EAP stage 4 customers and on the reporting of accurate management information to the Scottish Government.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-14T14:53:54.583","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270448,"EventID":"S4W-05975","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":81,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-29T14:53:54.663","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-28T16:26:53","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the report on Rail 2014 - Public Consultation will be published.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the report on Rail 2014 - Public Consultation will be published.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-05762 on 1 March 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-14T14:53:54.663","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270449,"EventID":"S4W-05976","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-29T14:53:54.723","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-28T17:34:02","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what profitable ferry routes are being operated by Calmac and Northlink Ferries.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what profitable ferry routes are being operated by Calmac and Northlink Ferries.\r\n","AnswerText":"There are no profitable routes operated by CalMac Ferries or NorthLink Ferries Ltd and that is the reason why these ferry operators receive a public subsidy from the Scottish Government.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-14T14:53:54.723","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270450,"EventID":"S4W-05977","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4948,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-29T14:53:54.787","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-29T09:05:40","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the UK Government’s 5p fuel derogation will apply to hauliers and other companies in Scotland that bulk-buy fuel or whether this is only applicable to forecourt s","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the UK Government’s 5p fuel derogation will apply to hauliers and other companies in Scotland that bulk-buy fuel or whether this is only applicable to forecourt sales.\r\n","AnswerText":"The UK Government has only made the fuel duty derogation available to sales from forecourts. The Cabinet Secretary for Finance, Employment and Sustainable Growth wrote to the Chief Secretary to the Treasury on 1 March 2012, seeking clarification on the treatment of bulk purchases under the derogation and to emphasise the need for the discount to be made available to all fuel sales made in the areas covered by the scheme including bulk purchases.\r\nThe Scottish Government is clear that at a time when fuel costs continue to rise and the broader economic outlook remains challenging, the most effective action the UK Government can take to help many small and medium sized businesses who rely on bulk fuel purchases, is to ensure that the discount applies to all fuel sales.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-14T14:53:54.787","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270451,"EventID":"S4W-05978","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-29T14:53:54.863","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-29T10:00:55.043","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether every person with a PIP breast implant is entitled to have any required procedure done by the NHS.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether every person with a PIP breast implant is entitled to have any required procedure done by the NHS.","AnswerText":"NHSScotland will provide a clinically appropriate package of care to patients where the private healthcare provider which provided the PIP silicone breast implant is no longer in operation or is unwilling to provide a package of care appropriate to the needs of the patient.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-14T14:53:54.863","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270452,"EventID":"S4W-05979","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-29T14:53:54.927","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-29T10:00:55.043","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what it considers would be a reasonable condition to be applied to treatment of people with PIP breast implants by private providers.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what it considers would be a reasonable condition to be applied to treatment of people with PIP breast implants by private providers.\r\n","AnswerText":"That is a matter for the private healthcare provider and patient to agree.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-14T14:53:54.943","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270453,"EventID":"S4W-05980","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-29T14:53:55.003","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-29T10:00:55.043","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the Cabinet Secretary for Health, Wellbeing and Cities Strategy will meet private healthcare providers that have used PIP breast implants.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the Cabinet Secretary for Health, Wellbeing and Cities Strategy will meet private healthcare providers that have used PIP breast implants.","AnswerText":"I have no meetings scheduled with private healthcare providers about PIP silicone breast implants, although I continue to consider circumstances in which such meetings might be appropriate.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-14T14:53:55.003","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270454,"EventID":"S4W-05981","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-29T14:53:55.067","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-29T10:00:55.043","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what mechanisms it can use to recover costs from private sector providers for NHS treatment provided to people with PIP breast implants.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what mechanisms it can use to recover costs from private sector providers for NHS treatment provided to people with PIP breast implants.\r\n","AnswerText":"As the number of patients who fall into this category are small, there are no plans to recover costs from private healthcare providers at present. This will, however, be kept under review and recovery of costs considered if required.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-14T14:53:55.067","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270455,"EventID":"S4W-05982","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-29T14:53:55.147","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-29T10:00:55.043","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information it has on the number of people resident in Scotland whose PIP breast implant surgery took place in (a) England or (b) abroad.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information it has on the number of people resident in Scotland whose PIP breast implant surgery took place in (a) England or (b) abroad.","AnswerText":"No information is held on the number of patients resident in Scotland whose PIP silicone breast implants were implanted in either England or abroad.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-14T14:53:55.147","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270456,"EventID":"S4W-05983","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4947,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-29T14:53:55.193","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-29T10:14:27.327","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to publish a policy statement on its future approach to ferries procurement and how it will relate to wider procurement reforms.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to publish a policy statement on its future approach to ferries procurement and how it will relate to wider procurement reforms.\r\n","AnswerText":"We will publish a policy statement on our future approach to ferries procurement after our consultation on the Draft Ferries Plan has concluded. Our statement will recognise the wider context of the ongoing Public Procurement Reform Programme and take account of developments in public procurement policy and legislation.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-14T14:53:55.207","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270457,"EventID":"S4W-05984","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-29T14:53:55.253","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-29T12:14:17","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S4W-05591 by John Swinney on 28 February 2012, how much of the £20 million of resource DEL consequentials available in 2012-13 will be ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S4W-05591 by John Swinney on 28 February 2012, how much of the £20 million of resource DEL consequentials available in 2012-13 will be allocated specifically to changes arising from the UK Welfare Reform Bill.","AnswerText":"As stated in my answer to question S4W-05591 the Scottish Government has held back around £20 million of Resource DEL consequentials available in 2012-13 in view of risks presented by the current economic and financial climate including, in particular, those presented by UK welfare reform and the unpredictability surrounding the eurozone.\r\nAs the full extent of the implications of the UK Welfare Reform Bill is still unknown I cannot confirm, at this stage, how much of the available consequentials will be allocated in response to the impact of the bill.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-14T14:53:55.253","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270458,"EventID":"S4W-05985","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1845,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-29T14:53:55.333","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-29T12:08:18","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assessment it has made of the benefits of compulsory microchipping of dogs with regard to (a) reuniting dogs and owners, (b) combating dog theft, (c) tracing puppy f","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assessment it has made of the benefits of compulsory microchipping of dogs with regard to (a) reuniting dogs and owners, (b) combating dog theft, (c) tracing puppy farms and (d) tackling owners of dangerous dogs.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government recognises the benefits of microchipping in helping to re-unite dogs with owners where dogs have been lost or stolen, which is why it is recommended as best practice in the Code of Practice for the Welfare of Dogs (published in 2010). In addition, the owners of dangerous or out of control dogs can already be required to microchip their dogs by the issue of a Dog Control Notice under the Control of Dogs (Scotland) Acts 2010. However, since there are currently no plans to introduce compulsory microchipping more widely, no in-depth assessment has been made.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-14T14:53:55.333","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270459,"EventID":"S4W-05986","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1845,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-29T14:53:55.397","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-29T12:08:18","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to introduce compulsory microchipping of dogs and, if so, whether it considers that introducing secondary regulation under the Animal Health and Welfare ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to introduce compulsory microchipping of dogs and, if so, whether it considers that introducing secondary regulation under the Animal Health and Welfare (Scotland) Act 2006 is the most appropriate means of doing so.\r\n","AnswerText":"The owners of dangerous or out of control dogs can already be required to microchip their dogs by the issue of a Dog Control Notice under the Control of Dogs (Scotland) Acts 2010. The Scottish Government has no current plans to introduce compulsory microchipping more widely.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-14T14:53:55.41","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270461,"EventID":"S4W-05972","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-29T17:09:59.217","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-28T15:33:06","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to reinstate the Broadband Reach Project to subsidise the purchasing of satellites for coverage of so-called not-spots.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to reinstate the Broadband Reach Project to subsidise the purchasing of satellites for coverage of so-called not-spots.\r\n","AnswerText":"There are no plans to reinstate the Broadband Reach Project in its current form.\r\nScotland’s Digital Future: Infrastructure Action Plan published on 31 January 2012 sets out the Scottish Government’s commitment and the steps we will take to deliver world-class, future proofed digital infrastructure across all of Scotland by 2020, with an interim milestone of delivering an uplift in speeds for everyone by 2015. Our forthcoming procurement strategy will specify a technology-neutral approach with a mix of solutions that delivers 40-80 Mbps to 85-90% of premises and the best speeds possible for those where delivery of 40-80 Mbps is not achievable.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-14T17:09:59.247","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270462,"EventID":"S4W-05973","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2012-02-29T17:09:59.42","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-28T15:33:06","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how the change from the Broadband Reach Project to Scotland’s Digital Future Action Plan will affect individual consumers living in so-called not-spots.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how the change from the Broadband Reach Project to Scotland’s Digital Future Action Plan will affect individual consumers living in so-called not-spots.\r\n","AnswerText":"Scotland’s Digital Future: Infrastructure Action Plan published on 31 January 2012 sets out the Scottish Government’s commitment and the steps we will take to deliver world-class, future proofed digital infrastructure across all of Scotland by 2020, with an interim milestone of delivering an uplift in speeds for everyone by 2015. Our procurement plan will seek to deliver a solution for the most rural and remote communities, including those living in so-called not-spot areas.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-14T17:09:59.437","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270488,"EventID":"S4W-05987","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2029,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":145,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-01T17:07:25.327","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-01T08:57:17","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many subjects are being studied in the Scottish Baccalaureates in the current academic year.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many subjects are being studied in the Scottish Baccalaureates in the current academic year.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Baccalaureates in Science and Languages, which are based on Higher and Advanced Higher qualifications, require candidates to choose two courses from an eligible list and combine these with Mathematics/Applied Mathematics (Science Baccalaureate) or English/Gaelic/ESOL (Languages Baccalaureate). There are 15 eligible courses for the Science Baccalaureate and 11 eligible courses for the Languages Baccalaureate.\r\nIn addition, candidates are required to undertake an Interdisciplinary Project which integrates and applies knowledge and skills from across different subject areas.\r\nSee the following table of the subject choices made by Scottish Baccalaureate candidates in the current academic year.\r\nScience Baccalaureate\r\nLanguages Baccalaureate\r\nBiology\r\nFrench\r\nBiotechnology\r\nGaelic\r\nChemistry\r\nGerman\r\nComputing\r\nItalian\r\nGraphic Communication\r\nLatin\r\nHuman Biology\r\nSpanish\r\nInformation Systems\r\n\r\nManaging Environmental Resources\r\n\r\nPhysics\r\n\r\nProduct Design\r\n\r\nTechnological Studies\r\n\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-15T17:07:25.45","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alasdair Allan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270489,"EventID":"S4W-05988","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2029,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":145,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-01T17:07:25.653","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-01T08:57:17","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many schools are participating in the Scottish Baccalaureates in the current academic year. \r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many schools are participating in the Scottish Baccalaureates in the current academic year. \r\n","AnswerText":"Fifty-six schools have entered candidates for the Scottish Baccalaureate in Science in the current academic year. One further school has entered candidates for the Scottish Baccalaureate in Science Interdisciplinary Project as a stand alone qualification.\r\nTwenty-one schools have entered candidates for the Scottish Baccalaureate in Languages in the current academic year. A further nine schools have entered candidates for the Scottish Baccalaureate in Languages Interdisciplinary Project as a stand alone qualification.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-15T17:07:25.653","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alasdair Allan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270490,"EventID":"S4W-05991","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1860,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-01T17:07:25.747","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-01T12:33:30","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether funds from Cal Mac’s marketing budget will be used to trial a Lochboisdale to Mallaig ferry service.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether funds from Cal Mac’s marketing budget will be used to trial a Lochboisdale to Mallaig ferry service.\r\n","AnswerText":"There are no plans to trial a Lochboisdale to Mallaig ferry service.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-15T17:07:25.763","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270491,"EventID":"S4W-05992","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1860,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-01T17:07:25.84","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-01T12:33:30","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when a Lochboisdale to Mallaig ferry service trial will commence and how long it will run.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when a Lochboisdale to Mallaig ferry service trial will commence and how long it will run.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-05991 on 8 March 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/Apps2/MAQASearch/QAndMSearch.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-15T17:07:25.857","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270492,"EventID":"S4W-05994","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1860,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-01T17:07:25.92","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-01T12:33:30","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive which ferry has been identified for the purpose of a Lochboisdale to Mallaig ferry service trial.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive which ferry has been identified for the purpose of a Lochboisdale to Mallaig ferry service trial.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-05991 on 8 March 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/Apps2/MAQASearch/QAndMSearch.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-15T17:07:25.92","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270493,"EventID":"S4W-05995","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1860,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-01T17:07:25.983","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-01T12:33:30","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with the Lochboisdale community regarding the (a) reinstatement and (b) trial of a Lochboisdale to Mallaig ferry service.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with the Lochboisdale community regarding the (a) reinstatement and (b) trial of a Lochboisdale to Mallaig ferry service.\r\n","AnswerText":"We have engaged with the South Uist community on the proposed \r\nMallaig-Lochboisdale ferry service over a number of years. The draft Ferries Plan published on 21 December 2011 makes clear that we accept the strength of feeling held by some of the South Uist community. We have undertaken to further consider the economic viability of this proposed service in the context of other planned improvements to, and within, the Western Isles.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-15T17:07:25.997","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270494,"EventID":"S4W-05996","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4976,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-01T17:07:26.06","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-01T14:15:04","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made to ensure that all people who do regulated work become members of the Protection of Vulnerable Groups Scheme and when it expects the retrospec","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made to ensure that all people who do regulated work become members of the Protection of Vulnerable Groups Scheme and when it expects the retrospective checking of such workers to begin.\r\n","AnswerText":"In the first year of the operation of the Protection of Vulnerable Groups (PVG) Scheme 165,000 people have become PVG scheme members; 700 individuals have been placed under formal consideration for listing; and 124 individuals have been listed, which means that they are unable to do regulated work with children or protected adults.\r\nWe will announce when retrospective checking will begin in the near future.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-15T17:07:26.06","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Aileen Campbell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270495,"EventID":"S4W-05997","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2134,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":82,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-01T17:07:26.137","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-01T14:27:15","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many modern apprenticeships have been completed at SVQ level (a) 2, (b) 3 and (c) 4 in each year since 2005.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many modern apprenticeships have been completed at SVQ level (a) 2, (b) 3 and (c) 4 in each year since 2005.\r\n","AnswerText":"Apprenticeship numbers in Scotland have increased from 15,010 in 2007-08 to 21,561 in 2010-11. We will support 25,000 modern apprentice opportunities in 2011-12, the highest ever number of apprenticeships in Scotland.\r\nThe Scottish Government does not hold this information centrally. I will ask the Chief Executive of Skills Development Scotland to write to you with the information you have requested.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-15T17:07:26.137","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angela Constance","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270496,"EventID":"S4W-06000","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4014,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-01T17:07:26.2","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-01T15:08:07.54","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the average waiting time is to see a hearing specialist in the last year, broken down by NHS board.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the average waiting time is to see a hearing specialist in the last year, broken down by NHS board.\r\n","AnswerText":"The way audiology services are provided has continued to change over the last year with many more boards now offering a one stop clinic service. This means that some patients receive their consultation and where appropriate are fitted with a hearing aid or start any treatment in the one visit.\r\nThe following information provides the median wait for patients who received a first contact appointment with a hearing specialist for each quarter of 2011, by NHS board. Information has also been provided showing the median wait for patients who were seen by a hearing specialist at a one-stop clinic for each quarter in 2011, by NHS board.\r\nMedian Wait for Patients Seen at a First Contact Appointment for Quarters Ending March, June, September and December 2011\r\nNHS Board\r\nMarch 2011\r\n(Weeks)\r\nJune 2011\r\n(Weeks)\r\nSept 2011\r\n(Weeks)\r\nDec 2011\r\n(Weeks)\r\nAyrshire and Arran\r\nx\r\nx\r\nx\r\nx\r\nBorders\r\n9\r\n4\r\n6\r\n9\r\nDumfries and Galloway\r\n19\r\n7\r\n6\r\n4\r\nFife(a)\r\n5\r\n5\r\n8\r\n4\r\nForth Valley\r\n23\r\n12\r\n8\r\n12\r\nGrampian\r\n7\r\n7\r\n8\r\n8\r\nGreater Glasgow and Clyde(b)\r\n6\r\n6\r\n5\r\n4\r\nHighland\r\n8\r\n10\r\n9\r\n6\r\nLanarkshire\r\n3\r\n5\r\n3\r\n4\r\nLothian\r\n6\r\n9\r\n7\r\n6\r\nOrkney\r\n2\r\n1\r\n2\r\n2\r\nShetland(c)\r\n7\r\n10\r\n7\r\n10\r\nTayside\r\n31\r\n19\r\n13\r\n13\r\nWestern Isles(c) \r\n29\r\n17\r\n7\r\n6\r\n\r\nMedian Wait for Patients Seen at a One-Stop Clinics for Quarters Ending March, June, September and December 2011\r\nNHS Board\r\nMarch 2011\r\n(Weeks)\r\nJune 2011\r\n(Weeks)\r\nSept 2011\r\n(Weeks)\r\nDec 2011\r\n(Weeks)\r\nAyrshire and Arran\r\nx\r\nx\r\nx\r\nx\r\nBorders\r\n7\r\n5\r\n5\r\n6\r\nDumfries and Galloway\r\nn/a\r\nn/a\r\nn/a\r\nn/a\r\nFifea\r\n13\r\n12\r\n12\r\n12\r\nForth Valleyd\r\nSP\r\nSP\r\nSP\r\nSP\r\nGrampian\r\nSP\r\nSP\r\nSP\r\nSP\r\nGreater Glasgow and Clyde\r\nn/a\r\nn/a\r\nn/a\r\nn/a\r\nHighland\r\nSP\r\nSP\r\n11\r\n8\r\nLanarkshire\r\nn/a\r\nn/a\r\nn/a\r\nn/a\r\nLothiane\r\nSP\r\nSP\r\nSP\r\n7\r\nOrkney\r\nSP\r\nSP\r\nSP\r\nSP\r\nShetland\r\nn/a\r\nn/a\r\nn/a\r\nn/a\r\nTayside\r\n37\r\n21\r\n13\r\n13\r\nWestern Isles\r\nn/a\r\nn/a\r\nn/a\r\nn/a\r\nSource: ISD Scotland.\r\nNotes:\r\nX Data not available. \r\nSP Service provided but patients’ waits reported as first contact appointment.\r\nn/a one-stop clinic service not provided.\r\n(a) NHS Fife only record paediatric patients’ wait for a first outpatient contact appointment. All adult patients are seen at one stop clinics.\r\n(b)Clyde data is not available for quarters March and June 2011 due to system issues.\r\n(c) Provide audiology services for adults only.\r\n(d) NHS Forth Valley started recording adult patients seen at a one-stop clinic in November 2011 and data is still under development.\r\n(e) Provide a one-stop service for a small number of paediatric patients only. ","AnswerDate":"2012-03-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-15T17:07:26.2","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270497,"EventID":"S4W-06001","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4014,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-01T17:07:26.263","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-01T15:08:07.54","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what communities it has identified as being at risk from flooding.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what communities it has identified as being at risk from flooding.\r\n","AnswerText":"Scotland’s first National Flood Risk Assessment was published by the Scottish Environment Protection Agency on 22 December 2011.\r\nThis National Flood Risk Assessment identified locations called Potentially Vulnerable Areas where potentially significant flood risk exists. This national picture of flood risk across Scotland is a key milestone in targeting efforts to plan and invest in reducing impacts in areas most vulnerable to flooding. This will help Scotland become more resilient to the potential impacts of flooding.\r\nThe National Flood Risk Assessment can be found on the Scottish Environment Protection Agency’s website at:\r\nhttp://www.sepa.org.uk/flooding/flooding_publications.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-15T17:07:26.263","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270498,"EventID":"S4W-06002","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-01T17:07:26.327","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-01T15:11:57.897","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what it is doing to ensure that men receive coordinated follow-up care, monitoring and advice following prostate cancer surgery and treatment.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what it is doing to ensure that men receive coordinated follow-up care, monitoring and advice following prostate cancer surgery and treatment.","AnswerText":"Cancer remains a top clinical priority for Scottish Government. Our cancer policy is generic in that its aims to improve cancer services for all regardless of cancer type or whether a primary or secondary diagnosis. Better cancer Care, published in 2008, outlined the Scottish Governments commitment to address issues around cancer prevention, screening, early detection of cancer, referral and diagnosis, treatment, living with cancer, improving the quality of cancer care and service delivery. Further work is currently being undertaken by the Scottish Cancer Taskforce to improve the awareness of early cancer symptoms amongst both members of the public and the medical community. This awareness raising work forms part of the taskforce’s 2011-14 work plan.\r\nWhilst the cancer plan is generic the National Cancer Quality Steering Group (NCQSG), a sub group of the Scottish Cancer Taskforce, has a programme of work to develop quality performance indicators (QPIs) for all cancer types. Prostate cancer QPIs are one of the first cancers to be addressed in this programme of work, with QPIs being published later this year.\r\nWhilst the Scottish Government and other organisations provide policies, frameworks and guidance for the health service, it is the responsibility of NHS boards and the clinician caring for the patient to provide a co-ordinated package of care.  This should be tailored to an individuals needs following surgery for prostate cancer.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-15T17:07:26.327","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270499,"EventID":"S4W-06003","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-01T17:07:26.387","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-01T15:11:57.897","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what it is doing to ensure that all GPs are made aware of a man’s right to request a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what it is doing to ensure that all GPs are made aware of a man’s right to request a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test.\r\n","AnswerText":"Guidance in the form of a Prostate Cancer Risk Management Pack which supports the Prostate Cancer Risk Management Programme was issued to NHS boards (urologists, histopathologists, PSA testing laboratories) and all general practitioners in Scotland in 2009. The programme provides guidance to medical practitioners on the situations in which it is suitable to offer PSA testing, the information and guidance that should be provided to patients before PSA testing is undertaken, and the support that may be required by men as they deal with the consequences of the PSA test and any resulting diagnosis.\r\nDetails of the programme and copies of the Prostate Cancer Risk Management Pack can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Health/health/cancer/publications.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-15T17:07:26.403","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270500,"EventID":"S4W-06004","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-01T17:07:26.467","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-01T15:11:57.897","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to ensure that men with a higher risk of prostate cancer are provided with sufficient information about the pros and cons of the prostate-specifi","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to ensure that men with a higher risk of prostate cancer are provided with sufficient information about the pros and cons of the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test to ensure that they can make an informed choice about whether to take the test.\r\n","AnswerText":"As referred to in answer to question S4W-06003 on 8 March 2012, guidance in the form of a Prostate Cancer Risk Management Pack which supports the Prostate Cancer Risk Management Programme was issued to NHS boards (urologists, histopathologists, PSA testing laboratories) and all general practitioners in Scotland in 2009. The programme provides guidance to medical practitioners on the situations in which it is suitable to offer PSA testing, the information and guidance that should be provided to patients before PSA testing is undertaken, and the support that may be required by men as they deal with the consequences of the PSA test and any resulting diagnosis.\r\nDetails of the programme and copies of the Prostate Cancer Risk Management Pack can be found at http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Health/health/cancer/publications.\r\nUnder the Section 16B Grant Scheme, we have provided funding to Prostate Scotland, over 2009-10 to 2011-12, to deliver a project on the provision of information and advice on the signs, symptoms and treatment of prostate disease. This work includes the development of a range of information leaflets distributed at a variety of health and community outlets, a training pack for primary care staff, materials for local presentations and displays, and an information telephone service. The Prostate Cancer Charity Scotland is also in receipt of a grant for 2011-12. This will be used to pilot the development of a prostate cancer awareness and support network, specifically targeted to men from low socioeconomic backgrounds living in deprived areas of Glasgow.\r\nAll answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-15T17:07:26.467","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270501,"EventID":"S4W-06005","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-01T17:07:26.56","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-01T15:11:57.897","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what it is doing to ensure that men are made aware of the potential signs and symptoms of prostate cancer.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what it is doing to ensure that men are made aware of the potential signs and symptoms of prostate cancer.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government's Better Cancer Care, recognised that early detection of cancer is crucial and the earlier it can be diagnosed, the better the chance of a positive outcome. Our “Detect Cancer Early” initiative is initially focusing on the three most common cancers, lung, bowel and breast, however once this initial phase is completed, we will consider which others cancers need to be addressed and prostate cancer will be considered as part of this process.\r\nTo support GPs to recognise and refer patients with suspected cancer as early as possible, referral guidance was published in 2007, called the Scottish Executive Health Department Letter (2007) 9: Scottish Referral Guidelines for Suspected Cancer.\r\nIn early 2009, the guidelines were shortened into a user-friendly version for quick reference. All GPs across NHS Scotland have been sent a copy of this guidance, which is also available on the Scottish Government website www.scotland.gov.uk/quickreferenceguide/suspectedcancer. However, it is important to remember that GPs will see many patients with signs and symptoms which, though similar to symptoms for a particular cancer, will turn out to be due to other common, benign ailments.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-15T17:07:26.56","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270502,"EventID":"S4W-06006","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-01T17:07:26.637","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-01T15:11:57.897","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive on what basis it decided to exclude prostate cancer from its Detect Cancer Early Initiative.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive on what basis it decided to exclude prostate cancer from its Detect Cancer Early Initiative.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government is committed to taking forward a Detect Cancer Early Programme with a target of increasing the number of cancers detected at the early stage of disease as the earlier that cancer is diagnosed, the better the chance of a complete cure. The programme is directed at lung, breast and colorectal cancers in the first instance as these cancers represent 45% of all cancers diagnosed in Scotland per year. This will enable us to have the greatest impact both in terms of patient numbers and in addressing cancer in areas if deprivation where survival has historically been poorest.\r\nEarly diagnosis and high quality treatment and care for all patients with cancer is a top priority and although we have not included prostate cancer in this initial programme, we anticipate that the programme will benefit other groups of people as it is rolled out. Raised awareness of all cancers amongst the public and health practitioners are expected to result in earlier presentation, referral and assessment for all those with a possibility of cancer. The increased diagnostic capacity which will be generated by the programme will provide benefits to a wider group of patients in terms of improved access to a variety of tests.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-15T17:07:26.653","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270503,"EventID":"S4W-06007","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4014,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-01T17:07:26.7","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-01T15:50:42.65","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many public libraries have been closed by each local authority in each year since 1999.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many public libraries have been closed by each local authority in each year since 1999.\r\n","AnswerText":"The information requested in S4W-06007, and subsequent questions S4W-06008 and S4W-06009, is not held centrally. The data requested, or similar data, is available from the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accounting (CIPFA). I have asked the Scottish Library and Information Council (SLIC) to write to the member with the requested information.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-15T17:07:26.717","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270504,"EventID":"S4W-06008","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4014,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-01T17:07:26.777","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-01T15:50:42.65","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many mobile libraries have been provided by each local authority in each year since 1999.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many mobile libraries have been provided by each local authority in each year since 1999.\r\n","AnswerText":"The information requested in S4W-06008, and related questions S4W-06007 and S4W-06009, is not held centrally. The data requested, or similar data, is available from the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accounting (CIPFA). I have asked the Scottish Library and Information Council (SLIC) to write to the member with the requested information.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-15T17:07:26.777","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270505,"EventID":"S4W-06009","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4014,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-01T17:07:26.84","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-01T15:50:42.65","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much has been spent on books for public libraries by each local authority in each year since 1999.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much has been spent on books for public libraries by each local authority in each year since 1999.\r\n","AnswerText":"The information requested in S4W-06009, and related questions S4W-06007 and S4W-06008, is not held centrally. The data requested, or similar data, is available from the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accounting (CIPFA). I have asked the Scottish Library and Information Council (SLIC) to write to the member with the requested information.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-15T17:07:26.84","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270526,"EventID":"S4W-06010","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4934,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-02T13:58:30.4","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-01T16:14:11","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive (a) what information it has on and (b) what steps it is taking to identify how many newly built residential properties that have never been occupied have been empty longe","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive (a) what information it has on and (b) what steps it is taking to identify how many newly built residential properties that have never been occupied have been empty longer than six months; what their stage of completion is; what their eligibility for council tax is, and the measures that can be taken to bring them into use.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government does not hold data on the number of new build residential properties that have been empty longer than six months, although it maintains close links with Homes for Scotland so is kept informed of how developers’ house sales are performing. Data is collected annually from local authorities on the total number of unoccupied homes, including the total number classed as long-term empty for council tax purposes, but not the types of home within this category.\r\nA new build home is placed on the valuation roll and therefore eligible for council tax once it is judged “complete” by the assessor. After this point, it is then eligible for a six month exemption from council tax if it is unoccupied and unfurnished. If it remains unoccupied after that initial six month period, the local authority will determine the level of council tax and any discounts due, depending on the individual circumstances of the property.\r\nThe Scottish Government is supporting house builders to sell or let homes through the New Supply Shared Equity with developers scheme and the National Housing Trust initiative. The Scottish Government has also announced that it is jointly funding a house-builders’ mortgage indemnity scheme with developers; this will help developers to sell more homes by allowing thousands of buyers who do not have a large deposit to buy a new build home.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-16T13:58:30.633","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270527,"EventID":"S4W-06012","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4016,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":133,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-02T13:58:30.743","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-02T12:48:23","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it plans to introduce legislation regarding the regulation of independent ambulance services.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it plans to introduce legislation regarding the regulation of independent ambulance services.\r\n","AnswerText":"The power to regulate independent ambulance services is included in the Public Services Reform (Scotland) Act 2010. Decisions on commencement of the provision relating to independent ambulance services will be made following the completion of a wider piece of work on the future scope of independent healthcare regulation (which is expected to be completed by autumn 2012).\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-16T13:58:30.757","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270529,"EventID":"S4W-06013","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3763,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-02T15:36:36.58","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-02T14:28:14","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what support it provides for people over the age of 50 to find employment.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what support it provides for people over the age of 50 to find employment.","AnswerText":"Tackling unemployment for workless people of all ages is a priority for the Scottish Government. Within the scope of the powers we have, we are implementing an Economic Strategy for growth, targeting resources where they are needed most and working to better align all employability and skills services across Scotland. It is encouraging to note that employment for the over 50s has increased over the year, and unemployment decreased, despite challenging labour market conditions.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-16T15:36:36.907","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270543,"EventID":"S4W-06014","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2059,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":91,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-05T16:56:08.117","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-04T13:34:20","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether funding from the Conservation Area Regeneration Scheme will be made available to Rutherglen and Cambuslang.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether funding from the Conservation Area Regeneration Scheme will be made available to Rutherglen and Cambuslang.\r\n","AnswerText":"I announced a 5th round of Conservation Area Regeneration Scheme (CARS) funding amounting to £10 million last month. Applications for CARS funding are welcomed from local  authorities towards setting up such a scheme in any conservation area in Scotland. The application process is competitive and Historic Scotland will shortly set out the formal criteria against which bids will be considered.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-19T16:56:08.397","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270544,"EventID":"S4W-06018","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-05T16:56:08.477","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-05T14:00:35.407","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to raise awareness among young people of what constitutes sexual violence and rape.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to raise awareness among young people of what constitutes sexual violence and rape.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government is working within the Curriculum for Excellence and with specialist services to ensure that young people understand what sexual violence and rape is, and that it is totally unacceptable.\r\nThe Health and Wellbeing part of the Curriculum for Excellence includes a section on relationships, sexual health and parenthood. This education starts at an early age, teaching children about what positive relationships and friendships look like, including respect for one’s own body and what behaviour is right and wrong. One strand of this develops into learning that all forms of abuse are wrong and developing the skills to keep oneself safe and seek help if needed. In secondary school this theme further develops into learning what is appropriate sexual behaviour and knowing where to get support and help with situations involving abuse and the laws that protect people from abuse.\r\nWe also fund a range of specialist strands of work thorough our £55 million commitment to tackling violence against women, including funding for Rape Crisis Scotland, the Violence Reduction Unit (VRU) and Zero Tolerance. Examples of work that have been undertaken include the VRU’s MVP project which takes a creative \"bystander\" approach to gender violence and bullying prevention and their joint online campaign with Zero Tolerance “He loves me, he loves me not” which raises awareness of teen relationship abuse.\r\nThe Scottish Government will also be refreshing Safer Lives: Changed Lives this year, which guides the work of all partners tackling violence against women in Scotland, to ensure it reflects our renewed emphasis on prevention work. This commitment will be reinforced with the introduction of a separate strand of prevention-focused funding to drive forward positive change at a national level over the period 2012-15.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-19T16:56:08.477","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270545,"EventID":"S4W-06019","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2123,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":103,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-05T16:56:08.553","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-05T14:45:49.547","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S4W-05767 by Kenny MacAskill on 5 March 2012, how much money was given to community justice authorities for work with (a) all and (b) w","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S4W-05767 by Kenny MacAskill on 5 March 2012, how much money was given to community justice authorities for work with (a) all and (b) women offenders in 2011-12.\r\n","AnswerText":"Community Justice Authorities (CJAs) received £97.65 million from the Scottish Government in the financial year 2011-12. This funding allocation was made in respect of CJAs’ work with all offenders, regardless of gender. Women offenders are a core component of CJAs’ and local authorities’ work, and Scottish Government funding should be used to support effective services in their locality to meet identified need.\r\nIn both 2010-11 and 2011-12 the Scottish Government provided each CJA with £100,000 of discretionary additional funding to support innovative approaches and services to support women offenders and reduce their risk of reoffending. It was made clear throughout that this funding was being allocated on a time limited basis, and that CJAs should not plan for continued access to this funding beyond the relevant financial year.\r\nThe member will also be aware that the former Lord Advocate Dame Elish Angiolini is currently leading the Commission on Women Offenders, which is due to publish its report shortly. I eagerly await the report and am clear that future funding decisions across the justice system must take account of its recommendations so that real and substantial change can be affected to improve the outcomes for women.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-19T16:56:08.57","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270546,"EventID":"S4W-06020","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1845,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-05T16:56:08.633","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-05T15:21:21","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much it has spent on ministerial cars in each year since 2007.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much it has spent on ministerial cars in each year since 2007.\r\n","AnswerText":"The following table details capital spend on Ministerial vehicles since 2007.\r\nTotal Cost (£)\r\nYear\r\n\r\n2007-08\r\n156,000\r\n2008-09\r\n224,375\r\n2009-10\r\n26,899\r\n2010-11\r\n0\r\n2011-12\r\n129,101\r\n\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-19T16:56:08.647","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270547,"EventID":"S4W-06021","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1845,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-05T16:56:08.71","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-05T15:21:21","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many journeys ministerial cars have made in each year since 2007, broken down by minister.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many journeys ministerial cars have made in each year since 2007, broken down by minister.","AnswerText":"Ministerial car journeys are proactively published regularly on the Scottish Government website. They can be accessed through the following link http://www.scotland.gov.uk/About/14944/travel/MinisterialCarJourneys.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-19T16:56:08.71","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Bruce Crawford","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270548,"EventID":"S4W-06022","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4014,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-05T16:56:08.773","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-05T15:50:42","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much income universities will receive from undergraduate fees from the rest of the UK in the current academic year.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much income universities will receive from undergraduate fees from the rest of the UK in the current academic year.\r\n","AnswerText":"The data for the current academic year is not yet available. Data relating to students in higher education in Scotland in academic year 2010-11 will be published by the Scottish Funding Council on 29 March 2012.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-19T16:56:08.773","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270549,"EventID":"S4F-00513","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":4976,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-05T14:37:30.777","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-01T15:48:42","Title":"To ask the First Minister when he will next meet the Prime Minister.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister when he will next meet the Prime Minister.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-19T14:37:30.95","MeetingDate":"2012-03-08T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270550,"EventID":"S4F-00515","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":2123,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":103,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-05T14:37:31.043","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-05T08:45:26","Title":"To ask the First Minister whether the Scottish Government will issue guidance on the new public entertainment licensing regime.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister whether the Scottish Government will issue guidance on the new public entertainment licensing regime.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-19T14:37:31.043","MeetingDate":"2012-03-08T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270551,"EventID":"S4F-00517","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":5009,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-05T14:37:31.107","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-05T11:20:48.05","Title":"To ask the First Minister what issues will be discussed at the next meeting of the Cabinet.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what issues will be discussed at the next meeting of the Cabinet.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-19T14:37:31.107","MeetingDate":"2012-03-08T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270552,"EventID":"S4F-00518","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-05T14:37:31.137","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-05T11:44:40","Title":"To ask the First Minister what action is being taken to prevent those not actively farming from being able to claim agricultural subsidies. \r\n","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what action is being taken to prevent those not actively farming from being able to claim agricultural subsidies. \r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-19T14:37:31.137","MeetingDate":"2012-03-08T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270553,"EventID":"S4F-00528","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":2080,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":87,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-05T14:37:31.51","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-05T13:54:40","Title":"To ask the First Minister what engagements he has planned for the rest of the day.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what engagements he has planned for the rest of the day.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-19T14:37:31.51","MeetingDate":"2012-03-08T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270554,"EventID":"S4F-00530","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":138,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-05T14:37:31.573","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-05T14:00:28","Title":"To ask the First Minister what the implications are of the findings in the Scottish Government's recently published State of the Economy report.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what the implications are of the findings in the Scottish Government's recently published State of the Economy report.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-19T14:37:31.573","MeetingDate":"2012-03-08T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270555,"EventID":"S4W-06027","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4934,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-06T14:02:28.81","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-05T16:56:27","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what (a) training relevant to cycle safety is required of and (b) action it takes to increase awareness of cycle safety among drivers of heavy and larger goods vehicles.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what (a) training relevant to cycle safety is required of and (b) action it takes to increase awareness of cycle safety among drivers of heavy and larger goods vehicles.","AnswerText":"Professional HGV drivers have to comply with the Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC), which was introduced across the European Union to maintain high driving standards and improve road safety. New HGV drivers need to pass the Driver CPC theory and practical tests in addition to the licence acquisition theory and practical tests. Once they have passed these tests, they also need to complete periodic training to keep their Driver CPC qualification. This training includes awareness of hazards and other road users. Licence acquisition and the Driver CPC are reserved matters. \r\nThe Scottish Government recognised that there was a lack of training in Safe and Fuel Efficient Driving (SAFED-HGV). We provided pump-prime funding to establish a network of SAFED-HGV trainers and demonstrate the benefits of the training. Since April 2007, this training network has operated on a wholly commercial basis. Additionally the Scottish Government has produced material to promote the adoption of best practice by the freight industry, including several guides covering aspects of driving.\r\nThe freight trade associations have also worked in partnership with others to increase awareness of the risks associated with sharing the road with large vehicles. For example, the Freight Transport Association has produced a Cycling Code which provides advice for three groups - cyclists, HGV drivers/operators and employers. They have also been willing to cooperate in local initiatives, for example by allowing cyclists to sit in an HGV cab to gain a greater awareness of HGV blind spots. \r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-20T14:02:29.17","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270556,"EventID":"S4W-06028","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4934,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-06T14:02:29.357","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-05T16:56:27","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what (a) training relevant to cycle safety is required of and (b) action it takes to increase awareness of cycle safety among drivers of buses.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what (a) training relevant to cycle safety is required of and (b) action it takes to increase awareness of cycle safety among drivers of buses.","AnswerText":"Legislatively, driver training is a reserved matter. Aside from the relevant driver's licence bus drivers have to have a Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC). Driver CPC is designed to improve road safety; help the environment by reducing emissions and fuel use; provide greater professionalism and better career development for drivers, and help the road transport industry to recruit and retain staff and enjoy a better public image. Within that context, driver training is a matter for individual operators and will reflect their operating environments. The Scottish Government has no direct involvement but would encourage all bus companies to be vigilant of vulnerable road users.\r\nGood practice does exist. For example, in Edinburgh, Lothian Buses work in partnership with SPOKES and The Bike Station to promote safe cycling and driver awareness of cyclists on the roads.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-20T14:02:29.357","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270557,"EventID":"S4W-06029","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4934,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-06T14:02:29.437","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-05T16:56:27","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what (a) training relevant to cycle safety is required of and (b) action it takes to increase awareness of cycle safety among car drivers.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what (a) training relevant to cycle safety is required of and (b) action it takes to increase awareness of cycle safety among car drivers.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has no direct requirement to provide training relevant to cycle safety. However, The Road Traffic Act 1988, Chapter 52, Section 39 states that: \r\n“Each local authority must prepare and carry out a programme of measures designed to promote road safety including the dissemination of information and advice relating to the use of roads, the giving of practical training to road users, or any class or description of road users and other measures taken in the exercise of their powers for controlling, protecting or assisting the movement of traffic on roads, and in constructing new roads, must take such measures as appear to the authority to be appropriate to reduce the possibilities of such accidents when the roads come into use.”\r\nThe Road Safety Framework recognises that cyclists are among the most vulnerable road users and we have made a number of commitments within the framework document which we will undertake, with our partners, to support the interests of cyclists. These include ensuring that all road users receive appropriate education and training messages about cycling in the road environment. Last September, I allocated an additional £1 million for cycling projects including the new Bikeability Scotland cycle training package and an educational campaign to raise awareness among drivers of cyclists on the road, especially during the school run periods when more children are cycling. The campaign called Give Me Cycle Space is run by Cycling Scotland in partnership with local authorities and schools, and in 2012, this will be extended to 13 local authorities and at least 144 schools.\r\nRoad Safety Scotland run safety campaigns aimed at all road users. The organisation provides advice and guidance for drivers, cyclists, motorcyclists, pedestrians and horse-riders, as well as teaching notes and class activities for educational professionals.\r\nhttp://www.road-safety.org.uk/driving\r\nhttp://www.road-safety.org.uk/cycling\r\nhttp://www.road-safety.org.uk/motorcycling\r\nhttp://www.road-safety.org.uk/walking\r\nhttp://www.road-safety.org.uk/horse-riding.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-20T14:02:29.437","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270558,"EventID":"S4W-06030","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4934,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-06T14:02:29.53","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-05T16:56:27","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people have been (a) prosecuted and (b) convicted in relation to road accidents involving cyclists since 1999.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people have been (a) prosecuted and (b) convicted in relation to road accidents involving cyclists since 1999.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government Court Proceedings database does not contain data on persons proceeded against for accidents involving bicycles.\r\nA person prosecuted for an accident involving a bicycle would generally be prosecuted for a dangerous or careless driving offence and the details on the database would not indicate what vehicles were involved in the incident.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-20T14:02:29.53","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270559,"EventID":"S4W-06031","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4934,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-06T14:02:29.64","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-05T16:56:27","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress it has made on identifying what kind of hierarchy of care for road users might be established, as discussed in its Cycling Action Plan for Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress it has made on identifying what kind of hierarchy of care for road users might be established, as discussed in its Cycling Action Plan for Scotland.","AnswerText":"Action 12 in the Cycling Action Plan for Scotland relates to research around hierarchies of care for road users (“to undertake a legislative search to reveal the operation of liability laws and how they work in other countries in Europe and around the world, and whether there is robust evidence of a direct link to levels of cycling and KSIs [killed and seriously injured]”). Transport Scotland is conducting an internal review of relevant legal arrangements in a number of countries.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-20T14:02:29.64","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270560,"EventID":"S4W-06032","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4934,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-06T14:02:29.733","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-05T16:56:27","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many 20 mph zones there are and what it is doing to encourage greater use of these zones in urban areas.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many 20 mph zones there are and what it is doing to encourage greater use of these zones in urban areas.","AnswerText":"Information on the number of 20 mph zones in Scotland is not held centrally.\r\nTransport Scotland is part-funding the market research and evaluation element of a City of Edinburgh Council pilot to designate all side streets and some main routes in South Central Edinburgh as 20 mph. To support and encourage other local authorities to follow the City of Edinburgh Council lead we will share the results of the evaluation with them.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-20T14:02:29.733","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270561,"EventID":"S4W-06033","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4934,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-06T14:02:29.81","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-05T16:56:27","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what requirement schools have to provide cycle training and what percentage of schoolchildren completes level (a) 1, (b) 2 and (b) 3 Bikeability Scotland training.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what requirement schools have to provide cycle training and what percentage of schoolchildren completes level (a) 1, (b) 2 and (b) 3 Bikeability Scotland training.","AnswerText":"Scottish Schools have no obligation to provide cycle training. However, The Road Traffic Act 1988, Chapter 52, Section 39 states that: \r\n“Each local authority must prepare and carry out a programme of measures designed to promote road safety including the dissemination of information and advice relating to the use of roads, the giving of practical training to road users, or any class or description of road users and other measures taken in the exercise of their powers for controlling, protecting or assisting the movement of traffic on roads, and in constructing new roads, must take such measures as appear to the authority to be appropriate to reduce the possibilities of such accidents when the roads come into use.”\r\nThrough Scottish Government funding to Cycling Scotland, 68.5% of children receive some form of cycle training. At Level 2, this training is delivered to 68.5% of the 55,000 pupil cohort in P6 and P7, with 31.5% of children receive on-road training.\r\nCurrently, Cycling Scotland has no robust data for the percentage delivery at Bikeability Scotland Levels 1 and 3. This is because the Cycling Action Plan for Scotland’s No1 Action is to focus on more on-road training which will provide the right skills for independent travel acquired in the right environment. Encouragingly, requests for Levels 1 and 3 resources would indicate that there is multi-level training delivery in all 32 local authority areas.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-20T14:02:29.81","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270562,"EventID":"S4W-06034","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4934,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-06T14:02:29.903","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-05T16:56:27","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what it is doing to make the road network more cycle-friendly.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what it is doing to make the road network more cycle-friendly.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government is supporting a number of projects across Scotland to make the road network more cycle-friendly and Reported Road Casualties Scotland 2010, published in October 2011, shows that we are making progress in reducing the number of cyclist casualties in Scotland, with a fall of 12% between 2000 and 2010.\r\nThe Road Safety Framework recognises that cyclists are among the most vulnerable road users and contains various relevant commitments. Examples relate to education and training, improved signage, consideration of cycling in the context of roads maintenance and design, and the use of 20mph zones in all residential areas. \r\nWe are also providing significant funding. On 8 February, John Swinney announced an additional £20.25 million for active travel projects, focussing on cycling and walking infrastructure, over the next three financial years.  This is in addition to the £15 million for wider Sustainable and Active Travel initiatives announced as part of the Draft Budget last September.\r\nIn addition, we have already allocated £44 million to local authorities for Cycling, Walking and Safer Streets projects; and we are supporting initiatives such as the Bikeability Scotland cycle training package; the City of Edinburgh Council (CEC) 20 mph pilot in South Central Edinburgh; a Sustrans feasibility study into an innovative pilot project in Glasgow called Flashing Amber, which will allow cyclists to be given priority at traffic lights; various Sustrans’ safe routes to schools and Street Design projects, and the provision of safe cycle routes through the National Cycle Network (as with the Oban - Fort William trunk roads cycling scheme).\r\nIn terms of promoting best practice, Transport Scotland published a new version of Cycling by Design in 2010 for use by practitioners throughout Scotland. It plans to hold a series of seminars for local authorities and others developing cycling infrastructure in Scotland.\r\nTransport Scotland will be setting up a sub-group of the Road Safety Operational Partnership Group to consider cycling safety and share best practice across the country, and will be monitoring progress more generally in the context of the 2010 Cycling Action Plan for Scotland.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-20T14:02:29.903","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270563,"EventID":"S4W-06035","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4934,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-06T14:02:29.983","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-05T16:56:27","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what (a) funding and (b) other support it is providing for the completion of the Caledonia Way cycle route between Campbeltown and Inverness and when the entire route wil","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what (a) funding and (b) other support it is providing for the completion of the Caledonia Way cycle route between Campbeltown and Inverness and when the entire route will be completed.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government and Transport Scotland are working in partnership with Sustrans, Argyll and Bute and Highland Councils, and other stakeholders to deliver the route from Campbeltown to Inverness, including signing and mapping. So far, Scottish Government and Transport Scotland have investment of over £5.5 million (from Campbeltown to Ballachulish) in the route.\r\nSustrans estimates that the Oban to Inverness section of this route could be completed by 2014-15, subject to available funding. The Great Glen section is now being progressed as a combination of off-road routes and quiet rural roads as an alternative to the A82.\r\nThe recent capital allocation of over £22 million to Sustrans over the next three years will greatly assist the completion of this iconic route.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-20T14:02:29.983","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270564,"EventID":"S4W-06036","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4934,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-06T14:02:30.043","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-05T16:56:27","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what (a) funding and (b) other support it is providing for a cycle route between Callander and Stirling to link National Cycle Network routes 7 and 76.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what (a) funding and (b) other support it is providing for a cycle route between Callander and Stirling to link National Cycle Network routes 7 and 76.","AnswerText":"Sustrans has been working towards this development for a number of years in partnership with Transport Scotland, which has invested around £50,000 in the project to date. However, land-ownership issues have delayed completion. Stirling Council and Sustrans are now looking to progress negotiations and utilise the new capital funding awarded to Sustrans, which will attract 50% match funding from local authorities.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-20T14:02:30.043","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270565,"EventID":"S4W-06037","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4934,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-06T14:02:30.123","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-05T16:56:27","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what (a) funding and (b) other support it is providing for a cycle route between Uddingston and Douglas.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what (a) funding and (b) other support it is providing for a cycle route between Uddingston and Douglas.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government, Sustrans and South Lanarkshire Council are jointly funding the creation of a £1.5 million off-road cycle path between Larkhall and Hamilton, due for completion by March 2013. The Uddingston to Hamilton section is completed. The Scottish Government has invested around £750,000 in this route. The Larkhall to Douglas feasibility study will go ahead in due course once the route to Larkhall is completed. The recently allocated capital funding to Sustrans will allow the progression of the Larkhall to Douglas section with match funding provided by the local authority and Sustrans through the Connect2 project funding from The People’s Lottery.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-20T14:02:30.123","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270566,"EventID":"S4W-06038","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4934,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-06T14:02:30.183","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-05T16:56:27","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what (a) funding and (b) other support it is providing for a cycle route between Penicuik and Peebles.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what (a) funding and (b) other support it is providing for a cycle route between Penicuik and Peebles.","AnswerText":"Scottish Government funding of £5,000 to Sustrans, matched by Midlothian and Scottish Borders Councils (£15,000 in total) allowed the completion of a feasibility study into this project in 2009. This showed a very sparsely populated area and the study could not justify funding for such a route for the carbon savings it would generate. In addition, complex land ownership issues also ruled out the most cost-effective route planned. However, Sustrans has identified that a route from Eddleston to Peebles would be more viable and will look at the feasibility of this route in due course.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-20T14:02:30.183","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270567,"EventID":"S4W-06039","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5057,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-06T14:02:30.263","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-05T17:13:48","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many police officers have completed formal training and briefing in relation to the new powers contained in the Offensive Behaviour at Football and Threatening Commun","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many police officers have completed formal training and briefing in relation to the new powers contained in the Offensive Behaviour at Football and Threatening Communications (Scotland) Act 2012. \r\n","AnswerText":"Formal training has been made available to every police officer and member of police staff in Scotland through a combination of presentations by officers from the National Football Coordination Unit for Scotland (FOCUS), circulation of a training DVD and publication of self-brief materials. ACPOS stipulated that prior to deployment all officers on duty at a “regulated football match” must receive briefing in relation to the new powers contained in the Offensive Behaviour at Football and Threatening Communications (Scotland) Act 2012.\r\nOfficers from FOCUS also attended matches across the country on 3 March 2012 to provide guidance and support to all Match Commanders and operational officers prior to, during and post-match, on what was the first match-day following commencement of the legislation.\r\nThe new legislation will be embedded into police recruit training at the Scottish Police College and the “ACPOS National Strategy for Policing Football in Scotland” and the “ACPOS National Toolkit for Policing Football in Scotland” documents have also been developed as resources to provide guidance at both strategic and operational level.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-20T14:02:30.263","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Roseanna Cunningham","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270568,"EventID":"S4W-06040","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5057,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-06T14:02:30.323","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-05T17:13:48","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what (a) advice and (b) guidance the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service has given to chief constables in relation to the enforcement of the Offensive Behaviour at","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what (a) advice and (b) guidance the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service has given to chief constables in relation to the enforcement of the Offensive Behaviour at Football and Threatening Communications (Scotland) Act 2012.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Lord Advocate published Guidelines on operation of the Offensive Behaviour at Football and Threatening Communications (Scotland) Act 2012 on 28 February 2012 which includes guidance to the police. These guidelines can be found on the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service website at: \r\nhttp://www.copfs.gov.uk/Publications/2012/02/Lord-Advocate%E2%80%99s-Guidelines-Offensive-Behaviour-Football-and-Threatening-Communications-Scotland-Act.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-20T14:02:30.323","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank Mulholland","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270569,"EventID":"S4W-06041","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-06T14:02:30.387","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-05T18:30:23","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many incidents of workplace racial discrimination have been reported in NHS Scotland in each of the last three years for which information is available, also broken d","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many incidents of workplace racial discrimination have been reported in NHS Scotland in each of the last three years for which information is available, also broken down by NHS board and expressed as a percentage of each board's staff complement, and how many of these reports related to incidents of discrimination by (a) staff and (b) members of the public on staff.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government does not receive reports, nor does it hold information on what reports are made to NHS boards or Area partnership forums, on the incidence of workplace racial discrimination.\r\nThe Equal Opportunities PIN Policy sets out boards’ obligations in terms of local policies developed in line with the PIN. Area partnership forums should agree a set of equality objectives, which may include the incidence of workplace racial discrimination, and should receive reports on the outcomes. Individual NHS boards may therefore have information on local incidents.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-20T14:02:30.403","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270570,"EventID":"S4W-06042","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":3815,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-06T14:02:30.467","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-06T09:59:38","Title":"To ask the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body what percentage of staff absenteeism due to mental ill-health in (a) 2007-08, (b) 2008-09, (c) 2009-10 and (d) 2010-11 was for a period of (i) less tha","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body what percentage of staff absenteeism due to mental ill-health in (a) 2007-08, (b) 2008-09, (c) 2009-10 and (d) 2010-11 was for a period of (i) less than 2 months, (ii) between 2 and 4 months, (iii) between 6 and 12 months and (iv) over a year.\r\n","AnswerText":"The following table below provides a breakdown of the percentage of staff absent due to mental ill-health for 2007-2011 which includes absences due to mental ill-health that are recorded as stress; emotional upset; depression; and anxiety. We have defined mental ill-health here in its broadest terms to refer to someone’s general mental and emotional state to cope with the normal stresses of everyday life rather than as a disability as defined by the Equality Act 2010.\r\n \r\nYear*\r\nTotal % of staff absent due to mental ill health \r\n% of staff absent due to mental health for less than 2 months \r\n% of staff absent due to mental health between 2 and 4 months \r\n% of staff absent due to mental health between 6 and 12 months \r\n% of staff absent due to mental health for over a year. \r\n2007/8\r\n5%\r\n84%\r\n11%\r\n5%\r\n \r\n-\r\n2008/9\r\n6%\r\n77%\r\n14%\r\n9%\r\n \r\n-\r\n2009/10\r\n4%\r\n82%\r\n12%\r\n6%\r\n \r\n-\r\n2010/11\r\n3%\r\n83%\r\n17%\r\n-\r\n-\r\n*Calculations are based on the financial year from 1 April to 31 March \r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-20T14:02:30.467","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Stewart","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270575,"EventID":"S4W-06043","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5057,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-06T17:25:07.65","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-06T11:58:47","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S4W-02796 by Kenny MacAskill on 7 October 2011, how many police support staff there have been in (a) each police force, (b) the Scottis","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S4W-02796 by Kenny MacAskill on 7 October 2011, how many police support staff there have been in (a) each police force, (b) the Scottish Crime and Drug Enforcement Agency and (c) the Scottish Police Services Authority in each quarter of 2011-12.\r\n","AnswerText":"The number of police support staff (full time equivalent) at the end of each quarter in 2011 are given in the following table. The number of police support staff as at the end of Q1 2012 is not yet available. Operational decisions about levels of police support staff are a matter for Chief Constables, the Scottish Police Services Authority and Scottish Crime and Drug Enforcement Agency. Although detailed information on staff departures is not held centrally, the recent reductions are mainly through voluntary severance schemes as well as people leaving through natural turnover.\r\nNumber of Police Support Staff (FTE) as at the End of Each Quarter in 2011\r\nNumber of Police Support Staff (FTE) as at the End of Each Quarter in 2011\r\nQuarter\r\nCentral\r\nDumfries and Galloway\r\nFife\r\nGrampian\r\nLothian and Borders\r\nNorthern\r\nStrathclyde\r\nTayside\r\nSPSA\r\nSCDEA\r\nScotland\r\nQ1 2011\r\n326\r\n215\r\n460\r\n661\r\n1,148\r\n333\r\n2,415\r\n549\r\n1,210\r\n130\r\n7,447\r\nQ2 2011\r\n299\r\n222\r\n441\r\n620\r\n1,122\r\n307\r\n2,325\r\n505\r\n1,141\r\n127\r\n7,109\r\nQ3 2011\r\n294\r\n223\r\n431\r\n612\r\n1,108\r\n306\r\n2,291\r\n488\r\n1,125\r\n122\r\n7,001\r\nQ4 2011\r\n299\r\n222\r\n424\r\n603\r\n1,103\r\n306\r\n2,269\r\n489\r\n1,122\r\n120\r\n6,957\r\nNotes:\r\n1. Figures are expressed in terms of full-time equivalent (FTE) police support staff, rounded to the nearest whole number. \r\n2. Figures are as the end of the respective quarter: Q1=31 March, Q2=30 June, Q3=30 September, Q4=31 December.\r\n3. Scotland totals may not equal the sum of the parts due to rounding.","AnswerDate":"2012-03-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-20T17:25:07.76","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270576,"EventID":"S4W-06044","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4934,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-06T17:25:07.917","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-06T12:00:14","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many nautical miles of seaborne, deep-sea surveillance of fisheries were carried out in (a) 2000-01 and (b) 2010-11.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many nautical miles of seaborne, deep-sea surveillance of fisheries were carried out in (a) 2000-01 and (b) 2010-11.\r\n","AnswerText":"Surveillance of Scotland’s seas is continuously carried out by satellite monitoring techniques. Specific issues of concern can be looked at by Marine Scotland’s aircraft if physical observation is needed. Aerial surveillance, satellite monitoring and risk based inspection have all reduced the requirement for Protection Vessels to patrol the sea. Protection Vessels, however, remain the only means of intervening or boarding at sea if this is required.\r\nFrom April 2000 to the end of March 2001 six Scottish Fishery Protection vessels travelled 205,000nm. From April 2010 to the end of March 2011 the distance travelled by Scottish Fishery Protection vessels was 139,000nm. In April 2010 the fishery protection fleet consisted of four vessels and this reduced to three vessels in September 2010.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-20T17:25:07.917","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270577,"EventID":"S4W-06045","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4934,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-06T17:25:08.027","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-06T12:00:14","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many seaborne fishing boat inspections took place in Scottish waters in (a) 2000-01 and (b) 2010-11, broken down by country of origin.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many seaborne fishing boat inspections took place in Scottish waters in (a) 2000-01 and (b) 2010-11, broken down by country of origin.\r\n","AnswerText":"The number of inspections of fishing vessels carried out in Scottish water during the periods April to March 2000-01 and 2010-11 were as follows:\r\nCountry of Origin\r\n2000-01\r\n2010-11\r\nBelgium\r\n1\r\n\r\nDenmark\r\n103\r\n22\r\nRepublic of Ireland\r\n7\r\n2\r\nFaroe\r\n2\r\n1\r\nFrance\r\n90\r\n16\r\nGermany\r\n27\r\n6\r\nNetherlands\r\n22\r\n12\r\nNorway\r\n119\r\n31\r\nSpain\r\n142\r\n13\r\nSweden\r\n1\r\n1\r\nUnited Kingdom\r\n1,086\r\n381\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-20T17:25:08.027","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270578,"EventID":"S4W-06046","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4934,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-06T17:25:08.09","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-06T12:00:14","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many fishing boats were inspected in port to ensure that their engines comply with the ratings in their registration documents in (a) 2000-01 and (b) 2010-11.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many fishing boats were inspected in port to ensure that their engines comply with the ratings in their registration documents in (a) 2000-01 and (b) 2010-11.","AnswerText":"None. However, in January 2012, an EU requirement came into force that requires member states to verify the engine power of fishing vessels. Marine Scotland will commence verification this summer.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-20T17:25:08.103","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270579,"EventID":"S4W-06047","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4934,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-06T17:25:08.183","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-06T12:00:14","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the aggregate (a) tonnage and (b) engine power of the pelagic fishing fleet was in 2000-01.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the aggregate (a) tonnage and (b) engine power of the pelagic fishing fleet was in 2000-01.","AnswerText":"The aggregate tonnage of the pelagic fishing fleet in 20011 was 43,339 tonnes and the aggregate power was 85,558 kWs.\r\nNote: 1.  Figures as at 31 December.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-20T17:25:08.183","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270580,"EventID":"S4W-06048","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5041,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-06T17:25:08.26","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-06T12:32:53","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many operating theatres in Monklands Hospital are closed overnight; what proportion of the hospital's theatres this represents; during what hours they are closed, and","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many operating theatres in Monklands Hospital are closed overnight; what proportion of the hospital's theatres this represents; during what hours they are closed, and whether essential theatre staff (a) remain on site or (b) are on call during these hours.\r\n","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally; it is a specific operational matter for NHS Lanarkshire.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-20T17:25:08.26","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270581,"EventID":"S4W-06049","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5041,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-06T17:25:08.337","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-06T12:32:53","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many patients, having attended Monklands Hospital Accident and Emergency Department, were transferred by ambulance to (a) Wishaw General or (b) Hairmyres Hospital in ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many patients, having attended Monklands Hospital Accident and Emergency Department, were transferred by ambulance to (a) Wishaw General or (b) Hairmyres Hospital in each of the last three years.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-06048 on 13 March 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-20T17:25:08.337","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270582,"EventID":"S4W-06050","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5041,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-06T17:25:08.4","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-06T12:32:53","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many paediatric patients, having  attended Monklands Hospital Accident and Emergency Department, were transferred by ambulance to other hospitals in each of the last ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many paediatric patients, having  attended Monklands Hospital Accident and Emergency Department, were transferred by ambulance to other hospitals in each of the last three years.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-06048 on 13 March 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-20T17:25:08.417","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270583,"EventID":"S4W-06051","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5041,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-06T17:25:08.493","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-06T12:32:53","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many ambulances were redirected to other hospitals from Monklands Hospital Accident and Emergency Department in each of the last three years.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many ambulances were redirected to other hospitals from Monklands Hospital Accident and Emergency Department in each of the last three years.\r\n","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally; it is a specific operational matter for the Scottish Ambulance Service.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-20T17:25:08.51","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270584,"EventID":"S4W-06052","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2033,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":132,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-06T17:25:08.587","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-06T15:03:36","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what it is doing to support working parents with childcare costs.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what it is doing to support working parents with childcare costs.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has announced that in 2013 we will introduce legislation for an expansion from 475 hours to a minimum of 600 hours per year of funded early learning and childcare for all three and four-year-olds and two-year-olds who are looked after.\r\nIn addition, we will consider what further steps are needed and can be taken to ensure that families get the support they need.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-20T17:25:08.587","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Aileen Campbell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270585,"EventID":"S4W-06053","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2033,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":132,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-06T17:25:08.65","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-06T15:03:36","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it can and, if so, whether it will, cap the financial contribution of parents toward childcare based on ability to pay \r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it can and, if so, whether it will, cap the financial contribution of parents toward childcare based on ability to pay \r\n","AnswerText":"We are putting Childcare for All at the centre of our ambition for families in Scotland. We are committed to developing a cohesive and universal system of integrated, high quality early learning and childcare which is accessible, flexible and affordable, matching the best in Europe.\r\nThe Scottish Government has announced that in 2013 we will introduce legislation for an expansion from 475 hours to a minimum of 600 hours per year of funded early learning and childcare for all three and four-year-olds and two-year-olds who are looked after.\r\nFurther to this, we will set out and develop the steps we need to further develop early learning and childcare provision over the next decade – undoubtedly having control of our tax and benefits system would help.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-20T17:25:08.65","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Aileen Campbell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270586,"EventID":"S4W-06054","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2033,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":132,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-06T17:25:08.713","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-06T15:03:36","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to require local authorities to compile data on the supply, quality and marketing of childcare.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to require local authorities to compile data on the supply, quality and marketing of childcare.\r\n","AnswerText":"Assessment of demand for childcare at local level and provision of childcare to meet that demand is a matter for local authorities. We are working closely with local authorities, key partners and the Early Years Task Force to consider how best to further expand and improve early learning and childcare.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-20T17:25:08.727","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Aileen Campbell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270587,"EventID":"S4W-06055","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2033,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":132,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-06T17:25:08.79","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-06T15:03:36","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information it has on what impact the reduction in the childcare element of the Working Tax Credit in April 2011 has had on access to childcare in Scotland.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information it has on what impact the reduction in the childcare element of the Working Tax Credit in April 2011 has had on access to childcare in Scotland.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government does not hold information on the impact on access to childcare in Scotland as a result of changes to the childcare element of working tax credits implemented in April 2011.\r\nWe do know, from information published by HMRC as at 3 April 2011, that of the families in Scotland defined as in-work, 44,500 families were benefiting from the childcare element of working tax credit. The UK Government decision to reduce the cap on childcare tax credits from 80% to 70% means childcare has become less affordable. Those families claiming the maximum amount will have seen their childcare costs rise £17.50 per week for one child, and £30 per week if claiming for two or more children.\r\nThe Daycare Trust, in a report on the cost of childcare published in October 2012, estimated that the change to childcare tax credits has added an estimated average of £546 to the child care bill for half a million UK families (64% of which are lone parents) and up to £1,560 per year for some low income families. \r\nThe Scottish Government has announced that in 2013 we will introduce legislation for an expansion from 475 hours to a minimum of 600 hours per year of funded early learning and childcare for all three and four-year-olds and two-year-olds who are looked after.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-20T17:25:08.79","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Aileen Campbell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270603,"EventID":"S4W-06056","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-07T14:25:13.76","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-06T15:12:24.327","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive for what reason the word \"skills\" is no longer used in any ministerial job title and which minister now has lead responsibility for that area.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive for what reason the word \"skills\" is no longer used in any ministerial job title and which minister now has lead responsibility for that area.\r\n","AnswerText":"The new title of Minister for Youth Employment encapsulates skills. This minister has lead responsibility for skills which includes the delivery of national training programmes and careers information, advice and guidance services, individual learning accounts, flexible training opportunities and the training for work programme. The Youth Employment minister also supports the Finance Portfolio which has responsibility for skills development support for specific industrial and service sectors, particularly but not exclusively the economic growth sectors and the alignment of adult (18+) employability and skills services.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-21T14:25:13.947","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Bruce Crawford","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270604,"EventID":"S4W-06057","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-07T14:25:14.04","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-06T15:12:24.327","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it is progressing the lifelong learning agenda.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it is progressing the lifelong learning agenda.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government is committed to lifelong learning in its widest sense.\r\nThe recent Post-16 Education Reform consultation considered how we can improve the learner journey for all. A large number of responses strongly supported the issues of part-time study, distance learning and how we create and encourage opportunities for older learners through more flexible delivery structures in our colleges, universities and maximise the contribution of community learning and development.\r\nWe are considering how to take forward these issues and officials will work with a wide range of relevant stakeholders over the coming months to consider how best to achieve this.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-21T14:25:14.04","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270605,"EventID":"S4W-06058","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-07T14:25:14.103","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-06T15:12:24.327","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what impact its decision to focus college plans on young people will have on reskilling opportunities for those over 25.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what impact its decision to focus college plans on young people will have on reskilling opportunities for those over 25.\r\n","AnswerText":"I have asked colleges to prioritise young people because this is the best way to give them a strong start in working life and to mitigate the risk and harm of youth unemployment. That said, I fully recognise the importance of addressing the needs of older learners, particularly those with low or out of date skills and those looking for work. Provision for these priority groups will be negotiated with colleges and reflected in regional outcome agreements for 2012-13.\r\nAdditional reskilling opportunities will continue to be available to those over 25 through Skills Development Scotland’s Individual Learning Accounts (ILA), and the Training for Work vocational skills programme.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-21T14:25:14.117","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270606,"EventID":"S4W-06059","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-07T14:25:14.163","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-06T15:12:24.327","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive in light of its post-16 reform statement describing level 4 and 5 modern apprenticeships (MA) as \"technical\" and \"professional\" respectively, what description will apply ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive in light of its post-16 reform statement describing level 4 and 5 modern apprenticeships (MA) as \"technical\" and \"professional\" respectively, what description will apply to an MA at level (a) 2 and (b) 3.\r\n","AnswerText":"There are currently no plans to change the name by which modern apprenticeships at SVQ levels 2 and 3 are known. This is a well established name for a training route with which large numbers of employers in Scotland already identify.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-21T14:25:14.18","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angela Constance","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270607,"EventID":"S4W-06061","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4947,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-07T14:25:14.243","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-07T08:22:32.823","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it ensures that ethnic minorities are included in its work on youth employability.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it ensures that ethnic minorities are included in its work on youth employability.","AnswerText":"This government is committed to improving youth employment for all young people in Scotland.\r\nSince my appointment as Minister for youth Employment, I have engaged with a wide range of stakeholders, including speaking at the Black and Ethnic Minority Infrastructure Conference on 21 February on Youth Employability, Race Equality and Rights.\r\nBuilding on that event, I will meet with representatives from black and ethnic minority communities on 22 March to continue and broaden out that discussion.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-21T14:25:14.243","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angela Constance","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270608,"EventID":"S4W-06062","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":2892,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-07T14:25:14.307","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-06T18:32:33.71","Title":"To ask the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body whether it will consider installing a clock in the Garden Lobby.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body whether it will consider installing a clock in the Garden Lobby.\r\n","AnswerText":"The SPCB is happy to consider installing a clock in the Garden Lobby. This is being investigated and options will be presented to the SPCB shortly.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-21T14:25:14.307","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Linda Fabiani (on behalf of the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body):","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270609,"EventID":"S4W-06065","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5041,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-07T14:25:14.367","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-07T09:36:19","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many cases of pertussis (whooping cough) were recorded in the NHS Lanarkshire area in (a) 2008, (b) 2009, (c) 2010 and (d) 2011.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many cases of pertussis (whooping cough) were recorded in the NHS Lanarkshire area in (a) 2008, (b) 2009, (c) 2010 and (d) 2011.\r\n","AnswerText":"The following table sets out the number of cases of pertussis (whooping cough) recorded in the NHS Lanarkshire area in 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2011:\r\n\r\nClinical Diagnosis\r\nLaboratory Confirmed\r\nTotal\r\n2008\r\n13\r\n4\r\n17\r\n2009\r\n8\r\n4\r\n12\r\n2010\r\n2\r\n3\r\n5\r\n2011\r\n2\r\n4\r\n6\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-21T14:25:14.367","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270610,"EventID":"S4W-06066","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5041,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-07T14:25:14.447","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-07T09:36:19","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the take-up rate was for the pertussis (whooping cough) vaccination in the NHS Lanarkshire area in (a) 2008, (b) 2009, (c) 2010 and (d) 2011.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the take-up rate was for the pertussis (whooping cough) vaccination in the NHS Lanarkshire area in (a) 2008, (b) 2009, (c) 2010 and (d) 2011.\r\n","AnswerText":"The following table sets out the uptake rates for the pertussis (whooping cough) vaccination (completed primary course of pertussis containing vaccine at 24 months) in the NHS Lanarkshire area in 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2011:\r\n2008\r\n2009\r\n2010\r\n2011\r\n98.5%\r\n98.7%\r\n98.5%\r\n98.7%*\r\nNote: *Part year until September 2011.","AnswerDate":"2012-03-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-21T14:25:14.447","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270611,"EventID":"S4W-06067","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5041,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-07T14:25:14.507","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-07T09:36:19","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many children under the age of one contracted pertussis (whooping cough) in the NHS Lanarkshire area in (a) 2008, (b) 2009, (c) 2010 and (d) 2011.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many children under the age of one contracted pertussis (whooping cough) in the NHS Lanarkshire area in (a) 2008, (b) 2009, (c) 2010 and (d) 2011.\r\n","AnswerText":"The following table sets out details of the number of children under the age of one who have contracted pertussis (whooping cough) in the NHS Lanarkshire area in 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2011:\r\n\r\nClinical Diagnosis\r\nLaboratory Confirmed\r\nTotal\r\n2008\r\n0\r\n4\r\n4\r\n2009\r\n0\r\n5\r\n5\r\n2010\r\n0\r\n2\r\n2\r\n2011\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-21T14:25:14.507","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270612,"EventID":"S4W-06068","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5041,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-07T14:25:14.587","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-07T09:36:19","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the median age was for people contracting pertussis (whooping cough) in the NHS Lanarkshire area in (a) 2008, (b) 2009, (c) 2010 and (d) 2011.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the median age was for people contracting pertussis (whooping cough) in the NHS Lanarkshire area in (a) 2008, (b) 2009, (c) 2010 and (d) 2011.\r\n","AnswerText":"The following table sets out the median age for people contracting pertussis (whooping cough) in the NHS Lanarkshire area in 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2011:\r\n2008\r\n2009\r\n2010\r\n2011\r\n156 months\r\n66 months\r\n36 months\r\n60 months\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-21T14:25:14.587","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270621,"EventID":"S4O-00789","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":3745,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":122,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-07T14:30:05.74","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-29T14:54:16.327","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its position is on the compulsory microchipping of dogs.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its position is on the compulsory microchipping of dogs.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-21T14:30:06.053","MeetingDate":"2012-03-15T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270622,"EventID":"S4O-00790","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":3896,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":97,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-07T14:30:06.223","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-29T14:54:16.42","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will announce the preferred bidder for the Northern Isles ferry contract.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will announce the preferred bidder for the Northern Isles ferry contract.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-21T14:30:06.223","MeetingDate":"2012-03-15T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270623,"EventID":"S4O-00791","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1741,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-07T14:30:06.287","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-29T14:54:16.437","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it will support drug addicts who wish to either reduce their methadone dosage or come off it altogether.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it will support drug addicts who wish to either reduce their methadone dosage or come off it altogether.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-21T14:30:06.303","MeetingDate":"2012-03-15T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270624,"EventID":"S4O-00793","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":81,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-07T14:30:06.367","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-29T14:54:16.497","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many landlords have been fined for (a) failing to register and (b) not notifying local authorities of the appointment of an agent since 31 August 2011 and how much ha","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many landlords have been fined for (a) failing to register and (b) not notifying local authorities of the appointment of an agent since 31 August 2011 and how much has been imposed in fines.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-21T14:30:06.367","MeetingDate":"2012-03-15T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270625,"EventID":"S4O-00794","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2675,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":93,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-07T14:30:06.443","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-29T14:54:16.513","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether local authorities are keeping to the spirit of the order that allows charging for free events held under public entertainment licences.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether local authorities are keeping to the spirit of the order that allows charging for free events held under public entertainment licences.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-21T14:30:06.443","MeetingDate":"2012-03-15T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270626,"EventID":"S4O-00795","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":5057,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-07T14:30:06.52","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-29T14:54:16.53","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many police support staff are employed across the country.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many police support staff are employed across the country.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-21T14:30:06.52","MeetingDate":"2012-03-15T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270627,"EventID":"S4O-00796","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-07T14:30:06.613","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-29T14:54:16.56","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it received the business case for the Union Terrace Gardens project in Aberdeen and when it will decide whether to approve it.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it received the business case for the Union Terrace Gardens project in Aberdeen and when it will decide whether to approve it.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-21T14:30:06.613","MeetingDate":"2012-03-15T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270628,"EventID":"S4O-00797","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-07T14:30:06.677","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-29T14:54:16.59","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it will take following the recent Audit Scotland report on cardiology services.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it will take following the recent Audit Scotland report on cardiology services.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-21T14:30:06.677","MeetingDate":"2012-03-15T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270629,"EventID":"S4O-00798","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":5080,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-07T14:30:06.74","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-29T14:54:16.623","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it advertises vacancies for modern apprenticeships.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it advertises vacancies for modern apprenticeships.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-21T14:30:06.74","MeetingDate":"2012-03-15T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270630,"EventID":"S4O-00799","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":4938,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-07T14:30:06.817","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-29T14:54:42.393","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its position is on concerns that the appeals procedure for altering council tax bands is being applied inconsistently.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its position is on concerns that the appeals procedure for altering council tax bands is being applied inconsistently.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-21T14:30:06.817","MeetingDate":"2012-03-15T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270631,"EventID":"S4O-00800","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":3824,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-07T14:30:06.88","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-29T14:54:42.427","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of Scotland’s electrical energy is generated through (a) nuclear, (b) coal and (c) renewables and whether its 2020 target for renewable electricity will b","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of Scotland’s electrical energy is generated through (a) nuclear, (b) coal and (c) renewables and whether its 2020 target for renewable electricity will be met.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-21T14:30:06.88","MeetingDate":"2012-03-15T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270632,"EventID":"S4O-00802","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":2134,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":82,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-07T14:30:06.957","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-29T14:54:42.457","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consideration has been given to the use of Social Impact Bonds in the delivery of public services.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consideration has been given to the use of Social Impact Bonds in the delivery of public services.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-21T14:30:06.957","MeetingDate":"2012-03-15T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270633,"EventID":"S4O-00803","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":2633,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-07T14:30:07.037","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-29T14:54:42.487","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether an industrial operation may operate outwith the permitted hours specified in its planning permission.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether an industrial operation may operate outwith the permitted hours specified in its planning permission.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-21T14:30:07.037","MeetingDate":"2012-03-15T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270634,"EventID":"S4O-00804","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":3815,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-07T14:30:07.1","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-29T14:54:42.503","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to increase women’s access to the jobs market.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to increase women’s access to the jobs market.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-21T14:30:07.1","MeetingDate":"2012-03-15T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270635,"EventID":"S4O-00805","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":5060,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-07T14:30:07.16","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-29T14:54:42.52","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its response is to the latest State of the Economy report, which reported that female unemployment is higher in Scotland than the rest of the UK.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its response is to the latest State of the Economy report, which reported that female unemployment is higher in Scotland than the rest of the UK.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-21T14:30:07.16","MeetingDate":"2012-03-15T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270636,"EventID":"S4O-00806","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":3061,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-07T14:30:07.223","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-29T14:54:42.533","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many applications were made to the Enterprise Growth Fund and what the assessment criteria were.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many applications were made to the Enterprise Growth Fund and what the assessment criteria were.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-21T14:30:07.223","MeetingDate":"2012-03-15T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270637,"EventID":"S4O-00807","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":5106,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":118,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-07T14:30:07.363","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-29T14:54:42.55","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the average council tax saving has been in Aberdeen since the council tax freeze was introduced.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the average council tax saving has been in Aberdeen since the council tax freeze was introduced.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-21T14:30:07.363","MeetingDate":"2012-03-15T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270638,"EventID":"S4O-00808","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":2010,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":137,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-07T14:30:07.427","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-29T14:54:42.58","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the financial impact is on its 2012-13 budget of PPP/PFI repayments. \r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the financial impact is on its 2012-13 budget of PPP/PFI repayments. \r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-21T14:30:07.427","MeetingDate":"2012-03-15T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270639,"EventID":"S4O-00810","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":1892,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":134,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-07T14:30:07.49","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-29T14:54:42.613","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when Scottish Natural Heritage will publish further guidance on the \"cumulative impact [of wind farms] and a range of additional guidance on siting and landscape matters\"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when Scottish Natural Heritage will publish further guidance on the \"cumulative impact [of wind farms] and a range of additional guidance on siting and landscape matters\" to which the Minister for Energy, Enterprise and Tourism referred in the Members' Business debate on 1 December 2011. \r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-21T14:30:07.49","MeetingDate":"2012-03-15T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270640,"EventID":"S4O-00811","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":3758,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":76,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-07T14:30:07.55","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-29T14:54:42.627","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what recent discussions the Minister for Local Government and Planning has had with local government about the issue of youth employment.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what recent discussions the Minister for Local Government and Planning has had with local government about the issue of youth employment.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-21T14:30:07.55","MeetingDate":"2012-03-15T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270641,"EventID":"S4O-00812","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":1841,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":120,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-07T14:30:07.613","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-29T14:54:42.643","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress local authorities have made in developing new local development plans.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress local authorities have made in developing new local development plans.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-21T14:30:07.613","MeetingDate":"2012-03-15T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270642,"EventID":"S4O-00813","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":4940,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-07T14:30:07.69","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-29T14:54:42.673","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to review the criteria for exemption from council tax.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to review the criteria for exemption from council tax.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-21T14:30:07.69","MeetingDate":"2012-03-15T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270643,"EventID":"S4O-00814","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":2826,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":84,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-07T14:30:07.753","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-29T14:54:42.69","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what role it envisages housing associations having in tackling unemployment.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what role it envisages housing associations having in tackling unemployment.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-21T14:30:07.753","MeetingDate":"2012-03-15T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270644,"EventID":"S4O-00815","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":1742,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-07T14:30:07.817","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-29T14:54:42.707","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress is being made on the recommendations of the Commission on the Future Delivery of Public Services in relation to community planning.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress is being made on the recommendations of the Commission on the Future Delivery of Public Services in relation to community planning.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-21T14:30:07.817","MeetingDate":"2012-03-15T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270645,"EventID":"S4O-00816","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":2059,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":91,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-07T14:30:07.91","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-29T14:54:42.737","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with COSLA on the local government settlement for 2012-13.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with COSLA on the local government settlement for 2012-13.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-21T14:30:07.91","MeetingDate":"2012-03-15T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270646,"EventID":"S4O-00817","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-07T14:30:08.003","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-29T14:54:42.753","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the benefits of Perth having city status would be for the local and national economy.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the benefits of Perth having city status would be for the local and national economy.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-21T14:30:08.003","MeetingDate":"2012-03-15T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270647,"EventID":"S4O-00818","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":4951,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-07T14:30:08.08","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-29T14:54:42.767","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what independence and control over oil revenue would mean for household income in Scotland, given the latest Government Expenditure and Revenue Scotland 2010-11 (GERS) st","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what independence and control over oil revenue would mean for household income in Scotland, given the latest Government Expenditure and Revenue Scotland 2010-11 (GERS) statistics.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-21T14:30:08.08","MeetingDate":"2012-03-15T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270660,"EventID":"S4W-06069","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-07T17:28:02.393","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-07T10:52:24","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there are plans to increase national awareness of the extent to which CS spray is used by police forces.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there are plans to increase national awareness of the extent to which CS spray is used by police forces.\r\n","AnswerText":"No. The deployment and use of CS spray by the police is an operational matter for individual chief constables.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-21T17:28:02.753","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270661,"EventID":"S4W-06070","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-07T17:28:02.83","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-07T10:52:24","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there are plans for it to increase its awareness of the extent to which CS spray is used by police forces nationally.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there are plans for it to increase its awareness of the extent to which CS spray is used by police forces nationally.","AnswerText":"No. The deployment and use of CS spray by the police is an operational matter for individual chief constables. As outlined in my letter of 24 October 2011 to the member, I would be happy to discuss any specific concerns he may have. \r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-21T17:28:02.83","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270662,"EventID":"S4W-06071","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-07T17:28:02.91","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-07T11:03:26","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S4W-05796 by Michael Russell on 1 March 2012, who the (a) past members were and (b) current members are of the ICT in Education Program","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S4W-05796 by Michael Russell on 1 March 2012, who the (a) past members were and (b) current members are of the ICT in Education Programme Board and whether it will publish the minutes of its meetings.","AnswerText":"Because of the commercially sensitive nature of current discussions it would not be appropriate to compromise or prejudice the commercial process by publishing minutes of the board or disclosing the names of its members at this time.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-21T17:28:02.91","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270663,"EventID":"S4W-06072","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-07T17:28:02.987","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-07T11:46:32","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it can guarantee that every kinship carer will be given a full assessment and be provided with an emergency plan on request and, if so, what the programme for thi","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it can guarantee that every kinship carer will be given a full assessment and be provided with an emergency plan on request and, if so, what the programme for this will be.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Looked After Children (Scotland) Regulations 2009 places a statutory duty on local authorities to carry out an assessment when a child is to be placed with a kinship carer. These regulations also place a duty on local authorities to have procedures in place to enable assessments to be conducted if the child has been placed with an unapproved kinship carer in an emergency.\r\nTo support local authorities’ comprehensive guidance on the regulations was published in June 2010 and training was delivered by our partners in every local authority.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-21T17:28:02.987","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Aileen Campbell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270664,"EventID":"S4W-06073","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-07T17:28:03.05","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-07T11:57:09","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has assessed the impact of changes to the funding of educational psychology postgraduate qualifications on the (a) number of applications and (b) social and ec","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has assessed the impact of changes to the funding of educational psychology postgraduate qualifications on the (a) number of applications and (b) social and economic demographics of applicants.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish budget faces real and significant long term cuts and tough decisions have had to be made to prioritise spending. The decision to align the funding of trainee educational psychologists with funding for other post-graduate funding programmes reflects this.\r\nThose students who are currently in training will not be affected, this means that there will be new educational psychologists entering the system for the next two years. We will use this time to work to ensure a sustainable approach going forward.\r\nThe Scottish Government will continue to support the Workforce Planning Group to consider potential future impact, how we might monitor this and to identify, within the constraints that exist, any action needed to minimise risks.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-21T17:28:03.05","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270665,"EventID":"S4W-06074","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-07T17:28:03.113","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-07T11:57:09","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to ensure that people from low-income backgrounds have access to fully funded postgraduate qualifications.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to ensure that people from low-income backgrounds have access to fully funded postgraduate qualifications.","AnswerText":"Students from low income backgrounds at undergraduate level are able to apply for the highest rate of student support, including non-repayable bursary support. This is paid instead of part of a student loan, thereby reducing the amount of loan students from low income families need to take out.\r\nAs part of the Post-16 Education Reform Programme we are committed to delivering a minimum income of £7,000 per year for the most vulnerable students.\r\nFor academic year 2012-13 we are introducing a new loan scheme for Postgraduate students - the Postgraduate Tuition Fee Loan (PTFL).  The new arrangements will mean that all eligible full and part-time students (Scottish domiciled and EU) on eligible courses will be able to apply for the PTFL. This will increase the number of postgraduate students in receipt of tuition fee support each year from the current level of 2,700 to around 5,000.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-21T17:28:03.113","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270666,"EventID":"S4W-06075","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-07T17:28:03.173","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-07T11:57:09","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people in each of the last three years have received a full postgraduate grant to study educational psychology at a higher education institution in Scotland.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people in each of the last three years have received a full postgraduate grant to study educational psychology at a higher education institution in Scotland.\r\n","AnswerText":"Number of trained students:\r\nYear\r\n \r\n2008-09\r\n27 \r\n2009-10\r\n27 \r\n2010-11\r\n22 \r\n\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-21T17:28:03.173","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell ","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270667,"EventID":"S4W-06076","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-07T17:28:03.237","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-07T11:57:09","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the average length of study is for a person seeking a postgraduate qualification in educational psychology.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the average length of study is for a person seeking a postgraduate qualification in educational psychology.","AnswerText":"Currently, in Scotland, the course is set as a two Year Master of Science Degree in Educational Psychology. Course eligibility and criteria is set by the British Physiological Society and the qualification is accredited by them.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-21T17:28:03.237","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270668,"EventID":"S4W-06077","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-07T17:28:03.313","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-07T11:57:09","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the average debt is of a student graduating with a postgraduate qualification in educational psychology.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the average debt is of a student graduating with a postgraduate qualification in educational psychology.","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-21T17:28:03.313","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270669,"EventID":"S4W-06078","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-07T17:28:03.377","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-07T11:57:09","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what postgraduate qualification courses retain specialised bursary provision and student support as a consequence of their unique status.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what postgraduate qualification courses retain specialised bursary provision and student support as a consequence of their unique status.","AnswerText":"In terms of bursaries for which the education budget is responsible.\r\nBursary provision is available for the MSc in Social Work which is a postgraduate qualification. This is a two year full time course, provided at six universities in Scotland, which essentially provides an alternative route into a career in social work for those whose first degree is not in Social Work. (Social work is a degree-based profession).\r\nEligible students undertaking a PGDE (Professional Graduate Diploma in Education) can access the undergraduate student support package; which includes an income assessed bursary for students with household income below £34,000. This provides that students taking this route through Initial Teacher Training (ITT) receive funding on the same basis as those following the Bachelor of Education programme which incorporates ITT.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-21T17:28:03.377","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270670,"EventID":"S4W-06080","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-07T17:28:03.457","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-07T12:16:02","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many fully qualified educational psychologists have been employed by each local authority in each of the last three years.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many fully qualified educational psychologists have been employed by each local authority in each of the last three years.\r\n","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-21T17:28:03.457","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270671,"EventID":"S4W-06081","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-07T17:28:03.517","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-07T12:28:50","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to ensure that public bodies are fulfilling their equality duty to people with communication difficulties who are attending a mental health tribu","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to ensure that public bodies are fulfilling their equality duty to people with communication difficulties who are attending a mental health tribunal.","AnswerText":"Section 261 of the Mental Health (Care and Treatment) (Scotland) Act 2003 relates to the provision of information to patients with communication difficulties. Hospital managers are required to take reasonable steps to ensure that arrangements appropriate to the patient’s needs are made or that the patient is provided with assistance or material appropriate to their needs to allow them to communicate at certain events. These events include any proceedings before the Mental Health Tribunal for Scotland.\r\nAll mental health staff working in the NHS in Scotland is aware of the importance of assessing and responding to the individual needs of patients including those with communication difficulties. Understanding and responding to patients’ needs is no different for those with a mental illness than for any other type of patient. The important thing is that NHS staff must ensure they provide care, support and services which meet the needs of the patient.\r\nThe Mental Welfare Commission for Scotland has published various pieces of guidance on how to ensure that individuals with communication difficulties are given the best possible assistance to meet their needs. These documents include Working with independent advocates – Good practice guidance and Working with an interpreter – Toolkit – Improving communication for people who use mental health and learning disability services in Scotland. They are available on the commission’s website at: http://reports.mwcscot.org.uk/GoodPracticeGuidance/userandcarerparticipation/user_carer_participation.aspx.\r\nThis is complemented by the new public sector equality duties under the Equality Act 2010, which came into force on 5 April 2011. These require all public bodies to have due regard to the need to eliminate discrimination, advance equality of opportunity, and foster good relations in the course of developing policies and delivering services.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-21T17:28:03.517","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270672,"EventID":"S4W-06082","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-07T17:28:03.58","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-07T12:28:50","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will implement the recommendations from the Limited Review of the Mental Health (Care and Treatment) (Scotland) Act 2003: Report and how it will ensure that the s","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will implement the recommendations from the Limited Review of the Mental Health (Care and Treatment) (Scotland) Act 2003: Report and how it will ensure that the specific needs of people with communication difficulties are considered in the implementation of the recommendations.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government is committed to improving the Mental Health (Care & Treatment) Act 2003 and is currently in the process of considering what recommendations it’s taking forward from the McManus Limited Review as well as some other issues identified by service users in the Mental Health & Adults With Incapacity Amendment Bill.\r\nGuidance on the 2003 act is available in easy read versions, Braille, audio as well as community languages. This guidance will be reviewed in light of any changes made as part of the McManus Review, and will include work on making this national guidance as accessible as possible. \r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-21T17:28:03.58","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270673,"EventID":"S4W-06086","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2108,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":141,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-07T17:28:03.643","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-07T14:01:57.437","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has carried out an impact assessment on its plans to reduce empty property rate relief on commercial property.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has carried out an impact assessment on its plans to reduce empty property rate relief on commercial property.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-04878 on 17 January 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-21T17:28:03.643","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270674,"EventID":"S4W-06087","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2108,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":141,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-07T17:28:03.737","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-07T14:01:57.437","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many local government buildings qualify for empty property rate relief.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many local government buildings qualify for empty property rate relief.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government proposes to reform the relief offered to non-domestic empty properties from 1 April 2013 to introduce incentives to bring commercial property back into economic use.\r\nHowever, no changes are proposed to the level of relief offered to empty industrial or listed property.\r\nWe estimate that approximately 2,000 council properties, with a total rateable value of £21 million, at any given point in time are in receipt of empty property non-domestic rates relief.\r\nWithin these totals, individual properties will change ownership, move in and out of occupation, which may mean they switch onto other forms of relief and the level of standard or commercial relief change will change from 100 per cent to 50 per cent after three months. Some properties occupied by councils will be listed or industrial and will be unaffected by the reform.\r\nReform of empty property relief will save an estimated £18 million annually across all sectors from 2013-14 onwards, of which, the impact on councils is estimated to be less than 10 per cent of that total.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-21T17:28:03.737","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Derek Mackay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270675,"EventID":"S4W-06088","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2108,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":141,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-07T17:28:03.813","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-07T14:01:57.437","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much empty property rate relief on commercial property is worth to local authorities.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much empty property rate relief on commercial property is worth to local authorities.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-06087 on 21 March 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-21T17:28:03.83","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Derek Mackay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270676,"EventID":"S4W-06089","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2108,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":141,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-07T17:28:04.063","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-07T14:01:57.437","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the cost will be to local authorities of plans to reduce empty property rate relief on commercial property.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the cost will be to local authorities of plans to reduce empty property rate relief on commercial property.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-06087 on 21 March 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-21T17:28:04.08","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Derek Mackay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270677,"EventID":"S4W-06090","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4086,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-07T17:28:04.14","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-07T14:46:15","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it will ensure that patients in the Scottish Borders registered with GPs in England can continue to be treated by their GP in an independent Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it will ensure that patients in the Scottish Borders registered with GPs in England can continue to be treated by their GP in an independent Scotland.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government will ensure that should Scotland become independent, patients living in the borders but registered with a GP in England will not be disadvantaged in their health care access and treatment.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-21T17:28:04.157","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270678,"EventID":"S4W-06091","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4086,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-07T17:28:04.22","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-07T14:46:15","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will ensure that patients who move to England will continue to be treated by their consultant in Scotland if Scotland becomes independent.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will ensure that patients who move to England will continue to be treated by their consultant in Scotland if Scotland becomes independent.","AnswerText":"Scottish independence will not have any impact on the current arrangements when a person living in Scotland moves to England. \r\nUnder present arrangements it would normally be the case that on moving from Scotland to England, patients would register with a local general practitioner who would decide on referrals to appropriate secondary care facilities (consultants). After such a move, and on an individual case-by-case basis, it may be decided between relevant doctor(s) and patient(s) that it would be practical to complete an episode of treatment in Scotland. The equivalent arrangements would apply for a patient moving from England to Scotland.\r\nA white paper drawing together the Scottish Government’s proposals for independence will be published in November 2013.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-21T17:28:04.22","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270679,"EventID":"S4W-06092","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5079,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-07T17:28:04.61","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-07T15:41:29","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S4W-05862 by Michael Russell on 23 February 2012, whether it will provide a breakdown by (a) ethnicity, (b) gender and (c) disability s","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S4W-05862 by Michael Russell on 23 February 2012, whether it will provide a breakdown by (a) ethnicity, (b) gender and (c) disability status of the young people identified as not in employment, education or training in each year since 2007.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Annual Population Survey (APS) is the official source for data on people not in education, employment or training. The table shows the latest published estimates from the APS, covering the period January to December 2010, of the numbers of people aged 16 to 19 not in education, employment or training in Scotland, by gender. Estimates are provided for the latest calendar year and previous calendar years back to 2007.\r\nIt is not possible to estimate the number of young people not in employment, education or training by ethnicity or disability status due to small sample sizes within these breakdowns.\r\nAPS data for the 2011 calendar year (January to December) will be released in June 2012.\r\nNumber of People Aged 16 to 19 Not in Education, Employment or Training, by Gender, Scotland 2007-10\r\n\r\nLevel\r\nYear\r\nMale\r\nFemale\r\nTotal\r\n2007\r\n    16,000 \r\n   15,000 \r\n32,000\r\n2008\r\n    16,000 \r\n   15,000 \r\n31,000\r\n2009\r\n    20,000 \r\n   15,000 \r\n36,000\r\n2010\r\n    20,000 \r\n   16,000 \r\n36,000\r\nSource: Annual Population Survey, January to December datasets.\r\nNote: \r\n1. Estimates are rounded to the nearest thousand. \r\n2. Male and female estimates may not sum to totals due to rounding.\r\n3. The survey sample sizes for these estimates are small; hence the estimates are subject to a high degree of sampling error.","AnswerDate":"2012-03-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-21T17:28:04.627","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angela Constance","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270681,"EventID":"S4W-06063","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3896,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":97,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-08T13:58:04.99","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-07T08:54:42","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many young people who were being offered advice, guidance and assistance by a local authority under sections (a) 29(1) and (b) 29(2) of the Children’s (Scotland) Act ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many young people who were being offered advice, guidance and assistance by a local authority under sections (a) 29(1) and (b) 29(2) of the Children’s (Scotland) Act 1995 and Supporting Young People Leaving Care in Scotland: Regulations and Guidance on Services for Young People Ceasing to be Looked After by Local Authorities have died in each year since 2005-06, broken down by local authority.\r\n","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally.\r\nIndividual local authorities should be able to provide information on young people who were receiving advice, guidance and assistance under sections 29(1) and 29(2) of the Children’s (Scotland) Act 1995 and Supporting Young People Leaving Care in Scotland: Regulations and Guidance on Services for Young People Ceasing to be Looked After who died in each year since 2005-06.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-22T13:58:05.66","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Aileen Campbell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270682,"EventID":"S4W-06083","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4947,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-08T13:58:05.893","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-07T14:00:33.55","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what advice it provides to local authorities regarding the provision of service level agreements to bodies assisting in the delivery of local government services.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what advice it provides to local authorities regarding the provision of service level agreements to bodies assisting in the delivery of local government services.","AnswerText":"Local authorities are autonomous bodies which make their own decisions on the delivery of services for which they are responsible. The Scottish Government does not provide specific advice on service level agreements with external providers.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-22T13:58:05.893","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Derek Mackay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270683,"EventID":"S4W-06084","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4947,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-08T13:58:05.957","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-07T14:00:33.55","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what arbitration facilities it recommends when there is dispute between a local authority and a third sector organisation regarding the funding of services.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what arbitration facilities it recommends when there is dispute between a local authority and a third sector organisation regarding the funding of services.\r\n","AnswerText":"Local authorities are autonomous bodies which make their own decisions regarding the funding of services for which they are responsible. If there is a dispute, an organisation can contact the council through the local elected members or seek independent advice. The Scottish Government does not recommend specific arbitration facilities.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-22T13:58:05.957","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Derek Mackay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270684,"EventID":"S4W-06085","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4947,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-08T13:58:06.05","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-07T14:00:33.55","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it can confirm that the integration of local authority and health services will not be used to reduce funding to the third sector.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it can confirm that the integration of local authority and health services will not be used to reduce funding to the third sector.\r\n","AnswerText":"The integration of adult health and social care will not have any negative impact on funding for the third sector. We will build on the good practice established with the Change Fund to further embed the third and independent sectors in the decision making process around how resources are spent and how services are delivered.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-22T13:58:06.05","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270685,"EventID":"S4W-06095","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3758,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":76,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-08T13:58:06.173","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-07T16:48:54","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much energy has been produced by (a) wave and (b) tidal power in each of the last five years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much energy has been produced by (a) wave and (b) tidal power in each of the last five years.","AnswerText":"The information requested on electricity generation from wave and tidal stream generating stations is not held centrally. Scottish renewable electricity statistics for renewable electricity from 2000 onwards are collated by the UK Government Department of Energy and Climate Change. Wind, wave and tidal statistics cannot be published in a disaggregated form because to do so could disclose data that relate to individual companies.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-22T13:58:06.173","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270686,"EventID":"S4W-06096","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3758,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":76,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-08T13:58:06.253","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-07T16:48:54","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what financial support it has provided to facilitate the development of marine power in each of the last five years.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what financial support it has provided to facilitate the development of marine power in each of the last five years.\r\n","AnswerText":"The first research and development grants to marine projects were awarded in February 2007, under the Wave and Tidal Energy Scheme (WATES). Payments under the scheme have been as follows (based on financial years):\r\n2007-08\r\n£1,204,355\r\n2008-09\r\n£573,752\r\n2009-10\r\n£888,462\r\n2010-11\r\n£4,455,003\r\n2011-12\r\n£675,519\r\nTotal\r\n£7,797,091\r\n\r\nThe Scottish Government has also released over £5.5 million during this period to help develop the infrastructure needed to accommodate WATES projects located at the European Marine Energy Centre (EMEC) in Orkney. In addition to this, Scottish Enterprise and Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) have spent just under £20 million to develop the marine energy sector over the equivalent period.\r\nHIE has also contributed £8.8 million towards infrastructure developments closely associated with marine renewables activity.","AnswerDate":"2012-03-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-22T13:58:06.253","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270687,"EventID":"S4W-06097","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3758,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":76,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-08T13:58:06.317","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-07T16:48:54","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what energy production is forecast for (a) marine and (b) wind power under its plans to generate 100% of electricity by renewable sources.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what energy production is forecast for (a) marine and (b) wind power under its plans to generate 100% of electricity by renewable sources.","AnswerText":"While we have not forecast specific outcomes for individual technologies in the context of our renewables targets for 2020, we would expect wind energy - on and offshore - to make a major contribution. We are also continuing to support and encourage marine renewables, with new initiatives such as our £18 million Marine Renewables Commercialisation Fund aimed at proving wave and tidal technologies, driving down costs and enabling them to play a significant part in meeting our energy needs in 2020 and beyond.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-22T13:58:06.317","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270688,"EventID":"S4W-06107","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-08T13:58:06.377","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-08T12:30:32.81","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will make Fife rail services a priority for investment.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will make Fife rail services a priority for investment.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government is striving to provide a high quality passenger experience for travellers using the Fife rail services through the following investments:\r\nClass 170 diesel trains used on Edinburgh via Fife to Dundee/Perth/Aberdeen routes are currently undergoing both internal and external refurbishment works to be completed by late 2013.\r\nAll automated audible public announcement equipment at 40 Fife stations will be renewed over the summer. This will increase the flexibility of staff to communicate locally to inform passengers during times of disruption.\r\nRoutes between Edinburgh, Perth and Dundee including Fife Circle are expected to be electrified in phase 3 of the electrification of the strategic rail network, as outlined in the Strategic Transport Projects Review, published in 2008.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-22T13:58:06.393","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270689,"EventID":"S4W-06108","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-08T13:58:06.457","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-08T12:30:32.81","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what recent discussions it has had with ScotRail about improving rail services in Fife, including providing (a) additional carriages on morning services and (b) a higher ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what recent discussions it has had with ScotRail about improving rail services in Fife, including providing (a) additional carriages on morning services and (b) a higher frequency of services.\r\n","AnswerText":"(a) The current service frequency in Fife is specified in the Franchise Service Level Commitment and was significantly enhanced in December 2008.\r\n(b) ScotRail is also obliged to allocate its available train fleet to provide passengers with a reasonable expectation of a seat within 10 minutes of boarding a train, and to minimise any forecast overcrowding.\r\nTransport Scotland meets regularly with ScotRail and Network Rail on operational and timetabling issues. Following on from these discussions, ScotRail has recently consulted on alterations to morning peak services to provide an earlier arrival into Edinburgh from Fife stations. This consultation feedback will be used to inform future service provision.\r\nScotRail monitor the number of carriages required for service in advance of each timetable change and review this following any change. An assessment of passenger loadings on peak services is currently taking place to inform a longer term review of provision within Fife. Any proposed alterations will be delivered from within existing franchise budget, resources and infrastructure.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-22T13:58:06.457","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270700,"EventID":"S4W-06103","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":89,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-08T17:05:59.557","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-08T11:52:26","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to publish a housing Bill in the near future.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to publish a housing Bill in the near future.\r\n","AnswerText":"We plan to consult on a number of housing-related issues this year, which in turn will inform the content of a Housing Bill to cover those aspects which require legislative change.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-22T17:05:59.713","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270701,"EventID":"S4W-06104","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":89,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-08T17:05:59.947","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-08T11:52:26","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the (a) economic and (b) congestion impacts have been on (i) Glasgow and the (ii) west of Scotland of the M74 motorway extension.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the (a) economic and (b) congestion impacts have been on (i) Glasgow and the (ii) west of Scotland of the M74 motorway extension.","AnswerText":"Journey times, across and through Glasgow have been reduced by between five and 18 minutes during peak periods. Reduced congestion has been observed along the M8 northern flank, across the Kingston Bridge as well as along a number of the surface streets across the local road network.\r\nTransport Scotland is currently examining traffic patterns and lane usage where the M74 and the M8 join the M77 southbound at the M8 Junction 22 Plantation Interchange, where some issues have been observed during the evening peak period.\r\nIt is too early to determine the economic impacts of the scheme on Glasgow or the West of Scotland, however this and other matters such as air quality, traffic noise, journey times, accident statistics are being examined as part of a wide-ranging project evaluation exercise being undertaken by Transport Scotland. The data gathering for the project evaluation is underway and a series of interim reports will be prepared as and when data becomes available, with a final report scheduled to be completed in 2016 (subject to data availability).\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-22T17:05:59.947","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270702,"EventID":"S4W-06105","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":89,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-08T17:06:00.01","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-08T11:52:26","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many jobs will be created as a result of the 2014 Commonwealth Games.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many jobs will be created as a result of the 2014 Commonwealth Games.","AnswerText":"2014 games-related contracts have provided job opportunities locally and nationally and will continue to do so up to and beyond the Games. To date, thousands of jobs have been supported to construct some of the key infrastructure crucial for staging the games. Social and economic benefits will be delivered through these games-related contracts, and wider activity led by Transport Scotland, Glasgow City Council, the 2014 Organising Committee and Clyde Gateway URC.\r\nA framework to evaluate the legacy of the Games has been developed and is available on http://gameslegacyscotland.org/how-are-we-doing. Reporting against this framework will provide evidence of economic impact, including employment, as a result of the 2014 games. The Scottish Government is currently undertaking economic modelling to estimate the total number of jobs supported through building and refurbishment of Commonwealth Games venues. In addition a full economic impact study will report during 2015.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-22T17:06:00.023","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Shona Robison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270703,"EventID":"S4W-06106","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":89,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-08T17:06:00.103","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-08T11:52:26","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what benefits people living in the east end of Glasgow can expect as a result of the Commonwealth Games being primarily based there.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what benefits people living in the east end of Glasgow can expect as a result of the Commonwealth Games being primarily based there.\r\n","AnswerText":"Glasgow 2014 will be the biggest multi-sports event that Scotland has ever hosted, and will bring significant opportunities and benefits for Glasgow and for Scotland. The Scottish Government works closely with a wide range of partners, including all local authorities, to ensure these benefits are maximised and that these games leave a lasting legacy for the whole of Scotland.\r\nFor the east end of Glasgow specifically, the skyline is already being transformed through the building of infrastructure for the games, leaving a lasting physical, economic and social legacy. The construction of the multi-million pound Athletes’ Village will become a desirable new residential community after the games, providing 700 new quality homes. The state-of-the-art sports facilities will be available for the local community to enjoy, whilst enabling Glasgow to secure further high profile national and international events.\r\nRoad and rail connectivity will be improved through projects which have been or will be completed such as the M74 completion, the M80 upgrade and the refurbishment of Dalmarnock Station. Clyde Gateway URC are taking forward a number of Games-related projects which will benefit the east end of Glasgow including new office space and the renovation of the iconic Olympia Theatre at Bridgeton.The Scottish Government and delivery partners continue to engage with community groups and partners in the Dalmarnock area to discuss how a lasting legacy can be achieved together. Most recently this included working with Glasgow City Council to prepare a funding package that will create a modern, fit for purpose facility that meets the needs of the East Carers within the Aquatic Centre after the 2014 games have taken place. More generally, Glasgow businesses are winning games-related contracts and supporting local jobs. Many of the 127 graduates of the Personal Best employment programme pilot were from the east end of Glasgow.\r\nThere are also a range of Scotland-wide legacy programmes, including Community Sports Hubs, games for Scotland events, and Young Scot’s Youth Legacy Ambassadors which are creating opportunities across every local authority in Scotland. The full range of opportunities from the games can be found on the games legacy portal at www.gameslegacyscotland.org.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-22T17:06:00.117","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Shona Robison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270704,"EventID":"S4W-06109","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5109,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":101,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-08T17:06:00.21","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-08T13:16:41","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive who comprises the “wider, virtual network of stakeholders from across Scotland” that supports the work of the Scottish Private Rented Sector Strategy Group.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive who comprises the “wider, virtual network of stakeholders from across Scotland” that supports the work of the Scottish Private Rented Sector Strategy Group.","AnswerText":"Membership of the virtual network of stakeholders, who support the work of the Scottish Private Rented Sector Strategy Group, comprises of the following organisations:\r\nAberdeen University Students Association\r\nAngus Council\r\nAssociation of Student Residential Accommodation\r\nAssociation for the Conservation of Energy\r\nCambridge Centre for Housing and Planning Research\r\nCardiff School of City and Regional Planning\r\nCitizens Advice Scotland\r\nCitylets\r\nConsumer Focus Scotland\r\nCrisis\r\nDunedin Canmore\r\nGreenlaw Park Ltd\r\nHillcrest Housing Association\r\nInverclyde Council\r\nJoseph Rowntree Foundation\r\nLink Group\r\nMidlothian Council\r\nNational Association of Estate Agents\r\nNational Federation of Property Professionals\r\nNational Union of Students\r\nNewhaven Research\r\nNorth Lanarkshire Council\r\nOrchard and Shipman\r\nPerth and Kinross Council\r\nQualye Munro\r\nRenfrewshire Council\r\nRettie & Co\r\nRoyal Institute of Chartered Surveyors\r\nRyden Lettings\r\nScottish Council for Single Homelessness\r\nSustainable Communities Scotland\r\nTenant Information Service\r\nTenant Participation Advisory Service\r\nUniversity of St Andrews Student Association\r\nWest Dunbartonshire Council.\r\nOne individual tenant is also represented on the virtual network of stakeholders. As we have not sought their consent to the public release of their personal information, this person is not detailed above.\r\nMembership of the Scottish Private Rented Sector Strategy Group comprises of:\r\nAssociation of Local Authority Chief Housing Officers and COSLA (represented by Glasgow City Council)\r\nChartered Institute of Housing\r\nCity of Edinburgh Council\r\nScottish Association of Landlords\r\nScottish Land & Estates\r\nShelter Scotland.\r\nThe Scottish Private Rented Sector Strategy Group is independently chaired by Professor Douglas Robertson (School of Applied Social Science, Stirling University).\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-22T17:06:00.21","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270722,"EventID":"S4W-06118","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2633,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-09T16:00:54.523","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-08T16:03:57","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how the ecological coherence of the network of marine protected areas under the Marine (Scotland) Act 2010 is assessed.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how the ecological coherence of the network of marine protected areas under the Marine (Scotland) Act 2010 is assessed.","AnswerText":"Guidance has been developed under the Oslo-Paris Convention for the Protection of the Marine Environment of the North-East Atlantic (OSPAR) to support the agreement on development of a network of Marine Protected Areas. The guidance outlines key design features associated with ecological coherence. The Key elements are:\r\nRepresentation – To support the sustainable use, protection and conservation of marine biological diversity and ecosystems, areas which best represent the range of species, habitats and ecological processes (for which MPAs are a suitable measure) should be considered for inclusion.\r\nReplication – Replication of features in separate MPAs in each biogeographic area is desirable where it is possible in order to contribute to resilience and the aims of the network. \r\nSize of site – The appropriate size of a site should be determined by the purpose of the site and be sufficiently large to maintain the integrity of the feature for which it is selected.\r\nAdequacy – the MPA network should be of adequate size to deliver its ecological objectives. \r\nConnectivity – the MPA network should take into account the linkages between marine ecosystems and the dependence of species and habitats on processes that occur outside the MPA concerned.\r\nManagement – MPAs should be managed to ensure the protection of the features for which they were selected and to support the functioning of an ecologically coherent network.\r\nThe guidance is being used to develop the MPA network in Scottish waters. When finalising advice based on the MPA guidelines, SNH and JNCC will consider the extent to which proposals for inclusion in the network will contribute to an ecologically coherent network and ministers will report progress on contributing to a network of MPAs in accordance with sections 79 (2) and 103(3) of the Marine (Scotland) Act.\r\nA report on the status of the OSPAR network of MPAs is prepared on an annual basis. The reports summarise the number and locations of MPAs included in the network and assesses whether the network is coherent based on assessment of the spatial distribution of the network and coverage of OSPAR threatened and/or declining habitats and species. Further details can be found in the latest 2010 Status Report on the OSPAR Network of Marine Protected Areas: \r\nhttp://www.ospar.org/documents/dbase/publications/p00548_Status%20report%20MPAs.pdf.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-23T16:00:54.897","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270723,"EventID":"S4W-06119","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2633,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-09T16:00:55.023","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-08T16:03:57","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how the contribution of Scotland's marine protected areas (MPA) to the ecological coherence of the MPA network across the Oslo-Paris Convention for the Protection of the ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how the contribution of Scotland's marine protected areas (MPA) to the ecological coherence of the MPA network across the Oslo-Paris Convention for the Protection of the Marine Environment of the North-East Atlantic (OSPAR) area will be assessed.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-06118 on 23 March 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-23T16:00:55.04","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270724,"EventID":"S4W-06120","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2633,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-09T16:00:55.117","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-08T16:03:57","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what recent meetings it has held with other states parties to the Oslo-Paris Convention for the Protection of the Marine Environment of the North-East Atlantic (OSPAR) to","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what recent meetings it has held with other states parties to the Oslo-Paris Convention for the Protection of the Marine Environment of the North-East Atlantic (OSPAR) to discuss the ecological coherence of the network of marine protected areas across the OSPAR area.\r\n","AnswerText":"As part of the UK representation at relevant OSPAR meetings, Marine Scotland has participated in OSPAR discussions on progress and guidance on MPA network development. The last OSPAR Biodiversity Committee was held in February 2012 and the last OSPAR Intersessional Correspondence Group on MPAs met in September 2011. Marine Scotland officials meet regularly with UK Government, Department for Environment Northern Ireland, and Welsh Assembly Government officials to discuss MPA issues and the last meeting was held in Edinburgh on 26 January 2012.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-23T16:00:55.117","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270725,"EventID":"S4W-06121","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2633,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-09T16:00:55.21","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-08T16:03:57","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what recent meetings it has had with other UK administrations to discuss the ecological coherence of the network of marine protected areas in the UK and Scottish marine a","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what recent meetings it has had with other UK administrations to discuss the ecological coherence of the network of marine protected areas in the UK and Scottish marine areas.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-06120 on 23 March 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-23T16:00:55.21","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270726,"EventID":"S4W-06123","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-09T16:00:55.303","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-09T11:49:29","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people are working to (a) ascertain the effect on current (i) activity and (ii) jobs of the proposed marine protected area (MPA) sites in Shetland and (b) comple","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people are working to (a) ascertain the effect on current (i) activity and (ii) jobs of the proposed marine protected area (MPA) sites in Shetland and (b) complete seabed surveys to help form the management plan in relation to decisions on these MPAs, and what the total projected cost is for these investigations.\r\n","AnswerText":"(a) No MPA proposals have yet been finalised and the process for developing draft impact assessments on costs and benefits is still in development so the exact number of people who will be required and the associated costs for completing these assessments will not be clear until firmer scientific recommendations have been provided by our Statutory Nature Advisers. This applies not only to Shetland but to proposals for possible inclusion in the network as a whole.\r\n(b)No specific MPA surveys have so far been commissioned for Shetland, although a survey was conducted near Fetlar by Marine Scotland Science. The data collected from this survey has been used to inform current work to identify possible MPA locations and complements data already available for Shetland’s seabed. The Fetlar survey work was conducted under the supervision of two members of SNH staff who work full-time on seabed surveys, of which this study was one of several they worked on in Scotland’s waters. The costs of analysing the data collected via this survey was £2,000. There are currently no plans for further MPA surveys around Shetland. \r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-23T16:00:55.303","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270727,"EventID":"S4W-06124","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-09T16:00:55.38","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-09T12:25:56","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many interruptions there have been to water supply in Torphichen in West Lothian and the surrounding area since April 2010, broken down by date.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many interruptions there have been to water supply in Torphichen in West Lothian and the surrounding area since April 2010, broken down by date.\r\n","AnswerText":"The information you have requested is not held centrally. I have asked that Scottish Water meet you to discuss the questions you have asked and update you on the progress on its project to improve the security of supply in the Torphichen area.\r\nI recognise the inconvenience and disruption which has been experienced by the residents of Torphichen during the past 18 months and would like to reassure you that Scottish Water is committed to providing a long-term solution.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-23T16:00:55.397","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270728,"EventID":"S4W-06125","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-09T16:00:55.477","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-09T12:25:56","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much money Scottish Water has allocated to repairing interruptions to the water supply in Torphichen in West Lothian and the surrounding area that have occurred since","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much money Scottish Water has allocated to repairing interruptions to the water supply in Torphichen in West Lothian and the surrounding area that have occurred since April 2010.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-06124 on 21 March 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-23T16:00:55.477","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270729,"EventID":"S4W-06126","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-09T16:00:55.537","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-09T12:25:56","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive on how many occasions when an interruption to the water supply took place in Torphichen in West Lothian and the surrounding area residents (a) were and (b) were not given","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive on how many occasions when an interruption to the water supply took place in Torphichen in West Lothian and the surrounding area residents (a) were and (b) were not given advance notice.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-06124 on 21 March 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-23T16:00:55.537","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270730,"EventID":"S4W-06127","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-09T16:00:55.6","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-09T12:25:56","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive on how many occasions since April 2010 a notification of an interruption to the water supply was issued to residents of Torphichen in West Lothian and the surrounding are","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive on how many occasions since April 2010 a notification of an interruption to the water supply was issued to residents of Torphichen in West Lothian and the surrounding area without it taking place as notified.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-06124 on 21 March 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-23T16:00:55.6","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270731,"EventID":"S4W-06128","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-09T16:00:55.677","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-09T12:25:56","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether Scottish Water has estimated the loss to (a) households and (b) businesses in Torphichen in West Lothian and the surrounding area as a result of interruption to t","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether Scottish Water has estimated the loss to (a) households and (b) businesses in Torphichen in West Lothian and the surrounding area as a result of interruption to the water supply since April 2010.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-06124 on 21 March 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-23T16:00:55.693","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270732,"EventID":"S4W-06129","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-09T16:00:55.77","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-09T12:25:56","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much has been paid in compensation to (a) residents and (b) businesses in Torphichen in West Lothian and the surrounding area in relation to interruptions to the wate","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much has been paid in compensation to (a) residents and (b) businesses in Torphichen in West Lothian and the surrounding area in relation to interruptions to the water supply since April 2010.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-06124 on 21 March 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-23T16:00:55.77","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270733,"EventID":"S4W-06130","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-09T16:00:55.85","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-09T12:25:56","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether Scottish Water is committed to improvements to the water supply infrastructure in Torphichen in West Lothian and the surrounding area.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether Scottish Water is committed to improvements to the water supply infrastructure in Torphichen in West Lothian and the surrounding area.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-06124 on 21 March 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-23T16:00:55.85","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270734,"EventID":"S4W-06131","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-09T16:00:55.927","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-09T12:25:56","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether Scottish Water has estimated the cost of any necessary improvements to the water supply infrastructure at Torphichen in West Lothian and the surrounding area.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether Scottish Water has estimated the cost of any necessary improvements to the water supply infrastructure at Torphichen in West Lothian and the surrounding area.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-06124 on 21 March 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-23T16:00:55.943","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270735,"EventID":"S4W-06132","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-09T16:00:56.007","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-09T12:25:56","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether Scottish Water has decided if any work is to take place to improve the water supply infrastructure at Torphichen in West Lothian and the surrounding area to preve","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether Scottish Water has decided if any work is to take place to improve the water supply infrastructure at Torphichen in West Lothian and the surrounding area to prevent interruptions to the water supply.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-06124 on 21 March 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-23T16:00:56.007","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270736,"EventID":"S4W-06133","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-09T16:00:56.067","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-09T12:25:56","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when work to improve the water supply infrastructure at Torphichen in West Lothian and the surrounding area is due to take place.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when work to improve the water supply infrastructure at Torphichen in West Lothian and the surrounding area is due to take place.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-06124 on 21 March 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-23T16:00:56.083","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270737,"EventID":"S4W-06134","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-09T16:00:56.16","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-09T12:25:56","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether Scottish Water anticipates any further interruptions to the water supply in Torphichen in West Lothian and the surrounding area.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether Scottish Water anticipates any further interruptions to the water supply in Torphichen in West Lothian and the surrounding area.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-06124 on 21 March 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-23T16:00:56.177","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270738,"EventID":"S4W-06135","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4964,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-09T16:00:56.257","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-09T13:59:12","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to meet officials from Aberdeen City Council to discuss lessons that can be learned from the recent referendum held in the city.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to meet officials from Aberdeen City Council to discuss lessons that can be learned from the recent referendum held in the city.\r\n","AnswerText":"Local referendums are a matter for local authorities. We have no plans to meet the city council but look forward to receiving a copy of the council’s report into the running of the referendum in due course.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-23T16:00:56.257","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Derek Mackay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270739,"EventID":"S4W-06136","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4964,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-09T16:00:56.35","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-09T13:59:12","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to investigate the future use of secure internet and telephone voting following the recent referendum in Aberdeen.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to investigate the future use of secure internet and telephone voting following the recent referendum in Aberdeen.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has no immediate plans to investigate the future use of secure internet and telephone voting. However, the government will consider the council’s report into the recent referendum to see whether there are any lessons to be learnt from their experience.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-23T16:00:56.363","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Derek Mackay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270740,"EventID":"S4W-06137","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2892,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-09T16:00:56.443","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-09T14:43:46","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what options it is considering for the future delivery of the functions of the Public Transport Users' Committee for Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what options it is considering for the future delivery of the functions of the Public Transport Users' Committee for Scotland.","AnswerText":"The Public Transport Users’ Committee for Scotland (PTUC) is a Ministerial Advisory Committee which has been in existence for five years. I have commissioned an internal review of the body. That review is underway and I shall consider its analysis and any recommendations for the future when it is complete.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-23T16:00:56.457","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270741,"EventID":"S4W-06138","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2892,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-09T16:00:56.537","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-09T14:43:46","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is considering altering the functions of the Public Transport Users' Committee for Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is considering altering the functions of the Public Transport Users' Committee for Scotland.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-06137 on 21 March 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-23T16:00:56.537","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270742,"EventID":"S4W-06139","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2892,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-09T16:00:56.63","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-09T14:43:46","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will publish the results of the review of the Public Transport Users' Committee for Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will publish the results of the review of the Public Transport Users' Committee for Scotland.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-06137 on 21 March 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-23T16:00:56.63","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270754,"EventID":"S4F-00531","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":4976,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-12T15:01:48.377","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-08T15:11:43","Title":"To ask the First Minister when he will next meet the Secretary of State for Scotland.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister when he will next meet the Secretary of State for Scotland.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-26T15:01:48.737","MeetingDate":"2012-03-15T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270755,"EventID":"S4F-00539","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":3758,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":76,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-12T15:01:49","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-12T12:24:13","Title":"To ask the First Minister whether the Scottish Government will provide further information on its plans to improve childcare for pre-school children.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister whether the Scottish Government will provide further information on its plans to improve childcare for pre-school children.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-26T15:01:49","MeetingDate":"2012-03-15T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270756,"EventID":"S4F-00541","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":5009,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-12T15:01:49.08","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-12T12:28:29.46","Title":"To ask the First Minister what issues will be discussed at the next meeting of the Cabinet.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what issues will be discussed at the next meeting of the Cabinet.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-26T15:01:49.08","MeetingDate":"2012-03-15T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270757,"EventID":"S4F-00545","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":85,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-12T15:01:49.22","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-12T12:26:14","Title":"To ask the First Minister what progress is being made in ensuring that the 2014 Commonwealth Games are on time and on budget.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what progress is being made in ensuring that the 2014 Commonwealth Games are on time and on budget.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-26T15:01:49.22","MeetingDate":"2012-03-15T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270758,"EventID":"S4F-00547","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":2080,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":87,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-12T15:01:49.28","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-12T13:05:41.613","Title":"To ask the First Minister what engagements he has planned for the rest of the day.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what engagements he has planned for the rest of the day.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-26T15:01:49.28","MeetingDate":"2012-03-15T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270759,"EventID":"S4F-00548","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":5079,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-12T15:01:49.313","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-12T13:40:25","Title":"To ask the First Minister when the Scottish Government will announce its position on same-sex marriage.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister when the Scottish Government will announce its position on same-sex marriage.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-26T15:01:49.327","MeetingDate":"2012-03-15T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270782,"EventID":"S4W-06060","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5079,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-12T17:14:07.473","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-06T16:02:37","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, in light of the practice of selecting chief police officers from other forces, whether the post of chief police officer in the proposed single Scottish police service wi","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, in light of the practice of selecting chief police officers from other forces, whether the post of chief police officer in the proposed single Scottish police service will be selected from another force in the UK.","AnswerText":"The Chief Constable of the Police Service of Scotland will be appointed through open competition. The standard eligibility requirement which applies for current chief constable appointments will continue in the new service. Any candidate must therefore have already held a rank of assistant chief constable or above in a UK police force, and have completed the Strategic Command Course, as currently provided for in paragraphs 1 and 2 of Part One of the determination made under Regulation 11 of the Police (Scotland) Regulations 2004.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-26T17:14:07.52","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270783,"EventID":"S4W-06099","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2892,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-12T17:14:07.613","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-08T10:03:12","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with (a) East Ayrshire Council, (b) Scottish Natural Heritage and (c) the European Commission regarding the impact of the Grievehill opencast ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with (a) East Ayrshire Council, (b) Scottish Natural Heritage and (c) the European Commission regarding the impact of the Grievehill opencast coal mine on the Muirkirk and North Lowther Uplands Special Protection Area.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government held discussions with East Ayrshire Council, Scottish Natural Heritage and the European Commission following the bog burst incident at the Grievehill extension opencast coal mine in August 2008.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-26T17:14:07.613","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Derek Mackay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270784,"EventID":"S4W-06100","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2892,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-12T17:14:07.69","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-08T10:03:12","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it will ensure that the opencast coal mine at Grievehill will not have a long-term adverse impact on the Muirkirk and North Lowther Uplands Special Protection Area.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it will ensure that the opencast coal mine at Grievehill will not have a long-term adverse impact on the Muirkirk and North Lowther Uplands Special Protection Area.\r\n","AnswerText":"This would principally be a matter for East Ayrshire Council, as planning authority, through the monitoring and enforcement of planning conditions and by ensuring compliance with the accompanying Section 75 legal agreement of the planning consent.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-26T17:14:07.69","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Derek Mackay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270785,"EventID":"S4W-06101","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2892,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-12T17:14:07.77","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-08T10:03:12","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether adverse impacts on the Muirkirk and North Lowther Uplands Special Protection Area as a result of opencast mining at Grievehill are greater than anticipated and, i","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether adverse impacts on the Muirkirk and North Lowther Uplands Special Protection Area as a result of opencast mining at Grievehill are greater than anticipated and, if so, what those impacts are and what action is being taken to ensure compliance with the Habitats Regulations 1994 (as amended) and the Environmental Impact (Scotland) Regulations 1999 (as amended).\r\n","AnswerText":"This would principally be a matter for East Ayrshire Council to consider, in consultation with Scottish Natural Heritage.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-26T17:14:07.783","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Derek Mackay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270786,"EventID":"S4W-06114","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-12T17:14:07.863","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-08T15:17:35","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress it is making on (a) rolling out the naloxone programme and (b) removing the barriers to supplying families of drug misusers with the necessary kits and trai","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress it is making on (a) rolling out the naloxone programme and (b) removing the barriers to supplying families of drug misusers with the necessary kits and training.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government officially launched the national take home naloxone programme in Scottish Prisons on 1 February 2011 and nationally on 1 June 2011.\r\nWe are supporting the roll out with an investment of £1 million from 2010-11 to 2012-13, to provide central resources including: specific support to the Scottish Prison Service, a national naloxone training resource and information materials, reimbursement to health boards for kits and a national monitoring programme. The programme is progressing well, with local programmes being developed in 29 of the 30 alcohol and drug partnership areas and all prisons.\r\nFunding has been provided to health boards for approximately 2,500 kits in 2010-11 and 6,000 kits in 2011-12, as well as funding to Scottish Prison Service for approximately 5,000 kits up to 31 October 2011 (when Health and Addictions Services were transferred to NHS health boards). It is planned that the national monitoring and evaluation programme led by NHS Information Services Division (ISD) will publish data on the number of kits issued as a result of the naloxone programme in July 2012, covering the period April 2011 to March 2012.\r\nIt is the intention of the programme to have as wide a reach as is possible and appropriate. Under the national programme, naloxone can be provided to those deemed to be at risk of opiate overdose, staff in the sector working with individuals at risk and friend/carers (provided consent is given by the person at risk) once they have undergone training. The National Naloxone Advisory Group membership includes individuals in recovery and a representative of Scottish Families Affected by Drugs, to ensure the views of families and friends of those at risk of opiate overdose are heard.\r\nDevelopment of local capacity to deliver training is underpinned by the national naloxone training resource, which offers awareness raising and training sessions. Sessions have been delivered across Scotland to specialist and non-specialist health services, as well as police forces, prisons, homeless services, carer organisations, family and community groups and to Social Care and Social Work Improvement Scotland inspectors to ensure wider awareness of the crucial role of naloxone in reducing drug-related deaths in Scotland. This work will continue in 2012-13.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-26T17:14:07.877","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Roseanna Cunningham","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270787,"EventID":"S4W-06115","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-12T17:14:07.957","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-08T15:17:35","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive to what extent on average naloxone needs to be prescribed for a person misusing drugs.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive to what extent on average naloxone needs to be prescribed for a person misusing drugs.","AnswerText":"Prior to the launch of Scotland’s national naloxone programme in June 2011, information regarding the number of naloxone kits issued was not collected. The Scottish Government has commissioned the NHS Information Services Division (ISD) to collect data on all the kits issued as a result of Scotland’s take home naloxone programme. There are plans to publish this information in July 2012 which will cover the period April 2011 to March 2012.\r\nThe impact of the programme will be measured using a baseline, and the reach of the programme will be measured by asking services to complete a data sheet each time naloxone is supplied. This will give us information on how many Naloxone kits on average are being supplied to individuals. All individuals who are offered training and a naloxone kit are also asked if the kit is their first, and, if it is a reissue, how the previous kit was used. However, not all individuals are prepared to provide this information.\r\nThe monitoring of the programme is still at an early stage, however, over the next couple of years, data collected will help to build the evidence base on how naloxone is being used and its impact in reducing opiate related deaths in Scotland.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-26T17:14:07.957","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Roseanna Cunningham","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270788,"EventID":"S4W-06116","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-12T17:14:08.067","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-08T15:17:35","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it has taken to ensure that naloxone kits can be easily replaced.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it has taken to ensure that naloxone kits can be easily replaced.","AnswerText":"In 2012-13 the National Naloxone programme will be further developed and expanded. National training and awareness sessions will continue to be offered to specialist and non-specialist health services and also more widely to police forces, prisons, homeless services, carer organisations, and others. A national training website will be developed, offering access to information and training resources, including a national directory of services, to enable public and professionals in the sector to search for training activity in their local area. This will ensure that anyone who needs a kit issued or reissued can do so easily and quickly.\r\nThe Scottish Government is reimbursing health boards for kits. Reimbursement is not limited to one kit per person.\r\nLicensing of medicines is the responsibility of the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) and is reserved to the UK government. The senior naloxone co-ordinator, has been in regular discussion with the MHRA to discuss the possibility of licensing an “off-the-shelf” naloxone kit. This would make Naloxone kits more widely available in pharmacies across the UK.\r\nFor more information on how many naloxone kits have been issued on average to individuals as part of the national naloxone programme refer to the answer to question S4W-06115 on 21 March 2012.\r\nAll answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-26T17:14:08.067","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Roseanna Cunningham","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270789,"EventID":"S4W-06117","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-12T17:14:08.237","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-08T15:17:35","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what research it is (a) sponsoring, (b) supporting or (c) aware of regarding the effects of the naloxone programme and when it will report on the benefits that are expect","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what research it is (a) sponsoring, (b) supporting or (c) aware of regarding the effects of the naloxone programme and when it will report on the benefits that are expected from the roll-out of the programme.\r\n","AnswerText":"(a) and (b) \r\nThe National Naloxone Take Home programme is supported by a national monitoring programme led by NHS Information Services Division (ISD) which began nationally on the 1 June 2011. The impact of the programme will be measured using a baseline and the scope and reach of the programme will be measured by asking services to complete a minimum dataset each time a supply of naloxone is made. This will provide data, including the number of kits being issued to individuals. Data on kits issued as a result of Scotland’s naloxone programme is planned to be published in July 2012 which will cover the period April 2011 to March 2012.\r\nThe national drug related deaths database will also report (from 2014 onwards) on the availability and administration of Naloxone across Scotland.\r\nAdvice is also being sought from the National Naloxone Advisory Group on potential options for qualitative research exploring the use of naloxone, which will be supported by the Scottish Government.\r\n(c) \r\nThe roll out of the National Naloxone programme followed successful local pilots in NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, NHS Lanarkshire and NHS Highlands and recommendations from the National Forum on Drug Related Deaths. To make sure that the programme is firmly based on evidence and driven by independent experts the National Naloxone Advisory Group was set up to steer the development of the programme. Representatives include: the prison service, NHS Health Scotland, Alcohol and Drug Partnerships, NHS health boards, treatment services, the police, families and people in recovery. National guidance for the programme was drafted and agreed by the National Forum on Drug Related Deaths (NFDRD) and sent to all alcohol and drug partnerships and Health boards.\r\nThe following studies on the use of naloxone in the UK and in the United States have been undertaken:\r\nThe American Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, Community-Based Opioid Overdose Prevention Programs Providing Naloxone, United States, 2010. \r\nhttp://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm6106a1.htm.\r\nThe National Treatment Agency, Overdose and Naloxone Training Programme for Families and Carers, UK, 2011. \r\nhttp://www.nta.nhs.uk/uploads/naloxonereport2011.pdf.\r\nUK Department of Health, Naloxone Investigation (N-ALIVE) Naloxone Randomised Pilot Trial in UK Prisons, 2011. \r\nhttp://www.dh.gov.uk/prod_consum_dh/groups/dh_digitalassets/documents/digitalasset/dh_124595.pdf.\r\nWelsh Government, The Take Home Naloxone (THN) scheme in Wales, 2009.\r\nhttp://wales.gov.uk/topics/housingandcommunity/safety/substancemisuse/publications/naloxone/?skip=1&lang=en.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-26T17:14:08.253","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Roseanna Cunningham","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270790,"EventID":"S4W-06122","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-12T17:14:08.457","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-08T16:49:29","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has budgeted to uprate the living wage paid to (a) its, (b) its agencies' and (c) NHS staff annually.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has budgeted to uprate the living wage paid to (a) its, (b) its agencies' and (c) NHS staff annually.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government’s budget for 2012-13 and those of other public bodies in Scotland take account of the uprate in living wage and pay policy for 2012-13. Decisions about future budgets and pay policy will be taken as part of the annual budget process.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-26T17:14:08.457","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270791,"EventID":"S4W-06140","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5057,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-12T17:14:08.563","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-09T16:04:24","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its position is on police forces outsourcing functions such as the running of cells.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its position is on police forces outsourcing functions such as the running of cells.\r\n","AnswerText":"The provision of custody services, including the management of police cells, is an operational matter for individual chief constables.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-26T17:14:08.563","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270792,"EventID":"S4W-06142","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1986,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":142,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-12T17:14:08.657","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-12T08:36:28","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has received independent legal opinion regarding the terms under which an independent Scotland would be able to join the European Union and, if so, whether it ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has received independent legal opinion regarding the terms under which an independent Scotland would be able to join the European Union and, if so, whether it will publish this.\r\n","AnswerText":"In developing policy the Scottish Government seeks a range of advice, including legal advice. It is not the practice of this or any previous Scottish Government to reveal either whether it has received legal advice on a particular matter or, if it has, the content of any such advice.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-26T17:14:08.657","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270793,"EventID":"S4W-06143","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1986,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":142,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-12T17:14:08.767","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-12T08:36:28","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has engaged with the European Union (EU) to confirm what the EU's formal position would be should an  independent Scotland wish to become a member state.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has engaged with the European Union (EU) to confirm what the EU's formal position would be should an  independent Scotland wish to become a member state.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has regular contact with Commission officials and other member states concerning a range of issues. It is not customary to divulge the content of these or any other official government discussions. To do so would inhibit the free and frank exchanges of views and adversely affect the ability of the Scottish Government to gather all of the evidence needed to make fully informed decisions.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-26T17:14:08.767","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270794,"EventID":"S4W-06144","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1986,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":142,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-12T17:14:08.86","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-12T08:36:28","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has received confirmation from the European Union on whether an independent Scotland would have to adopt the euro in order to be accepted as a member state.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has received confirmation from the European Union on whether an independent Scotland would have to adopt the euro in order to be accepted as a member state.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-06143 on 23 March 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-26T17:14:08.86","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270795,"EventID":"S4W-06145","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1986,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":142,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-12T17:14:08.953","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-12T10:02:39","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S4W-05593 by Kenny MacAskill on 28 February 2012, who received materials in Inverclyde; what materials they received, and what the valu","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S4W-05593 by Kenny MacAskill on 28 February 2012, who received materials in Inverclyde; what materials they received, and what the value of the materials received was in (a) 2009-10, (b) 2010-11 and (c) 2011-12.\r\n","AnswerText":"As stated in the answer to question S4W-05593, the budget and creation of materials for the No Knives, Better Lives initiative are managed centrally and there is no specific allocation per area.\r\nA range of materials have been provided for local partners involved with the initiative in Inverclyde, including youth workers, peer educators and schools.  These include the No Knives, Better Lives produced educational toolkits, “Sharp Solutions” and “On a Knife Edge”.\r\nThe allocation of those resources is based on the centrally held budget for the initiative which was £250,000 during 2009-10, £250,000 in 2010-11 and £500,000 during 2011-12.\r\nAll answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-26T17:14:08.97","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270796,"EventID":"S4W-06146","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2123,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":103,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-12T17:14:09.063","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-12T10:16:20.67","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it has taken to inform stakeholders in Scotland of the opportunity to respond to the public consultation on the UK plan for rare diseases.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it has taken to inform stakeholders in Scotland of the opportunity to respond to the public consultation on the UK plan for rare diseases.","AnswerText":"The UK Department of Health, acting on behalf of all four UK administrations, issued the draft UK plan for rare diseases for consultation directly to a wide range of stakeholders on 29 February 2012. Contacts were provided by the Scottish Government so that a range of relevant groups in Scotland would receive the consultation document simultaneously.\r\nThe consultation will run until 25 May 2012 and is available on the UK Department of Health website at http://www.dh.gov.uk/health/category/publications/consultations/.\r\nA link to the consultation document is also available from the Scottish Government website http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Health. \r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-26T17:14:09.063","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270797,"EventID":"S4W-06147","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3101,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-12T17:14:09.14","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-12T10:21:55","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to extend entitlement to a living wage of £7.20 an hour to employees of organisations delivering public sector contracts.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to extend entitlement to a living wage of £7.20 an hour to employees of organisations delivering public sector contracts.","AnswerText":"We have demonstrated our full support for the principles of the living wage in Scotland and are leading by example by implementing the living wage through our Scottish public sector pay policy. We support the wider implementation of the living wage across the private and voluntary sectors.\r\nI have written to the European Commissioner for Internal Market and Services to seek clarification on whether public bodies can make payment of a living wage a criterion in a public procurement process or a condition of a public contract in a way that is compatible with EU law.\r\nI await receipt of that clarification.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-26T17:14:09.14","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270798,"EventID":"S4W-06148","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3101,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-12T17:14:09.203","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-12T10:21:55","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to ensure that all local authorities introduce a living wage of £7.20 an hour for their employees.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to ensure that all local authorities introduce a living wage of £7.20 an hour for their employees.","AnswerText":"Local authorities are independent corporate bodies responsible for determining the rates of pay of their employees. It is therefore for an individual local authority to decide whether to implement the living wage. \r\nThe Scottish Government will continue to encourage all local authorities to introduce a living wage of £7.20 per hour.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-26T17:14:09.22","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Derek Mackay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270799,"EventID":"S4W-06149","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1860,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-12T17:14:09.283","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-12T11:14:33","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many times the ferry service between Oban and Lochboisdale has been subject to (a) disruption and (b) cancellation in each year since 2007.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many times the ferry service between Oban and Lochboisdale has been subject to (a) disruption and (b) cancellation in each year since 2007.\r\n","AnswerText":"The following table provides information relating to the number of disruptions and cancellations on the ferry service between Oban and Lochboisdale since 2002. A longer time series than that requested has been provided to illustrate the fact that the impact of weather conditions, which are responsible for the majority of cancellations and disruptions, fluctuates over time.\r\nYear\r\nTotal\r\nSailings\r\nCancelled\r\nWeather\r\n% Cancelled\r\nWeather\r\nCancelled\r\nOther\r\n2002\r\n865\r\n9\r\n1.04%\r\n1\r\n2003\r\n985\r\n10\r\n1.02%\r\n2\r\n2004\r\n884\r\n21\r\n2.38%\r\n5\r\n2005\r\n886\r\n40\r\n4.51%\r\n1\r\n2006\r\n940\r\n33\r\n3.51%\r\n4\r\n2007\r\n940\r\n24\r\n2.55%\r\n5\r\n2008\r\n947\r\n37\r\n3.91%\r\n8\r\n2009\r\n947\r\n41\r\n4.33%\r\n7\r\n2010\r\n957\r\n28\r\n2.93%\r\n1\r\n2011\r\n951\r\n48\r\n5.05%\r\n0\r\n\r\nYear\r\n%\r\nCancelled\r\nOther\r\nDiverted\r\nSailings\r\n%\r\nDiverted\r\nTotal\r\nLateness\r\n%\r\nTotal\r\nLateness\r\n2002\r\n0.12%\r\n 3\r\n0.35%\r\n 69\r\n 7.97%\r\n2003\r\n0.20%\r\n 6\r\n0.60%\r\n 88\r\n 8.93%\r\n2004\r\n0.56%\r\n28\r\n3.16%\r\n 92\r\n10.40%\r\n2005\r\n0.11%\r\n 9\r\n1.01%\r\n 80\r\n  9.02%\r\n2006\r\n0.42%\r\n 8\r\n0.85%\r\n 31\r\n  3.29%\r\n2007\r\n0.53%\r\n  3\r\n0.31%\r\n  55\r\n  5.96%\r\n2008\r\n0.84%\r\n11\r\n1.16%\r\n  82\r\n  8.65%\r\n2009\r\n0.73%\r\n11\r\n1.16%\r\n  90\r\n  9.50%\r\n2010\r\n0.10%\r\n20\r\n2.08%\r\n119\r\n12.43%\r\n2011\r\n0.00%\r\n22\r\n2.31%\r\n163\r\n17.14%\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-26T17:14:09.283","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270800,"EventID":"S4W-06150","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5079,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-12T17:14:09.36","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-12T11:58:23","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information it has on whether (a) territorial police forces or (b) its agencies have been involved in collating or passing on information that might have been used t","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information it has on whether (a) territorial police forces or (b) its agencies have been involved in collating or passing on information that might have been used to inform any blacklists.\r\n","AnswerText":"We do not hold any such information centrally.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-26T17:14:09.36","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270801,"EventID":"S4W-06151","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5079,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-12T17:14:09.437","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-12T11:58:23","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its position is on the recent report by the Information Commissioner's Office on the blacklisting of trades union members or activists and whether it has made repres","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its position is on the recent report by the Information Commissioner's Office on the blacklisting of trades union members or activists and whether it has made representations to the UK Government on this.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government is totally opposed to blacklisting or the compiling of a blacklist on such a basis. Matters of employment law are reserved to the UK Government and we are aware of legal action being pursued in the UK and European Courts by some of the construction workers affected. The Employment Relations Act 1999 (Blacklists) Regulations 2010 provide rights for anyone affected by such behaviour.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-26T17:14:09.453","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270802,"EventID":"S4W-06155","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4964,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-12T17:14:09.517","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-12T13:21:34.123","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what procedures it has in place to monitor and record instances of alleged racial harassment and discrimination in schools.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what procedures it has in place to monitor and record instances of alleged racial harassment and discrimination in schools.\r\n","AnswerText":"The triennial Behaviour in Scottish Schools Research, which is a national study of behaviour in publicly funded schools, reports on teachers’ views of serious indiscipline in the classroom, including incidences of racist abuse towards pupils or teachers. The research is currently underway in a sample of schools across Scotland and the results will be published later in 2012. The 2009 report is available on the Scottish Government website www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2009/11/20101438/. \r\nThe Equality Act 2010 places duties on local authorities to actively deal with inequality, which may include discrimination, harassment or victimisation of pupils on the basis of their religion or belief, race or sexual orientation. Local recording, monitoring, analysis and understanding of these incidents are essential if local authorities are to reduce the number of racist, sectarian and homophobic incidents.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-26T17:14:09.517","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270803,"EventID":"S4W-06157","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5079,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-12T17:14:09.58","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-12T14:48:34","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people (a) applied for and (b) obtained a Student Awards Agency for Scotland Care Leavers Grant (i) before and (ii) after the criteria changes in 2011.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people (a) applied for and (b) obtained a Student Awards Agency for Scotland Care Leavers Grant (i) before and (ii) after the criteria changes in 2011.\r\n","AnswerText":"The number of students who received the vacation grant for care leavers is shown in the following table. The 2011-12 session is still open for applications and that figure may therefore change.\r\nIt was not possible to identify the number of students who applied for the grant but did not receive it. Because of the very low volumes of applicants, this information is not collated by SAAS systems and is only identifiable through the review of individual records (160,000 per annum). SAAS has received no complaints or appeals in relation to the vacation grant for care leavers.\r\nNumber of students who received money through the vacation grant for care leavers, 2003-04 to 2011-12:\r\nAcademic Session\r\nNumber of Students\r\n2003-04\r\n2\r\n2004-05\r\n1\r\n2005-06\r\n2\r\n2006-07\r\n0\r\n2007-08\r\n1\r\n2008-09\r\n0\r\n2009-10\r\n0\r\n2010-11\r\n2\r\n2011-12*\r\n1\r\nNote: *Still open for applications.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-26T17:14:09.58","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270804,"EventID":"S4W-06158","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3824,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-12T17:14:09.657","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-12T15:17:07","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, in relation to Schmallenberg virus, what steps are being taken to restrict the importation of (a) animals from high-risk areas and (b) pregnant animals wherever possible","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, in relation to Schmallenberg virus, what steps are being taken to restrict the importation of (a) animals from high-risk areas and (b) pregnant animals wherever possible.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Ministers have no legal basis for restricting the import of animals based on the prevalence of the Schmallenberg virus within the European Union.\r\nRestricting the import of livestock from member states is only possible under certain circumstances. Research into the Schmallenberg virus is still at an early stage, but the current assumption is that it is spread by midges. The cases of the virus that are being reported in the south of England and elsewhere in Europe are probably a result of infection that took place last year. Given the current state of knowledge about the virus, and as midges are not generally active during the winter, it would appear that restricting the movement of animals would not contribute to stopping the spread of the virus. Consequently, the European Union has decided that import controls are not necessary.\r\nThe introduction of appropriate control measures will be considered as more is learned about the virus. In the meantime, farmers purchasing new stock are being encouraged to enquire about the health history of pregnant animals.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-26T17:14:09.673","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270814,"EventID":"S4W-06079","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4955,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":105,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-13T13:46:13.53","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-07T11:57:47","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with the Home Office since 2007 to ensure that, when immigration rules and policies are drafted, proper regard is given to the policies of the","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with the Home Office since 2007 to ensure that, when immigration rules and policies are drafted, proper regard is given to the policies of the devolved administrations and institutions.\r\n","AnswerText":"Since 2007 ministers have regularly engaged with the UK Government to press the need for flexibilities in the immigration system that reflect Scotland’s interests. In addition, we have worked with stakeholders from across the public and private sector to provide detailed responses to UK Government consultations, which highlight the potentially damaging economic impact of restricting Scotland’s ability to attract international talent.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-27T13:46:13.75","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270815,"EventID":"S4W-06159","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-13T13:46:13.86","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-13T07:25:21","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it considers asking people with PIP implants to sign contracts waiving their right to take legal action to be an unreasonable condition of medical treatment.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it considers asking people with PIP implants to sign contracts waiving their right to take legal action to be an unreasonable condition of medical treatment.\r\n","AnswerText":"We expect private healthcare providers to provide a clinically appropriate package of care to their patients. Where patients are concerned about any conditions included by the provider these should be discussed in the first instance by the patient with the provider.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-27T13:46:13.86","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270816,"EventID":"S4W-06160","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-13T13:46:13.937","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-13T07:25:21","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it considers that people with PIP implants going back to their original provider for a replacement operation should be charged for such an operation.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it considers that people with PIP implants going back to their original provider for a replacement operation should be charged for such an operation.","AnswerText":"Private healthcare providers are expected to contact patients who have been given a PIP silicone breast implant, offer a consultation and, where clinically appropriate, arrange for removal of the implant and if the patient wishes its replacement without charge.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-27T13:46:13.937","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270817,"EventID":"S4W-06161","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5047,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-13T13:46:14.017","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-13T10:43:55.773","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S4O-00736 by Nicola Sturgeon on 1 March 2012 (Official Report, c. 6825) when it will next meet the Secretary of State for Work and Pens","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S4O-00736 by Nicola Sturgeon on 1 March 2012 (Official Report, c. 6825) when it will next meet the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions and what issues will be discussed.","AnswerText":"The Cabinet Secretary for Health Wellbeing and Cities Strategy met the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions on 14 March 2012 to discuss the UK Welfare Reform Bill and related matters.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-27T13:46:14.017","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270818,"EventID":"S4W-06162","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-13T13:46:14.11","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-13T11:07:34.79","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to reduce bureaucracy for businesses seeking to obtain a licence under the Licensing (Scotland) Act 2005.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to reduce bureaucracy for businesses seeking to obtain a licence under the Licensing (Scotland) Act 2005.\r\n","AnswerText":"NHSHealthScotland is conducting on behalf of the Scottish Government a wide ranging evaluation of the implementation and compliance with, Licensing (Scotland) Act 2005.\r\nIn addition, the Scottish Government has started work to review the guidance issued to licensing boards under the Licensing (Scotland) Act 2005, and to looking at other aspects of licensing legislation to see if changes are necessary.\r\nWe are committed to ensuring that the sale of alcohol is appropriately regulated.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-27T13:46:14.11","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270819,"EventID":"S4W-06163","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-13T13:46:14.187","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-13T11:07:34.79","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to improve the licence renewal process under the Licensing (Scotland) Act 2005.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to improve the licence renewal process under the Licensing (Scotland) Act 2005.\r\n","AnswerText":"Premises licences issued under the Licensing (Scotland) Act 2005 do not require renewal. Personal licences run for 10 years before requiring renewal. There are no specific plans to look at these arrangements.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-27T13:46:14.187","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270820,"EventID":"S4W-05971","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5034,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-13T14:04:33.62","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-27T17:01:58","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Cabinet Secretary for Education and Lifelong Learning plans to meet the Scottish Division of Educational Psychology (SDEP) to discuss SDEP's proposals to main","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Cabinet Secretary for Education and Lifelong Learning plans to meet the Scottish Division of Educational Psychology (SDEP) to discuss SDEP's proposals to maintain training courses.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Chair of the SDEP Executive and Training Committees wrote to me in November 2011 regarding the training of educational psychologists and I replied indicating that I fully recognise the importance of educational psychologists in the education system. In light of changes to align funding of postgraduate training with other postgraduate courses I also confirmed my support for continued work between Scottish Government officials, SDEP and others to ensure that there is a sustainable supply of educational psychologists in the future. I have no current plans to meet the Scottish Division of Educational Psychology to discuss SDEP’s proposal to maintain training courses.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-27T14:04:33.697","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270821,"EventID":"S4W-06169","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-13T17:25:59.65","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-13T15:04:49","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many whole-time equivalent heart failure specialist nurses there are in each NHS board.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many whole-time equivalent heart failure specialist nurses there are in each NHS board.","AnswerText":"Published information on head count and whole-time equivalent heart failure nurse specialists broken down by NHS board can be found on the workforce statistics website at:\r\nhttp://www.isdscotland.org/Health%2DTopics/Workforce/Nursing%2Dand%2DMidwifery/Clinical%20Nurse%20Specialists%202010.xls.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-27T17:25:59.68","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270822,"EventID":"S4W-06170","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-13T17:25:59.79","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-13T15:04:49","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what emergency life skills training is provided in primary schools.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what emergency life skills training is provided in primary schools.","AnswerText":"The experiences and outcomes under Curriculum for Excellence contain a section on physical wellbeing which includes the statement, “I know and can demonstrate how to keep myself and others safe and how to respond in a range of emergency situations.” It is for schools and local authorities to decide how to take this learning forward.\r\nTo support this learning, Education Scotland are working with the British Heart Foundation and Chest Heart and Stroke Scotland to develop resources for schools on emergency life support skills which are to be made available to schools in 2012.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-27T17:25:59.79","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270839,"EventID":"S4O-00819","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1841,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":120,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-14T13:13:01.26","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-07T15:13:38.617","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what impact the UK budget of 21 March 2012 will have on devolved matters.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what impact the UK budget of 21 March 2012 will have on devolved matters.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-28T13:13:01.54","MeetingDate":"2012-03-22T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270840,"EventID":"S4O-00820","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":5080,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-14T13:13:01.68","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-07T15:13:38.663","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what retailers will be included in its joint conference with the Scottish Retail Consortium that is scheduled to take place later this year.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what retailers will be included in its joint conference with the Scottish Retail Consortium that is scheduled to take place later this year.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-28T13:13:01.68","MeetingDate":"2012-03-22T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270841,"EventID":"S4O-00821","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2633,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-14T13:13:01.773","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-07T15:13:38.697","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures it is taking to address female unemployment in Fife.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures it is taking to address female unemployment in Fife.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-28T13:13:01.773","MeetingDate":"2012-03-22T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270842,"EventID":"S4O-00822","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2066,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-14T13:13:01.837","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-07T15:13:38.727","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what support it is providing to the Machrihanish Airbase Community Company.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what support it is providing to the Machrihanish Airbase Community Company.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-28T13:13:01.837","MeetingDate":"2012-03-22T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270843,"EventID":"S4O-00823","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":131,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-14T13:13:01.9","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-07T15:13:38.743","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to prioritise the completion of the A75 Hardgrove to Kinmount Improvement scheme.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to prioritise the completion of the A75 Hardgrove to Kinmount Improvement scheme.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-28T13:13:01.9","MeetingDate":"2012-03-22T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270844,"EventID":"S4O-00824","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":3743,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":123,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-14T13:13:01.96","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-07T15:13:38.757","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when work on the Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route will be completed.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when work on the Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route will be completed.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-28T13:13:01.96","MeetingDate":"2012-03-22T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270845,"EventID":"S4O-00825","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":5074,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":104,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-14T13:13:02.04","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-07T15:13:38.79","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress is being made on insulating homes and helping to protect families from rising energy costs.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress is being made on insulating homes and helping to protect families from rising energy costs.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-28T13:13:02.04","MeetingDate":"2012-03-22T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270846,"EventID":"S4O-00826","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":5057,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-14T13:13:02.117","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-07T15:13:38.897","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the average length of time and dosage is for a course of methadone.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the average length of time and dosage is for a course of methadone.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-28T13:13:02.117","MeetingDate":"2012-03-22T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270847,"EventID":"S4O-00827","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":5109,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":101,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-14T13:13:02.18","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-07T15:13:38.93","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it ensures that tenants in the private-rented sector can participate in consultations and policy-making on housing.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it ensures that tenants in the private-rented sector can participate in consultations and policy-making on housing.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-28T13:13:02.18","MeetingDate":"2012-03-22T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270848,"EventID":"S4O-00828","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1893,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-14T13:13:02.243","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-07T15:13:38.96","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the process of consulting on ferry services to island communities will be completed.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the process of consulting on ferry services to island communities will be completed.\r\n","AnswerText":"The closing date for responses to the Draft Ferries Plan consultation is 30 March 2012.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-28T13:13:02.257","MeetingDate":"2012-03-22T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270849,"EventID":"S4O-00829","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":5047,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-14T13:13:02.32","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-07T15:14:29.437","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to invest in cycling infrastructure to improve take-up rates of active travel in rural areas.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to invest in cycling infrastructure to improve take-up rates of active travel in rural areas.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-28T13:13:02.32","MeetingDate":"2012-03-22T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270850,"EventID":"S4O-00830","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":2059,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":91,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-14T13:13:02.413","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-07T15:14:29.47","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will officially launch its climate justice fund.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will officially launch its climate justice fund.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-28T13:13:02.413","MeetingDate":"2012-03-22T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270851,"EventID":"S4O-00831","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":4939,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":78,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-14T13:13:02.477","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-07T15:14:29.517","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many breaches of the sulphur dioxide 15-minute mean objective, as specified in the Air Quality (Scotland) Regulations 2000, have taken place since the Grangemouth Air","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many breaches of the sulphur dioxide 15-minute mean objective, as specified in the Air Quality (Scotland) Regulations 2000, have taken place since the Grangemouth Air Quality Management Area was declared in November 2005.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-28T13:13:02.477","MeetingDate":"2012-03-22T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270852,"EventID":"S4O-00832","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":2853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":81,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-14T13:13:02.54","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-07T15:14:29.547","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the total actual reduction in CO2 tonnage has been from projects receiving grants from the Climate Challenge Fund.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the total actual reduction in CO2 tonnage has been from projects receiving grants from the Climate Challenge Fund.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-28T13:13:02.54","MeetingDate":"2012-03-22T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270853,"EventID":"S4O-00834","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":1759,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-14T13:13:02.6","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-07T15:14:29.61","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what contingency plans it has put in place to ensure the continuing sale of mackerel in view of the possible loss of the Marine Stewardship Council certification at the e","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what contingency plans it has put in place to ensure the continuing sale of mackerel in view of the possible loss of the Marine Stewardship Council certification at the end of March 2012.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-28T13:13:02.617","MeetingDate":"2012-03-22T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270854,"EventID":"S4O-00835","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":4955,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":105,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-14T13:13:02.68","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-07T15:14:29.657","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress the Climate Challenge Fund is making in combating climate change by helping local communities to reduce their carbon emissions.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress the Climate Challenge Fund is making in combating climate change by helping local communities to reduce their carbon emissions.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-28T13:13:02.68","MeetingDate":"2012-03-22T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270855,"EventID":"S4O-00836","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":4956,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":106,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-14T13:13:02.74","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-07T15:14:29.67","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the environmental impact on the Forth Estuary was of the leak of contaminated water near South Queensferry on 14 November 2011 and what action has been taken to miti","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the environmental impact on the Forth Estuary was of the leak of contaminated water near South Queensferry on 14 November 2011 and what action has been taken to mitigate it.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-28T13:13:02.74","MeetingDate":"2012-03-22T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270856,"EventID":"S4O-00837","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":2615,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":143,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-14T13:13:02.82","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-07T15:14:29.717","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress it has made with its Zero Waste Plan.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress it has made with its Zero Waste Plan.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-28T13:13:02.82","MeetingDate":"2012-03-22T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270857,"EventID":"S4O-00838","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":4948,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-14T13:13:02.883","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-07T15:14:29.763","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what recent discussions the Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and the Environment has had with ministerial colleagues to assess any difficulties faced by island-based f","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what recent discussions the Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and the Environment has had with ministerial colleagues to assess any difficulties faced by island-based farmers in respect of haulage charges for agricultural supplies, produce and livestock.","AnswerText":"Ministers have had a number of discussions about the Ferries Review, including consideration of fare setting for services in the future. As you know the government is currently consulting on our Draft Ferries Plan, published for consultation on 21 December 2011, in which we set out our longer term aim to develop an overarching freight fares policy. Farmers and other interested parties have the opportunity to respond to the consultation which closes on 30 March and I would encourage those with an interest to do so.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-28T13:13:02.883","MeetingDate":"2012-03-22T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270858,"EventID":"S4O-00839","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":3806,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-14T13:13:02.943","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-07T15:15:26.697","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what analysis it has made of the impact of the creation of a single police force on the allocation of major function hubs across the country.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what analysis it has made of the impact of the creation of a single police force on the allocation of major function hubs across the country.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-28T13:13:02.943","MeetingDate":"2012-03-22T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270859,"EventID":"S4O-00840","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":4014,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-14T13:13:03.023","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-07T15:15:26.727","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what recent discussions it has had with police forces regarding the development and upgrade of emergency service communication equipment.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what recent discussions it has had with police forces regarding the development and upgrade of emergency service communication equipment.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-28T13:13:03.023","MeetingDate":"2012-03-22T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270860,"EventID":"S4O-00841","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":2029,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":145,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-14T13:13:03.1","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-07T15:15:26.743","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its position is on the need for a further level of scrutiny of expenditure by police and fire services.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its position is on the need for a further level of scrutiny of expenditure by police and fire services.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-28T13:13:03.1","MeetingDate":"2012-03-22T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270861,"EventID":"S4O-00842","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":2674,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":99,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-14T13:13:03.193","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-07T15:15:26.76","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it has taken to assist Highlands and Islands Fire and Rescue Service following the recent Audit Scotland report, The Audit of Best Value: Highlands and Islands","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it has taken to assist Highlands and Islands Fire and Rescue Service following the recent Audit Scotland report, The Audit of Best Value: Highlands and Islands Fire and Rescue.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-28T13:13:03.193","MeetingDate":"2012-03-22T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270862,"EventID":"S4O-00843","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":1845,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-14T13:13:03.287","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-07T15:15:26.773","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will review the support that it provides to Grampian Police in relation to civil contingencies.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will review the support that it provides to Grampian Police in relation to civil contingencies.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-28T13:13:03.287","MeetingDate":"2012-03-22T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270863,"EventID":"S4O-00844","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":77,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-14T13:13:03.367","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-07T15:15:26.807","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what procedures are followed in relation to police officers under investigation.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what procedures are followed in relation to police officers under investigation.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-28T13:13:03.367","MeetingDate":"2012-03-22T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270864,"EventID":"S4O-00845","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":5059,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-14T13:13:03.46","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-07T15:15:26.82","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what guidelines there are for police on how to treat children when arresting a parent.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what guidelines there are for police on how to treat children when arresting a parent.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-28T13:13:03.46","MeetingDate":"2012-03-22T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270865,"EventID":"S4O-00846","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":1986,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":142,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-14T13:13:03.553","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-07T15:15:26.837","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the Cabinet Secretary for Justice last met the chief executive officer of the Scottish Prison Service.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the Cabinet Secretary for Justice last met the chief executive officer of the Scottish Prison Service.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-28T13:13:03.567","MeetingDate":"2012-03-22T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270866,"EventID":"S4O-00847","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":2610,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-14T13:13:03.677","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-07T15:15:26.853","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how well the Scottish Prison Service is performing against its key performance indicators.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how well the Scottish Prison Service is performing against its key performance indicators.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-28T13:13:03.677","MeetingDate":"2012-03-22T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270867,"EventID":"S4O-00848","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":3824,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-14T13:13:03.77","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-07T15:15:26.867","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what support it will give to the Scottish Domestic Abuse Helpline over the next five years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what support it will give to the Scottish Domestic Abuse Helpline over the next five years.","AnswerText":"We will be funding a domestic abuse helpline for Scotland from 2012-15. Beyond this funding for all our work focused on tackling domestic abuse will be dependent on the outcome of the next spending review.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-28T13:13:03.77","MeetingDate":"2012-03-22T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270868,"EventID":"S4W-06164","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1860,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-14T14:37:59.767","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-13T13:43:50","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answers to questions S4W-03084 and S4W-03085 by Fergus Ewing on 28 October 2011 and S4W-03808 by Fergus Ewing on 15 November 2011, what (a) criteria it us","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answers to questions S4W-03084 and S4W-03085 by Fergus Ewing on 28 October 2011 and S4W-03808 by Fergus Ewing on 15 November 2011, what (a) criteria it used in and (b) the conclusions were of its environmental impact assessment of potential enterprise areas.","AnswerText":"“Environmental impact assessment” generally refers to the assessment of the environmental effects of projects and is undertaken in support of planning and consenting processes. Any development progressed at the sites selected as Enterprise Areas will be subject to project-level screening under the relevant environmental impact assessment regulations and, where a likely significant environmental impact is anticipated, an environmental impact assessment will be undertaken.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-28T14:37:59.767","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Derek Mackay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270869,"EventID":"S4W-06165","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1860,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-14T14:37:59.907","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-13T13:43:50","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the streamlined planning process for enterprise areas will involve.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the streamlined planning process for enterprise areas will involve.","AnswerText":"The streamlined planning process for enterprise areas is concerned with ensuring that applications are processed swiftly and to an agreed timescale. It does not remove the requirement to obtain planning or other permissions. Environmental and other public interest concerns will continue to be considered in line with the normal statutory planning requirements, such as the Town and Country Planning (Environmental Impact Assessment) (Scotland) Regulations 2011 and the Town and Country Planning (Development Management Procedure) (Scotland) Regulations 2008.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-28T14:37:59.907","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Derek Mackay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270870,"EventID":"S4W-06166","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1860,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-14T14:37:59.987","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-13T13:43:50","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the legislative basis will be for the streamlined planning process for enterprise areas.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the legislative basis will be for the streamlined planning process for enterprise areas.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-06165 on 26 March 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-28T14:37:59.987","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Derek Mackay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270871,"EventID":"S4W-06167","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1860,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-14T14:38:00.08","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-13T13:43:50","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how environmental and other public interest concerns relating to enterprise areas will be considered in the streamlined planning process.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how environmental and other public interest concerns relating to enterprise areas will be considered in the streamlined planning process.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-06165 on 26 March 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-28T14:38:00.08","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Derek Mackay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270872,"EventID":"S4W-06168","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-14T14:38:00.173","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-13T13:57:15","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answers to questions S4W-05947 and S4W-05950 by Nicola Sturgeon on 9 March 2012, what the concerns were about the corporate governance arrangements that r","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answers to questions S4W-05947 and S4W-05950 by Nicola Sturgeon on 9 March 2012, what the concerns were about the corporate governance arrangements that resulted in it taking over NHS Lothian's external audit process and, in light of these, for what reason it does not plan to review the board's corporate governance arrangements.\r\n","AnswerText":"I detailed my response to the findings of the report by PricewaterhouseCoopers into aspects of NHS Lothian’s waiting times management and processes in a statement to Parliament on 21 March 2012. The official report of this session is available on the Scottish Parliament website at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28862.aspx?r=6922&mode=html#iob_62863.\r\nA copy of the PricewaterhouseCoopers report has been made available in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre (Bib. number 53792).\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-28T14:38:00.173","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270901,"EventID":"S4W-06174","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2029,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":145,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-14T17:13:15.297","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-13T17:56:41","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S4W-05987 by Alasdair Allan on 13 March 2012, how many students sat examinations in each of the subjects listed in 2010-11.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S4W-05987 by Alasdair Allan on 13 March 2012, how many students sat examinations in each of the subjects listed in 2010-11.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Baccalaureates in Science and Languages require candidates to undertake two Advanced Higher courses and one Higher course, combining these with an Interdisciplinary Project. These courses are taken over S5 and S6. The subjects taken by candidates entered for a Baccalaureate in 2011-12 are given in the following table.\r\n\r\nPasses (1)\r\nPasses (1)\r\nEntries (2)\r\nEntries (2)\r\nHighers in 2010-11\r\nAdvanced Highers in 2010-11\r\nHighers in 2011-12\r\nAdvanced Highers in 2011-12\r\nScience Baccalaureate\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nBiology\r\n87\r\n\r\n6\r\n98\r\nBiotechnology\r\n\r\n\r\n1\r\n\r\nChemistry\r\n163\r\n\r\n9\r\n136\r\nComputing\r\n21\r\n\r\n3\r\n7\r\nGraphic Communication\r\n13\r\n\r\n3\r\n4\r\nHuman Biology\r\n34\r\n\r\n8\r\n\r\nInformation Systems\r\n5\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nManaging Environmental Resources\r\n1\r\n\r\n1\r\n\r\nPhysics\r\n127\r\n\r\n26\r\n85\r\nProduct Design\r\n2\r\n\r\n3\r\n\r\nTechnological Studies\r\n4\r\n\r\n3\r\n2\r\nMathematics\r\n175\r\n1\r\n7\r\n108\r\nApplied Mathematics\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n11\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nLanguages Baccalaureate\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nFrench\r\n36\r\n\r\n2\r\n34\r\nGaidhlig\r\n1\r\n\r\n\r\n1\r\nGaelic\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nGerman\r\n9\r\n\r\n1\r\n7\r\nItalian\r\n3\r\n\r\n3\r\n2\r\nLatin\r\n\r\n\r\n3\r\n\r\nSpanish\r\n22\r\n\r\n3\r\n20\r\nEnglish\r\n37\r\n\r\n3\r\n17\r\nESOL\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nNotes:\r\n1. Question S4W-05987 refers to Baccalaureate candidates in 2011-12. These candidates would need to have passed any Higher or Advanced Higher component courses in 2010-11 to be eligible to be entered for a Baccalaureate in 2011-12, and therefore passes rather than candidate entries have been given.\r\n2. Candidate entry figures for 2011-12 are indicative only and subject to change. Final numbers will not be known until completion of courses and certification.","AnswerDate":"2012-03-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-28T17:13:15.36","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alasdair Allan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270902,"EventID":"S4W-06175","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5059,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-14T17:13:15.483","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-14T11:12:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many children stay with a parent who is a prisoner.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many children stay with a parent who is a prisoner.\r\n","AnswerText":"I have asked John Ewing, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service, to respond. His response is as follows:\r\nThere are currently no children in the mother and baby unit at HMP Cornton Vale. With regard to prisoners who have children residing with them when they are not in custody, the SPS does not routinely collect such information.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-28T17:13:15.5","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270903,"EventID":"S4W-06176","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5059,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-14T17:13:15.577","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-14T11:12:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it is tackling youth homelessness.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it is tackling youth homelessness.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government is committed to addressing homelessness amongst young people, underpinned by our commitment to the target that all those assessed as unintentionally homeless by local authorities will be entitled to settled accommodation by the end of this year. \r\nIn working to meet this target, we are prioritising the prevention of homelessness through the promotion of the housing options approach being taken forward by five regional local authority hubs. Housing options looks at an individual’s circumstances in the broadest sense when they approach an authority for assistance and may consider issues of particular importance in preventing homelessness amongst young people, such as employability or the need for mediation. \r\nWe recognise the particular challenges that may be faced by young people at risk of homelessness and the support that may be required to help sustain tenancies. The cross sector Supported Accommodation Implementation Group has been established to take forward the recommendations of the Supported Accommodation Working Group, with a particular focus on the needs of young homeless people. The implementation group will report in November 2012.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-28T17:13:15.577","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270904,"EventID":"S4W-06177","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5059,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-14T17:13:15.657","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-14T11:12:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what incentives it provides for young homeless people to (a) enter higher education or (b) find higher paying work.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what incentives it provides for young homeless people to (a) enter higher education or (b) find higher paying work.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government recognises the important role access to employment, training and education can play in helping young people move on from the experience of homelessness and the challenges they may encounter in this regard. \r\nOn the specific issue of incentives to enter further education and higher paid work, students from low-income backgrounds, including homeless students, are able to apply for the highest rate of student support, including non-repayable bursary support. This is paid instead of part of the student loan; thereby reducing the amount of loan such students need to take out.\r\nIn addition to this, on a day-to-day basis such students would be eligible for support from the Discretionary Funds that are managed by the institutions themselves.  Skills Development Scotland also offers Individual Learning Accounts to support learning chosen by an individual and which can be accessed by those that are on lower incomes or benefits.\r\nWe have established the Supported Accommodation Implementation Group with a specific focus on homeless young people, which will report by November 2012. It is taking forward the recommendations of the Supported Accommodation Working Group, which address the theme of employability. We also fund the Scottish Homelessness and Employability Network (SHEN) to share practice and address challenges around this issue and highlight its importance to cross sector partners.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-28T17:13:15.673","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270905,"EventID":"S4W-06181","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-14T17:13:15.78","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-14T13:14:59","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consultations it has carried out since 2007, broken down by (a) end date, (b) publication date of responses, (c) date of Scottish Government response and (d) number ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consultations it has carried out since 2007, broken down by (a) end date, (b) publication date of responses, (c) date of Scottish Government response and (d) number of responses.","AnswerText":"Listening to and consulting with the public and stakeholders is an essential part of the Scottish Government’s business.\r\nGiven the wide-ranging nature of the Scottish Government’s work, there are a variety of consultation methods used. This includes public meetings, focus groups, online forums and telephone calls, in addition to formal written consultations. As such, it is not possible to provide a record of all consultation activity.\r\nCopies of current, closed and forthcoming formal Scottish Government consultations are available at http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Consultations/Current.\r\nCopies of non-confidential responses to formal consultations are published at http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/Recent. \r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-28T17:13:15.78","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Bruce Crawford","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270906,"EventID":"S4W-06182","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-14T17:13:15.873","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-14T13:30:07","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will initiate a study on the carbon footprint of biomass plants that use materials such as draff.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will initiate a study on the carbon footprint of biomass plants that use materials such as draff.\r\n","AnswerText":"Over the past months the Scottish Government has facilitated meetings between the Scotch Whisky Association and farming bodies to discuss concerns regarding the use of distillery co-products for renewables generation.\r\nIn these stakeholder meetings it was decided to commission research into a wide range of aspects which are relevant in the context of distillery co-product use. The research includes the nutritional value, pricing, production of and demand for distillery co-products as livestock feed in Scotland. It also looks into the carbon implications on farm of using distillery co-products compared with other alternative feed rations. On completion the report will be discussed with stakeholders and the need for further research will be explored. Such research may include, but would not necessarily be limited to, carbon footprinting. The design would need to take account of any issues of commercial sensitivity around the data on which it is based.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-07-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-28T17:13:15.873","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270907,"EventID":"S4W-06183","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1845,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-14T17:13:15.983","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-14T13:52:49","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many managers have been employed in each NHS board in each year since 2007.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many managers have been employed in each NHS board in each year since 2007.\r\n","AnswerText":"Published information on head count and whole-time equivalent management grades (non Agenda for Change), broken down by NHS board at 30 September to 31 December 2011 can be found on the workforce statistics website at: \r\nhttp://www.isdscotland.org/Health-Topics/Workforce/Publications/2012-02-28/All_Other_Staff_D2011.xls.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-28T17:13:15.983","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270908,"EventID":"S4W-06184","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1845,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-14T17:13:16.093","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-14T13:52:49","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it plans to establish a carer’s parliament.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it plans to establish a carer’s parliament.","AnswerText":"The first Carers Parliament will be held on 1 October 2012 in the Scottish Parliament. The National Carers Organisations have agreed to work with us to help organise the event. They are now holding a consultation with carers to determine the themes for the day. MSPs will be invited in due course.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-28T17:13:16.11","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270909,"EventID":"S4W-06185","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1845,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-14T17:13:16.17","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-14T13:52:49","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much money from the Adult Social Care Change Fund has been used to support unpaid carers each year.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much money from the Adult Social Care Change Fund has been used to support unpaid carers each year.","AnswerText":"Guidance to partnerships for 2011-12, the first year of the Reshaping Care for Older People Change Fund, made clear that they should invest an appropriate portion of their change fund allocation in provision that specifically supports carers. A six monthly analysis of partnership returns suggested that cumulatively, partnerships allocated £3.9 million of the change fund in direct support of carers.\r\nFrom 2012-13 onwards, the Scottish Government has committed to ensure that at least 20% of the Change Fund is used to support carers to continue to care. In the period 2012-15, this means that at least £46 million should be dedicated to carer support.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-28T17:13:16.17","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270910,"EventID":"S4W-06186","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1845,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-14T17:13:16.233","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-14T13:52:49","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many NHS appointments have been missed in each year since 2009 and at what cost.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many NHS appointments have been missed in each year since 2009 and at what cost.\r\n","AnswerText":"Information on the number of patients who did not attend (DNA) a first outpatient appointment at a consultant-led clinic in the calendar years 2009 and 2010 is provided in the table below. Data for 2011 are not yet available.\r\nInformation is not available on the cost of a non-attendance at an outpatient clinic.\r\nPrior to the introduction of the New Ways of Defining and Measuring Waiting Times, DNA information was only available for first outpatient appointments from Scottish Morbidity Records. DNA information is now published from the National Waiting Times dataset for both first outpatient appointments and for inpatient and day case treatment.\r\nLatest published information from New Ways shows that for the quarter ending 31 December 2011, there were 35,698 missed first outpatient appointments at a consultant-led clinic a DNA rate of 9.5%. For the same, there were 2,421 missed appointments for inpatient and day case treatment, a DNA rate 2.2%.\r\nYear\r\nNumber of New\r\nOutpatient Appointments\r\nNumber of DNAs\r\nDNA %\r\n2009\r\n1,614,917\r\n171,425\r\n10.6%\r\n2010\r\n1,570,331\r\n168,476\r\n10.7%\r\nSource: ISD Scotland, SMR00 (outpatient appointments).\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-28T17:13:16.233","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270911,"EventID":"S4W-06187","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1845,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-14T17:13:16.357","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-14T13:52:49","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many GP appointments have been missed in each year since 2007, broken down by NHS board.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many GP appointments have been missed in each year since 2007, broken down by NHS board.","AnswerText":"Information on the number of missed GP appointments in Scotland is not available centrally.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-28T17:13:16.357","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270912,"EventID":"S4W-06188","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1845,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-14T17:13:16.453","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-14T13:52:49","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many compensation payments have been made by each NHS board in each year since 2007.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many compensation payments have been made by each NHS board in each year since 2007.\r\n","AnswerText":"The following table details the total number of clinical negligence payments that NHS boards have made in each year since 2007:\r\nHealth Board\r\n2007-08\r\n2008-09\r\n2009-10\r\n2010-11\r\nAyrshire and Arran\r\n15\r\n10\r\n8\r\n7\r\nBorders\r\n8\r\n3\r\n4\r\n5\r\nDumfries and Galloway\r\n4\r\n3\r\n3\r\n3\r\nFife\r\n11\r\n3\r\n7\r\n3\r\nForth Valley\r\n9\r\n20\r\n25\r\n14\r\nGrampian\r\n14\r\n14\r\n17\r\n12\r\nGreater Glasgow and Clyde\r\n48\r\n50\r\n69\r\n44\r\nHighland\r\n6\r\n8\r\n4\r\n5\r\nLanarkshire\r\n22\r\n7\r\n20\r\n9\r\nLothian\r\n25\r\n27\r\n23\r\n15\r\nOrkney\r\n-\r\n1\r\n-\r\n1\r\nShetland\r\n-\r\n-\r\n2\r\n1\r\nTayside\r\n16\r\n22\r\n9\r\n12\r\nWestern Isles\r\n-\r\n1\r\n2\r\n-\r\nNHS 24\r\n-\r\n1\r\n1\r\n1\r\nNHS National Services Scotland\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n1\r\nNational Waiting Times Board\r\n-\r\n1\r\n-\r\n-\r\nScottish Government Health and Social Care Directorates\r\n3\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\nScottish Ambulance Service\r\n1\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\nTotal\r\n182\r\n171\r\n194\r\n133\r\nSource: NHS National Services Scotland’s Central Legal Office.","AnswerDate":"2012-03-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-28T17:13:16.453","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270913,"EventID":"S4W-06189","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1845,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-14T17:13:16.547","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-14T13:52:49","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many NHS employees have received compensation payments following an assault in each year since 2007, broken down by NHS board.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many NHS employees have received compensation payments following an assault in each year since 2007, broken down by NHS board.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-28T17:13:16.547","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270914,"EventID":"S4W-06190","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1845,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-14T17:13:16.623","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-14T13:52:49","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many suicides there have been among farmers in each year since 1999.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many suicides there have been among farmers in each year since 1999.\r\n","AnswerText":"The National Records of Scotland (NRS) publishes statistics of the numbers of probable suicides. These are deaths which have been classified as the result of intentional self-harm or of events of undetermined intent, because it is thought that most of the latter are likely to be suicides. Further information about statistics of probable suicides is available at: http://www.gro-scotland.gov.uk/statistics/theme/vital-events/deaths/suicides/index.html. \r\nFor the figures for 1999 to 2009, I refer the member to the question S3W-35951, answered on 14 September 2010. All answers to written Parliamentary Questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\nThe answer to question S3W-35951 gave the numbers of probable suicides for which the deceased’s occupation was simply described on the death certificate as “farmer”. The following table provides figures on exactly the same basis for 2010. The corresponding statistics for 2011 will not be available until after NRS has published the total number of probable suicides for that year, which is scheduled for August.\r\nProbable Suicides of Farmers1 in Scotland\r\nRegistration Year\r\nNot a Retired Farmer\r\nPossibly2 Retired Farmer\r\nRetired Farmer\r\nTotal\r\n2010\r\n3\r\n0\r\n1\r\n4\r\nSource: NRS.\r\nNotes:\r\n1. These figures do not include suicides of people whose occupations were described in other ways - for example, they did not include suicides of fish farmers, farm labourers, farm workers, gamekeepers, shepherds, tractor drivers or crofters.\r\n2. The deceased was over 55 years old, but NRS does not know whether or not he/she had retired.","AnswerDate":"2012-03-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-28T17:13:16.64","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270915,"EventID":"S4W-06191","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1845,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-14T17:13:16.733","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-14T13:52:49","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much it has spent on running costs for ministerial cars in each year since 2007.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much it has spent on running costs for ministerial cars in each year since 2007.\r\n","AnswerText":"The following table details the running costs for ministerial vehicles since 2007.\r\nYear\r\nTotal Cost (£)\r\n2007-08\r\n123,689\r\n2008-09\r\n154,262\r\n2009-10\r\n148,087\r\n2010-11\r\n162,083\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-28T17:13:16.733","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270916,"EventID":"S4W-06192","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4014,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-14T17:13:16.827","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-14T13:53:04","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has held with the business sector since 2007 on how regulations are applied.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has held with the business sector since 2007 on how regulations are applied.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has and continues to work closely with the independent Regulatory Review Group (RRG) whose members include the main business organisations in Scotland. This provides an effective mechanism for identifying and considering regulatory issues. The Scottish Government meets with the RRG monthly and there is also regular dialogue at a ministerial level.\r\nRegulators also have in place various mechanisms for engaging with business. For example, the Accountant in Bankruptcy engages with the Debate and Insolvency Services stakeholders forum which includes representatives of the money advice sector, Insolvency bodies and also creditor groups. Food Standards Agency hold forums to inform stakeholders of new regulations and policies and seek views from them. SNH engages with representative bodies, business, and developers through regular meetings, conferences and events, and training.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-28T17:13:16.827","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270917,"EventID":"S4W-06193","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4014,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-14T17:13:16.92","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-14T13:53:04","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many community organisations have won bids for public sector contracts in each year since 2007.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many community organisations have won bids for public sector contracts in each year since 2007.\r\n","AnswerText":"This information is not centrally collected.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-28T17:13:16.937","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270918,"EventID":"S4W-06194","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4014,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-14T17:13:16.997","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-14T13:53:04","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much it has been spent on consultancy services in each year since 2007.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much it has been spent on consultancy services in each year since 2007.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-02171 on 14 September 2011. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-28T17:13:16.997","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270919,"EventID":"S4W-06195","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4014,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-14T17:13:17.06","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-14T13:53:04","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many children have been treated for alcohol addiction in each year since 2007, broken down by NHS board.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many children have been treated for alcohol addiction in each year since 2007, broken down by NHS board.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-01128 on 11 July 2011. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-28T17:13:17.06","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270920,"EventID":"S4W-06196","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4014,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-14T17:13:17.137","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-14T13:53:04","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many school nurses there have been in each year since 2007, broken down by local authority.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many school nurses there have been in each year since 2007, broken down by local authority.\r\n","AnswerText":"Information on the number of School Nurses there have been in each year since 2007 at local authority level is not held centrally.\r\nSchool Nurses form part of the Public Health Nurse (PHN) team which comprises School Nurses, Health Visitors and those who carry out a dual role.\r\nTable 1 presents information by NHS board of staff working within the PHN Team for years 2007-11. Table 2 presents information by NHS board of School Nurses for years 2007-11.\r\nTable 1 Qualified ¹ Public Health Nurses ² by NHS Board (WTE), 2007-11\r\n \r\nAnnual³ September\r\nQuarterly\r\n2007\r\n2008\r\n2009\r\n2010\r\nMar-11\r\nJun-11\r\nSep-11\r\nDec-11\r\nScotland\r\n1,546.0\r\n1,624.9\r\n1,607.2\r\n1,704.3\r\n1,724.0\r\n1,691.8\r\n1,736.8\r\n1,710.9\r\nBorders\r\n36.2\r\n36.4\r\n33.3\r\n33.3\r\n34.5\r\n33.0\r\n32.4\r\n32.2\r\nFife\r\n125.9\r\n119.3\r\n117.3\r\n119.4\r\n143.7\r\n142.9\r\n142.0\r\n138.8\r\nLothian\r\n238.5\r\n242.0\r\n244.6\r\n244.5\r\n240.0\r\n235.5\r\n231.4\r\n227.2\r\nHighland\r\n89.8\r\n101.4\r\n102.7\r\n93.3\r\n91.6\r\n86.1\r\n83.6\r\n87.6\r\nGrampian\r\n162.7\r\n183.4\r\n187.6\r\n177.7\r\n175.2\r\n174.2\r\n174.8\r\n173.6\r\nOrkney\r\n8.2\r\n6.6\r\n7.2\r\n6.6\r\n5.0\r\n6.0\r\n6.0\r\n6.6\r\nTayside\r\n109.9\r\n110.7\r\n96.0\r\n103.2\r\n107.1\r\n96.7\r\n160.5\r\n152.8\r\nWestern Isles\r\n9.0\r\n10.0\r\n11.0\r\n11.0\r\n12.0\r\n12.0\r\n12.0\r\n11.8\r\nShetland\r\n7.2\r\n10.0\r\n8.2\r\n8.6\r\n8.9\r\n8.9\r\n7.3\r\n6.3\r\nAyrshire and Arran\r\n104.8\r\n112.6\r\n112.5\r\n134.4\r\n136.8\r\n135.0\r\n135.4\r\n134.4\r\nGreater Glasgow and Clyde\r\n281.7\r\n346.9\r\n308.7\r\n397.3\r\n394.3\r\n389.7\r\n382.2\r\n379.9\r\nLanarkshire\r\n239.4\r\n211.8\r\n231.2\r\n229.5\r\n229.3\r\n228.7\r\n228.1\r\n218.4\r\nForth Valley\r\n71.6\r\n76.3\r\n80.5\r\n81.8\r\n79.3\r\n76.7\r\n76.3\r\n75.8\r\nDumfries and Galloway\r\n58.2\r\n54.8\r\n55.9\r\n62.0\r\n64.7\r\n64.7\r\n62.9\r\n63.6\r\nState Hospital\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\nNational Waiting Times Centre\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\nScottish Ambulance Service\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\nNHS 24\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\nNHS National Services Scotland\r\n2.8\r\n2.8\r\n10.7\r\n1.8\r\n1.8\r\n1.8\r\n1.8\r\n1.8\r\nNHS Education for Scotland\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\nNHS Health Scotland\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\nNHS Healthcare Improvement Scotland\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\nSource: ISD Scotland.\r\nNotes:\r\n1. AfC bands 5 to 9.\r\n2. Public Health Nurses include Health, Visitors, School Nurses and those who have a dual role.\r\n3. As at 30 September.\r\n4. The following symbol has been used: - nil.\r\nTable 2 Qualified ¹ School Nurses by NHS board (WTE), 2007-11\r\n\r\nAnnual² September\r\nQuarterly\r\n \r\n2007\r\n2008\r\n2009\r\n2010\r\nMar-11\r\nJun-11\r\nSep-11\r\nDec-11\r\nScotland\r\n261.2\r\n271.9\r\n275.1\r\n271.7\r\n271.7\r\n261.6\r\n263.7\r\n246.2\r\nBorders\r\n4.8\r\n6.6\r\n5.1\r\n5.0\r\n4.9\r\n4.9\r\n4.9\r\n4.2\r\nFife\r\n27.5\r\n24.2\r\n21.6\r\n21.5\r\n28.3\r\n29.1\r\n28.7\r\n26.7\r\nLothian\r\n33.0\r\n31.4\r\n38.3\r\n38.2\r\n35.8\r\n35.0\r\n37.0\r\n35.2\r\nHighland\r\n19.9\r\n21.2\r\n22.1\r\n20.5\r\n20.0\r\n18.8\r\n18.3\r\n18.3\r\nGrampian\r\n27.9\r\n33.5\r\n36.4\r\n34.8\r\n33.1\r\n33.4\r\n34.3\r\n34.3\r\nOrkney\r\n1.4\r\n1.4\r\n1.4\r\n1.6\r\n1.6\r\n1.6\r\n1.6\r\n1.6\r\nTayside\r\n20.1\r\n19.0\r\n17.7\r\n20.1\r\n20.0\r\n17.8\r\n21.2\r\n7.8\r\nWestern Isles\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\nShetland\r\n0.7\r\n0.7\r\n0.7\r\n0.7\r\n0.7\r\n0.7\r\n0.7\r\n0.7\r\nAyrshire and Arran\r\n27.8\r\n29.7\r\n31.1\r\n29.3\r\n28.2\r\n23.9\r\n23.2\r\n23.2\r\nGreater Glasgow and Clyde\r\n47.5\r\n54.6\r\n51.4\r\n49.5\r\n51.0\r\n49.6\r\n49.1\r\n48.7\r\nLanarkshire\r\n32.5\r\n28.4\r\n28.4\r\n26.9\r\n25.1\r\n25.0\r\n24.2\r\n24.2\r\nForth Valley\r\n10.7\r\n13.8\r\n13.6\r\n14.0\r\n13.2\r\n12.0\r\n12.6\r\n12.6\r\nDumfries and Galloway\r\n7.3\r\n7.4\r\n7.3\r\n9.7\r\n9.7\r\n9.7\r\n7.9\r\n8.9\r\nState Hospital\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\nNational Waiting Times Centre\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\nScottish Ambulance Service\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\nNHS 24\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\nNHS National Services Scotland\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\nNHS Education for Scotland\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\nNHS Health Scotland\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\nNHS Healthcare Improvement Scotland\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\nSource: ISD Scotland.\r\nNotes: \r\n1. AfC bands 5 to 9.\r\n2. As at 30 September.\r\n3. The following symbol has been used: - nil.","AnswerDate":"2012-03-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-28T17:13:17.137","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270921,"EventID":"S4W-06197","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4014,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-14T17:13:17.217","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-14T13:53:04","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the ratio is of the number of schoolchildren to school nurses, broken down by NHS board.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the ratio is of the number of schoolchildren to school nurses, broken down by NHS board.\r\n","AnswerText":"Information on the ratio of the number of schoolchildren to school nurses, broken down by NHS board, is not held centrally.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-28T17:13:17.217","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270922,"EventID":"S4W-06198","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4014,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-14T17:13:17.293","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-14T13:53:04","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information it has on how many (a) grocers, (b) butchers, (c) bakers, (d) fishmongers, (e) newsagents, (f) confectioners, (g) tobacco retail outlets and (h) wholesal","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information it has on how many (a) grocers, (b) butchers, (c) bakers, (d) fishmongers, (e) newsagents, (f) confectioners, (g) tobacco retail outlets and (h) wholesalers there have been in each year since 2007.\r\n","AnswerText":"Data on business sites by industrial sector are available from the Inter-Departmental Business Register (IDBR). The IDBR, maintained by the Office for National Statistics, is a database of all enterprises registered for VAT and/or PAYE in the UK. Those excluded are small businesses with no employees and an annual turnover below the VAT threshold (£70,000 at March 2011).\r\nBusiness sites are categorised on the IDBR according to the Standard Industrial Classification (SIC). It is not possible to obtain figures for the exact categories requested due to the SIC structure. The data in the following tables are the closest SIC equivalents. Note that the SIC 2003 codes have now been replaced by new SIC 2007 codes. Data for 2008-11 are provided on a SIC2007 basis (Table 1), whereas data for 2007 are provided on a SIC2003 basis (Table 2). Therefore the data for 2007 are not directly comparable with that for 2008-11. Note also that it is not possible to identify newsagent retail outlets specifically for the year 2007 using the SIC2003 codes.\r\nTable 1: Business Sites in Selected Codes (SIC2007), Scotland, March Each Year\r\nSIC 2007\r\nDescription\r\n2008\r\n2009\r\n2010\r\n2011\r\n46310\r\nWholesale of fruit and vegetables\r\n210\r\n210\r\n190\r\n180\r\n46320\r\nWholesale of meat and meat products\r\n175\r\n170\r\n155\r\n150\r\n46350\r\nWholesale of tobacco products\r\n10\r\n10\r\n5\r\n5\r\n46360\r\nWholesale of sugar and chocolate and sugar confectionary\r\n35\r\n45\r\n45\r\n45\r\n46380\r\nWholesale of other food, including fish, crustaceans and molluscs\r\n280\r\n265\r\n265\r\n270\r\n47210\r\nRetail sale of fruit & vegetables in specialised stores\r\n400\r\n355\r\n365\r\n360\r\n47220\r\nRetail sale of meat and meat products, in specialised stores\r\n755\r\n730\r\n725\r\n700\r\n47230\r\nRetail sale of fish, crustaceans and molluscs, in specialised stores\r\n275\r\n260\r\n245\r\n250\r\n47240\r\nRetail sale of bread, cakes, flour confectionary and sugar confectionary in specialised stores\r\n815\r\n810\r\n820\r\n835\r\n47260\r\nRetail sale of tobacco products in specialised stores\r\n280\r\n240\r\n220\r\n215\r\n47620\r\nRetail sale of newspapers and stationery in specialised stores\r\n580\r\n595\r\n640\r\n635\r\nSource: Inter-Departmental Business Register, Office for National Statistics.\r\nNotes: \r\nBusiness site counts are rounded to the nearest five.\r\nBusiness sites are the individual sites within an enterprise i.e. every store, branch, office.\r\nTable 2: Business Sites in Selected Codes (SIC2003), Scotland, March 2007\r\nSIC 2003\r\nDescription\r\n2007\r\n51310\r\nWholesale of fruit and vegetables\r\n190\r\n51320\r\nWholesale of meat and meat products\r\n200\r\n51350\r\nWholesale of tobacco products\r\n10\r\n51360\r\nWholesale of sugar and chocolate and sugar confectionary\r\n30\r\n51380\r\nWholesale of other food, including fish, crustaceans and molluscs\r\n300\r\n52210\r\nRetail sale of fruit and vegetables\r\n480\r\n52220\r\nRetail sale of meat and meat products in specialised stores\r\n770\r\n52230\r\nRetail sale of fish, crustaceans and molluscs in specialised stores\r\n280\r\n52240\r\nRetail sale of bread, cakes, flour confectionary and sugar confectionary in specialised stores\r\n845\r\n52260\r\nRetail sale of tobacco products in specialised stores\r\n350\r\nSource: Inter-Departmental Business Register, Office for National Statistics.\r\nNotes: \r\nBusiness site counts are rounded to the nearest five.\r\nBusiness sites are the individual sites within an enterprise i.e. every store, branch, office.","AnswerDate":"2012-03-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-28T17:13:17.293","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270923,"EventID":"S4W-06199","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4086,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-14T17:13:17.373","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-14T15:34:48","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what contingency plans it has in the event that the common agricultural policy reform is not agreed by early 2014.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what contingency plans it has in the event that the common agricultural policy reform is not agreed by early 2014.\r\n","AnswerText":"The European Commission’s timetable for Common Agricultural Policy reform is designed on the basis that the new policy will be available from the 1 January 2014, and the government have been consulting on that basis with stakeholders. However, we acknowledge that this is a challenging timetable and that there is a real possibility of the new policy, including detailed EU implementing rules and approved new rural development programmes, not being completed by that date. We are also aware that there were problems over transitional arrangements between the end of the last and beginning of the current rural development programme in Scotland. With that in mind, we are pressing the European Commission to come up with acceptable transitional arrangements that will allow funding to be continued should there be any delay in launching the new policy. At the same time, officials are developing contingency plans in discussion with the UK government and the other devolved administrations.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-28T17:13:17.373","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270924,"EventID":"S4W-06171","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2108,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":141,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-15T13:54:56.003","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-13T17:42:21","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will consider implementing a time limit between the pre-application consultation and the submission of the formal planning application for major developments. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will consider implementing a time limit between the pre-application consultation and the submission of the formal planning application for major developments. \r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has no plans to introduce such a time limit. The existing arrangements strike a balance between involving communities, and providing a clear, proportionate system to applicants.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-29T13:54:56.643","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Derek Mackay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270925,"EventID":"S4W-06172","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2108,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":141,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-15T13:54:56.783","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-13T17:42:21","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it can take to protect communities from proposed developments that they consider to be unnecessary.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it can take to protect communities from proposed developments that they consider to be unnecessary.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government oversees the Scottish planning system, which operates to balance competing interests over the use and development of land. Primary responsibility for considering individual proposals falls to planning authorities. Scottish ministers have powers to call in planning applications for their own determination, but these powers are only used in exceptional circumstances, in instances where there are issues of genuine national significance.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-29T13:54:56.783","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Derek Mackay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270926,"EventID":"S4W-06173","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2108,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":141,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-15T13:54:56.86","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-13T17:42:21","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will consider limiting the number of pre-application (a) notifications and (b) consultations that a developer can propose.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will consider limiting the number of pre-application (a) notifications and (b) consultations that a developer can propose.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government currently has no plans to introduce such as restrictions.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-29T13:54:56.86","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Derek Mackay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270927,"EventID":"S4W-06179","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":136,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-15T13:54:56.953","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-14T11:46:46.033","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, in light of recent allegations that the Crown Office did not act with propriety in the disclosure of evidence to the defence team in the case of Abdelbaset Ali Mohmed Al","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, in light of recent allegations that the Crown Office did not act with propriety in the disclosure of evidence to the defence team in the case of Abdelbaset Ali Mohmed Al Megrahi, whether the Scottish Government (a) has the power under the Inquiries Act 2005 to establish an inquiry into the actions of the Crown Office and (b) can refer the matter to the Inspectorate of Prosecution in Scotland.\r\n","AnswerText":"The only appropriate forum for determining Abdelbaset Ali Mohmed Al-Megrahi’s guilt is a court of law. The recent selective and partial reporting of the Scottish Criminal Cases Review Commission’s Statement of Reasons in relation to his conviction referred to issues in Mr Al-Megrahi’s second appeal which would have been properly considered by the Appeal Court had Mr Al-Megrahi not withdrawn his appeal.\r\nThe Scottish Ministers have a  general power under section 1 of the Inquiries Act 2005 which allows a minister to hold an inquiry in relation to a case where it appears to him that particular events have caused, or are capable of causing, public concern, or there is public concern that particular events may have occurred.\r\nUnder the Criminal Proceedings etc (Reform) (Scotland) Act 2007, the Chief Inspector of Prosecution in Scotland is required to submit to the Lord Advocate a report on any particular matter connected with the operation of the Service which the Lord Advocate refers to the Inspector. The Scottish Government has no power to direct the Inspectorate of Prosecutions to establish an inquiry on any matter.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-29T13:54:56.953","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270928,"EventID":"S4W-06200","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5034,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-15T13:54:57.11","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-14T16:02:49","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what legal responsibility the Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service has for (a) blood donors and (b) people receiving blood transfusions.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what legal responsibility the Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service has for (a) blood donors and (b) people receiving blood transfusions.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service (SNBTS) is governed by the provisions of the Blood Safety and Quality Regulations 2005, against which the service is inspected by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency.\r\nThe standards which are applied to protect the health of both donors and patients are laid out in the UK Guidelines for the Blood Transfusion Services.\r\nSNBTS owes a clear duty of care directly to the donor in respect of, for example, all aspects of the donation process including: the provision of information on the basis of which the donor may choose to self exclude; confidentiality of donor information of a highly sensitive nature; care around the act of venepuncture, and counselling in the event of screen positive results.\r\nSNBTS is responsible for ensuring that its processes and systems provide for a high standard of blood components to be supplied to NHS boards for use in treatment, as set out in the 2005 Regulations. Direct responsibility for that treatment rests, however, with the clinicians undertaking blood transfusions and their employing NHS boards.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-29T13:54:57.11","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270929,"EventID":"S4W-06202","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5034,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-15T13:54:57.203","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-14T16:02:49","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what provisions the Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service puts in place for (a) deaf blood donors who use British Sign Language, (b) deafblind people and (c) people","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what provisions the Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service puts in place for (a) deaf blood donors who use British Sign Language, (b) deafblind people and (c) people with an acquired profound hearing loss.\r\n","AnswerText":"As with donors with any type of disability, the Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service (SNBTS) strives to make reasonable adjustments to its services based on individual needs. The Blood Safety and Quality Regulations 2005 state that the UK Blood Services have a responsibility to ensure that all donors must fully understand the donation process and give valid consent to the process and to the testing of their blood for diseases that may affect its suitability for use.\r\nThe UK Donor Selection Guidelines offer guidance on the use of interpreters which would include, for example, an interpreter of British Sign Language. It is permissible for any third party interpreter to act as an enabler by helping to reassure the donor and to assist in establishing effective communication between the donor and the qualified health professional. The third party must not, however, be present during any exchange of confidential information, unless they are not personally known to the donor and understand the requirements of the relevant part of the regulations. Confidential parts of the process include the evaluation of the health and medical history questionnaire, the medical interview and the obtaining of valid consent. Any third party, with the permission of the donor, may accompany the donor through other parts of the donation process that do not include the exchange of confidential information.\r\nFor those donors who are wholly or partially deaf, SNBTS conducts the interview in the most confidential way possible. SNBTS has a written protocol to explain the donation process and risks associated with giving blood. SNBTS can also provide assistance in completing the forms.\r\nFor those donors who are blind, the donor health check will be read to the person by the member of staff undertaking the donor screening, in the most confidential way possible. An audio version of the donor information leaflet is also available on CD and on the SNBTS website. This leaflet is also available in a Braille version.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-29T13:54:57.203","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270930,"EventID":"S4W-06205","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5034,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-15T13:54:57.267","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-14T16:02:49","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how the Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service ensures that everyone with a communication support need has the necessary information about (a) giving and (b) receivi","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how the Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service ensures that everyone with a communication support need has the necessary information about (a) giving and (b) receiving blood.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service (SNBTS) is aware of its duties under the Equality Act and the Disability Discrimination Act and will, whenever and wherever reasonable, try to provide facilities for individuals whose first language is not English, or who have other difficulties in communicating. Potential donors with such difficulties are advised to seek advice from their local Blood Service Help Line before attending a donor session to ascertain whether their needs can be met.\r\nTo comply with the Blood Safety and Quality Regulations 2005, SNBTS must provide every donor with accurate educational materials, which are written in terms that can be understood by members of the general public. Every donor must complete a health and medical history questionnaire and undergo a personal interview with a health professional. Every donor must also provide written informed consent to proceed with the donation process, countersigned by the qualified health professional responsible for obtaining the health history.\r\nA qualified health professional may assist a donor in the completion of the health and medical history questionnaire and in understanding the consent statement and any other information provided by SNBTS. To facilitate comprehension of the donor information leaflets, the health and medical history questionnaire and consent statements, SNBTS uses alternative formats, e.g. a language other than English, audio, computer, or Braille. Donors must be able to demonstrate clearly that they have understood this material. At present there is no standardised way of assessing comprehension, so this will be a personal judgement made by the qualified health professional.\r\nAs explained in the answer to S4W-06202 on 26 March, the UK Donor Selection Guidelines offer guidance on the use of interpreters. As noted in the answer to S4W-06200 on 26 March 2012, SNBTS is not responsible for the direct care of those receiving blood.\r\nAll answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-29T13:54:57.283","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270931,"EventID":"S4W-06207","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5034,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-15T13:54:57.343","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-14T16:02:49","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how the Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service ensures that deaf people have the necessary information about (a) giving and (b) receiving blood.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how the Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service ensures that deaf people have the necessary information about (a) giving and (b) receiving blood.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answers to questions S4W-06202 and S4W-06205 on 26 March 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-29T13:54:57.343","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270932,"EventID":"S4W-06209","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5034,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-15T13:54:57.407","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-14T16:02:49","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how the Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service ensures that (a) deaf British Sign Language users, (b) deafblind people and (c) people with an acquired profound heari","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how the Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service ensures that (a) deaf British Sign Language users, (b) deafblind people and (c) people with an acquired profound hearing loss can give informed consent to receiving a blood transfusion.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answers to questions S4W-06202 and S4W-06205 on 26 March 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-29T13:54:57.453","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270933,"EventID":"S4W-06212","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2108,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":141,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-15T13:54:57.563","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-14T17:07:03","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will consider having a specialist clinician review individual patient treatment requests for the provision of the drug, eculizumab.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will consider having a specialist clinician review individual patient treatment requests for the provision of the drug, eculizumab.","AnswerText":"Scottish Government guidance published on 13 February 2012 clarified that NHS board Individual Patient Treatment Request (IPTR) panels are expected to include a practising medical consultant with (or with access to) specialist medical knowledge of the relevant clinical area. This will include IPTRs for eculizumab to treat Paroxysmal Nocturnal Haemoglobinuria (PNH). A link to the guidance is attached http://www.sehd.scot.nhs.uk/cmo/CMO(2012)01.pdf.\r\nNHS boards have been asked to confirm by no later than 1 April 2012 that their policies on formularies and management of IPTRs have been updated to reflect the additional guidance.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-29T13:54:57.563","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270934,"EventID":"S4W-06213","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4080,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-15T13:54:57.627","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-15T08:30:20","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, in light of the publication of new guidelines  encouraging GPs to recommend that a 10 microgram vitamin D supplement should be taken daily during pregnancy, what action ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, in light of the publication of new guidelines  encouraging GPs to recommend that a 10 microgram vitamin D supplement should be taken daily during pregnancy, what action it has taken to ensure that all pharmacies are able to provide these supplements. \r\n","AnswerText":"Vitamin D supplements are available in a range of doses via prescription, the healthy start programme and for purchase as nutritional supplements. Doses available include the 10 microgram dose recommended for adults at risk of Vitamin D deficiency and all pregnant and breast feeding women.\r\nThe Chief Medical Officer for Scotland wrote to all health professionals in August 2011 to increase awareness of Vitamin D deficiency and provide information about prescribing and recommended Vitamin D supplement levels. Health professionals can make a significant difference to people’s health by making those at risk aware of how important it is to make sure they get enough Vitamin D and how they can get access to these important daily supplements. The Scottish Government cannot, however, direct independent pharmacies over what nutritional supplements they should or should not stock.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-29T13:54:57.627","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270935,"EventID":"S4W-06214","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4080,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-15T13:54:58.047","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-15T08:30:20","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many cases arising from personal injuries sustained at work Scottish Ambulance Service employees have brought against their employer in each year since 2008-09.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many cases arising from personal injuries sustained at work Scottish Ambulance Service employees have brought against their employer in each year since 2008-09.\r\n","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-29T13:54:58.063","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270936,"EventID":"S4W-06215","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4080,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-15T13:54:58.14","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-15T08:30:20","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information it has on whether, due to the failure of a commercial test kit, anyone in Scotland has been incorrectly diagnosed as having (a) syphilis or (b) the wrong","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information it has on whether, due to the failure of a commercial test kit, anyone in Scotland has been incorrectly diagnosed as having (a) syphilis or (b) the wrong form of syphilis, broken down by NHS board.\r\n","AnswerText":"A total of two individuals were diagnosed incorrectly as having syphilis but did not have syphilis; both were treated but subsequently told that they were syphilis negative.\r\nTwo individuals were diagnosed as having recent syphilis and treated as such. However, due to the suboptimal performance of the assay in question, it is possible that these individuals had either recent or longstanding syphilis; accordingly, they were informed of this and were administered a different treatment regimen to the one originally administered.\r\nAll initial diagnoses were made during the period November 2010 to September 2011. Because of the very small numbers involved there is the potential to breach patient confidentiality by identifying the NHS boards involved.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-29T13:54:58.14","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270937,"EventID":"S4W-06217","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-15T13:54:58.217","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-15T09:44:29","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what amount in Freight Facilities Grant it has awarded in each of the last five years.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what amount in Freight Facilities Grant it has awarded in each of the last five years.\r\n","AnswerText":"The value of the Freight Facilities Grant (FFG) awards made by the Scottish Government in each of the last five financial years is as follows:\r\nTotal Value of FFG Awards1 (£ million)\r\n2007-08\r\n0.0\r\n2008-09\r\n2.7\r\n2009-10\r\n0.0\r\n2010-11\r\n4.3\r\n2011-12\r\n0.4\r\nNote: 1. Excludes awards made where the applicant subsequently decided not to proceed with the proposed project.","AnswerDate":"2012-03-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-29T13:54:58.217","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270938,"EventID":"S4W-06218","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4086,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-15T13:54:58.31","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-15T11:27:49","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assessment it has made of the impact of biomass policies on the wood panel industry.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assessment it has made of the impact of biomass policies on the wood panel industry.\r\n","AnswerText":"Forestry Commission Scotland and the Scottish Government commissioned Forest Research and North Energy Associates to undertake two pieces of research in support of the Renewable Obligation (Scotland) (ROS) consultation. In addition, a policy analysis of supporting biomass electricity generation through the obligation was commissioned from Xero Energy. This latter report recognised that while the renewable biomass sector is set to grow, sawmill and wood panel industries also share aspirations for growth over time. In light of this, the report went on to consider whether biomass use should be prioritised in any way.\r\nThese reports, as well as all responses received to the consultation will be carefully considered before any announcement is made on future support for biomass under the ROS. I expect to announce our decisions and proposed changes to the ROS during the spring.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-04-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-29T13:54:58.327","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270939,"EventID":"S4W-06219","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4086,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-15T13:54:58.39","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-15T11:27:49","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what recent discussions it has had with the UK Government on measures to protect the future of the wood panel industry in Scotland.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what recent discussions it has had with the UK Government on measures to protect the future of the wood panel industry in Scotland.\r\n","AnswerText":"Scottish Ministers are aware of the perceived threat to the wood panel industry from the UK Government’s Bio-Energy strategy. I raised this issue with Greg Barker, Minister for State for Energy and Climate Change during a phone call on 8 June 2011. Since then, I and my colleague, the Minister for the Environment and Climate Change, met representatives of the forest industries in both the North and South of Scotland in the second half of 2011. As a result of discussions we established a short term working group made up of representatives from the UK wood-using industries as well as representatives from the biomass heat sector.\r\nI wrote to UK Ministers on 21 March relaying the views of this group and expressing our concerns around the UK Government’s position on biomass.\r\nIn addition, I met Charles Hendry, Minister of State at the Department of Energy and Climate Change on 31 October 2011 and again on 20 March to discuss wider energy matters including bioenergy.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-04-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-29T13:54:58.407","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270940,"EventID":"S4W-06220","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4086,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-15T13:54:58.483","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-15T11:27:49","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what work it has undertaken to ensure that the wood panel industry has continued access to competitively priced timber. \r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what work it has undertaken to ensure that the wood panel industry has continued access to competitively priced timber. \r\n","AnswerText":"In response to concerns by the UK's wood using industries that the UK Government’s Bio-Energy strategy will serve to distort timber prices, I and my colleague, the Minister for Environment and Climate Change recently convened and chaired a short term working group on biomass including representatives from the wood panel industry. This encouraged the industries to set out a common position of their concerns and to suggest practical changes that the UK Government's bio-energy strategy should adopt.\r\nThe position statement highlights a number of issues including the role of timber products at the top of the carbon hierarchy and urges that there should be no support for new large scale dedicated biomass electricity plants.\r\nI wrote to UK Ministers on 21 March relaying the views of this group and expressing their concerns around the UK Government’s position on biomass.\r\nIn addition, I raised this issue with Greg Barker, Minister for State for Energy and Climate change during a phone call on 8 June 2011. I also co-chaired a bioenergy strategy event in Glasgow with Charles Hendry, Minister of State at the Department of Energy and Climate Change on 31 October 2011, at which members of the wood panel sector raised their concerns. Charles Hendry and I met again on 20 March to discuss wider energy matters including bioenergy.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-04-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-29T13:54:58.483","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270941,"EventID":"S4W-06221","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4086,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-15T13:54:58.56","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-15T11:27:49","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it will support the wood panel industry to expand its investment in renewable heat generation.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it will support the wood panel industry to expand its investment in renewable heat generation.\r\n","AnswerText":"We have opted for Scotland to be part of the GB wide Renewable Heat Incentive which provides financial support from Central Government funding and is the main mechanism to encourage investment in renewable heat across the sector, including the wood panel industry. Dialogue with the UK Government’s Department of Energy and Climate Change on the Renewable Heat Incentive will continue at ministerial and government official level until both phases of the scheme are fully implemented, to ensure net benefit to Scotland.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-29T13:54:58.577","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270942,"EventID":"S4W-06222","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2892,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-15T13:54:58.64","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-15T11:36:31","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has had discussions with (a) the Crown Estate, (b) Stirling Council and (c) the Scotland Office over plans to sell King's Park in Stirling and, if so, what the","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has had discussions with (a) the Crown Estate, (b) Stirling Council and (c) the Scotland Office over plans to sell King's Park in Stirling and, if so, what the outcome of these discussions was.\r\n","AnswerText":"There have been meetings between Historic Scotland, the Crown Estate and Stirling Council on this topic on a number of occasions. The Scotland Office was not involved in these meetings.\r\nThese meetings have discussed (a) how best to secure the future day-to-day management of certain relatively small areas of land which are particularly relevant for Historic Scotland’s visitor operations at Stirling Castle and (b) how to ensure that preservation of the wider amenity of the castle is given proper weight in future. Discussions are ongoing.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-29T13:54:58.64","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270951,"EventID":"S4W-06241","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-15T16:57:59.403","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-15T13:53:28","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will publish its amended youth employment strategy.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will publish its amended youth employment strategy.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government will finalise the Youth Employment Strategy for publication in the spring of 2012.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-29T16:57:59.73","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angela Constance","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270952,"EventID":"S4W-06242","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-15T16:57:59.823","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-15T13:53:28","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it last met trades union leaders to discuss work experience programmes.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it last met trades union leaders to discuss work experience programmes.\r\n","AnswerText":"Ministers regularly meet with trades union leaders to discuss issues relating to training and learning. I hosted the Trades Union Working Party on Lifelong Learning on Tuesday 27 March 2012. The government’s Youth Employment Strategy was on the agenda and the issue of work experience was discussed. It was agreed that government and trade unions would work together to produce good practice guidelines.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-29T16:57:59.823","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angela Constance","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270953,"EventID":"S4W-06243","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-15T16:57:59.933","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-15T13:53:28","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many (a) volunteering opportunities and (b) jobs will be created as a result of the £5 million project that was announced by the First Minister on 10 March 2012. \r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many (a) volunteering opportunities and (b) jobs will be created as a result of the £5 million project that was announced by the First Minister on 10 March 2012. \r\n","AnswerText":"The £5 million Commonwealth Games Legacy fund will support up to 2,500 young people into opportunities linked to major cultural and sporting events hosted in Scotland in the coming years. The three year programme will form part of the Scotland-wide legacy of the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, the detail of the programme is currently being finalised.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-29T16:57:59.933","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angela Constance","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270954,"EventID":"S4W-06247","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-15T16:57:59.997","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-15T14:04:03","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the current guidance is on the value of identifying single nucleotide polymorphisms in the CYP2C9 and VKORC1 genes in patients being treated with warfarin.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the current guidance is on the value of identifying single nucleotide polymorphisms in the CYP2C9 and VKORC1 genes in patients being treated with warfarin.","AnswerText":"There is no current guidance on the value of identifying single nucleotide polymorphisms in the CYP2C9 and VKORC1 genes in patients being treated with warfarin. Current expert guidance from the British Committee for Standards in Haematology (BCSH) does not recommend genotype testing. The Summary of Product Characteristics (SPC) for warfarin advises that genetic variability, particularly in relation to CYP2C9 and VKORC1 can significantly affect the dose requirements for warfarin and that if a family association with these polymorphisms is known then extra care is warranted during initiation and early titration.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-29T16:58:00.013","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270955,"EventID":"S4W-06248","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-15T16:58:00.107","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-15T14:04:03","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it has taken to develop validated questionnaires to capture family history data in primary care.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it has taken to develop validated questionnaires to capture family history data in primary care.","AnswerText":"Validated questionnaires to capture family history data in primary care have not been developed. GP systems have the facility to record family history in an individual’s patient record. The information to be included in a patient’s record is a matter of professional judgement for the practitioner concerned. \r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-29T16:58:00.107","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270956,"EventID":"S4W-06249","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-15T16:58:00.167","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-15T14:04:03","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the two newly agreed software systems for primary care to replace G-Pass include recording and updating of family history and the ability to link intergenerationa","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the two newly agreed software systems for primary care to replace G-Pass include recording and updating of family history and the ability to link intergenerational data.","AnswerText":"The two new software systems for primary care include the same functionality as GPASS to record and update family history. GPASS did not link intergenerational data and there are no current plans to do so with the two replacement systems.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-29T16:58:00.167","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270957,"EventID":"S4W-06250","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-15T16:58:00.247","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-15T14:04:48","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many hospital departments have a derogation from the European working time directive for junior doctors, broken down by (a) post and (b) hospital.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many hospital departments have a derogation from the European working time directive for junior doctors, broken down by (a) post and (b) hospital.\r\n","AnswerText":"No hospital departments or doctors in training have any derogations from the Working Time Regulations \r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-29T16:58:00.247","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270958,"EventID":"S4W-06251","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-15T16:58:00.323","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-15T15:14:50","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the eligibility criteria are for receiving free personal care at home.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the eligibility criteria are for receiving free personal care at home.\r\n","AnswerText":"Eligibility criteria are defined in the joint guidance issued by the Scottish Government and COSLA on 28 September 2009. In broad terms the criteria are set out by categories of risk under the following headings:\r\nCritical Risk: Indicates that there are major risks to an individual’s independent living or health and wellbeing likely to call for the immediate or imminent provision of social care services. (high priority).\r\nSubstantial Risk: Indicates that there are significant risks to an individual’s independence or health and wellbeing likely to call for the immediate or imminent provision of social care services (high priority).\r\nModerate Risk: Indicates that there are some risks to an individual’s independence or health and wellbeing. These may call for the provision of some social care services managed and prioritised on an ongoing basis or they may simply be manageable over the foreseeable future without service provision, with appropriate arrangements for review.\r\nLow Risk: Indicates that there may be some quality of life issues, but low risks to an individual’s independence or health and wellbeing with very limited, if any, requirement for the provision of social care services. There may be some need for alternative support or advice and appropriate arrangements for review over the foreseeable future or longer term.\r\nA complete copy of the guidance is available on the Scottish Government website at http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Resource/Doc/1095/0087758.doc.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-29T16:58:00.34","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270959,"EventID":"S4W-06252","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-15T16:58:00.417","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-15T15:14:50","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the eligibility criteria for free personal care at home are applied on a consistent basis by all local authorities.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the eligibility criteria for free personal care at home are applied on a consistent basis by all local authorities.\r\n","AnswerText":"Joint guidance on Eligibility Criteria for free personal and nursing care was issued by the Scottish Government and COSLA in September 2009. Local authorities were asked to confirm that their local arrangements were compatible with this guidance. All 32 local authorities have confirmed that this was the position by December 2009. \r\nThe Scottish Government, in partnership with COSLA also issued guidance on 22 March 2010 to local authorities on Monitoring of National Standard Eligibility Criteria and Waiting Times for free personal and nursing care of older people. A new data collection has been developed that records the eligibility criteria and waiting time of clients receiving a new Free Personal and Nursing Care service. The first data from this new collection was released as ‘Data under development’ on 29 March 2011.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-29T16:58:00.417","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270960,"EventID":"S4W-06253","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-15T16:58:00.51","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-15T15:15:57","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the average cost is per hour to provide home care for older people, broken down by local authority.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the average cost is per hour to provide home care for older people, broken down by local authority.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government does not currently collect information on the average cost per hour to provide home care for older people, for each local authority. \r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-29T16:58:00.51","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270961,"EventID":"S4W-06254","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-15T16:58:00.59","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-15T15:25:34","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive for what reason private ferry operators can charge lower fares than subsidised operators for similar crossings.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive for what reason private ferry operators can charge lower fares than subsidised operators for similar crossings.\r\n","AnswerText":"In line with current competition law, private ferry operators have commercial freedom to set their own fares. The fares of subsidised operators are generally regulated by the authority providing the subsidy.\r\nThere are a small number of cases where a “similar crossing” is served both by a subsidised operator and an unsubsidised operator. In these cases there are also important differences. The subsidised routes are longer, as they have a particular socio-economic focus, for example to provide a link between town centres. Subsidised routes also tend to serve established ports with higher berthing and traffic dues. Subsidised operators are required to deliver a range of public service obligations enshrined in public service contracts which do not apply to purely commercial operators.\r\nIn practice, current fares on these routes are comparable. For some fare categories the subsidised service is cheaper; for others the unsubsidised service is cheaper.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-29T16:58:00.603","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270962,"EventID":"S4W-06255","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-15T16:58:00.683","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-15T15:31:24","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will respond to the Howe Report on PIP implants due to be published by the UK Government in March 2012.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will respond to the Howe Report on PIP implants due to be published by the UK Government in March 2012.\r\n","AnswerText":"A formal response to the Howe Report will be made after the report has been published and its content and recommendations considered.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-29T16:58:00.683","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270971,"EventID":"S4W-06226","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2123,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":103,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-16T13:47:30.517","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-15T11:48:06","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will list the dates from January 2011 to March 2012 of each incident at the Seafield Wastewater Treatment Works in which odour was emitted from the plant.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will list the dates from January 2011 to March 2012 of each incident at the Seafield Wastewater Treatment Works in which odour was emitted from the plant.","AnswerText":"This is an operational matter for Scottish Water. I understand that the member met with Scottish Water on Friday 23 March 2012 to discuss this issue.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-30T13:47:30.92","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270972,"EventID":"S4W-06227","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2123,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":103,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-16T13:47:31.17","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-15T11:48:06","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what operational difficulties arose at the Seafield Wastewater Treatment Works in late February and early March 2012.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what operational difficulties arose at the Seafield Wastewater Treatment Works in late February and early March 2012.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-06226 on 27 March 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-30T13:47:31.17","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270973,"EventID":"S4W-06228","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2123,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":103,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-16T13:47:31.233","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-15T11:48:06","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what risk assessments have been carried out in anticipation of increased flows of sludge through the Seafield Wastewater Treatment Works. \r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what risk assessments have been carried out in anticipation of increased flows of sludge through the Seafield Wastewater Treatment Works. \r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-06226 on 27 March 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-30T13:47:31.25","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270974,"EventID":"S4W-06229","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2123,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":103,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-16T13:47:31.56","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-15T11:48:06","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the operation of an additional mobile centrifuge at the Seafield Wastewater Treatment Works will compromise the efficiency of the odour control units.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the operation of an additional mobile centrifuge at the Seafield Wastewater Treatment Works will compromise the efficiency of the odour control units.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-06226 on 27 March 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-30T13:47:31.56","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270975,"EventID":"S4W-06230","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2123,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":103,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-16T13:47:31.7","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-15T11:48:06","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether recent reports of odour from the Seafield Wastewater Treatment Plant indicate a failure of its odour improvement plan.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether recent reports of odour from the Seafield Wastewater Treatment Plant indicate a failure of its odour improvement plan.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-06226 on 27 March 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-30T13:47:31.7","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270976,"EventID":"S4W-06231","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2123,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":103,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-16T13:47:31.843","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-15T11:48:06","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when monitoring of the odour improvement plan at the Seafield Wastewater Treatment Works will end.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when monitoring of the odour improvement plan at the Seafield Wastewater Treatment Works will end.","AnswerText":"This is a matter for Edinburgh City Council. I understand that the council's agreed monitoring and assessment programme, set up to assess the effectiveness of the Scottish Water Seafield Odour Improvement Plan (OIP), is scheduled to operate for a 12 month period, 1 June 2011 to 31 May 2012.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-30T13:47:31.857","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270977,"EventID":"S4W-06232","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2123,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":103,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-16T13:47:31.903","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-15T11:48:06","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what criteria will be used to evaluate the effectiveness of the odour improvement plan at the Seafield Wastewater Treatment Works.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what criteria will be used to evaluate the effectiveness of the odour improvement plan at the Seafield Wastewater Treatment Works.","AnswerText":"The Sewerage Nuisance (Code of Practice) (Scotland) Order 2006 (COP) provides guidance on the methods of determining the effectiveness of an Odour Improvement Plan, providing a number of criteria to be taken into consideration. The findings of the Edinburgh City Council’s monitoring and assessment programme will be assessed taking these criteria into account.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-30T13:47:31.92","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270978,"EventID":"S4W-06233","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2123,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":103,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-16T13:47:31.983","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-15T11:48:06","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how the long-term efficacy of the odour improvement plan at the Seafield Wastewater Treatment Works will be evaluated.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how the long-term efficacy of the odour improvement plan at the Seafield Wastewater Treatment Works will be evaluated.","AnswerText":"It is for Scottish Water to evaluate the long-term efficacy of the Odour Improvement Plan. Edinburgh City Council will continue to carry out monitoring for Code of Practice compliance at Seafield and investigate odour complaints as required by the Water Services etc. (Scotland) Act 2005.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-30T13:47:31.983","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270979,"EventID":"S4W-06234","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2123,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":103,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-16T13:47:32.043","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-15T11:48:06","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive for what reason the recently reported problem causing odour to be emitted from the Seafield Wastewater Treatment Works was not anticipated during the design of the odour ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive for what reason the recently reported problem causing odour to be emitted from the Seafield Wastewater Treatment Works was not anticipated during the design of the odour improvement plan.","AnswerText":"This is an operational matter for Scottish Water as it designed and implemented the Odour Improvement Plan. I understand that the member met with Scottish Water on 23 March 2012 to discuss this issue.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-30T13:47:32.06","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270980,"EventID":"S4W-06235","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2123,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":103,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-16T13:47:32.107","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-15T11:48:06","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the odour improvement plan for the Seafield Wastewater Treatment Works was designed as a holistic plan to significantly reduce odour emissions.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the odour improvement plan for the Seafield Wastewater Treatment Works was designed as a holistic plan to significantly reduce odour emissions.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-06234 on 27 March 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-30T13:47:32.107","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270981,"EventID":"S4W-06236","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2123,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":103,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-16T13:47:32.17","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-15T11:48:06","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it considers that odour discharge from the Seafield Wastewater Treatment Works represents a failure of the odour improvement plan even when the odour is not a res","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it considers that odour discharge from the Seafield Wastewater Treatment Works represents a failure of the odour improvement plan even when the odour is not a result of a failure of the system put in place as a result of the plan.","AnswerText":"This is a matter for Edinburgh City Council. I understand that as the investigation into the recent odour incident is still ongoing, the council intends to have discussions with Scottish Water and SEPA regarding the findings of that investigation.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-30T13:47:32.17","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270982,"EventID":"S4W-06237","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2123,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":103,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-16T13:47:32.247","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-15T11:48:06","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive who is liable for further improvements if the odour improvement plan at the Seafield Wastewater Treatment Works fails.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive who is liable for further improvements if the odour improvement plan at the Seafield Wastewater Treatment Works fails.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-06226 on 27 March 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-30T13:47:32.247","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270983,"EventID":"S4W-06238","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2123,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":103,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-16T13:47:32.327","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-15T11:48:06","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether options necessitating further investment have been considered in the event of failure of the odour improvement plan at the Seafield Wastewater Treatment Works.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether options necessitating further investment have been considered in the event of failure of the odour improvement plan at the Seafield Wastewater Treatment Works.","AnswerText":"The Code of Practice requires Scottish Water to adopt the Best Practicable Means for controlling malodour from Waste Water Treatment Works. As part of the evaluation of the monitoring of the recently completed odour improvement plan, Edinburgh City Council will discuss with Scottish Water whether additional measures are necessary.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-30T13:47:32.327","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270984,"EventID":"S4W-06239","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2123,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":103,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-16T13:47:32.42","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-15T11:48:06","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many employees are normally on duty at the Seafield Wastewater Treatment Works from (a) 8 am to 8 pm Monday to Friday, (b) 8 pm to 8 am Monday to Friday, (c) 8 pm on ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many employees are normally on duty at the Seafield Wastewater Treatment Works from (a) 8 am to 8 pm Monday to Friday, (b) 8 pm to 8 am Monday to Friday, (c) 8 pm on Friday to 8 am on Saturday, (d) 8 am to 8 pm on Saturday and Sunday and (e) 8 pm on Sunday to 8 am on Monday, and how many will be employed at these times in the weeks beginning Monday 19 and 26 March and 2 April.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-06226 on 27 March 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-30T13:47:32.42","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270985,"EventID":"S4W-06256","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-16T13:47:32.48","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-15T16:23:59","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many children have been diagnosed with rickets in each of the last 10 years.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many children have been diagnosed with rickets in each of the last 10 years.\r\n","AnswerText":"Information on the number of children treated in hospital and the associated number of hospital stays where a diagnosis of active rickets due to Vitamin D deficiency was recorded is shown in the following table.\r\nThe figures do not include secondary rickets arising due to an underlying disease such as renal disease or abnormal phosphorus metabolism. It also does not include children being treated for the long term sequelae of rickets such as bone deformities.\r\nThe figures presented are likely to be an underestimate of the true prevalence of rickets as only those with a diagnosis of the condition and presenting for hospital treatment are counted.\r\nNumber of Children (aged 16 or under) and Acute Hospital Stays where a Diagnosis of Active Rickets was Recorded; Scottish Residents only, by Year of Discharge\r\n\r\n2001\r\n2002\r\n2003\r\n2004\r\n2005\r\n2006\r\n2007\r\n2008\r\n2009\r\n2010\r\nNumber of stays\r\n7\r\n17\r\n14\r\n4\r\n7\r\n3\r\n6\r\n11\r\n15\r\n16\r\nNumber of patients\r\n7\r\n5\r\n9\r\n3\r\n5\r\n3\r\n6\r\n8\r\n13\r\n11\r\nSource: ISD Scotland, SMR01.","AnswerDate":"2012-03-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-30T13:47:32.497","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270986,"EventID":"S4W-06257","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-16T13:47:32.56","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-15T16:23:59","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what health problems can result from vitamin D deficiency.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what health problems can result from vitamin D deficiency.\r\n","AnswerText":"Vitamin D deficiency has a negative impact on bone mineralization leading to Rickets in children. Adults with vitamin D deficiency may experience bone pain and/or osteomalacia (soft bone).\r\nThere has been emerging evidence linking vitamin D deficiency into a number of different conditions. The Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition will be looking at the evidence in their review of Vitamin D and will make recommendations on their findings.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-30T13:47:32.573","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270987,"EventID":"S4W-06258","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-16T13:47:32.637","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-15T16:23:59","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what research has been done in Scotland in relation to vitamin D deficiency.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what research has been done in Scotland in relation to vitamin D deficiency.\r\n","AnswerText":"There are a number of research projects we are aware of that are both under way and have been completed on vitamin D in Scotland, two of which concentrate on looking at vitamin D deficiency: \r\nPaul Haggerty \r\nRowett Institute of Nutrition and Health\r\nUniversity of Aberdeen\r\nVitamin D in pregnancy at high latitude in Scotland, \r\nWhich is presently undergoing the peer review process. \r\nThe Food Standards Agency are also carrying out research based on blood samples collected from the Scottish Health Survey over two years 2010-11 and 2011-12 the results of which are due to be published at the end of this year. \r\nThe following are other pieces of research into vitamin D: \r\nCZG/2/513\t\r\nDr James Flett Wilson\r\nPublic Health Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Teviot Place,\r\nEdinburgh EH8 9AG\r\nOrkney Complex Disease Study: Northern Isles Vitamin D Study - prevalence and impact of hypovitaminosis D in a high risk population\r\nEnd date March 2012\r\nCZH/4/470\r\nDr Miles Witham\r\nSection of Ageing and Health, Ninewells Hospital\r\nDundee DD1 9SY\r\nCan high-dose vitamin D supplementation reduce blood pressure and markers of cardiovascular risk in older people with isolated systolic hypertension?\r\nEnd date Jan 2012\r\nCZH/4/529\r\nProfessor Harry Campbell\r\nPublic Health Sciences/Institute of Genomics and Molecular Medicine\r\nUniversity of Edinburgh, Teviot Place\r\nEdinburgh EH8 9AG\r\nA Mendelian Randomisation study of vitamin D on colorectal cancer risk\r\nEnd date Dec 2011\r\nThe Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition have been made aware of all these research projects in relation to their review of vitamin D.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-30T13:47:32.637","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270988,"EventID":"S4W-06259","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-16T13:47:32.717","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-15T16:56:59","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive which local authorities have not implemented the Food Hygiene Information Scheme.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive which local authorities have not implemented the Food Hygiene Information Scheme.","AnswerText":"All local authorities in Scotland intend to implement the scheme, subject to FSA agreeing support arrangements with those most recently coming on board. \r\nTwenty local authorities have already launched the scheme. Information on these can be found at the following link:\r\nhttp://www.food.gov.uk/scotland/safetyhygienescot/foodhygieneinfoscot/\r\nThe remaining 12 local authorities are at various stages of implementation; please see the following table for further information.\r\nLocal authorities at various stages of implementation but not yet at the launch stage:\r\n1. Highland Council - due to launch in May 2012\r\n2. East Ayrshire Council - due to launch in December 2012\r\n3. Orkney Islands Council – launch date to be advised\r\n4. Comhairle nan Eilean Siar – launch date to be advised\r\n5. Dumfries and Galloway Council - launch date to be advised\r\n6. North Ayrshire Council - launch date to be advised\r\n7. Falkirk Council - launch date to be advised\r\n8. North Lanarkshire Council - launch date to be advised\r\n9. Shetland Islands Council - launch date to be advised\r\n10. South Lanarkshire Council - launch date to be advised\r\n11. West Lothian Council – launch date to be advised\r\n12. East Dunbartonshire Council - launch date to be advised.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-30T13:47:32.717","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270989,"EventID":"S4W-06260","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-16T13:47:32.777","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-15T16:56:59","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive which local authorities (a) are and (b) are not awarding Eat Safe awards.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive which local authorities (a) are and (b) are not awarding Eat Safe awards.","AnswerText":"There are currently 23 out of 32 Scottish local authorities awarding Eat Safe Awards.\r\nThe 23 local authorities that are awarding Eat Safe are:\r\nAberdeen City Council\r\nAberdeenshire Council\r\nArgyll and Bute Council\r\nCity of Edinburgh Council\r\nClackmannanshire Council\r\nDumfries and Galloway Council\r\nEast Ayrshire Council\r\nFalkirk Council\r\nFife Council\r\nGlasgow City Council\r\nHighland Council\r\nMidlothian Council\r\nMoray Council\r\nNorth Ayrshire Council\r\nNorth Lanarkshire Council\r\nRenfrewshire Council\r\nScottish Borders Council\r\nShetland Islands Council\r\nSouth Ayrshire Council\r\nSouth Lanarkshire Council\r\nStirling Council\r\nWest Dunbartonshire Council\r\nWest Lothian Council.\r\nThe nine local authorities that are not awarding Eat Safe are:\r\nAngus Council\r\nComhairle nan Eilean Siar\r\nDundee Council\r\nEast Dunbartonshire Council\r\nEast Lothian Council\r\nEast Renfrewshire Council\r\nInverclyde Council\r\nOrkney Islands Council\r\nPerth and Kinross Council.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-30T13:47:32.777","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":270997,"EventID":"S4W-06262","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":2,"MSPID":1742,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-16T15:39:36.68","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-16T15:36:03.463","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will provide an update on the Dounreay waste substitution policy for radioactive waste arising from overseas research reactor fuel reprocessing contracts.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will provide an update on the Dounreay waste substitution policy for radioactive waste arising from overseas research reactor fuel reprocessing contracts.\r\n","AnswerText":"I am pleased to announce publication today of the Scottish Government and UK Government’s policy on Dounreay radioactive waste substitution and also the response paper to the Dounreay Radioactive Waste Substitution Consultation.\r\nThe consultation, published jointly by the Scottish Government and the Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) in December 2010 proposed a means to deal with overseas reprocessing contracts through waste substitution. More specifically, it is proposed that approval be given for the substitution of:\r\nPrototype Fast Reactor (PFR) and cemented Materials Test Reactor (MTR) raffinate wastes from Dounreay with vitrified radioactive wastes from Sellafield, and\r\nPFR raffinate waste at Dounreay with cemented MTR raffinate waste at Dounreay.\r\nHaving considered all the responses to the consultation, the Scottish and UK Governments have concluded that a waste substitution policy for radioactive waste arising from overseas research reactor fuel reprocessing contracts is an acceptable practice that the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA) can adopt to deal with historic Dounreay contracts and return overseas waste.\r\nThe practice will help existing overseas contracts to be honoured at the earliest opportunity and provide greater certainty to the overall decommissioning schedule at Dounreay. The policy also rules out the need to design, build, operate, decommission and dispose of a vitrification facility at Dounreay. While the exact cost of a vitrification plant for Dounreay has not been determined, it is estimated to be in the order of several hundreds of millions of pounds.\r\nIn summary, the policy will help overseas radioactive waste currently stored at Dounreay to be returned to NDA’s overseas customers – in this case, Italy, Belgium, Australia and Germany. Any such shipments will be carried out in full compliance with international laws and regulations. Any shipment of radioactive waste to the overseas customers will be undertaken to these high standards and this will be the case whether the policy is implemented or not.\r\nThe Scottish Government has worked closely with a wide range of stakeholders to shape the final policy. One of these key stakeholders is SEPA who will, under this policy, need to be satisfied that the waste substitution arrangements between the NDA and its overseas customers result in environmental neutrality.\r\nThis is not a legacy that Scotland chose to have, however, the Scottish Government remains committed to dealing responsibly with this nuclear legacy that it has inherited.","AnswerDate":"2012-03-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-30T15:39:36.71","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271000,"EventID":"S4W-06093","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-16T15:55:10.593","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-07T16:21:06","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its position is on the sale of different sizes of multipack of the same container of alcohol whereby a larger multipack is sold at a lower price.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its position is on the sale of different sizes of multipack of the same container of alcohol whereby a larger multipack is sold at a lower price.\r\n","AnswerText":"We are unaware of any instances of a larger multipack being sold at a lower price than a smaller multipack.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-30T15:55:11.017","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271001,"EventID":"S4W-06094","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-16T15:55:11.11","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-07T16:21:06","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it can guarantee that the registration of nurses seeking to return to work after a career break will be protected if it expires during their job search, without t","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it can guarantee that the registration of nurses seeking to return to work after a career break will be protected if it expires during their job search, without the need to undergo retraining at their own expense.","AnswerText":"Regulation of the nursing profession is specifically reserved to the UK Government by the Scotland Act 1998. The Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) has UK-wide statutory responsibility for safeguarding the public by maintaining the register of nurses who are qualified and competent to work in the UK. The roles of the NMC include setting the Continuing Professional Development criteria for maintaining registration and the educational requirements for returning to the register when registration has been allowed to lapse.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-30T15:55:11.11","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271002,"EventID":"S4W-06261","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":136,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-16T15:55:11.187","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-16T14:08:44","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many communications officials are employed in the Crown Office's communications department and what the cost of employing its communications officials was in (a) 2009","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many communications officials are employed in the Crown Office's communications department and what the cost of employing its communications officials was in (a) 2009-10 and (b) 2010-11. \r\n","AnswerText":"There are currently six staff employed in the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS) communications department.\r\nIn 2009-10 the cost of employing its communications officials was £259,142. This figure includes salaries and expenses for the staff employed. During 2009-10 the number of staff employed varied between six and seven.\r\nIn 2010-11 the cost of employing its communications officials was £248,059. This figure includes salaries and expenses for the staff employed. During 2010-11 the number of staff employed varied between four and six.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-03-30T15:55:11.187","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lesley Thomson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271012,"EventID":"S4W-06276","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":86,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-19T14:39:30.707","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-16T16:34:32.343","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will break down the responses to the Your Scotland, Your Referendum consultation by group and, if so, whether it will apply differential weighting to each grou","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will break down the responses to the Your Scotland, Your Referendum consultation by group and, if so, whether it will apply differential weighting to each group's response when it considers them.\r\n","AnswerText":"All those who respond to the consultation are asked to complete a Respondent Information Form which asks for a range of details, such as the country in which they are resident and whether they are responding on behalf of an organisation or as an individual. This information will be summarised in the report of the consultation and taken into account in the analysis.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-04-16T14:39:30.863","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Bruce Crawford","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271013,"EventID":"S4W-06277","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":86,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-19T14:39:30.94","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-16T16:34:32.343","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what concerns, views, comments and responses to the Scotland’s Future consultation were taken into account when it developed the proposals in Your Scotland, Your Referend","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what concerns, views, comments and responses to the Scotland’s Future consultation were taken into account when it developed the proposals in Your Scotland, Your Referendum.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government received comments from a range of individuals and organisations on the questions contained in Scotland’s Future and these were published in 2010. These comments helped to inform the proposals contained in Your Scotland, Your Referendum.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-04-16T14:39:30.94","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Bruce Crawford","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271014,"EventID":"S4W-06278","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":86,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-19T14:39:31.127","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-16T16:34:32.343","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive on what date it will publish the responses to Your Scotland, Your Referendum.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive on what date it will publish the responses to Your Scotland, Your Referendum.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government will publish the responses to Your Scotland, Your Referendum in the summer.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-04-16T14:39:31.127","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Bruce Crawford","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271015,"EventID":"S4W-06279","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":86,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-19T14:39:31.317","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-16T16:34:32.343","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it considers that a white paper on its proposals for an independent Scotland cannot be published before a referendum bill receives Royal Assent and what the reaso","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it considers that a white paper on its proposals for an independent Scotland cannot be published before a referendum bill receives Royal Assent and what the reasons are for its position on this matter.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government's proposals for independence will be published in a white paper once the Parliament has agreed the arrangements for the referendum to be held in autumn 2014 and these have passed into statute. We expect this to be in November 2013. This is a reasonable and proper timetable which will ensure that the debate following the publication of the white paper focuses on the substance of the government's positive, detailed and comprehensive proposals for independence.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-04-16T14:39:31.33","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Bruce Crawford","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271016,"EventID":"S4W-06280","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":86,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-19T14:39:31.503","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-16T16:34:32.343","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it considers that the proposed (a) ballot paper and (b) question for the referendum on independence complies with the Electoral Commission’s guidelines that they ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it considers that the proposed (a) ballot paper and (b) question for the referendum on independence complies with the Electoral Commission’s guidelines that they should be set out \"clearly, simply and neutrally\" and what the reasons are for its position on this matter.\r\n","AnswerText":"Yes.\r\nParagraph 1.8 of Your Scotland, Your Referendum explains that the Scottish Government's preference is for a short, direct question about independence as set out in paragraph 1.10 (i.e. Do you agree that Scotland should be an independent country?). Paragraph 1.10 of the consultation document says that the proposed ballot paper has been designed to comply with the Electoral Commission's guidelines. The design of the ballot paper to be included in the Referendum Bill which will be put to Parliament in early 2013 will be subject to robust, independent testing using a sample of voters.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-04-16T14:39:31.503","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Bruce Crawford","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271017,"EventID":"S4W-06281","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":86,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-19T14:39:31.567","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-16T16:34:32.343","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will take an impartial approach when working with the media regarding coverage of the independence referendum campaign and, if so, how it will ensure this.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will take an impartial approach when working with the media regarding coverage of the independence referendum campaign and, if so, how it will ensure this.\r\n","AnswerText":"Paragraph 1.19 of Your Scotland, Your Referendum states that it will be important to ensure fairness and an impartial approach to media coverage (including any referendum campaign broadcasts). The Scottish Government will work with broadcasters and other media and the Electoral Commission to help ensure that this is upheld.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-04-16T14:39:31.567","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Bruce Crawford","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271018,"EventID":"S4W-06282","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":86,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-19T14:39:31.707","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-16T16:34:32.343","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S4W-05407 by Bruce Crawford on 29 February 2012, which organisation will carry out the independent testing of the question.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S4W-05407 by Bruce Crawford on 29 February 2012, which organisation will carry out the independent testing of the question.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government will finalise its proposals for the referendum in the light of the responses to Your Scotland, Your Referendum.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-04-16T14:39:31.707","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Bruce Crawford","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271019,"EventID":"S4W-06283","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4016,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":133,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-19T14:39:31.813","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-16T16:19:06","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many still births there have been in each NHS board area in each of the last 10 years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many still births there have been in each NHS board area in each of the last 10 years.","AnswerText":"The preliminary numbers of stillbirths in each NHS board area in 2011 can be obtained from Preliminary Table P2, which is available via http://www.gro-scotland.gov.uk/statistics/theme/vital-events/general/bmd-preliminary/2011.html.\r\nThe number of stillbirths in each NHS board area in each of the last 10 years has been previously published by the National Records of Scotland, and its predecessor the General Register Office for Scotland. The figures for 2010 can be obtained from Table 1.3 for that year, which is available via: http://www.gro-scotland.gov.uk/statistics/theme/vital-events/general/ref-tables/2010/summary.html.\r\nEach earlier year's numbers, from 2001, can be found in that year's Vital Events Reference Table 1.3, which is available via:  http://www.gro-scotland.gov.uk/statistics/theme/vital-events/general/ref-tables/index.html.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-04-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-04-16T14:39:31.813","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271020,"EventID":"S4W-06284","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-19T14:39:31.893","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-17T15:59:19","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S4W-05980 by Nicola Sturgeon on 13 March 2012 and in light of the letter of 6 February 2012 to the Health and Sport Committee from the ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S4W-05980 by Nicola Sturgeon on 13 March 2012 and in light of the letter of 6 February 2012 to the Health and Sport Committee from the Scottish Independent Hospital Association about charging for the removal and replacement of PIP breast implants, whether the Cabinet Secretary for Health, Wellbeing and Cities Strategy will call a summit of private providers to ensure consistency of approach for those affected.\r\n","AnswerText":"There are no plans to have a summit of private healthcare providers to discuss their approach to PIP silicone breast implants, although we will address issues with providers if they arise.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-04-16T14:39:31.893","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271021,"EventID":"S4W-06285","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1866,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-19T14:39:31.957","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-19T10:52:46","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to introduce a land remediation grant to help release brownfield sites for development.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to introduce a land remediation grant to help release brownfield sites for development.\r\n","AnswerText":"The responsibility for the remediation of brownfield sites for development sits with local authorities. The Scottish Government currently provides grant to selected local authorities through its Vacant and Derelict Land Fund (VDLF). As set out in our regeneration strategy, Achieving a Sustainable Future, we will work with COSLA to revisit the focus of the VDLF in the future. We have also established SPRUCE, Scotland’s £50 million JESSICA Fund, which is available to support a wide range of regeneration activity, including the remediation of brownfield land, in the thirteen eligible local authority areas. In addition, there are grants available for this purpose via the EU approved Land Remediation Scheme.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-04-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-04-16T14:39:31.957","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271022,"EventID":"S4F-00554","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":4976,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-19T14:39:36.877","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-16T09:48:41","Title":"To ask the First Minister when he will next meet the Prime Minister.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister when he will next meet the Prime Minister.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-04-16T14:39:36.877","MeetingDate":"2012-03-22T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271023,"EventID":"S4F-00558","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":4016,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":133,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-19T14:39:36.987","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-19T11:00:24.123","Title":"To ask the First Minister whether he considers that separation from the rest of the United Kingdom could be negotiated within a year of an independence referendum.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister whether he considers that separation from the rest of the United Kingdom could be negotiated within a year of an independence referendum.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-04-16T14:39:36.987","MeetingDate":"2012-03-22T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271024,"EventID":"S4F-00560","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":2610,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-19T14:39:37.05","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-19T11:21:43.857","Title":"To ask the First Minister what the impact will be of the UK budget on the people of Scotland.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what the impact will be of the UK budget on the people of Scotland.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-04-16T14:39:37.05","MeetingDate":"2012-03-22T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271025,"EventID":"S4F-00569","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-19T14:39:37.3","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-19T13:13:59.35","Title":"To ask the First Minister whether the Scottish Government will reconsider its support for the continuation of the bonus points scheme for hospital doctors in light of a reduction in NHS jobs and a gen","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister whether the Scottish Government will reconsider its support for the continuation of the bonus points scheme for hospital doctors in light of a reduction in NHS jobs and a general pay freeze in the public sector.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-04-16T14:39:37.3","MeetingDate":"2012-03-22T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271026,"EventID":"S4F-00570","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":2080,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":87,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-19T14:39:37.33","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-19T13:16:46.567","Title":"To ask the First Minister what engagements he has planned for the rest of the day.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what engagements he has planned for the rest of the day.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-04-16T14:39:37.33","MeetingDate":"2012-03-22T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271027,"EventID":"S4F-00573","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":2673,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":114,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-19T14:39:37.423","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-19T13:41:50.933","Title":"To ask the First Minister what impact possible changes by the UK Government to regional pay awards would have in Scotland.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what impact possible changes by the UK Government to regional pay awards would have in Scotland.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-04-16T14:39:37.44","MeetingDate":"2012-03-22T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271028,"EventID":"S4W-06287","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5107,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":124,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-19T17:05:11.953","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-19T14:52:05.713","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many care home residents there are, and how many are self-funding.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many care home residents there are, and how many are self-funding.\r\n","AnswerText":"At December 2011, there were around 30,600 long-stay residents in Care Homes aged 65 and over of which 31% (around 9,600 people) received Free Personal and/or Nursing Care payments and were therefore self-funding.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-04-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-04-16T17:05:12.313","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271029,"EventID":"S4W-06288","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2066,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-19T17:05:12.42","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-19T15:38:32.997","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how ministers will engage with members of the local community in their decision-making process regarding the proposed special area of conservation in the Sound of Barra.\r","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how ministers will engage with members of the local community in their decision-making process regarding the proposed special area of conservation in the Sound of Barra.\r\n","AnswerText":"Officials will engage with representatives of the local communities and industries on the Isles of Barra, Eriskay, and South Uist, as well as other stakeholders, to develop a draft management plan for the Sound of Barra SAC proposal. Officials will visit the islands on more than one occasion to collaborate with these interests to develop a draft management plan that takes account of their economic, social and cultural requirements.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-04-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-04-16T17:05:12.42","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271030,"EventID":"S4W-06289","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2066,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-19T17:05:12.483","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-19T15:38:32.997","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when ministers will make a decision on the proposed special area of conservation in the Sound of Barra.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when ministers will make a decision on the proposed special area of conservation in the Sound of Barra.","AnswerText":"The timing of the final decision on the proposed special area of conservation in the Sound of Barra will be dependent on two factors. Firstly finalisation of the report on the consultation and final advice by Scottish Natural Heritage. This is expected by the end of June 2012. Secondly, a decision will only be taken once a suitable draft management plan which takes account of the local economic, social, and cultural requirements has been prepared. This should be completed by the end of the summer recess and a decision will be made as soon as possible thereafter.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-04-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-04-16T17:05:12.483","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271031,"EventID":"S4W-06290","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2066,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-19T17:05:12.547","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-19T15:38:32.997","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether representatives of the local community will be informed when ministers make a decision on the proposed special area of conservation in the Sound of Barra and, if ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether representatives of the local community will be informed when ministers make a decision on the proposed special area of conservation in the Sound of Barra and, if so, how.\r\n","AnswerText":"Everyone who responded during the consultation process will receive notification of the decision in writing, as will those who participate in the development of the draft management plan for the Sound of Barra SAC proposal.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-04-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-04-16T17:05:12.563","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271038,"EventID":"S4W-06291","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-20T14:08:30.583","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-19T17:09:37.15","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what (a) criteria it used and (b) assessment it made to decide which local authorities would receive the £9 million youth job priority area funding announced on 18 March ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what (a) criteria it used and (b) assessment it made to decide which local authorities would receive the £9 million youth job priority area funding announced on 18 March 2012; what (i) conditions, and (ii) objectives it has set the authorities and how it will ensure that the money is spent wholly on tackling youth unemployment.\r\n","AnswerText":"The methodology used to identify the areas in receipt of funding focussed on those areas with both the highest numbers of unemployed 16 to 24 year olds and the highest 16 to 24 year old unemployment rates. All six areas are in the top 10 local authority areas on both measures.\r\nOfficials are meeting each local authority during April to agree the actions each local authority plans to take and how those actions will achieve additional positive outcomes for young unemployed people.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-04-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-04-17T14:08:30.863","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angela Constance","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271039,"EventID":"S4W-06296","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-20T14:08:30.973","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-20T08:57:37.15","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it believes local government can take to create jobs.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it believes local government can take to create jobs.\r\n","AnswerText":"The single outcome agreements that each of the 32 Community Planning Partnerships enter into with the Scottish Government are expected to focus on priority areas set by the Scottish Government, which include supporting sustainable economic growth.\r\nThe local outcomes approach, which underpins the single outcome agreement framework, is empowering local partners to work closely together and cultivate local conditions which are conducive to promoting sustainable economic growth. Community Planning Partnerships are doing this in a range of ways which reflect distinctive local conditions and priorities. These include supporting businesses, promoting business start-ups, enhancing the skills and qualifications of the local population, supporting employment opportunities for local citizens and developing the infrastructure to support local economic development.\r\nThe Scottish Government will continue to work with our local authority partners to provide the necessary support to businesses across Scotland, enabling them to create employment opportunities. As an example of the support we are providing, on 18 March we announced that £9 million will be made available to six local authorities to help them to tackle youth unemployment. The council areas have been identified by the Scottish Government as having particular challenges with youth employment based on the youth unemployment rate and the number of young people unemployed in the area. Individual authorities will have flexibility on how best to direct the additional investment, with schemes such as employer incentives or additional training opportunities, and ministers will continue to work with local authorities to best target and deliver for young people.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-04-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-04-17T14:08:30.973","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271040,"EventID":"S4W-06298","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-20T14:08:31.067","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-20T08:57:26.54","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S4W–06071 by Michael Russell on 19 March 2012, on what basis it decided that  it would be commercially sensitive to disclose the names ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S4W–06071 by Michael Russell on 19 March 2012, on what basis it decided that  it would be commercially sensitive to disclose the names of the people on the ICT in Education Programme Board.","AnswerText":"I have now thought and received the permission of members to publish their names and in the interests of open governance these have now been published at:\r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Education/Schools/SSDN/ICTinEducationProgrammeBoard/members.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-04-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-04-17T14:08:31.067","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271041,"EventID":"S4W-06299","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5047,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-20T14:08:31.16","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-20T09:45:47","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people were Blue Badge holders in each local authority area at 31 December 2011.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people were Blue Badge holders in each local authority area at 31 December 2011.\r\n","AnswerText":"Scottish local authorities are responsible for collating an annual statistical return in relation to Blue Badges in circulation in their area as at 31 March of the reporting period (financial year). Transport Scotland publishes the data annually in the Scottish Transport Statistics annual publication.\r\nThe latest information, for 1 April 2010 to 31 March 2011, is available at: http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2010/12/17120002/37.\r\nData for the year 1 April 2011 to 31 March 2012 is not yet available centrally. This data will include more detailed information in relation to the new style Blue Badges issued from 1 January 2012 under the Blue Badge Improvement Service.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-04-17T14:08:31.16","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271042,"EventID":"S4W-06300","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5047,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-20T14:08:31.24","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-20T09:45:47","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people have (a) applied and (b) reapplied for Blue Badges since the new regulations came into effect, broken down by local authority.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people have (a) applied and (b) reapplied for Blue Badges since the new regulations came into effect, broken down by local authority.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-06299 on 26 March 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-04-17T14:08:31.24","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271043,"EventID":"S4W-06301","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5047,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-20T14:08:31.333","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-20T09:45:47","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many (a) new applications and (b) reapplications for Blue Badges are awaiting assessment in each local authority.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many (a) new applications and (b) reapplications for Blue Badges are awaiting assessment in each local authority.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-06299 on 26 March 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-04-17T14:08:31.333","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271044,"EventID":"S4W-06302","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5047,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-20T14:08:31.41","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-20T09:45:47","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many reapplications for Blue Badges have been assessed in each local authority area since the new regulations came into effect.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many reapplications for Blue Badges have been assessed in each local authority area since the new regulations came into effect.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-06299 on 26 March 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-04-17T14:08:31.41","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271045,"EventID":"S4W-06304","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5047,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-20T14:08:31.49","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-20T09:45:47","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the average waiting period is between application and assessment for a Blue Badge in each local authority.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the average waiting period is between application and assessment for a Blue Badge in each local authority.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-06299 on 26 March 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-04-17T14:08:31.49","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271046,"EventID":"S4W-06305","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5047,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-20T14:08:31.583","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-20T09:45:47","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the average waiting period is between application and the issuing of a Blue Badge in each local authority.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the average waiting period is between application and the issuing of a Blue Badge in each local authority.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-06299 on 26 March 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-04-17T14:08:31.583","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271047,"EventID":"S4W-06308","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3758,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":76,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-20T17:15:34.603","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-20T10:52:56","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what regulations there are requiring haulage companies to obtain an escort for their vehicles on public roads.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what regulations there are requiring haulage companies to obtain an escort for their vehicles on public roads.\r\n","AnswerText":"The movement of abnormal loads is a reserved matter. There are currently no legislative requirements for abnormal loads to be escorted; however, in the interests of public safety the police decide when an escort is required. The Highways Agency on behalf of the Department for Transport has published a Code of Practice and Operating Guidance on Abnormal Load Escorting which gives guidance on when an escort vehicle is required. This may be a police escort or a Self-Escort and is a matter for the police.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-04-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-04-17T17:15:34.667","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271048,"EventID":"S4W-06309","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3758,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":76,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-20T17:15:34.823","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-20T10:52:56","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the police can insist on undertaking escort duties for haulage company vehicles on public roads and, if so, under what legislation.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the police can insist on undertaking escort duties for haulage company vehicles on public roads and, if so, under what legislation.\r\n","AnswerText":"Where a haulage company vehicle’s laden dimensions exceed a defined overall width, length or weight the police in the interest of public safety will decide whether an escort vehicle is required and whether the escort is provided by the police or the haulier. There are currently no legal requirements for abnormal loads to be escorted; however there are legal requirements for the haulier to provide an attendant dependent on the dimensions of the load.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-04-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-04-17T17:15:34.823","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271049,"EventID":"S4W-06310","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3758,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":76,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-20T17:15:34.9","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-20T10:52:56","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive under what authority the police can charge haulage companies for escort duties on public roads.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive under what authority the police can charge haulage companies for escort duties on public roads.\r\n","AnswerText":"The charging of hauliers for police escorts has been agreed between Scottish Police Forces at the special services rates set by Association of Chief Police Offices in Scotland (ACPOS). The special services rate is designed to include an element for both wear and tear to police vehicles and fuel costs, in addition to the cost of the officers; one rate to cover all costs incurred. In addition, the agreement allows charging for the time spent in planning such escorts. It is down to individual police forces whether to implement these charges.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-04-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-04-17T17:15:34.917","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271050,"EventID":"S4W-06311","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1986,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":142,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-20T17:15:34.977","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-20T11:17:48","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S4W-05593 by Kenny MacAskill on 28 February 2012, whether there was an underspend in any year of  the campaign's central budget and, if","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S4W-05593 by Kenny MacAskill on 28 February 2012, whether there was an underspend in any year of  the campaign's central budget and, if so, what that was. \r\n","AnswerText":"An underspend of £4,800 was reported for 2010-11. There was no underspend in 2009-10 or 2011-12.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-04-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-04-17T17:15:34.993","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271051,"EventID":"S4W-06312","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1986,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":142,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-20T17:15:35.057","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-20T11:17:48","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S4W-05593 by Kenny MacAskill on 28 February 2012, how much was spent in each area of the national programme of materials in each year o","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S4W-05593 by Kenny MacAskill on 28 February 2012, how much was spent in each area of the national programme of materials in each year of the campaign.","AnswerText":"As stated in the answer to questions S4W-05593 on 28 February  and S4W-06145 on 19 March 2012, the creation and distribution of materials are managed within the agreed budgets of £250,000 for 2009-10, £250,000 for 2010-11 and £500,000 for 2011-12. This approach is guided by a National Steering Group with representation from Young Scot, Youthlink Scotland, Scottish Youth Parliament, Violence Reduction Unit, Medics Against Violence and Scottish Government. Local areas are supported in the development of their approaches by a national No Knives, Better Lives delivery team.\r\nThe allocation of the materials listed is based on local priorities, determined by local steering groups in place in each area. The specific spend in each of the categories listed in S4W-05593 is not held centrally.\r\nAll answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-04-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-04-17T17:15:35.057","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271052,"EventID":"S4W-06313","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1986,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":142,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-20T17:15:35.133","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-20T11:17:48","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S4W-05593 by Kenny MacAskill on 28 February 2012, which bodies received resources from the national programme of materials and how much","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S4W-05593 by Kenny MacAskill on 28 February 2012, which bodies received resources from the national programme of materials and how much these cost in each year of the campaign.\r\n","AnswerText":"As stated in the answer to question S4W-06145 on 19 March 2012, a range of materials have been provided for local partners in those areas involved in the initiative. These include local councils, youth centres and workers, schools and the police. \r\nThe allocation of these resources is determined by local needs and is based on a fair and even split of the centrally held budget between those areas involved with the initiative. The budget for 2009-10 was £250,000, £250,000 for 2010-11 and £500,000 for 2011-12.\r\nAll answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-04-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-04-17T17:15:35.133","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271053,"EventID":"S4W-06314","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-20T17:15:35.213","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-20T12:07:28.68","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive (a) how many and (b) what (i) schools and (ii) local authorities have asked for additional help in relation to their implementation of the Curriculum for Excellence.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive (a) how many and (b) what (i) schools and (ii) local authorities have asked for additional help in relation to their implementation of the Curriculum for Excellence.","AnswerText":"Education Scotland is conducting an audit of what additional support may be required within secondary schools or departments to take forward the implementation of Curriculum for Excellence.\r\nThe support package announced on 21 March outlines the resource to help meet any identified support needs.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-04-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-04-17T17:15:35.227","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271054,"EventID":"S4W-06315","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-20T17:15:35.29","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-20T12:07:28.68","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what resources are provided for schools needing additional help to implement the Curriculum for Excellence and how.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what resources are provided for schools needing additional help to implement the Curriculum for Excellence and how.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-06314 on 17 April 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-04-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-04-17T17:15:35.307","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271055,"EventID":"S4W-06316","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-20T17:15:35.367","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-20T12:07:28.68","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much money has been allocated to schools that need additional help to implement the Curriculum for Excellence.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much money has been allocated to schools that need additional help to implement the Curriculum for Excellence.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-06314 on 17 April 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-04-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-04-17T17:15:35.367","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271056,"EventID":"S4W-06317","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-20T17:15:35.447","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-20T12:07:28.68","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many times the Cabinet Secretary for Education and Lifelong Learning and the Minister for Learning, Science and Scotland's Languages have met parent groups and their ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many times the Cabinet Secretary for Education and Lifelong Learning and the Minister for Learning, Science and Scotland's Languages have met parent groups and their representatives to discuss the implementation of the Curriculum for Excellence in the last two years and which groups they have met.\r\n","AnswerText":"Education Ministers are in regular contact with parent groups and their representatives. These have included parents and Parent Councils, the National Parent Forum of Scotland, (NPFS), the SMPA (Scottish Muslim Parents Association Scotland), Black and Ethnic Minority Infrastructure in Scotland (BEMIS), Carers Action Midlothian, Children in Scotland, Families Outside, For Scotland’s Disabled Children, Kindred, Parenting Across Scotland (PAS), Scottish Traveller Education Programme (STEP) and SWIIS Foster Care (Scotland).\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-04-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-04-17T17:15:35.447","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271057,"EventID":"S4W-06318","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-20T17:15:35.523","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-20T12:07:28.68","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many times the Cabinet Secretary for Education and Lifelong Learning and the Minister for Learning, Science and Scotland's Languages have telephoned individual parent","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many times the Cabinet Secretary for Education and Lifelong Learning and the Minister for Learning, Science and Scotland's Languages have telephoned individual parents and parent-teacher associations across Scotland to discuss the implementation of the Curriculum for Excellence.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-06317 on 17 April 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-04-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-04-17T17:15:35.523","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271058,"EventID":"S4W-06319","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-20T17:15:35.587","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-20T12:07:28.68","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive in how many schools S2 pupils who will be in S3 in 2012-13 will choose their S3 subjects in that year.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive in how many schools S2 pupils who will be in S3 in 2012-13 will choose their S3 subjects in that year.","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally. It is for each local authority and school to develop their curriculum plans.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-04-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-04-17T17:15:35.587","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271059,"EventID":"S4W-06320","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-20T17:15:35.65","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-20T12:07:28.68","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive in how many schools pupils are choosing their S3 subjects while in S2.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive in how many schools pupils are choosing their S3 subjects while in S2.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-06319 on 17 April 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-04-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-04-17T17:15:35.663","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271060,"EventID":"S4W-06321","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-20T17:15:35.743","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-20T12:07:28.68","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many subjects each school is allowing pupils to choose when making their exam choices.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many subjects each school is allowing pupils to choose when making their exam choices.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-06319 on 17 April 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-04-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-04-17T17:15:35.743","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271061,"EventID":"S4W-06322","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-20T17:15:35.82","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-20T12:07:28.68","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive where the 360 support activities that took place in 2010-11 with regard to the Curriculum for Excellence took place; what the activities were, and how they were delivered","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive where the 360 support activities that took place in 2010-11 with regard to the Curriculum for Excellence took place; what the activities were, and how they were delivered.\r\n","AnswerText":"Education Scotland supported a range of activities including Principal Teacher seminars, school leaders seminars, Quality Improvement Officer seminars, mixed Community Learning Development and school staff seminars.\r\nSQA’s Curriculum for Excellence (CfE) Liaison Team also carried out a series of visits to schools, college and local authorities during 2010-11 and continue to do so. This included support for local authority staff, senior managers and subject specialists either within the school or across the LA. In addition, SQA’s CfE Qualifications Development Teams carried out a series of focused subject engagements during 2010-11 with subject specialists and with learners in some instances.\r\nThese activities took place across the country.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-04-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-04-17T17:15:35.82","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271062,"EventID":"S4W-06323","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-20T17:15:35.897","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-20T12:07:28.68","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what details it can provide of the new support package that Education Scotland will provide for local authorities.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what details it can provide of the new support package that Education Scotland will provide for local authorities.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-06314 on 17 April 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-04-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-04-17T17:15:35.897","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271063,"EventID":"S4W-06324","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-20T17:15:35.977","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-20T12:07:28.68","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what details it can provide of the programme of support that is being provided by Education Scotland and the Scottish Qualifications Authority to local authorities to ass","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what details it can provide of the programme of support that is being provided by Education Scotland and the Scottish Qualifications Authority to local authorities to assist them in all aspects of the Curriculum for Excellence.\r\n","AnswerText":"Education Scotland, through its District Inspector and Area Advisor networks, maintains regular discussions with local authorities over delivery of Curriculum for Excellence. Education Scotland’s audit of the state of readiness of secondary schools will inform further tailored support for individual schools or departments where required.\r\nIn addition to the unprecedented involvement of practitioners in the development of the new qualifications, an SQA support programme will be delivered to ensure that every Principal Subject Teacher can attend relevant CPD events. This supplements the existing programme of activities that includes:\r\nPublication of all draft documents to allow all practitioners to feed in to developments from January 2011 through to April 2012\r\nUpdated version of the National Assessment Resource released, enabling users to add assessment exemplars\r\nEight SQA/Education Scotland curriculum events attended by over 1000 practitioners in November/ December 2011\r\nSupport from the SQA CfE Liaison Team\r\nFocussed, practical advice and guidance from Education Scotland to support teachers in the delivery of some courses at National 4 and 5 where there are aspects of significant changes in April 2012\r\nNational Implementation Support events in May and Autumn 2012.\r\nCourse and Unit Assessment support materials available well in advance of the implementation of the new qualifications in 2013-14.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-04-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-04-17T17:15:35.977","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271064,"EventID":"S4W-06325","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-20T17:15:36.087","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-20T12:07:28.68","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it is auditing schools to establish whether they are ready to implement the Curriculum for Excellence.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it is auditing schools to establish whether they are ready to implement the Curriculum for Excellence.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-06314 on 17 April 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-04-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-04-17T17:15:36.087","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271065,"EventID":"S4W-06326","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-20T17:15:36.163","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-20T12:07:28.68","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when Education Scotland will complete its audit of the preparedness of schools to implement the new national exams and when the results will be published.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when Education Scotland will complete its audit of the preparedness of schools to implement the new national exams and when the results will be published.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-06314 on 17 April 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-04-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-04-17T17:15:36.163","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271066,"EventID":"S4W-06337","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5059,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-20T17:15:36.24","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-20T12:49:30","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it would implement a financial transaction tax in a Scotland separated from the rest of the United Kingdom.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it would implement a financial transaction tax in a Scotland separated from the rest of the United Kingdom.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government's proposal for Scotland is independence with a new relationship of equality between Scotland and the other nations of these islands and a voice in Europe and the wider world.\r\nThe Scottish Government supports measures that enable a well functioning financial system and that improve access to finance, particularly for small and medium-sized businesses. We support the global application of the financial transaction tax to provide maximum benefit while avoiding the relocation of financial services.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-04-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-04-17T17:15:36.24","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271091,"EventID":"S4W-06338","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":89,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-21T14:33:36.57","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-20T13:08:44","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the average life expectancy is of a person living in the east end of Glasgow.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the average life expectancy is of a person living in the east end of Glasgow.","AnswerText":"The average life expectancy of a person living in the east end of Glasgow1 is 74.5 years.\r\nNote: 1. The east end of Glasgow has been defined to be the area covered by the Glasgow Provan and Glasgow Shettleston Scottish Parliamentary Constituencies.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-04-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-04-18T14:33:36.837","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271092,"EventID":"S4W-06339","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-21T14:33:36.93","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-20T13:10:43","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what it is doing to (a) educate children and young people and (b) inform parents and guardians about the dangers of cyberbullying.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what it is doing to (a) educate children and young people and (b) inform parents and guardians about the dangers of cyberbullying.","AnswerText":"The experiences and outcomes under health and wellbeing within Curriculum for Excellence outline expectations for learning around respect, positive relationships, access to support and rights and responsibilities. In addition, the experiences and outcomes under technologies within Curriculum for Excellence outline expectations for learning around safe and acceptable conduct when using different technologies to interact and share information with others. It is for schools and local authorities to decide how to take learning forward in both of these curricular areas.\r\nThe Scottish Government funds the national anti-bullying service, respectme, who provide free training on cyberbullying for parents and professionals, informed by their research with 4,000 children and young people on cyberbullying. Respectme campaigns at a national level to raise awareness of bullying behaviour and its impact on children and young people. Their current campaign focuses on cyberbullying. Respectme also provide a range of information for parents and carers on their website on all aspects of bullying including cyberbullying and are currently developing a new resource on cyberbullying for children and young people.\r\nEducation Scotland has also developed a range of materials and information for parents and carers about internet safety and responsible use which are available on their website.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-04-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-04-18T14:33:36.93","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271093,"EventID":"S4W-06341","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-21T14:33:37.007","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-20T13:10:43","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with (a) teaching unions and (b) youth work organisations regarding cyberbullying.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with (a) teaching unions and (b) youth work organisations regarding cyberbullying.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Advisory Group on Behaviour in Schools, which provides advice to national and local government on all aspects of behaviour in schools, includes representation from trade unions. Cyberbullying has been discussed at the group.\r\nThe Scottish Government co-ordinates and regularly meets with the Scottish Anti-Bullying Steering Group, which includes representatives from Youth Scotland, LGBT Youth Scotland and Children’s Parliament, to discuss all aspects of anti-bullying work, including work to tackle cyberbullying.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-04-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-04-18T14:33:37.007","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271094,"EventID":"S4W-06342","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-21T14:33:37.117","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-20T13:10:43","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it last met the police to discuss trends in cyberbullying.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it last met the police to discuss trends in cyberbullying.","AnswerText":"Online safety in Scotland is monitored by the Scottish Government led Stakeholder Group on Child Internet Safety. The group last met on 14 March 2012 and includes representation from the police. The issue of cyberbullying is discussed regularly.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-04-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-04-18T14:33:37.117","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271095,"EventID":"S4W-06343","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-21T14:33:37.21","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-20T13:10:43","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its definition of cyberbullying is.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its definition of cyberbullying is.\r\n","AnswerText":"In partnership with the Scottish Anti-Bullying Steering Group, the Scottish Government published A National Approach to Anti-Bullying for Scotland’s Children and Young People in November 2010. This approach indicates that bullying can be understood as behaviour which leaves people feeling helpless, frightened, anxious, depressed or humiliated. The approach states that bullying behaviour may include:\r\nname calling, teasing, putting down or threatening\r\nignoring, leaving out or spreading rumours\r\nhitting, tripping, kicking\r\nstealing and damaging belongings\r\nsending abusive, text, email or instant messages\r\nmaking people feel like they are being bullied or fearful of being bullied\r\ntargeting someone because of who they are or are perceived to be.\r\nWhere this behaviour occurs over the internet or by mobile phone, it is commonly referred to as ‘cyberbullying’.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-04-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-04-18T14:33:37.21","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271096,"EventID":"S4W-06344","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-21T14:33:37.287","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-20T13:10:43","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has made representations to (a) Twitter and (b) Facebook regarding their cyberbullying policies.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has made representations to (a) Twitter and (b) Facebook regarding their cyberbullying policies.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government is represented on the UK Council for Child Internet Safety, where all aspects of internet safety are discussed, including cyberbullying. The Council brings together over 170 organisations and individuals from government, industry, law enforcement, academia and charities – including representing parents and children. Their aim is to work in partnership to keep children and young people safe online.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-04-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-04-18T14:33:37.287","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271097,"EventID":"S4W-06345","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-21T14:33:37.35","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-20T13:10:43","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its position is on the adequacy of legislation regarding internet-based harassment and cyberbullying.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its position is on the adequacy of legislation regarding internet-based harassment and cyberbullying.","AnswerText":"There are a number of statutory offences which may be used to prosecute people who misuse the internet for harassment, including the offences of “threatening and abusive behaviour” (Section 38 of the Criminal Justice and Licensing (Scotland) Act 2010), “stalking” (section 39 of the 2010 Act) and “Improper use of public electronic communications network” (Section 127 of the Communications Act 2003). In addition to these statutory offences, the common law offences of breach of the peace and threats may be used to prosecute such behaviour. Extreme forms of internet based bullying, or “cyberbullying”, which amount to criminal behaviour could be prosecuted in the same way.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-04-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-04-18T14:33:37.35","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271098,"EventID":"S4W-06346","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-21T14:33:37.413","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-20T13:10:43","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it (a) monitors and (b) collates figures relating to reports of cyberbullying to the police.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it (a) monitors and (b) collates figures relating to reports of cyberbullying to the police.","AnswerText":"The police recorded crime data collected centrally is based on an aggregate return from each of the eight police forces in Scotland and is published in the annual Recorded Crime in Scotland statistical bulletin.\r\nWhilst the term cyberbullying is not a specific offence in itself, cyberbullying would be recorded by the police as an offence under the relevant legislation, depending on the nature of the offence itself. As such, cyberbullying may be recorded under different crime and offence codes included within the classification system used centrally and may not be identifiable separately.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-04-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-04-18T14:33:37.413","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271099,"EventID":"S4W-06347","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-21T14:33:37.49","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-20T13:10:43","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what additional funds have been made available to the police to counter any increase in cyberbullying.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what additional funds have been made available to the police to counter any increase in cyberbullying.\r\n","AnswerText":"Decisions on allocating funding are a matter for individual police authorities/joint boards together in discussion with their chief constables. It will therefore be for them to decide the level of funding to be made available to address cyberbullying.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-04-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-04-18T14:33:37.49","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271100,"EventID":"S4W-06348","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-21T14:33:37.553","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-20T13:10:43","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many reported incidents of racism in the last year for which figures are available involved an online element.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many reported incidents of racism in the last year for which figures are available involved an online element.","AnswerText":"Information held centrally on the number of racist incidents recorded by the police cannot identify whether the incident involved an online element.\r\nThe 2012-13 Scottish Crime and Justice Survey, however, includes a new section on harassment. This will provide an estimate of how many people have been insulted, pestered or intimidated in the last 12 months by anybody who is not a member of their household. The survey will also establish whether there was any racial motive for the harassment and the means by which individuals were harassed, including (as separate categories) via texts or e-mail, or in writing via the internet, such as a social networking site. Subject to sample sizes, results will be available from November 2013 and will cover the adult (16 and over) population only.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-04-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-04-18T14:33:37.553","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271101,"EventID":"S4W-06349","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-21T14:33:37.63","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-20T13:10:43","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it last reviewed its comment moderation policy for websites carrying the Scottish Government logo.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it last reviewed its comment moderation policy for websites carrying the Scottish Government logo.\r\n","AnswerText":"Scottish Government moderation policy was reviewed earlier this year.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-04-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-04-18T14:33:37.647","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Bruce Crawford","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271102,"EventID":"S4W-06350","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-21T14:33:37.71","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-20T13:10:43","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will accept anonymous contributions to its Your Scotland, Your Referendum consultation.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will accept anonymous contributions to its Your Scotland, Your Referendum consultation.","AnswerText":"All responses will be accepted. Respondents can indicate on the Respondent Information Form if they wish to remain anonymous. Any response submitted without a Respondent Information Form will also be treated as anonymous.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-04-18T14:33:37.71","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Bruce Crawford","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271103,"EventID":"S4W-06351","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1860,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-21T14:33:37.787","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-20T13:49:22","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many applications for retirement on the grounds of stress have been approved for teachers who are members of the Scottish Teachers' Superannuation Scheme in each of t","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many applications for retirement on the grounds of stress have been approved for teachers who are members of the Scottish Teachers' Superannuation Scheme in each of the last five years.\r\n","AnswerText":"The number of approved applications for ill-health retirement on the grounds of a stress related illness, from teachers who are members of the Scottish Teachers Superannuation Scheme, in each of the last five years are as follows –\r\n2007-08\r\n49\r\n2008-09\r\n43\r\n2009-10\r\n43\r\n2010-11\r\n36\r\n2011-12\r\n24\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-04-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-04-18T14:33:37.787","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271104,"EventID":"S4W-06352","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-21T14:33:37.85","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-20T14:06:02.297","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many newly qualified nurses have obtained an internship via the scheme for newly qualified nurses announced on 24 February 2011.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many newly qualified nurses have obtained an internship via the scheme for newly qualified nurses announced on 24 February 2011.","AnswerText":"Five hundred and seventy-three newly qualified nurses and midwives have accepted the offer of an internship and subsequently joined the programme via the One Year Job Guarantee scheme for newly qualified nurses and midwives.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-04-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-04-18T14:33:37.867","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271105,"EventID":"S4W-06353","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-21T14:33:37.927","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-20T14:06:02.297","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many newly qualified nurses who obtained an internship via the scheme for newly qualified nurses announced on 24 February 2011 subsequently obtained employment as a n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many newly qualified nurses who obtained an internship via the scheme for newly qualified nurses announced on 24 February 2011 subsequently obtained employment as a nurse, also broken down by workplace (a) in and (b) outside Scotland.","AnswerText":"This information is not yet available. In due course, NHS Education for Scotland (NES) who operate the internship scheme on behalf of the Scottish Government, will collect information about the subsequent employment of interns within NHSScotland. NES will not collect information about those interns employed outwith Scotland.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-04-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-04-18T14:33:37.927","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271106,"EventID":"S4W-06355","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-21T14:33:37.99","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-20T14:09:07.593","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many nurses who obtained an internship via the scheme for newly qualified nurses announced on 24 February 2011 subsequently obtained employment as a nurse (a) in the ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many nurses who obtained an internship via the scheme for newly qualified nurses announced on 24 February 2011 subsequently obtained employment as a nurse (a) in the NHS, (b) in the independent sector and (c) elsewhere.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-06353 on 17 April 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-04-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-04-18T14:33:37.99","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271107,"EventID":"S4W-06356","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-21T14:33:38.067","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-20T14:09:07.593","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many nurses who obtained an internship via the scheme for newly qualified nurses announced on 24 February 2011 subsequently obtained employment as a nurse on a (a) fu","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many nurses who obtained an internship via the scheme for newly qualified nurses announced on 24 February 2011 subsequently obtained employment as a nurse on a (a) full-time and (b) part-time contract.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-06353, on 17 April 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-04-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-04-18T14:33:38.067","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271108,"EventID":"S4W-06357","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-21T14:33:38.147","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-20T14:09:07.593","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many nurses who obtained an internship via the scheme for newly qualified nurses announced on 24 February 2011 subsequently obtained employment as a nurse on a (a) pe","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many nurses who obtained an internship via the scheme for newly qualified nurses announced on 24 February 2011 subsequently obtained employment as a nurse on a (a) permanent and (b) temporary contract.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-06353 on 17 April 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-04-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-04-18T14:33:38.147","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271109,"EventID":"S4W-06359","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5079,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-21T14:33:38.21","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-20T16:03:04.487","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what criteria it uses to assess eligibility for the fuel poverty schemes that it operates.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what criteria it uses to assess eligibility for the fuel poverty schemes that it operates.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has a number of initiatives aimed at helping Scottish households in fuel poverty. Our flagship programme, the Energy Assistance Package (EAP), goes much further than the previous administration’s central heating programme and provides help to more groups than ever before. For EAP there are a number of criteria used to assess eligibility, covering the most vulnerable in society, including the elderly, families with children under 16, those with severe disabilities, the terminally ill and carers.\r\nIn addition, the Scottish Government also provides support to local authorities to deliver insulation measures through the Universal Home Insulation Scheme (UHIS). UHIS is a council-led programme and provides assistance to all households in a defined area. Criteria for the award of funding to councils under UHIS include a requirement for the council to provide evidence on the levels of fuel poverty in the selected area/neighbourhood it wishes to target under the scheme.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-04-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-04-18T14:33:38.21","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271110,"EventID":"S4W-06360","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5079,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-21T14:33:38.27","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-20T16:03:04.487","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what it is doing to tackle self-disconnection by utility customers in fuel poverty.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what it is doing to tackle self-disconnection by utility customers in fuel poverty.","AnswerText":"I and John Swinney hosted a summit, attended by all the big six energy companies, voluntary organisations and Ofgem in November 2011, to discuss what more can be done to mitigate the impact of energy prices on consumers. Scotland’s six leading energy providers pledged that no vulnerable consumers in Scotland will be disconnected over winter for non-payment, with some going beyond and having a total no-disconnection policy unless on safety grounds. They further agreed to help vulnerable customers transfer to their most efficient tariff. There continues to be an ongoing and constructive dialogue with the energy companies working alongside consumer interest groups. The role of trusted intermediaries that vulnerable customers will go to for advice and support is something that all sides are examining.\r\nThe Scottish Government has a number of initiatives aimed at helping Scottish households in fuel poverty. I would advise anyone experiencing hardship to contact the Scottish Government funded Home Energy Scotland Hotline on 0800 512 012 to see what help is available to them.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-04-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-04-18T14:33:38.287","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271111,"EventID":"S4W-06362","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-21T14:33:38.35","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-21T11:19:52","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will establish Youth Employment Scotland as noted in the SNP 2011 manifesto.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will establish Youth Employment Scotland as noted in the SNP 2011 manifesto.","AnswerText":"Youth Employment Scotland comprises of a series of commitments to support young people on which we have made the following progress: \r\nOver 25,000 modern apprenticeship starts in 2011-12 and a commitment to provide at least 25,000 modern apprenticeship opportunities in each of the next four years of this Parliament;\r\nAn additional £30 million of investment to offer employment support for young people announced by the First Minister in December 2011, and\r\n\r\nProtecting college places and further education student support levels in academic year 2012-13.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-04-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-04-18T14:33:38.35","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angela Constance","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271112,"EventID":"S4W-06363","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-21T14:33:38.41","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-21T11:19:52","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the value of the Young Scots Fund is and how much has been allocated, broken down by (a) recipient and (b) value of grant. \r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the value of the Young Scots Fund is and how much has been allocated, broken down by (a) recipient and (b) value of grant. \r\n","AnswerText":"The £50 million Young Scots Fund is a manifesto commitment covering the five year term of this Parliament. £25.4 million has been allocated to the fund in the current Spending Review period for the three financial years 2012-13 to 2014-15.\r\nThe focus of the Young Scots Fund is support for emerging young talent in sport, enterprise and creativity. I have already announced funding of £3 million for the National Conservation Centre to be established by Historic Scotland in Stirling to train young people in the traditional skills needed to sustain Scotland’s historic environment; and £5 million for the National Centre for Youth Arts in Glasgow.\r\nThe Minister for Youth Employment has also announced that £2 million of the Young Scots fund will be used to support Opportunities for All through the Youth Employment Commonwealth Games Skills Legacy fund.\r\nAnnouncements of further allocations will be made in due course.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-04-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-04-18T14:33:38.427","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271124,"EventID":"S4O-00849","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-21T15:40:29.917","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-14T16:06:50.59","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it last met Skills Development Scotland and what issues were discussed.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it last met Skills Development Scotland and what issues were discussed.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-04-18T15:40:30.383","MeetingDate":"2012-03-29T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271125,"EventID":"S4O-00850","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2892,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-21T15:40:30.553","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-14T16:06:50.637","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to make changes to the planning system.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to make changes to the planning system.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-04-18T15:40:30.57","MeetingDate":"2012-03-29T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271126,"EventID":"S4O-00851","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2010,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":137,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-21T15:40:30.633","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-14T16:06:50.667","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government what plans it has to increase the usage of local libraries and museums.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what plans it has to increase the usage of local libraries and museums.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-04-18T15:40:30.633","MeetingDate":"2012-03-29T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271127,"EventID":"S4O-00852","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":4956,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":106,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-21T15:40:30.71","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-14T16:06:50.683","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what impact the sale of BMI to International Airlines Group would have on Scottish air links, competition and consumer services.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what impact the sale of BMI to International Airlines Group would have on Scottish air links, competition and consumer services.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-04-18T15:40:30.71","MeetingDate":"2012-03-29T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271128,"EventID":"S4O-00853","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":3751,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":108,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-21T15:40:30.82","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-14T16:06:50.713","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to change the law to ensure that new businesses, particularly those in recycling and renewables, maintain environmentally sound practices from start-up.\r","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to change the law to ensure that new businesses, particularly those in recycling and renewables, maintain environmentally sound practices from start-up.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-04-18T15:40:30.82","MeetingDate":"2012-03-29T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271129,"EventID":"S4O-00854","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1986,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":142,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-21T15:40:30.93","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-14T16:06:50.743","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to tackle youth unemployment in Greenock and Inverclyde.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to tackle youth unemployment in Greenock and Inverclyde.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-04-18T15:40:30.93","MeetingDate":"2012-03-29T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271130,"EventID":"S4O-00855","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":4955,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":105,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-21T15:40:31.007","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-14T16:06:50.76","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with the Secretary of State for Scotland following the publication of the House of Commons Scottish Affairs Select Committee report, The Crown","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with the Secretary of State for Scotland following the publication of the House of Commons Scottish Affairs Select Committee report, The Crown Estate in Scotland.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-04-18T15:40:31.007","MeetingDate":"2012-03-29T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271131,"EventID":"S4O-00856","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":4947,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-21T15:40:31.1","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-14T16:06:50.79","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made in recruiting appropriately qualified teaching staff for Gaelic medium education.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made in recruiting appropriately qualified teaching staff for Gaelic medium education.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-04-18T15:40:31.117","MeetingDate":"2012-03-29T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271132,"EventID":"S4O-00857","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":5110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":89,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-21T15:40:31.193","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-14T16:06:50.823","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how the new National 4 qualification will be monitored to ensure consistent grading standards nationally.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how the new National 4 qualification will be monitored to ensure consistent grading standards nationally.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-04-18T15:40:31.193","MeetingDate":"2012-03-29T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271133,"EventID":"S4O-00858","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-21T15:40:31.257","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-14T16:06:50.9","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its position is on devolving the marine estate to local authorities and harbour boards.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its position is on devolving the marine estate to local authorities and harbour boards.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-04-18T15:40:31.257","MeetingDate":"2012-03-29T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271134,"EventID":"S4O-00859","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-21T15:50:39.673","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-14T16:07:08.98","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the Cabinet Secretary for Health Wellbeing and Cities Strategy last met NHS Lothian and what issues were discussed.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the Cabinet Secretary for Health Wellbeing and Cities Strategy last met NHS Lothian and what issues were discussed.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-04-18T15:50:39.953","MeetingDate":"2012-03-29T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271135,"EventID":"S4O-00860","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":2123,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":103,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-21T15:50:40.047","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-14T16:07:08.997","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency regarding PIP breast implants. \r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency regarding PIP breast implants. \r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-04-18T15:50:40.063","MeetingDate":"2012-03-29T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271136,"EventID":"S4O-00861","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":3759,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":80,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-21T15:50:40.123","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-14T16:07:09.027","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made with its child poverty strategy.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made with its child poverty strategy.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-04-18T15:50:40.123","MeetingDate":"2012-03-29T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271137,"EventID":"S4O-00862","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":1775,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":146,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-21T15:50:40.22","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-14T16:07:09.043","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with the UK Government regarding the withdrawal of attendance allowance for residents in care homes in Scotland who are supported by free pers","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with the UK Government regarding the withdrawal of attendance allowance for residents in care homes in Scotland who are supported by free personal and nursing care contributions.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-04-18T15:50:40.22","MeetingDate":"2012-03-29T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271138,"EventID":"S4O-00863","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":77,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-21T15:50:40.297","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-14T16:07:09.12","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what good practice guidelines are given to NHS boards for handling medical negligence complaints.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what good practice guidelines are given to NHS boards for handling medical negligence complaints.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-04-18T15:50:40.297","MeetingDate":"2012-03-29T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271139,"EventID":"S4O-00864","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":1741,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-21T15:50:40.407","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-14T16:07:09.137","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what structures the NHS has in place to assist people detoxing from methadone. \r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what structures the NHS has in place to assist people detoxing from methadone. \r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-04-18T15:50:40.407","MeetingDate":"2012-03-29T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271140,"EventID":"S4O-00865","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":2876,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-21T15:50:40.483","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-14T16:07:09.167","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its plans are for the Cardiac Assessment of Young Athletes programme.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its plans are for the Cardiac Assessment of Young Athletes programme.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-04-18T15:50:40.483","MeetingDate":"2012-03-29T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271141,"EventID":"S4O-00866","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":1742,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-21T15:50:40.547","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-14T16:07:09.2","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what support it provides to veterans. \r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what support it provides to veterans. \r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-04-18T15:50:40.547","MeetingDate":"2012-03-29T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271142,"EventID":"S4O-00868","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":4941,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-21T15:50:40.61","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-14T16:07:09.247","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what impact the recently announced additional funding for insulin pumps will have on Glasgow. \r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what impact the recently announced additional funding for insulin pumps will have on Glasgow. \r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-04-18T15:50:40.61","MeetingDate":"2012-03-29T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271143,"EventID":"S4O-00870","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":3907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":135,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-21T15:50:40.67","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-14T16:07:09.293","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will consider introducing the transcatheter aortic valve implantation heart valve procedure.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will consider introducing the transcatheter aortic valve implantation heart valve procedure.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-04-18T15:50:40.687","MeetingDate":"2012-03-29T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271144,"EventID":"S4O-00871","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":1860,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-21T15:50:40.763","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-14T16:07:09.323","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the Cabinet Secretary for Health, Wellbeing and Cities Strategy last met the NHS boards that represent the Highlands and Islands. \r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the Cabinet Secretary for Health, Wellbeing and Cities Strategy last met the NHS boards that represent the Highlands and Islands. \r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-04-18T15:50:40.78","MeetingDate":"2012-03-29T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271145,"EventID":"S4O-00873","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":3129,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":83,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-21T15:50:40.857","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-14T16:07:09.357","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made with using vitamin D supplements or additives to tackle long-term health issues.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made with using vitamin D supplements or additives to tackle long-term health issues.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-04-18T15:50:40.857","MeetingDate":"2012-03-29T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271146,"EventID":"S4O-00874","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":3763,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-21T15:50:40.92","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-14T16:07:09.387","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its position is on the review of the provision of maternity services in West Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its position is on the review of the provision of maternity services in West Scotland.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-04-18T15:50:40.937","MeetingDate":"2012-03-29T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271147,"EventID":"S4O-00875","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":4940,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-21T15:50:41","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-14T16:07:09.403","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to reduce presentations to accident and emergency departments owing to unintentional injury.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to reduce presentations to accident and emergency departments owing to unintentional injury.\r\n","AnswerText":"This is an important issue and a wide range of different initiatives are underway to reduce the number of people in Scotland affected by unintentional injuries.\r\nThe Scottish Government provides funding to the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA), who undertake home safety training and awareness raising. We also fund Child Safety Week each year which helps to raise awareness of serious childhood accidents and how to prevent them and the Scottish Accident Prevention Council to carry out their work across Scotland. This is in addition to ongoing funding for road and fire safety work.\r\nThe government is also funding a project to gather data on injuries presenting through accident and emergency services in Scotland, to help develop a better evidence base on the size and nature of the problem. This will enable us to target future policy and interventions where they will be most effective in reducing the number of people injured each year. We have also funded RoSPA to run a looped blind cord safety campaign, which is now being offered to all local authorities across Scotland.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-04-18T15:50:41","MeetingDate":"2012-03-29T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271148,"EventID":"S4O-00877","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":4964,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-21T15:50:41.077","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-14T16:07:09.463","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to increase the availability of donated breast milk in neo-natal units.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to increase the availability of donated breast milk in neo-natal units.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government is aware that breast milk is the recommended form of enteral nutrition for all infants, especially those born pre-term and we recognise the valuable service that donor milk banks provide. The Scottish Emergency Rider Volunteer Service (ScotsERVS) now supports the transportation of processed donor milk to requesting units and provides a local ongoing and sustainable service across the NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde Board area and into neighbouring health boards. NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde is currently exploring options to provide equitable access to donor breast milk across all of Scotland.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-04-18T15:50:41.077","MeetingDate":"2012-03-29T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271149,"EventID":"S4O-00878","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":2595,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-21T15:50:41.2","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-14T16:07:09.497","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it can provide more detail on the budget line for the provision for transfer to health capital that was outlined in the Budget (Scotland) Bill Supporting Document","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it can provide more detail on the budget line for the provision for transfer to health capital that was outlined in the Budget (Scotland) Bill Supporting Document\r\n","AnswerText":"The transfer referred to ensures that a record level of capital funding will be made available to NHSScotland to deliver on its infrastructure commitments and address the backlog maintenance issues highlighted in the State of the NHS Estate Report 2011. The 2011 Scottish Spending Review makes provision for £2 billion of capital investment over four years. In 2012-13 there will be a record level of capital investment of £581 million compared to just £132 million in 2003-04.\r\nThe Scottish Government is committed to maximising capital investment as a means of boosting economic growth and maintaining employment opportunities.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-04-18T15:50:41.2","MeetingDate":"2012-03-29T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271150,"EventID":"S4O-00876","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":4016,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":133,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-21T16:11:34.767","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-14T16:07:09.433","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it considers that there is an effective strategy in place to tackle learning disabilities, including dyslexia, in young people in the Scottish Borders.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it considers that there is an effective strategy in place to tackle learning disabilities, including dyslexia, in young people in the Scottish Borders.","AnswerText":"Education authorities have a duty to identify any additional support needs for all the children and young people for whom they are responsible and to tailor provision to their individual circumstances.\r\nIn order to help all teachers in Scotland identify the signs of literacy difficulties and dyslexia early in a child’s school life, the Scottish Government, in partnership with Dyslexia Scotland, launched the online “Assessing Dyslexia” Toolkit in June 2010. This was supported by four regional seminars attended by 338 teachers.\r\nIn order to further enhance this support, the Scottish Government announced an additional £40,000 grant to Dyslexia Scotland in November 2011. This will be used to: \r\nreview and update the “Toolkit”;\r\nadd new materials on how to support children and young people with dyslexia, and \r\ndevelop a section for local authorities on how to best implement this resource.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-04-18T16:11:34.78","MeetingDate":"2012-03-29T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271151,"EventID":"S4W-06327","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5059,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-21T17:12:34.45","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-20T12:33:05","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will implement child impact assessments at the point of custody of a parent.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will implement child impact assessments at the point of custody of a parent.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has no plans to introduce child impact assessments at the point of custody. The best interests of the child are always paramount to the police who would link in with relevant partners specifically health and social work when necessary and in every instance of child protection. \r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-04-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-04-18T17:12:34.467","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Aileen Campbell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271152,"EventID":"S4W-06328","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5059,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-21T17:12:34.607","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-20T12:33:05","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it considers that every child has the right to visit a parent who is in prison and, if so, whether this right can be withdrawn as a disciplinary measure against t","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it considers that every child has the right to visit a parent who is in prison and, if so, whether this right can be withdrawn as a disciplinary measure against that parent.\r\n","AnswerText":"I have asked John Ewing, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service, to respond. His response is as follows:\r\nThe Prison Rules expressly provide that persons of a prisoner’s choice, which includes (though not expressly) children, must be allowed to visit a prisoner and sets out the minimum period for this. The rules also provide various punishments in relation to a breach of discipline by a prisoner, but these do not include withdrawal of this right to a visit by a child.\r\nThe rules also provide that the governor may, however, in the interest of security, good order or the prevention of crime, prohibit a prisoner from receiving a visit from any person, terminate a visit to a prisoner or order that a visit must be held in closed visiting facilities. This may, for example, be for the protection of the child.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-04-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-04-18T17:12:34.607","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271153,"EventID":"S4W-06329","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5059,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-21T17:12:34.7","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-20T12:33:05","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether training is given to teachers to support children with a parent in prison.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether training is given to teachers to support children with a parent in prison.\r\n","AnswerText":"The teaching standards set by the General Teaching Council for Scotland require teachers to be able to identify and respond appropriately to pupils with difficulties in or barriers to learning and recognise when to seek advice in relation to their additional support needs. A child with a parent in prison would be likely to fall into this category.\r\nOne and four year courses of initial teacher education in each of Scotland's eight teacher education universities address, to differing extents, children's family circumstances and contexts. Beyond that, schools and local authorities are responsible for ensuring that continuing professional development is provided to meet teachers' agreed development needs both during their induction year and throughout their careers.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-04-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-04-18T17:12:34.7","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271154,"EventID":"S4W-06330","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5059,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-21T17:12:34.823","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-20T12:33:05","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its position is on non-custodial sentences being considered first when sentencing a (a) parent or (b) primary caregiver.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its position is on non-custodial sentences being considered first when sentencing a (a) parent or (b) primary caregiver.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government’s position is that it is for the courts to decide on the most appropriate sentence, within the overall legal framework, in all cases. The complete independence of the judiciary in making sentencing decisions is at the heart of the criminal justice system in Scotland and it is appropriate that sentencing decisions are entirely a matter for the judge, who hears all the facts and circumstances surrounding the offence and the offender, and takes into account any factors which they consider to be relevant before reaching a view on whether a custodial sentence or non-custodial sentence should be imposed.\r\nThe courts are required to request a Criminal Justice Social Work Report (CJSWR) when considering imposing a custodial sentence on an individual under the age of 21 or who has not served a previous custodial sentence (unless a report has already been prepared on the individual within the last three months). The purpose of the CJSWR is to provide the court with information and advice that they need in deciding on the most appropriate way to deal with offenders, including the family circumstances of the offender. If the CJSWR did not fully reflect the offender’s family circumstances it would be possible for the defence solicitor to bring any additional matters to the court’s attention. Where the law does not require the court to ask for a CJSWR, the court can exercise its discretion to request one and, in most cases, the court will generally ask for a CJSWR if a custodial sentence is likely.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-04-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-04-18T17:12:34.823","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271155,"EventID":"S4W-06331","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5059,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-21T17:12:34.933","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-20T12:33:05","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what help it provides to assist families visiting prisoners.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what help it provides to assist families visiting prisoners.\r\n","AnswerText":"I have asked John Ewing, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service, to respond. His response is as follows:\r\nThe SPS recognises the importance of maintaining family contact. All prisons have a Family Strategy Group which comprises a range of interests working together to improve services for families affected by imprisonment. There are also Family Contact Officers in every prison who give advice and support to prisoners and their families.\r\nFinancial help is available through the Assisted Prison Visits Scheme for relatives who wish to visit a family member in prison. The SPS supports a helpline service provided by Families Outside, which includes help and advice on visits, and also works with a number of organisations who assist with transport to prisons for visits.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-04-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-04-18T17:12:34.95","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271156,"EventID":"S4W-06332","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5059,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-21T17:12:35.073","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-20T12:33:05","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what account is taken of the views of the child when considering placing a parent in custody.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what account is taken of the views of the child when considering placing a parent in custody.\r\n","AnswerText":"The circumstances where a parent is placed into police custody will vary greatly and each case will be different. It is an operational matter for the police to determine appropriate action during and following the removal of a parent into police custody. The welfare of the child is of paramount importance and in some cases there will be a need for a multi-agency approach, involving the police, social work and childcare professionals to carefully consider the child’s needs, any views expressed by the child, and, if required, consider and put in place suitable measures in order to protect the child.\r\nAt the point of sentencing by the court, the courts can request a Criminal Justice Social Work Report (CJSWR) when considering imposing a custodial sentence on a parent. As part of the reporting process, the report writer will interview the individual who is being considered for a custodial sentence and the report writer may also decide to interview other people as part of the reporting process. This could include family members in order to take into account their views and explore the impact on the family of the offending behaviour. The report writer will also consider the potential impact of a community disposal as well as the implications of a custodial sentence for children and other family members. The CJSWR will normally contain details of which persons were interviewed, but only where the report writer is confident that this will not place anyone in danger.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-04-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-04-18T17:12:35.073","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271157,"EventID":"S4W-06333","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5059,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-21T17:12:35.293","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-20T12:33:05","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, other than visits, what alternative means of communication are available to children to allow contact with a parent in prison.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, other than visits, what alternative means of communication are available to children to allow contact with a parent in prison.\r\n","AnswerText":"I have asked John Ewing, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service, to respond. His response is as follows:\r\nThe Prison and Young Offenders (Scotland) Rules 2011 provide for prisoners to send and receive letters. The rules also provide for prisoners to make telephone calls. Children can use the “email a prisoner.com” scheme, where it operates, to email their relative in custody.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-04-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-04-18T17:12:35.293","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271158,"EventID":"S4W-06334","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5059,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-21T17:12:35.387","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-20T12:33:05","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its position is on the UN's guidelines for the alternative care for children and how it publicises this position among its agencies and the general public.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its position is on the UN's guidelines for the alternative care for children and how it publicises this position among its agencies and the general public.\r\n","AnswerText":"Scotland has in place, a well-established system through the Children (Scotland) Act 1995 and secondary regulations setting out the responsibilities in relation to caring for children who for whatever reason are not cared for by their parents. In this context, the Centre for Excellence for Looked after Children in Scotland (CELCIS), funded by Scottish Government has recently won the tender to lead the development of the Global Implementation and Monitoring Handbook for the UN Guidelines for the Alternative Care for Children, funded by an international funding consortia, including UNICEF.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-04-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-04-18T17:12:35.387","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Aileen Campbell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271159,"EventID":"S4W-06335","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5059,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-21T17:12:35.45","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-20T12:33:05","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what (a) financial and (b) other support it provides to the families of prisoners\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what (a) financial and (b) other support it provides to the families of prisoners\r\n","AnswerText":"I have asked John Ewing, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service, to respond. His response is as follows:\r\nFinancial help is available through the Assisted Prison Visits Scheme for relatives who wish to visit a family member in prison.\r\nThe SPS supports a helpline service provided by Families Outside, which includes help and advice on visits, and also works with a number of organisations who assist with transport to prisons for visits. All prisons have a Family Strategy Group which comprises a range of interests working together to improve services for families affected by imprisonment. There are also Family Contact Officers in every prison who give advice and support to prisoners and their families.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-04-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-04-18T17:12:35.45","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271160,"EventID":"S4W-06336","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5059,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-21T17:12:35.527","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-20T12:33:05","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it keeps information on the number of children with a parent in prison and, if so, how this is used when considering how to support these children and their famil","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it keeps information on the number of children with a parent in prison and, if so, how this is used when considering how to support these children and their families.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government does not routinely collect information on the number of children with a parent in prison. Our commitment to improve the support for children and families applies to all children including those affected by a parent in prison.\r\nThe Scottish Prison Service carries out an annual survey of prisoners which includes a question on the number of prisoners with children but the data collected is not verified.\r\nThe Scottish Prison Service is currently revising their Good Practice Guidelines as part of developing a new Family Policy, which will provide a comprehensive and joined up approach to family matters, covering strands such as children, families, parenting and child protection.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-04-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-04-18T17:12:35.527","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Aileen Campbell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271161,"EventID":"S4W-06358","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5034,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-21T17:12:35.62","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-20T15:55:31.64","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will bring forward plans for the summit on human trafficking that the Cabinet Secretary for Justice referred to in the parliamentary debate on the subject on 29 F","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will bring forward plans for the summit on human trafficking that the Cabinet Secretary for Justice referred to in the parliamentary debate on the subject on 29 February 2012 (Official Report, c. 6697).\r\n","AnswerText":"The summit will be held during the course of this calendar year. More detailed arrangements will be announced in due course.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-04-18T17:12:35.637","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271162,"EventID":"S4W-06364","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5047,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-21T17:12:35.747","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-21T14:57:17","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S4W-03648 by Kenny MacAskill on 3 November 2011, what organisations will receive an award from the mentoring allocation.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S4W-03648 by Kenny MacAskill on 3 November 2011, what organisations will receive an award from the mentoring allocation.\r\n","AnswerText":"On 23 November 2011, it was announced that £250,000 of the £500,000 identified for mentoring will be allocated to the Wise Group, to fund the continuation of their Routes out of Prison mentoring programme.\r\nA number of project proposals have been received for the remaining £250,000, and these are currently under consideration. No decision has yet been taken as to which organisations/projects will be selected to receive funding. Once the successful applicant(s) have been identified, they will be duly advised, and arrangements for distribution and announcement of funds will be made in line with the aims and timescales of the submitted proposals.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-04-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-04-18T17:12:35.747","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271163,"EventID":"S4W-06365","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5047,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-21T17:12:35.853","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-21T14:57:17","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive further to the answer to question S4W-03648 by Kenny MacAskill on 3 November 2011, what projects will be financed from the mentoring allocation.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive further to the answer to question S4W-03648 by Kenny MacAskill on 3 November 2011, what projects will be financed from the mentoring allocation.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-06364 on 11 April 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-04-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-04-18T17:12:35.87","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271164,"EventID":"S4W-06366","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5047,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-21T17:12:35.993","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-21T14:57:17","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S4W-03648 by Kenny MacAskill on 3 November 2011, when the mentoring allocation will be distributed to each organisation.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S4W-03648 by Kenny MacAskill on 3 November 2011, when the mentoring allocation will be distributed to each organisation.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-06364, on 11 April 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-04-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-04-18T17:12:35.993","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271165,"EventID":"S4W-06367","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5047,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-21T17:12:36.12","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-21T14:57:17","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S4W-03648 by Kenny MacAskill on 3 November 2011, what monitoring and analysis will be carried out of projects financed from the mentori","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S4W-03648 by Kenny MacAskill on 3 November 2011, what monitoring and analysis will be carried out of projects financed from the mentoring allocation.\r\n","AnswerText":"£250,000 of the £500,000 identified for mentoring has been allocated to the Wise Group, to fund the continuation of their Routes out of Prison mentoring programme. Legally binding conditions of grant were agreed as part of the funding agreement. These conditions include a requirement for Wise Group to provide Scottish Government detailed half-yearly reports on all activities and expenditure associated with this funding.\r\nApplications have been received for access to the remaining £250,000, and these are currently under consideration. No decision has yet been taken as to which organisations/projects will be selected to receive funding. Any allocation of the further £250,000 will also be made under relevant conditions of grant, with the recipient(s) being tasked to provide appropriate reporting on progress and expenditure against the proposed project.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-04-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-04-18T17:12:36.12","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271166,"EventID":"S4W-06368","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5047,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-21T17:12:36.243","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-21T14:57:17","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S4W-03648 by Kenny MacAskill on 3 November 2011, how many unsuccessful applications related to mentoring projects.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S4W-03648 by Kenny MacAskill on 3 November 2011, how many unsuccessful applications related to mentoring projects.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-06364 on 11 April 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-04-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-04-18T17:12:36.243","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271167,"EventID":"S4W-06369","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1892,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":134,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-21T17:12:36.337","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-21T15:51:48.433","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, in light of the changes being made to the structure and remit of the Inshore Fisheries Groups (IFG), whether stakeholders will be invited to (a) contribute to inshore fi","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, in light of the changes being made to the structure and remit of the Inshore Fisheries Groups (IFG), whether stakeholders will be invited to (a) contribute to inshore fisheries management (i) in any revised IFG structure and (ii) through the National Fisheries Management and Conservation Group and (b) the proposed national conference on inshore fisheries management.\r\n","AnswerText":"As implementation of the Inshore Fisheries Strategy 2012 is taken forward, stakeholders will continue to be involved in the revised IFG structure, and the Fisheries Management and Conservation Group. Key stakeholders will also be invited to participate in the inshore fisheries conference.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-04-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-04-18T17:12:36.353","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271168,"EventID":"S4W-06371","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1892,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":134,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-21T17:12:36.463","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-21T15:53:00.24","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what (a) research and (b) impact assessments have been carried out on the impact of offshore (i) wind, (ii) wave and (iii) tidal installations on the marine biodiversity ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what (a) research and (b) impact assessments have been carried out on the impact of offshore (i) wind, (ii) wave and (iii) tidal installations on the marine biodiversity of the west coast, including migrating sharks and the breeding cycles and habitats of fish species, and whether this information is publicly available.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has published a Research Implementation Strategy to inform the development of offshore renewable energy in Scottish waters. The strategy aims to address the gaps in current knowledge that have been identified through the ongoing programme of work to support the development of offshore renewable energy – wind, wave and tidal energy. We will continue to develop this research strategy to tackle issues and identify solutions towards the sustainable development of offshore renewable energy in Scottish waters. The strategy is available to view at http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/marine/marineenergy/ris.\r\nThe Scottish Government has also undertaken a national level Sustainability Appraisal assessment of the Sectoral Marine Plan for offshore wind in Scottish territorial waters. This assessment process includes Strategic Environmental Assessment and Habitats Regulations Appraisal which consider potential effects from proposed offshore energy developments on migratory shark and fish species. The Strategic Environmental Assessment and Habitats Regulations Appraisal are available for public viewing on: \r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/marine/marineenergy/wind. \r\nA similar exercise for wave energy and tidal energy is currently underway.\r\nScottish Ministers consent conditions for the Robin Rigg offshore wind development in the Solway Firth included a schedule of potential impacts. This schedule formed the basis of the Marine Environment Monitoring programme for the development and was fully adopted by the developer, E.ON UK. The programme includes monitoring of seabird and marine mammal interactions with the pre-construction, construction and post-construction periods associated with the development of Robin Rigg. A summary of the Marine Environment Monitoring Programme for Robin Rigg can be viewed at http://www.naturalpower.com/sites/default/files/images/MEMP-ECOPY.pdf. \r\nIn response to continuing concerns regarding the recovery of west coast marine ecosystems, Marine Scotland commissioned a review of all available science related to oceanography, biological productivity, fish related habitats and ecology and current fisheries management of the area. The results were placed into a framework of the linked marine food-web using a structured ecosystem model. The resulting report may be found at http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/marine/science/Publications/publicationslatest/Science/MSSR/2011Reports/MSSR0911.\r\nThe issue of potential effects on migratory fish species, notably salmon, sea trout and European eel, are considered at a national scale. The Scottish Government commissioned a review of migratory fish movement and behaviour in 2010 and this is available for public viewing at http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/marine/science/Publications/publicationslatest/Science/SMFS/2010Reports/SMFS0114. \r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-04-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-04-18T17:12:36.463","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271179,"EventID":"S4W-06411","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":2,"MSPID":3771,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-22T13:16:43.797","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-22T13:10:53","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress it has made in developing successor arrangements to community care grants and crisis loans for living expenses.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress it has made in developing successor arrangements to community care grants and crisis loans for living expenses.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government published the analysis of responses to the public consultation on successor arrangements and community care grants and crisis loans for living expenses on 27 February. We have been working with stakeholders to develop options for a successor scheme and have agreed with local authority leaders that we will work with local government to have a scheme in place for April 2013, which will be subject to review.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-04-19T13:16:43.937","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271190,"EventID":"S4W-06373","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5034,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-22T14:40:18.063","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-21T16:43:54","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive for what reason there is no (a) British Sign Language and (b) easy read version of Your Scotland, Your Referendum.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive for what reason there is no (a) British Sign Language and (b) easy read version of Your Scotland, Your Referendum.\r\n","AnswerText":"The consultation is available in these formats on request, using the contact details provided on page 30 of the consultation document.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-04-19T14:40:18.093","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Bruce Crawford","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271191,"EventID":"S4W-06375","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1759,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-22T14:40:18.36","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-21T16:55:00.927","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assessment has been made of cormorant population trends on designated sites and the factors that influence these.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assessment has been made of cormorant population trends on designated sites and the factors that influence these.\r\n","AnswerText":"The assessment of the population trends of cormorants in Scotland includes: the monitoring of designated sites in Scotland which have breeding or wintering cormorants as a qualifying feature, carried out through Scottish Natural Heritage’s Site Condition Monitoring Programme (SCM), and the results of national programmes such as the Seabird Monitoring Programme for breeding cormorants and the Wetland Bird Survey (WeBS) for wintering cormorants. Where the monitoring in both cycles (i.e. breeding and wintering) of SCM has been undertaken it can be considered together with the results from the national programmes to enable basic trends in the population levels of cormorants in Scotland to be identified.\r\nIn general, the factors which influence these trends are not clear, although a study in Caithness identified the decline in breeding cormorants was likely to be the result of an increased death rate in adult birds over the winter. However, the cause of this increased mortality is not known.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-04-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-04-19T14:40:18.36","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271192,"EventID":"S4W-06376","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1759,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-22T14:40:18.453","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-21T16:55:00.927","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assessment has been made of the wintering habits of cormorants breeding on designated sites. \r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assessment has been made of the wintering habits of cormorants breeding on designated sites. \r\n","AnswerText":"Studies undertaken by Scottish Natural Heritage in Caithness and at Loch Leven, and information gathered from other ringing recoveries, have allowed an assessment of the wintering habits of cormorants breeding on designated sites. These studies have concluded that most cormorants will winter within 300 kilometre of the breeding colony.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-04-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-04-19T14:40:18.453","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271193,"EventID":"S4W-06377","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1759,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-22T14:40:18.547","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-21T16:55:00.927","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assessment has been made of how the cormorant licensing system in England impacts on the population trends of the species at designated sites in Scotland.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assessment has been made of how the cormorant licensing system in England impacts on the population trends of the species at designated sites in Scotland.\r\n","AnswerText":"No assessment has been made regarding any impacts which the cormorant licensing system in England may have on the population trends of the species at designated sites in Scotland.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-04-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-04-19T14:40:18.56","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271194,"EventID":"S4W-06378","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1759,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-22T14:40:18.64","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-21T16:55:00.927","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many (a) cormorants and (b) other piscivorous bird species are killed annually under licence.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many (a) cormorants and (b) other piscivorous bird species are killed annually under licence.\r\n","AnswerText":"Licences may be issued under Section 16(1)(k) of the Wildlife and Countryside Act (1981) by Scottish Ministers, for the purpose of preventing serious damage to fisheries or inland waters. The Scottish Government transferred the licensing function to Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) in July 2011.\r\nSNH has still to receive the report returns for the number of cormorants and other piscivorous birds shot in 2011. However, the following table lists the number of licences and corresponding bag limits which have been granted for the killing of cormorants and other piscivorous birds between 2009 and 2012. The table also lists the number of cormorants and other piscivorous birds shot under licence in 2009 and 2010. \r\nPiscivorous Bird Licences\r\nYear\r\nNo. of Licenses Issued\r\nBag Limit (BL) for Cormorant and No killed (K)\r\nBag Limit (BL) for Merganser and No killed (K)\r\nBag Limit (BL) for Goosander and No killed (K)\r\nBag Limit (BL) for Heron and No killed (K)\r\nBag Limit (BL) for Eider Duck and No killed (K)\r\n2012\r\n13\r\nBL = 49\r\nBL = 36\r\nBL = 137\r\nBL = 5\r\nK = TBC\r\nK = TBC\r\nK = TBC\r\nK = TBC\r\nBL = 0\r\n2011\r\n11\r\nBL = 79\r\nBL = 37\r\nBL = 180\r\nBL = 6\r\nK = TBC\r\nK = TBC\r\nK = TBC\r\nK = TBC\r\nBL = 0\r\n2010\r\n17\r\nBL = 121\r\nBL = 23\r\nBL = 166\r\nK =  47\r\nK = 9\r\nK = 79\r\nBL = 0\r\nBL = 5\r\nK = 0\r\n2009\r\n6\r\nBL = 67\r\nBL = 38\r\nBL = 184\r\nBL = 5\r\nK = 17\r\nK = 0\r\nK = 6\r\nK = 5\r\nBL = 0\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-04-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-04-19T14:40:18.64","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271195,"EventID":"S4W-06386","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3806,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-22T14:40:18.733","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-22T09:07:10","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what agreement it has reached with the UK Government regarding the provisions in the Scotland Bill for the future of the Crown Estate.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what agreement it has reached with the UK Government regarding the provisions in the Scotland Bill for the future of the Crown Estate.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4O-00855 on 29 March 2012. The answer to the oral parliamentary question is available on the Parliaments website, the official report can be viewed at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28862.aspx?r=6941&mode=html#iob_63200.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-04-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-04-19T14:40:18.75","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271196,"EventID":"S4W-06387","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3806,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-22T14:40:18.873","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-22T09:07:10","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking with the UK Government to implement the findings of the Scottish Affairs Committee in relation to the devolution of the Crown Estate and what powe","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking with the UK Government to implement the findings of the Scottish Affairs Committee in relation to the devolution of the Crown Estate and what powers the Secretary of State for Scotland will have in this regard after the passage of the Scotland Bill.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4O-00855 on 29 March 2012. The answer to the oral parliamentary question is available on the Parliaments website, the official report can be viewed at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28862.aspx?r=6941&mode=html#iob_63200.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-04-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-04-19T14:40:18.873","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271197,"EventID":"S4W-06388","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3759,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":80,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-22T14:40:19.043","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-21T17:17:08","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the impact of the increase in VAT to 20% will be for the NHS in 2011-12, also broken down by NHS board.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the impact of the increase in VAT to 20% will be for the NHS in 2011-12, also broken down by NHS board.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S3W-33760 on 21 May 2010. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-04-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-04-19T14:40:19.06","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271198,"EventID":"S4W-06403","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-22T14:40:19.153","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-22T10:28:11.06","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the threshold that Transport Scotland applies for mitigation on the basis of excessive nighttime noise along the Stirling-Alloa-Kincardine railway line is over 80","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the threshold that Transport Scotland applies for mitigation on the basis of excessive nighttime noise along the Stirling-Alloa-Kincardine railway line is over 80 decibels Leqmax external and that the noise must occur more than once per hour between 11 pm and 7 am.\r\n","AnswerText":"The threshold for SAK is the same as was adopted for Edinburgh Airport Rail Link (EARL), Edinburgh Tram and Airdrie to Bathgate and is therefore consistent with the approach approved by Parliament during the consideration of these acts. The night-time noise threshold for mitigation on the SAK route is 82dB LAmax, fast more than twice in any one hour during the hours of 11pm and 7am.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-04-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-04-19T14:40:19.153","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271199,"EventID":"S4W-06404","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-22T14:40:19.28","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-22T10:28:11.06","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what (a) daytime and (b) nighttime thresholds are used to determine eligibility for (i) mitigation and (ii) compensation due to excessive noise from trains on (A) new rai","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what (a) daytime and (b) nighttime thresholds are used to determine eligibility for (i) mitigation and (ii) compensation due to excessive noise from trains on (A) new railway lines and (B) on existing lines where there was previously no nighttime service.\r\n","AnswerText":"Parliamentary consideration of acts for new railway projects has led to the establishment of threshold levels for noise mitigation. In relation to the Stirling Alloa Kincardine rail line, all properties that meet the following trigger levels are being offered acoustic barriers irrespective of whether they are located at an area of new or previously existing railway line.\r\nThe day time threshold for mitigation is that the average of all noise over an 18 hour period must exceed 55dB(A) and be more than a 5dB(A) greater than the pre existing ambient noise level. Here the average means a calculated equivalent constant energy level.\r\nThe night time threshold is that a maximum level of noise must exceed 82dB LAf,Max more than twice in any hour.\r\nEligibility for compensation is considered by Network Rail in their role as operators of the infrastructure, and this is assessed under Part 1 of the Land Compensation (Scotland) Act. As part of this consideration, the distinction is made as to whether a railway line is new or existing. It is unlikely a claim from a resident living beside an existing railway line will be successful in a claim for compensation.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-04-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-04-19T14:40:19.28","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271200,"EventID":"S4W-06405","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-22T14:40:19.387","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-22T10:28:11.06","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the noise levels of trains running at night are monitored.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the noise levels of trains running at night are monitored.\r\n","AnswerText":"Transport Scotland do not monitor the noise levels of trains either during the day or at night. Transport Scotland and Clackmannanshire Council arranged noise monitoring of the Stirling-Alloa-Kincardine rail line for the purposes of assessing eligibility for mitigation. Further noise monitoring will take place at those properties where barriers have been installed, in order to test their effectiveness in reducing noise impact.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-04-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-04-19T14:40:19.387","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271201,"EventID":"S4W-06406","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-22T14:40:19.497","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-22T10:28:11.06","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether households are eligible for (a) mitigation or (b) compensation in cases where new rail services result in noise levels that exceed World Health Organization or Eu","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether households are eligible for (a) mitigation or (b) compensation in cases where new rail services result in noise levels that exceed World Health Organization or European guidelines.\r\n","AnswerText":"The precautionary guideline values produced by The World Health Organization (WHO), as published within Night Noise Guidelines for Europe (2009), do not form any part of the trigger criteria for night-time noise mitigation.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-04-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-04-19T14:40:19.513","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271202,"EventID":"S4W-06407","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5047,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-22T14:40:19.607","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-22T11:56:12.74","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it carried out an equality impact assessment before deciding to change the formula for the allocation of the Bus Service Operators Grant in favour of longer and m","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it carried out an equality impact assessment before deciding to change the formula for the allocation of the Bus Service Operators Grant in favour of longer and more rural bus routes.","AnswerText":"In conjunction with the Low Carbon Vehicles purchased through the support of the Scottish Green Bus Fund, the changes the Scottish Government is making to the Bus Service Operators Grant (BSOG) scheme will encourage fuel efficiency, reduce carbon emissions and provide a degree of protection for our vulnerable rural communities.\r\nThe fuel formula used in the previous BSOG grant calculation created an inappropriate environmental incentive to reward fuel-inefficient operations. Our changes will lead to a limited redistribution of funding away from such operations towards longer and more rural services.\r\nThe Scottish Government modelled the impact of these adjustments on bus operators and bus users across Scotland. We concluded that the community and equality benefits to rural communities outweighed any marginal disbenefits in urban areas.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-04-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-04-19T14:40:19.607","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271203,"EventID":"S4W-06408","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5047,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-22T14:40:19.7","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-22T11:56:12.74","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what work it carried out to measure the impact on communities in the bottom 15% of Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation data zones of the decision to change the formula","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what work it carried out to measure the impact on communities in the bottom 15% of Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation data zones of the decision to change the formula for the allocation of the Bus Service Operators Grant in favour of longer and more rural bus routes.\r\n","AnswerText":"In conjunction with the low carbon vehicles purchased through the support of the Scottish Green Bus Fund, the changes the Scottish Government is making to the Bus Service Operators Grant (BSOG) scheme will encourage fuel efficiency, reduce carbon emissions and provide a degree of protection for our vulnerable rural communities.\r\nThe Scottish Government also continues to support the National Concessionary Travel Scheme which offers free bus travel for those people aged 60 and over, and/or who meets certain disability criteria.\r\nThe fuel formula used in the previous BSOG grant calculation created an inappropriate environmental incentive to reward fuel-inefficient operations. Our changes will lead to a limited redistribution of funding away from such operations towards longer and more rural services. The Scottish Government modelled the impact of these adjustments on bus operators and bus users across Scotland. We concluded that the community and equality benefits to rural communities outweighed any marginal disbenefits in urban areas.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-04-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-04-19T14:40:19.7","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271204,"EventID":"S4W-06409","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5047,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-22T14:40:19.777","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-22T11:57:45.437","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive which bus operators will benefit financially from the change to the distribution of the Bus Service Operators Grant from 1 April 2012.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive which bus operators will benefit financially from the change to the distribution of the Bus Service Operators Grant from 1 April 2012.\r\n","AnswerText":"Under the current Bus Service Operators Grant (BSOG) budget, we estimate that 226 operators will gain directly from the policy changes that are being made, three will experience no change, and 74 will receive reduced payments.\r\nTo assist urban bus companies in adjusting to the BSOG changes, the Scottish Government has set up a £3 million transitional fund for 2012-13.\r\nThe Scottish Government has also provided £6.2 million to bus operators in 2010-12 for procurement of Low Carbon Vehicles (LCVs). In line with this policy, such LCVs will receive twice the conventional rate of payment through the BSOG scheme.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-04-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-04-19T14:40:19.777","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271205,"EventID":"S4W-06410","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5047,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-22T14:40:19.903","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-22T11:57:45.437","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what organisations representing bus passengers the Minister for Housing and Transport (a) met and (b) consulted between 1 November 2011 and 22 March 2012 to discuss the i","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what organisations representing bus passengers the Minister for Housing and Transport (a) met and (b) consulted between 1 November 2011 and 22 March 2012 to discuss the impact of the change to the formula for allocation of the Bus Service Operators Grant from 1 April 2012.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government meets and liaises regularly with representatives of bus operators and bus passengers.\r\nThe Cabinet Secretary for Infrastructure and Capital Investment and the Minister for Housing and Transport met the Confederation of Passenger Transport (CPT) on \r\n9 November 2011 to discuss a range of bus issues, including BSOG changes. Senior Transport Scotland officials subsequently held follow-up meetings on the BSOG detail with CPT on 13 and 21 December. They also discussed the proposed BSOG changes with Bus Users UK.\r\nIn addition, the Minister for Housing and Transport has since hosted the first Bus Stakeholder Group meeting on 3 April 2012. This group includes key stakeholders, including Bus Users UK.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-04-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-04-19T14:40:19.903","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271206,"EventID":"S4W-06223","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1741,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-22T16:57:35.8","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-15T11:42:16","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many NHS staff have raised issues since 2007 through whistleblowing.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many NHS staff have raised issues since 2007 through whistleblowing.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government does not receive information from NHS boards or partnership forums on the number of NHS staff who raise issues through whistleblowing.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-04-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-04-19T16:57:35.97","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271207,"EventID":"S4W-06224","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1741,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-22T16:57:36.11","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-15T11:42:16","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many NHS staff have been released from their employment since 2007 with a severance payment and associated non-disclosure agreement. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many NHS staff have been released from their employment since 2007 with a severance payment and associated non-disclosure agreement. ","AnswerText":"As severance payments and non-disclosure agreements are matters for employers, this data is not collected centrally and would need to be sought from individual health boards.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-04-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-04-19T16:57:36.11","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271208,"EventID":"S4W-06225","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1741,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-22T16:57:36.173","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-15T11:42:16","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what legal costs the NHS has incurred since 2007 arising from issues raised from whistleblowing by employees.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what legal costs the NHS has incurred since 2007 arising from issues raised from whistleblowing by employees.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government does not receive information from NHS boards on legal costs arising from issues raised from whistleblowing by employees.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-04-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-04-19T16:57:36.173","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271221,"EventID":"S4W-06412","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1961,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-23T14:07:58.937","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-22T14:06:58","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the statement by Nicola Sturgeon on 21 March 2012 (Official Report, c. 7456) regarding waiting times management by NHS Lothian, what private providers are bei","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the statement by Nicola Sturgeon on 21 March 2012 (Official Report, c. 7456) regarding waiting times management by NHS Lothian, what private providers are being used by the board to tackle the waiting times backlog and at what cost; whether it considers that the extra £4.8 million invested by it and NHS Lothian is sufficient to deal with the backlog, and whether it will provide additional funding to the board to deal with this issue, should it prove necessary.\r\n","AnswerText":"NHS Lothian has commissioned additional capacity with a number of providers, including other health boards, to support delivery of the waiting times backlog to the end March. To date there have been three main providers of independent sector capacity; Spire Healthcare, Nuffield Health and BMI Ross Hall. A limited amount of additional capacity has also been provided by the Edinburgh Clinic.\r\nIt is not possible at this time to confirm what the actual costs of this provision will be.\r\nNHS Lothian has confirmed that further independent sector capacity will be required for Quarter 1 of 2012-13 and work is ongoing to confirm the required expenditure.\r\nNHS Lothian is responsible for ensuring that patients still waiting for an appointment get the treatment they need, and the board has provided an assurance that they will ensure they have sufficient funding to fulfil their responsibilities. The Scottish Government has already provided an additional £1.6 million from waiting times funding to help clear the backlog. This is in addition to the £12.4 million Access Support Funding made available to the board in 2011-12 to deliver current waiting times targets. An expert Scottish Government team is also engaged in helping the board work through the longer term sustainability issues associated with this issue.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-04-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-04-20T14:07:59.093","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271222,"EventID":"S4W-06414","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-23T14:07:59.233","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-22T15:53:33.15","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how the procurement plan outlined in Scotland's Digital Future - Infrastructure Action Plan will impact on residents in so-called not-spots.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how the procurement plan outlined in Scotland's Digital Future - Infrastructure Action Plan will impact on residents in so-called not-spots.\r\n","AnswerText":"The procurement plan will outline how the Scottish Government will deliver its 2015 connectivity targets outlined in Scotland’s Digital Future - Infrastructure Action Plan – broadband at a speed of 40-80 Megabits per second (Mbps) to 85-90% of premises. We will also put in place measures to ensure an uplift in service can be delivered to the remaining 10-15% for whom delivery of broadband at this speed will not be possible. These measures may include funding for community broadband projects, as outlined in Programme 3 of the action plan. These targets apply to all of Scotland, including areas which are currently “not-spots”.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-04-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-04-20T14:07:59.233","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271223,"EventID":"S4W-06415","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-23T14:07:59.327","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-22T15:53:33.15","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S4W-05973 by Alex Neil on 29 February 2012, which referred to a commitment to deliver a \"future proofed digital infrastructure across o","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S4W-05973 by Alex Neil on 29 February 2012, which referred to a commitment to deliver a \"future proofed digital infrastructure across of all of Scotland by 2020,\" whether its previously stated target of 95-98% coverage has changed and, if not, how it will ensure that any of the existing so-called not spots do not keep that status.\r\n","AnswerText":"Scotland’s Digital Future - Infrastructure Action Plan makes clear the Scottish Government’s 2015 connectivity targets – broadband at a speed of 40-80 Megabits per second (Mbps) to 85-90% of premises. We will also put in place measures to ensure an uplift in service can be delivered to the remaining 10-15% for whom delivery of broadband at this speed will not be possible. These targets apply to all of Scotland, including areas which are currently “not-spots”.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-04-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-04-20T14:07:59.327","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271224,"EventID":"S4W-06424","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2633,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-23T14:07:59.403","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-23T09:50:09.973","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will issue new favourable condition targets for sites of special scientific interest and other notified nature conservation sites.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will issue new favourable condition targets for sites of special scientific interest and other notified nature conservation sites.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government is committed to continuing to work in partnership with a range of public bodies and private land managers to improve the condition of Scotland’s protected nature sites. We have therefore asked Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) to develop and provide advice on a range of options for one or more specific targets to guide the future programme of work that it will take a lead role in delivering. This advice will be completed by the summer and will be used to inform the development of SNH’s and partner bodies’ strategies and plans for implementation from April 2013. The revised Scottish Biodiversity Strategy will set out a new approach to our delivery of biodiversity conservation in Scotland and will provide the basis for the form that the target or targets will take.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-04-20T14:07:59.403","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271225,"EventID":"S4W-06425","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2633,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-23T14:07:59.513","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-23T09:50:09.973","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what form the new favourable condition targets for sites of special scientific interest and other notified nature conservation sites will take.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what form the new favourable condition targets for sites of special scientific interest and other notified nature conservation sites will take.\r\n","AnswerText":"The revised Scottish Biodiversity Strategy will set out a new approach to our delivery of biodiversity conservation in Scotland. Scottish Natural Heritage is currently working on advice to the Scottish Government on possible options for the form a new target will take and expects to report on this in May 2012.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-04-20T14:07:59.513","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271226,"EventID":"S4W-06426","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2633,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-23T14:07:59.593","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-23T09:50:09.973","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and the Environment will meet representatives of Unite the Union to discuss proposals to review the Scottish Agricultural ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and the Environment will meet representatives of Unite the Union to discuss proposals to review the Scottish Agricultural Wages Board.\r\n","AnswerText":"The review of the Scottish Agricultural Wages Board will take place in 2013. I am happy to give an assurance that Unite the Union will, along with others, be given the opportunity to feed in their views at the appropriate time and that these views will be fully considered within the review.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-04-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-04-20T14:07:59.593","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271227,"EventID":"S4W-06427","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4080,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-23T14:07:59.67","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-23T09:52:16.087","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will continue to make distinction awards for a further five years if the five-yearly review of the process in 2012-13 proves satisfactory.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will continue to make distinction awards for a further five years if the five-yearly review of the process in 2012-13 proves satisfactory.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government remains fully committed to full scale reform of both national and local awards systems. On 29 December 2011 we announced that the cash value of distinction awards were to remain frozen in 2012-13 for a third consecutive year and that no new awards will be made. Existing award holders will be subject to the five-yearly review of their current distinction awards which will take place as usual in 2012-13.\r\nThis review process is undertaken to ensure that each award holder, who was granted a distinction award from 1989 onwards, continues to meet the level of achievement appropriate for their award. Full details about the reviews can be found on the SACDA website http://www.shsc.scot.nhs.uk/shsc/default.asp?p=71.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-04-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-04-20T14:07:59.67","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271228,"EventID":"S4W-06428","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4080,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-23T14:07:59.747","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-23T09:52:16.087","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its long-term plans are for the distinction award scheme.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its long-term plans are for the distinction award scheme.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government remains fully committed to full scale reform of the distinction awards scheme for NHS consultants and has taken the lead on the UK reform of these schemes. \r\nThe Scottish distinction award scheme is currently frozen pending a decision on the recommendations of the Doctors’ and Dentists’ Review Body’s independent UK-wide review of how consultants are rewarded. All four UK Health departments are considering how the review recommendations should be progressed. Once a decision has been reached discussions will begin on shaping the reform with all the key stakeholders.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-04-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-04-20T14:07:59.763","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271229,"EventID":"S4W-06436","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5109,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":101,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-23T14:07:59.84","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-23T11:25:26","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive which local authorities have applied for the flooding component of the General Capital Grant as per its letter of 5 December 2011; which projects it covered, and how much","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive which local authorities have applied for the flooding component of the General Capital Grant as per its letter of 5 December 2011; which projects it covered, and how much was sought in each case.\r\n","AnswerText":"As part of the 2011 Spending Review the Scottish Government and COSLA agreed to a new mechanism for funding major new flood protection schemes for the period 2012-15. The following table identifies the eligible bids considered by a joint Government – COSLA assessment panel. At this stage project costs are indicative, actual costs will be dependent on the outcome of work currently underway to secure tenders for these schemes. Grant will be provided for up to 80% of the actual project costs.\r\nCouncil\r\nScheme\r\nEstimated costs (£ million)\r\nHighland \r\nRiver Ness (tidal section)\r\n22.002\r\nMoray\r\nForres (Findhorn and Pilmuir)\r\n44.198\r\nScottish Borders\r\nGalashiels (Plumtree, Wilderhaugh and\r\nNetherdale)\r\n3.627\r\n In addition applications were made by Edinburgh and Renfrewshire Councils for additional support for flood prevention schemes which are already reflected in the distribution of General Capital Grant for 2008-14. Fife, North Ayrshire and Angus provided indications of projects which are likely to be brought forward under the Flood Risk Management (Scotland) Act 2009. These were outside the scope agreed by COSLA and Ministers and were therefore not considered by the panel.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-04-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-04-20T14:07:59.84","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Derek Mackay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271234,"EventID":"S4W-06445","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":2,"MSPID":1742,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-23T15:09:48.843","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-23T14:27:16","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will consult on simplifying the Carbon Reduction Commitment.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will consult on simplifying the Carbon Reduction Commitment.\r\n","AnswerText":"Yes. When introducing the CRC in the Scottish Parliament in February 2010, I said we’d keep it under review and amend if necessary. We have engaged with stakeholders and listened to their concerns. I am pleased to report that in partnership with the UK Government and the other devolved administrations, tomorrow we will launch a consultation on simplification of the CRC. Our proposals will reduce the administrative burdens for participants without undermining the energy efficiency and emissions reduction objectives of the scheme.\r\nWe plan to implement the proposals through amended legislation by April 2013.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-04-20T15:09:49.14","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271235,"EventID":"S4W-06379","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-23T16:10:39.153","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-21T16:52:41","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the reasons are for the (a) variation between and (b) monthly variation within NHS boards as shown in Appendix B of the report, Review of aspects of Waiting Times Ma","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the reasons are for the (a) variation between and (b) monthly variation within NHS boards as shown in Appendix B of the report, Review of aspects of Waiting Times Management at NHS Lothian, other than those stated in the appendix, and whether the data for NHS (i) Greater Glasgow and Clyde and (ii) Grampian will be corrected.\r\n","AnswerText":"Published waiting times statistics are based on the most up-to- date status of data extracted from local systems and submitted by NHS boards to ISD each quarter. Since publication follows in a timely manner, this means that the data can be updated from one publication to the next as NHS boards submit the most up to date status of each patient as their wait for treatment progresses. Therefore minor changes in the latest figures are expected until the patient has been seen and all data has been submitted to ISD.\r\nVariation between NHS boards may happen where, for example, boards follow different schedules for submitting data or use different local IT systems. These factors are likely to affect the published figures in larger NHS board figures more so than for smaller NHS boards.\r\nThere are footnotes below the tables in Appendix B of the Review of aspects of Waiting Times Management at NHS Lothian report that explain some specific circumstances that have led to changes in published figures for unavailability (local IT system changes at NHS Grampian and NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde). There have also been similar changes to IT systems recently in other boards. These IT changes are part of a roll out of a national Patient Management System across NHS boards.\r\nThe data in Appendix B of the report shows changes to unavailability figures that occurred between the initial and the subsequent quarterly publication. Unavailability figures for Grampian have now been submitted and are shown in the recent publication of waiting times statistics on 28 February. Submissions from Glasgow are in progress and expected to show updated unavailability figures in the next publication of waiting times figures at the end of May.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-04-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-04-20T16:10:39.2","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271236,"EventID":"S4W-06380","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-23T16:10:39.387","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-21T16:52:41","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what monitoring of patient exclusions from waiting times it will put in place.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what monitoring of patient exclusions from waiting times it will put in place.","AnswerText":"Patients should not be excluded from waiting times standards because of periods of unavailability – the patient’s waiting time clock should only be paused for the period of the unavailability and resume after that period. These patients remain on the waiting list and should be seen or treated within waiting time standards.\r\nThe Health Directorate will be closely monitoring the number of patients with a period of unavailability in each individual board area as part as their routine discussions on delivery of waiting times standards.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-04-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-04-20T16:10:39.403","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271237,"EventID":"S4W-06381","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-23T16:10:39.573","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-21T16:52:41","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what quality assurance has been carried out on the New Ways waiting times system in relation to the removal of patients from lists.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what quality assurance has been carried out on the New Ways waiting times system in relation to the removal of patients from lists.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-06483 on 17 April 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\nNo specific quality assurance has been carried out on removal of patients from waiting lists since the New Ways Data Quality Assessment Project published in 2008. A copy can be found at: http://www.isdscotland.org/Health-Topics/Waiting-Times/Inpatient-Day-Cases-and-Outpatients/Data-Quality/DQA1%20Exec%20Summary%20Jan%2009.pdf.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-04-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-04-20T16:10:39.59","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271238,"EventID":"S4W-06382","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-23T16:10:39.713","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-21T16:52:41","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-13716 by Nicola Sturgeon on 10 June 2008, what reporting on patient experience it has (a) required of and (b) received from Informa","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-13716 by Nicola Sturgeon on 10 June 2008, what reporting on patient experience it has (a) required of and (b) received from Information Services Division Scotland.","AnswerText":"ISD carried out a piece of work to assess the quality of information captured by and used from New Ways (known as the Data Quality Assessment Project). There were four strands to the project: a case note review, an analysis of data from the national New Ways data warehouse, employee surveys and a patient survey. The objective of the patient survey was to assess whether the patient experience of arranging an outpatient appointment or hospital admission was consistent with New Ways rules and guidance.\r\nThe assessment covered patient episodes that took place in the first six months of 2008. A sample of patients was selected and 3,393 surveys were distributed, of which 999 were completed and returned.\r\nThe results from the project and recommendations to support the further improvement in the quality of data were reported to the Scottish Government in December 2008, distributed to NHS boards and the Executive Summary was published on the ISD website and is available at the following URL:\r\nhttp://www.isdscotland.org/Health-Topics/Waiting-Times/Inpatient-Day-Cases-and-Outpatients/Data-Quality/DQA1%20Exec%20Summary%20Jan%2009.pdf.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-04-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-04-20T16:10:39.713","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271239,"EventID":"S4W-06385","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-23T16:10:39.84","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-21T16:52:41","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-13716 by Nicola Sturgeon on 10 June 2008, what steps it has taken to ensure equity of experience of the New Ways waiting times syst","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-13716 by Nicola Sturgeon on 10 June 2008, what steps it has taken to ensure equity of experience of the New Ways waiting times system for (a) people with sensory problems, (b) people with learning difficulties, (c) people with literacy problems, (d) refugees, (e) immigrants, (f) travelling people and (g) people whose first language is not English.","AnswerText":"NHS boards are not required to record data covering these particular patient groups through New Ways data collection.\r\nIt is for each health board, as a named public body in equality legislation, to have in place the mechanisms they require to assure they are compliant with their legislative requirements. This includes assessing the impact of policies and functions to ensure services are delivered fairly and equitably.\r\nThe Equality and Human Rights Commission is the regulatory body that ensures these requirements are met.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-04-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-04-20T16:10:39.853","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271240,"EventID":"S4W-06437","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3758,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":76,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-23T16:10:39.933","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-23T11:50:44","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the position of the Scottish Court Service is on a judge sitting on a criminal appeal who is related to either the counsel of the appellant or representatives of the","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the position of the Scottish Court Service is on a judge sitting on a criminal appeal who is related to either the counsel of the appellant or representatives of the Crown.\r\n","AnswerText":"This question relates to operational matters that are the responsibility of the Scottish Court Service (SCS) corporate body. The question has been passed to the Chief Executive of the SCS who will reply in writing.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-04-20T16:10:39.933","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271241,"EventID":"S4W-06438","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3758,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":76,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-23T16:10:40.043","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-23T11:50:44","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what guidance has been issued to the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service about its staff or representatives discussing the matter of a precognition with an individ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what guidance has been issued to the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service about its staff or representatives discussing the matter of a precognition with an individual approached for precognition by counsel for an appellant.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service has issued comprehensive guidance to staff on the precognition process including guidance for witnesses who are asked to provide a statement or precognition to the defence. The guidance states that witnesses should generally be encouraged to co-operate with requests for precognition. Accordingly, while there may on rare occasions be particular circumstances which mitigate against a witness providing a precognition at specific points in the investigation of a criminal offence, the general approach taken by the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service is to encourage witnesses to co-operate with such request for precognition. \r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-04-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-04-20T16:10:40.057","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lesley Thomson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271242,"EventID":"S4W-06444","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2673,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":114,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-23T16:10:40.15","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-23T14:47:28.423","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to reduce the routine use of antibiotics in agriculture.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to reduce the routine use of antibiotics in agriculture.\r\n","AnswerText":"Veterinary medicines are a reserved matter. The Veterinary Medicines Directorate, an Executive Agency of Defra, is the regulatory authority in the UK for the authorisation, marketing and use of all veterinary medicines including antibiotics.\r\nI can assure you that the Scottish Government takes this issue very seriously. There are strict controls on the use of antibiotics in Scotland, including a ban on their use as growth promoters, and they may only be prescribed by a veterinary surgeon for use in animals under their care. Scottish Government officials regularly liaise with UK authorities and other devolved administrations to monitor both antibiotic usage and the development of antimicrobial resistance in animal and human pathogens.\r\nThe Scottish Government is actively working to improve the general health of livestock, including the eradication of Bovine Viral Diarrhoea Virus (BVDV) which will reduce the need for antibiotic use.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-04-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-04-20T16:10:40.15","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271249,"EventID":"S4W-06462","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":2,"MSPID":2010,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":137,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-26T10:09:06.287","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-26T09:51:18.923","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will extend the duration of the public inquiry into the Clostridium difficile outbreak at the Vale of Leven hospital.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will extend the duration of the public inquiry into the Clostridium difficile outbreak at the Vale of Leven hospital.\r\n","AnswerText":"Lord MacLean, Chairman of the Vale of Leven Hospital Inquiry wrote to me on the 25 January 2012 requesting a further extension to the duration of the Inquiry which was due to report by September 2012.\r\nLord MacLean has indicated that due additional time being required to examine the treatment of individual cases and because of Counsel commitments, additional time is required to prepare his final report. This has led to a request to extend the date of publishing the final Inquiry report to 31 May 2013.\r\nTo enable Lord MacLean to fully complete the Inquiry remit, I have agreed to this extension.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-04-23T10:09:06.457","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271259,"EventID":"S4W-06383","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-26T15:10:17.68","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-21T16:52:41","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what recent consideration it has given to establishing a confidential whistleblowers helpline for NHS staff who wish to express concerns (a) in relation to patient safety","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what recent consideration it has given to establishing a confidential whistleblowers helpline for NHS staff who wish to express concerns (a) in relation to patient safety or (b) when they feel that they are being asked to do something wrong and they feel that their concerns are not being addressed internally.\r\n","AnswerText":"I gave a commitment to you on 20 February 2012, during discussion of a question tabled by Annabel Goldie (S4O-00632) that I would consider the issue of a helpline.\r\nAs I said in the answer to question S4W-03588 on 11 November 2011, the Scottish Workforce and Staff Governance Committee discussed the issue of a helpline during the development of the Implementing and Reviewing Whistleblowing Arrangements in NHSScotland PIN Policy. The Committee concluded that a helpline was not required at that stage.\r\nThe policy, which was published in December 2011, provides up to date guidance which aims to ensure that staff can safely raise concerns where they are witness to risk, malpractice or wrongdoing that affects others. We need to allow a reasonable period of time for the new PIN Policy to bed in before we can begin to monitor its effectiveness. I will, however, ask the Scottish Workforce and Staff Governance Committee to revisit the issue of a helpline in the light of implementation of the new PIN Policy and report back to me before the end of the year.\r\nAll answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-04-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-04-23T15:10:17.943","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271260,"EventID":"S4W-06429","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4080,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-26T15:10:18.023","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-23T09:53:35.013","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it will take to promote referral to cardiac rehabilitation in light of NHS Information Services Division statistics showing that less than 50% of relevant pati","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it will take to promote referral to cardiac rehabilitation in light of NHS Information Services Division statistics showing that less than 50% of relevant patients in NHS Grampian and NHS Highland were referred.","AnswerText":"Improving access to cardiac rehabilitation is a priority action within the Better Heart Disease and Stroke Care Action Plan.\r\nA 2007 audit suggested that 45% of people who had suffered a heart attack, undergone a coronary artery bypass or percutanous coronary intervention had access to cardiac rehabilitation.\r\nThe interim results of the latest audit published in 13 March 2012, show that NHSScotland has substantially increased access to cardiac rehabilitation services for people within the clinical priority group. The report suggests the level of provision has now risen to almost 70%.\r\nWe accept however that there is more to do. The National Advisory Committee on Heart Disease will review the outcomes from the full audit, when it is published in May and agree with NHS boards’ cardiac managed clinical networks (MCNs), including those in NHS Grampian and NHS Highland, any action that needs to be taken to help ensure people who need access, can access cardiac rehabilitation services.\r\nWe are also working with the British Heart Foundation and Chest, Heart and Stroke Scotland on how we can further improve access to cardiac rehabilitation.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-04-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-04-23T15:10:18.037","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271261,"EventID":"S4W-06430","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4080,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-26T15:10:18.147","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-23T09:53:35.013","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people are awaiting an organ transplant and what the average waiting time is for each major organ.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people are awaiting an organ transplant and what the average waiting time is for each major organ.\r\n","AnswerText":"The information requested on the numbers of people in Scotland waiting for an organ transplant is given in the following table.\r\n Total Patients Waiting at 31 March 2012\r\nOrgan 1, 2\r\n\r\n\r\nKidney\r\n482\r\nKidney/pancreas\r\n16\r\nPancreas (+ islets)\r\n6\r\nHeart\r\n14\r\nLung(s)\r\n19\r\nHeart/Lung\r\n1\r\nLiver\r\n59\r\nOther (multi-organ)\r\n2\r\n\r\nTotal\r\n\r\n597\r\nSource:  NHS Blood and Transplant\r\nNotes:\r\n1.  Transplant waiting list based on Scottish postcode of residence\r\n2.  Excludes patients temporarily suspended from the transplant list.\r\nAs regards waiting times for transplantation of the major organs, the latest information provided by NHS Blood and Transplant indicates that the median wait, in terms of adult patients on the waiting list at a transplant centre in Scotland, is around 1,320 days for a kidney transplant, 302 days for a heart transplant and 90 days for a liver transplant. These figures exclude those who are placed on the “urgent” list for heart transplantation and the ‘super-urgent’ list for liver transplantation.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-04-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-04-23T15:10:18.147","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271262,"EventID":"S4W-06431","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-26T15:10:18.257","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-23T11:16:54","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has consulted the European Commission to ensure that the proposed changes to the basis of payment of Bus Service Operators Grant will not invalidate the rights","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has consulted the European Commission to ensure that the proposed changes to the basis of payment of Bus Service Operators Grant will not invalidate the rights under which payments are not subject to review or potential revocation under EU state aid rules and, if so, what advice was given.\r\n","AnswerText":"Having discussed with the Department for Transport but not the European Commission, our considered view is that the changes to the Bus Service Operators Grant do not alter the fundamental nature of the scheme and therefore do not affect its State Aid status.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-04-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-04-23T15:10:18.257","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271263,"EventID":"S4W-06432","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-26T15:10:18.333","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-23T11:16:54","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has consulted the Department for Transport to ensure that the proposed changes to the basis of payment of Bus Service Operators Grant will not invalidate the r","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has consulted the Department for Transport to ensure that the proposed changes to the basis of payment of Bus Service Operators Grant will not invalidate the rights under which payments are not subject to review or potential revocation under EU state aid rules and, if so, what advice was given.","AnswerText":"Having discussed with the Department for Transport but not the European Commission, our considered view is that the changes to the Bus Service Operators Grant do not alter the fundamental nature of the scheme and therefore do not affect its State Aid status.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-04-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-04-23T15:10:18.333","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271264,"EventID":"S4W-06433","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-26T15:10:18.413","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-23T11:16:54","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has taken legal advice to ensure that the proposed changes to the basis of payment of Bus Service Operators Grant will not invalidate the rights under which pa","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has taken legal advice to ensure that the proposed changes to the basis of payment of Bus Service Operators Grant will not invalidate the rights under which payments are not subject to review or potential revocation under EU state aid rules and, if so, what advice was given.\r\n","AnswerText":"Having discussed with the Department for Transport but not the European Commission, our considered view is that the changes to the Bus Service Operators Grant do not alter the fundamental nature of the scheme and therefore do not affect its State Aid status.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-04-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-04-23T15:10:18.413","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271265,"EventID":"S4W-06434","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-26T15:10:18.507","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-23T11:16:54","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has asked the Department for Transport to consult the European Commission to ensure that the proposed changes to the basis of payment of Bus Service Operators ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has asked the Department for Transport to consult the European Commission to ensure that the proposed changes to the basis of payment of Bus Service Operators Grant will not invalidate the rights under which payments are not subject to review or potential revocation under EU state aid rules.\r\n","AnswerText":"Having discussed with the Department for Transport but not the European Commission, our considered view is that the changes to the Bus Service Operators Grant do not alter the fundamental nature of the scheme and therefore do not affect its State Aid status.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-04-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-04-23T15:10:18.507","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271266,"EventID":"S4W-06435","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-26T15:10:18.583","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-23T11:16:54","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its position is on whether the proposed changes to the basis of payment of Bus Service Operators Grant will not invalidate the rights under which payments are not su","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its position is on whether the proposed changes to the basis of payment of Bus Service Operators Grant will not invalidate the rights under which payments are not subject to review or potential revocation under EU state aid rules.","AnswerText":"Having discussed with the Department for Transport but not the European Commission, our considered view is that the changes to the Bus Service Operators Grant do not alter the fundamental nature of the scheme and therefore do not affect its State Aid status.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-04-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-04-23T15:10:18.583","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271267,"EventID":"S4W-06439","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5106,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":118,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-26T15:10:18.663","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-23T12:46:44","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much the average council tax payer in each local authority area has saved since the inception of the council tax freeze.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much the average council tax payer in each local authority area has saved since the inception of the council tax freeze.\r\n","AnswerText":"Over the five year period the council tax freeze will have been in place (2008-13), the average Band D household in Scotland will have benefited from cumulative savings of £487. The following table sets out how much the average Band D household within each local authority area will have saved. \r\nAverage Band D saving from the council tax freeze (£) (2008-09 to 2012-13)*\r\n\r\nAberdeen City \r\n507 \r\nAberdeenshire\r\n490 \r\nAngus\r\n464 \r\nArgyll and Bute\r\n477 \r\nClackmannanshire\r\n493 \r\nDumfries and Galloway\r\n447 \r\nDundee City \r\n519 \r\nEast Ayrshire\r\n517 \r\nEast Dunbartonshire\r\n487 \r\nEast Lothian\r\n474 \r\nEast Renfrewshire\r\n464 \r\nEdinburgh, City of \r\n480 \r\nEilean Siar\r\n442 \r\nFalkirk\r\n464 \r\nFife\r\n475 \r\nGlasgow City \r\n509 \r\nHighland\r\n490 \r\nInverclyde\r\n513 \r\nMidlothian\r\n525 \r\nMoray\r\n490 \r\nNorth Ayrshire\r\n486 \r\nNorth Lanarkshire\r\n482 \r\nOrkney Islands \r\n449 \r\nPerth and Kinross\r\n486 \r\nRenfrewshire\r\n496 \r\nScottish Borders\r\n460 \r\nShetland  Islands\r\n459 \r\nSouth Ayrshire\r\n488 \r\nSouth Lanarkshire\r\n475 \r\nStirling\r\n499 \r\nWest Dunbartonshire\r\n503 \r\nWest Lothian\r\n490 \r\n\r\n\r\nNotes:\r\n*Derived from CTAXBASE 2010 and CTAS 2010.\r\n1. assume 3.0% growth in council tax each year.\r\n2. figures show effects on bills – the figures do not take account of council tax benefit.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-04-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-04-23T15:10:18.663","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271268,"EventID":"S4W-06440","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5106,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":118,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-26T15:10:18.74","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-23T12:46:44","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with the UK Government about devolving powers over alcohol and tobacco duty to the Scottish Parliament in light of the health impacts in Scotl","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with the UK Government about devolving powers over alcohol and tobacco duty to the Scottish Parliament in light of the health impacts in Scotland of smoking and drinking alcohol.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government proposed devolving alcohol excise duty in the Scotland Bill. A detailed proposition to align tax revenues with the public spending cost from alcohol consumption in Scotland was sent to the UK Government on 6 October 2011. The UK Government has not included this proposal in the bill. There have been no discussions between the Scottish Government and the UK Government on devolving tobacco duty to the Scottish Parliament.\r\nThe Scottish Government remains strongly of the view that the Scottish Parliament should be responsible for all tax raising powers in Scotland, including alcohol and tobacco duty.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-04-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-04-23T15:10:18.74","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271269,"EventID":"S4W-06441","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5106,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":118,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-26T15:10:18.817","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-23T12:46:44","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will consider linking non-domestic rate levels for licensed premises to the amount of alcohol sold.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will consider linking non-domestic rate levels for licensed premises to the amount of alcohol sold.","AnswerText":"Non-domestic rates are a property tax, based on the rateable value of a property, as determined by the independent Scottish Assessors.\r\nThe Scottish Government keeps the rating system under regular view, but has no plans to change the current basis on which rateable values are determined.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-04-23T15:10:18.817","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271270,"EventID":"S4W-06443","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5106,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":118,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-26T15:10:18.927","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-23T12:46:44","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with the UK Government about devolving power over fuel duty to the Scottish Parliament in light of the financial impact on Scottish businesses","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with the UK Government about devolving power over fuel duty to the Scottish Parliament in light of the financial impact on Scottish businesses.\r\n","AnswerText":"Since 2007, the Scottish Government has made regular representations to the UK Government regarding fuel duty and fuel prices in Scotland.\r\nMost recently, the Cabinet Secretary for Finance, Employment and Sustainable Growth wrote to the Chancellor on 9 March 2012, urging him to introduce a fuel duty regulator and to reconsider the fuel duty increase planned for August - which will impose an additional burden on households and businesses at this challenging time.\r\nThe UK Government’s reluctance to act on this issue highlights the urgent need for Scotland to secure greater tax and legal powers - which would allow the Scottish Parliament to respond directly to the issue of rising fuel prices.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-04-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-04-23T15:10:18.927","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271271,"EventID":"S4W-06446","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5078,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":111,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-26T15:10:19.02","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-23T15:26:35.25","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what incentives are in place to encourage the implementation of run-of-river hydroelectric schemes in West Fife and the rest of the country.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what incentives are in place to encourage the implementation of run-of-river hydroelectric schemes in West Fife and the rest of the country.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Renewables Obligation (Scotland) is Scotland’s main incentive for renewable electricity generation. It includes support for hydropower installations.\r\nThe Scottish Government has also ensured that Scotland can benefit from the UK wide Feed-in Tariff for renewable energy schemes of less than 5 MW, including micro-hydro. The Feed-in Tariff came into force on 1 April 2010.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-04-23T15:10:19.02","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271272,"EventID":"S4W-06447","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-26T15:10:19.16","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-23T15:38:19","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will upgrade the (a) Trochry and (b) Amulree exchange to full platform ADSL in 2012.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will upgrade the (a) Trochry and (b) Amulree exchange to full platform ADSL in 2012.\r\n","AnswerText":"Upgrading of BT exchanges such as those at Trochry and Amulree is a matter for BT.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-04-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-04-23T15:10:19.16","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271273,"EventID":"S4W-06449","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-26T15:10:19.27","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-23T15:38:19","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will make Highland Perthshire a priority for broadband investment.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will make Highland Perthshire a priority for broadband investment.","AnswerText":"Scotland’s Digital Future - Infrastructure Action Plan makes clear the Scottish Government’s 2015 connectivity targets – broadband at a speed of 40-80 Megabits per second (Mbps) to 85-90% of premises. We will also put in place measures to ensure an uplift in service can be delivered to the remaining 10-15% for whom delivery of broadband at this speed will not be possible.\r\nThe Scottish Government is clear that all areas in Scotland where the market will not deliver commercially represent our priorities for broadband investment.  As we progress through delivery and implementation of our forthcoming procurement plan, we will be working closely with local authorities – including Perth and Kinross Council – to ensure that we fully understand local plans and priorities.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-04-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-04-23T15:10:19.287","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271274,"EventID":"S4W-06450","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-26T15:10:19.38","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-23T15:38:19","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it considers a broadband speed of 512 Kbps adequate for (a) business and (b) household purposes.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it considers a broadband speed of 512 Kbps adequate for (a) business and (b) household purposes.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government recognises that world-class digital infrastructure is essential for Scotland’s future economic growth. That is why the Scottish Government, in Scotland’s Digital Future - Infrastructure Action Plan, has clearly set out its commitment to ensuring the availability of world-class digital access in Scotland by 2020. The action plan has also set an interim milestone of ensuring the availability of broadband at a speed of 40-80 Megabits per second (Mbps) to 85-90% of premises by 2015. We will also put in place measures to ensure an uplift in service can be delivered to the remaining 10-15% for whom delivery of broadband at this speed will not be possible.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-04-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-04-23T15:10:19.38","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271275,"EventID":"S4W-06451","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4964,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-26T15:10:19.457","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-23T15:59:33","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it supports the rights of minority ethnic groups in the workplace.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it supports the rights of minority ethnic groups in the workplace.","AnswerText":"Employment legislation which provides for the rights of employees, including ethnic minorities, is a reserved matter. Equality legislation is also largely reserved and the protection from discrimination for ethnic minorities and other protected characteristics is provided for through the Equality Act 2010. Scottish Ministers are responsible for specific duties to enable the better performance of the public sector equality duty in the Equality Act 2010. Within these proposed specific duties are requirements in relation to impact assessment, and gathering and using employment information. These duties are currently under consideration by the Scottish Parliament.\r\nIn relation to specific work around employment and employability, the Scottish Government continues to seek to address issues facing ethnic minorities. This includes funding the Glasgow Works project which supported and helped implement the Glasgow Works Ethnic Minority Policy Group Action Plan. In 2012-15, we are also funding the STUC’s One Workplace project, which aims to promote equality and tackle racism in the work place by building the capacity of Scottish trades unions to work effectively with public, private and voluntary sector employees on equality issues.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-04-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-04-23T15:10:19.457","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271276,"EventID":"S4W-06452","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4964,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-26T15:10:19.537","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-23T15:59:33","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what research is being done into the working conditions of minority ethnic groups.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what research is being done into the working conditions of minority ethnic groups.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government does not currently have any commissioned research projects on this topic, but has considered the available evidence on the broader issue of employment outcomes for the full range of ethnic minority groups in Scotland.\r\nScottish Government analysts are also engaged in a Joseph Rowntree Foundation research programme on poverty and ethnicity in the UK. Within this, JRF seeks to explore the impact of informal workplace practices and culture on workplace experiences of people with different ethnic identities, and on deprivation. The main aim is to provide insight into what action could be taken to address the level of in-work poverty experienced by people from different ethnic minority groups. The Scottish Government awaits the findings of this work with interest.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-04-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-04-23T15:10:19.55","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271277,"EventID":"S4W-06453","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-26T15:10:19.613","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-23T16:40:07","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S4W-06255 by Nicola Sturgeon on 23 March 2012, when it expects the Howe Report to be published.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S4W-06255 by Nicola Sturgeon on 23 March 2012, when it expects the Howe Report to be published.\r\n","AnswerText":"It is understood that the Howe report will be published shortly.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-04-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-04-23T15:10:19.613","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271278,"EventID":"S4W-06454","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5079,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-26T15:10:19.69","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-23T16:46:19","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many inpatient beds there have been for mental health patients in each of the last five years, broken down by health board area.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many inpatient beds there have been for mental health patients in each of the last five years, broken down by health board area.\r\n","AnswerText":"Information on both quarterly and annual available staffed beds split by specialty and NHS board of treatment is published by Information Services Division (ISD) and is available at the link http://www.isdscotland.org/Health-Topics/Hospital-Care/. Annual data is available from 2001-02 to 2010-11. Information for 2011-12 will be published at the end of September 2012.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-04-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-04-23T15:10:19.69","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271279,"EventID":"S4W-06456","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5079,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-26T15:10:19.77","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-23T16:46:19","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what support it has given to suicide prevention charities in each of the last five years.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what support it has given to suicide prevention charities in each of the last five years.\r\n","AnswerText":"Through grant funding, the Scottish Government has for many years provided support to a wide range of charities which support people experiencing mental health problems, and their families. Some of these voluntary organisations – such as Samaritans - include, in their remit, work to support people at risk of suicide. None are solely focussed on suicide prevention action. \r\nThe Scottish Government has also provided, for some years, funding to NHS Health Scotland (which is a special health board, not a charity) for a broad range of mental health improvement actions, including funding to support the Choose Life suicide prevention programme. In addition, the Scottish Government has fully funded, since its launch in 2002, the Breathing Space telephone advice line, operated by the NHS24 Special Health Board. Breathing Space can help support people at risk of suicide but is a broader service to provide support to callers experiencing low mood, depression and anxiety.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-04-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-04-23T15:10:19.77","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271280,"EventID":"S4W-06457","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2123,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":103,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-26T15:10:19.833","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-26T09:44:40.403","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its target for transport emissions is for 2020 and how this compares with emissions in 1990.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its target for transport emissions is for 2020 and how this compares with emissions in 1990.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Climate Change (Scotland) Act 2009 sets long-term targets to reduce emissions in Scotland by 42% by 2020 and 80% by 2050 from a 1990 base year figure of 72 MtCO2e and annual targets are set for the period 2010-2027. The latest available Scottish emissions figures from the National Atmospheric Emissions Inventory (2009), once adjusted for EU emissions trading, are 52 MtCO2e, 28% lower than the baseline.\r\nThere are no specific sectoral targets. Greenhouse gas emissions reductions are required across the Scottish economy as a whole and individual measures to achieve this are being supported and implemented according to all relevant factors, including emissions abatement potential, practicality and cost.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-04-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-04-23T15:10:19.847","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271281,"EventID":"S4W-06458","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2123,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":103,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-26T15:10:19.91","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-26T09:44:40.403","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it expects the transport sector to achieve a 42% emissions reduction by 2020.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it expects the transport sector to achieve a 42% emissions reduction by 2020.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-06457 on 19 April 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-04-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-04-23T15:10:19.91","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271282,"EventID":"S4W-06459","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2123,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":103,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-26T15:10:19.987","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-26T09:44:40.403","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what policies it will introduce to reduce transport emissions in line with the requirements of the Climate Change (Scotland) Act 2009.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what policies it will introduce to reduce transport emissions in line with the requirements of the Climate Change (Scotland) Act 2009.\r\n","AnswerText":"Low Carbon Scotland: Meeting the Emissions Reduction Targets 2010-2022 describes our transport proposals and policies for the period to 2022. We are continuing to engage with stakeholders on their means of delivery. A second report on proposals and policies for the period 2023 to 2027 planned for later this year will also report on progress on those measures outlined for the period to 2022.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-04-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-04-23T15:10:19.987","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271283,"EventID":"S4W-06460","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2123,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":103,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-26T15:10:20.067","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-26T09:45:44.05","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will introduce demand-side policy measures for the transport sector in line with advice from the UK Climate Change Committee.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will introduce demand-side policy measures for the transport sector in line with advice from the UK Climate Change Committee.\r\n","AnswerText":"We are already making significant investment in demand-side transport measures. In 2012-13 we will invest over £1 billion on public transport and other sustainable travel options to encourage more drivers out of their cars. Ministers are committed to complete decarbonisation of road transport by 2050, with significant progress by 2030 through wholesale adoption of low and ultra-low carbon vehicles.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-04-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-04-23T15:10:20.067","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271284,"EventID":"S4W-06461","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2123,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":103,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-26T15:10:20.143","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-26T09:45:44.05","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive in what areas vehicle journeys are predicted to increase the most in the next 10 years and what the reasons are for the increase in those areas.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive in what areas vehicle journeys are predicted to increase the most in the next 10 years and what the reasons are for the increase in those areas.\r\n","AnswerText":"Future economic and household growth is expected to result in all areas of the country seeing an increase in traffic. This is expected to be greatest in the Glasgow and Edinburgh city regions, as well as Stirling, Falkirk, Clackmannanshire and Ayrshire in the period 2012 to 2022.\r\nThe primary drivers of travel and traffic growth, over and above population increases, are increasing prosperity, which drives up car ownership and availability, and an increase in the number of jobs.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-04-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-04-23T15:10:20.143","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271285,"EventID":"S4W-06463","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1860,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-26T15:10:20.223","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-26T09:53:59.757","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what recent discussions it has had with (a) the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority, (b) Dounreay Site Restoration Ltd, (c) the UK Atomic Energy Authority and (d) the UK Go","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what recent discussions it has had with (a) the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority, (b) Dounreay Site Restoration Ltd, (c) the UK Atomic Energy Authority and (d) the UK Government regarding fulfilling contractual obligations to reprocess nuclear waste at Dounreay.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has had no recent discussions with any external organisation regarding contractual obligations for overseas reprocessing contracts at Dounreay as these are matters for the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority. However, the Scottish Government did consult a range of key stakeholders, including the Highland Council and SEPA, on proposals regarding Dounreay radioactive waste substitution and worked closely with the UK Government to develop the eventual joint policy statement on this issue.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-04-23T15:10:20.237","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271286,"EventID":"S4W-06464","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1860,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-26T15:10:20.363","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-26T09:53:59.757","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consideration it has given to contractual obligations that allow for waste to be returned in cement form, in light of responses to the Dounreay Radioactive Waste Sub","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consideration it has given to contractual obligations that allow for waste to be returned in cement form, in light of responses to the Dounreay Radioactive Waste Substitution Consultation 2010.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government is committed to ensuring that the overseas radioactive waste resulting from historical Dounreay contracts signed in the 1980s and 1990s is returned as soon as possible. This will assist with the decommissioning and clean up of the Dounreay site. The Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA) is in discussions with customers of the countries concerned regarding the form that the waste will be returned in, including cemented form.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-04-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-04-23T15:10:20.363","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271287,"EventID":"S4W-06465","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1860,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-26T15:10:20.597","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-26T09:53:59.757","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what options were considered in relation to fulfilling contractual obligations regarding reprocessing nuclear waste at Dounreay.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what options were considered in relation to fulfilling contractual obligations regarding reprocessing nuclear waste at Dounreay.\r\n","AnswerText":"As made plain in the consultation paper Dounreay Radioactive Waste Substitution, published by the Scottish and UK Governments on 3 December 2010, the following options were considered in addition to waste substitution: \r\nleaving overseas radioactive waste in the UK until Dounreay could put it into a form that the relevant overseas facilities were ready to receive, and\r\ndesigning, building, operating and eventually decommissioning a vitrification facility at Dounreay.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-04-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-04-23T15:10:20.597","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271288,"EventID":"S4W-06466","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1860,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-26T15:10:20.783","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-26T09:55:59.94","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it took to ensure that there were no viable alternative options before agreeing to the Dounreay radioactive waste substitution policy.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it took to ensure that there were no viable alternative options before agreeing to the Dounreay radioactive waste substitution policy.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government discussed alternative options with a number of stakeholders including the UK Government, the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority and SEPA. The Dounreay Radioactive Waste Substitution consultation paper, published on 3 December 2010, provided an opportunity for members of the public and other stakeholders to offer their views on the proposed policy.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-04-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-04-23T15:10:20.783","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271289,"EventID":"S4W-06467","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1860,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-26T15:10:20.86","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-26T09:55:59.94","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether contractual obligations regarding reprocessing spent nuclear fuel could be fulfilled by Dounreay without building a vitrification plant.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether contractual obligations regarding reprocessing spent nuclear fuel could be fulfilled by Dounreay without building a vitrification plant.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government is confident that Dounreay will be able to meet its historic contractual obligations regarding overseas radioactive waste without the need for a new vitrification plant to be built. The Nuclear Decommissioning Authority is in discussions with Dounreay's overseas customers regarding the form that the waste will be returned in, including cemented form. If necessary, waste substitution will permit vitrified waste to be repatriated from Sellafield, allowing contracts to be honoured in full at the earliest possible opportunity and providing additional clarity as to the decommissioning requirements at the Dounreay site.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-04-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-04-23T15:10:20.86","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271290,"EventID":"S4W-06468","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5079,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-26T15:10:20.94","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-26T10:04:13.523","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what railway discount and season ticket schemes there are.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what railway discount and season ticket schemes there are.\r\n","AnswerText":"There are a range of rail discounts available including UK wide railcards funded by the Association of Train Operating Companies (ATOC), local authority rail concessionary schemes and, tickets combining train travel with other public transport options.  ScotRail season tickets are also available on most of its routes for a week, a month or any period over a month up to a year.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-04-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-04-23T15:10:20.94","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271291,"EventID":"S4W-06469","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":131,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-26T15:10:21.017","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-26T12:20:35","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it responded to the UK Government’s consultation on welfare reform and, if so, whether that response has been published.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it responded to the UK Government’s consultation on welfare reform and, if so, whether that response has been published.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive responded to the UK Government’s consultation on welfare reform. This response has not been published.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-04-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-04-23T15:10:21.017","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271292,"EventID":"S4W-06470","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3101,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-26T15:10:21.097","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-26T12:22:06","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it has taken to encourage local authorities to introduce a living wage of £7.20 per hour.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it has taken to encourage local authorities to introduce a living wage of £7.20 per hour.\r\n","AnswerText":"Local authorities are independent corporate bodies responsible for determining the rates of pay of their employees. It is therefore for individual local authorities to decide whether to implement the living wage.\r\nThe Scottish Government has encouraged, and will continue to encourage, all local authorities to introduce a living wage of £7.20 per hour. To date, more than half of local authorities across Scotland have either implemented or have committed to implementing the living wage, with others considering it.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-04-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-04-23T15:10:21.097","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Derek Mackay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271293,"EventID":"S4W-06471","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5079,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-26T15:10:21.19","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-26T12:52:57","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether an independent Scotland would be able to opt out of the Schengen Agreement and whether it would seek to negotiate with the remainder of the United Kingdom and the","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether an independent Scotland would be able to opt out of the Schengen Agreement and whether it would seek to negotiate with the remainder of the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland to join their Common Travel Area.\r\n","AnswerText":"An independent Scotland will inherit the Common Travel Area which exists between the UK and Ireland and will remain outside of the Schengen Agreement.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-04-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-04-23T15:10:21.19","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271294,"EventID":"S4W-06472","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5079,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-26T15:10:21.25","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-26T13:15:29","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will publish a list of everyone who has (a) been invited to and (b) received hospitality at Bute House since 2007.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will publish a list of everyone who has (a) been invited to and (b) received hospitality at Bute House since 2007.\r\n","AnswerText":"Information regarding people receiving hospitality at events hosted by Scottish Government Ministers at Bute House is proactively published on the Scottish Government website, detailing the date, host, location and guest list. This is currently published every three months and can be accessed at the following link: http://www.scotland.gov.uk/About/14944/Events-Engagements/hospitality.\r\nOther information is not recorded, which is entirely consistent with the practice of previous administrations, both before and since the establishment of the Scottish Parliament in 1999.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-04-23T15:10:21.267","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271295,"EventID":"S4F-00576","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":5009,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-26T14:59:27.48","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-22T14:29:00.373","Title":"To ask the First Minister what issues will be discussed at the next meeting of the Cabinet.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what issues will be discussed at the next meeting of the Cabinet.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-04-23T14:59:27.67","MeetingDate":"2012-03-29T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271296,"EventID":"S4F-00589","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":4976,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-26T14:59:28.073","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-26T13:18:41.77","Title":"To ask the First Minister when he will next meet the Secretary of State for Scotland.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister when he will next meet the Secretary of State for Scotland.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-04-23T14:59:28.073","MeetingDate":"2012-03-29T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271297,"EventID":"S4F-00591","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":2080,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":87,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-26T14:59:28.153","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-26T13:20:51.48","Title":"To ask the First Minister what engagements he has planned for the rest of the day.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what engagements he has planned for the rest of the day.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-04-23T14:59:28.167","MeetingDate":"2012-03-29T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271298,"EventID":"S4F-00594","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":2010,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":137,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-26T14:59:28.247","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-26T13:35:12.363","Title":"To ask the First Minister what discussions the Scottish Government has had with the UK Government on alcohol pricing.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what discussions the Scottish Government has had with the UK Government on alcohol pricing.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-04-23T14:59:28.247","MeetingDate":"2012-03-29T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271299,"EventID":"S4F-00595","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":2029,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":145,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-26T14:59:28.277","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-26T13:39:26.49","Title":"To ask the First Minister what the Scottish Government's response is to recent reports of reductions in the number of college courses across the country.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what the Scottish Government's response is to recent reports of reductions in the number of college courses across the country.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-04-23T14:59:28.277","MeetingDate":"2012-03-29T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271300,"EventID":"S4F-00597","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":4955,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":105,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-26T14:59:28.357","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-26T13:50:54.793","Title":"To ask the First Minister what the Scottish Government’s position is on the recent UHY Hacker Young report on the economic performance of cities and towns.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what the Scottish Government’s position is on the recent UHY Hacker Young report on the economic performance of cities and towns.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-04-23T14:59:28.357","MeetingDate":"2012-03-29T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271301,"EventID":"S4W-06455","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5079,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-26T16:57:35.41","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-23T16:46:19","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many times since 2007 it has used Article 19 of the EU procurement directive when procuring goods and services, broken down by directorate.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many times since 2007 it has used Article 19 of the EU procurement directive when procuring goods and services, broken down by directorate.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government recognises the important role that supported businesses play in the economy, the community and to their customers. Supported factories and businesses have a valuable role in assisting people with disabilities to integrate into the labour market and in helping to improve their overall independence and wellbeing, which is crucial in building a healthier and fairer Scotland.\r\nCurrently, we are in the process of putting in place a reserved framework utilising Article 19 for use by the Scottish public sector. This will include goods and services for furniture, document management, signage and in addition textiles and personal protective equipment. We anticipate that the reserved framework will be in place by September 2012.\r\nData available from the Public Contracts Scotland (PCS) portal indicates that since October 2010 a total of nine contracts or framework agreements have been awarded to supported business by Scottish public bodies. These contracts and frameworks have a total estimated value of £13.7 million. We do not know whether these contracts were let under Article 19 and it is not possible to guarantee that the entire estimated value of a contract will be awarded to a supported business.\r\nThe latest financial data available confirms that Scottish public bodies spent £24.1 million with supported business during financial year 2010 to 2011.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-04-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-04-23T16:57:35.44","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271302,"EventID":"S4W-06480","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3824,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-26T16:57:35.503","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-26T13:43:24","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what provisions have been put in place to deal with the council tax not having risen with inflation during the council tax freeze; how local authorities will compensate f","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what provisions have been put in place to deal with the council tax not having risen with inflation during the council tax freeze; how local authorities will compensate for this loss of income, and what assessment has been carried out of the impact on local authorities when the freeze ends.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has fully funded the council tax freeze since it was introduced in 2008-09 by providing an additional £70 million each year and we are committed to do so for the lifetime of this Parliament.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-04-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-04-23T16:57:35.503","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271303,"EventID":"S4W-06481","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3824,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-26T16:57:35.58","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-26T13:43:24","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what work it is doing to identify replacements for council tax; what the timescale is, and whether a local income tax remains under consideration.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what work it is doing to identify replacements for council tax; what the timescale is, and whether a local income tax remains under consideration.","AnswerText":"The current council tax system is unfair and the Scottish Government will consult with others to produce a fairer local tax based on ability to pay later in this Parliament. All potential alternative approaches will be considered as this work is progressed.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-04-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-04-23T16:57:35.58","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271304,"EventID":"S4W-06482","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3824,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-26T16:57:35.643","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-26T13:43:24","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the council tax freeze will have a negative impact on local authority jobs and services and whether it has carried out a risk assessment on continuing the freeze ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the council tax freeze will have a negative impact on local authority jobs and services and whether it has carried out a risk assessment on continuing the freeze for a further five years.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has fully funded the council tax freeze since it was introduced in 2008-09 by providing an additional £70 million each year. We are committed to funding the freeze for the lifetime of this Parliament and along with the wider local government settlement this will provide resource to protect local authority jobs and services.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-04-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-04-23T16:57:35.657","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271318,"EventID":"S4W-06473","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4964,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-27T13:52:44.17","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-26T13:21:43","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what procedures it has in place to (a) record and (b) monitor instances of alleged racial (i) harassment and (ii) discrimination in schools.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what procedures it has in place to (a) record and (b) monitor instances of alleged racial (i) harassment and (ii) discrimination in schools.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-06155 on 21 March 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-04-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-04-24T13:52:44.45","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271319,"EventID":"S4W-06483","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-27T13:52:44.513","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-26T18:12:02","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive which NHS boards have been challenged by NHS Information Services Division regarding the accuracy of New Ways waiting time statistics and when ministers were made aware o","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive which NHS boards have been challenged by NHS Information Services Division regarding the accuracy of New Ways waiting time statistics and when ministers were made aware of this.","AnswerText":"Ministers have not been aware of any challenges regarding accuracy. However, we are advised when there have been data quality issues, such as not all data being complete due to changes in patient administration systems. These issues are reported as part of the waiting times quarterly publication.\r\nSince 2008, when ISD began publishing data on New Ways, they have engaged with all NHS boards routinely as part of the quarterly publication of waiting times statistics. All NHS boards are required to agree their data prior to each quarterly publication, with an assurance that the published data reflects the accurate local position. This routine process involves seeking clarification from NHS boards that statistics that appear to be higher or lower than expected are accurate. This involves ISD’s statisticians corresponding with each of the boards. Through this process any significant data quality issues fed back by NHS boards are highlighted in the publication.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-04-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-04-24T13:52:44.513","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271320,"EventID":"S4W-06484","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5057,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-27T13:52:44.59","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-27T09:29:32.03","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures it has taken to ensure that schoolchildren receive two hours of quality physical education per week.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures it has taken to ensure that schoolchildren receive two hours of quality physical education per week.\r\n","AnswerText":"On 29 March, ministers announced jointly with COSLA a package of additional funding to support local authorities who commit to delivering two hours of PE per week in primary and two periods per week in Secondary by 2014.\r\nTo support local authorities in reaching the target of providing at least two hours or two periods of PE sportscotland has identified an additional £3.4 million to be distributed to authorities over the next two years to help deliver the pledge. This will be supplemented with a further £2.4 million package of national developments led by Education Scotland to increase the support available to local authorities and teachers.\r\nDelivery will be measured through the Healthy Living Survey, with school level data being published in June 2012, 2013 and 2014.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-04-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-04-24T13:52:44.607","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alasdair Allan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271321,"EventID":"S4W-06485","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5057,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-27T13:52:44.667","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-27T09:29:32.03","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what activities constitute quality physical education.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what activities constitute quality physical education.\r\n","AnswerText":"Good physical education can have a transformational impact on a pupils attainment, life chances and health and wellbeing.\r\nPhysical Education is delivered during curriculum time, either taught or led by a GTCS registered class or PE specialist teacher and supports the outcomes and experiences as defined in Curriculum for Excellence.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-04-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-04-24T13:52:44.667","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alasdair Allan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271348,"EventID":"S4W-06306","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-27T17:32:30.88","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-20T10:40:22","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S4W-06078 by Michael Russell on 19 March 2012, whether it plans to change the specialised bursary provision for the (a) MSc in Social W","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S4W-06078 by Michael Russell on 19 March 2012, whether it plans to change the specialised bursary provision for the (a) MSc in Social Work and (b) Professional Graduate Diploma in Education.\r\n","AnswerText":"A review of the postgraduate social work bursary scheme is underway. This will provide options for ministerial decision about the future of this scheme.\r\nThere are no current plans to change the bursary provision for the Professional Graduate Diploma in Education (PGDE).\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-04-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-04-24T17:32:31.41","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271349,"EventID":"S4W-06307","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-27T17:32:31.503","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-20T10:40:22","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S4M-06057 by Michael Russell on 19 March 2012, whether it will publish an updated version of Skills for Scotland: A Lifelong Skills Str","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S4M-06057 by Michael Russell on 19 March 2012, whether it will publish an updated version of Skills for Scotland: A Lifelong Skills Strategy.\r\n","AnswerText":"Skills for Scotland: Accelerating the Recovery and increasing Sustainable Economic Growth was published in October 2010.\r\nSkills policy also features strongly throughout the updated Scottish Economic Recovery Plan published in February 2011 and the Government Economic Strategy refreshed in September 2011.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-04-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-04-24T17:32:31.503","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271350,"EventID":"S4W-06490","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-27T17:32:31.597","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-27T11:59:36.84","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-39192 by Nicola Sturgeon on 10 February 2011, what the (a) maximum, (b) average and (c) median waiting time is for assessment of pe","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-39192 by Nicola Sturgeon on 10 February 2011, what the (a) maximum, (b) average and (c) median waiting time is for assessment of people referred to the Scottish Driving Assessment Centre.\r\n","AnswerText":"The waiting times for people referred to the Scottish Driving Assessment Service are as follows:\r\n(a) Maximum waiting time\r\n=\r\n55.1 weeks\r\n(b) Average waiting time\r\n=\r\n24.4 weeks\r\n(c) Median waiting time\r\n=\r\n24.1 weeks\r\n\r\nFigures provided by NHS Lothian based on waiting time from date of referral to first appointment offered between 1 February 2011 and 31 January 2012.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-04-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-04-24T17:32:31.597","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271351,"EventID":"S4W-06492","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4080,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-27T17:32:31.69","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-27T13:18:42","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when further details of the £5 million seed fund that was announced in its digital action plan will be made available.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when further details of the £5 million seed fund that was announced in its digital action plan will be made available.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government will set out further details of the seed fund that was outlined in Programme 3 of Scotland’s Digital Future - Infrastructure Action Plan shortly.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-04-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-04-24T17:32:31.69","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271352,"EventID":"S4W-06493","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2673,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":114,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-27T17:32:31.957","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-27T15:07:35","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consideration it has given to the option on page 69 of Scottish elections 2007: The independent review of the Scottish Parliamentary and local government elections 3","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consideration it has given to the option on page 69 of Scottish elections 2007: The independent review of the Scottish Parliamentary and local government elections 3 May 2007 of introducing advance voting.","AnswerText":"The possibility of introducing advance voting was discussed at the joint Scottish Government and Local Government and Communities Committee seminar on voter turnout which was held in Parliament on 4 June 2010. It was also included in the Scottish Government’s consultation paper on the Administration of Future Elections in Scotland which was published on 3 September 2010. The idea received limited support and therefore the Scottish Government has no immediate plans to introduce advance voting.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-04-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-04-24T17:32:31.973","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Derek Mackay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271353,"EventID":"S4W-06499","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":2,"MSPID":4947,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-28T11:33:42.253","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-28T11:24:31.443","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will receive the report on the inquiry into the Galston mine incident from HM Chief Inspector of Fire and Rescue Authorities.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will receive the report on the inquiry into the Galston mine incident from HM Chief Inspector of Fire and Rescue Authorities.","AnswerText":"We have now received the report, and thank Mr Torrie and his team for their work. Copies have been placed in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre (Bib. number 53833) and it is being published on the Scottish Government website. \r\nMinisters instructed this Inquiry under Section 44 of the Fire (Scotland) Act 2005 to ensure lessons are learned from the tragic death of Mrs Hume. We will carefully consider the report, and will discuss with services how best to take forward the recommendations.\r\nOur sympathies are with Mrs Hume’s family and friends at this time.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-04-25T11:33:42.597","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Roseanna Cunningham","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271354,"EventID":"S4W-06494","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5079,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-28T13:57:05.043","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-27T18:17:12","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what art will be commissioned as part of the Glasgow subway modernisation.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what art will be commissioned as part of the Glasgow subway modernisation.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-04-25T13:57:05.123","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271355,"EventID":"S4W-06495","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5079,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-28T13:57:05.263","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-27T18:17:12","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has had a role in the commissioning of art as part of the Glasgow subway modernisation.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has had a role in the commissioning of art as part of the Glasgow subway modernisation.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-04-25T13:57:05.263","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271356,"EventID":"S4W-06496","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5079,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-28T13:57:05.373","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-27T18:17:12","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what role Strathclyde Partnership for Transport has had in the commissioning of art as part of the Glasgow subway modernisation.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what role Strathclyde Partnership for Transport has had in the commissioning of art as part of the Glasgow subway modernisation.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-04-25T13:57:05.387","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271357,"EventID":"S4W-06497","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5079,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-28T13:57:05.48","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-27T18:17:12","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what will be depicted in the new art installation at Hillhead underground station.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what will be depicted in the new art installation at Hillhead underground station.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-04-25T13:57:05.48","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271358,"EventID":"S4W-06498","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5079,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-28T13:57:05.623","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-27T18:21:46","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the cost will be of commissioning artwork as part of the Glasgow subway modernisation (a) across the network and (b) for Hillhead underground station.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the cost will be of commissioning artwork as part of the Glasgow subway modernisation (a) across the network and (b) for Hillhead underground station.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-04-25T13:57:05.623","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271370,"EventID":"S4W-06500","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":136,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-28T16:59:25.033","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-28T11:31:09","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S4W-06179 by Kenny MacAskill on 27 March 2012, whether  the findings of the Scottish Criminal Cases Review Commission are matters that ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S4W-06179 by Kenny MacAskill on 27 March 2012, whether  the findings of the Scottish Criminal Cases Review Commission are matters that have caused or are capable of causing public concern within the meaning of section 1 of the Inquiries Act 2005.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Statement of Reasons produced by the Scottish Criminal Cases Review Commission in the Al-Megrahi case provides details of the grounds on which the commission referred the case to the Court of Appeal.\r\nThe only appropriate forum for the determination of Mr Al-Megrahi’s guilt or innocence is the Appeal Court. The court would have had the opportunity to consider the material contained in the Statement of Reasons had Mr Al-Megrahi not withdrawn his appeal. It remains open to Mr Al-Megrahi or to other interested parties to ask the commission to refer the case to the Appeal Court again.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-04-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-04-25T16:59:25.08","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271371,"EventID":"S4W-06501","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4080,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-28T16:59:25.173","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-28T14:34:49","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what statistics it keeps on access to dental health services for prisoners.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what statistics it keeps on access to dental health services for prisoners.","AnswerText":"Dental services are available to prisoners in Scotland.\r\nResponsibility for healthcare services, including dental services, transferred to NHS boards on 1 November 2011. NHS boards are currently developing systems to report time to treatment.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-04-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-04-25T16:59:25.19","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271372,"EventID":"S4W-06502","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4080,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-28T16:59:25.253","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-28T14:34:49","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of prisoners receives regular routine dental check-ups, broken down by prison.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of prisoners receives regular routine dental check-ups, broken down by prison.\r\n","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally.\r\nResponsibility for healthcare services, including dental services, transferred to NHS boards on 1 November 2011. The Chief Dental Officer for Scotland has set up a Short-life Working Group to develop a Framework for Prison Dental Services in Scotland. The working group will consider dental information needs for prisoners. Future systems will build on existing NHS data gathering systems to incorporate information on dental care in prisons.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-04-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-04-25T16:59:25.267","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271373,"EventID":"S4W-06503","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4080,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-28T16:59:25.33","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-28T14:34:49","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what frequency of routine dental health check-up, on average, prisoners are offered, broken down by prison.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what frequency of routine dental health check-up, on average, prisoners are offered, broken down by prison.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-06502 on 17 April 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-04-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-04-25T16:59:25.347","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271374,"EventID":"S4W-06504","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4080,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-28T16:59:25.41","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-28T14:34:49","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the average waiting time is for prisoners with non-routine dental health issues to access a dentist.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the average waiting time is for prisoners with non-routine dental health issues to access a dentist.","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally.\r\nResponsibility for healthcare services, including dental services, transferred to NHS boards on 1 November 2011. NHS boards are currently developing systems to report time to treatment.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-04-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-04-25T16:59:25.41","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271375,"EventID":"S4W-06505","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5079,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-28T16:59:25.487","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-28T14:56:55.693","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive (a) what input it made to and (b) when it will respond to the conclusions of the UK Government's consultation on proposed changes to the Criminal Injuries Compensation Sc","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive (a) what input it made to and (b) when it will respond to the conclusions of the UK Government's consultation on proposed changes to the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme, Getting it right for victims and witnesses.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government was not directly involved in the development of the UK Government’s proposals but we have been kept informed of developments. The Scottish Government hosted a stakeholder event on the proposals in Scotland and will respond to the Ministry of Justice towards the end of the consultation period.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-04-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-04-25T16:59:25.503","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271376,"EventID":"S4W-06507","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5079,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-28T16:59:25.563","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-28T14:56:55.693","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what it considers the impact will be of the proposed changes to the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme on victims of crime in Scotland.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what it considers the impact will be of the proposed changes to the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme on victims of crime in Scotland.\r\n","AnswerText":"The proposals from the UK Government are currently subject to consultation and no final decisions have been made. The proposed changes are expected to result in a reduction of around £5 million per annum in the value of compensation to victims in Scotland.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-04-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-04-25T16:59:25.563","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271388,"EventID":"S4W-06520","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":2,"MSPID":1882,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":129,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-29T13:36:24.437","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-29T10:53:55","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has received the results of the internal review of NHS Ayrshire and Arran's compliance with the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002 commissioned by the ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has received the results of the internal review of NHS Ayrshire and Arran's compliance with the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002 commissioned by the Cabinet Secretary for Health, Wellbeing and Cities Strategy following decision notice 036/2012 issued by the Scottish Information Commissioner.\r\n","AnswerText":"I can confirm that I have received the conclusions of the internal review I commissioned from John Burns, Chief Executive of NHS Ayrshire and Arran. I wrote to Mr Burns on 18 March to acknowledge receipt of the report and the associated action plan, and to confirm that successful implementation of the actions will afford me the necessary confidence that local processes are fit for purpose and fully meet the requirements of the Freedom of Information legislation.\r\nMy officials will monitor the board's implementation of the actions closely and \r\nMr Burns intends to report back to me on progress by the end of May. I have provided a copy of my letter to Mr Burns and NHS Ayrshire and Arran’s action plan to the Interim Information Commissioner, for her information and assurance. A copy has also been placed in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre under Bib. number 53831.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-03-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-04-26T13:36:24.67","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271389,"EventID":"S4W-06389","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2678,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-29T14:29:47.823","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-22T10:12:06","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information is held (a) centrally and (b) by each NHS board on the use of (i) bevacizumab, (ii) cetuximab, (iii) lapatinib, (iv) abiraterone, (v) everolimus, (vi) ri","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information is held (a) centrally and (b) by each NHS board on the use of (i) bevacizumab, (ii) cetuximab, (iii) lapatinib, (iv) abiraterone, (v) everolimus, (vi) rituximab, (vii) sorafenib, (viii) bendamustine, (ix) fulvestrant and (x) bortezomib in the treatment of cancer.\r\n","AnswerText":"Data on the use of individual medicines by NHS boards is not held centrally. NHS boards are expected to maintain an overview of the effectiveness of their local arrangements for the introduction of new medicines, including NHS board decisions on SMC accepted medicines and management of Individual Patient Treatment Requests (IPTRs) for medicines not recommended by the SMC. NHS boards were reminded of their responsibilities in this regard in additional guidance for NHS boards published on 13 February 2012.\r\nThe Scottish Government committed to monitor NHS board progress in implementing the guidance on the introduction and availability of newly licensed medicines in the NHS in Scotland which was published on 17 May 2010. As part of these arrangements, NHS boards were asked to provide summary data on medicines funded through the Individual Patient Treatment Request (IPTRs) arrangements over the period 1 April 2011 to 30 September 2011. The data provided by NHS boards indicates that bevacizumab was prescribed for one patient and cetuximab was prescribed for five patients during this period.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-04-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-04-26T14:29:47.853","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271390,"EventID":"S4W-06392","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2678,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-29T14:29:47.98","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-22T10:12:06","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many patients have been given access to cancer medicines that were approved by the Scottish Medicines Consortium under a patient access scheme since 2011, also broken","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many patients have been given access to cancer medicines that were approved by the Scottish Medicines Consortium under a patient access scheme since 2011, also broken down by (a) NHS board and (b) medicine.\r\n","AnswerText":"Information on the number of patients who have been given access to cancer medicines that were approved by the Scottish Medicines Consortium under a patient access scheme since 2011 broken down by (a) NHS board and (b) medicine is not held centrally.\r\nInformation on SMC advice for medicines accepted with a patient access scheme is available on the SMC website via the following link: \r\nhttp://www.scottishmedicines.org.uk/Submission_Process/Submission_Guidance_and_Templates_for_Industry/Patient-Access-Schemes.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-04-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-04-26T14:29:47.98","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271391,"EventID":"S4W-06393","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2678,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-29T14:29:48.057","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-22T10:12:06","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much the Hospital Medicines Utilisation Database recorded as being spent on cancer medicines in 2011, also broken down by NHS board.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much the Hospital Medicines Utilisation Database recorded as being spent on cancer medicines in 2011, also broken down by NHS board.\r\n","AnswerText":"The information available from the ISD Scotland Hospital Medicines Utilisation Database (HMUD) on expenditure on cancer medicines in the financial year 2010-11 is shown in the following table. Cancer medicines have been defined as Section 8.1 – cytotoxic drugs and Section 8.3 – sex hormones and hormone antagonists in malignant disease, of the British National Formulary (BNF).\r\nAmount that the Hospital Medicines Utilisation Database recorded as being spent on cancer medicines for each NHS board in financial year 2010-11\r\nNHS Board\r\nExpenditure\r\nNHS Ayrshire and Arran\r\n £  3,739,424 \r\nNHS Borders\r\n £     999,318 \r\nNHS Dumfries and Galloway 1\r\n £  1,519,791 \r\nNHS Fife\r\n £  2,409,888 \r\nNHS Forth Valley\r\n £  2,198,306 \r\nNHS Golden Jubilee\r\n£        1,069 \r\nNHS Grampian\r\n £  5,559,977 \r\nNHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde\r\n £10,241,620 \r\nNHS Highland 2\r\n £      74,186 \r\nNHS Lanarkshire\r\n £  4,686,626 \r\nNHS Lothian\r\n £  8,300,884 \r\nNHS Orkney\r\n £      72,361 \r\nNHS Shetland 3\r\n £     132,975 \r\nNHS Tayside 4\r\n £  1,548,398 \r\nNHS Western Isles\r\n £     174,171 \r\nNHS Scotland\r\n£41,658,993 \r\nNotes:\r\nFigures cover April 2010 – March 2011, except for some boards with incomplete data:\r\n1. NHS Dumfries and Galloway, data covers April 2010- February 2011\r\n2. NHS Highland did not provide any data.  Small amount shown based on reported information from other NHS boards\r\n3. NHS Shetland, data covers April 2010 – December 2010\r\n4. NHS Tayside, data covers April 2010 – July 2010.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-04-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-04-26T14:29:48.073","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271392,"EventID":"S4W-06394","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2678,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-29T14:29:48.15","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-22T10:12:06","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much NHS Greater Glasgow's Chemotherapy Electronic Prescribing and Administration System recorded as being spent on cancer medicines by the board in 2011. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much NHS Greater Glasgow's Chemotherapy Electronic Prescribing and Administration System recorded as being spent on cancer medicines by the board in 2011. ","AnswerText":"The chemotherapy electronic prescribing and administration system is one that supports safe prescribing and administration practices for chemotherapy. It does not record the amount spent on cancer medicines.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-04-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-04-26T14:29:48.167","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271393,"EventID":"S4W-06395","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2678,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-29T14:29:48.227","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-22T10:12:06","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much the NHS spent on (a) proton pump inhibitors, (b) statins and (c) laxatives in 2011.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much the NHS spent on (a) proton pump inhibitors, (b) statins and (c) laxatives in 2011.\r\n","AnswerText":"The latest costs available relate to 2010-11 and are as follows:\r\n(a)  £27,599,833\r\n(b)  £59,647,022\r\n(c)  £8,583,106\r\nMore information on prescribing costs is available on the ISD Scotland website at:\r\nhttp://www.isdscotland.org/Health-Topics/Prescribing-and-Medicines/Community-Dispensing/Prescription-Cost-Analysis/.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-04-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-04-26T14:29:48.243","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271394,"EventID":"S4W-06396","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2678,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-29T14:29:48.353","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-22T10:12:06","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assessment it made of the suitability of the cost per quality-adjusted life year ration in evaluating treatments effective in small cohorts of poor prognosis patient","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assessment it made of the suitability of the cost per quality-adjusted life year ration in evaluating treatments effective in small cohorts of poor prognosis patients when considering petition PE1108 on the availability on the NHS of cancer treatment drugs.\r\n","AnswerText":"In its response to the Scottish Parliament Public Petitions Committee in relation to PE1108 regarding the availability on the NHS of cancer treatment drugs, the Scottish Government advised that its focus was to improve access to all newly licensed medicines and not just those to treat cancer. On that basis, no assessment was made of the use of the quality adjusted life year (QALY) health economics tool specifically for small cohorts of poor prognosis patients.\r\nInstead the Scottish Government advised the Committee that the use of QALYs is currently the accepted method in health economics used by both the Scottish Medicines Consortium (SMC) and the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) to compare between very different medicines and patient groups.  \r\nIt also clarified that QALYs provide the basis for discussion about individual medicines by the SMC, the QALY alone does not determine the decision.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-04-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-04-26T14:29:48.37","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271395,"EventID":"S4W-06397","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2678,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-29T14:29:48.447","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-22T10:12:06","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it will take to ensure that patients with a cancer that has spread will receive equitable access to the same medicines as patients in England.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it will take to ensure that patients with a cancer that has spread will receive equitable access to the same medicines as patients in England.\r\n","AnswerText":"As health is a devolved matter, decisions regarding the introduction of new medicines are taken by each of the UK countries through their own appraisal arrangements in line with established national priorities.\r\nScotland’s independent and robust arrangements for the appraisal of newly licensed, prescription-only branded medicines concentrate on the introduction of clinically and cost-effective medicines to treat all conditions, not just those to treat cancer or to treat cancer that has spread. This seeks to maintain a focus on the introduction of these throughout all parts of Scotland.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-04-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-04-26T14:29:48.447","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271396,"EventID":"S4W-06398","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2678,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-29T14:29:48.523","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-22T10:12:06","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with the UK Government on the implementation of value-based pricing of medicines.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with the UK Government on the implementation of value-based pricing of medicines.\r\n","AnswerText":"I have corresponded with the Secretary of State for Health several times concerning both the earlier consultation and on the need for full involvement in the design of the proposed value based pricing initiative. I have received assurances that the UK Government and the devolved administrations will continue to work closely together in developing a value based pricing approach. Officials have also been involved in UK-wide discussions concerning the value based pricing of medicines.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-04-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-04-26T14:29:48.523","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271397,"EventID":"S4W-06399","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2678,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-29T14:29:48.617","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-22T10:12:06","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will publish further guidance on management of formulary arrangements by NHS boards.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will publish further guidance on management of formulary arrangements by NHS boards.","AnswerText":"Guidance to further strengthen the safe and effective use of new medicines across the NHS in Scotland was published on 13 February 2012. This provides NHS boards with specific guidance on local NHS board consideration of medicines which have been accepted by the Scottish Medicines Consortium (SMC), including timescales for (i) reaching formulary decisions and (ii) publishing formulary decisions.\r\nThe guidance also clarifies that NHS boards are expected to maintain an overview of the effectiveness of their local arrangements for the introduction of new medicines, including NHS board formulary arrangements.\r\nThere are no plans to publish additional guidance for NHS boards on formulary arrangements.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-04-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-04-26T14:29:48.617","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271398,"EventID":"S4W-06400","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2678,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-29T14:29:48.713","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-22T10:12:06","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will conduct a review of the impact of the guidance that was issued in March 2011 on individual patient treatment requests and, if so, when.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will conduct a review of the impact of the guidance that was issued in March 2011 on individual patient treatment requests and, if so, when.\r\n","AnswerText":"NHS boards are expected to maintain an overview of the effectiveness of their local arrangements for the introduction of new medicines, including NHS board management of Individual Patient Treatment Requests (IPTRs).\r\nIn addition, the Scottish Government will monitor progress in implementing its CEL guidance on the introduction of new medicines which took full effect on 1 April 2011.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-04-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-04-26T14:29:48.743","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271399,"EventID":"S4W-06474","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-29T14:29:48.853","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-26T13:42:41","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much the postgraduate tuition fee loan scheme will cost in each of the next three years.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much the postgraduate tuition fee loan scheme will cost in each of the next three years.\r\n","AnswerText":"We have allowed for loans of up to £17 million in each of the next three years for the postgraduate tuition fee loan.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-04-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-04-26T14:29:48.867","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271400,"EventID":"S4W-06475","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-29T14:29:48.93","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-26T13:42:41","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much the postgraduate student allowances scheme has cost in each of the last three years.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much the postgraduate student allowances scheme has cost in each of the last three years.\r\n","AnswerText":"In 2009-10, the total paid under the Postgraduate Students’ Allowances Scheme (PSAS) was £9.6 million. In 2010-11, the figure was £7.7 million, and in 2011-12, £7.6 million.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-04-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-04-26T14:29:48.947","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271401,"EventID":"S4W-06476","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-29T14:29:49.04","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-26T13:42:41","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people have been assisted under the postgraduate student allowances scheme in each of the last three years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people have been assisted under the postgraduate student allowances scheme in each of the last three years.","AnswerText":"In 2009-10, 1,825 students were assisted under the Postgraduate Students’ Allowances Scheme (PSAS). This increased to 2,332 in 2010-11 and 2,329 in 2011-12.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-04-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-04-26T14:29:49.04","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271402,"EventID":"S4W-06477","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-29T14:29:49.163","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-26T13:42:41","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people will be assisted under the postgraduate tuition fee loan scheme in each of the next three years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people will be assisted under the postgraduate tuition fee loan scheme in each of the next three years.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government estimates that around 5,000 full and part-time postgraduate students will be eligible to apply for non-means tested support towards the cost of their tuition fees under the postgraduate tuition fee loan in each of the next three years.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-04-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-04-26T14:29:49.163","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271403,"EventID":"S4W-06478","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-29T14:29:49.303","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-26T13:42:41","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the maximum grant has been under the postgraduate student allowances scheme in each of the last three years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the maximum grant has been under the postgraduate student allowances scheme in each of the last three years.","AnswerText":"In academic years 2010-11 and 2011-12, under the Postgraduate Students’ Allowances Scheme (PSAS) eligible students could receive an allowance of up to £3,400 towards the cost of their tuition fees (£1,700 for part-time students).\r\nIn 2009-10, in addition to the contribution towards their tuition fees as outlined for 2010-11 and 2011-12, eligible students could also apply for a means tested living costs grant. The maximum amounts available to students on a standard 30 week course in 2009-10 were:\r\n£2,850 – for students living in their parent’s home.\r\n£3,770 – for students living away from home.\r\n£4,780 – for students living away from home in London.\r\nFor students studying over 30 weeks and three days they were entitled to an additional £45, £76 or £98 per week respectively.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-04-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-04-26T14:29:49.303","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271404,"EventID":"S4W-06509","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-29T14:29:49.43","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-28T16:02:22.683","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what new funding streams are available to Perth now that it has city status.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what new funding streams are available to Perth now that it has city status.\r\n","AnswerText":"I am delighted that Perth has been awarded city status as part of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee celebrations. It has been welcomed into the Scottish Cities Alliance and, along with Scotland’s other cities, Perth will be able to access the £7 million Cities Investment Fund to help develop collaborative programmes that promote growth, lever investment and protect and create jobs. It will also be able to apply for UK and EU funding for cities and the Scottish Cities Alliance will be considering how best to maximise investment in all Scotland’s cities and their regions.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-04-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-04-26T14:29:49.43","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271405,"EventID":"S4W-06510","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-29T14:29:49.587","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-28T16:02:22.683","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what role it considers that Perth will have in Scotland’s development now that it has city status.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what role it considers that Perth will have in Scotland’s development now that it has city status.\r\n","AnswerText":"Cities and their regions are key drivers of the economy. As part of the Scottish Cities Alliance, Perth will play a full part in seeking increased investment, jobs and businesses in cities and their regions, delivering a benefit for Scotland as a whole. The revision of the National Planning Framework, announced in March 2012, will provide a further opportunity to consider the role of cities in the national context.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-04-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-04-26T14:29:49.587","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271406,"EventID":"S4W-06511","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-29T14:29:49.693","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-28T16:02:22.683","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it will take to promote Perth across the world now that it has city status.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it will take to promote Perth across the world now that it has city status.\r\n","AnswerText":"Perth is currently widely promoted across Scotland's key markets under the Perthshire brand. Now it has regained city status, VisitScotland’s promotional material will highlight Perth as a city. Perth will also take its place in the cities section of VisitScotland's consumer website following its re-launch at the end of this month. In addition to other ongoing marketing activity, VisitScotland will also continue to work closely with the Perthshire Area Tourism Partnership on developing a tourism strategy and action plan for the area.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-04-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-04-26T14:29:49.693","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271407,"EventID":"S4W-06517","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4016,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":133,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-29T14:29:49.787","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-29T07:18:15","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many Scottish Transport Appraisal Guidance (STAG) 2 appraisals have been carried out since 2007 and, of these, how many have been funded by Transport Scotland.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many Scottish Transport Appraisal Guidance (STAG) 2 appraisals have been carried out since 2007 and, of these, how many have been funded by Transport Scotland.\r\n","AnswerText":"In addition to Transport Scotland, Scottish Transport Appraisal Guidance (STAG) appraisals are carried out by parties including local authorities, regional transport partnerships, local planning and strategic planning authorities and developers. Transport Scotland does not maintain a record of all transport appraisals carried out using STAG. Since 2007 Transport Scotland has carried out and funded three STAG appraisals.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-04-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-04-26T14:29:49.787","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271408,"EventID":"S4W-06519","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1741,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-29T14:29:49.883","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-29T09:52:26","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what it is doing to ensure the retention of the Gourock-Kilcreggan-Helensburgh ferry service.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what it is doing to ensure the retention of the Gourock-Kilcreggan-Helensburgh ferry service.","AnswerText":"The Gourock-Kilcreggan-Helensburgh ferry service is the responsibility of Strathclyde Partnership for Transport (SPT).\r\nI understand that SPT recently re-tendered this service to a new operator, Clydelink Ltd, after an analysis of passenger numbers and journey trends which demonstrated that the core users of the ferry service are between Gourock and Kilcreggan, with Helensburgh representing only 7% of total passenger traffic, with an average of \r\n2.6 passengers per sailing.\r\nThe new service, which became operational on 1 April 2012, now operates between Gourock and Kilcreggan only.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-04-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-04-26T14:29:49.897","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271409,"EventID":"S4W-06521","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-29T14:29:49.977","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-29T12:51:14","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will announce the decision on whether a new railway station will be built at Winchburgh in West Lothian.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will announce the decision on whether a new railway station will be built at Winchburgh in West Lothian.","AnswerText":"A decision on whether a new railway station can be built at Winchburgh will only be made once an appraisal and business case have been submitted by the applicant and agreed by the planning authority in consultation with Transport Scotland.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-04-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-04-26T14:29:49.99","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271424,"EventID":"S4W-06417","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-29T17:10:30.453","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-22T16:39:55.513","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the recent cessation of coal train services at night on the Stirling-Alloa-Kincardine railway line will be extended or made permanent and whether it will (a) incr","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the recent cessation of coal train services at night on the Stirling-Alloa-Kincardine railway line will be extended or made permanent and whether it will (a) increase the tonnage of the daytime trains and (b) introduce a Sunday service in order to reduce night services.\r\n","AnswerText":"As stated in Parliament previously, the Scottish Government has no powers to restrict the operations of freight trains on the rail network.\r\nNight time operation of freight trains is a commercial matter for the consideration of rail freight operating companies and their customers.\r\nOvernight coal trains on the Stirlin- Alloa-Kincardine Railway have not ceased.\r\nDue to reduced demand for coal at Longannet Power Station, fewer coal trains were required recently to support the demand of the power station.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-04-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-04-26T17:10:30.607","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271425,"EventID":"S4W-06421","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-29T17:10:30.7","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-22T16:39:55.513","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will consider introducing (a) an 80 mph speed limit on motorways and (b) a 20 mph speed limit on most sections of urban roads when it has the power to do so an","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will consider introducing (a) an 80 mph speed limit on motorways and (b) a 20 mph speed limit on most sections of urban roads when it has the power to do so and, if so, what it considers the (i) economic and (ii) health impact of such changes will be.\r\n","AnswerText":"We have no plans to increase the speed limit on motorways in Scotland to 80 mph.\r\nThe power to set speed limits lower than the national speed limit of 30 mph generally applicable on urban roads is already devolved.\r\nThrough Scotland’s Road Safety Framework to 2020, we are committed to encouraging local authorities to consider 20 mph zones in all residential areas. Accordingly, Transport Scotland is assisting City of Edinburgh Council with the evaluation of a pilot scheme in South Central Edinburgh, which has designated all side streets and some of the main routes in that area as 20 mph. However, we recognise that it is for each local authority to decide on appropriate speed limits on its local roads, based on available evidence.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-04-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-04-26T17:10:30.7","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271426,"EventID":"S4W-06423","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-29T17:10:30.81","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-22T16:39:55.513","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-28614 by Nicola Sturgeon on 13 November 2009, how many of the seven rotas to which the derogation applied up to 31 July 2011 have s","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-28614 by Nicola Sturgeon on 13 November 2009, how many of the seven rotas to which the derogation applied up to 31 July 2011 have since been given further derogation, and whether other rotas have been approved for fresh derogation since 2 November 2011.","AnswerText":"All NHS boards with rotas subject to Working Time Regulations derogation were given the opportunity to apply for a further extension to these derogations before they expired on 31 July 2011. All declined this opportunity, and re-designed the rotas to meet the full limits of the Working Time Regulations. No further rotas have applied for derogation since, and the opportunity to do this has now expired.\r\nAll rotas for Doctors in Training in Scotland comply with the limits of the Working Time Regulations.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-04-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-04-26T17:10:30.81","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271427,"EventID":"S4W-06515","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2108,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":141,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-29T17:10:30.92","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-28T17:21:55","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what work has been done to assess the (a) effectiveness and (b) suitability of the individual patient treatment request process.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what work has been done to assess the (a) effectiveness and (b) suitability of the individual patient treatment request process.","AnswerText":"Individual Patient Treatment Requests (IPTRs) provide an opportunity for NHS boards to undertake local clinically-led consideration of medicines which the Scottish Medicines Consortium (SMC) has advised are not recommended for routine use.  Such consideration is reviewed on a “case by case” basis for individual patients in certain circumstances.\r\nAs these are local considerations, NHS boards are expected to review effectiveness of these as part of their overall responsibility of maintaining an overview of effectiveness for the introduction of new medicines.\r\nIn addition, the Scottish Government will monitor progress in implementing CEL guidance which took effect on 1 April 2011. Where there is evidence that NHS boards are not complying with the guidance, the Scottish Government will pursue this directly with NHS boards.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-04-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-04-26T17:10:30.937","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271434,"EventID":"S4W-06413","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-30T16:06:23.483","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-22T15:31:28","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps have been taken (a) locally and (b) nationally to improve (i) understanding, (ii) monitoring and (iii) management of variation in emergency admission rates, ot","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps have been taken (a) locally and (b) nationally to improve (i) understanding, (ii) monitoring and (iii) management of variation in emergency admission rates, other than those undertaken in the Integrated Resource Framework pilot.\r\n","AnswerText":"The national goal in HEAT is to reduce the emergency admissions bed days rate for over 75s by at least 12% between 2009-10 and 2015-15 This spans the patient pathway, including work to reduce emergency admissions, to reduce lengths of stay in hospital, and to reduce delays in discharge from hospital. Scottish Government officials continue to work with boards to understand and monitor this issue.\r\nNHS boards have set their annual trajectories through to 2014-15 within their local delivery plans, taking account of their local circumstances. It is expected that boards will work with local partners to ensure delivery according to their plans.\r\nThe Scottish Patients at Risk of Readmission and Admission (SPARRA), an algorithm developed by ISD, helps to predict a patient’s risk of being admitted to hospital as an emergency in a particular year. This data covers three sub-cohorts (frail elderly; long-term conditions, and younger emergency department) and is regularly distributed to NHS boards and used locally to identify people at risk of admission to hospital.\r\nAs a contribution to the development of alternatives to emergency admission at local level the Joint Improvement Team (JIT) is promoting an evidence-based Reshaping Care Pathway and associated self assessment for Reshaping Care Partnerships. The aim is to shift the balance of care from reliance on emergency hospital admission to preventative and proactive, integrated and anticipatory support in the community. This builds on the learning and progress made by boards through their improvement work for long term conditions, dementia and delayed discharge and complements the work led by QuEST to improve patient flow through acute care.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-04-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-04-27T16:06:23.703","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271435,"EventID":"S4W-06442","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-30T16:06:23.813","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-23T13:12:39.4","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it will develop national expertise and capacity in primary care for the treatment and prevention of obesity and what support it will give to the treatment programme, ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it will develop national expertise and capacity in primary care for the treatment and prevention of obesity and what support it will give to the treatment programme, Counterweight.\r\n","AnswerText":"NHS Scotland published National Occupational Standards in 2011, which give detail of the skills required to encourage individual behaviour change to achieve a healthy weight.\r\nFunding for adult weight management will be devolved to NHS boards in 2012-13. Many NHS boards have indicated that they will continue to use Counterweight to deliver local services. Central funding and distribution of resources will be facilitated for 2012-13.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-04-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-04-27T16:06:23.827","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271436,"EventID":"S4W-06512","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2108,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":141,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-30T16:06:23.937","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-28T17:21:55","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answers to questions S4W-00960 and S4W-04842 by Nicola Sturgeon on 24 June 2011 and 18 January 2012 respectively, what evidence it is collecting to monito","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answers to questions S4W-00960 and S4W-04842 by Nicola Sturgeon on 24 June 2011 and 18 January 2012 respectively, what evidence it is collecting to monitor the implementation of guidance CMO (2012) 1 - Guidance to Further Strengthen the Safe and Effective Use of New Medicines across the NHS in Scotland and how it will ensure consistency across NHS boards if information on individual patient treatment requests is not held centrally.\r\n","AnswerText":"The guidance issued under cover of SGHD/CMO(2012)1 was published on 13 February 2012. This reminded NHS boards of their responsibilities to maintain an overview of the effectiveness of their local arrangements for the introduction of new medicines, including NHS board formulary arrangements and Individual Patient Treatment Request (IPTR) arrangements.\r\nDetailed information on these local arrangements are not held centrally.\r\nHowever, as outlined in the response to S4W-00960, monitoring arrangements to underpin the guidance issued under cover of CEL 17 (2010) which took effect from 1 April 2011, is being taken forward with NHS boards. This includes a collation of summary information on IPTRs from 1 April 2011 for a period of six months.\r\nAs outlined in the response to S4W-04842, information on the number of IPTRs made to NHS boards and approved in the last five years is not held centrally.\r\nAll answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-04-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-04-27T16:06:23.937","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271437,"EventID":"S4W-06538","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2678,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-30T16:06:24.047","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-29T15:53:49.713","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many training places in community sexual and reproductive health have been allocated to consultants in each of the last five years, broken down by NHS board. \r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many training places in community sexual and reproductive health have been allocated to consultants in each of the last five years, broken down by NHS board. \r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-06539 on 23 April 2012. All answers to written Parliamentary Questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-04-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-04-27T16:06:24.047","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271438,"EventID":"S4W-06539","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2678,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-30T16:06:24.187","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-29T15:53:49.713","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many consultants are currently undergoing training in community sexual and reproductive health, broken down by (a) the year that the training commenced and (b) NHS bo","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many consultants are currently undergoing training in community sexual and reproductive health, broken down by (a) the year that the training commenced and (b) NHS board. \r\n","AnswerText":"Training in community sexual and reproductive health is a specialty training programme designed to produce consultants who would be specialists in community sexual and reproductive health. The training places would therefore be for junior doctors in training rather than consultants. \r\nTraining in community sexual and reproductive health is a relatively recent development. The medical speciality of community sexual and reproductive health was formally established in  2009, under the auspices of the faculty of sexual and reproductive healthcare of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists.\r\nPrior to the development of the speciality of community sexual and reproductive health, training was available to doctors training in obstetrics and gynaecology who wished to sub specialise in sexual and reproductive healthcare. The sub speciality training programmes in sexual and reproductive healthcare were developed from around 2006, and training in this sub specialty has been provided in Scotland. Doctors training as sub specialists in sexual and reproductive healthcare gain a certificate of completion of training in obstetrics and gynaecology, but with recognition that they are sub specialists in this area.\r\nUntil November 2011 there were three doctors training in this sub specialty in Scotland. With two having achieved their Certificate of Completion of Training (CCT) there is currently one trainee undergoing training in this sub specialty area in Scotland. This training is not situated in an individual board, but is based in the West of Scotland region.\r\nWhile there are currently no doctors training in the new specialty of community sexual and reproductive health in Scotland, we would expect to advertise training posts in this specialty programme from 2013.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-04-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-04-27T16:06:24.187","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271439,"EventID":"S4W-06540","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2678,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-30T16:06:24.31","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-29T15:53:49.713","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many trained consultants there have been in community sexual and reproductive health in each of the last five years, broken down by NHS board.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many trained consultants there have been in community sexual and reproductive health in each of the last five years, broken down by NHS board.\r\n","AnswerText":"The medical speciality of community sexual and reproductive health was formally established in 2009, under the auspices of the faculty of sexual and reproductive healthcare of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists.\r\nPrior to the development of the speciality of community sexual and reproductive health, training was available to doctors training in obstetrics and gynaecology who wished to sub specialise in sexual and reproductive healthcare. The sub speciality training programmes in sexual and reproductive healthcare were developed from around 2006, and training in this sub specialty has been provided in Scotland. Doctors training as sub specialists in sexual and reproductive healthcare gain a certificate of completion of training in obstetrics and gynaecology, but with recognition that they are sub specialists in this area.\r\nConsultants who have undergone sub specialty training in this area of activity are not identified separately in the national medical workforce statistics, and are classified under obstetrics and gynaecology. Published information showing whole time equivalent and headcount for consultants, broken down by specialty, are available on the ISD website at the link provided below.\r\nhttp://www.isdscotland.org/Health-Topics/Workforce/Publications/2012-02-28/HCHS_by_specialty_D2011.xls\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-04-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-04-27T16:06:24.31","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271440,"EventID":"S4W-06541","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2678,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-30T16:06:24.403","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-29T15:58:44.1","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the current number of doctors trained and being trained in community sexual and reproductive health will be sufficient to deliver on its Sexual Health and Blood B","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the current number of doctors trained and being trained in community sexual and reproductive health will be sufficient to deliver on its Sexual Health and Blood Borne Virus Outcome Framework 2011-2015.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Sexual Health and Blood Borne Virus Framework is outcomes focussed. It does not seek to mandate how NHS boards and others should deliver outcomes, and does not set expectations on staffing levels within NHS boards. The framework encourages local needs-assessments to be undertaken to establish what resources are required to deliver on framework outcomes. Staffing levels are therefore entirely a matter for NHS boards. We are not aware of any staffing issues that will compromise delivery of the framework.\r\nThe government undertakes annual local area visits to monitor progress of the framework outcomes. These visits will involve detailed discussion on issues of concern in each area and this will provide an opportunity for any staffing issues to be raised. These visits are commencing this month.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-04-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-04-27T16:06:24.42","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271441,"EventID":"S4W-06542","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2678,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-30T16:06:24.547","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-29T15:58:44.1","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether current NHS staffing levels, composition and geographic dispersion will be sufficient to deliver on its Sexual Health and Blood Borne Virus Framework 2011-2015 an","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether current NHS staffing levels, composition and geographic dispersion will be sufficient to deliver on its Sexual Health and Blood Borne Virus Framework 2011-2015 and beyond in all parts of Scotland.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Sexual Health and Blood Borne Virus Framework is outcomes focussed. It does not seek to mandate how NHS boards and others should deliver outcomes, and does not set expectations on staffing levels within NHS boards. The framework encourages local needs-assessments to be undertaken to establish what resources are required to deliver on framework outcomes. Staffing levels are therefore entirely a matter for NHS boards. We are not aware of any staffing issues that will compromise delivery of the framework.\r\nThe government undertakes annual local area visits to monitor progress of the framework outcomes. These visits will involve detailed discussion on issues of concern in each area and this will provide an opportunity for any staffing issues to be raised. These visits are commencing this month.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-04-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-04-27T16:06:24.547","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271442,"EventID":"S4W-06543","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2678,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-30T16:06:24.687","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-29T16:01:02.913","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the multiple sclerosis drug, Fingolimod, is (a) approved by the Scottish Medicines Consortium and (b) available in the NHS.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the multiple sclerosis drug, Fingolimod, is (a) approved by the Scottish Medicines Consortium and (b) available in the NHS.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Medicines Consortium published advice on 12 March 2012 to confirm that fingolimod for the treatment of highly active relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis is not recommended for use within the NHS in Scotland.\r\nFurther information about the SMC advice can be found on their website:\r\nhttp://www.scottishmedicines.org.uk.\r\nNhs boards are expected to take full account of SMC advice. However, NHS boards have arrangements in place for clinically-led consideration of medicines which have not been accepted for use by the SMC, for individual patients in certain circumstances.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-04-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-04-27T16:06:24.687","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271443,"EventID":"S4W-06544","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2108,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":141,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-30T16:06:24.78","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-29T16:39:29","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will list the services it provides and the relevant directorates that operate an 0845 number and also the telephone numbers.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will list the services it provides and the relevant directorates that operate an 0845 number and also the telephone numbers.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government currently uses a non geographic number, 0845 774 1741, as its published central contact number.\r\nThe Directorate for Agriculture, Food and Rural Communities provides a helpdesk for the Rural Payments Online service and for the Scottish Animal Movement Unit on 0845 601 7597. They also provide an emergency helpline number, 0845 155 3366, in case of animal disease outbreaks and a fax number, on 0845 244 5236, for veterinary practices notification of tuberculosis (TB) cattle inspections, to allow a co-ordinated approach to inspections activity.\r\nUse of these non geographic numbers ensure that calls from anywhere in the UK, using the same provider, are charged the same rate regardless of the caller’s location. There is no revenue sharing on calls to these numbers.\r\nThe telephony services within the Scottish Government are centrally managed by the Information Services and Information Systems (ISIS) division. ISIS is following the advice of the communications regulator, Ofcom, and is in the process of implementing the use of non geographic 030 numbers for calls to the Scottish Government. Numbers in the 030 range are for the exclusive use of public sector and not-for-profit organisations. All calls to these numbers are charged at no more than the national rate.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-04-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-04-27T16:06:24.78","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271444,"EventID":"S4W-06545","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2108,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":141,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-30T16:06:24.887","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-29T16:39:29","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its policy is on the use of 0845 telephone numbers by public bodies.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its policy is on the use of 0845 telephone numbers by public bodies.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has not issued specific guidance on the use of 0845 telephone numbers but would expect public bodies to be guided in their use of such numbers by best practice as recommended by the industry regulator Ofcom.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-04-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-04-27T16:06:24.887","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271445,"EventID":"S4W-06546","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2108,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":141,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-30T16:06:25.03","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-29T16:39:29","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether its policy on the use of 0845 telephone numbers has changed to reflect the greater use of mobile phones.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether its policy on the use of 0845 telephone numbers has changed to reflect the greater use of mobile phones.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has not issued specific guidance on the use of 0845 telephone numbers but would expect public bodies to be guided in their use of such numbers by best practice as recommended by the industry regulator Ofcom.\r\nA recent review by Ofcom found that the cost of calling 0845 numbers is generally significantly more from mobiles. Ofcom is currently carrying out a consultation on proposals for change to all non-geographic call services, including 0845 telephone numbers, and the impact on consumers of the use of these numbers is considered as part of this consultation.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-04-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-04-27T16:06:25.03","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271446,"EventID":"S4W-06547","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2108,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":141,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-30T16:06:25.123","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-29T16:39:29","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much income it derives from using 0845 telephone numbers.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much income it derives from using 0845 telephone numbers.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government does not derive any income from using 0845 numbers.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-04-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-04-27T16:06:25.123","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271447,"EventID":"S4W-06548","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2108,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":141,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-30T16:06:25.217","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-29T16:39:29","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any assessment has been made of the impact of 0845 telephone numbers on disadvantaged communities.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any assessment has been made of the impact of 0845 telephone numbers on disadvantaged communities.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has not conducted any studies to assess the impact of 0845 telephone numbers on disadvantaged communities.\r\nA recent review by the industry regulator, Ofcom, found that the use of 0845 numbers can have a bigger impact on those who use mobiles and that the impact of the higher cost of calls on mobiles is particularly pronounced for people on lower incomes who are more likely to live in mobile-only households. Ofcom is currently carrying out a consultation on proposals for change to all non-geographic call services, including 0845 telephone numbers, and the impact on consumers of the use of these numbers is considered as part of this consultation.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-04-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-04-27T16:06:25.23","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271448,"EventID":"S4W-06549","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2108,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":141,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-30T16:06:25.327","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-29T16:39:29","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much income 0845 telephone numbers generate for Scottish Water.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much income 0845 telephone numbers generate for Scottish Water.\r\n","AnswerText":"Scottish Water receives no income from its 0845 telephone number.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-04-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-04-27T16:06:25.327","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271449,"EventID":"S4W-06550","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2108,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":141,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-30T16:06:25.433","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-29T16:39:29","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its policy is on the use of 0845 telephone numbers by Scottish Water.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its policy is on the use of 0845 telephone numbers by Scottish Water.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-06545 on 24 April 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-04-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-04-27T16:06:25.45","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271450,"EventID":"S4W-06551","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4014,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-30T16:06:25.543","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-29T16:53:40","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assessment it has made of the likely financial impact on childminders of having to meet the costs of Protecting Vulnerable Groups checks from 1 April 2012.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assessment it has made of the likely financial impact on childminders of having to meet the costs of Protecting Vulnerable Groups checks from 1 April 2012.","AnswerText":"The cost to childminders of the Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) scheme registration is £59.\r\nThe PVG scheme was introduced in February last year, at which time we agreed, for an additional 12 months, to meet the PVG scheme registration fee for new childminders joining the profession. This transitional period, has allowed prospective childminders time to plan for the introduction of the PVG registration cost from 1 April 2012.\r\nInformation from the Care Inspectorate suggest no marked change in the number of enquiries received about setting up as a childminder and the childminding workforce levels remain stable at around 5500.\r\nChildminders provide a valuable and flexible service to families in Scotland and the Scottish Government will continue to work with the Scottish Childminding Association to promote and develop the profession whilst ensuring through PVG, children and young people are protected.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-04-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-04-27T16:06:25.543","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Aileen Campbell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271451,"EventID":"S4W-06552","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3806,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-30T16:06:25.667","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-30T10:45:34","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what advice it is providing to motorists in Scotland in relation to (a) the potential fuel strike and (b) the storage of fuel at home.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what advice it is providing to motorists in Scotland in relation to (a) the potential fuel strike and (b) the storage of fuel at home.\r\n","AnswerText":"As at 27 April, industry advice is that fuel is being delivered as normal. Drivers should carry on normal fuel purchasing arrangements. There is no need to store additional fuel supplies at home. The storage of fuel is hazardous and covered by Health and Safety Executive guidance. \r\nhttp://www.hse.gov.uk/fireandexplosion/petroleum-faqs.htm#storage.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-04-27T16:06:25.667","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271452,"EventID":"S4W-06554","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-30T16:06:25.747","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-30T11:43:24.183","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what is being done to ensure that businesses in Scotland receive a share of North Sea oil decommissioning work.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what is being done to ensure that businesses in Scotland receive a share of North Sea oil decommissioning work.\r\n","AnswerText":"The decommissioning of offshore oil installations on the UK Continental Shelf is controlled through the 1998 Petroleum Act, and is administered by the UK’s Department of Energy & Climate Change (DECC).\r\nDuring 2008 and early 2009, Scottish Enterprise formed a steering group which led a year-long industry consultation to develop an understanding of the key focus areas of weakness and bottlenecks which currently inhibit UK supply chain capability development. One of the outputs from this was the requirement for an industry forum to unify the disparate clusters of bodies and initiatives in the North Sea decommissioning market, and bring clarity and commonality to this emerging industry.\r\nThis led to the creation of Decom North Sea (DNS), which for the first two years of operation was funded by Scottish Enterprise, Department of Energy & Climate Change (DECC, UK) and Highlands & Islands Enterprise (HIE).\r\nDecom North Sea is now the primary body leading the way to form critical mass of decommissioning expertise and to help address the issues that impede investment and innovation in the sector.\r\nScottish Enterprise continues to support DNS through membership and retain an observer status on the board with input on strategic direction. Support is also targeted at project specific activity which is to the benefit and development of the sector as a whole. In particular, there is a focus on acquiring robust information relating to specific decommissioning programmes and timelines which is made available to DNS members.\r\nScottish Enterprise also supports, through direct account management, a number of companies active in the decommissioning sector. Companies are also referred via Decom North Sea for consideration to the account management portfolio.\r\nIn addition, Scottish Enterprise works directly with ports within its regional boundaries to support development of infrastructure where appropriate, as do Scottish Development International and Highlands and Islands Enterprise which have regional priority for Lerwick.\r\nThere is currently a project (Dales Voe deep-water decommissioning base) proposed by the Lerwick Port Authority which the Scottish Government and Highlands & Islands Enterprise are keen to support.\r\nThe Dales Voe deep-water decommissioning base project proposed by Lerwick Port Authority in partnership with AF Decom, a Norwegian decommission company, will  create a deep-water quay and offshore oil & gas decommissioning yard in Shetland with the capability to compete with Norway. If successful this project will create employment in Shetland, help to maintain economic activity for the oil & gas supply chain in the region, and retain skills and opportunities in the port of Lerwick, Shetland.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-04-27T16:06:25.747","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271453,"EventID":"S4W-06555","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-30T16:06:25.823","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-30T11:43:24.183","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive where the decommissioning of North Sea oil rigs has been carried out since 2002.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive where the decommissioning of North Sea oil rigs has been carried out since 2002.\r\n","AnswerText":"Decommissioning of North Sea Oil Rig infrastructure is overseen by the UK Government as part of the work of the Department of Energy and Climate Change.\r\nOver the past 10 years the significant decommissioning programmes were –\r\nMCP .01 - the topside structures came to Shetland for disposal.\r\nIndefatigable – being disposed in a yard on Tyneside.\r\nNorth West Hutton - Able yard on Tees-side \r\nMaureen - predominantly went to Norway for disposal \r\nCamelot - Able yard on Tees-side where it was substantially refurbished and re-used.\r\nOther projects which were decommissioned were either FPSOs (Floating, Production Storage and Offloading structures which were taken off site and redeployed or small subsea installations which came to various yards in the UK.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-04-27T16:06:25.823","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271454,"EventID":"S4W-06556","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-03-30T16:06:25.903","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-30T11:47:31","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S4W-05302 by Michael Matheson on 8 February 2012, on what date the report into the Northern Isles Vitamin D Study will be published.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S4W-05302 by Michael Matheson on 8 February 2012, on what date the report into the Northern Isles Vitamin D Study will be published.\r\n","AnswerText":"Delays in obtaining blood tests have delayed completion of this research. On acceptance and following peer review we shall publish a summary of the report on our website. This normally takes one to two months from receipt of the final report, which is due on 30 September.\r\nWe do not publish the full reports of Chief Scientist Office-funded projects, because this can prevent publication in the scientific literature, but we strongly encourage grant holders to disseminate their findings as widely as possible.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-04-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-04-27T16:06:25.917","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271455,"EventID":"S4W-06527","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-02T15:32:44.4","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-29T14:42:32.523","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many ongoing cases are there in which NHS boards have refused holiday leave as an addition to maternity or paternity leave, broken down by NHS board.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many ongoing cases are there in which NHS boards have refused holiday leave as an addition to maternity or paternity leave, broken down by NHS board.\r\n","AnswerText":"We do not hold this information centrally as this is a matter for individual NHS boards as employers.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-04-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-04-30T15:32:44.867","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271456,"EventID":"S4W-06528","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-02T15:32:44.977","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-29T14:42:32.523","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many patients have died as a result of contracting influenza after being admitted to hospital in each of the last three years.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many patients have died as a result of contracting influenza after being admitted to hospital in each of the last three years.\r\n","AnswerText":"This specific information is not available. Whilst central health records collect information on the clinical diagnosis of patients admitted to hospital, it cannot identify when those patients contracted an infectious disease, such as influenza.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-04-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-04-30T15:32:44.977","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271457,"EventID":"S4W-06529","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-02T15:32:45.04","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-29T14:42:32.523","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it takes to ensure that all NHS staff in direct contact with patients are vaccinated against influenza.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it takes to ensure that all NHS staff in direct contact with patients are vaccinated against influenza.\r\n","AnswerText":"The vaccination of NHS staff against seasonal influenza is an occupational health responsibility of NHS boards. This responsibility is supported through government activity to raise awareness of the vaccination amongst NHS staff each year, including through the production of a healthcare professionals information leaflet, and the provision of information online.\r\nThe Chief Medical Officer (CMO) writes to the NHS prior to the start of the seasonal flu programme each year, and within this letter health professionals are reminded about the importance of staff vaccination for those directly involved in patient care. Last year the Chief Medical Officer included specific additional advice to NHS boards on a range of issues around staff vaccination, including detail on the rationale for vaccination of staff, and guidance on how to deliver a staff vaccination programme.\r\nThe CMO also advised that NHS boards should seek to ensure that front line staff were vaccinated as priority, and that particular efforts should be made to ensure that staff working in areas where patients might be at high risk (paediatric, maternity, care of the elderly, haematology and ITUs) are vaccinated. The government will shortly undertake a sample survey across NHS boards to determine the levels of uptake achieved in one such high-risk clinical area. The results of this survey will inform planning for the up-coming flu season. \r\nUltimately seasonal flu vaccination of staff is not mandatory, and it is a matter for each individual member of staff to decide whether or not they should be vaccinated. That decision should be informed by the information and evidence available.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-04-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-04-30T15:32:45.053","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271458,"EventID":"S4W-06532","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-02T15:32:45.117","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-29T14:42:32.523","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what statistics on the work of licensing boards it (a) collects and (b) publishes and how often these are published.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what statistics on the work of licensing boards it (a) collects and (b) publishes and how often these are published.\r\n","AnswerText":"The statistics routinely collected and published annually by the Scottish Executive on the work of liquor licensing boards are available on-line at \r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Statistics/Browse/Crime-Justice/PubLiquor.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-04-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-04-30T15:32:45.117","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271459,"EventID":"S4W-06533","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-02T15:32:45.193","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-29T14:42:32.523","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, other than occasional licences, how many licence applications have been declined by licensing boards since September 2009. \r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, other than occasional licences, how many licence applications have been declined by licensing boards since September 2009. \r\n","AnswerText":"The statistics collected by the Scottish Executive on the work of liquor licensing boards are available on-line at:\r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Statistics/Browse/Crime-Justice/PubLiquor.\r\nThe collection was discontinued between 2008 and 2009 during the transition period to a new legislative framework as a result of implementing the Licensing (Scotland) 2005 Act. The latest published figures for 2010-11 reflect the first full year of operation under the new licensing arrangements which came into force in September 2009. Most local authority licensing boards have put in place new IT systems to manage the implementation of the 2005 act and there may be issues of comparability until a longer run of data becomes available. At this stage, it is difficult to meaningfully compare these figures over time due to changes in the way licences are being administered under current licensing arrangements (for instance, single licences for premises which were previously subject to multiple licences, and registered clubs coming under the responsibility of licensing boards rather than sheriff courts).\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-04-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-04-30T15:32:45.193","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271460,"EventID":"S4W-06534","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-02T15:32:45.273","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-29T14:42:32.523","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many licences have been (a) suspended or (b) cancelled by licensing boards since September 2009.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many licences have been (a) suspended or (b) cancelled by licensing boards since September 2009.\r\n","AnswerText":"The statistics collected by the Scottish Executive on the work of liquor licensing boards are available on-line at http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Statistics/Browse/Crime-Justice/PubLiquor.\r\nThe collection was discontinued between 2008 and 2009 during the transition period to a new legislative framework as a result of implementing the Licensing (Scotland) 2005 Act. The latest published figures for 2010-11 reflect the first full year of operation under the new licensing arrangements which came into force in September 2009. Most local authority licensing boards have put in place new IT systems to manage the implementation of the 2005 act and there may be issues of comparability until a longer run of data becomes available. At this stage, it is difficult to meaningfully compare these figures over time due to changes in the way licences are being administered under current licensing arrangements (for instance, single licences for premises which were previously subject to multiple licences, and registered clubs coming under the responsibility of licensing boards rather than sheriff courts).\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-04-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-04-30T15:32:45.273","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271461,"EventID":"S4W-06535","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-02T15:32:45.35","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-29T14:42:32.523","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it ensures that all NHS staff are informed about (a) how to raise concerns and (b) the protection that they can expect when whistleblowing.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it ensures that all NHS staff are informed about (a) how to raise concerns and (b) the protection that they can expect when whistleblowing.\r\n","AnswerText":"The revised Implementing and Reviewing Whistleblowing Arrangements in NHSScotland Partnership Information Network (PIN) Policy details the rights and responsibilities of staff in relation to whistleblowing. NHSScotland boards’ local HR policies must meet or exceed the minimum standards set out within the national PIN Policies and, in line with the NHSScotland Staff Governance Standard, must be appropriately communicated to staff. Additionally, the Implementing and Reviewing Whistleblowing Arrangements in NHSScotland PIN Policy itself clearly sets out boards’ obligations in terms of communicating local policies developed in line with the PIN.\r\nAdherence by boards to PIN Policies will be monitored as part of the ongoing process of monitoring performance against the wider NHSScotland Staff Governance Standard.\r\nThe revised Implementing and Reviewing Whistleblowing Arrangements in NHSScotland PIN Policy can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2011/12/06141807/0.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-04-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-04-30T15:32:45.367","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271462,"EventID":"S4W-06536","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-02T15:32:45.477","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-29T14:42:32.523","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S4W-05876 by Nicola Sturgeon on 6 March 2012, what it considers would be a reasonable timescale.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S4W-05876 by Nicola Sturgeon on 6 March 2012, what it considers would be a reasonable timescale.\r\n","AnswerText":"Timescales for implementation will be agreed by individual boards in accordance with their local policy review timescales. It is therefore not possible to be prescriptive about what is considered to be reasonable. Boards will, however, as part of monitoring performance against the NHSScotland Staff Governance Standard, be required to identify timescales within which their local policies will be compliant with each new/revised partnership information network (PIN) policy and, subsequently,  to evidence compliance within that identified timescale. The results of such performance monitoring are used to inform Board Annual Reviews. Timescales for compliance can also be monitored through the national and local NHSScotland partnership structures.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-04-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-04-30T15:32:45.477","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271463,"EventID":"S4W-06537","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-02T15:32:45.57","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-29T14:42:32.523","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S4W-05876 by Nicola Sturgeon on 6 March 2012, how it will ensure that the policy is implemented by each NHS board in line with the guid","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S4W-05876 by Nicola Sturgeon on 6 March 2012, how it will ensure that the policy is implemented by each NHS board in line with the guidance.\r\n","AnswerText":"Boards will, as part of monitoring performance against the NHSScotland Staff Governance Standard, be required to identify timescales within which their local employment policies will be compliant with each new/revised partnership information network (PIN) policy and, subsequently, to evidence compliance within that identified timescale. The results of such performance monitoring are used to inform Board Annual Reviews. Timescales for compliance can also be monitored through the national and local NHSScotland partnership structures.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-04-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-04-30T15:32:45.57","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271464,"EventID":"S4W-06567","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2059,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":91,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-02T15:32:45.663","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-30T16:01:18","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps the Cabinet Secretary for Justice is taking to implement the recommendations made by Lord Gill in the Scottish Civil Courts Review and when these will be put i","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps the Cabinet Secretary for Justice is taking to implement the recommendations made by Lord Gill in the Scottish Civil Courts Review and when these will be put in place. \r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government is committed to modernisation of Scotland’s civil justice system, based on the reforms recommended by the Scottish Civil Courts Review. Implementation will require a combination of primary legislation and procedural reforms by the courts.\r\nIt is intended to phase in a series of measures, but there will be consultation on a Courts Reform (Scotland) Bill towards the end of 2012.\r\nSeveral recommendations made by Lord Gill are already being taken forward, including the independent Review of Expenses and Funding of Civil Litigation in Scotland, under Sheriff Principal James Taylor, which will report later this year.\r\nThe creation of a Scottish Civil Justice Council, another of Lord Gill’s recommendations, will aid the pace of reform, as it will be ready for early implementation of the necessary rules changes. A bill will be brought forward to establish this soon.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-04-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-04-30T15:32:45.663","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271465,"EventID":"S4W-06568","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5107,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":124,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-02T15:32:45.74","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-30T16:38:55","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information it has on whether average speed cameras deter speeding.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information it has on whether average speed cameras deter speeding.\r\n","AnswerText":"The only permanent average speed camera system used for enforcement in Scotland is operated by the Strathclyde Safety Camera Partnership on the A77. Surveys conducted during 2005 before the installation of the camera system showed that on average almost 16.5% of all traffic was travelling in excess of the relevant speed limits. This dropped substantially following installation of the system in July of that year, and five years later the there was still a marked reduction in traffic speeds with on average only 6% of traffic exceeding the limits. Average vehicle speeds also reduced by 3% during the same comparative period which in real terms means the average speed of traffic is at least 9 mph below the actual limit where the cameras have been installed.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-04-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-04-30T15:32:45.74","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271466,"EventID":"S4W-06569","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5107,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":124,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-02T15:32:45.803","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-30T16:38:55","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive (a) how many motorists have been caught exceeding the average speed limit and (b) what the average speed has been on the M90 north of the Forth Bridge since the introduct","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive (a) how many motorists have been caught exceeding the average speed limit and (b) what the average speed has been on the M90 north of the Forth Bridge since the introduction of average speed cameras on this road.","AnswerText":"Enforcement of the temporary 40 mph speed limit on the M90 north of the Forth Road Bridge commenced on 31 October 2011. The total number of motorists caught and issued with a Notice of Intended prosecution for exceeding the speed limit by the average speed camera system during the period from the beginning of November 2011 to the end of March 2012 is just over 3,300. The average speed of traffic travelling through the enforced area was 39 mph over the same four month period.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-04-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-04-30T15:32:45.82","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271467,"EventID":"S4W-06571","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5107,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":124,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-02T15:32:45.88","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-30T16:38:55","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how long it expects average speed cameras to be deployed on the M90 north of the Forth Bridge.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how long it expects average speed cameras to be deployed on the M90 north of the Forth Bridge.\r\n","AnswerText":"The current average speed cameras north of the Forth will be in place until completion of the Fife ITS contract, which is expected in summer 2012.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-04-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-04-30T15:32:45.88","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271468,"EventID":"S4W-06572","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-02T15:32:45.96","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-02T10:37:18","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether www.consult.scotland.gov.uk collects the IP addresses of respondents.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether www.consult.scotland.gov.uk collects the IP addresses of respondents.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government’s new consultation hub, Citizen Space, has the following internet URL: https://consult.scotland.gov.uk. As stated on the website, a respondent’s Internet Protocol (IP) address will be recorded where individuals voluntarily contact the site by submitting a feedback form.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-04-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-04-30T15:32:45.96","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Bruce Crawford","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271469,"EventID":"S4W-06573","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-02T15:32:46.037","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-02T10:37:18","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has specifically targeted the respondents to the National Conversation and encouraged them to participate in the Your Scotland, Your Referendum consultation. \r","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has specifically targeted the respondents to the National Conversation and encouraged them to participate in the Your Scotland, Your Referendum consultation. \r\n","AnswerText":"No.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-04-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-04-30T15:32:46.037","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Bruce Crawford","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271470,"EventID":"S4W-06574","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-02T15:32:46.113","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-02T10:37:18","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive which of its consultations have been externally verified since 2007, broken down by (a) who carried out, (b) the reason for and (c) the cost of the verification.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive which of its consultations have been externally verified since 2007, broken down by (a) who carried out, (b) the reason for and (c) the cost of the verification.\r\n","AnswerText":"A list of the consultation analyses that have been externally commissioned since 2002-03 is available on the Scottish Government’s website: http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Research/About/Social-Research/SR-Contracts. \r\nThis includes the organisation that carried out the analysis and the cost. The decision whether to undertake consultation analysis internally or externally is made on a case by case basis and is not centrally recorded.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-04-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-04-30T15:32:46.113","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Bruce Crawford","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271471,"EventID":"S4W-06575","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-02T15:32:46.223","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-02T10:37:18","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive for what reason the Respondent Information Form for the Your Scotland, Your Referendum consultation asks respondents to state their country of residence; whether this is ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive for what reason the Respondent Information Form for the Your Scotland, Your Referendum consultation asks respondents to state their country of residence; whether this is standard in all of its consultations, and, if not, what its reasons are for its position on this in this instance.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Respondent Information Form is revised on a case-by-case basis for individual consultations. Respondents are asked to return the form to ensure that the government handles the response appropriately for publication purposes and to help with analysis of responses. The question on residence in the form for the Your Scotland, Your Referendum consultation was designed simply to aid the analysis. It is common for consultation analyses to break down responses by specific categories of respondent. The location requirement came about following the Same Sex Marriage consultation, which revealed that many respondents were from beyond the Scottish Parliament’s jurisdiction. This feature is likely to be repeated on future consultations where appropriate.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-04-30T15:32:46.24","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Bruce Crawford","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271472,"EventID":"S4W-06576","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3806,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-02T15:32:46.317","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-02T11:01:31","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with the European Commission to ensure that the definition of permanent pasture rules does not have an adverse impact on farmers in Scotland.\r","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with the European Commission to ensure that the definition of permanent pasture rules does not have an adverse impact on farmers in Scotland.\r\n","AnswerText":"Scottish Government has raised the permanent grassland definition with both the European Commission and UK Government at various levels, arguing that the definition must accommodate traditional Scottish farming practices such as the grazing of heather.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-04-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-04-30T15:32:46.333","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271473,"EventID":"S4W-06578","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2633,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-02T15:32:46.427","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-02T11:16:05","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the second report on proposals and policies to meet its emission reductions targets will contain a revision of the first report.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the second report on proposals and policies to meet its emission reductions targets will contain a revision of the first report.\r\n","AnswerText":"The second report on proposals and policies made under section 35(1) of the Climate Change (Scotland) Act 2009 will focus on ways in which the second batch of annual emissions reduction targets, for 2023-27, can be met.\r\nAs required by section 35(11) of the act, the second report will also contain an assessment of the progress towards implementing the proposals and policies set out in the first report, which focussed on 2010-22. Ministers may make adjustments to those measures if they consider it appropriate to do so.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-04-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-04-30T15:32:46.427","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271474,"EventID":"S4W-06579","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2633,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-02T15:32:46.503","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-02T11:16:05","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many times the Emissions Reductions Board has met to discuss the development of the second report on proposals and policies to meet its emissions reduction targets, a","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many times the Emissions Reductions Board has met to discuss the development of the second report on proposals and policies to meet its emissions reduction targets, and what action has been taken following these meetings.\r\n","AnswerText":"The second report on proposals and policies (RPP2) was a substantive agenda item at Emissions Reduction Programme Board meetings in January and March 2012. In addition, RPP2 development was the focus of a special session for members of the Emissions Reduction Programme Board in February 2012.\r\nThere has been ongoing development of RPP2 following these meetings. Notes of these meetings will be published on the Scottish Government website in due course.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-04-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-04-30T15:32:46.52","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271475,"EventID":"S4W-06580","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2633,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-02T15:32:46.6","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-02T11:16:05","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many of its staff are engaged in the development of the second report on proposals and policies to meet its emissions reduction targets, broken down by department.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many of its staff are engaged in the development of the second report on proposals and policies to meet its emissions reduction targets, broken down by department.\r\n","AnswerText":"The preparation of the second report on proposals and policies to meet statutory emissions reduction targets is overseen by the Scottish Government’s Emissions Reduction Programme Board chaired by the Director-General Enterprise, Environment and Digital. Membership comprises directors from the key areas within the Scottish Government involved with delivering emissions reductions:\r\nDirector for Energy\r\nDirector for Environment and Forestry\r\nDirector for Housing, Regeneration and Commonwealth Games\r\nDirector for Business\r\nDirector for Agriculture, Food and Rural Payments \r\nChief Executive Transport Scotland.\r\nCo-ordination of the work on the second report is carried out on a day to day basis by a team of four staff within the Scottish Government’s Directorate for Energy and Climate Change. In addition, policy and analytical staff from across the Scottish Government are contributing, as part of their wider responsibilities, to the development of content with regard to specific areas of emissions reduction.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-04-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-04-30T15:32:46.613","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271476,"EventID":"S4W-06581","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2633,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-02T15:32:46.677","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-02T11:16:05","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how its departments are being encouraged to bring forward new proposals for its second report on proposals and policies to meet its emissions reduction targets.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how its departments are being encouraged to bring forward new proposals for its second report on proposals and policies to meet its emissions reduction targets.\r\n","AnswerText":"The preparation of the second report on proposals and policies to meet statutory emissions reduction targets is being overseen by the Scottish Government’s Emissions Reduction Programme Board. This board, chaired by the Director General for Enterprise, Environment and Digital, comprises senior civil servants with responsibility for policies affecting greenhouse gas emissions from key sectors across the Scottish economy. The members of the board are responsible for ensuring that their teams of officials and analysts consider all reasonable options for achieving potential emissions reductions and, in so doing, contribute towards the Scottish Government’s strategic priority of facilitating the transition to a low carbon economy.\r\nWork on the second report on proposals and policies builds on that already carried out for the first report and advice received from the independent Committee on Climate Change, it also draws on relevant research, analysis and experience of how emissions reduction measures have worked in practice.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-04-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-04-30T15:32:46.677","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271477,"EventID":"S4W-06582","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2633,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-02T15:32:46.753","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-02T11:16:05","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what additional policies each of its departments has introduced since the publication of the first report on proposals and policies to meet its emissions reduction target","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what additional policies each of its departments has introduced since the publication of the first report on proposals and policies to meet its emissions reduction targets.\r\n","AnswerText":"Many of the additional measures that have been brought forward to tackle greenhouse gas emissions since publication in March 2011 of the first report on proposals and policies have been developed and implemented across several directorates of the Scottish Government. The following list is therefore broken down by delivery sector.\r\nDistrict heating\r\nThe Scottish Government has established an expert commission on district heating to promote the benefits and break down barriers to its deployment through potentially transformational recommendations.\r\nWe piloted a district heating loan scheme last year to provide low interest loans for both low carbon and renewable technologies to help organisations implement district heating projects to benefit local communities. To date, around £1.9 million has been allocated to projects from this fund and at least a further £5 million has been allocated to allow the district heating loan scheme to continue. We are also making provision for funding district heating within the proposed £103 million Renewable Energy Investment Fund and through the new £50 million Warm Homes Fund in order to ensure that this important sector gets the fundamental support it needs to take off.\r\nIn October 2011, we published the results of the study into the recovery of heat from power generation in Scotland. The study highlights the main challenges to heat recovery are economic, and that there is no easy solution to make commercial investment attractive. However, there are a number of recommendations which highlight areas to investigate further which will help to remove some of these barriers. We will be considering these recommendations carefully, including through the work of the Expert Commission on district heating and the Sustainable Heat Project we are undertaking with DECC and Ofgem, in order to develop our policies further and make a major move to district heating in Scotland.\r\nThe study into the recovery of heat from power generation in Scotland is available online at the following address:\r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2011/11/04102846/0. \r\nRenewable Heat\r\nWe have opted for Scotland to be part of the Great Britain-wide Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI), which provides support from Central Government funding and is the main mechanism to encourage investment in renewable heat across the sector. The RHI is being introduced in phases and dialogue with the UK Government’s Department of Energy and Climate Change will continue at ministerial and government official level until all phases of the scheme are fully implemented, expected to be in 2013, to ensure net benefit to Scotland.\r\nWe updated the Renewable Heat Action Plan in December 2011. The action plan includes new actions and details on how we will continue to make progress towards our renewable heat target. In addition to renewable heat, we have ensured the plan considers the complementary role of utilising low carbon or “waste” heat from traditional fossil fuel power stations, as this can lead to greater opportunities to implement renewable heat technologies in the future.\r\nThe updated Renewable Heat Action Plan is available online at the following address:\r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Business-Industry/Energy/Energy-sources/19185/Heat/RHUpdate11. \r\nIn 2011, we funded a heat mapping pilot in The Highland Council area to develop a template for heat maps that could be implemented by all local authorities across Scotland. As the pilot is rolled out, it will create a high resolution Scotland-wide heat map to allow strategic planning for investment in heating, particularly district heating. We have now also funded Fife and Perth and Kinross Councils to undertake heat mapping using the same methodology as that used for The Highland Council. We will continue to work closely with all three local authorities to ensure positive outcomes from the exercise can be established as exemplars to other councils.\r\nHomes and Communities:\r\nWe are continuing to imp","AnswerDate":"2012-04-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-04-30T15:32:46.753","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271478,"EventID":"S4W-06583","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2633,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-02T15:32:46.833","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-02T11:16:05","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it will take forward the recommendation by the Rural Affairs, Climate Change and Environment Committee to ensure that all proposals and policies in any future revisio","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it will take forward the recommendation by the Rural Affairs, Climate Change and Environment Committee to ensure that all proposals and policies in any future revisions of its report on its proposals and policies to meet its emissions reduction targets are fully funded.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Spending Review 2011 detailed significant government funding for measures that will make a direct contribution to reducing emissions, including:\r\nOver £300 million spend on energy over the next three years, including over \r\n£200 million on renewables.\r\nAn overall budget of £328 million for Supporting Sustainability, including investment of more than £200 million via the Scottish Government’s fuel poverty and domestic energy efficiency programmes. This will further leverage investment from energy companies to fulfil their legal obligations.\r\nReducing the impact of transport with further targeted improvements totalling nearly £100 million.\r\nUsing the Scottish Futures Fund to provide support for emissions reduction measures with £50 million for Warmer Homes over the course of this Parliament\r\nExpanding Scotland’s woodland – building to a planting rate of 10,000 hectares per year, with a budget of over £48 million for this purpose, supplemented by European funding.\r\nInvesting over £70 million in our Zero Waste Scotland programme to help Scottish families and businesses unlock savings and reduce their emissions by cutting waste.\r\nWe will seek to secure additional money for climate change purposes whenever there are opportunities to do so, such as the additional £13 million for sustainable transport from the budget consequentials announced on 8 February 2012.\r\nFunding for measures that will reduce Scotland’s greenhouse gas emissions will come from all sectors. This is not just about central government money but also action throughout the wider public sector, investment from the private sector and steps taken by households and individuals. \r\nThe Scottish Spending Review 2011 is available online. Copies have also been placed in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre (Bib. number 53222).\r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2011/10/04153155/0.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-04-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-04-30T15:32:46.847","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271479,"EventID":"S4W-06584","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2633,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-02T15:32:46.927","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-02T11:16:05","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the second report on its proposals and policies to meet its emissions reduction targets will set out the budgetary spend required by each of its departments.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the second report on its proposals and policies to meet its emissions reduction targets will set out the budgetary spend required by each of its departments.\r\n","AnswerText":"Emissions reduction measures typically require further consultation and development in partnership with stakeholders before implementation will be possible. It is often only at this stage that precise delivery responsibilities can be resolved.\r\nThe financial costs of the measures that will be set out in the second report on proposals and policies for meeting the statutory emissions targets will fall across government, business and consumers. In light of the fact that the report will focus on the period 2023 to 2027, it is probable that many of the measures will contain flexibility regarding precisely how they might be delivered and by whom. Because of this, it will not always be possible to give the precise distribution of costs until decisions are taken on specific approaches to delivery in every case.\r\nThe Scottish Government will continue to work to ensure that, in so far as is reasonably practicable, information about the funding of measures intended to help the achievement of greenhouse gas emissions reduction targets is available to assist scrutiny of the second report on proposals and policies and future draft budgets.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-04-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-04-30T15:32:46.927","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271480,"EventID":"S4W-06585","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2633,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-02T15:32:47.003","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-02T11:16:05","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, in light of the recommendation of the UK Committee on Climate Change that \"it will be essential for the Scottish Government to ensure full roll-out of measures in devolv","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, in light of the recommendation of the UK Committee on Climate Change that \"it will be essential for the Scottish Government to ensure full roll-out of measures in devolved policy areas, such as demand-side transport and agriculture and land use\" what steps it has taken to ensure a full roll-out of proposals listed in its first report on proposals and policies to meet its emissions reduction targets.\r\n","AnswerText":"The independent Committee on Climate Change noted in its first Scottish progress report (published 31 January 2012) that good progress has been made in Scotland, highlighting investment in renewables, the outperformance of the Government’s targets on renewable heat, moves to improve the efficiency of buildings and electric vehicle markets, smarter choices programmes and cycling programmes.\r\nThe Scottish Government is determined to continue this progress. Despite real terms cuts imposed by the UK Government to the Scottish Government’s budget of 8.3% Resource and 32.9% Capital between 2010-11 and 2014-15, the Scottish Spending Review 2011 set out plans for more than £700 million to help to deliver emissions cuts, with around £1 billion of support each year for public transport and other sustainable travel options.\r\nThe Scottish Spending Review 2011 is available. Copies have also been placed in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre (Bib. number 53222).\r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2011/10/04153155/0.\r\nThe answer to S4W-06582 on 24 April 2012 contains details about the emissions mitigation measures that the Scottish Government has brought forward since the publication of the first climate change report on proposals and policies in March 2011.\r\nAll answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-04-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-04-30T15:32:47.003","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271481,"EventID":"S4W-06586","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2633,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-02T15:32:47.083","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-02T11:16:05","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, in light of comments from the Auditor General for Scotland that demand-side transport policies such as road-pricing schemes and workplace parking charges \"that have not ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, in light of comments from the Auditor General for Scotland that demand-side transport policies such as road-pricing schemes and workplace parking charges \"that have not been attractive in the past might have to be considered\", what discussions the Cabinet Secretary for Infrastructure and Capital Investment has had on this matter and with whom.\r\n","AnswerText":"The transport proposals and policies within Low Carbon Scotland: Meeting the Emissions Reduction Targets 2010-2022 were published in March 2011 following a series of workshop discussions with stakeholders in June and July 2010 on a long list of potential devolved policy measures, including demand-side regulatory measures. Ministers regularly meet stakeholders to discuss sustainable transport.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-04-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-04-30T15:32:47.097","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271482,"EventID":"S4W-06587","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-02T15:32:47.177","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-02T11:16:15","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will review the operations of private parking operators and, if so, when.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will review the operations of private parking operators and, if so, when.\r\n","AnswerText":"The legislation relating to the operations of private parking operators, namely the Trade Descriptions Act 1988 and the Consumer Protection Act 1987, is reserved to Westminster. The Scottish Government is, however, considering what can be reviewed within devolved powers.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-04-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-04-30T15:32:47.177","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271483,"EventID":"S4W-06588","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-02T15:32:47.27","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-02T11:16:15","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to regulate the operations of private parking operators.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to regulate the operations of private parking operators.\r\n","AnswerText":"The legislation relating to the operation of private parking operators, namely the Trade Descriptions Act 1988 and the Consumer Protection Act 1987, is reserved to Westminster. The Scottish Government is, however, considering what can be reviewed within devolved powers.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-04-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-04-30T15:32:47.27","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271484,"EventID":"S4W-06589","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-02T15:32:47.38","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-02T11:16:15","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what legal authority private parking operators have to enforce parking penalties on private land.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what legal authority private parking operators have to enforce parking penalties on private land.\r\n","AnswerText":"Privately operated car parks are subject to the provisions within the Trade Descriptions Act 1988 and the Consumer Protection Act 1987, which are reserved to Westminster. This legislation protects motorists from false trade descriptions about the provision of car parking and also from misleading indications of the costs of car parking. The Scottish Government, however, is considering what can be reviewed with devolved powers.\r\nIn disputed cases, legal advice should be sought: the basis for imposing or purporting to impose any sort of charge will differ according to the specific situation under consideration.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-04-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-04-30T15:32:47.38","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271485,"EventID":"S4W-06590","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-02T15:32:47.473","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-02T11:16:15","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what (a) legal and (b) other recourses are  available to settle disputes between the public and private parking operators.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what (a) legal and (b) other recourses are  available to settle disputes between the public and private parking operators.\r\n","AnswerText":"The legislation relating to the operation of private parking operators, namely the Trade Descriptions Act 1988 and the Consumer Protection Act 1987, is reserved to Westminster. The Scottish Government is, however, considering what can be reviewed within devolved powers.\r\nThe operator should be contacted in the first instance as they may have an appeals process. In addition, local government trading standards departments or Citizens Advice Bureaux may be able to provide some advice. However, if the dispute cannot be resolved, then private legal advice should be obtained. Information on the small claims process through the courts can be found on the Scottish Court Service website at http://www.scotcourts.gov.uk.sheriff/small_claims/smallclaims.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-04-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-04-30T15:32:47.473","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271486,"EventID":"S4W-06591","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-02T15:32:47.567","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-02T11:16:15","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it provides guidance to private parking operators regarding the (a) signage that they use, (b) conduct of their operatives and (c) wording of penalties notices an","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it provides guidance to private parking operators regarding the (a) signage that they use, (b) conduct of their operatives and (c) wording of penalties notices and letters.\r\n","AnswerText":"The legislation relating to the operation of private parking operators, namely the Trade Descriptions Act 1988 and the Consumer Protection Act 1987, is reserved to Westminster. The Scottish Government is, however, considering what can be reviewed within devolved powers.\r\nThe Scottish Government does not issue guidance on this issue. The private car park operator must, however, display charges in clear view, by erecting adequate signage. In addition, the British Parking Association has a Code of Practice.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-04-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-04-30T15:32:47.58","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271487,"EventID":"S4W-06600","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-02T15:32:47.643","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-02T13:27:55","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much has been allocated under the Housing Association Grant scheme and what the uptake of these have been in each of the last three years for which information is ava","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much has been allocated under the Housing Association Grant scheme and what the uptake of these have been in each of the last three years for which information is available, broken down by local authority.\r\n","AnswerText":"Housing Association Grant (HAG) made up the largest part of the Affordable Housing Investment Programme (AHIP) and was available to registered social landlords (RSLs) to acquire land or buildings and to build, convert or improve housing for rent or low-cost home ownership.\r\nThe figures in the following table show all planned and actual expenditure from the AHIP allocated at a local authority level for the last three years for which information is available. The vast majority of this is HAG paid to RSLs. But the figures will also include some money paid to other suppliers e.g. through GRO (Grants for Rent and Ownership), Rural Home Ownership Grants (RHOGs), Special Needs Capital Grants (SNCGs) and the Rural Empty Property Grant Scheme (REPG). The breakdown by local authority for HAG expenditure only, is not readily available.\r\nThe figures used in the answer exclude the Scottish Government national programmes, such as the Open Market Shared Equity scheme, the Home Owners Support Fund and the Council House Building Programmes. Further information on the outturn for these financial years can be accessed from the Scottish Government web site at http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Built-Environment/Housing/investment/ahip.\r\nLocal Authority\r\n2008-09 Planned Expenditure\r\n£ million\r\n2008-09 Actual Expenditure\r\n£ million\r\n2009-10 Planned Expenditure\r\n£ million\r\n2009-10 Actual Expenditure\r\n£ million\r\n2010-11 Planned Expenditure\r\n£ million\r\n2010-11 Actual Expenditure\r\n£ million\r\nAberdeen (City of)\r\n3.922\r\n5.184\r\n6.767\r\n10.626\r\n8.827\r\n12.231\r\nAberdeenshire\r\n19.637\r\n24.382\r\n14.708\r\n14.807\r\n2.359\r\n7.127\r\nAngus\r\n3.890\r\n4.492\r\n4.798\r\n6.391\r\n2.618\r\n3.119\r\nArgyll and Bute\r\n14.757\r\n15.280\r\n24.675\r\n26.262\r\n18.765\r\n21.312\r\nClackmannanshire\r\n2.150\r\n2.627\r\n4.800\r\n4.916\r\n2.619\r\n2.807\r\nDumfries and Galloway\r\n9.700\r\n11.625\r\n14.267\r\n15.489\r\n8.334\r\n10.412\r\nDundee (City of)\r\n7.766\r\n8.467\r\n10.000\r\n12.337\r\n5.456\r\n7.911\r\nEast Ayrshire\r\n7.000\r\n7.800\r\n8.933\r\n9.125\r\n4.874\r\n5.292\r\nEast Dunbartonshire\r\n5.386\r\n6.746\r\n7.950\r\n8.201\r\n4.337\r\n5.178\r\nEast Lothian\r\n4.400\r\n6.916\r\n7.900\r\n8.222\r\n4.310\r\n4.740\r\nEast Renfrewshire\r\n3.271\r\n3.749\r\n5.425\r\n6.586\r\n2.960\r\n5.007\r\nEdinburgh (City of)\r\n36.100\r\n37.900\r\n41.500\r\n46.500\r\n36.100\r\n39.600\r\nFalkirk\r\n3.866\r\n4.966\r\n8.000\r\n9.139\r\n4.365\r\n5.865\r\nFife\r\n13.133\r\n15.050\r\n16.945\r\n19.418\r\n9.545\r\n12.927\r\nGlasgow (City of)\r\n83.000\r\n84.000\r\n83.000\r\n83.000\r\n83.000\r\n85.100\r\nGlasgow Housing Association (GHA)\r\n79.300\r\n79.300\r\n77.700\r\n77.669\r\n73.600\r\n54.401\r\nHighland\r\n27.120\r\n29.777\r\n32.125\r\n38.041\r\n18.159\r\n24.886\r\nInverclyde\r\n19.280\r\n18.479\r\n34.500\r\n35.007\r\n26.101\r\n28.295\r\nMidlothian\r\n3.400\r\n3.965\r\n5.200\r\n5.533\r\n2.837\r\n4.197\r\nMoray\r\n6.372\r\n5.508\r\n12.525\r\n12.863\r\n8.378\r\n9.777\r\nNorth Ayrshire\r\n6.640\r\n7.240\r\n7.681\r\n7.681\r\n4.468\r\n5.908\r\nNorth Lanarkshire\r\n14.600\r\n16.269\r\n17.661\r\n17.661\r\n9.635\r\n10.821\r\nOrkney\r\n5.033\r\n6.287\r\n7.904\r\n7.471\r\n4.312\r\n5.703\r\nPerth and Kinross\r\n10.886\r\n13.063\r\n15.500\r\n15.629\r\n8.588\r\n9.624\r\nRenfrewshire\r\n12.510\r\n12.776\r\n14.600\r\n17.554\r\n7.965\r\n8.962\r\nShetland\r\n2.640\r\n3.401\r\n3.800\r\n4.735\r\n2.197\r\n2.921\r\nSouth Ayrshire\r\n6.300\r\n6.800\r\n6.683\r\n8.439\r\n3.646\r\n5.282\r\nSouth Lanarkshire\r\n15.300\r\n16.400\r\n17.934\r\n18.663\r\n9.784\r\n12.521\r\nStirling\r\n3.476\r\n4.619\r\n7.300\r\n7.429\r\n3.983\r\n5.279\r\nThe Scottish Borders\r\n5.600\r\n6.883\r\n7.200\r\n8.958\r\n3.928\r\n5.098\r\nWest Dunbartonshire\r\n7.835\r\n8.335\r\n10.350\r\n11.465\r\n5.647\r\n7.787\r\nWest Lothian\r\n6.600\r\n8.279\r\n10.000\r\n10.378\r\n5.456\r\n6.026\r\nWestern Isles\r\n4.130\r\n4.380\r\n6.675\r\n6.345\r\n3.885\r\n4.157\r\nTotal\r\n455.000\r\n490.945\r\n555.006\r\n592.540\r\n401.038\r\n440.273\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-04-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-04-30T15:32:47.643","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271488,"EventID":"S4W-06601","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-02T15:32:47.707","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-02T13:27:55","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much Housing Association Grant was awarded to each registered social landlord in (a) Aberdeenshire and (b) Aberdeen City in each of the last three years. \r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much Housing Association Grant was awarded to each registered social landlord in (a) Aberdeenshire and (b) Aberdeen City in each of the last three years. \r\n","AnswerText":"The Housing Association Grant awarded to registered housing associations in Aberdeenshire and Aberdeen City in each of the last three years, for which information is currently available, is shown in the following tables:-\r\n\r\nAberdeenshire\r\nHousing Association\r\n2008-09\r\n2009-10\r\n2010-11\r\nAberdeenshire Housing Partnership\r\n8,053,991\r\n4,667,773\r\n3,540,952\r\nARK H A LTD\r\n4,498\r\n364\r\n10,791\r\nCastlehill Housing Association Ltd\r\n5,767,481\r\n1,758,569\r\n501,050\r\nGrampian Housing Association Ltd\r\n7,256,737\r\n2,198,967\r\n2,084,529\r\nHanover (Scotland) Housing Association Ltd\r\n47,550\r\n44,402\r\n46,486\r\nLangstane Housing Association Ltd\r\n1,269,871\r\n4,205,816\r\n175,414\r\nTenants First Housing Co-operative Ltd\r\n1,389,542\r\n1,303,483\r\n587,276\r\nThe Margaret Blackwood Housing Association Ltd\r\n1,340\r\n27,017\r\n-\r\n\r\nCity of Aberdeen\r\nHousing Association\r\n2008-09\r\n2009-10\r\n2010-11\r\nAberdeenshire Housing Partnership\r\n-\r\n-\r\n3,481\r\nCastlehill Housing Association Ltd\r\n49,545\r\n48,520\r\n1,550,080\r\nDEVANHA LIMITED\r\n317,641\r\n190,115\r\n69,824\r\nGrampian Housing Association Ltd\r\n1,494,483\r\n4,908,607\r\n7,600,897\r\nHanover (Scotland) Housing Association Ltd\r\n28,908\r\n23,425\r\n17,512\r\nLangstane Housing Association Ltd\r\n3,166,842\r\n2,852,542\r\n39,142\r\nTenants First Housing Co-operative Ltd\r\n62,336\r\n2,588,507\r\n2,943,078\r\nThe Margaret Blackwood Housing Association Ltd\r\n4,472\r\n12,672\r\n6,628\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-04-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-04-30T15:32:47.723","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271489,"EventID":"S4W-06602","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-02T15:32:47.783","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-02T13:27:55","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many homes it expects to be built as a result of the provisional allocation of Housing Association Grant in each local authority area in 2011-12. \r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many homes it expects to be built as a result of the provisional allocation of Housing Association Grant in each local authority area in 2011-12. \r\n","AnswerText":"There was no provisional allocation of Housing Association Grant in each local authority area in 2011-12 due to the introduction of the Innovation and Investment Fund.\r\nA total of 4,740 homes are however expected to be delivered as a result of both the 2011-12 Innovation and Investment Fund and the 2011-12 transitional Housing Association Grant programme. A breakdown of this total figure by local authority is as follows:\r\nTotal Number of Units\r\nLocal Authority\r\n\r\nAberdeenshire\r\n67\r\nAngus\r\n135\r\nArgyll and Bute\r\n137\r\nCity of Aberdeen\r\n52\r\nCity of Dundee\r\n145\r\nCity of Edinburgh\r\n860\r\nCity of Glasgow\r\n502\r\nClackmannanshire\r\n25\r\nDumfries and Galloway\r\n163\r\nEast Ayrshire\r\n67\r\nEast Dunbartonshire\r\n158\r\nEast Lothian\r\n178\r\nEast Renfrewshire\r\n53\r\nFalkirk\r\n168\r\nFife\r\n198\r\nHighland\r\n222\r\nInverclyde\r\n12\r\nMidlothian\r\n115\r\nMoray\r\n30\r\nNorth Ayrshire\r\n182\r\nNorth Lanarkshire\r\n221\r\nOrkney\r\n65\r\nPerth and Kinross\r\n109\r\nRenfrewshire\r\n154\r\nShetland\r\n49\r\nSouth Ayrshire\r\n88\r\nSouth Lanarkshire\r\n239\r\nStirling\r\n77\r\nThe Scottish Borders\r\n19\r\nWest Dunbartonshire\r\n75\r\nWestern Isles\r\n10\r\nWest Lothian\r\n165\r\nTotal\r\n4,740\r\nThese figures include council as well as housing association homes but exclude approvals from other elements of the Affordable Housing Supply Programme (AHSP) - such as our Low-cost Initiative for First Time Buyers (LIFT), the Home Owners’ Support Fund, the GHA programme and the National Housing Trust (NHT). Taken together, we expect the programme to deliver over 6,000 affordable homes from approvals in 2011-12.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-04-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-04-30T15:32:47.8","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271491,"EventID":"S4W-06557","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4080,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-03T12:28:21.683","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-30T15:46:54","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many speech and language therapists work with prisoners.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many speech and language therapists work with prisoners.\r\n","AnswerText":"The information is not centrally available. However, published information showing the whole time equivalent and headcount of Allied Health Professions including Speech and Language Therapists by NHS board and Region is available on the NHS National Services Scotland, Information Services Division website which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.isdscotland.org/Health-Topics/Workforce/Publications/data-tables.asp?id=837#837.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-04-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-01T12:28:22.26","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271492,"EventID":"S4W-06558","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4080,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-03T12:28:22.43","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-30T15:46:54","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to increase the availability of speech and language therapy in prisons.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to increase the availability of speech and language therapy in prisons.\r\n","AnswerText":"I have asked John Ewing, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service, to respond. His response is as follows:\r\nThe Scottish Prison Service (SPS) is working in partnership with NHS boards to meet the health care needs of prisoners to support rehabilitation. If it is clinically identified that a prisoner requires speech and language therapy support then a referral for consideration can be made to the local health board.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-04-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-01T12:28:22.43","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271493,"EventID":"S4W-06559","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4080,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-03T12:28:22.51","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-30T15:46:54","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the take-up of cervical screening has been in each of the last three years, broken down by NHS board.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the take-up of cervical screening has been in each of the last three years, broken down by NHS board.\r\n","AnswerText":"The percentage of women who have a record of a previous screening test taken within the last three and a half years, broken down by NHS board is available on the ISD website at: http://isdscotland.org/Health-Topics/Cancer/Cervical-Screening/.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-04-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-01T12:28:22.523","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271494,"EventID":"S4W-06560","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4080,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-03T12:28:22.617","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-30T15:46:54","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to tackle the issues that were raised in the Mental Welfare Commission for Scotland’s report, Left Behind, regarding (a) patients' concerns about ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to tackle the issues that were raised in the Mental Welfare Commission for Scotland’s report, Left Behind, regarding (a) patients' concerns about their (i) safety and (ii) treatment by staff, (b) patients queuing for medication and (c) rehabilitation and continuing health wards that the report claims are not fit for purpose.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government sets national direction of policy on mental health and provides funding to agencies, including NHS boards and local authorities, to support implementation of policy. The management of local actions in implementing national policy, and decisions on local spending priorities are the responsibility of relevant local agencies.\r\nRecommendations within the Mental Welfare Commission’s report Left Behind are for NHS boards to consider. The Scottish Government will continue to monitor NHS board performance through regular six monthly Mental Health Implementation Review Visits.\r\nNHS Healthcare Improvement Scotland have started work on the Scottish Patient Safety Programme-Mental Health which will be a four year programme with an overall aim of reducing the harm experienced by individuals in receipt of care from mental health services. It will start with a focus on adult psychiatric inpatient units (and forensic inpatient units) including admission and discharge processes. The programme will exclude inpatient units caring for people with dementia and exclude older adult functional illness units.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-04-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-01T12:28:22.617","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271495,"EventID":"S4W-06563","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4080,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-03T12:28:22.71","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-30T15:46:54","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the rate of (a) stroke and (b) kidney failure has been for patients with diabetes in each of the last three years, broken down by NHS board.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the rate of (a) stroke and (b) kidney failure has been for patients with diabetes in each of the last three years, broken down by NHS board.\r\n","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-04-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-01T12:28:22.727","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271496,"EventID":"S4W-06564","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4080,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-03T12:28:22.803","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-30T15:46:54","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of dentists is registering new NHS patients, broken down by NHS board.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of dentists is registering new NHS patients, broken down by NHS board.\r\n","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally. The majority of dentists are  independent contractors and are not obliged under their NHS terms of service to advise NHS boards if they are registering new NHS patients. NHS boards will hold information on the percentage of their salaried dentists registering new NHS patients.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-04-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-01T12:28:22.82","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271497,"EventID":"S4W-06565","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4080,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-03T12:28:22.913","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-30T15:46:54","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much patients failing to attend hospital appointments costs the NHS and what steps it is taking to reduce the number of patients doing this.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much patients failing to attend hospital appointments costs the NHS and what steps it is taking to reduce the number of patients doing this.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-06186 on 28 March 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\nIn times when resources are tight, it is vital that patients take responsibility to keep their appointments and help the NHS in Scotland be as efficient as possible. Also to address this boards now send patients text and phone reminders and are also providing patients more choice over the time of their appointments.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-04-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-01T12:28:22.913","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271498,"EventID":"S4W-06603","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":131,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-03T12:28:23.007","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-02T13:59:51","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S4W-06109 by Keith Brown on 2 March 2012, who represents the organisations of which the Private Sector Strategy Group is comprised.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S4W-06109 by Keith Brown on 2 March 2012, who represents the organisations of which the Private Sector Strategy Group is comprised.\r\n","AnswerText":"The answer to S4W-06109 provided the organisations which make up the Scottish Private Rented Sector Strategy Group, as well as the name of the independent chair of the group. It is a matter for those organisations which individuals they choose to represent them and attend the group. A note of those in attendance at each meeting is recorded in the published minutes of the meeting.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-01T12:28:23.007","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271499,"EventID":"S4W-06604","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":131,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-03T12:28:23.1","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-02T13:59:51","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it wishes to encourage the expansion of the private rented sector.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it wishes to encourage the expansion of the private rented sector.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government wishes to encourage growth of a higher quality private rented sector by increasing new housing supply and raising standards of service. The Scottish Private Rented Strategy Group recently published a consultation on a strategy for the sector, which will inform the Scottish Government’s final strategy due for publication in 2012.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-01T12:28:23.117","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271500,"EventID":"S4W-06605","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":131,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-03T12:28:23.227","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-02T13:59:51","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the definition is of a mid-market rent.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the definition is of a mid-market rent.","AnswerText":"A mid-market or intermediate rent is one that is set between a typical social rent and a typical market rent. It represents a subsidy on market rent levels but at a lower level than subsidies associated with social rents.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-01T12:28:23.227","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271501,"EventID":"S4W-06606","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":131,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-03T12:28:23.32","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-02T13:59:51","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how fair rents in the private sector are assessed.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how fair rents in the private sector are assessed.","AnswerText":"The term “fair rent” has a specific meaning under the terms of the Rent (Scotland) Act 1984. The Rent Service Scotland (RSS), a part of the Scottish Government, can undertake “fair rent” assessments for private rented properties let before 2 January 1989 as “regulated” tenancies.\r\nIn certain circumstances, if a regulated tenant is dissatisfied with the rent fixed by the RSS Rent Officer, they can apply to the Private Rented Housing Panel to have their “fair rent” determined by a Private Rented Housing Committee.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-01T12:28:23.337","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271502,"EventID":"S4W-06607","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":131,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-03T12:28:23.43","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-02T13:59:51","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action a private tenant can take if they consider that their rent is higher than justified.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action a private tenant can take if they consider that their rent is higher than justified.","AnswerText":"A private rented sector tenant on a “regulated tenancy” can have their rent assessed by the Rent Service Scotland (RSS), a part of the Scottish Government. In certain circumstances, if they are dissatisfied with the rent fixed by the RSS Rent Officer, they can apply to the Private Rented Housing Panel to have their rent determined by a Private Rented Housing Committee.\r\nA private rented sector tenant on an Assured or a Short Assured Tenancy can also apply to the Private Rented Housing Panel to have their rent determined by a Private Rented Housing Committee, in certain circumstances.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-01T12:28:23.443","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271503,"EventID":"S4W-06608","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":131,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-03T12:28:23.523","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-02T13:59:51","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there is a mechanism for the enforcement of a fair rent in the private rented sector.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there is a mechanism for the enforcement of a fair rent in the private rented sector.","AnswerText":"The mechanism for the enforcement of a “fair rent” i.e. regulated tenancy, set by either the Rent Service Scotland or the Private Rented Housing Panel, lies solely with the Courts.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-01T12:28:23.523","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271504,"EventID":"S4W-06609","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-03T12:28:23.647","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-02T15:26:56","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what guidance it provides to local authorities on the keeping of livestock by homeowners and tenants in residential areas.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what guidance it provides to local authorities on the keeping of livestock by homeowners and tenants in residential areas.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government does not issue guidance to local authorities specific to this area.\r\nAgreement to keep livestock may be detailed within the title deeds and/or the rental agreement relating to a property. Beyond this, it would be for the planning authority to consider whether the keeping of livestock in a residential area, in a particular case, amounted to a material change of use requiring planning permission.\r\nAny person responsible for animals is subject to the requirements of the Animal Health and Welfare Act (Scotland) Act 2006, which is enforced by local authorities. Statutory Codes of Recommendations have been published by the Scottish Government for farm animal species, cats, dogs, and horses, and these are available on the Scottish Government website.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-04-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-01T12:28:23.647","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271505,"EventID":"S4W-06610","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-03T12:28:23.727","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-02T15:26:56","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what powers local authorities have to deal with (a) noise and (b) other nuisance caused by livestock kept by homeowners and tenants in residential areas.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what powers local authorities have to deal with (a) noise and (b) other nuisance caused by livestock kept by homeowners and tenants in residential areas.","AnswerText":"There is a wide range of legislation and statutory powers available to local authorities to prevent and abate noise and nuisance in residential areas, including from livestock. This includes the statutory nuisance provisions in Part III of the Environmental Protection Act 1990. Other powers are included in the Antisocial Behaviour etc. (Scotland) Act 2004, which provides a Fixed Penalty Notice deterrent for domestic noise offences and objectively measured noise limits for any part of the day or night.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-04-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-01T12:28:23.74","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271506,"EventID":"S4W-06611","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5057,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-03T12:28:23.85","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-02T16:21:29","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S4W-06043 by Kenny MacAskill on 16 March 2012, how many police support staff there were in (a) each police force, (b) the Scottish Crim","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S4W-06043 by Kenny MacAskill on 16 March 2012, how many police support staff there were in (a) each police force, (b) the Scottish Crime and Drug Enforcement Agency and (c) the Scottish Police Services Authority on 31 March 2012.\r\n","AnswerText":"The information requested is not yet available. I will write to the member as soon as the information is available and a copy will be placed in the Parliament’s Reference Centre (Bib. number 53892).\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-04-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-01T12:28:23.85","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271516,"EventID":"S4W-06612","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2134,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":82,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-03T15:37:29.24","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-03T00:07:34","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many (a) faecal occult blood test letters and (b) test kits were sent out in 2010-11; how many have been (i) returned and (ii) processed; how many progressed to a col","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many (a) faecal occult blood test letters and (b) test kits were sent out in 2010-11; how many have been (i) returned and (ii) processed; how many progressed to a colonoscopy, and what these activities cost NHS Lanarkshire.","AnswerText":"NHS Lanarkshire sent out 96,767 bowel screening kits (Faecal Occult Blood test and Faecal Immunochemical test kits) to individuals, accompanied by letters, between April 2010 and March 2011.\r\nReminder letters and teaser letters (to forewarn of a coming test) are also sent to participants but these numbers are not held centrally.\r\nFour-seven thousand, one hundred and seventy-three kits were returned and processed from NHS Lanarkshire participants, of which 42,204 yielded a final positive or negative result.\r\nOne thousand, four hundred and forty-one tested positive and were referred to NHS Lanarkshire for further diagnostic tests. This is normally a colonoscopy, however colonoscopy may not be appropriate for all participants due to other health conditions. One thousand, one hundred and sixty-three colonoscopies were performed.\r\nThe information on the totality of the costs associated with these activities is not held centrally.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-04-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-01T15:37:29.3","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271517,"EventID":"S4W-06613","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2134,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":82,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-03T15:37:29.427","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-03T00:07:34","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive by how many days the (a) median and (b) mean patient waiting time for a colonoscopy in NHS Lanarkshire improved between 2005-06 and 2010-11.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive by how many days the (a) median and (b) mean patient waiting time for a colonoscopy in NHS Lanarkshire improved between 2005-06 and 2010-11.","AnswerText":"Information is published on the number of patients waiting for key diagnostic tests, including colonoscopy. This includes the total number waiting for the key diagnostic tests, number waiting over nine weeks, number waiting over six weeks and number waiting over four weeks. This information is a snapshot of patients waiting as at month end and is available from December 2008. Information for number waiting over four weeks is available from March 2010. This information is available at http://www.isdscotland.org/Health-Topics/Waiting-Times/Diagnostics/.\r\nFor NHS Lanarkshire, the published information shows that there have been no patients waiting over six weeks for a colonoscopy since December 2008 and no patients waiting over four weeks for a colonoscopy since March 2010.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-04-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-01T15:37:29.427","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271518,"EventID":"S4W-06614","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2134,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":82,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-03T15:37:29.487","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-03T00:07:34","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many more colonoscopies NHS Lanarkshire conducted in 2010-11 compared with 2005-06.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many more colonoscopies NHS Lanarkshire conducted in 2010-11 compared with 2005-06.\r\n","AnswerText":"The following table shows information on the number of diagnostic colonoscopies which have been performed on an inpatient or day case basis in NHS Lanarkshire hospitals in 2010-11 compared with 2005-06.\r\nNumber of diagnostic colonoscopies1 which have been performed on an inpatient or day case basis in NHS Lanarkshire hospitals in 2010-11 compared with 2005-06\r\n\r\nYear\r\nTotal number of Colonoscopy procedures\r\nNumber of Colonoscopies recorded as main procedure\r\n2005-06\r\n2,657\r\n2,314\r\n2010-11\r\n6,460\r\n5,717\r\nSource: ISD Scotland, SMR01.\r\nNote: 1. The OPCS-4 procedure code used to identify a colonoscopy was H22 - Diagnostic endoscopic examination of colon.","AnswerDate":"2012-04-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-01T15:37:29.503","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271519,"EventID":"S4W-06615","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2134,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":82,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-03T15:37:29.567","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-03T00:07:34","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many patients died of colorectal cancer in the NHS Lanarkshire area in 2010-11 compared with 2005-06.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many patients died of colorectal cancer in the NHS Lanarkshire area in 2010-11 compared with 2005-06.","AnswerText":"Data are not yet available for 2010-11. Data for 2009-10 are provided as this is the most recent data available. The following are the number of deaths due to colorectal cancer registered in the given year for patients in NHS Lanarkshire:\r\n2005-06 – 157 deaths\r\n2009-10 – 176 deaths.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-04-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-01T15:37:29.567","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271520,"EventID":"S4W-06616","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2134,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":82,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-03T15:37:29.63","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-03T00:07:34","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much NHS Lanarkshire spent on colorectal services in 2010-11 compared with 2005-06.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much NHS Lanarkshire spent on colorectal services in 2010-11 compared with 2005-06.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-04-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-01T15:37:29.63","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271521,"EventID":"S4W-06617","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2134,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":82,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-03T15:37:29.707","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-03T00:07:34","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the change in cancer-specific survival times was in the NHS Lanarkshire area in 2010-11 compared with 2005-06.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the change in cancer-specific survival times was in the NHS Lanarkshire area in 2010-11 compared with 2005-06.\r\n","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-04-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-01T15:37:29.707","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271522,"EventID":"S4W-06618","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2134,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":82,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-03T15:37:29.77","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-03T00:07:34","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the change in life-expectancy for patients with colorectal cancer was in the NHS Lanarkshire area in 2010-11 compared with 2005-06.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the change in life-expectancy for patients with colorectal cancer was in the NHS Lanarkshire area in 2010-11 compared with 2005-06.","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-04-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-01T15:37:29.783","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271523,"EventID":"S4W-06619","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2134,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":82,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-03T15:37:29.847","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-03T00:07:34","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many colonoscopies were carried out in the NHS Lanarkshire area on patients aged 80 and under in 2010-11 compared with 2005-06.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many colonoscopies were carried out in the NHS Lanarkshire area on patients aged 80 and under in 2010-11 compared with 2005-06.\r\n","AnswerText":"The following table shows information on the number of diagnostic colonoscopies which have been performed on an inpatient or day case basis in NHS Lanarkshire hospitals on patients aged 80 and under in 2010-11 compared with 2005-06.\r\nNumber of diagnostic colonoscopies1 which have been performed on an inpatient or day case basis in NHS Lanarkshire hospitals on patients aged 80 and under in 2010-11 compared with 2005-06:\r\n\r\nYear\r\nTotal number of Colonoscopy procedures\r\nNumber of Colonoscopies recorded as main procedure\r\n2005-06\r\n2,491\r\n2,180\r\n2010-11\r\n6,158\r\n5,481\r\nSource: ISD Scotland, SMR01.\r\nNote: 1. The OPCS-4 procedure code used to identify a colonoscopy was H22 - Diagnostic endoscopic examination of colon.","AnswerDate":"2012-04-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-01T15:37:29.847","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271524,"EventID":"S4W-06620","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2134,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":82,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-03T15:37:29.927","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-03T00:07:34","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many colonoscopies were carried out on patients aged between 75 and 80 in the NHS Lanarkshire area in 2010-11 compared with 2005-06.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many colonoscopies were carried out on patients aged between 75 and 80 in the NHS Lanarkshire area in 2010-11 compared with 2005-06.\r\n","AnswerText":"The following table shows information on the number of diagnostic colonoscopies which have been performed on an inpatient or day case basis in NHS Lanarkshire hospitals on patients aged between 75 and 80 in 2010-11 compared with 2005-06.\r\nNumber of diagnostic colonoscopies1 which have been performed on an inpatient or day case basis in NHS Lanarkshire hospitals on patients aged between 75 and 80 in 2010-11 compared with 2005-06\r\n\r\nYear\r\nTotal number of Colonoscopy procedures\r\nNumber of Colonoscopies recorded as main procedure\r\n2005-06\r\n225\r\n191\r\n2010-11\r\n680\r\n583\r\nSource: ISD Scotland, SMR01.\r\nNote: 1. The OPCS-4 procedure code used to identify a colonoscopy was H22 - Diagnostic endoscopic examination of colon.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-04-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-01T15:37:29.927","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271525,"EventID":"S4W-06621","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2134,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":82,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-03T15:37:29.987","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-03T00:07:34","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the mean improvement in the number of days has been from referral to first treatment for people undergoing curative cancer surgery since bowel cancer screening was i","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the mean improvement in the number of days has been from referral to first treatment for people undergoing curative cancer surgery since bowel cancer screening was introduced.\r\n","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-04-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-01T15:37:29.987","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271526,"EventID":"S4W-06622","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2134,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":82,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-03T15:37:30.05","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-03T00:07:34","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the operative mortality rate was for patients undergoing surgery for bowel cancer detected via the screening programme in (a) Scotland and (b) the NHS Lanarkshire ar","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the operative mortality rate was for patients undergoing surgery for bowel cancer detected via the screening programme in (a) Scotland and (b) the NHS Lanarkshire area in (i) 2005-06 and (ii) 2010-11.\r\n","AnswerText":"The bowel screening programme was rolled out in December 2009. Data for 2005-06 are not available. Data for 2011 are not yet available; data for financial year 2009-10 are provided as the most recent available. Year is based on year of treatment, not of cancer diagnosis; in most cases, these will be the same. Operative mortality is defined here as any colorectal cancer diagnosis record undergoing a surgical treatment, with a subsequent death within 30 days of the surgical treatment.\r\nTable 1: Percentage of patients who died within 30 days of surgical treatment following diagnosis with colorectal cancer: 2009-10:\r\n\r\n2009-10\r\n\r\nScotland\r\n0.2%\r\nNHS Lanarkshire\r\n0%*\r\nSource: Scottish Cancer Registry.\r\nNote: *There were no deaths within 30 days of surgical treatment in 2009-10 amongst colorectal cancer patients in NHS Lanarkshire who received surgery.","AnswerDate":"2012-04-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-01T15:37:30.05","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271527,"EventID":"S4W-06623","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2134,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":82,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-03T15:37:30.127","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-03T00:07:34","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what proportion of patients with cancer detected by the bowel cancer screening programme in (a) 2005-06 and (b) 2010-11 died within (i) six months and (ii) one year of di","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what proportion of patients with cancer detected by the bowel cancer screening programme in (a) 2005-06 and (b) 2010-11 died within (i) six months and (ii) one year of diagnosis.\r\n","AnswerText":"The bowel screening programme was rolled out in December 2009. Data for 2005-06 are not available. Table 1 shows the proportion of deaths subsequent to detection of bowel cancer by the screening programme for the financial year 2009-10, the most recent year for which data are available:\r\nTable 1: Percentage of deaths following detection of bowel cancer by the screening programme, 2009-10:\r\n\r\nWithin Six Months of Diagnosis\r\nWithin 12 Months of Diagnosis\r\n2009-10\r\n2%\r\n4%\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-04-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-01T15:37:30.127","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271528,"EventID":"S4W-06624","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2134,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":82,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-03T15:37:30.19","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-03T00:07:34","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the (a) six and (b) 12 month mortality rates were for patients receiving adjuvant chemotherapy for bowel cancer in (i) 2005-06 and (ii) 2010-11.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the (a) six and (b) 12 month mortality rates were for patients receiving adjuvant chemotherapy for bowel cancer in (i) 2005-06 and (ii) 2010-11.\r\n","AnswerText":"Table 1 shows the percentage of patients receiving adjuvant chemotherapy who died with six and 12 months. Adjuvant chemotherapy is defined here as any chemotherapy received subsequent to surgery associated with a colorectal cancer. Data for 2011 are not yet available; data for financial year 2009-10 are provided as the most recent available. Year is based on year of treatment (surgery followed by chemotherapy) provision, not of cancer diagnosis; in most cases, these will be the same.\r\nTable 1: Percentage of patients receiving adjuvant chemotherapy who died within six and 12 months: 2005-06 and 2009-10\r\n\r\nPercentage of Deaths within six Months\r\nPercentage of Deaths within 12 Months\r\n2005-06\r\n4%\r\n11%\r\n2009-10\r\n2%\r\n8%\r\nSource: Scottish Cancer Registry.","AnswerDate":"2012-04-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-01T15:37:30.19","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271529,"EventID":"S4W-06636","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-03T15:37:30.253","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-03T11:31:40","Title":"To ask the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body, further to the answer to question S4W-05706 by Liam McArthur on 5 March 2012, what its position is on the adequacy of the (a) current powers, (b) remi","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body, further to the answer to question S4W-05706 by Liam McArthur on 5 March 2012, what its position is on the adequacy of the (a) current powers, (b) remit and (c) appeals process available to the Scottish Public Services Ombudsman.\r\n","AnswerText":"The functions of the Ombudsman are set out in legislation as agreed by Parliament. The SPCB does not have a view on the adequacy of the legislative provisions. \r\nDuring the last parliamentary session the Parliament established the Review of SPCB Supported Bodies Committee which held an inquiry on the arrangements of the SPCB supported bodies which included the Scottish Public Services Ombudsman. The committee, at that time, recommended some changes to the functions of the SPSO which were enacted in the Scottish Parliamentary Commissions, Commissioners etc. Act 2010.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-04-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-01T15:37:30.253","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Liam McArthur","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271544,"EventID":"S4W-06479","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3824,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-04T15:13:24.817","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-26T13:43:24","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the timescale is for a decision on the coal-fired power station at Hunterston.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the timescale is for a decision on the coal-fired power station at Hunterston.","AnswerText":"A decision on this application will be taken after the conclusion of the Public Local Inquiry. At present no date has been set for commencement of the inquiry.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-04-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-02T15:13:25.097","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271545,"EventID":"S4W-06638","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":81,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-04T15:13:25.177","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-04T10:42:42.233","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what support it is providing for the Ravenscraig regeneration scheme.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what support it is providing for the Ravenscraig regeneration scheme.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government provisionally approved North Lanarkshire Council’s Ravenscraig Phase Two Tax Incremental Financing (TIF) project in March 2011. The project is now being taken forward as one of a limited number of TIF pilot schemes. Under TIF, the Scottish Government will allow the Council to retain future Non Domestic Rate income generated as a result of investment in “enabling” infrastructure to repay the costs of the initial investment.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-04-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-02T15:13:25.177","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271546,"EventID":"S4W-06639","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":81,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-04T15:13:25.237","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-04T10:42:42.233","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it was informed of the transfer of the management of the Ravenscraig regeneration scheme to the Wilson Bowden headquarters in Leicestershire prior to this being p","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it was informed of the transfer of the management of the Ravenscraig regeneration scheme to the Wilson Bowden headquarters in Leicestershire prior to this being publicly announced and, if so, what discussion it had with the firm on this matter.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government was not informed that the management of the Ravenscraig regeneration scheme would be transferred to the Wilson Bowden headquarters in Leicestershire prior to this being publicly announced.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-04-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-02T15:13:25.237","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271547,"EventID":"S4W-06640","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":81,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-04T15:13:25.3","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-04T10:44:17.68","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many staff have been employed to work on the Forth Replacement Crossing and how many are (a) UK citizens and (b) resident in Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many staff have been employed to work on the Forth Replacement Crossing and how many are (a) UK citizens and (b) resident in Scotland.","AnswerText":"As of 10 February, the FRC project is directly employing 384 people on site of whom 286 (74%) have home addresses in Scotland. Information regarding citizenship is not held by Transport Scotland.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-04-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-02T15:13:25.317","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271548,"EventID":"S4W-06641","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":81,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-04T15:13:25.38","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-04T10:44:17.68","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether contracts awarded for the Forth Replacement Crossing specify that all applications for employment should receive a response and what processes are in place to ens","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether contracts awarded for the Forth Replacement Crossing specify that all applications for employment should receive a response and what processes are in place to ensure that all applicants receive information about available employment.","AnswerText":"All Forth Replacement Crossing employment opportunities are required to be advertised in local job centres. Operation of the recruitment process is a matter for the contractors.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-04-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-02T15:13:25.38","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271549,"EventID":"S4W-06642","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-04T15:13:25.44","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-04T14:02:01.87","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive who the members were of the Scottish Stakeholder Group that was involved in the development of Scotland's Child Internet Safety Action Plan.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive who the members were of the Scottish Stakeholder Group that was involved in the development of Scotland's Child Internet Safety Action Plan.\r\n","AnswerText":"The members of the Scottish Stakeholder Group involved in the development of Scotland’s Child Internet Safety Action Plan were representatives from the following organisations:\r\nScottish Government\r\nThe Association of Chief Police Officers in Scotland (ACPOS)\r\nEdinburgh, Lothian and Borders Executive Group (ELBEG)\r\nPerth and Kinross Child Protection Committee\r\nFife Child Protection Committee\r\nScottish Crime and Drug Enforcement Agency (SCDEA)\r\nYoung Scot\r\nHM Inspectorate of Education (Now Education Scotland)\r\nLearning and Teaching Scotland (Now Education Scotland)\r\nScottish Enterprise\r\nRespectme.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-04-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-02T15:13:25.457","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Aileen Campbell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271550,"EventID":"S4W-06643","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-04T15:13:25.533","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-04T14:11:35.563","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the total debt of each local authority has been in each of the last five years.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the total debt of each local authority has been in each of the last five years.\r\n","AnswerText":"Local authority debt is the sum of traditional borrowing (as recorded in the statutory loans fund) and credit arrangements (assets acquired under Private Finance Initiatives (PFI) or similar arrangements).\r\nPrior to 2009-10 local authority debt did not include a number of credit arrangements, such as PFIs, as the assets associated with these arrangements were not recognised as local authority assets. The change in accounting rules from 2009-10 required a local authority to recognise these assets and the associated debt. The following table shows the latest information we have on debt outstanding by each Council at 31 March each year, with the change in accounting being reflected from 2010.\r\nCouncil\r\n(£000)\r\n2007\r\n2008\r\n2009\r\n2010\r\n2011\r\nAberdeen City\r\n421,585\r\n466,958\r\n508,508\r\n656,280\r\n736,132\r\nAberdeenshire\r\n378,475\r\n383,570\r\n398,483\r\n471,656\r\n488,105\r\nAngus\r\n145,852\r\n147,734\r\n163,842\r\n245,803\r\n251,247\r\nArgyll and Bute\r\n201,099\r\n201,789\r\n196,756\r\n277,454\r\n267,127\r\nClackmannanshire\r\n97,453\r\n106,100\r\n112,067\r\n179,909\r\n125,364\r\nDumfries and Galloway\r\n194,656\r\n199,485\r\n227,078\r\n322,967\r\n361,072\r\nDundee City\r\n331,916\r\n328,372\r\n332,637\r\n445,837\r\n387,410\r\nEast Ayrshire\r\n187,824\r\n208,254\r\n222,470\r\n305,975\r\n314,985\r\nEast Dunbartonshire\r\n115,167\r\n107,316\r\n110,962\r\n235,301\r\n252,341\r\nEast Lothian\r\n154,766\r\n179,518\r\n204,544\r\n235,987\r\n323,170\r\nEast Renfrewshire\r\n108,546\r\n112,842\r\n115,867\r\n116,720\r\n213,067\r\nEdinburgh, City of\r\n901,901\r\n948,318\r\n1,062,943\r\n1,396,279\r\n1,406,839\r\nEilean Siar\r\n149,726\r\n148,350\r\n151,675\r\n146,296\r\n145,171\r\nFalkirk\r\n204,652\r\n210,530\r\n219,193\r\n373,864\r\n385,856\r\nFife\r\n539,935\r\n546,415\r\n574,962\r\n689,948\r\n749,518\r\nGlasgow City\r\n1,305,244\r\n1,303,626\r\n1,448,774\r\n1,704,010\r\n1,744,005\r\nHighland\r\n562,104\r\n567,669\r\n594,460\r\n607,530\r\n764,067\r\nInverclyde\r\n220,366\r\n173,672\r\n184,315\r\n204,880\r\n206,897\r\nMidlothian\r\n91,687\r\n112,190\r\n165,455\r\n251,968\r\n268,905\r\nMoray\r\n157,495\r\n154,204\r\n158,465\r\n156,877\r\n164,271\r\nNorth Ayrshire\r\n207,230\r\n212,565\r\n226,230\r\n310,840\r\n322,467\r\nNorth Lanarkshire\r\n412,637\r\n417,453\r\n447,327\r\n661,597\r\n765,858\r\nOrkney Islands\r\n37,007\r\n37,026\r\n37,426\r\n35,228\r\n34,921\r\nPerth and Kinross\r\n162,237\r\n173,224\r\n205,716\r\n324,624\r\n354,774\r\nRenfrewshire\r\n285,739\r\n266,950\r\n279,219\r\n395,337\r\n310,595\r\nScottish Borders\r\n166,489\r\n172,940\r\n179,757\r\n260,363\r\n262,551\r\nShetland Islands\r\n49,142\r\n46,908\r\n45,978\r\n55,140\r\n55,363\r\nSouth Ayrshire\r\n176,118\r\n179,799\r\n184,873\r\n259,316\r\n260,205\r\nSouth Lanarkshire\r\n500,121\r\n542,808\r\n598,376\r\n955,180\r\n1,048,223\r\nStirling\r\n162,204\r\n153,339\r\n140,466\r\n149,842\r\n230,485\r\nWest Dunbartonshire\r\n198,584\r\n198,871\r\n203,945\r\n299,513\r\n317,410\r\nWest Lothian\r\n249,763\r\n280,346\r\n346,308\r\n481,909\r\n517,262\r\nTotal\r\n9,077,720\r\n9,289,141\r\n10,049,077\r\n13,214,430\r\n14,035,663\r\nThe data is taken from capital returns made by each council in each financial year.\r\nInformation from the local authority capital returns is published in an annual capital expenditure report which can be found on the Scottish Government website at: \r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Government/local-government/17999/LACapital/capitalmonitoring.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-02T15:13:25.55","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271551,"EventID":"S4W-06644","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-04T15:13:25.627","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-04T14:11:35.563","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much interest has been paid on debts held by each local authority in each of the last five years.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much interest has been paid on debts held by each local authority in each of the last five years.\r\n","AnswerText":"The total debt associated with capital investment is the sum of traditional borrowing and credit arrangements (assets acquired under Private Finance Initiatives (PFI) or similar arrangements).\r\nPrior to 2009-10 local authority debt costs did not include a number of credit arrangements, such as PFIs, as the assets associated with these arrangements were not recognised as local authority assets. A change in the accounting rules in 2009-10 required a local authority to recognise these assets and associated debt costs. The following table shows the amount of interest paid by councils in the five years to 2010-11, with the change in accounting being reflected from 2009-10.\r\nCouncil\r\n(£000)\r\n2006-07\r\n2007-08\r\n2008-09\r\n2009-10\r\n2010-11\r\nAberdeen City\r\n14,890\r\n0\r\n28,094\r\n27,796\r\n33,562\r\nAberdeenshire\r\n23,334\r\n25,252\r\n20,239\r\n19,972\r\n24,627\r\nAngus\r\n7,685\r\n7,321\r\n7,926\r\n14,853\r\n15,435\r\nArgyll and Bute\r\n12,916\r\n10,805\r\n11,033\r\n17,683\r\n17,755\r\nClackmannanshire\r\n0\r\n5,726\r\n6,172\r\n6,198\r\n4,908\r\nDumfries and Galloway\r\n9,143\r\n9,367\r\n8,891\r\n12,729\r\n18,859\r\nDundee City\r\n18,065\r\n21,922\r\n21,659\r\n21,174\r\n18,282\r\nEast Ayrshire\r\n11,024\r\n11,132\r\n11,417\r\n15,498\r\n19,431\r\nEast Dunbartonshire\r\n83,752\r\n8,265\r\n8,149\r\n14,366\r\n16,076\r\nEast Lothian\r\n7,510\r\n8,178\r\n9,050\r\n18,661\r\n17,504\r\nEast Renfrewshire\r\n5,265\r\n5,104\r\n5,261\r\n4,926\r\n5,272\r\nEdinburgh, City of\r\n0\r\n58,686\r\n59,203\r\n77,701\r\n87,024\r\nEilean Siar\r\n11,187\r\n9,744\r\n9,626\r\n9,049\r\n9,497\r\nFalkirk\r\n12,317\r\n16,259\r\n13,610\r\n21,926\r\n22,654\r\nFife\r\n29,590\r\n28,785\r\n29,916\r\n36,279\r\n37,158\r\nGlasgow City\r\n77,909\r\n0\r\n78,676\r\n105,328\r\n83,713\r\nHighland\r\n30,966\r\n30,664\r\n30,051\r\n27,191\r\n41,161\r\nInverclyde\r\n0\r\n11,198\r\n10,085\r\n6,948\r\n9,719\r\nMidlothian\r\n0\r\n6,241\r\n7,498\r\n11,716\r\n12,052\r\nMoray\r\n8,237\r\n7,801\r\n7,946\r\n7,294\r\n7,425\r\nNorth Ayrshire\r\n14,228\r\n12,130\r\n9,936\r\n16,110\r\n17,235\r\nNorth Lanarkshire\r\n33,717\r\n28,711\r\n28,358\r\n33,164\r\n36,863\r\nOrkney Islands\r\n0\r\n0\r\n50\r\n232\r\n1,194\r\nPerth and Kinross\r\n8,032\r\n15,234\r\n8,291\r\n11,967\r\n14,368\r\nRenfrewshire\r\n16,256\r\n15,458\r\n15,529\r\n20,698\r\n13,293\r\nScottish Borders\r\n9,090\r\n9,128\r\n9,118\r\n11,988\r\n12,273\r\nShetland Islands\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\nSouth Ayrshire\r\n10,977\r\n10,587\r\n10,074\r\n14,015\r\n13,510\r\nSouth Lanarkshire\r\n33,694\r\n36,147\r\n37,378\r\n50,387\r\n52,310\r\nStirling\r\n9,951\r\n9,943\r\n9,733\r\n8,853\r\n10,408\r\nWest Dunbartonshire\r\n0\r\n11,749\r\n12,301\r\n15,880\r\n13,542\r\nWest Lothian\r\n15,248\r\n15,198\r\n16,173\r\n18,669\r\n23,764\r\nTotal\r\n514,983\r\n446,735\r\n541,443\r\n679,251\r\n710,874\r\nThe data is taken from capital returns made by each council in each financial year. Data for 2011-12 has not yet been collected. Returns provided by some councils prior to 2008-09 did not include information on the amount of interest paid for that year.\r\nInformation from the local authority capital returns is published in an annual capital expenditure report which can be found on the Scottish Government website at: \r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Government/local-government/17999/LACapital/capitalmonitoring.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-02T15:13:25.627","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271552,"EventID":"S4W-06645","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":89,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-04T15:13:25.707","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-04T14:13:55.917","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many suicides have been recorded in each of the last five years, broken down by parliamentary constituency and expressed as a percentage of the national average.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many suicides have been recorded in each of the last five years, broken down by parliamentary constituency and expressed as a percentage of the national average.\r\n","AnswerText":"Please see the following table showing the number of suicides (intentional self harm and events of undetermined intent) for each of the new Parliamentary Constituencies, for the years 2006-2010.\r\nFigures for 2011 will be available in August.\r\n\r\nFigures for 2011 will be available in August.\r\n\r\nScottish Parliamentary Constituency\r\nNumber of Deaths\r\nPercentage of Scottish total\r\n2006\r\n2007\r\n2008\r\n2009\r\n2010\r\n2006\r\n2007\r\n2008\r\n2009\r\n2010\r\nScotland\r\n765\r\n838\r\n843\r\n746\r\n781\r\n100.0%\r\n100.0%\r\n100.0%\r\n100.0%\r\n100.0%\r\nAberdeen Central\r\n15\r\n9\r\n18\r\n17\r\n15\r\n2.0%\r\n1.1%\r\n2.1%\r\n2.3%\r\n1.9%\r\nAberdeen Donside\r\n6\r\n4\r\n8\r\n10\r\n10\r\n0.8%\r\n0.5%\r\n0.9%\r\n1.3%\r\n1.3%\r\nAberdeen South and North Kincardine\r\n10\r\n9\r\n8\r\n7\r\n8\r\n1.3%\r\n1.1%\r\n0.9%\r\n0.9%\r\n1.0%\r\nAberdeenshire East\r\n5\r\n8\r\n11\r\n9\r\n14\r\n0.7%\r\n1.0%\r\n1.3%\r\n1.2%\r\n1.8%\r\nAberdeenshire West\r\n4\r\n5\r\n5\r\n6\r\n5\r\n0.5%\r\n0.6%\r\n0.6%\r\n0.8%\r\n0.6%\r\nAirdrie and Shotts\r\n14\r\n10\r\n12\r\n14\r\n8\r\n1.8%\r\n1.2%\r\n1.4%\r\n1.9%\r\n1.0%\r\nAlmond Valley\r\n6\r\n10\r\n11\r\n11\r\n4\r\n0.8%\r\n1.2%\r\n1.3%\r\n1.5%\r\n0.5%\r\nAngus North and Mearns\r\n8\r\n10\r\n11\r\n6\r\n8\r\n1.0%\r\n1.2%\r\n1.3%\r\n0.8%\r\n1.0%\r\nAngus South\r\n8\r\n8\r\n9\r\n8\r\n8\r\n1.0%\r\n1.0%\r\n1.1%\r\n1.1%\r\n1.0%\r\nArgyll and Bute\r\n5\r\n15\r\n12\r\n12\r\n7\r\n0.7%\r\n1.8%\r\n1.4%\r\n1.6%\r\n0.9%\r\nAyr\r\n7\r\n11\r\n11\r\n7\r\n7\r\n0.9%\r\n1.3%\r\n1.3%\r\n0.9%\r\n0.9%\r\nBanffshire and Buchan Coast\r\n8\r\n16\r\n16\r\n13\r\n13\r\n1.0%\r\n1.9%\r\n1.9%\r\n1.7%\r\n1.7%\r\nCaithness, Sutherland and Ross\r\n15\r\n14\r\n10\r\n11\r\n7\r\n2.0%\r\n1.7%\r\n1.2%\r\n1.5%\r\n0.9%\r\nCarrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley\r\n4\r\n17\r\n3\r\n10\r\n9\r\n0.5%\r\n2.0%\r\n0.4%\r\n1.3%\r\n1.2%\r\nClackmannanshire and Dunblane\r\n7\r\n8\r\n8\r\n4\r\n8\r\n0.9%\r\n1.0%\r\n0.9%\r\n0.5%\r\n1.0%\r\nClydebank and Milngavie\r\n9\r\n16\r\n21\r\n12\r\n10\r\n1.2%\r\n1.9%\r\n2.5%\r\n1.6%\r\n1.3%\r\nClydesdale\r\n6\r\n10\r\n9\r\n10\r\n8\r\n0.8%\r\n1.2%\r\n1.1%\r\n1.3%\r\n1.0%\r\nCoatbridge and Chryston\r\n7\r\n11\r\n14\r\n4\r\n11\r\n0.9%\r\n1.3%\r\n1.7%\r\n0.5%\r\n1.4%\r\nCowdenbeath\r\n9\r\n10\r\n9\r\n13\r\n12\r\n1.2%\r\n1.2%\r\n1.1%\r\n1.7%\r\n1.5%\r\nCumbernauld and Kilsyth\r\n10\r\n7\r\n10\r\n8\r\n12\r\n1.3%\r\n0.8%\r\n1.2%\r\n1.1%\r\n1.5%\r\nCunninghame North\r\n10\r\n9\r\n7\r\n11\r\n11\r\n1.3%\r\n1.1%\r\n0.8%\r\n1.5%\r\n1.4%\r\nCunninghame South\r\n11\r\n19\r\n12\r\n13\r\n6\r\n1.4%\r\n2.3%\r\n1.4%\r\n1.7%\r\n0.8%\r\nDumbarton\r\n17\r\n15\r\n19\r\n11\r\n14\r\n2.2%\r\n1.8%\r\n2.3%\r\n1.5%\r\n1.8%\r\nDumfriesshire\r\n10\r\n16\r\n12\r\n12\r\n10\r\n1.3%\r\n1.9%\r\n1.4%\r\n1.6%\r\n1.3%\r\nDundee City East\r\n22\r\n13\r\n18\r\n10\r\n12\r\n2.9%\r\n1.6%\r\n2.1%\r\n1.3%\r\n1.5%\r\nDundee City West\r\n14\r\n14\r\n14\r\n13\r\n17\r\n1.8%\r\n1.7%\r\n1.7%\r\n1.7%\r\n2.2%\r\nDunfermline\r\n11\r\n3\r\n7\r\n7\r\n10\r\n1.4%\r\n0.4%\r\n0.8%\r\n0.9%\r\n1.3%\r\nEast Kilbride\r\n16\r\n7\r\n9\r\n9\r\n11\r\n2.1%\r\n0.8%\r\n1.1%\r\n1.2%\r\n1.4%\r\nEast Lothian\r\n7\r\n4\r\n10\r\n9\r\n8\r\n0.9%\r\n0.5%\r\n1.2%\r\n1.2%\r\n1.0%\r\nEastwood\r\n5\r\n5\r\n6\r\n4\r\n4\r\n0.7%\r\n0.6%\r\n0.7%\r\n0.5%\r\n0.5%\r\nEdinburgh Central\r\n14\r\n18\r\n15\r\n10\r\n11\r\n1.8%\r\n2.1%\r\n1.8%\r\n1.3%\r\n1.4%\r\nEdinburgh Eastern\r\n10\r\n9\r\n17\r\n12\r\n17\r\n1.3%\r\n1.1%\r\n2.0%\r\n1.6%\r\n2.2%\r\nEdinburgh Northern and Leith\r\n10\r\n9\r\n18\r\n11\r\n17\r\n1.3%\r\n1.1%\r\n2.1%\r\n1.5%\r\n2.2%\r\nEdinburgh Pentlands\r\n10\r\n17\r\n11\r\n16\r\n8\r\n1.3%\r\n2.0%\r\n1.3%\r\n2.1%\r\n1.0%\r\nEdinburgh Southern\r\n5\r\n3\r\n9\r\n6\r\n13\r\n0.7%\r\n0.4%\r\n1.1%\r\n0.8%\r\n1.7%\r\nEdinburgh Western\r\n6\r\n16\r\n13\r\n9\r\n8\r\n0.8%\r\n1.9%\r\n1.5%\r\n1.2%\r\n1.0%\r\nNa h-Eileanan an Iar\r\n3\r\n9\r\n7\r\n3\r\n2\r\n0.4%\r\n1.1%\r\n0.8%\r\n0.4%\r\n0.3%\r\nEttrick, Roxburgh and Berwickshire\r\n15\r\n8\r\n12\r\n5\r\n9\r\n2.0%\r\n1.0%\r\n1.4%\r\n0.7%\r\n1.2%\r\nFalkirk East\r\n10\r\n10\r\n10\r\n9\r\n8\r\n1.3%\r\n1.2%\r\n1.2%\r\n1.2%\r\n1.0%\r\nFalkirk West\r\n6\r\n8\r\n9\r\n10\r\n8\r\n0.8%\r\n1.0%\r\n1.1%\r\n1.3%\r\n1.0%\r\nGalloway and West Dumfries\r\n12\r\n15\r\n11\r\n12\r\n13\r\n1.6%\r\n1.8%\r\n1.3%\r\n1.6%\r\n1.7%\r\nGlasgow Anniesland\r\n16\r\n20\r\n23\r\n14\r\n10\r\n2.1%\r\n2.4%\r\n2.7%\r\n1.9%\r\n1.3%\r\nGlasgow Cathcart\r\n10\r\n16\r\n15\r\n13\r\n10\r\n1.3%\r\n1.9%\r\n1.8%\r\n1.7%\r\n1.3%\r\nGlasgow Kelvin\r\n18\r\n13\r\n14\r\n12\r\n16\r\n2.4%\r\n1.6%\r\n1.7%\r\n1.6%\r\n2.0%\r\nGlasgow Maryhill and Springburn\r\n16\r\n23\r\n17\r\n13\r\n16\r\n2.1%\r\n2.7%\r\n2.0%\r\n1.7%\r\n2.0%\r\nGlasgow Pollok\r\n24\r\n11\r\n14\r\n16\r\n11\r\n3.1%\r\n1.3%\r\n1.7%\r\n2.1%\r\n1.4%\r\nGlasgow Provan\r\n13\r\n21\r\n14\r\n12\r\n10\r\n1.7%\r\n2.5%\r\n1.7%\r\n1.6%\r\n1.3%\r\nGlasgow Shettleston\r\n20\r\n21\r\n16\r\n20\r\n13\r\n2.6%\r\n2.5%\r\n1.9%\r\n2.7%\r\n1.7%\r\nGlasgow Southside\r\n18\r\n16\r\n19\r\n16\r\n10\r\n2.4%\r\n1.9%\r\n2.3%\r\n2.1%\r\n1.3%\r\nGreenock and Inverclyde\r\n16\r\n13\r\n10\r\n10\r\n18\r\n2.1%\r\n1.6%\r\n1.2%\r\n1.3%\r\n2.3%\r\nHamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse\r\n11\r\n15\r\n7\r\n8\r\n14\r\n1.4%\r\n1.8%\r\n0.8%","AnswerDate":"2012-04-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-02T15:13:25.707","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271553,"EventID":"S4W-06486","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-05T15:20:02.12","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-27T11:09:04.787","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assessment has been made of the impact of the EC common agricultural policy proposal on the definition of permanent grassland on the amount of land in Scotland defin","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assessment has been made of the impact of the EC common agricultural policy proposal on the definition of permanent grassland on the amount of land in Scotland defined as permanent grassland under existing regulations.","AnswerText":"Commission officials have indicated that the proposed permanent grassland definition is not intended to change the status quo, for example regarding the grazing of heather. However, this is not clear from the definition as it is currently worded. The Scottish Government is therefore concentrating its efforts on securing a rewording of the definition to accommodate traditional Scottish farming practices and to meet the needs of Scotland’s farmers.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-04-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-03T15:20:02.43","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271554,"EventID":"S4W-06487","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-05T15:20:02.697","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-27T11:09:04.787","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assessment has been made of the impact of the EC common agricultural policy proposal on the definition of permanent grassland on single farm payments to individual c","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assessment has been made of the impact of the EC common agricultural policy proposal on the definition of permanent grassland on single farm payments to individual crofters and farmers across Scotland.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-06486 on 23 April 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-04-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-03T15:20:02.71","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271555,"EventID":"S4W-06488","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-05T15:20:02.773","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-27T11:10:17.357","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what amendments it has proposed to the European Commission to the proposed definition of permanent pasture under common agricultural policy reform.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what amendments it has proposed to the European Commission to the proposed definition of permanent pasture under common agricultural policy reform.\r\n","AnswerText":"Scottish Government has suggested amending the definition along the following lines:\r\n“permanent pasture means land used to grow grasses or other forage species suitable/utilised for grazing naturally (self-seeded), through cultivation (sown) or managed and that has not been included in the crop rotation of the holding for five years or longer”.\r\nThis amendment has been fed into discussions with UK Government and other devolved administrations ahead of European Working Groups.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-04-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-03T15:20:02.773","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271556,"EventID":"S4W-06489","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-05T15:20:02.853","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-27T11:10:17.357","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive (a) on what date and (b) in what forum it last raised the proposed definition of permanent pasture under common agricultural policy reform with the (i) European Commissio","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive (a) on what date and (b) in what forum it last raised the proposed definition of permanent pasture under common agricultural policy reform with the (i) European Commission, (ii) UK Government and (iii) other devolved administrations.","AnswerText":"Scottish Government has repeatedly raised the definition of permanent grassland in ongoing discussions with the European Commission, UK Government and other devolved administrations. The issue was raised with UK Government as recently as 19 April 2012.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-04-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-03T15:20:02.853","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271557,"EventID":"S4W-06491","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-05T15:20:02.93","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-27T12:25:03","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the eligibility criteria are for the European Commission's proposed European Maritime and Fisheries Fund.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the eligibility criteria are for the European Commission's proposed European Maritime and Fisheries Fund.","AnswerText":"The draft European Maritime and Fisheries Fund Regulation is currently being scrutinised by member states within the Working Party On Internal Fisheries Policy, and as such eligibility criteria are not yet confirmed.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-04-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-03T15:20:02.947","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271558,"EventID":"S4W-06637","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5079,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-05T15:20:03.007","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-04T10:39:00.31","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its position is on concerns expressed that not all of its publications can be found via a topic search on the publications page of its website and whether recent cha","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its position is on concerns expressed that not all of its publications can be found via a topic search on the publications page of its website and whether recent changes have been made in this regard.","AnswerText":"An upgrade to the Scotland.gov.uk website led to a temporary problem when searching publications by topic. During this time the topic search function was the only one affected. All official publication material remained available and accessible via alternative search and listing options on Scotland.gov.uk. This temporary problem has now been resolved.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-03T15:20:03.007","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Bruce Crawford","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271565,"EventID":"S4W-06647","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":131,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-10T15:35:58.81","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-05T15:04:24","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what (a) organisations and (b) individuals were invited to the meeting at Alloa railway station on 3 April 2012 to launch the Scottish Stations Investment Fund.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what (a) organisations and (b) individuals were invited to the meeting at Alloa railway station on 3 April 2012 to launch the Scottish Stations Investment Fund.","AnswerText":"A general press release was issued to notify interested parties of the Scottish Stations Investment Fund announcement on 3 April 2012. No invitations were issued to any organisation or individual.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-08T15:35:59.26","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271566,"EventID":"S4W-06648","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":131,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-10T15:35:59.34","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-05T15:04:24","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive who attended the meeting at Alloa railway station on 3 April 2012 to launch the Scottish Stations Investment Fund.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive who attended the meeting at Alloa railway station on 3 April 2012 to launch the Scottish Stations Investment Fund.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Stations Investment Fund announcement on 3 April 2012 was attended by a Clackmannanshire Council official and members of the press.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-08T15:35:59.34","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271567,"EventID":"S4W-06649","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":131,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-10T15:35:59.433","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-05T15:04:24","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how bids for funding from the Scottish Stations Investment Fund should be submitted.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how bids for funding from the Scottish Stations Investment Fund should be submitted.\r\n","AnswerText":"The fund criteria, governance and application processes will be discussed with industry, communities and stakeholders over the coming months.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-08T15:35:59.433","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271568,"EventID":"S4W-06650","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":131,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-10T15:35:59.527","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-05T15:04:24","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether proposals for a rail halt at Eastriggs in Dumfriesshire could be eligible for funding from the Scottish Stations Investment Fund.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether proposals for a rail halt at Eastriggs in Dumfriesshire could be eligible for funding from the Scottish Stations Investment Fund.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-06649 on 8 May 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-08T15:35:59.527","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271569,"EventID":"S4W-06651","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":131,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-10T15:35:59.62","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-05T15:04:24","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether proposals for the reopening of Thornhill railway station in Dumfriesshire could be eligible for funding from the Scottish Stations Investment Fund.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether proposals for the reopening of Thornhill railway station in Dumfriesshire could be eligible for funding from the Scottish Stations Investment Fund.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-06649 on 8 May 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-08T15:35:59.62","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271570,"EventID":"S4W-06652","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":131,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-10T15:35:59.713","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-05T15:04:24","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what A75 trunk road improvement schemes have been completed in each of the last 10 years and at what cost.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what A75 trunk road improvement schemes have been completed in each of the last 10 years and at what cost.\r\n","AnswerText":"The following table shows the A75 trunk road improvement schemes which have been completed in the last ten years and their construction cost.\r\nA75 Trunk Road Improvement Schemes Completed (2002-12)\r\nScheme\r\nConstruction Cost\r\nCompleted\r\nA75 Overtaking Opportunities (*)\r\n£9.3 million\r\nJuly 2008\r\nA75 Cairntop to Barlae\r\n£6.4 million\r\nNovember 2010\r\nNote: *Comprising improvements at Planting End to Drumflower, Newton Stewart and Barfil to Bettyknowes.","AnswerDate":"2012-05-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-08T15:35:59.713","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271571,"EventID":"S4W-06653","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":131,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-10T15:35:59.807","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-05T15:04:24","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what A75 trunk road improvement schemes have been started in each of the last 10 years and what the estimated cost of each was at the time of commencement.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what A75 trunk road improvement schemes have been started in each of the last 10 years and what the estimated cost of each was at the time of commencement.\r\n","AnswerText":"The following table shows A75 trunk road improvement schemes which have been started in the last ten years and the estimated cost at commencement.\r\nA75 Trunk Road Improvement Schemes Started (2002–12)\r\nScheme\r\nConstruction Cost\r\nStarted\r\nA75 Overtaking Opportunities*\r\n(contract value) £9.3 million\r\nApril 2007\r\nA75 Cairntop to Barlae\r\n(contract value) £6.4 million\r\nDecember 2009\r\nA75 Dunragit Bypass\r\nEstimated construction cost - £21 million\r\nProcurement commenced on 16 April 2012.\r\nNote: *Comprising improvements at Planting End to Drumflower, Newton Stewart and Barfil to Bettyknowes.","AnswerDate":"2012-05-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-08T15:35:59.807","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271572,"EventID":"S4W-06654","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4934,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-10T15:35:59.887","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-10T11:11:24.647","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it considers that there is a danger of pollution to the Scottish coast resulting from (a) aging infrastructure or (b) inadequate safety and environmental protecti","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it considers that there is a danger of pollution to the Scottish coast resulting from (a) aging infrastructure or (b) inadequate safety and environmental protection procedures in the North Sea oil and gas infrastructure.\r\n","AnswerText":"Responsibility for the regulation of the oil and gas industry is reserved to the UK Government. The Scottish Government is committed to the maintenance, development and long term future of the oil and gas sector in a manner which is consistent with sustainable use of our seas, and provides environmental advice to DECC in relation to offshore activities and incidents.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-08T15:35:59.9","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271573,"EventID":"S4W-06655","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4934,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-10T15:35:59.963","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-10T11:11:24.647","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive which public bodies are responsible for dealing with any pollution resulting from the North Sea oil and gas infrastructure.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive which public bodies are responsible for dealing with any pollution resulting from the North Sea oil and gas infrastructure.\r\n","AnswerText":"The UK Government’s Department of Energy and Climate Change has overall responsibility for any incidents relating to offshore oil and gas operations that result in marine pollution. The Offshore Installations (Emergency Pollution Control) Regulations 2002 provide powers for the UK Government to give directions and take such other actions as may be necessary in respect of an offshore incident to prevent or minimise pollution or the threat of pollution. The Secretary of State’s Representative (SOSREP) may become formally involved and instigate an Operational Control Unit if this is warranted by the significance of the incident.\r\nIn the case of incidents in waters adjacent to Scotland, the Scottish Government, Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Scottish Natural Heritage, Scottish Environmental Protection Agency, Health Protection Scotland and the Food Standards Agency may also have responsibilities to provide advice and analysis depending on the nature and location of the polluting event. Primary responsibility for responding to any spill rests with the offshore operator, with the Maritime and Coastguard Agency responsible for implementing the National Contingency Plan if necessary to supplement the operator’s response.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-08T15:35:59.98","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271574,"EventID":"S4W-06656","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4934,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-10T15:36:00.087","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-10T11:12:28.123","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when (a) it, (b) Marine Scotland, (c) Scottish Natural Heritage and (d) the Scottish Environment Protection Agency was notified about the (i) oil leak from the Taqa Brata","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when (a) it, (b) Marine Scotland, (c) Scottish Natural Heritage and (d) the Scottish Environment Protection Agency was notified about the (i) oil leak from the Taqa Bratani Tern platform off Shetland and (ii) gas leak from the Total Shearwater platform in the Elgin field.\r\n","AnswerText":"Marine Scotland is a Directorate of the Scottish Government. It is copied into all formal notifications from oil and gas operators of an oil/chemical release in Scottish waters. In these cases these formal notifications were received on the afternoon of 20 March in relation to the Tern incident and the evening of 25 March in relation to the Elgin incident. Given the significance of the Elgin incident, Marine Scotland were also informed via the Emergency Response Team based in Aberdeen earlier on the same day. Other bodies, such as Scottish Natural Heritage and the Scottish Environment Protection Agency, are routinely notified if the nature and location of the incident warrants wider circulation of the information. These incidents took place outside 12 nautical miles and are therefore outwith the remit of Scottish Natural Heritage and the Scottish Environment Protection Agency.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-08T15:36:00.103","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271575,"EventID":"S4W-06657","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4934,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-10T15:36:00.18","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-10T11:12:28.123","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what environmental monitoring has taken place following the (a) oil leak from the Taqa Bratani Tern platform off Shetland and (b) gas leak from the Total Shearwater platf","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what environmental monitoring has taken place following the (a) oil leak from the Taqa Bratani Tern platform off Shetland and (b) gas leak from the Total Shearwater platform in the Elgin field.\r\n","AnswerText":"Environmental monitoring carried out following incidents on offshore installations is proportionate to the severity of the incident and the possible risks posed to the environment. The Tern incident related to oil released within a produced water discharge (currently estimated at approximately 13 tonnes of oil) rather than an oil spill. Due to weather conditions at the time, no samples could be taken. However, strong winds and wave heights of approximately 4 metres were conducive to rapidly dispersed the oil. Aerial surveillance flights were undertaken on 21 and 22 March and there was no sign of a sheen approximately 36 hours after the incident.\r\nThe Total gas leak, which was directly from the Elgin wellhead platform, and not the Shearwater platform, has resulted in a significant amount of gas being released to the atmosphere; and liquid condensate or waxy condensate also being released or washed into the sea. An Environment Group, chaired by Marine Scotland and comprising representatives from the Department of Energy and Climate Change, the Health and Safety Executive, the Maritime and Coastguard Agency, the Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Health Protection Scotland and Total, has been formed for this incident. The Environment Group provides environmental advice to the Government Interest Group following review of all relevant data. Activity by Total includes daily surveillance flights, atmospheric surveys and ongoing sampling of the release and condensate “slick”. Activity by Marine Scotland includes the collection and analysis of seawater, sediment and fish samples. The Environment Group’s review of the current situation has been published on the Scottish Government and DECC websites.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-08T15:36:00.18","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271576,"EventID":"S4W-06658","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1860,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-10T15:36:00.29","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-10T12:51:07.65","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive for (a) how many and (b) what percentage of sailings per month there has been a waiting list on the Islay - Kennacraig route since January 2007.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive for (a) how many and (b) what percentage of sailings per month there has been a waiting list on the Islay - Kennacraig route since January 2007.\r\n","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally or by CalMac Ferries Ltd.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-04-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-08T15:36:00.29","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271577,"EventID":"S4W-06659","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1860,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-10T15:36:00.383","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-10T12:51:07.65","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive for (a) how many and (b) what percentage of sailings per month there has been a waiting list on the Castlebay - Oban route since January 2007.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive for (a) how many and (b) what percentage of sailings per month there has been a waiting list on the Castlebay - Oban route since January 2007.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-06658 on 24 April 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-04-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-08T15:36:00.383","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271578,"EventID":"S4W-06660","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1860,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-10T15:36:00.463","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-10T12:52:47.82","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive for (a) how many and (b) what percentage of sailings per month there has been a waiting list on the Lochboisdale - Oban route since January 2007.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive for (a) how many and (b) what percentage of sailings per month there has been a waiting list on the Lochboisdale - Oban route since January 2007.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-06658 on 24 April 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-04-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-08T15:36:00.463","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271579,"EventID":"S4W-06662","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1860,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-10T15:36:00.54","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-10T12:53:56.71","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive for (a) how many and (b) what percentage of sailings per month there has been a waiting list on the Lochmaddy - Uig route since January 2007.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive for (a) how many and (b) what percentage of sailings per month there has been a waiting list on the Lochmaddy - Uig route since January 2007.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-06658 on 24 April 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-04-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-08T15:36:00.557","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271580,"EventID":"S4W-06664","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1860,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-10T15:36:00.65","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-10T12:54:53.54","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive for (a) how many and (b) what percentage of sailings per month there has been a waiting list on the Tarbert - Uig route since January 2007.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive for (a) how many and (b) what percentage of sailings per month there has been a waiting list on the Tarbert - Uig route since January 2007.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-06658 on 24 April 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-04-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-08T15:36:00.667","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271581,"EventID":"S4W-06666","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1860,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-10T15:36:00.76","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-10T12:56:05.83","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive for (a) how many and (b) what percentage of sailings per month there has been a waiting list on the Stornoway - Ullapool route since January 2007.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive for (a) how many and (b) what percentage of sailings per month there has been a waiting list on the Stornoway - Ullapool route since January 2007.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-06658 on 24 April 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-04-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-08T15:36:00.76","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271595,"EventID":"S4O-00879","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":4016,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":133,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-11T14:00:23.443","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-28T12:38:34.897","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many acres of farmland it estimates will be affected by the proposed changes to the Water Environment (Controlled Activities) (Scotland) Regulations 2011.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many acres of farmland it estimates will be affected by the proposed changes to the Water Environment (Controlled Activities) (Scotland) Regulations 2011.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-09T14:00:23.663","MeetingDate":"2012-04-19T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271596,"EventID":"S4O-00880","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2610,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-11T14:00:23.787","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-28T12:38:35.007","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what recent discussions it has had with local authorities on the issue of staff pay and conditions.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what recent discussions it has had with local authorities on the issue of staff pay and conditions.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-09T14:00:23.787","MeetingDate":"2012-04-19T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271597,"EventID":"S4O-00881","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":4938,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-11T14:00:23.897","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-28T12:38:35.037","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to help new graduates acquire jobs in their chosen fields of study.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to help new graduates acquire jobs in their chosen fields of study.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-09T14:00:23.897","MeetingDate":"2012-04-19T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271598,"EventID":"S4O-00882","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":4964,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-11T14:00:23.973","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-28T12:38:35.07","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has made an assessment of the likely impact of UK Government welfare reforms on carers in Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has made an assessment of the likely impact of UK Government welfare reforms on carers in Scotland.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-09T14:00:23.973","MeetingDate":"2012-04-19T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271599,"EventID":"S4O-00883","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-11T14:00:24.053","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-28T12:38:35.1","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the decision was taken to relocate post-production staff in the forensic services.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the decision was taken to relocate post-production staff in the forensic services.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-09T14:00:24.053","MeetingDate":"2012-04-19T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271600,"EventID":"S4O-00884","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1961,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-11T14:00:24.13","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-28T12:38:35.147","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it expects to receive a report from NHS Lothian on its inquiry into its management culture.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it expects to receive a report from NHS Lothian on its inquiry into its management culture.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-09T14:00:24.13","MeetingDate":"2012-04-19T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271601,"EventID":"S4O-00885","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2134,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":82,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-11T14:00:24.223","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-28T12:38:35.21","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consideration has been given to the use of social impact bonds in the delivery of public services.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consideration has been given to the use of social impact bonds in the delivery of public services.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-09T14:00:24.24","MeetingDate":"2012-04-19T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271602,"EventID":"S4O-00886","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":5109,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":101,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-11T14:00:24.333","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-28T12:38:35.273","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to tackle graduate unemployment and underemployment.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to tackle graduate unemployment and underemployment.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-09T14:00:24.333","MeetingDate":"2012-04-19T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271603,"EventID":"S4O-00887","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":5110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":89,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-11T14:00:24.397","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-28T12:38:35.32","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many local authorities are committed to paying a living wage.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many local authorities are committed to paying a living wage.","AnswerText":"The current position in local authorities regarding implementation of the living wage is as follows:\r\nFive councils have confirmed that they already pay the current level of the living wage through their existing wage structures;\r\nNine councils have introduced the living wage;\r\nSix councils have stated that they will implement a living wage during 2012-13, and \r\nSeven councils have indicated their intention to consider introducing a living wage.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-04-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-09T14:00:24.397","MeetingDate":"2012-04-19T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Derek Mackay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271604,"EventID":"S4O-00888","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-11T14:00:24.473","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-28T12:38:35.413","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people aged between 20 and 24 are unemployed.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people aged between 20 and 24 are unemployed.","AnswerText":"Unemployment levels for 16 to 24 year olds in Scotland are published by the Office for National Statistics on a monthly basis, covering rolling quarters. The latest monthly figures were published on 18 April covering the period December to February 2012.\r\nEstimates for 20 to 24 year olds are only available on a quarterly basis from the disaggregated Labour Force Survey (LFS) datasets.\r\nBased on the latest available quarterly LFS data covering October to December 2011, it is estimated that 56,000 people aged 20 to 24 were unemployed in Scotland.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-04-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-09T14:00:24.473","MeetingDate":"2012-04-19T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Angela Constance","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271605,"EventID":"S4W-06625","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4951,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-11T14:17:32.957","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-03T00:17:14.823","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to improve road safety.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to improve road safety.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government is committed to improving road safety under the auspices of Scotland’s Road Safety Framework to 2020, the hallmark of which is collaborative working among the signatories to that partnership document. Transport Scotland helps steer this partnership work and also delivers specific initiatives such as engineering and enforcement solutions on the trunk road network; co-operation with local authorities on local initiatives such as 20mph zones and cycling safety, and education and media products for schools and the general public.\r\nReported road casualties in Scotland in 2010 were the lowest since records began.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-09T14:17:34.033","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271606,"EventID":"S4W-06627","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4951,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-11T14:17:34.127","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-03T00:17:14.823","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it supports farmers and local producers in Dumfries and Galloway.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it supports farmers and local producers in Dumfries and Galloway.\r\n","AnswerText":"Support for our agricultural industry is vital to ensure a vibrant food and drink economy in Scotland. We provide support in a variety of ways but primarily through the role of our local Rural Payments and Inspections Division offices. Dumfries and Galloway is served by two offices, located in Dumfries and Ayr, from where farmers and producers can access a range of advice and support, including:\r\nAccess to grant schemes – financial support for farmers and local producers is available through several funding schemes, including Single Farm Payment, Less Favoured Area Support Scheme, Land Managers Options, Food Processing, Marketing and Co-operation, and Rural Priorities\r\nAdvice and support on agricultural issues, including animal and plant health and Nitrate Vulnerable Zones\r\nAttendance by local officials at various public and stakeholder meetings on issues of interest to the local farming community, such as keeping farmers and producers in touch with possible changes through CAP reform.\r\nOfficials also work closely with Scotland’s Environmental and Rural (Delivery) Services partners, for example to combine inspections and visits, where appropriate, to reduce the number of inspections for rural businesses. There has been ongoing work with the Scottish Environment Protection Agency on achieving diffuse pollution targets in the area. Officials have been involved in meetings with local farmers to explain the Galloway Coastal Priority Catchment concept and what funding is available to help mitigate farm pollution.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-09T14:17:34.127","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271607,"EventID":"S4W-06628","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4951,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-11T14:17:34.207","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-03T00:17:14.823","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress is being made with the proposed merger between Barony College, Elmwood College, Oatridge College and the Scottish Agricultural College.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress is being made with the proposed merger between Barony College, Elmwood College, Oatridge College and the Scottish Agricultural College.\r\n","AnswerText":"Significant progress is being made by the colleges in developing their proposals to merge. The consultation exercise organised by the colleges closed on 7 May and I intend to give close consideration to all the responses. Separately, I have written to a wide range of stakeholders offering a further opportunity to provide comments on the proposed merger directly to me.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-09T14:17:34.22","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271608,"EventID":"S4W-06630","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4951,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-11T14:17:34.3","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-03T00:17:14.823","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what recent support it has given to community initiatives in (a) Dumfries and Galloway and (b) East Lothian.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what recent support it has given to community initiatives in (a) Dumfries and Galloway and (b) East Lothian.\r\n","AnswerText":"We have provided support for community transport initiatives in Dumfries and Galloway and East Lothian through the Bus Service Operators Grant in 2011-12. We have also recently announced £45,000 funding to the Community Transport Association to support community transport across Scotland.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-09T14:17:34.3","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271609,"EventID":"S4W-06632","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4951,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-11T14:17:34.377","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-03T00:17:14.823","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people will benefit from the additional funding for insulin pumps in (a) Dumfries and Galloway and (b) East Lothian.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people will benefit from the additional funding for insulin pumps in (a) Dumfries and Galloway and (b) East Lothian.\r\n","AnswerText":"The precise number of people living in Dumfries and Galloway and East Lothian who will receive a pump as a consequence of the additional funding is not centrally held. However, NHS boards are expected to meet the ministerial commitment to provide 25% of young people with type 1 diabetes with an insulin pump by March 2013.\r\nThe Scottish Government has therefore provided NHS boards with funding of £2.5 million to support the purchase of insulin pumps and associated consumables for people with type 1 diabetes in 2012-13.\r\nThis support is expected to make sure that children and young people with type 1 diabetes have access to life-changing insulin pumps therapy and ensure equitable provision across Scotland.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-09T14:17:34.393","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271610,"EventID":"S4W-06634","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4951,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-11T14:17:34.47","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-03T00:17:14.823","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what support it gives to the creative sector in (a) Dumfries and Galloway and (b) East Lothian.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what support it gives to the creative sector in (a) Dumfries and Galloway and (b) East Lothian.\r\n","AnswerText":"Creative Scotland, our national body for the arts, culture and the creative industries, has invested over £800,000 in East Lothian in 2011-12. This includes investment of £50,000 to upgrade and refurbish the main hall at the Brunton Theatre and £68,938 to the Lamp of Lothian Trust for the Lammermuir Festival 2012, part of the Year of Creative Scotland One Step Further programme. Creative Scotland has also invested over £950,000 in Dumfries and Galloway in 2011-12. This includes their commitment of £140,000 to its Place partnership with Dumfries and Galloway Council Creative Place Award to Wigtown and Creetown, and £12,000 for the opening event of the Big Burns Supper Festival, a new event which took place in January 2012.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-09T14:17:34.487","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271611,"EventID":"S4W-06635","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4951,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-11T14:17:34.55","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-03T00:17:14.823","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what improvements have been carried out on the (a) A75 and (b) A76 since 2007.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what improvements have been carried out on the (a) A75 and (b) A76 since 2007.\r\n","AnswerText":"Since 2007 the following improvements have been completed on the A75 and A76 trunk roads:\r\nA75 Overtaking Opportunities (comprising improvements at Planting End to Drumflower, Newton Stewart and Barfil to Bettyknowes)\r\nA75 Cairntop to Barlae\r\nA76 Glenairlie Improvement.\r\nIn addition to these, the procurement process for the A75 Dunragit Bypass commenced on 16 April 2012.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-09T14:17:34.563","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271612,"EventID":"S4W-06646","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4951,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-11T14:17:34.627","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-05T10:42:30.573","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what benefits it expects South Scotland to receive as a result of the 2014 Commonwealth Games.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what benefits it expects South Scotland to receive as a result of the 2014 Commonwealth Games.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government is committed to maximising the benefits to and creating a lasting legacy for the whole of Scotland from Glasgow hosting the 2014 Commonwealth Games. These benefits span the four themes of Active, Flourishing, Connected and Sustainable as set out in our Scotland-wide games legacy plan: A Games Legacy for Scotland.\r\nWe continue to work with our wide range of partners, including local authorities, to ensure individuals, groups, communities and businesses across Scotland get every possible benefit from these games and other major events coming to Scotland.\r\nMost recently, the Scottish Government announced a £10 million Legacy Fund to improve community facilities for sport and physical activity, and a £5 million youth employment initiative. More details of these will emerge later in the year. We have also made over £600,000 available to EventScotland which they will use to support local authorities who wish to hold Games for Scotland events this year and next. These events will encourage community involvement and participation in games-related activity. In addition, we are supporting the Scottish Community Development Centre who will work with local authorities to help a number of community organisations shape legacy activities in local neighbourhoods and achieve positive outcomes for the people within them.\r\nTo reflect what is going on nationally and locally, we have developed a web portal http://www.gameslegacyscotland.org/ which showcases the programmes and range of support provided across legacy activities. The portal is the key focal point for information on legacy and how to get involved.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-09T14:17:34.643","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Shona Robison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271613,"EventID":"S4W-06668","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-11T14:17:34.703","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-10T15:21:34","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to develop statutory guidance on minimum acoustic standards for school buildings similar to that for the rest of the UK.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to develop statutory guidance on minimum acoustic standards for school buildings similar to that for the rest of the UK.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has no such plans. The School Premises (General Requirements and Standards) (Scotland) Regulations 1967 give statutory requirements for school environmental conditions. This includes requirements for school environmental conditions. In addition, the Scottish Government’s current guidance School Design: Optimising the Internal Environment, Building Our Future, Scotland’s School Estate is intended to assist local authorities in the development of design brief documents for a range of environmental conditions in schools, including acoustics.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-09T14:17:34.703","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271614,"EventID":"S4W-06669","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-11T14:17:34.783","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-10T15:21:34","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether acoustic testing is carried out on all new school buildings before they open.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether acoustic testing is carried out on all new school buildings before they open.\r\n","AnswerText":"Responsibility for the design, construction and maintenance of schools rests with local authorities. It would be for them to consider whether acoustic testing is carried out on all new school buildings. However, our guidance School Design: Optimising the Internal Environment, building Our Future, Scotland’s School Estate recognises that acoustic testing is beneficial to most schemes and local authorities are encouraged to specify such testing as part of the design requirement.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-09T14:17:34.783","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271615,"EventID":"S4W-06670","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-11T14:17:34.843","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-10T15:21:34","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what requirements regarding acoustic standards does the Scottish Futures Trust set for applications to build new schools.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what requirements regarding acoustic standards does the Scottish Futures Trust set for applications to build new schools.\r\n","AnswerText":"The design, construction and maintenance of the school estate in Scotland are the statutory responsibility of the local authorities. The Scottish Futures Trust does not, therefore, receive applications to build new schools and as a consequence does not set requirements for acoustic standards in schools.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-09T14:17:34.843","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271616,"EventID":"S4W-06671","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-11T14:17:34.923","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-10T15:21:34","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether Building Bulletin 93 is taken into account when considering the design of schools.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether Building Bulletin 93 is taken into account when considering the design of schools.\r\n","AnswerText":"Responsibility for the design, construction and maintenance of schools rests with local authorities. It would be for them to consider whether Building Bulletin 93 is taken into account when considering the design of schools. We do, however, make extensive reference to the advice with regard to acoustics in schools provided in Building Bulletin 93 in the section on acoustic design included in our guidance, School Design: Optimising the Internal Environment, Building our Future: Scotland’s School Estate.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-09T14:17:34.923","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271617,"EventID":"S4W-06672","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-11T14:17:34.987","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-10T15:21:34","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information it has on whether (a) local authorities and (b) the Scottish Futures Trust consult educational audiologists when considering the design of schools. \r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information it has on whether (a) local authorities and (b) the Scottish Futures Trust consult educational audiologists when considering the design of schools. \r\n","AnswerText":"Responsibility for the design, construction and maintenance of schools rests with local authorities. It would be for them to consider whether to consult educational audiologists should they wish to do so. Neither the Scottish Government nor the Scottish Futures Trust therefore collect such information.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-09T14:17:35","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271618,"EventID":"S4W-06674","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-11T14:17:35.063","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-10T15:21:34","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive which schools meet the minimum standards recommended by Building Bulletin 93. \r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive which schools meet the minimum standards recommended by Building Bulletin 93. \r\n","AnswerText":"Responsibility for the design, construction and maintenance of schools rests with local authorities. The Scottish Government does not therefore collect such information.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-09T14:17:35.063","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271619,"EventID":"S4W-06675","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-11T14:17:35.127","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-10T16:19:03","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will provide a comparison of the fares charged by Western Ferries and Argyll Ferries. \r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will provide a comparison of the fares charged by Western Ferries and Argyll Ferries. \r\n","AnswerText":"Western Ferries and Argyll Ferries publish their fares online and information is available from Western Ferries’ website at http://www.western-ferries.co.uk/ and Argyll Ferries’ website at http://www.argyllferries.co.uk/.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-09T14:17:35.14","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271620,"EventID":"S4W-06677","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-11T14:17:35.203","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-10T16:19:03","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive which public service obligations in public service ferry contracts do not apply to commercial operators.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive which public service obligations in public service ferry contracts do not apply to commercial operators.\r\n","AnswerText":"Public Service Obligations are defined in the relevant EU legislation (Council Regulation No 3577/92) as “obligations which the Community shipowner in question, if he was considering his own commercial interest, would not assume or would not assume to the same extent or under the same conditions”.\r\nWe have in place a number of public service contracts for ferry services that apply public service obligations to the contracted operators. These obligations cover matters such as routes, frequencies, fares and discounts, performance standards and on-board services. We do not impose such obligations on commercial ferry operators.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-09T14:17:35.203","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271621,"EventID":"S4W-06679","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3896,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":97,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-11T14:17:35.283","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-11T12:11:10.287","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans are in place to create jobs during Homecoming 2014 and how it will ensure that the event will create jobs throughout Scotland.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans are in place to create jobs during Homecoming 2014 and how it will ensure that the event will create jobs throughout Scotland.\r\n","AnswerText":"Homecoming Scotland 2009 was a great success generating £53.7 million for the country and creating more than 1,500 full-time equivalent employment opportunities. Homecoming Scotland 2014 will aim to build on that success, with the delivery of an inspirational nationwide events programme and international tourism campaign that presents opportunities for economic growth and employment in communities the length and breadth of Scotland.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-09T14:17:35.283","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271622,"EventID":"S4W-06680","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3896,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":97,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-11T14:17:35.36","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-11T12:11:10.287","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it will manage accountability for spending public money when working with private companies during Homecoming 2014.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it will manage accountability for spending public money when working with private companies during Homecoming 2014.","AnswerText":"Robust mechanisms are in place to provide the necessary accountability and transparency needed for all public resources invested in Homecoming Scotland 2014. All organisations, including private companies involved in the delivery of events in the programme, will be required to show detailed budget plans as part of the application process. Progress updates against these plans will be provided to EventScotland’s Homecoming Scotland 2014 delivery team which will, in turn, keep Scottish Government officials updated.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-09T14:17:35.547","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271623,"EventID":"S4W-06681","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-11T14:17:35.623","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-11T14:10:01.26","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will provide a comparison of the fares charged by Pentland Ferries and Northlink Ferries.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will provide a comparison of the fares charged by Pentland Ferries and Northlink Ferries.\r\n","AnswerText":"NorthLink Ferries and Pentland Ferries publish their fares online and information is available from NorthLink Ferries’ website at: www.northlinkferries.co.uk and from Pentland Ferries’ website at: www.pentlandferries.co.uk.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-04-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-09T14:17:35.623","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271632,"EventID":"S4O-00889","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":3751,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":108,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-11T14:20:15.087","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-28T12:39:52.26","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what it is doing to promote culture and creativity abroad in the Year of Creative Scotland.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what it is doing to promote culture and creativity abroad in the Year of Creative Scotland.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-09T14:20:15.367","MeetingDate":"2012-04-19T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271633,"EventID":"S4O-00890","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":1841,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":120,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-11T14:20:15.6","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-28T12:39:52.29","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will provide an update on the Year of Creative Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will provide an update on the Year of Creative Scotland.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-09T14:20:15.6","MeetingDate":"2012-04-19T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271634,"EventID":"S4O-00891","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":5074,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":104,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-11T14:20:15.693","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-28T12:39:52.32","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how the annual Scotland Week event in North America helps promote Scottish business, tourism and culture.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how the annual Scotland Week event in North America helps promote Scottish business, tourism and culture.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-09T14:20:15.71","MeetingDate":"2012-04-19T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271635,"EventID":"S4O-00892","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-11T14:20:15.787","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-28T12:39:52.353","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its policy is on the location of public displays of significant historical artefacts found in Scotland.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its policy is on the location of public displays of significant historical artefacts found in Scotland.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-09T14:20:15.787","MeetingDate":"2012-04-19T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271636,"EventID":"S4O-00893","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":138,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-11T14:20:15.927","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-28T12:39:52.367","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether, in its response to the BBC Trust consultation, Delivering Quality First, it raised the issue of the share of licence fee income that is spent on Scottish program","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether, in its response to the BBC Trust consultation, Delivering Quality First, it raised the issue of the share of licence fee income that is spent on Scottish programming. \r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-09T14:20:15.927","MeetingDate":"2012-04-19T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271637,"EventID":"S4O-00894","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":3745,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":122,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-11T14:20:16.177","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-28T12:39:52.4","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what support it gives to heritage societies.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what support it gives to heritage societies.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-09T14:20:16.177","MeetingDate":"2012-04-19T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271638,"EventID":"S4O-00895","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":4952,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-11T14:20:16.257","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-28T12:39:52.447","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what support it provides for people who wish to purchase original pieces of Scottish craft from accredited producers.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what support it provides for people who wish to purchase original pieces of Scottish craft from accredited producers.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-09T14:20:16.257","MeetingDate":"2012-04-19T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271639,"EventID":"S4O-00896","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":4948,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-11T14:20:16.317","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-28T12:39:52.493","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what advice it provides to towns and villages whose historic built environment has fallen into disrepair.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what advice it provides to towns and villages whose historic built environment has fallen into disrepair.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-09T14:20:16.317","MeetingDate":"2012-04-19T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271640,"EventID":"S4O-00897","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":2674,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":99,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-11T14:20:16.397","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-28T12:39:52.54","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its policy is on exhibiting local artefacts in the area in which they are found.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its policy is on exhibiting local artefacts in the area in which they are found.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-09T14:20:16.397","MeetingDate":"2012-04-19T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271641,"EventID":"S4O-00898","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-11T14:20:16.473","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-28T12:39:52.587","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what support it will give to the Scottish Maritime Museum as part of the National Strategy for Scotland’s Museums and Galleries.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what support it will give to the Scottish Maritime Museum as part of the National Strategy for Scotland’s Museums and Galleries.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-09T14:20:16.473","MeetingDate":"2012-04-19T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271642,"EventID":"S4O-00899","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":2876,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-11T14:20:16.537","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-28T12:40:15.377","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will next meet Scottish Water.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will next meet Scottish Water.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-09T14:20:16.537","MeetingDate":"2012-04-19T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271643,"EventID":"S4O-00900","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":4014,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-11T14:20:16.613","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-28T12:40:15.423","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to fund road safety improvements on the A85.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to fund road safety improvements on the A85.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-09T14:20:16.613","MeetingDate":"2012-04-19T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271644,"EventID":"S4O-00901","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":1741,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-11T14:20:16.693","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-28T12:40:15.457","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people aged between 60 and 65 claim concessionary travel.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people aged between 60 and 65 claim concessionary travel.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-09T14:20:16.693","MeetingDate":"2012-04-19T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271645,"EventID":"S4O-00902","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":4955,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":105,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-11T14:20:16.77","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-28T12:40:15.473","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assessment it has made of the impact on homelessness in Scotland of UK welfare reforms.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assessment it has made of the impact on homelessness in Scotland of UK welfare reforms.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-09T14:20:16.77","MeetingDate":"2012-04-19T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271646,"EventID":"S4O-00903","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":2615,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":143,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-11T14:20:16.957","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-28T12:40:15.737","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to improve transport infrastructure in the west of Scotland.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to improve transport infrastructure in the west of Scotland.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-09T14:20:16.957","MeetingDate":"2012-04-19T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271647,"EventID":"S4O-00904","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":4941,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-11T14:20:17.02","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-28T12:40:15.863","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what improvements are being made in the regeneration of Glasgow’s infrastructure in preparation for the 2014 Commonwealth Games.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what improvements are being made in the regeneration of Glasgow’s infrastructure in preparation for the 2014 Commonwealth Games.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-09T14:20:17.02","MeetingDate":"2012-04-19T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271648,"EventID":"S4O-00905","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":3101,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-11T14:20:17.097","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-28T12:40:15.893","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what support it provides to encourage bus travel.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what support it provides to encourage bus travel.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-09T14:20:17.097","MeetingDate":"2012-04-19T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271649,"EventID":"S4O-00906","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":1892,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":134,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-11T14:20:17.177","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-28T12:40:15.923","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when work will commence on the construction of the Dunragit bypass on the A75.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when work will commence on the construction of the Dunragit bypass on the A75.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-09T14:20:17.177","MeetingDate":"2012-04-19T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271650,"EventID":"S4O-00907","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":1860,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-11T14:20:17.24","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-28T12:40:15.957","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what cost analysis was carried out prior to the ending of the road equivalent tariff for commercial vehicles travelling to the Western Isles.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what cost analysis was carried out prior to the ending of the road equivalent tariff for commercial vehicles travelling to the Western Isles.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-09T14:20:17.24","MeetingDate":"2012-04-19T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271651,"EventID":"S4O-00908","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":2487,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-11T14:20:17.317","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-28T12:40:15.987","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to support further investment in the economic infrastructure of south west Scotland.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to support further investment in the economic infrastructure of south west Scotland.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-09T14:20:17.333","MeetingDate":"2012-04-19T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271659,"EventID":"S4W-06682","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4016,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":133,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-12T15:23:47.423","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-12T09:57:47","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many patients have been discharged from hospital between 11 pm and 6 am in each month since 2007, broken down by hospital.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many patients have been discharged from hospital between 11 pm and 6 am in each month since 2007, broken down by hospital.\r\n","AnswerText":"Information on the time patients have been discharged from hospital is not collected centrally. Information on date of discharge is collected.\r\nDischarging patients during the night is not normal practice although there are instances when discharges during the night will be recorded e.g. deaths and removal to the mortuary are recorded as discharges, mothers who give birth during the night sometimes choose to go home. Patients may also discharge themselves against clinical advice.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-10T15:23:47.623","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271660,"EventID":"S4W-06683","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5047,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-12T15:23:47.717","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-12T10:06:52","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what preparations it has made in advance of the devolution of stamp duty; at what rate it will set the duty; how much it expects to raise, or whether it plans to abolish ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what preparations it has made in advance of the devolution of stamp duty; at what rate it will set the duty; how much it expects to raise, or whether it plans to abolish it.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government intends to consult shortly on proposals for a land transaction tax to be introduced in April 2015, in the expectation that the current system of Stamp Duty Land Tax will be withdrawn from that date in Scotland. We will consider the question of tax rates in due course.\r\nIn March 2012, the Office for Budget Responsibility published its forecasts for Stamp Duty Land Tax revenues in its report Economic and Fiscal Outlook, Scottish Tax Forecasts, available at http://budgetresponsibility.independent.gov.uk/economic-and-fiscal-outlook-march-2012/. Its forecast for Stamp Duty Land Tax revenue in Scotland for 2015-16, the year in which a land and property transaction tax will be introduced, is £480 million.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-04-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-10T15:23:47.717","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271661,"EventID":"S4W-06684","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5047,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-12T15:23:47.78","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-12T10:06:52","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to introduce a landfill tax when this is devolved and, if so, how much money it expects to raise from this.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to introduce a landfill tax when this is devolved and, if so, how much money it expects to raise from this.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government intends to consult later in the year on proposals for a tax on disposals to landfill to be introduced in April 2015, in the expectation that the current system of landfill tax will be withdrawn from that date in Scotland. We will consider the question of tax rates in due course.\r\nIn March 2012, the Office for Budget Responsibility published its forecasts for Landfill Tax revenues in its report Economic and Fiscal Outlook, Scottish Tax Forecasts. Its forecast for Landfill Tax revenue in Scotland for 2015-16, the year in which the tax on disposals to landfill tax will be introduced, is £151 million. \r\nhttp://budgetresponsibility.independent.gov.uk/economic-and-fiscal-outlook-march-2012/.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-04-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-10T15:23:47.78","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271666,"EventID":"S4W-06687","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4934,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-13T14:31:49.623","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-12T15:12:13","Title":"To ask Scottish Executive how it promotes female participation in sport.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask Scottish Executive how it promotes female participation in sport.\r\n","AnswerText":"This government firmly believes sport needs to be open to all. \r\nWe and sportscotland, our national agency for sport, and a number of organisations within NHS Health Scotland have identified women and girls as a group that are under-represented in sport and need more opportunities and targeted work in order to address their levels of fitness and general health.\r\nWe are investing over £3 million on physical activity projects including those aimed at groups furthest away from meeting the recommended physical activity guidelines to become more active through activities such as walking, jogging and swimming.\r\nWe are also keen to build on the success of projects that we have funded to date for teenage girls through the Active Schools programme which is delivering increased participation of girls through sport and dance.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-04-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-04-27T14:31:50","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Shona Robison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271667,"EventID":"S4W-06688","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5109,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":101,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-13T14:31:50.077","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-12T16:18:11","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many properties have been purchased through its shared equity schemes, and how many were subsequently sold, in each year since 2006.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many properties have been purchased through its shared equity schemes, and how many were subsequently sold, in each year since 2006.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government’s Low-cost Initiative for First Time Buyers (LIFT) brings together three shared equity schemes to help first time buyers access home ownership. The schemes are the Open Market Shared Equity Scheme, formerly known as Homestake (OMSE), the New Supply Shared Equity Scheme (NSSE), and the New Supply Shared Equity with Developers Scheme (NSSE with Developers). \r\nThe following table shows the number of properties purchased from 2006 onwards. While the number of properties subsequently sold in each year since 2006 is not readily available, the following information is provided on the total number of shared equity sales for each year.\r\n\r\nYear\r\n*NSSE\r\n\r\nNSSE with Developers (commenced in 2010/11)\r\nOMSE\r\nTotal\r\n2006-07\r\n313 (0)\r\nN/A\r\n523 (1)\r\n836   (1)\r\n2007-08\r\n389 (1)\r\nN/A \r\n654 (10)\r\n1043 (11)\r\n2008-09\r\n483 (0)\r\nN/A \r\n512 (16) \r\n995   (16)\r\n2009-10\r\n582 (1)\r\nN/A \r\n1459 (13)\r\n2041 (14)\r\n2010-11\r\n223 (8)\r\n85 (0)\r\n579 (27)\r\n887   (35)\r\nNote:\r\n*This information is recorded on the Sales Log monitoring database from returns completed by registered social landlords.\r\nFigures for 2011-12 will be available at the end of May 2012.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-04-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-04-27T14:31:50.077","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271668,"EventID":"S4W-06689","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-13T14:31:50.17","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-13T12:55:21","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it encourages the (a) ownership and (b) use of electric cars.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it encourages the (a) ownership and (b) use of electric cars.\r\n","AnswerText":"Electric Vehicles (EVs) are a central part of the Scottish Government's commitment to achieving almost total decarbonisation of road transport by 2050. Over the past two years, the Scottish Government has invested over £8 million in electric vehicles and infrastructure for Scottish public sector. This has enabled Scotland’s public services to purchase around 270 low carbon vehicles, including cars, vans and street sweepers, and install around 240 charging points across the country, with a further 170 charging points to be installed during 2012-13.\r\nCharging infrastructure has been installed via the UK Government’s Plugged in Places (PiP) scheme, which has brought £2.25 million of linked funding into Scotland. The first round in 2011-12 focussed on locating electric vehicle charging points to support the developing fleet of public-sector electric vehicles, in 2012-13 we are continuing to work with the public sector and others to expand the network of charging infrastructure to include more publicly available locations such as park-and-ride sites, leisure centre car parks and on-street locations. Other plans for 2012-13 include creation of a Scottish PIP website with information on how to purchase electric vehicles and charging point locations.\r\nIn addition, we also fund a Low Carbon Loan Scheme operated by the Energy Saving Trust. This provides interest free loans of £500 to £50,000 to support organisations that want to reduce the carbon impact and fuel costs of their transport with more efficient alternatives, including the purchase of low carbon vehicles.\r\nOn 28 March we launched the E-cosse partnership which brings together Transport Scotland with car manufacturers, power companies, local authorities, Scottish Enterprise and WWF Scotland to advance wholesale adoption of EVs and maximise the opportunities for them to become an essential part of Scotland’s sustainable transport system. The partnership will not only educate motorists on the many benefits of driving an EV, but also find ways of making them a more realistic and accessible option wherever possible.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-04-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-04-27T14:31:50.17","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271669,"EventID":"S4W-06690","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-13T14:31:50.25","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-13T12:55:21","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much it plans to spend on the (a) technological and (b) network development of electric cars (i) nationally and (ii) in Lothian in each of the next three years. \r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much it plans to spend on the (a) technological and (b) network development of electric cars (i) nationally and (ii) in Lothian in each of the next three years. \r\n","AnswerText":"Through the Future Transport Fund we will invest £16.7 million across Scotland over the next three years in activities to support the uptake of electric and other low carbon vehicles, including green buses, and the installation of charging infrastructure: in 2012-13  £1 million, plus an additional £1.45 million in linked funding from the UK Government through the Plugged in Places Scheme; in 2013-14 £4.5 million, and in 2014-15 £9.75 million.\r\nThe allocation of funding is still under consideration. \r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-04-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-04-27T14:31:50.25","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271670,"EventID":"S4W-06691","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-13T14:31:50.373","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-13T12:55:21","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether contributions to the Your Scotland, Your Referendum Facebook page are counted as submissions to the consultation.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether contributions to the Your Scotland, Your Referendum Facebook page are counted as submissions to the consultation.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Your Scotland, Your Referendum Facebook page was created to stimulate discussion about the referendum and encourage responses to the consultation. Contributions to the Facebook page will not be counted as submissions to the consultation.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-04-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-04-27T14:31:50.373","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Bruce Crawford","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271671,"EventID":"S4W-06692","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-13T14:31:50.483","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-13T13:22:43","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what funding has been allocated from the Electric Vehicle Procurement Support Scheme.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what funding has been allocated from the Electric Vehicle Procurement Support Scheme.\r\n","AnswerText":"Every local authority in Scotland and their community planning partners received funding (£8 million in total) over 2010-11 and 2011-12 to buy low carbon vehicles and install supportive infrastructure.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-04-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-04-27T14:31:50.483","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271672,"EventID":"S4F-00598","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":5009,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-16T14:25:35.78","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-12T11:07:45.86","Title":"To ask the First Minister what issues will be discussed at the next meeting of the Cabinet.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what issues will be discussed at the next meeting of the Cabinet.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-04-30T14:25:38.51","MeetingDate":"2012-04-19T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271673,"EventID":"S4F-00605","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":4976,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-16T14:25:38.743","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-16T12:20:05","Title":"To ask the First Minister when he will next meet the Prime Minister.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister when he will next meet the Prime Minister.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-04-30T14:25:38.743","MeetingDate":"2012-04-19T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271674,"EventID":"S4F-00606","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":2345,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":128,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-16T14:25:38.79","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-16T12:42:15","Title":"To ask the First Minister what recent discussions the Scottish Government has had with NHS Ayrshire and Arran about allegations of criminal deception by members of its staff.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what recent discussions the Scottish Government has had with NHS Ayrshire and Arran about allegations of criminal deception by members of its staff.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-04-30T14:25:38.79","MeetingDate":"2012-04-19T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271675,"EventID":"S4F-00608","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":2080,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":87,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-16T14:25:38.963","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-16T13:08:51.587","Title":"To ask the First Minister what engagements he has planned for the rest of the day.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what engagements he has planned for the rest of the day.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-04-30T14:25:38.963","MeetingDate":"2012-04-19T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271676,"EventID":"S4F-00610","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":4964,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-16T14:25:38.993","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-16T12:21:44","Title":"To ask the First Minister what representations the Scottish Government has received from charities and other organisations regarding the UK Government’s planned abolition of council tax benefit.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what representations the Scottish Government has received from charities and other organisations regarding the UK Government’s planned abolition of council tax benefit.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-04-30T14:25:39.01","MeetingDate":"2012-04-19T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271677,"EventID":"S4F-00614","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":5034,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-16T14:25:39.18","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-16T13:52:05.747","Title":"To ask the First Minister what plans the Scottish Government has to deal with an increase in the number of female offenders, in light of the recent report by the Commission on Women Offenders.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what plans the Scottish Government has to deal with an increase in the number of female offenders, in light of the recent report by the Commission on Women Offenders.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-04-30T14:25:39.18","MeetingDate":"2012-04-19T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271689,"EventID":"S4W-06693","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-16T16:57:57.643","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-16T09:58:50","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people the Scottish Environment Protection Agency has employed in each year since 2007, broken down by (a) region and (b) division with responsibility for waste.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people the Scottish Environment Protection Agency has employed in each year since 2007, broken down by (a) region and (b) division with responsibility for waste.","AnswerText":"This is a matter for the Scottish Environment Protection Agency. The information requested is not held centrally.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-04-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-04-30T16:57:58.143","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271690,"EventID":"S4W-06694","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-16T16:57:58.22","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-16T09:58:50","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many waste disposal permits it has issued for (a) hazardous, (b) non-hazardous and (c) inert waste in each year since 2007, broken down by region.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many waste disposal permits it has issued for (a) hazardous, (b) non-hazardous and (c) inert waste in each year since 2007, broken down by region.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Ministers have no powers to issue waste management licences. Applications for such licences are made to the Scottish Environment Protection Agency.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-04-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-04-30T16:57:58.237","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271691,"EventID":"S4W-06695","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-16T16:57:58.3","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-16T09:58:50","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive for how many applications for waste disposal permits the Scottish Environment Protection Agency has changed the classification in each year since 2007.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive for how many applications for waste disposal permits the Scottish Environment Protection Agency has changed the classification in each year since 2007.","AnswerText":"This is a matter for the Scottish Environment Protection Agency. The information requested is not held centrally.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-04-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-04-30T16:57:58.317","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271692,"EventID":"S4W-06696","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-16T16:57:58.393","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-16T09:58:50","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many prosecutions the Scottish Environment Protection Agency has initiated against waste-disposal operators for wrongful (a) disposal and (b) classification of waste ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many prosecutions the Scottish Environment Protection Agency has initiated against waste-disposal operators for wrongful (a) disposal and (b) classification of waste in each year since 2007.\r\n","AnswerText":"This is a matter for the Scottish Environment Protection Agency. The information requested is not held centrally.\r\nInformation on SEPA’s enforcement activity, including cases reported to the Procurator Fiscal, is set out in their annual enforcement reports, which are available at http://www.sepa.org.uk/about_us/publications/enforcement_reports.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-04-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-04-30T16:57:58.393","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271693,"EventID":"S4W-06697","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-16T16:57:58.47","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-16T09:58:50","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what sanctions are available to the Scottish Environment Protection Agency in relation to landfill operators breaching licence conditions.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what sanctions are available to the Scottish Environment Protection Agency in relation to landfill operators breaching licence conditions.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Environment Protection Agency, as waste regulation authority, has powers under sections 38 and 59 of the Environmental Protection Act 1990 to revoke or suspend waste management licences and to require the removal of unlawfully deposited waste. The Pollution Prevention and Control (Scotland) Regulations 2000, which apply to landfill activities, provide powers for SEPA to serve enforcement notices, revoke or suspend permits and to prevent and remedy pollution. These are backed by criminal sanctions. SEPA carries out its enforcement activities in line with its published policy.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-04-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-04-30T16:57:58.47","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271694,"EventID":"S4W-06698","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-16T16:57:58.55","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-16T09:58:50","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many landfill operators have been penalised for breaching licence conditions in each year since 2007.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many landfill operators have been penalised for breaching licence conditions in each year since 2007.\r\n","AnswerText":"This is a matter for the Scottish Environment Protection Agency. The information requested is not held centrally.\r\nInformation on SEPA’s enforcement activity is set out in their annual enforcement reports, which are available at: http://www.sepa.org.uk/about_us/publications/enforcement_reports.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-04-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-04-30T16:57:58.55","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271695,"EventID":"S4W-06699","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-16T16:57:58.61","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-16T09:58:50","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to provide the Scottish Environment Protection Agency with further powers to deal with breaches of licence conditions.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to provide the Scottish Environment Protection Agency with further powers to deal with breaches of licence conditions.","AnswerText":"We intend to consult shortly on creating a range of proportionate and flexible enforcement options for SEPA focused on securing compliance in the most effective way depending on the circumstances.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-04-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-04-30T16:57:58.627","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271696,"EventID":"S4W-06700","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":131,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-16T16:57:58.69","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-16T11:03:24.593","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many affordable homes it expects to be constructed annually as a result of the additional £87 million allocated to the affordable housing budget in February 2012.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many affordable homes it expects to be constructed annually as a result of the additional £87 million allocated to the affordable housing budget in February 2012.","AnswerText":"The additional £87 million announced on 8 February will be invested in affordable and energy efficient homes and will also support jobs in the construction industry. It will enable the Government to exceed the target of 30,000 affordable homes by accelerating projects and expanding schemes over the spending review period.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-04-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-04-30T16:57:58.69","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271697,"EventID":"S4W-06701","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2108,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":141,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-16T16:57:58.767","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-16T12:11:24","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to replace modern apprenticeships in the gas industry.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to replace modern apprenticeships in the gas industry.","AnswerText":"Energy and Utility Skills, the Sector Skill Council for the gas industry, are currently developing new qualifications which will be submitted to the Scottish Qualification Authority for accreditation in due course.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-04-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-04-30T16:57:58.767","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angela Constance","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271698,"EventID":"S4W-06702","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2108,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":141,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-16T16:57:58.847","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-16T12:11:24","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the new gas qualifications will be accredited to replace modern apprenticeships in the gas industry.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the new gas qualifications will be accredited to replace modern apprenticeships in the gas industry.\r\n","AnswerText":"Modern apprenticeships in the gas industry are not being replaced. Energy and Utility Skills, the Sector Skill Council for the gas industry, are currently developing new qualifications which will be submitted to the Scottish Qualification Authority for accreditation. It will be for Energy and Utility Skills to consult with employers about the development of a modern apprenticeship framework including the new qualifications.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-04-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-04-30T16:57:58.847","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angela Constance","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271699,"EventID":"S4W-06703","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2108,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":141,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-16T16:57:58.907","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-16T12:11:24","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to ensure that the work carried out by the Alliance of Sector Skills Councils continues following its closure.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to ensure that the work carried out by the Alliance of Sector Skills Councils continues following its closure.","AnswerText":"The Alliance of Sector Skills Councils will continue to work on a UK-wide basis. In its revised form the alliance will continue to position SSCs effectively by:\r\nPromoting SSCs as the primary voice of employers on skills issues\r\nRepresenting SSCs’ interests in skills policy and strategy development\r\nArticulating the collective impact of SSCs\r\nServing as a single point of contact for external partners and stakeholders\r\nKeeping members abreast of relevant strategic developments.\r\nThe UK Commission for Employment and Skills are producing Sector Skills Assessments (SSAs) containing sectoral information at the Scottish level.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-04-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-04-30T16:57:58.907","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angela Constance","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271700,"EventID":"S4W-06704","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2108,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":141,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-16T16:57:58.987","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-16T12:11:24","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive where it, employers, colleges and others will obtain sectoral labour market information when the Alliance of Sector Skills Councils closes.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive where it, employers, colleges and others will obtain sectoral labour market information when the Alliance of Sector Skills Councils closes.\r\n","AnswerText":"The UK Commission for Employment and Skills are currently producing Sector Skills Assessments (SSAs) containing sectoral information at the Scottish level.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-04-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-04-30T16:57:58.987","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angela Constance","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271706,"EventID":"S4W-06523","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-17T14:30:24.58","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-29T14:42:32.523","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S4W-05476 by Kenny MacAskill on 5 March 2012, whether it will ensure that the details of the number of pregnant women who are referred ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S4W-05476 by Kenny MacAskill on 5 March 2012, whether it will ensure that the details of the number of pregnant women who are referred to a children's hearing or the Scottish Children's Reporter because of drug abuse are recorded separately from the referrals of children and young people.\r\n","AnswerText":"This is an operational matter for the Principal Reporter of the Scottish Children’s Reporter Administration(SCRA ). Referrals to the Reporter and to children’s hearings are made in respect of individual children, not of their parents, expectant parents or other family members, and the data reporting reflects that. The Principal Reporter intends to write to the member to arrange a more detailed discussion on SCRA data and research.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-04-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-01T14:30:24.797","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271707,"EventID":"S4W-06524","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-17T14:30:24.953","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-29T14:42:32.523","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to ensure that the practice of placing patients in wards belonging to other specialties is (a) abolished for patients with dementia or learning di","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to ensure that the practice of placing patients in wards belonging to other specialties is (a) abolished for patients with dementia or learning difficulties and (b) minimised for all other patients, and, where the practice is carried out, how it ensures that hospitals limit it to one ward or unit.\r\n","AnswerText":"Clinical decisions on ward placements and moves will be informed by best practice and by relevant standards and guidelines, including the standards of care for dementia published last year.\r\nI asked the Chief Nursing Officer to undertake a programme of work with health boards and others to give greater assurance on the quality of the organisation and delivery of care and treatment for older people in acute general hospitals. To complement this initiative, earlier this year Healthcare Improvement Scotland began a programme of inspections into the care of older people, including those with dementia, in acute general hospital settings.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-04-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-01T14:30:24.953","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271708,"EventID":"S4W-06526","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-17T14:30:25.033","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-29T14:42:32.523","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is aware of the advice that was given to the Scottish Grocers' Federation arguing that it is legal to sell different sizes of multipacks of alcohol at discount","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is aware of the advice that was given to the Scottish Grocers' Federation arguing that it is legal to sell different sizes of multipacks of alcohol at discounted prices provided that the retailer does not sell single containers of the same size and type contained in multipacks and, if so, when it became aware of this.\r\n","AnswerText":"The provisions of section 2 of the Alcohol etc. (Scotland) Act 2010 that limit discounts by setting a minimum price for packages containing more than one alcoholic product are applicable only where each alcoholic product in the package is available for sale individually on the premises.\r\nThis is clear from the legislation itself, the explanatory notes and the statutory guidance that supports the act. Accordingly that is the advice that has been offered to traders affected by the legislation.\r\nThe Scottish Government has been clear that to have full effect these provisions need to be supported by the setting of a minimum price for a unit of alcohol.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-04-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-01T14:30:25.033","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271709,"EventID":"S4W-06531","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-17T14:30:25.093","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-03-29T14:42:32.523","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what licensing board data have been made publicly available since September 2009 and whether it is aware of any problems arising in relation to this information.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what licensing board data have been made publicly available since September 2009 and whether it is aware of any problems arising in relation to this information.\r\n","AnswerText":"The statistics collected by the Scottish Executive on the work of liquor licensing boards are available on-line at:\r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Statistics/Browse/Crime-Justice/PubLiquor.\r\nThe collection was discontinued between 2008 and 2009 during the transition period to a new legislative framework as a result of implementing the Licensing (Scotland) 2005 Act. The latest published figures for 2010-11 reflect the first full year of operation under the new licensing arrangements which came into force in September 2009. Most local authority licensing boards have put in place new IT systems to manage the implementation of the 2005 act and there may be issues of comparability until a longer run of data becomes available. At this stage, it is difficult to meaningfully compare these figures over time due to changes in the way licences are being administered under current licensing arrangements (for instance, single licences for premises which were previously subject to multiple licences, and registered clubs coming under the responsibility of licensing boards rather than sheriff courts).\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-04-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-01T14:30:25.11","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271710,"EventID":"S4W-06705","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2108,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":141,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-17T14:30:25.187","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-16T13:03:55.083","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information it holds on the number of families who have adopted in each of the last 10 years.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information it holds on the number of families who have adopted in each of the last 10 years.\r\n","AnswerText":"Data on the number of families who have adopted in each of the last 10 years is not held centrally.\r\nThe total number of adoptions from 2002 to 2010 is 3,886 including familial adoptions.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-01T14:30:25.187","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Aileen Campbell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271711,"EventID":"S4W-06706","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2108,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":141,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-17T14:30:25.25","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-16T13:03:55.083","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information it holds on the number of families who have been unsuccessful in adopting in each of the last 10 years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information it holds on the number of families who have been unsuccessful in adopting in each of the last 10 years.","AnswerText":"Data on the number of families who have been unsuccessful in adopting in each of the last 10 years is not held centrally.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-01T14:30:25.25","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Aileen Campbell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271712,"EventID":"S4W-06707","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2108,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":141,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-17T14:30:25.33","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-16T13:03:55.083","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many adoptions have broken down in each of the last 10 years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many adoptions have broken down in each of the last 10 years.","AnswerText":"Data on the number of adoptions that have broken down in each of the last 10 years is not held centrally.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-01T14:30:25.33","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Aileen Campbell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271713,"EventID":"S4W-06708","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2108,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":141,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-17T14:30:25.407","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-16T13:03:55.083","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it monitors post-adoption support for families.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it monitors post-adoption support for families.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government does not routinely monitor the delivery of post adoption support. This is the responsibility of each local authority. However, the Scottish Government is currently reviewing the Adoption Services Plans provided by local authorities in advance of the forth coming children’s legislation, in part to determine whether changes are needed to how adopters are supported.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-01T14:30:25.407","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Aileen Campbell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271714,"EventID":"S4W-06709","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2108,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":141,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-17T14:30:25.483","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-16T13:03:55.083","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it considers that adopted children and young people should continue to be regarded as looked after.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it considers that adopted children and young people should continue to be regarded as looked after.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government’s priority for all children who are at risk of, or are in care is to provide them with a safe, stable, nurturing and permanent home at the earliest opportunity.\r\nFor children whose needs are best met by being adopted, the Adoption and Children (Scotland) Act 2007 makes clear the need to assess and provide for the ongoing needs of each child.\r\nWhere this is done well a child should not need to be subject to further corporate parenting.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-01T14:30:25.483","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Aileen Campbell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271715,"EventID":"S4W-06710","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2108,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":141,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-17T14:30:25.563","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-16T13:03:55.083","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many adopted children receive support in accessing education.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many adopted children receive support in accessing education.","AnswerText":"The Adoption and Children (Scotland) Act 2007 requires local authorities to assess the need for support, including accessing education.\r\nMonitoring of this is a matter for local authorities and this information is not held centrally.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-01T14:30:25.563","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angela Constance","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271716,"EventID":"S4W-06711","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2108,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":141,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-17T14:30:25.623","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-16T13:03:55.083","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress it is making in its Review of The Unified Voluntary Sector Fund and Other Funds 2011-12.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress it is making in its Review of The Unified Voluntary Sector Fund and Other Funds 2011-12.","AnswerText":"The Expert Group, chaired by Julia Swan, has now submitted its report and recommendations to the Minister for Children and Young People. The Scottish Government’s response to the report will be published in due course.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-04-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-01T14:30:25.623","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Aileen Campbell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271717,"EventID":"S4W-06712","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2108,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":141,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-17T14:30:25.703","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-16T13:03:55.083","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its position is on the importance of core funding for organisations such as Adoption UK Scotland.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its position is on the importance of core funding for organisations such as Adoption UK Scotland.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government recognises the important contribution that the third sector makes to supporting our economic recovery, creating employment and skills opportunities as well as improving public services and supporting communities. There is a range of support provided by the Scottish Government to third sector bodies to support their business activities and development, some of which support core costs.\r\nApproximately £7 million a year has been made available through the Unified Voluntary Sector Fund (UVSF) since 2004 to support such third sector bodies; this includes Adoption UK Scotland.\r\nThe UVSF has recently been reviewed and the Review Group’s report and recommendations are now with the Minister for Children and Young People. The Scottish Government’s response to this report will be published in due course.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-01T14:30:25.703","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Aileen Campbell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271718,"EventID":"S4W-06713","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-17T14:30:25.78","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-17T10:25:54.937","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, in light of the report, Announced Inspection Report - care for older people in acute hospitals: Western Infirmary, what recording of movement of patients is undertaken i","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, in light of the report, Announced Inspection Report - care for older people in acute hospitals: Western Infirmary, what recording of movement of patients is undertaken in hospitals as part of routine data collection and what monitoring of such recording is carried out other than by the Healthcare Environment Inspectorate.\r\n","AnswerText":"The recording of movement of older patients within hospitals will be in line with best clinical practice and relevant standards and guidelines, including the Standards of Care for Dementia in Scotland, published in June 2011. The standards require boards to ensure that “systems are in place to monitor the number of moves people with dementia are subjected to while in hospital”. These Standards complement guidance on moves within hospital, Preparing for Winter 2011-12, issued in October 2011.\r\nNHS boards are responsible for monitoring moves within hospital locally in line with the standards. The Scottish Government collects boarding data, as described in Preparing for Winter 2011-2012.\r\nThe recording of movement of older people within hospitals is an area that will be inspected against by Healthcare Improvement Scotland as part of the current programme of inspections into the care of older people in hospitals.\r\nPrior to inspection, NHS boards are required to carry out a self-assessment, which includes assessing their practice against the eight core standards for people with dementia in hospitals set out in Standards of Care for Dementia in Scotland. Inspection teams will inspect against these core standards.\r\nThe Scottish Government has set up a national Implementation and Monitoring Group to oversee the implementation in hospitals of the dementia standards, in order to ensure that all strands of this work are joined up and to monitor progress.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-04-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-01T14:30:25.78","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271719,"EventID":"S4W-06715","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-17T14:30:25.843","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-17T10:25:54.937","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many (a) telephone operators and (b) telecoms managers NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde employs.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many (a) telephone operators and (b) telecoms managers NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde employs.","AnswerText":"The exact information is not centrally held. However published information showing whole time equivalent and headcount for administrative services Staff is available on the National Services Scotland, Information Services Division website at the following link: http://www.isdscotland.org/Health-Topics/Workforce/Overall-Staff-and-Turnover/.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-04-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-01T14:30:25.843","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271720,"EventID":"S4W-06716","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-17T14:30:25.92","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-17T10:25:54.937","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its position is on the validity of the research by Dr Alexandros Zangelidis of the University of Aberdeen on the success of the free eye test policy introduced in 20","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its position is on the validity of the research by Dr Alexandros Zangelidis of the University of Aberdeen on the success of the free eye test policy introduced in 2006.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Final Report is not due to be published until early August 2012, subject to successful peer review. We will consider the findings, once the final report is published, to help us ensure that eye care policies continue to meet the needs of the people of Scotland.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-04-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-01T14:30:25.92","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271721,"EventID":"S4W-06717","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-17T14:30:26","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-17T10:25:54.937","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it last issued guidance about the movement of patients with dementia or cognitive impairment in general hospitals for reasons other than their clinical condition.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it last issued guidance about the movement of patients with dementia or cognitive impairment in general hospitals for reasons other than their clinical condition.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-06713 on 26 April 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-04-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-01T14:30:26","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271722,"EventID":"S4W-06718","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-17T14:30:26.06","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-17T10:25:54.937","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what (a) monitoring and (b) reporting was required of acute hospitals in respect of guidance issued on the movement of patients to different wards in hospitals.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what (a) monitoring and (b) reporting was required of acute hospitals in respect of guidance issued on the movement of patients to different wards in hospitals.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-06713 on 26 April 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-04-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-01T14:30:26.077","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271723,"EventID":"S4W-06719","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-17T14:30:26.14","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-17T10:25:54.937","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has issued guidance recommending that a single ward or unit be used for transfers of patients with cognitive impairment.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has issued guidance recommending that a single ward or unit be used for transfers of patients with cognitive impairment.","AnswerText":"While we have not issued specific guidance on the type of ward or unit to be used for transfers of patients with cognitive impairment, the organisation of care for all people with cognitive impairment will be informed by best clinical practice; and for dementia patients by the Standards of Care for Dementia in Scotland, which describe the standards required in all hospitals to ensure that care for all people with dementia, regardless of setting, is safe, effective and person-centred.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-04-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-01T14:30:26.14","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271724,"EventID":"S4W-06720","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-17T14:30:26.217","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-17T10:25:54.937","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive to what extent the movement of patients between wards is reflected in the (a) levels of delayed discharges and (b) length of time that patients deemed fit for discharge a","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive to what extent the movement of patients between wards is reflected in the (a) levels of delayed discharges and (b) length of time that patients deemed fit for discharge are unable to leave hospital.","AnswerText":"The national delayed discharge census does not collect information on any movement of patients prior to discharge, it collects the setting and principal reason for delay on the day of the census.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-04-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-01T14:30:26.217","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271725,"EventID":"S4W-06722","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-17T14:30:26.297","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-17T10:25:54.937","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to ensure that repeat prescriptions are separated into those that are needed (a) on a continuous basis and (b) from time to time.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to ensure that repeat prescriptions are separated into those that are needed (a) on a continuous basis and (b) from time to time.","AnswerText":"It is for the prescriber to determine the which products are marked as repeat items and the frequency of supply. This includes whether the supply is continuous or as and when required.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-04-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-01T14:30:26.297","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271726,"EventID":"S4W-06723","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-17T14:30:26.373","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-17T10:25:54.937","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many hospital departments have derogation from the European working time directive for junior doctors, broken down by (a) hospital and (b) post.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many hospital departments have derogation from the European working time directive for junior doctors, broken down by (a) hospital and (b) post.\r\n","AnswerText":"No hospital departments or Doctors in Training have any derogations from the Working Time Regulations.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-04-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-01T14:30:26.373","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271727,"EventID":"S4W-06724","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-17T14:30:26.45","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-17T10:25:54.937","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether, in considering whether to continue the programme to detect cardiac anomalies in young athletes, it will ensure that provisional redundancy notices do not have to","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether, in considering whether to continue the programme to detect cardiac anomalies in young athletes, it will ensure that provisional redundancy notices do not have to be issued to staff.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has made funding available which will allow the programme to continue until the end of this year.\r\nA report from the CAYA programme will then allow us, working with the University of Glasgow and the Scottish Football Association to consider the next steps.\r\nWhile this is underway, I can confirm that the Cardiac Assessment of Young Athletes programme (CAYA) has no plans to issue provisional redundancy notices to its staff.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-04-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-01T14:30:26.45","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271728,"EventID":"S4W-06725","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-17T14:30:26.53","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-17T10:25:54.937","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of patients in care homes is prescribed antipsychotic medication and whether all such patients were initially given treatments other than medication.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of patients in care homes is prescribed antipsychotic medication and whether all such patients were initially given treatments other than medication.","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally.\r\nThe dementia standards state that NHS boards must ensure that systems are in place to ensure that capacity to consent to treatment (including the prescribing of psychoactive medication) is considered and that appropriate documentation is in place, in line with Part 5 of The Adults With Incapacity (Scotland) Act 2000.\r\nThey also state that services must demonstrate knowledge of whether the person with dementia has appointed someone as their welfare power of attorney or if there is a welfare guardian; and that any challenging behaviour must always be addressed by means of an integrated assessment to establish the cause and put a care plan in place to manage it, in line with the relevant SIGN clinical guidelines.\r\nWe have a specific commitment in the national dementia strategy to reduce the inappropriate prescribing of psychoactive medication, in recognition of the fact that this is a key driver in helping the reconfiguration of service provision and the range of response in this key area – and ensuring that care is at all times safe, appropriate and person-centred. We are currently considering the findings and recommendations of an academic report we commissioned into time trends in the prescribing of antipsychotic and other psychotropic medications to older people with dementia between 2001-11 and the report will inform a commitment to reduce inappropriate prescribing of psychoactive medication to be finalised this year.\r\nThe report shows that, based on its sample and methodology, since 2009 there has been a decline in the initiation of new antipsychotics and a moderately decreasing trend in antipsychotic use. The report shows that in the first quarter of 2011 the rate of older people with dementia being prescribed an antipsychotic is the lowest level over the entire 2001-11 period.\r\nOn publication, a copy of the report will be placed in Scottish Parliament Information Centre (Bib. number 53915).\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-01T14:30:26.53","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271729,"EventID":"S4W-06726","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-17T14:30:26.593","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-17T10:25:54.937","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of patients with a diagnosis of dementia has been prescribed antipsychotic medication in (a) care homes and (b) the general population in each of the last","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of patients with a diagnosis of dementia has been prescribed antipsychotic medication in (a) care homes and (b) the general population in each of the last five years.","AnswerText":"This information not held centrally.\r\nWe are currently considering the findings and recommendations of an academic report we commissioned into time trends in the prescribing of antipsychotic and other psychotropic medications to older people with dementia between 2001-11. The report will inform a commitment to reduce inappropriate prescribing of psychoactive medication to be finalised this year.\r\nOn publication, a copy of the report will be placed in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre (Bib. number 53915).\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-01T14:30:26.593","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271730,"EventID":"S4W-06728","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-17T14:30:26.67","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-17T10:25:54.937","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what research has been done in Scotland into the reasons for GPs prescribing antipsychotic medication in care homes.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what research has been done in Scotland into the reasons for GPs prescribing antipsychotic medication in care homes.\r\n","AnswerText":"As part of Scotland’s National Dementia Strategy, we commissioned an academic report into time trends in the prescribing of antipsychotic and other psychotropic medication to older people with dementia between 2001-11. This report includes an analysis of the national and wider factors influencing such prescribing trends by GPs and other medical professionals.\r\nWe are currently considering the report’s findings and recommendations and they will inform a commitment to reduce inappropriate prescribing of psychoactive medication for dementia to be finalised this year.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-04-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-01T14:30:26.67","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271731,"EventID":"S4W-06729","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-17T14:30:26.747","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-17T10:25:54.937","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what advice it has issued to GPs on (a) when antipsychotic medication should be prescribed to residents of care homes and (b) which medication to prescribe.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what advice it has issued to GPs on (a) when antipsychotic medication should be prescribed to residents of care homes and (b) which medication to prescribe.","AnswerText":"The prescribing of antipsychotic medications in care homes and other settings will be informed by best clinical practice and by national SIGN guideline 86 on the management of patients with dementia, which includes evidence-based recommendations on interventions to manage challenging behaviour symptoms which can be associated with dementia. This guideline was reviewed in 2009. In addition, there were two major regulatory warnings, in 2004 and 2009, which cautioned that antipsychotics were associated with an increased risk of stroke and death in people with dementia. Evidence shows that both warnings had a effect on prescribing by GPs.\r\nThe dementia standards, published last year, state that NHS boards must ensure that systems are in place to ensure that capacity to consent to treatment (including the prescribing of psychoactive medication) is considered and that appropriate documentation is in place, in line with Part 5 of The Adults With Incapacity (Scotland) Act 2000. The Act says that if the person cannot give valid consent then the view of any proxy decision maker (a welfare power of attorney or welfare guardian) should be sought. A certificate of incapacity must be completed under section 47 of the AWI when someone lacks capacity to consent – this certificate authorised treatment and ensure treatment is given lawfully.\r\nThey also state that services must demonstrate knowledge of whether the person with dementia has appointed someone as their welfare power of attorney or if there is a welfare guardian, and that any challenging behaviour must always be addressed by means of an integrated assessment to establish the cause and put a care plan in place to manage it, in line with the relevant SIGN clinical guidelines.\r\nWe have a specific commitment in the national dementia strategy to reduce the inappropriate prescribing of psychoactive medication. We are currently considering the findings and recommendations of an academic report we commissioned into time trends in the prescribing of antipsychotic and other psychotropic medications to older people with dementia between 2001-11 and the report will inform a commitment to reduce inappropriate prescribing of psychoactive medication to be finalised this year.\r\nClinical decision-making in individual cases is taken by the relevant professional, and of course there are cases when the prescribing of psychoactive medication is appropriate and the best treatment option at that particular time, particularly when psychotic symptoms manifest themselves in behaviour which cannot be managed without medication. For example such drugs may be helpful for some in relieving symptoms such as agitation, delusions or hallucinations, and, although there are risks, where the prescribing of psychoactive medication is appropriate, clinical decision-making will always need to weigh any risk against the risks around not prescribing.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-04-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-01T14:30:26.747","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271732,"EventID":"S4W-06730","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-17T14:30:26.827","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-17T10:25:54.937","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has considered establishing a register of all medical implants.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has considered establishing a register of all medical implants.","AnswerText":"Establishment of a register of all medical implants will be considered when the recommendations of the reviews led by Lord Howe and Sir Bruce Keogh are published.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-04-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-01T14:30:26.827","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271733,"EventID":"S4W-06731","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-17T14:30:26.89","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-17T10:25:54.937","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it will ensure that all patients in Scotland who have had metal on metal hip replacements that are the subject of advice from the Medicines and Healthcare products Re","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it will ensure that all patients in Scotland who have had metal on metal hip replacements that are the subject of advice from the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) are contacted.","AnswerText":"NHS boards have been asked to confirm that they have implemented the advice from the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Authority.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-04-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-01T14:30:26.903","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271734,"EventID":"S4W-06732","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-17T14:30:26.983","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-17T10:25:54.937","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how, when approving new housing development, community planning partnerships are required to ensure that there is or will be sufficient capacity in the primary health and","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how, when approving new housing development, community planning partnerships are required to ensure that there is or will be sufficient capacity in the primary health and social services to cope with the workload associated with the new population.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-01T14:30:26.983","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271735,"EventID":"S4W-06733","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-17T14:30:27.06","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-17T10:25:54.937","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has considered seeking access to the NHS whistleblowing helpline available in England and Wales as an alternative to establishing one in Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has considered seeking access to the NHS whistleblowing helpline available in England and Wales as an alternative to establishing one in Scotland.","AnswerText":"As advised in my response to your additional question S4W-06383 on 24 April 2012, the Scottish Workforce and Staff Governance Committee have considered the issue of a helpline and concluded that it was not required at that stage. However, I will ask them to revisit the issue of a helpline in light of implementation of the new Implementing and Reviewing Whistleblowing Arrangements in NHSScotland Partnership Information Network (PIN) Policy and report back to me before the end of the year.\r\nAll answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-04-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-01T14:30:27.06","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271736,"EventID":"S4W-06734","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-17T14:30:27.123","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-17T10:25:54.937","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the Health and Environmental Sustainability Framework will be published and whether it be a (a) consultation or (b) final document.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the Health and Environmental Sustainability Framework will be published and whether it be a (a) consultation or (b) final document.","AnswerText":"An initial draft health and environment sustainability framework - Towards Healthier and More Environmentally Sustainable Food and Drink in Scotland - was published in December 2011. The framework was developed to explore ways to join up decision making on health and environmental sustainability in food and drink. This concept is at an early stage and, consequently the framework was published as a draft to seek views on the approach taken. Comments received on the draft were due by 30 April. The views received on the draft framework will be used to inform the way forward for the document’s development.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-01T14:30:27.123","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271737,"EventID":"S4W-06735","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-17T14:30:27.2","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-17T10:25:54.937","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what evidence base is to be referenced in the Health and Environmental Sustainability Framework to meet the stated objective of using \"the latest research evidence to lin","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what evidence base is to be referenced in the Health and Environmental Sustainability Framework to meet the stated objective of using \"the latest research evidence to link our environmental goals to our food and nutritional goals\".","AnswerText":"A range of evidence sources were used to develop the draft health and environment sustainability framework – Towards Healthier and More Environmentally Sustainable Food and Drink in Scotland. The sources of evidence used are referenced in the background document. An online survey sought views on the framework and feedback on additional evidence.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-01T14:30:27.2","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271738,"EventID":"S4W-06736","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-17T14:30:27.263","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-17T10:25:54.937","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how the current dietary targets will be combined with environmental sustainability goals for consumers in the Health and Environmental Sustainability Framework.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how the current dietary targets will be combined with environmental sustainability goals for consumers in the Health and Environmental Sustainability Framework.\r\n","AnswerText":"National dietary and sustainability targets and goals are integral to Scotland’s National Food and Drink Policy and underpin the draft framework – Towards Healthier and More Environmentally Sustainable Food and Drink in Scotland. During development of the next iteration of the framework, ways in which to communicate the dietary and environmental sustainability goals will be considered along with the views received from an online survey that closed on 30 April 2012.\r\nIt is hoped that decision makers will use the framework and see the business benefits of integrating health and environmental sustainability in their decision making. In doing so, use of the framework may help to contribute towards health and environmental targets and goals.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-01T14:30:27.28","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271739,"EventID":"S4W-06742","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-17T14:30:27.34","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-17T10:25:54.937","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Care Inspectorate examines how often GPs review antipsychotic medication prescribed to care home residents and whether this is recorded in the care home case ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Care Inspectorate examines how often GPs review antipsychotic medication prescribed to care home residents and whether this is recorded in the care home case notes.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Care Inspectorate does not routinely examine how often GPs review antipsychotic medication prescribed to care home residents and its recording. Both might be examined by the Care Inspectorate’s pharmacy advisers if there are specific concerns in a care home about overuse of psychoactive medication. In addition, during complaints investigations, review of psychoactive medication might be looked at if relevant to the complaint.\r\nWe have a specific commitment in the national dementia strategy to reduce the inappropriate prescribing of psychoactive medication. We are currently considering the findings and recommendations of an academic report we commissioned into time trends in the prescribing of antipsychotic and other psychotropic medications to older people with dementia between 2001-11 and the report will inform a commitment to reduce inappropriate prescribing of psychoactive medication to be finalised this year.\r\nOn publication, a copy of the report will be placed in The Scottish Parliament Information Centre (Bib. number 53915).\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-01T14:30:27.357","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271740,"EventID":"S4W-06747","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2066,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-17T17:09:54.587","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-17T13:35:35.933","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will set out the details of the planned road equivalent tariff pilot for the Gigha, Colonsay and Islay services from October 2012.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will set out the details of the planned road equivalent tariff pilot for the Gigha, Colonsay and Islay services from October 2012.\r\n","AnswerText":"We are in the process of putting arrangements in place for the road equivalent tariff pilot for the Gigha, Colonsay and Islay services, including specific details of fare levels to be applied. Details of additional annual subsidy levels required are therefore not available at this stage. The road equivalent tariff pilot will include all services between Islay and the Scottish mainland and fares will be the same for all services between Islay and Kennacraig. Information about fare levels will be made available in good time for the pilot to begin in autumn 2012.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-01T17:09:54.727","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271741,"EventID":"S4W-06748","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2066,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-17T17:09:54.837","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-17T13:35:35.933","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what additional annual subsidy will be required for the road equivalent tariff pilot for the Gigha, Colonsay and Islay services from October 2012.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what additional annual subsidy will be required for the road equivalent tariff pilot for the Gigha, Colonsay and Islay services from October 2012.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-06747 on 1 May 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-01T17:09:54.837","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271742,"EventID":"S4W-06749","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2066,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-17T17:09:54.917","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-17T13:35:35.933","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether fares under the road equivalent tariff pilot from October 2012 will be different on the Kennacraig to Port Ellen route to those on the Kennacraig to Port Askaig r","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether fares under the road equivalent tariff pilot from October 2012 will be different on the Kennacraig to Port Ellen route to those on the Kennacraig to Port Askaig route.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-06747 on 1 May 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-01T17:09:54.917","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271743,"EventID":"S4W-06750","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2066,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-17T17:09:54.993","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-17T13:35:35.933","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether road equivalent tariff (RET) fares will apply to the Oban to Port Askaig service under the planned extension of the RET pilot scheme from October 2012.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether road equivalent tariff (RET) fares will apply to the Oban to Port Askaig service under the planned extension of the RET pilot scheme from October 2012.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-06747 on 1 May 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-01T17:09:54.993","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271744,"EventID":"S4W-06751","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2066,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-17T17:09:55.057","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-17T13:35:35.933","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the fares under the road equivalent tariff pilot on the Gigha, Colonsay and Islay services from October 2012 will be (a) lower than, (b) equal to or (c) higher th","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the fares under the road equivalent tariff pilot on the Gigha, Colonsay and Islay services from October 2012 will be (a) lower than, (b) equal to or (c) higher than the unit prices of the current multi-journey tickets.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-06747 on 1 May 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-01T17:09:55.07","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271745,"EventID":"S4W-06752","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2066,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-17T17:09:55.133","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-17T13:35:35.933","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what additional subsidy will be provided to ferry operators as a result of the increased harbour dues to be levied by Caledonian Maritime Assets Ltd.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what additional subsidy will be provided to ferry operators as a result of the increased harbour dues to be levied by Caledonian Maritime Assets Ltd.\r\n","AnswerText":"Caledonian Maritime Assets Ltd (CMAL) harbour dues were increased in line with inflation in April 2012. Under the terms of their public service contracts with the Scottish Ministers, CalMac Ferries Ltd and Argyll Ferries Ltd can receive increased subsidies in respect of increases in the harbour dues levied by CMAL, local authorities and independent harbour trusts. This is in recognition that these costs are outside the control of the operator.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-01T17:09:55.15","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271746,"EventID":"S4W-06753","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2066,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-17T17:09:55.213","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-17T13:35:35.933","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consultancy costs have been incurred in relation to the Draft Ferries Plan.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consultancy costs have been incurred in relation to the Draft Ferries Plan.","AnswerText":"The total cost for consultancy fees incurred in relation to the Draft Ferries Plan is expected to be in the region of £53,000.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-01T17:09:55.213","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271747,"EventID":"S4W-06754","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2066,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-17T17:09:55.307","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-17T13:35:35.933","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what role it envisages a ferry regulator would perform and whether it would be responsible for guaranteeing services and fare levels if there were a debundling of the Cly","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what role it envisages a ferry regulator would perform and whether it would be responsible for guaranteeing services and fare levels if there were a debundling of the Clyde and Hebrides ferry services network.","AnswerText":"As noted in the Draft Ferries Plan, published on 21 December 2011, we recognise that for services not currently provided under contract to the Scottish Government or another public body, a Ferries Regulator could regulate the pricing and provision of services. The Draft Ferries Plan also indicates however that, regardless of any plans to encourage greater competition, it is unlikely that we would wish to leave any of the lifeline routes to be run without a contract.\r\nFurther details on the need for a Ferries Regulator will be made available in the Final Ferries Plan, to be published later in 2012.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-01T17:09:55.307","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271748,"EventID":"S4W-06755","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2066,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-17T17:09:55.383","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-17T13:35:35.933","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the reduction in fuel usage has been for the MV Finlaggan compared with the MV Isle of Arran.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the reduction in fuel usage has been for the MV Finlaggan compared with the MV Isle of Arran.","AnswerText":"The MV Finlaggan has a much increased carry capacity compared to the MV Isle of Arran so any direct comparison of fuel usage would be misleading. Despite only being some 5m longer, the MV Finlaggan can carry 25% more cars, 19% more passengers and, most significantly, 2.5 times more freight (by weight) than the MV Isle of Arran. The additional power requirements associated with this increased capacity mean that the MV Finlaggan consumes more fuel on the Kennacraig-Islay route than the MV Isle of Arran.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-01T17:09:55.383","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271749,"EventID":"S4W-06756","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2066,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-17T17:09:55.447","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-17T13:35:35.933","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will publish the needs-based assessment of the Gourock to Dunoon route carried out as part of its review of ferry services.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will publish the needs-based assessment of the Gourock to Dunoon route carried out as part of its review of ferry services.","AnswerText":"As noted in the Draft Ferries Plan, we are absolutely committed to providing a ferry service that meets the needs of users on the Gourock to Dunoon town centre to town centre route. Following a fair and open tendering process, the contract awarded in 2011 was the best that could be achieved within very clear European Commission restrictions that only allow for subsidy of a passenger service on this route. Although we appreciate that providing a vehicle service was not a viable option for tenderers, we were disappointed not to be able to continue the vehicle and passenger service. Our clear policy preference is that the service should carry both vehicles and passengers. We will continue to look at more options to achieve that and to improve the overall service and facilities.\r\nAlso as noted in the Draft Ferries Plan, where we have sufficiently robust data, we have applied our needs-based assessment to all main communities. For the Gourock to Dunoon route we did not have sufficient information to allow us to apply the methodology in full. We have, however, been able to establish that the town centre to town centre route is consistent with a commuting dependency.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-01T17:09:55.447","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271750,"EventID":"S4W-06757","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2066,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-17T17:09:55.54","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-17T13:35:35.933","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the road equivalent tariff (RET) pilot will be extended to the service provided by Argyll Ferries and whether RET fares will apply to the service provided by Western","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the road equivalent tariff (RET) pilot will be extended to the service provided by Argyll Ferries and whether RET fares will apply to the service provided by Western Ferries.","AnswerText":"The Draft Ferries Plan states that we intend to rollout RET to all lifeline ferry services. Where we are not responsible for the delivery of these services we will discuss the appropriate form and timing of any roll-out with those who are, e.g. local authorities or commercial operators. The timing of this action has still to be agreed.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-01T17:09:55.557","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271751,"EventID":"S4W-06758","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2066,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-17T17:09:55.633","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-17T13:35:35.933","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to proposals to award free travel to Jura residents who access mainland services via Islay, whether it will extend this to the residents of Iona, Shetland and Or","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to proposals to award free travel to Jura residents who access mainland services via Islay, whether it will extend this to the residents of Iona, Shetland and Orkney who also access mainland services via another island.\r\n","AnswerText":"Our needs-based assessment concluded that residents of Orkney and Shetland’s outlying islands access their services respectively from Orkney and Shetland mainland rather than the Scottish mainland.\r\nWe have confirmed that RET will be rolled out to Islay from autumn 2012. As noted in the Draft Ferries Plan, Islay and Jura are part of the same island group. We therefore want to ensure that residents of Jura have equal access to the Scottish mainland set of services. Offering free travel on the Jura to Islay leg of an onward journey to the mainland therefore provides a more consistent approach when managing the implementation of RET.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-01T17:09:55.65","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271752,"EventID":"S4W-06759","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2066,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-17T17:09:55.727","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-17T13:35:35.933","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures it plans to introduce to encourage competition for the provision of ferry services.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures it plans to introduce to encourage competition for the provision of ferry services.","AnswerText":"Our approach to ferry services will be set out in the final Ferries Plan which will be consistent with EU procurement, competition and State Aid rules.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-01T17:09:55.727","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271753,"EventID":"S4W-06760","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2066,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-17T17:09:55.803","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-17T13:35:35.933","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the accessibility fund referred to in the \tDraft Ferries Plan will be made available to all ferry operators.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the accessibility fund referred to in the \tDraft Ferries Plan will be made available to all ferry operators.","AnswerText":"As stated in the Draft Ferries Plan, we will develop this approach further for the Final Ferries Plan.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-01T17:09:55.803","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271772,"EventID":"S4W-06743","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-18T14:11:24.91","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-17T10:26:01","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the criteria are for organisations to receive funding from the CashBack for Communities programme.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the criteria are for organisations to receive funding from the CashBack for Communities programme.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Proceeds of Crime Act allows the Scottish Government to seize illegal gains from organised crime and uniquely, through the highly successful CashBack for Communities initiative, invest the ill-gotten gains of crime into community programmes, facilities and activities largely for young people to the ultimate benefit of Scottish communities including those affected by crime and anti-social behaviour.\r\nThe key factors that we take into account are that projects must deliver outcomes that build better, safer, healthier communities, improve facilities and run projects that simply would not have existed otherwise. That gives our young people positive, purposeful and constructive opportunities to contribute to Scottish society.\r\nI am rightly proud to be able to say that through CashBack, we have invested over £45 million to benefit over 600,000 young people and the communities they live in.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-02T14:11:25.143","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271773,"EventID":"S4W-06744","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-18T14:11:25.223","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-17T10:26:01","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much funding has been provided to organisations by the CashBack for Communities programme in each of the last five years, broken down by local authority area,\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much funding has been provided to organisations by the CashBack for Communities programme in each of the last five years, broken down by local authority area,\r\n","AnswerText":"Since the inception of Cashback for Communities in 2007, over £45 million recovered under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 has been invested or fully committed to a wide range of community projects and facilities throughout Scotland, directly benefitting over 600,000 young people.\r\nCashBack funding is not allocated on a geographical basis. Rather, the Scottish Government allocates available funds to partner organisations, who are responsible for running projects across Scotland; delivering outcomes to give our young people positive, purposeful and constructive opportunities to contribute to Scottish society.\r\nThe following table shows the amount of investment spent or committed to our national partner organisations since Cashback began in 2007, through to March 2014.\r\nDescription of Activity\r\nReceived (£)\r\nAllocation (£)\r\nSporting Activities and Facilities\r\n\r\n\r\n - Scottish Football Association\r\n3,325,000\r\n10,436,000\r\n - Scottish Rugby Union\r\n2,115,000\r\n4,941,000\r\n - Scottish Sports Futures\r\n1,842,000\r\n3,237,000\r\n - Badminton Scotland\r\n336,000\r\n336,000\r\n - Scottish Squash and Racquetball\r\n228,000\r\n228,000\r\n - Tennis Scotland\r\n149,000\r\n149,000\r\n - Scottish Hockey\r\n316,000\r\n316,000\r\n - Scottish Athletics\r\n228,500\r\n228,500\r\n - Basketball Scotland\r\n526,300\r\n1,100,000\r\n - SportScotland\r\n1,986,000\r\n3,456,000\r\nCultural Activities\r\n\r\n\r\n - Creative Identities\r\n2,093,000\r\n3,593,000\r\nYouth Organisations\r\n\r\n\r\n - Youth Scotland \r\n950,000\r\n1,000,000\r\n - Youthlink Scotland\r\n7,080,000\r\n8,080,000\r\nEarly Years\r\n\r\n\r\n - Go Play (Angus Council and Tayside\r\nPolice)\r\n70,000\r\n350,000\r\nCommunity-based Projects\r\n\r\n\r\n - Working on Wheels\r\n50,000\r\n150,000\r\n - Inspiring Scotland\r\n378,000\r\n2,250,000\r\nMentoring and Youth Development\r\n\r\n\r\n - Mentoring\r\n250,000\r\n500,000\r\n - Personal Development Partnership\r\n1,132,000\r\n1,814,000\r\nOther community commitments\r\n\r\n\r\n - Princes Trust Development Awards\r\n100,000\r\n300,000\r\n - Scottish Communities League Cup\r\n1,000,000\r\n1,000,000\r\n - No Knives Better Lives\r\n500,000\r\n500,000\r\n - Ongoing support costs\r\n384,000\r\n1,354,000\r\n - STV Appeal / Child Poverty Appeal\r\n631,500\r\n631,500\r\nTotals\r\n25,670,000\r\n45,950,000\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-02T14:11:25.223","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271774,"EventID":"S4W-06745","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-18T14:11:25.3","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-17T10:26:01","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how much has been seized under proceeds of crime legislation in each year since 2003.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive  how much has been seized under proceeds of crime legislation in each year since 2003.\r\n","AnswerText":"The total amount of money secured by the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (including both the Serious and Organised Crime Division and Civil Recovery Unit) through the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002, broken down per year is as follows:\r\n2003 – 04\r\n£2,191,175\r\n2004 – 05\r\n£2,348,846\r\n2005 – 06\r\n£4,835,541\r\n2006 – 07\r\n£6,120,955\r\n2007 – 08\r\n£5,547,492\r\n2008 – 09\r\n£6,332,081\r\n2009 – 10\r\n£5,510,558\r\n2010 - 11\r\n£25,851,094\r\nTotal\r\n£58,737,742\r\nNote: These figures include confiscation orders made by criminal courts (as sought by Serious and Organised Crime Division), civil orders of court (following application on behalf of the Scottish Ministers by Civil Recovery Unit to recover assets unlawfully obtained) and cash seizures supervised by the Civil Recovery Unit.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-04-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-02T14:11:25.3","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lesley Thomson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271775,"EventID":"S4W-06746","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-18T14:11:25.363","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-17T10:26:01","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether money seized under proceeds of crime legislation is being used to fund the 2012 Scottish Open golf championship and, if so, how much.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether money seized under proceeds of crime legislation is being used to fund the 2012 Scottish Open golf championship and, if so, how much.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government recently announced that it will contribute £2 million over the next three years through to 2014, to support the Scottish Open Golf Championship. This includes a contribution of £125,000 a year over the three years from the CashBack for Communities Programme to provide children with opportunities to experience and receive golf coaching through the ClubGolf scheme. ClubGolf is Scotland’s junior golf programme which is delivering its Ryder Cup pledge by introducing children to golf and supporting the early development of young golfers through structured coaching.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-02T14:11:25.363","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271776,"EventID":"S4W-06761","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4080,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-18T14:11:25.457","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-17T16:12:24","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S4W-06501 by Michael Matheson on 17 April 2012, what statistics it holds on access to dental health services for prisoners before 1 Nov","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S4W-06501 by Michael Matheson on 17 April 2012, what statistics it holds on access to dental health services for prisoners before 1 November 2011. \r\n","AnswerText":"I have asked John Ewing, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service, to respond. His response is as follows:\r\nInformation on prisoners waiting times are contained in the SPS Prisoner Surveys. These are published on the SPS website which can be accessed at http://www.sps.gov.uk/Publications/publications.aspx?PublicationCategory=Research&view3order=&view3direction=&dosearch=y.\r\nPrior to 1 November 2011, SPS had a dental services standard “Health Care Standard 9”, which can also be accessed on the SPS website http://www.sps.gov.uk/Publications/Publication-3268.aspx. In 2010-11, compliance against health care standard 9 ranged between 78 to 100% compliant. Seven Establishments demonstrated 100% compliance. Dental health services are now a matter for NHS health boards.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-04-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-02T14:11:25.457","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271777,"EventID":"S4W-06762","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4080,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-18T14:11:25.533","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-17T16:12:24","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S4W-06502 by Michael Matheson on 17 April 2012, what percentage of prisoners received regular routine dental check-ups in each of the f","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S4W-06502 by Michael Matheson on 17 April 2012, what percentage of prisoners received regular routine dental check-ups in each of the five years up to 1 November 2011, broken down by prison. \r\n","AnswerText":"I have asked John Ewing, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service, to respond. His response is as follows:\r\nThis information is not available.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-04-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-02T14:11:25.533","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271778,"EventID":"S4W-06763","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4080,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-18T14:11:25.627","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-17T16:12:24","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S4W-06503 by Michael Matheson on 17 April 2012, what frequency of routine dental health check-up, on average, prisoners were offered in","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S4W-06503 by Michael Matheson on 17 April 2012, what frequency of routine dental health check-up, on average, prisoners were offered in the five year period to 1 November 2011, broken down by prison.\r\n","AnswerText":"I have asked John Ewing, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service, to respond.  His response is as follows:\r\nThis information is not available.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-04-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-02T14:11:25.643","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271779,"EventID":"S4W-06764","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4080,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-18T14:11:25.707","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-17T16:12:24","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S4W-06504 by Michael Matheson on 17 April 2012, what the average waiting time was for prisoners with non-routine dental health issues t","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S4W-06504 by Michael Matheson on 17 April 2012, what the average waiting time was for prisoners with non-routine dental health issues to access a dentist in the five year period to 1 November 2011. ","AnswerText":"I have asked John Ewing, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service, to respond. His response is as follows:\r\nSPS did not hold data on non – routine dental health issues separately from data on all dental services issues.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-04-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-02T14:11:25.707","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271780,"EventID":"S4W-06766","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4934,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-18T14:11:25.783","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-17T16:54:20","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when (a) work will begin on the third inspection of the Forth Road Bridge main cables to assess the strength of the cables and the effectiveness of the dehumidification s","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when (a) work will begin on the third inspection of the Forth Road Bridge main cables to assess the strength of the cables and the effectiveness of the dehumidification system and (b) the related report will be published.","AnswerText":"Work on the third internal inspection of the main cables has already begun. Preparatory work began in November 2011 and work on site began on schedule in March 2012. Initial findings are expected to be published in early 2013.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-02T14:11:25.783","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271781,"EventID":"S4W-06767","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4934,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-18T14:11:25.893","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-17T16:54:20","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the predicted closure schedule is for the Forth Road Bridge during work to replace and augment the main cables.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the predicted closure schedule is for the Forth Road Bridge during work to replace and augment the main cables.\r\n","AnswerText":"The need for any remedial works will be assessed as appropriate in light of the results of the dehumidification of the main cables. Any requirement for future closures of the Forth Road Bridge after the Forth Replacement Crossing is complete will be considered at that time.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-02T14:11:25.91","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271782,"EventID":"S4W-06768","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4934,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-18T14:11:25.97","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-17T16:54:20","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what estimated costs will arise from closure of the Forth Road Bridge during future cable replacement or augmentation; what methodology was used to calculate this figure,","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what estimated costs will arise from closure of the Forth Road Bridge during future cable replacement or augmentation; what methodology was used to calculate this figure, and what body (a) developed the methodology and (b) calculated the costs.","AnswerText":"Specific consultants were engaged by Forth Estuary Transport Authority as part of the 2007 feasibility study to estimate the likely costs and economic impacts of cable replacement. These specialists determined the methodologies used and carried out the calculations.\r\nIn order to assess the likely economic impact of such a project, transport planners carried out traffic modelling and analysed this in conjunction with data provided by Transport Scotland and the Department for Transport. This indicated that the cost of a weekday carriageway closure in terms of travel delays was in the order of £650,000 per day. Based on these figures, the total estimated “travel time disbenefit” costs were £335 million.\r\nEconomic development consultants were engaged to assess the wider effects of bridge restrictions on business and employment. To achieve this, they carried out a survey of the business and employment community in Fife, Edinburgh, the Lothians and the Forth Valley. They concluded that major maintenance works on the Forth Road Bridge over a sustained period, involving lane and carriageway closures, would potentially result in economic output falling by around £1 billion, a drop in turnover in excess of £1.3 billion and a loss of around 3,200 jobs, some of which may turn out to be permanent.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-02T14:11:25.97","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271783,"EventID":"S4W-06769","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5079,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-18T14:11:26.033","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-18T11:55:15.287","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will take part in the UK-wide consultation on standardised packaging.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will take part in the UK-wide consultation on standardised packaging.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has worked with the Department of Health and the devolved administrations in Wales and Northern Ireland to enable the launch of a joint UK wide consultation on the standardised packaging of tobacco products.\r\nThe consultation was launched on 16 April 2012 and will run for 12 weeks to \r\n10 July 2012 and can be accessed at -\r\nhttp://consultations.dh.gov.uk/tobacco/standardised-packaging-of-tobacco-products/consult_view.\r\nOnce completed we will consider all responses and available information before deciding on next steps.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-04-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-02T14:11:26.05","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271784,"EventID":"S4W-06770","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5079,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-18T14:11:26.11","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-18T11:55:15.287","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its position is on (a) the plain packaging and (b) banning the display of tobacco products.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its position is on (a) the plain packaging and (b) banning the display of tobacco products.\r\n","AnswerText":"(a) There is a longstanding commitment to explore plain packaging as set out in the 2008 Smoking Prevention Action Plan, Scotland's Future is Smoke-Free. In this the Scottish Government indicated a commitment to consider with the UK Government and other devolved administrations whether it would be desirable to move towards plain packaging.\r\nThe current UK wide consultation will explore whether there is evidence to demonstrate that the standardised packaging of tobacco products would have an additional public health benefit, over and above existing tobacco control initiatives. We will consider all responses and available information before agreeing the way ahead.\r\n(b). In September 2010 Lord Bracadale dismissed Imperial Tobacco Limited's legal challenge against the ban on tobacco displays set out in the Tobacco and Primary Medical Services (Scotland) Act 2010. This judgement was upheld by the Inner House of the Court of Session earlier this year. Imperial Tobacco Limited have decided to appeal the Inner House's decision to the Supreme Court. Due to the ongoing legal challenge we have delayed implementation of the ban in large shops until a date to be announced in due course. The implementation date of April 2015 still stands for small shops. We are committed to defending the legislation and aim to implement across large shops at the earliest opportunity.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-04-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-02T14:11:26.11","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271785,"EventID":"S4W-06771","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1845,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-18T14:11:26.173","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-18T12:11:40","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has had discussions about increased access to travel vaccinations via the community pharmacy network.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has had discussions about increased access to travel vaccinations via the community pharmacy network.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has had discussions with NHS boards about increased access to NHS travel vaccinations via community pharmacy. A small number of NHS boards are undertaking work to develop this on a pilot basis. Work is at an early stage. The Scottish Government is supportive of these pilots as a means of testing out this model of delivery of NHS travel vaccination. However, this is ultimately a contractual matter between the primary care contractors involved, supported by the relevant NHS boards.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-04-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-02T14:11:26.19","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271786,"EventID":"S4O-00909","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":3896,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":97,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-18T14:16:05.497","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-11T14:21:06.777","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when details of the new air ambulance contract will be announced and whether it expects the contract to include an Orkney-based aircraft.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when details of the new air ambulance contract will be announced and whether it expects the contract to include an Orkney-based aircraft.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-02T14:16:05.59","MeetingDate":"2012-04-26T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271787,"EventID":"S4O-00910","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2066,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-18T14:16:05.667","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-11T14:21:07.62","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its position is on concerns raised by residents of Islay regarding the frequency of power cuts on the island.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its position is on concerns raised by residents of Islay regarding the frequency of power cuts on the island.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-02T14:16:05.667","MeetingDate":"2012-04-26T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271788,"EventID":"S4O-00911","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":3763,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-18T14:16:05.73","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-11T14:21:07.807","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made with the refresh of the Scottish tourism strategy.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made with the refresh of the Scottish tourism strategy.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-02T14:16:05.747","MeetingDate":"2012-04-26T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271789,"EventID":"S4O-00912","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":4951,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-18T14:16:05.807","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-11T14:21:07.82","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much support has been given to businesses in Dumfries and Galloway by the Small Business Bonus Scheme.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much support has been given to businesses in Dumfries and Galloway by the Small Business Bonus Scheme.\r\n","AnswerText":"In the four years since its introduction by this Government, the Small Business Bonus Scheme has reduced business rates taxation for Dumfries and Galloway businesses by a total of £14.8 million.\r\nAcross Scotland, small and medium sized enterprises have benefitted to the tune of over £419 million in total over the four financial years from 2008-09 to 2011-12.\r\nThese businesses will be up to £3,000 better off this year than their direct competitors over the border in Cumbria.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-04-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-02T14:16:05.807","MeetingDate":"2012-04-26T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271790,"EventID":"S4O-00913","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-18T14:16:05.887","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-11T14:21:07.9","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it last met the chairs and chief executives of the territorial NHS boards and what issues were discussed. \r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it last met the chairs and chief executives of the territorial NHS boards and what issues were discussed. \r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-02T14:16:05.887","MeetingDate":"2012-04-26T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271791,"EventID":"S4O-00914","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":4964,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-18T14:16:05.95","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-11T14:21:07.93","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many businesses in North East Scotland have received support from the Small Business Bonus Scheme.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many businesses in North East Scotland have received support from the Small Business Bonus Scheme.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-02T14:16:05.95","MeetingDate":"2012-04-26T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271792,"EventID":"S4O-00915","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":5057,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-18T14:16:06.027","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-11T14:21:07.977","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will publish its further consultation on prison visiting committees.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will publish its further consultation on prison visiting committees.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-02T14:16:06.027","MeetingDate":"2012-04-26T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271793,"EventID":"S4O-00916","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":3751,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":108,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-18T14:16:06.09","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-11T14:21:08.163","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what recent discussions it has had with the UK Government on welfare reform and what impact this will have on people in Scotland.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what recent discussions it has had with the UK Government on welfare reform and what impact this will have on people in Scotland.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-02T14:16:06.09","MeetingDate":"2012-04-26T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271794,"EventID":"S4O-00917","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":5059,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-18T14:16:06.15","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-11T14:21:08.307","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it plans to tackle child poverty in the west of Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it plans to tackle child poverty in the west of Scotland.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-02T14:16:06.15","MeetingDate":"2012-04-26T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271795,"EventID":"S4O-00918","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2673,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":114,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-18T14:16:06.23","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-11T14:21:08.32","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, in light of the UK Government's proposal to increase VAT on static caravans, whether it will make representations to it on this matter, given the possible impact on tour","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, in light of the UK Government's proposal to increase VAT on static caravans, whether it will make representations to it on this matter, given the possible impact on tourism in Scotland. \r\n","AnswerText":"Since 2007, the Scottish Government has made regular representations to the UK Government regarding how the disparity in VAT rates between the UK and many European countries continues to place our tourism and hospitality sectors at a clear competitive disadvantage. The 20 per cent rate of VAT on hospitality business in the UK is the second highest in the European Union.\r\nMost recently, the Cabinet Secretary for Finance, Employment and Sustainable Growth wrote to the UK Chancellor on 24 April 2012 to set out that the VAT proposals on static caravans, due to be introduced from 1 October 2012, will damage a successful part of the tourism industry whilst yielding little additional tax revenue for UK Government.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-04-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-02T14:16:06.23","MeetingDate":"2012-04-26T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271796,"EventID":"S4O-00919","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":3901,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":127,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-18T14:16:06.307","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-18T11:16:29.697","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what training is available for 16 to 19-year-olds in Dundee as part of the Opportunities for All programme.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what training is available for 16 to 19-year-olds in Dundee as part of the Opportunities for All programme.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-02T14:16:06.307","MeetingDate":"2012-04-26T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271797,"EventID":"S4O-00920","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":2345,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":128,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-18T14:16:06.37","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-11T14:21:23.08","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to review the grounds of appeal process for those seeking Chartered Teacher status.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to review the grounds of appeal process for those seeking Chartered Teacher status.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-02T14:16:06.37","MeetingDate":"2012-04-26T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271798,"EventID":"S4O-00921","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":1742,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-18T14:16:06.447","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-11T14:21:23.11","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its position is on expanding the involvement of colleges in the renewables sector.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its position is on expanding the involvement of colleges in the renewables sector.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-02T14:16:06.447","MeetingDate":"2012-04-26T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271799,"EventID":"S4O-00922","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":4940,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-18T14:16:06.54","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-11T14:21:23.127","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress it has made in establishing regional models for colleges.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress it has made in establishing regional models for colleges.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-02T14:16:06.557","MeetingDate":"2012-04-26T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271800,"EventID":"S4O-00923","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":3759,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":80,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-18T14:16:06.637","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-11T14:21:23.157","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what impact the UK Government’s proposed changes to child tax credit will have on the ability of families in Scotland to access childcare.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what impact the UK Government’s proposed changes to child tax credit will have on the ability of families in Scotland to access childcare.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-02T14:16:06.637","MeetingDate":"2012-04-26T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271801,"EventID":"S4O-00924","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-18T14:16:06.713","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-11T14:21:23.203","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the ICT in Education Programme Board last met and what was discussed.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the ICT in Education Programme Board last met and what was discussed.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-02T14:16:06.713","MeetingDate":"2012-04-26T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271802,"EventID":"S4O-00925","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":1775,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":146,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-18T14:16:06.79","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-11T14:21:23.233","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what support the Student Awards Agency for Scotland offers to formerly looked-after young people entering a higher education course with a further education qualification","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what support the Student Awards Agency for Scotland offers to formerly looked-after young people entering a higher education course with a further education qualification that does not admit them into the second year.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-02T14:16:06.79","MeetingDate":"2012-04-26T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271803,"EventID":"S4O-00926","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":4080,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-18T14:16:06.853","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-11T14:21:23.267","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to ensure that all pre-school children have access to a qualified nursery teacher.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to ensure that all pre-school children have access to a qualified nursery teacher.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-02T14:16:06.853","MeetingDate":"2012-04-26T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271804,"EventID":"S4O-00927","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":5110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":89,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-18T14:16:06.93","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-11T14:21:23.28","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether future legislation relating to Getting It Right for Every Child principles will take a whole-child approach and cover social work and other services as well as ed","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether future legislation relating to Getting It Right for Every Child principles will take a whole-child approach and cover social work and other services as well as education services.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-02T14:16:06.93","MeetingDate":"2012-04-26T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271805,"EventID":"S4O-00928","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":3824,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-18T14:16:06.993","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-11T14:21:23.313","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will devolve more powers to schools.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will devolve more powers to schools.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-02T14:16:06.993","MeetingDate":"2012-04-26T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271806,"EventID":"S4O-00929","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":2059,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":91,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-18T14:16:07.073","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-11T14:21:23.343","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps are being taken to maximise the use of the school estate for sporting activities.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps are being taken to maximise the use of the school estate for sporting activities.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-02T14:16:07.087","MeetingDate":"2012-04-26T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271807,"EventID":"S4O-00930","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":4086,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-18T14:16:07.15","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-11T14:21:23.377","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what training is provided for newly qualified PE teachers to help them identify the symptoms of possible heart conditions in pupils.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what training is provided for newly qualified PE teachers to help them identify the symptoms of possible heart conditions in pupils.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-02T14:16:07.15","MeetingDate":"2012-04-26T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271808,"EventID":"S4O-00931","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":1866,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-18T14:16:07.213","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-11T14:21:23.423","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress is being made in delivering reductions in class sizes in early years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress is being made in delivering reductions in class sizes in early years.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-02T14:16:07.213","MeetingDate":"2012-04-26T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271809,"EventID":"S4O-00932","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":1793,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-18T14:16:07.273","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-11T14:21:23.437","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its position is on a loss of music and art tuition as a result of specialist teachers losing their posts due to local authority budget reductions.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its position is on a loss of music and art tuition as a result of specialist teachers losing their posts due to local authority budget reductions.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-02T14:16:07.29","MeetingDate":"2012-04-26T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271810,"EventID":"S4O-00933","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":4955,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":105,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-18T14:16:07.353","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-11T14:21:23.483","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the current level of private finance initiative repayments is for school building projects.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the current level of private finance initiative repayments is for school building projects.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-02T14:16:07.353","MeetingDate":"2012-04-26T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271811,"EventID":"S4O-00934","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":2876,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-18T14:16:07.43","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-11T14:21:23.53","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what support it provides to Holocaust educational programmes.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what support it provides to Holocaust educational programmes.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-02T14:16:07.43","MeetingDate":"2012-04-26T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271812,"EventID":"S4O-00935","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":5108,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":139,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-18T14:16:07.493","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-11T14:21:23.547","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what recent action it has taken to tackle youth unemployment in North Ayrshire.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what recent action it has taken to tackle youth unemployment in North Ayrshire.","AnswerText":"Youth unemployment is a key priority for the Scottish Government, and I have taken a range of actions since my appointment to tackle the unacceptably high levels across Scotland but specifically in those areas most affected. North Ayrshire’s claimant count rate of 11.4% is the highest in Scotland and we must do everything possible to address this.\r\nOn 19 March, as part of a package of funding of £9 million for local authorities most affected by high youth unemployment rates, I announced funding of £828,000 for North Ayrshire local authority to support their work to increase employment among 16 to 24 year olds in that area.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-04-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-02T14:16:07.493","MeetingDate":"2012-04-26T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Angela Constance","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271813,"EventID":"S4O-00936","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":2853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":81,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-18T14:16:07.57","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-11T14:21:23.593","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what it is doing to address the rate of university students dropping out after their first year.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what it is doing to address the rate of university students dropping out after their first year.","AnswerText":"There is no single reason why students fail to progress to second year and we are committed to supporting all young people to fulfil their potential.\r\nWe are addressing through our Post 16 Reform programme how we can work with institutions to support every learner. This will include widening access agreements which will address dropouts and deliver on our commitment to a minimum income for higher education students from the lowest income households of £7,000.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-04-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-02T14:16:07.57","MeetingDate":"2012-04-26T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Angela Constance","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271814,"EventID":"S4O-00937","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":3758,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":76,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-18T14:16:07.663","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-11T14:21:23.61","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive at what stage phase III of the Scotland’s Schools for the Future programme is.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive at what stage phase III of the Scotland’s Schools for the Future programme is.\r\n","AnswerText":"Scottish Government wrote to all local authorities on 24 February requesting applications for funding under phase 3 of the Schools for the future programme.\r\nAuthorities are currently considering their bids and have until 21 July to submit an application.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-04-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-02T14:16:07.663","MeetingDate":"2012-04-26T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Alasdair Allan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271815,"EventID":"S4O-00938","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":2134,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":82,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-18T14:16:07.757","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-11T14:21:23.67","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress is being made on delivering the Curriculum for Excellence.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress is being made on delivering the Curriculum for Excellence.","AnswerText":"Curriculum for Excellence (CfE) is been implemented progressively in all publicly funded schools in Scotland from August 2010.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-04-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-02T14:16:07.757","MeetingDate":"2012-04-26T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Alasdair Allan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271816,"EventID":"S4W-06593","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2633,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-18T17:09:56.167","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-02T11:42:19","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive who attended the meeting to discuss the establishment of a rural parliament that was referred to in its news release of 25 March 2012.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive who attended the meeting to discuss the establishment of a rural parliament that was referred to in its news release of 25 March 2012.\r\n","AnswerText":"Claire Baker (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Scottish Labour): To ask the Scottish Executive who attended the meeting to discuss the establishment of a rural parliament that was referred to in its news release of 25 March 2012.\r\n \r\nThe following question was answered on 2 May 2012 but was not published\r\n \r\nRichard Lochhead: A preliminary meeting was held on 6 March in Perth with a range of stakeholders which included representatives from the:\r\nDevelopment Trusts Association Scotland\r\nCommunity Energy Scotland\r\nCommunity Land Scotland\r\nCommunity Woodlands Association\r\nScottish Community Alliance\r\nScottish Council for Voluntary Organisations\r\nSouthern Uplands Partnership\r\nCarnegie UK\r\nHighlands and Islands Enterprise\r\nScottish Enterprise\r\nCOSLA\r\nNFUS\r\nScottish Youth Parliament\r\nRural Policy Centre and\r\nScottish Government\r\nThe meeting provided an opportunity for representatives from a number of stakeholder networks to discuss the intention to create a Rural Parliament for Scotland.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-02T17:09:56.18","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271817,"EventID":"S4W-06594","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2633,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-18T17:09:56.29","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-02T11:42:19","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive (a) what partnerships have been created and (b) who it will work with to take forward the proposed rural parliament.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive (a) what partnerships have been created and (b) who it will work with to take forward the proposed rural parliament.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government intends to work with a wide range of key rural stakeholders, organisations and individuals in order to take forward the proposed Rural Parliament. The Scottish Government has also spoken with representatives of established European Rural Parliaments to gain an insight into the structures and processes adopted by them.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-02T17:09:56.307","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271818,"EventID":"S4W-06596","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2633,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-18T17:09:56.383","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-02T11:42:19","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many members the proposed rural parliament will have; whether membership will be on a regional basis, and how members will be elected.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many members the proposed rural parliament will have; whether membership will be on a regional basis, and how members will be elected.\r\n","AnswerText":"The structures and processes that will be adopted relating to the creation of the rural parliament have yet to be decided. It is envisaged however, that the rural parliament process will be one of inclusive participation rather than made up of elected representatives. It is not intended to be another layer of government or an elected body.\r\nThese issues will be discussed at a seminar scheduled to take place in Edinburgh on 29 May. The seminar will bring together, key rural stakeholders, representatives of regional and local non government organisations and individuals as well as MSP’s, representatives of European rural parliaments and Scottish Government officials.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-02T17:09:56.4","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271819,"EventID":"S4W-06599","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2633,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-18T17:09:56.477","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-02T11:42:19","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what meetings it plans to hold with representatives from rural parliaments elsewhere in Europe to discuss its proposed rural parliament and who will attend these.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what meetings it plans to hold with representatives from rural parliaments elsewhere in Europe to discuss its proposed rural parliament and who will attend these.\r\n","AnswerText":"Representatives from four European Rural Parliaments, (Sweden, The Netherlands, Estonia and Slovenia) will attend the meeting scheduled to take place on 29 May in Edinburgh. It will give participants an opportunity to learn at first hand the structures and processes involved in each parliament. It will also be an opportunity for them to pass on their experiences and discuss the issues they faced during the development of their parliaments.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-02T17:09:56.493","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271820,"EventID":"S4W-06772","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5109,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":101,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-18T17:09:56.587","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-18T12:16:33","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it considers that the proposed Network Rail design for Haymarket railway station as part of the Edinburgh-Glasgow Improvement Project will provide adequate access","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it considers that the proposed Network Rail design for Haymarket railway station as part of the Edinburgh-Glasgow Improvement Project will provide adequate access for (a) pedestrians coming from Dalry Road, (b) people with impaired mobility and (c) cyclists.","AnswerText":"As part of the Edinburgh Glasgow Improvement Programme (EGIP), The Scottish Government is investing £25 million at Haymarket Station to accommodate the anticipated growth in patronage and deliver further significant benefits, transforming passenger access and facilities at Haymarket Station. \r\nAs is the case with the existing station pedestrians accessing the station from Dalry Road will enter the station from Haymarket Terrace. All passengers, particularly those with impaired mobility will benefit from significantly improved access arrangements and more entrance points with lift and step free access to all platforms.\r\nCyclists accessing or alighting from the new station facility will also benefit from improved access arrangements and Network Rail are working to improve cycle storage provisions through innovative design.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-02T17:09:56.587","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271821,"EventID":"S4W-06774","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-18T17:09:56.71","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-18T12:40:40.857","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many patients received transcatheter aortic valve implantation treatment outwith Scotland in (a) 2008-09, (b) 2009-10, (c) 2010-11 and (d) 2011-12.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many patients received transcatheter aortic valve implantation treatment outwith Scotland in (a) 2008-09, (b) 2009-10, (c) 2010-11 and (d) 2011-12.\r\n","AnswerText":"In 2008-09 one patient received TAVI outwith Scotland, in 2009-10 seven patients; in 2010-11 eight patients; and in 2011-12 there were 12 patients.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-02T17:09:56.71","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271822,"EventID":"S4W-06775","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-18T17:09:56.773","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-18T12:40:40.857","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive for what reason transcatheter aortic valve implantation treatment has not been available in Scotland for selected patients  for the last four years as it has in England, ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive for what reason transcatheter aortic valve implantation treatment has not been available in Scotland for selected patients  for the last four years as it has in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.","AnswerText":"With any new treatment, there is a need for caution until there is clear evidence, preferably from randomised control trials, to show that it is safe and effective. In the case of TAVI, the National Planning Forum set up a process to review the evidence, taking on board clinicians’ views, the available research and world wide experience. This research, combined with the evidence reviews from the Scottish Health Technologies Group, was debated and found to provide insufficient evidence to proceed to a TAVI service in NHSScotland, based on safety in numbers, and clinical and cost effectiveness.\r\nWhilst the evidence for TAVI and the case for establishing a TAVI centre in Scotland have been under review, TAVI has been available to Scottish patients through consideration by an individual case panel. Patients who are considered suitable for TAVI are referred by their local health board to an appropriate provider.\r\nIn light of the growing body of evidence regarding the effectiveness of TAVI – most recently the updated guidance issued by NICE – it has now been decided that a TAVI service should be established in Scotland. Work is underway to progress this as quickly as possible.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-02T17:09:56.79","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271823,"EventID":"S4W-06776","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-18T17:09:56.867","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-18T12:40:40.857","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive for what reason transcatheter aortic valve implantation treatment is not routinely provided in Scotland as it is in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive for what reason transcatheter aortic valve implantation treatment is not routinely provided in Scotland as it is in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-06775 on 2 May 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-02T17:09:56.867","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271824,"EventID":"S4W-06780","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-18T17:09:56.947","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-18T12:43:45.703","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what financial support is provided for patients accessing transcatheter aortic valve implantation treatment outwith Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what financial support is provided for patients accessing transcatheter aortic valve implantation treatment outwith Scotland.","AnswerText":"NHS boards have discretion to reimburse reasonable travelling expenses incurred by patients who are referred to hospitals outwith their own area, because the treatment is not available within their area. Where medically beneficial, this may include reimbursement of an escort's reasonable travel expenses.\r\nIn cases where a patient is being transferred from one hospital to another as part of their treatment, the costs are met directly by the local health board.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-02T17:09:56.947","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271825,"EventID":"S4W-06781","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-18T17:09:57.023","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-18T12:43:45.703","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much has been spent providing patients with transcatheter aortic valve implantation treatment outwith Scotland in each year since April 2008, broken down by NHS board","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much has been spent providing patients with transcatheter aortic valve implantation treatment outwith Scotland in each year since April 2008, broken down by NHS board.\r\n","AnswerText":"Cost of TAVI procedures undertaken outwith Scotland by NHS Board, 2008-09 to 2011-12:\r\nNHS Board Areas\r\n2008-09\r\n(£000)\r\n2009-10\r\n(£000)\r\n2010-11\r\n(£000)\r\n2011-12\r\n(£000)\r\nAyrshire and Arran\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n(*)\r\nBorders\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\nDumfries and Galloway\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\nFife\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n(*)\r\nForth Valley\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n(*)\r\nGrampian\r\n0\r\n231\r\n243\r\n203\r\nGreater Glasgow and Clyde\r\n0\r\n32\r\n0\r\n99\r\nHighland\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n30\r\nLanarkshire\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n32\r\nLothian\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\nOrkney\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\nShetland\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\nTayside\r\n0\r\n0\r\n113\r\n0\r\nWestern Isles\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\nNote: (*) Invoice not yet received.","AnswerDate":"2012-05-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-02T17:09:57.04","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271826,"EventID":"S4W-06784","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-18T17:09:57.1","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-18T12:51:54.383","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what requirements the Scottish Futures Trust places on applications for new school build contracts.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what requirements the Scottish Futures Trust places on applications for new school build contracts.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Future's Trust (SFT) does not receive applications for new school build contracts. Responsibility for developing and maintaining Scotland’s School Estate rests with local authorities.\r\nHowever, the SFT work in partnership with local authorities in delivering the Scotland’s Schools for the Future programme to ensure the programme goals of providing good quality, well designed, sustainable schools at a competitive price are met.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-02T17:09:57.1","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271827,"EventID":"S4W-06789","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5079,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-18T17:09:57.18","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-18T12:54:36","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many of its civil servants have received bonuses in 2012 and what the (a) value of the bonuses was, (b) annual salary of the recipients was and (c) criteria were for ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many of its civil servants have received bonuses in 2012 and what the (a) value of the bonuses was, (b) annual salary of the recipients was and (c) criteria were for awarding bonuses.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Public Sector Pay Policy, in both 2011-12 and 2012-13, did not permit the payment of one-off non-consolidated non-pensionable taxable payments. No such payments have therefore been made to Scottish Government staff in 2012.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-04-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-02T17:09:57.18","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271828,"EventID":"S4W-06791","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2033,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":132,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-18T17:09:57.257","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-18T15:07:24","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information it has on whether reductions in Scottish Government funding were a factor in First Scotland East’s decision to reduce bus services in Midlothian and East","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information it has on whether reductions in Scottish Government funding were a factor in First Scotland East’s decision to reduce bus services in Midlothian and East Lothian.","AnswerText":"When announcing bus service reductions in Midlothian and East Lothian Paul Thomas, First Scotland East Managing Director, said “We have for some time been running a number of services in the East and Midlothian regions at a loss. Over a number of years we have tried many marketing and pricing initiatives to change this, but the extra financial pressures put upon us by the current economic climate, high fuel prices and cuts in external funding mean that we simply have no option other than to discontinue the bulk of our operation in East Lothian and Midlothian.”\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-02T17:09:57.257","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271829,"EventID":"S4W-06792","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-18T17:09:57.337","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-18T15:24:44.997","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information it has on when the report from the EC’s Food and Veterinary Office visit to Scotland in April 2011 will be available.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information it has on when the report from the EC’s Food and Veterinary Office visit to Scotland in April 2011 will be available.","AnswerText":"The EC Food and Veterinary Office carried out a fact finding mission into sheep EID to the UK between 28 March and 7 April 2011. They also carried out similar fact finding missions to Eire, Portugal and Spain. A summary of these fact finding missions is expected to be published sometime during 2012.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-02T17:09:57.337","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271830,"EventID":"S4W-06793","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-18T17:09:57.413","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-18T15:24:44.997","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what evidence it is providing to the European Commission from the electronic identification of sheep pilot.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what evidence it is providing to the European Commission from the electronic identification of sheep pilot.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has commenced several strands of evidence based research work. On completion of this work we will write to the Commission and UK Government to highlight the key elements of our traceability system and its robustness. This will outline the challenges we have overcome through our own efforts and those challenges which will require assistance in the form of a re-evaluation of the EID Regulation and the associated cross compliance requirements. \r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-02T17:09:57.413","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271831,"EventID":"S4W-06794","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-18T17:09:57.477","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-18T15:24:44.997","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assessment it has made of the possible implications for Scotland of the legal challenge by the Union of German Sheep Farming Associations (Vereinigung Deutscher Land","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assessment it has made of the possible implications for Scotland of the legal challenge by the Union of German Sheep Farming Associations (Vereinigung Deutscher Landesschafzuchtverbände) to the introduction of legislation on the electronic identification of sheep.","AnswerText":"At this time we are maintaining a watching brief on the progress on this challenge. The UK Government, as competent authority, has asked to see any submissions from the Commission and other member states. However, the Commission has not yet intervened with its view.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-02T17:09:57.49","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271832,"EventID":"S4W-06795","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4080,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-18T17:09:57.553","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-18T16:05:32.23","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many cases of whooping cough have been diagnosed in the last five years, broken down by (a) NHS board and (b) age of patient.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many cases of whooping cough have been diagnosed in the last five years, broken down by (a) NHS board and (b) age of patient.\r\n","AnswerText":"In Scotland there are two means by which the number of cases of pertussis are counted; clinical notifications and laboratory reports. Clinical notifications are based on the clinical diagnosis of pertussis by a GP or other doctor and do not require the infection to be laboratory confirmed. Laboratory reports are based on the laboratory isolation of the bacteria, its detection by molecular methods or the detection of an immune response in a blood sample from the patient. A patient can be both clinical notified and laboratory confirmed, or one or the other.\r\nThe following tables provide the relevant details for both clinical notifications, and laboratory reports. \r\nClinical notifications: \r\n\r\nTable 1: Clinical notifications of pertussis 2007-2011 by NHS Board\r\nNHS Board\r\nYear\r\n2007\r\n2008\r\n2009\r\n2010\r\n2011\r\nAyrshire and Arran\r\n2\r\n7\r\n2\r\n1\r\n2\r\nBorders\r\n2\r\n1\r\n6\r\n1\r\n3\r\nDumfries and Galloway\r\n1\r\n1\r\n3\r\n0\r\n5\r\nFife\r\n1\r\n2\r\n3\r\n3\r\n0\r\nForth Valley\r\n8\r\n5\r\n5\r\n0\r\n0\r\nGrampian\r\n16\r\n20\r\n23\r\n8\r\n7\r\nGreater Glasgow and Clyde\r\n24\r\n38\r\n15\r\n11\r\n14\r\nHighland\r\n12\r\n10\r\n11\r\n9\r\n15\r\nLanarkshire\r\n17\r\n18\r\n13\r\n5\r\n6\r\nLothian\r\n8\r\n20\r\n15\r\n5\r\n28\r\nOrkney\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\nShetland\r\n1\r\n0\r\n1\r\n0\r\n4\r\nTayside\r\n6\r\n12\r\n5\r\n7\r\n4\r\nWestern Isles\r\n0\r\n0\r\n2\r\n0\r\n0\r\nScotland\r\n98\r\n134\r\n104\r\n50\r\n88\r\n\r\nTable 2: Clinical notifications of pertussis 2007-2011 by age band \r\nAge Band\r\nYear\r\n2007\r\n2008\r\n2009\r\n2010\r\n2011\r\n< 1\r\n25\r\n37\r\n24\r\n9\r\n21\r\n1-4\r\n7\r\n11\r\n16\r\n4\r\n5\r\n5-14\r\n30\r\n21\r\n19\r\n3\r\n15\r\n15-24\r\n7\r\n15\r\n8\r\n9\r\n9\r\n25-34\r\n7\r\n9\r\n6\r\n7\r\n9\r\n35-44\r\n7\r\n15\r\n8\r\n7\r\n8\r\n45-64\r\n10\r\n19\r\n19\r\n7\r\n18\r\n65+\r\n2\r\n6\r\n3\r\n2\r\n2\r\nUnknown \r\n3\r\n1\r\n1\r\n2\r\n1\r\nTotal \r\n98\r\n134\r\n104\r\n50\r\n88\r\n\r\nLaboratory reports \r\nLaboratory reports of pertussis to HPS via ECOSS\r\nTable 3: Laboratory confirmed cases of pertussis 2007-2011 by NHS Board\r\nNHS Board\r\nYear\r\n2007\r\n2008\r\n2009\r\n2010\r\n2011\r\nAyrshire and Arran\r\n2\r\n4\r\n5\r\n3\r\n1\r\nBorders\r\n1\r\n2\r\n5\r\n1\r\n1\r\nDumfries and Galloway\r\n1\r\n1\r\n1\r\n2\r\n2\r\nFife\r\n1\r\n1\r\n1\r\n0\r\n0\r\nForth Valley\r\n1\r\n1\r\n6\r\n2\r\n2\r\nGrampian\r\n8\r\n10\r\n16\r\n8\r\n4\r\nGreater Glasgow and Clyde\r\n15\r\n38\r\n24\r\n12\r\n13\r\nHighland\r\n7\r\n2\r\n6\r\n4\r\n4\r\nLanarkshire*\r\n18\r\n20\r\n39\r\n42\r\n84\r\nLothian\r\n5\r\n1\r\n1\r\n0\r\n7\r\nOrkney\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\nShetland\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\nTayside\r\n3\r\n9\r\n4\r\n8\r\n1\r\nWestern Isles\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\nUnknown** \r\n0\r\n28\r\n11\r\n0\r\n0\r\nScotland\r\n62\r\n117\r\n119\r\n82\r\n119\r\nNotes: \r\n*Lamarkshire laboratory undertake the serology testing in Scotland, samples from other NHS boards will have been tested in Lanarkshire and are currently recorded in the database as Lanarkshire as this is where the sample was tested. This creates an artificial picture of the true incidence of pertussis in NHS Lanarkshire. Health Protection Scotland is undertaking work to resolve this problem for 2012. \r\n** Some samples tested at Health Protection Agency, not possible from data extract to determine original submitting board.  \r\nTable 4: Laboratory reports by age band 2007-2011\r\nAge band\r\nYear\r\n2007\r\n2008\r\n2009\r\n2010\r\n2011\r\n0-4\r\n15\r\n34\r\n26\r\n17\r\n32\r\n5-9\r\n2\r\n5\r\n5\r\n1\r\n2\r\n10-14\r\n13\r\n16\r\n13\r\n4\r\n8\r\n15-19\r\n6\r\n6\r\n6\r\n9\r\n5\r\n20-24\r\n3\r\n5\r\n1\r\n5\r\n11\r\n25-29\r\n1\r\n4\r\n5\r\n4\r\n10\r\n30-34\r\n0\r\n4\r\n5\r\n3\r\n2\r\n35-39\r\n4\r\n3\r\n6\r\n7\r\n7\r\n40-44\r\n3\r\n12\r\n7\r\n5\r\n10\r\n45-49\r\n1\r\n11\r\n10\r\n3\r\n8\r\n50-54\r\n5\r\n7\r\n9\r\n7\r\n8\r\n55-59\r\n2\r\n2\r\n10\r\n4\r\n5\r\n60-64\r\n3\r\n3\r\n5\r\n3\r\n4\r\n65+ \r\n4\r\n4\r\n9\r\n9\r\n7\r\nUnknown \r\n0\r\n1\r\n2\r\n1\r\n0\r\nTotal \r\n62\r\n117\r\n119\r\n82\r\n119\r\n\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-04-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-02T17:09:57.553","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271833,"EventID":"S4W-06796","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4080,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-18T17:09:57.63","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-18T16:05:32.23","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many cases of eating disorders in males have been diagnosed in the last five years, broken down by NHS board.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many cases of eating disorders in males have been diagnosed in the last five years, broken down by NHS board.\r\n","AnswerText":"The total number of males diagnosed with eating disorders in Scotland is not available centrally.\r\nPractice Team Information records provide national estimates of the number of patients who have consulted either a GP or practice-employed nurse each year where an eating disorder was noted as one of the reasons for consulting - rather than how many patients were newly diagnosed. Information by gender and age group for the last eight years is published in the recent PTI 2010/11 Publication (page 33). More detailed figures are also available on the PTI website: http://www.isdscotland.scot.nhs.uk/Health-Topics/General-Practice/PTI-Statistics/. \r\nPlease note that patients who consulted in more than one year are counted once in each year. PTI cannot be used to estimate figures by individual NHS board area.\r\nInformation on number of patients treated for eating disorders at acute and psychiatric hospitals during financial years 2006-07 to 2010-11 is shown in Tables 1 and 2. Patients treated in acute and psychiatric hospitals in the same year are counted in both the acute and psychiatric tables.\r\nTable 1. Number of male patients treated at acute hospitals (SMR01) in Scotland for eating disorders, 2006-07 to 2010-11\r\n\r\n \r\n2006-07\r\n2007-08\r\n2008-09\r\n2009-10\r\n2010-11\r\nNumber of Patients\r\n18\r\n33\r\n27\r\n27\r\n23\r\n\r\nTable 2.  Number of male patients treated at psychiatric hospitals (SMR04) in Scotland for eating disorders, years 2006-07 to 2010-2011\r\n\t\r\n \r\n2006-07\r\n2007-08\r\n2008-09\r\n2009-10\r\n2010-11\r\nNumber of Patients\r\n*\r\n11\r\n5\r\n6\r\n7\r\nNote: * Indicates values that have been suppressed due to the potential risk of disclosure and to help maintain patient confidentiality.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-04-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-02T17:09:57.63","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271843,"EventID":"S4W-06777","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-19T13:52:40.273","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-18T12:42:17.827","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many reviews of transcatheter aortic valve implantation treatment have been carried out since April 2008; when; by whom, and what the conclusion was in each case.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many reviews of transcatheter aortic valve implantation treatment have been carried out since April 2008; when; by whom, and what the conclusion was in each case.","AnswerText":"A review was undertaken by TAVI Short Life Working Group in 2010. Based on the recommendations of this subgroup of the National Planning Forum, a decision was taken in February 2011 not to establish a TAVI service in Scotland, pending further evidence becoming available. The report of the working group is available at http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Resource/0039/00392167.pdf\r\nThe TAVI Short Life Working Group was supported by the Scottish Health Technology Group (SHTG). The SHTG was subsequently asked to maintain an overview of the evidence base for TAVI and to highlight to the National Planning Forum any significant new developments. To date the SHTG have published three reports on TAVI.  In line with SHTG policy, the oldest reports have been withdrawn.\r\nAdvice Statement 001/10 (August 2010) - now superseded.\r\nEvidence Note 33 and Advice Statement 001/11 (March 2011) - now superseded\r\nhttp://www.healthcareimprovementscotland.org/programmes/clinical__cost_effectiveness/shtg_-_evidence_notes/evidence_note_33.aspx.\r\nEvidence Note 38 and Advice Statement 005/11 (September 2011)\r\nhttp://www.healthcareimprovementscotland.org/programmes/clinical__cost_effectiveness/shtg_-_evidence_notes/evidence_note_38.aspx. \r\nhttp://www.healthcareimprovementscotland.org/programmes/clinical__cost_effectiveness/shtg_-_advice_statements/advice_statement_005-11.aspx. \r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-03T13:52:40.367","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271844,"EventID":"S4W-06778","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-19T13:52:40.493","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-18T12:42:17.827","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many patients are waiting for transcatheter aortic valve implantation treatment and what the (a) maximum and (b) average length of wait is, broken down by NHS board.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many patients are waiting for transcatheter aortic valve implantation treatment and what the (a) maximum and (b) average length of wait is, broken down by NHS board.","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-03T13:52:40.493","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271845,"EventID":"S4W-06779","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-19T13:52:40.57","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-18T12:42:17.827","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any consultants in Scotland have experience of providing transcatheter aortic valve implantation treatment.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any consultants in Scotland have experience of providing transcatheter aortic valve implantation treatment.","AnswerText":"Yes. There are a small number of consultant clinicians who have had experience of TAVI.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-03T13:52:40.57","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271846,"EventID":"S4W-06790","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5079,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-19T13:52:40.633","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-18T13:43:46","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the comments by the Minister for Public Health at the Health and Sport Committee meeting on 17 April 2012 in relation to the 10% reduction in council tax bene","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the comments by the Minister for Public Health at the Health and Sport Committee meeting on 17 April 2012 in relation to the 10% reduction in council tax benefit funding (Official Report, c. 2068), how it will fund the new benefit at a level equivalent to the current level.\r\n","AnswerText":"The First Minister confirmed on 19 April that the Scottish Government and COSLA have agreed to commit a total of £40 million to ensure the 560,000 vulnerable people in Scotland receiving council tax benefit are protected from the UK Government’s 10% cut in funding in 2013-14.\r\nThis £40 million comprises £23 million from the Scottish Budget, reflecting the Cabinet Secretary for Finance, Employment and Sustainable Growth’s announcement at the Budget Stage 3 debate in February this year, and £17 million from local government. There will not be a new benefit, but rather individuals’ council tax liabilities will be reduced in a way that reflects existing entitlement to council tax benefit.\r\nThe £40 million, when added to the budget received from the UK Government, representing the existing level of council tax benefit spending minus 10%, will maintain the local government budget to allow these new arrangements to operate.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-04-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-03T13:52:40.65","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271847,"EventID":"S4W-06797","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-19T13:52:40.71","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-18T16:42:49","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S4W-06447 by Alex Neil on 16 April 2012, whether it has had discussions with BT regarding upgrading the exchanges and the funding requi","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S4W-06447 by Alex Neil on 16 April 2012, whether it has had discussions with BT regarding upgrading the exchanges and the funding required to convert them to full platform ADSL.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government held detailed discussions with BT in respect of the Exchange Activate Upgrade Programme, announced on 9 December 2009, in which 81 Exchange Activate exchanges, including Trochry and Amulree, received upgrades.\r\nThe objective of this programme was to increase capacity at exchanges which, at the time, were operating at full capacity (or were projected to reach full capacity).\r\nFurther upgrades to Exchange Activate exchanges are a matter for BT.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-03T13:52:40.71","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271848,"EventID":"S4W-06798","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-19T13:52:40.773","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-18T16:42:49","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it plans to invest in broadband improvements and connectivity in the (a) Amulree, (b) Loch Tay, (c) Strathardle and (d) Trochry areas.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it plans to invest in broadband improvements and connectivity in the (a) Amulree, (b) Loch Tay, (c) Strathardle and (d) Trochry areas.\r\n","AnswerText":"Scotland’s Digital Future: Infrastructure Action Plan, published on 31 January 2012, sets out the Scottish Government’s 2020 world-class digital connectivity targets, with a step-change by 2015. The 2015 target – availability of broadband at a speed of 40-80 Megabits per second (Mbps) to 85-90% of premises – is outlined in Programme 1 of the Infrastructure Action Plan, and will be delivered by two closely related procurements.\r\nAs we progress through delivery and implementation of Programme 1, we will be working collaboratively with Perth and Kinross Council to ensure that we fully understand plans and priorities for the local authority region, including Amulree, Loch Tay, Strathardle and Trochry.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-03T13:52:40.773","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271849,"EventID":"S4W-06799","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-19T13:52:40.85","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-18T16:42:49","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it plans to invest in broadband improvements and connectivity in Perth and Kinross.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it plans to invest in broadband improvements and connectivity in Perth and Kinross.\r\n","AnswerText":"Scotland’s Digital Future: Infrastructure Action Plan, published on 31 January 2012, sets out the Scottish Government’s 2020 world-class digital connectivity targets, with a step-change by 2015. The 2015 target – availability of broadband at a speed of 40-80 Megabits per second (Mbps) to 85-90% of premises – is outlined in Programme 1 of the Infrastructure Action Plan, and will be delivered by two closely related procurements.\r\nAs we progress through delivery and implementation of Programme 1, we will be working collaboratively with Perth and Kinross Council to ensure that we fully understand local plans and priorities in the region.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-03T13:52:40.85","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271850,"EventID":"S4W-06800","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-19T13:52:40.93","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-18T16:42:49","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it plans to invest in broadband improvements and connectivity in Fife.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it plans to invest in broadband improvements and connectivity in Fife.\r\n","AnswerText":"Scotland’s Digital Future: Infrastructure Action Plan, published on 31 January 2012, sets out the Scottish Government’s 2020 world-class digital connectivity targets, with a step-change by 2015. The 2015 target – availability of broadband at a speed of 40-80 Megabits per second (Mbps) to 85-90% of premises – is outlined in Programme 1 of the Infrastructure Action Plan, and will be delivered by two closely related procurements.\r\nAs we progress through delivery and implementation of Programme 1, we will be working collaboratively with Fife Council to ensure that we fully understand local plans and priorities in the region.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-03T13:52:40.93","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271851,"EventID":"S4W-06801","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-19T13:52:41.023","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-18T16:42:49","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it plans to invest in broadband improvements and connectivity in Stirling.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it plans to invest in broadband improvements and connectivity in Stirling.\r\n","AnswerText":"Scotland’s Digital Future: Infrastructure Action Plan, published on 31 January 2012, sets out the Scottish Government’s 2020 world-class digital connectivity targets, with a step-change by 2015. The 2015 target – availability of broadband at a speed of 40-80 Megabits per second (Mbps) to 85-90% of premises – is outlined in Programme 1 of the Infrastructure Action Plan, and will be delivered by two closely related procurements.\r\nAs we progress through delivery and implementation of Programme 1, we will be working collaboratively with Stirling Council to ensure that we fully understand local plans and priorities in the region.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-03T13:52:41.023","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271852,"EventID":"S4W-06806","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5109,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":101,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-19T13:52:41.1","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-18T20:41:21","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether night-time hospital discharges take place in Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether night-time hospital discharges take place in Scotland.","AnswerText":"Discharging patients during the night is not normal practice in Scotland. However, there may be instances when discharges take place during the night such as mothers who give birth during the night and want to go home or when patients discharge themselves against clinical advice.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-04-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-03T13:52:41.1","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271853,"EventID":"S4W-06807","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5109,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":101,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-19T13:52:41.163","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-18T21:10:45","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its position is on the effectiveness of home reports, in light of these being discontinued in England and Wales.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its position is on the effectiveness of home reports, in light of these being discontinued in England and Wales.\r\n","AnswerText":"Home reports in Scotland are completely different from Home Information Packs (HIPs), which were suspended in England and Wales. HIPs were introduced to provide a range of legal and other documents. They did not contain a survey and were widely criticised for not containing any useful information in terms of informing a decision to buy or not.\r\nThe Scottish Government carried out an interim review of home reports, based on their first year of operation. The review found that over 60% of buyers found the house condition information in the home report useful in aiding the decision to buy a property, and that the home report had encouraged around a third of sellers to make repairs to their property.\r\nPrior to home reports, over 90% of home buyers relied on a Mortgage Valuation report which contained little or no information on property condition. The Scottish Government believes that the benefits of home reports remain valid, particularly in encouraging buyers to make confident decisions in a difficult market.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-03T13:52:41.18","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271854,"EventID":"S4W-06808","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5109,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":101,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-19T13:52:41.24","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-18T21:10:45","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what impact it considers home reports to have on supply and demand in the housing market.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what impact it considers home reports to have on supply and demand in the housing market.\r\n","AnswerText":"The interim review of the home report found that there was no evidence in the data to suggest that the introduction of the home report in 2008 either caused a reduction in sales or weakened the market recovery.\r\nRecent housing market statistics also show that house sales in Scotland have been following the same trend as in England and Wales, despite the fact that the Home Information Packs (HIPs) in England and Wales were suspended in May 2010.\r\nThis shows that it is wider UK factors, such as weak economic conditions and restrictions on mortgage lending, and not home reports, that are reducing activity in the housing market.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-03T13:52:41.24","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271855,"EventID":"S4W-06809","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-19T13:52:41.32","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-19T11:39:28","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many wind farm applications it has approved since 2007 for which objections had been raised by Scottish Natural Heritage, the Scottish Environment Protection Agency o","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many wind farm applications it has approved since 2007 for which objections had been raised by Scottish Natural Heritage, the Scottish Environment Protection Agency or Historic Scotland.\r\n","AnswerText":"Scottish ministers have approved 11 section 36 wind farm applications since 2007. In six of these cases SNH, 1 case Historic Scotland and in no cases SEPA had lodged an objection to the proposed development. In relation to planning appeals, during this time Scottish ministers have issued five decisions, of which two were allowed and the Directorate for Planning and Environmental Appeals have issued 58 decisions on wind farm appeals, 21 of which have been allowed. Of these appeal decisions where permission was granted SNH and SEPA had objected to one and four of the proposed developments respectively. In another seven cases (SEPA) and eight cases (SNH) were satisfied that their objections could be dealt with by planning conditions.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-03T13:52:41.32","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Derek Mackay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271856,"EventID":"S4W-06810","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-19T13:52:41.383","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-19T11:39:28","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many wind farm applications it has approved since 2007 for which objections had been raised by the majority of councillors in the area.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many wind farm applications it has approved since 2007 for which objections had been raised by the majority of councillors in the area.\r\n","AnswerText":"From records available it is not possible to identify the number of councillors who object to a specific proposal. However, Scottish ministers have approved 11 section 36 wind farm applications since 2007. In seven of these cases the planning authority had made an objection to the proposed development. During this time Scottish ministers have issued five decisions on wind farm appeals, of which two have been allowed where they have made the final decision and the Directorate for Planning and Environmental Appeals have issued 58 decisions on wind farm appeals, 21 of which have been allowed.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-03T13:52:41.383","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Derek Mackay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271864,"EventID":"S4W-06811","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":2,"MSPID":3763,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-19T13:56:19.21","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-19T13:31:46","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what targets it expects Registers of Scotland to achieve in 2012-13.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what targets it expects Registers of Scotland to achieve in 2012-13.","AnswerText":"Scottish Ministers have set the Keeper of the Registers of Scotland the financial targets of achieving:\r\n3% increasing cash-releasing efficiency savings;\r\n5% reduction in headcount, and\r\n5% increase in commercial income. \r\nIn addition, the Keeper has set the following registration performance targets, which ministers endorse:\r\n\r\nWhere it is in the Keeper’s power and is legally appropriate to:\r\n1.\r\nComplete the registration of Sasine writs within an upper limit of 40 days. 80% will be completed within 20 days.\r\n2.\r\nComplete the registration of Dealings with Whole carried out as ARTL transactions within 24 hours.\r\n3.\r\nComplete the registration of Dealings with Whole that are not carried out as ARTL transactions and standard First Registrations within an upper limit of 120 days. 80% will be completed within 60 days.\r\n4.\r\nRecord all applications for registration on the application record within one working day. (Entrance on the application record safeguards the rights of applicants until the registration application is determined.)\r\n5.\r\nComplete pre-30 September 2012 First Registration casework by 31 March 2013. (This excludes Voluntary Registrations for which individual timescales will be agreed.)\r\n6.\r\nComplete pre-31 December 2012 Transfer of Part casework by 30 September 2013. (This excludes those Registrations for which no detail has yet been published by the Ordnance Survey.)\r\n7.\r\nComplete 98.5% or more of registrations, over a 12-month rolling period, without corrective action.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-04-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-03T13:56:19.227","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271865,"EventID":"S4W-06802","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5079,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-19T16:45:03.663","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-18T16:59:11","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it supports the voluntary sector to use social media to promote social justice.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it supports the voluntary sector to use social media to promote social justice.\r\n","AnswerText":"The third sector is key to Scotland having a successful and fairer future and has a major role to play in supporting Scotland’s communities; in addressing issues of inequality and social injustice. This role is of increased importance in a period of economic austerity. Over the next three years the Scottish Government will provide £73.5 million to the Third Sector to enhance the capability and sustainability of the sector. Despite the difficult financial pressures faced by the Scottish Government, this represents an increase of funding for the third sector of 18.3%. The resource is targeted at ensuring that third sector organisations have the support they need to develop, that the sector is effectively represented and engaging at local and national level and that it is able to pay a full role in the design and delivery of public services.  \r\nThe third sector is often at the forefront of innovation and keen to explore new ways of doing business and this includes the use of social media.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-04-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-03T16:45:03.713","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271866,"EventID":"S4W-06812","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-19T16:45:03.807","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-19T14:54:40","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, in light of the claim in the Ofgem consultation, Electricity transmission charging: assessment of options, that socialised charging for electricity could lead to a £30 p","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, in light of the claim in the Ofgem consultation, Electricity transmission charging: assessment of options, that socialised charging for electricity could lead to a £30 per year increase for consumers in the north of Scotland, what its reasons are for favouring this method of charging.\r\n","AnswerText":"Socialised charging has the advantages of being straightforward, clear and effective. Generators face a difficult financial climate, compounded by the upheaval caused by the UK Government’s electricity market reform, and such a charge would remove one element of investment uncertainty.\r\nRenewable generation should not be discouraged by the charging regime from locating in areas of best resource; a socialised transmission charge would remove what is effectively a penalty for generating in the correct place.\r\nA socialised charge would see even greater levels of investment in Scottish renewables, and encourage investment in the immature wave and tidal sectors, where Scotland has a competitive advantage and real potential for economic growth.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-03T16:45:03.807","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271867,"EventID":"S4W-06813","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-19T16:45:03.883","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-19T14:57:49","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive on what basis it does not accept the validity of the costings that Ofgem gave to justify the refusal to accept the postage stamp model for transmission charging (Official","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive on what basis it does not accept the validity of the costings that Ofgem gave to justify the refusal to accept the postage stamp model for transmission charging (Official Report, c. 8050).\r\n","AnswerText":"We have concerns about Project Transmit’s absolute reliance on modelling that only takes into account one aspect – the cost of transmission assets – of a highly complex system.\r\nSwitching to a low carbon economy will mean savings for consumers throughout the period modelled – and beyond. The modelling in Project Transmit does not take into account the price volatility and increasing cost to consumers of our current reliance on fossil fuels, whose costs are on an upward trajectory, with no sign of slowing.\r\nAnalysis from the UK Department of Energy and Climate Change shows that low carbon policies will lead to savings in the average energy bill of 7% - or £94. Details can be found at the following link:\r\nhttp://www.decc.gov.uk/en/content/cms/meeting_energy/aes/impacts/impacts.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-03T16:45:03.883","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271868,"EventID":"S4W-06814","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5057,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-19T16:45:03.96","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-19T15:00:16","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether releasing serious adverse event reports to affected families should be considered best practice for all NHS boards.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether releasing serious adverse event reports to affected families should be considered best practice for all NHS boards.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government does expect NHS boards to operate in an open and transparent way with families in relation to Severe Adverse Event Reports, taking account of patient confidentiality issues.\r\nNHS boards manage their response to adverse events as part of their overarching risk management arrangements. The national standards for Clinical Governance and Risk Management reflect best practice and state that there should be an open and responsive approach to risk management which actively involves patients, the public, staff and other stakeholders.\r\nIn addition, one of the ambitions we have set as part of our Healthcare Quality Strategy is for everything we do to be person-centred, with clear communication and shared decision-making between patients, their families and those delivering healthcare services.\r\nA Healthcare Improvement Scotland review of clinical governance systems and processes relating to the management of critical incidents and adverse events in NHS Ayrshire and Arran, is currently underway. In addition to reviewing practice in NHS Ayrshire and Arran, this review will seek to identify opportunities for shared learning across NHSScotland in respect of the management of and learning from critical incidents and adverse events.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-04-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-03T16:45:03.96","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271869,"EventID":"S4W-06815","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-19T16:45:04.04","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-19T15:18:49.827","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive which EU member states can legally fish in an area defined as closed under Scottish fishing regulations.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive which EU member states can legally fish in an area defined as closed under Scottish fishing regulations.\r\n","AnswerText":"EU legislation provides for closures of areas of sea for the protection of juvenile cod, haddock, whiting and saithe. If an area is closed this applies equally to all vessels regardless of their nationality.\r\nMarine Scotland also operates cod Real Time Closures as a non-statutory administrative scheme agreed with the fishing industry under the Scottish Conservation Credits Scheme. This scheme applies to all UK vessels. Other countries’ vessels are not obliged to abide with the scheme rules but on the whole show very high levels of co-operation in avoiding these areas. Only Scottish vessels receive the benefit in terms of extra time at sea gained from abiding by these closures.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-03T16:45:04.04","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271870,"EventID":"S4W-06816","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-19T16:45:04.103","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-19T15:18:49.827","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether fishing vessels from EU member states other than UK registered vessels can enter and fish in marine areas designated as (a) Natura 2000, (b) special areas of prot","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether fishing vessels from EU member states other than UK registered vessels can enter and fish in marine areas designated as (a) Natura 2000, (b) special areas of protection or (c) proposed marine protected area sites.\r\n","AnswerText":"In the absence of specific EU fisheries regulations prohibiting fishing activities in certain areas then vessels from all EU member states can fish in any community waters that they have historical access rights under the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP), irrespective of any designated status. Generally that means they can fish up to the 12 mile limit, but in a limited number of cases vessels from some member states can fish up to the 6 mile limit for certain species. Details of historical access rights are listed in Annex 1 of EC 2371/2002:\r\nhttp://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=OJ:L:2002:358:0059:0080:EN:PDF.\r\nIf a EU member state wishes to prohibit fishing activity in an area beyond territorial limits they would have to apply for non discriminatory measures via the European Commission to ensure that the measures applied to all EU vessels.\r\nThere is a lengthy process that must be followed for Natura 2000 locations, and it is outlined at:\r\nhttp://ec.europa.eu/environment/nature/natura2000/marine/docs/fish_measures.pdf.\r\nThere are no restrictions on fishing by other EU member state vessels in any proposed marine protected area sites unless there are existing EU fisheries regulations prohibiting that fishing activity.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-03T16:45:04.103","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271871,"EventID":"S4W-06817","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1845,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-19T16:45:04.163","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-19T15:15:21","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Cabinet Secretary for Health, Wellbeing and Cities Strategy is aware that all four of the applications made for Ipilimumab under the individual patient treatm","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Cabinet Secretary for Health, Wellbeing and Cities Strategy is aware that all four of the applications made for Ipilimumab under the individual patient treatment request system have been turned down; whether this is in conflict with the Scottish Government’s policy on access to cancer medicines, and whether the drug will be made available to NHS patients following the Scottish Medicines Consortium's appraisal on 3 April 2012.","AnswerText":"The Individual Patient Treatment Request (IPTR) system is for use by individual health boards and is operated independently of the Scottish Government. There is no requirement to notify ministers of decisions.\r\nI understand that the Scottish Medicines Consortium received a submission to appraise Ipilimumab and their advice is due to be published on 14 May 2012.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-04-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-03T16:45:04.18","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271872,"EventID":"S4W-06821","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5109,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":101,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-19T16:45:04.243","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-19T15:39:12","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer  to question S4W-06436 by Derek MacKay on 19 April 2012, how much additional support was requested by the City of Edinburgh Council for flood preve","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer  to question S4W-06436 by Derek MacKay on 19 April 2012, how much additional support was requested by the City of Edinburgh Council for flood prevention; when these requests were made, and what funding was made available.\r\n","AnswerText":"An application from the City of Edinburgh Council was made on 23 December 2011 seeking £39.5 million additional grant for the Water of Leith Flood Prevention Scheme.\r\nThe Scottish Government wrote to the Council on 16 February 2012 explaining that the agreement between COSLA and the Scottish ministers on the change to the distribution methodology for the period 2012-15 was to allocate the flooding component to new, large flooding projects only. Therefore the application from City of Edinburgh Council was turned down on the grounds that the Council had already received funding for the Water of Leith Scheme as part of the 2008 Local Government Settlement, and would continue to do so until 2014.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-03T16:45:04.243","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Derek Mackay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271879,"EventID":"S4W-06825","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4941,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-20T14:12:16.16","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-19T16:31:03","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people have type (a) 1 and (b) 2 diabetes, broken down by Scottish official ethnicity classification.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people have type (a) 1 and (b) 2 diabetes, broken down by Scottish official ethnicity classification.","AnswerText":"This information is not centrally held.\r\nThe Scottish Diabetes Survey 2010, published on 13 June 2011, indicates there are 237,468 people in Scotland with diabetes, roughly equating to 4.6% of the Scottish population. Most, around 88% (208,279), have type 2 diabetes, and around 12% (27,910), have type 1 diabetes. It does not however offer a breakdown by ethnic group.\r\nThe Diabetes Action Plan, published in 2010, contains an action to improve reporting on diabetes outcomes specific to black and minority ethnic (BME) communities. The Scottish Diabetes Survey Group is due to produce a report on clinical outcomes for people from minority ethnic groups later in 2012-13.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-04T14:12:16.41","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271880,"EventID":"S4W-06840","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5079,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-20T14:12:16.643","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-20T12:46:39.263","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many operations were cancelled by Yorkhill Hospital in (a) 2010-11 and (b) 2011-12 and for what reasons.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many operations were cancelled by Yorkhill Hospital in (a) 2010-11 and (b) 2011-12 and for what reasons.\r\n","AnswerText":"The specific information is not available centrally.\r\nInformation, although limited is available on the number of hospital stays where operations/procedures where not carried out following admission to hospital as an inpatient/day case. Information for the Royal Hospital for Sick Children (Yorkhill) for the financial year 2010-11 shows that the total number of stays was 23,358 and the number of stays where operations/procedures where not carried out following admission was 510.\r\nOperations may be cancelled due to a number of reasons such as a particularly high level of emergency admissions, staff sickness or the patient being unfit for treatment on admission.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-04-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-04T14:12:16.66","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271881,"EventID":"S4W-06841","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5079,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-20T14:12:16.767","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-20T12:46:39.263","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many beds were available for use at Yorkhill Hospital in each year from 2007-08 to 2011-12. \r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many beds were available for use at Yorkhill Hospital in each year from 2007-08 to 2011-12. \r\n","AnswerText":"The number of average available staffed beds at the Royal Hospital for Sick Children (Yorkhill) for the financial years ending 31 March 2008 to 31 March 2011 are shown in the following table.\r\nFigures for the financial year ending 31 March 2012 will be available in September 2012.\r\nAverage available staffed beds at the Royal Hospital for Sick Children (Yorkhill) for all specialties; financial years ending 31 March 2008 to 31 March 2011:\r\nHospital\r\n2007-08\r\n2008-09\r\n2009-10\r\n2010-11\r\nRoyal Hospital for Sick Children (Yorkhill) \r\n250\r\n257\r\n246\r\n245\r\nSource: ISD Scotland, ISD(S)1.","AnswerDate":"2012-05-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-04T14:12:16.767","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271892,"EventID":"S4W-06822","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-20T15:50:47.843","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-19T15:42:22","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to deliver the 2012 in-year flexibility under the cod recovery plan.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to deliver the 2012 in-year flexibility under the cod recovery plan.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question SW4-06823 on 4 May 2012. All answers to written Parliamentary Questions are available on the Parliament’s website the search facility for which can be found at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-04T15:50:47.92","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271893,"EventID":"S4W-06823","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-20T15:50:48.017","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-19T15:42:22","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and the Environment last met the European Commissioner for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries and whether they discussed in-year ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and the Environment last met the European Commissioner for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries and whether they discussed in-year flexibility under the cod recovery plan.\r\n","AnswerText":"I last met with Commissioner Damanaki on 25 April 2012. At this meeting and on previous occasions I underlined the concern of a number of EU Member States for there to be changes made urgently to the EU’s Cod Recovery Plan (CRP). In particular I have sought from the Commissioner an assurance that there will be no further reductions in minimum levels of fishing effort available to EU fleets, a view strongly supported by a number of Member States. I will continue to press these important arguments with the Commissioner.\r\nIn its implementation of the CRP in Scotland, through the innovative Conservation Credits scheme the Government has continued to make full use of flexibilities available under the plan to allocate additional time at sea to Scottish vessels in return for their adoption of conservation-minded fishing practices such as the use of more selective fishing gear.\r\nAs a consequence of this approach the Scottish North Sea whitefish fleet was able in 2011 to spend over 50 per cent more time at sea than would have been possible under the minimum allocation provided by the EU. In 2012 the Government and the fishing industry have also agreed a ground-breaking deal for the prawn fleet, which aims to substantially reduce unwanted catches of cod. In return the Government is able to reverse all the cuts in time at sea that this fleet has been subject to since 2009.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-04T15:50:48.03","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":" Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271894,"EventID":"S4W-06824","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-20T15:50:48.093","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-19T15:42:22","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it considers the European Commission’s assessment that fishing capacity in relation to Scotland's whitefish fishing fleet is growing at 3% per annum to be accurat","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it considers the European Commission’s assessment that fishing capacity in relation to Scotland's whitefish fishing fleet is growing at 3% per annum to be accurate and, if not, what action it is taking.\r\n","AnswerText":"We note the Commission’s assumption that the fishing fleet is increasing by 3% per annum. However, Scottish fleet capacity, as measured by Gross Tonnage (GT) and Kilowatts (kW), has in fact decreased by 27,906 GT (20%) and 69,879 kW (18%) from 2001 to 2010.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-04T15:50:48.093","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271895,"EventID":"S4W-06826","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3896,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":97,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-20T15:50:48.17","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-20T09:44:07","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made in developing proposals to ensuring that students from the rest of the UK from low-income backgrounds are not deterred from studying in Scotla","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made in developing proposals to ensuring that students from the rest of the UK from low-income backgrounds are not deterred from studying in Scotland.\r\n","AnswerText":"Following the increase in RUK fees last year, Scottish universities announced a package of bursaries and scholarships to provide to RUK-domiciled students to ensure that our institutions remain accessible to learners from diverse backgrounds. The latest UCAS applications statistics show that relatively more students from England are applying to study in Scotland than are applying to study in England this year, however it is too early to break this down further to determine what the particular outcome is with respect to those from low-income backgrounds.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-04T15:50:48.17","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271896,"EventID":"S4W-06827","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3896,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":97,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-20T15:50:48.25","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-20T09:44:07","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with (a) universities, (b) the National Union of Students and (c) other stakeholders on developing a consistent approach to advising people fr","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with (a) universities, (b) the National Union of Students and (c) other stakeholders on developing a consistent approach to advising people from the rest of the UK who are considering studying in Scotland about the fees structure and what support is available to them.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government engages with universities, student representatives and other higher education stakeholders on a regular basis to discuss a range of issues, including widening access and the support available to students.\r\nStudents from the rest of the UK who come to study in Scotland are supported in the first instance by the administration in their home country rather than the Scottish Government. However, every university can offer local support in the form of bursaries and the Scottish Government has welcomed the package of bursaries and scholarships that Scottish universities have agreed to provide to RUK domiciled students to ensure they remain accessible to learners from diverse backgrounds.\r\nIn addition to this, RUK students can apply for discretionary funds from the institution at which they are studying. These funds are intended to provide non-repayable assistance for students in financial difficulties in order for them to access and/or continue in higher education and are paid in addition to any other forms of student support.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-04T15:50:48.25","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271897,"EventID":"S4W-06830","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2633,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-20T15:50:48.31","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-20T12:15:08","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, in light of the statement in the North Atlantic Salmon Conservation Organization's Draft Report of the Aquaculture, Introductions and Transfers and Transgenics Focus Are","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, in light of the statement in the North Atlantic Salmon Conservation Organization's Draft Report of the Aquaculture, Introductions and Transfers and Transgenics Focus Area Review Group that \"in spite of the wealth of regulations and measures demonstrated in the FARs relating to salmon farming no jurisdiction was able to show that it had reached a situation where it had achieved the international goals\", what additional steps will be taken to address these issues in Scotland.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has supported, and continues to support, the sustainable development of the aquaculture industry and wild salmon and recreational fisheries in Scotland.\r\nThe draft report does not fully take into account the measures that the Scottish Government has taken, and continues to take, to address the issues highlighted. Examples include the continued work of the Improved Containment Working Group and proposals included in the recent Aquaculture and Fisheries Bill Consultation document. We are considering the way forward in light of responses to the bill consultation.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-04-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-04T15:50:48.31","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271898,"EventID":"S4W-06831","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2633,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-20T15:50:48.373","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-20T12:15:08","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its position is on the statement in the North Atlantic Salmon Conservation Organization's Final Report of the Aquaculture, Introductions and Transfers and Transgenic","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its position is on the statement in the North Atlantic Salmon Conservation Organization's Final Report of the Aquaculture, Introductions and Transfers and Transgenics Focus Area Review Group that \"the number of sea lice may be less than one per farmed fish but that may still translate to large numbers of lice in the environment because of the scale of production\".","AnswerText":"We agree. We want to ensure Scotland continues to lead the world in sea lice management.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-04-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-04T15:50:48.373","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271899,"EventID":"S4W-06832","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2633,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-20T15:50:48.467","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-20T12:15:08","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, in light of the conclusion in the North Atlantic Salmon Conservation Organization's Final Report of the Aquaculture, Introductions and Transfers and Transgenics Focus Ar","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, in light of the conclusion in the North Atlantic Salmon Conservation Organization's Final Report of the Aquaculture, Introductions and Transfers and Transgenics Focus Area Review Group that, in Scotland, \"progress towards achieving the international goals for sea lice and containment was not demonstrated\", what additional steps will be taken to address these issues.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-06830 on 30 April 2012 and the proposals included in the recent Aquaculture and Fisheries Bill Consultation document. Good progress has also been made through the Improved Containment Working Group’s work with industry on containment best practice training and on developing technical standards for aquaculture equipment.\r\nAll answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-04-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-04T15:50:48.467","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson ","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271900,"EventID":"S4W-06833","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2633,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-20T15:50:48.53","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-20T12:15:08","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, in the light of the conclusion in the North Atlantic Salmon Conservation Organization's Final Report of the Aquaculture, Introductions and Transfers and Transgenics Focu","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, in the light of the conclusion in the North Atlantic Salmon Conservation Organization's Final Report of the Aquaculture, Introductions and Transfers and Transgenics Focus Area Review Group that, in Scotland, \"adequate measures to minimise the risk of disease and parasite transmission have not been implemented\", what additional steps will be taken to address these issues.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government’s position was set out at page 56 of the report. We have taken account of the Healthier Fish Working Group’s recommendations and proposed through the Aquaculture and Fisheries Bill Consultation process a range of measures including placing farm management agreements on a statutory footing - to help address the issues.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-04-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-04T15:50:48.53","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271901,"EventID":"S4W-06834","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2633,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-20T15:50:48.607","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-20T12:15:08","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what additional steps it will take to ensure that sampling protocols effective in characterising the sea lice loads in fish farms and on wild salmonid populations are in ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what additional steps it will take to ensure that sampling protocols effective in characterising the sea lice loads in fish farms and on wild salmonid populations are in place, as per the North Atlantic Salmon Conservation Organization's Guidance on Best Management Practices to address impacts of sea lice and escaped farmed salmon on wild salmon stocks.","AnswerText":"Marine Scotland’s Fish Health Inspectorate undertake inspections under the Aquaculture and Fisheries (Scotland) Act 2007 relating to parasites and related control measures. The aquaculture industry in Scotland uses monitoring protocols detailed in the National Strategy for sea lice control. A protocol for assessing the sea lice loads on wild sea trout is being developed by the Scottish Fisheries Co-ordination Centre.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-04-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-04T15:50:48.607","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271902,"EventID":"S4W-06835","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2633,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-20T15:50:48.687","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-20T12:15:08","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what additional steps it will take to assess sea lice loads on wild salmonids compared with areas with no salmon farms, as per the North Atlantic Salmon Conservation Orga","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what additional steps it will take to assess sea lice loads on wild salmonids compared with areas with no salmon farms, as per the North Atlantic Salmon Conservation Organization's Guidance on Best Management Practices to address impacts of sea lice and escaped farmed salmon on wild salmon stocks.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has contracted local fishery trusts to assess the sea lice loads on wild sea trout at sites that are at a range of distances from active salmon farms. The intention is to provide information on areas with and without fish farms.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-04-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-04T15:50:48.687","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271903,"EventID":"S4W-06836","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2633,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-20T15:50:48.763","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-20T12:15:08","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what additional steps it will take to assess sea lice induced mortality of wild salmonids, as per the North Atlantic Salmon Conservation Organization's Guidance on Best M","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what additional steps it will take to assess sea lice induced mortality of wild salmonids, as per the North Atlantic Salmon Conservation Organization's Guidance on Best Management Practices to address impacts of sea lice and escaped farmed salmon on wild salmon stocks.\r\n","AnswerText":"Research on sea lice induced mortality of wild salmonids is currently on the Scottish Government’s research programme that is being undertaken by Marine Scotland Science.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-04-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-04T15:50:48.763","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271904,"EventID":"S4W-06837","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2633,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-20T15:50:48.843","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-20T12:15:08","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its position is on a trial of closed containment for marine finfish aquaculture, in light of the recent trial of such a system by Aquamarine in Canada.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its position is on a trial of closed containment for marine finfish aquaculture, in light of the recent trial of such a system by Aquamarine in Canada.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government is aware of a recent pilot study by AgriMarine in Canada and will continue to monitor developments with interest. Marine closed containment does not come without its challenges as shown in recent press relating to this study, which can be found at http://www.fishfarmingxpert.com/index.php?page_id=76&article_id=94657.\r\nThe technology is still in the experimental phase and will need to be proven to be both practical and economically viable if it is to be adopted widely by industry.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-04-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-04T15:50:48.843","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271905,"EventID":"S4W-06838","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2633,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-20T15:50:48.903","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-20T12:15:08","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will provide a policy statement about a strategy for mixed stock fisheries.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will provide a policy statement about a strategy for mixed stock fisheries.\r\n","AnswerText":"A variety of work is currently being undertaken by Marine Scotland, including a National Demonstration Project on Fisheries Management within the River South Esk, to better inform the management of mixed stock salmon fisheries. The government is also considering responses to a range of legislative proposals based upon recommendations contained in the Mixed Stock Fisheries Working Group Report, to inform a proposed Aquaculture and Fisheries Bill.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-04T15:50:48.903","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271906,"EventID":"S4W-06839","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2633,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-20T15:50:48.983","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-20T12:15:08","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the proposed Aquaculture and Fisheries Bill will include provisions to ensure that fish genetic samples are produced from salmon fisheries where necessary.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the proposed Aquaculture and Fisheries Bill will include provisions to ensure that fish genetic samples are produced from salmon fisheries where necessary.","AnswerText":"This issue was included as part of the recent consultation on an Aquaculture and Fisheries Bill. The 1,400 responses received are now being analysed and we will bring forward proposals for a bill in due course.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-04-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-04T15:50:48.983","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271907,"EventID":"S4W-06803","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2633,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-03T11:54:18.053","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-18T17:00:04","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will lay before the Parliament a report on greenhouse gas emissions attributable to Scottish consumption of goods and services for 2010 and 2011, as required under Section 37 of the Climate Change (Scotland) Act 2009 and whether it will report annually in future.","AnswerText":"Given the time lags in the availability of the emissions data that is required to estimate consumption-based emissions (greenhouse gas emissions by industry for Scotland as well as the countries from which we import) and the compilation of the necessary economic and environmental input-output information (domestic and abroad), we anticipate being able to report on 2010 consumption-based emissions in 2013. There is a significant cost associated with the production of an annual report and it is our current intention to report every three to four years to bring the time series up to date.\r\nThe Scottish Government will seek to minimise the delay in the reporting period wherever possible providing this does not adversely impact the quality and validity of the information.\r\nOn 1 May 2012 we published experimental data on the GHG footprint for 2009. The greenhouse gas footprint data is accessible from: Key Scottish Environment Statistics 2009 (webarchive.org.uk) ","AnswerDate":"2012-05-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271908,"EventID":"S4W-06805","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2633,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-23T14:57:47.657","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-18T17:00:04","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will use the information in the report on greenhouse gas emissions attributable to Scottish consumption of goods and services required under Section 37 of the ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will use the information in the report on greenhouse gas emissions attributable to Scottish consumption of goods and services required under Section 37 of the Climate Change (Scotland) Act 2009 to inform its policy decisions relating to climate change.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government routinely considers all relevant information available to inform its policy decisions.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-07T14:57:47.657","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271909,"EventID":"S4W-06842","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3896,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":97,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-23T14:57:47.737","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-20T17:10:27.3","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many higher education courses have been available at each college in each of the last three years.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many higher education courses have been available at each college in each of the last three years.\r\n","AnswerText":"The information requested is provided in the following table.\r\nTable 1: Number of HE Courses at each College, 2008-09 to 2010-11\r\nCollege\r\n2008-09\r\n2009-10\r\n2010-11\r\nAberdeen College\r\n250\r\n275\r\n250\r\nAdam Smith College\r\n180\r\n170\r\n145\r\nAngus College\r\n70\r\n75\r\n75\r\nAnniesland College\r\n90\r\n80\r\n85\r\nAyr College\r\n85\r\n45\r\n45\r\nBanff and Buchan College of Further Education\r\n145\r\n115\r\n105\r\nBarony College\r\n5\r\n5\r\n10\r\nBorders College\r\n35\r\n30\r\n35\r\nCardonald College\r\n55\r\n65\r\n90\r\nCarnegie College\r\n200\r\n205\r\n195\r\nCentral College Glasgow\r\n85\r\n100\r\n100\r\nClydebank College\r\n40\r\n45\r\n65\r\nCoatbridge College\r\n25\r\n20\r\n30\r\nCumbernauld College\r\n40\r\n40\r\n40\r\nDumfries and Galloway College\r\n75\r\n75\r\n60\r\nDundee College\r\n110\r\n130\r\n120\r\nEdinburgh’s Telford College\r\n110\r\n95\r\n105\r\nElmwood College\r\n35\r\n35\r\n40\r\nForth Valley College\r\n185\r\n165\r\n165\r\nGlasgow College of Nautical Studies\r\n110\r\n95\r\n100\r\nGlasgow Metropolitan\r\n90\r\n85\r\n90\r\nJames Watt College of Further & Higher Education\r\n95\r\n100\r\n110\r\nJewel and Esk College\r\n90\r\n90\r\n90\r\nJohn Wheatley College\r\n15\r\n15\r\n20\r\nKilmarnock College\r\n115\r\n115\r\n95\r\nLangside College\r\n105\r\n90\r\n85\r\nMotherwell College\r\n135\r\n145\r\n145\r\nNewbattle Abbey College\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\nNorth Glasgow College\r\n50\r\n65\r\n65\r\nOatridge College\r\n15\r\n20\r\n15\r\nReid Kerr College\r\n130\r\n140\r\n130\r\nSouth Lanarkshire College\r\n30\r\n30\r\n35\r\nStevenson College Edinburgh\r\n105\r\n105\r\n125\r\nStow College\r\n140\r\n130\r\n160\r\nWest Lothian College\r\n70\r\n80\r\n70\r\nTotal\r\n3,135\r\n3,070\r\n3,095\r\nSource: Scottish Funding Council.\r\nNote: This includes each individual course title. Courses may have been run more than once in the academic year and so have a slightly different name and are included once for each of those names.","AnswerDate":"2012-05-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-07T14:57:47.737","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271910,"EventID":"S4W-06843","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3896,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":97,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-23T14:57:47.813","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-20T17:10:27.3","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of undergraduates domiciled in Scotland and on their first (a) full- and (b) part-time higher education course at college has been from deprived areas in ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of undergraduates domiciled in Scotland and on their first (a) full- and (b) part-time higher education course at college has been from deprived areas in each of the last three years, broken down by institution.\r\n","AnswerText":"The information requested is provided in the following tables.\r\nTable 1(a): Percentage of Scottish domiciled first year full-time HE students from deprived areas, 2008-09 to 2010-11:\r\nCollege\r\n2008-09\r\n2009-10\r\n2010-11\r\nTotal\r\nDeprived\r\n%\r\nTotal\r\nDeprived%\r\nTotal\r\nDeprived%\r\nAberdeen College\r\n1,550\r\n8.74%\r\n1,515\r\n11.22%\r\n1,625\r\n8.33%\r\nAdam Smith College\r\n1,105\r\n21.72%\r\n1,215\r\n23.33%\r\n1,270\r\n23.02%\r\nAngus College\r\n235\r\n10.64%\r\n305\r\n18.33%\r\n300\r\n13.33%\r\nAnniesland College\r\n380\r\n36.00%\r\n410\r\n34.15%\r\n490\r\n36.73%\r\nAyr College\r\n535\r\n25.23%\r\n600\r\n30.25%\r\n550\r\n31.82%\r\nBanff and Buchan College of Further Education\r\n150\r\n10.00%\r\n210\r\n7.89%\r\n195\r\n10.81%\r\nBarony College\r\n50\r\n10.00%\r\n70\r\n7.14%\r\n75\r\n7.14%\r\nBorders College\r\n100\r\n10.00%\r\n90\r\n10.53%\r\n125\r\n8.00%\r\nCardonald College\r\n605\r\n35.83%\r\n700\r\n32.35%\r\n790\r\n33.55%\r\nCarnegie College\r\n260\r\n18.37%\r\n355\r\n17.39%\r\n425\r\n20.99%\r\nCentral College Glasgow\r\n870\r\n31.61%\r\n990\r\n29.80%\r\n1,000\r\n34.50%\r\nClydebank College\r\n465\r\n42.39%\r\n590\r\n40.68%\r\n570\r\n43.36%\r\nCoatbridge College\r\n300\r\n43.33%\r\n330\r\n48.44%\r\n370\r\n43.24%\r\nCumbernauld College\r\n300\r\n16.67%\r\n290\r\n18.97%\r\n315\r\n14.52%\r\nDumfries and Galloway College\r\n230\r\n10.87%\r\n205\r\n16.67%\r\n280\r\n16.07%\r\nDundee College\r\n980\r\n29.23%\r\n1,040\r\n29.95%\r\n1,115\r\n31.08%\r\nEdinburgh’s Telford College\r\n835\r\n11.95%\r\n980\r\n12.82%\r\n1,045\r\n13.88%\r\nElmwood College\r\n220\r\n6.82%\r\n250\r\n8.16%\r\n270\r\n10.20%\r\nForth Valley College\r\n710\r\n15.00%\r\n760\r\n16.45%\r\n825\r\n15.76%\r\nGlasgow College of Nautical Studies\r\n625\r\n26.61%\r\n560\r\n30.36%\r\n715\r\n25.35%\r\nGlasgow Metropolitan\r\n1,355\r\n22.47%\r\n1,395\r\n24.36%\r\n1,435\r\n24.13%\r\nJames Watt College of Further & Higher Education\r\n1,270\r\n35.04%\r\n1,410\r\n35.23%\r\n1,440\r\n35.31%\r\nJewel and Esk College\r\n535\r\n13.08%\r\n625\r\n11.20%\r\n665\r\n12.12%\r\nJohn Wheatley College\r\n70\r\n66.67%\r\n75\r\n53.33%\r\n95\r\n68.42%\r\nKilmarnock College\r\n480\r\n32.63%\r\n590\r\n37.29%\r\n575\r\n33.04%\r\nLangside College\r\n665\r\n25.56%\r\n735\r\n27.89%\r\n790\r\n30.57%\r\nMotherwell College\r\n680\r\n31.97%\r\n800\r\n33.33%\r\n840\r\n32.10%\r\nNorth Glasgow College\r\n380\r\n32.43%\r\n410\r\n37.80%\r\n520\r\n38.46%\r\nOatridge College\r\n95\r\n5.56%\r\n130\r\n11.54%\r\n135\r\n11.11%\r\nReid Kerr College\r\n810\r\n38.27%\r\n895\r\n32.40%\r\n895\r\n38.51%\r\nSouth Lanarkshire College\r\n290\r\n13.79%\r\n460\r\n16.48%\r\n560\r\n13.39%\r\nStevenson College Edinburgh\r\n715\r\n14.89%\r\n850\r\n14.20%\r\n970\r\n13.02%\r\nStow College\r\n750\r\n34.23%\r\n820\r\n32.21%\r\n980\r\n33.68%\r\nWest Lothian College\r\n345\r\n21.74%\r\n400\r\n21.52%\r\n500\r\n22.00%\r\nTotal\r\n18,945\r\n24.53%\r\n21,060\r\n25.29%\r\n22,750\r\n25.44%\r\nSource: Scottish Funding Council.\r\nNote: The table includes enrolments for students in their first year of study on an HE course, as it is not possible to identify which students are on an HE course for the first time.\r\nTable 1(b): Percentage of Scottish domiciled first year part-time HE students from deprived areas, 2008-09 to 2010-11:\r\nCollege\r\n2008-09\r\n2009-10\r\n2010-11\r\nTotal\r\nDeprived\r\n%\r\nTotal\r\nDeprived\r\n%\r\nTotal\r\nDeprived\r\n%\r\nAberdeen College\r\n1,275\r\n6.47%\r\n1,290\r\n9.30%\r\n1,295\r\n10.04%\r\nAdam Smith College\r\n2,200\r\n14.81%\r\n2,020\r\n16.58%\r\n1,335\r\n16.10%\r\nAngus College\r\n420\r\n10.84%\r\n455\r\n7.69%\r\n460\r\n9.78%\r\nAnniesland College\r\n340\r\n28.36%\r\n275\r\n30.91%\r\n315\r\n31.75%\r\nAyr College\r\n380\r\n22.58%\r\n290\r\n18.97%\r\n300\r\n28.33%\r\nBanff and Buchan College of Further Education\r\n665\r\n3.76%\r\n470\r\n4.30%\r\n470\r\n3.26%\r\nBarony College\r\n0\r\n0.00%\r\n0\r\n0.00%\r\n5\r\n0.00%\r\nBorders College\r\n135\r\n3.57%\r\n140\r\n10.71%\r\n160\r\n6.25%\r\nCardonald College\r\n530\r\n34.29%\r\n665\r\n27.59%\r\n760\r\n32.65%\r\nCarnegie College\r\n750\r\n13.45%\r\n720\r\n13.73%\r\n625\r\n10.48%\r\nCentral College Glasgow\r\n1,195\r\n25.74%\r\n1,070\r\n28.04%\r\n1,005\r\n29.50%\r\nClydebank College\r\n305\r\n27.87%\r\n295\r\n29.31%\r\n365\r\n30.14%\r\nCoatbridge College\r\n50\r\n20.00%\r\n45\r\n33.33%\r\n55\r\n45.45%\r\nCumbernauld College\r\n220\r\n15.91%\r\n205\r\n9.76%\r\n180\r\n11.11%\r\nDumfries and Galloway College\r\n245\r\n14.29%\r\n325\r\n13.85%\r\n230\r\n15.22%\r\nDundee College\r\n950\r\n16.58%\r\n1,065\r\n19.34%\r\n840\r\n16.27%\r\nEdinburgh’s Telford College\r\n645\r\n13.39%\r\n580\r\n15.65%\r\n680\r\n14.07%\r\nElmwood College\r\n105\r\n9.52%\r\n65\r\n15.38%\r\n85\r\n13.33%\r\nForth Valley College\r\n775\r\n10.53%\r\n565\r\n9.73%\r","AnswerDate":"2012-05-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-07T14:57:47.83","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271911,"EventID":"S4W-06844","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3896,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":97,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-23T14:57:47.89","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-20T17:10:27.3","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of undergraduates domiciled in Scotland and on (a) full- and (b) part-time higher education course at college has been from deprived areas in each of the ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of undergraduates domiciled in Scotland and on (a) full- and (b) part-time higher education course at college has been from deprived areas in each of the last three years, broken down by institution.\r\n","AnswerText":"The information requested is provided in the following tables.\r\nTable 1(a): Percentage of Scottish domiciled full-time HE students from deprived areas, 2008-09 to 2010-11:\r\nCollege\r\n2008-09\r\n2009-10\r\n2010-11\r\nTotal\r\nDeprived\r\n%\r\nTotal\r\nDeprived\r\n%\r\nTotal\r\nDeprived\r\n%\r\nAberdeen College\r\n2,165\r\n8.33%\r\n2,170\r\n10.39%\r\n2,340\r\n8.97%\r\nAdam Smith College\r\n1,480\r\n21.96%\r\n1,625\r\n22.29%\r\n1,695\r\n22.85%\r\nAngus College\r\n310\r\n11.29%\r\n395\r\n16.46%\r\n420\r\n14.29%\r\nAnniesland College\r\n455\r\n35.56%\r\n510\r\n33.66%\r\n585\r\n35.59%\r\nAyr College\r\n630\r\n24.60%\r\n665\r\n31.06%\r\n770\r\n33.12%\r\nBanff and Buchan College of Further Education\r\n175\r\n8.57%\r\n265\r\n8.16%\r\n260\r\n8.33%\r\nBarony College\r\n50\r\n10.00%\r\n70\r\n7.14%\r\n75\r\n7.14%\r\nBorders College\r\n110\r\n9.09%\r\n95\r\n10.00%\r\n130\r\n7.69%\r\nCardonald College\r\n890\r\n33.71%\r\n1,010\r\n33.67%\r\n1,150\r\n33.04%\r\nCarnegie College\r\n325\r\n17.74%\r\n440\r\n17.44%\r\n500\r\n19.15%\r\nCentral College Glasgow\r\n1,400\r\n30.82%\r\n1,535\r\n31.05%\r\n1,625\r\n32.41%\r\nClydebank College\r\n640\r\n41.27%\r\n830\r\n41.57%\r\n940\r\n43.62%\r\nCoatbridge College\r\n390\r\n42.86%\r\n410\r\n47.50%\r\n485\r\n43.30%\r\nCumbernauld College\r\n300\r\n16.67%\r\n350\r\n18.57%\r\n410\r\n16.05%\r\nDumfries and Galloway College\r\n290\r\n12.07%\r\n280\r\n14.29%\r\n325\r\n15.15%\r\nDundee College\r\n1,310\r\n29.12%\r\n1,425\r\n29.93%\r\n1,490\r\n31.42%\r\nEdinburgh’s Telford College\r\n1,190\r\n11.30%\r\n1,430\r\n12.32%\r\n1,490\r\n13.42%\r\nElmwood College\r\n220\r\n6.82%\r\n250\r\n8.00%\r\n270\r\n10.20%\r\nForth Valley College\r\n1,010\r\n14.50%\r\n1,115\r\n15.70%\r\n1,235\r\n17.00%\r\nGlasgow College of Nautical Studies\r\n990\r\n24.37%\r\n975\r\n31.79%\r\n1,025\r\n25.76%\r\nGlasgow Metropolitan\r\n2,075\r\n23.66%\r\n2,165\r\n23.83%\r\n2,205\r\n25.00%\r\nJames Watt College of Further and Higher Education\r\n1,620\r\n35.71%\r\n1,805\r\n33.70%\r\n1,800\r\n34.64%\r\nJewel and Esk College\r\n705\r\n12.77%\r\n775\r\n12.26%\r\n830\r\n12.73%\r\nJohn Wheatley College\r\n70\r\n66.67%\r\n75\r\n53.33%\r\n95\r\n68.42%\r\nKilmarnock College\r\n510\r\n31.68%\r\n590\r\n37.29%\r\n575\r\n33.04%\r\nLangside College\r\n665\r\n25.56%\r\n735\r\n27.89%\r\n790\r\n30.57%\r\nMotherwell College\r\n855\r\n31.85%\r\n1,030\r\n32.00%\r\n1,120\r\n31.19%\r\nNorth Glasgow College\r\n510\r\n35.00%\r\n515\r\n35.92%\r\n705\r\n36.43%\r\nOatridge College\r\n140\r\n7.14%\r\n165\r\n9.38%\r\n170\r\n8.82%\r\nReid Kerr College\r\n1,025\r\n36.59%\r\n1,165\r\n32.62%\r\n1,220\r\n36.44%\r\nSouth Lanarkshire College\r\n290\r\n13.79%\r\n495\r\n16.16%\r\n560\r\n13.39%\r\nStevenson College Edinburgh\r\n815\r\n13.66%\r\n955\r\n14.14%\r\n1,090\r\n12.44%\r\nStow College\r\n1,025\r\n32.84%\r\n1,165\r\n31.80%\r\n1,355\r\n33.96%\r\nWest Lothian College\r\n345\r\n21.74%\r\n400\r\n21.52%\r\n500\r\n22.00%\r\nTotal\r\n24,980\r\n24.20%\r\n27,880\r\n25.00%\r\n30,235\r\n25.43%\r\nSource: Scottish Funding Council.\r\nTable 1(b): Percentage of Scottish domiciled part-time HE students from deprived areas, 2008-09 to 2010-11:\r\nCollege\r\n2008-09\r\n2009-10\r\n2010-11\r\nTotal\r\nDeprived\r\n%\r\nTotal\r\nDeprived\r\n%\r\nTotal\r\nDeprived\r\n%\r\nAberdeen College\r\n1,435\r\n6.06%\r\n1,450\r\n8.62%\r\n1,505\r\n9.30%\r\nAdam Smith College\r\n2,515\r\n14.94%\r\n2,330\r\n16.05%\r\n1,595\r\n15.99%\r\nAngus College\r\n450\r\n10.11%\r\n460\r\n7.61%\r\n465\r\n9.68%\r\nAnniesland College\r\n445\r\n29.55%\r\n430\r\n29.07%\r\n445\r\n31.46%\r\nAyr College\r\n475\r\n23.46%\r\n375\r\n18.92%\r\n395\r\n25.32%\r\nBanff and Buchan College of Further Education\r\n765\r\n4.58%\r\n575\r\n3.54%\r\n570\r\n2.70%\r\nBarony College\r\n0\r\n0.00%\r\n0\r\n0.00%\r\n5\r\n0.00%\r\nBorders College\r\n210\r\n2.38%\r\n210\r\n7.14%\r\n225\r\n6.82%\r\nCardonald College\r\n620\r\n32.77%\r\n735\r\n27.20%\r\n810\r\n31.43%\r\nCarnegie College\r\n910\r\n13.19%\r\n920\r\n12.88%\r\n835\r\n11.03%\r\nCentral College Glasgow\r\n1,300\r\n26.92%\r\n1,135\r\n27.88%\r\n1,090\r\n29.82%\r\nClydebank College\r\n385\r\n27.27%\r\n380\r\n28.38%\r\n460\r\n29.67%\r\nCoatbridge College\r\n65\r\n23.08%\r\n70\r\n28.57%\r\n100\r\n42.11%\r\nCumbernauld College\r\n240\r\n16.67%\r\n225\r\n11.11%\r\n195\r\n12.82%\r\nDumfries and Galloway College\r\n345\r\n13.04%\r\n450\r\n12.22%\r\n295\r\n13.79%\r\nDundee College\r\n1,210\r\n16.32%\r\n1,305\r\n18.15%\r\n1,015\r\n16.00%\r\nEdinburgh’s Telford College\r\n860\r\n11.64%\r\n690\r\n13.87%\r\n785\r\n14.10%\r\nElmwood College\r\n110\r\n9.09%\r\n75\r\n13.33%\r\n95\r\n11.11%\r\nForth Valley College\r\n1,080\r\n10.33%\r\n825\r\n10.30%\r\n880\r\n9.71%\r\nGlasgow College of Nautical Studies\r\n840\r\n23.35%\r\n865\r\n23.12%\r\n855\r\n20.25%\r\nGlasgow Metropolitan\r\n585\r\n25.22%\r\n520\r\n24.04%\r\n600\r\n25.00%\r\nJames Wa","AnswerDate":"2012-05-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-07T14:57:47.89","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271912,"EventID":"S4W-06846","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5106,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":118,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-23T14:57:47.983","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-22T13:22:16","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people with type 1 diabetes have completed the Dose Adjustment For Normal Eating (DAFNE) course in each NHS board area since the course was introduced.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people with type 1 diabetes have completed the Dose Adjustment For Normal Eating (DAFNE) course in each NHS board area since the course was introduced.\r\n","AnswerText":"This information is not centrally held.\r\nInformation on the numbers and type of different structured education courses will be reported for the first time in the annual Scottish Diabetes Survey next year.\r\nThere are a number of structured education courses, such as DAFNE, available for people with type 1 diabetes throughout Scotland, and increasing access to these is one of the priorities of our Diabetes Action Plan which was published in 2010.\r\nTo further this aim the Scottish Diabetes Group provided direct funding of £154,450 in 2011-12 to NHS boards toward supporting provision of structured education courses for people with both type 1 and type 2 diabetes.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-07T14:57:47.983","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271913,"EventID":"S4W-06847","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5106,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":118,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-23T14:57:48.063","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-22T13:22:16","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people with type 2 diabetes have completed the Diabetes Education and Self-management for Ongoing and Newly Diagnosed (DESMOND) course in each NHS board area sin","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people with type 2 diabetes have completed the Diabetes Education and Self-management for Ongoing and Newly Diagnosed (DESMOND) course in each NHS board area since the course was introduced.\r\n","AnswerText":"This information is not centrally held.\r\nInformation on the numbers and type of different structured education courses will be reported for the first time in the annual Scottish Diabetes Survey next year.\r\nThere are a number of structured education courses, such as DESMOND, available for people with type 2 diabetes throughout Scotland and increasing access to these is one of the priorities of our Diabetes Action Plan which was published in 2010.\r\nTo further this aim the Scottish Diabetes Group provided direct funding of £154,450 in 2011-12 to NHS boards toward supporting provision of structured education courses for people with both type 1 and type 2 diabetes.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-07T14:57:48.063","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271914,"EventID":"S4W-06853","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":89,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-23T14:57:48.157","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-23T11:04:43","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S4O-00887 by Derek McKay on 19 April 2012, whether it will list the (a) five councils that have confirmed that they already pay the cur","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S4O-00887 by Derek McKay on 19 April 2012, whether it will list the (a) five councils that have confirmed that they already pay the current level of the living wage through their existing wage structures, (b) nine councils that have introduced the living wage and (c) six councils that have stated that they will implement a living wage during 2012-13.","AnswerText":"The five councils that have confirmed that they already pay the current level of the living wage through their existing wage structures are:\r\nEast Dunbartonshire Council,\r\nOrkney Islands Council,\r\nPerth and Kinross Council,\r\nShetland Islands Council,\r\nWestern Isles Council.\r\nThe nine councils that have introduced the living wage are:\r\nAberdeen City Council,\r\nDumfries and Galloway Council,\r\nEast Renfrewshire Council,\r\nGlasgow City Council, \r\nNorth Ayrshire Council,\r\nRenfrewshire Council, \r\nScottish Borders Council, \r\nSouth Lanarkshire Council, \r\nWest Dunbartonshire Council.\r\nThe six councils that have stated they will implement a living wage during 2012-13 are: \r\nClackmannanshire Council,\r\nFalkirk Council,\r\nMoray Council,\r\nNorth Lanarkshire Council,\r\nSouth Ayrshire Council,\r\nStirling Council.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-07T14:57:48.157","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Derek Mackay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271922,"EventID":"S4F-00622","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":2892,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-23T14:31:49.317","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-23T11:57:27","Title":"To ask the First Minister when a decision will be made on the European Offshore Wind Deployment Centre.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister when a decision will be made on the European Offshore Wind Deployment Centre.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-07T14:31:49.317","MeetingDate":"2012-04-26T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271923,"EventID":"S4F-00624","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":2080,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":87,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-23T14:31:49.443","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-23T12:23:40","Title":"To ask the First Minister what engagements he has planned for the rest of the day.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what engagements he has planned for the rest of the day.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-07T14:31:49.457","MeetingDate":"2012-04-26T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271924,"EventID":"S4F-00631","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":3743,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":123,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-23T14:31:49.677","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-23T13:22:42","Title":"To ask the First Minister what steps the Scottish Government is taking to address concerns raised by the STUC regarding youth unemployment.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what steps the Scottish Government is taking to address concerns raised by the STUC regarding youth unemployment.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-07T14:31:49.677","MeetingDate":"2012-04-26T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271925,"EventID":"S4F-00632","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-23T14:31:49.707","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-23T13:26:24.52","Title":"To ask the First Minister whether the Scottish Government will provide additional funding to community projects to reduce reoffending.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister whether the Scottish Government will provide additional funding to community projects to reduce reoffending.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-07T14:31:49.707","MeetingDate":"2012-04-26T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271926,"EventID":"S4F-00636","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":4976,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-23T14:31:49.817","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-23T14:19:39","Title":"To ask the First Minister when he will next meet the Secretary of State for Scotland.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister when he will next meet the Secretary of State for Scotland.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-07T14:31:49.817","MeetingDate":"2012-04-26T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271930,"EventID":"S4W-06848","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-23T17:19:32.343","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-23T09:31:58","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many attendances there have been at each accident and emergency department in NHS Grampian in each year since 2007.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many attendances there have been at each accident and emergency department in NHS Grampian in each year since 2007.\r\n","AnswerText":"The number of attendances (new and unplanned returns) from July 2007 to December 2011 for each accident and emergency (A&E) department in NHS Grampian are provided in the following table. The number of monthly attendances at each accident and emergency department across Scotland are published quarterly and can be viewed here http://www.isdscotland.org/Health-Topics/Emergency-Care/Emergency-Department-Activity/. \r\nPrior to 1 July 2007 information for A&E attendances was collected centrally from the ISD monthly aggregate return ISD(S)1 but is only published at NHS board level at http://www.isdscotland.org/Health-Topics/Hospital-Care/.\r\nA new data collection system was introduced from 1 July 2007 which provides information on attendances on all A&E departments. A&E departments are classified as emergency departments or minor injury units/other. Emergency departments are sites that provide a 24 hour Emergency Medicine consultant-led service. Minor Injury Units/Other are sites including minor injuries units, small hospitals and health centres in rural areas that carry out emergency department related activity and are GP or Nurse led. They may or may not be open 24 hours. The information provided in the table covers the periods: 1 July 2007 to 31 December 2007 and the full calendar years for 2008 to 2011.\r\nTotal Number of Attendances at Accident and Emergency Departments in NHS Grampian for years 20071 to 2011\r\nAccident and Emergency Department\r\n20071\r\n2008\r\n2009\r\n2010\r\n2011\r\nNHS Grampian\r\n69,969\r\n140,253\r\n143,259\r\n138,050\r\n142,085\r\nAberdeen Royal Infirmary\r\n31,275\r\n61,952\r\n62,893\r\n62,178\r\n63,522\r\nDr Gray’s Hospital\r\n11,110\r\n22,541\r\n22,088\r\n22,002\r\n23,905\r\nRoyal Aberdeen Children’s Hospital\r\n8,003\r\n16,724\r\n17,345\r\n16,942\r\n17,952\r\nAboyne Hospital\r\n424\r\n939\r\n1,035\r\n1,034\r\n1,014\r\nChalmers Hospital\r\n1,958\r\n3,840\r\n4,013\r\n3,705\r\n3,793\r\nFleming Cottage Hospital\r\n186\r\n369\r\n388\r\n399\r\n333\r\nFraserburgh Hospital\r\n5,070\r\n9,336\r\n9,857\r\n8,278\r\n8,098\r\nInsch & District War Memorial Hospital\r\n388\r\n858\r\n834\r\n705\r\n610\r\nInverurie Hospital\r\n238\r\n411\r\n470\r\n420\r\n354\r\nJubilee Hospital\r\n1,448\r\n2,794\r\n2,914\r\n2,981\r\n3,121\r\nKincardine Community Hospital\r\n780\r\n1,387\r\n1,431\r\n1,288\r\n1,198\r\nLeanchoil Hospital\r\n335\r\n839\r\n951\r\n827\r\n426\r\nPeterhead Community Hospital\r\n6,385\r\n13,503\r\n13,727\r\n12,596\r\n13,114\r\nSeafield Hospital\r\n508\r\n955\r\n973\r\n992\r\n1,019\r\nStephen Cottage Hospital\r\n193\r\n359\r\n496\r\n491\r\n470\r\nTurner Memorial Hospital\r\n634\r\n1,296\r\n1,445\r\n974\r\n980\r\nTurriff Cottage Hospital\r\n1,034\r\n2,150\r\n2,399\r\n2,238\r\n2,176\r\nSource: A&E data mart, ISD Scotland.\r\nNote: 1. Data are from 1 July 2007.","AnswerDate":"2012-05-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-07T17:19:32.377","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271931,"EventID":"S4W-06849","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-23T17:19:32.453","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-23T09:31:58","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many (a) sight tests and (b) eye examinations were carried out in NHS (i) Tayside and (ii) Grampian in (A) 2010-11 and (B) 2011-12.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many (a) sight tests and (b) eye examinations were carried out in NHS (i) Tayside and (ii) Grampian in (A) 2010-11 and (B) 2011-12.\r\n","AnswerText":"NHS Sight Tests were replaced in 2006 by NHS eye examinations. Therefore no sight tests were carried out in 2010-11, or 2011-12.\r\nThe information requested on NHS eye examinations carried out in 2010-11 is published on the Information Services Division (ISD) website at: http://www.isdscotland.org/Health-Topics/Eye-Care/Publications/2011-07-26/ophthalmic_table_C_july11.xls.\r\nThe information requested on NHS eye examinations carried out in 2011-12 is not yet available. Data for 2011-12 will be published on the ISD website in July 2012.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-04-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-07T17:19:32.453","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271932,"EventID":"S4W-06850","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-23T17:19:32.53","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-23T09:31:58","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much funding was given to health centres in Grampian in (a) 2008-09, (b) 2009-10, (c) 2010-11 and (d) 2011-12.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much funding was given to health centres in Grampian in (a) 2008-09, (b) 2009-10, (c) 2010-11 and (d) 2011-12.\r\n","AnswerText":"No specific funding is made available for health centres in NHS Scotland. NHS boards receive an allocation to meet the healthcare needs of their resident population. It is for boards to decide how best to utilise this funding to meet national and local priorities.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-07T17:19:32.53","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271933,"EventID":"S4W-06851","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-23T17:19:32.593","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-23T09:31:58","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S4W-02910 by Alex Neil on 4 October 2011, when it will make the announcement and how much it will spend on the schemes in (a) 2013-14 a","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S4W-02910 by Alex Neil on 4 October 2011, when it will make the announcement and how much it will spend on the schemes in (a) 2013-14 and (b) 2014-15.\r\n","AnswerText":"In my statement to the Scottish Parliament on fuel poverty on 5 October 2011, I announced that funding for Scottish Government fuel poverty and energy efficiency programmes would be £65 million in financial years 2012-13 and 2013-14, rising to £66.25 million in 2014-15.\r\nOn 3 April 2012, I announced that the Universal Home Insulation Scheme would receive investment of over £16 million for financial year 2012-13. No announcement has yet been made about allocations to the Energy Assistance Package and Boiler Scrappage Scheme.\r\nThe Scottish Fuel Poverty Forum is due to publish the interim report of its review of the Scottish Government's fuel poverty strategy shortly. I will set out further information about the Scottish Government's plans for future fuel poverty and energy efficiency programmes in my response to the forum’s findings.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-07T17:19:32.593","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271934,"EventID":"S4W-06852","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-23T17:19:32.657","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-23T09:31:58","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S4W-00775 by Alex Neil on 30 June 2011, what the expenditure was on the schemes in 2011-12.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S4W-00775 by Alex Neil on 30 June 2011, what the expenditure was on the schemes in 2011-12.\r\n","AnswerText":"For the financial year 2011-12, the forecast outturn for the Energy Assistance Package is £46.3 million, for the Universal Home Insulation Scheme is £14.3 million and for the Boiler Scrappage Scheme is £5.2 million, subject to verification in the annual accounts. There was no expenditure on the Home Insulation Scheme as this was replaced by the Universal Home Insulation Scheme.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-07T17:19:32.657","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271935,"EventID":"S4W-06854","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-23T17:19:32.733","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-23T12:13:28","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it carried out the review of the suitability of the counting rules for crime recording that was recommended by the 2008 HM Inspectorate of Constabulary report, Sc","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it carried out the review of the suitability of the counting rules for crime recording that was recommended by the 2008 HM Inspectorate of Constabulary report, Scottish Crime Recording Standard, and, if so, what the outcome was.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has discharged this recommendation and initially hosted a meeting in May 2008 with all Force Crime Registrars when it was agreed that a new Counting Rules Sub Group be formed. This forum is chaired by a Crime Registrar with the attendance of Scottish Government and invited representatives from relevant areas of crime i.e. Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS), and Association of Chief Police Officers in Scotland (ACPOS) Working Groups etc. These meetings are held quarterly unless otherwise requested and prior to the Scottish Crime Recording Group meeting chaired by the ACPOS lead for the Scottish Crime Recording Standard.\r\nAs a result of this review, an 800 page Scottish Crime Recording Standard Manual was developed in consultation with the Scottish Government Justice Analytical Services Division and introduced in 2008, detailing agreed national counting rules and conventions. This manual is now reviewed by the above sub group on a yearly basis.\r\nAnnual force audits continue to be carried out in each force with the introduction in 2011 of cross scrutiny force audits. In essence, this means that each force is audited annually by another and vice versa.\r\nIn addition, HMICS has conducted follow-up audit activity in 2010 and 2011 (to be published shortly) giving a high degree of confidence that the original recommendation has been discharged.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-07T17:19:32.733","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271936,"EventID":"S4W-06855","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-23T17:19:32.813","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-23T12:13:28","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether police forces have introduced a standardised identification of crimes that do not require further or full investigation, as was recommended by the 2008 HM Inspect","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether police forces have introduced a standardised identification of crimes that do not require further or full investigation, as was recommended by the 2008 HM Inspectorate of Constabulary report, Scottish Crime Recording Standard, and, if so, what types of crime were identified.\r\n","AnswerText":"This recommendation is not about the recording of crime per se, or a debate about crime types, but rather about the proportionality of further investigation in circumstances where there are few or no realistic investigative options. In that regard, a national Crime Resolution Policy was produced in Sept 2008 by Association of Chief Police Officers in Scotland Crime Business Area and circulated to all forces.\r\nOver the past few years, a number of forces have been working towards “responding to demand” and No Further Enquiry/Crime Screening Policies have been introduced which relate to minor crimes with no aggravating factors. In short, there is a single national policy and, whilst some variations in approach are still encountered, work is still ongoing to achieve full standardisation in the move towards a single police service.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-07T17:19:32.813","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271937,"EventID":"S4W-06856","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-23T17:19:32.873","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-23T12:13:28","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what guidance has been given to police forces regarding the recommendations of the 2008 HM Inspectorate of Constabulary  report, Scottish Crime Recording Standard.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what guidance has been given to police forces regarding the recommendations of the 2008 HM Inspectorate of Constabulary  report, Scottish Crime Recording Standard.\r\n","AnswerText":"There were five recommendations made in the 2008 report by HM Inspectorate of Constabulary for Scotland and it is satisfied through follow-up audits in 2010 and 2012 that these have largely been discharged.\r\nAs a result of the 2008 review, an 800 page Scottish Crime Recording Standard Manual was developed and introduced in 2008, detailing agreed national counting rules and conventions. In addition, a training DVD was produced by Lothian and Borders Police with the assistance of all Force Crime Registrars and is now part of the training within Forces and the Scottish Police College, where it is recognised as part of the probationer crime training.\r\nA Crime Recording Standard Training Sub Group was also introduced to ensure that guidance documents remain current and this group is now looking towards the development a national training programme for the single Scottish police service.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-07T17:19:32.89","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271938,"EventID":"S4W-06857","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-23T17:19:32.953","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-23T12:13:28","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many of the incidents that have been (a) reported to or (b) recorded by each police force in each year since 2007 have been (i) classified as crimes, (ii) classified ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many of the incidents that have been (a) reported to or (b) recorded by each police force in each year since 2007 have been (i) classified as crimes, (ii) classified as offences and (iii) recorded but not classified as a crime or an offence.\r\n","AnswerText":"The number of incidents that have been reported to each police force in Scotland is contained in the Scottish Policing Performance Framework (SPPF) Annual Report 2010-11.\r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Statistics/Browse/Crime-Justice/PoliceSPPF.\r\nTable 5.1.4 of the SPPF Annual Report 2010-11 gives the number of incidents reported to the police in Scotland, from 2007-08 to 2010-11.\r\nThe Scottish Policing Performance Framework Annual Report does not contain information on which incidents have been classified as a crime or an offence, or whether an incident was recorded but not classified as a crime or an offence.\r\nThe number of crimes and offences that have been recorded by each police force in Scotland are contained within the Recorded Crime in Scotland, 2010-11 Statistical Bulletin.\r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Statistics/Browse/Crime-Justice/PubRecordedCrime.\r\nTables 1 and 2 of the Recorded Crime in Scotland, 2010-11 Statistical Bulletin give the number of crimes and, the number of offences, recorded by the police in Scotland, from 2001-02 to 2010-11.\r\nThe recorded crime data collected centrally contains information on the number of crimes and offences recorded by the police in Scotland. It does not contain information on the number of incidents reported to the police.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-07T17:19:32.953","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271939,"EventID":"S4W-06858","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-23T17:19:33.03","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-23T12:13:28","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what guidance is issued to police (a) staff and (b) officers regarding how a reported theft of a mobile phone should be recorded.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what guidance is issued to police (a) staff and (b) officers regarding how a reported theft of a mobile phone should be recorded.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Association of Chief Police Officers in Scotland (ACPOS) issues general guidance to police forces on the Scottish Crime Recording Standard (SCRS). The SCRS is the method by which police officers and staff record all thefts, including mobile phones. Additionally, the National Policing Improvement Agency (NPIA) issues guidance to forces on complying with the requirements of the National Mobile Phone Register (NMPR) when recording the theft of mobile phones.\r\nChief constables are responsible for issuing specific guidelines to their officers and staff and ensuring that these are applied.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-07T17:19:33.03","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271940,"EventID":"S4W-06860","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1866,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-23T17:19:33.093","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-23T13:04:13","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress is being made on implementing the recommendations in Review of Fatal Accident Inquiry Legislation: The Report.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress is being made on implementing the recommendations in Review of Fatal Accident Inquiry Legislation: The Report.","AnswerText":"The Government intends to bring forward legislative proposals to implement those recommendations which require primary legislation made by Lord Cullen of Whitekirk in the Review of Fatal Accident Inquiry Legislation when an opportunity arises in the legislative programme, but within the lifetime of this Parliament.\r\nMany of Lord Cullen’s recommendations were addressed to the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS) and these have been largely been implemented already. In particular, COPFS has set up the Scottish Fatalities Investigation Unit (SFIU) which now investigates all non criminal deaths which are reported to COPFS, liaises with Crown Counsel and conducts Fatal Accident Inquiries. The SFIU has also assumed responsibility for COPFS policy on deaths and for liaison with external agencies. SFIU is designed to be a discrete and specialist unit within COPFS.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-04-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-07T17:19:33.11","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Roseanna Cunningham","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271941,"EventID":"S4W-06862","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1866,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-23T17:19:33.187","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-23T14:51:50","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has met representatives of NHS Lothian to discuss reported unscheduled power cuts on 29 March 2012.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has met representatives of NHS Lothian to discuss reported unscheduled power cuts on 29 March 2012.\r\n","AnswerText":"No detailed meetings have taken place but discussions have taken place with officials on this issue. A detailed investigation into this incident is underway and we are waiting on the report. NHS Lothian has given categorical assurance that patient safety is the number one priority and that robust contingency plans are in place to address any potential problems.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-07T17:19:33.187","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271942,"EventID":"S4W-06863","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1866,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-23T17:19:33.25","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-23T14:51:50","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will seek an update from NHS Lothian on the performance of Consort in relation to the delivery of facilities management services at the Royal Infirmary of Edin","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will seek an update from NHS Lothian on the performance of Consort in relation to the delivery of facilities management services at the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh.\r\n","AnswerText":"Balfour Beattie Workplace (BBW) have instructed their Managing Director of Operations to personally undertake an investigation into the incident. This investigation is underway and the board is awaiting the full report.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-07T17:19:33.25","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271943,"EventID":"S4W-06864","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1866,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-23T17:19:33.327","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-23T14:51:50","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what contingency plans are in place to protect patients in NHS facilities affected by power cuts.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what contingency plans are in place to protect patients in NHS facilities affected by power cuts.","AnswerText":"NHS boards are required to have contingency plans in place as per the current guidance, Scottish Health Technical Memorandum (SHTM) 06-01, which states that resilience should be provided according to clinical risk assessments comprising:\r\n(a) - Secondary sources of supply, for example:\r\nStandby generators\r\nCombined Heat and Power (CHP) plant. \r\n(b) - Tertiary sources of supply, such as:\r\nUninterruptible power supplies (UPS)\r\nBattery backup.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-07T17:19:33.343","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271944,"EventID":"S4W-06865","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1866,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-23T17:19:33.407","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-23T14:51:50","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what requirement it places on NHS boards to have emergency power systems at clinical sites.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what requirement it places on NHS boards to have emergency power systems at clinical sites.","AnswerText":"Where a clinical risk assessment dictates, the following requirements to have emergency power systems at clinical sites are placed on NHS boards:\r\nFor clinical areas in general there should be 100% load provision from standby generators.\r\nSupporting engineering services connected to standby generator supplies should have power restored within 15 seconds.\r\nLighting and life-support equipment should be connected to uninterruptible power supplies or battery packs to restore power within 0.5 seconds of any interruptions.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-07T17:19:33.407","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271945,"EventID":"S4W-06866","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1866,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-23T17:19:33.5","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-23T14:51:50","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what safeguards are in place to ensure that NHS emergency power systems are operational at all times.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what safeguards are in place to ensure that NHS emergency power systems are operational at all times.","AnswerText":"In accordance with current guidance, NHS boards are required to have the following safeguards in place to ensure that NHS emergency power systems are operational at all times: \r\nAll fixed theatre operating lamps, including the main unit and any satellite units, should be connected to a battery inverter unit providing three-hour autonomy.\r\nAll standby generator plant should be tested on line with the building load every month. The duration of the test should be at least one hour.\r\nFull services tests should demonstrate that batteries can hold their charge state while the uninterruptible power supply (UPS) is on bypass. Batteries and UPS should be tested on line with mains disconnected.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-07T17:19:33.5","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271946,"EventID":"S4W-06867","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1866,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-23T17:19:33.56","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-23T14:51:50","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what guidance it provides to NHS boards regarding the maintenance of emergency power systems.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what guidance it provides to NHS boards regarding the maintenance of emergency power systems.","AnswerText":"Guidance provided to NHS boards regarding the maintenance of emergency power systems is set out in the Scottish Health Technical Memorandum (SHTM) 06-01 – Electrical services supply and distribution which is published in two parts:\r\nPart A: Design considerations\r\nPart B: Operational management.\r\nSection 6 within Part B is devoted to testing and maintenance procedures required for emergency power systems.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-07T17:19:33.56","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271947,"EventID":"S4W-06868","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1866,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-23T17:19:33.623","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-23T14:51:50","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what requirements it places on NHS boards when they contract out facilities management responsibilities to third party providers.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what requirements it places on NHS boards when they contract out facilities management responsibilities to third party providers.\r\n","AnswerText":"The responsibility for contracting out facilities management responsibilities to third party providers is an issue for NHS boards to manage. The Scottish Government has no contractual powers to intervene. In developing specifications NHS boards are required to ensure compliance with extant technical guidance.\r\nNHS boards are expected to monitor contract performance, applying the performance management arrangements contained in the contract and where appropriate applying financial penalties for poor performance.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-07T17:19:33.623","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271948,"EventID":"S4W-06869","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1866,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-23T17:19:33.687","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-23T14:51:50","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether third parties responsible for the management of NHS facilities have the same obligations regarding patient safety as the NHS.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether third parties responsible for the management of NHS facilities have the same obligations regarding patient safety as the NHS.","AnswerText":"The management of NHS facilities is devolved to NHS boards. Under the terms and conditions of the Standard Form Contract which NHS boards will have in place with contractors, third party contractors are under the same obligations regarding patient safety as the NHS.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-07T17:19:33.7","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271949,"EventID":"S4W-06870","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":131,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-24T14:06:32.497","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-23T16:07:43.947","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will consult on the (a) future investment priorities for Scottish Water and (b) principles behind charging for (i) water and (ii) waste services. \r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will consult on the (a) future investment priorities for Scottish Water and (b) principles behind charging for (i) water and (ii) waste services. \r\n","AnswerText":"I intend to engage on the future investment priorities for Scottish Water and the Principles of Charging in the next regulatory period over the summer months.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-08T14:06:32.637","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271950,"EventID":"S4W-06871","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":131,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-24T14:06:32.827","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-23T16:15:33.09","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive for what reason householders do not receive a discount from Scottish Water when roof water is discharged into a private pond rather than the public drainage system. \r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive for what reason householders do not receive a discount from Scottish Water when roof water is discharged into a private pond rather than the public drainage system. \r\n","AnswerText":"Householders are charged for their water and sewerage services by reference to Council Tax Band rather than usage. This system ensures that charges are broadly progressive and are affordable for all households in Scotland with households in Council Tax Band A paying one-third of those in Band H.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-08T14:06:32.827","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271951,"EventID":"S4W-06872","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5109,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":101,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-24T14:06:32.903","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-23T16:15:55","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress it has made on its proposed changes to the prison visiting committee system.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress it has made on its proposed changes to the prison visiting committee system.","AnswerText":"In the recent parliamentary debate on visiting committees it was recognised that an independent prisoner advocacy service would contribute to better offender outcomes, which the Scottish Government is committed to deliver. The debate did however raise concerns about the future independent monitoring of prisons.\r\nThe Scottish Government accepts that monitoring is required and has committed to address this and will come forward shortly with proposals.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-08T14:06:32.903","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271957,"EventID":"S4W-06873","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1866,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-24T16:51:20.463","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-24T09:04:30","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with Stirling Council in relation to hosting Clans 2014.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with Stirling Council in relation to hosting Clans 2014.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government is represented on the Stirling 2014 Partner Group, established by Stirling Council to maximise the tourism, economic and legacy benefits of 2014 for Stirling. Delivery of a Clan 2014 event has been discussed by the Partner Group. Scottish Government and EventScotland officials have also met with Stirling Council to explore what support might be provided to develop this event. \r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-08T16:51:20.543","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271958,"EventID":"S4W-06874","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1866,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-24T16:51:20.683","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-24T09:04:30","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what role it is taking in the organisation of Clans 2014.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what role it is taking in the organisation of Clans 2014.","AnswerText":"The Clans 2014 event is a Stirling Council initiative. The Scottish Government will continue to play a role as a member of the Stirling 2014 Partner Group.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-08T16:51:20.683","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271959,"EventID":"S4W-06875","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1866,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-24T16:51:20.747","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-24T09:04:30","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether Clans 2014 will be promoted as part of the Homecoming 2014 celebrations.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether Clans 2014 will be promoted as part of the Homecoming 2014 celebrations.","AnswerText":"Clans 2014 is one of a number of potential events that we expect will be considered to form part of the Homecoming 2014 programme. All events within the Homecoming 2014 programme will be promoted in the run up to and during the year.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-08T16:51:20.76","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271960,"EventID":"S4W-06876","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1866,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-24T16:51:20.823","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-24T09:04:30","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what funding it is providing in support of (a) Homecoming 2014 and (b) Clans 2014.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what funding it is providing in support of (a) Homecoming 2014 and (b) Clans 2014.","AnswerText":"In March 2012 the Scottish Government announced a £3 million fund to create an inspirational programme of events for the year. All applications for funding will be assessed against criteria to be published later this year. Further funding announcements will follow.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-08T16:51:20.823","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271961,"EventID":"S4W-06877","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1866,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-24T16:51:20.887","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-24T09:04:30","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress is being made on implementing the recommendations in Audit Scotland's report, The Gathering 2009, in relation to organising Clans 2014.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress is being made on implementing the recommendations in Audit Scotland's report, The Gathering 2009, in relation to organising Clans 2014.\r\n","AnswerText":"Building on the recommendations in the Audit Scotland and Public Audit Committee reports on The Gathering 2009, robust mechanisms are in place to provide the necessary accountability and transparency for all public resources invested by the Scottish Government in the Homecoming Scotland 2014 celebrations and to ensure that the related governance arrangements are fit for purpose.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-08T16:51:20.887","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271962,"EventID":"S4W-06878","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1866,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-24T16:51:20.963","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-24T09:04:30","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress is being made on implementing the recommendations in the Public Audit Committee's report, The Gathering 2009, in relation to the organisation of Clans 2014.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress is being made on implementing the recommendations in the Public Audit Committee's report, The Gathering 2009, in relation to the organisation of Clans 2014.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-06877 on 8 May 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-08T16:51:20.963","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271963,"EventID":"S4W-06879","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1866,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-24T16:51:21.027","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-24T09:04:30","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will provide a guarantee to private sector firms providing services to Clans 2014 that they will receive payment.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will provide a guarantee to private sector firms providing services to Clans 2014 that they will receive payment.","AnswerText":"The planned Clans 2014 event is a Stirling Council initiative. It will be for Stirling Council to ensure all necessary governance arrangements are in place to support delivery of this event.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-08T16:51:21.027","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271964,"EventID":"S4W-06880","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1866,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-24T16:51:21.087","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-24T09:04:30","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what support it (a) has provided and (b) can provide to assist private sector creditors of the Gathering 2009 to recover any money due to them.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what support it (a) has provided and (b) can provide to assist private sector creditors of the Gathering 2009 to recover any money due to them.","AnswerText":"The Gathering 2009 Ltd was a private company that was neither established nor contracted by the government. The Scottish Government has every sympathy for the plight of the creditors affected by the liquidation of the Gathering 2009 Ltd. This was one of the principal reasons why the Scottish Government worked so hard to find a solution, once it became aware of the financial difficulties the company was facing. The Scottish Government’s Principal Accounting Officer has judged that it would not be appropriate for the Scottish Government to assume responsibility for the company’s debts.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-08T16:51:21.087","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271965,"EventID":"S4W-06882","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5057,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-24T16:51:21.15","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-24T13:57:45","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S4W-06485 by Alasdair Allan on 24 April 2012, what activities it considers constitute quality physical education.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S4W-06485 by Alasdair Allan on 24 April 2012, what activities it considers constitute quality physical education.","AnswerText":"It is for each teacher to use their professional judgement to design and deliver physical education which engages and motivates children and young people. Curriculum for Excellence defines the experiences and outcomes which physical education should support, and these can be enhanced by a wide range of purposeful, challenging, progressive and enjoyable physical activities, with choice built in for all learners. It would neither be appropriate nor within the spirit of Curriculum for Excellence for the Scottish Government to define which specific activities teachers should use to deliver quality physical education.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-08T16:51:21.167","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alasdair Allan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271966,"EventID":"S4W-06883","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5057,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-24T16:51:21.23","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-24T13:57:45","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S4W-06484 by Alasdair Allan on 24 April 2012, whether it plans to work toward the ambition of at least two hours of quality physical ed","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S4W-06484 by Alasdair Allan on 24 April 2012, whether it plans to work toward the ambition of at least two hours of quality physical education for secondary school pupils and what steps it will take to achieve that ambition.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government is committed to ensuring that all pupils in S1 to S4 receive at least two periods of physical education per week by 2014. Delivery of this commitment will be validated through the Healthy Living Survey, with school level data being published in June 2012, 2013 and 2014. In order to ensure consistency in reporting within the survey, a period has been defined as 50 minutes or above. Therefore, we would expect all pupils in S1 to S4 to be receiving at least 100 minutes of physical education per week by 2014.\r\nTo support local authorities deliver this important commitment to our children and young people, sportscotland has identified £3.4 million to be distributed to authorities over the next two years. Each authority will be able to access a share of this fund if they commit to delivering the 2014 PE target and agree a plan for achieving this with Education Scotland and sportscotland. However, it will be for each authority to consider how this additional funding can be best used to create those opportunities for their pupils.\r\nThe sportscotland funding will be supplemented with a further £2.4 million package of national initiatives led by Education Scotland to increase the support available to authorities, schools and teachers over the same period.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-08T16:51:21.23","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alasdair Allan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271967,"EventID":"S4W-06884","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1866,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-24T16:51:21.307","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-24T14:12:25","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the expected annual income for each local authority will be arising from the Local Government Finance (Unoccupied Properties etc.) (Scotland) Bill.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the expected annual income for each local authority will be arising from the Local Government Finance (Unoccupied Properties etc.) (Scotland) Bill.\r\n","AnswerText":"For empty non-domestic premises, the Local Government Finance (Unoccupied Properties etc.)(Scotland) Bill itself only creates an enabling power to vary empty property relief by future regulations and has no direct financial impact. These regulations will raise an estimated additional £18 million for the Scottish Government budget in 2013-14 and 2014-15. However, there will be no net gain to the overall budget allocations individual local authorities receive as a result of the additional business rates income generated since the Scottish Government guarantees the overall level of support it will provide, which has already been confirmed, through a combination of business rates income and general revenue grant.\r\nThe Bill also creates an enabling power, by regulations, to allow local authorities to remove the existing council tax discounts for certain classes of long-term empty homes and to charge additional council tax on these properties. Over a four year period, the Scottish Government estimates that an average of up to £16 million of net additional revenue could be generated each year if all local authorities were to charge the maximum 100 per cent increase. The actual additional amount generated will be subject to variation and will be dependent on the extent to which individual local authorities use the new powers.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-08T16:51:21.307","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271977,"EventID":"S4W-06892","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":2,"MSPID":4964,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-25T12:46:34.64","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-25T12:08:28.783","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much business taxes have been lowered annually under the small business bonus scheme since its introduction, broken down by local authority area.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much business taxes have been lowered annually under the small business bonus scheme since its introduction, broken down by local authority area.\r\n","AnswerText":"The following table shows a breakdown of savings, in £ million, awarded to businesses under the Small Business Bonus Scheme, split by local authority area.\r\n \r\n \r\nTotal business rates relief awarded under Small Business Bonus Scheme (SBBS) *\r\n \r\n2008-09\r\n£m\r\n2009-10\r\n£m\r\n2010-11\r\n£m\r\n2011-12\r\n£m\r\n2008-2011 £m\r\nTotal\r\nAberdeen City\r\n2.4\r\n3.3\r\n3.3\r\n3.8\r\n12.7\r\nAberdeenshire\r\n3.4\r\n5.0\r\n5.8\r\n6.4\r\n20.6\r\nAngus\r\n1.8\r\n2.4\r\n2.7\r\n2.9\r\n9.7\r\nArgyll and Bute\r\n2.2\r\n3.1\r\n3.3\r\n3.8\r\n12.4\r\nClackmannanshire\r\n0.5\r\n0.8\r\n0.9\r\n1.1\r\n3.4\r\nDumfries and Galloway\r\n2.6\r\n3.6\r\n4.0\r\n4.6\r\n14.8\r\nDundee City\r\n1.8\r\n2.8\r\n3.1\r\n3.5\r\n11.3\r\nEast Ayrshire\r\n1.3\r\n2.1\r\n2.2\r\n2.5\r\n8.1\r\nEast Dunbartonshire\r\n0.9\r\n1.5\r\n1.7\r\n1.9\r\n6.0\r\nEast Lothian\r\n1.3\r\n1.9\r\n2.2\r\n2.4\r\n7.8\r\nEast Renfrewshire\r\n0.7\r\n1.1\r\n1.2\r\n1.3\r\n4.4\r\nEdinburgh, City of\r\n6.5\r\n10.1\r\n11.8\r\n12.7\r\n41.0\r\nEilean Siar\r\n0.3\r\n0.6\r\n0.6\r\n0.8\r\n2.2\r\nFalkirk\r\n1.7\r\n2.5\r\n2.7\r\n2.9\r\n9.8\r\nFife\r\n4.2\r\n6.5\r\n7.4\r\n8.3\r\n26.4\r\nGlasgow City\r\n6.5\r\n11.0\r\n12.8\r\n14.6\r\n44.9\r\nHighland\r\n4.2\r\n6.5\r\n7.7\r\n8.7\r\n27.1\r\nInverclyde\r\n0.8\r\n1.3\r\n1.4\r\n1.7\r\n5.2\r\nMidlothian\r\n0.9\r\n1.4\r\n1.7\r\n1.9\r\n5.8\r\nMoray\r\n1.3\r\n1.8\r\n2.1\r\n2.2\r\n7.3\r\nNorth Ayrshire\r\n1.9\r\n2.7\r\n3.0\r\n3.4\r\n11.1\r\nNorth Lanarkshire\r\n3.2\r\n5.1\r\n5.8\r\n6.5\r\n20.6\r\nOrkney Islands\r\n0.5\r\n0.8\r\n0.9\r\n0.9\r\n3.1\r\nPerth and Kinross\r\n2.7\r\n4.2\r\n4.5\r\n5.2\r\n16.7\r\nRenfrewshire\r\n2.3\r\n3.4\r\n3.7\r\n4.0\r\n13.5\r\nScottish Borders\r\n2.2\r\n3.4\r\n3.8\r\n4.2\r\n13.7\r\nShetland Islands\r\n0.3\r\n0.5\r\n0.6\r\n0.7\r\n2.0\r\nSouth Ayrshire\r\n1.7\r\n2.6\r\n2.9\r\n3.1\r\n10.4\r\nSouth Lanarkshire\r\n3.6\r\n5.5\r\n5.8\r\n6.4\r\n21.3\r\nStirling\r\n1.6\r\n2.4\r\n2.6\r\n3.0\r\n9.6\r\nWest Dunbartonshire\r\n0.8\r\n1.3\r\n1.6\r\n1.9\r\n5.6\r\nWest Lothian\r\n1.7\r\n2.6\r\n3.1\r\n3.4\r\n10.8\r\nScotland\r\n67.8\r\n103.7\r\n116.8\r\n130.8\r\n419.1\r\n* SBBS was introduced in April 2008\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-04-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-09T12:46:34.733","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271978,"EventID":"S4W-06885","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":85,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-25T14:10:55.22","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-24T15:39:04.447","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with the UK Border Agency regarding the awarding of the contract for the provision of accommodation for asylum seekers in Scotland to Serco.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with the UK Border Agency regarding the awarding of the contract for the provision of accommodation for asylum seekers in Scotland to Serco.","AnswerText":"The responsibility for the award of this contract is a reserved matter. However, Scottish Government officials have been kept informed by UKBA officials during the tendering process and initial roll out of the contract for the provision of accommodation for asylum seekers which was awarded to Serco earlier this year.\r\nIn December 2011, the Cabinet Secretary for Culture and External Affairs wrote to Home Office Minister, Damian Green MP expressing her concerns that the change in contract would not adversely affect the lives of asylum seekers living in Scotland, and noting that she wished to be kept fully informed of any developments.\r\nThe Scottish Government remains clear that whilst asylum seekers are in Scotland they must be welcomed and supported.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-09T14:10:55.423","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271979,"EventID":"S4W-06886","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":85,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-25T14:10:55.61","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-24T15:39:04.447","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representations it has made to the Home Office regarding concerns that families may become destitute as a result of the award of the contract for the provision of ac","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representations it has made to the Home Office regarding concerns that families may become destitute as a result of the award of the contract for the provision of accommodation for asylum seekers in Scotland to Serco.\r\n","AnswerText":"The responsibility for the award of this contract is a reserved matter. However, Scottish Government officials have been kept informed by UKBA officials during the tendering process and initial roll out of the contract for the provision of accommodation for asylum seekers which was awarded to Serco earlier this year.\r\nIn December 2011, the Cabinet Secretary for Culture and External Affairs wrote to Home Office Minister, Damian Green MP expressing her concerns that the change in contract would not adversely affect the lives of asylum seekers living in Scotland, and noting that she wished to be kept fully informed of any developments.\r\nIn relation to families becoming destitute as a result of the award of the contract to Serco, UKBA have advised that families with dependent children under the age of 18 will remain entitled to accommodation and support until all members of the family are adults.\r\nThe Scottish Government remains clear that whilst asylum seekers are in Scotland they must be welcomed and supported.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-09T14:10:55.61","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271980,"EventID":"S4W-06888","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":85,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-25T14:10:55.673","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-24T15:39:04.447","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether private contractors operate under Scots Law in relation to their involvement in the practice of dawn raids.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether private contractors operate under Scots Law in relation to their involvement in the practice of dawn raids.","AnswerText":"Individuals in Scotland are subject to Scots criminal law. They may also, depending on the facts and circumstances of a particular case, owe civil law obligations to other persons.\r\nAsylum and Immigration regulations are reserved matters and decisions relating to the use of private contractors in dawn raids undertaken in the enforcement of those regulations, are for the UKBA. However, anyone involved in dawn raids and present in Scotland is subject to Scots Law.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-09T14:10:55.673","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271981,"EventID":"S4W-06889","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4080,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-25T14:10:55.75","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-24T17:07:15.237","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many women have been sent to Cornton Vale prison since (a) 27 January 2010 and (b) 14 June 2011.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many women have been sent to Cornton Vale prison since (a) 27 January 2010 and (b) 14 June 2011.\r\n","AnswerText":"I have asked John Ewing, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service, to respond. His response is as follows:\r\n(a) From 27 January 2010 until 26 April 2012 there have been a total of 2,549 individual women admitted to Cornton Vale which equates to 5,470 separate admissions.\r\n(b) From 14 June 2011 until 26 April 2012 there have been a total of 1,287 individual women admitted to Cornton Vale which equates to 2,146 separate admissions.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-09T14:10:55.75","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271982,"EventID":"S4W-06890","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2159,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":88,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-25T14:10:55.86","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-25T10:41:48.85","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the First Minister had a phone call booked with the Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport on 3 March 2011.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the First Minister had a phone call booked with the Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport on 3 March 2011.\r\n","AnswerText":"The information requested is being collated. I will write to the member as soon as the information is available and a copy will be placed in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre (Bib. number 53977).\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-09T14:10:55.877","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271983,"EventID":"S4W-06891","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2159,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":88,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-25T14:10:55.937","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-25T10:41:48.85","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive on which dates the First Minister has spoken to the Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport since 13 May 2010.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive on which dates the First Minister has spoken to the Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport since 13 May 2010.\r\n","AnswerText":"The information requested is being collated. I will write to the member as soon as the information is available and a copy will be placed in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre (Bib. number 53976).\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-09T14:10:55.937","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271993,"EventID":"S4O-00939","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":4939,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":78,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-25T15:08:24.993","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-18T13:00:28.607","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its position is on the types of marriage ceremony available to couples.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its position is on the types of marriage ceremony available to couples.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-09T15:08:25.163","MeetingDate":"2012-05-02T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271994,"EventID":"S4O-00940","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-25T15:08:25.4","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-18T13:00:28.67","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what map scale is used to assess land eligible for agricultural support under the Integrated Administration and Control System 2012.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what map scale is used to assess land eligible for agricultural support under the Integrated Administration and Control System 2012.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-09T15:08:25.4","MeetingDate":"2012-05-02T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271995,"EventID":"S4O-00941","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1759,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-25T15:08:25.477","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-18T13:00:28.683","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it will take as a result of the Court of Session judgement on the Moonzie Farm rent review case in relation to Section 13 rent reviews to ensure that the view","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it will take as a result of the Court of Session judgement on the Moonzie Farm rent review case in relation to Section 13 rent reviews to ensure that the views of tenant farmers and tenants are taken into consideration .\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-09T15:08:25.493","MeetingDate":"2012-05-02T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271996,"EventID":"S4O-00942","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1961,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-25T15:08:25.587","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-18T13:00:28.7","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to reduce the number and value of outstanding fines and penalties levied by the courts, the fiscal service and the police.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to reduce the number and value of outstanding fines and penalties levied by the courts, the fiscal service and the police.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-09T15:08:25.587","MeetingDate":"2012-05-02T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271997,"EventID":"S4O-00943","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2159,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":88,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-25T15:08:25.663","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-18T13:00:28.73","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to widen access to services for victims of domestic abuse in Glasgow.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to widen access to services for victims of domestic abuse in Glasgow.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-09T15:08:25.663","MeetingDate":"2012-05-02T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271998,"EventID":"S4O-00944","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-25T15:08:25.743","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-18T13:00:28.747","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to improve transport infrastructure in Aberdeen.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to improve transport infrastructure in Aberdeen.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-09T15:08:25.743","MeetingDate":"2012-05-02T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":271999,"EventID":"S4O-00945","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1778,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":110,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-25T15:08:25.82","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-18T13:00:28.777","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what checks and investigations have been carried out into care homes formerly operated by Southern Cross Healthcare.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what checks and investigations have been carried out into care homes formerly operated by Southern Cross Healthcare.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-09T15:08:25.82","MeetingDate":"2012-05-02T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272000,"EventID":"S4O-00946","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":3771,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-25T15:08:26.257","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-18T13:00:28.81","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress it is making to deliver a pilot of revenue generating projects from climate challenge funding that will promote carbon reduction through financially sustain","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress it is making to deliver a pilot of revenue generating projects from climate challenge funding that will promote carbon reduction through financially sustainable projects.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-09T15:08:26.273","MeetingDate":"2012-05-02T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272001,"EventID":"S4O-00947","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1793,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-25T15:08:26.35","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-18T13:00:28.84","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking in light of the UK Government's decision not to renew the contract for the Emergency Towing Vessel service in the Pentland Firth and other northe","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking in light of the UK Government's decision not to renew the contract for the Emergency Towing Vessel service in the Pentland Firth and other northern waters. \r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-09T15:08:26.35","MeetingDate":"2012-05-02T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272002,"EventID":"S4O-00948","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":5034,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-25T15:08:26.427","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-18T13:00:28.873","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what HIV prevention resources are in place in NHS Tayside.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what HIV prevention resources are in place in NHS Tayside.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-09T15:08:26.427","MeetingDate":"2012-05-02T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272003,"EventID":"S4O-00949","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":138,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-25T15:08:26.49","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-18T13:01:48.76","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with North Ayrshire Council regarding the proposed changes to council tax benefit by the UK Government.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with North Ayrshire Council regarding the proposed changes to council tax benefit by the UK Government.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-09T15:08:26.49","MeetingDate":"2012-05-02T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272004,"EventID":"S4O-00950","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":4941,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-25T15:08:26.57","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-18T13:01:48.807","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it supports entrepreneurs and small business start-ups in Glasgow.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it supports entrepreneurs and small business start-ups in Glasgow.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-09T15:08:26.57","MeetingDate":"2012-05-02T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272005,"EventID":"S4O-00951","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":2487,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-25T15:08:26.663","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-18T13:01:48.823","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it supports research and development in the small and medium-sized enterprise sector in South Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it supports research and development in the small and medium-sized enterprise sector in South Scotland.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-09T15:08:26.663","MeetingDate":"2012-05-02T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272006,"EventID":"S4O-00952","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":3824,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-25T15:08:26.723","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-18T13:01:48.84","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it encourages the use of credit unions.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it encourages the use of credit unions.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-09T15:08:26.723","MeetingDate":"2012-05-02T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272007,"EventID":"S4O-00953","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":2610,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-25T15:08:26.803","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-18T13:01:48.853","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what guidance it gives to local authorities regarding the recovery of community charge and council tax arrears.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what guidance it gives to local authorities regarding the recovery of community charge and council tax arrears.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-09T15:08:26.803","MeetingDate":"2012-05-02T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272008,"EventID":"S4O-00954","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-25T15:08:26.863","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-18T13:01:48.887","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what financial assistance is provided to West Dunbartonshire Council to tackle unemployment.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what financial assistance is provided to West Dunbartonshire Council to tackle unemployment.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-09T15:08:26.863","MeetingDate":"2012-05-02T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272009,"EventID":"S4O-00955","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":2059,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":91,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-25T15:08:26.943","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-18T13:01:48.9","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its plans are in relation to the introduction of a local income tax.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its plans are in relation to the introduction of a local income tax.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-09T15:08:26.96","MeetingDate":"2012-05-02T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272010,"EventID":"S4O-00956","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":77,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-25T15:08:27.02","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-18T13:01:48.933","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much support has been given to businesses in East Kilbride by the small business bonus scheme.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much support has been given to businesses in East Kilbride by the small business bonus scheme.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-09T15:08:27.02","MeetingDate":"2012-05-02T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272011,"EventID":"S4O-00957","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":1943,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-25T15:08:27.083","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-18T13:01:48.947","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many jobs have been created in the renewables industry in the last year.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many jobs have been created in the renewables industry in the last year.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-09T15:08:27.1","MeetingDate":"2012-05-02T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272012,"EventID":"S4O-00958","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":2826,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":84,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-25T15:08:27.16","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-18T13:01:48.963","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it considers that council staff who are earning less than £21,000 per year should receive a minimum pay rise of £250.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it considers that council staff who are earning less than £21,000 per year should receive a minimum pay rise of £250.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-09T15:08:27.177","MeetingDate":"2012-05-02T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272013,"EventID":"S4O-00960","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":4938,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-25T15:08:27.24","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-18T13:01:49.01","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it supports employment in the steel industry in North Lanarkshire.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it supports employment in the steel industry in North Lanarkshire.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-09T15:08:27.24","MeetingDate":"2012-05-02T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272014,"EventID":"S4O-00961","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":1986,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":142,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-25T15:08:27.317","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-18T13:01:49.043","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to ensure that Greenock and Inverclyde is not disproportionately affected by the current economic climate.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to ensure that Greenock and Inverclyde is not disproportionately affected by the current economic climate.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-09T15:08:27.317","MeetingDate":"2012-05-02T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272015,"EventID":"S4O-00962","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":4014,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-25T15:08:27.397","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-18T13:01:49.057","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to increase economic activity in Perth.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to increase economic activity in Perth.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-09T15:08:27.397","MeetingDate":"2012-05-02T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272016,"EventID":"S4O-00963","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":5059,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-25T15:08:27.457","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-18T13:01:49.09","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to increase the number of jobs in the renewable energy sector in West Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to increase the number of jobs in the renewable energy sector in West Scotland.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-09T15:08:27.457","MeetingDate":"2012-05-02T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272017,"EventID":"S4O-00964","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":4955,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":105,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-25T15:08:27.52","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-18T13:01:49.103","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what correspondence it has had with the Chief Secretary of the Treasury regarding regional pay.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what correspondence it has had with the Chief Secretary of the Treasury regarding regional pay.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-09T15:08:27.537","MeetingDate":"2012-05-02T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272018,"EventID":"S4O-00965","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":131,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-25T15:08:27.597","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-18T13:01:49.12","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with the UK Government about the financial implications of the proposals in the Welfare Reform (Further Provision) (Scotland) Bill on the publ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with the UK Government about the financial implications of the proposals in the Welfare Reform (Further Provision) (Scotland) Bill on the public sector.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-09T15:08:27.597","MeetingDate":"2012-05-02T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272019,"EventID":"S4O-00966","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":5075,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":112,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-25T15:08:27.66","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-18T13:01:49.137","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assistance packages are available for people seeking work in the voluntary sector in Fife.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assistance packages are available for people seeking work in the voluntary sector in Fife.\r\n","AnswerText":"The third sector is key to Scotland having a successful and fairer future and has a major role to play in supporting Scotland’s communities, in tackling unemployment and in helping people to develop new skills and experience in a tough jobs market.\r\nThe Scottish Government has already provided £14 million through the Community Jobs Scotland programme, delivered through the Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations and Social Enterprise Scotland, to provide training and support for up to 2000 young people in Scotland, including 161 individuals in Fife.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-09T15:08:27.677","MeetingDate":"2012-05-02T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272020,"EventID":"S4O-00967","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-25T15:08:27.74","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-18T13:01:49.167","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, in light of the recently reported comments by the Minister for Energy, Enterprise and Tourism, whether it will regulate so-called pay-day loans.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, in light of the recently reported comments by the Minister for Energy, Enterprise and Tourism, whether it will regulate so-called pay-day loans.","AnswerText":"I wrote to the UK Minister Norman Lamb on 17 April 2012 seeking greater regulation of payday loans and urging the UK Government to consider a cap on interest rates for high interest and payday lending.\r\nThe Scottish Executive cannot regulate payday loans as payday lenders are regulated under the Consumer Credit Act 1974, which is reserved.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-09T15:08:27.74","MeetingDate":"2012-05-02T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272021,"EventID":"S4O-00968","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":2675,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":93,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-25T15:08:27.817","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-18T13:01:49.197","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether recipients of feed-in tariff payments for renewable electricity production and heat incentives will have their contracts honoured in the event of energy policy be","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether recipients of feed-in tariff payments for renewable electricity production and heat incentives will have their contracts honoured in the event of energy policy being fully devolved.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government recognises the important contribution that projects supported by the UK Feed-in Tariff and Renewable Heat Incentive schemes will make towards our Renewables Routemap to 2020. There is no reason whatsoever that those who have invested under the terms of existing mechanisms and arrangements should not continue to receive support following changes to the devolved settlement.\r\nIn the meantime, we have opened the door for discussions on many issues through the Independence Referendum Consultation. I welcome the Prime Minister's recent statement that the UK Government will always honour those renewable projects in respect of which it has entered a commitment.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-09T15:08:27.817","MeetingDate":"2012-05-02T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272025,"EventID":"S4W-06893","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-25T17:04:07.727","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-25T13:36:07","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the eligibility criteria for home care are consistent across all local authorities and, if so, for what reason the average number of hours provided per person per","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the eligibility criteria for home care are consistent across all local authorities and, if so, for what reason the average number of hours provided per person per week is 3.8 in Angus and 21.1 in Fife.","AnswerText":"Yes. Joint guidance on eligibility criteria for free personal and nursing care was issued by the Scottish Government and COSLA in September 2009. Local authorities were asked to confirm that their local arrangements were compatible with this guidance. All 32 local authorities confirmed that this was the position by December 2009.\r\nThe Scottish Government, in partnership with COSLA, also issued guidance on \r\n22 March 2010 to local authorities on Monitoring of National Standard Eligibility Criteria and Waiting Times for free personal and nursing care of older people. A new data collection has been developed that records the eligibility criteria and waiting time of clients receiving a new Free Personal and Nursing Care service. The first data from this new collection was released as “Data under development” on 29 March 2011.\r\nThe difference in the number of hours per person per week in Angus and Fife, which is highlighted in Audit Scotland’s report Commissioning Social Care, may be down to a number of factors including differences in local populations and needs, the services available in local authority areas, as well as the success of councils and NHS boards in providing care at home and a return to independence without further support. It may also be an issue with the manner in which uptake of services are recorded locally. Further analysis is needed before drawing conclusions.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-09T17:04:07.757","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272026,"EventID":"S4W-06894","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-25T17:04:07.867","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-25T13:36:07","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what is being done to ensure that home care support is offered as a preventative care service to help avoid the need for more costly intensive support, hospital or reside","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what is being done to ensure that home care support is offered as a preventative care service to help avoid the need for more costly intensive support, hospital or residential care.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-06899 on 8 May 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-09T17:04:07.88","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272027,"EventID":"S4W-06895","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-25T17:04:07.943","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-25T13:36:07","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people have received home care in each of the last 10 years, broken down by local authority.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people have received home care in each of the last 10 years, broken down by local authority.","AnswerText":"A table showing the number of people who received care in their own homes in each of the last ten years, broken down by local authority area, has been placed in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre (Bib. number 53909).\r\nThis information is also published on the Scottish government website at: http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Statistics/Browse/Health/Data/HomeCare#top.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-09T17:04:07.943","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272028,"EventID":"S4W-06896","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-25T17:04:08.083","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-25T13:36:07","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Accounts Commission has used its powers to censure, suspend or disqualify officials for specific periods in each of the last 10 years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Accounts Commission has used its powers to censure, suspend or disqualify officials for specific periods in each of the last 10 years.","AnswerText":"The Accounts Commission has not used these powers in the last 10 years.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-09T17:04:08.1","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272029,"EventID":"S4W-06897","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-25T17:04:08.223","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-25T13:36:07","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what enforcement directions have been issued by the Controller of Audit to require a local authority to take certain action, in each of the last 10 years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what enforcement directions have been issued by the Controller of Audit to require a local authority to take certain action, in each of the last 10 years.","AnswerText":"The Controller of Audit does not have any powers to issue such enforcement directions. After considering a report to it by the Controller of Audit, the Accounts Commission may make recommendations to Scottish ministers that they make an enforcement direction. No such recommendations have been made in the last 10 years.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-09T17:04:08.223","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272030,"EventID":"S4W-06898","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-25T17:04:08.35","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-25T13:36:07","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many emergency hospital admissions of older people there have been in each of the last 10 years, broken down by NHS board.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many emergency hospital admissions of older people there have been in each of the last 10 years, broken down by NHS board.","AnswerText":"The information requested is available in the publication Analysis of Patients Aged 65+ on Emergency Admissions (Numbers, Bed Days & Rates) and Multiple Emergency Admissions (Patients, Bed Days & Rates) published by NHSScotland Information Services Division in March 2012, and is available on the internet at http://www.isdscotland.org/Health-Topics/Hospital-Care/Publications/2012-03-27/Over65_Mar12.xls.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-09T17:04:08.35","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272031,"EventID":"S4W-06899","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-25T17:04:08.427","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-25T13:36:07","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is promoting a preventative care approach and, if so, for what reason the number of people receiving home care of less than four hours a week has decreased by ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is promoting a preventative care approach and, if so, for what reason the number of people receiving home care of less than four hours a week has decreased by 41% over the last decade.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is promoting a preventative care approach in a number of ways through partnership working between health boards, local authorities and the third and independent sectors. We are investing £300 million in the Reshaping Care Change Fund to ensure we accelerate the progress of shifting the balance from acute settings to care provided in the community and get better at early intervention.\r\nTo further help local partnerships develop their preventative services the Scottish Government is working to develop an Intermediate Care Framework for Scotland, due to publish shortly. This document includes a number of case studies, and practical advice for local areas to develop services that will not only be able to focus on prevention but will provide a bridge from acute hospital care back into the community, where required.\r\nThe guidance on National Eligibility Criteria and Waiting Times for the Personal and Nursing Care of Older People includes specific reference to moderate and low level needs and the provision of preventative or other support services is addressed. The guidance states that councils and their partners should consider whether the provision of services or equipment or other interventions might help prevent or reduce the risk of an individual’s needs becoming more intensive. It also asks councils to ensure that they have in place clear arrangements for meeting, managing or reviewing the needs of individuals who are not assessed as being at “critical” or “substantial” risk, including provision of preventative or other support services appropriate to the clients’ needs.\r\nThe home care statistic in isolation does not show the extent to which local authorities and their partners are putting in place preventative approaches. Home care is but one of a range preventative services, including Intermediate Care; voluntary services, such as befriending services, and sheltered housing complexes. We have also invested heavily in Telecare services, indeed in 2011 more people were provided with Telecare than received home care services.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-09T17:04:08.443","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272032,"EventID":"S4W-06900","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-25T17:04:08.91","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-25T13:36:07","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what sanctions the Accounts Commission has imposed for negligence or misconduct leading to financial loss or involving unlawful actions in each of the last 10 years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what sanctions the Accounts Commission has imposed for negligence or misconduct leading to financial loss or involving unlawful actions in each of the last 10 years.","AnswerText":"The Accounts Commission has not imposed any such sanctions in the past 10 years.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-09T17:04:08.91","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272033,"EventID":"S4W-06901","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4086,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-25T17:04:08.99","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-25T13:59:39","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, in light of recent consultations by the Welsh Assembly Government and the Northern Ireland Executive, whether it will review the legislation on (a) puppy farming and (b)","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, in light of recent consultations by the Welsh Assembly Government and the Northern Ireland Executive, whether it will review the legislation on (a) puppy farming and (b) irresponsible breeding of dogs.\r\n","AnswerText":"There are no immediate plans to review the legislation on puppy farming or the breeding of dogs. In the area of animal welfare we are currently concentrating on developing new legislation on the welfare of animals at slaughter that will implement EU legislation early next year. Other animal welfare issues being considered include the use of wild animals in circuses, the regulation of equine establishments, the use of electronic shock collars for dog training and the tail docking of dogs.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-09T17:04:09.003","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272034,"EventID":"S4W-06902","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4086,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-25T17:04:09.097","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-25T13:59:39","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will consider introducing legislation on pet vending to prohibit the sale of puppies in pet shops.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will consider introducing legislation on pet vending to prohibit the sale of puppies in pet shops.\r\n","AnswerText":"There are no immediate plans to consider secondary legislation on pet vending to prohibit the sale of puppies in pet shops. In the area of animal welfare we are currently concentrating on developing new legislation on the welfare of animals at slaughter that will implement EU legislation early next year. Other animal welfare issues currently under consideration include the use of wild animals in circuses, the regulation of equine establishments, the use of electronic shock collars for dog training and the tail docking of dogs. Pet shops are already subject to inspection by local authorities.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-09T17:04:09.097","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272035,"EventID":"S4W-06915","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-25T17:04:09.16","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-25T15:59:01.28","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what processes are in place to ensure that community planning partnerships take account of primary and community healthcare and other social needs when taking strategic d","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what processes are in place to ensure that community planning partnerships take account of primary and community healthcare and other social needs when taking strategic decisions.\r\n","AnswerText":"Health boards have a statutory duty to participate in community planning and therefore are able to be involved in strategic decision-making within each partnership.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-09T17:04:09.16","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Derek Mackay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272043,"EventID":"S4W-06818","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-26T14:17:55.317","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-19T15:24:46.807","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what average number of patients is treated by a (a) salaried dentist and (b) general dental practitioner.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what average number of patients is treated by a (a) salaried dentist and (b) general dental practitioner.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally.\r\nInformation on the number of dentists providing General Dental Services, or assisting with the provision of General Dental Services, the number of patients registered with a dentist under General Dental Service arrangements, and patient participation rates is published on the Information Services Division (ISD) website: \r\nhttp://www.isdscotland.org/Health-Topics/Eye-Care/Publications/2011-07-26/ophthalmic_table_C_july11.xls.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-10T14:17:55.487","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272044,"EventID":"S4W-06819","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-26T14:17:55.567","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-19T15:24:46.807","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the average cost to the NHS is of a (a) salaried dentist and (b) general dental practitioner treating a patient.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the average cost to the NHS is of a (a) salaried dentist and (b) general dental practitioner treating a patient.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally.\r\nInformation on the General Dental Service Adult Dental Fees including average expenditure per head of population, and General Dental Service Child Dental Fees including average expenditure per head of population is published on the Information Services Division (ISD) website at: \r\nhttp://www.isdscotland.org/Health-Topics/Dental-Care/Publications/data-tables.asp?id=590#590.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-10T14:17:55.567","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272045,"EventID":"S4W-06820","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-26T14:17:55.643","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-19T15:24:46.807","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether all government-funded drug and alcohol addiction treatments include support and treatment for mental health issues, where appropriate. \r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether all government-funded drug and alcohol addiction treatments include support and treatment for mental health issues, where appropriate. \r\n","AnswerText":"Responsibility is devolved to Alcohol and Drug Partnerships (ADPs) to commission (informed by robust needs assessment) evidence-based, person-centred and recovery-focused treatment services to meet the needs of their resident populations, including people affected by co-occurring problem alcohol and drug use and mental health issues.\r\nThe Quality Alcohol Treatment and Support (QATS) report, published in 2011, is a key resource for guiding ADPs in the delivery of services they commission. The report makes clear that before treating a client, alcohol and drug services should undertake a full and ongoing assessment of client need in order to provide appropriate support and referral onto other services (such as specialist mental health) if necessary.\r\nThe report further identifies that the majority of specialist alcohol and drug treatment services in Scotland provide psychological interventions which are known to be effective in improving motivation to change, confidence and coping skills. Such interventions are also valuable in helping with a range of mental health issues.\r\nThe Mental Health Strategy which will be published before the summer will include further targeted work on how mental health and alcohol services work together.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-10T14:17:55.643","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272046,"EventID":"S4W-06904","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2159,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":88,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-26T14:17:55.72","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-25T15:33:10.69","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any special adviser met Mr Frederic Michel on or around 11 February 2011 and, if so, which adviser; who else was present, and what matters were discussed.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any special adviser met Mr Frederic Michel on or around 11 February 2011 and, if so, which adviser; who else was present, and what matters were discussed.","AnswerText":"The information requested is being collated. I will write to the member as soon as the information is available and a copy will be placed in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre (Bib. number 53935).\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-10T14:17:55.72","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272047,"EventID":"S4W-06905","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2159,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":88,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-26T14:17:55.783","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-25T15:33:10.69","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any (a) ministers, (b) special advisers or (c) officials have been in contact with Mr Frederic Michel either (i) by phone, (ii) in person or (iii) by other means ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any (a) ministers, (b) special advisers or (c) officials have been in contact with Mr Frederic Michel either (i) by phone, (ii) in person or (iii) by other means since May 2007 and, if so, on what date; who was present, and what matters were discussed.","AnswerText":"The information requested is being collated. I will write to the member as soon as the information is available and a copy will be placed in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre (Bib. number 53936).\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-10T14:17:55.8","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272048,"EventID":"S4W-06906","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2159,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":88,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-26T14:17:55.86","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-25T15:33:10.69","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any (a) ministers, (b) special advisers or (c) officials have been in contact with Mr Rupert Murdoch (i) by phone, (ii) in person or (iii) by other means since Ma","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any (a) ministers, (b) special advisers or (c) officials have been in contact with Mr Rupert Murdoch (i) by phone, (ii) in person or (iii) by other means since May 2007 and, if so, on what date; who was present, and what matters were discussed.","AnswerText":"The information requested is being collated. I will write to the member as soon as the information is available and a copy will be placed in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre (Bib. number 53937).\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-10T14:17:55.86","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272049,"EventID":"S4W-06907","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2159,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":88,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-26T14:17:55.94","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-25T15:33:10.69","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any (a) ministers, (b) special advisers or (c) officials have been in contact with Mr James Murdoch by (i) phone, (ii) in person or (iii) by other means since May","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any (a) ministers, (b) special advisers or (c) officials have been in contact with Mr James Murdoch by (i) phone, (ii) in person or (iii) by other means since May 2007 and, if so, on what date; who was present, and what matters were discussed.","AnswerText":"The information requested is being collated. I will write to the member as soon as the information is available and a copy will be placed in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre (Bib. number 53938).\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-10T14:17:55.94","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272050,"EventID":"S4W-06908","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2159,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":88,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-26T14:17:56.017","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-25T15:33:10.69","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what meetings it has had with representatives of News International or News Corporation in a non-journalistic capacity since May 2007.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what meetings it has had with representatives of News International or News Corporation in a non-journalistic capacity since May 2007.","AnswerText":"The information requested is being collated. I will write to the member as soon as the information is available and a copy will be placed in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre (Bib.  number 53939).\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-10T14:17:56.017","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272051,"EventID":"S4W-06909","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2159,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":88,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-26T14:17:56.08","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-25T15:33:10.69","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any phone calls were arranged or taken on or around (a) 2 November 2010, (b) 3 November 2010, (c) 2 March 2011 or (d) 3 March 2011 between ministers or special ad","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any phone calls were arranged or taken on or around (a) 2 November 2010, (b) 3 November 2010, (c) 2 March 2011 or (d) 3 March 2011 between ministers or special advisers and the Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport or other UK ministers, special advisers or officials from that department and, if so, what matters were (i) discussed and (ii) due to be discussed and for what reason any discussions due to take place did not take place.\r\n","AnswerText":"The information requested is being collated. I will write to the member as soon as the information is available and a copy will be placed in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre (Bib. number 53940).\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-10T14:17:56.08","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272052,"EventID":"S4W-06910","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2159,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":88,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-26T14:17:56.157","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-25T15:33:10.69","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what (a) meetings or (b) phone calls have been arranged between (i) the First Minister, (ii) special advisers or (iii) officials and (A) the Secretary of State for Busine","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what (a) meetings or (b) phone calls have been arranged between (i) the First Minister, (ii) special advisers or (iii) officials and (A) the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills and (B) the Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport, (C) UK Government special advisers or (D) officials since May 2010 and what matters were (1) discussed or (2) due to be discussed and for what reason any arranged calls did not take place.\r\n","AnswerText":"The information requested is being collated. I will write to the member as soon as the information is available and a copy will be placed in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre (Bib. number 53941).\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-10T14:17:56.157","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272053,"EventID":"S4W-06911","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2159,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":88,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-26T14:17:56.347","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-25T15:33:10.69","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the correspondence with News International Ltd released by the Scottish Government in August 2011 contains a full account of written or electronic correspondence ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the correspondence with News International Ltd released by the Scottish Government in August 2011 contains a full account of written or electronic correspondence between ministers or special advisers and (a) Mr Rupert Murdoch, (b) Mr James Murdoch and (c) people acting on behalf of the Murdochs in a public relations capacity.","AnswerText":"The information requested is being collated. I will write to the member as soon as the information is available and a copy will be placed in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre (Bib. number 53942).\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-10T14:17:56.347","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272054,"EventID":"S4W-06912","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2159,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":88,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-26T14:17:56.44","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-25T15:33:10.69","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with News International Ltd, News Corporation or subsidiary companies regarding any bid for British Sky Broadcasting Group plc since May 2007.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with News International Ltd, News Corporation or subsidiary companies regarding any bid for British Sky Broadcasting Group plc since May 2007.","AnswerText":"The information requested is being collated. I will write to the member as soon as the information is available and a copy will be placed in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre (Bib. number 53943).\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-10T14:17:56.44","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272055,"EventID":"S4W-06913","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2159,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":88,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-26T14:17:56.5","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-25T15:33:10.69","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what (a) engagements and (b) phone calls the First Minister had on (i) 1 November 2010, (ii) 2 November 2010, (iii) 3 November 2010 and (iv) 3 March 2011.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what (a) engagements and (b) phone calls the First Minister had on (i) 1 November 2010, (ii) 2 November 2010, (iii) 3 November 2010 and (iv) 3 March 2011.","AnswerText":"The information requested is being collated. I will write to the member as soon as the information is available and a copy will be placed in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre (Bib. number 53944).\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-10T14:17:56.5","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272056,"EventID":"S4W-06914","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2159,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":88,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-26T14:17:56.703","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-25T15:33:10.69","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether (a) the First Minister or (b) special advisers offered to lobby (i) the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, (ii) the Secretary of State for Cu","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether (a) the First Minister or (b) special advisers offered to lobby (i) the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, (ii) the Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport or (iii) other ministers in favour of the News International bid for British Sky Broadcasting Group PLC or on behalf of Rupert or James Murdoch.\r\n","AnswerText":"The information requested is being collated. I will write to the member as soon as the information is available and a copy will be placed in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre (Bib. number 53945).\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-10T14:17:56.703","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272057,"EventID":"S4W-06918","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-26T14:17:56.767","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-26T11:15:55.603","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people were (a) directly and (b) indirectly employed by (i) public and (ii) private sector ferry services in each year since 2002.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people were (a) directly and (b) indirectly employed by (i) public and (ii) private sector ferry services in each year since 2002.\r\n","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally by the Scottish Government. This is a matter for the various private and public sector ferry operators concerned. In the case of David MacBrayne Ltd, a company wholly owned by the Scottish Ministers, employee numbers are published in the company’s Annual Reports.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-10T14:17:56.783","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272058,"EventID":"S4W-06919","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-26T14:17:56.843","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-26T11:15:55.603","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what recent discussions it has had with the European Commission on the requirement to tender for ferry services and whether it will publish the (a) outcomes agreed and (b","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what recent discussions it has had with the European Commission on the requirement to tender for ferry services and whether it will publish the (a) outcomes agreed and (b) minutes taken at these.\r\n","AnswerText":"The European Commission’s position on the tendering of ferry services is set out in its Communication on the interpretation of the European Union’s maritime cabotage regulation (Council Regulation 3577/92):\r\nhttp://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=CELEX:52003DC0595:EN:HTML.\r\nThe requirement to tender for subsidised ferry services in Scotland was set out in the publication Clyde and Hebrides Lifeline Ferry Services – Scottish Executive’s Consideration of the Requirement to Tender (12 September 2005) available on the Scottish Government’s website. This included, at Annex F, specific advice from the European Commission on the requirement to tender provided in correspondence between the then Ministers and Commissioner in 2004 and 2005:\r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2005/09/09104007/40085.\r\nOn 14 September 2005, the Scottish Parliament adopted a motion in the name of Tavish Scott MSP, supported by Margaret Curran MSP, which ended by acknowledging that “the tendering of the Clyde and Hebrides lifeline ferry services is required to protect these vital services.” The full text of the motion is available on the Scottish Parliament’s website:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28862.aspx?r=4599&mode=pdf.\r\nThis requirement was reiterated by the Commission in its Decision of \r\n28 October 2009, published on 15 December 2009 that concluded its in-depth State Aid investigation of Scottish ferry services. The Commission found that subsidies were compliant with EU rules, including the requirement to tender; the exception was the Gourock-Dunoon service which has now been tendered in line with the Commission’s specific requirements for that route. The Commission’s Decision is available on its website:\r\nhttp://ec.europa.eu/energy/coal/state_aid/doc/decisions/2008/2008_0016_uk_c.pdf.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-10T14:17:56.843","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272059,"EventID":"S4W-06920","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-26T14:17:57.047","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-26T11:15:55.603","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has received legal advice from the European Commission on the tendering process for ferry services and, if so, whether it will publish this.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has received legal advice from the European Commission on the tendering process for ferry services and, if so, whether it will publish this.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-06919 on 10 May 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-10T14:17:57.047","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272060,"EventID":"S4W-06921","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-26T14:17:57.127","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-26T11:15:55.603","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assessment it has made of the benefits to (a) taxpayers and (b) passengers of ferry services that are provided by the (i) public and (ii) private sector.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assessment it has made of the benefits to (a) taxpayers and (b) passengers of ferry services that are provided by the (i) public and (ii) private sector.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Ferries Review took account of all ferry services within Scotland, both public and private sector. Our analysis involved a considerable amount of data collection and analysis, including a household survey. This allowed us to consider: what each community needs its ferry service for; what level of service is currently provided; what a model service would look like to meet the needs identified; and what options were available to address any under-provision. Our assessments took account of recent STAG appraisals carried out on our behalf or by other publicly funded bodies. Following our assessments the Draft Ferries Plan set out proposals for each community and feedback was requested by 30 March. We will carry out some further detailed appraisal, which will include consideration of the economic impact, of each proposal, prior to the publication of the Final Ferries Plan later in 2012.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-10T14:17:57.127","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272061,"EventID":"S4W-06922","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-26T14:17:57.203","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-26T11:15:55.603","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what recent discussions it has had with representatives from private ferry operators regarding (a) its draft ferries' plan and (b) the future ferry procurement.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what recent discussions it has had with representatives from private ferry operators regarding (a) its draft ferries' plan and (b) the future ferry procurement.\r\n","AnswerText":"We have had no recent discussions with private ferry operators regarding either the Draft Ferries Plan or our consideration of the future approach to ferry services procurement.\r\nRecent discussions have, however, taken place with potential operators, including private ferry companies, in respect of the ongoing procurement of the Northern Isles ferry services.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-10T14:17:57.203","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272062,"EventID":"S4W-06927","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2108,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":141,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-26T16:51:42.603","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-26T11:52:17","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much of the £10 million Housebuilding Infrastructure Loan Fund has been disbursed.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much of the £10 million Housebuilding Infrastructure Loan Fund has been disbursed.","AnswerText":"Offers of loan to successful applicants with exact funding requirements are currently being finalised. I will write to the member as soon as the information is available and a copy will be placed in the Scottish Parliament’s Information Centre (SPICe) – Bib. number 53920.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-10T16:51:42.9","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272063,"EventID":"S4W-06928","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2108,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":141,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-26T16:51:42.977","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-26T11:52:17","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many applications it has received for the Housebuilding Infrastructure Loan Fund.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many applications it has received for the Housebuilding Infrastructure Loan Fund.","AnswerText":"Five applications were received of which three are in the process of being progressed to an offer of loan funding.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-10T16:51:42.977","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272064,"EventID":"S4W-06929","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2108,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":141,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-26T16:51:43.07","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-26T11:52:17","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is reviewing the criteria for the Housebuilding Infrastructure Loan Fund.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is reviewing the criteria for the Housebuilding Infrastructure Loan Fund.","AnswerText":"The first round assessment is now complete and, consistent with best practice, that outcome will be reviewed for future rounds.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-10T16:51:43.07","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272065,"EventID":"S4W-06930","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2108,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":141,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-26T16:51:43.15","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-26T11:52:17","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what it is doing to make the Housebuilding Infrastructure Loan Fund more accessible to house builders.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what it is doing to make the Housebuilding Infrastructure Loan Fund more accessible to house builders.","AnswerText":"The first round assessment is now complete and, consistent with best practice, that outcome will be reviewed for future rounds.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-10T16:51:43.163","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272066,"EventID":"S4W-06931","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1845,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-26T16:51:43.243","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-26T14:14:29.49","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with local authorities since 2007 on the future of lighthouses.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with local authorities since 2007 on the future of lighthouses.\r\n","AnswerText":"None, as the matter is reserved to Westminster, the Northern Lighthouse Board being responsible to the Department for Transport.\r\nTransport Scotland and Marine Scotland are members of the Northern Lighthouse Board’s Scottish Users Consultative Group which meets annually and includes representatives of Scottish local authorities’ port interests. This is not a forum for discussion between Scottish Government and the local authorities but includes discussion of NLB’s review of aids to navigation provision.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-10T16:51:43.243","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272067,"EventID":"S4W-06932","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5109,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":101,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-26T16:51:43.32","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-26T14:44:07","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of school leavers has gone into positive destinations in each year for which information is available, broken down by highest Scottish Credit and Qualific","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of school leavers has gone into positive destinations in each year for which information is available, broken down by highest Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework level passed.\r\n","AnswerText":"The requested information on the percentage of school leavers in a positive destination by year and Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF) level is provided in the following table. Information on individual school leaver destinations by qualification level is only available from 2007-08 onwards.\r\nTable 1. Percentage of school leavers in a positive initial destination by highest SCQF level at which one or more passes were achieved, 2007-08 to 2010-11:\r\n\r\nNo passes at SCQF 3 or better\r\nSCQF 3\r\nSCQF 4\r\nSCQF 5\r\nSCQF 6\r\nSCQF 7\r\n2007-08\r\n50.7\r\n53.2\r\n75.3\r\n87.5\r\n94.4\r\n97.5\r\n2008-09\r\n46.8\r\n54.0\r\n74.1\r\n85.6\r\n93.5\r\n96.9\r\n2009-10\r\n50.9\r\n54.2\r\n74.1\r\n86.4\r\n94.0\r\n97.3\r\n2010-111\r\n55.1\r\n59.0\r\n77.4\r\n87.6\r\n94.9\r\n97.6\r\nNote: 1. 2010-11 data based on pre- appeal examination data and on full school leavers cohort. Other years based on post appeal data and only leavers who were not excluded from the follow-up survey.","AnswerDate":"2012-05-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-10T16:51:43.32","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272068,"EventID":"S4W-06936","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1845,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-26T16:51:43.383","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-26T15:16:53.053","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what models of primary care services it considers there are in the NHS in England that could be introduced in Scotland to support the self-monitoring and self-management ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what models of primary care services it considers there are in the NHS in England that could be introduced in Scotland to support the self-monitoring and self-management of patients.","AnswerText":"Different conditions require a variety of different self-monitoring and self-management arrangements, to best deliver the required clinical outcomes. The Quality Strategy for NHS Scotland is very supportive of self-management where appropriate.\r\nThe Scottish Government is keen to learn from other places in meeting the challenges it faces and to consider if there are any lessons to learn or models to test.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-10T16:51:43.383","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272069,"EventID":"S4W-06937","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1845,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-26T16:51:43.46","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-26T15:16:53.053","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans there are to support patients who wish to self-test and self-manage, as means to alleviate pressure on anticoagulant clinics.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans there are to support patients who wish to self-test and self-manage, as means to alleviate pressure on anticoagulant clinics.\r\n","AnswerText":"For those requiring Warfarin, widespread self-monitoring is not cost effective compared with near patient testing (NPT), but possibly suitable for a small minority of competent patients for whom NPT is not convenient.\r\nIn April 2012 Healthcare Improvement Scotland issued advice to support clinical decision making in relation to the use of oral anticoagulants. Boards are required to consider its recommendations, which should be taken into account when developing services; this guidance identifies those atrial fibrillation patients who should be considered for either Dabigatran (Pradaxa®), Rivaroxaban (Xarelto®) or existing medicines such as Warfarin. This is significant as with Dabigatran and Rivaroxaban there is no need for anticoagulant monitoring. However, the guidance still recommends Warfarin as the treatment of choice in most circumstances.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-10T16:51:43.46","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272086,"EventID":"S4W-06923","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4086,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-27T15:58:27.717","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-26T11:43:30","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it considers that the questions in the document, Scottish Government Consultation on the European Commission's proposals for the future Common Agricultural Policy","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it considers that the questions in the document, Scottish Government Consultation on the European Commission's proposals for the future Common Agricultural Policy 2014 - 2020, might lead to answers that can be interpreted in different ways.\r\n","AnswerText":"As with most consultations the interpretation of a question often depends on the individual views and circumstances of the person responding.\r\nThe Questback public consultation expressly sought to assess whether there was agreement with the European Commission’s CAP Reform proposals.\r\nThe consultation is only one of a wide range of methods being used to ensure we have a good understanding of people’s views on CAP Reform. Other forms of public engagement include a series of 13 public roadshows held across Scotland, an updated CAP website which presents information in an easily accessible form and regular meetings with around 35 stakeholder organisations.\r\nThe Questback method proved popular receiving almost four times as many responses than the last CAP consultation. Of those responses, 79% came from individuals, a significant increase on the last CAP consultation where only 7% of responses came from individuals.\r\nQuestback also allowed us to gauge public views throughout the consultation period, helping inform our position in the early stages of the CAP negotiations. \r\nOnce the future CAP has been agreed, we will conduct a more detailed consultation on exactly how it should be implemented in Scotland.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-11T15:58:28.14","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272087,"EventID":"S4W-06924","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4086,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-27T15:58:28.593","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-26T11:43:30","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures it takes to deal with responses to its consultations in which it is considered that multiple choice answers have been interpreted in different ways.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures it takes to deal with responses to its consultations in which it is considered that multiple choice answers have been interpreted in different ways.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the question S4W-06923 answered on 24 May 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-11T15:58:28.607","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272088,"EventID":"S4W-06925","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4086,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-27T15:58:28.7","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-26T11:43:30","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive for what reason the document, Scottish Government Consultation on the European Commission's proposals for the future Common Agricultural Policy 2014 - 2020, did not provi","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive for what reason the document, Scottish Government Consultation on the European Commission's proposals for the future Common Agricultural Policy 2014 - 2020, did not provide more space for respondents to qualify their answers to multiple choice questions.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-06923 on 24 May 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-11T15:58:28.717","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272089,"EventID":"S4W-06926","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4086,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-27T15:58:28.81","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-26T11:43:30","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will update the document, Scottish Executive: Consultation Good Practice Guidance, to include advice on the use of the QuestBack method of consultation or othe","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will update the document, Scottish Executive: Consultation Good Practice Guidance, to include advice on the use of the QuestBack method of consultation or other multiple choice systems.\r\n","AnswerText":"Consultation with the public and stakeholders is an essential part of the Scottish Government’s business. The existing consultations good practice guidance is currently being updated to cover the widest possible range of consultation methods and to ensure consultations are as accessible and as meaningful as possible.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-11T15:58:28.81","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Bruce Crawford","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272090,"EventID":"S4W-06938","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1759,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-27T15:58:28.903","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-26T15:32:50.577","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, in light of the recommendations in the WWF Scotland report, Electric Vehicles: Driving the change, whether it will (a) produce an action plan, (b) develop a national inf","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, in light of the recommendations in the WWF Scotland report, Electric Vehicles: Driving the change, whether it will (a) produce an action plan, (b) develop a national infrastructure, (c) commission a review of market models for a recharging infrastructure and (d) work with local government to encourage businesses to install recharging points.\r\n","AnswerText":"Electric Vehicles (EVs) are a central part of the Scottish Government's commitment to achieving almost total decarbonisation of road transport by 2050. We welcome the comprehensive report by WWF Scotland, which will help inform our work with stakeholders to advance the adoption of EVs in Scotland.\r\n(a) On 28 March we launched the E-cosse partnership, a collaboration jointly initiated by Transport Scotland and WWF Scotland which brings together car manufacturers, power companies, local authorities and other key stakeholders to maximise the opportunities for EVs to become an integral part of Scotland’s sustainable transport system and a smart energy grid.\r\nA key output from E-Cosse will be an EV roadmap, a structured analysis of the key opportunities and necessary interventions to achieve an increase in the take up of EVs. This roadmap will be developed following a number of stakeholder workshops which will integrate the necessary expertise from across the EV sector. It will be published by early 2013.\r\n(b) Over the past two years, the Scottish Government has invested over £8 million in electric vehicles and infrastructure for Scottish public sector. This has enabled Scotland’s public services to purchase around 270 low carbon vehicles and install around 240 charging points across the country, with a further 170 charging points planned to be installed during 2012-13.\r\nCharging infrastructure has been installed via the UK Government’s Plugged in Places (PiP) scheme, which has brought £2.25 million of additional funding into Scotland. The first round in 2011-12 focussed on locating electric vehicle charging points to support the developing fleet of public-sector electric vehicles, in 2012-13 we are continuing to work with the public sector and others to expand the network of charging infrastructure to include more publicly available locations such as workplaces, park-and-ride sites, leisure centre car parks and on-street locations.\r\n(c) A key focus of E-cosse will be to consider the future requirements for recharging infrastructure in Scotland to support growth in markets for EVs. As part of the roadmap development process, an infrastructure workshop will consider the entire EV recharging ecosystem, paying particular attention to the enabling technologies, operating models and future user requirements.\r\n(d) In 2012-13 Transport Scotland will continue to work with the public sector and others to expand the network of Scottish Plugged in Places charging infrastructure, one area of which will be to increase the uptake of charging points installed by businesses.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-11T15:58:28.92","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272091,"EventID":"S4W-06944","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2159,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":88,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-27T15:58:29.013","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-26T16:34:40","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assurances representatives of News Corporation provided on (a) jobs or (b) investment in Scotland in relation to gaining full control of BSkyB.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assurances representatives of News Corporation provided on (a) jobs or (b) investment in Scotland in relation to gaining full control of BSkyB.\r\n","AnswerText":"The information requested is being collated. I will write to the member as soon as the information is available and a copy will be placed in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre (Bib. number 53946).\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-11T15:58:29.03","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272092,"EventID":"S4W-06945","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2159,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":88,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-27T15:58:29.107","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-26T16:34:40","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it understood that (a) jobs or (b) investment in Scotland would be at risk if the News Corporation bid for BSkyB did not progress and, if so, what this would enta","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it understood that (a) jobs or (b) investment in Scotland would be at risk if the News Corporation bid for BSkyB did not progress and, if so, what this would entail.\r\n","AnswerText":"The information requested is being collated. I will write to the member as soon as the information is available and a copy will be placed in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre (Bib. number 53947).\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-11T15:58:29.107","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272093,"EventID":"S4W-06946","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2159,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":88,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-27T15:58:29.17","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-26T16:34:40","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the First Minister received a phone call from Rupert Murdoch informing him of job reductions at BSkyB centres in Scotland.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the First Minister received a phone call from Rupert Murdoch informing him of job reductions at BSkyB centres in Scotland.\r\n","AnswerText":"The information requested is being collated. I will write to the member as soon as the information is available and a copy will be placed in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre (Bib. number 53948).\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-11T15:58:29.183","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272094,"EventID":"S4W-06948","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2159,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":88,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-27T15:58:29.247","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-26T16:34:40","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the HEROtsc jobs referred to at First Minister’s Question Time on 26 April 2012 (Official Report, c. 8487)  were related to the bid by News Corporation for BSkyB ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the HEROtsc jobs referred to at First Minister’s Question Time on 26 April 2012 (Official Report, c. 8487)  were related to the bid by News Corporation for BSkyB and the First Minister’s agreement to lobby the Department for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport in favour of the bid.\r\n","AnswerText":"The information requested is being collated. I will write to the member as soon as the information is available and a copy will be placed in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre (Bib. number 53949).\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-11T15:58:29.263","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272095,"EventID":"S4W-06949","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2159,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":88,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-27T15:58:29.327","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-26T16:34:40","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any of the 900 HEROtsc jobs referred to at First Minister’s Question Time on 26 April 2012 (Official Report, c. 8487) will be transferred from other locations in ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any of the 900 HEROtsc jobs referred to at First Minister’s Question Time on 26 April 2012 (Official Report, c. 8487) will be transferred from other locations in (a) Glasgow or (b) Scotland.\r\n","AnswerText":"The information requested is being collated. I will write to the member as soon as the information is available and a copy will be placed in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre (Bib. number 53950).\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-11T15:58:29.327","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272096,"EventID":"S4W-06950","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2159,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":88,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-27T15:58:29.403","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-26T16:34:40","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the First Minister agreed to support the News Corporation bid for BSkyB and when this was first made public.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the First Minister agreed to support the News Corporation bid for BSkyB and when this was first made public.","AnswerText":"The information requested is being collated. I will write to the member as soon as the information is available and a copy will be placed in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre (Bib. number 53951).\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-11T15:58:29.403","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272097,"EventID":"S4W-06951","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2159,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":88,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-27T15:58:29.48","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-26T16:34:40","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether its position is that a full takeover of BSkyB by News Corporation would (a) promote or (b) safeguard BSkyB jobs in Scotland.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether its position is that a full takeover of BSkyB by News Corporation would (a) promote or (b) safeguard BSkyB jobs in Scotland.\r\n","AnswerText":"The information requested is being collated. I will write to the member as soon as the information is available and a copy will be placed in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre (Bib. number 53952).\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-11T15:58:29.48","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272098,"EventID":"S4W-06952","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2159,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":88,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-27T15:58:29.543","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-26T16:34:40","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether jobs in Scotland have been put at risk as a result of the withdrawal by News Corporation of its bid for BSkyB.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether jobs in Scotland have been put at risk as a result of the withdrawal by News Corporation of its bid for BSkyB.","AnswerText":"The information requested is being collated. I will write to the member as soon as the information is available and a copy will be placed in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre (Bib. number 53953).\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-11T15:58:29.543","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272099,"EventID":"S4W-06957","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2159,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":88,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-27T15:58:29.62","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-26T16:34:40","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its position is on the appropriateness of the First Minister inviting Rupert Murdoch to his official residence, in light of the ongoing police investigations into Ne","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its position is on the appropriateness of the First Minister inviting Rupert Murdoch to his official residence, in light of the ongoing police investigations into News Corporation companies.\r\n","AnswerText":"The information requested is being collated. I will write to the member as soon as the information is available and a copy will be placed in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre (Bib. number 53954).\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-11T15:58:29.62","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272100,"EventID":"S4W-06958","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2159,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":88,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-27T15:58:29.713","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-26T16:34:40","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Cabinet has discussed the possible impact on jobs and investment of the News Corporation bid for BSkyB and, if so, on what dates.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Cabinet has discussed the possible impact on jobs and investment of the News Corporation bid for BSkyB and, if so, on what dates.\r\n","AnswerText":"The information requested is being collated. I will write to the member as soon as the information is available and a copy will be placed in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre (Bib. number 53955).\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-11T15:58:29.713","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272101,"EventID":"S4W-06959","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2159,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":88,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-27T15:58:29.793","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-26T16:34:40","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with Scottish Enterprise regarding the possible impact on jobs and investment of bids or potential bids for BSkyB.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with Scottish Enterprise regarding the possible impact on jobs and investment of bids or potential bids for BSkyB.\r\n","AnswerText":"The information requested is being collated. I will write to the member as soon as the information is available and a copy will be placed in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre (Bib. number 53956).\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-11T15:58:29.793","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272102,"EventID":"S4W-06960","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2159,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":88,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-27T15:58:29.87","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-26T16:34:40","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with officials regarding possible jobs and investment in Scotland in relation to the News Corporation bid for BSkyB.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with officials regarding possible jobs and investment in Scotland in relation to the News Corporation bid for BSkyB.\r\n","AnswerText":"The information requested is being collated. I will write to the member as soon as the information is available and a copy will be placed in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre (Bib. number 53957).\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-11T15:58:29.87","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272103,"EventID":"S4W-06962","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2159,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":88,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-27T15:58:29.933","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-26T16:34:40","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, in light of the First Minister's acknowledgement on 25 April 2012 that he had agreed to call the Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport in relation to","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, in light of the First Minister's acknowledgement on 25 April 2012 that he had agreed to call the Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport in relation to the News Corporation bid for BSkyB, for what reason he described any suggestion that he had phoned or written to the secretary of state on the matter as a conspiracy theory on 24 April 2012.\r\n","AnswerText":"The information requested is being collated. I will write to the member as soon as the information is available and a copy will be placed in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre (Bib. number 53958).\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-11T15:58:29.933","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272104,"EventID":"S4W-06963","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2159,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":88,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-27T15:58:30.01","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-26T16:34:40","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its position is on the email in exhibit PROP100001719 to the Leveson Inquiry, which refers to a meeting with the First Minister’s adviser and notes “He will call Hun","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its position is on the email in exhibit PROP100001719 to the Leveson Inquiry, which refers to a meeting with the First Minister’s adviser and notes “He will call Hunt whenever we need him to”.\r\n","AnswerText":"The information requested is being collated. I will write to the member as soon as the information is available and a copy will be placed in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre (Bib. number 53959).\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-11T15:58:30.01","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272105,"EventID":"S4W-06964","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2159,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":88,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-27T15:58:30.09","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-26T16:34:40","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its position is on the email from Frederic Michel in exhibit PROP100001659 to the Leveson Inquiry, which states “Alex Salmond is very keen to also put these issues a","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its position is on the email from Frederic Michel in exhibit PROP100001659 to the Leveson Inquiry, which states “Alex Salmond is very keen to also put these issues across to Cable and have a call with you tomorrow or Wednesday”.","AnswerText":"The information requested is being collated. I will write to the member as soon as the information is available and a copy will be placed in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre (Bib. number 53960).\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-11T15:58:30.09","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272106,"EventID":"S4W-06965","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2159,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":88,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-27T15:58:30.153","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-26T16:34:40","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its position is on the email in exhibit PROP100001741 to the Leveson Inquiry, which notes in reference to the First Minister, “On the Sky bid, he will make himself a","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its position is on the email in exhibit PROP100001741 to the Leveson Inquiry, which notes in reference to the First Minister, “On the Sky bid, he will make himself available to support the debate if consultation is launched”.","AnswerText":"The information requested is being collated. I will write to the member as soon as the information is available and a copy will be placed in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre (Bib. number 53961).\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-11T15:58:30.167","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272107,"EventID":"S4W-06966","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2159,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":88,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-27T15:58:30.26","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-26T16:34:40","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it or anyone representing it agreed to brief the Scottish press on the economic importance of News Corporation for Scotland, as per the email in exhibit PROP10000","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it or anyone representing it agreed to brief the Scottish press on the economic importance of News Corporation for Scotland, as per the email in exhibit PROP100001659 to the Leveson Inquiry, and whether such a briefing took place.","AnswerText":"The information requested is being collated. I will write to the member as soon as the information is available and a copy will be placed in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre (Bib. number 53962).\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-11T15:58:30.26","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272108,"EventID":"S4W-06967","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2159,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":88,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-27T15:58:30.34","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-26T16:34:40","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive which special advisers have been in contact with (a) Rupert Murdoch, (b) James Murdoch or (c) Frederic Michel since May 2007 and what the nature was of any such contact.\r","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive which special advisers have been in contact with (a) Rupert Murdoch, (b) James Murdoch or (c) Frederic Michel since May 2007 and what the nature was of any such contact.\r\n","AnswerText":"The information requested is being collated. I will write to the member as soon as the information is available and a copy will be placed in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre (Bib. number 53963).\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-11T15:58:30.34","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272109,"EventID":"S4W-06968","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2159,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":88,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-27T15:58:30.433","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-26T16:34:40","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive which (a) ministers, (b) officials and (c) special advisers attended meetings or lunch at which Rupert Murdoch was present on (a) 20 June 2011, (b) 11 November 2011 and (","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive which (a) ministers, (b) officials and (c) special advisers attended meetings or lunch at which Rupert Murdoch was present on (a) 20 June 2011, (b) 11 November 2011 and (c) 29 February 2012.\r\n","AnswerText":"The information requested is being collated. I will write to the member as soon as the information is available and a copy will be placed in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre (Bib. number 53964).\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-11T15:58:30.433","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272110,"EventID":"S4W-06969","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2159,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":88,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-27T15:58:30.493","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-26T16:34:40","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive who was party to the telephone call between the First Minister and Rupert Murdoch on 21 February 2012.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive who was party to the telephone call between the First Minister and Rupert Murdoch on 21 February 2012.\r\n","AnswerText":"The information requested is being collated. I will write to the member as soon as the information is available and a copy will be placed in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre (Bib. number 53965).\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-11T15:58:30.51","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272111,"EventID":"S4W-06970","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2159,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":88,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-27T15:58:30.573","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-26T16:34:40","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive (a) who was party to and (b) what was discussed during the telephone calls involving the First Minister and Rupert Murdoch on (i) 12 October 2007, (ii) 25 September 2008,","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive (a) who was party to and (b) what was discussed during the telephone calls involving the First Minister and Rupert Murdoch on (i) 12 October 2007, (ii) 25 September 2008, (iii) 19 February 2009 and (iv) 17 March 2011.","AnswerText":"The information requested is being collated. I will write to the member as soon as the information is available and a copy will be placed in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre (Bib. number 53966).\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-11T15:58:30.59","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272112,"EventID":"S4W-06971","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2159,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":88,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-27T15:58:30.65","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-26T16:34:40","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive who attended the breakfast meeting between Rupert Murdoch and the First Minister on 4 April 2008; where this took place; what was discussed, and for what reason it did no","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive who attended the breakfast meeting between Rupert Murdoch and the First Minister on 4 April 2008; where this took place; what was discussed, and for what reason it did not include this meeting in the information on meetings with Rupert Murdoch that it provided on 4 August 2011.","AnswerText":"The information requested is being collated. I will write to the member as soon as the information is available and a copy will be placed in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre (Bib. number 53967).\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-11T15:58:30.65","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272113,"EventID":"S4W-06972","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2159,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":88,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-27T15:58:30.73","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-26T16:34:40","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the First Minister and the Cabinet Secretary for Finance, Employment and Sustainable Growth have discussed how many new jobs would be created in Scotland if News ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the First Minister and the Cabinet Secretary for Finance, Employment and Sustainable Growth have discussed how many new jobs would be created in Scotland if News Corporation were successful in its takeover bid for BSkyB.","AnswerText":"The information requested is being collated. I will write to the member as soon as the information is available and a copy will be placed in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre (Bib. number 53968).\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-11T15:58:30.73","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272114,"EventID":"S4W-06973","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2159,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":88,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-27T15:58:30.79","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-26T16:34:40","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Cabinet Secretary for Finance, Employment and Sustainable Growth has discussed the possible economic impact on Scotland of News Corporation’s bid to take over","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Cabinet Secretary for Finance, Employment and Sustainable Growth has discussed the possible economic impact on Scotland of News Corporation’s bid to take over BSkyB with the special adviser, Geoff Aberdein.\r\n","AnswerText":"The information requested is being collated. I will write to the member as soon as the information is available and a copy will be placed in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre (Bib. number 53969).\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-11T15:58:30.79","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272115,"EventID":"S4W-06974","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2159,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":88,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-27T15:58:30.87","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-26T16:34:40","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the special adviser, Geoff Aberdein, spoke with the First Minister’s authority in his dealings with News Corporation.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the special adviser, Geoff Aberdein, spoke with the First Minister’s authority in his dealings with News Corporation.","AnswerText":"The information requested is being collated. I will write to the member as soon as the information is available and a copy will be placed in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre (Bib. number 53970).\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-11T15:58:30.87","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272116,"EventID":"S4W-06975","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2487,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-27T15:58:30.933","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-26T16:44:16","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will review the planning procedures for facilitating mobile telecommunications development.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will review the planning procedures for facilitating mobile telecommunications development.\r\n","AnswerText":"We have no plans at present to review the permitted development rights which exempt certain telecommunications development from the need for a planning application. We are engaged in a public consultation on proposed amendments to planning application procedures. Though not specific to telecommunications development, it includes an opportunity to comment on any aspect of these procedures.  The consultation paper, Miscellaneous Amendments to the Modernised Planning System, can be viewed at:\r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2012/03/5577.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-11T15:58:30.947","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Derek Mackay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272117,"EventID":"S4W-06976","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2487,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-27T15:58:31.027","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-26T16:44:16","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what mechanisms there are to allow telecommunications companies to access publicly-owned land.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what mechanisms there are to allow telecommunications companies to access publicly-owned land.\r\n","AnswerText":"Access by telecommunications companies to publicly owned land is a reserved issue, governed by the Electronic Communications Code. The code is granted to network providers by Ofcom under a direction made following a public consultation and consideration of the responses to that consultation. The Scottish Government has no jurisdiction in this matter.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-11T15:58:31.027","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272118,"EventID":"S4W-06977","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2487,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-27T15:58:31.133","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-26T16:44:16","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with the UK Government regarding spectrum fees being kept in proportion with network investment for telecommunications companies.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with the UK Government regarding spectrum fees being kept in proportion with network investment for telecommunications companies.\r\n","AnswerText":"Implementation of spectrum fees is a reserved matter and one in which the Scottish Government has no jurisdiction. We did not raise this issue in our recent discussions with the UK Government on telecommunications matters.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-11T15:58:31.133","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272119,"EventID":"S4W-06978","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-27T15:58:31.26","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-26T20:02:23","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S4W-06349 by Bruce Crawford on 26 April 2012, what changes have been made as a result.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S4W-06349 by Bruce Crawford on 26 April 2012, what changes have been made as a result.\r\n","AnswerText":"An internal intranet page explaining moderation policy to Scottish Government staff was amended to clarify the reasons why some comments on news items were not being published.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-11T15:58:31.26","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Bruce Crawford","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272120,"EventID":"S4W-06984","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2633,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-27T15:58:31.43","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-27T09:56:58","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to limit commercial exploitation of Atlantic salmon in Scottish coastal waters.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to limit commercial exploitation of Atlantic salmon in Scottish coastal waters.","AnswerText":"Salmon fishing rights in Scotland are private heritable rights. Coastal salmon fisheries are regulated through gear restrictions, weekly and annual close times and geographical limits to the area within which they can legally fish.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-11T15:58:31.447","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272121,"EventID":"S4W-06985","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":131,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-27T15:58:31.587","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-27T10:55:13.667","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S4W-06469 by Nicola Sturgeon on 26 April 2012, on what date it responded to the UK Government’s consultation on welfare reform; what co","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S4W-06469 by Nicola Sturgeon on 26 April 2012, on what date it responded to the UK Government’s consultation on welfare reform; what concerns were raised in its response, and whether it has received correspondence from the UK Government regarding any concerns raised.","AnswerText":"We responded to the UK Government’s consultation on Welfare Reform on 28 September 2010. Our concerns regarding the cumulative impact of these reforms and additional cuts to benefits on some of the poorest and most vulnerable people in Scotland are a matter of public record. We have had regular correspondence with the UK Government regarding its welfare reforms, and we will continue to do so as we prepare for the implementation of the changes.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-11T15:58:31.603","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272127,"EventID":"S4W-06979","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2610,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-30T15:05:36.03","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-27T09:20:48","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with the UK Government regarding the legislative changes required to establish a regulator of ferry services in Scotland and what the outcomes","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with the UK Government regarding the legislative changes required to establish a regulator of ferry services in Scotland and what the outcomes were.\r\n","AnswerText":"As noted in the Draft Ferries Plan, published on 21 December 2011, we are keeping the need for a Scottish Ferries Regulator under review and will explore what legislative provision would be involved. Further details will be made available in the Final Ferries Plan, due to be published later in 2012.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-14T15:05:36.183","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272128,"EventID":"S4W-06980","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2610,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-30T15:05:36.263","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-27T09:20:48","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will publish a policy statement on the future procurement of ferries and, if so, when.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will publish a policy statement on the future procurement of ferries and, if so, when.\r\n","AnswerText":"As noted in the Draft Ferries Plan, we will publish a policy statement on our future approach to ferry service procurement. We will publish this paper in advance of the Final Ferries Plan later in 2012.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-14T15:05:36.277","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272129,"EventID":"S4W-06981","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2610,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-30T15:05:36.34","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-27T09:20:48","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive on what date the Transport Scotland appraisals of the routes in the draft ferries plan will (a) commence and (b) end and whether it will publish the guidance when the pro","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive on what date the Transport Scotland appraisals of the routes in the draft ferries plan will (a) commence and (b) end and whether it will publish the guidance when the process has been completed.\r\n","AnswerText":"Preliminary work on the appraisal of routes has already started but the detailed work will only begin after we have fully considered responses received to the Draft Ferries Plan consultation. Appraisals will end in good time for the Final Ferries Plan to be published, later in 2012. We will publish guidance on the process followed in the Final Ferries Plan.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-14T15:05:36.34","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272130,"EventID":"S4W-06983","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2610,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-30T15:05:36.42","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-27T09:20:48","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the final ferries plan will contain a full costing of its proposals for each ferry (a) route and (b) service.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the final ferries plan will contain a full costing of its proposals for each ferry (a) route and (b) service.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Final Ferries Plan will provide details of the final investment required and of how we will ensure that our funding priorities can be met over the period of the Ferries Plan.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-14T15:05:36.42","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272131,"EventID":"S4W-06986","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5079,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-30T15:05:36.497","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-27T15:32:01.663","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S4W-06790 by John Swinney on 27 April 2012, whether the £17 million from local government was included in advance of the Scottish Budge","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S4W-06790 by John Swinney on 27 April 2012, whether the £17 million from local government was included in advance of the Scottish Budget settlement and, if not, which budget lines it came from.\r\n","AnswerText":"The decision by local government to contribute £17 million to protect 560,000 vulnerable people in Scotland from the UK Government’s 10 per cent cut in Council Tax Benefit in 2013-14 was agreed collectively by local authorities at the COSLA Convention on 30 March 2012. The local government contribution will be met from individual local authority resources and is not part of the Scottish Budget.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-14T15:05:36.497","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272132,"EventID":"S4W-06990","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2029,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":145,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-30T15:05:36.573","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-30T10:25:32","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive which schools that have been opened since 2007 were funded by PPP and opened by a minister.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive which schools that have been opened since 2007 were funded by PPP and opened by a minister.\r\n","AnswerText":"The schools opened since 2007 which were delivered through PPP, including those using the NPD funding model, and opened by a Minister are set out in the following table:\r\nAuthority\r\nName of School\r\nDate Opened\r\nAberdeen (NPD)\r\nCults Academy\r\nJanuary 2010\r\nArgyll and Bute (NPD)\r\nRothesay campus (including Rothesay Academy & Rothesay Primary School)\r\nMarch 2008\r\n\r\nLochgilphead Campus (including Lochgilphead High School and Lochgilphead Primary School)\r\nMay 2008\r\nDumfries and Galloway\r\nMoffat all through school\r\nOctober 2011\r\nDundee\r\nFintry Primary School\r\nJanuary 2010\r\n\r\nGrove Academy\r\nMarch 2010\r\nEast Ayrshire\r\nMauchline Primary School\r\nJanuary 2008\r\nEdinburgh\r\nForrester High School\r\nMarch 2010\r\nNorth Ayrshire\r\nSt Matthew’s High School\r\nMay 2008\r\n\r\nGreenwood Academy\r\nMay 2008\r\nPerth and Kinross\r\nLoch Leven Community Campus\r\nMarch 2010\r\n\r\nBreadalbane Academy\r\nJune 2011\r\nRenfrewshire\r\nLinwood High School\r\nNovember 2008\r\nSouth Lanarkshire\r\nCalderside Academy\r\nNovember 2008\r\nStirling\r\nWallace High School\r\nNovember 2008\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-14T15:05:36.573","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272133,"EventID":"S4W-06991","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2892,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-30T15:05:36.653","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-30T11:09:49.103","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what data it or its agencies collect on (a) punctuality of bus services, (b) bus ticket prices and (c) bus passenger experience, broken down by (i) operator and (ii) loca","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what data it or its agencies collect on (a) punctuality of bus services, (b) bus ticket prices and (c) bus passenger experience, broken down by (i) operator and (ii) local authority.","AnswerText":"Information on the punctuality of bus services is not held centrally.\r\nTable 6 in Bus and Coach Statistics: 2010-11 provides information on bus ticket prices. This can be found at: \r\nhttp://www.transportscotland.gov.uk/files/documents/public-transport/Bus_and_Coach_Statistics_2010-11.pdf.\r\nTables 13 of Scottish Household Survey: Transport Local Area Analysis 2009-10 provides information on the bus passenger experience. This can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.transportscotland.gov.uk/node/7644.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-14T15:05:36.653","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272134,"EventID":"S4W-06992","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2892,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-30T15:05:36.747","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-30T11:09:49.103","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it holds bus service data broken down by (a) region and (b) company.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it holds bus service data broken down by (a) region and (b) company.","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally. Bus operators must register local services with the Office of the Traffic Commissioner. There is a search facility for bus service registrations on the Vehicle and Operator Services Agency website at: \r\nhttp://www.tan.gov.uk/tanen/VOSA_SelfServiceOpBusRegSearch_New.asp.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-14T15:05:36.747","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272135,"EventID":"S4W-06993","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1986,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":142,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-30T15:05:36.823","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-30T11:14:30","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much was allocated from the Change Fund to Inverclyde Community Health and Care Partnership in 2011-12 and how much will be allocated in 2012-13.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much was allocated from the Change Fund to Inverclyde Community Health and Care Partnership in 2011-12 and how much will be allocated in 2012-13.","AnswerText":"The Inverclyde Community Health and Care Partnership has been allocated £1.228 million from the Reshaping Care for Older People Change Fund in 2011-12, and £1.40 million from the fund in the current financial year, 2012-13.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-14T15:05:36.823","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272136,"EventID":"S4W-06994","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-30T15:05:36.887","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-30T11:46:39","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive who is on the approved list of contractors for the survey and analysis of patient experience under the Better Together programme.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive who is on the approved list of contractors for the survey and analysis of patient experience under the Better Together programme.\r\n","AnswerText":"The following consortia and individual organisations are on the national framework contract of approved contractors. Some organisations are approved for only one type of work e.g. only quantitative surveys, whilst others are approved for more than one type of work.\r\nOPM (with GFK NOP and Edinburgh University)\r\nIpsos-Mori\r\nMRUK Research Ltd\r\nPatient Dynamics Ltd\r\nPatient Perspective\r\nPicker Institute Europe\r\nQuality Health Ltd\r\nQueen Margaret University (with Dundee University).\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-14T15:05:36.887","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272137,"EventID":"S4W-06995","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-30T15:05:36.98","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-30T11:46:39","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much each NHS board spends on the survey of patient experience under the Better Together programme and with what contractor.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much each NHS board spends on the survey of patient experience under the Better Together programme and with what contractor.","AnswerText":"Each of the NHS boards participating in the national Inpatient Survey commission a contractor from the national framework contract locally. This process is conducted in accordance with board procurement processes and protocols. Therefore, information on the approved contractor and how much is spent by each board is not held centrally.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-14T15:05:36.98","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272138,"EventID":"S4W-06996","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5079,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-30T15:05:37.043","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-30T12:46:24","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many children are eligible for free school meals.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many children are eligible for free school meals.\r\n","AnswerText":"Scottish Ministers are clear about the benefit of providing a nutritious, free school meal to children and young people living in low income households and have taken a number of actions in recent years to extend eligibility. However, national eligibility in Scotland is linked to the receipt of certain prescribed benefits which are a reserved matter. As a result the Scottish Government does not hold, or separately collect, information about the number of children and young people eligible for free school meals.\r\nThe 2011 School Meals Survey recorded that 131,254 pupils (19.7 per cent of the school roll) were registered to receive a free school meal in Scotland. This figure includes children registered due to national eligibility and P1-P3 children eligible to receive a free school meal due to local initiatives introduced from August 2010 which aim to promote healthy eating habits.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-14T15:05:37.057","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alasdair Allan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272139,"EventID":"S4W-06997","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5079,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-30T15:05:37.12","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-30T12:46:24","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the effect would be of introducing an income threshold of £7,500 on eligibility for free school meals.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the effect would be of introducing an income threshold of £7,500 on eligibility for free school meals.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government is considering what action it needs to take to maintain access to free school meals following the introduction of universal credit. It is intended that the current levels of provision will be protected. However, the detail of how this will be achieved has not yet been decided.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-14T15:05:37.137","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alasdair Allan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272140,"EventID":"S4W-06998","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5079,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-30T15:05:37.23","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-30T12:46:24","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its position is on the introduction of an income threshold on free school meals eligibility.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its position is on the introduction of an income threshold on free school meals eligibility.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-6997 on 14 May 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-14T15:05:37.247","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alasdair Allan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272141,"EventID":"S4W-06999","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5079,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-30T15:05:37.353","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-30T12:52:48","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its strategy is for retaining, preserving and promoting Scotland’s industrial heritage.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its strategy is for retaining, preserving and promoting Scotland’s industrial heritage.\r\n","AnswerText":"On behalf of the Scottish Ministers, Historic Scotland provides statutory protection to industrial heritage sites across Scotland and cares for a number of key industrial sites in its portfolio. The government also directly and indirectly supports a range of nationally significant industrial museums as well as less specialised museums holding significant industrial collections. This, together with important industrial holdings in the other national collections, including the National Museums of Scotland, the National Records of Scotland, and the National Monuments Record of Scotland (at the Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Scotland), demonstrates our firm commitment to the preservation and promotion of our industrial heritage.\r\nLooking to the future, I am pleased to note that Historic Scotland has recently created an Industrial Heritage team which will work with partners and stakeholders across the heritage sector, with education and tourism organisations, and with industry itself. A key objective will be to carry out an up-to-date assessment of the nature, scope and condition of Scotland’s industrial heritage, and subsequently to develop a strategy based on the information gathered. This is an area of our heritage which has perhaps been under valued in the past, but I believe there is potential for it to play a much more significant part in our future.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-14T15:05:37.353","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272142,"EventID":"S4W-07000","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5079,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-30T15:05:37.433","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-30T12:52:48","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it monitors the preservation and loss of buildings, items and locations that it considers to be part of Scotland’s industrial heritage.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it monitors the preservation and loss of buildings, items and locations that it considers to be part of Scotland’s industrial heritage.\r\n","AnswerText":"Scotland’s industrial heritage is wide-ranging, deeply ingrained in Scottish culture, and of global significance. One of our five World Heritage Sites, New Lanark, is industrial, and the Forth Bridge, which is on the revised UK tentative list, is being prepared for nomination in the coming years.\r\nHistoric Scotland (HS), assists in monitoring the state of preservation of industrial heritage through statutory protection, comparative study and evaluation, through promoting better understanding, facilitating positive change, and, where appropriate, by levering in investment.\r\nSome sizeable structures, buildings and locations, are managed by other public bodies, like Network Rail, the Northern Lighthouse Board, Scottish Water and British Waterways (Scotland). Prominent examples include the Forth and Tay Bridges, the Bell Rock Lighthouse and the Forth and Clyde and Union Canals, together with the Falkirk Wheel.\r\nThe condition of our most important historic buildings is routinely monitored through the Buildings at Risk Register (BARR), which is funded by Historic Scotland and delivered by a team at the Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Scotland (RCAHMS), in partnership with local authority Conservation Officers. RCAHMS also operates survey programmes dedicated to industrial sites and buildings, and threatened buildings in particular.\r\nConservation Areas, which are managed by local authorities, often also contain significant industrial heritage. They are eligible to receive support through the Conservation Area Regeneration Scheme (funded by Historic Scotland) and Townscape Heritage Initiative (funded by Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF)). A good example of this is in Glasgow, where Govan Workspace is investing HS and HLF funds in the formerly disused Fairfield Shipyard’s drawing offices.\r\nOur focus is not, however, confined to industrial sites and buildings. Scottish Ministers also support the preservation of items that are not fixtures and are portable. These are preserved in our archives, libraries and museums. In particular, the National Museum of Scotland, local authority museums and independent industrial museums monitor their respective collections, and have developed policies for acquisition. Their work can be measured against a baseline survey by the Scottish Museums Council (now Museums and Galleries Scotland) in 1990. Equally, the National Records of Scotland actively collects and conserves records relating to our historic industries, and works closely with local authority and university archives, and with the Business Archives Council of Scotland.\r\nFinally, these and other organisations, including the Institution of Civil Engineers also meet regularly under the umbrella of the Scottish Industrial Archaeology Panel, which routinely exchanges information about sites at risk, relevant collections of archives (which might be taken in through the Business Archives Council of Scotland) and museum-worthy artefacts.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-14T15:05:37.433","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272143,"EventID":"S4W-07001","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5079,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-30T15:05:37.51","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-30T13:14:13","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S4W-05726 by John Swinney on 11 April 2012, whether it has paid a salary to any (a) civil servant, (b) official, (c) consultant or (d) ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S4W-05726 by John Swinney on 11 April 2012, whether it has paid a salary to any (a) civil servant, (b) official, (c) consultant or (d) contractor via a private company since May 2007 and, if so, for what reason.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government does not pay salaries via a private company.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-14T15:05:37.51","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272144,"EventID":"S4W-07005","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2892,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-30T15:05:37.59","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-30T14:09:50.91","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of buses has been on time in each year from 2005 to 2011, broken down by (a)  local authority and (b) operator.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of buses has been on time in each year from 2005 to 2011, broken down by (a)  local authority and (b) operator.\r\n","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-14T15:05:37.59","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272145,"EventID":"S4F-00637","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":4976,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-30T14:48:27.113","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-26T16:42:05","Title":"To ask the First Minister when he will next meet the Prime Minister.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister when he will next meet the Prime Minister.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-14T14:48:27.283","MeetingDate":"2012-05-02T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272146,"EventID":"S4F-00638","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":5009,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-30T14:48:27.33","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-30T10:02:48.467","Title":"To ask the First Minister what issues will be discussed at the next meeting of the Cabinet.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what issues will be discussed at the next meeting of the Cabinet.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-14T14:48:27.33","MeetingDate":"2012-05-02T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272147,"EventID":"S4F-00641","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":2080,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":87,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-30T14:48:27.423","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-30T11:51:59.713","Title":"To ask the First Minister what engagements he has planned for the rest of the day.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what engagements he has planned for the rest of the day.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-14T14:48:27.423","MeetingDate":"2012-05-02T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272148,"EventID":"S4F-00642","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":131,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-30T14:48:27.453","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-30T12:25:20","Title":"To ask the First Minister what information the Scottish Government was given following the abduction of Khalil Dale.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what information the Scottish Government was given following the abduction of Khalil Dale.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-14T14:48:27.453","MeetingDate":"2012-05-02T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272149,"EventID":"S4F-00647","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":2675,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":93,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-30T14:48:27.643","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-30T13:40:25.513","Title":"To ask the First Minister what the Scottish Government's position is on the findings of the report by the Jimmy Reid Foundation, The Silent Crisis: Failure and Revival in Local Democracy in Scotland.\r","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what the Scottish Government's position is on the findings of the report by the Jimmy Reid Foundation, The Silent Crisis: Failure and Revival in Local Democracy in Scotland.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-14T14:48:27.657","MeetingDate":"2012-05-02T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272150,"EventID":"S4F-00648","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":2595,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-30T14:48:27.69","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-30T13:42:08.02","Title":"To ask the First Minister how many empty commercial properties the Scottish Government predicts will no longer be empty as a direct consequence of the proposals in the Local Government Finance (Unoccu","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister how many empty commercial properties the Scottish Government predicts will no longer be empty as a direct consequence of the proposals in the Local Government Finance (Unoccupied Properties etc.) (Scotland) Bill.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-14T14:48:27.69","MeetingDate":"2012-05-02T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272156,"EventID":"S4W-07003","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5079,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-30T16:50:55.277","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-30T14:07:59.163","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with (a) the Money Advice Service, (b) COSLA and (c) others regarding the tendering process to be used by the Money Advice Service in autumn 2","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with (a) the Money Advice Service, (b) COSLA and (c) others regarding the tendering process to be used by the Money Advice Service in autumn 2012 for the provision of a new face-to-face debt advice service; where the service will be located, and what transitional arrangements have been put in place with previous providers since April 2012.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has not held any discussions with the Money Advice Service, COSLA or any others about the tendering process for a new face-to-face debt advice service. However, there have been meetings considering the transitional arrangements for 2012-13.\r\nThese meetings have resulted in grant funding of £4.8 million from the Scottish Government and £2.2 million from the Money Advice Service as part of the transitional arrangements. This money will go towards a jointly funded programme managed by the Scottish Legal Aid Board to help Scots resolve their legal and financial problems. The locations of the funded projects will be determined following an application process that will open later this year.\r\nAdditionally, the Money Advice Service will provide £500,000 of financial support to projects run in partnership with the Improvement Service, the Accountant in Bankruptcy and Money Advice Scotland.\r\nThe tendering process is a matter for the Money Advice Service.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-14T16:50:55.293","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272157,"EventID":"S4W-07006","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2892,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-30T16:50:55.353","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-30T14:09:50.91","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consideration it has given to introducing a scheme to subsidise bus fares so that they cost no more than the equivalent journey by car.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consideration it has given to introducing a scheme to subsidise bus fares so that they cost no more than the equivalent journey by car.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government provides annual grants to the bus industry (£50 million in the current financial year), the aim of which is to keep fares at affordable levels and enable bus operators to run services that might not otherwise be commercially viable. This substantial subsidy, Bus Service Operators Grant (BSOG), supports the overall bus network.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-14T16:50:55.353","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272158,"EventID":"S4W-07007","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5079,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-30T16:50:55.447","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-30T14:10:46.88","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what proportion of the Barnett consequentials that it will receive as a result of the UK budget increases in funding for advice services will be spent on advice services ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what proportion of the Barnett consequentials that it will receive as a result of the UK budget increases in funding for advice services will be spent on advice services in Scotland.","AnswerText":"Barnett consequentials accrue to Scotland as a whole and it is for Scottish ministers to decide collectively how they should be deployed in light of the overall financial position and strategic priorities.\r\nWhilst funding for local advice services in Scotland comes predominantly from local government, which is best placed to assess and meet local requirements, there are instances where the Scottish Government allocates grant funding directly for particular initiatives which support the government’s priority outcomes. This was the case on 29 February 2012, where funding of £4.8 million from the Scottish Government and £2.2 million from the Money Advice Service was committed to fund a programme to be managed by the Scottish Legal Aid Board to help Scots resolve their legal and financial problems, as part of the Government’s Making Justice Work initiative.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-14T16:50:55.447","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272159,"EventID":"S4W-07010","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2159,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":88,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-30T16:50:55.527","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-30T15:22:31.213","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has had discussions with (a) BSkyB shareholders or (b) parties that opposed the News Corporation takeover bid for BSkyB regarding the impact of the takeover on","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has had discussions with (a) BSkyB shareholders or (b) parties that opposed the News Corporation takeover bid for BSkyB regarding the impact of the takeover on jobs or investment in Scotland.","AnswerText":"The information requested is being collated. I will write to the member as soon as the information is available and a copy will be placed in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre (Bib. number 53971).\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-14T16:50:55.527","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272160,"EventID":"S4W-07011","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2159,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":88,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-30T16:50:55.587","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-30T15:22:31.213","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has expressed views to the UK Government or regulatory authorities regarding the impact on jobs and investment in Scotland of a concentration of media ownershi","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has expressed views to the UK Government or regulatory authorities regarding the impact on jobs and investment in Scotland of a concentration of media ownership.","AnswerText":"The information requested is being collated. I will write to the member as soon as the information is available and a copy will be placed in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre (Bib. number 53972).\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-14T16:50:55.603","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272161,"EventID":"S4W-07012","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2159,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":88,"ApprovedDate":"2012-04-30T16:50:55.667","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-30T15:22:31.213","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with media companies other than News Corporation or its subsidiary companies regarding the potential impact on jobs and investment in Scotland","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with media companies other than News Corporation or its subsidiary companies regarding the potential impact on jobs and investment in Scotland of a successful News Corporation bid for full control of BSkyB and on what dates these took place.\r\n","AnswerText":"The information requested is being collated. I will write to the member as soon as the information is available and a copy will be placed in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre (Bib. number 53973).\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-14T16:50:55.667","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272168,"EventID":"S4W-07013","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5041,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-01T13:48:52.08","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-30T16:56:23","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many residents of Scotland received medical treatment in other parts of the UK in (a) 2008-09, (b) 2009-10, (c) 2010-11 and (d) 2011-12, broken down by (i) NHS board ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many residents of Scotland received medical treatment in other parts of the UK in (a) 2008-09, (b) 2009-10, (c) 2010-11 and (d) 2011-12, broken down by (i) NHS board of residence, (ii) the hospital and the local health authority that provided the treatment and (iii) the nature of the procedure and what the combined annual cost was to those NHS boards.","AnswerText":"Information on the number of residents of Scotland who received medical treatment as an in-patient or day case (elective and emergency admissions) in other parts of the UK is provided for England, Northern Ireland and Wales separately. The data across the UK is not directly comparable due to differences in data definitions. The tables are available from the Scottish Parliament Information Centre (Bib. number 53931).\r\nInformation on the combined annual cost to NHS boards is not collected centrally.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-16T13:48:52.143","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272169,"EventID":"S4W-07014","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5079,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-01T13:48:52.253","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-30T19:22:37","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive on (a) how many and (b) what occasions since 2007 it has requested that one of the National Performing Companies provide free tickets for any of its productions; who has ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive on (a) how many and (b) what occasions since 2007 it has requested that one of the National Performing Companies provide free tickets for any of its productions; who has received such free tickets; what the sale value of the tickets was, and what guidance exists on the proper use of any such arrangement.\r\n","AnswerText":"The information requested is being collated. I will write to the member as soon as the information is available and a copy will be placed in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre (Bib. number 53983).\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-16T13:48:52.267","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272170,"EventID":"S4W-07016","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4080,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-01T16:03:45.677","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-01T13:09:57.767","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the monthly cost is (a) per patient and (b) to the NHS of the 10 most expensive pharmacological (i) treatments and (ii) treatments for cancer available for routine u","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the monthly cost is (a) per patient and (b) to the NHS of the 10 most expensive pharmacological (i) treatments and (ii) treatments for cancer available for routine use on the NHS, and what the associated indications are.","AnswerText":"Information on the monthly cost per patient and to the NHS of the 10 most expensive pharmacological treatments and treatments of cancer available for routine use is not available centrally.\r\nAlso, treatment, specifically for cancer, can be complex and often involves the use of a combination of medicines which would make it difficult to identify cost per treatment.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-16T16:03:45.74","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272171,"EventID":"S4W-07018","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4080,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-01T16:03:45.817","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-01T13:09:57.767","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the monthly cost has been (a) per patient and (b) to the NHS of the 10 most expensive pharmacological (i) treatments and (ii) treatments for cancer provided via indi","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the monthly cost has been (a) per patient and (b) to the NHS of the 10 most expensive pharmacological (i) treatments and (ii) treatments for cancer provided via individual patient treatment requests in each year since 1999 and what the associated indications are.\r\n","AnswerText":"Information on the monthly cost per patient and to the NHS of the 10 most expensive pharmacological treatments and treatments of cancer available for routine use is not available centrally. Treatment, specifically for cancer, can be complex and often involves the use of a combination of medicines which would make it difficult to identify cost per treatment.\r\nNHS Board Individual Patient Treatment Request (IPTR) arrangements allow for the clinical consideration of “not recommended” medicines for individual patients in certain circumstances. Guidance on the IPTR arrangements was published on 17 May 2010 and took full effect from 1 April 2011. The Scottish Government is committed to monitoring NHS board progress in implementing the guidance.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-16T16:03:45.817","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272172,"EventID":"S4W-07020","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4080,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-01T16:03:45.897","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-01T13:11:04.813","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of the NHS budget would have been spent on abiraterone had it been approved by the Scottish Medicines Consortium for routine use on the NHS.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of the NHS budget would have been spent on abiraterone had it been approved by the Scottish Medicines Consortium for routine use on the NHS.","AnswerText":"Abiraterone was not recommended for routine use in the NHS in Scotland by the Scottish Medicines Consortium (SMC). Details of potential costs had it been approved are not available centrally. The SMC do, however, publish limited budget impact information and this can be obtained from their website at:\r\nhttp://www.scottishmedicines.org.uk.\r\nNHS Boards have “Individual Patient Treatment Request” arrangements in place which allow for the clinical consideration of “not recommended” medicines for individual patients in certain circumstances.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-16T16:03:45.91","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272173,"EventID":"S4W-07021","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4080,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-01T16:03:45.973","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-01T13:11:56.623","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the name and cost are of each pharmacological treatment that (a) has and (b) has not been made available for routine use in the NHS for (i) prostate, (ii) lung, (iii","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the name and cost are of each pharmacological treatment that (a) has and (b) has not been made available for routine use in the NHS for (i) prostate, (ii) lung, (iii) bowel and (iv) breast cancer in each year since 1999.\r\n","AnswerText":"The information is not held centrally.\r\nDecisions on which medicines should be made routinely available in the NHS in Scotland are taken independently by the Scottish Medicines Consortium. Details of the process undertaken by SMC and information on individual decisions and advice are available on their website at http://www.scottishmedicines.org.uk.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-16T16:03:45.99","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272174,"EventID":"S4W-07022","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4080,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-01T16:03:46.05","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-01T13:11:56.623","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much has been spent (a) in total and (b) per patient on treating (i) lung, (ii) breast, (iii) bowel and (iv) prostate cancer in each year since 1999.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much has been spent (a) in total and (b) per patient on treating (i) lung, (ii) breast, (iii) bowel and (iv) prostate cancer in each year since 1999.","AnswerText":"This information is not routinely collected in this way. However a recent Scottish Government publication Programme Budgeting – Testing The Approach in Scotland, does provide some estimates of the spend on cancer services in 2007-08. This publication is available at: http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2012/04/8235/0.\r\nIt is estimated that around 6% of the total spend identified was on cancer services, around £475 million. Of that around £61 million was spent on lower gastro intestinal cancers (bowel cancers), £48 million on lung cancer and £39 million urological cancers, which include prostate cancer. A separate estimate for prostate cancer or per capita figures are not available.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-16T16:03:46.067","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272175,"EventID":"S4W-07025","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2678,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-01T16:03:46.143","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-01T14:02:35.5","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many (a) successful and (b) unsuccessful individual patient treatment requests for medicines have been made in each year since 1999, also broken down by NHS board are","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many (a) successful and (b) unsuccessful individual patient treatment requests for medicines have been made in each year since 1999, also broken down by NHS board area.\r\n","AnswerText":"Information on the number of successful and unsuccessful Individual Patient Treatment Requests made to NHS boards since 1999 is not held centrally.\r\nNHS boards and clinicians are expected to take full account of advice from the Scottish Medicines Consortium and Healthcare Improvement Scotland in the planning and provision of NHS services. Where this advice clarifies that a new medicine is not accepted for routine use within NHSScotland, NHS boards are not expected to make it routinely available. However NHS boards have arrangements in place for the clinical consideration of “not recommended” medicines for individual patients in certain circumstances (Individual Patient Treatment requests).\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-16T16:03:46.143","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272176,"EventID":"S4W-07026","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2678,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-01T16:03:46.207","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-01T14:02:35.5","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many (a) successful and (b) unsuccessful individual patient treatment requests for pharmacological treatments have been made in each year since 1999, also broken down","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many (a) successful and (b) unsuccessful individual patient treatment requests for pharmacological treatments have been made in each year since 1999, also broken down by (i) NHS board area and (ii) associated indication.","AnswerText":"Information on the number of successful and unsuccessful Individual Patient Treatment Requests made to NHS boards since 1999 is not held centrally.\r\nNHS boards and clinicians are expected to take full account of advice from the Scottish Medicines Consortium and Healthcare Improvement Scotland in the planning and provision of NHS services. Where this advice clarifies that a new medicine is not accepted for routine use within NHSScotland, NHS boards are not expected to make it routinely available. However NHS boards have arrangements in place for the clinical consideration of “not recommended” medicines for individual patients in certain circumstances (Individual Patient Treatment requests).\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-16T16:03:46.223","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272177,"EventID":"S4W-07027","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2678,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-01T16:03:46.3","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-01T14:02:35.5","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many (a) successful and (b) unsuccessful individual patient treatment requests for abiraterone have been made in each year since it was first licensed, also broken do","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many (a) successful and (b) unsuccessful individual patient treatment requests for abiraterone have been made in each year since it was first licensed, also broken down by NHS board area.","AnswerText":"Information on the number of successful and unsuccessful Individual Patient Treatment Requests made to NHS boards is not held centrally.\r\nNHS boards and clinicians are expected to take full account of advice from the Scottish Medicines Consortium and Healthcare Improvement Scotland in the planning and provision of NHS services. Where this advice clarifies that a new medicine is not accepted for routine use within NHSScotland, NHS boards are not expected to make it routinely available. However NHS boards have arrangements in place for the clinical consideration of “not recommended” medicines for individual patients in certain circumstances (Individual Patient Treatment requests).\r\nGuidance on IPTR arrangements was published on 17 May 2010 and took full effect from 1 April 2011. This was followed up by the issue of good practice guidance on 18 March 2011 and further advice on 13 February 2012 following a clinical group review of extant guidance. The Scottish Government has also committed to monitor NHS board progress in implementing guidance on the introduction and availability of newly licensed medicines in the NHS in Scotland.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-16T16:03:46.3","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272178,"EventID":"S4W-07028","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2678,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-01T16:03:46.38","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-01T14:02:35.5","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many (a) successful and (b) unsuccessful individual patient treatment requests for cabazitaxel have been made in each year since it was first licensed, also broken do","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many (a) successful and (b) unsuccessful individual patient treatment requests for cabazitaxel have been made in each year since it was first licensed, also broken down by NHS board area.\r\n","AnswerText":"Information on the number of successful and unsuccessful Individual Patient Treatment Requests made to NHS Boards is not held centrally.\r\nNHS boards and clinicians are expected to take full account of advice from the Scottish Medicines Consortium and Healthcare Improvement Scotland in the planning and provision of NHS services. Where this advice clarifies that a new medicine is not accepted for routine use within NHSScotland, NHS boards are not expected to make it routinely available. However NHS boards have arrangements in place for the clinical consideration of “not recommended” medicines for individual patients in certain circumstances (Individual Patient Treatment requests).\r\nGuidance on IPTR arrangements was published on 17 May 2010 and took full effect from 1 April 2011. This was followed up by the issue of good practice guidance on 18 March 2011 and further advice on 13 February 2012 following a clinical group review of extant guidance. The Scottish Government has also committed to monitor NHS board progress in implementing guidance on the introduction and availability of newly licensed medicines in the NHS in Scotland.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-16T16:03:46.393","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272179,"EventID":"S4W-07029","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2678,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-01T16:03:46.457","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-01T14:02:35.5","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many (a) successful and (b) unsuccessful individual patient treatment requests for cancer drugs have been made in each year since 1999, also broken down by (i) NHS bo","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many (a) successful and (b) unsuccessful individual patient treatment requests for cancer drugs have been made in each year since 1999, also broken down by (i) NHS board area, (ii) type of drug, (iii) cost of drug and (iv) associated indication.\r\n","AnswerText":"Information on the number of successful and unsuccessful individual patient treatment requests made to NHS boards is not held centrally.\r\nNHS boards and clinicians are expected to take full account of advice from the Scottish Medicines Consortium and Healthcare Improvement Scotland in the planning and provision of NHS services. Where this advice clarifies that a new medicine is not accepted for routine use within NHSScotland, NHS boards are not expected to make it routinely available. However NHS boards have arrangements in place for the clinical consideration of “not recommended” medicines for individual patients in certain circumstances (Individual Patient Treatment requests).\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-16T16:03:46.473","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272180,"EventID":"S4W-07035","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":81,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-01T16:03:46.533","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-01T15:28:55.203","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive further to the answer to question S4W-06790 by John Swinney on 27 April 2012,  whether the funding arrangement for 2013-14 in relation to the 10% reduction in council tax","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive further to the answer to question S4W-06790 by John Swinney on 27 April 2012,  whether the funding arrangement for 2013-14 in relation to the 10% reduction in council tax benefit will be extended to subsequent years and, if so, what the anticipated cost and division of funding will be between it and local authorities.","AnswerText":"No decisions have been made on support in future years.\r\nThe UK Government’s abolition of Council Tax Benefit and 10% cut in support to help people meet their local taxation liabilities places a potentially significant new tax burden on 560,000 of the most vulnerable people in Scotland, including pensioners, carers, the workless and the disabled, who are least able to pay.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-16T16:03:46.55","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272195,"EventID":"S4W-06988","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2059,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":91,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-02T13:03:15.1","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-28T16:41:52","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the Minister for Energy, Enterprise and Tourism's evidence to the House of Commons Energy and Climate Change Committee on 17 April 2012 where he stated that t","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the Minister for Energy, Enterprise and Tourism's evidence to the House of Commons Energy and Climate Change Committee on 17 April 2012 where he stated that the \"economic benefits [of North Sea oil and gas] total around £1.5 trillion, although all these figures are dependent upon a large number of calculations that are dependent upon the oil price\", what methodology (a) it uses to determine the future cumulative revenue to be accrued from North Sea oil and gas and (b) assumptions it makes regarding the future price of oil.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government estimates that remaining oil and gas reserves could have a wholesale value of up to £1.5 trillion in 2012 prices. The calculation is based on the following assumptions.\r\n(a) Up to 24 billion recoverable barrels of oil and gas equivalent remain in the North Sea, as estimated by Oil and Gas UK. \r\n(b) Oil prices will average $100 a barrel in real terms from 2012 onwards. By comparison, the Office for Budget Responsibility’s Fiscal Sustainability Report assumes a long term oil price of $107 a barrel in real terms.\r\n(c) A Sterling/Dollar exchange rate of £1/$1.60 is used to derive the Sterling value of remaining reserves. This is the average exchange rate during 2011.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-17T13:03:15.207","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272196,"EventID":"S4W-07015","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3896,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":97,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-02T13:03:15.287","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-01T11:49:01.453","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, in light of the report in the 1 May 2012 edition of The Press and Journal, which quoted a spokesperson from Transport Scotland saying that \"following complaints, the com","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, in light of the report in the 1 May 2012 edition of The Press and Journal, which quoted a spokesperson from Transport Scotland saying that \"following complaints, the commission had confirmed that the ADS [air discount scheme] was for the benefit of individuals and had 'no difficulty with the exclusion of business-related travel'”, whether it will provide information on (a) who made the complaints, (b) when the complaints were made and (c) the wording of the complaints. \r\n","AnswerText":"Transport Scotland’s response to the Press and Journal on 30 April 2012 did not use the word \"complaints\" but did confirm that our approach to the European Commission followed meetings with local Councils and MSPs representing island communities. In the latter case, this includes my meeting with the member on 30 June 2011 which Tavish Scott and the Cabinet Secretary for Infrastructure and Capital Investment also attended.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-17T13:03:15.287","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272197,"EventID":"S4W-07023","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":86,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-02T13:03:15.363","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-01T13:17:11.92","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the impact will be on listed buildings in Scotland of the UK's Government's proposal to withdraw VAT relief on approved alterations to them and what the reasons are ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the impact will be on listed buildings in Scotland of the UK's Government's proposal to withdraw VAT relief on approved alterations to them and what the reasons are for its position on this matter.\r\n","AnswerText":"The UK Government’s proposal is clearly a deeply regrettable step in the opposite direction from the approach that the Scottish Ministers advocate. Maintaining the VAT relief on alterations to listed buildings, and reducing the VAT rate applicable to repairs and maintenance, would be important positive steps which would stimulate economic activity in a sector worth around £2.3 billion gross value added to Scotland’s economy, a significant proportion of which is attributable to construction activity. It would further bring empty homes back into use, reduce the incentive to use non-VAT registered contractors and help improve the condition of houses.\r\nI wrote to the Chancellor of the Exchequer on 26 April urging him to withdraw from this policy.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-17T13:03:15.363","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272198,"EventID":"S4W-07024","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":86,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-02T13:03:15.443","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-01T13:17:11.92","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will respond to the UK Government’s consultation on the proposal to remove the zero rate of VAT for approved work to listed buildings.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will respond to the UK Government’s consultation on the proposal to remove the zero rate of VAT for approved work to listed buildings.","AnswerText":"Unfortunately, the consultation document published by HM Revenue and Customs does not offer the opportunity to comment on the substance of the proposals, only on the draft legislation that has been prepared to implement the proposed changes. Further, despite the consultation document pronouncing that the proposed changes represent “the best option”, the UK Government officials have not, at the time of writing, approached Scottish officials to discuss the impact of this measure on the historic environment, an area of policy which is devolved.\r\nI have therefore written to the Chancellor of the Exchequer expressing my concern about the proposal to remove VAT relief on approved alterations to listed buildings and urging him to reconsider introducing this deeply regrettable policy change.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-17T13:03:15.443","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272199,"EventID":"S4W-07030","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-02T13:03:15.503","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-01T14:37:27.153","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made in consulting the relevant parties regarding the recommendations made in the Scottish Law Commission's, Report on Succession. \r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made in consulting the relevant parties regarding the recommendations made in the Scottish Law Commission's, Report on Succession. \r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government is considering options arising from the Scottish Law Commission’s Report on Succession. Officials have met with a number of stakeholders because, although a number of the Report’s recommendations had significant support, some are controversial. That preparatory dialogue has confirmed that some stakeholders have real concerns about important aspects of the package. Formal consultation will be necessary to inform the way forward.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-17T13:03:15.503","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Roseanna Cunningham","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272200,"EventID":"S4W-07031","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-02T13:03:15.567","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-01T14:37:27.153","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, in light of the recommendations made in the Scottish Law Commission's, Report on Succession, whether any legal obstacles have been identified that would prevent the law ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, in light of the recommendations made in the Scottish Law Commission's, Report on Succession, whether any legal obstacles have been identified that would prevent the law of succession in intestate cases being changed to favour partners and spouses over more distant relatives.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government’s consideration of options arising from the Scottish Law Commission’s Report on Succession will include an analysis of whether there are any legal obstacles to prevent the law of succession in intestate cases being changed to favour partners and spouses. Changes to the law of succession would however require primary legislation.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-17T13:03:15.583","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Roseanna Cunningham","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272201,"EventID":"S4W-07032","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-02T13:03:15.66","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-01T14:37:27.153","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will introduce legislation to meet some of the recommendations made in the Scottish Law Commission's, Report on Succession, earlier than others.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will introduce legislation to meet some of the recommendations made in the Scottish Law Commission's, Report on Succession, earlier than others.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government’s consideration of the options arising from the Scottish Law Commission’s Report on Succession will include an analysis of whether aspects of the Report might be progressed separately.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-17T13:03:15.66","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Roseanna Cunningham","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272202,"EventID":"S4W-07033","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-02T13:03:15.77","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-01T14:37:27.153","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will launch a consultation on the recommendations made in the Scottish Law Commission 2009's, Report on Succession, and which of the recommendations it plans to c","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will launch a consultation on the recommendations made in the Scottish Law Commission 2009's, Report on Succession, and which of the recommendations it plans to consult on.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government’s consideration of the options arising from the Scottish Law Commission’s Report on Succession and the conclusion of dialogue with stakeholders will determine the content of a consultation. We will consult when other priorities allow.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-17T13:03:15.77","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Roseanna Cunningham","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272203,"EventID":"S4W-07037","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2892,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-02T13:03:15.88","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-02T09:35:10.997","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will ensure that Caledonian Maritime Assets Ltd can borrow funds in order to invest in (a) new vessels and (b) future harbour and port upgrades on Scottish fer","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will ensure that Caledonian Maritime Assets Ltd can borrow funds in order to invest in (a) new vessels and (b) future harbour and port upgrades on Scottish ferry routes.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Final Ferries Plan will provide details of future investment and of how we will ensure that funding priorities can be met over the period of the Ferries Plan to 2022.\r\nThe completed Final Ferries Plan will be published later this year.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-17T13:03:15.893","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272204,"EventID":"S4W-07038","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2892,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-02T13:03:16.003","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-02T09:35:10.997","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the average fare will be under the proposed road equivalent tariff for a (a) passenger, (b) private vehicle and (c) commercial vehicle on each ferry route affected.\r","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the average fare will be under the proposed road equivalent tariff for a (a) passenger, (b) private vehicle and (c) commercial vehicle on each ferry route affected.\r\n","AnswerText":"As set out in our 29 November 2011 news release, RET for passengers and cars will become a permanent feature in the Western Isles, Coll and Tiree. On ferry routes to the Western Isles, Coll and Tiree, RET has been extended to include small commercial vehicles. In addition, on these routes, we have taken a number of steps to reduce the impact of removing RET for larger commercial vehicles. Significant financial help has also been given to all hauliers and businesses using these ferry routes.\r\nRET for passengers and cars will also be rolled out to other West Coast and Clyde islands within the term of this Parliament. Decisions about the exact level of RET fares for passengers and cars on each ferry route will be made available prior to the introduction of the scheme on each route. However, as noted in the Draft Ferries Plan, we want the RET single fare to be competitive with any discounts that would or might be available through any multi-journey ticket scheme.\r\nIn the longer term it is our aim to develop an overarching freight fares policy.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-17T13:03:16.003","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272205,"EventID":"S4W-07039","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2892,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-02T13:03:16.097","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-02T09:35:10.997","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will publish the invitation to tender document for the 2013 to 2019 contract for Clyde and Hebridean ferry services.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will publish the invitation to tender document for the 2013 to 2019 contract for Clyde and Hebridean ferry services.","AnswerText":"An announcement on tendering for the next Clyde and Hebrides ferry services contract will be made in due course.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-17T13:03:16.113","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272206,"EventID":"S4W-07040","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2892,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-02T13:03:16.177","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-02T09:35:10.997","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many vessels registered for service on ferry routes are (a) publicly owned, (b) privately owned, (c) leased by the public sector from the private sector or (d) leased","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many vessels registered for service on ferry routes are (a) publicly owned, (b) privately owned, (c) leased by the public sector from the private sector or (d) leased by the private sector from the public sector.","AnswerText":"On ferry routes for which the Scottish ministers are responsible, the number of vessels deployed in each category is as follows:\r\n(a) 31\r\n(b) 6\r\n(c) 6\r\n(d) 0.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-17T13:03:16.177","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272207,"EventID":"S4W-07041","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2892,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-02T13:03:16.237","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-02T09:35:10.997","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many seafarer (a) ratings and (b) officers have been trained by Caledonian MacBrayne in each year since 2002.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many seafarer (a) ratings and (b) officers have been trained by Caledonian MacBrayne in each year since 2002.\r\n","AnswerText":"Training provided by Caledonian MacBrayne between 2002 and September 2006 and by CalMac Ferries Ltd from October 2006 to 2011 is as follows:-\r\nYear\r\nNew Ratings Trained\r\n(all disciplines)\r\nRating to Officer Training\r\nOfficers Trained to a Higher Certificate of Competency\r\n2002\r\n8\r\n4\r\n5\r\n2003\r\n27\r\n5\r\n15\r\n2004\r\n14\r\n2\r\n4\r\n2005\r\n28\r\n1\r\n6\r\n2006\r\n15\r\n1\r\n8\r\n2007\r\n25\r\n1\r\n8\r\n2008\r\n18\r\n2\r\n17\r\n2009\r\n15\r\n2\r\n9\r\n2010\r\n14\r\n3\r\n8\r\n2011\r\n20\r\nNil\r\n4\r\nIn addition, between 2006 and the current year CalMac Ferries Ltd has sponsored 11 officer cadets per year. CalMac Ferries Ltd currently sponsor a total of 32 deck or engineer officer cadets. The officer cadets are all employed by Clyde Marine Training Limited and are sponsored by CalMac Ferries Ltd.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-17T13:03:16.237","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272208,"EventID":"S4W-07042","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2059,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":91,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-02T13:03:16.3","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-02T09:37:32.993","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to deal with shoplifting gangs that target charity shops.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to deal with shoplifting gangs that target charity shops.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government is committed to tackling crime in all its forms, including organised shoplifting gangs.\r\nIn order to support business the Scottish Government provides an annual funding contribution to the Scottish Business Crime Centre (SBCC) - which is a partnership between business, police and government to raise awareness of crime and help business to combat it.\r\nThe SBCC’s work includes effective anti-shoplifting initiatives such as the Retail Radio Link system which is an interactive element within a local crime reduction partnership and allows retailers, pubs and clubs, town centre management, shopping centres and CCTV management suites to share information with each other instantaneously and with the local police. The SBCC have also produced a Targeting Retail Crime in Scotland publication, which is a training booklet for retailers to assist in reducing their crime risk and to act as a general retail crime prevention tool.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-17T13:03:16.3","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272209,"EventID":"S4W-07043","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4952,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-02T13:03:16.377","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-02T10:11:19","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to review the speed limits on A-roads.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to review the speed limits on A-roads.","AnswerText":"In 2006, the Scottish Government issued guidance to local authorities on setting local speed limits. Authorities were asked to review speed limits on all A and B class roads in their area by the end of 2011. Transport Scotland has in parallel been reviewing speed limits on the trunk road network.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-17T13:03:16.377","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272210,"EventID":"S4W-07044","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4952,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-02T13:03:16.44","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-02T10:11:19","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with the Road Haulage Association regarding raising the speed limit for HGVs on A-roads.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with the Road Haulage Association regarding raising the speed limit for HGVs on A-roads.\r\n","AnswerText":"Officials from Transport Scotland meet representatives of the Road Haulage Association periodically. Speed limits for HGVs on A-roads has been one of many issues discussed.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-17T13:03:16.44","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272211,"EventID":"S4W-07045","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4952,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-02T13:03:16.503","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-02T10:11:19","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to alter the speed limit for HGVs on A-roads and, if so, for what reason.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to alter the speed limit for HGVs on A-roads and, if so, for what reason.\r\n","AnswerText":"We currently have no plans to alter the speed limits applying to HGVs on A roads, although we do now have the power to do so under the Scotland Act 2012.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-17T13:03:16.503","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272219,"EventID":"S4O-00969","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1986,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":142,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-02T13:45:45.093","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-25T12:13:42.983","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the Minister for Housing and Transport last met the chief executive of Strathclyde Partnership for Transport.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the Minister for Housing and Transport last met the chief executive of Strathclyde Partnership for Transport.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-17T13:45:45.17","MeetingDate":"2012-05-10T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272220,"EventID":"S4O-00970","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":138,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-02T13:45:45.263","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-25T12:13:43.093","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it next plans to meet North Ayrshire Council and what will be discussed.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it next plans to meet North Ayrshire Council and what will be discussed.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-17T13:45:45.263","MeetingDate":"2012-05-10T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272221,"EventID":"S4O-00971","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":85,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-02T13:45:45.327","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-25T12:13:43.14","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had since May 2007 regarding providing support for destitute asylum seekers.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had since May 2007 regarding providing support for destitute asylum seekers.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-17T13:45:45.343","MeetingDate":"2012-05-10T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272222,"EventID":"S4O-00972","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2487,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-02T13:45:45.403","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-25T12:13:43.157","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how EU project bonds could be used to support infrastructure investment in Scotland.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how EU project bonds could be used to support infrastructure investment in Scotland.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-17T13:45:45.403","MeetingDate":"2012-05-10T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272223,"EventID":"S4O-00974","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1741,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-02T13:45:45.467","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-25T12:13:43.203","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is satisfied with the level of morale among NHS staff.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is satisfied with the level of morale among NHS staff.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-17T13:45:45.467","MeetingDate":"2012-05-10T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272224,"EventID":"S4O-00975","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1866,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-02T13:45:45.53","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-25T12:13:43.22","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has received the report into the management culture at NHS Lothian and, if so, what lessons can be drawn from it.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has received the report into the management culture at NHS Lothian and, if so, what lessons can be drawn from it.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-17T13:45:45.53","MeetingDate":"2012-05-10T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272225,"EventID":"S4O-00976","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":3806,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-02T13:45:45.607","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-25T12:13:43.25","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assessment it has made of the potential for the production of medical isotopes.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assessment it has made of the potential for the production of medical isotopes.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-17T13:45:45.607","MeetingDate":"2012-05-10T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272226,"EventID":"S4O-00977","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":4964,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-02T13:45:45.7","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-25T12:13:43.267","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has had discussions with the staff and management of Hall & Tawse joinery following the announcement that the business is to close, given the impact on employm","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has had discussions with the staff and management of Hall & Tawse joinery following the announcement that the business is to close, given the impact on employment in the area.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-17T13:45:45.717","MeetingDate":"2012-05-10T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272227,"EventID":"S4O-00978","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2159,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":88,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-02T13:45:45.78","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-25T12:13:43.28","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its position is on the proposed development of a railway station in the Robroyston area of north Glasgow.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its position is on the proposed development of a railway station in the Robroyston area of north Glasgow.","AnswerText":"In 2010, Transport Scotland provided feedback to a planning application from developers for a station at Robroyston. As a result, the developer is currently undertaking a study of public transport, including an appraisal of a railway station.\r\nThe recently announced £30 million Stations Investment Fund will give priority to proposals that include third party investment, as is the case for Robroyston. We will announce further details in due course.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-17T13:45:45.78","MeetingDate":"2012-05-10T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272228,"EventID":"S4O-00979","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":2876,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-02T13:45:45.84","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-25T12:14:32.45","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many prosecutions there have been under the Smoking, Health and Social Care (Scotland) Act 2005 for smoking in non-smoking premises and permitting another person to s","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many prosecutions there have been under the Smoking, Health and Social Care (Scotland) Act 2005 for smoking in non-smoking premises and permitting another person to smoke in non-smoking premises.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-17T13:45:45.84","MeetingDate":"2012-05-10T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272229,"EventID":"S4O-00980","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":4952,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-02T13:45:45.903","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-25T12:14:32.483","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made in implementing the Farm Watch scheme across the Lothians and Borders police force area, in order to reduce the impact of crime on local farme","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made in implementing the Farm Watch scheme across the Lothians and Borders police force area, in order to reduce the impact of crime on local farmers.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-17T13:45:45.903","MeetingDate":"2012-05-10T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272230,"EventID":"S4O-00981","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-02T13:45:45.98","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-25T12:14:32.513","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it ensures that cyberbullying incidents are recorded accurately.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it ensures that cyberbullying incidents are recorded accurately.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-17T13:45:45.98","MeetingDate":"2012-05-10T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272231,"EventID":"S4O-00982","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":3907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":135,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-02T13:45:46.043","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-25T12:14:32.53","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to strengthen the role of mediation in resolving family contact disputes.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to strengthen the role of mediation in resolving family contact disputes.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-17T13:45:46.043","MeetingDate":"2012-05-10T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272232,"EventID":"S4O-00983","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":5059,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-02T13:45:46.123","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-25T12:14:32.56","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it takes account of the rights of the child when a parent is being sentenced.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it takes account of the rights of the child when a parent is being sentenced.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-17T13:45:46.123","MeetingDate":"2012-05-10T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272233,"EventID":"S4O-00984","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":131,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-02T13:45:46.183","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-25T12:14:32.577","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it plans to reform the legal aid system.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it plans to reform the legal aid system.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-17T13:45:46.2","MeetingDate":"2012-05-10T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272234,"EventID":"S4O-00985","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":1841,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":120,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-02T13:45:46.293","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-25T12:14:32.623","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures it is taking to involve local communities in preventing the entry of contraband into the prison estate.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures it is taking to involve local communities in preventing the entry of contraband into the prison estate.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-17T13:45:46.293","MeetingDate":"2012-05-10T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272235,"EventID":"S4O-00986","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-02T13:45:46.357","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-25T12:14:32.64","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will complete its consideration of the Scottish Law Commission's 2009 Report on Succession and take forward any resulting action.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will complete its consideration of the Scottish Law Commission's 2009 Report on Succession and take forward any resulting action.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-17T13:45:46.37","MeetingDate":"2012-05-10T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272236,"EventID":"S4O-00987","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":2826,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":84,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-02T13:45:46.433","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-25T12:14:32.67","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what guidance is used by a procurator fiscal in determining whether a case is tried on a summary or indictment basis.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what guidance is used by a procurator fiscal in determining whether a case is tried on a summary or indictment basis.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-17T13:45:46.433","MeetingDate":"2012-05-10T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272237,"EventID":"S4O-00988","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":3745,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":122,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-02T13:45:46.513","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-25T12:14:32.687","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the timetable is for introducing a victims and witnesses bill.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the timetable is for introducing a victims and witnesses bill.\r\n","AnswerText":"We will shortly issue a consultation document setting out our proposals to improve the experience of victims and witnesses. We are committed to introducing a Victims and Witnesses Bill during this session of Parliament and are on track to do so in early course.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-17T13:45:46.513","MeetingDate":"2012-05-10T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272238,"EventID":"S4O-00989","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":3751,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":108,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-02T13:45:46.59","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-25T12:15:16.833","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it has taken to encourage the establishment of farmers' cooperatives to promote local produce.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it has taken to encourage the establishment of farmers' cooperatives to promote local produce.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-17T13:45:46.607","MeetingDate":"2012-05-10T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272239,"EventID":"S4O-00990","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":5057,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-02T13:45:46.713","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-25T12:15:16.863","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it will take to meet the international goals agreed in the NASCO Guidance on Best Management Practices to address the impacts of sea lice and escaped salmon o","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it will take to meet the international goals agreed in the NASCO Guidance on Best Management Practices to address the impacts of sea lice and escaped salmon on wild salmon stocks. \r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-17T13:45:46.713","MeetingDate":"2012-05-10T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272240,"EventID":"S4O-00991","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":3815,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-02T13:45:46.81","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-25T12:15:16.88","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to tackle animal cruelty.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to tackle animal cruelty.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-17T13:45:46.81","MeetingDate":"2012-05-10T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272241,"EventID":"S4O-00992","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":4941,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-02T13:45:46.87","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-25T12:15:16.91","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking by means of its Climate Challenge Fund to promote walking and cycling to work initiatives in Glasgow.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking by means of its Climate Challenge Fund to promote walking and cycling to work initiatives in Glasgow.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-17T13:45:46.87","MeetingDate":"2012-05-10T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272242,"EventID":"S4O-00993","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":86,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-02T13:45:46.95","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-25T12:15:16.927","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made in establishing a climate justice fund.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":"2012-05-10T17:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272243,"EventID":"S4O-00994","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":3771,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-02T13:45:47.01","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-25T12:15:16.943","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to promote the food and drink sector.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to promote the food and drink sector.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-17T13:45:47.01","MeetingDate":"2012-05-10T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272244,"EventID":"S4O-00995","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":1882,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":129,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-02T13:45:47.09","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-25T12:15:16.96","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made to establish a rural parliament.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made to establish a rural parliament.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-17T13:45:47.09","MeetingDate":"2012-05-10T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272245,"EventID":"S4O-00996","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":4080,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-02T13:45:47.167","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-25T12:15:16.99","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assessment it has made of the impact that proposed amendments to the Water Environment (Controlled Activities) Scotland Regulations 2011 will have on farmers in the ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assessment it has made of the impact that proposed amendments to the Water Environment (Controlled Activities) Scotland Regulations 2011 will have on farmers in the north east of Scotland.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-17T13:45:47.167","MeetingDate":"2012-05-10T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272246,"EventID":"S4O-00997","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":1892,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":134,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-02T13:45:47.23","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-25T12:15:17.02","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to review its proposal on General Binding Rule 18, which would prevent fertiliser and pesticides being applied to land with a slope greater than 12 degre","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to review its proposal on General Binding Rule 18, which would prevent fertiliser and pesticides being applied to land with a slope greater than 12 degrees.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-17T13:45:47.23","MeetingDate":"2012-05-10T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272247,"EventID":"S4O-00998","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":4939,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":78,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-02T13:45:47.307","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-25T12:15:17.037","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its position is on the importance of the contribution of the Jupiter Urban Wildlife Centre in Grangemouth to wildlife restoration.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its position is on the importance of the contribution of the Jupiter Urban Wildlife Centre in Grangemouth to wildlife restoration.\r\n","AnswerText":"Jupiter Urban Wildlife Centre provides a valuable contribution to wildlife restoration and is an important educational and community resource.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-17T13:45:47.307","MeetingDate":"2012-05-10T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272257,"EventID":"S4W-07036","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":81,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-02T16:58:22.177","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-01T15:43:45.077","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what role a Scotland separated from the rest of the United Kingdom would have in the British Overseas Territories.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what role a Scotland separated from the rest of the United Kingdom would have in the British Overseas Territories.","AnswerText":"On independence there would be a negotiated agreement between an independent Scotland and the rest of the United Kingdom on all relevant interests, assets and liabilities.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-17T16:58:22.567","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272258,"EventID":"S4W-07046","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-02T16:58:22.693","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-02T12:00:20.473","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what official visits to the United States the First Minister has made since May 2007.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what official visits to the United States the First Minister has made since May 2007.\r\n","AnswerText":"Since May 2007 the First Minister has made three official visits to the United States in October 2007, April 2008 and February 2009.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-17T16:58:22.693","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272259,"EventID":"S4W-07047","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-02T16:58:22.787","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-02T12:00:20.473","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many officials (a) attended and (b) remained throughout each meeting that the First Minister has had with Rupert Murdoch since May 2007.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many officials (a) attended and (b) remained throughout each meeting that the First Minister has had with Rupert Murdoch since May 2007.\r\n","AnswerText":"The information requested is being collated. I will write to the member as soon as the information is available and a copy will be placed in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre (Bib. number 53984).\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-17T16:58:22.803","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272260,"EventID":"S4W-07048","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2633,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-02T16:58:22.88","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-02T13:28:03","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S4W-06594 by Richard Lochhead on 2 May 2012, whether the stakeholders will include Scotland-wide organisations with an interest in rura","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S4W-06594 by Richard Lochhead on 2 May 2012, whether the stakeholders will include Scotland-wide organisations with an interest in rural affairs.","AnswerText":"Yes, the Scottish Government has already sought the views of national organisations. These include the Scottish Community Alliance, Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations, Carnegie UK, COSLA, Scottish Enterprise, Highlands and Islands Enterprise and Development Trusts Association Scotland. This list is by no means exhaustive and we will continue to seek the views of any national organisation that has an interest in rural affairs.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-17T16:58:22.88","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272261,"EventID":"S4W-07049","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1882,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":129,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-02T16:58:22.99","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-02T14:02:34","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many bids Transport Scotland received for a Freight Facilities Grant in 2011-12 and has received for (a) 2012-13 and (b) 2013-14.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many bids Transport Scotland received for a Freight Facilities Grant in 2011-12 and has received for (a) 2012-13 and (b) 2013-14.\r\n","AnswerText":"Four eligible applications were received in 2011-12.\r\nFive eligible applications were received which would draw on the budget available for the three-year period 2012-13 to 2014-15. It is not possible to assign applications to a specific year, since they are likely to involve funding spread across two or three years.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-17T16:58:22.99","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272262,"EventID":"S4W-07050","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1882,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":129,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-02T16:58:23.097","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-02T14:02:34","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the locations were of proposed projects for Freight Facilities Grant in 2011-12 and are for (a) 2012-13 and (b) 2013-14.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the locations were of proposed projects for Freight Facilities Grant in 2011-12 and are for (a) 2012-13 and (b) 2013-14.\r\n","AnswerText":"The breakdown of the four eligible applications received in 2011-12 by Regional Transport Partnership area is as follows: HITRANS –3 and SPT – 1.\r\nFive eligible applications were received which would draw on the budget available for the three-year period 2012-13 to 2014-15. The breakdown by Regional Transport Partnership area is as follows: HITRANS – 3, SPT – 1 and SEStran – 1. It is not possible to assign applications to a specific year, since they are likely to involve funding spread across two or three years.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-17T16:58:23.097","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272263,"EventID":"S4W-07051","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1882,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":129,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-02T16:58:23.177","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-02T14:02:34","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the value of bids for Freight Facilities Grant was in 2011-12 and is for (a) 2012-13 and (b) 2013-14.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the value of bids for Freight Facilities Grant was in 2011-12 and is for (a) 2012-13 and (b) 2013-14.","AnswerText":"The capital cost of the four eligible applications received in 2011-12 was indicated to be £2.2 million, whilst the total minimum level of Freight Facilities Grant support identified was £0.9 million.\r\nFive eligible applications were received which would draw on the budget available for the three-year period 2012-13 to 2014-15. Early indications are that the total capital cost of these proposed projects is approximately £20.2 million, with a total level of Freight Facilities Grant support sought of approximately £10.7 million.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-17T16:58:23.177","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272264,"EventID":"S4W-07052","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":81,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-02T16:58:23.27","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-02T14:14:03.173","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with the British Transport Police regarding the Scottish Government's plans for a single police force.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with the British Transport Police regarding the Scottish Government's plans for a single police force.\r\n","AnswerText":"We have consulted, and continue to do so, with a wide range of stakeholders, including the British Transport Police (BTP), in the development of our plans for the Police Service of Scotland. This has included written consultation responses from the BTP, and meetings between the BTP and both Ministers and officials.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-17T16:58:23.27","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272265,"EventID":"S4W-07053","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":81,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-02T16:58:23.393","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-02T14:14:03.173","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with the British Transport Police regarding transport policing in a Scotland separated from the rest of the United Kingdom.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with the British Transport Police regarding transport policing in a Scotland separated from the rest of the United Kingdom.","AnswerText":"Ministers and officials meet regularly with representatives of the British Transport Police and discuss a range of issues, including the Scottish Government’s view that there would be merit in incorporating the Scottish functions of the British Transport Police into the single Police Service of Scotland in due course.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-17T16:58:23.393","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272266,"EventID":"S4W-07054","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":81,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-02T16:58:23.487","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-02T14:14:03.173","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it would seek to incorporate transport policing into a single police service in a Scotland separated from the rest of the United Kingdom.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it would seek to incorporate transport policing into a single police service in a Scotland separated from the rest of the United Kingdom.","AnswerText":"Yes. The Scottish Government considers that there would be merit in incorporating the Scottish functions of the British Transport Police into the single Police Service of Scotland in due course.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-17T16:58:23.487","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272267,"EventID":"S4W-07055","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-02T16:58:23.597","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-02T13:36:32","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will clarify the transitional arrangements for the phasing out of the Housing Support Grant and the gradual debt reduction period to the Shetland Islands Council ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will clarify the transitional arrangements for the phasing out of the Housing Support Grant and the gradual debt reduction period to the Shetland Islands Council housing department.","AnswerText":"Shetland Islands Council has put forward numerous options for future funding of their Housing Revenue Account. All of these options involve significant levels of funding from Scottish Government. Scottish ministers are yet to come to a conclusion which, if any of these options, it should provide funding for. I will be contacting the leader of the council to discuss the issue of future HRA funding once he or she has been appointed. In the meantime, Scottish Government is making monthly Housing Support Grant instalments to Shetland Islands Council totalling £760,950 in 2012-13 and has paid approximately £28 million in grant since 1999.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-17T16:58:23.613","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272268,"EventID":"S4W-07056","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-02T16:58:23.707","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-02T15:08:34.287","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of new jobs in the renewable energy sector is considered to be (a) temporary, as a result of short-term contracts, and (b) permanent.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of new jobs in the renewable energy sector is considered to be (a) temporary, as a result of short-term contracts, and (b) permanent.","AnswerText":"Scottish Renewables has estimated that there are over 11,000 jobs already supported by the renewables sector in Scotland. There is no breakdown in the contract length within these full-time equivalent figures. Our Skills Investment Plan estimates that the sector will offer 40,000 job opportunities by 2020 given the amount of renewable development required to meet our ambitious 2020 target. These jobs will be met from those already employed within the sector or related sectors as well as those moving into employment. Further job opportunities within the supply chain that supports the renewables sector are also expected and we have already seen a number of major renewable investment announcements in the first few months of this year that will result in hundreds of jobs across Scotland.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-17T16:58:23.707","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272269,"EventID":"S4W-07071","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":2,"MSPID":2010,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":137,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-03T09:58:38.737","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-03T09:37:02.9","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will publish interim costs for the Penrose Inquiry.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will publish interim costs for the Penrose Inquiry.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Penrose Inquiry completed its oral hearings on 30 March 2012. The inquiry heard from 67 witnesses over 89 days.\r\nLord Penrose and his team are now working on the final inquiry report following the publication of the preliminary report in September 2010. The interim cost of the inquiry from 12 January 2009 to 31 March 2012 is £8,788,901. A final figure for the total cost of the Penrose Inquiry will be published when the inquiry has completed its work.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-18T09:58:38.817","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272270,"EventID":"S4F-00653","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":3901,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":127,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-03T12:03:43.93","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-02T12:16:08.947","Title":"To ask the First Minister what steps the Scottish Government is taking to address the findings of the recent World Health Organization survey, Social determinants of health and well-being of young peo","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what steps the Scottish Government is taking to address the findings of the recent World Health Organization survey, Social determinants of health and well-being of young people: Health Behaviour in School-aged Children Study.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-18T12:03:43.93","MeetingDate":"2012-05-10T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272271,"EventID":"S4F-00654","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":5009,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-03T12:03:43.97","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-02T13:54:45.597","Title":"To ask the First Minister what issues will be discussed at the next meeting of the Cabinet.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what issues will be discussed at the next meeting of the Cabinet.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-18T12:03:43.98","MeetingDate":"2012-05-10T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272272,"EventID":"S4F-00655","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":4976,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-03T12:03:44.02","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-02T16:00:42.497","Title":"To ask the First Minister when he will next meet the Secretary of State for Scotland.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister when he will next meet the Secretary of State for Scotland.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-18T12:03:44.02","MeetingDate":"2012-05-10T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272273,"EventID":"S4F-00661","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":3758,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":76,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-03T12:03:44.34","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-03T10:06:49.797","Title":"To ask the First Minister what impact the recent increase in the cost of postage will have on the Scottish economy.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what impact the recent increase in the cost of postage will have on the Scottish economy.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-18T12:03:44.35","MeetingDate":"2012-05-10T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272274,"EventID":"S4F-00663","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":2080,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":87,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-03T12:03:44.46","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-03T11:20:57.73","Title":"To ask the First Minister what engagements he has planned for the rest of the day.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what engagements he has planned for the rest of the day.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-18T12:03:44.47","MeetingDate":"2012-05-10T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272275,"EventID":"S4F-00664","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-03T12:03:44.54","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-03T11:21:53.813","Title":"To ask the First Minister what action the Scottish Government will take in response to the independent report published following the Ryan Yates case in Aberdeen. \r\n","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what action the Scottish Government will take in response to the independent report published following the Ryan Yates case in Aberdeen. \r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-18T12:03:44.54","MeetingDate":"2012-05-10T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272280,"EventID":"S4W-07062","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1866,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-03T13:40:13.843","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-02T16:28:15","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S4W-06863 by Nicola Sturgeon on 2 May 2012, when it expects to receive the full report from Balfour Beattie Workplace on power interrup","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S4W-06863 by Nicola Sturgeon on 2 May 2012, when it expects to receive the full report from Balfour Beattie Workplace on power interruptions at the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh and whether it will publish that report.\r\n","AnswerText":"I can confirm that a full report was prepared for and received by NHS Lothian from Balfour Beatty Workplace on 3 May 2012.\r\nThe full report, which outlines failings and also provides recommendations to minimise the likelihood of such an occurrence in the future, is commercially sensitive as it provides details of staff currently undergoing investigative procedure. It would therefore be inappropriate to publish the report at this time. Consort is currently preparing a summarised report, which captures the facts surrounding the incident as set out in the detailed report, and this will be released as soon as it has been received. Publication of the full report will be considered on conclusion of the ongoing investigative and disciplinary procedures.\r\nThe action plan from the report has yet to be fully agreed by NHS Lothian but, once agreed, NHS Lothian will work with its service provider to ensure that the action plan is implemented with an ongoing monitoring review process in place to monitor its effectiveness.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-18T13:40:14.217","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272281,"EventID":"S4W-07063","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-03T13:40:14.297","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-02T16:59:07","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much would be saved annually by NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde by halving the number of medical secretaries per consultant surgeon.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much would be saved annually by NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde by halving the number of medical secretaries per consultant surgeon.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not centrally held. While the Scottish Government provides the policies, frameworks and resources for high quality health care in Scotland, it is for each NHS board to decide how best to deliver those services to meet the needs of the population. This includes how best to utilise funding and staff, taking account of national and local priorities to meet local health needs.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-18T13:40:14.31","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272282,"EventID":"S4W-07064","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-03T13:40:14.373","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-02T16:59:07","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what impact halving the number of medical secretaries per consultant surgeon in NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde hospitals would have on patient care.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what impact halving the number of medical secretaries per consultant surgeon in NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde hospitals would have on patient care.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-7063 on 14 May 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-18T13:40:14.373","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272283,"EventID":"S4W-07065","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-03T13:40:14.453","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-02T16:59:07","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what reviews have been carried out to assess the impact on patient care if the number of medical secretaries per consultant surgeon is halved in NHS Greater Glasgow and C","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what reviews have been carried out to assess the impact on patient care if the number of medical secretaries per consultant surgeon is halved in NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde hospitals.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-7063 on 14 May 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-18T13:40:14.453","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272284,"EventID":"S4W-07066","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-03T13:40:14.547","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-02T16:59:07","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it was first consulted by NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde on the proposal to halve the number of medical secretaries per consultant surgeon and what its response was.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it was first consulted by NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde on the proposal to halve the number of medical secretaries per consultant surgeon and what its response was.","AnswerText":"The planning of services is a matter for the individual NHS board. While the Government provides the policies, frameworks and resources for high quality health care in Scotland, it is for each NHS board to decide how best to deliver those services to meet the needs of the population. This includes how best to utilise funding and staff, taking account of national and local priorities to meet local health needs.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-18T13:40:14.547","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272285,"EventID":"S4W-07067","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":138,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-03T13:40:14.623","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-02T17:18:46","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its plans are to reduce the incidence of cannabis farming.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its plans are to reduce the incidence of cannabis farming.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government takes the issue of illegal drugs and the damage caused to communities and individuals extremely seriously and is committed to tackling the problem at all levels.\r\nThe Association of Chief Police Officers in Scotland is committed to gathering, collating and analysing all intelligence relating to cultivation of cannabis in Scotland. Project LEAGUE provides an overall assessment of the scale and extent of the cannabis cultivation problem in Scotland and links in with the UK ACPO Drugs Committee on the Commercial Cultivation of Cannabis and contributes to the national problem profile around the subject.\r\nACPOS also have strong links with Europol and contribute to the analytical work files held at Europol where the European picture is assessed and disseminated to member countries. Data is also collected as part of Serious Organised Crime Group Mapping data sweeps, and as of March 2012 the data indicated seventeen Serious Organised Crime Groups were involved in the cultivation of cannabis. This accounts for around 6% of the total number of groups operating in Scotland.\r\nIn the course of 2011, cannabis cultivations valued at approximately £4.4 million were recovered by Scotland’s police forces as a result of project league.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-18T13:40:14.623","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Roseanna Cunningham","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272286,"EventID":"S4W-07068","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":138,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-03T13:40:14.687","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-02T17:18:46","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to reduce the incidence of skin cancer.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to reduce the incidence of skin cancer.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has led the way in the UK by being the first country to introduce legislation for sunbed use. The Public Health etc. (Scotland) Act 2008 (Sunbed) Regulations 2009 were brought into force on 1 December 2009. The Act bans operators from allowing the use of sunbeds by under 18s in commercial premises; prohibits the sale or hire of sunbeds to under 18s; requires operators to supervise the use of sunbeds; places a duty upon the operator of a sunbed premise to display a public information notice; and requires operators to provide customers with information on the health risks associated with sunbed use.\r\nScotland also benefits from Cancer Research UK’s SunSmart campaign which provides education on the dangers associated with the sun and sunbed exposure to a UK wide audience.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-18T13:40:14.687","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272287,"EventID":"S4W-07069","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":138,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-03T13:40:14.763","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-02T17:18:46","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its (a) position is on and (b) plans are to develop research into the link between epigenetic changes and the development of breast cancer.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its (a) position is on and (b) plans are to develop research into the link between epigenetic changes and the development of breast cancer.","AnswerText":"There are well-established environmental and genetic risk factors for breast cancer, and it is likely that a proportion of breast cancer risk is explained by their interaction.\r\nThe Chief Scientist Office (CSO) within the Scottish Government has responsibility for encouraging and supporting research into health and healthcare needs in Scotland. CSO does not ring fence funds for specific areas of research but supports projects of a sufficiently high standard initiated by the research community in Scotland. This role is well known and advertised throughout the healthcare and academic community.\r\nThere is already research in progress in Scotland on the epigenetics of breast cancer susceptibility. CSO would welcome further proposals for research that will help to understand and prevent breast cancer, which would be subject to the usual peer and committee review.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-18T13:40:14.763","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272288,"EventID":"S4W-07070","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":138,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-03T13:40:14.843","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-02T17:45:17","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it will take to improve aftercare for stroke patients.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it will take to improve aftercare for stroke patients.","AnswerText":"Stroke has been a clinical priority for the Scottish Government for over 15 years.\r\nWe’re working with NHS boards and the voluntary sector to ensure people who have had a stroke get access to the care and support they need to help them return to independent living.\r\nOur Heart Disease and Stroke Action Plan, published in 2009, contains a range of specific actions which focus not just on providing the best possible care in the acute setting, but also on helping people's longer-term recovery in their own communities.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-18T13:40:14.843","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272290,"EventID":"S4W-07072","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":2,"MSPID":3771,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-04T09:35:32.307","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-02T16:22:46","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what funds are available to support community-led regeneration.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what funds are available to support community-led regeneration.\r\n","AnswerText":"I am pleased to announce the launch of the People and Communities Fund. This fund forms a key part of Achieving a Sustainable Future, our regeneration strategy, and will provide at least £6 million per annum for the next three years to support Registered Social Landlords and other community anchor organisations to make a real difference in some of Scotland’s most deprived communities.\r\nCommunity-led regeneration is an integral part of our regeneration strategy and this fund will help communities to deliver the local changes that they want to see.\r\nFurther details about the fund can be found at www.scotland.gov.uk/regeneration.\r\nA copy of the Regeneration Strategy is available through the Scottish Parliament Information Centre (Bib. number 53464).\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-21T09:35:32.43","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272291,"EventID":"S4W-07073","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":2,"MSPID":2487,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-04T10:33:35.003","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-03T09:40:08","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress is being made toward its target to deliver 30,000 affordable homes, and what funding and arrangements are being put in place for local programmes within the","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress is being made toward its target to deliver 30,000 affordable homes, and what funding and arrangements are being put in place for local programmes within the Affordable Housing Supply Programme.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government is on track to deliver in excess of 6,000 affordable homes per year, of which in excess of 4,000 will be social homes. I am today publishing guidance to set out councils' responsibilities for bringing forward Strategic Local Programmes to deliver affordable housing in their areas, together with Resource Planning Assumptions for each council for the three year period through to March 2015.\r\nFollowing discussion with representatives of councils and housing associations, the guidance introduces a new and stronger strategic role for councils; will incentivise greener house building by providing an additional £4,000 of subsidy per “green” unit; and sets out higher subsidy rates for social housing developments, especially in rural areas.\r\nThe Resource Planning Assumptions represent an investment of almost £582 million in housing over the next three years, including the TMDF (Transfer of Management of Development Funding) budgets for Glasgow and Edinburgh which were announced earlier. Allocations within this by local authority are in the following table:\r\nLocal Authority\r\nTotal\r\nHighlands and Islands and Moray\r\n \r\nHighland\r\n19.915\r\nOrkney\r\n6.161\r\nShetland\r\n4.166\r\nWestern Isles\r\n2.521\r\nMoray\r\n6.317\r\nSub Total\r\n39.080\r\nNorth and East\r\n \r\nAberdeenshire\r\n9.506\r\nAngus\r\n7.204\r\nCity of Aberdeen\r\n6.061\r\nCity of Dundee\r\n9.816\r\nClackmannanshire\r\n2.871\r\nFalkirk\r\n9.194\r\nPerth and Kinross\r\n9.595\r\nStirling\r\n6.845\r\nSub Total\r\n61.092\r\nSouth and East\r\n \r\nEast Lothian\r\n9.605\r\nFife\r\n11.627\r\nMidlothian\r\n6.810\r\nThe Scottish Borders\r\n3.221\r\nWest Lothian\r\n9.109\r\nSub Total\r\n40.372\r\nNorth and South Clyde\r\n \r\nArgyll and Bute\r\n13.191\r\nEast Dunbartonshire\r\n11.073\r\nEast Renfrewshire\r\n4.359\r\nInverclyde\r\n5.052\r\nRenfrewshire\r\n14.738\r\nWest Dunbartonshire\r\n7.078\r\nSub Total\r\n69.705\r\nSouth and West\r\n \r\nDumfries and Galloway\r\n11.255\r\nEast Ayrshire\r\n5.842\r\nNorth Ayrshire\r\n9.361\r\nNorth Lanarkshire\r\n27.938\r\nSouth Ayrshire\r\n5.314\r\nSouth Lanarkshire\r\n14.582\r\nSub Total\r\n74.292\r\nTotal \r\n284.541\r\nAHSP - Glasgow\r\n2.540\r\nAHSP - GHA\r\n28.327\r\nAHSP - Edinburgh\r\n6.560\r\nTotal\r\n37.427\r\nfTMDF - Glasgow\r\n181.138\r\nTMDF - Edinburgh\r\n78.744\r\nTotal\r\n259.882\r\nGrand Total\r\n581.850\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-21T10:33:35.02","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272296,"EventID":"S4W-07074","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-04T15:46:28.923","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-04T14:56:50.943","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive who the members of the interview panel to select the convener of the Crofting Commission are; what areas of expertise they have in relation to crofting, and for what reas","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive who the members of the interview panel to select the convener of the Crofting Commission are; what areas of expertise they have in relation to crofting, and for what reason it chose this method rather than delegate the decision to the commission.\r\n","AnswerText":"The planned members of the Crofting Commission Convener selection panel are David Barnes (Head of Scottish Government Agriculture and Rural Division), Yvonne Strachan (Head of Scottish Government Equality, Third Sector and Communities Division) and Drew Sloan (Scottish Government Chief Agricultural Officer). David Barnes, as the head of the Division sponsoring the Crofting Commission, has responsibility for all policy issues relating to crofting, and Drew Sloan has extensive expertise in agricultural production which is of prime concern to crofters.\r\nAll the candidates will have been either elected by crofters to represent their interests, or tested for knowledge of crofting issues during the process leading to their appointment by the Scottish Government. However, it is important to note that the role of the convener requires a wider set of skills than simply knowledge of crofting, and these wider skills will be tested during the appointment process for the convener.\r\nThe Scottish Government has chosen to appoint the convener in a fair, open and transparent process run in accordance with the Public Appointments Commissioner for Scotland’s Code of Practice:\r\nhttp://www.publicappointments.org/publications/publication/100/revised-code-of-practice-for-ministerial-appointments-to-public-bodies-in-scotland. Yvonne Strachan has wide experience of high-level public appointments and will aid the selection process greatly.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-21T15:46:29.39","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272297,"EventID":"S4W-06942","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4086,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-08T14:10:30.397","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-26T16:17:24.59","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S4W-06199 by Richard Lochhead on 23 March 2012, what progress it has made to ensure that a funding mechanism is in place for rural deve","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S4W-06199 by Richard Lochhead on 23 March 2012, what progress it has made to ensure that a funding mechanism is in place for rural development programmes if the European Commission’s reformed common agricultural policy is not in place from 1 January 2014.","AnswerText":"Setting out transitional arrangements is not an issue simply restricted to Scotland and the rest of the UK but one that has been raised as a concern by a number of member states who are worried about the negative impact that could be caused by a break in funding.\r\nWe and others have been pressing the Commission to give details of their plans to ensure a smooth transition between programmes so that crucial funding continues. The Commission has so far shared its initial views with member states in its Rural Development Committee. We are also undertaking work internally to ascertain options for ensuring funding continues for priority areas regardless of what happens with the transitional rules.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-22T14:10:30.583","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272298,"EventID":"S4W-06943","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4086,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-08T14:10:30.753","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-26T16:17:24.59","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the timeframe is for its investment of £50 million to improve the Caledonian Sleeper service.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the timeframe is for its investment of £50 million to improve the Caledonian Sleeper service.","AnswerText":"The sleeper enhancement is a significant project involving substantial amounts of public money. The overall programme of investment will roll out over a number of years. We have started this process by consulting users of the sleeper on the enhancements they would wish to see and more widely are considering the responses to the Rail2014 consultation, which gave passengers the opportunity to have their say on how our trains operate beyond the current ScotRail franchise which ends in 2014.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-22T14:10:30.77","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272299,"EventID":"S4W-07075","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":138,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-08T14:10:30.88","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-05T15:20:13","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much relief has been given to small businesses in North Ayrshire under the small business bonus scheme in each year since its inception.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much relief has been given to small businesses in North Ayrshire under the small business bonus scheme in each year since its inception.","AnswerText":"In the four years since its introduction by this government, the Small Business Bonus Scheme has reduced business rates taxation in total over the period by £11.1 million for North Ayrshire businesses.\r\nCurrently around 2,425 premises in North Ayrshire pay zero or reduced business rates through the scheme.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-22T14:10:30.88","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272314,"EventID":"S4W-07085","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":2,"MSPID":4952,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-08T14:36:18.547","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-08T13:44:50","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what legislative consent motions it will lodge in connection with the legislative programme to be announced in the Queen’s Speech on 9 May 2012.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what legislative consent motions it will lodge in connection with the legislative programme to be announced in the Queen’s Speech on 9 May 2012.\r\n","AnswerText":"In accordance with the Sewel Convention, the UK Parliament does not legislate with regard to devolved matters in Scotland without the consent of the Scottish Parliament.\r\nThis is an important part of the devolution settlement, which acknowledges the special constitutional position of the Scottish Parliament and the democratic mandate conferred on this Parliament by the people of Scotland. In the view of the Scottish Government, the Sewel Convention will remain an essential part of the constitution of the UK for as long as the UK Parliament retains its current powers and functions in relation to Scotland.\r\nIn the normal course of business, legislation on devolved matters should be scrutinised and determined in the Scottish Parliament. There may however be situations in which it is helpful and appropriate for legislation dealing with devolved matters to be taken forward at Westminster.\r\nThe Scottish Government is committed to assessing opportunities of this kind on their merits and to working closely and constructively with the UK Government, on a case by case basis, to deliver legislation which best meets Scotland’s needs. The Scottish Government is equally committed to working with the UK Government to pursue opportunities to extend devolved competence.\r\nThe formal consent of the Scottish Parliament is required in relation to all proposals for Westminster primary legislation on devolved matters, including alterations to devolved competence, in accordance with Chapter 9B of Standing Orders.\r\nWithin the legislative programme announced today by the UK Government, we have identified potential opportunities to legislate for the benefit of Scotland on matters that are within the legislative competence of the Scottish Parliament or which alter legislative or executive competence.\r\nThe UK bills which we currently expect to give rise to Legislative Consent Motions in the Scottish Parliament cover:\r\nCrime & Courts Bill – to create the National Crime Agency; make provisions about the structure, administration, and powers of courts and tribunals and judicial appointments; establish UK Border Agency Criminal Investigation Powers, and, permit Social Security and Tax Credit Data-Sharing.\r\nElectoral Registration & Administration Bill – to include provisions to bring forward Electoral Administration and Individual Electoral Registration (IER).\r\nEnergy Bill – to address Reform of the Electricity Market following the DECC White Paper published last year. The intention is to ensure a secure electricity supply, investment in low carbon technologies and to minimise costs.\r\nEnterprise & Regulatory Reform Bill – the Bill will address Regulatory reforms and Repeals; Dispute Resolution; Reform of competition laws; Executive pay, and, establish the Green Investment Bank.\r\nThe Scottish Government will, in due course, lodge memoranda and motions for these bills, once they have been introduced in the UK Parliament. It will then be for the Scottish Parliament to determine whether to give or withhold consent.\r\nIt is possible that further opportunities to legislate for Scotland by means of Legislative Consent Motion may occur in connection with other UK bills, including Private Member’s bills. Any additional proposals of this kind, together with any relevant amendments to the government bills listed above, will be drawn to the attention of the Parliament as they arise, in line with the requirements of Standing Orders.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-22T14:36:18.607","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Bruce Crawford","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272315,"EventID":"S4W-07076","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-08T16:57:42.083","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-08T09:48:34","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S4W-06006 by Nicola Sturgeon on 8 March 2012, what representations it received during the formal consultation process for prostate canc","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S4W-06006 by Nicola Sturgeon on 8 March 2012, what representations it received during the formal consultation process for prostate cancer to be included in the Detect Cancer Early Initiative and how the initiative was altered to take account of these representations.","AnswerText":"There were calls from clinicians and third sector groups about including other specific cancer types and children and young adults within the Detect Cancer Early Initiative. Some of these groups provided evidence for their requests and others provided practical examples of how awareness could be raised or what could be done to result in earlier presentation. There were similar calls from groups and individuals who declared no tumour specific interest. Prostate cancer was mentioned in seven of the responses.\r\nThe initiative was not altered from breast, colorectal and lung in the first instance to take account of these representations. This was because there was recognition that the programme should start with tumour groups where there is likely to be more impact, learning what was useful and what should be avoided, before rolling out to other tumour groups.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-22T16:57:42.083","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272316,"EventID":"S4W-07077","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-08T16:57:42.163","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-08T09:48:34","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S4W-06006 by Nicola Sturgeon on 8 March 2012, what changes were made to the Detect Cancer Early Initiative following the consultation.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S4W-06006 by Nicola Sturgeon on 8 March 2012, what changes were made to the Detect Cancer Early Initiative following the consultation.","AnswerText":"A stakeholder engagement process for the Detect Cancer Early Initiative was undertaken during August 2011. The draft implementation plan was circulated within Scottish Government Health Directorates, NHS groups (Public Health, screening, hospital and primary care services), third sector representatives (principally cancer charities) and medical, nursing and Allied Health Professional colleges to seek views on the strategic direction and implementation of the programme.\r\nFeedback was overwhelmingly supportive, endorsing the overall aims and objectives of the plan. There were various suggestions for further improvements, comments on some of the detail around implementation and offers of support to take forward the various components. However, the programme was generally considered to be very ambitious and challenging to deliver – the effort required from all sections of the NHS in partnership with the public to deliver the programme was recognised.\r\nThe final implementation plan takes account of the feedback and, where possible, incorporates the suggestions made. The final plan is available at the following link: http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Health/health/cancer/ScottishCancerTaskForce/DetectCancerEarly/FinalImplementationPlan.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-22T16:57:42.177","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272317,"EventID":"S4W-07078","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-08T16:57:42.24","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-08T09:48:34","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S4W-06006 by Nicola Sturgeon on 8 March 2012, when it will extend the Detect Cancer Early Initiative to other cancers and on what basis","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S4W-06006 by Nicola Sturgeon on 8 March 2012, when it will extend the Detect Cancer Early Initiative to other cancers and on what basis it will decide which cancers to include.","AnswerText":"The current Detect Cancer Early Initiative is funded to run from 2012-2013 to 2014-2015. Progress against the HEAT target for the programme will be continually assessed but it is too early to say when the initiative will be extended. In anticipation, however, of early success of the programme, the Programme Board have started to consider developing and applying a set of criteria against which potential new tumour types could be scored and prioritised for inclusion.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-22T16:57:42.24","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272318,"EventID":"S4W-07079","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-08T16:57:42.32","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-08T09:48:34","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S4W-06006 by Nicola Sturgeon on 8 March 2012, how many men have (a) been diagnosed and (b) died of (i) lung, (ii) breast, (iii) bowel a","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S4W-06006 by Nicola Sturgeon on 8 March 2012, how many men have (a) been diagnosed and (b) died of (i) lung, (ii) breast, (iii) bowel and (iv) prostate cancer in each year since 1999.\r\n","AnswerText":"This information is not collected centrally by the Scottish Government. However, data on the number of men who have been diagnosed with and died from these cancers in each year since 1999 are available on the Information Services Division's Cancer Statistics website:\r\nhttp://www.isdscotland.org/Health-Topics/Cancer/Cancer-Statistics/\r\nThe statistics can also be viewed via this link by Health Board, Regional Cancer Network or an all Scotland basis.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-22T16:57:42.32","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272319,"EventID":"S4W-07081","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-08T16:57:42.473","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-08T09:48:34","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S4W-06004 by Nicola Sturgeon on 14 March 2012, whether it is aware of the finding of research conducted on behalf of The Prostate Cance","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S4W-06004 by Nicola Sturgeon on 14 March 2012, whether it is aware of the finding of research conducted on behalf of The Prostate Cancer Charity by Kantar Health in March 2011 that 80% of GPs in Scotland have never heard of the Prostate Cancer Risk Management Programme and what steps it is taking to address this.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government is aware of this research.\r\nThe Prostate Cancer Risk Management Pack which supports the Prostate Cancer Risk Management Programme was issued to NHS boards (urologists, histopathologists, prostate specific antigen (PSA) testing laboratories) and all general practitioners in Scotland in 2009. The programme provides guidance to medical practitioners on the situations in which it is suitable to offer PSA testing, the information and guidance that should be provided to patients before PSA testing is undertaken, and the support that may be required by men as they deal with the consequences of the PSA test and any resulting diagnosis.\r\nWhen the Prostate Cancer Risk Management Programme was sent out to each health board the identified leads in each area were asked to make sure the information was made available to all GPs, any locum GPs or new GPs as they came into post. The Prostate Cancer Risk Management pack is also available on the Scottish Government website at:\r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Health/health/cancer/publications.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-22T16:57:42.473","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272320,"EventID":"S4W-07082","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-08T16:57:42.553","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-08T09:48:34","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S4W-06002 by Nicola Sturgeon on 8 March 2012, for what reason the draft quality performance indicators for prostate cancer do not inclu","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S4W-06002 by Nicola Sturgeon on 8 March 2012, for what reason the draft quality performance indicators for prostate cancer do not include indicators relating to (a) active surveillance, (b) watchful waiting, (c) radiotherapy, (d) chemotherapy, (e) end-of-life care, (f) post-surgical sexual dysfunction, (g) access to clinical nurse specialists or (h) the provision of balanced information on the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test for men at a higher risk of prostate cancer and whether it considers that the indicators are (i) comprehensive and (ii) provide a single reference point for (A) men with prostate cancer and (B) healthcare professionals.","AnswerText":"Quality Performance Indicators (QPIs) are designed to measure and give an overall indication of the quality of a service. The prostate cancer QPIs are not intended to be all encompassing or a single reference point for either men with prostate cancer or healthcare professionals.\r\nThe National Cancer Quality Steering Group has an extensive work programme which aims to develop QPIs for all tumour types. For some tumour types this will include QPIs for chemotherapy and radiotherapy. In addition, it is developing generic QPIs which will be applicable to all tumour types. Under the auspices of the National Advisory Group for Palliative and End of Life care, QPIs are also being developed to cover this aspect, regardless of disease type.\r\nWith regards to balanced information on prostate specific antigen (PSA) testing this is available in the form of a Prostate Cancer Risk Management Pack which was issued to NHS boards and all general practitioners in Scotland in 2009. The programme provides guidance to medical practitioners on the situations in which it is suitable to offer PSA testing, the information and guidance that should be provided to patients before PSA testing is undertaken, and the support that may be required by men as they deal with the consequences of the PSA test and any resulting diagnosis. The Prostate Cancer Risk Management pack is available website at: http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Health/health/cancer/publications.\r\nNHS inform was launched in 2010 which is a health information service to provide the public, patients and carers with a wide range of quality-assured health information online at www.nhsinform.co.uk. This includes information on cancer.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-22T16:57:42.553","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272321,"EventID":"S4W-07083","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-08T16:57:42.63","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-08T09:48:34","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S4W-06002 by Nicola Sturgeon on 8 March 2012, what steps it is taking to ensure that men at higher risk of prostate cancer are made awa","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S4W-06002 by Nicola Sturgeon on 8 March 2012, what steps it is taking to ensure that men at higher risk of prostate cancer are made aware of the prostate cancer quality performance indicators and that the indicators meet plain English guidelines.","AnswerText":"Quality Performance Indicators (QPIs) have been developed to asses the quality of a service and are not specifically intended for high risk groups.\r\nPatients have been involved in the development process for each of the tumour specific QPI groups. Part of the development process also includes a wider engagement period. This allows other patients, individuals and organisations to provide detailed comment on the draft QPIs. These additional views and comments are all considered prior to QPIs being published.\r\nIn order to ensure that QPIs can be measured accurately and in a comparable way, a level of technical detail is required within the QPI measurability specifications and the accompanying data definitions.\r\nThe tumour specific development groups considered the language utilised and endeavoured to ensure that QPIs are easily understood. Focus groups were also held with patients who understood the need for a level of detail to be included within the QPIs and found the glossary included in each engagement document helpful.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-22T16:57:42.63","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272322,"EventID":"S4W-07084","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-08T16:57:42.693","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-08T09:48:34","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S4W-06002 by Nicola Sturgeon on 8 March 2012, what its analysis is of The Prostate Cancer Charity’s draft national standards for qualit","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S4W-06002 by Nicola Sturgeon on 8 March 2012, what its analysis is of The Prostate Cancer Charity’s draft national standards for quality prostate cancer care and whether it will commit to implementing them when they are finalised.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has reviewed the draft standards and also contacted the regional cancer networks to ask the tumour specific groups for their views. Overall the feedback has been positive and supportive of the principles and ethos of the standards. However, rather than them being endorsed as a set of measurable standards for monitoring they should be viewed as a framework of principles which could form the basis of service design for people with prostate cancer.\r\nThe networks also reported that many of the draft standards are ones that cancer clinicians and services in Scotland already aspire to and are already achieving. Many of the draft standards are equally applicable to all patients, irrespective of cancer type.\r\nThe National Cancer Quality Steering Group (NCQSG), which is a sub group of the Scottish Cancer Taskforce, has a programme of work to develop quality performance indicators (QPIs) for all cancer types. It is anticipated that the indicators will be used to monitor and drive quality improvement in cancer care across the NHS in Scotland. Prostate cancer is one of the first tumour types to have QPIs developed and they will be launched later this year.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-22T16:57:42.693","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272323,"EventID":"S4W-07086","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4080,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-08T16:57:42.77","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-08T15:17:45.057","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many prosecutions have been brought by each police force since 2009 against owners of tanning salons for failure to enforce the ban on under-18s using sunbeds.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many prosecutions have been brought by each police force since 2009 against owners of tanning salons for failure to enforce the ban on under-18s using sunbeds.\r\n","AnswerText":"There have been no prosecutions in Scottish courts under the Public Health etc. (Scotland) Act 2008 Part 8, where this was the main offence, recorded on the Scottish Government Court Proceedings database up to 2010-11, the latest financial year for which data is available.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-22T16:57:42.77","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272324,"EventID":"S4W-07087","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4080,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-08T16:57:42.833","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-08T15:17:45.057","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many incidents of self-harm involving people aged 60 and over there have been in each of the last three years, broken down by NHS board.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many incidents of self-harm involving people aged 60 and over there have been in each of the last three years, broken down by NHS board.\r\n","AnswerText":"The following table shows information on the number of acute hospital stays for patients aged 60 and over following an incident of intentional self-harm for the financial years ending 31 March 2009 to 2011 by NHS Board of Residence.\r\nThese figures are limited to cases where self-harm resulted in an acute hospital admission in NHS Scotland. They do not include patients treated solely within Accident and Emergency Departments or incidents of self-harm resulting in death where the incident did not result in an admission to hospital.\r\nTable 1 shows the number of acute hospital stays with a diagnosis of intentional self-harm; by Health Board of Residence for the financial years ending 31 March 2009 to 20111.\r\nTable 1. Number of acute hospital stays with a diagnosis of intentional self-harm; by Health Board of Residence, Financial years ending 31 March 2009 to 2011\r\nHealth Board of Residence\r\n2008-09\r\n2009-10\r\n2010-111\r\nNHS Ayrshire and Arran\r\n49\r\n47\r\n44\r\nNHS Borders\r\n15\r\n15\r\n21\r\nNHS Dumfries and Galloway\r\n16\r\n12\r\n14\r\nNHS Fife\r\n51\r\n39\r\n36\r\nNHS Forth Valley \r\n35\r\n38\r\n26\r\nNHS Grampian\r\n58\r\n76\r\n80\r\nNHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde\r\n198\r\n167\r\n179\r\nNHS Highland\r\n36\r\n37\r\n41\r\nNHS Lanarkshire\r\n55\r\n36\r\n50\r\nNHS Lothian\r\n83\r\n89\r\n109\r\nNHS Tayside\r\n51\r\n49\r\n43\r\nIsland Boards\r\n10\r\n10\r\n11\r\nOther/Unknown\r\n8\r\n*\r\n11\r\nSource: ISD Scotland, SMR01.\r\nNotes:\r\n*Indicates a value that has been suppressed due to the potential risk of disclosure and to help maintain patient confidentiality.\r\n1. Data for NHS Scotland for 2010-11 provisional, any future revision to the figures will be small.\r\n\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-22T16:57:42.833","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272325,"EventID":"S4W-07090","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5080,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-08T16:57:42.91","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-08T15:58:47","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what guidance is issued to NHS boards on the provision of chiropody and podiatry services for people with diabetes. \r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what guidance is issued to NHS boards on the provision of chiropody and podiatry services for people with diabetes. \r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network (SIGN) Guideline 116: The Management of Diabetes, sets out the level of foot care that people with diabetes can expect.\r\nOur Diabetes Action Plan, published in 2010, contains specific actions to improve foot care for people with diabetes and reduce the risk of complications. This is being achieved through the implementation of the nationally agreed Diabetic Foot Risk Stratification and Triage Traffic Light system. This system ensures that people who are at risk of developing a foot ulcer receive the most appropriate treatment when they need it.\r\nThe Scottish Diabetes Group (SDG) has also led the development of the Foot Risk Awareness and Management Education (FRAME) online education tool to standardise the foot risk stratification process for NHSScotland staff www.diabetesframe.org/. This tool has been developed specifically to help GPs meet the Quality and Outcomes Framework foot risk screening target and incorporates the recommendations of SIGN Guideline 116.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-22T16:57:42.927","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272326,"EventID":"S4W-07091","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5080,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-08T16:57:42.99","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-08T15:58:47","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what recent discussions have taken place with South Lanarkshire Council regarding the completion of its schools modernisation programme.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what recent discussions have taken place with South Lanarkshire Council regarding the completion of its schools modernisation programme.\r\n","AnswerText":"No such discussions have taken place. However, all authorities have been invited to bid for funding through the third phase of funding from the Scotland’s Schools for the Future programme.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-22T16:57:43.003","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272327,"EventID":"S4W-07092","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5080,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-08T16:57:43.16","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-08T15:58:47","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what involvement the Scottish Futures Trust will have in the completion of South Lanarkshire Council's schools modernisation programme.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what involvement the Scottish Futures Trust will have in the completion of South Lanarkshire Council's schools modernisation programme.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Futures Trust has no direct involvement in the completion of South Lanarkshire Council’s schools modernisation programme. Their role in the school building process is to assist local authorities in the procurement of schools built under the Scotland’s Schools for the Future programme. Specifically to ensure that they deliver good quality, well designed sustainable schools at a competitive price.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-22T16:57:43.16","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272328,"EventID":"S4W-07093","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5080,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-08T16:57:43.223","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-08T15:58:47","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much has been paid to each bus operator through the concessionary travel scheme in each year since 2007.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much has been paid to each bus operator through the concessionary travel scheme in each year since 2007.\r\n","AnswerText":"In terms of total reimbursement made to bus operators under Scotland-Wide Free Bus Travel for Older and Disabled People since 2007, the following payments have been made in each of the financial years from 2007 until 2012.\r\n2007-08 –  £163 million\r\n2008-09 –  £179.3 million\r\n2009-10 –  £185.4 million\r\n2010-11 –  £174.2 million\r\n2011-12 -  £180 million\r\nTransport Scotland actively publishes monthly details of all items of expenditure of a value of £25,000 or over. This information is available at:\r\nwww.transportscotland.gov.uk/about-us/expenditure/reports.\r\nReleasing detailed payment information can, in some cases, disclose the financial and business viability of individual bus operators which could subsequently be used unfairly by a competitor to its advantage. Taking this into consideration, we are unable to provide the level of detail requested.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-22T16:57:43.24","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272329,"EventID":"S4W-07094","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5080,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-08T16:57:43.3","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-08T15:58:47","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what funding it has provided under the concessionary travel scheme in each year since 2007.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what funding it has provided under the concessionary travel scheme in each year since 2007.\r\n","AnswerText":"In terms of Scotland-Wide Free Bus Travel for Older and Disabled People, the following capped funding package has been provided by the Scottish Government in respect of reimbursement to bus operators, in each of the financial years.\r\n2007-08 –  £163 million\r\n2008-09 –  £179.3 million\r\n2009-10 –  £185.4 million\r\n2010-11 –  £174.2 million\r\n2011-12 -   £180 million\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-22T16:57:43.317","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272343,"EventID":"S4W-07058","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-09T14:08:17.247","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-02T15:54:05.483","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive for what reason West Dunbartonshire Council did not receive an allocation of money from the Youth Employment Strategy fund.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive for what reason West Dunbartonshire Council did not receive an allocation of money from the Youth Employment Strategy fund.","AnswerText":"The methodology used to identify the areas in receipt of the funding focussed on those areas with both the highest numbers of unemployed 16-24 year olds and the highest 16-24 year old unemployment rates.\r\nWest Dunbartonshire was not in the top 10 local authority areas on both measures, whereas the six areas allocated funding were.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-23T14:08:17.45","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angela Constance","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272344,"EventID":"S4W-07059","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-09T14:08:17.7","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-02T15:54:05.483","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the criteria were for determining the allocation of enterprise zones.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the criteria were for determining the allocation of enterprise zones.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government, working closely with the enterprise agencies, and utilising their extensive knowledge of growth sectors and Scottish niche market opportunities, identified a list of key strategic sites offering the greatest potential to stimulate and deliver manufacturing opportunities across Scotland’s growth sectors within the enterprise area timeframe.\r\nThese sites were then rigorously and consistently assessed against the following criteria:\r\nEvidence of market failure or barriers to growth which Enterprise Areas could help reduce.\r\nEvidence of the opportunity to create additional economic growth and new jobs in Scotland.\r\nEvidence of the need for improved local economic performance.\r\nDevelopment challenges which may constrain site opportunities in the short term.\r\nIn deciding upon the locations which may benefit most from Enterprise Area status, Ministers carefully considered the outputs of this assessment along with: (i) the need for a reasonable geographic spread of sites to ensure equity; (ii) the desire to support manufacturing opportunities in renewable energy but also in other growth sectors to help build our comparative advantage across a number of sectors; and (iii) complementing rather than overlapping with other initiatives, for example Tax Incremental Financing, to allow public sector resources to impact as widely as possible.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-23T14:08:17.717","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272345,"EventID":"S4W-07060","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-09T14:08:17.78","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-02T15:54:05.483","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive for what reason no enterprise zone was allocated for the West Dunbartonshire area.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive for what reason no enterprise zone was allocated for the West Dunbartonshire area.","AnswerText":"When determining enterprise area locations the Scottish Government, working closely with the enterprise agencies, identified and assessed a number of strategic sites across Scotland. These possible sites were not intended to include all potentially developable locations in Scotland, rather the key strategic sites across our growth sectors with a manufacturing focus and which offered clear, realisable opportunities in the short to medium term. Our aim in focusing on our most dynamic industries was to ensure we maximised the scope to create new sustainable employment opportunities, encourage private investment and boost economic growth.\r\nThe assessment did not identify any locations in West Dunbartonshire which demonstrated sufficiently clear growth sector opportunities which were well aligned with the enterprise area timeframe and in which the levers available could help deliver or accelerate those employment opportunities.\r\nHowever, enterprise areas are only one element in the range of initiatives the Scottish Government has in place to create a supportive business environment, boost economic growth and stimulate job creation across Scotland. Existing measures like Regional Selective Assistance, as well as the business support and development services provided through Scottish Enterprise and Business Gateway, will continue to be available in West Dunbartonshire.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-23T14:08:17.78","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272346,"EventID":"S4W-07061","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-09T14:08:17.857","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-02T15:54:05.483","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many young people in each local authority area are unemployed and how many had been unemployed for longer than (a) six and (b) 12 months as at the last claimant count","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many young people in each local authority area are unemployed and how many had been unemployed for longer than (a) six and (b) 12 months as at the last claimant count, and how this compares with the same period in 2011.\r\n","AnswerText":"Information on the number of people unemployed is not available by local authority. Information from the claimant count is provided in the following table.\r\nTable 1 shows the claimant count for claimants aged 16-24 years in each local authority in Scotland. Total claimants, claimants for over 6 months and claimants for over 12 months for April 2011 and April 2012 are shown.\r\nTable 1 Claimant Count aged 16-24 years\r\n \r\nApr-11\r\nApr-12\r\nTotal claimants\r\nOver 6 months\r\nOver 12 months\r\nTotal claimants\r\nOver 6 months\r\nOver 12 months\r\nAberdeen City\r\n970\r\n140\r\n15\r\n890\r\n255\r\n70\r\nAberdeenshire\r\n780\r\n130\r\n10\r\n735\r\n205\r\n85\r\nAngus\r\n725\r\n115\r\n5\r\n680\r\n255\r\n75\r\nArgyll and Bute\r\n495\r\n120\r\n20\r\n470\r\n190\r\n70\r\nClackmannanshire\r\n535\r\n145\r\n20\r\n620\r\n295\r\n110\r\nDumfries and Galloway\r\n1,040\r\n200\r\n45\r\n1,085\r\n380\r\n160\r\nDundee City\r\n1,620\r\n355\r\n35\r\n1,705\r\n745\r\n260\r\nEast Ayrshire\r\n1,310\r\n320\r\n30\r\n1,360\r\n590\r\n210\r\nEast Dunbartonshire\r\n540\r\n110\r\n5\r\n550\r\n210\r\n50\r\nEast Lothian\r\n660\r\n135\r\n15\r\n650\r\n225\r\n85\r\nEast Renfrewshire\r\n420\r\n75\r\n10\r\n410\r\n140\r\n35\r\nEdinburgh, City of\r\n2,920\r\n495\r\n75\r\n3,015\r\n1,010\r\n330\r\nEilean Siar\r\n100\r\n10\r\n0\r\n105\r\n35\r\n10\r\nFalkirk\r\n1,440\r\n395\r\n75\r\n1,250\r\n510\r\n210\r\nFife\r\n3,220\r\n665\r\n85\r\n3,260\r\n1,275\r\n450\r\nGlasgow City\r\n6,575\r\n1,705\r\n485\r\n6,710\r\n2,520\r\n900\r\nHighland\r\n1,110\r\n175\r\n15\r\n1,065\r\n300\r\n100\r\nInverclyde\r\n775\r\n95\r\n15\r\n895\r\n260\r\n95\r\nMidlothian\r\n720\r\n200\r\n45\r\n745\r\n295\r\n110\r\nMoray\r\n550\r\n65\r\n10\r\n490\r\n115\r\n40\r\nNorth Ayrshire\r\n1,515\r\n330\r\n55\r\n1,655\r\n705\r\n260\r\nNorth Lanarkshire\r\n3,515\r\n720\r\n105\r\n3,555\r\n1,505\r\n565\r\nOrkney Islands\r\n45\r\n5\r\n0\r\n65\r\n25\r\n5\r\nPerth and Kinross\r\n680\r\n90\r\n5\r\n635\r\n200\r\n55\r\nRenfrewshire\r\n1,535\r\n280\r\n30\r\n1,640\r\n620\r\n190\r\nScottish Borders\r\n715\r\n200\r\n55\r\n735\r\n285\r\n110\r\nShetland Islands\r\n60\r\n10\r\n0\r\n60\r\n15\r\n0\r\nSouth Ayrshire\r\n880\r\n195\r\n25\r\n875\r\n320\r\n95\r\nSouth Lanarkshire\r\n2,745\r\n645\r\n135\r\n2,885\r\n1,165\r\n435\r\nStirling\r\n590\r\n130\r\n15\r\n625\r\n240\r\n95\r\nWest Dunbartonshire\r\n1,095\r\n265\r\n25\r\n1,165\r\n475\r\n195\r\nWest Lothian\r\n1,465\r\n230\r\n55\r\n1,480\r\n500\r\n175\r\nSource: nomis.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-23T14:08:17.873","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angela Constance","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272347,"EventID":"S4W-07088","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4086,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-09T14:08:17.95","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-08T15:56:19.193","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will issue a list of wind farm sites that are to be developed on the national forest estate.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will issue a list of wind farm sites that are to be developed on the national forest estate.\r\n","AnswerText":"A list of wind and hydro developments on the national forest estate is published on the Forestry Commission Scotland website at:\r\nhttp://www.forestry.gov.uk/website/forestry.nsf/byunique/infd-7stf2a.\r\nThis is updated quarterly. It lists developments that are already operational, those under construction, those with planning consent and those under consideration within the planning consent process. Further information on developments that are proposed following the recent commercial negotiation process will also be published on development partners' websites, with links from the Forestry Commission Scotland website.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-23T14:08:17.95","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272348,"EventID":"S4W-07089","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4086,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-09T14:08:18.043","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-08T15:56:19.193","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the strategic environmental assessment for its 2020 Routemap for Renewable Energy in Scotland will be complete and when it will be published.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the strategic environmental assessment for its 2020 Routemap for Renewable Energy in Scotland will be complete and when it will be published.","AnswerText":"On 5 March 2012 the Scottish Government published an Environmental Report, which sets out the findings of the Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) of the 2020 Routemap for Renewable Energy in Scotland and the draft Electricity Generation Policy Statement. These documents are available online at: http://scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Business-Industry/Energy/EGPS2012.\r\nThe Environmental Report is currently open for consultation, with comments welcome on both the draft policies and the SEA findings. The SEA consultation period closes on 4 June 2012. Thereafter, views will be taken into account, and an SEA Statement will be published following adoption of the finalised policy.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-23T14:08:18.043","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272349,"EventID":"S4O-01009","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":1741,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-09T15:58:51.707","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-02T13:46:58.907","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it will improve access to mental health services for carers with mental health issues.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it will improve access to mental health services for carers with mental health issues.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-23T15:58:52.063","MeetingDate":"2012-05-17T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272350,"EventID":"S4O-01010","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":4951,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-09T15:58:52.143","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-02T13:46:58.97","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what projections have been made of the number of people with osteoarthritis in the next 10 years and the impact on the NHS.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what projections have been made of the number of people with osteoarthritis in the next 10 years and the impact on the NHS.","AnswerText":"I am aware of the OA Nation 2012 report published recently by Arthritis Care which suggests that there may be as many as 8.5 million people in the UK living with osteoarthritis.\r\nWe know that around 40% of the Scottish population have at least one long term condition and, although osteoarthritis is not caused by ageing, the likelihood of developing a long term condition increases with age.\r\nOver the next 10 years the proportion of over 75s in Scotland – who are the highest users of NHS services - will increase by over 25%.\r\nBy 2033, the number of people over 60 will increase by 50%.\r\nWe should celebrate that people are living longer, but we also recognise that, as a consequence, many more people are living with long-term conditions, including osteoarthritis.\r\nOver the next 20 years demography alone could increase expenditure on health and social care by over 70%.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-23T15:58:52.143","MeetingDate":"2012-05-17T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272351,"EventID":"S4O-01011","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-09T15:58:52.22","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-02T13:46:59","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what recent discussions ministers have had with NHS Grampian regarding waiting times.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what recent discussions ministers have had with NHS Grampian regarding waiting times.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-23T15:58:52.22","MeetingDate":"2012-05-17T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272352,"EventID":"S4O-01012","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":3806,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-09T15:58:52.283","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-02T13:46:59.03","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will provide an update on the recent outbreak of Clostridium difficile at Raigmore Hospital.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will provide an update on the recent outbreak of Clostridium difficile at Raigmore Hospital.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-23T15:58:52.297","MeetingDate":"2012-05-17T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272353,"EventID":"S4O-01013","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":5042,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-09T15:58:52.377","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-02T13:46:59.063","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the public consultation process is when NHS boards are considering where to locate new-build community health facilities.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the public consultation process is when NHS boards are considering where to locate new-build community health facilities.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-23T15:58:52.377","MeetingDate":"2012-05-17T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272354,"EventID":"S4O-01014","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":1986,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":142,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-09T15:58:52.47","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-02T13:46:59.077","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it ensures that the work of the NHS National Planning Forum and its subgroups is widely reported.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it ensures that the work of the NHS National Planning Forum and its subgroups is widely reported.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-23T15:58:52.47","MeetingDate":"2012-05-17T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272355,"EventID":"S4O-01015","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":3101,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-09T15:58:52.58","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-02T13:46:59.11","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to reduce waiting times in NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to reduce waiting times in NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-23T15:58:52.58","MeetingDate":"2012-05-17T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272356,"EventID":"S4O-01016","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":2010,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":137,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-09T15:58:52.687","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-02T13:46:59.14","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what it is doing to tackle obesity among school children.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what it is doing to tackle obesity among school children.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-23T15:58:52.687","MeetingDate":"2012-05-17T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272357,"EventID":"S4O-01018","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":1793,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-09T15:58:52.797","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-02T13:46:59.187","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the outcome is of the trial of using retained staff to provide ambulance cover in the Shetland Islands.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the outcome is of the trial of using retained staff to provide ambulance cover in the Shetland Islands.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-23T15:58:52.813","MeetingDate":"2012-05-17T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272358,"EventID":"S4O-01019","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":1893,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-09T15:58:52.907","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-02T13:46:59.217","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what it is doing to raise awareness of the early symptoms of lung cancer in risk groups.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what it is doing to raise awareness of the early symptoms of lung cancer in risk groups.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-23T15:58:52.907","MeetingDate":"2012-05-17T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272359,"EventID":"S4O-01020","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":5034,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-09T15:58:52.983","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-02T13:46:59.25","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it has taken to ensure that NHS Tayside meets the nationally agreed targets for day cases.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it has taken to ensure that NHS Tayside meets the nationally agreed targets for day cases.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-23T15:58:53","MeetingDate":"2012-05-17T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272360,"EventID":"S4O-00999","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2876,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-09T14:09:32.513","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-02T13:46:45.74","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its position is on Finland’s approach to education.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its position is on Finland’s approach to education.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-23T14:09:32.887","MeetingDate":"2012-05-17T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272361,"EventID":"S4O-01021","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":4948,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-09T15:58:53.093","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-02T13:46:59.263","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will provide an update on the integration of health and social care.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will provide an update on the integration of health and social care.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-23T15:58:53.093","MeetingDate":"2012-05-17T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272362,"EventID":"S4O-01000","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1845,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-09T14:09:33.073","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-02T13:46:45.787","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made on increasing the number of new farming entrants. \r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made on increasing the number of new farming entrants. \r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-23T14:09:33.073","MeetingDate":"2012-05-17T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272363,"EventID":"S4O-01022","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":3896,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":97,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-09T15:58:53.187","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-02T13:46:59.297","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how the rate of adult registrations with an NHS dentist in Orkney compares with the national average and what plans the Scottish Government has to improve the situation f","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how the rate of adult registrations with an NHS dentist in Orkney compares with the national average and what plans the Scottish Government has to improve the situation for patients in the islands.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-23T15:58:53.187","MeetingDate":"2012-05-17T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272364,"EventID":"S4O-01001","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2345,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":128,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-09T14:09:33.15","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-02T13:46:45.817","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with COSLA and local authorities about the reducing availability of supply teachers in certain areas.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with COSLA and local authorities about the reducing availability of supply teachers in certain areas.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-23T14:09:33.167","MeetingDate":"2012-05-17T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272365,"EventID":"S4O-01002","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":4938,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-09T14:09:33.26","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-02T13:46:45.85","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how the recently announced additional funding of £150,000 for Housing Options Hubs will be used to best refocus services to look at individuals' housing options.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how the recently announced additional funding of £150,000 for Housing Options Hubs will be used to best refocus services to look at individuals' housing options.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-23T14:09:33.26","MeetingDate":"2012-05-17T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272366,"EventID":"S4O-01023","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":2674,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":99,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-09T15:58:53.267","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-02T13:46:59.36","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what support is available for GPs in remote and rural areas.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what support is available for GPs in remote and rural areas.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-23T15:58:53.28","MeetingDate":"2012-05-17T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272367,"EventID":"S4O-01004","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2066,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-09T14:09:33.34","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-02T13:46:45.897","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, in light of the potential impact on the construction industry, what its position is on the UBC Group entering administration.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, in light of the potential impact on the construction industry, what its position is on the UBC Group entering administration.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-23T14:09:33.34","MeetingDate":"2012-05-17T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272368,"EventID":"S4O-01024","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":5107,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":124,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-09T15:58:53.36","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-02T13:46:59.39","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its position is on providing selective dorsal rhizotomy on the NHS.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its position is on providing selective dorsal rhizotomy on the NHS.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-23T15:58:53.36","MeetingDate":"2012-05-17T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272369,"EventID":"S4O-01005","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1860,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-09T14:09:33.417","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-02T13:46:45.927","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consultations Scottish Water must hold with communities prior to making changes to their water supply.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consultations Scottish Water must hold with communities prior to making changes to their water supply.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-23T14:09:33.433","MeetingDate":"2012-05-17T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272370,"EventID":"S4O-01006","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":5106,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":118,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-09T14:09:33.51","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-02T13:46:45.943","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what recent discussions it has had with the UK Government regarding devolving air passenger duty.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what recent discussions it has had with the UK Government regarding devolving air passenger duty.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-23T14:09:33.51","MeetingDate":"2012-05-17T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272371,"EventID":"S4O-01025","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":5109,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":101,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-09T15:58:53.453","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-02T13:46:59.407","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what benefits will be seen in Edinburgh from the 2014 Commonwealth Games.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what benefits will be seen in Edinburgh from the 2014 Commonwealth Games.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-23T15:58:53.467","MeetingDate":"2012-05-17T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272372,"EventID":"S4O-01007","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":3771,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-09T14:09:33.603","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-02T13:46:45.973","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how the Early Years Change Fund improves childcare for pre-school children. \r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how the Early Years Change Fund improves childcare for pre-school children. \r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-23T14:09:33.62","MeetingDate":"2012-05-17T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272373,"EventID":"S4O-01026","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":4014,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-09T15:58:53.547","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-02T13:46:59.42","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assessment it has made of the future health needs resulting from a predicted increase in population in the Perth and Kinross Council area.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assessment it has made of the future health needs resulting from a predicted increase in population in the Perth and Kinross Council area.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-23T15:58:53.547","MeetingDate":"2012-05-17T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272374,"EventID":"S4O-01008","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1759,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-09T14:09:33.743","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-02T13:46:46.487","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it will ensure that, following the reduction in its operating budget, the Scottish Environment Protection Agency does not reduce the number of inspections that it car","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it will ensure that, following the reduction in its operating budget, the Scottish Environment Protection Agency does not reduce the number of inspections that it carries out.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government protected SEPA’s budget as far as possible given the settlement imposed on us by the UK Government. We are working with SEPA as part of our joint better environmental regulation programme so that their delivery of environmental protection is targeted according to risk and ensures Scotland’s environment receives the protection it deserves.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-23T14:09:33.743","MeetingDate":"2012-05-17T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272375,"EventID":"S4O-01027","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":2675,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":93,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-09T15:58:53.607","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-02T13:46:59.453","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the implications are of the discovery of faults in Scottish Ambulance Service air ambulance helicopters.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the implications are of the discovery of faults in Scottish Ambulance Service air ambulance helicopters.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-23T15:58:53.623","MeetingDate":"2012-05-17T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272376,"EventID":"S4O-01028","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":4934,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-09T15:58:53.703","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-02T13:46:59.483","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its position is on the possible impact on public health of the Fife Diet Food Manifesto 2012.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its position is on the possible impact on public health of the Fife Diet Food Manifesto 2012.","AnswerText":"We welcome Fife Diet’s new Food Manifesto and their cross-cutting community work to promote the development of a food system that better supports environmental sustainability in Scotland.\r\nThe Scottish Government is committed to pursuing collaborative and sustainable approaches to food production and consumption, recognising that doing so will not only reduce our impact on the environment but also help individuals lead longer, healthier lives.\r\nOur National Food and Drink Policy “Recipe for Success” sets out how the Scottish Government is taking forward a number of the issues covered in the food manifesto including skills development, food education, grow-your-own, the environment, and health and sustainable procurement.\r\nOne example of our work in this area is the development of a Health and Environmental Sustainability Framework which will provide a structured way of thinking to help decision makers address complex health and environmental sustainability challenges in a joined up way.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-23T15:58:53.703","MeetingDate":"2012-05-17T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272377,"EventID":"S4O-01003","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1775,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":146,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-09T14:13:35.04","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-02T13:46:45.863","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it promotes better transport links to public facilities.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it promotes better transport links to public facilities.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-23T14:13:35.07","MeetingDate":"2012-05-17T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272384,"EventID":"S4W-07110","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":2,"MSPID":4940,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-09T15:23:21.35","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-09T14:57:18.473","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how its annual Scotland Week programme (a) has promoted and (b) continues to promote Scotland’s interests in North America.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how its annual Scotland Week programme (a) has promoted and (b) continues to promote Scotland’s interests in North America.","AnswerText":"Scotland Week 2012, led by the Scottish Government and delivered in partnership with Scottish Development International, VisitScotland and Creative Scotland, took place from 6 to 14 April, with a focus on promoting economic growth for Scotland while leveraging our other key strategic priorities, including the Year of Creative Scotland. Ministerial engagement centred around 6 cities across Canada and the US, with an extensive programme of in excess of 50 engagements, more than half of which were business related.\r\nBetween 6 to 13 April I visited New York, San Francisco, Vancouver and Chicago. In total, I participated in 15 business, governmental and cultural meetings, hosted four networking events, including a gala performance of one of two critically acclaimed Scottish plays running in New York City; a dinner for key influencers in Vancouver, and business networking and Year of Creative receptions in Chicago. I gave five interviews to international journalists in New York and Vancouver, and met with four golf and travel journalists in Chicago at an event organised by VisitScotland to promote Ryder Cup 2014. In addition I undertook four media photocalls (three in New York and one in Chicago) to promote Scottish culture, Scottish design and creativity and Scotland as the home of golf.\r\nWhile in New York I visited Uncommon Charter High School in Brooklyn where I met local students taking part in the National Theatre of Scotland’s (NTS) vibrant international cultural exchange programme. Now in its sixth year, the programme brings together groups of young people to create and perform theatre pieces with support from the NTS professional team. Also in New York I had the pleasure of attending the annual Scotland 10k Run in Central Park which this year attracted some 11,000 competitors. I also helped launch Scotland Re:Designed, an innovative trade exhibition of 12 Scottish fashion and textiles designers supported by the Scottish Government, which saw the designers secure orders worth over £100,000 in Scotland Week alone. During my visit to Chicago I was able to announce that US cloud computing firm enStratus had chosen Edinburgh as the location for its European HQ, bringing 30 new high value jobs to Scotland.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-23T15:23:21.367","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272385,"EventID":"S4W-07111","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":2,"MSPID":4940,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-09T15:23:21.46","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-09T14:58:29.963","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what impact Scotland Week 2012 has had on economic opportunities in Canada and the USA.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what impact Scotland Week 2012 has had on economic opportunities in Canada and the USA.\r\n","AnswerText":"Scotland Week 2012, led by the Scottish Government and delivered in partnership with Scottish Development International, VisitScotland and Creative Scotland, took place from 6 to 14 April, with a focus on promoting economic growth for Scotland while leveraging our other key strategic priorities, including the Year of Creative Scotland. Ministerial engagement centred around six cities across Canada and the US, with an extensive programme of in excess of 50 engagements, more than half of which were business related. We inducted five new GlobalScots inducted into the network of more than 200 business leaders who serve as ambassadors for Scotland in North America.\r\nMy visit, from 8 to 14 April, included 30 engagements and centred on pursuing economic opportunities for Scotland in Houston, Calgary and New York, where the main focus was on promoting Scotland’s key growth sectors, including energy – oil and gas as well as renewables - and financial services. This targeted programme of engagement with key existing and prospective trade and investment partners promoted Scotland as an internationally competitive and innovative business location, and received widespread media coverage.\r\nIn Houston and Calgary, I met with representatives of several major energy companies with significant and on-going commitments to realising the economic value of Scotland’s offshore assets. In Houston I hosted a business networking reception for GlobalScots and SDI incubator companies, focussing on the role of internationalisation and its impact on the Scottish economy. In Calgary I hosted business networking events for both GlobalScots and Scottish company representatives based in Alberta, and I had several meetings with companies in the energy sector. In New York, I announced the expansion into the US market of an ambitious Scottish renewables company and addressed an event with senior company representatives and GlobalScots from a variety of industry sectors at the Bloomberg HQ, to promote Scotland as a global centre of excellence for Business Process Outsourcing operations. To promote Scotland in our largest and most valuable international tourism market, I hosted a media event involving creative Scots in New York. During my visit I also took part in six international interviews.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-23T15:23:21.46","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272386,"EventID":"S4W-07095","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1742,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-09T17:05:39.037","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-09T08:47:04","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to keep under review the implementation of the Scottish Good Practice Statement on ME-CFS.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to keep under review the implementation of the Scottish Good Practice Statement on ME-CFS.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Good Practice Statement on ME-CFS, for use by General Practitioners has been developed as part of the process of ensuring that people living with ME-CFS get better and more consistent standards of care, including quicker and more reliable diagnosis. The Statement provides GPs with an algorithm setting out the generic care pathway.\r\nThe Quick Reference Clinical Guide and a Guide for Patients versions of the Good Practice Statement have been distributed widely to GPs, clinicians and the voluntary sector across Scotland to promote good practice. The Statement and its supporting documents can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.show.scot.nhs.uk/GoodPracticeStatementonME-CFSforGeneralPractitioners\r\nIt is NHS Boards that are responsible for the design and delivery of services to meet the needs of their local populations. The guidance provided in the good practice statement should not be regarded as prescriptive. Such general advice will always need to be modified by GPs in line with the needs of the individual patient.\r\nThere are however some encouraging examples of good practice. For example, NHS Lothian recently held a launch of the Scottish Good Practice Statement on \r\nME-CFS for local GPs to help raise awareness of the guidance. This event also introduced the new Lothian ME-CFS Patient Pathway and helped put the Scottish Good Practice Statement into a Lothian context.\r\nThe Scottish Government has also provided funding to develop and pilot an ME-CFS Service in NHS Lothian. We hope it might encourage other NHS boards to adopt a similar approach should the pilot prove successful.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-23T17:05:39.053","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272387,"EventID":"S4W-07102","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1866,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-09T17:05:39.147","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-08T17:42:03","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the purpose is of the planning performance framework.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the purpose is of the planning performance framework.\r\n","AnswerText":"The framework is to give a more rounded measurement of overall quality in the delivery of the planning service than the current statistical information published on speed of decision-making provides.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-23T17:05:39.147","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Derek Mackay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272388,"EventID":"S4W-07103","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1866,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-09T17:05:39.21","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-08T17:42:03","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the legislative basis is for assessing local planning authority performance against the planning performance framework.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the legislative basis is for assessing local planning authority performance against the planning performance framework.\r\n","AnswerText":"Heads of Planning Scotland (HOPS) has developed the planning performance framework to support planning authorities assessing and improving their performance and service standards across their planning functions. HOPS did not require legislation to assess or record their performance.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-23T17:05:39.21","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Derek Mackay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272389,"EventID":"S4W-07104","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1866,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-09T17:05:39.287","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-08T17:42:03","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how the planning performance framework  impacts on the funding for local planning authorities.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how the planning performance framework  impacts on the funding for local planning authorities.\r\n","AnswerText":"We have consistently emphasised that there must be an inextricable link between higher planning application fees and guarantees over improved performance. A current Scottish Government consultation discusses a possible new fee structure and fee levels. This consultation paper also indicates the intention that fees and performance are to be linked. We intend to consult on how we establish and maintain the link and are considering how the planning performance framework can influence future choices on fee levels.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-23T17:05:39.287","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Derek Mackay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272390,"EventID":"S4W-07105","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1866,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-09T17:05:39.367","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-08T17:42:03","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how poor performance by local planning authorities is not exacerbated by reductions in funding for planning departments as a result of reductions in fee levels.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how poor performance by local planning authorities is not exacerbated by reductions in funding for planning departments as a result of reductions in fee levels.\r\n","AnswerText":"The resourcing of its planning service is a matter for each local authority. Establishing a performance link to fees will ensure that planning authorities place greater emphasis on the quality of service they provide to ensure income is maintained.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-23T17:05:39.367","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Derek Mackay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272391,"EventID":"S4W-07106","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1866,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-09T17:05:39.443","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-08T17:42:03","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how the planning performance framework  measures local authority performance against objectives on (a) climate change, (b) biodiversity and (c) community engagement.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how the planning performance framework  measures local authority performance against objectives on (a) climate change, (b) biodiversity and (c) community engagement.\r\n","AnswerText":"The planning performance framework, developed by Heads of Planning Scotland and supported by the Scottish Government, measures and reports on how planning is delivered as a public service. As such, it is focused primarily on actions taken by planning authorities in performing their development planning, development management and enforcement functions, rather than being explicit on the role of planning in delivering a range of objectives and obligations. Nevertheless, the framework includes provision for planning authorities to report on matters such as activity to influence high-quality development and customer engagement.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-23T17:05:39.443","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Derek Mackay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272392,"EventID":"S4W-07107","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1866,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-09T17:05:39.52","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-08T17:42:03","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what groups were consulted on the development of the planning performance framework.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what groups were consulted on the development of the planning performance framework.\r\n","AnswerText":"The planning performance framework was developed and published by Heads of Planning Scotland (HOPS), with the support of the Scottish Government. In doing so, HOPS has engaged with a range of stakeholders from public, private and voluntary sectors.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-23T17:05:39.52","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Derek Mackay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272393,"EventID":"S4W-07108","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1866,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-09T17:05:39.6","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-08T17:42:03","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it will ensure that the views of (a) community groups, (b) local communities, (c) environmental organisations and (d) other stakeholders are taken into account when (","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it will ensure that the views of (a) community groups, (b) local communities, (c) environmental organisations and (d) other stakeholders are taken into account when (i) identifying and (ii) adopting a suitable framework to measure the performance of local planning authorities and what discussions it has had with these groups.\r\n","AnswerText":"Heads of Planning Scotland has recently developed and published the planning performance framework, which has been supported by the Scottish Government. The main output for planning authorities will be an annual performance report, which includes reporting on authorities’ activity on communications and stakeholder engagement in their delivery of their planning services.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-23T17:05:39.613","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Derek Mackay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272418,"EventID":"S4W-07112","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3745,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":122,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-10T17:07:51.45","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-09T15:33:12.2","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is meeting its target in setting up community hubs and how many there are in Aberdeenshire West.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is meeting its target in setting up community hubs and how many there are in Aberdeenshire West.\r\n","AnswerText":"Our school estate strategy, Building Better Schools, recognises that schools are major public and community assets and should be open to serve their communities accordingly. This is reflected in its ninth principle which sets out that schools should best serve their communities. We, therefore, consider that all schools should in effect be community hubs.\r\nWhile it is, of course, for individual local authorities to manage their school estate to each community’s best interests we are aware that Aberdeenshire Council fully embraces our policy. All of their secondary schools are open to the community and incorporate a range of community facilities. These include a mixture of office spaces, staff bases, interview areas, conference rooms, a family centre, NHS provision, community dental practice (as at Portlethen Academy), fitness suites and swimming pools, libraries, police offices and dedicated family rooms in primary schools. This ethos forms a brief for all new school building projects in the Aberdeenshire Campus Model for schools and community accommodation.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-24T17:07:51.763","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alasdair Allan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272419,"EventID":"S4W-07124","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4951,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-10T17:07:51.84","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-10T13:18:27.513","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the current status is of Transport Scotland’s review of road speed limits.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the current status is of Transport Scotland’s review of road speed limits.\r\n","AnswerText":"Revised guidance issued by the Scottish Government on Setting Local Speed Limits in August 2006 outlined the framework for road authorities to determine speeds on all A and B class roads so that they are consistent, understood by drivers and appropriate for the environment and circumstances of their use. Transport Scotland instructed each of its operating companies to carry out a programme of reviews on all trunk routes in accordance with this guidance. The guidance can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2006/08/14134225/0.\r\nThis work is still ongoing and although at present I cannot comment on specific locations, I will write to you again once the evidence has been considered.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-24T17:07:51.84","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272420,"EventID":"S4W-07125","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4951,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-10T17:07:51.917","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-10T13:18:27.513","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any consideration has been given in Transport Scotland's review to reduce road speed limits in some areas to 20mph in order to protect vulnerable road users, in p","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any consideration has been given in Transport Scotland's review to reduce road speed limits in some areas to 20mph in order to protect vulnerable road users, in particular pedestrians and cyclists\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-07124 on 22 May 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-24T17:07:51.917","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272421,"EventID":"S4W-07126","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4951,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-10T17:07:52.027","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-10T13:18:27.513","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether Transport Scotland has studied other parts of the UK and/or Europe where the road speed limit has been reduced to 20mph.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether Transport Scotland has studied other parts of the UK and/or Europe where the road speed limit has been reduced to 20mph.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-07124 on 22 May 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-24T17:07:52.027","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272422,"EventID":"S4W-07127","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4951,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-10T17:07:52.103","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-10T13:18:27.513","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether Transport Scotland's review of road speed limits will consider the survival chances of a child pedestrian who is hit by a vehicle travelling at 30mph compared to ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether Transport Scotland's review of road speed limits will consider the survival chances of a child pedestrian who is hit by a vehicle travelling at 30mph compared to one travelling at 20mph.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-07124 on 22 May 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-24T17:07:52.103","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272423,"EventID":"S4W-07128","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4951,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-10T17:07:52.213","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-10T13:18:27.513","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether Transport Scotland's review of road speed limits will consider the Scottish Government’s policy on the importance of place-making in Scotland’s cities, towns and ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether Transport Scotland's review of road speed limits will consider the Scottish Government’s policy on the importance of place-making in Scotland’s cities, towns and villages\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-07124 on 22 May 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-24T17:07:52.23","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272424,"EventID":"S4W-07130","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1866,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-10T17:07:52.323","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-10T13:26:10.443","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive further to the answer to question S4W-06873 by Fergus Ewing on 8 May 2012, what potential support options it has discussed with Stirling Council in relation to Clans 2014","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive further to the answer to question S4W-06873 by Fergus Ewing on 8 May 2012, what potential support options it has discussed with Stirling Council in relation to Clans 2014.\r\n","AnswerText":"In order to develop the necessary planning ton support an event of this scale, EventScotland and Stirling Council are working together to appoint specialist consultants to work on a focused and short term project to develop the business planning aspects of Clans 2014.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-24T17:07:52.34","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272425,"EventID":"S4W-07131","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1866,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-10T17:07:52.433","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-10T13:26:10.443","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S4W-06877 by Fergus Ewing on 8 May 2012, whether it will publish details of the mechanisms which are in place following the recommendat","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S4W-06877 by Fergus Ewing on 8 May 2012, whether it will publish details of the mechanisms which are in place following the recommendations of the Audit Scotland and Public Audit Committee reports on The Gathering 2009 to provide the necessary accountability and transparency for all public resources invested by the Scottish Government in the Homecoming Scotland 2014 celebrations and to ensure that the related governance arrangements are fit for purpose.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has published guidance designed to promote good practice in the governance of public-private sector projects. In addition, relevant recommendations by the Public Audit Committee have been reflected in updated guidance in the Scottish Public Finance Manual.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-24T17:07:52.433","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272426,"EventID":"S4W-07132","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1866,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-10T17:07:52.51","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-10T13:26:10.443","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S4W-06879 by Fergus Ewing on 8 May 2012, whether it will provide guidance to Stirling Council in relation to the organisation and deliv","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S4W-06879 by Fergus Ewing on 8 May 2012, whether it will provide guidance to Stirling Council in relation to the organisation and delivery of Clan 2014 given its experience with The Gathering 2009.\r\n","AnswerText":"Clearly it will be important for those involved in the planning and delivery of the Clans 2014 event to take cognisance of the experience gained in the organisation and delivery of the Gathering in 2009 and ensure the necessary lessons learned from that event are taken into account.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-24T17:07:52.51","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272427,"EventID":"S4W-07133","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4952,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-10T17:07:52.637","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-10T13:31:09.047","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government what steps it (a) is taking, (b) could take, and (c) will take to raise awareness of Dystonia amongst public sector agencies and wider society.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what steps it (a) is taking, (b) could take, and (c) will take to raise awareness of Dystonia amongst public sector agencies and wider society.\r\n","AnswerText":"NHSScotland has invested in online resources such as the NHS Inform website, which provides clear and accessible information on the causes, symptoms and diagnosis of dystonia. This can be accessed at the following link: \r\nhttp://www.nhsinform.co.uk/Health-Library/Articles/D/Dystonia/introduction.\r\nPeople living with dystonia also have an important role in raising awareness of their condition and can often be the wider public’s first source of information. This role is being strengthened through the Neurological Alliance of Scotland’s “Neurological Voices” programme which prepares adults living with neurological conditions and their carers to get involved in developing local healthcare services. To date the Scottish Government has invested over £100,000 in the Neurological Voices programme, to help raise awareness and ensure that the patient voice is heard.\r\nIn 2010, we provided the Dystonia Society with a Section 16B grant of £46,500 over three years to assist with disseminating the Society’s self management course which supports people living with dystonia to self manage the condition and play a more active role in discussions with health and social care professionals about their care.\r\nTo help raise awareness amongst healthcare professionals the Dystonia Society has launched an online training module for GPs through the British Medical Journal’s learning programme, with more than 3,000 healthcare professionals accessing the module in the first year. In addition, a “Guide to Good Practice for healthcare professionals” was launched in October of last year. The guide was developed with the help of leading Neurologists, Dystonia Nurses and therapists and is being issued to treatment centres throughout Scotland.\r\nWe also have a good working relationship with the Neurological Alliance of Scotland, of which the Dystonia Society is a member, which aims to raise awareness of all neurological conditions and which has been a key partner in Healthcare Improvement Scotland’s Neurological Standards Improvement Programme.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-24T17:07:52.637","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272428,"EventID":"S4W-07134","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4952,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-10T17:07:52.743","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-10T13:31:09.047","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government what steps it will take to shorten the diagnosis time for Dystonia, which, according to the Dystonia Society, can take up to four years.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what steps it will take to shorten the diagnosis time for Dystonia, which, according to the Dystonia Society, can take up to four years.\r\n","AnswerText":"We want to ensure that everyone living with a neurological condition, including dystonia, are diagnosed as quickly as possible so they can receive access to care and support they need, when they need it.\r\nHealthcare Improvement Scotland has developed clinical standards for neurological health services, including generic standards which are applicable to people living with dystonia. Implementation of the standards dealing with the early part of the patient journey, including access to specialist neurological services, will help to ensure people with dystonia receive a timely diagnosis.\r\nWe have provided NHS boards with funding of around £1.2 million over the last two years to assist them in developing local improvement groups as the main vehicles for implementing the standards and driving further improvements within neurological services across Scotland.\r\nThe Scottish Government is also actively consulting with the Scottish population on a draft UK plan on rare diseases to help understand how the healthcare needs of people living with rare conditions can be met. The consultation can be accessed via the following link:\r\nhttp://www.dh.gov.uk/health/2012/02/consultation-rare-diseases/.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-24T17:07:52.743","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272429,"EventID":"S4W-07135","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4952,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-10T17:07:52.853","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-10T13:31:09.047","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government what provisions are in place across all NHS boards for diagnosing and treating Dystonia.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what provisions are in place across all NHS boards for diagnosing and treating Dystonia.\r\n","AnswerText":"A key way of improving healthcare services is by implementing clinical standards. Healthcare Improvement Scotland has developed clinical standards for neurological health services, including generic standards which are applicable to people living with dystonia. Implementation of the standards dealing with the early part of the patient journey, including access to specialist neurological services, will help to ensure people with dystonia receive timely diagnosis and treatment.\r\nWe have provided NHS boards with funding of around £1.2 million over the last two years to assist them in developing local improvement groups as the main vehicles for implementing the standards and driving further improvements within neurological services across Scotland. Good progress is being made, although there is more to do.\r\nHealthcare Improvement Scotland’s two-year Neurological Service Improvement programme came to an end recently in March. We wish to see NHS boards continue to work together with the voluntary sector to build on the progress made and put service improvement on a sustainable footing.\r\nThe Scottish Government has therefore provided the Neurological Alliance of Scotland, of which the Dystonia Society is a member, with £40,000, to establish a National Advisory Group, which we hope will oversee and support boards as they take their improvement plans forward.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-24T17:07:52.853","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272430,"EventID":"S4W-07136","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4080,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-10T17:07:52.963","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-10T13:41:27.733","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive why it has not published the Statistical Bulletin on ‘Domestic Abuse Recorded by the Police in Scotland’ for 2010-11.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive for what reason it has not published the Statistical Bulletin on ‘Domestic Abuse Recorded by the Police in Scotland’ for 2010-11.\r\n","AnswerText":"The statistical bulletin on Domestic Abuse Recorded by the Police is now published on a biennial basis. A bulletin presenting domestic abuse statistics for both 2010-11 and 2011-12 is planned to be published in November 2012.\r\nThis publication timetable reflects the range of other statistical information produced on domestic abuse and the need to deploy statistical resources cost-effectively.\r\nStatistics on the total number of domestic abuse incidents reported to the police in 2010-11 are available in the Scottish Policing Performance Framework statistical bulletin, which was published by the Scottish Government in October 2011.\r\nThe Association of Chief Police Officers in Scotland also publishes a series of quarterly performance reports containing statistics on the number of domestic abuse incidents recorded by the police forces.\r\nThe Scottish Crime and Justice Survey publishes more detailed information on the nature and extent of partner abuse in Scotland.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-24T17:07:52.963","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272435,"EventID":"S4W-07002","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5079,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-11T14:32:42.79","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-30T13:37:29","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S4W-06150 by Kenny MacAskill on 22 March 2012, whether it plans to start collating such information.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S4W-06150 by Kenny MacAskill on 22 March 2012, whether it plans to start collating such information.","AnswerText":"No. We are not aware of any instances of territorial police forces or other agencies collating or releasing information with regard to employment blacklists.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-25T14:32:44.13","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272436,"EventID":"S4W-07008","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5079,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-11T14:32:44.287","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-30T14:47:35","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will consider taking action to promote take-up of (a) housing and (b) council tax benefit as part of its anti-poverty strategy.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will consider taking action to promote take-up of (a) housing and (b) council tax benefit as part of its anti-poverty strategy.\r\n","AnswerText":"We recognise the importance of providing welfare rights advice to promote such matters. Local authorities, in line with the principles of Achieving our Potential, are ideally placed to assess local needs for advice services and put in place appropriate provision.\r\nThe Scottish Government does however fund a number of innovative projects aimed at improving the take up of benefits, including the Macmillan Cancer Support Benefit and Advice services and the Healthier, Wealthier Children project in Glasgow, as well as including benefits advice within wider household support services such as the Energy Assistance Programme.\r\nWe are also working with COSLA and other stakeholders to better understand the potential impact of the UK Government welfare reforms on our devolved services and budgets. This will help to inform changes in how services might need to be delivered in the future.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-25T14:32:44.287","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272437,"EventID":"S4W-07113","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2610,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-11T14:32:44.38","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-09T16:11:13.997","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many NHS boards operate a consent form system for dealing with patients' MSPs.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many NHS boards operate a consent form system for dealing with patients' MSPs.\r\n","AnswerText":"All NHS boards that are responsible for patient care must operate a formal complaints procedure which is consistent with the relevant legislation and national guidance.\r\nRevised national guidance on ‘Handling and Learning from Feedback, Comments, Concerns and Complaints about NHS Health Care Services’ was issued on \r\n28 March 2012 under CEL 8 (2012). The revised guidance reflects the provisions within the Patient Rights (Scotland) Act 2011 and the supporting Secondary Legislation. The guidance can be accessed via the following link:\r\nwww.sehd.scot.nhs.uk/mels/CEL2012_08.pdf\r\nPart 4 of the Guidance contains paragraphs on Confidentiality of Patient Information (4.3), Obtaining Express Consent to Use Information in Health Records (4.4) and Consent (4.5). Paragraph 4.5.1 states:\r\n“Where someone (including MPs, MSPs and local Councillors) other than the patient or their authorised agent wishes to make a complaint on behalf of the patient, it will be for the relevant NHS body or health service provider (as the case may be) to ensure that any such complaint is handled in accordance with their obligations under the ECHR, confidentiality laws and any other law to which they are subject, such as the Data Protection Act 1998. In such circumstances it will, for example, be relevant for the body to check whether consent has been received from the patient for the complaint to be made on their behalf.”\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-25T14:32:44.38","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272438,"EventID":"S4W-07114","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2610,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-11T14:32:44.457","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-09T16:11:13.997","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how long NHS Lanarkshire's consent form policy has been in operation for dealing with patients' MSPs.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how long NHS Lanarkshire's consent form policy has been in operation for dealing with patients' MSPs.\r\n","AnswerText":"NHS Lanarkshire have confirmed that, consistent with national guidance and relevant legislation, their consent form policy has been in place since 2005.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-25T14:32:44.457","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272439,"EventID":"S4W-07115","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2610,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-11T14:32:44.537","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-09T16:11:13.997","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what procedures NHS Lanarkshire follows in relation to concerns raised with an MSP about the medical treatment of a patient who has died without a next of kin.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what procedures NHS Lanarkshire follows in relation to concerns raised with an MSP about the medical treatment of a patient who has died without a next of kin.","AnswerText":"NHS Lanarkshire have confirmed that they operate their formal complaints policy in line with the national guidance and relevant legislation.\r\nRevised national guidance on “Handling and Learning from Feedback, Comments, Concerns and Complaints about NHS Health Care Services” was issued on 28 March 2012 under CEL 8 (2012). In cases relating to a patient who has died, Paragraph 4.5.5 of the guidance – “adults who cannot give consent” – would apply:\r\n“Where a patient is unable to give consent the NHS organisation can agree to investigate a complaint made on their behalf by a third party. However, before doing so they should satisfy themselves that the third party has:\r\nNo conflict of interest\r\nA legitimate interest in the patient’s welfare, for example if they are a welfare attorney acting on behalf of an individual covered by the Adults with Incapacity Act (2000)”.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-25T14:32:44.537","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272440,"EventID":"S4W-07123","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2059,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":91,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-11T14:32:44.63","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-10T10:44:06.483","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will pay the First Minister's legal fees in connection with the Leveson Inquiry and, if not, how they will be paid.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will pay the First Minister's legal fees in connection with the Leveson Inquiry and, if not, how they will be paid.\r\n","AnswerText":"The information requested is being collated. I will write to the member as soon as the information is available and a copy will be placed in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre (Bib. number 53985).\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-25T14:32:44.63","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272441,"EventID":"S4W-07129","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4951,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-11T14:32:44.707","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-10T13:18:27.513","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether Transport Scotland's review of road speed limits will consider statistics that demonstrate the social and safety benefits that have accrued from a statutory limit","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether Transport Scotland's review of road speed limits will consider statistics that demonstrate the social and safety benefits that have accrued from a statutory limit of 20 mph.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-07124 on 22 May 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-25T14:32:44.707","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272442,"EventID":"S4W-07140","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1866,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-11T14:32:44.8","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-10T16:36:35.8","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive for what disciplines it provides targeted financial support to postgraduate students.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive for what disciplines it provides targeted financial support to postgraduate students.","AnswerText":"We do not break down student numbers by discipline as the Student Awards Agency for Scotland does not hold information on which academic disciplines students are studying.\r\nUnder the Postgraduate Students’ Allowances Scheme the Scottish Government provides £3,400 towards the cost of tuition fees for all eligible Scottish domiciled and EU postgraduate students studying vocational one year postgraduate diplomas and the 9 month taught element of some masters courses.\r\nA list of eligible courses can be found via the SAAS website:\r\nhttp://www.saas.gov.uk/student_support/special_circumstances/postgrad_list.htm.\r\nPostgraduate students studying for Professional Graduate Diploma in Education (PGDE) or the Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) can apply for the full undergraduate student support package.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-25T14:32:44.817","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272443,"EventID":"S4W-07141","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1866,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-11T14:32:44.893","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-10T16:36:35.8","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much has been spent on targeted financial support for postgraduate students in each year since 2007-08, broken down by discipline.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much has been spent on targeted financial support for postgraduate students in each year since 2007-08, broken down by discipline.","AnswerText":"There are several funding options for postgraduate students. Support for postgraduate research students is generally provided through the Research Councils with support for vocational taught postgraduate courses provided largely through the Student Awards Agency for Scotland (SAAS). Postgraduate initial teacher training is supported through the main undergraduate student support programme and social work qualifications receive support through the Scottish Social Services Council.\r\nSAAS does not hold information on which academic disciplines students study at postgraduate level.\r\nThe total spend on postgraduate students supported through the Postgraduate Students’ Allowances Scheme (PSAS) was £10.1 million in 2007-08, £10.7 million in 2008-09, £9.6 million in 2009-10, £7.7 million in 2010-11 and £7.6 million in 2011-12.\r\nThe living cost element of PSAS was discontinued in academic year 2010-11 to fund an increase in the number of students eligible to receive tuition fee support. The number of places available increased from 1,820 to 2,700.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-25T14:32:44.893","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272444,"EventID":"S4W-07142","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1866,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-11T14:32:44.973","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-10T16:36:35.8","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what postgraduate courses it is supporting to help deliver its 2020 renewable energy target.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what postgraduate courses it is supporting to help deliver its 2020 renewable energy target.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government is committed to ensuring that we have the skills to capitalise on the opportunities that energy presents for jobs and growth in Scotland. We anticipate that the skills needed to meet the 2020 targets will come from the existing labour market supported by modern apprenticeships and college courses, as well as from both undergraduate and postgraduate courses.\r\nUnder the Postgraduate Students’ Allowances Scheme the Scottish Government provides tuition fee support to Scottish domiciled and EU students undertaking eligible vocational courses, generally 1 year postgraduate diplomas and the 9 month taught element of some masters courses. The eligible course list can be found in the following link –\r\nhttp://www.saas.gov.uk/student_support/special_circumstances/postgrad_list.htm.\r\nEligible courses will be reviewed for academic year 2013-14 to ensure that they meet the Governments economic priorities.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-25T14:32:44.987","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272445,"EventID":"S4W-07143","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1866,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-11T14:32:45.067","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-10T16:36:35.8","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what analysis has been done on the capacity for postgraduate study to contribute to its 2020 renewable energy target.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what analysis has been done on the capacity for postgraduate study to contribute to its 2020 renewable energy target.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government is committed to skills investment in the energy sector and believes that postgraduate study will play an important role in equipping the sector to help deliver our 2020 renewable energy targets.\r\nThe Skills Investment Plan for the Energy Sector, published in March 2011 by Skills Development Scotland, highlights the main skills requirements for the energy sector in Scotland. The skills the renewables industry will need to meet our 2020 targets will come from the existing labour force, from modern apprenticeships, from technician-focused college courses and private sector courses as well as from undergraduate and postgraduate higher education courses.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-25T14:32:45.067","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272446,"EventID":"S4W-07144","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1866,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-11T14:32:45.177","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-10T16:36:35.8","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many postgraduate places will be needed to develop the skills required for the delivery of its 2020 renewable energy target, broken down by discipline.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many postgraduate places will be needed to develop the skills required for the delivery of its 2020 renewable energy target, broken down by discipline.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government is committed to ensuring that we have the skills to capitalise on the opportunities that energy presents for jobs and growth in Scotland. We anticipate that the skills needed to meet the 2020 targets will come from the existing labour market supported by modern apprenticeships and college courses, as well as from both undergraduate and postgraduate courses.\r\nUnder the Postgraduate Students’ Allowances Scheme the Scottish Government provides tuition fee support to Scottish domiciled and EU students. We will review eligible courses for academic year 2013-14 to ensure that they meet our economic priorities.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-25T14:32:45.177","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272447,"EventID":"S4W-07145","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2876,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-11T14:32:45.253","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-10T16:47:00.677","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its position is on the findings in the World Health Organization report, Born Too Soon: The Global Action Report on Preterm Birth.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its position is on the findings in the World Health Organization report, Born Too Soon: The Global Action Report on Preterm Birth.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government welcomes this report on the numbers of preterm babies born across the world, which points out prevention strategies and care for premature babies which will improve survival and outcomes.\r\nScottish data was not specifically reported on in the report, however, figures produced by ISD show that, since 2006 there has been a reduction in the proportion of preterm births in Scotland. The 2010 rate in Scotland is lower than the overall UK preterm birth rate of 7.8% of all births.\r\nMany of the prevention strategies mentioned in the report are already being worked on in Scotland through the Refreshed Framework for Maternity Care, which was published in January 2011. These include improved access to antenatal care and improved antenatal education both for women and families and for health professionals. The Neonatal Expert Advisory Group has also developed standards for neonatal care which reflect many of the issues highlighted in the report.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-25T14:32:45.253","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272448,"EventID":"S4W-07146","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2876,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-11T14:32:45.347","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-10T16:47:00.677","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many preterm births per 100 births there have been in each of the last five years, also broken down by local authority.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many preterm births per 100 births there have been in each of the last five years, also broken down by local authority.","AnswerText":"Table 1: Number of preterm births per 100 births by local council authority, year ending 31 March, 2006-2010.\r\n \r\n2006\r\n2007\r\n2008\r\n2009\r\n2010\r\nScotland\r\n8.2\r\n7.6\r\n7.7\r\n7.9\r\n7.5\r\nAberdeen City\r\n8.6\r\n9.4\r\n9.2\r\n9.0\r\n7.4\r\nAberdeenshire\r\n8.8\r\n8.3\r\n7.8\r\n8.6\r\n8.2\r\nAngus\r\n6.6\r\n7.5\r\n8.4\r\n8.4\r\n8.1\r\nArgyll and Bute\r\n9.6\r\n7.8\r\n7.3\r\n7.0\r\n8.5\r\nCity of Edinburgh\r\n7.6\r\n7.0\r\n6.8\r\n8.0\r\n7.4\r\nCity of Glasgow\r\n9.0\r\n8.5\r\n8.4\r\n8.0\r\n7.3\r\nClackmannanshire\r\n7.0\r\n6.3\r\n6.1\r\n8.3\r\n9.8\r\nDumfries and Galloway\r\n8.8\r\n9.3\r\n7.6\r\n6.9\r\n6.7\r\nDundee City\r\n8.0\r\n8.2\r\n8.8\r\n8.4\r\n8.1\r\nEast Ayrshire\r\n10.6\r\n8.4\r\n10.1\r\n7.7\r\n8.4\r\nEast Dunbartonshire\r\n7.9\r\n6.3\r\n6.3\r\n7.2\r\n5.5\r\nEast Lothian\r\n8.3\r\n8.1\r\n8.8\r\n6.4\r\n6.1\r\nEast Renfrewshire\r\n9.7\r\n5.4\r\n5.5\r\n8.9\r\n8.1\r\nFalkirk\r\n7.2\r\n6.5\r\n6.6\r\n7.6\r\n7.7\r\nFife\r\n6.8\r\n6.9\r\n7.1\r\n7.2\r\n7.6\r\nHighland\r\n7.4\r\n7.3\r\n7.0\r\n7.6\r\n6.7\r\nInverclyde\r\n10.4\r\n7.3\r\n7.2\r\n7.7\r\n9.0\r\nMidlothian\r\n7.4\r\n6.2\r\n7.7\r\n8.6\r\n8.7\r\nMoray\r\n7.6\r\n4.9\r\n7.5\r\n6.6\r\n5.8\r\nNorth Ayrshire\r\n10.5\r\n8.9\r\n9.0\r\n8.0\r\n7.4\r\nNorth Lanarkshire\r\n8.5\r\n7.6\r\n8.1\r\n8.1\r\n7.7\r\nOrkney Islands\r\n4.9\r\n7.4\r\n9.6\r\n8.7\r\n7.9\r\nPerth and Kinross\r\n6.6\r\n7.7\r\n5.8\r\n6.9\r\n7.9\r\nRenfrewshire\r\n8.4\r\n7.4\r\n7.7\r\n9.1\r\n7.2\r\nScottish Borders\r\n5.9\r\n5.5\r\n7.3\r\n6.7\r\n7.8\r\nShetland Islands\r\n4.9\r\n7.1\r\n4.6\r\n10.1\r\n7.6\r\nSouth Ayrshire\r\n8.4\r\n8.9\r\n8.6\r\n7.4\r\n6.1\r\nSouth Lanarkshire\r\n7.4\r\n6.5\r\n7.4\r\n7.5\r\n6.7\r\nStirling\r\n6.7\r\n7.3\r\n5.5\r\n7.3\r\n7.8\r\nWest Dunbartonshire\r\n9.2\r\n9.6\r\n7.3\r\n8.3\r\n6.5\r\nWest Lothian\r\n8.9\r\n7.9\r\n8.1\r\n8.4\r\n7.8\r\nWestern Isles\r\n5.4\r\n7.2\r\n4.4\r\n6.5\r\n9.0\r\nOther/Not known\r\n9.9\r\n13.7\r\n13.7\r\n14.4\r\n9.0\r\nSource: ISD Scotland, SMR02.\r\nNotes:\r\n1. SMR02 baby records with missing estimated gestations are excluded from the analysis.\r\n2. Excludes home births and births at non-NHS hospitals.\r\n3. Where four or more babies are involved in a pregnancy, birth details are recorded only for the first three babies delivered.\r\n4. Includes live and stillbirths.\r\n5. Some records could not be assigned to a local council authority.\r\n6. Preterm births are births under 37 weeks gestation.\r\n7. 2010 rates are based on provisional SMR02 data.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-25T14:32:45.347","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272449,"EventID":"S4W-07147","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2876,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-11T14:32:45.44","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-10T16:47:00.677","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to improve preterm birth rates.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to improve preterm birth rates.","AnswerText":"The Refreshed Framework for Maternity Care was launched last year and aims to ensure that maternity services maximise their contribution to ensuring the best possible outcomes for mother and baby. Care should be individualised to a woman’s needs and women with complex health and social care needs who are at risk of preterm delivery should receive additional support. We expect NHS boards to plan services to suit the needs of their local population in line with this and ensure that care is person centred, safe and effective to help reduce the incidence of premature birth and neonatal admission.\r\nThe Scottish Government has recently introduced an access HEAT target for NHS boards to improve rates of early access to antenatal care for all women, as we recognise that lack of antenatal care is a risk factor for preterm delivery and that identification of risk factors is important as early in pregnancy as possible in order to improve outcomes. We have also assisted NHS boards to improve capacity of antenatal services to reach higher risk groups and identify and manage risks during pregnancy to reduce the need for neonatal admission.\r\nFor those women who do go on to have a preterm labour and require neonatal care, the forthcoming Quality Framework for Neonatal Care defines the approach to the provision of high quality care for neonates and their families and supports NHSScotland in the delivery of high quality, evidence based, safe, effective and person centred neonatal care.\r\nFor women who, sadly, experience stillbirth of their baby, which is often associated with babies who are born prematurely, the Scottish Government convened Stillbirth Group is considering all issues pertinent to stillbirth and will look specifically at improvements in the detection of risks during pregnancy.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-25T14:32:45.44","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272450,"EventID":"S4W-07148","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5079,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-11T14:32:45.52","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-10T16:48:20.16","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S4F-00548 by the First Minister on 15 March 2012 (Official Report, c. 7362), when it will announce its position on same-sex marriage.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S4F-00548 by the First Minister on 15 March 2012 (Official Report, c. 7362), when it will announce its position on same-sex marriage.\r\n","AnswerText":"We are currently completing the analysis of the consultation responses. We will respond to the consultation after the analysis has been completed.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-25T14:32:45.533","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272451,"EventID":"S4W-07150","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5079,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-11T14:32:45.613","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-10T16:50:12.813","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much it has been allocated from the £3.2 million allocated by the UK Government to the devolved administrations for 2012-13 to fund the not-for-profit free advice sec","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much it has been allocated from the £3.2 million allocated by the UK Government to the devolved administrations for 2012-13 to fund the not-for-profit free advice sector and how it will distribute this amount; how much it expects to be allocated from the £3.2 million allocated in 2013-14, and how it plans to distribute it.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government received Barnett consequentials in financial years 2013-14 and 2014-15 (£1.679 million in both years) in respect of support for free advice services as part of the £3.2 million allocated in 2013-14 and 2014-15 by the UK Government to the devolved administrations.\r\nBarnett consequentials accrue to Scotland as a whole and it is for Scottish Ministers to decide collectively how they should be deployed in light of the overall financial position and strategic priorities. Scottish Ministers will take decisions on the deployment of the small amount of consequentials flowing from the UK Budget 2012 at the appropriate point.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-25T14:32:45.613","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272452,"EventID":"S4W-07157","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2876,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-11T14:32:45.673","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-10T16:43:03.09","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what (a) assistance and (b) financial support it has made available to disabled children and their families since May 2007.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what (a) assistance and (b) financial support it has made available to disabled children and their families since May 2007.","AnswerText":"Figures are available only on a financial year basis. Since the start of the financial year 2007-08, over £57.7 million of financial support was provided or committed to support disabled children and their families.\r\nThere is also a wide range of policy work with the aim of supporting disabled children and their families.\r\nIn addition, there are a variety of funding streams dedicated to supporting all children and their families, from which disabled children will also benefit. For example, the Scottish Government funds a range of organisations to support those who have additional support needs overcome barriers to learning. This could be through direct support such as the Grant Aided Special Schools, who will receive £10.8 million in 2012-13, or through enhancing the capacity of the system to meet their needs.\r\nFurthermore, in the financial years 2007-08 to 2010-11, £153.8 million was provided by local authorities in Scotland for care homes, homecare, daycare and equipment and adaptations for disabled children.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-25T14:32:45.673","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Aileen Campbell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272453,"EventID":"S4W-07158","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2876,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-11T14:32:45.767","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-10T16:43:03.09","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much funding the Short Breaks Fund has provided to the West Scotland region, broken down by local authority.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much funding the Short Breaks Fund has provided to the West Scotland region, broken down by local authority.\r\n","AnswerText":"Funding from the Short Breaks Fund to the West Scotland region, broken down by local authority, is provided in the following table:\r\nLocal Authority\r\nTotal\r\n \r\n£000\r\nArgyll and Bute\r\n198,523\r\nEast Ayrshire\r\n48,145\r\nEast Dunbartonshire\r\n166,701\r\nEast Renfrewshire\r\n135,635\r\nGlasgow\r\n217,573\r\nInverclyde\r\n28,000\r\nNorth Ayrshire\r\n43,806\r\nNorth Lanarkshire\r\n64,367\r\nRenfrewshire\r\n37,251\r\nWest Dunbartonshire\r\n104,608\r\nWestern Isles\r\n23,381\r\nTotal\r\n1,067,990\r\n\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-25T14:32:45.767","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272454,"EventID":"S4W-07159","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2876,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-11T14:32:45.847","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-10T16:43:03.09","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what projects in the West Scotland region have received funding from the Short Breaks Fund.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what projects in the West Scotland region have received funding from the Short Breaks Fund.","AnswerText":"A list of the projects which have received funding from the Short Breaks Fund is available from the Scottish Parliament Information Centre (Bib. number 53987).\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-25T14:32:45.863","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272455,"EventID":"S4W-07160","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2066,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-11T14:32:45.94","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-11T11:06:33.28","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S4W-06758 by Keith Brown on 1 May 2012, whether it will provide an answer in relation to Iona.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S4W-06758 by Keith Brown on 1 May 2012, whether it will provide an answer in relation to Iona.","AnswerText":"The geographical location of Islay and Jura and the Scottish mainland would make it practicable, with the correct ports and harbours infrastructure in place, for the service to be a triangular service. We do not currently have infrastructure in place to allow for such a service. The possibility of a triangular service is therefore our rationale for offering free travel on the Jura to Islay leg of an onward journey to the Scottish mainland. Taking account of the geographical locations involved, a triangular service would, in contrast, not be practicable between the Scottish mainland and Iona and Mull. These services are therefore considered to be separate services.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-25T14:32:45.94","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272456,"EventID":"S4W-07161","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2066,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-11T14:32:46.003","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-11T11:06:33.28","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S4W-06757 by Keith Brown on 1 May 2012, for what reasons road equivalent tariff status was omitted for (a) Argyll Ferries’ Gourock to D","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S4W-06757 by Keith Brown on 1 May 2012, for what reasons road equivalent tariff status was omitted for (a) Argyll Ferries’ Gourock to Dunoon service and (b) the Calmac Tarbert to Portavadie service in appendix 3 of the Draft Ferries Plan.","AnswerText":"Appendix 3 of the Draft Ferries Plan includes the Tarbert to Portavadie and the Gourock to Dunoon routes. We have noted our intention to roll out RET to all lifeline routes. For both of these routes, further consideration is required of how RET should be applied.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-25T14:32:46.003","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272457,"EventID":"S4W-07162","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2066,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-11T14:32:46.097","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-11T11:06:33.28","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S4W-06756 by Keith Brown on 1 May 2012, for what reason its policy preference is for the service between Gourock and Dunoon to carry bo","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S4W-06756 by Keith Brown on 1 May 2012, for what reason its policy preference is for the service between Gourock and Dunoon to carry both vehicles and passengers.","AnswerText":"We believe that a passenger and vehicle service on the town centre to town centre route would benefit the local economies in Gourock and Dunoon. As noted in the response to question S4W-06756, we are absolutely committed to providing a ferry service that meets the needs of users and we will continue to look at the options to improve the overall service and facilities.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-25T14:32:46.097","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272458,"EventID":"S4W-07163","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2066,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-11T14:32:46.173","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-11T11:06:33.28","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S4W-06755 by Keith Brown on 1 May 2012, what the percentage increase has been in (a) fuel usage and (b) emissions by the MV Finlaggan.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S4W-06755 by Keith Brown on 1 May 2012, what the percentage increase has been in (a) fuel usage and (b) emissions by the MV Finlaggan.","AnswerText":"As set out in my reply to question S4W-06755, the MV Finlaggan has a much increased carrying capacity compared to the MV Isle of Arran so a direct comparison of fuel usage and emissions is misleading.\r\nThe MV Finlaggan uses around 87% more fuel per hour of sailing than the MV Isle of Arran. However, the MV Finlaggan can carry 250% more freight (by weight) than the MV Isle of Arran. The MV Finlaggan is therefore much more efficient in this respect than the MV Isle of Arran.\r\nChanges in carbon emissions are largely consistent with fuel consumption. In terms of other emissions, the MV Finlaggan’s more modern engines mean that NOx emissions are lower than those of the MV Isle of Arran. SOx emissions are higher, though still within regulatory limits, because the MV Finlaggan uses different, less expensive fuel than the MV Isle of Arran.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-25T14:32:46.173","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272459,"EventID":"S4W-07164","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2066,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-11T14:32:46.253","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-11T11:06:33.28","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S4W-06754 by Keith Brown on 1 May 2012, under what circumstances the ferries regulator would regulate pricing and what legislation woul","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S4W-06754 by Keith Brown on 1 May 2012, under what circumstances the ferries regulator would regulate pricing and what legislation would be required to achieve this.","AnswerText":"We have noted in the response to S4W-06754 that a Ferries Regulator could regulate the pricing and provision of ferry services not provided under contract to the Scottish Government. Our intention is to keep the need for a Ferries Regulator under review and to explore the legislative provision required to achieve this. Again as noted in the previous response, we will make further details available in the Final Ferries Plan, to be published later in 2012.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-25T14:32:46.253","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272460,"EventID":"S4W-07165","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2066,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-11T14:32:46.313","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-11T11:06:33.28","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S4W-06753 by Keith Brown on 1 May 2012, what the consultancy costs have been since it began its review of publicly funded ferry service","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S4W-06753 by Keith Brown on 1 May 2012, what the consultancy costs have been since it began its review of publicly funded ferry services in 2009.","AnswerText":"The total cost for consultancy fees incurred in relation to the Scottish Ferries Review since 2009 was £440,600. The spend profile is set out in the following table.\r\nConsultant\r\n2009-10\r\n2010-2011\r\nTotal\r\n\r\n£ 000\r\n£ 000\r\n£ 000\r\nMVA\r\n198.6\r\n23.7\r\n222.3\r\nTri (Napier University)\r\n120.2\r\n2.5\r\n122.7\r\nColin Buchanan & Partners\r\n50.6\r\n0\r\n50.6\r\nHIE (Highlands & Islands Enterprise)\r\n45\r\n0\r\n45\r\nTotal\r\n414.4\r\n26.2\r\nTotal – 440.6\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-25T14:32:46.33","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272461,"EventID":"S4W-07166","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-11T14:32:46.393","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-11T11:12:05.38","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what it is doing to promote franchised business.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what it is doing to promote franchised business.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government recognises the vital contribution small business start-ups make to our economy as we move forward with economic recovery and growth, and is firmly committed to maintaining a supportive business environment, ensuring that appropriate measures are in place to stimulate and grow small businesses.\r\nThese measures include the transfer of responsibility for local economic development, including the Business Gateway, to local authorities. The Business Gateway is the key delivery channel offering a first point of contact for all publicly funded advice to business in Scotland. The services that are available through the Business Gateway are wide-ranging and cover a number of aspects associated with starting and growing a business, including advice and support on franchising.\r\nWorkshops promoting franchising as a business opportunity are delivered by the Business Gateway and are designed to provide appropriate information to those individuals who see a franchise as the most suitable means to allow them to realise their business aspirations. The advice available includes information on the structure, financial aspects and legal considerations of franchising.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-25T14:32:46.393","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272491,"EventID":"S4W-06916","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2029,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":145,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-11T16:08:00.413","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-26T10:39:35","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will list all recipients of funding from the Cashback for Communities programme, showing the (a) date of the award, (b) amount received and (c) postcode of the","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will list all recipients of funding from the Cashback for Communities programme, showing the (a) date of the award, (b) amount received and (c) postcode of the organisation.\r\n","AnswerText":"Since the inception of CashBack for Communities in 2007, over £46 million recovered under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 has been invested or fully committed to a wide range of community projects and facilities throughout Scotland, directly benefitting over 600,000 young people.\r\nThe Scottish Government allocates available funds to partner organisations, which are responsible for running projects across Scotland. The following table shows the list of funding to all of our national partner organisations from 2007 until March 2015, showing the amount of the award received or allocated and the post code of the recipient/organisation.\r\nRecipient Organisation\r\nPostcode\r\nDate From\r\nDate:\r\nTo\r\nReceived to date (£)\r\nAllocated (£)\r\nTotal\r\nAmount (£)\r\nSporting Activities and Facilities\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nScottish Football Association\r\nG42 9AY\r\n2008\r\n2014\r\n3,174,473\r\n2,261,527\r\n5,436,000\r\nScottish Rugby Union\r\nEH12 5PJ\r\n2008\r\n2014\r\n2,115,000\r\n1,576,200\r\n3,691,200\r\nBadminton Scotland\r\nG51 4TQ\r\n2009\r\n2012\r\n336,000\r\n0\r\n336,000\r\nScottish Squash\r\nEH12 9DQ\r\n2009\r\n2012\r\n228,000\r\n0\r\n228,000\r\nTennis Scotland\r\nEH14 1BZ\r\n2009\r\n2012\r\n149,000\r\n0\r\n149,000\r\nScottish Athletics\r\nEH12 9DQ\r\n2009\r\n2012\r\n228,951\r\n0\r\n228,951\r\nScottish Hockey\r\nEH14 5DA\r\n2009\r\n2012\r\n316,000\r\n0\r\n316,000\r\nSportScotland \r\nEH12 9DQ\r\n2011\r\n2014\r\n1,957,208\r\n7,389,000\r\n9,346,208\r\nBasketball Scotland\r\nEH12 9DQ\r\n2008\r\n2014\r\n526,300\r\n575,000\r\n1,101,300\r\nScottish Sports Futures\r\nG46 6AL\r\n2008\r\n2014\r\n1,841,819\r\n1,395,300\r\n3,237,119\r\nClubGolf\r\nKY1 8NX\r\n2012\r\n2015\r\n0\r\n375,000\r\n375,000\r\nAmateur Boxing Scotland Limited \r\nEH54 5EG\r\n2011\r\n2013\r\n180,000\r\n180,000\r\n360,000\r\nCultural Activities\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nCreative Scotland\r\nEH1 3EG\r\n2008\r\n2014\r\n2,093,000\r\n1,500,000\r\n3,593,000\r\nYouth Organisations\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nYouth Scotland \r\nEH6 4BL\r\n2009\r\n2013\r\n950,000\r\n50,000\r\n1,000,000\r\nYouthLink Scotland\r\nEH12 5EZ\r\n2008\r\n2014\r\n7,080,052\r\n1,000,000\r\n8,080,052\r\nMentoring and Youth Employability\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nFairbridge (merged with prince’s Trust in March 2012)\r\nEH7 5QY\r\n2009\r\n2013\r\n208,913\r\n149,728\r\n358,641\r\nPrinces Trust\r\nG1 3EN\r\n2009\r\n2013\r\n323,222\r\n381,273\r\n704,495\r\nVenture Trust\r\nEH10 4EX\r\n2009\r\n2013\r\n533,492\r\n0\r\n533,492\r\nVenture Scotland\r\nEH7 5QY\r\n2012\r\n2013\r\n0\r\n17,500\r\n17,500\r\nScottish Power \r\nG2 8SP\r\n2011\r\n2013\r\n24,852\r\n52,000\r\n76,852\r\nEarly years and Community Development\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nPlaybus/Working on Wheels\r\nEH17 8QG\r\n2011\r\n2014\r\n49,775\r\n100,225\r\n150,000\r\nAngus Council/Tayside Police\r\nDD8 1AE\r\n2011\r\n2014\r\n70,000\r\n280,000\r\n350,000\r\nInspiring Scotland\r\nEH11 3AF\r\n2011\r\n2014\r\n377,700\r\n1,872,300\r\n2,250,000\r\nOther Community Commitments and ongoing support\r\n-\r\n2007\r\n2014\r\n2,865,148\r\n1,436,500\r\n4,301,648\r\nTotal\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n25,628,905\r\n20,591,553\r\n46,220,458\r\n\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-25T16:08:00.427","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272492,"EventID":"S4W-06917","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2029,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":145,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-11T16:08:00.507","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-26T10:39:35","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will list the funding allocated under the Cashback for Communities programme between now and March 2015, broken down by the (a) amount of the award and (b) pos","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will list the funding allocated under the Cashback for Communities programme between now and March 2015, broken down by the (a) amount of the award and (b) postcode of the recipient.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-06916 on 22 May 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-25T16:08:00.507","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272493,"EventID":"S4W-06933","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1845,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-11T16:08:00.583","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-26T15:16:53.973","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the outcome was of NHS Grampian's pilot in relation to near-patient testing and patient self-testing.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the outcome was of NHS Grampian's pilot in relation to near-patient testing and patient self-testing.\r\n","AnswerText":"It is not clear from the question which pilot is being referred to. I would suggest contacting NHS Grampian directly for further information.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-25T16:08:00.583","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272494,"EventID":"S4W-06934","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1845,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-11T16:08:00.693","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-26T15:16:53.973","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what follow-up action it will take following NHS Grampian's pilot in relation to near-patient testing and patient self-testing.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what follow-up action it will take following NHS Grampian's pilot in relation to near-patient testing and patient self-testing.\r\n","AnswerText":"It is not clear from the question which pilot is being referred to. I would suggest contacting NHS Grampian directly for further information.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-25T16:08:00.693","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272495,"EventID":"S4W-06935","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1845,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-11T16:08:00.787","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-26T15:16:53.973","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made by NHS Grampian in the development and implementation of a protocol on the transition of patients to adult services.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made by NHS Grampian in the development and implementation of a protocol on the transition of patients to adult services.\r\n","AnswerText":"It is for NHS Grampian to ensure appropriate local services for all age groups including children and young people. For further information regarding the transition protocol please contact NHS Grampian direct.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-25T16:08:00.787","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272496,"EventID":"S4W-07120","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-11T16:08:00.88","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-09T16:27:48.293","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what proportion of pupils has not reached the relevant 5 to 14 attainment levels in (a) Aberdeen and (b) Aberdeenshire in each year since 2003, broken down by (i) age and","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what proportion of pupils has not reached the relevant 5 to 14 attainment levels in (a) Aberdeen and (b) Aberdeenshire in each year since 2003, broken down by (i) age and (ii) subject.\r\n","AnswerText":"The large amount of available data covering this question are published on the government website. The data cover 2003 to 2008, no data for later years are available. Data are not always available for both local authorities. A collation of the relevant tables has been placed in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre (Bib. number 53991).\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-25T16:08:00.88","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272497,"EventID":"S4W-07121","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-11T16:08:00.973","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-09T16:27:48.293","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of children has left primary school in (a) Aberdeen and (b) Aberdeenshire with the required level of competency in (i) arithmetic, (ii) reading and (iii) ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of children has left primary school in (a) Aberdeen and (b) Aberdeenshire with the required level of competency in (i) arithmetic, (ii) reading and (iii) writing in each year since 2003.\r\n","AnswerText":"The large amount of available data covering this question are published on the government website. The data cover 2003 to 2008, no data for later years are available. Data are not always available for both local authorities. A collation of the relevant tables has been placed in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre (Bib. number 53991).\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-25T16:08:00.973","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272498,"EventID":"S4W-07122","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-11T16:08:01.083","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-09T16:27:48.293","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of S2 pupils in (a) Aberdeen and (b) Aberdeenshire has reached the required standards in (i) mathematics, (ii) English and (iii) science in each year sinc","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of S2 pupils in (a) Aberdeen and (b) Aberdeenshire has reached the required standards in (i) mathematics, (ii) English and (iii) science in each year since 2003.\r\n","AnswerText":"The large amount of available data covering this question are published on the government website. The data cover 2003 to 2008, no data for later years are available. Data are not always available for both local authorities. A collation of the relevant tables has been placed in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre (Bib. number 53991).\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-25T16:08:01.083","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272499,"EventID":"S4W-07152","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2673,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":114,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-11T16:08:01.177","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-10T16:52:45.4","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it ensures that its policies for the aquaculture and fishing industries take account of the impact of climate change on the marine environment.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it ensures that its policies for the aquaculture and fishing industries take account of the impact of climate change on the marine environment.\r\n","AnswerText":"Following the publication of the UK Climate Change Risk Assessment in January, the Scottish Government is now preparing a Scottish Climate Change Adaptation Programme. This is a requirement of the Climate Change (Scotland) Act 2009 and it is anticipated that the programme will be laid in Parliament in 2013. As part of the programme, the key risks from the changing climate to aquaculture and fishing are being considered and appropriate policies will be included in the programme to help address these risks.\r\nIn advance of the Programme, the Scottish Government will continue to build resilience to the impacts of climate change through the non-statutory Climate Change Adaptation Framework and the 12 accompanying Sector Action Plans. The Marine and Fisheries Sector Action Plan covers aquaculture and fishing interests.\r\nThe Scottish Government also supports the work of the Marine Climate Change Impacts Partnership which reports on the impacts of marine climate change on marine activities. MCCIP reports are considered in developing any new policies.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-25T16:08:01.177","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272500,"EventID":"S4W-07153","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1759,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-11T16:08:01.27","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-10T16:56:33.797","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S4W-03057 by Richard Lochhead on 25 October 2011, what plans it has in place to ensure the continuation of funding for the Scotland Rur","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S4W-03057 by Richard Lochhead on 25 October 2011, what plans it has in place to ensure the continuation of funding for the Scotland Rural Development Programme in 2013-14.","AnswerText":"The budgetary figures set out in question S4W-03057 for 2013-14 for each scheme under the Scotland Rural Development Programme remain unchanged. The current programme will end on 31 December 2013 and we are working with others to press the Commission to give details of their plans to ensure a smooth transition between programmes so that crucial funding continues. The Commission has so far shared its initial views with member states in its Rural Development Committee. We are also undertaking work internally to ascertain options for ensuring funding continues for priority areas regardless of what happens with the transitional rules.\r\nSetting out these transitional arrangements is not an issue simply restricted to Scotland and the rest of the UK but one that has been raised as a concern by a number of member states who are worried about the negative impact that could be caused by a break in funding.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-25T16:08:01.287","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272501,"EventID":"S4W-07155","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1759,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-11T16:08:01.38","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-10T16:56:33.797","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S4W-03057 by Richard Lochhead on 25 October 2011, how much it has budgeted for the Scotland Rural Development Programme in 2012-13 and ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S4W-03057 by Richard Lochhead on 25 October 2011, how much it has budgeted for the Scotland Rural Development Programme in 2012-13 and how much of this remains.\r\n","AnswerText":"The budget for the Scotland Rural Development Programme (excluding Forestry) in 2012-13 is £177.8 million. Including Forestry, the budget is £213.8 million. As of April 2012, £10 million of this has been spent and there is a further £155.5 million in currently known commitments, including expected spend on the Less Favoured Area Support Scheme.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-25T16:08:01.38","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272502,"EventID":"S4W-07156","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1759,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-11T16:08:01.49","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-10T16:56:33.797","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what transitional arrangements are in place to ensure that changes to the Scotland Rural Development Programme do not result in a drop-off in the support offered by the p","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what transitional arrangements are in place to ensure that changes to the Scotland Rural Development Programme do not result in a drop-off in the support offered by the programme.\r\n","AnswerText":"Setting out transitional arrangements is not an issue simply restricted to Scotland and the rest of the UK but one that has been raised as a concern by a number of member states who are worried about the negative impact that could be caused by a break in funding.\r\nWe and others have been pressing the Commission to give details of their plans to ensure a smooth transition between programmes so that crucial funding continues. The Commission has so far shared its initial views with member states in its Rural Development Committee. We are also undertaking work internally to ascertain options for ensuring funding continues for priority areas regardless of what happens with the transitional rules.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-25T16:08:01.49","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272503,"EventID":"S4W-07167","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":86,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-11T16:08:01.583","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-11T11:20:28.513","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will consider submissions to the Your Scotland, Your Referendum consultation that have been made by routes other than those outlined in the document. \r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will consider submissions to the Your Scotland, Your Referendum consultation that have been made by routes other than those outlined in the document. \r\n","AnswerText":"We will consider all responses received but only submissions which have provided a name and an e-mail address or a name and a postal address for the respondent will be included in the analysis of responses.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-25T16:08:01.583","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Bruce Crawford","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272504,"EventID":"S4W-07168","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":86,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-11T16:08:01.66","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-11T11:20:28.513","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will consider individual submissions to the Referendum Consultation received via a third party.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will consider individual submissions to the Referendum Consultation received via a third party.\r\n","AnswerText":"Respondents were able to submit their views in a number of ways but only submissions which have provided a name and an e-mail address or a name and a postal address for the respondent will be included in the analysis of responses.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-25T16:08:01.677","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Bruce Crawford","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272505,"EventID":"S4W-07169","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3896,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":97,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-11T16:08:01.77","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-11T11:29:46.9","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information is available in each NHS board to inform (a) healthcare professionals and (b) the general public how to apply for medicines via individual patient treatm","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information is available in each NHS board to inform (a) healthcare professionals and (b) the general public how to apply for medicines via individual patient treatment requests.","AnswerText":"The issue of CEL 17 (2010) on 17 May 2010 set out a framework within which boards were expected to develop and align local policies regarding access to new medicines. This was followed up by the issue of good practice guidance on the management of Individual Patient Treatment Requests which was issued on 18 March 2011 by the Chief Medical Officer under cover of SGHD/CMO(2011)3. Also, guidance to further strengthen the safe and effective use of new medicines across the NHS in Scotland was issued on 13 February 2012 under SGHD/CMO(2012)1.\r\nThe guidance was circulated widely to healthcare professional groups and the good practice guidance contains a section on providing information to the public. It asks boards to ensure their policies are available to the public in accordance with relevant legislation including equalities legislation.\r\nDecisions regarding the provision of NHS services remain matters for NHS boards. Also, clinicians remain responsible for clinical decisions regarding the care of individual patients.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-25T16:08:01.77","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272506,"EventID":"S4W-07170","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3896,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":97,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-11T16:08:01.863","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-11T11:29:46.9","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to increase awareness of the individual patient treatment request process among (a) healthcare professionals and (b) the general public in each NH","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to increase awareness of the individual patient treatment request process among (a) healthcare professionals and (b) the general public in each NHS board area.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government issued CEL 17 (2010) on 17 May 2010, which set out a framework within which boards were expected to develop and align local policies regarding access to new medicines. This was followed up by the issue of good practice guidance on the management of Individual Patient Treatment Requests which was issued on 18 March 2011 by the Chief Medical Officer under cover of SGHD/CMO(2011)3. Also, guidance to further strengthen the safe and effective use of new medicines across the NHS in Scotland was issued on 13 February 2012 under SGHD/CMO(2012)1.\r\nThe guidance was circulated widely to healthcare professional groups and the good practice guidance contains a section on providing information to the public. It asks boards to ensure their policies are available to the public in accordance with relevant legislation including equalities legislation.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-25T16:08:01.863","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272507,"EventID":"S4W-07171","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3896,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":97,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-11T16:08:01.973","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-11T11:29:46.9","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how the individual patient treatment request process operates in each NHS board.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how the individual patient treatment request process operates in each NHS board.","AnswerText":"Decisions regarding the provision of NHS services remain matters for NHS boards. Also, clinicians remain responsible for clinical decisions regarding the care of individual patients. Details of each NHS board’s individual patient treatment request process is not available centrally.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-25T16:08:01.973","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272508,"EventID":"S4W-07172","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3896,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":97,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-11T16:08:02.05","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-11T11:29:46.9","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has carried out an evaluation of the implementation of the guidance, Introduction and Availability of Newly Licensed Medicines in the NHS in Scotland (CEL17), ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has carried out an evaluation of the implementation of the guidance, Introduction and Availability of Newly Licensed Medicines in the NHS in Scotland (CEL17), from the perspective of (a) NHS boards, (b) healthcare professionals and (c) patients and, if so, what the outcome was.","AnswerText":"Since the issue of CEL 17 (2010) on 17 May 2010, the Scottish Government has continued to work with NHS boards to ensure effective and proper processes are in place. This work resulted in the issue of good practice guidance on the management of Individual Patient Treatment Requests which was issued on 18 March 2011 by the Chief Medical Officer under cover of SGHD/CMO(2011)3. In December 2011, The Chief Medical Officer and Chief Pharmaceutical Officer convened a clinical group to review extant processes, including Individual Patient Treatment Requests, and this resulted in the issue of guidance to further strengthen the safe and effective use of new medicines across the NHS in Scotland on 13 February 2012 under SGHD/CMO(2012)1.\r\nAll guidance was circulated widely to healthcare professional groups and the good practice guidance contains a section on providing information to the public. It asks boards to ensure their policies are available to the public in accordance with relevant legislation including equalities legislation.\r\nDecisions regarding the provision of NHS services remain matters for NHS boards. Also, clinicians remain responsible for clinical decisions regarding the care of individual patients.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-25T16:08:02.067","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272509,"EventID":"S4W-07173","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1841,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":120,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-11T16:08:02.13","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-11T11:58:17.863","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to monitor the accuracy of the information recorded by bus companies regarding the distances travelled by passengers using the concessionary trave","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to monitor the accuracy of the information recorded by bus companies regarding the distances travelled by passengers using the concessionary travel scheme.","AnswerText":"Bus Operators within the concessionary travel scheme must use ticketing equipment approved by Scottish Ministers. This requires use of ITSO approved electronic ticketing machines which record and transmit the detail of each transaction. These transactions form the basis of bus operators’ claims for reimbursement.\r\nAll claims for reimbursement are subject to comprehensive validation checks by Transport Scotland staff. Any discrepancies are investigated and subject to further detailed analysis and audit. This is supported by a programme of “on bus” surveys where journey information obtained from the surveys is compared to the claims submitted by bus operators.\r\nNational Entitlement Cardholders also participate in the completion of “travel diaries” which are then passed to Transport Scotland for analysis. Any discrepancies between the journey information recorded by the cardholder and the claim submitted by the bus operator are then investigated.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-25T16:08:02.13","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272510,"EventID":"S4W-07174","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1841,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":120,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-11T16:08:02.223","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-11T11:58:17.863","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many instances of bus companies inaccurately recording the distances travelled by passengers using the concessionary travel scheme have been recorded in each year sin","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many instances of bus companies inaccurately recording the distances travelled by passengers using the concessionary travel scheme have been recorded in each year since 2007, also broken down by local authority area.","AnswerText":"Transport Scotland staff actively use a range of techniques in order to analyse reimbursement claims from bus operators. On average, around 400,000 concessionary journeys are undertaken daily. Due to the volume of journey transactions, it is not possible to identify individual instances of overstaging, although trends  are identified.\r\nWe do record instances reported by members of the public and since 2010, there has been 1,267 instances reported to Transport Scotland. Of these instances, \r\n654 were confirmed as being inaccurate.\r\nThese are broken down as follows – \r\nYear\r\nNumber of instances reported by cardholders\r\nNumber confirmed following analysis\r\n2010\r\n219\r\n156\r\n2011\r\n847\r\n382\r\n2012 (to 16 May )\r\n201\r\n116\r\nThese cannot be broken down by local authority area as bus operators run services which pass through more than one local authority area.\r\nPrior to 2010, smart ticketing and the current intelligence reporting system were not in place and as such, this level of detail cannot be reported on for that period.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-25T16:08:02.223","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272511,"EventID":"S4W-07175","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1841,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":120,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-11T16:08:02.317","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-11T11:58:17.863","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the cost of bus companies inaccurately recording the distances travelled by passengers using the concessionary travel scheme has been in each year since 2007.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the cost of bus companies inaccurately recording the distances travelled by passengers using the concessionary travel scheme has been in each year since 2007.\r\n","AnswerText":"The complete roll out of smart technology on buses in 2010 and the introduction of the current intelligence reporting tool has given Transport Scotland staff increased visibility on any trends that may require further investigation.\r\nRegular analysis is carried out as part of routine investigatory work and as a result of customer complaints received. The majority of this work focuses on average fares and patronage levels and, as such, Transport Scotland will only look in detail at transactional information for every journey undertaken where there is cause to do so, such as where other intelligence indicates an area of concern.\r\nBased on the number of customer complaints recorded in respect of overstaging of destinations, as reported in S4W-07174 on 25 May 2012, the value of the inaccuracies confirmed is as follows – \r\nYear\r\nNumber of Confirmed Instances\r\nValue of Overstaging\r\n2010\r\n156\r\n£267.67\r\n2011\r\n382\r\n£402.90\r\n2012 (to 16 May)\r\n116\r\n£146.00\r\n\r\nPrior to 2010, smart ticketing and the current intelligence reporting system were not in place and as such, this level of detail cannot be reported on for that period.\r\nAll answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-25T16:08:02.317","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272512,"EventID":"S4W-07176","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1841,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":120,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-11T16:08:02.393","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-11T11:58:17.863","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether legal action has been taken since 2007 against bus companies that are believed to have recorded inaccurate figures regarding the distances travelled by passengers","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether legal action has been taken since 2007 against bus companies that are believed to have recorded inaccurate figures regarding the distances travelled by passengers using the concessionary travel scheme.\r\n","AnswerText":"Transport Scotland staff engage with bus operators where any discrepancies arise from reimbursement claims. No legal action has been taken against bus operators in these circumstances as monies have been recouped through payment management or direct repayment by the operator without the need for legal recourse.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-25T16:08:02.41","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272513,"EventID":"S4W-07193","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":2,"MSPID":5106,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":118,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-14T09:36:34.363","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-14T09:18:35","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what it is doing to support low-paid and low-skilled people in the workforce.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what it is doing to support low-paid and low-skilled people in the workforce.\r\n","AnswerText":"There is currently no public sector investment targeted exclusively at meeting the skills needs of low paid and low skilled individuals within the workforce. I can confirm that we are making changes to the Individual Learning Account (ILA) programme to focus on this issue. From 1July 2012 ILA funding will be fully focussed on low paid, low skilled and unemployed individuals.\r\nIn recognition of the investment already being made, and in order to avoid duplication of funding for a single episode of learning, individuals will no longer be eligible for ILA funding whilst participating in Secondary, Further or Higher Education, or on a National Training Programme. Also, individuals who have potentially already benefitted from a high level of public investment in their education to degree level will no longer be eligible for ILA funding.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-28T09:36:34.457","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angela Constance","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272514,"EventID":"S4F-00667","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":4976,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-14T14:34:42.263","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-10T16:14:38","Title":"To ask the First Minister when he will next meet the Prime Minister.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister when he will next meet the Prime Minister.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-28T14:34:42.28","MeetingDate":"2012-05-17T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272515,"EventID":"S4F-00671","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":2080,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":87,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-14T14:34:42.39","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-14T11:10:37.75","Title":"To ask the First Minister what engagements he has planned for the rest of the day.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what engagements he has planned for the rest of the day.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-28T14:34:42.39","MeetingDate":"2012-05-17T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272516,"EventID":"S4F-00673","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":3771,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-14T14:34:42.45","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-14T11:36:08","Title":"To ask the First Minister what the findings are of the latest research on the effects of minimum pricing of alcohol.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what the findings are of the latest research on the effects of minimum pricing of alcohol.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-28T14:34:42.45","MeetingDate":"2012-05-17T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272517,"EventID":"S4F-00675","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":3896,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":97,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-14T14:34:42.53","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-14T12:02:39.04","Title":"To ask the First Minister what action the Scottish Government is taking to provide support to families fostering disabled children.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what action the Scottish Government is taking to provide support to families fostering disabled children.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-28T14:34:42.53","MeetingDate":"2012-05-17T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272518,"EventID":"S4F-00682","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-14T14:34:42.78","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-14T13:33:46.233","Title":"To ask the First Minister what the Scottish Government's response is to the finding in the report by the Royal Pharmaceutical Society in Scotland that care home patients are being prescribed powerful ","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what the Scottish Government's response is to the finding in the report by the Royal Pharmaceutical Society in Scotland that care home patients are being prescribed powerful drugs for long periods of time without proper checks.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-28T14:34:42.793","MeetingDate":"2012-05-17T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272519,"EventID":"S4F-00688","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":4016,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":133,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-14T14:34:43.013","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-14T13:59:35.223","Title":"To ask the First Minister, in light of the Scottish Government's recent decision to hire a PR firm, what its position is on whether a mechanism should be established to ensure that such services are n","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister, in light of the Scottish Government's recent decision to hire a PR firm, what its position is on whether a mechanism should be established to ensure that such services are not used for party-political purposes.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-28T14:34:43.013","MeetingDate":"2012-05-17T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272520,"EventID":"S4W-07177","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5106,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":118,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-14T15:55:39.14","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-12T19:46:04.077","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it publicises free eye tests.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it publicises free eye tests.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has produced a leaflet Your Guide to Free NHS Eye Examinations in Scotland, in association with Health Rights Information Scotland.\r\nThis leaflet was revised in 2010. Supplies of the leaflet were sent to NHS boards for distribution to optical practices, GP practices, and pharmacies. The boards were also asked to send the leaflet to community health partnerships to decide how best to target distribution locally to raise awareness of the NHS eye examination with vulnerable groups.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-28T15:55:39.283","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272521,"EventID":"S4W-07178","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5106,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":118,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-14T15:55:39.377","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-12T19:46:04.077","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to promote free eye tests in areas of social exclusion.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to promote free eye tests in areas of social exclusion.\r\n","AnswerText":"We have reminded community health partnerships about the need to issue the leaflet Your Guide to Free NHS Eye Examinations in Scotland to vulnerable groups within their communities, which will include those in areas of social exclusion.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-28T15:55:39.377","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272522,"EventID":"S4W-07179","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5106,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":118,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-14T15:55:39.453","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-12T19:46:04.077","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether an evaluation has been carried out of the work of the Grampian Eye Health Network and what the outcome was.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether an evaluation has been carried out of the work of the Grampian Eye Health Network and what the outcome was.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has not carried out an evaluation of the work of the Grampian Eye Health Network. This is a local NHS Grampian scheme and any evaluation of the scheme would be for the board to undertake.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-28T15:55:39.453","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272523,"EventID":"S4W-07180","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5106,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":118,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-14T15:55:39.53","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-12T19:46:04.077","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many optometrists are running red eye clinics, broken down by NHS board area.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many optometrists are running red eye clinics, broken down by NHS board area.\r\n","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally.\r\nAll optometrists can see emergency or red-eye patients. Such patients will either be dealt with by the optometrist or referred to secondary care depending on the presenting symptoms.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-28T15:55:39.53","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272524,"EventID":"S4W-07181","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5106,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":118,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-14T15:55:39.61","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-12T19:46:04.077","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many optometrists are carrying out school visits to reduce the stigma of wearing spectacles, broken down by NHS board area.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many optometrists are carrying out school visits to reduce the stigma of wearing spectacles, broken down by NHS board area.\r\n","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally.\r\n\r\nAll NHSScotland health boards now provide an orthoptic or orthoptic-led pre-school vision screening programme, with the exception of NHS Orkney which provides an orthoptist-led screening programme in Primary 1. Arrangements are in place for children who do not receive pre-school vision screening. These children will be seen in Primary 1 by a school nurse; will be advised to attend a community optometrist, local health centre or community hospital; or will be offered an appointment with a hospital screening orthoptist.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-28T15:55:39.61","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272525,"EventID":"S4W-07182","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5106,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":118,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-14T15:55:39.703","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-12T19:46:04.077","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has had discussions with the UK Government about giving doctors and opticians the power to alert the DVLA about people who are unfit to drive because of eyesig","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has had discussions with the UK Government about giving doctors and opticians the power to alert the DVLA about people who are unfit to drive because of eyesight problems.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has not had any discussions with the UK Government about giving doctors and opticians the power to alert the DVLA about people who are unfit to drive because of eyesight problems.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-28T15:55:39.703","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272526,"EventID":"S4W-07183","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2029,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":145,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-14T15:55:39.78","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-14T08:57:16.22","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made regarding development of a management fee for students from other EU countries; which directorate is working on this; how much has been spent ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made regarding development of a management fee for students from other EU countries; which directorate is working on this; how much has been spent on it, and when the fee will be introduced.\r\n","AnswerText":"We are still working through the detail of this proposal. Officials from the Employability, Skills and Lifelong Learning Directorate are in the lead. No additional funds have been spent on this work and the fee will be introduced when we are clear we have a system which is compliant with the provisions of European Law.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-28T15:55:39.78","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272527,"EventID":"S4W-07187","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2029,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":145,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-14T15:55:39.843","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-14T08:57:16.22","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive on what dates it (a) wrote to and (b) met the European Commission regarding fee support for students from other EU countries and what proposals it made to the commission ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive on what dates it (a) wrote to and (b) met the European Commission regarding fee support for students from other EU countries and what proposals it made to the commission on this matter.\r\n","AnswerText":"I first wrote to Androulla Vassiliou, the European Commissioner for Education, Culture, Multilingualism, Youth and Sport, on this issue on 17 December 2010.\r\nI have since met with her representatives on 8 February 2011 and 26 April 2012. No specific proposals have been presented at either of these meetings, but on both occasions the Commission was understanding of the position Scotland finds itself in regarding student migration within the EU.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-28T15:55:39.86","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272528,"EventID":"S4W-07190","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1769,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":75,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-14T15:55:39.92","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-11T16:54:53","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the annual cost was of the 2006 to 2012 Northern Isles ferry services contract.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the annual cost was of the 2006 to 2012 Northern Isles ferry services contract.","AnswerText":"The net annual operating subsidy paid to NorthLink Ferries Ltd is set out in the following table:\r\nContract Year\r\n(July to June)\r\nGrant\r\nContract Year 1 (2006-07)\r\n£29.5 million\r\nContract Year 2 (2007-08)\r\n£28.4 million\r\nContract Year 3 (2008-09)\r\n£32.3 million\r\nContract Year 4 (2009-10)\r\n£34.9 million\r\nContract Year 5 (2010-11)\r\n£37.2 million\r\nSource: NorthLink Ferries Ltd and Transport Scotland.\r\nInformation for the current contract year, 2011-12, is not yet available as the contract year ends on 5 July 2012.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-28T15:55:39.92","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272529,"EventID":"S4W-07191","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1769,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":75,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-14T15:55:40.11","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-11T16:54:53","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much (a) public and (b) private investment there has been in the (i) Northern Isles and (ii) Clyde and Hebridean ferry services in each year since 2000.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much (a) public and (b) private investment there has been in the (i) Northern Isles and (ii) Clyde and Hebridean ferry services in each year since 2000.\r\n","AnswerText":"The following information covers the financial years to 2000-01 to 2010-11. Information for 2011-12 has not yet been finalised.\r\n(a) Information on public investment up to financial year 2010-11 is available in the latest (2011) edition of Scottish Transport Statistics which is published by Transport Scotland and available at http://www.transportscotland.gov.uk/strategy-and-research/publications-and-consultations/j205779-00.htm. Information on operating subsidies for the Northern Isles and Clyde and Hebrides ferry services is contained in the Table 9.13 “Shipping Services”. Capital investment information on Piers and Harbours for these networks is contained in Table 10.6 of the 2010 edition of “Scottish Transport Statistics” on the Scottish Government’s website at http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2010/12/17120002/158. Investment in Piers and Harbours for these networks in 2009-10 was £2.1m and in 2010-11 was £4.7 million.\r\nThe Scottish Government has also provided vessel grants and loans to Caledonian MacBrayne Ltd and Caledonian Maritime Assets Ltd to procure new ferries as detailed below:\r\n2000-01 - £3.8 million\r\n2001-02 - £2.1 million\r\n2002-03 - £7.5 million\r\n2003-04 - £2.3 million\r\n2004-05 - £6.4 million\r\n2005-06 - £6.9 million\r\n2006-07 - £8.9 million\r\n2007-08 - £3.7 million\r\n2008-09 - £3.5 million\r\n2009-10 - £6.8 million\r\n2010-11 - £6.8 million.\r\n(b) The Royal Bank of Scotland purchased three vessels at a total cost of £98 million as part of a joint venture with Caledonian MacBrayne Ltd, NorthLink Orkney and Shetland Ferries Ltd. The vessels were built between 2000 and 2002 and are currently leased to NorthLink Ferries Ltd.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-28T15:55:40.123","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272530,"EventID":"S4W-07194","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2108,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":141,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-14T15:55:40.187","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-14T10:49:50","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S4W-06705 by Aileen Campbell on 1 May 2012, how many (a) successful and (b) unsuccessful applications for adoption were made from 2002 ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S4W-06705 by Aileen Campbell on 1 May 2012, how many (a) successful and (b) unsuccessful applications for adoption were made from 2002 to 2010.","AnswerText":"The number of successful and unsuccessful adoption petitions is provided in the Civil Judicial Statistics Scotland publication series for the years 2002, 2008-09, 2009-10 and 2010-11.\r\nInformation for 2002 can be found in Table 3.12 of the Civil Judicial Statistics Scotland 2002 publication which is available via the following link:\r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2004/02/18897/33079.\r\nInformation for 2008-09 and 2009-10 can be found in Tables 13a and 13b of the Civil Judicial Statistics Scotland 2008-09 and 2009-10 publication which is available via the following link:\r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2010/12/17153314/0.\r\nInformation for 2010-11 can be found in Table 16 of the Civil Judicial Statistics Scotland 2010-11 publication which is available via the following link:\r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2011/10/19142210/0.\r\nThe Scottish Government suspended the publication of civil judicial statistics for the period 2003–07 due to a lack of precision in the definition of data items and consequently the way in which courts captured and recorded civil data. Extensive work was carried out to identify and rectify instances of inconsistent recording of data and the publication was resumed in December 2010.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-28T15:55:40.187","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Aileen Campbell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272531,"EventID":"S4W-07196","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2108,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":141,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-14T15:55:40.263","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-14T10:49:50","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S4W-06705 by Aileen Campbell on 1 May 2012, how many of the 3,886 adoptions broke down.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S4W-06705 by Aileen Campbell on 1 May 2012, how many of the 3,886 adoptions broke down.\r\n","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-28T15:55:40.263","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Aileen Campbell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272532,"EventID":"S4W-07197","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-14T15:55:40.343","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-14T11:20:49.177","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what funding is allocated for improvements to the Haudagain roundabout.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what funding is allocated for improvements to the Haudagain roundabout.\r\n","AnswerText":"As announced in February this year, £3 million has been allocated to take forward, at the appropriate time, the design work to improve the Haudagain Roundabout.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-28T15:55:40.343","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272533,"EventID":"S4W-07198","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-14T15:55:40.42","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-14T11:20:49.177","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the estimated cost is of the planned improvements to the Haudagain roundabout.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the estimated cost is of the planned improvements to the Haudagain roundabout.\r\n","AnswerText":"The STAG Report prepared by Aberdeen City Council estimated that the preferred option (Option 5) would cost in the region of £14.5 million (May 2007 prices and excluding VAT).\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-28T15:55:40.42","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272534,"EventID":"S4W-07199","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-14T15:55:40.5","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-14T11:20:49.177","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what funding has been allocated for dualling the A90 between Balmedie and Tipperty.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what funding has been allocated for dualling the A90 between Balmedie and Tipperty.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Balmedie to Tipperty scheme will be funded through a Non Profit Distributing model form of contract alongside the Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route (AWPR) once the legal challenges surrounding the AWPR have been resolved.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-28T15:55:40.5","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272535,"EventID":"S4W-07200","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-14T15:55:40.577","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-14T11:20:49.177","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the estimated cost is of dualling the A90 between Balmedie and Tipperty.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the estimated cost is of dualling the A90 between Balmedie and Tipperty.\r\n","AnswerText":"The current estimated cost of the A90 Balmedie to Tipperty scheme is £51-64 million (excluding VAT). However the estimated cost will have to be reviewed and updated as part of the overall package of work to be included in the Aberdeen western peripheral route/Balmedie to Tipperty non profit distributing model form of contract. This review will be undertaken prior to commencement of the procurement process.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-28T15:55:40.577","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272536,"EventID":"S4W-07201","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-14T15:55:40.64","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-14T11:20:49.177","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many hours of physical education are given to pupils in each (a) primary and (b) secondary school in (i) Aberdeen and (ii) Aberdeenshire.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many hours of physical education are given to pupils in each (a) primary and (b) secondary school in (i) Aberdeen and (ii) Aberdeenshire.\r\n","AnswerText":"The latest information available on the amount of physical education provided to pupils in schools was collected in April 2005 and was published in Tables 1 and 2 of the Progress towards the recommendations of the Physical Education Review Group publication. This is published on the Scottish Government website at: http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2005/11/PEReport2005.\r\nWe are currently collecting information on whether schools are meeting the target of two hours of physical education a week in primary and two periods of at least 50 minutes in S1 to S4. This collection does not include details of the exact number of hours provided, only whether the target has been met. Information on Physical Education provision along with other information will be published in the compendium publication Summary Statistics for attainment, leaver destinations and healthy living, No 2: 2012 Edition on 25 June 2012.\r\nThe Scottish Government is committed to two hours of PE being provided in primaries and two periods in S1-S4 by 2014.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-28T15:55:40.653","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alasdair Allan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272550,"EventID":"S4W-07223","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2876,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-14T17:02:24.67","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-14T13:42:38.853","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many hospital discharges there have been with a diagnosis of leptospirosis in each of the last five years, broken down by NHS board.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many hospital discharges there have been with a diagnosis of leptospirosis in each of the last five years, broken down by NHS board.","AnswerText":"The following table shows information provided by NHS Information Services Division (ISD), on the number of acute hospital episodes where a diagnosis of Leptospirosis has been recorded by NHS board of Treatment, for the last five years.\r\nNumber of acute hospital episodes with a diagnosis of Leptospirosis\r\nby NHS Board of Treatment; years ending 31 March 2007 to 31 March 20111\r\nNHS Board of Treatment\r\n2006-07\r\n2007-08\r\n2008-09\r\n2009-10\r\n2010-111\r\nNHS Ayrshire and Arran\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n2\r\n0\r\nNHS Dumfries and Galloway\r\n0\r\n4\r\n3\r\n2\r\n0\r\nNHS Forth Valley\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n1\r\n0\r\nNHS Grampian\r\n2\r\n1\r\n0\r\n2\r\n2\r\nNHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde\r\n3\r\n3\r\n13\r\n0\r\n0\r\nNHS Highland\r\n0\r\n2\r\n0\r\n1\r\n0\r\nNHS Lothian\r\n0\r\n1\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\nNHS Orkney\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n1\r\n0\r\nNHS Tayside\r\n0\r\n1\r\n0\r\n1\r\n0\r\nNHS Scotland\r\n5\r\n12\r\n16\r\n10\r\n2\r\nSource: ISD Scotland, SMR01.\r\nNote:1. Data for 2010-11 are provisional. Any future revisions to the figures will be small.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-28T17:02:24.67","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272564,"EventID":"S4W-07202","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2876,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-15T17:02:58.537","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-14T11:39:53","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many diagnoses of tuberculosis there have been in each of the last five years, broken down by (a) NHS board, (b) sex and (c) age.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many diagnoses of tuberculosis there have been in each of the last five years, broken down by (a) NHS board, (b) sex and (c) age.\r\n","AnswerText":"The following table shows the number of cases of tuberculosis reported in the last five years by NHS Health Board. Data for 2011 is currently in the process of being reconciled and is therefore not included. Data for years 2006-2010 is provided. \r\nNHS Board\r\n2006\r\n2007\r\n2008\r\n2009\r\n2010\r\nAyrshire and Arran\r\n13\r\n13\r\n8\r\n9\r\n13\r\nBorders \r\n7\r\n3\r\n5\r\n6\r\n15\r\nDumfries and Galloway\r\n4\r\n6\r\n4\r\n8\r\n2\r\nFife\r\n13\r\n7\r\n11\r\n11\r\n16\r\nForth Valley\r\n4\r\n19\r\n10\r\n9\r\n8\r\nGrampian \r\n36\r\n41\r\n38\r\n51\r\n58\r\nGreater Glasgow and Clyde\r\n178\r\n191\r\n213\r\n236\r\n234\r\nHighland\r\n9\r\n8\r\n12\r\n17\r\n17\r\nLanarkshire \r\n51\r\n27\r\n31\r\n43\r\n27\r\nLothian \r\n55\r\n72\r\n85\r\n77\r\n102\r\nOrkney\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\nShetland \r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\nTayside\r\n11\r\n22\r\n25\r\n19\r\n13\r\nWestern Isles\r\n0\r\n1\r\n3\r\n0\r\n0\r\nTotal \r\n381\r\n410\r\n445\r\n486\r\n505\r\n\r\nSex\r\n2006\r\n2007\r\n2008\r\n2009\r\n2010\r\nFemale \r\n146\r\n180\r\n183\r\n188\r\n189\r\nMale \r\n235\r\n230\r\n262\r\n297\r\n316\r\nN/K\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n1\r\n0\r\nTotal \r\n381\r\n410\r\n445\r\n486\r\n505\r\n\r\nAge band\r\n2006\r\n2007\r\n2008\r\n2009\r\n2010\r\n0-4\r\n4\r\n8\r\n9\r\n9\r\n10\r\n5-14\r\n4\r\n6\r\n9\r\n6\r\n6\r\n15-24\r\n32\r\n49\r\n52\r\n58\r\n57\r\n25-34\r\n86\r\n99\r\n117\r\n124\r\n117\r\n35-44\r\n44\r\n72\r\n79\r\n82\r\n84\r\n45-54\r\n50\r\n45\r\n50\r\n50\r\n66\r\n55-64\r\n52\r\n44\r\n44\r\n44\r\n54\r\n65-74\r\n53\r\n45\r\n37\r\n64\r\n62\r\n75-84\r\n44\r\n32\r\n36\r\n40\r\n36\r\n85+\r\n12\r\n10\r\n12\r\n9\r\n13\r\nTotal \r\n381\r\n410\r\n445\r\n486\r\n505\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-29T17:02:58.82","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272565,"EventID":"S4W-07203","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2876,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-15T17:02:58.943","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-14T11:39:53","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the rate of tuberculosis has been per 100,000 population in each of the last five years, broken down by (a) NHS board, (b) sex and (c) age.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the rate of tuberculosis has been per 100,000 population in each of the last five years, broken down by (a) NHS board, (b) sex and (c) age.\r\n","AnswerText":"The following table shows the rate of tuberculosis per 100,000 population in the last five years by NHS health board. Data for 2011 is currently in the process of being  reconciled and is therefore not included. Data for years 2006-10 is provided. \r\nNHS Board\r\n2006\r\n2007\r\n2008\r\n2009\r\n2010\r\nAyrshire and Arran\r\n3.5\r\n3.5\r\n2.2\r\n2.5\r\n3.5\r\nBorders \r\n6.3\r\n2.7\r\n4.4\r\n5.3\r\n13.3\r\nDumfries and Galloway\r\n2.7\r\n4.0\r\n2.7\r\n5.4\r\n1.6\r\nFife\r\n3.6\r\n1.9\r\n3.0\r\n3.0\r\n4.7\r\nForth Valley\r\n1.4\r\n6.6\r\n3.4\r\n3.1\r\n3.7\r\nGrampian \r\n6.8\r\n7.7\r\n7.0\r\n9.5\r\n10.4\r\nGreater Glasgow and Clyde\r\n14.9\r\n16.0\r\n17.8\r\n19.6\r\n19.4\r\nHighland\r\n2.9\r\n2.6\r\n3.9\r\n5.5\r\n5.5\r\nLanarkshire \r\n9.1\r\n4.8\r\n5.5\r\n7.6\r\n4.8\r\nLothian \r\n6.9\r\n8.9\r\n10.4\r\n9.4\r\n12.2\r\nOrkney\r\n0.0\r\n0.0\r\n0.0\r\n0.0\r\n0.0\r\nShetland \r\n0.0\r\n0.0\r\n0.0\r\n0.0\r\n0.0\r\nTayside\r\n2.8\r\n5.6\r\n6.3\r\n4.8\r\n3.2\r\nWestern Isles\r\n0.0\r\n3.8\r\n11.5\r\n0.0\r\n0.0\r\nTotal \r\n7.5\r\n8.0\r\n 8.6\r\n9.4\r\n9.7\r\n\r\nSex\r\n2006\r\n2007\r\n2008\r\n2009\r\n2010\r\nFemale \r\n5.5\r\n6.8\r\n6.9\r\n7.0\r\n7.1\r\nMale \r\n9.5\r\n9.3\r\n10.5\r\n11.9\r\n12.5\r\nTotal \r\n7.5\r\n8.0\r\n8.6\r\n9.4\r\n9.7\r\n\r\nAge band\r\n2006\r\n2007\r\n2008\r\n2009\r\n2010\r\n0-4\r\n1.5\r\n2.9\r\n3.2\r\n3.1\r\n3.4\r\n5-14\r\n0.7\r\n1.0\r\n1.6\r\n1.1\r\n1.1\r\n15-24\r\n4.8\r\n7.2\r\n7.6\r\n8.5 \r\n8.3\r\n25-34\r\n13.7\r\n15.7\r\n18.5\r\n19.2\r\n17.7\r\n35-44\r\n5.6\r\n9.2\r\n10.3\r\n11.0\r\n11.6\r\n45-54\r\n7.0\r\n6.2\r\n6.7\r\n6.6  \r\n8.6\r\n55-64\r\n8.3\r\n7.0\r\n6.9\r\n6.8  \r\n8.3\r\n65-74\r\n11.6\r\n9.8\r\n8.0\r\n13.6   \r\n13.1\r\n75-84\r\n15.3\r\n11.0\r\n12.3\r\n13.6\r\n12.4\r\n85+\r\n12.6\r\n10.2\r\n11.9\r\n8.7\r\n12.2\r\nTotal \r\n7.5\r\n8.0\r\n8.6\r\n9.4\r\n9.7\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-29T17:02:58.943","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272566,"EventID":"S4W-07206","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2876,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-15T17:02:59.053","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-14T11:39:53","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many cases of tuberculosis have been identified in educational establishments in each of the last five years, broken down by (a) NHS board area and (b) local authorit","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many cases of tuberculosis have been identified in educational establishments in each of the last five years, broken down by (a) NHS board area and (b) local authority.","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-29T17:02:59.053","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272567,"EventID":"S4W-07207","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2876,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-15T17:02:59.163","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-14T11:39:53","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many diagnoses of tuberculosis there have been in prisons in each of the last five years, broken down by NHS board area.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many diagnoses of tuberculosis there have been in prisons in each of the last five years, broken down by NHS board area.","AnswerText":"The following data is collected by the Enhanced Surveillance of Mycobacterium Infections (ESMI). For the purposes of data collection, prisons are categorised under “Corrective Facilities”, therefore the data provided may also include other corrective establishments. It should be noted that the data below does not necessarily imply that the infection was acquired in the facility.\r\nData for 2011 is currently is the process of being reconciled and is therefore not included in the following table. Data for years 2006-2010 is provided.\r\nNHS Board*\r\n2006\r\n2007\r\n2008\r\n2009\r\n2010\r\nAyrshire and Arran \r\n\r\n\r\n1\r\n\r\n1\r\nDumfries and Galloway\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n1\r\n\r\nGreater Glasgow and Clyde\r\n\r\n\r\n1\r\n\r\n\r\nLothian \r\n1\r\n\r\n2\r\n2\r\n\r\nTotal\r\n1\r\n0\r\n4\r\n3\r\n1\r\nNote:*NHS boards with no reported cases are not included in the table.\r\n\r\nIt should also be noted that within the ESMI system, the response to this question is open to local interpretation.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-29T17:02:59.177","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272568,"EventID":"S4W-07208","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5041,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-15T17:02:59.27","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-14T11:33:45","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what support it gives to asylum seekers whose applications to remain in the UK have been refused and what recent representations it has made to (a) Glasgow City Council a","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what support it gives to asylum seekers whose applications to remain in the UK have been refused and what recent representations it has made to (a) Glasgow City Council and (b) Ypeople about the support that they provide.\r\n","AnswerText":"Supporting asylum seekers is the responsibility of the United Kingdom Borders Agency (UKBA) and its delivery partners. However, the Scottish Government remains clear that whilst asylum seekers are in Scotland they are to be welcomed and supported. The Minister for Public Health, Michael Matheson MSP recently wrote to the Chief Executive of Y People, Glasgow City Council’s accommodation provider acknowledging the way they have stepped in to provide assistance in addition to what they were legally required to do, which has obviously helped to alleviate the abject destitution which would have otherwise been faced by refused asylum seekers in Glasgow.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-29T17:02:59.27","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272569,"EventID":"S4W-07209","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5041,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-15T17:02:59.363","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-14T11:33:45","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what recent discussions it has had with the (a) UK Government and (b) UK Border Agency regarding the treatment of asylum seekers in Scotland.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what recent discussions it has had with the (a) UK Government and (b) UK Border Agency regarding the treatment of asylum seekers in Scotland.\r\n","AnswerText":"Asylum and Immigration are matters reserved to the UK Government, the United Kingdom Borders Agency (UKBA) and its delivery partners. However, the Scottish Government remains clear that whilst asylum seekers are in Scotland they are to be welcomed and supported, and to that end has regular discussions with UKBA and its delivery partners about the myriad issues relating to asylum seekers living here.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-29T17:02:59.38","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272570,"EventID":"S4W-07210","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5041,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-15T17:02:59.49","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-14T11:33:45","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what impact the proposed transfer of the contract for providing accommodation and transport for asylum seekers to Serco Civil Government on 31 August 2012 will have on th","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what impact the proposed transfer of the contract for providing accommodation and transport for asylum seekers to Serco Civil Government on 31 August 2012 will have on the support that the Scottish Government provides to asylum seekers whose application to remain in the UK has been refused.\r\n","AnswerText":"Asylum and Immigration are matters reserved to the UK Government, the United Kingdom Borders Agency and its delivery partners, and provision of support is a matter for them. However, the Scottish Government remains clear that whilst asylum seekers are in Scotland they are to be welcomed and supported, and to that end provides funding to the Scottish Refugee Council (£1.65 million during 2012-15) in order that they can work with local partners to provide support, advice and practical assistance to asylum seekers and refugees in Scotland.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-29T17:02:59.49","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272571,"EventID":"S4W-07211","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5041,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-15T17:02:59.63","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-14T11:33:45","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether, under the Homelessness etc. (Scotland) Act 2003, destitute asylum seekers who have been granted support under section 4 of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999 ca","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether, under the Homelessness etc. (Scotland) Act 2003, destitute asylum seekers who have been granted support under section 4 of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999 can apply for accommodation.","AnswerText":"Scottish local authorities are obliged by statute to provide asylum seekers with accommodation under the homelessness legislation where eligibility for such assistance has been granted by the United Kingdom Borders Agency.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-29T17:02:59.63","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272572,"EventID":"S4W-07214","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5041,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-15T17:02:59.753","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-14T12:34:12.803","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many meetings there have been between Transport Scotland officials and representatives of (a) NorthLink Ferries, (b) Serco Group and (c) other bidders as part of the ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many meetings there have been between Transport Scotland officials and representatives of (a) NorthLink Ferries, (b) Serco Group and (c) other bidders as part of the competitive dialogue for the 2012 to 2018 contract for Northern Isles ferry services and whether minutes of those meetings will be published.\r\n","AnswerText":"As part of the Competitive Dialogue process, Transport Scotland officials held three separate meetings with each of the individual bidders, including NorthLink and Serco Ltd. Bidders were also invited to attend a joint fourth meeting to discuss the financial base case model. All bidders attended this fourth meeting.\r\nMinutes of Competitive Dialogue meetings are not a requirement of the tendering process and no minutes were taken.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-29T17:02:59.753","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272573,"EventID":"S4W-07215","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5041,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-15T17:02:59.847","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-14T12:34:12.803","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the cost has been of the tendering process for the 2012 to 2018 contract for Northern Isles ferry services and what proportion relates to the competitive dialogue wi","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the cost has been of the tendering process for the 2012 to 2018 contract for Northern Isles ferry services and what proportion relates to the competitive dialogue with bidders.","AnswerText":"Staffing costs associated with the tendering process for the Northern Isles ferry services are considered to be part of Transport Scotland’s direct running costs. It is therefore not possible to provide details of the precise amount associated with this tender. However, the external cost to Transport Scotland for the Northern Isles tender is likely to be some £191,000. It is not possible to apportion how much of this cost is associated with the Competitive Dialogue process.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-29T17:02:59.863","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272574,"EventID":"S4W-07216","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5041,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-15T17:02:59.943","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-14T12:34:12.803","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what protections there are for the (a) workforce, (b) passengers and (c) affected communities in the 2012 to 2018 contract for Northern Isles ferry services.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what protections there are for the (a) workforce, (b) passengers and (c) affected communities in the 2012 to 2018 contract for Northern Isles ferry services.","AnswerText":"In relation to the workforce, Transfer of Undertakings - Protection of Employment (TUPE) will apply, as a matter of law, to the staff and crew providing the Northern Isles ferry services. The new operator, Serco Ltd, will be working with the current operator, NorthLink Ferries Ltd, to discuss staff transfers.\r\nIn relation to users of these ferry services, and the affected communities, the new contract will specify in detail the services to be provided. We anticipate a seamless transfer between the current operator and the new operator.\r\nThese issues were discussed with each bidder during the Competitive Dialogue meetings.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-29T17:02:59.957","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272575,"EventID":"S4W-07217","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5041,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-15T17:03:00.037","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-14T12:34:12.803","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions took place regarding protections for the (a) workforce, (b) passengers and (c) affected communities during the competitive dialogue with bidders for the ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions took place regarding protections for the (a) workforce, (b) passengers and (c) affected communities during the competitive dialogue with bidders for the 2012 to 2018 contract for Northern Isles ferry services.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-07216 on 29 May 2012. All answers to written Parliamentary Questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-29T17:03:00.05","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272576,"EventID":"S4W-07218","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5041,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-15T17:03:00.143","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-14T12:34:12.803","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it will have with trade unions prior to embarking on future tendering processes for ferry services.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it will have with trade unions prior to embarking on future tendering processes for ferry services.\r\n","AnswerText":"Trade Unions will be invited, along with any other organisations and individuals, to participate in any future consultation on ferry services. In addition, we will engage with the relevant Trade Unions when preparing tender documentation. We will also continue to hold regular meetings with Trade Unions to discuss ferry related issues, including tendering.\r\nThat is what happened in respect of the procurement of the Northern Isles ferry services when I met with the STUC, and all of the trade unions with an interest, on 11 October 2011 to discuss ferry related issues.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-29T17:03:00.16","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272577,"EventID":"S4W-07219","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5041,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-15T17:03:00.253","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-14T12:34:12.803","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what recent discussions it has had with representatives of Serco Group plc regarding the Scottish Government's final ferries plan and future ferry procurement and whether","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what recent discussions it has had with representatives of Serco Group plc regarding the Scottish Government's final ferries plan and future ferry procurement and whether it will publish minutes from any such discussions.","AnswerText":"There have been no recent discussions with the Serco Group about the final Ferries Plan or future ferry procurement.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-29T17:03:00.253","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272578,"EventID":"S4W-07224","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4964,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-15T17:03:00.38","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-14T15:07:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the average age of diagnosis is for (a) males and (b) females with (i) autism and (ii) Asperger’s syndrome.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the average age of diagnosis is for (a) males and (b) females with (i) autism and (ii) Asperger’s syndrome.","AnswerText":"This information is not centrally held.\r\nThe Scottish Government is funding work being undertaken by NHS Lothian to look into national waiting lists, to clarify the extent and causes of delays, in order to develop solutions to reduce the waiting times. (Recommendation 21 of the Scottish Strategy for Autism refers). Information regarding the average age of diagnosis will emerge as a result of this work and will be available by the end of 2012.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-29T17:03:00.393","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272579,"EventID":"S4W-07225","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4964,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-15T17:03:00.487","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-14T15:07:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what it is doing to improve the rate of diagnosis of (a) autism and (b) Asperger’s syndrome in females.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what it is doing to improve the rate of diagnosis of (a) autism and (b) Asperger’s syndrome in females.\r\n","AnswerText":"The term Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) has over the last ten years increasingly been used to cover both autism and Asperger’s Syndrome. More recently, the professional tendency is to use the term “autism” to cover both conditions. The following therefore applies to anyone on the autistic spectrum.\r\nThe Scottish Government and everyone working in the field of ASD assessment is aware of the need to improve awareness amongst professionals with regard to how autism presents in general, particularly in females.\r\nThe Scottish Strategy for Autism includes a number of recommendations on Diagnosis, Intervention and Support (Recommendations 19-25 refers) and a Sub-group of the ASD Reference Group is taking this work forward. In particular, the Scottish Government is funding work being undertaken by NHS Lothian to look into national waiting lists, to clarify the extent and causes of delays, in order to develop solutions to reduce the waiting times. (Recommendation 21 of the Scottish Strategy for Autism refers). \r\nAlthough this work is not female-specific, information regarding females will emerge with more clarity as a result of this work.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-29T17:03:00.487","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272580,"EventID":"S4W-07226","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5034,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-15T17:03:00.613","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-14T15:20:03","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what average time is taken to register a title in the conveyancing of domestic property.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what average time is taken to register a title in the conveyancing of domestic property.\r\n","AnswerText":"Registers of Scotland does not maintain a record of the average time taken to complete an application for registration of domestic properties. This method of reporting was used for a limited range of application types previously. In 2007-08, RoS reviewed the appropriateness of capturing this information and concluded that the measure was not encouraging improved performance or necessarily demonstrating where efficiencies were being made.\r\nThe length of time that an application spends awaiting attention and undergoing processing depends largely on its complexity. As a generalisation, the more complex an application is, the more time it will take to complete registration.\r\nRule 9 of the Land Registration (Scotland) Rules 1980 provides for three different types of application to be made to the Land Register. Those are an application for first registration (FR), an application for registration of dealing of a whole registered interest in land (DW) and an application for registration of a transfer of part of a registered interest in land (TP).\r\nFR and TP applications can be complex and time-consuming as they require the preparation of new Land Register title sheets and title plans and the examination of legal documents by experienced registration staff. By contrast, DW applications involve relatively minor amendments to the Land Register and are generally more routine and quicker to complete. Land registration provides a state indemnity (guarantee) to registered titles against errors and omissions in the Land Register and particularly complex cases require time and very careful handling by senior Land Register caseworkers. This may entail in-depth analysis of the preceding title history of property, investigation of title problems, requisitioning of additional evidence from solicitors and complicated mapping procedures.\r\nThe Land Registration (Scotland) Act 1979 imposes no set time-limits for the processing of applications for registration. However, the Keeper does set annual targets for the completion of applications to the Land Register and the Sasine Register. The following table sets out the key application completion targets for 2011-2012 along with performance against the same. Some 87% of applications submitted to the property registers fall within these performance targets.\r\nTurnaround Time information for 2011-12\r\nKey Performance Target\r\nPerformance for Year 2011-2012\r\nComplete 80% of standard FR applications within 60 days and the remainder within 120 days.\r\n99.20% completed within 60 days. Remaining 0.80% completed within 120 days.\r\nComplete 80% of standard DW transactions within 60 days and the remainder within 120 days.\r\n98.81% completed within 60 days. Remaining 1.19% completed within 120 days.\r\nComplete all applications submitted through the on-line Automated Registration of Title to Land system within 24 hours.\r\n99.99% completed within 24 hours.\r\nComplete recording of 80% of writs presented to the Sasine Register within 20 days and the remainder within 40 days.\r\n100% completed within 20 days.\r\n\r\nIdentical completion targets have been set by the Keeper for 2012-13. Currently all targets are being met.\r\nFor those FR applications not covered by time bound completion targets (termed complex transactions) the Keeper has set a target that by the end of March 2013 no FR application will be older than six months, except for those where the Keeper cannot complete because of factors outwith her control, such as court action, or by agreement with the submitting solicitor. The target that the Keeper has set for TP applications is to have no such applications older than nine months by October 2013. \r\n ","AnswerDate":"2012-05-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-29T17:03:00.613","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272581,"EventID":"S4W-07227","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5034,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-15T17:03:00.69","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-14T15:20:03","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the longest outstanding registration of title is that the Keeper of the Registers of Scotland has.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the longest outstanding registration of title is that the Keeper of the Registers of Scotland has.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Land Registration (Scotland) Act 1979 imposes no set time-limits for the processing of applications for registration. The length of time that an application spends awaiting attention and undergoing processing depends largely on its complexity. As a generalisation, the more complex an application is, the more time it will take to complete registration.\r\nRule 9 of the Land Registration (Scotland) Rules 1980 provides for three different types of application to be made to the Land Register. Those are an application for first registration (FR), an application for registration of dealing with the whole of a registered interest in land (DW) and an application for registration of a transfer of part of a registered interest in land (TP).\r\nFR and TP applications involve the preparation of new Land Register title sheets and title plans. They involve detailed, considerative examination of legal documents by experienced registration staff and can be complex and time-consuming. By contrast, DW applications involve relatively minor amendments to the Land Register and are generally more routine and quicker to complete. Since the norm of land registration is the attachment of a state indemnity (guarantee) to registered titles, which can mean the payment of public money to persons who suffer loss because of an error or omission in the Land Register, particularly complex cases require very careful handling by senior Land Register caseworkers. This may entail in-depth analysis of the preceding title history of property, thorough investigation of title problems, requisitioning of additional evidence from solicitors and complicated mapping procedures.\r\nAlthough the Land Registration (Scotland) Act 1979 is silent as to the time limits for completion of cases, the Keeper does set annual targets for the completion of applications to the Land Register and the Sasine Register. The following table sets out the key application completion targets for 2011-2012 along with performance against the same. Some 87% of applications submitted to the property registers fall within these performance targets.\r\nTurnaround Time Information for 2011-12\r\nKey Performance Target\r\nPerformance for Year 2011-2012\r\nComplete 80% of standard FR applications within 60 days and the remainder within 120 days.\r\n99.20% completed within 60 days. Remaining 0.80% completed within 120 days.\r\nComplete 80% of standard DW transactions within 60 days and the remainder within 120 days.\r\n98.81% completed within 60 days. Remaining 1.19% completed within 120 days.\r\nComplete all applications submitted through the on-line Automated Registration of Title to Land system within 24 hours.\r\n99.99% completed within 24 hours.\r\nComplete recording of 80% of writs presented to the Sasine Register within 20 days and the remainder within 40 days.\r\n100% completed within 20 days.\r\nIdentical completion targets have been set by the Keeper for 2012-2013. Currently all targets are being met.\r\nFor those FR applications not covered by time bound completion targets (what are termed complex transactions) the Keeper has set a target that by the end of March 2013 no FR application will be older than six months, except for those where the Keeper cannot complete because of factors outwith her control, such as court action, or by agreement with the submitting solicitor. The target that the Keeper has set for TP applications is for no such application to be older than nine months by October 2013.\r\nThe longest outstanding application to the Land Register relates to the registration of a property in Arbroath. An application to register a Disposition giving effect to a transfer of ownership was received by the Keeper of the Registers of Scotland on 12 February 2001. Completion of the registration has been held up by court action and therefore completion of that registration is out with the control of the keeper.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-29T17:03:00.707","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272582,"EventID":"S4W-07228","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2892,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-15T17:03:00.783","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-14T15:32:42.51","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will  (a) receive and (b) publish the interim report of the Fuel Poverty Forum.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will  (a) receive and (b) publish the interim report of the Fuel Poverty Forum.\r\n","AnswerText":"I received the interim report of the Forum from its chair, Professor David Sigsworth last week. The findings are being considered and I will respond to Parliament shortly. The interim report will be published soon.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-29T17:03:00.8","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272583,"EventID":"S4W-07230","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2892,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-15T17:03:00.893","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-14T15:32:42.51","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many households have been (a) contacted, (b) offered free insulation and (c) given free insulation under the (i) Home Insulation Scheme and (ii) Universal Home Insula","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many households have been (a) contacted, (b) offered free insulation and (c) given free insulation under the (i) Home Insulation Scheme and (ii) Universal Home Insulation Scheme since the scheme was introduced.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Home Insulation Scheme which ran in 2009-10 and 2010-11 offered free loft top-up insulation and access to virgin loft insulation or cavity wall insulation through the Carbon Emissions Reduction Target (CERT) scheme. In some cases the measures available through CERT would be free to the householder and in others there would have been a client contribution to pay. Of the 7,444 loft and cavity wall insulation measures installed information is not held on how many were provided free. The information shown is therefore restricted to the loft top-up measures which are known to have been provided free to every household.\r\nHouseholds Contacted\r\nHouseholds Offered Free Insulation\r\nHouseholds Given Free Insulation\r\n393,942\r\n21,576\r\n21,576\r\nThe scheme also generated 45,600 referrals for measures under the Energy Assistance Package.\r\nAn overview of Home Insulation Scheme activity is provided at the Energy Saving Trust website.\r\nhttp://www.energysavingtrust.org.uk/scotland/Take-action/Grants-and-offers/Home-Energy-Scotland/Free-and-discounted-insulation/Overview-of-Home-Insulation-Scheme-activity#All%20HIS%20phases.\r\nData on the Universal Home Insulation Scheme will be published shortly.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-29T17:03:00.893","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272584,"EventID":"S4W-07232","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2892,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-15T17:03:00.987","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-14T15:32:42.51","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will lay before the Parliament a report on energy-efficient discount schemes, as required under section 66 of the Climate Change (Scotland) Act 2009.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will lay before the Parliament a report on energy-efficient discount schemes, as required under section 66 of the Climate Change (Scotland) Act 2009.\r\n","AnswerText":"Scottish Ministers will report to the Parliament on energy-efficient discount schemes, as required under section 66 of the Climate Change (Scotland) Act 2009, during the summer.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-29T17:03:00.987","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272585,"EventID":"S4W-07233","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5106,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":118,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-15T17:03:01.067","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-14T20:06:26.35","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the cost of houses in multiple occupation licences has been in each local authority in each year since their introduction.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the cost of houses in multiple occupation licences has been in each local authority in each year since their introduction.\r\n","AnswerText":"Setting of fee levels associated with licenses for houses in multiple occupation is a matter for individual local authorities. The information is not held by the Scottish Government.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-29T17:03:01.067","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272586,"EventID":"S4W-07234","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5106,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":118,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-15T17:03:01.16","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-14T20:06:26.35","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many full-time equivalent staff are allocated to deal with houses in multiple occupation licensing in each local authority.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many full-time equivalent staff are allocated to deal with houses in multiple occupation licensing in each local authority.","AnswerText":"Deployment of staff on activity related to licensing of houses in multiple occupation is a matter for individual local authorities. This information is not held by the Scottish Government.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-29T17:03:01.16","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272587,"EventID":"S4W-07235","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5106,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":118,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-15T17:03:01.237","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-14T20:06:26.35","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with COSLA regarding houses in multiple occupation licensing in each year since its introduction.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with COSLA regarding houses in multiple occupation licensing in each year since its introduction.\r\n","AnswerText":"Scottish Government officials have had discussions with COSLA representatives on various aspects of the mandatory houses in multiple occupation (HMO) licensing regime since it was introduced in 2000.\r\nRecently, this has included liaison with COSLA and individual local authorities on introduction of statutory guidance on the licensing of HMOs in 2011, and new HMO related provisions contained in the Private Housing (Scotland) Act 2011.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-29T17:03:01.237","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272588,"EventID":"S4W-07236","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-15T17:03:01.33","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-15T09:49:18.963","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how investigations of the police will be carried out if there is only one police force.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how investigations of the police will be carried out if there is only one police force.","AnswerText":"Independent investigation of the police is crucial to ensure public confidence and to meet our human rights obligations. Once the Police Service of Scotland is established, the Police Investigation and Review Commissioner (PIRC) will be able to investigate offences involving police officers under the direction of the appropriate prosecutor. The PIRC will also be able to investigate serious incidents involving the police and misconduct by senior officers.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-29T17:03:01.33","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272589,"EventID":"S4W-07237","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-15T17:03:01.407","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-15T09:49:18.963","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how the proposed Police Investigations and Review Commissioner will be chosen.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how the proposed Police Investigations and Review Commissioner will be chosen.","AnswerText":"The Police Investigation and Review Commissioner will be appointed by Scottish Ministers following a fair and open appointment process.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-29T17:03:01.407","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272590,"EventID":"S4W-07238","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-15T17:03:01.503","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-15T09:49:18.963","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it will ensure that officers with expertise and experience remain in each of the current police force regions if there is a single police force.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it will ensure that officers with expertise and experience remain in each of the current police force regions if there is a single police force.","AnswerText":"The current police force regions will be abolished. The Chief Constable of the Police Service of Scotland will be required to ensure that there are adequate arrangements for policing in each local authority area.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-29T17:03:01.503","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272591,"EventID":"S4W-07239","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-15T17:03:01.597","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-15T09:49:18.963","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans have been put in place to get officers to remote areas if needed in an emergency situation if plans for a single police force go ahead and whether there is a c","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans have been put in place to get officers to remote areas if needed in an emergency situation if plans for a single police force go ahead and whether there is a contingency plan.\r\n","AnswerText":"This will be an operational matter for the Chief Constable. Under the terms of the Police and Fire Reform (Scotland) Bill, the Chief Constable of the Police Service of Scotland will be required to ensure adequate arrangements for policing in each local authority area.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-29T17:03:01.597","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272592,"EventID":"S4W-07240","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-15T17:03:01.69","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-15T09:49:18.963","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when Marine Scotland will forward the Axis 4 funding from the European Fisheries Fund to the 13 local authorities for which the allocations have been announced.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when Marine Scotland will forward the Axis 4 funding from the European Fisheries Fund to the 13 local authorities for which the allocations have been announced.\r\n","AnswerText":"Marine Scotland will transfer the European Fisheries Fund Axis 4 funding quarterly in arrears based on expenditure accrued, as agreed with each participating local authority. I have recently signed off on the legal vehicle for this arrangement.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-29T17:03:01.69","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272593,"EventID":"S4W-07241","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-15T17:03:01.783","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-15T11:07:32","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S4W-05889 by Aileen Campbell on 6 March 2012, what the timetable is for the introduction of the proposed Rights of Children and Young P","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S4W-05889 by Aileen Campbell on 6 March 2012, what the timetable is for the introduction of the proposed Rights of Children and Young People Bill.","AnswerText":"As we announced on 11 May, the Scottish Government will deliver children’s rights as part of a single integrated Children and Young People Bill that will also include measures to improve children’s services, rather than in separate legislation. The integrated Children and Young People Bill will be introduced to Parliament in 2013. The consultation on proposals for this legislation will be published in the coming months.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-29T17:03:01.783","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Aileen Campbell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272594,"EventID":"S4W-07242","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-15T17:03:01.86","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-15T11:07:32","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to promote knowledge and understanding of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child among ministers and officials, in light of the proposed Rights of","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to promote knowledge and understanding of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child among ministers and officials, in light of the proposed Rights of Children and Young People Bill.","AnswerText":"We will take forward a programme of work over the course of this Parliament with partners in order to improve knowledge and understanding of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child across the Scottish Government.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-29T17:03:01.86","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Aileen Campbell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272595,"EventID":"S4W-07243","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2610,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-15T17:03:01.94","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-15T12:30:56","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive at what stations on the Airdrie to Bathgate rail link passengers can use a Flexipass ticket.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive at what stations on the Airdrie to Bathgate rail link passengers can use a Flexipass ticket.\r\n","AnswerText":"ScotRail’s 50 Journey Flexipass tickets are available for Standard or First Class travel on all routes between Edinburgh and Glasgow including via Bathgate. ScotRail advise that, following a recent change, it allows customers holding a 50 Journey Flexipass ticket to board/alight at Coatbridge Sunnyside and stations to the east of that station for travel to/from Edinburgh.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-29T17:03:01.953","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272596,"EventID":"S4W-07244","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2610,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-15T17:03:02.033","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-15T12:30:56","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what recent changes have been introduced regarding the use of Flexipass tickets by passengers using the stations on the Airdrie to Bathgate rail link that were previously","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what recent changes have been introduced regarding the use of Flexipass tickets by passengers using the stations on the Airdrie to Bathgate rail link that were previously designated as intermediate stations.","AnswerText":"Previously, ScotRail’s 50 Journey Flexipass was a corporate travel option for travel between Glasgow and Edinburgh and vice versa and did not permit boarding and alighting at intermediate stations except Croy on the Edinburgh – Glasgow Queen Street route and Motherwell on the Edinburgh – Glasgow Central route. ScotRail advise that, following a recent change, it allows customers holding the Glasgow to Edinburgh 50 Journey Flexipass ticket to board/alight at Coatbridge Sunnyside and stations to the east of that station.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-29T17:03:02.033","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272597,"EventID":"S4W-07245","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2610,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-15T17:03:02.127","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-15T12:30:56","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how recent changes to the ticketing policy on the Airdrie to Bathgate rail link are being advertised.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how recent changes to the ticketing policy on the Airdrie to Bathgate rail link are being advertised.\r\n","AnswerText":"ScotRail advise that it is continuing to re-brief its station and on-train staff on this change and to ensure that 50 Journey Flexipass retailers are aware of this. The information shown on ScotRail’s 50 Journey Flexipass ticket will be amended at the next opportunity to show additional boarding/alighting stations.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-29T17:03:02.127","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272598,"EventID":"S4W-07246","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2673,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":114,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-15T17:03:02.22","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-15T12:57:34.973","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government, as part of its approach to tackling skin cancer, whether it will discuss with the UK Government the possibility of abolishing VAT on sun cream.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, as part of its approach to tackling skin cancer, whether it will discuss with the UK Government the possibility of abolishing VAT on sun cream.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has no current plans to discuss, with the UK Government, the reduction or abolition of Value Added Tax on sun screens and sun block.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-29T17:03:02.22","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272599,"EventID":"S4W-07247","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2673,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":114,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-15T17:03:02.283","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-15T12:57:34.973","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government what progress has been made with the implementation of the Tobacco and Primary Medical Services (Scotland) Act 2010 on the sale and display of tobacco products.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what progress has been made with the implementation of the Tobacco and Primary Medical Services (Scotland) Act 2010 on the sale and display of tobacco products.\r\n","AnswerText":"While industry legal challenges have resulted in delays to the display and vending machine bans, a number of new controls on the sale of tobacco, came into force with effect from 1 April 2011 and 1 October 2011. These are: \r\nA registration scheme for tobacco retailers.\r\nGiving trading standards officers’ powers to issue fixed penalty notices forretailers who sell cigarettes to under 18s and for other offences under the act. \r\nBanning orders to prevent retailers selling cigarettes if they continually break the law.\r\nAn offence for a person 18 and over who buys cigarettes on behalf of someone under 18.\r\nAn offence to purchase or attempt to purchase tobacco products or cigarette papers by a person under 18.\r\nConfiscation of tobacco products from persons under 18.\r\nImplementation for the vending machine ban was originally planned for October 2011. Due to the ongoing legal challenge this has been delayed until a date yet to be announced. We have also delayed implementation of the display ban in large shops until a date to be announced, however, the implementation date of April 2015 still stands for small shops. We are committed to defending the legislation against these challenges and aim to implement the remaining provisions at the earliest opportunity.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-29T17:03:02.297","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272600,"EventID":"S4W-07248","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2876,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-15T17:03:02.377","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-15T13:08:51","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many hospital discharges there have been with a diagnosis of asthma in each of the last five years, broken down by NHS board.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many hospital discharges there have been with a diagnosis of asthma in each of the last five years, broken down by NHS board.\r\n","AnswerText":"The following table below provides the number of hospital episodes where the main diagnosis was recorded as asthma, for the last five available financial years. Figures are shown by board of patient residence.\r\nNumber of Hospital Episodes where Main Diagnosis was Asthma, Scottish Residents 2006-07 to 2010-11\r\n\r\n2006-07\r\n2007-08\r\n2008-09\r\n2009-10\r\n2010-11\r\nScotland\r\n     9,037 \r\n   8,167 \r\n   9,204 \r\n   8,109 \r\n   8,283 \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nNHS Ayrshire and Arran\r\n629\r\n563\r\n612\r\n586\r\n554\r\nNHS Borders\r\n147\r\n145\r\n164\r\n127\r\n153\r\nNHS Dumfries and Galloway\r\n207\r\n190\r\n198\r\n175\r\n219\r\nNHS Fife\r\n515\r\n494\r\n692\r\n553\r\n468\r\nNHS Forth Valley\r\n415\r\n389\r\n394\r\n363\r\n353\r\nNHS Grampian\r\n893\r\n738\r\n807\r\n730\r\n754\r\nNHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde\r\n2,212\r\n2,114\r\n2,372\r\n2,182\r\n2,254\r\nNHS Highland\r\n621\r\n599\r\n571\r\n564\r\n522\r\nNHS Lanarkshire\r\n1,166\r\n969\r\n1,026\r\n965\r\n991\r\nNHS Lothian\r\n1,418\r\n1,249\r\n1,565\r\n1,227\r\n1,397\r\nNHS Orkney\r\n44\r\n24\r\n16\r\n15\r\n16\r\nNHS Shetland\r\n31\r\n22\r\n15\r\n18\r\n14\r\nNHS Tayside\r\n676\r\n634\r\n733\r\n555\r\n550\r\nNHS Western Isles\r\n63\r\n37\r\n39\r\n49\r\n38\r\nSource: ISD.","AnswerDate":"2012-05-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-29T17:03:02.377","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272601,"EventID":"S4W-07249","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2876,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-15T17:03:02.47","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-15T13:08:51","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many fires have been dealt with in each fire brigade area in each of the last five years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many fires have been dealt with in each fire brigade area in each of the last five years.","AnswerText":"Data provided below shows the total number of fires that Scotland’s Fire and Rescue Services attended in the last five years: 2006-07 to 2010-11.\r\nFire and Rescue Services\r\n2006-07\r\n2007-08\r\n2008-09\r\n2009-10\r\n2010-11p\r\nCentral\r\n2,258\r\n2,081\r\n1,772\r\n1,844\r\n1,828\r\nDumfries and Galloway\r\n845\r\n806\r\n705\r\n676\r\n665\r\nFife\r\n3,250\r\n2,695\r\n2,152\r\n2,047\r\n1,827\r\nGrampian\r\n3,477\r\n3,287\r\n2,842\r\n2,613\r\n2,423\r\nHighlands and Islands\r\n1,815\r\n1,744\r\n1,822\r\n1,703\r\n1,788\r\nLothian and Borders\r\n9,072\r\n8,167\r\n6,755\r\n7,055\r\n6,317\r\nStrathclyde\r\n24,647\r\n23,681\r\n21,821\r\n20,251\r\n21,555\r\nTayside\r\n3,219\r\n3,176\r\n2,701\r\n2,542\r\n2,524\r\nScotland\r\n48,584\r\n45,636\r\n40,570\r\n38,731\r\n38,927\r\nSource: \r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Statistics/Browse/Crime-Justice/Datasets/FireStatsFire.\r\nNote: pprovisional.\r\nData before 2009-10 was calculated on a weighted sample and may not summate to the Scotland total due to rounding.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-29T17:03:02.47","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Roseanna Cunningham","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272602,"EventID":"S4W-07250","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2876,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-15T17:03:02.53","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-15T13:08:51","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many fires in each fire brigade area in each of the last five years have been caused by (a) cigarettes or (b) other materials for smoking.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many fires in each fire brigade area in each of the last five years have been caused by (a) cigarettes or (b) other materials for smoking.\r\n","AnswerText":"Data provided below are the total number of primary fires that Scotland’s Fire and Rescue Services attended in the last five years where the source of ignition was recorded as smoking materials. Smoking materials include cigarettes, cigars, tobacco etc.\r\nFire and Rescue Services\r\n2006-07\r\n2007-08\r\n2008-09\r\n2009-10\r\n2010-11P\r\nCentral\r\n26\r\n21\r\n55\r\n33\r\n34\r\nDumfries and Galloway\r\n12\r\n12\r\n8\r\n17\r\n17\r\nFife\r\n25\r\n31\r\n47\r\n41\r\n31\r\nGrampian\r\n43\r\n46\r\n70\r\n59\r\n46\r\nHighlands and Islands\r\n21\r\n16\r\n31\r\n12\r\n21\r\nLothian and Borders\r\n163\r\n177\r\n114\r\n243\r\n199\r\nStrathclyde\r\n244\r\n285\r\n226\r\n233\r\n239\r\nTayside\r\n53\r\n52\r\n36\r\n55\r\n57\r\nScotland\r\n587\r\n640\r\n587\r\n693\r\n644\r\nPProvisional.\r\nSource: IRS Dataset 2010-11 and FDR1 2005-06 to 2008-09.\r\nNote: The information above only relates to primary fires as the source of ignition is not consistently available over the five years for all other types of fires. The main locations for primary fires are dwellings, other buildings, road vehicles and other large fires – i.e. fires involving casualties, rescues or any fires attended by five appliances or more are classified as primary.\r\nData before 2009-10 was calculated on a weighted sample.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-29T17:03:02.53","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Roseanna Cunningham","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272615,"EventID":"S4O-01029","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":4014,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-16T15:34:22.19","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-09T14:16:44.41","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will undertake an audit of rural policing resources and police stations prior to the establishment of a single police force. \r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will undertake an audit of rural policing resources and police stations prior to the establishment of a single police force. \r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-30T15:34:23.283","MeetingDate":"2012-05-24T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272616,"EventID":"S4O-01030","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1741,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-16T15:34:23.377","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-09T14:16:44.487","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress is being made to ensure the continued independent monitoring of prisons.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress is being made to ensure the continued independent monitoring of prisons.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-30T15:34:23.377","MeetingDate":"2012-05-24T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272617,"EventID":"S4O-01031","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":3743,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":123,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-16T15:34:23.44","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-16T11:48:39.887","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether a scheme promoted under the Flood Prevention (Scotland) Act 1961, which does not yet have confirmed statutory consents, will be eligible for grant support, includ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether a scheme promoted under the Flood Prevention (Scotland) Act 1961, which does not yet have confirmed statutory consents, will be eligible for grant support, including beyond the current spending review period, and to a level of 80% of eligible costs.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-30T15:34:23.44","MeetingDate":"2012-05-24T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272618,"EventID":"S4O-01032","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":3751,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":108,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-16T15:34:23.517","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-09T14:16:44.533","Title":"To ask Scottish Executive whether it plans to introduce legislation regulating the use of air rifles.","ItemText":"To ask Scottish Executive whether it plans to introduce legislation regulating the use of air rifles.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-30T15:34:23.517","MeetingDate":"2012-05-24T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272619,"EventID":"S4O-01033","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":5075,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":112,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-16T15:34:23.58","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-09T14:16:44.55","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its position is on RGR Foundry Limited's plans to build a new foundry at Fife Energy Park in order to supply the offshore wind market.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its position is on RGR Foundry Limited's plans to build a new foundry at Fife Energy Park in order to supply the offshore wind market.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-30T15:34:23.593","MeetingDate":"2012-05-24T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272620,"EventID":"S4O-01034","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":138,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-16T15:34:23.657","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-09T14:16:44.673","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what it considers the most significant improvements have been to patient care in the Ayrshire and Arran NHS board area since 2007.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what it considers the most significant improvements have been to patient care in the Ayrshire and Arran NHS board area since 2007.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-30T15:34:23.657","MeetingDate":"2012-05-24T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272621,"EventID":"S4O-01035","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1841,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":120,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-16T15:34:23.737","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-09T14:16:44.707","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions the Minister for Local Government and Planning has had with Aberdeen City Council regarding its plans to improve public buildings.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions the Minister for Local Government and Planning has had with Aberdeen City Council regarding its plans to improve public buildings.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-30T15:34:23.737","MeetingDate":"2012-05-24T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272622,"EventID":"S4O-01036","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2595,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-16T15:34:23.797","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-09T14:16:44.737","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it last met Scottish Enterprise.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it last met Scottish Enterprise.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-30T15:34:23.813","MeetingDate":"2012-05-24T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272623,"EventID":"S4O-01037","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1793,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-16T15:34:23.89","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-09T14:16:44.753","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether part of its preventative spend budget will be spent on health matters.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether part of its preventative spend budget will be spent on health matters.\r\n","AnswerText":"The decisive shift to preventative spending in the Scottish budget includes change funds for older people’s services and for early years – each rebalancing care, support and service provision towards anticipatory care and preventative services – improving the support for older people to stay well in their own homes, and for children’s healthy development.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-30T15:34:23.89","MeetingDate":"2012-05-24T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272624,"EventID":"S4O-01038","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1775,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":146,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-16T17:35:42.437","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-09T14:16:44.767","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether licensing laws include provisions to ensure that the licensee is a fit and proper person.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether licensing laws include provisions to ensure that the licensee is a fit and proper person.","AnswerText":"Applications for licences under the Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982 are subject to a “fit and proper test”.\r\nApplications for alcohol licences are considered by the licensing board. The police can make representations to the board about relevant criminal offences for personal licence applicants and can also raise concerns about premises licence applications. The board have wide latitude to refuse premises licence applications under any of the licensing objectives.\r\nThere are a variety of other different licensing schemes, each governed by their own arrangements.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-30T17:35:42.45","MeetingDate":"2012-05-24T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272625,"EventID":"S4O-01039","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":2108,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":141,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-16T15:34:24.063","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-09T14:17:10.087","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it procures public contracts for supported employment.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it procures public contracts for supported employment.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-30T15:34:24.063","MeetingDate":"2012-05-24T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272626,"EventID":"S4O-01040","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":1943,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-16T15:34:24.14","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-09T14:17:10.133","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the Cabinet Secretary for Infrastructure and Capital Investment last met the British Geological Survey.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the Cabinet Secretary for Infrastructure and Capital Investment last met the British Geological Survey.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-30T15:34:24.157","MeetingDate":"2012-05-24T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272627,"EventID":"S4O-01041","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":4080,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-16T15:34:24.22","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-09T14:17:10.163","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is considering accelerating the work on upgrading the A90 between Balmedie and Tipperty.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is considering accelerating the work on upgrading the A90 between Balmedie and Tipperty.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-30T15:34:24.22","MeetingDate":"2012-05-24T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272628,"EventID":"S4O-01042","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":3901,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":127,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-16T15:34:24.313","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-16T11:46:30.94","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to ensure that there is adequate transport infrastructure in place for visitors to the V&A at Dundee.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to ensure that there is adequate transport infrastructure in place for visitors to the V&A at Dundee.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-30T15:34:24.313","MeetingDate":"2012-05-24T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272629,"EventID":"S4O-01043","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":3758,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":76,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-16T15:34:24.407","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-09T14:17:10.21","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made in implementing Scotland’s Digital Future - Infrastructure Action Plan.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made in implementing Scotland’s Digital Future - Infrastructure Action Plan.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-30T15:34:24.407","MeetingDate":"2012-05-24T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272630,"EventID":"S4O-01044","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":4952,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-16T15:34:24.483","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-09T14:17:10.243","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what support is provided to community-led regeneration in South Scotland.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what support is provided to community-led regeneration in South Scotland.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-30T15:34:24.483","MeetingDate":"2012-05-24T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272631,"EventID":"S4O-01045","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":4016,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":133,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-16T15:34:24.563","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-09T14:17:10.273","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it expects the estimated costs of constructing the Borders Railway to change.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it expects the estimated costs of constructing the Borders Railway to change.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-30T15:34:24.577","MeetingDate":"2012-05-24T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272632,"EventID":"S4O-01046","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":1742,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-16T15:34:24.64","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-09T14:17:10.29","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what recent discussions it has had with veterans associations and what issues were discussed.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what recent discussions it has had with veterans associations and what issues were discussed.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-30T15:34:24.64","MeetingDate":"2012-05-24T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272633,"EventID":"S4O-01047","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":2066,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-16T15:34:24.733","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-09T14:17:10.307","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to build affordable housing in the Highlands and Islands.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to build affordable housing in the Highlands and Islands.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-30T15:34:24.733","MeetingDate":"2012-05-24T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272634,"EventID":"S4O-01048","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":5108,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":139,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-16T15:34:24.813","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-09T14:17:10.383","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what recent discussions it has had with local authorities regarding the right to buy council houses.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what recent discussions it has had with local authorities regarding the right to buy council houses.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-30T15:34:24.813","MeetingDate":"2012-05-24T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272635,"EventID":"S4O-01049","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":5079,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-16T15:34:24.873","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-09T14:17:22.893","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it promotes arts and culture in partnership with local authorities.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it promotes arts and culture in partnership with local authorities.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-30T15:34:24.873","MeetingDate":"2012-05-24T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272636,"EventID":"S4O-01050","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":5106,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":118,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-16T15:34:24.953","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-12T19:29:11.563","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it supports cultural initiatives in Aberdeen.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it supports cultural initiatives in Aberdeen.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-30T15:34:24.967","MeetingDate":"2012-05-24T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272637,"EventID":"S4O-01051","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":4947,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-16T15:34:25.03","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-09T14:17:22.957","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it keeps an inventory of historical artefacts from the Highlands and Islands that are held by museums outside of Scotland.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it keeps an inventory of historical artefacts from the Highlands and Islands that are held by museums outside of Scotland.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-30T15:34:25.047","MeetingDate":"2012-05-24T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272638,"EventID":"S4O-01053","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":5047,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-16T15:34:25.157","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-09T14:17:23.003","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what funding and leadership it provides to protect and maintain Charles Rennie Mackintosh buildings.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what funding and leadership it provides to protect and maintain Charles Rennie Mackintosh buildings.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-30T15:34:25.157","MeetingDate":"2012-05-24T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272639,"EventID":"S4O-01054","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":5080,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-16T15:34:25.233","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-09T14:17:23.02","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its position is on the report on the future of public library services by the Carnegie UK Trust.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its position is on the report on the future of public library services by the Carnegie UK Trust.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-30T15:34:25.25","MeetingDate":"2012-05-24T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272640,"EventID":"S4O-01055","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":4086,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-16T15:34:25.31","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-09T14:17:23.05","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what major events it plans to support in 2017.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what major events it plans to support in 2017.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-30T15:34:25.31","MeetingDate":"2012-05-24T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272641,"EventID":"S4O-01056","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":1866,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-16T15:34:25.403","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-09T14:17:23.067","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to secure a visit to Scotland by Aung San Suu Kyi during her planned visit to the UK in June 2012.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to secure a visit to Scotland by Aung San Suu Kyi during her planned visit to the UK in June 2012.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-30T15:34:25.403","MeetingDate":"2012-05-24T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272642,"EventID":"S4O-01057","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":4940,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-16T15:34:25.467","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-09T14:17:23.097","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what projects will be supported by its 2012 Edinburgh Festival's Expo Fund.  ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what projects will be supported by its 2012 Edinburgh Festival's Expo Fund.  ","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-30T15:34:25.467","MeetingDate":"2012-05-24T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272643,"EventID":"S4O-01058","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":2010,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":137,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-16T15:34:25.56","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-09T14:17:23.113","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what preparations are being made to mark St Andrew’s Day 2012.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what preparations are being made to mark St Andrew’s Day 2012.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-30T15:34:25.56","MeetingDate":"2012-05-24T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272672,"EventID":"S4W-07275","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-16T16:23:06.593","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-16T14:31:59.703","Title":"To ask the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body whether Sodexo staff working in the Parliament are entitled to sick pay.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body whether Sodexo staff working in the Parliament are entitled to sick pay.\r\n","AnswerText":"All Sodexo employees receive sick pay as part of their contractual terms and conditions which is linked to their length of service.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-30T16:23:06.717","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Linda Fabiani","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272673,"EventID":"S4W-07251","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5057,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-16T16:23:42.94","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-15T17:16:24","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the new IT performance platform for police forces will be in place.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the new IT performance platform for police forces will be in place.","AnswerText":"Information relating to the performance platform project is a matter for Association of Chief Police Officers Scotland (ACPOS), the project owner.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-30T16:23:42.94","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272674,"EventID":"S4W-07252","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5057,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-16T16:23:43.017","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-15T17:16:24","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what support the Scottish Police Services Authority is providing to ensure that the new IT performance platform for police forces is in place as soon as possible.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what support the Scottish Police Services Authority is providing to ensure that the new IT performance platform for police forces is in place as soon as possible.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-07251 on 28 May 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-30T16:23:43.017","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272675,"EventID":"S4W-07253","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5057,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-16T16:23:43.097","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-15T17:16:24","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what changes are required to ensure that the new IT performance platform for police forces will operate under a single police force.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what changes are required to ensure that the new IT performance platform for police forces will operate under a single police force.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-07251 on 28 May 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-30T16:23:43.097","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272676,"EventID":"S4W-07254","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5057,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-16T16:23:43.157","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-15T17:16:24","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what elements of the new IT performance platform for police forces are in place.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what elements of the new IT performance platform for police forces are in place.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-07251 on 28 May 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-30T16:23:43.157","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272677,"EventID":"S4W-07255","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5057,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-16T16:23:43.237","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-15T17:16:24","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive which police forces are involved in the testing of the new IT performance platform.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive which police forces are involved in the testing of the new IT performance platform.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-07251 on 28 May 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-30T16:23:43.237","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272678,"EventID":"S4W-07256","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5057,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-16T16:23:43.3","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-15T17:16:24","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive where the new IT performance platform for police forces is located.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive where the new IT performance platform for police forces is located.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-07251 on 28 May 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-30T16:23:43.3","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272679,"EventID":"S4W-07257","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5057,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-16T16:23:43.377","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-15T17:16:24","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what problems the suppliers of the new IT performance platform for police forces are facing in implementing the system.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what problems the suppliers of the new IT performance platform for police forces are facing in implementing the system.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-07251 on 28 May 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-30T16:23:43.377","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272680,"EventID":"S4W-07258","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5057,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-16T16:23:43.44","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-15T17:16:24","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much the new IT performance platform for police forces will cost.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much the new IT performance platform for police forces will cost.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-07251 on 28 May 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-30T16:23:43.44","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272681,"EventID":"S4W-07259","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5057,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-16T16:23:43.517","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-15T17:16:24","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive who the suppliers are of the new IT performance platform for police forces and whether they have been paid.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive who the suppliers are of the new IT performance platform for police forces and whether they have been paid.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-07251 on 28 May 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-30T16:23:43.517","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272682,"EventID":"S4W-07260","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5057,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-16T16:23:43.58","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-15T17:16:24","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Association of Chief Police Officers in Scotland (ACPOS) has arrangements in place for penalties in the event of a failure to deliver the new IT performance p","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Association of Chief Police Officers in Scotland (ACPOS) has arrangements in place for penalties in the event of a failure to deliver the new IT performance platform for police forces.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-07251 on 28 May 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-30T16:23:43.58","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272683,"EventID":"S4W-07262","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2029,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":145,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-16T16:23:43.657","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-16T09:31:08.793","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, in conducting its audit of the preparedness of schools to implement the new national exams, whether Education Scotland has been in direct contact with department heads a","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, in conducting its audit of the preparedness of schools to implement the new national exams, whether Education Scotland has been in direct contact with department heads and classroom teachers or solely with local authority heads of education.","AnswerText":"As part of its ongoing engagement with schools and teachers to support them in implementing Curriculum for Excellence, Education Scotland staff have visited a wide range of schools to speak directly with teachers and senior managers about their plans for implementation. This includes visits to schools and departments identified by professional associations as being in need of additional support and guidance.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-30T16:23:43.657","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272684,"EventID":"S4W-07263","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2029,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":145,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-16T16:23:43.737","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-16T09:31:08.793","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps Education Scotland has taken to ensure that its audit of the preparedness of schools to implement the new national exams has engaged with staff beyond senior m","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps Education Scotland has taken to ensure that its audit of the preparedness of schools to implement the new national exams has engaged with staff beyond senior management.\r\n","AnswerText":"Education Scotland staff have had ongoing discussions directly with teaching staff on their preparations for Curriculum for Excellence over several years as part of inspection and other school visits. The recent audit has been one part of those ongoing discussions. Targeted visited have been, and continue to be made, to speak to teaching staff where there is clearly need for support and advice in implementing Curriculum for Excellence.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-30T16:23:43.737","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272685,"EventID":"S4W-07264","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5059,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-16T16:23:43.797","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-16T10:16:11.34","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the breakdown by nationality is for students entering further education in 2011-12.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the breakdown by nationality is for students entering further education in 2011-12.","AnswerText":"Number of Enrolments in 1st Year of Further Education Level Study, Scotland, 2010-11:\r\nNationality\r\nEnrolments\r\nUnited Kingdom (excluding the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man)\r\n269,575\r\nAfghanistan\r\n195\r\nAlbania\r\n35\r\nAlgeria\r\n110\r\nAngola. Also Cabinda, Portuguese West Africa, West Africa (Portuguese)\r\n135\r\nAntigua and Barbuda. Also Barbuda and Antigua\r\n0\r\nArgentina\r\n10\r\nArmenia\r\n5\r\nAustralia. Also Christmas Island, Norfolk Island, Keeling Islands, Cocos Islands\r\n110\r\nAustria\r\n25\r\nAzerbaijan\r\n30\r\nBahamas\r\n0\r\nBahrain\r\n5\r\nBangladesh. Also Pakistan (East), East Pakistan,\r\n240\r\nBarbados\r\n5\r\nBelarus. Also Byelorussia\r\n20\r\nBelgium\r\n45\r\nBelize. Also British Honduras, Honduras British\r\n0\r\nBermuda\r\n10\r\nBhutan\r\n0\r\nBolivia\r\n0\r\nBosnia and Herzegovina\r\n5\r\nBotswana. Also Bechuanaland\r\n5\r\nBrazil\r\n75\r\nBritish Antarctic Territory. Also British Antarctica, Antarctica British\r\n15\r\nBritish Indian Ocean Territory. Also Chagos Archipelago, Indian Ocean Territory (British)\r\n5\r\nBritish Virgin Islands. Also Virgin Is (British)\r\n10\r\nBrunei\r\n5\r\nBulgaria\r\n215\r\nBurkina. Also Burkina-Faso, Upper Volta\r\n0\r\nBurma. Also Myanmar\r\n20\r\nBurundi. Also Urundi\r\n40\r\nCambodia. Also Kampuchea, Khmer Republic\r\n5\r\nCameroon\r\n65\r\nCanada\r\n120\r\nCentral African Republic\r\n25\r\nChad. Also Tchad\r\n5\r\nChile\r\n15\r\nChina (People's Republic of)\r\n960\r\nCIS (Commonwealth of Independent States). Also USSR (not otherwise specified), USSR\r\n10\r\nColombia\r\n40\r\nCongo (Democratic Republic). Also Belgian Congo, Zaire\r\n150\r\nCongo (People's Republic). Also Congolese Republic Brazzaville\r\n135\r\nCosta Rica\r\n0\r\nCroatia\r\n5\r\nCuba\r\n15\r\nCyprus\r\n15\r\nCzech Republic. Also Czechoslovakia\r\n300\r\nDenmark\r\n95\r\nDominican Republic\r\n0\r\nDutch West Indies. Also Bonaire, Aruba, Curacao (Dutch), Dutch Curacao, Saba, Netherlands Antilles, St Martin (South), St Eustatius, Antilles(Netherlands)\r\n10\r\nEcuador. Also Galapagos\r\n0\r\nEgypt. Also United Arab Republic\r\n40\r\nEl Salvador. Also Salvador\r\n5\r\nEritrea\r\n225\r\nEstonia\r\n75\r\nEthiopia. Also Abyssinia\r\n35\r\nFiji\r\n15\r\nFinland\r\n40\r\nFrance. Also French Guiana, French Overseas Depts (DCMS), French West Indies, Miquelon (St Pierre &), St Pierre and Miquelon, St Martin (North), Reunion, Martinique, Guadeloupe, Guiana (French)\r\n390\r\nFrench Possessions nor elsewhere classified.Also French Polynesia, New Caledonia, Antarctica French, French Overseas Territories (TCMS), Loyalty Islands, Polynesia (French), Marquesas Islands, Tahiti, Society Islands, Wallis and Futuna, Futuna (Wallis &)\r\n5\r\nGabon\r\n5\r\nGambia. Also Senegambia\r\n55\r\nGeorgia\r\n15\r\nGermany\r\n480\r\nGhana. Also Gold Coast\r\n55\r\nGibraltar\r\n0\r\nGreece. Also Crete, Corfu\r\n60\r\nGuatemala\r\n0\r\nGuinea. Also Guinea (French)\r\n15\r\nGuyana. Also British Guiana, Guiana (British)\r\n10\r\nHaiti\r\n0\r\nHonduras\r\n5\r\nHong Kong\r\n70\r\nHungary\r\n300\r\nIceland\r\n5\r\nIndia. Also Sikkim\r\n1,260\r\nIndonesia. Also Kalimantan (South Borneo), West Timor, Celebes, Borneo South, Sumatra, Maluku, West Irian, Timor (East) Portuguese, Sulawesi, South Borneo, Java, Irian Jaya, Irian Barat, Irian (West), Timor (West), Molluccas, Portuguese Timor\r\n30\r\nIran. Also Persia\r\n610\r\nIraq\r\n500\r\nIrish Republic. Also Ireland (Republic of), Eire\r\n570\r\nIsrael\r\n10\r\nItaly. Also Holy See, Vatican City\r\n440\r\nIvory Coast. Also Cote d'lvore\r\n50\r\nJamaica\r\n15\r\nJapan\r\n90\r\nJordan\r\n30\r\nKazakhstan\r\n20\r\nKenya\r\n65\r\nKosovo\r\n15\r\nKuwait\r\n20\r\nKyrgyzstan. Also Kirgizia\r\n0\r\nLaos. Also Lao People's Democratic Republic\r\n5\r\nLatvia\r\n650\r\nLebanon\r\n15\r\nLesotho. Also Basutoland\r\n0\r\nLiberia\r\n10\r\nLibya. Also Libyan Arab Jamahiriya, Great Socialist People's, Great Socialist People's Libyan Arab Jamahiriya\r\n170\r\nLithuania\r\n605\r\nLuxembourg\r\n0\r\nMacao\r\n10\r\nMacedonia. Also Skopje\r\n5\r\nMalawi. Also Nyasaland\r\n35\r\nMalaysia. Also Sarawak, North Borneo, Borneo North, Malaya, Sabah\r\n70\r\nMali\r\n5\r\nMalta\r\n120\r\nMauritania\r\n0\r\nMauritius\r\n5\r\nMexico\r\n20\r\nMoldova. Also Moldavia\r\n5\r\nMongolia. Also Outer Mongolia\r\n5\r\nMorocco. Also Western Sahara, Sahara (West), Tangier\r\n70\r\nMozambique. Also East Africa (Portugese), Portuguese East Africa\r\n5\r\nNamibi","AnswerDate":"2012-05-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-30T16:23:43.813","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272686,"EventID":"S4W-07265","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4014,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-16T16:23:43.877","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-16T10:51:00.337","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many children have been in the care of a local authority in each year since 1999.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many children have been in the care of a local authority in each year since 1999.","AnswerText":"Information showing a time series for the number of children who have been looked after by local authorities in Scotland can be found on the Scottish Government’s website using the following link:\r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2012/02/7586/4.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-30T16:23:43.877","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Aileen Campbell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272687,"EventID":"S4W-07266","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4014,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-16T16:23:43.937","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-16T10:51:00.337","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many families have been available to foster in each year since 1999.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many families have been available to foster in each year since 1999.\r\n","AnswerText":"This information is not collected centrally by the Scottish Government.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-30T16:23:43.937","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Aileen Campbell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272688,"EventID":"S4W-07267","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4014,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-16T16:23:44.017","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-16T10:51:00.337","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many children have been placed in foster families in each year since 1999.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many children have been placed in foster families in each year since 1999.\r\n","AnswerText":"Information on the number of children who have been placed in foster families in each year since 1999 is not collected centrally.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-30T16:23:44.017","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Aileen Campbell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272689,"EventID":"S4W-07268","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4014,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-16T16:23:44.08","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-16T10:51:00.337","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many children have been waiting for a foster family in each year since 1999.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many children have been waiting for a foster family in each year since 1999.","AnswerText":"This information is not collected centrally by the Scottish Government.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-30T16:23:44.08","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Aileen Campbell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272690,"EventID":"S4W-07269","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4014,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-16T16:23:44.157","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-16T10:51:00.337","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many children have been adopted in each year since 1999.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many children have been adopted in each year since 1999.","AnswerText":"Information on the number of adoptions is available from the National Records of Scotland, and can be found here:\r\nhttp://www.gro-scotland.gov.uk/statistics/theme/vital-events/general/ref-tables/2010/adoptions-re-registrations.html.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-30T16:23:44.157","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Aileen Campbell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272691,"EventID":"S4W-07270","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4014,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-16T16:23:44.22","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-16T10:51:00.337","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many children have been waiting for adoption in each year since 1999.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many children have been waiting for adoption in each year since 1999.","AnswerText":"Information on the number of children who have been waiting for adoption is not collected centrally.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-30T16:23:44.22","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Aileen Campbell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272692,"EventID":"S4W-07271","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-16T16:23:44.297","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-16T11:23:26.95","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the laboratory services at the Vale of Leven Hospital will be changed and how the subsequent services will differ from the hospital’s current practice.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the laboratory services at the Vale of Leven Hospital will be changed and how the subsequent services will differ from the hospital’s current practice.\r\n","AnswerText":"NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde has confirmed that the clinically-led review of laboratory services in the Clyde area commenced at the end of May 2011 under the management of the Clyde Review Steering Group. This was concluded in October 2011, approved by the Clyde Review Steering Group at its meeting on 4 November 2011 and subsequently approved by the board. The Diagnostics Directorate is in the process of implementing the recommendations from the review and it is anticipated that this will be concluded by the end of 2012.\r\nNHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde is committed to providing high quality laboratory services to support the Vale of Leven Hospital. The changes to the laboratory services at the Vale are part of a wider commitment to deliver high quality, sustainable improvements in local patient care. Between 09:00 and 20:00 laboratory services will remain unchanged for inpatients, and will be carried out at the newly refurbished laboratory facility at the Vale, completed in 2011 at a cost of approximately £350,000. The new facility provides an improved standard of accommodation from within the main hospital building to ensure rapid access for inpatient and urgent outpatient requests. Outwith these hours, initial acute patient management will be enhanced by the introduction of point of care testing.  The use of this new technology will enhance patient care, reduce waiting time and streamline clinical decision making. Non-urgent tests which are required out of hours and samples from primary care will be processed at the Royal Alexandra Hospital (RAH) at Paisley. These tests will be carried out within the same timeframe as is the case currently, and this is consistent with the clinical service model elsewhere in NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, e.g. GP samples are currently transferred from Victoria Hospital to the Southern General Hospital, and from Stobhill Hospital to Glasgow Royal Infirmary. In addition, GP microbiology samples are already transferred from the Vale to the RAH.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-30T16:23:44.297","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272693,"EventID":"S4W-07272","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-16T16:23:44.36","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-16T11:23:26.95","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when a decision on laboratory services at the Vale of Leven Hospital will be made public.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when a decision on laboratory services at the Vale of Leven Hospital will be made public.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-07271 on 25 May 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-30T16:23:44.36","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272694,"EventID":"S4W-07273","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-16T16:23:44.423","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-16T11:23:26.95","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde's estimate is of the cost of sending samples for laboratory testing from the Vale of Leven Hospital to the Royal Alexandra Hospital.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde's estimate is of the cost of sending samples for laboratory testing from the Vale of Leven Hospital to the Royal Alexandra Hospital.","AnswerText":"NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde have estimated these transport costs at £52,000. This needs to be seen within the overall context of up to £1 million savings made – to be reinvested in patient care - as part of the revised model, delivered under the Vision for the Vale. These savings have been generated by the more efficient use of staff time and equipment under the new clinical service model, which will also maintain the high quality service for the benefit of patients.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-30T16:23:44.437","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272695,"EventID":"S4W-07276","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-16T16:23:44.5","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-16T14:31:59.703","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to review the law in relation to the licensing of private hire cars.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to review the law in relation to the licensing of private hire cars.\r\n","AnswerText":"We are currently looking at a range of issues related to taxi and private hire car licensing to see where changes are needed to legislation and guidance from the Scottish Government. We aim to have a public consultation on options for change in the Autumn.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-30T16:23:44.5","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272696,"EventID":"S4W-07277","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-16T16:23:44.563","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-16T14:31:59.703","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its position is on local authorities having the power to limit the number of private hire car licences in their area.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its position is on local authorities having the power to limit the number of private hire car licences in their area.\r\n","AnswerText":"Providing local authorities with the power to limit the number of private hire car licences is one of a range of options we are considering as part of our wider review of taxi and private car licensing.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-30T16:23:44.577","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272703,"EventID":"S4W-07288","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":2,"MSPID":4947,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-17T11:00:07.53","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-17T09:20:37","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how fire and rescue authorities have performed against the priorities and objectives in Fire and Rescue: Framework for Scotland 2005 and what plans there are to review th","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how fire and rescue authorities have performed against the priorities and objectives in Fire and Rescue: Framework for Scotland 2005 and what plans there are to review these.","AnswerText":"I have today published a report on the progress made by Scotland’s Fire and Rescue Services against the priorities set out in the Fire and Rescue Framework for Scotland 2005, a copy of which has been placed in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre (Bib. number: 53990).\r\nI have today also laid before Parliament a transitional Fire and Rescue Framework, setting out guidance and priorities for the eight services as we move towards a single Scottish Fire and Rescue Service:\r\nwww.scotland.gov.uk/transitionalfireandrescueframework. Its key themes are to protect frontline outcomes over the transition period; to ensure that those best placed to participate in the design of the new arrangements are given support to do so; to ensure that any major decisions are made consistently across the eight services and with due regard to future structure; and to help protect the people, experience, processes, assets and resources that will underpin the future delivery of world class services.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-31T11:00:07.953","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Roseanna Cunningham","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272717,"EventID":"S4W-07278","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2487,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-17T14:07:35.203","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-16T15:02:45","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what research has been done into introducing oil stamp saving schemes in Scotland.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what research has been done into introducing oil stamp saving schemes in Scotland.\r\n","AnswerText":"Last year Alex Neil, Cabinet Secretary for Infrastructure and Capital Investment, invited the Scottish Fuel Poverty Forum to undertake an independent review of the Scottish Government's Fuel Poverty Strategy, to ensure that we are best able to assist fuel poor households in Scotland.\r\nThe review is ongoing and I will ask the Cabinet Secretary if this initiative can be looked at as part of the forum's work in considering future options for tackling fuel poverty.\r\nThe Scottish Government has funded the setting up and running of the Energy Savings Trust, an advice network agency which provides advice to consumers on ways to save money and to improve efficiency of energy use in domestic homes.\r\nThe Energy Savings Trust provides free and independent advice on how to save money on energy bills in people’s homes and businesses. The service covers all the changes you can make in your home and business, from simple tips for saving water, to advice about new energy-efficient boilers, to detailed information about insulation and about availability of grants, loans and schemes which can all contribute to increased energy efficiency and lower energy bills.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-31T14:07:35.267","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272718,"EventID":"S4W-07279","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2487,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-17T14:07:35.343","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-16T15:02:45","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to introduce an oil stamp saving scheme.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to introduce an oil stamp saving scheme.\r\n","AnswerText":"Last year Alex Neil, Cabinet Secretary for Infrastructure and Capital Investment, invited the Scottish Fuel Poverty Forum to undertake an independent review of the Scottish Government’s Fuel Poverty Strategy, to ensure that we are best able to assist fuel poor households in Scotland.\r\nThe review is ongoing and I will ask the Cabinet Secretary if this initiative can be looked at as part of the Forum’s work in considering future options for tackling fuel poverty.\r\nThe Scottish Government have funded the setting up and running of the Energy Savings Trust an advice network agency which provides advice to consumers on ways to save money and to improve efficiency of energy use in domestic homes. \r\nThe Energy Savings Trust provides free and independent advice on how to save money on energy bills in peoples homes and businesses. The service covers all the changes you can make in your home and business, from simple tips for saving water, to advice about new energy-efficient boilers, to detailed information about insulation and about availability of grants, loans and schemes which can all contribute to increased energy efficiency and lower energy bills.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-07-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-31T14:07:35.343","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272719,"EventID":"S4W-07280","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2633,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-17T14:07:35.423","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-16T15:31:57","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the draft National Marine Plan will be published.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the draft National Marine Plan will be published.","AnswerText":"The Draft National Marine Plan will be published for consultation later this year. The Statement of Public Participation will be updated to reflect the publication date when it has been confirmed.\r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/marine/seamanagement/national/nmpspp.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-31T14:07:35.423","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272720,"EventID":"S4W-07281","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2610,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-17T14:07:35.483","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-16T15:43:43","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people are members of more than one quango.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people are members of more than one quango.\r\n","AnswerText":"There are currently 43 people who hold two or more non-executive appointments on the boards of Scotland’s regulated public bodies.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-31T14:07:35.5","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272721,"EventID":"S4W-07282","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2610,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-17T14:07:35.563","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-16T15:43:43","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people have been members of two or more quangos at the same time in each year since 2006.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people have been members of two or more quangos at the same time in each year since 2006.\r\n","AnswerText":"There are currently 40 people who hold two non-executive appointments and three people who hold three non-executive appointments on the boards of Scotland’s regulated public bodies.\r\nThis information was not held centrally in the form requested before the Code of Practice for Ministerial Appointments to Public Bodies in Scotland came into effect on 1 September 2011.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-31T14:07:35.577","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272722,"EventID":"S4W-07283","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2610,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-17T14:07:35.64","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-16T15:43:43","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the pay scales are for members of quangos.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the pay scales are for members of quangos.\r\n","AnswerText":"Public appointments are not paid by way of a pay scale but receive a daily fee. The Chair and Members Daily Fee Framework is set out in the Technical Guide to the Pay Policy for Senior Appointments and is available on the Scottish Government website at www.scotland.gov.uk/publicsectorpay. The framework for 2012-13 freezes, for the third consecutive year, the levels of daily fee that apply. Further details of actual remuneration rates are also available on the Scottish Government website at www.appointed-for-scotland.org/About-public-bodies/NDPB-Directory/.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-31T14:07:35.657","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272723,"EventID":"S4W-07284","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2610,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-17T14:07:35.733","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-16T15:43:43","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information it has on whether any members of quangos are in receipt of (a) civil service or (b) local government pensions.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information it has on whether any members of quangos are in receipt of (a) civil service or (b) local government pensions.\r\n","AnswerText":"Information about the personal pension arrangements of people who hold non-executive appointments on the boards of Scotland’s regulated public bodies is not held centrally.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-31T14:07:35.733","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272724,"EventID":"S4W-07285","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4080,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-17T14:07:35.813","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-16T16:37:51.017","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many prescriptions for sleeping pills have been dispensed in each of the last five years, broken down by NHS board.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many prescriptions for sleeping pills have been dispensed in each of the last five years, broken down by NHS board.","AnswerText":"This information is published regularly by National Services Scotland Information Services Division, and can be found on their website at:-\r\nwww.isdscotland.org/Health-Topics/Prescribing-and-Medicines/Publications/data-tables.asp?id=657#657.\r\nThe information is based on the British National Formulary section 4.1, and includes hypnotics, anxiolytics and barbiturates: figures for barbiturates are not given by NHS board for reasons of statistical disclosure.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-31T14:07:35.827","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272725,"EventID":"S4W-07286","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4080,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-17T14:07:35.907","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-16T16:37:51.017","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the cost of prescribing sleeping pills has been in each of the last five years, broken down by NHS board.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the cost of prescribing sleeping pills has been in each of the last five years, broken down by NHS board.","AnswerText":"This information is published regularly by National Services Scotland Information Services Division, and can be found on their website at:-\r\nwww.isdscotland.org/Health-Topics/Prescribing-and-Medicines/Publications/data-tables.asp?id=657#657.\r\nThe information is based on the British National Formulary section 4.1, and includes hypnotics, anxiolytics and barbiturates: figures for barbiturates are not given by NHS board for reasons of statistical disclosure.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-31T14:07:35.907","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272726,"EventID":"S4W-07287","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4080,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-17T14:07:35.983","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-16T16:37:51.017","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many cases of unlawful access to medical records have been recorded in the NHS in each of the last five years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many cases of unlawful access to medical records have been recorded in the NHS in each of the last five years.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-31T14:07:35.983","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272727,"EventID":"S4W-07289","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2678,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-17T14:07:36.047","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-17T09:23:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to audit the provision of cardiac rehabilitation services by (a) NHS board and (b) heart condition from May 2012.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to audit the provision of cardiac rehabilitation services by (a) NHS board and (b) heart condition from May 2012.\r\n","AnswerText":"There are no immediate plans to audit cardiac rehabilitation services given that a two-year cardiac rehabilitation audit had just been completed as part of Healthcare Improvement Scotland’s Heart Disease Improvement Programme.\r\nThe results of the audit are published on Information Service’s Division’s website at: http://www.isdscotland.org/Health-Topics/Heart-Disease/Publications/index.asp#971.\r\nWe expect that this audit, which is the most comprehensive audit of this type in the UK, will be invaluable in supporting NHS boards to improve cardiac rehabilitation services.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-31T14:07:36.063","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272728,"EventID":"S4W-07290","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":131,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-17T14:07:36.123","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-17T10:06:49","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is considering making changes to the payments to bus operators in relation to passengers travelling with free bus passes.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is considering making changes to the payments to bus operators in relation to passengers travelling with free bus passes.","AnswerText":"We have commissioned MVA Consultancy to undertake independent research to improve and update the evidence base underpinning reimbursement payments to bus operators for carrying concessionary bus passengers under the Scotland-wide Free Bus Travel Scheme for Older and Disabled People. We cannot prejudge the outcome of that research but we expect it to provide information relevant to the reimbursement of bus operators in future years.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-31T14:07:36.123","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272729,"EventID":"S4W-07291","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":131,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-17T14:07:36.203","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-17T10:06:49","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it last discussed the operation of the concessionary bus travel scheme with bus operators.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it last discussed the operation of the concessionary bus travel scheme with bus operators.","AnswerText":"We have regular dialogue with bus operators in Scotland about the concessionary bus travel scheme and other bus related issues through the Confederation of Passenger Transport (CPT). Transport Scotland officials last met representatives of CPT on 29 March 2012.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-31T14:07:36.203","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272730,"EventID":"S4W-07292","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":131,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-17T14:07:36.28","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-17T10:06:49","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has contracted external consultants to model and assess the operation of the concessionary bus travel scheme with a view to making changes and, if so, what con","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has contracted external consultants to model and assess the operation of the concessionary bus travel scheme with a view to making changes and, if so, what consultants.","AnswerText":"We have commissioned MVA Consultancy to undertake independent research to further improve and update the evidence base underpinning reimbursement payments to bus operators for carrying concessionary bus passengers under the Scotland-wide Free Bus Travel Scheme for Older and Disabled People. A report of their findings is expected in the autumn.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-31T14:07:36.28","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272731,"EventID":"S4W-07293","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":131,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-17T14:07:36.357","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-17T10:06:49","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to employ external consultants to model the operation of the concessionary bus travel scheme.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to employ external consultants to model the operation of the concessionary bus travel scheme.","AnswerText":"We have commissioned MVA Consultancy to undertake independent research to further improve and update the evidence base underpinning reimbursement payments to bus operators for carrying concessionary bus passengers under the Scotland-wide Free Bus Travel Scheme for Older and Disabled People. A report of their findings is expected in the autumn.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-31T14:07:36.357","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272732,"EventID":"S4W-07294","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":131,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-17T14:07:36.42","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-17T10:06:49","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to consult (a) bus operators and (b) passengers on any proposed changes to the operation of the concessionary bus travel scheme.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to consult (a) bus operators and (b) passengers on any proposed changes to the operation of the concessionary bus travel scheme.","AnswerText":"We will discuss any relevant results and consequent proposals for change that may emerge from the MVA Consultancy research with stakeholders, including the Confederation of Passenger Transport and user representatives, as appropriate.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-31T14:07:36.42","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272733,"EventID":"S4W-07295","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-17T14:07:36.5","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-17T10:16:34","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it last had discussions with NESTRANS regarding the Aberdeen Crossrail project.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it last had discussions with NESTRANS regarding the Aberdeen Crossrail project.","AnswerText":"Scottish ministers and officials from Transport Scotland regularly meet with representatives with Nestrans to discuss a range of transport issues, including progress on the Aberdeen to Inverness Rail Improvements Project and proposals for cross Aberdeen rail services. The most recent meeting was held on 9 February 2012.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-31T14:07:36.5","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272734,"EventID":"S4W-07296","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-17T14:07:36.577","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-17T10:16:34","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what recent discussions it has had with Network Rail on the potential for reopening the railway station at (a) Kintore and (b) Newtonhill.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what recent discussions it has had with Network Rail on the potential for reopening the railway station at (a) Kintore and (b) Newtonhill.\r\n","AnswerText":"Transport Scotland officials regularly meet with representatives with Network Rail on the potential re-opening of Kintore station as it forms part of the Aberdeen to Inverness Rail Improvements Project.\r\nIn addition, we have regular discussions about the development of the Aberdeen to Central Belt Rail Enhancement Scheme. This project is in the early stages of development, as such, we are unable to consider any station proposals south of Aberdeen, such as Newtonhill at present.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-31T14:07:36.577","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272735,"EventID":"S4W-07298","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-17T14:07:36.653","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-17T10:16:34","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to increase the number of services available from Portlethen railway station and what discussions it has had with First ScotRail on this issue.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to increase the number of services available from Portlethen railway station and what discussions it has had with First ScotRail on this issue.\r\n","AnswerText":"Transport Scotland meet regularly with ScotRail and Network Rail to consider and discuss what opportunities there are to vary calling patterns on services to further improve capacity and meet passenger demand to travel.\r\nDiscussions with ScotRail are ongoing with an objective to increase calls at Portlethen. This review is subject to the Rail Timetable Planning Process.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-31T14:07:36.653","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272736,"EventID":"S4W-07299","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5060,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-17T14:07:36.717","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-17T11:01:23","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the role of partner organisations is in the consultation on a national parenting strategy.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the role of partner organisations is in the consultation on a national parenting strategy.","AnswerText":"The role of partner organisations is to feed in their views, including those of parents, to help shape our approach going forward.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-31T14:07:36.733","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Aileen Campbell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272737,"EventID":"S4W-07300","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5060,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-17T14:07:36.797","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-17T11:01:23","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the cost is of using partner organisations in the consultation on a national parenting strategy.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the cost is of using partner organisations in the consultation on a national parenting strategy.","AnswerText":"There is no cost to the Scottish Government of using partner organisations in this consultation.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-31T14:07:36.81","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Aileen Campbell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272738,"EventID":"S4W-07301","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5060,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-17T14:07:36.873","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-17T11:01:23","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive from which budget the cost of using partner organisations in the consultation on a national parenting strategy is being met. \r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive from which budget the cost of using partner organisations in the consultation on a national parenting strategy is being met. \r\n","AnswerText":"There is no specific budget as there is no cost to the Scottish Government of using partner organisations to feed in their views to the development of a national parenting strategy.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-31T14:07:36.89","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Aileen Campbell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272739,"EventID":"S4W-07302","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5060,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-17T14:07:36.95","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-17T11:01:23","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what groups and organisations working with parents have been consulted on the national parenting strategy.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what groups and organisations working with parents have been consulted on the national parenting strategy.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government have consulted with a wide range of groups and organisations working with parents. The following groups and organisations responded.\r\n \r\nAdditional Support Needs Forum, Outreach Team, Stirling Council\r\nAmina the Muslim Women’s Resource Centre\r\nArgyll and Bute Council\r\nAuchnacraig Early Years Education Centre (West Dunbartonshire Council) \r\nBarlarnark Family Support Centre\r\nBarnardo’s Scotland\r\nBarrhill Community Centre (East Ayrshire Council)\r\nBeith Primary School (North Ayrshire Council)\r\nCare and Learning Alliance\r\nCarlibar Primary School (East Renfrewshire Council)\r\nChildren 1st\r\nCircle Scotland \r\nClackmannanshire Council \r\nClovenstone Community Centre \r\nColdstream Play Group \r\nComhairle nan Eilean Siar (schools and preschools)\r\nDown’s Syndrome Scotland\r\nDundee City Council\r\nEast Renfrewshire Council\r\nEdinburgh City Council\r\nEducation Development Centre (Western Isles) Comhairle nan Eilean Siar\r\nENABLE Scotland Young Families Support Committee\r\nEqual Say Advocacy\r\nFalkirk Council \r\nFamilies Outside\r\nEdinburgh Prison Visitors’ Centre \r\nFamily Fund, helping disabled children\r\nFamily Nurse Partnership\r\nGilmerton Child & Family Centre (Edinburgh City Council)\r\nHailesland Child and Family Centre (Edinburgh City Council)\r\nClovenstone Primary School (Edinburgh City Council)\r\nPentland Primary School (Edinburgh City Council)\r\nColinton Primary School (Edinburgh City Council)\r\nOxgangs Primary School (Edinburgh City Council)\r\nDreghorn Barracks, Edinburgh\r\nHillside School (East Ayrshire Council)\r\nHome Link Family Support\r\nHome-Start (Glenrothes, Kincardine, Wigtownshire, Orkney, Edinburgh)\r\nKibble Education and Care Centre\r\nKingsway Court Health and Wellbeing Centre\r\nLGBT Centre for Health and Wellbeing\r\nMastrick Community Centre (Aberdeen City Council)\r\nMidlothian Council\r\nMidlothian Parents Voice \r\nMidlothian Sure Start\r\nNational Childbirth Trust\r\nNHS Health Scotland\r\nNHS Lothian \r\nNorth Ayrshire Council\r\nOne Parent Families Scotland \r\nParent Council (Clackmannanshire)\r\nParent Network Scotland\r\nPeople First (Scotland)\r\nPerth & Kinross Council\r\nPoverty Alliance\r\nQuarriers \r\nRelationships Scotland\r\nRoshni\r\nRuchazie Family Support Centre Barlarnark \r\nScottish Borders Council\r\nScottish Consortium for Learning Disability \r\nScottish Drugs Forum\r\nScottish Marriage Care\r\nScottish Pre-School Play Association\r\nScottish Woman's Aid\r\nSense Scotland\r\nShakti Women's Aid\r\nShetland Council\r\nSign Post (West Lothian Council)\r\nSouth Lanarkshire Council \r\nSt Marys Family Support Project, South Lanarkshire \r\nStirling Council\r\nSure Start and Outreach Strathbrock Partnership (West Lothian)\r\nThe Hub Community Centre (Highland Council)\r\nTowerlands Primary School (North Ayrshire Council)\r\nWest Dumbartonshire Council\r\nWest Dunbartonshire Community Health and Care Partnership\r\nWest Dunbartonshire Council\r\nWest Lothian Council\r\nWork Sleep Play\r\n\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-31T14:07:36.95","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Aileen Campbell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272740,"EventID":"S4W-07303","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5060,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-17T14:07:37.03","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-17T11:01:23","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the national parenting strategy will be published.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the national parenting strategy will be published.","AnswerText":"We aim to publish the first part of the national parenting strategy this autumn. We will set out our aspirations for our approach and support to those with a parenting role and will include commitments to a programme of further work to follow.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-31T14:07:37.03","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Aileen Campbell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272741,"EventID":"S4W-07304","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-17T17:08:47.09","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-17T12:27:20","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many 999 calls have been received by each police force in each year since 2007.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many 999 calls have been received by each police force in each year since 2007.\r\n","AnswerText":"The information requested can be found in Table 1.5.1 of the Scottish Policing Performance Framework Annual Report, 2010-11, which can be found on the Scottish Government website at:\r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2011/10/25105642/7\r\nPlease note that, although the title of Table 1.5.1 is 'Number of 999 calls in the sample', the figures in the table include all 999 calls recorded by electronic equipment.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-31T17:08:47.12","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272742,"EventID":"S4W-07305","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-17T17:08:47.2","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-17T12:27:20","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many (a) 999 and (b) non-emergency calls have been (i) dropped or (ii) missed by each police force in each year since 2007.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many (a) 999 and (b) non-emergency calls have been (i) dropped or (ii) missed by each police force in each year since 2007.\r\n","AnswerText":"The number of 999 calls missed or dropped is not held centrally. Information on the percentage of 999 calls answered within 10 seconds between 2007-08 and 2010-11 is given in Table 1.5.2 of the Scottish Policing Performance Framework (SPPF) 2010-11\r\n(http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2011/10/25105642/7).\r\nData on the number of non-emergency calls and the proportion of non-emergency calls abandoned or lost for 2009-10 and 2010-11, is given in Tables 1.7.1 and 1.7.3 of the 2010-11 SPPF\r\n(http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2011/10/25105642/9). These tables also include partial data for 2008-09, but no data is available for 2007-08.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-31T17:08:47.2","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272743,"EventID":"S4W-07306","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-17T17:08:47.26","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-17T12:27:20","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many police (a) staff and (b) officers have been employed as call handlers by each force in each year since 2007.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many police (a) staff and (b) officers have been employed as call handlers by each force in each year since 2007.\r\n","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally. Resourcing issues such as this are the responsibility of the police forces.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-31T17:08:47.277","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272744,"EventID":"S4W-07307","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-17T17:08:47.353","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-17T12:27:20","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of the Disclosure Scotland applications sent to police forces for additional checks has been processed outwith the 14-day period required by the service l","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of the Disclosure Scotland applications sent to police forces for additional checks has been processed outwith the 14-day period required by the service level agreement in each year since 2007.\r\n","AnswerText":"Information about the performance of relevant police forces against the service level target for each year since 2007 is set out in the following table.\r\nPercentage of Enquiries Processed outwith the 14 Day Target\r\nYear\r\n \r\n2007\r\n35%\r\n2008\r\n27%\r\n2009\r\n30%\r\n2010\r\n34%\r\n2011\r\n30%\r\n\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-31T17:08:47.353","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill ","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272745,"EventID":"S4W-07308","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-17T17:08:47.433","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-17T12:27:20","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many (a) civilian staff and (b) police officers have been employed by each police force to carry out checks on Disclosure Scotland applications in each year since 200","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many (a) civilian staff and (b) police officers have been employed by each police force to carry out checks on Disclosure Scotland applications in each year since 2007.\r\n","AnswerText":"Disclosure Scotland does not hold information about the number of civilian staff and constables employed by relevant police forces in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. For relevant police forces in Scotland, we have figures at February 2011 which are set out in the following table.\r\nRelevant Police Force\r\nCivilians\r\nConstables\r\nCombined FTE\r\nCentral Scotland Police\r\n2\r\n1\r\n1.8\r\nDumfries and Galloway Constabulary\r\n3\r\n2\r\n2.8\r\nFife Constabulary\r\n4\r\n3\r\n4.3\r\nGrampian Police\r\n6\r\n0\r\n5.3\r\nLothian and Borders Police\r\n5\r\n1\r\n3.8\r\nNorthern Constabulary\r\n5\r\n1\r\n3.7\r\nScottish Crime and Drug Enforcement Agency\r\n1\r\n0\r\n0.1\r\nStrathclyde Police\r\n16\r\n4\r\n19.6\r\nTayside Police\r\n6\r\n1\r\n3.9\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-31T17:08:47.433","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272746,"EventID":"S4W-07309","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-17T17:08:47.527","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-17T12:27:20","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether police forces that fail to meet the 14-day period required by the service level agreement to process Disclosure Scotland applications can be penalised and, if so,","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether police forces that fail to meet the 14-day period required by the service level agreement to process Disclosure Scotland applications can be penalised and, if so, whether these penalties have ever been applied.\r\n","AnswerText":"The service level agreements that Disclosure Scotland have in place with Scottish relevant police forces do provide for penalties to be applied if targets are not met for a period of two consecutive months. There are different levels of penalties dependent upon the level of poor performance. Since the revised service level agreements came into force on 28 February 2011, no penalties have been imposed for poor performance.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-31T17:08:47.527","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Aileen Campbell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272747,"EventID":"S4W-07310","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-17T17:08:47.59","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-17T12:27:20","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what guidance has been given to police forces regarding meeting the 14-day period required by the service level agreement to process Disclosure Scotland applications. \r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what guidance has been given to police forces regarding meeting the 14-day period required by the service level agreement to process Disclosure Scotland applications. \r\n","AnswerText":"The service level agreements make it clear that Disclosure Scotland has obligations to individuals and organisations making disclosure applications. It is on the basis of the need for prompt responses to Disclosure Scotland enquiries that penalties have been included in the service level agreement with the Scottish relevant police forces.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-31T17:08:47.603","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Aileen Campbell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272748,"EventID":"S4W-07311","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5109,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":101,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-17T17:08:47.667","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-17T13:10:15","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what support it (a) gives and (b) will give  community councils following the winding up of the Association of Scottish Community Councils.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what support it (a) gives and (b) will give  community councils following the winding up of the Association of Scottish Community Councils.\r\n","AnswerText":"Since 2007 the Scottish Government has worked in partnership with COSLA and the Association of Scottish Community Councils to develop and produce a package of measures to raise the profile, effectiveness, and support of Community Councils throughout Scotland. This included:\r\nA Model Scheme of Establishment of Community Councils;\r\nA Model Code of Conduct for Community Councillors; \r\nGood Practice Guidance for use by both local authorities and Community Councils; and\r\nFive Community Council pilot projects looking at budget management; asset management; and Community Council elections.\r\nCurrently, a short life working group is considering how best to build the resilience and capacity of Community Councils, in order to strengthen their role and relevance as voices for their communities. The group is due to report its recommendations later this summer and these proposals will provide a platform for wider discussion and engagement on the future development of Scotland’s Community Councils.\r\nThe Scottish Government remains committed to supporting Community Councils to make a full and active contribution to the communities that they represent. Future Scottish Government support will be shaped by the working group’s proposals and wider discussions with others who share this aspiration.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-31T17:08:47.667","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Derek Mackay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272749,"EventID":"S4W-07312","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2029,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":145,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-17T17:08:47.73","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-17T14:16:31","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many modern apprenticeships in retail  were funded by Skills Development Scotland in 2011-12 and how many it will fund in 2012-13.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many modern apprenticeships in retail  were funded by Skills Development Scotland in 2011-12 and how many it will fund in 2012-13.","AnswerText":"Skills Development Scotland (SDS) publish modern apprenticeship (MA) statistics, broken down by age and by framework, on a quarterly basis. The year-end statistics for national training programmes in 2011-12 can be found at the following link:\r\nhttp://www.skillsdevelopmentscotland.co.uk/knowledge/national-reports/national-training-programmes-statistics.aspx.\r\nThe allocation of funding for MAs in 2012-13 will be determined by SDS’ contracting process. We have made a commitment to fund a total of 25,000 MA opportunities in each year of the current Parliament. However, as starts and spend are both dependent on actual take up, it is not possible to state the allocation for MAs in the retail sector for 2012-13 other than retrospectively.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-31T17:08:47.743","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angela Constance","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272750,"EventID":"S4W-07313","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2029,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":145,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-17T17:08:47.807","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-17T14:16:31","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what criteria Skills Development Scotland uses to decide on funding for modern apprenticeships in retail.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what criteria Skills Development Scotland uses to decide on funding for modern apprenticeships in retail.","AnswerText":"Given limited public resources there is a need to prioritise resources within the MA area. Given the continuing challenges within the labour market for young people, it is important that we maximise the number of 16 to 24- year-olds moving into employed apprenticeships. All approved frameworks in Scotland, including retail, will be funded for this group.\r\nWe also remain committed to ensuring that the key and supporting sectors, such as construction, engineering and automotive, have access to a wide range of all age skills development tools for both new entrants and their existing workforce, this includes apprenticeship opportunities.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-31T17:08:47.807","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angela Constance","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272751,"EventID":"S4W-07314","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2029,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":145,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-17T17:08:47.887","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-17T14:16:31","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will provide a breakdown by industry sector of the 25,000 new modern apprenticeship starts in 2011-12.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will provide a breakdown by industry sector of the 25,000 new modern apprenticeship starts in 2011-12.","AnswerText":"Skills Development Scotland (SDS) publish modern apprenticeship (MA) statistics, broken down by age, gender and framework, on a quarterly basis. The year-end statistics for national training programmes in 2011-12, including MAs by sectoral framework, can be found at the following link:\r\nhttp://www.skillsdevelopmentscotland.co.uk/knowledge/national-reports/national-training-programmes-statistics.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-31T17:08:47.887","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angela Constance","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272752,"EventID":"S4W-07315","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2029,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":145,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-17T17:08:47.963","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-17T14:16:31","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether Skills Development Scotland will fund modern apprenticeships for the retail sector for people aged 20 and over and what the reasons are for its position on this m","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether Skills Development Scotland will fund modern apprenticeships for the retail sector for people aged 20 and over and what the reasons are for its position on this matter.","AnswerText":"Given limited public resources there is a need to prioritise resources within the MA area. Given the continuing challenges within the labour market for young people, it is important that we maximise the number of 16 to 24- year-olds moving into employed apprenticeships. All approved frameworks in Scotland, including retail, will be funded for this group.\r\nWe also remain committed to ensuring that the key and supporting sectors, such as construction, engineering and automotive, have access to a wide range of all age skills development tools, for both new entrants and their existing workforce, this includes apprenticeship opportunities.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-05-31T17:08:47.963","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angela Constance","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272772,"EventID":"S4W-07316","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3751,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":108,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-18T15:51:08.573","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-17T16:10:18","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has considered carrying out a comparison study of offshore wind, onshore wind and tidal power.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has considered carrying out a comparison study of offshore wind, onshore wind and tidal power.","AnswerText":"Scotland possesses a very large potential resource across all of these areas. Onshore wind, offshore wind and tidal power will all make an important contribution towards meeting our renewables targets. While onshore wind is already well established and reducing in cost, our priority now is on proving offshore renewable technologies at a commercial scale.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-06T15:51:08.713","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272773,"EventID":"S4W-07317","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5034,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-18T15:51:08.807","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-17T16:25:34.677","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its target is for the maximum number of days before a post mortem is conducted and how this compares with the average time by each NHS board.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its target is for the maximum number of days before a post mortem is conducted and how this compares with the average time by each NHS board.\r\n","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally.\r\nNHS Quality Improvement Scotland (NHS QIS) produced standards for the Management of Post mortem Examinations in 2003. The standards recommended that NHS organisations should have local procedures in place to ensure that post mortem examinations are carried out within two working days of receipt of authorisation. \r\nNHS QIS visited all services carrying out post mortems between November 2003 and June 2004 to assess them against the standards. The review reports that followed were published in February 2005 and the review found that all NHS organisations performed post mortem examinations within acceptable timescales.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-06T15:51:08.807","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272774,"EventID":"S4W-07319","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5034,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-18T15:51:08.87","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-17T16:25:34.677","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the longest number of days is that NHS Tayside has taken since 2004 before conducting a post mortem.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the longest number of days is that NHS Tayside has taken since 2004 before conducting a post mortem.\r\n","AnswerText":"Information on the number of days taken by NHS Tayside to carry out hospital post mortems is not held centrally.\r\nNHS Quality Improvement Scotland Standards for the Management of Post mortem Examinations (2003) recommend that NHS organisations should have local procedures in place to ensure that post mortem examinations are carried out within two working days of receipt of authorisation.\r\nNHS QIS visited all services carrying out post mortems between November 2003 and June 2004 to assess them against the standards. The review reports that followed were published in February 2005 and the review found that all NHS organisations performed post mortem examinations within acceptable timescales.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-06T15:51:08.887","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272775,"EventID":"S4W-07320","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3751,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":108,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-18T15:51:08.963","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-17T16:32:37","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will issue guidance on the safe disposal of energy-efficient light bulbs.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will issue guidance on the safe disposal of energy-efficient light bulbs.\r\n","AnswerText":"It is a requirement of the Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Regulations 2006 that the producers of energy-efficient light bulbs have to fund their end-of-life collection and treatment. Collection is normally done through local authority civic amenity sites or at kerbside where a household WEEE collection exists. Once collected the bulbs are taken to authorised treatment facilities where they are managed in accordance with current guidance on safe recycling and disposal. This guidance was issued by Defra, the Scottish Executive and the Welsh Assembly Government in 2006.\r\nThe Scottish Government has no immediate plans to issue further guidance on the safe disposal of energy-efficient light bulbs. \r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-06T15:51:08.963","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272776,"EventID":"S4W-07321","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3751,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":108,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-18T15:51:09.04","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-17T16:36:46","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it (a) promotes and (b) supports nature reserves.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it (a) promotes and (b) supports nature reserves.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government promotes nature reserves principally through the provision of grant-in-aid to Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH). In turn, SNH promotes Scotland's 47 National Nature Reserves (NNRs) and 61 Local Nature Reserves (LNRs) through the 'Scotland’s National Nature Reserves' website http://www.nnr-scotland.org.uk/ and the online directory of Local Nature Reserves (http://www.snh.gov.uk/enjoying-the-outdoors/where-to-go/nature-reserves-and-parks/lnrs/) respectively. SNH and VisitScotland also recently completed a high profile three-year campaign promoting National Nature Reserves.\r\nScotland’s nature reserves are managed to encourage the people of Scotland to experience and enjoy the best of Scotland's nature. As well as providing all or part of 38 NNRs, SNH provides support to a number of other organisations (e.g. the Scottish Wildlife Trust, the National Trust for Scotland and the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds) through grants and management agreements. Forestry Commission Scotland  directly provides 21 nature reserves including all, or part, of four NNRs.\r\nThe Scottish Government makes a wide range of land management support payments available to private and NGO managers of nature reserves through the Scotland Rural Development Programme, and particularly through Rural Development Contracts.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-06T15:51:09.04","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272777,"EventID":"S4W-07322","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2876,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-18T15:51:09.103","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-18T12:49:17","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will provide a breakdown of recorded religious hate crimes in 2011-12 expressed as the number of incidents per 1,000 members of each religious affiliation.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will provide a breakdown of recorded religious hate crimes in 2011-12 expressed as the number of incidents per 1,000 members of each religious affiliation.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government will publish, before the end of 2012, the results of further analysis into the nature of section 74 incidents reported by the police to the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service in 2011-12. This will include analysis of the religions targeted in the incidents, and commentary on the number of incidents proportionate to the size of religious populations in Scotland.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-06T15:51:09.12","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272778,"EventID":"S4W-07323","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5079,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-18T15:51:09.18","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-18T13:17:56","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many staff have been employed in each (a) directorate, (b) agency, (c) non-ministerial department and (d) NDPB for which it is responsible in each year since 2007, br","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many staff have been employed in each (a) directorate, (b) agency, (c) non-ministerial department and (d) NDPB for which it is responsible in each year since 2007, broken down by (i) gender, (ii) age and (iii) grade.\r\n","AnswerText":"Numbers of Scottish Government employees at 31 March each year, broken down by gender, age, grade and other characteristics are published annually by Office of National Statistics (ONS) as Official Statistics as part of the Annual Civil Service Employment Survey (ACSES). This includes Scottish Government agencies and non-ministerial departments and a total figure for the Scottish Government core directorates. These figures are available online at:\r\n2011\r\nhttp://www.ons.gov.uk/ons/publications/re-reference-tables.html?edition=tcm%3A77-229310\r\n2010\r\nhttp://www.ons.gov.uk/ons/publications/re-reference-tables.html?edition=tcm%3A77-199704\r\n2009\r\nhttp://www.ons.gov.uk/ons/publications/re-reference-tables.html?edition=tcm%3A77-45187\r\n2008\r\nhttp://www.ons.gov.uk/ons/publications/re-reference-tables.html?edition=tcm%3A77-45191\r\n2007\r\nhttp://www.ons.gov.uk/ons/publications/re-reference-tables.html?edition=tcm%3A77-45183.\r\nTables showing this breakdown from 2008 using equivalent definitions for the non-departmental public bodies which share our HR service have been lodged with the Scottish Parliament Information Centre and can be requested under Bib. number 54005. These tables also include breakdowns for the larger government core directorates for the years 2010 and 2011.\r\nThese figures include both permanent employees of the Scottish Government and those with fixed-term contracts but does not include other temporary staff such as inward secondees and contingent workers (for example, through employment agencies) who are not paid from payroll nor staff who are fee paid and do not have contracted hours. It also excludes staff who were not being paid at the reference date, for example those on a career break or unpaid maternity leave.\r\nThe age groups and the grade breakdown provided uses standard Civil Service wide definitions and is comparable to published figures for other UK Departments.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-06T15:51:09.18","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272779,"EventID":"S4W-07325","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2673,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":114,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-18T15:51:09.26","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-18T14:02:47","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its position is on the recommendation in the report, Improving Pharmaceutical Care in Care Homes, regarding developing national guidance to ensure efficient working ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its position is on the recommendation in the report, Improving Pharmaceutical Care in Care Homes, regarding developing national guidance to ensure efficient working practices in managing repeat medicines, including the supply and administration of medication in care homes for older people.\r\n","AnswerText":"The recommendation is consistent with work being undertaken through the Prescribing Workstream of the NHSScotland Efficiency and Productivity Programme. A key part of this workstream is to develop guidance and support tools to improve the quality and efficiency of prescribing for all medicines, including repeat medicines for all patients whether in their own home or a care setting.\r\nIn addition, the Review of NHS Pharmaceutical Care of Patients in the Community will help to inform a national approach to pharmaceutical care for this particular group of patients.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-06T15:51:09.26","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272780,"EventID":"S4W-07326","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3751,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":108,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-21T14:52:58.247","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-18T15:36:59","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made in evaluating the transformation of flooded coal mines for geothermal power.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made in evaluating the transformation of flooded coal mines for geothermal power.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has commissioned research to examine Scotland’s geothermal potential, including an assessment of abandoned mine workings, and to identify policy options for increasing commercial confidence in taking forward the exploitation of deep geothermal heat. The results of the study are expected to be available by spring 2013.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-07T14:52:58.417","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272781,"EventID":"S4W-07327","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3751,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":108,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-21T14:52:58.51","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-18T15:36:59","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the cost has been of the Forth Replacement Crossing and whether it will remain within budget based on current costs.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the cost has been of the Forth Replacement Crossing and whether it will remain within budget based on current costs.\r\n","AnswerText":"The cost of the Forth Replacement Crossing project to March 2012 is £235 million. The project remains on track for a total outturn cost of £1.45 to £1.6 billion.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-07T14:52:58.51","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272782,"EventID":"S4W-07329","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4964,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-21T14:52:58.573","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-20T09:12:11","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what advice it issues to local authorities in relation to the payment of special responsibility allowances to senior councillors.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what advice it issues to local authorities in relation to the payment of special responsibility allowances to senior councillors.","AnswerText":"Special Responsibility Allowances for senior councillors were abolished with the introduction of salaries for councillors in 2007. The Local Governance (Scotland) Act 2004 (Remuneration) Regulations 2007 and amendments set out the requirements for senior councillors’ remuneration.\r\nNon-statutory guidance to local authorities on councillors’ remuneration, allowances and expenses was first published on the Scottish Government website in April 2007. An updated version was published in April 2010.\r\nA copy can be viewed at: www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2010/04/12120139/1.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-07T14:52:58.573","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Derek Mackay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272783,"EventID":"S4W-07330","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4964,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-21T14:52:58.637","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-20T09:12:11","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there is flexibility for local authorities to set the level of special responsibility allowance that is paid to individual senior councillors or whether it must b","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there is flexibility for local authorities to set the level of special responsibility allowance that is paid to individual senior councillors or whether it must be paid at a set rate for each local authority.","AnswerText":"The Local Governance (Scotland) Act 2004 (Remuneration) Regulations 2007 introduced salaries for councillors in place of special responsibility allowances. Local authorities are able to determine the amount of remuneration paid to each senior councillor within the limit specified in Regulations.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-07T14:52:58.65","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Derek Mackay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272784,"EventID":"S4W-07331","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2876,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-21T14:52:58.713","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-21T09:13:30","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the average national grid transmission charge is in each local authority area.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the average national grid transmission charge is in each local authority area.\r\n","AnswerText":"Electricity generators are charged for using the transmission network according to the charging zone in which they are located. These zones are defined solely by the physical and operational characteristics of the network, rather than by local authority area. It is therefore not possible to estimate the average charge levied in each local authority.\r\nThere are eight zones in Scotland, with charges ranging from £10.50/kW in Zone 8 (Auchencroish, around Hunterston) to £22.05/kW in Zone 3 (Western Highland and Skye). In comparison, charges in the south of the network are much less (or are negative). For example, the charge is –£13.35/kW in zone 16 (Central London) and -£5.68/kW in zone 20 (Peninsula, covering Cornwall and parts of Devon).\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-07T14:52:58.73","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272785,"EventID":"S4W-07333","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4086,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-21T14:52:58.793","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-21T10:49:11","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its position is on the involvement of the Electronic Collar Manufacturers Association in research to determine whether the use of electronic shock collars for dog tr","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its position is on the involvement of the Electronic Collar Manufacturers Association in research to determine whether the use of electronic shock collars for dog training should be prohibited.\r\n","AnswerText":"The involvement of industry leaders in research projects is an important way of ensuring that practical issues are considered and that strict scientific protocols can be followed in a commercial environment. The Scottish Government appreciated the involvement of the Electronic Collar Manufacturers Association in the Defra-funded research project on electronic training aids. We are aware that ECMA helped to ensure that the strict scientific procedures required during the project were adhered to, and their knowledge and experience in this area were a welcome contribution.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-07T14:52:58.793","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272786,"EventID":"S4W-07334","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4086,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-21T14:52:58.853","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-21T10:49:11","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its position is on the delay to research into the use of electric shock collars and whether it will discuss with the Welsh Assembly Government the evidence that it c","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its position is on the delay to research into the use of electric shock collars and whether it will discuss with the Welsh Assembly Government the evidence that it considered when legislating against the use of such devices.","AnswerText":"The Defra-funded research project was due to finish in November 2011; the Scottish Government received a draft final report in July 2011. The research has been completed and the project is currently being peer reviewed. Peer review is an important part of the research process as it ensures that the results reported have arisen from suitably structured scientific research and analysis and are not biased. This process should be completed later this year, at which point the Scottish Government will consider whether any further action is required on electronic shock collars.\r\nThe Scottish Government is aware of the evidence that the Welsh Government considered when legislating against the use of electronic shock collars; however, we do not consider that the studies that have been published to date are sufficiently robust to impose a ban or regulation at this point in time. Scottish Government policy is that such regulatory burden should only be imposed where there is clear evidence that doing so will improve animal welfare in the most proportionate manner.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-07T14:52:58.87","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272787,"EventID":"S4W-07343","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":131,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-21T14:52:58.933","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-21T12:09:30.623","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what charities and voluntary organisations it funds.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what charities and voluntary organisations it funds.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government is maintaining levels of investment in the third sector to ensure that the sector is supported to play a full role in meeting the Scottish Government’s purpose and also to make an important contribution to public service reform. That is why over 2012-13 to 2014-15 we will invest a further £73.5 million in enhancing the capability and sustainability of the sector.\r\nWe are currently in the final stages of developing a new reporting method which will allow us to accurately track all direct payments made to third sector organisations by the Scottish Government and plan to publish this information later in the year.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-07T14:52:58.933","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272788,"EventID":"S4W-07347","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-21T14:52:59.01","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-21T13:27:35.543","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether class sizes in (a) primary and (b) secondary schools in (i) Aberdeen and (ii) Aberdeenshire have decreased since May 2007.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether class sizes in (a) primary and (b) secondary schools in (i) Aberdeen and (ii) Aberdeenshire have decreased since May 2007.","AnswerText":"Information on class sizes in secondary schools is not routinely collected.\r\n(i) In Aberdeen City, the average primary class size has decreased from 23.8 in September 2006 to 23.6 in September 2011.\r\n(ii) In Aberdeenshire, the average primary class size has risen from 22.3 in September 2006 to 22.9 in September 2011.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-07T14:52:59.01","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272789,"EventID":"S4W-07348","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-21T14:52:59.073","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-21T13:27:35.543","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many exclusions there were from (a) primary and (b) secondary schools in (i) Aberdeen, (ii) Aberdeenshire and (iii) Angus in 2011-12, broken down by reason for exclus","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many exclusions there were from (a) primary and (b) secondary schools in (i) Aberdeen, (ii) Aberdeenshire and (iii) Angus in 2011-12, broken down by reason for exclusion.\r\n","AnswerText":"Information on exclusions from 2011-12 is not being collected and published centrally. The next publication of exclusions data will be from the academic year 2012-13 in December 2013. \r\nTables 1 and 2 below show how many exclusions there were in Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire and Angus in 2010-11, in both primary and secondary schools, broken down by reason for exclusion. The reason for exclusion figures have been rounded to the nearest five for disclosure and quality reasons.\r\nTable 1. Number of Exclusions in Primary Schools Broken Down by Reason for Exclusion, 2010-11.\r\n \r\nAberdeen City\r\nAberdeenshire\r\nAngus\r\nTotal Number of Exclusions1\r\n316\r\n102\r\n94\r\n \r\n\r\n\r\n \r\nReason For Exclusion\r\n\r\n\r\n \r\n \r\n\r\n\r\n \r\nDamage to personal property of pupil\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\nDamage to personal property of staff\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\nDamage to school property\r\n25\r\n10\r\n10\r\nExtortion from pupil\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\nFighting\r\n20\r\n10\r\n5\r\nFire raising\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\nGeneral or persistent disobedience\r\n135\r\n35\r\n35\r\nIndecent exposure\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\nInsolent or offensive behaviour\r\n55\r\n15\r\n15\r\nMalicious communications against pupil\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\nMalicious communications against staff\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\nParental non-cooperation\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\nPhysical assault using improvised weapon against pupil\r\n5\r\n0\r\n5\r\nPhysical assault using improvised weapon against staff\r\n5\r\n0\r\n5\r\nPhysical assault using weapon against pupil\r\n5\r\n0\r\n0\r\nPhysical assault using weapon against staff\r\n5\r\n0\r\n0\r\nPhysical assault with no weapon against pupil\r\n60\r\n30\r\n20\r\nPhysical assault with no weapon against staff\r\n40\r\n25\r\n25\r\nRefusal to attend class\r\n25\r\n5\r\n10\r\nSlander and libel (incl. website) against pupil\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\nSlander and libel (incl. website) against staff\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\nSpitting\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\nStalking of pupil\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\nSubstance misuse - alcohol\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\nSubstance misuse - not alcohol\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\nSustained peer exclusion for the purpose of causing significant distress\r\n5\r\n0\r\n0\r\nTheft from pupil\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\nTheft from staff\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\nThreat of physical violence using weapon or improvised weapon, pupil\r\n5\r\n0\r\n0\r\nThreat of physical violence using weapon or improvised weapon, staff\r\n5\r\n0\r\n0\r\nThreat of physical violence, no weapon, against pupil\r\n10\r\n5\r\n0\r\nThreat of physical violence, no weapon, against staff\r\n5\r\n5\r\n5\r\nThreat of sexual violence against pupil\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\nThreat of sexual violence against staff\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\nThreat to personal property against pupil\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\nThreat to personal property against staff\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\nThreat to school property\r\n5\r\n0\r\n5\r\nVerbal abuse of pupil\r\n35\r\n15\r\n10\r\nVerbal abuse of staff\r\n80\r\n40\r\n35\r\nOther\r\n30\r\n5\r\n15\r\nNote: 1. Includes temporary and permanent exclusions.\r\n\r\nTable 2. Number of Exclusions In Secondary Schools Broken Down by Reason for Exclusion, 2010-11.\r\n \r\nAberdeen City\r\nAberdeenshire\r\nAngus\r\n \r\n\r\n\r\n \r\nTotal Number of Exclusions1\r\n951\r\n699\r\n340\r\n \r\n\r\n\r\n \r\nReason For Exclusion\r\n\r\n\r\n \r\n \r\n\r\n\r\n \r\nDamage to personal property of pupil\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\nDamage to personal property of staff\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\nDamage to school property\r\n10\r\n20\r\n10\r\nExtortion from pupil\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\nFighting\r\n75\r\n40\r\n15\r\nFire raising\r\n0\r\n5\r\n0\r\nGeneral or persistent disobedience\r\n210\r\n240\r\n95\r\nIndecent exposure\r\n0\r\n5\r\n5\r\nInsolent or offensive behaviour\r\n115\r\n125\r\n45\r\nMalicious communications against pupil\r\n5\r\n0\r\n0\r\nMalicious communications against staff\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\nParental non-cooperation\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\nPhysical assault using improvised weapon against pupil\r\n10\r\n10\r\n0\r\nPhysical assault using improvised weapon against staff\r\n5\r\n0\r\n0\r\nPhysical assault using weapon against pupil\r\n5\r\n5\r\n0\r\nPhysical assault using weapon against staff\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\nPhysical assault with no weapon against pupil\r\n140\r\n135\r\n60\r\nPhysical assault with no weapon against staff\r\n15\r\n15\r\n10\r\nRefusal to attend class\r\n5\r\n25\r\n5\r\nSlander and libel (incl. website) against pupil\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\nSlander and libel (incl. website) against staff\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\nSpitting\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\nStalking of pupil\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\nStalking of staff\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\nSubstance misuse - alcohol\r\n15\r\n10\r\n10\r\nSubstance misuse - not alcohol\r\n10\r\n15\r\n5\r\nSustained peer","AnswerDate":"2012-05-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-07T14:52:59.073","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272790,"EventID":"S4W-07349","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-21T14:52:59.15","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-21T13:27:35.543","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many pupils have been suspended for alcohol-related issues in (a) Aberdeen and (b) Aberdeenshire in the last year.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many pupils have been suspended for alcohol-related issues in (a) Aberdeen and (b) Aberdeenshire in the last year.","AnswerText":"In 2010-11 there were 15 pupils temporarily excluded from Aberdeen City for alcohol substance misuse and 10 from Aberdeenshire. These figures have been rounded to the nearest five for disclosure and quality reasons.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-07T14:52:59.15","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272791,"EventID":"S4W-07350","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-21T14:52:59.23","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-21T13:27:35.543","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of primary 1 to 3 pupils in (a) Aberdeen and (b) Aberdeenshire primary schools was in a class size of (a) 18 and under, (b) 19 to 25, (c) 26 to 30 and (d)","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of primary 1 to 3 pupils in (a) Aberdeen and (b) Aberdeenshire primary schools was in a class size of (a) 18 and under, (b) 19 to 25, (c) 26 to 30 and (d) over 30 in each year from 2007-08 to 2011-12.\r\n","AnswerText":"Data for the respective years in Aberdeen City and Aberdeenshire are shown in the following tables.\r\n(a) Percentage of P1-P3 pupils in Aberdeen City primary schools, by size of class:\r\n\r\n2007\r\n2008\r\n2009\r\n2010\r\n2011\r\n1-18\r\n9\r\n7\r\n8\r\n12\r\n17\r\n19-25\r\n68\r\n71\r\n62\r\n59\r\n55\r\n26-30\r\n24\r\n22\r\n30\r\n29\r\n29\r\nover 30\r\n0\r\n0\r\n1\r\n0\r\n0\r\nNotes:\r\n1. Percentages may not add to 100 due to rounding.\r\n2. The percentage of P1-P3 pupils in classes of 18 or fewer include two-teacher classes with 36 or less. Classes taught by two teachers at all times are treated as two classes of half the size. \r\n(b) Percentage of P1-P3 pupils in Aberdeenshire primary schools, by size of class:\r\n\r\n2007\r\n2008\r\n2009\r\n2010\r\n2011\r\n1-18\r\n16\r\n13\r\n13\r\n13\r\n11\r\n19-25\r\n67\r\n68\r\n64\r\n66\r\n67\r\n26-30\r\n17\r\n18\r\n22\r\n22\r\n22\r\nover 30\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\nNotes:\r\n1. Percentages may not add to 100 due to rounding.\r\n2. The percentage of P1-P3 pupils in classes of 18 or fewer include two-teacher classes with 36 or less. Classes taught by two teachers at all times are treated as two classes of half the size.","AnswerDate":"2012-05-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-07T14:52:59.23","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272792,"EventID":"S4W-07351","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-21T14:52:59.29","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-21T13:27:35.543","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many teachers have been employed in (a) primary and (b) secondary schools in (i) Aberdeen and (ii) Aberdeenshire in each of the last three years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many teachers have been employed in (a) primary and (b) secondary schools in (i) Aberdeen and (ii) Aberdeenshire in each of the last three years.","AnswerText":"Teachers numbers are published on the Scottish Government website, available in tables 7.1 and 8.1 from the following link.\r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Statistics/Browse/School-Education/teachcensus2011.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-07T14:52:59.29","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272793,"EventID":"S4W-07352","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1742,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-21T14:52:59.37","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-21T13:39:13.567","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to meet the Cystic Fibrosis Trust.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to meet the Cystic Fibrosis Trust.","AnswerText":"The Minister for Public Health last met with the Cystic Fibrosis Trust on 2 November 2011.\r\nOfficials in the Clinical Priorities Team of the Scottish Government maintain regular contact and good relations with the trust. \r\nWe welcome any opportunity to work with charities to help improve the lives of people living with cystic fibrosis and would welcome a further invitation to meet with the Cystic Fibrosis Trust.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-07T14:52:59.37","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272809,"EventID":"S4F-00690","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":138,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-21T14:37:48.53","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-15T12:53:06.753","Title":"To ask the First Minister what impact the continuing uncertainty in the eurozone is having on the Scottish economy.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what impact the continuing uncertainty in the eurozone is having on the Scottish economy.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-07T14:37:48.67","MeetingDate":"2012-05-24T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272810,"EventID":"S4F-00692","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":4976,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-21T14:37:48.7","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-17T17:32:56","Title":"To ask the First Minister when he will next meet the Secretary of State for Scotland.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister when he will next meet the Secretary of State for Scotland.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-07T14:37:48.7","MeetingDate":"2012-05-24T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272811,"EventID":"S4F-00693","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":5057,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-21T14:37:48.733","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-21T10:10:10.053","Title":"To ask the First Minister what progress is being made with the criminal investigation of the Lockerbie bombing. \r\n","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what progress is being made with the criminal investigation of the Lockerbie bombing. \r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-07T14:37:48.733","MeetingDate":"2012-05-24T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272812,"EventID":"S4F-00697","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":5009,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-21T14:37:48.857","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-21T10:52:43.307","Title":"To ask the First Minister what issues will be discussed at the next meeting of the Cabinet.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what issues will be discussed at the next meeting of the Cabinet.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-07T14:37:48.857","MeetingDate":"2012-05-24T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272813,"EventID":"S4F-00701","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":2080,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":87,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-21T14:37:48.997","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-21T11:13:20.05","Title":"To ask the First Minister what engagements he has planned for the rest of the day.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what engagements he has planned for the rest of the day.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-07T14:37:48.997","MeetingDate":"2012-05-24T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272814,"EventID":"S4F-00712","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":3743,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":123,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-21T14:37:49.403","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-21T13:49:27.36","Title":"To ask the First Minister what the Scottish Government's position is regarding reports that the Ministry of Defence might have sold land in Scotland that was contaminated with radioactive material.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what the Scottish Government's position is regarding reports that the Ministry of Defence might have sold land in Scotland that was contaminated with radioactive material.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-07T14:37:49.403","MeetingDate":"2012-05-24T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272815,"EventID":"S4W-07344","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1841,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":120,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-21T17:07:39.73","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-21T12:52:51","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many babies have been treated for congenital heart disease in each NHS board in each of the last five years.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many babies have been treated for congenital heart disease in each NHS board in each of the last five years.\r\n","AnswerText":"Data for babies treated for congenital heart disease are available from a number of different sources. National data on babies born with congenital anomalies are collected centrally in Scotland and these data are believed to provide the best estimate of the birth prevalence of congenital heart disease as they include babies who have a congenital anomaly of the heart detected at birth or within one year of birth. However, some babies who present with a congenital anomaly on death are included in the figures but may not have been treated prior to detection/death. Also any baby with an incidental mention of congenital heart disease whilst being treated for another related condition will also be included.\r\nData included below refer to single births only, congenital anomalies of the heart and exclude anomalies affecting the great vessels. To allow follow up during infancy a period of one year from birth must elapse therefore the latest year of available data is 2009. \r\nTable 1 - the number of babies born in Scotland detected with congenital heart anomalies at birth or during infancy by NHS board of residence for the years 2005 to 2009:\r\nNumbers\r\n2005\r\n2006\r\n2007\r\n2008\r\n2009\r\nScotland\r\n295\r\n270\r\n306\r\n287\r\n304\r\nAyrshire and Arran\r\n32\r\n16\r\n26\r\n27\r\n25\r\nBorders\r\n*\r\n6\r\n*\r\n5\r\n*\r\nDumfries and Galloway\r\n7\r\n8\r\n*\r\n8\r\n*\r\nFife\r\n21\r\n17\r\n24\r\n16\r\n31\r\nForth Valley\r\n14\r\n13\r\n15\r\n10\r\n12\r\nGrampian\r\n54\r\n37\r\n41\r\n38\r\n40\r\nGreater Glasgow and Clyde\r\n59\r\n51\r\n54\r\n64\r\n55\r\nHighland\r\n34\r\n42\r\n36\r\n32\r\n54\r\nLanarkshire\r\n18\r\n25\r\n29\r\n30\r\n24\r\nLothian\r\n33\r\n32\r\n51\r\n38\r\n29\r\nTayside\r\n14\r\n18\r\n15\r\n13\r\n19\r\nIsland NHS Boards\r\n*\r\n5\r\n9\r\n6\r\n6\r\nSource – ISD Scotland.\r\nData are also collected centrally on the numbers of paediatric cardiac treatments carried out in children aged 0 to 16.\r\nTable 2 - the Numbers of Paediatric Cardiac Treatments Undertaken in the Years 2004-05 to 2010-11 by NHS Board**\r\nNHS Board\r\n2004-05\r\n2005-06\r\n2006-07\r\n2008-09\r\n2009-10\r\n2010-11\r\nScotland\r\n509\r\n545\r\n525\r\n507\r\n532\r\n558\r\nArgyll and Clyde\r\n49\r\n50\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nAyrshire and Arran\r\n45\r\n49\r\n30\r\n36\r\n38\r\n54\r\nBorders\r\n9\r\n10\r\n8\r\n7\r\n7\r\n7\r\nDumfries and Galloway\r\n22\r\n14\r\n22\r\n13\r\n15\r\n10\r\nFife\r\n27\r\n32\r\n29\r\n43\r\n41\r\n41\r\nForth Valley\r\n21\r\n43\r\n44\r\n32\r\n29\r\n33\r\nGrampian\r\n23\r\n33\r\n39\r\n39\r\n37\r\n59\r\nGreater Glasgow and Clyde\r\n115\r\n113\r\n144\r\n143\r\n168\r\n161\r\nHighland\r\n23\r\n22\r\n33\r\n22\r\n12\r\n19\r\nLanarkshire\r\n72\r\n77\r\n79\r\n64\r\n69\r\n64\r\nLothian\r\n66\r\n69\r\n52\r\n66\r\n63\r\n59\r\nTayside\r\n33\r\n28\r\n41\r\n34\r\n49\r\n47\r\nIsland NHS Boards\r\n*\r\n5\r\n*\r\n8\r\n*\r\n*\r\nSource: National Services Division.\r\nNotes:\r\n*Indicates a value that has been suppressed due to the potential risk of disclosure and to help maintain patient confidentiality.\r\n**Numbers include children aged 0 to 16 years and both cardiac surgery and interventional cardiology procedures.","AnswerDate":"2012-06-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-07T17:07:40.027","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272816,"EventID":"S4W-07345","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1841,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":120,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-21T17:07:40.12","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-21T12:52:51","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many (a) nurses and (b) consultants specialising in paediatric congenital heart disease are employed by each NHS board.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many (a) nurses and (b) consultants specialising in paediatric congenital heart disease are employed by each NHS board.\r\n","AnswerText":"The exact information requested is not centrally available. Information on the headcount and whole-time equivalent of nursing and midwifery staff, broken down by NHS board as at 28 February 2012 can be found on the workforce statistics site at:\r\nhttp://www.isdscotland.org/Health-Topics/Workforce/Publications/2012-02-28/Nursing_and_Midwifery_SIP_D2011.xls.\r\nInformation on the headcount and whole-time equivalent of consultants by specialty, including paediatric cardiology, broken down by NHS board as at 28 February 2012 can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.isdscotland.org/Health-Topics/Workforce/Publications/2012-02-28/Consultant_Staff_In_Post_D2011.xls.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-07T17:07:40.133","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272817,"EventID":"S4W-07362","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4934,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-21T17:07:40.197","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-21T14:07:44","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many seals were shot under licence in (a) 2011 and (b) the first reporting period in 2012.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many seals were shot under licence in (a) 2011 and (b) the first reporting period in 2012.","AnswerText":"Information on numbers of seals shot under licence during the first year of operation of the new seal licensing system can be found on the Scottish Government website at www.scotland.gov.uk/seallicensing.\r\nInformation on numbers of seals shot during the 1st reporting period of the second year of operation will be published on the website in due course.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-07T17:07:40.197","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272818,"EventID":"S4W-07363","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4934,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-21T17:07:40.277","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-21T14:07:44","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action is taken to ensure that seal licensing reports are submitted on time.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action is taken to ensure that seal licensing reports are submitted on time.","AnswerText":"Licensees are prompted two weeks prior to the end of the reporting period. A reminder is then issued after the end of the reporting period. If reports have still not been received, licensees are contacted directly via email and telephone by the Marine Scotland Licensing Team.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-07T17:07:40.29","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272819,"EventID":"S4W-07364","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4934,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-21T17:07:40.353","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-21T14:07:44","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of seal licensing reports has been submitted on time since 31 January 2011.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of seal licensing reports has been submitted on time since 31 January 2011.","AnswerText":"In the first year of operation of the new seal licensing system 87% of all seal licence returns were submitted by the due date. The majority of outstanding returns were submitted within a further 10 days, with only 2.5% falling after that. Marine Scotland is working hard to minimise any delays and ensure that publication of this information is more timeous in future.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-07T17:07:40.353","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272820,"EventID":"S4W-07365","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4934,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-21T17:07:40.43","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-21T14:07:44","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it supports its employees to volunteer in sport.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it supports its employees to volunteer in sport.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government is committed to helping its employees participate in community projects and making a contribution to Scottish society. As part of this commitment, all staff are entitled to receive one day of paid special leave each year for volunteering activities. In addition, staff who participate in major sports events which are National Championships or Finals may receive up to five days’ paid special leave in any 12 month period; this is also available to those who are representing their country. Staff may also receive special leave without pay to take part in regional, area or zoned sporting events.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-07T17:07:40.43","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272821,"EventID":"S4W-07366","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3751,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":108,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-21T17:07:40.493","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-21T14:42:10","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there is any indication of companies (a) leaving or (b) choosing not to invest in Scotland due to the independence referendum.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there is any indication of companies (a) leaving or (b) choosing not to invest in Scotland due to the independence referendum.\r\n","AnswerText":"Companies are attracted to Scotland for a range of reasons such as skills availability, a supportive government and pro-business environment, a clear economic strategy and a strong track record in attracting investment. The success of Scottish Development International in attracting inward investment has helped create or support over 32,000 planned jobs over the last five years and support Scottish businesses in their international ambitions.\r\nI can confirm that no company has informed the government that they intend to or have withdrawn business as a result of the Scottish Government plans to hold a referendum in 2014 and that despite UK Government claims of business uncertainty they have yet to provide any evidence for these claims.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-07T17:07:40.51","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272822,"EventID":"S4W-07367","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3751,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":108,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-21T17:07:40.57","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-21T14:42:10","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much will be paid by supermarkets as a result of the proposed public health levy.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much will be paid by supermarkets as a result of the proposed public health levy.","AnswerText":"The public health supplement will increase the business rates paid by large retailers who sell both alcohol and tobacco by an estimated £95 million over the period 2012-15.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-07T17:07:40.57","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272823,"EventID":"S4W-07368","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3751,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":108,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-21T17:07:40.65","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-21T14:42:10","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the Green Investment Bank will be (a) in place and (b) fully operational.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the Green Investment Bank will be (a) in place and (b) fully operational.","AnswerText":"The public company, UK Green Investment Bank PLC, was registered in Scotland on 15 May 2012. On 25 May, Lord Smith of Kelvin was announced as the new chair of the Green Investment Bank and Sir Adrian Montague as the bank’s senior independent director. The process to recruit a CEO has just started. It is envisaged that the bank will be operational in Edinburgh by autumn 2012, subject to state aid approval.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-07T17:07:40.65","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272824,"EventID":"S4W-07336","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5079,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-21T17:08:35.5","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-21T12:03:54.013","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what proportion of (a) mail and (b) packages and parcels (i) it and (ii) its agencies send via (A) Royal Mail and (B) private sector contractors.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what proportion of (a) mail and (b) packages and parcels (i) it and (ii) its agencies send via (A) Royal Mail and (B) private sector contractors.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government does not hold the information in the form requested.\r\nInformation is held about the mail items processed though Royal Mail at 7 of the SG’s main buildings: Victoria Quay, St Andrews House and Saughton House in Edinburgh, Atlantic Quay, Europa Building and Highlander House in Glasgow, and the Marine Laboratory in Aberdeen. During the financial year 2011-12 the Scottish Government processed 299,736 items of mail through Royal Mail services from these buildings. The items comprised 1st and 2nd class mail, special deliveries and small packages.\r\nDuring the same period, the Scottish Government processed 10,487 items (almost exclusively packages and parcels) through private sector contracts across all the buildings on its estate.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-07T17:08:35.517","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272825,"EventID":"S4W-07337","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5079,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-21T17:08:35.577","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-21T12:03:54.013","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether an independent Scotland would seek to join the (a) International Postal Union and (b) International Telecommunications Union.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether an independent Scotland would seek to join the (a) International Postal Union and (b) International Telecommunications Union.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has a clear commitment to postal and telecommunications services and to the maintenance of universal service obligations. It is our intention to publish a White Paper in 2013 which will, based on dialogue with the sectors and consumers, outline our proposals for the effective operation of postal and telecommunications services designed for Scotland's communities, businesses and organisations. This will include a consideration of membership of these unions.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-07T17:08:35.593","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272826,"EventID":"S4W-07338","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5079,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-21T17:08:35.657","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-21T12:03:54.013","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether (a) mail and (b) telephone calls between an independent Scotland and other parts of the United Kingdom would be subject to international postal or call charges.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether (a) mail and (b) telephone calls between an independent Scotland and other parts of the United Kingdom would be subject to international postal or call charges.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-07337 on 12 June 2012. All answers to written Parliamentary Questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-07T17:08:35.657","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272827,"EventID":"S4W-07339","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5079,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-21T17:08:35.733","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-21T12:03:54.013","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with Royal Mail about the application of the universal service obligation in an independent Scotland.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with Royal Mail about the application of the universal service obligation in an independent Scotland.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-07337 on 12 June 2012. All answers to written Parliamentary Questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx. \r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-07T17:08:35.733","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272828,"EventID":"S4W-07340","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5079,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-21T17:08:35.813","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-21T12:03:54.013","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many (a) local authorities and (b) other public sector bodies provide a post office counter service alongside another public service access point.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many (a) local authorities and (b) other public sector bodies provide a post office counter service alongside another public service access point.\r\n","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-07T17:08:35.827","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272829,"EventID":"S4W-07341","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5079,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-21T17:08:35.907","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-21T12:03:54.013","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what use it makes of post office counters for the delivery of devolved services.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what use it makes of post office counters for the delivery of devolved services.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government recognises the importance of post offices to communities in Scotland. We are keen to work with Post Office Ltd to see if further services can be delivered through local post offices, particularly in the context of the implications of independence. Our intention is to publish a White Paper in 2013 which will, based on dialogue with the sectors and consumers, outline our proposals for the effective operation of postal services designed for Scotland's communities, businesses and organisations.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-07T17:08:35.907","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272830,"EventID":"S4W-07342","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5079,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-21T17:08:35.983","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-21T12:03:54.013","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is aware of any community pharmacies that operate in conjunction with or contain a post office counter.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is aware of any community pharmacies that operate in conjunction with or contain a post office counter.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government does not routinely collect this information. However, I understand there may be at least one example of where a post office and community pharmacy operate from shared premises. In addition, I understand that some NHS boards with remote and rural populations may have arrangements in place for a post office to act as an NHS-funded collection and delivery point for prescriptions, dispensed from a distant pharmacy.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-07T17:08:35.983","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272831,"EventID":"S4W-07369","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4086,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-21T17:08:36.06","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-21T15:24:02","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much was paid to commercial bus operators from the Bus Service Operators Grant in (a) 2008-09, (b) 2009-10, (c) 2010-11 and (d) 2011-12.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much was paid to commercial bus operators from the Bus Service Operators Grant in (a) 2008-09, (b) 2009-10, (c) 2010-11 and (d) 2011-12.\r\n","AnswerText":"Bus Service Operators Grant payments in these years is as shown: \r\n2008-09\r\n2009-10\r\n2010-11\r\n2011-12\r\n£63,294,403\r\n£64,121,631\r\n£62,500,000\r\n£60,018,000\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-07T17:08:36.077","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272832,"EventID":"S4W-07370","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4086,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-21T17:08:36.14","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-21T15:24:02","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what would have been paid to commercial bus operators from the Bus Service Operators Grant (BSOG) in (a) 2008-09, (b) 2009-10, (c) 2010-11 and (d) 2011-12 if the change t","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what would have been paid to commercial bus operators from the Bus Service Operators Grant (BSOG) in (a) 2008-09, (b) 2009-10, (c) 2010-11 and (d) 2011-12 if the change to BSOG introduced on 1 April 2012 applied in these years.\r\n","AnswerText":"As of April 2010, the Bus Service Operators Grant became budget limited. The annual expenditure for 2010-11 and 2011-12 would therefore have remained the same, if the new formula had been applied.\r\nPrior to April 2010, the payment rate varied with fuel duty and the budget was demand-led. It is not therefore possible to apply the new allocation formula for the years 2008-09 and 2009-10.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-07T17:08:36.153","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272848,"EventID":"S4W-07099","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4086,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-24T11:48:44.28","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-08T17:55:23.143","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many woodland expansion proposals have been consented without an approved environmental impact assessment by each Forestry Commission Scotland conservancy since 2007 ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many woodland expansion proposals have been consented without an approved environmental impact assessment by each Forestry Commission Scotland conservancy since 2007 for new woodland planting on (a) sensitive and (b) non-sensitive sites.\r\n","AnswerText":"The number of woodland creation proposals which were consented without an Environmental Impact Assessment, split by sensitive sites and by non-sensitive sites, since 2007 is set out in the following table.\r\nRPAC Region\r\nSensitive Sites\r\nNon-Sensitive Sites\r\nArgyll\r\n5\r\n54\r\nAyrshire\r\n4\r\n26\r\nBorders\r\n28\r\n184\r\nClyde Valley\r\n3\r\n30\r\nDumfries and Galloway\r\n18\r\n130\r\nForth\r\n13\r\n76\r\nGrampian\r\n30\r\n386\r\nHighland\r\n70\r\n218\r\nNorthern Isles\r\n3\r\n5\r\nOuter Hebrides\r\n3\r\n1\r\nTayside\r\n17\r\n100\r\nTotal\r\n194\r\n1,210\r\nNote: *Information by conservancy is not available as woodland creation approval figures are compiled by RPAC Region.","AnswerDate":"2012-06-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-12T11:48:44.28","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272849,"EventID":"S4W-07100","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4086,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-24T11:48:44.733","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-08T17:55:23.143","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many woodland expansion proposals have been consented without an approved environmental impact assessment by each Forestry Commission Scotland conservancy since 2007 ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many woodland expansion proposals have been consented without an approved environmental impact assessment by each Forestry Commission Scotland conservancy since 2007 for woodland planting (a) below two, (b) between two and 10, (c) from 10 to 100 and (d) above 100 hectares.\r\n","AnswerText":"The number of woodland creation proposals which were approved without Environmental Impact Assessment consent, by area size categories, since 2007 is set out in the following table.\r\nRPAC Region\r\nUnder 2\r\nhectares\r\n2-10\r\nhectares\r\n10-100\r\nhectares\r\nOver 100\r\nhectares\r\nTotal\r\nArgyll\r\n12\r\n18\r\n23\r\n6\r\n59\r\nAyrshire\r\n7\r\n13\r\n9\r\n1\r\n30\r\nBorders\r\n73\r\n94\r\n36\r\n9\r\n212\r\nClyde Valley\r\n8\r\n19\r\n5\r\n1\r\n33\r\nDumfries and Galloway\r\n21\r\n74\r\n46\r\n7\r\n148\r\nForth\r\n23\r\n48\r\n14\r\n4\r\n89\r\nGrampian\r\n184\r\n200\r\n29\r\n3\r\n416\r\nHighland\r\n56\r\n116\r\n89\r\n27\r\n288\r\nNorthern Isles\r\n5\r\n3\r\n0\r\n0\r\n8\r\nOuter Hebrides\r\n1\r\n1\r\n2\r\n0\r\n4\r\nTayside\r\n20\r\n71\r\n20\r\n6\r\n117\r\nTotal\r\n410\r\n657\r\n273\r\n64\r\n1,404\r\nNote: *Information by Conservancy is not available as woodland creation approval figures are compiled by Regional Proposal Assessment Committee (RPAC) Region.","AnswerDate":"2012-06-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-12T11:48:44.733","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272850,"EventID":"S4W-07101","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4086,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-24T11:48:44.827","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-08T17:55:23.143","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how the environmental impacts of the (a) current programme of Forestry Commission Scotland land acquisition and (b) new planting programme on the national forest estate h","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how the environmental impacts of the (a) current programme of Forestry Commission Scotland land acquisition and (b) new planting programme on the national forest estate have been assessed (i) strategically and (ii) at an individual forest level.","AnswerText":"The current programme of land acquisition and new planting on the national forest estate was included in The National Forest Estate Strategic Plan 2009-2013, which had a Strategic Environmental Assessment. A copy of The National Forest Estate Strategic Plan 2009-2013 is available on the Forestry Commission website at http://www.forestry.gov.uk/forestry/infd-6pelhd.\r\nPrior to the purchase of an individual site a detailed survey is undertaken and a report is produced covering the potential impact of any proposed new planting on environmental considerations. This report informs the decision making process on whether or not to purchase a site.\r\nOnce a site has been purchased, an Environmental Impact Assessment screening exercise is undertaken. Further information on this can be found on the Forestry Commission website at http://www.forestry.gov.uk/forestry/infd-5zgmp7.\r\nA Forest Design Plan or amendment for new planting is submitted to the relevant Forestry Commission Scotland Conservancy for approval. The approval process normally involves putting the Forest Design Plan or amendment on the public register.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-12T11:48:44.827","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272851,"EventID":"S4W-07328","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-24T11:48:44.907","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-18T18:10:01","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has made representations to the UK Government regarding proposed changes to maternity and paternity leave in light of the potential impact on its parenting str","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has made representations to the UK Government regarding proposed changes to maternity and paternity leave in light of the potential impact on its parenting strategy.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has been in contact with the UK Government regarding proposed changes to maternity and paternity leave. We would welcome any changes that introduce more flexibility to suit parents.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-12T11:48:44.92","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Aileen Campbell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272852,"EventID":"S4W-07354","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1860,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-24T11:48:45","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-21T14:20:49.19","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the board for the single police force will be appointed and how it will be (a) constituted and (b) held accountable to communities.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the board for the single police force will be appointed and how it will be (a) constituted and (b) held accountable to communities.","AnswerText":"Subject to the successful passage of the Police and Fire Reform (Scotland) Bill, the intention is for the Scottish Police Authority to be appointed in the autumn. The bill currently provides that the Authority will have between seven and 11 members. The appointments process will be fair and open and regulated by the Commissioner for Public Appointments, and members will be appointed on the basis of their skills and expertise.\r\nThe Scottish Police Authority will be accountable to Ministers, Parliament and the people of Scotland. The bill contains a number of provisions as to how this accountability will be achieved.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-12T11:48:45.013","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272853,"EventID":"S4W-07357","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1860,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-24T11:48:45.093","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-21T14:20:49.19","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive who will appoint the chief constable for the single police force and when this will take place.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive who will appoint the chief constable for the single police force and when this will take place.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has introduced legislation to the Parliament to establish a single Police Service of Scotland. The Police and Fire Reform (Scotland) Bill provides for the appointment of the chief constable by the Scottish Police Authority. Subject to the passage of the legislation, and the completion of the public appointments process, the chief constable is expected to be appointed by the Scottish Police Authority in the autumn.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-12T11:48:45.107","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272854,"EventID":"S4W-07359","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1860,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-24T11:48:45.2","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-21T14:20:49.19","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how the regional priorities of the single police force will be (a) determined and (b) met, and how it will measure the delivery of these.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how the regional priorities of the single police force will be (a) determined and (b) met, and how it will measure the delivery of these.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Police Authority and the Police Service will work with local authorities and others to set national and local priorities. Those will be delivered and measured through the strategic police plan for Scotland and the local police plans for each local authority area. \r\nWithin this framework, local authorities will be able to develop their own models of scrutiny and engagement, and the vast majority of them, including Highland Council, Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, Orkney Islands Council and Shetland Islands Council, are already involved in trialling these arrangements across Scotland.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-12T11:48:45.217","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272855,"EventID":"S4W-07360","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1860,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-24T11:48:45.31","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-21T14:20:49.19","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive which departments of the single police force will be located outwith the force's headquarters.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive which departments of the single police force will be located outwith the force's headquarters.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-07361 on 6 June 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-12T11:48:45.31","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272856,"EventID":"S4W-07361","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1860,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-24T11:48:45.42","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-21T14:20:49.19","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the single police force will have hubs in the (a) north and (b) north east.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the single police force will have hubs in the (a) north and (b) north east.\r\n","AnswerText":"It will be for the Scottish Police Authority and the new Chief Constable to determine how the service is organised. However, there is considerable scope for specialist and support functions to be located throughout Scotland and I anticipate that the Scottish Police Authority and the Chief Constable will take account of that.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-12T11:48:45.42","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272857,"EventID":"S4W-07371","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-24T11:48:45.513","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-22T00:12:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive on what date the Cabinet Secretary for Health, Wellbeing and Cities Strategy received the 2010 Audit Scotland report, Managing NHS waiting lists, and what action was take","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive on what date the Cabinet Secretary for Health, Wellbeing and Cities Strategy received the 2010 Audit Scotland report, Managing NHS waiting lists, and what action was taken by the cabinet secretary.\r\n","AnswerText":"I received the Audit Scotland report on 26 February 2010. Most actions were specifically for NHS boards to take forward and not for the Scottish Government. A range of actions were taken forward following the report. A number of these were set out when the then Director General for Health wrote to NHS Chief Executives in May 2010, asking them to undertake a review of their local processes to ensure that their systems hold and allow the transfer of information on patients’ additional needs, such as language requirements.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-12T11:48:45.513","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272858,"EventID":"S4W-07373","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-24T11:48:45.607","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-22T00:12:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how frequently NHS waiting times have been monitored in the last four years and what methodology is used.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how frequently NHS waiting times have been monitored in the last four years and what methodology is used.\r\n","AnswerText":"NHS boards provide delivery trajectories and risk management plans for waiting times targets and standards as part of their local delivery plans. This provides a factual basis for monitoring performance. The Scottish Government collects monthly management information to assess actual versus planned performance.\r\nThe Scottish Government also monitors the comprehensive set of waiting times statistics published on a quarterly basis by ISD. These include not just performance against the waiting time target and standards but also information such as number of did not attend, reasons for removal from lists, number of patient medically socially unavailable etc.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-12T11:48:45.623","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272859,"EventID":"S4W-07374","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-24T11:48:45.7","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-22T00:12:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what changes in the social unavailability rates relating to NHS waiting times have been reported to the Cabinet Secretary for Health, Wellbeing and Cities Strategy in the","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what changes in the social unavailability rates relating to NHS waiting times have been reported to the Cabinet Secretary for Health, Wellbeing and Cities Strategy in the last four years and when.\r\n","AnswerText":"My officials provide me with a report on the quarterly statistics published by ISD on waiting times. These reports include information on the number of patients who are socially unavailable at the census date that the publication relates to and compares it with the position in the previous quarter.\r\nFollowing the report on NHS Lothian management of waiting times, which I commissioned from Price Waterhouse Cooper’s, I now also receive specific information on retrospective changes to earlier data as part of the quarterly reporting of waiting times.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-12T11:48:45.7","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272860,"EventID":"S4W-07375","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-24T11:48:45.78","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-22T00:12:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Cabinet Secretary for Health, Wellbeing and Cities Strategy will establish a whistleblowing helpline, in light of reports of a culture of bullying and intimid","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Cabinet Secretary for Health, Wellbeing and Cities Strategy will establish a whistleblowing helpline, in light of reports of a culture of bullying and intimidation in NHS Lothian and reports that the BMA considers that the problem is more widespread.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Workforce and Staff Governance Committee has previously considered the issue of a helpline and concluded that it was not required at that stage. However, I am asking the committee to revisit the issue of a helpline, in light of the implementation of the new Implementing & Reviewing Whistleblowing Arrangements in NHSScotland Partnership Information Network (PIN) Policy, and the recent Lothian report, and report back to me before the end of the year.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-12T11:48:45.78","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272861,"EventID":"S4W-07376","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1866,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-24T11:48:45.857","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-22T09:08:38","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many patients have been transferred from the NHS to private healthcare providers by each NHS board in each year since 2007-08 and what the cost has been.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many patients have been transferred from the NHS to private healthcare providers by each NHS board in each year since 2007-08 and what the cost has been.\r\n","AnswerText":"Information on the number of hospital episodes carried out at independent hospitals on behalf of NHS boards in the financial year ending 31 March 2011 is provided in the following table. It is not possible to provide information for earlier years as data is not of sufficient quality.\r\nNumber of Hospital patients Treated as Inpatient and Day Cases By NHS Boards And the Independent Healthcare Sector On Behalf of NHS Boards in 2010-11\r\nNHS Board\r\nPatients treated by NHS Board\r\nPatients treated by the private sector\r\n% of  patients treated by the private sector.\r\nNHS Ayrshire and ArranP\r\n35,848\r\n304\r\n0.8%\r\nNHS Borders\r\n7,738\r\n127\r\n1.6%\r\nNHS Dumfries and Galloway\r\n15,536\r\n2\r\n0.0%\r\nNHS Fife\r\n21,741\r\n89\r\n0.4%\r\nNHS Forth Valley\r\n17,349\r\n258\r\n1.5%\r\nNHS GrampianP\r\n51,410\r\n3\r\n0.0%\r\nNHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde\r\n147,305\r\n0\r\n-\r\nNHS Highland\r\n23,270\r\n0\r\n-\r\nNHS LanarkshireP\r\n43,993\r\n324\r\n0.7%\r\nNHS Lothian\r\n66,544\r\n804\r\n1.2%\r\nNHS Orkney\r\n1,847\r\n0\r\n-\r\nNHS Shetland\r\n2,167\r\n0\r\n-\r\nNHS Tayside\r\n35,588\r\n0\r\n-\r\nNHS Western Isles\r\n2,604\r\n0\r\n-\r\nGolden Jubilee National Hospital\r\n9,147\r\n0\r\n-\r\nNHSScotland\r\n482,087\r\n1,911\r\n0.4%\r\nSource: ISD SMR01.\r\nPProvisional. \r\nInformation obtained from boards shows that the spend on the use of the independent healthcare sector has drop from £23.8 million in 2008-09 to £8 million in 2010-11 – the latest available information. The following table provides information by NHS board.\r\nIt should be borne in mind in looking at the funding that this does not directly relate to patients treated by the independent healthcare sector. This is because some of the funding will relate to equipment such as a mobile MRI scanner or a mobile theatre.  However in some case patients will continue to be treated by NHS staff as part of their normal working arrangements and not by private sector staff.\r\nNHS Board\r\n2008-09\r\n£000\r\n2009-10\r\n£000\r\n20010-11\r\n£000\r\nNHS Ayrshire and Arran\r\n1,819\r\n1,917\r\n1,958\r\nNHS Borders\r\n156\r\n292\r\n436\r\nNHS Dumfries and Galloway\r\n810\r\n99\r\n30\r\nNHS Fife\r\n2,090\r\n1,712\r\n462\r\nNHS Forth Valley\r\n1,569\r\n1,126\r\n495\r\nNHS Grampian\r\n2,315\r\n1,453\r\n1,628\r\nNHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde\r\n800\r\n3,452\r\n0\r\nNHS Highland\r\n30\r\n49\r\n173\r\nNHS Lanarkshire\r\n1,992\r\n740\r\n725\r\nNHS Lothian\r\n5,100\r\n4,157\r\n2,056\r\nNHS Orkney\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\nNHS Shetland\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\nNHS Tayside\r\n6,174\r\n4,172\r\n84\r\nWestern Isles\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\nGolden Jubilee National Hospital\r\n995\r\n-\r\n-\r\nNHSScotland\r\n23,850\r\n19,169\r\n8,047\r\n\r\nThe Scottish Government’s policy is that NHS boards should use NHS funding to build sustainable capacity. The use of the independent healthcare sector should only be used in the margins to deal with short-term capacity issues. This is reflected by the significant reduction in NHS spend to the independent healthcare sector from £23.9 million in 2008-09 to £8 million in 2010-11. A clear example of building more sustainable NHS capacity was the transfer from the independent healthcare sector of services undertaken at Stracathro Regional Treatment Centre being brought into NHS Tayside ownership in January 2010.","AnswerDate":"2012-08-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-12T11:48:45.857","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272862,"EventID":"S4W-07378","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1866,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-24T11:48:45.933","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-22T09:08:38","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive under what circumstances it supports the use by the NHS of private healthcare providers.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive under what circumstances it supports the use by the NHS of private healthcare providers.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has made clear that boards may make use of the private sector to deal with short-term capacity issues. Boards should be using their funding to build sustainable local capacity.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-12T11:48:45.933","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272863,"EventID":"S4W-07379","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1866,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-24T11:48:46.013","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-22T09:08:38","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, in light of the recent investigation by the board’s auditors, what discussions it has had with NHS Lothian regarding the use of private healthcare providers.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, in light of the recent investigation by the board’s auditors, what discussions it has had with NHS Lothian regarding the use of private healthcare providers.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has always made clear our policy is to invest in the NHS in Scotland and to build sustainable services for the benefit of all NHS patients. However, NHS boards retain the option to use the independent sector where necessary to help meet short-term pressures and to provide temporary additional capacity from time to time to enable them to treat patients quickly. This will always be at the margins.\r\nScottish Government officials, including senior managers and members of the expert team, have had a number of discussions about use of the independent sector as one of the options to manage the backlog of patients awaiting treatment who are outwith target treatment times, while work is ongoing to put in place a more sustainable system of capacity planning and delivery which will enable patients to be treated swiftly within the board's own resources\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-12T11:48:46.013","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272864,"EventID":"S4W-07096","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4086,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-22T13:54:58.43","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-08T17:55:23.143","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it assesses significant impacts of woodland expansion proposals greater than 0.25 hectares on (a) biodiversity and (b) the historic environment.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it assesses significant impacts of woodland expansion proposals greater than 0.25 hectares on (a) biodiversity and (b) the historic environment.","AnswerText":"In deciding whether woodland creation proposals are likely to have a significant effect on the environment of a site, Forestry Commission Scotland seek the views of other relevant organisations to identify potential issues and mitigations early in the application process.\r\nFor biodiversity, consideration is given to the sensitivity of the site, for example, whether proposals are within a sensitive site such as a Site of Special Scientific Interest or Special Area of Conservation (SAC) or Special Protection Area (SPA), to the presence of any priority habitats or species as identified within the UK Biodiversity Action Plan (UKBAP) and to the potential impacts on soil and water.\r\nFor historic environment, consideration is given to the presence of historic features such as Scheduled Ancient Monuments; other features of historic significance such as veteran trees and also the impact of proposals on the wider historic landscape aspects.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-08T13:54:58.43","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272865,"EventID":"S4W-07097","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4086,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-22T13:54:58.51","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-08T17:55:23.143","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many woodland expansion proposals have been (a) consented and (b) consented without an approved environmental statement by each Forestry Commission Scotland conservan","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many woodland expansion proposals have been (a) consented and (b) consented without an approved environmental statement by each Forestry Commission Scotland conservancy since 2007 and what area of woodland this represents.\r\n","AnswerText":"The number of woodland expansion proposals where consent is required and not required since 2007 by Regional Proposal Assessment Committee (RPAC) Region is set out in the following table.\r\nRPAC Region\r\nConsent Required\r\nConsent Not Required\r\nArgyll\r\n1\r\n59\r\nAyrshire\r\n0\r\n30\r\nBorders\r\n0\r\n212\r\nClyde Valley\r\n0\r\n33\r\nDumfries and Galloway\r\n2\r\n148\r\nForth\r\n1\r\n89\r\nGrampian\r\n1\r\n416\r\nHighland\r\n1\r\n288\r\nNorthern Isles\r\n0\r\n8\r\nOuter Hebrides\r\n0\r\n4\r\nTayside\r\n0\r\n117\r\nTotal\r\n6\r\n1,404\r\nThe area of the woodland creation proposals which where consented following an environmental statement was 2,040 hectares. The area of woodland creation consented where an environmental statement was not required was 21,940 hectares.\r\nNote: *Information by conservancy is not available as woodland creation approval figures are compiled by RPAC Region.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-08T13:54:58.51","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272866,"EventID":"S4W-07388","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":2,"MSPID":2610,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-22T14:15:33.347","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-22T14:01:11","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its position is regarding the proposals for electricity market reform in the UK Government's draft Energy Bill. \r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its position is regarding the proposals for electricity market reform in the UK Government's draft Energy Bill. \r\n","AnswerText":"The draft Energy Bill, published by the Department for Energy and Climate Change on 22 May 2012, contains a set of legislative proposals aimed at taking forward the Electricity Market Reform (EMR).\r\nThe EMR provisions are crucial to Scotland’s future energy mix, maintaining investor confidence in Scotland’s electricity sector and ensuring continued investment in baseload plant while developing renewables and Carbon Capture and Storage in Scotland. The Scottish Government agrees with the principles underpinning the EMR which, if done correctly, will provide regulatory and price certainty for low-carbon technologies, support the wider decarbonisation of electricity generation, while maintaining security of supply at minimum cost to consumers.\r\nTo achieve these aims, it is essential that Scottish and UK Governments work together to deliver a consistent set of reforms capable of maximising Scotland’s considerable renewable energy resources. It is also important that these reforms build on the successes we have achieved to date through the effective use of our existing powers and an increasingly productive, pro-active and valuable alignment of political and policy will with industry and investor effort. The Scottish Government, for its part, is committed to joint working with our UK counterparts to ensure this momentum is maintained in Scotland, and to deliver ever-closer integration of the Scottish and UK electricity markets in the years ahead.\r\nA detailed response to each of the provisions set out in the Bill is available on the Scottish Government website at the following link:\r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Business-Industry/Energy/Infrastructure/Grid-Connections/EMR-consultation-UK/StatementUKEnergyBill.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-08T14:15:33.38","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272867,"EventID":"S4W-07380","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2876,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-22T16:54:18.283","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-22T13:18:22","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many adults have been classified as (a) overweight and (b) obese in each of the last five years, broken down by gender.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many adults have been classified as (a) overweight and (b) obese in each of the last five years, broken down by gender.\r\n","AnswerText":"The following table provides figures for the years 2003, 2008, 2009 and 2010 from the Scottish Health Survey. The survey did not run continuously until 2008 and therefore figures are not available for each of the last five years.\r\nThese figures are published and are available in table 7.3 of the Scottish Health Survey 2010 annual report.\r\nTable 1 Prevalence of Overweight and Obesity, Adults Aged 16+\r\nYear\r\nMen\r\nWomen\r\nAll Adults\r\nOverweight\r\nObese\r\nOverweight\r\nObese\r\nOverweight\r\nObese\r\n%\r\n%\r\n%\r\n%\r\n%\r\n%\r\n2003\r\n65.4\r\n22.4\r\n59.7\r\n26.0\r\n62.4\r\n24.2\r\n2008\r\n68.5\r\n26.0\r\n61.8\r\n27.5\r\n65.1\r\n26.8\r\n2009\r\n67.9\r\n26.9\r\n61.0\r\n27.6\r\n64.4\r\n27.2\r\n2010\r\n67.8\r\n27.4\r\n62.4\r\n28.9\r\n65.1\r\n28.2\r\nNotes: \r\n1. Overweight (including obese) is defined as BMI >= 25.\r\n2. Obese (including morbidly obese) is defined as BMI >= 30.","AnswerDate":"2012-06-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-08T16:54:18.3","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Shona Robison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272868,"EventID":"S4W-07381","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2876,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-22T16:54:18.393","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-22T13:18:22","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many children under five have been classified as (a) overweight and (b) obese in each of the last five years, broken down by gender.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many children under five have been classified as (a) overweight and (b) obese in each of the last five years, broken down by gender.\r\n","AnswerText":"The following table provides figures for the years 2008, 2009 and 2010 from the Scottish Health Survey. The survey did not run continuously until 2008 and therefore figures are not available for each of the last five years.\r\nThe annual sample sizes for the two to four age group are relatively small and therefore the confidence intervals around these estimates are wide. Caution should be exercised in drawing any conclusions from yearly fluctuations. Data on children aged two to six is published in the Scottish Health Survey annual reports and shows a different pattern to that for the two to four age group. In addition, there is evidence that children's weight fluctuates in the early years so establishing trends within this age group can be problematic. Data on childhood obesity from the Growing up in Scotland survey for example, shows that 40% of children who were classed as overweight or obese at age four were of healthy weight by age six.\r\nTable 1 Prevalence of Overweight and Obesity, Children Aged Two to Four \r\nYear\r\nBoys\r\nGirls\r\n\r\nOverweight\r\n%\r\nObese\r\n%\r\nUnweighted Base\r\nOverweight\r\n%\r\nObese\r\n%\r\nUnweighted Base\r\n2008\r\n29.6\r\n10.4\r\n137\r\n25.4\r\n11.4\r\n125\r\n2009\r\n24.2\r\n9.6\r\n160\r\n28.8\r\n13.8\r\n192\r\n2010\r\n35.8\r\n17.0\r\n126\r\n21.7\r\n8.2\r\n126\r\nNotes:\r\n1. Overweight (including obese) is defined as BMI at or above the 85th percentile of the UK 1990 reference charts.\r\n2. Obese (including morbidly obese) is defined as BMI at or above the 85th percentile of the UK 1990 reference charts.","AnswerDate":"2012-06-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-08T16:54:18.393","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Shona Robison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272869,"EventID":"S4W-07382","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2876,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-22T16:54:18.457","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-22T13:18:22","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many school-age children have been classified as (a) overweight and (b) obese in each of the last five years, broken down by gender.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many school-age children have been classified as (a) overweight and (b) obese in each of the last five years, broken down by gender.\r\n","AnswerText":"The following table provides figures for the years 2008, 2009 and 2010 from the Scottish Health Survey. The survey did not run continuously until 2008 and therefore figures are not available for each of the last five years.\r\nTable 1 Prevalence of Overweight and Obesity, Children Aged 5-15\r\nYear\r\nBoys\r\nGirls\r\n\r\nOverweight\r\n%\r\nObese\r\n%\r\nUnweighted\r\nBase\r\nOverweigh\r\n%t\r\nObese\r\n%\r\nUnweighted\r\nBase\r\n2008\r\n37.8\r\n18.5\r\n500\r\n27.2\r\n13.7\r\n505\r\n2009\r\n31.1\r\n16.6\r\n787\r\n27.5\r\n14.9\r\n704\r\n2010\r\n30.1\r\n15.3\r\n515\r\n30.3\r\n14.1\r\n432\r\nNotes:\r\n1. Overweight (including obese) is defined as BMI at or above the 85th percentile of the UK 1990 reference charts.\r\n2. Obese (including morbidly obese) is defined as BMI at or above the 85th percentile of the UK 1990 reference charts.","AnswerDate":"2012-06-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-08T16:54:18.47","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Shona Robison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272870,"EventID":"S4W-07383","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2876,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-22T16:54:18.55","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-22T13:18:22","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many adults consume five or more portions of fruit and vegetables daily, broken down by (a) gender and (b) Carstairs deprivation category.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many adults consume five or more portions of fruit and vegetables daily, broken down by (a) gender and (b) Carstairs deprivation category.\r\n","AnswerText":"(a) The following table provides figures broken down by gender. These figures are published and are available in table 5.1 of the Scottish Health Survey 2010 annual report.\r\nTable 1 Adult Fruit And Vegetable Consumption, by Sex, 2010\r\n\r\n% Consuming 5\r\nPortions or More\r\nMen\r\n20\r\nWomen\r\n23\r\nAll adults\r\n22\r\n\r\n(b) The following table provides figures broken down by the Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation quintiles. This is the Scottish Government’s preferred measure of deprivation.\r\nThese figures are published and are available in table 5.5 of the Scottish Health Survey 2008 annual report.\r\nTable 2 Adult fruit and vegetable consumption (age-standardised), by SIMD and sex, 2008, Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation quintile (%)\r\n\r\n5th\r\n(least deprived)\r\n4th\r\n3rd\r\n2nd\r\n1st\r\n(most deprived)\r\nMen\r\n25\r\n28\r\n22\r\n13\r\n9\r\nWomen\r\n31\r\n31\r\n19\r\n20\r\n16\r\nNote: 1. Figures have been age-standardised to account for differences in the age profiles of SIMD quintiles.","AnswerDate":"2012-06-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-08T16:54:18.55","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272871,"EventID":"S4W-07384","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2876,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-22T16:54:18.627","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-22T13:18:22","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many children under five consume five or more portions of fruit and vegetables daily, broken down by (a) gender and (b) Carstairs deprivation category.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many children under five consume five or more portions of fruit and vegetables daily, broken down by (a) gender and (b) Carstairs deprivation category.\r\n","AnswerText":"(a) The following table provides figures broken down by gender. These figures are published and are available in table 5.2 of the Scottish Health Survey 2010 annual report.\r\nThe sample sizes for the two to four age group are relatively small and therefore the confidence intervals around these estimates are wide. Caution should be exercised in drawing any conclusions from these figures.\r\nTable 1 Child (age 2-4) Fruit and Vegetable Consumption, by Sex, 2010\r\n\r\nConsuming 5\r\nPortions or More (%)\r\nUnweighted Base\r\nBoys\r\n16\r\n192\r\nGirls\r\n14\r\n176\r\nAll children\r\n15\r\n368\r\n\r\n(b) The sample size for two to four year olds is too small to allow analysis by deprivation.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-08T16:54:18.627","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272872,"EventID":"S4W-07385","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2876,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-22T16:54:18.72","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-22T13:18:22","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many school-age children consume five or more portions of fruit and vegetables daily, broken down by (a) gender and (b) Carstairs deprivation category.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many school-age children consume five or more portions of fruit and vegetables daily, broken down by (a) gender and (b) Carstairs deprivation category.\r\n","AnswerText":"(a) The following table provides figures broken down by gender. These figures are published and are available in table 5.2 of the Scottish Health Survey 2010 annual report.\r\nTable 1 Child (age 5-15) fruit and vegetable consumption, by sex, 2010\r\n\r\nConsuming 5 Portions or More\r\nUnweighted\r\nBase\r\n\r\n%\r\n\r\nBoys\r\n11\r\n629\r\nGirls\r\n12\r\n532\r\nAll children\r\n12\r\n1,161\r\n\r\n(b) The sample size for children is too small to allow analysis by deprivation for specific age groups. The following table – published as table 5.6 in the Scottish Health Survey 2009 annual report – provides figures for children aged 2-15 broken down by the Scottish Index of Deprivation quintiles. This is the Scottish Government’s preferred measure of deprivation.\r\nTable 2 Child (age 2-15) Fruit and Vegetable Consumption, by SIMD and sex, 2008-09, Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation Quintile (%)\r\n\r\n5th\r\n(least deprived)\r\n4th\r\n3rd\r\n2nd\r\n1st\r\n(most deprived)\r\nBoys\r\n17\r\n15\r\n15\r\n13\r\n8\r\nGirls\r\n17\r\n17\r\n15\r\n14\r\n11\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-08T16:54:18.737","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272873,"EventID":"S4W-07386","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2876,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-22T16:54:18.847","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-22T13:18:22","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many adults meet the physical activity guidelines, broken down by gender.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many adults meet the physical activity guidelines, broken down by gender.","AnswerText":"This information is published in table 6.1 of the Scottish Health Survey 2010 report which is available via the following link:\r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2011/09/27084018/0.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-08T16:54:18.86","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Shona Robison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272874,"EventID":"S4W-07387","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2876,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-22T16:54:18.97","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-22T13:18:22","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many children meet the physical activity guidelines, broken down by gender.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many children meet the physical activity guidelines, broken down by gender.","AnswerText":"This information is published in table 6.4 of the Scottish Health Survey 2010 report which is available via the following link:\r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2011/09/27084018/0.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-08T16:54:18.987","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Shona Robison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272875,"EventID":"S4W-07393","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2108,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":141,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-22T16:54:19.11","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-22T15:01:19","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the drug, ipilimumab, is accessible to patients through the individual patient treatment request system and, if so, what impact the Scottish Medicines Consortium'","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the drug, ipilimumab, is accessible to patients through the individual patient treatment request system and, if so, what impact the Scottish Medicines Consortium's guidance of 14 May 2012 that the drug should not be recommended for use will have on this.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Medicines Consortium (SMC) advice of 14 May 2012 means that ipilimumab will not be routinely available in the NHS in Scotland for the treatment of advanced (unresectable or metastatic) melanoma in adults who have received prior therapy.\r\nNHS boards are expected to take full account of SMC advice. However, individual patient treatment request arrangements which each NHS board has in place allows for the clinically-led consideration of not routinely available medicines for individual patients in certain circumstances.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-08T16:54:19.11","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272876,"EventID":"S4W-07395","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2108,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":141,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-22T16:54:19.237","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-22T15:01:19","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it considers that ipilimumab should be  accessible to patients in cases where a clinician believes that it would be beneficial.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it considers that ipilimumab should be  accessible to patients in cases where a clinician believes that it would be beneficial.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Medicine Consortiums’ advice is that ipilimumab will not be routinely available in the NHS in Scotland for the treatment of advanced (unresectable or metastatic) melanoma in adults who have received prior therapy.\r\nHowever, NHS board Individual Patient Treatment Request arrangements allow for the clinically-led consideration of “not recommended” medicines for individual patients in certain circumstances.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-08T16:54:19.237","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272877,"EventID":"S4W-07396","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2892,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-22T16:54:19.36","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-22T15:29:50.03","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what value of public contracts it has awarded to (a) PricewaterhouseCoopers, (b) Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu, (c) Ernst & Young and (d) KPMG in each year from 1999-00.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what value of public contracts it has awarded to (a) PricewaterhouseCoopers, (b) Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu, (c) Ernst & Young and (d) KPMG in each year from 1999-00.","AnswerText":"Scottish Executive does not hold records of contracts for the period 1999 to 2000.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-08T16:54:19.36","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272878,"EventID":"S4W-07397","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4938,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-22T16:54:19.483","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-22T15:54:19","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive for what reason North Lanarkshire Council's figure of 4.3% of pupils with additional support needs is lower than expected for a deprived area.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive for what reason North Lanarkshire Council's figure of 4.3% of pupils with additional support needs is lower than expected for a deprived area.","AnswerText":"The Additional Support for Learning Act provides the framework for all support for learning. It is the responsibility of all education authorities to identify, make provision for and review the support in place for the additional support needs of the pupils for whose education they are responsible. As this is the responsibility of North Lanarkshire Council it is not appropriate for the Scottish Government to comment on.\r\nThe Scottish Government will consider the issue of statistical collection as part of the long-term plan to support implementation of the Additional Support for Learning Act.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-08T16:54:19.483","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alasdair Allan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272879,"EventID":"S4W-07398","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4938,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-22T16:54:19.61","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-22T15:54:19","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it considers that the number of children in the North Lanarkshire Council area recorded with dyslexia is low.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it considers that the number of children in the North Lanarkshire Council area recorded with dyslexia is low.","AnswerText":"The Additional Support for Learning Act provides the framework for all support for learning, including provision for dyslexia. It is the responsibility of all education authorities to identify, make provision for and review the support in place for the additional support needs of the pupils for whose education they are responsible. As this is the responsibility of North Lanarkshire Council it is not appropriate for the Scottish Government to comment on.\r\nThe Scottish Government will consider the issue of statistical collection as part of the long-term plan to support implementation of the Additional Support for Learning Act.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-08T16:54:19.61","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alasdair Allan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272880,"EventID":"S4W-07399","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4938,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-22T16:54:19.733","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-22T15:54:19","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will consider an independent review of North Lanarkshire Council's provision of dyslexia support.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will consider an independent review of North Lanarkshire Council's provision of dyslexia support.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Additional Support for Learning Act provides the framework for all support for learning, including provision for dyslexia. It is the responsibility of all education authorities to identify, make provision for and review the support in place for the additional support needs of the pupils for whose education they are responsible. Therefore this is a matter for North Lanarkshire council.\r\nThe Scottish Government, in partnership with Dyslexia Scotland, launched the online “Assessing Dyslexia” Toolkit in June 2010 to support those in schools to identify early the signs of literacy difficulties and dyslexia.\r\nTo further enhance this, the Scottish Government has provided an additional £40,000 to Dyslexia Scotland to: \r\nreview and update the “Toolkit”;\r\nadd new materials on how to support children and young people with dyslexia, and \r\ndevelop a section for local authorities on how to best implement the resource.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-08T16:54:19.733","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alasdair Allan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272892,"EventID":"S4W-07400","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4086,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-23T14:05:39.05","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-22T16:20:21","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with Network Rail regarding how the punctuality of ScotRail services as part of the Public Performance Measure at (a) staffed and (b) unstaffe","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with Network Rail regarding how the punctuality of ScotRail services as part of the Public Performance Measure at (a) staffed and (b) unstaffed stations is determined.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has had no discussions with Network Rail regarding how the punctuality of Scotrail services as part of the Public Performance Measure (PPM) at (a) staffed and (b) unstaffed stations is determined.\r\nPPM is reported by franchise and service group within that franchise, rather than by specific station, staffed or not. The measure was introduced in 1997 by the-then Strategic Rail Authority, before the devolution of rail powers in 2005, as a way of measuring improvements to the rail system over time. The measure also allows a way of comparing FirstScotrail performance on a basis consistent with the other franchises. \r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-11T14:05:39.177","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272893,"EventID":"S4W-07401","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1866,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-23T14:05:39.283","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-22T17:49:19.947","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what monitoring has been carried out regarding the impact of the Climate Change (Scotland) Act 2009 on discounts to council tax bills and whether it plans to continue thi","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what monitoring has been carried out regarding the impact of the Climate Change (Scotland) Act 2009 on discounts to council tax bills and whether it plans to continue this.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Climate Change (Scotland) Act 2009 placed a duty on individual local authorities to introduce a discount scheme for council tax for those who make their homes more energy efficient. The Scottish Government has a duty to report to Parliament on the impact of these schemes and collects information from local authorities on the number of properties receiving relief from council tax through energy efficiency schemes and the total amount of relief received. The Scottish Government will continue to collect this information, as required by the act.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-11T14:05:39.283","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272894,"EventID":"S4W-07403","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1866,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-23T14:05:39.363","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-22T17:49:19.947","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive which stakeholders have been contacted regarding the impact of the Climate Change (Scotland) Act 2009 on discounts to council tax bills.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive which stakeholders have been contacted regarding the impact of the Climate Change (Scotland) Act 2009 on discounts to council tax bills.\r\n","AnswerText":"All local authorities have been contacted and are asked to provide a council tax revenue return. The return includes the collection of information on all properties receiving relief from council tax through energy efficiency discount schemes.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-11T14:05:39.363","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272895,"EventID":"S4W-07404","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1866,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-23T14:05:39.44","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-22T17:49:19.947","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what  the financial impact has been of the Climate Change (Scotland) Act 2009 on council tax bills.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what  the financial impact has been of the Climate Change (Scotland) Act 2009 on council tax bills.\r\n","AnswerText":"The collection of relevant data is underway. This will inform a report to Parliament during this summer in fulfilment of section 66 of the Climate Change (Scotland) Act 2009.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-11T14:05:39.457","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272896,"EventID":"S4W-07405","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-23T14:05:39.533","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-22T18:05:41","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what meetings of the regional action forums on youth employment (a) have been held and (b) are planned, broken down by (i) date and (ii) location.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what meetings of the regional action forums on youth employment (a) have been held and (b) are planned, broken down by (i) date and (ii) location.\r\n","AnswerText":"The first Action Forum on Youth Employment took place on 22 May in East Kilbride, Lanarkshire. The next event will be held in Glasgow on 12 June and preparations are under way for an action forum in Edinburgh on 26 June. Other events around the country will be announced in due course.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-11T14:05:39.533","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angela Constance","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272897,"EventID":"S4W-07406","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-23T14:05:39.597","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-22T18:05:41","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the purpose is of the regional action forums on youth employment.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the purpose is of the regional action forums on youth employment.\r\n","AnswerText":"The purpose of the regional action forums is to look in detail at how we can work more effectively across the public, private and voluntary sectors to support young people into work.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-11T14:05:39.613","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angela Constance","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272898,"EventID":"S4W-07407","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-23T14:05:39.673","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-22T18:05:41","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive who (a) was invited to and (b) attended the first regional action forum on youth employment.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive who (a) was invited to and (b) attended the first regional action forum on youth employment.\r\n","AnswerText":"Invitees to Lanarkshire Action Forum on Youth Employment, 22 May 2012:\r\nJim McCaffer \r\nSouth Lanarkshire Council\r\nSimon Carey\r\nSouth Lanarkshire Council\r\nAlex Morton \r\nSouth Lanarkshire Council\r\nCouncillor Chris Thompson\r\nSouth Lanarkshire Council\r\nGavin Whitefield \r\nNorth Lanarkshire Council\r\nCaitriona McAuley \r\nNorth Lanarkshire Council\r\nJane Liddell \r\nNorth Lanarkshire Council\r\nChristine Pollock \r\nNorth Lanarkshire Council\r\nCatriona McAuley\r\nNorth Lanarkshire Council\r\nJim McCabe \r\nNorth Lanarkshire Council\r\nGreig Robson\r\nNorth Lanarkshire Council\r\nCarol Scott\r\nMotherwell College \r\nStewart McKillop \r\nSouth Lanarkshire College\r\nHeather Urquhart\r\nCumbernauld College\r\nJohn Doyle\r\nCoatbridge College\r\nRobert Linnen\r\nJobcentre Plus\r\nVal McGrory\r\nJobcentre Plus\r\nDavid Collie\r\nJobcentre Plus\r\nMarion Russell\r\nSkills Development Scotland\r\nRobert Gemmell \r\nSkills Development Scotland\r\nMarlene Crawford\r\nSkills Development Scotland\r\nGordon McGuinness\r\nSkills Development Scotland\r\nMike O'Donnell \r\nSkills Development Scotland\r\nJenny Gemmell\r\nVoluntary Action, South Lanarkshire\r\nKenny Moffat \r\nVoluntary Action, North Lanarkshire\r\nMaurice Logie\r\nLanarkshire Chamber of Commerce\r\nJohn Keenan\r\nSTUC\r\nIan Tasker \r\nSTUC\r\nRebecca Nicholson \r\nIngeous\r\nNicholas Young\r\nWorking Links\r\nAileen Campbell \r\nMSP\r\nLinda Fabiani\r\nMSP \r\nJamie Hepburn \r\nMSP\r\nChristina McKelvie \r\nMSP\r\nMichael McMahon \r\nMSP\r\nAlex Neil \r\nMSP\r\nJohn Pentland \r\nMSP\r\nElaine Smith \r\nMSP\r\nJames Kelly \r\nMSP\r\nWilliam Inglis \r\nMSYP\r\nLynsey Cuthbertson \r\nMSYP\r\nGrant Costello  \r\nMSYP\r\nLinda Hanna \r\nScottish Enterprise\r\nJackie Stevens\r\nRoutes to Work\r\nAnne McCallum\r\nRoutes to Work\r\nRobin Turner\r\nRoutes To Work Limited\r\nFrank Burns\r\nAssociation of Local Voluntary Organisations \r\nJoe Fulton\r\nLAMH Recycle Ltd\r\nAnita Boyle \r\nLAMH Recycle Ltd\r\nAdiaha Nkere\r\n\r\nDanielle Morrison \r\n\r\nDavid Gray \r\n\r\nNyakio Ndungu \r\n\r\nStewart Allan\r\nRivals Gym \r\nScott Allan \r\nRivals Gym \r\nKeith Robertson/Julie Denholm\r\nRX Comm Ltd\r\nFraser Wylie\r\nRX Comm Ltd\r\nLouise Joyce \r\nVerve\r\nGary Gilmour \r\nGilmour Tools \r\nRitchie Struthers \r\nBHC Ltd, (Brian Hewitt Construction)\r\nLynsey Stewart\r\nCity Technical Services \r\nAmanda McLean \r\nEnvironclean \r\nMr G Gallacher \r\nMillbank Decorators \r\nSusan Gray \r\nCenturion Signs \r\nYvonne Mulheron \r\nUnderground Inspection, Services \r\nStephen Douglas \r\nUnderground Inspection, Services \r\nDavid Michie \r\nIreland Alloys \r\nGraeme Ditchburn\r\nIreland Alloys \r\nRichard Carolan\r\nIreland Alloys \r\nRonny Traynor \r\nActive Access \r\nAndrew McCusker\r\nActive Access \r\nRoss Dolan \r\nActive Access \r\nChristine Donnelly \r\nChildren’s Safety Education Foundation \r\nCraig Smith \r\nChildren’s Safety Education Foundation \r\nMartin Burns\r\nFreescale Semiconductor\r\nSally Russell\r\nDevro Scotland\r\nMark Bruce\r\nLightbody Celebration Cakes Ltd\r\nDouglas Lamb\r\nBoxshop Shop Ltd\r\nMichael Slade\r\nGael Quality\r\nColin Mee\r\nGlenmuir Ltd\r\nJames McManus\r\nClansman Dynamics\r\nBilly Reid\r\nEast Kilbride Engineering Services\r\nKevn Mallon\r\nEnable Scotland\r\nGerry Malone\r\nMorrison Scotland\r\nMartin McCrum\r\nAspirare Recruitment\r\nTony Mclaughlin\r\nBalfour Beatty Workplace\r\nMartin McCrimmon\r\nCMS Enviro Systems Ltd\r\nLynne MacLachlan\r\nLand Engineering\r\nJohn  Stewart\r\nScotshield Ltd\r\nIan Watson\r\nWatson & Co\r\nGordon Wilson\r\nAmey Roads\r\nIain Templeton\r\nMoorings Hotel\r\nIan Donnachie\r\nAlona Hotel\r\nGerry McGinn\r\nGMG Contractors Ltd\r\nJan Wylie\r\nMorgan Sindall\r\nJim McLaughlin\r\nCaledonian Cleaning\r\nJennifer Allan\r\nHRM Homecare\r\nDavid McAllister\r\nLandscapes and Contracts Ltd\r\nSteven McCurdy\r\nTeleperformance\r\nBilly McCall \r\nAirdrie Savings Bank\r\nClare Tuite \r\nAirdrie Savings Bank\r\nDavid Henderson\r\nAirdrie Savings Bank\r\nBrian Humphrey\r\nSemta\r\nAnnette McLeod\r\nSerco\r\nLauren Carr\r\nSerco\r\nMargaret Durnian\r\nJobCentre Plus\r\nLarry Forde\r\nSouth Lanarkshire Council\r\nDiane Osprey\r\nStonelaw High School\r\nLinda Park\r\nCalderhead High School\r\nAnne Munro\r\nBellshill Academy\r\nJohn Brown\r\nSkills for Life\r\nTheresa Hayburn\r\nSt Andrews/St Brides High School\r\n\r\nAttendees at Lanarkshire Action Fo","AnswerDate":"2012-06-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-11T14:05:39.69","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angela Constance","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272899,"EventID":"S4W-07409","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-23T14:05:39.767","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-22T18:05:41","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how the £25 million funding to tackle youth unemployment that it announced on 9 May 2012 will be allocated and whether this will be before its youth employment strategy i","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how the £25 million funding to tackle youth unemployment that it announced on 9 May 2012 will be allocated and whether this will be before its youth employment strategy is (a) finalised or (b) published.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government is considering how best to use the £25 million to support youth employment announced by the Cabinet Secretary for Infrastructure and Capital Investment on 9 May. Proposals for allocating the funds will be agreed after the publication of the finalised Youth Employment Strategy. Proposals need to be approved by the ESF/ERDF Lowlands and Uplands Programme Monitoring Committee.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-11T14:05:39.767","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angela Constance","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272900,"EventID":"S4W-07410","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-23T14:05:39.847","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-22T18:05:41","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S4W-06241 by Angela Constance on 29 March 2012, whether it remains its position to finalise its youth employment strategy for publicati","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S4W-06241 by Angela Constance on 29 March 2012, whether it remains its position to finalise its youth employment strategy for publication in spring 2012 and, if so, on what date it will be published.\r\n","AnswerText":"The final version of the Youth Employment Strategy will be published by the end of June 2012.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-11T14:05:39.847","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angela Constance","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272901,"EventID":"S4W-07412","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-23T14:05:39.923","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-22T18:10:43","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether (a) MSPs, (b) MPs and (c) councillors have been invited to regional action forums on youth employment in their respective areas.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether (a) MSPs, (b) MPs and (c) councillors have been invited to regional action forums on youth employment in their respective areas.\r\n","AnswerText":"Constituency MSPs and Council Leaders for the areas covered by the regional action forums are invited. Where there is scope to include more, invitations will be extended to regional MSPs and other councillors.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-11T14:05:39.923","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angela Constance","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272902,"EventID":"S4W-07413","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1860,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-23T14:05:40.003","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-23T09:16:42.797","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what funding it will provide for the improvement of the A9 at the Berridale Braes; what the timeframe for the improvements is, and how long the road works will last.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what funding it will provide for the improvement of the A9 at the Berridale Braes; what the timeframe for the improvements is, and how long the road works will last.","AnswerText":"At this stage, the total design costs of the road realignment option at Berriedale Braes are estimated to be £250,000. Transport Scotland has confirmed a £100,000 contribution towards these costs, following confirmation from the other funding partners of the balance and this will allow the scheme to be developed to “shovel ready” status.\r\nMore information about timeframes will be available after funding has been confirmed and consulting engineers have been appointed to undertake the detailed design.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-11T14:05:40.017","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272903,"EventID":"S4W-07414","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5079,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-23T14:05:40.097","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-23T10:58:12","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what role it will have in approving changes to the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what role it will have in approving changes to the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme.","AnswerText":"The Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme is made by the Secretary of State for Justice under the Criminal Injuries Compensation Act 1995. The UK Government retains the power to legislate for Scotland in this matter under section 88 of the Scotland Act 1998 as the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority is a cross-border public authority. There is no requirement for the Scottish Government to approve changes to the scheme.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-11T14:05:40.097","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272904,"EventID":"S4W-07415","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5079,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-23T14:05:40.173","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-23T10:58:12","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will place a copy of its response to the Ministry of Justice’s consultation on changes to the Criminal Injury Compensation Scheme in the Scottish Parliament In","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will place a copy of its response to the Ministry of Justice’s consultation on changes to the Criminal Injury Compensation Scheme in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre (SPICe).\r\n","AnswerText":"The Cabinet Secretary for Justice wrote to the Secretary of State for Justice at the end of the consultation on proposed changes to the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme. The Scottish Government is content to place a copy of that letter in SPICe (Bib. number 54017) and my officials are currently seeking the agreement of the Ministry of Justice to do so.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-11T14:05:40.173","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272905,"EventID":"S4W-07420","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4086,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-23T14:05:40.25","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-23T12:12:48","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what contingencies it has developed to deal with an outbreak of cattle scab.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what contingencies it has developed to deal with an outbreak of cattle scab.\r\n","AnswerText":"Psoroptic mange, or cattle scab, is difficult to diagnose, requires prolonged treatment (which is not always successful) and is spread by bringing infected cattle into a herd. The best defence against the disease is taking appropriate precautions when buying cattle. To help animal keepers to do so, the Scottish Government funds, through the Scottish Agricultural College, a free service for testing skin samples, and encourages veterinary practitioners and farmers to submit samples whenever the disease is suspected.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-11T14:05:40.25","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272906,"EventID":"S4W-07421","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4086,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-23T14:05:40.33","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-23T12:12:48","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures are in place to prevent an outbreak of cattle scab.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures are in place to prevent an outbreak of cattle scab.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-07420 on 7 June 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-11T14:05:40.33","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272907,"EventID":"S4W-07422","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2673,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":114,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-23T14:05:40.407","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-23T12:27:10","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans there are to provide additional support for the learning of eastern European languages across the country.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans there are to provide additional support for the learning of eastern European languages across the country.","AnswerText":"The Languages Working Group Report, Language Learning in Scotland: A 1+2 Approach, published on 17 May, makes a series of recommendations to boost language learning in Scotland based on the mother tongue + 2 additional languages model. The Report states that “Scotland’s increasing diversity of languages, including Scotland’s own languages should be celebrated” and this includes eastern European languages.\r\nWhat languages are offered in schools is a matter for schools and local authorities to decide, taking account of the local context. One of the key recommendations in the Report is that local authorities and schools develop a 1+2 strategy for language learning within which schools can determine which additional languages to offer.\r\nConsideration as to what additional languages will be taught will need to take into account issues such as teacher supply, demand by schools and what progression and transition arrangements will be in place.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-11T14:05:40.423","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alasdair Allan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272921,"EventID":"S4O-01059","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2876,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-23T14:26:27.07","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-16T15:49:23.07","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to improve the support offered to the victims of crime.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to improve the support offered to the victims of crime.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-11T14:26:27.18","MeetingDate":"2012-05-31T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272922,"EventID":"S4O-01060","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":3824,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-23T14:26:27.29","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-16T15:49:23.227","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what support is available for GP surgeries in remote areas.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what support is available for GP surgeries in remote areas.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-11T14:26:27.29","MeetingDate":"2012-05-31T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272923,"EventID":"S4O-01061","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1793,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-23T14:26:27.353","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-23T09:58:17.263","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made on land reform.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made on land reform.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-11T14:26:27.367","MeetingDate":"2012-05-31T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272924,"EventID":"S4O-01062","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":3101,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-23T14:26:27.43","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-16T15:49:23.38","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what it is doing to tackle unemployment.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what it is doing to tackle unemployment.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-11T14:26:27.43","MeetingDate":"2012-05-31T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272925,"EventID":"S4O-01063","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":4952,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-23T14:26:27.507","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-16T15:49:23.443","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what forums exist for it to represent Scottish international trade interests to governments in export markets.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what forums exist for it to represent Scottish international trade interests to governments in export markets.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-11T14:26:27.507","MeetingDate":"2012-05-31T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272926,"EventID":"S4O-01064","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2615,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":143,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-23T14:26:27.587","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-16T15:49:23.52","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how the operation of the concessionary travel scheme has developed since 2006.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how the operation of the concessionary travel scheme has developed since 2006.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-11T14:26:27.587","MeetingDate":"2012-05-31T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272927,"EventID":"S4O-01065","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":4939,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":78,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-23T14:26:27.663","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-16T15:49:23.6","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what involvement it has had with the partners of the NorthConnect interconnector between Norway and Scotland and what steps it is taking to encourage further development ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what involvement it has had with the partners of the NorthConnect interconnector between Norway and Scotland and what steps it is taking to encourage further development of interconnectors between Scotland and the Nordic region.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-11T14:26:27.663","MeetingDate":"2012-05-31T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272928,"EventID":"S4O-01066","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-23T14:26:27.743","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-16T15:49:23.663","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it determines the validity of submissions and letters of support or objection when considering planning applications.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it determines the validity of submissions and letters of support or objection when considering planning applications.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-11T14:26:27.743","MeetingDate":"2012-05-31T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272929,"EventID":"S4O-01067","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":5059,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-23T14:26:27.82","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-16T15:49:23.74","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it plans to improve access to mental health officers in the west of Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it plans to improve access to mental health officers in the west of Scotland.","AnswerText":"Section 32 of the Mental Health (Care and Treatment) (Scotland) Act 2003 places a duty on local authorities to appoint a sufficient number of Mental Health Officers to discharge functions under the relevant legislation. It is for local authorities to decide on the number of Mental Health Officers appointed in their area taking into account local needs and circumstances.\r\nThe most recent Mental Health Officers Survey, published in June 2011, show that the number of MHOs within the West of Scotland is at the highest for the past five years.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-11T14:26:27.82","MeetingDate":"2012-05-31T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272930,"EventID":"S4O-01068","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2123,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":103,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-23T14:26:27.883","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-16T15:49:23.803","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what support it or National Museums Scotland will provide for local museums in general and a Leith museum in particular.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what support it or National Museums Scotland will provide for local museums in general and a Leith museum in particular.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government provides support for local museums through funding streams administered by Museums Galleries Scotland. Any proposal for a Leith museum should be discussed with Museums Galleries Scotland who will be able to provide advice on developing this.\r\nNational Museums Scotland provides support to the Scottish museum sector via its National Programmes, such as the provision of free training events or advice from NMS collections staff. It also operates a loans programme across Scotland and has a programme of outreach and partnership activity in all local authority areas.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-11T14:26:27.883","MeetingDate":"2012-05-31T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272931,"EventID":"S4O-01069","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":2673,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":114,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-23T14:26:27.96","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-16T15:49:59.09","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consideration is being given to providing financial assistance toward living costs for those studying for a Diploma in Professional Legal Practice.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consideration is being given to providing financial assistance toward living costs for those studying for a Diploma in Professional Legal Practice.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-11T14:26:27.96","MeetingDate":"2012-05-31T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272932,"EventID":"S4O-01070","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":3815,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-23T14:26:28.083","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-16T15:49:59.153","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will provide a breakdown of modern apprenticeships by level.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will provide a breakdown of modern apprenticeships by level.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-11T14:26:28.083","MeetingDate":"2012-05-31T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272933,"EventID":"S4O-01071","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":3745,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":122,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-23T14:26:28.147","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-16T15:49:59.2","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will respond to the report by the Commission for Delivering Rural Education, expected to be published in August 2012.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will respond to the report by the Commission for Delivering Rural Education, expected to be published in August 2012.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-11T14:26:28.163","MeetingDate":"2012-05-31T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272934,"EventID":"S4O-01072","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":5110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":89,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-23T14:26:28.227","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-16T15:49:59.247","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether schools in close proximity to Commonwealth Games venues will undergo refurbishment before 2014.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether schools in close proximity to Commonwealth Games venues will undergo refurbishment before 2014.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-11T14:26:28.227","MeetingDate":"2012-05-31T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272935,"EventID":"S4O-01074","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":5080,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-23T14:26:28.303","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-16T15:49:59.387","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive in what sectors Skills Development Scotland will continue to support adult apprenticeships.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive in what sectors Skills Development Scotland will continue to support adult apprenticeships.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-11T14:26:28.303","MeetingDate":"2012-05-31T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272936,"EventID":"S4O-01075","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":3751,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":108,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-23T14:26:28.38","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-16T15:49:59.463","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to expand and encourage the teaching of foreign languages in schools.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to expand and encourage the teaching of foreign languages in schools.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government welcomes the Languages Working Group Report and Recommendations published on 17 May, Language Learning in Scotland : A 1+2 Approach. The recommendation on a much earlier start to language learning for children and young people is particularly welcome.\r\nPilot projects will be run in 2012-13 school year to demonstrate how the 1+2 model can be implemented within Curriculum for Excellence. Resources already in system include £4 million Languages Fund and subject to parliamentary agreement of the next budget bill, we intend to match the £4 million currently in the system with an additional £4 million from 2013-14.\r\nAn Engagement Strategy is being devised with a National Languages Summit being held in the Autumn as a first step in engaging with key stakeholders.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-11T14:26:28.38","MeetingDate":"2012-05-31T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Alasdair Allan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272937,"EventID":"S4O-01076","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":3129,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":83,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-23T14:26:28.473","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-16T15:49:59.557","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it provides guidelines on the implementation of health and safety policies in primary schools.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it provides guidelines on the implementation of health and safety policies in primary schools.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-11T14:26:28.473","MeetingDate":"2012-05-31T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272938,"EventID":"S4O-01077","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":1778,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":110,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-23T14:26:28.553","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-16T15:49:59.65","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what research it is carrying out on the interim effect of the implementation of Curriculum for Excellence on attainment levels in schools.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what research it is carrying out on the interim effect of the implementation of Curriculum for Excellence on attainment levels in schools.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-11T14:26:28.553","MeetingDate":"2012-05-31T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272939,"EventID":"S4O-01078","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":1882,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":129,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-23T14:26:28.63","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-16T15:49:59.743","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its response is to the recommendations in the report, Communication Matters: Improving Communication in Additional Support Needs, by the Centre for Research in Educa","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its response is to the recommendations in the report, Communication Matters: Improving Communication in Additional Support Needs, by the Centre for Research in Education, Inclusion and Diversity at the University of Edinburgh.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-11T14:26:28.63","MeetingDate":"2012-05-31T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272940,"EventID":"S4O-01079","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":5074,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":104,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-23T14:26:28.71","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-16T15:49:59.823","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what support it provides to special schools in order to assist pupils into employment.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what support it provides to special schools in order to assist pupils into employment.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-11T14:26:28.71","MeetingDate":"2012-05-31T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272941,"EventID":"S4O-01080","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":4951,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-23T14:26:28.787","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-16T15:49:59.887","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made in advancing integrated learning in Dumfries and Galloway.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made in advancing integrated learning in Dumfries and Galloway.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-11T14:26:28.787","MeetingDate":"2012-05-31T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272942,"EventID":"S4O-01081","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":138,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-23T14:26:28.867","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-16T15:49:59.963","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what degrees it considers will be in greatest demand by employers by 2020 and how will it encourage more people to study for them.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what degrees it considers will be in greatest demand by employers by 2020 and how will it encourage more people to study for them.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-11T14:26:28.867","MeetingDate":"2012-05-31T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272943,"EventID":"S4O-01082","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":1986,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":142,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-23T14:26:28.943","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-16T15:49:59.993","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will provide an update on its reform of post-16 education.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will provide an update on its reform of post-16 education.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-11T14:26:28.943","MeetingDate":"2012-05-31T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272944,"EventID":"S4O-01083","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":1759,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-23T14:26:29.037","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-16T15:50:00.01","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it will take to ensure that universities continue to have a presence in rural areas.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it will take to ensure that universities continue to have a presence in rural areas.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-11T14:26:29.037","MeetingDate":"2012-05-31T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272945,"EventID":"S4O-01084","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":2853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":81,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-23T14:26:29.113","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-16T15:50:00.04","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what legal advice the Cabinet Secretary for Education and Lifelong Learning has received regarding charging management fees for non-UK EU students.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what legal advice the Cabinet Secretary for Education and Lifelong Learning has received regarding charging management fees for non-UK EU students.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-11T14:26:29.113","MeetingDate":"2012-05-31T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272946,"EventID":"S4O-01085","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":5109,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":101,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-23T14:26:29.207","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-16T15:50:00.057","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it ensures that access to postgraduate qualifications is based on ability to learn rather than ability to pay.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it ensures that access to postgraduate qualifications is based on ability to learn rather than ability to pay.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-11T14:26:29.207","MeetingDate":"2012-05-31T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272947,"EventID":"S4O-01086","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":1841,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":120,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-23T14:26:29.303","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-16T15:50:00.087","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it will encourage the use of tablet computers and other new technologies in classrooms.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it will encourage the use of tablet computers and other new technologies in classrooms.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-11T14:26:29.303","MeetingDate":"2012-05-31T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272948,"EventID":"S4O-01087","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":2066,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-23T14:26:29.38","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-16T15:50:00.103","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it is supporting further and higher education in the Highlands and Islands. \r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it is supporting further and higher education in the Highlands and Islands. \r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-11T14:26:29.38","MeetingDate":"2012-05-31T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272949,"EventID":"S4O-01088","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":3771,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-23T14:26:29.457","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-16T15:50:00.12","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how efforts to tackle youth unemployment in Scotland are being co-ordinated with the UK Government.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how efforts to tackle youth unemployment in Scotland are being co-ordinated with the UK Government.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-11T14:26:29.457","MeetingDate":"2012-05-31T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272950,"EventID":"S4W-07416","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1860,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-23T17:01:35.907","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-23T11:11:59.81","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what current memoranda of understanding Scottish Enterprise has entered into, broken down by the (a) companies that have signed the memoranda, (b) level of investment fro","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what current memoranda of understanding Scottish Enterprise has entered into, broken down by the (a) companies that have signed the memoranda, (b) level of investment from all parties and (c) proposed number of jobs that will be created.","AnswerText":"This is an operational matter for Scottish Enterprise. I will ask its Chief Executive to reply to you.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-11T17:01:35.937","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272951,"EventID":"S4W-07417","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1860,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-23T17:01:36.093","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-23T11:11:59.81","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will provide a list of the memoranda of understanding (MOU) that have fallen through in each year since 2007, showing the companies that signed the MOU; the in","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will provide a list of the memoranda of understanding (MOU) that have fallen through in each year since 2007, showing the companies that signed the MOU; the investment involved from all parties; the proposed number of jobs to be created, and how and when it informed the Parliament that they were no longer going ahead.","AnswerText":"This is an operational matter for Scottish Enterprise. I will ask its Chief Executive to reply to you.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-11T17:01:36.093","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272952,"EventID":"S4W-07418","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1860,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-23T17:01:36.297","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-23T11:11:59.81","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the legal status is of a memorandum of understanding and what the impact is when one party withdraws from its previous expression of intent.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the legal status is of a memorandum of understanding and what the impact is when one party withdraws from its previous expression of intent.","AnswerText":"This is an operational matter for Scottish Enterprise. I will ask its Chief Executive to reply to you.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-11T17:01:36.31","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272953,"EventID":"S4W-07419","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1860,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-23T17:01:36.437","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-23T11:11:59.81","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what it considers to be the benefits of the use of memoranda of understanding.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what it considers to be the benefits of the use of memoranda of understanding.","AnswerText":"This is an operational matter for Scottish Enterprise. I will ask its Chief Executive to reply to you.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-11T17:01:36.437","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272954,"EventID":"S4W-07423","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-23T17:01:36.53","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-23T13:31:47","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many nurses NHS Grampian has employed in each of the last three years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many nurses NHS Grampian has employed in each of the last three years.","AnswerText":"NHS Workforce data is published by NHS National Services Scotland, Information Services Division (ISD). Trend workforce Information showing headcount and whole-time equivalent of nurses and midwives, in NHS Grampian, as at 31 March for each of the last three years can be found at: \r\nhttp://www.isdscotland.org/Health-Topics/Workforce/Publications/data-tables.asp?id=877#877.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-11T17:01:36.53","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272955,"EventID":"S4W-07424","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-23T17:01:36.653","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-23T13:31:47","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many applications there have been to each delivery mechanism of the Scotland Rural Development Programme since 2007, broken down by parliamentary constituency.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many applications there have been to each delivery mechanism of the Scotland Rural Development Programme since 2007, broken down by parliamentary constituency.\r\n","AnswerText":"The information requested is provided in the document Scotland Rural Development Programme (SRDP) Applications by Scottish Parliamentary Constituency, which is available in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre (Bib. number 54016).\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-11T17:01:36.67","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272956,"EventID":"S4W-07425","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-23T17:01:36.793","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-23T13:31:47","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many (a) academic, (b) non-academic managerial and (c) other non-academic staff were employed in each (i) college and (ii) university in Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire in","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many (a) academic, (b) non-academic managerial and (c) other non-academic staff were employed in each (i) college and (ii) university in Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire in 2010-11.\r\n","AnswerText":"Table 1: Staff at Aberdeenshire higher education institutions (HEIs), 2010-11 full-time equivalent (FTE) by institution and activity:\r\nInstitution\r\nActivity\r\n\r\nAcademics\r\nNon-academic Managers\r\nNon-academic Others\r\nTotal\r\nAberdeen, University of\r\n1,360\r\n5\r\n1,455\r\n2,820\r\nRobert Gordon University\r\n540\r\n75\r\n575\r\n1,190\r\nTotal\r\n1,900\r\n80\r\n2,030\r\n4,010\r\nSource: Higher Education Statistics Agency\r\nNote: Student numbers are rounded to the nearest five.\r\nTable 2: Staff at Aberdeenshire Colleges, 2010-11 Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) by Institution and Activity\r\nInstitution\r\nActivity\r\n\r\nAcademics\r\nNon-academic Managers\r\nNon-academic Others\r\nTotal\r\nAberdeen College\r\n245\r\n20\r\n190\r\n455\r\nBanff and Buchan College of Further Education\r\n170\r\n10\r\n60\r\n240\r\nTotal\r\n415\r\n30\r\n250\r\n690\r\nSource: Scottish Funding Council.\r\nNote: Student numbers are rounded to the nearest five.","AnswerDate":"2012-06-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-11T17:01:36.793","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272957,"EventID":"S4W-07426","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-23T17:01:36.95","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-23T13:31:47","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people live in overcrowded dwellings in (a) Aberdeen and (b) Aberdeenshire.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people live in overcrowded dwellings in (a) Aberdeen and (b) Aberdeenshire.","AnswerText":"According to the Scottish House Condition Survey (2008-10) (a) 2,000 households in Aberdeen are overcrowded using the bedroom standard and (b) 2,000 households in Aberdeenshire are overcrowded using the bedroom standard. \r\nThe bedroom standard was derived in the 1960s by the Government Social Survey as an indicator of population density. A standard number of bedrooms is calculated for each household in accordance with the age/sex/marital status and the relationship of the household members to each other. If the actual number of bedrooms is less than the number required, the dwelling is considered to be overcrowded.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-11T17:01:36.95","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272958,"EventID":"S4W-07427","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2673,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":114,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-23T17:01:37.077","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-23T15:05:49","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the merger of Elmwood College, Barony College, Oatridge College and the Scottish Agricultural College will be complete.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the merger of Elmwood College, Barony College, Oatridge College and the Scottish Agricultural College will be complete.","AnswerText":"I hope to announce my decision shortly on the request by these institutions that I approve their merger.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-11T17:01:37.09","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272987,"EventID":"S4W-07428","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5059,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-24T15:23:56.973","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-23T15:30:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it tackles homophobic bullying in schools.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it tackles homophobic bullying in schools.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Equalities Act 2010 places public bodies, including schools, under duties to proactively prevent discrimination related to protected characteristics including sexual orientation. This includes direct and indirect discrimination based on perception and based on association. This means that schools must work to prevent pupils being discriminated against due to their sexuality either directly or indirectly and they must work to prevent discrimination because someone is believed to be gay or is associated with someone who is gay, for example family members or friends. These comprehensive duties provide the broader context in which homophobic bullying should be challenged.\r\nA toolkit for teachers, titled, Dealing with Homophobia and Homophobic Bullying in Scottish Schools was distributed to all secondary schools and local authorities in 2009. Funded by the Scottish Government and developed by LGBT Youth Scotland in partnership with Learning and Teaching Scotland (now Education Scotland) the toolkit is designed to support teachers in recognising, challenging, and effectively reducing homophobia and homophobic bullying in their schools.\r\nIn 2010, the Scottish Government published A National Approach to Anti-Bullying for Scotland’s Children and Young People. Developed in partnership with the Scottish Anti-Bullying Steering Group, the purpose of the National Approach is to communicate and promote a common vision and aims; and to make sure that work across all agencies and communities, including local authorities and schools, is consistently and coherently contributing to a holistic approach to anti-bullying to anti-bullying in Scotland.\r\nThe Scottish Government also funds the national anti-bullying service, respectme. Respectme work with all adults who have a role to play in the lives of children and young people and help to give those adults the practical skills and confidence to deal with bullying behaviour, wherever it occurs. They offer free training at events across Scotland and work with organisations at a local and strategic level, including local authorities and schools, to develop and review anti-bullying policies and practices.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-12T15:23:57.177","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alasdair Allan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272988,"EventID":"S4W-07429","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5059,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-24T15:23:57.317","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-23T15:30:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it encourages local authority education departments to tackle homophobic bullying in schools.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it encourages local authority education departments to tackle homophobic bullying in schools.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-07428 on 7 June 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-12T15:23:57.317","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alasdair Allan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272989,"EventID":"S4W-07430","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5059,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-24T15:23:57.41","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-23T15:30:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its position is on Stonewall Scotland's Gay and Bisexual Men’s Health Survey Scotland report.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its position is on Stonewall Scotland's Gay and Bisexual Men’s Health Survey Scotland report.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government acknowledges the publication of this report by Stonewall. A formal response to Stonewall was issued on 28 May outlining a number of work programmes which relate to the recommendations. These programmes include rolling out health inequality impact assessments and the Lesbian, Gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) Demonstration project in Lothian.\r\nThe report findings and recommendations have also been drawn to the attention of NHS Health Improvement Scotland as it has responsibility for supporting healthcare providers in Scotland to deliver high quality, evidence-based, safe, effective and person-centred care.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-12T15:23:57.41","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272990,"EventID":"S4W-07431","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5059,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-24T15:23:57.49","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-23T15:30:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will provide additional funding to NHS boards to improve the mental health of gay and bisexual men.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will provide additional funding to NHS boards to improve the mental health of gay and bisexual men.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government sets national policy direction for mental health and provides funding to NHS boards and local authorities to support implementation of policy. The management of local actions in implementing national policy, and decisions on local service planning and delivery, spending priorities, and the contribution of the voluntary sector in this, is the responsibility of relevant local agencies.\r\nWe are currently funding the LGBT Centre for Health and Wellbeing to run a Demonstration Project, in partnership with NHS Lothian. The main aim of the project is to provide learning about how to both increase the reach and improve mental health services for LGBT people who experience mental health problems, and to enhance the mental wellbeing and resilience of LGBT people.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-12T15:23:57.503","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272991,"EventID":"S4W-07432","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5059,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-24T15:23:57.597","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-23T15:30:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it tackles homophobic bullying in the workplace.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it tackles homophobic bullying in the workplace.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government's aim is to ensure that all members of staff are able to work in an environment that is free from bullying, harassment, discrimination and victimisation and to feel safe and secure either in the workplace, or during work-related activities. Our Fairness at Work policy makes clear that the Scottish Government, as an employer, will not tolerate behaviour considered to be unacceptable and that we will take all reasonably practicable steps to ensure that staff are able to work in a safe and non-threatening working environment. The policy makes specific reference to homophobic bullying and homophobic language. In addition the Scottish Government Staff Etiquette Guide sets out what is expected from staff when communicating with different groups of staff or stakeholders, including LGBT groups. In addition our two days diversity training course covers the legislation and behaviours expected in relation to LGBT groups. The course also includes a session with an LGBT lay speaker.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-12T15:23:57.613","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272992,"EventID":"S4W-07433","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5059,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-24T15:23:57.693","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-23T15:30:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it encourages employers to train staff in ending discrimination and bullying against lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it encourages employers to train staff in ending discrimination and bullying against lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people.","AnswerText":"The Equality Act 2010 (Specific Duties) (Scotland) Regulations 2012, which came into force on 27 May 2012, require listed public authorities to take steps to gather information on the composition of their employees and on the recruitment, development and retention of employees. This includes taking steps to gather information with respect to the relevant protected characteristics, including sexual orientation and gender reassignment, of employees. Authorities must then use the information gathered to better perform the public sector equality duty and report on the progress they are making. These Regulations therefore encourage most public sector employers to tackle discrimination and bullying against lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender employees.\r\nIn addition, we are providing funding to Stonewall Scotland for their Good Practice Project which works with public employers to provide practical and targeted support to achieve LGBT equality in the workplace.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-12T15:23:57.693","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272993,"EventID":"S4W-07434","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5059,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-24T15:23:57.77","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-23T15:30:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what training NHS boards provide to tackle discrimination against gay and bisexual men by GPs and other health professionals.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what training NHS boards provide to tackle discrimination against gay and bisexual men by GPs and other health professionals.","AnswerText":"NHS Education for Scotland (NES) has worked with Stonewall Scotland to ensure that the needs of all lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) communities are considered in the development and provision of training and education for NHSScotland. Part of this work saw the development of ‘Good LGBT Practice in the NHS’ and an associated training programme that aimed to support the NHS to develop this good practice across their service areas. In addition NES has developed a CD rom based resource “Addressing LGBT Health Inequalities”.\r\nAn innovative pilot programme on assessing cultural competence of trainees in Dentistry explicitly addressed homophobia in the assessment. NES are currently exploring options to build on this work to embed a sustainable approach to assessing cultural competence in vocational training. In addition, NES will be participating in the public sector good practice programme and are developing a bank of case studies and scenarios for use in education and training.\r\nAny individual who feels they have suffered from discrimination in their healthcare can express their right to make a formal complaint under the NHS Complaints Procedure.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-12T15:23:57.77","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272994,"EventID":"S4W-07435","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5059,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-24T15:23:57.847","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-23T15:30:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it plans to increase access to mental health services for gay and bisexual men.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it plans to increase access to mental health services for gay and bisexual men.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government sets national policy direction for mental health and provides funding to NHS boards and local authorities to support implementation of policy. The management of local actions in implementing national policy, and decisions on local service planning and delivery, spending priorities, and the contribution of the voluntary sector in this, is the responsibility of relevant local agencies.\r\nNHS boards and their partners are expected to plan and deliver services in line with relevant legislation including the Mental Health (Care and Treatment) (Scotland) Act 2003 which has at its heart fundamental principles to ensure equal access to health care: participation; non-discrimination; respect for diversity; reciprocity; and equality.\r\nThe Scottish Government works in partnership with NHS Scotland to ensure that lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people’s health needs are met and that LGBT people do not experience discrimination on the basis of their sexual orientation or transgender identity. NHS Scotland has operated a policy of equality impact assessment for LGBT people’s health and wellbeing since 2005 and specific “Fair for All” guidance on responding to the needs of LGBT people has been in place since 2002.\r\nWe are currently funding the LGBT Centre for Health and Wellbeing to run a Demonstration Project, in partnership with NHS Lothian. The main aim of the project is to provide learning about how to both increase the reach and improve all services for LGBT people who experience mental health problems, and to enhance the mental wellbeing and resilience of LGBT people.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-12T15:23:57.847","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272995,"EventID":"S4W-07436","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5059,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-24T15:23:57.91","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-23T15:30:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will consider using money from early intervention programmes to tackle mental health issues in the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will consider using money from early intervention programmes to tackle mental health issues in the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-07435 on 6 June 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\nThe Scottish Government places a great importance on the need to ensure that NHSScotland provides services which are accessible and responsive for all communities including lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-12T15:23:57.927","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272996,"EventID":"S4W-07437","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5059,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-24T15:23:58.003","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-23T15:30:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what services are offered to support fathers, and expecting fathers, in HM Young Offenders Institution Polmont.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what services are offered to support fathers, and expecting fathers, in HM Young Offenders Institution Polmont.","AnswerText":"I have asked Colin McConnell, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service, to respond. His response is as follows:\r\nHM Young Offenders Institution Polmont currently offers the following opportunities and services to support fathers and expectant fathers:\r\nIn addition to the minimum entitlement of visits, young offenders who are fathers or expectant fathers can access visits aimed at improving the quality of the interaction with their children. These additional visits are referred to as “bonding” or “birth” visits.\r\nAccess to family activity visits. These are held periodically throughout the year typically at Christmas, Halloween and Easter. \r\nPositive Parenting Programme. This programme is delivered over eight sessions. Each session lasts approximately four hours. The sessions focus on communication, health and safety, the role of the father, childbirth and the father’s role in childbirth. Practical sessions focus on cooking, appropriate play and storytelling skills. \r\nYoung offenders are also able to purchase soft toys and cards through the Young Enterprise Scotland (YES) venture at the prison called “Giftco”. Further initiatives are being explored to promote father and child contact.\r\nAdditional support is also available through the Chaplaincy Service and partners including Local Authority Social Work.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-12T15:23:58.003","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272997,"EventID":"S4W-07438","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5059,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-24T15:23:58.083","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-23T15:30:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether funding from early intervention programmes and the Change Fund will be used to support and provide services for children and families of prisoners.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether funding from early intervention programmes and the Change Fund will be used to support and provide services for children and families of prisoners.","AnswerText":"The Early Years Change Fund signals a decisive shift to preventative spending in the Scottish budget - rebalancing care, support and service provision towards prevention and early intervention. How this is spent will be subject to local decisions between delivery partners based on guidance from the Early Years Taskforce.\r\nSeparately, the Scottish Government provides funding to Families Outside, a national charity in Scotland that works solely to support the children and families of prisoners.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-12T15:23:58.097","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Aileen Campbell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272998,"EventID":"S4W-07439","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5059,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-24T15:23:58.16","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-23T15:30:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S4W-06328 by Kenny MacAskill on 16 April 2012, whether it considers that the withdrawal of bonding visits should be used a disciplinary","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S4W-06328 by Kenny MacAskill on 16 April 2012, whether it considers that the withdrawal of bonding visits should be used a disciplinary measure against imprisoned parents.","AnswerText":"I have asked Colin McConnell, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service, to respond. His response is as follows:\r\nThe Prisons and Young Offenders Institutions (Scotland) Rules 2011 set out the minimum statutory provision for visits. The rules provide various punishments which may be imposed when a prisoner is found guilty of a breach of discipline and do not include the withdrawal of the right to visits by any person of the prisoner’s choice, including a visit by a child.\r\nThe prison rules do not provide for bonding visits however some prisons have set aside specific visiting times for children. These visits can form part of the minimum entitlement or can be additional visits provided as part of an incentive scheme and are a privilege. Where they are provided as part of an incentive scheme and are a privilege they may be removed, for example, should the prisoner be found guilty of a disciplinary offence. The minimum entitlement to visits by any person of the prisoner’s choice, including a visit by a child, is unaffected.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-12T15:23:58.16","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":272999,"EventID":"S4W-07440","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5059,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-24T15:23:58.27","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-23T15:30:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it will encourage local government employers to promote diversity in the early years and childcare workforce.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it will encourage local government employers to promote diversity in the early years and childcare workforce.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government recognise the early years and childcare workforce is predominately female with latest Scottish Social Services Council statistics showing 96% of the workforce in Day Care of Children are women. We are working with Men in Childcare to help redress this gender imbalance and part fund them to provide access to accredited training and targeted support to men interested in entering the early years and childcare profession. Men in Childcare also work with local government to provide advice and support for the recruitment and retention of more men into the workforce.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-12T15:23:58.27","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Aileen Campbell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273000,"EventID":"S4W-07441","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5059,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-24T15:23:58.347","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-23T15:30:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many, and what proportion of, primary school teachers have been male in each year since 1999, broken down by local authority.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many, and what proportion of, primary school teachers have been male in each year since 1999, broken down by local authority.\r\n","AnswerText":"The number and percentage of male primary school teachers in each year since 1999, broken down by local authority, are shown in the following tables.\r\nNumber of Male Primary School Teachers, 1999-2005\r\n\r\n1999\r\n2000\r\n2001\r\n2002\r\n2003\r\n2004\r\n2005\r\nAberdeen City\r\n61\r\n62\r\n66\r\n64\r\n75\r\n70\r\n66\r\nAberdeenshire\r\n69\r\n68\r\n70\r\n68\r\n67\r\n71\r\n71\r\nAngus\r\n47\r\n49\r\n46\r\n48\r\n48\r\n46\r\n45\r\nArgyll and Bute\r\n33\r\n32\r\n27\r\n27\r\n23\r\n27\r\n34\r\nClackmannanshire\r\n20\r\n16\r\n16\r\n18\r\n18\r\n21\r\n22\r\nDumfries and Galloway\r\n68\r\n67\r\n63\r\n65\r\n58\r\n53\r\n56\r\nDundee City\r\n53\r\n52\r\n57\r\n63\r\n63\r\n58\r\n61\r\nEast Ayrshire\r\n33\r\n28\r\n27\r\n32\r\n29\r\n34\r\n33\r\nEast Dunbartonshire\r\n24\r\n24\r\n25\r\n24\r\n26\r\n28\r\n28\r\nEast Lothian\r\n36\r\n36\r\n36\r\n36\r\n33\r\n32\r\n33\r\nEast Renfrewshire\r\n17\r\n17\r\n20\r\n22\r\n22\r\n28\r\n37\r\nEdinburgh, City of\r\n110\r\n125\r\n128\r\n132\r\n128\r\n132\r\n139\r\nEilean Siar\r\n16\r\n20\r\n19\r\n23\r\n25\r\n22\r\n19\r\nFalkirk\r\n27\r\n29\r\n30\r\n31\r\n33\r\n35\r\n38\r\nFife\r\n88\r\n92\r\n97\r\n106\r\n100\r\n99\r\n101\r\nGlasgow City\r\n199\r\n191\r\n187\r\n194\r\n202\r\n215\r\n205\r\nHighland\r\n90\r\n85\r\n81\r\n88\r\n85\r\n88\r\n87\r\nInverclyde\r\n19\r\n20\r\n19\r\n19\r\n18\r\n20\r\n21\r\nMidlothian\r\n35\r\n28\r\n33\r\n36\r\n34\r\n31\r\n30\r\nMoray\r\n26\r\n25\r\n26\r\n26\r\n23\r\n25\r\n26\r\nNorth Ayrshire\r\n43\r\n43\r\n42\r\n41\r\n38\r\n37\r\n40\r\nNorth Lanarkshire\r\n88\r\n95\r\n90\r\n95\r\n86\r\n86\r\n97\r\nOrkney Islands\r\n11\r\n13\r\n14\r\n16\r\n17\r\n18\r\n16\r\nPerth and Kinross\r\n51\r\n43\r\n48\r\n60\r\n47\r\n43\r\n42\r\nRenfrewshire\r\n47\r\n50\r\n53\r\n49\r\n46\r\n53\r\n55\r\nScottish Borders\r\n46\r\n50\r\n50\r\n52\r\n46\r\n47\r\n45\r\nShetland Islands\r\n23\r\n26\r\n22\r\n29\r\n24\r\n25\r\n21\r\nSouth Ayrshire\r\n27\r\n29\r\n28\r\n33\r\n29\r\n29\r\n34\r\nSouth Lanarkshire\r\n66\r\n68\r\n73\r\n73\r\n85\r\n89\r\n88\r\nStirling\r\n21\r\n23\r\n21\r\n27\r\n24\r\n25\r\n26\r\nWest Dunbartonshire\r\n22\r\n22\r\n22\r\n23\r\n27\r\n28\r\n32\r\nWest Lothian\r\n37\r\n33\r\n35\r\n42\r\n43\r\n45\r\n49\r\n\r\nNumber of Male Primary School Teachers, 2006-11\r\n\r\n2006\r\n2007\r\n2008\r\n2009\r\n2010\r\n2011\r\nAberdeen City\r\n71\r\n62\r\n61\r\n59\r\n68\r\n67\r\nAberdeenshire\r\n72\r\n81\r\n78\r\n90\r\n100\r\n91\r\nAngus\r\n43\r\n47\r\n44\r\n40\r\n44\r\n43\r\nArgyll and Bute\r\n30\r\n36\r\n30\r\n32\r\n32\r\n27\r\nClackmannanshire\r\n22\r\n23\r\n23\r\n18\r\n21\r\n21\r\nDumfries and Galloway\r\n58\r\n60\r\n66\r\n63\r\n55\r\n57\r\nDundee City\r\n64\r\n60\r\n60\r\n65\r\n64\r\n57\r\nEast Ayrshire\r\n38\r\n35\r\n35\r\n37\r\n46\r\n48\r\nEast Dunbartonshire\r\n27\r\n30\r\n25\r\n30\r\n37\r\n36\r\nEast Lothian\r\n34\r\n29\r\n35\r\n31\r\n32\r\n30\r\nEast Renfrewshire\r\n35\r\n33\r\n31\r\n33\r\n33\r\n34\r\nEdinburgh, City of\r\n145\r\n143\r\n144\r\n140\r\n153\r\n145\r\nEilean Siar\r\n23\r\n22\r\n16\r\n18\r\n20\r\n18\r\nFalkirk\r\n41\r\n47\r\n54\r\n57\r\n59\r\n56\r\nFife\r\n114\r\n113\r\n124\r\n122\r\n131\r\n137\r\nGlasgow City\r\n223\r\n210\r\n217\r\n184\r\n194\r\n182\r\nHighland\r\n98\r\n101\r\n98\r\n92\r\n93\r\n95\r\nInverclyde\r\n23\r\n24\r\n26\r\n26\r\n26\r\n22\r\nMidlothian\r\n33\r\n36\r\n38\r\n35\r\n37\r\n38\r\nMoray\r\n23\r\n20\r\n25\r\n25\r\n28\r\n29\r\nNorth Ayrshire\r\n45\r\n44\r\n47\r\n48\r\n51\r\n44\r\nNorth Lanarkshire\r\n98\r\n106\r\n110\r\n113\r\n107\r\n109\r\nOrkney Islands\r\n18\r\n20\r\n16\r\n21\r\n20\r\n18\r\nPerth and Kinross\r\n38\r\n41\r\n46\r\n63\r\n66\r\n67\r\nRenfrewshire\r\n57\r\n60\r\n57\r\n58\r\n58\r\n58\r\nScottish Borders\r\n47\r\n49\r\n52\r\n49\r\n58\r\n59\r\nShetland Islands\r\n20\r\n25\r\n20\r\n20\r\n20\r\n18\r\nSouth Ayrshire\r\n44\r\n49\r\n41\r\n39\r\n46\r\n46\r\nSouth Lanarkshire\r\n90\r\n98\r\n116\r\n111\r\n100\r\n114\r\nStirling\r\n22\r\n23\r\n22\r\n29\r\n29\r\n31\r\nWest Dunbartonshire\r\n31\r\n35\r\n41\r\n38\r\n34\r\n34\r\nWest Lothian\r\n56\r\n64\r\n66\r\n72\r\n74\r\n72\r\n\r\nPercentage of Primary School Teachers Who are Male, 1999-2005\r\n\r\n1999\r\n2000\r\n2001\r\n2002\r\n2003\r\n2004\r\n2005\r\nAberdeen City\r\n7.3\r\n7.7\r\n8.2\r\n7.4\r\n8.2\r\n8.2\r\n8.1\r\nAberdeenshire\r\n6.0\r\n6.1\r\n6.2\r\n5.6\r\n6.0\r\n6.2\r\n6.2\r\nAngus\r\n9.1\r\n9.6\r\n9.0\r\n9.5\r\n9.4\r\n8.6\r\n8.2\r\nArgyll and Bute\r\n7.1\r\n7.4\r\n6.4\r\n6.7\r\n6.1\r\n6.6\r\n8.2\r\nClackmannanshire\r\n9.0\r\n7.7\r\n7.2\r\n8.1\r\n8.5\r\n10.1\r\n10.7\r\nDumfries and Galloway\r\n10.0\r\n9.7\r\n9.4\r\n9.4\r\n9.5\r\n8.3\r\n8.6\r\nDundee City\r\n8.1\r\n8.1\r\n8.9\r\n9.7\r\n10.0\r\n9.3\r\n9.9\r\nEast Ayrshire\r\n6.1\r\n5.4\r\n5.3\r\n6.2\r\n5.8\r\n6.6\r\n6.3\r\nEast Dunbartonshire\r\n4.9\r\n4.9\r\n5.2\r\n4.9\r\n5.4\r\n5.6\r\n5.8\r\nEast Lothian\r\n8.6\r\n8.7\r\n8.5\r\n8.1\r\n7.8\r\n7.1\r\n7.1\r\nEast Renfrewshire\r\n4.3\r\n4.2\r\n5.0\r\n5.0\r\n4.8\r\n5.6\r\n6.9\r\nEdinburgh, City of\r\n7.2\r\n8.1\r\n8.2\r\n8.2\r\n8.5\r\n9.0\r\n9.5\r\nEilean Siar\r\n8.4\r\n10.5\r\n10.0\r\n12.1\r\n13.8\r\n11.4\r\n9.9\r\nFalkirk\r\n4.5\r\n4.8\r\n4.9\r\n4.8\r\n5.0\r\n5.5\r\n5.8\r\nFife\r\n5.3\r\n5.6\r\n5.9\r\n6.1\r\n6.0\r\n6.0\r\n6.1\r\nGlasgow City\r\n8.3\r\n8.1\r\n8.1\r\n8.4\r\n8.8\r\n9.2\r\n8.7\r\nHighland\r\n8.2\r\n7.7\r\n7.5\r\n8.1\r\n7.6\r\n7.9\r\n8.0\r\nInverclyde\r\n5.1\r\n5.5\r\n5.6\r\n5.3\r\n5","AnswerDate":"2012-05-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-12T15:23:58.347","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273001,"EventID":"S4W-07443","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-24T15:23:58.44","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-23T16:35:24.41","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of people in (a) Tayside and (b) Fife has access to an NHS dentist.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of people in (a) Tayside and (b) Fife has access to an NHS dentist.\r\n","AnswerText":"As at 31 March 2012, the most recent date for which statistical information is available, the percentage of people registered with a dentist for NHS General Dental Services in (a) Tayside is 75.9% and (b) Fife is 70.0% \r\nThis information is published on the ISD website and can be viewed by following this link http://www.isdscotland.org/Health-Topics/Dental-Care/Publications/index.asp#705.\r\nSource: ISD website.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-12T15:23:58.457","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273002,"EventID":"S4W-07445","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-24T15:23:58.567","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-23T16:35:24.41","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what improvements have been made to rail services serving (a) Perth and Kinross, (b) Fife and (c) Stirling since May 2011.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what improvements have been made to rail services serving (a) Perth and Kinross, (b) Fife and (c) Stirling since May 2011.\r\n","AnswerText":"In December 2011, two additional services each way were introduced on the Highland Main line between Glasgow (connections at Perth from Edinburgh) and Inverness. All these services call at Stirling.\r\nNew services were also introduced in December 2011 between Glasgow and Dundee. This increased the number of services between Glasgow and Perth calling at Stirling and also improved the frequency of calls at Gleneagles.\r\nChanges to two services in the morning peak between Dundee and Fife to Edinburgh were introduced in December 2011. This also included a replacement service for the 0735 Cross Country Service between Dundee and Edinburgh withdrawn in May 2011 and for the 0754 Kirkcaldy to Edinburgh service withdrawn in December 2011. Further changes are being developed for delivery in the autumn 2012 concerning a South Fife commuter service.\r\nClass 170 diesel trains used on Edinburgh via Fife to Dundee/ Perth/ Aberdeen routes are currently undergoing both internal and external refurbishment works to be completed by late 2013.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-12T15:23:58.58","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273003,"EventID":"S4W-07448","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-24T15:23:58.69","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-23T16:35:24.41","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with Network Rail since 1 January 2012 regarding improvements to Perth railway station.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with Network Rail since 1 January 2012 regarding improvements to Perth railway station.\r\n","AnswerText":"Transport Scotland regularly meets with representatives of Network Rail to discuss a range of station improvement schemes. Discussions since 1 January 2012 included progress on planned enhancements to improve access within Perth railway station. \r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-12T15:23:58.69","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273004,"EventID":"S4W-07449","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-24T15:23:58.783","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-23T16:35:24.41","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to prevent those not actively farming from being able to claim agricultural subsidies.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to prevent those not actively farming from being able to claim agricultural subsidies.","AnswerText":"Since 2009, the Scottish Government has improved the existing links between activity and payments in respect of the Less Favoured Area Support Scheme (LFASS).\r\nIn relation to the Single Farm Payment (SFP) we have been lobbying hard at both UK and European level for a change to the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) rules that would ensure SFP only goes to active farmers. This has been recognised in the European Commission’s draft regulations for the future CAP which includes a clause that would allow us to set a minimum activity level on the type of land that is commonly used by inactive farmers.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-12T15:23:58.783","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273005,"EventID":"S4W-07450","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-24T15:23:58.877","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-23T16:35:24.41","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-33199 by Stewart Stevenson on 12 May 2010, on what 20 roads the highest number of (a) accidents and (b) fatalities has been recorde","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-33199 by Stewart Stevenson on 12 May 2010, on what 20 roads the highest number of (a) accidents and (b) fatalities has been recorded in each of the last five years.\r\n","AnswerText":"The following tables provide the statistics requested and are ranked by accidents per km of road.\r\n2006\r\nInjury Road Accidents\r\nFatalities\r\n\r\nRoad\r\nNumber of Injury Road Accidents\r\nper km of Road\r\nRoad\r\nNumber of Road Accident Fatalities\r\nper km of Road\r\nA8\r\n308\r\n3.90\r\nA726\r\n5\r\n0.10\r\nA761\r\n81\r\n2.57\r\nA90\r\n17\r\n0.07\r\nM8\r\n224\r\n2.56\r\nA8\r\n5\r\n0.06\r\nA726\r\n92\r\n1.89\r\nA84\r\n3\r\n0.06\r\nA814\r\n112\r\n1.69\r\nA6105\r\n3\r\n0.06\r\nA89\r\n97\r\n1.64\r\nA947\r\n4\r\n0.06\r\nA803\r\n78\r\n1.41\r\nA76\r\n5\r\n0.05\r\nA81\r\n78\r\n1.35\r\nA96\r\n9\r\n0.05\r\nA71\r\n144\r\n1.30\r\nA75\r\n8\r\n0.05\r\nA73\r\n78\r\n1.24\r\nM8\r\n4\r\n0.05\r\nA7\r\n145\r\n1.10\r\nA71\r\n5\r\n0.05\r\nA1\r\n91\r\n1.04\r\nA97\r\n4\r\n0.04\r\nA90\r\n244\r\n1.01\r\nA95\r\n4\r\n0.04\r\nA77\r\n130\r\n0.86\r\nA9\r\n17\r\n0.04\r\nA92\r\n109\r\n0.74\r\nA82\r\n10\r\n0.04\r\nA82\r\n183\r\n0.67\r\nA91\r\n3\r\n0.04\r\nA70\r\n78\r\n0.64\r\nA701\r\n4\r\n0.04\r\nA96\r\n101\r\n0.60\r\nA72\r\n3\r\n0.04\r\nA85\r\n86\r\n0.57\r\nA92\r\n4\r\n0.03\r\nA9\r\n236\r\n0.54\r\nA77\r\n4\r\n0.03\r\nSource: Scottish Government STATS 19 Return.\r\nNote: Each sub-table lists only 20 roads, therefore, in some cases, other roads may have the same numbers of injury road accidents, or fatalities, as the last road shown in a particular sub-table. For example, the A77 was not the only road which had four fatalities in 2006.\r\n2007\r\nInjury Road Accidents\r\nFatalities\r\nRoad\r\nNumber of Injury Road Accidents\r\nper km of road\r\nRoad\r\nNumber of Road Accident Fatalities\r\nper km of road\r\nA8\r\n261\r\n3.31\r\nA8011\r\n3\r\n0.42\r\nA761\r\n76\r\n2.41\r\nA752\r\n3\r\n0.24\r\nM8\r\n193\r\n2.21\r\nA76\r\n7\r\n0.08\r\nM74\r\n85\r\n1.62\r\nA96\r\n5\r\n0.08\r\nA89\r\n92\r\n1.56\r\nM8\r\n6\r\n0.07\r\nA814\r\n101\r\n1.53\r\nA828\r\n3\r\n0.06\r\nA803\r\n72\r\n1.30\r\nA1\r\n5\r\n0.06\r\nA1\r\n103\r\n1.17\r\nA8\r\n4\r\n0.05\r\nA71\r\n126\r\n1.13\r\nA82\r\n13\r\n0.05\r\nA90\r\n248\r\n1.02\r\nA77\r\n7\r\n0.05\r\nA7\r\n118\r\n0.90\r\nA90\r\n11\r\n0.05\r\nA77\r\n135\r\n0.89\r\nA970\r\n5\r\n0.04\r\nA82\r\n228\r\n0.84\r\nA83\r\n6\r\n0.04\r\nA92\r\n114\r\n0.77\r\nA85\r\n5\r\n0.03\r\nA70\r\n80\r\n0.66\r\nA9\r\n13\r\n0.03\r\nA96\r\n109\r\n0.65\r\nA93\r\n5\r\n0.03\r\nA85\r\n94\r\n0.62\r\nA92\r\n4\r\n0.03\r\nA702\r\n76\r\n0.57\r\nA71\r\n3\r\n0.03\r\nA75\r\n79\r\n0.51\r\nA75\r\n4\r\n0.03\r\nA9\r\n217\r\n0.49\r\nA702\r\n3\r\n0.02\r\n\r\n2008\r\nInjury Road Accidents\r\nFatalities\r\nRoad\r\nNumber of Injury Road Accidents\r\nInjury Road Accidents\r\nRoad\r\nNumber of Road Accident Fatalities\r\nper km of road\r\nA8\r\n203\r\n2.57\r\nA749\r\n3\r\n0.25\r\nM8\r\n224\r\n2.56\r\nA721\r\n6\r\n0.13\r\nA89\r\n87\r\n1.47\r\nA847\r\n3\r\n0.13\r\nM74\r\n73\r\n1.39\r\nB9022\r\n3\r\n0.12\r\nA814\r\n90\r\n1.36\r\nA904\r\n3\r\n0.10\r\nA803\r\n75\r\n1.35\r\nM8\r\n8\r\n0.09\r\nA71\r\n144\r\n1.30\r\nA947\r\n5\r\n0.08\r\nA1\r\n93\r\n1.06\r\nA96\r\n4\r\n0.06\r\nA78\r\n72\r\n1.05\r\nA91\r\n5\r\n0.06\r\nA90\r\n252\r\n1.04\r\nA92\r\n6\r\n0.06\r\nA7\r\n136\r\n1.03\r\nA98\r\n4\r\n0.05\r\nA68\r\n83\r\n0.84\r\nA8\r\n3\r\n0.04\r\nA92\r\n108\r\n0.73\r\nA90\r\n9\r\n0.04\r\nA82\r\n181\r\n0.67\r\nA82\r\n10\r\n0.04\r\nA77\r\n98\r\n0.65\r\nA71\r\n4\r\n0.04\r\nA70\r\n79\r\n0.65\r\nA9\r\n15\r\n0.03\r\nA85\r\n96\r\n0.63\r\nA75\r\n5\r\n0.03\r\nA96\r\n105\r\n0.63\r\nA85\r\n4\r\n0.03\r\nA702\r\n70\r\n0.53\r\nA1\r\n2\r\n0.02\r\nA9\r\n183\r\n0.42\r\nA68\r\n2\r\n0.02\r\n\r\n2009\r\nInjury Road Accidents\r\nFatalities\r\nRoad\r\nNumber of Injury Road Accidents\r\nper km of road\r\nRoad\r\nNumber of Road Accident Fatalities\r\nper km of road\r\nA8\r\n204\r\n2.58\r\nB9080\r\n3\r\n0.23\r\nM8\r\n184\r\n2.10\r\nA74\r\n2\r\n0.16\r\nA761\r\n61\r\n1.93\r\nA977\r\n3\r\n0.11\r\nA726\r\n74\r\n1.52\r\nA199\r\n3\r\n0.07\r\nA89\r\n84\r\n1.42\r\nA96\r\n4\r\n0.06\r\nA814\r\n90\r\n1.36\r\nM74\r\n3\r\n0.06\r\nA90\r\n263\r\n1.08\r\nM8\r\n5\r\n0.06\r\nA71\r\n108\r\n0.97\r\nA76\r\n4\r\n0.04\r\nA77\r\n131\r\n0.87\r\nA835\r\n4\r\n0.04\r\nA1\r\n76\r\n0.87\r\nA90\r\n9\r\n0.04\r\nA7\r\n110\r\n0.83\r\nA75\r\n5\r\n0.03\r\nA82\r\n198\r\n0.73\r\nA95\r\n3\r\n0.03\r\nA92\r\n107\r\n0.72\r\nA77\r\n4\r\n0.03\r\nA96\r\n107\r\n0.64\r\nA70\r\n3\r\n0.02\r\nA68\r\n61\r\n0.62\r\nA7\r\n3\r\n0.02\r\nA70\r\n68\r\n0.56\r\nA82\r\n6\r\n0.02\r\nA85\r\n84\r\n0.55\r\nA68\r\n2\r\n0.02\r\nA702\r\n73\r\n0.55\r\nA93\r\n3\r\n0.02\r\nA93\r\n86\r\n0.49\r\nA9\r\n7\r\n0.02\r\nA9\r\n207\r\n0.47\r\nA702\r\n2\r\n0.02\r\n\r\n2010\r\nInjury Road Accidents\r\nFatalities\r\nRoad\r\nNumber of Injury Road Accidents\r\nper km of road\r\nRoad\r\nNumber of Road Accident Fatalities\r\nper km of road\r\nA8\r\n187\r\n2.37\r\nA730\r\n3\r\n0.41\r\nM8\r\n190\r\n2.17\r\nA92\r\n8\r\n0.07\r\nA761\r\n62\r\n1.96\r\nA78\r\n5\r\n0.07\r\nA89\r\n89\r\n1.50\r\nB862\r\n3\r\n0.06\r\nA803\r\n73\r\n1.32\r\nA737\r\n2\r\n0.05\r\nA814\r\n87\r\n1.31\r\nA1\r\n4\r\n0.05\r\nA90\r\n255\r\n1.05\r\nA830\r\n3\r\n0.05\r\nA71\r\n116\r\n1.04\r\nA947\r\n3\r\n0.05\r\nA7\r\n115\r\n0.87\r\nA811\r\n2\r\n0.04\r\nA1\r\n71\r\n0.81\r\nA71\r\n4\r\n0.04\r\nA96\r\n121\r\n0.72\r\nA96\r\n6\r\n0.04\r\nA77\r\n105\r\n0.69\r\nA72\r\n3\r\n0.04\r\nA92\r\n100\r\n0.68\r\nA9\r\n15\r\n0.03\r\nA85\r\n80\r\n0.53\r\nA719\r\n2\r\n0.03\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-12T15:23:58.877","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273006,"EventID":"S4W-07451","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-24T15:23:59.033","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-23T16:35:24.41","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with the Scottish Ambulance Service since 1 January 2012 regarding the number of ambulances stationed in Highland Perthshire.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with the Scottish Ambulance Service since 1 January 2012 regarding the number of ambulances stationed in Highland Perthshire.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government is committed to ensuring that the Scottish Ambulance Service continues to provide safe, efficient and effective services to patients across Scotland, as such Scottish Government ministers and Officials are in regular dialogue with the service on a range of issues. However, the provision of ambulance services in specific localities across Scotland is the responsibility of the Scottish Ambulance Service and there have been no specific discussions about the number of ambulances stationed in Highland Perthshire.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-12T15:23:59.033","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273007,"EventID":"S4W-07452","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1860,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-24T15:23:59.157","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-24T10:01:19.077","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S4W-05087 by Stewart Stevenson on 27 January 2012, when the (a) applications were made and (b) funding was awarded. \r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S4W-05087 by Stewart Stevenson on 27 January 2012, when the (a) applications were made and (b) funding was awarded. \r\n","AnswerText":"The following table lists cases with grant and loan funding to community energy projects located on the national forest estate. These schemes are operated by Community Energy Scotland and includes funding from the Community Renewable Energy Support Programme (CRESP) which comes via Highlands and Islands Enterprise and Community and Renewable Energy Scheme (CARES) funding which is direct from the Scottish Government.\r\nProject\r\nAmount\r\nApproved\r\nAmount claimed to date\r\nLoan or Grant\r\nDate of last claim\r\nPart or wholly on the NFE\r\nCallander Development Trust\r\n\r\n\r\nCallander Community Hydro Ltd (Trading subsidiary)\r\n£1,000\r\n£2,056\r\n£4,608\r\n£82,000\r\n£1,000\r\n£2,056\r\n£3,676\r\nNil\r\n\r\nGrant\r\nGrant\r\nGrant\r\nLoan\r\nFeb 2010\r\nOct 2010\r\nApr 2011\r\nWholly\r\nColintraive and Glendaruel Development Trust\r\n£8,812\r\n£8,812\r\nGrant\r\nJuly 2010\r\nWholly\r\nGlenelg and Arnisdale Community Trust\r\n£5,348\r\n£5,297\r\nGrant\r\nMarch 2010\r\nPart\r\nKilfinan Community Forest Trust\r\n£8,340\r\n£146,000\r\n£8,340\r\n£30,453\r\nGrant\r\nLoan\r\nApril 2011\r\nPart\r\nLochgoilhead\r\n£2,143\r\n£2,143\r\nGrant\r\nMarch 2010\r\nWholly\r\nMull and Iona Community Trust\r\n£15,691\r\n£29,387\r\n£38,000\r\n£13,536\r\n£29,250\r\n£10,536\r\nGrant\r\nGrant\r\nLoan\r\nMarch 2010\r\nApril 2012\r\n\r\nPart\r\nRumster\r\n£57,661\r\n£37,083\r\n£56,899\r\n£33,667\r\nGrant\r\nGrant\r\n27-03-2009\r\n26-10-2010\r\nWholly\r\nTarbert and Skipness\r\n£8,452\r\n£39,776\r\n£31,000\r\n£9,424\r\n£39,776\r\nNil\r\nGrant\r\nGrant\r\nLoan\r\nNov 2009\r\n*\r\n\r\nWholly\r\nNote: *No date of application known\r\nThere are some changes to the amounts shown in question S4W-05087. This new table includes payments made since the previous answer and corrects an error previously rendered. It also makes a clear distinction between funds approved and funds claimed or drawn down.\r\nThere were no changes to ownership of land between applications being made and funding approved.\r\nFurther checks have also indicated that two projects funded under CARES were for work not on the national forest estate at date of application or date of funding award, these projects are:\r\nProject\r\nAmount of funding since 2007\r\nNorth West Mull Community Woodland Company \r\n£26,089\r\nSunart Community \r\n£18,000\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-12T15:23:59.157","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273008,"EventID":"S4W-07453","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1860,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-24T15:23:59.283","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-24T10:01:19.077","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S4W-05087 by Stewart Stevenson on 27 January 2012, which of the projects were on land that was (a) part- and (b) wholly- owned by the F","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S4W-05087 by Stewart Stevenson on 27 January 2012, which of the projects were on land that was (a) part- and (b) wholly- owned by the Forestry Commission when the (i) applications were made and (ii) funding was awarded.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-07452 on 12 June 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-12T15:23:59.3","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273009,"EventID":"S4W-07456","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4014,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-24T15:23:59.407","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-24T10:46:40","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the average waiting time to see an eye specialist has been in each year since 2007, broken down by NHS board.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the average waiting time to see an eye specialist has been in each year since 2007, broken down by NHS board.\r\n","AnswerText":"Information on median waits for a first outpatient appointment to see an eye specialist following a referral from a GP or Optometrist for the calendar year 2007 is provided in the table 1. Due to the introduction of New Ways of Defining Waiting Times from 1 January 2008 the data for 2007 is not directly comparable with New Ways data.\r\nTable 2 provides the median wait for a first out appointment to see an eye specialist following a referral from a GP or Optometrist for the calendar years 2008 and 2009. Information on the median waits for the calendar years 2010 and 2011 are from all sources of referral not just GP or Optometrist. This information is provided in table 3.\r\nTable 1 NHSScotland: Median Waiting Times for a First Outpatient Appointment to see an Eye Specialist Following a GP Referral for the Year 2007, by NHS Board\r\nNHS Board\r\n2007\r\nMedian Waits\r\n(Days)\r\nAyrshire and Arran\r\n66\r\nBorders\r\n41\r\nDumfries and Galloway\r\n51\r\nFife\r\n43\r\nForth Valley\r\n105\r\nGrampian\r\n46\r\nGreater Glasgow and Clyde\r\n62\r\nHighland\r\n48\r\nLanarkshire\r\n71\r\nLothian\r\n65\r\nOrkney\r\n83\r\nShetland\r\n43\r\nTayside\r\n20\r\nWestern Isles\r\n61\r\nNHSScotland\r\n52\r\nSource ISD Scotland SMR00.\r\nTable 2 NHSScotland: Median Waiting Times for a First Outpatient Appointment to see an Eye Specialist following GP or Optometrist referral for the Years 2008 and 2009, by NHS Board\r\nNHS Board\r\n2008\r\nMedian Waits\r\n(Days)\r\n2009\r\nMedian Waits\r\n(Days)\r\nAyrshire and Arran\r\n47\r\n49\r\nBorders\r\n33\r\n35\r\nDumfries and Galloway\r\n41\r\n41\r\nFife\r\n26\r\n22\r\nForth Valley\r\n76\r\n67\r\nGrampian\r\n49\r\n45\r\nGreater Glasgow and Clyde\r\n49\r\n48\r\nHighland\r\n46\r\n49\r\nLanarkshire\r\n67\r\n42\r\nLothian\r\n55\r\n55\r\nOrkney\r\n35\r\n41\r\nShetland\r\n49\r\n28\r\nTayside\r\n19\r\n22\r\nWestern Isles\r\n39\r\n43\r\nNHSScotland\r\n46\r\n45\r\nSource ISD Scotland Waiting Times Data Warehouse. \r\nTable 3 NHSScotland: Median Waiting Times for a First Outpatient Appointment to see an Eye Specialist Following Referral from All Sources for the Years 2010 and 2011, by NHS Board\r\nNHS Board\r\n2010\r\nMedian Waits\r\n(Days)\r\n2011\r\nMedian Waits\r\n(Days)\r\nAyrshire and Arran\r\n39\r\n56\r\nBorders\r\n41\r\n35\r\nDumfries and Galloway\r\n30\r\n23\r\nFife\r\n29\r\n32\r\nForth Valley\r\n70\r\n66\r\nGrampian\r\n37\r\n42\r\nGreater Glasgow and Clyde\r\n41\r\n36\r\nHighland\r\n56\r\n46\r\nLanarkshire\r\n53\r\n66\r\nLothian\r\n33\r\n40\r\nOrkney\r\n59\r\n64\r\nShetland\r\n28\r\n36\r\nTayside\r\n29\r\n31\r\nWestern Isles\r\n25\r\n29\r\nNHSScotland\r\n39\r\n41\r\nSource ISD Scotland Waiting Times Data Warehouse.","AnswerDate":"2012-06-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-12T15:23:59.407","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273010,"EventID":"S4W-07457","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4014,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-24T15:23:59.5","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-24T10:46:40","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many cataract operations have taken place in each year since 2007, broken down by NHS board.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many cataract operations have taken place in each year since 2007, broken down by NHS board.\r\n","AnswerText":"The information requested is provided in the following table.\r\nNHSScotland: Number of Cataract Procedures Performed in Acute Hospital \r\nBoard of Treatment\r\n2006-07\r\n2007-08\r\n2008-09\r\n2009-10\r\n2010-11P\r\nAyrshire and Arran\r\n2,605\r\n2,813\r\n3,077\r\n3,043\r\n2,537\r\nBorders\r\n1,155\r\n1,187\r\n1,082\r\n1,356\r\n1,201\r\nDumfries and Galloway\r\n933\r\n1,282\r\n1,667\r\n1,679\r\n1,504\r\nFife\r\n1,726\r\n1,639\r\n1,568\r\n1,620\r\n1,647\r\nForth Valley\r\n1,532\r\n1,402\r\n1,584\r\n1,390\r\n1,542\r\nGrampian\r\n2,528\r\n2,327\r\n2,571\r\n2,629\r\n2,343\r\nGreater Glasgow and Clyde\r\n6,964\r\n7,499\r\n8,055\r\n7,830\r\n8,181\r\nHighland\r\n1,807\r\n1,446\r\n1,640\r\n1,780\r\n1,779\r\nLanarkshire\r\n1,726\r\n1,460\r\n1,771\r\n2,000\r\n2,070\r\nLothian\r\n2,983\r\n3,811\r\n4,149\r\n4,423\r\n4,414\r\nOrkney\r\n160\r\n151\r\n105\r\n82\r\n71\r\nShetland\r\n76\r\n88\r\n105\r\n62\r\n56\r\nTayside\r\n3,135\r\n2,906\r\n2,968\r\n3,688\r\n4,107\r\nWestern Isles\r\n212\r\n203\r\n222\r\n272\r\n234\r\nGolden Jubilee National Hospital\r\n3,231\r\n2,810\r\n1,313\r\n1,049\r\n943\r\nNon-NHS Providers\r\n338\r\n99\r\n13\r\n85\r\n28\r\nNHSScotland\r\n31,111\r\n31,123\r\n31,890\r\n32,988\r\n32,657\r\nSource: ISD Scotland SMR00 and SMR01.\r\nPProvisional.","AnswerDate":"2012-06-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-12T15:23:59.5","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273011,"EventID":"S4W-07458","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4014,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-24T15:23:59.593","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-24T10:46:40","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the average waiting time has been for a cataract operation in each year since 2007, broken down by NHS board.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the average waiting time has been for a cataract operation in each year since 2007, broken down by NHS board.\r\n","AnswerText":"Information on median waits for a cataract operation for the calendar year 2007 is provided in table 1. Due to the introduction of New Ways of defining Waiting Times from 1 January 2009 the data for 2007 is not directly comparable with New Ways data. \r\nMedian Waiting Time (Days) for a Cataract Operation as an Inpatient or Day Case, by NHS Board, during Calendar Year 2007\r\nNHS Board\r\nYear Ending\r\n31 December 2007\r\nYear Ending\r\n31 December 2008\r\nNHS Ayrshire and Arran\r\n75\r\n90\r\nNHS Borders\r\n49\r\n34\r\nNHS Dumfries and Galloway\r\n71\r\n32\r\nNHS Fife\r\n51\r\n29\r\nNHS Forth Valley\r\n91\r\n70\r\nNHS Grampian\r\n51\r\n38\r\nNHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde\r\n45\r\n41\r\nNHS Highland\r\n49\r\n49\r\nNHS Lanarkshire\r\n45\r\n39\r\nNHS Lothian\r\n70\r\n43\r\nNHS Orkney\r\n88\r\n43\r\nNHS Shetland\r\n63\r\n44\r\nNHS Tayside\r\n50\r\n40\r\nNHS Western Isles\r\n64\r\n47\r\nNHS Scotland\r\n55\r\n43\r\nSource: SMR01.\r\nTable 2 provides the median wait for cataract surgery for first eye only for the calendar years:\r\nMedian Waiting Time (Days) for Cataract Surgery (1st Eye) as a Return Outpatient (for Procedure), Inpatient or Day Case, by NHS Board, during Calendar Years 2008-11 (Year ending 31 December)\r\nNHS Board\r\n2008\r\n2009\r\n2010\r\n2011\r\nNHS Ayrshire and Arrana\r\nX\r\nx\r\n53\r\n73\r\nNHS Borders\r\nX\r\n42\r\n31\r\n51\r\nNHS Dumfries and Galloway\r\nX\r\n31\r\n28\r\n41\r\nNHS Fife\r\nX\r\n43\r\n49\r\n48\r\nNHS Forth Valley\r\nX\r\n56\r\n53\r\n51\r\nNHS Grampian\r\nX\r\n56\r\n56\r\n60\r\nNHS Greater Glasgow and Clydeb\r\nX\r\n34\r\n37\r\n37\r\nNHS Highland\r\nX\r\n46\r\n56\r\n59\r\nNHS Lanarkshirec\r\nX\r\n34\r\n38\r\n34\r\nNHS Lothiand\r\nX\r\n40\r\n45\r\n40\r\nNHS Orkneyc\r\nX\r\n28\r\n30\r\n49\r\nNHS Shetland\r\nX\r\n5\r\n24\r\n46\r\nNHS Tayside\r\nX\r\n45\r\n44\r\n43\r\nNHS Western Isles\r\nX\r\n50\r\n57\r\n34\r\nNHS Scotland\r\nX\r\n40\r\n41\r\n42\r\nSource: ISD Scotland.\r\nNotes:\r\na Local target for treatment is 12 weeks.\r\nb Local target for treatment is eight weeks.\r\nc Local target for treatment is six weeks.\r\nd Local target for treatment is seven weeks.\r\nX Data not available.\r\nSince 2010 data was collected on both second eye cataract treatment delivered at one stop clinics. Median waiting times for these patients are shown in Table 3.\r\nMedian waiting time (days) for cataract surgery (second eye and One Stop Clinic) as a return outpatient (for procedure), inpatient or day case, by NHS board, during calendar years 2008-11 (year ending 31 December):\r\nNHS Board\r\n2008\r\n2009\r\n2010\r\n2011\r\nNHS Ayrshire and Arran\r\nX\r\nX\r\n96\r\n115\r\nNHS Borders\r\nX\r\nX\r\nx\r\nx\r\nNHS Dumfries and Galloway\r\nX\r\nX\r\nn/a\r\nn/a\r\nNHS Fife\r\nX\r\nX\r\n49\r\n49\r\nNHS Forth Valley\r\nX\r\nX\r\n109\r\n109\r\nNHS Grampian\r\nX\r\nX\r\n56\r\n61\r\nNHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde\r\nX\r\nX\r\n65\r\n67\r\nNHS Highland\r\nX\r\nX\r\n82\r\n101\r\nNHS Lanarkshire\r\nX\r\nX\r\n38\r\n36\r\nNHS Lothian\r\nX\r\nX\r\n49\r\n87\r\nNHS Orkney\r\nX\r\nX\r\n36\r\n48\r\nNHS Shetland\r\nX\r\nX\r\n38\r\n35\r\nNHS Tayside\r\nX\r\nX\r\n60\r\n47\r\nNHS Western Isles\r\nX\r\nX\r\n51\r\n28\r\nNHS Scotland\r\nX\r\nX\r\n61\r\n62\r\nSource: ISD Scotland.\r\nNotes:\r\nX Data not available.\r\nn/a not applicable.","AnswerDate":"2012-06-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-12T15:23:59.593","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273012,"EventID":"S4W-07459","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-24T15:23:59.703","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-24T10:32:22","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what is being done to ensure that home carers are trained to SVQ 3 level and registered with the Scottish Social Services Council.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what is being done to ensure that home carers are trained to SVQ 3 level and registered with the Scottish Social Services Council.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive established the Scottish Social Services Council as the regulator of the social services workforce in Scotland. As well as maintaining registers of groups of workers, the SSSC has a duty to promote high standards of education and training in the sector.\r\nRegistration of the social services workforce by the SSSC is being taken forward in a phased and clearly timetabled approach. Registration of workers in care at home services with SSSC commenced in January 2011 with managers of the services. Registration of supervisors is due to commence in 2014 followed by support workers in 2017.\r\nFollowing consultation with the sector, the SSSC published the qualification requirements for workers in care at home services in February 2012. Qualification requirements are announced well in advance of commencement of registration to allow employers to strategically plan their workforce development and allow time for staff to meet the training requirements linked to registration.\r\nEmployers are responsible for the overall development, training, and continuous learning of their employees. The qualification levels required for registration reflect the differences in the type of work and responsibilities held by workers. The minimum registration qualification level for a support worker in a care at home service is SVQ level 2 and for supervisors is SVQ level 3.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-12T15:23:59.703","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Aileen Campbell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273013,"EventID":"S4W-07460","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-24T15:23:59.783","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-24T10:32:22","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what telecare health support is provided to older people, broken down by (a) NHS board and (b) product.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what telecare health support is provided to older people, broken down by (a) NHS board and (b) product.\r\n","AnswerText":"This information is not centrally held.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-12T15:23:59.783","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273014,"EventID":"S4W-07461","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-24T15:23:59.86","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-24T10:32:22","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what reduction in homecare it estimates will result from an increase in telecare health support.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what reduction in homecare it estimates will result from an increase in telecare health support.","AnswerText":"Telecare enables the more appropriate use of face-to-face interventions as part of service redesign and, as such, there are no specific estimates in place associated with reductions in home care provision.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-12T15:23:59.86","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273015,"EventID":"S4W-07462","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-24T15:23:59.953","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-24T10:32:22","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what public procurement action is being taken to increase the purchase of food and drink produced in Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what public procurement action is being taken to increase the purchase of food and drink produced in Scotland.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government is committed to encouraging those involved in public procurement to buy more fresh, seasonal, and quality produce, which often may be best sourced from local producers and suppliers. In line with our national food and drink policy we are working to create the conditions for sustainable procurement and for public bodies to develop improved market opportunities for small and medium enterprises.\r\nWorking in full accordance with procurement legislation we have set in motion a range of actions to support this commitment. We have created the free online Public Contracts Scotland portal where suppliers can register for email alerts for up and coming contact opportunities. With Scotland Food and Drink we have published a guide to public contracts for small and medium-sized enterprises. We have issued clear guidance for public bodies on practising sustainable procurement of food. Where public agencies adopt a strategy of unbundling contracts into smaller geographic and product lots this is opening up a new competitive opportunity for food producers and businesses.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-12T15:23:59.953","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273016,"EventID":"S4W-07463","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-24T15:24:00.033","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-24T10:32:22","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what is being done to encourage young people to train in the hospitality industry.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what is being done to encourage young people to train in the hospitality industry.","AnswerText":"In March, to tie in with Scottish Tourism week, Skills Development Scotland held the Scottish Tourism Careers Festival which ran many events around the country designed to encourage young people to consider careers within the sector.\r\nSkills Development Scotland is working with the Tourism Framework for Change Skills Group to produce a Skills Investment Plan (SIP) which is due to be launched in the summer. The SIP will identify four broad priority areas, one of which is to improve the appeal of the industry as a career option and attract new talent into the sector.\r\nOne entry route to a career in the hospitality industry is via the Modern Apprenticeship programme. In 2011-12, there were 3,520 Modern Apprenticeship starts in the hospitality sector, 1,368 of which were for young people aged 16 to 19.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-12T15:24:00.033","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angela Constance","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273017,"EventID":"S4W-07464","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-24T15:24:00.157","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-24T10:58:28","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consideration it has given to using community benefit funds from wind farms for enhanced energy efficiency in the local community.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consideration it has given to using community benefit funds from wind farms for enhanced energy efficiency in the local community.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government welcomes the recently published report from Consumer Focus Scotland, Reaping the Benefits of Renewables - The role of community benefit funds in tackling fuel poverty and energy efficiency, and is committed to working in partnership with them and other stakeholders to deliver best practice in the use of community benefit funds, as recommended in the report.\r\nIn addition, through both the Community and Renewable Energy Scheme (CARES) and the Community Benefit Register, the Scottish Government is promoting the best use of community benefit funds, including the implementation of energy efficiency measures.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-12T15:24:00.173","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273018,"EventID":"S4W-07466","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2876,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-24T15:24:00.267","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-24T11:43:18.233","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to increase translation services on the VisitScotland website.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to increase translation services on the VisitScotland website.\r\n","AnswerText":"The international versions of the main VisitScotland website, www.visitscotland.com, are currently available in French, German, Dutch, Flemish, Italian, Spanish and Swedish.\r\nAs part of the ongoing VisitScotland website project, in November 2012 the main VisitScotland website will also incorporate the long-haul “Come to Scotland” websites for North America and Australia as well as VisitScotland’s European City Gateway sites (which are currently available in German, French, Italian, Dutch and Swedish). At this point VisitScotland will be undertaking a full translation review to ensure Scotland’s key international markets continue to be targeted effectively so that VisitScotland can continue to maximise the economic benefit of tourism to Scotland.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-12T15:24:00.267","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273019,"EventID":"S4W-07467","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2876,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-24T15:24:00.373","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-24T11:43:18.233","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much traffic there has been on the VisitScotland website in each of the last five years, broken down by country.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much traffic there has been on the VisitScotland website in each of the last five years, broken down by country.\r\n","AnswerText":"VisitScotland does not hold website visitor statistics broken down by country prior to 2010. The number of visits to VisitScotland’s consumer website, www.visitscotland.com, for 2010-11, 2011-12 and year-to-date (YTD) for 2012, broken down by country of origin and arranged in descending order, are shown in the following table. \r\nYear\r\n2010-11\r\n\r\n2011-12\r\n\r\n2012-YTD\r\nTotal Visits\r\n8,400,317\r\n\r\n8,276,391\r\n\r\n4,026,452\r\nCountry\r\nVisits\r\nCountry\r\nVisits\r\nCountry\r\nVisits\r\nUnited Kingdom (UK)\r\n3,918,184\r\nUnited Kingdom (UK)\r\n3,710,624\r\nUnited Kingdom (UK)\r\n1,425,384\r\nGermany (DE)\r\n762,105\r\nNetherlands (NL)\r\n727,333\r\nNetherlands (NL)\r\n473,843\r\nFrance (FR)\r\n680,080\r\nUnited States (US)\r\n703,072\r\nFrance (FR)\r\n422,636\r\nUnited States (US)\r\n584,600\r\nFrance (FR)\r\n605,720\r\nGermany (DE)\r\n416,475\r\nSpain (ES)\r\n490,049\r\nGermany (DE)\r\n596,405\r\nUnited States (US)\r\n317,970\r\nNetherlands (NL)\r\n275,915\r\nSpain (ES)\r\n338,943\r\nSpain (ES)\r\n237,801\r\nItaly (IT)\r\n267,341\r\nItaly (IT)\r\n254,376\r\nItaly (IT)\r\n104,638\r\nBelgium (BE)\r\n156,217\r\nCanada (CA)\r\n159,266\r\nGlobal Non Descriptive\r\n77,347\r\nCanada (CA)\r\n146,573\r\nBelgium (BE)\r\n158,266\r\nCanada (CA)\r\n68,853\r\nSweden (SE)\r\n145,470\r\nSweden (SE)\r\n138,819\r\nSweden (SE)\r\n60,876\r\nAustralia (AU)\r\n118,791\r\nAustralia (AU)\r\n127,730\r\nBelgium (BE)\r\n57,856\r\nWestern Europe - country unspecified (EU)\r\n116,060\r\nSwitzerland (CH)\r\n79,393\r\nAustralia (AU)\r\n54,190\r\nIreland (IE)\r\n100,885\r\nIreland (IE)\r\n72,873\r\nSwitzerland (CH)\r\n37,702\r\nSwitzerland (CH)\r\n77,335\r\nAustria (AT)\r\n40,499\r\nIreland (IE)\r\n27,077\r\nNorway (NO)\r\n46,641\r\nIndia (IN)\r\n40,172\r\nAustria (AT)\r\n22,732\r\nAustria (AT)\r\n41,467\r\nNorway (NO)\r\n38,943\r\nIndia (IN)\r\n18,704\r\nIndia (IN)\r\n37,313\r\nGlobal Non Descriptive\r\n37,216\r\nNorway (NO)\r\n11,169\r\nDenmark (DK)\r\n28,337\r\nDenmark (DK)\r\n24,039\r\nDenmark (DK)\r\n8,582\r\nFinland (FI)\r\n24,988\r\nFinland (FI)\r\n21,878\r\nNew Zealand (NZ)\r\n8,099\r\nNew Zealand (NZ)\r\n17,403\r\nNew Zealand (NZ)\r\n21,872\r\nFinland (FI)\r\n7,561\r\nPortugal (PT)\r\n17,369\r\nMexico (MX)\r\n17,747\r\nArgentina (AR)\r\n7,277\r\nMexico (MX)\r\n16,072\r\nSouth Africa (ZA)\r\n16,721\r\nMexico (MX)\r\n7,003\r\nPoland (PL)\r\n14,975\r\nArgentina (AR)\r\n15,683\r\nChina (CN)\r\n6,761\r\nJapan (JP)\r\n14,596\r\nPortugal (PT)\r\n15,666\r\nSouth Africa (ZA)\r\n6,526\r\nArgentina (AR)\r\n13,994\r\nPoland (PL)\r\n14,903\r\nSingapore (SG)\r\n6,415\r\nSouth Africa (ZA)\r\n13,481\r\nSingapore (SG)\r\n14,044\r\nBrazil (BR)\r\n5,950\r\nSingapore (SG)\r\n12,772\r\nJapan (JP)\r\n13,981\r\nRussian Federation (RU)\r\n5,637\r\nBrazil (BR)\r\n12,462\r\nBrazil (BR)\r\n13,836\r\nUruguay (UY)\r\n5,406\r\nGreece (GR)\r\n12,302\r\nRussian Federation (RU)\r\n12,789\r\nPoland (PL)\r\n5,196\r\nRussian Federation (RU)\r\n11,501\r\nGreece (GR)\r\n11,923\r\nJapan (JP)\r\n4,853\r\nHong Kong (HK)\r\n11,261\r\nHong Kong (HK)\r\n11,740\r\nHong Kong (HK)\r\n4,659\r\nCzech Republic (CZ)\r\n11,171\r\nCzech Republic (CZ)\r\n11,282\r\nPortugal (PT)\r\n4,588\r\nIsrael (IL)\r\n10,400\r\nMalta (MT)\r\n10,801\r\nCountry unknown \r\n4,431\r\nMalta (MT)\r\n10,386\r\nUruguay (UY)\r\n9,535\r\nCzech Republic (CZ)\r\n4,033\r\nUnited Arab Emirates (AE)\r\n8,556\r\nIsrael (IL)\r\n9,122\r\nIsrael (IL)\r\n3,627\r\nMalaysia (MY)\r\n8,484\r\nUnited Arab Emirates (AE)\r\n8,864\r\nGreece (GR)\r\n3,548\r\nChina (CN)\r\n8,267\r\nChina (CN)\r\n8,319\r\nUnited Arab Emirates (AE)\r\n3,542\r\nHungary (HU)\r\n6,632\r\nMalaysia (MY)\r\n7,500\r\nMalta (MT)\r\n3,472\r\nLuxembourg (LU)\r\n6,629\r\nRomania (RO)\r\n6,560\r\nLuxembourg (LU)\r\n2,934\r\nThailand (TH)\r\n6,602\r\nPhilippines (PH)\r\n6,558\r\nMalaysia (MY)\r\n2,873\r\nRomania (RO)\r\n6,478\r\nHungary (HU)\r\n6,551\r\nKuwait (KW)\r\n2,847\r\nColombia (CO)\r\n6,176\r\nThailand (TH)\r\n6,513\r\nRomania (RO)\r\n2,696\r\nKorea (South) (KR)\r\n6,093\r\nLuxembourg (LU)\r\n6,362\r\nMauritius (MU)\r\n2,668\r\nUruguay (UY)\r\n5,547\r\nKuwait (KW)\r\n5,975\r\nHungary (HU)\r\n2,588\r\nTaiwan (TW)\r\n5,530\r\nTurkey (TR)\r\n5,663\r\nPhilippines (PH)\r\n2,506\r\nTurkey (TR)\r\n5,047\r\nColombia (CO)\r\n5,611\r\nThailand (TH)\r\n2,421\r\nPhilippines (PH)\r\n4,888\r\nKorea (South) (KR)\r\n5,202\r\nTurkey (TR)\r\n2,390\r\nLithuania (LT)\r\n4,575\r\nTaiwan (TW)\r\n4,617\r\nColombia (CO)\r\n2,339\r\nChile (CL)\r\n4,536\r\nChile (CL)\r\n4,123\r\nKorea (South) (KR)\r\n1,715\r\nSlovak Republic (SK)\r\n3,892\r\nEstonia (EE)\r\n3,962\r\nChile (CL)\r\n1,671\r\nUkraine (UA","AnswerDate":"2012-06-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-12T15:24:00.39","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273020,"EventID":"S4W-07468","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2876,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-24T15:24:00.453","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-24T11:59:58.823","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what online resources are available for learners of Gaelic.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what online resources are available for learners of Gaelic.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government is committed to supporting those that want to learn Gaelic and is keen to ensure there are excellent resources readily available to them.\r\nThere are many examples of online resources available to support Gaelic language learning. This includes: support for Gaelic early years; Gaelic school education; Gaelic adult education and much more.\r\nImportantly, these resources are easily accessible. Learngaelic.net is a one-stop shop for Gaelic learners of every ability, from complete beginners to advanced learners. This website has received funding from the Scottish Government and has been developed by Bòrd na Gàidhlig and MGAlba, working with the BBC. http://learngaelic.net/.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-12T15:24:00.453","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alasdair Allan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273021,"EventID":"S4W-07469","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4086,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-24T15:24:00.563","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-24T13:35:56","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many (a) local authority and (b) housing association properties for social rent are eligible for purchase by tenants under the right to buy.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many (a) local authority and (b) housing association properties for social rent are eligible for purchase by tenants under the right to buy.","AnswerText":"We estimate that 296,000 local authority tenancies and 237,000 housing association tenancies have the right to buy.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-12T15:24:00.563","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273022,"EventID":"S4W-07470","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4086,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-24T15:24:00.67","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-24T13:35:56","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many (a) local authority and (b) housing association properties for social rent will become eligible for purchase by tenants in (i) 2013-14, (ii) 2014-15 and (iii) 20","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many (a) local authority and (b) housing association properties for social rent will become eligible for purchase by tenants in (i) 2013-14, (ii) 2014-15 and (iii) 2015-16 under the right to buy.","AnswerText":"The Housing (Scotland) Act provided that, from 1 March 2011, houses built or acquired after 25 June 2008 are not subject to the right to buy, with some limited exceptions, so, but for cases where these limited exceptions apply, no houses will become eligible for purchase in these years. We estimate that 93,000 local authority tenants and 121,000 housing association tenants have not yet reached the qualifying period for modernised right to buy.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-12T15:24:00.67","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273023,"EventID":"S4W-07471","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4086,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-24T15:24:00.797","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-24T13:35:56","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many pressured area status applications it has (a) approved and (b) rejected since the Housing (Scotland) Act 2010 came into force, broken down by (i) local authority","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many pressured area status applications it has (a) approved and (b) rejected since the Housing (Scotland) Act 2010 came into force, broken down by (i) local authority and (ii) month of application.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has neither approved nor rejected any pressured area status applications since the Housing (Scotland) Act 2010 came into force. The act gave local authorities the power to make, amend or revoke pressured areas themselves, without intervention from Scottish Ministers.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-12T15:24:00.797","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273024,"EventID":"S4W-07472","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1845,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-24T15:24:00.907","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-24T14:24:41","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assessment it has made of the new duty on local authorities, under section 32B of the Housing (Scotland) Act 1987, to assess and provide for the housing support need","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assessment it has made of the new duty on local authorities, under section 32B of the Housing (Scotland) Act 1987, to assess and provide for the housing support needs of homeless people.\r\n","AnswerText":"A consultation on implementation of the new duty closed on 11 April 2012. Independent analysis of all responses to the consultation is currently underway. Based on the findings, the Scottish Government will develop regulations for consideration by the Scottish Parliament.\r\nA report of the analysis will be published on the Scottish Government website in June.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-12T15:24:00.92","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273025,"EventID":"S4W-07473","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1845,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-24T15:24:00.983","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-24T14:24:41","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what additional costs local authorities will face in meeting the new duty, under section 32B of the Housing (Scotland) Act 1987, to assess and provide for the housing sup","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what additional costs local authorities will face in meeting the new duty, under section 32B of the Housing (Scotland) Act 1987, to assess and provide for the housing support needs of homeless people.\r\n","AnswerText":"A consultation on implementation of the new duty closed on 11 April 2012. Independent analysis of all responses to the consultation is currently underway.\r\nIt is not possible to identify exact costs to local authorities of fulfilling the new duty. However, in a Supplementary Financial Memorandum attached to the Housing (Scotland) Act 2010, the cost of housing support assessment and provision of service was estimated to be £21.6 million. This estimate was based on 2009-10 figures.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-12T15:24:01","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273026,"EventID":"S4W-07474","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1845,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-24T15:24:01.077","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-24T14:24:41","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what additional resources it will make available to local authorities to assist them in meeting the new duty, under section 32B of the Housing (Scotland) Act 1987, to ass","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what additional resources it will make available to local authorities to assist them in meeting the new duty, under section 32B of the Housing (Scotland) Act 1987, to assess and provide for the housing support needs of homeless people.\r\n","AnswerText":"Local authorities will be expected to meet the costs of compliance with the new duty from existing budgets.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-12T15:24:01.077","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273040,"EventID":"S4W-07487","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5109,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":101,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-25T13:58:01.497","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-24T16:46:42","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it will create opportunities to access Scottish studies through adult education.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it will create opportunities to access Scottish studies through adult education.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government’s aim, across all areas of learning, is to expand knowledge of aspects of Scottish life and culture. That is why we established the Scottish Studies Working Group to provide strategic advice on the development of Scottish Studies in our schools, as part of the Curriculum for Excellence.\r\nScottish Ministers are delighted that the working group recommended that the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) develops an Award in Scottish Studies. This is being taken forward by SQA with positive results and we hope soon to make an announcement regarding this. All National Qualifications are available to all learners (adults and school children).\r\nThere are a wide range of opportunities to access Scottish Studies through adult education. Universities and colleges provide a wealth of learning and research on Scotland’s history, literature, language and culture. The programmes provided by local community learning and development services or third sector organisations often include the promotion of local history and heritage. As independent bodies, it is a matter for the institutions and training providers themselves to set their own priorities.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-13T13:58:01.64","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alasdair Allan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273045,"EventID":"S4W-07521","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3751,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":108,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-25T16:11:21.9","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-25T12:46:14","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what it is doing to protect the Lothian Homeopathy Clinic, based in Dalkeith Health Centre.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what it is doing to protect the Lothian Homeopathy Clinic, based in Dalkeith Health Centre.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government recognises that complementary or alternative therapies, including homeopathy, may offer relief to some people suffering from a wide variety of conditions. It is, however, a matter for NHS boards in Scotland to make such services available, based on an assessment of needs within their respective areas. \r\nHowever, I expect all NHS boards to review services and facilities regularly to ensure that they continue to reflect local needs and provide the best quality healthcare services. In doing so, it is right that NHS boards take account of relevant evidence based advice and guidance in the delivery of NHS services.\r\nIt is for NHS Lothian to determine whether to make such services available. NHS Lothian has yet to conclude consideration of its proposals for the future of local homeopathic services. However, I have made it clear that I fully expect NHS boards to engage positively, constructively and meaningfully with local communities when they are contemplating change. I am aware that Midlothian Community Health Partnership is already making arrangements to undertake a period of public consultation before it makes any final recommendation on the future of the service. \r\nHowever, should the board’s final proposals be considered major service change, they would have to be subject to formal public consultation and ministerial approval.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-13T16:11:22.383","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273046,"EventID":"S4W-07522","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3751,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":108,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-25T16:11:22.477","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-25T12:46:14","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the financial impact on the average drinker will be of a 50p per unit minimum price for alcohol.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the financial impact on the average drinker will be of a 50p per unit minimum price for alcohol.\r\n","AnswerText":"The modelling carried out by the University of Sheffield shows that a minimum price of 50p per unit of alcohol is estimated to increase spend per drinker by around £24 a year. The modelling breaks this down into £8 a year for a moderate drinker, £54 a year for a hazardous drinker, and £123 a year for a harmful drinker.\r\nAlcohol misuse costs Scotland £3.6 billion per year, which equates to £900 per adult in Scotland, whether they drink or not. Minimum pricing will go some way towards reducing alcohol-related harm and the costs associated with it.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-13T16:11:22.477","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273047,"EventID":"S4W-07523","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3751,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":108,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-25T16:11:22.587","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-25T12:46:14","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it last discussed shovel-ready projects with the UK Government.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it last discussed shovel-ready projects with the UK Government.\r\n","AnswerText":"The First Minister last wrote to the Prime Minister of the UK Government regarding this matter on 6 May 2012. The Prime Minister subsequently responded in a letter dated 30 May and this correspondence is currently being considered.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-13T16:11:22.603","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273056,"EventID":"S4W-07454","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-28T13:19:46.703","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-24T10:27:07","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the energy efficiency target is for government buildings.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the energy efficiency target is for government buildings.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has set a target to reduce CO2 emissions from energy used in its buildings by 30% by 2020, from a 1999-2000 baseline year.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-14T13:19:47.03","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273057,"EventID":"S4W-07455","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-28T13:19:47.123","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-24T10:27:07","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether energy efficiency targets for public sector buildings have been achieved since 2007.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether energy efficiency targets for public sector buildings have been achieved since 2007.","AnswerText":"The Conserve and Save: Energy Efficiency Action Plan for Scotland states that we will work in partnership with public sector representatives and the Carbon Trust to develop a methodology for setting appropriate energy saving targets for the public sector in Scotland. The overarching Scotland target of 12% establishes a minimum level of ambition for all sectors, including the public sector.\r\nPart 4 of the Climate Change (Scotland) Act 2009 places duties on public bodies relating to climate change. Guidance makes clear that it is for individual bodies to determine the details of how they report, depending on their own individual circumstances, but there is no statutory requirement on public bodies to do so. Advisory guidance has been published to assist public bodies in the preparation and publication of sustainability reports. The Carbon Trust help to support public bodies to ensure that appropriate energy saving performance and targets are included and report that implemented measures in 2011-12 have saved the public sector around 398 GWh of energy, generating annual cost savings of nearly £4.3 million.\r\nA Public Sector Climate Action Group has been established to provide support, leadership and direction to ensure the public sector plays its part in delivering the challenging targets in the Climate Change (Scotland) Act 2009.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-14T13:19:47.123","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273058,"EventID":"S4W-07475","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-28T13:19:47.203","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-24T16:33:36.363","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how long the Yes to Growth campaign will run and what the end date will be.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how long the Yes to Growth campaign will run and what the end date will be.","AnswerText":"This is an operational matter for Scottish Enterprise. I will ask its Chief Executive to reply to you. \r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-14T13:19:47.217","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273059,"EventID":"S4W-07476","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-28T13:19:47.297","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-24T16:33:36.363","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many little books of yes Scottish Enterprise has produced and how they will be distributed.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many little books of yes Scottish Enterprise has produced and how they will be distributed.","AnswerText":"This is an operational matter for Scottish Enterprise. I will ask its Chief Executive to reply to you. \r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-14T13:19:47.297","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273060,"EventID":"S4W-07477","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-28T13:19:47.373","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-24T16:33:36.363","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what companies were involved in the development of the Scottish Enterprise Yes to Growth campaign and what other Scottish Government contracts they hold.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what companies were involved in the development of the Scottish Enterprise Yes to Growth campaign and what other Scottish Government contracts they hold.\r\n","AnswerText":"Three companies were involved in the development of Scottish Enterprise’s Yes to Growth campaign. The companies were:\r\nThe Union Advertising Agency Limited;\r\nDog Digital Limited, and\r\nCarat.\r\nAll three companies are included on lists of suppliers under Scottish Government framework contracts for the provision of services. As such they are regularly involved in the provision of services to the Scottish Government and other public bodies.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-14T13:19:47.373","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273061,"EventID":"S4W-07478","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-28T13:19:47.453","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-24T16:33:36.363","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what (a) ministers, (b) special advisers or (c) other officials were involved in the development of Scottish Enterprise's Yes to Growth campaign.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what (a) ministers, (b) special advisers or (c) other officials were involved in the development of Scottish Enterprise's Yes to Growth campaign.","AnswerText":"No Scottish Government ministers, special advisers or officials were involved in the development of Scottish Enterprise’s Yes to Growth campaign. As with other such campaigns, once it was fully developed and ready to implement, Scottish Enterprise provided officials with details of the campaign, including its aims and planned launch date.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-14T13:19:47.453","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273062,"EventID":"S4W-07479","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-28T13:19:47.53","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-24T16:33:36.363","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any staff employed by its constitutional affairs and referendum unit at any time since 2008 have undertaken a secondment with or moved to the employment of a Scot","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any staff employed by its constitutional affairs and referendum unit at any time since 2008 have undertaken a secondment with or moved to the employment of a Scottish Government agency or quango and, if so, what grade of staff and what body.\r\n","AnswerText":"Civil servants are employed by the Scottish Government rather than particular units. Since 2008, no staff have moved from the units which co-ordinate policy on constitutional policy and the referendum on constitutional change to posts in Scottish Government agencies or non-departmental public bodies, either on secondment or permanent transfer.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-14T13:19:47.53","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273063,"EventID":"S4W-07480","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-28T13:19:47.733","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-24T16:33:36.363","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much the (a) development, (b) staff time, (c) web development, (d) publications and (e) materials for Scottish Enterprise's Yes to Growth campaign cost.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much the (a) development, (b) staff time, (c) web development, (d) publications and (e) materials for Scottish Enterprise's Yes to Growth campaign cost.","AnswerText":"This is an operational matter for Scottish Enterprise. I will ask its Chief Executive to reply to you. \r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-14T13:19:47.733","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273064,"EventID":"S4W-07481","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2678,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-28T13:19:47.81","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-24T16:38:54.353","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people in each NHS board area have cystic fibrosis.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people in each NHS board area have cystic fibrosis.","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-14T13:19:47.81","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273065,"EventID":"S4W-07482","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2678,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-28T13:19:47.873","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-24T16:38:54.353","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what arrangements are in place to support access to new medicines for cystic fibrosis.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what arrangements are in place to support access to new medicines for cystic fibrosis.","AnswerText":"All new medicines are considered by the Scottish Medicines Consortium (SMC) who operate independently from the Scottish Government. The SMC has robust arrangements in place which concentrate on the introduction of clinically and cost effective medicines to treat all conditions.\r\nWhere a medicine is “not recommended” for routine use within the NHS in Scotland by the SMC, NHS board Individual Patient Treatment Request arrangements allow for the clinically-led consideration of such medicines for individual patients in certain circumstances.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-14T13:19:47.89","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273066,"EventID":"S4W-07483","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2678,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-28T13:19:47.967","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-24T16:38:54.353","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many orphan and ultra-orphan medicines the Scottish Medicines Consortium has (a) appraised and (b) recommended in each of the last five years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many orphan and ultra-orphan medicines the Scottish Medicines Consortium has (a) appraised and (b) recommended in each of the last five years.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Medicines Consortium (SMC) operates independently from Scottish Government and information on the numbers of medicines appraised and recommended is not collected centrally. The SMC do publish such details, however, and can be obtained from their website at http://www.scottishmedicines.org.uk.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-14T13:19:47.967","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273067,"EventID":"S4W-07484","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2678,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-28T13:19:48.03","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-24T16:38:54.353","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many individual patient treatment requests for orphan and ultra-orphan medicines have been (a) submitted to and (b) approved by each NHS board in each of the last fiv","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many individual patient treatment requests for orphan and ultra-orphan medicines have been (a) submitted to and (b) approved by each NHS board in each of the last five years.","AnswerText":"Information on the number of Individual Patient Treatment Requests submitted to and approved by each NHS board in each of the last five years is not held centrally.\r\nNHS boards and clinicians are expected to take full account of advice from the Scottish Medicines Consortium and Healthcare Improvement Scotland in the planning and provision of NHS services. Where this advice clarifies that a new medicine is not accepted for routine use within NHSScotland, NHS boards are not expected to make it routinely available. However, NHS boards have arrangements in place for the clinical consideration of “not recommended” medicines for individual patients in certain circumstances (Individual Patient Treatment Requests).\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-14T13:19:48.03","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273068,"EventID":"S4W-07485","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2678,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-28T13:19:48.09","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-24T16:38:54.353","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to (a) review and (b) provide a  pneumococcal conjugate vaccine.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to (a) review and (b) provide a  pneumococcal conjugate vaccine.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government takes advice on vaccination issues from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI).\r\nThe pneumococcal conjugate vaccination is currently being considered by the JCVI and the committee will provide advice in due course, The Scottish Government will consider any recommendations that the JCVI make.\r\nThe following is the original answer (published on 11 June 2012); see below.\r\nThe Scottish Government takes advice on vaccination issues from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI).\r\nThe JCVI Pneumococcal Sub Committee met most recently on 30 May 2012 to consider the possible wider use of pneumococcal conjugate vaccine in clinical risk groups based on impact and cost effectiveness. They concluded that there is no benefit to vaccinating the vast majority of ‘at risk’ individuals with PCV (pneumococcal conjugate vaccine), and it should therefore not be recommended. \r\nThe JCVI noted that there will be some patients with severe immunosuppression for whom PCV may be of benefit until herd immunity reaches its highest levels in a few years, as a result of the current infant pneumococcal vaccination programme. The JCVI Pneumococcal Sub Committee will give some examples of this when formally reporting back to the main JCVI Committee.\r\nThe Scottish Government will consider these recommendations, along with those of the main JCVI Committee which is due to meet on 13 June 2012.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-14T13:19:48.107","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273069,"EventID":"S4W-07486","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2678,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-28T13:19:48.17","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-24T16:38:54.353","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the cost has been to the NHS of treating pneumococcal disease in people with chronic respiratory disease in each of the last five years, broken down by NHS board.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the cost has been to the NHS of treating pneumococcal disease in people with chronic respiratory disease in each of the last five years, broken down by NHS board.","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-14T13:19:48.17","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273070,"EventID":"S4W-07524","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2345,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":128,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-28T13:19:48.233","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-25T16:21:21","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the three non-executive directors due to be appointed to the board of NHS Ayrshire and Arran on 1 April 2012 will be appointed.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the three non-executive directors due to be appointed to the board of NHS Ayrshire and Arran on 1 April 2012 will be appointed.","AnswerText":"The process to appoint three new non-executive directors to the board of NHS Ayshire and Arran is nearing completion. It is anticipated that appointments will be made during June 2012.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-14T13:19:48.233","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273071,"EventID":"S4W-07525","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2345,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":128,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-28T13:19:48.31","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-25T16:21:21","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it considers that the delay in appointing a full board of directors at NHS Ayrshire and Arran is affecting its corporate governance.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it considers that the delay in appointing a full board of directors at NHS Ayrshire and Arran is affecting its corporate governance.","AnswerText":"All NHS boards are expected to have robust governance arrangements in place through their relevant committee structures. This ensures that they have accurate and timely information available to enable constructive challenge and scrutiny.\r\nThe delay in appointing Non Executive Directors is not affecting the governance of NHS Ayrshire and Arran. The vacancies on the board are expected to be filled shortly [during June 2012].\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-14T13:19:48.31","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273072,"EventID":"S4W-07526","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":138,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-28T13:19:48.373","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-27T15:34:09","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many permanent unpromoted teaching posts were advertised by North Ayrshire Council in the (a) primary and (b) secondary sectors in each of the last five years for whi","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many permanent unpromoted teaching posts were advertised by North Ayrshire Council in the (a) primary and (b) secondary sectors in each of the last five years for which figures are available.","AnswerText":"This information is not collected centrally.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-05-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-14T13:19:48.373","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273073,"EventID":"S4W-07528","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-28T13:19:48.45","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-28T11:02:07","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive which applicants to the Violence Against Women Funding Stream have been successful in each of the last three years and how much each received .\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive which applicants to the Violence Against Women Funding Stream have been successful in each of the last three years and how much each received .\r\n","AnswerText":"Violence Against Women (VAW) funding information for the last three years has been placed in the public domain on the Scottish Government’s Violence Against Women Web Pages. Information, including who has been successful, the local authority area in which they are based and how much they have received can be accessed at http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/People/Equality/violence-women. Data published covers the period 2008-09 to 2009-10 to 2010-11 and 2011-12.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-14T13:19:48.45","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273074,"EventID":"S4W-07529","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-28T13:19:48.513","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-28T11:02:07","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much funding has been available to the Violence Against Women Funding Stream in each of the last three years and how much will be available in each of the next three ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much funding has been available to the Violence Against Women Funding Stream in each of the last three years and how much will be available in each of the next three years.\r\n","AnswerText":"Details of funding available to the Violence Against Women funding stream in each of the last three years (2008-11 to 2011-12) and for each of the next three years (2012-15) has been placed in the public domain on the Scottish Government’s Violence Against Women web pages. \r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/People/Equality/violence-women.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-14T13:19:48.513","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273075,"EventID":"S4W-07530","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-28T13:19:48.59","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-28T11:02:07","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive which organisations are members of the multi-agency partnership for the prevention of violence against women in Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive which organisations are members of the multi-agency partnership for the prevention of violence against women in Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire.\r\n","AnswerText":"The following organisations are members of the Multi Agency Partnership (MAP) for the prevention of violence against women in Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire:\r\nAberdeen City Council MAP representatives - Grampian Police (Domestic Violence Unit, Local Authority Liaison Officer and Sexual Abuse/Prostitution Unit); Local Authority Education Services; NHS Grampian; Public Health co-ordinator; Grampian Women's Aid; The Cyrenians, Aberdeen; Social Work Services (Domestic Abuse Teams); Drugs Action; RASANE - Rape and Sexual Abuse Network; Choices; Aberdeen Forum; Procurator Fiscal Services, Grampian; Scottish Business in Community; Aberdeenshire Council\r\nAberdeenshire MAP representatives - Alcohol Support; Aberdeenshire Council - Housing and Social Work Service; Aberdeenshire Council - Education, Learning and Leisure Service; NHS Grampian; Grampian Police; Grampian Women’s Aid; Drugs Action; Children 1st; Victim Support; Rape & Abuse Support.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-14T13:19:48.59","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273076,"EventID":"S4W-07531","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-28T13:19:48.67","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-28T11:02:07","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the use of multi-agency partnerships for the prevention of violence against women in the decision making process for the Violence Against Women Funding Stream has","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the use of multi-agency partnerships for the prevention of violence against women in the decision making process for the Violence Against Women Funding Stream has been agreed with COSLA.\r\n","AnswerText":"Yes, the involvement of Multi Agency Partnerships for the prevention of violence against women in the decision making process for the Violence Against Women Fund has been agreed with COSLA.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-14T13:19:48.67","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273077,"EventID":"S4F-00718","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":4976,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-28T14:32:22.11","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-24T15:07:41","Title":"To ask the First Minister when he will next meet the Prime Minister.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister when he will next meet the Prime Minister.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-14T14:32:22.25","MeetingDate":"2012-05-31T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273078,"EventID":"S4F-00719","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":5009,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-28T14:32:22.283","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-25T14:06:03.823","Title":"To ask the First Minister what issues will be discussed at the next meeting of the Cabinet.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what issues will be discussed at the next meeting of the Cabinet.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-14T14:32:22.297","MeetingDate":"2012-05-31T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273080,"EventID":"S4F-00727","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":1893,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-28T14:32:22.517","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-28T12:54:49","Title":"To ask the First Minister how many 18 to 24-year-olds started their own businesses in Scotland last year and how this compares with England and Wales.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister how many 18 to 24-year-olds started their own businesses in Scotland last year and how this compares with England and Wales.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-14T14:32:22.533","MeetingDate":"2012-05-31T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273082,"EventID":"S4F-00725","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":2080,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":87,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-28T14:32:22.453","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-28T11:23:20.863","Title":"To ask the First Minister what engagements he has planned for the rest of the day\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what engagements he has planned for the rest of the day\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-14T14:32:22.453","MeetingDate":"2012-05-31T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273083,"EventID":"S4F-00730","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":2673,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":114,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-28T14:32:22.64","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-28T13:15:17","Title":"To ask the First Minister, in light of the economic impact on the area, what representations the Scottish Government is making to the UK Government regarding the transition of RAF Leuchars to an army ","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister, in light of the economic impact on the area, what representations the Scottish Government is making to the UK Government regarding the transition of RAF Leuchars to an army base.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-14T14:32:22.64","MeetingDate":"2012-05-31T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273084,"EventID":"S4F-00736","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-28T14:32:22.86","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-28T13:50:57.977","Title":"To ask the First Minister whether the 48-hour waiting time target for access to a GP or relevant healthcare professional is being met across Scotland.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister whether the 48-hour waiting time target for access to a GP or relevant healthcare professional is being met across Scotland.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-14T14:32:22.86","MeetingDate":"2012-05-31T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273094,"EventID":"S4W-07532","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":138,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-28T17:04:06.607","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-28T11:03:57","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive where Scotland would rank on the table, Regional GDP per capita in the EU27 in 2009, published by eurostat on 13 March 2012, had account been taken of Scotland's economic","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive where Scotland would rank on the table, Regional GDP per capita in the EU27 in 2009, published by eurostat on 13 March 2012, had account been taken of Scotland's economic share of the UK's national air-space, territorial waters and the continental shelf lying in international waters over which the UK enjoys exclusive rights, territorial exclaves including deposits of oil and natural gas.\r\n","AnswerText":"An illustrative estimate of Scottish GDP with a geographic share of Extra Regio output (GDP), suggests that Scotland would have been ranked 5th in terms of GDP per capita against the 27 EU countries in 2009.\r\nThis estimate has been produced using data from Eurostat, the Office for National Statistics (ONS), the National Records of Scotland (NRS), and the Scottish National Accounts Project (SNAP). The methodology used to produce these estimates is the same as set out in the note Scotland’s International GDP Per Capita Ranking, which was published on the Scottish Government website in March 2012 and can be found at http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Resource/0039/00390896.pdf.\r\nTable: Illustrative estimate of Scotland’s GDP per Capita Ranking against EU27 countries in 2009 with the inclusion of a geographic share of Extra Regio GDP:\r\nRank\r\nCountry\r\n2009 GDP per capita (EU27=100)\r\n1\r\nLuxembourg (Grand-Duchy)\r\n266.3\r\n2\r\nNetherlands\r\n131.9\r\n3\r\nIreland\r\n127.6\r\n4\r\nAustria\r\n124.6\r\n5\r\nScotland (with geographic share of Extra Regio GDP)\r\n123.7\r\n6\r\nDenmark\r\n122.9\r\n7\r\nSweden\r\n119.4\r\n8\r\nBelgium\r\n117.8\r\n9\r\nGermany\r\n115.7\r\n10\r\nFinland\r\n114.5\r\n11\r\nUnited Kingdom\r\n110.7\r\n12\r\nFrance\r\n108.2\r\n13\r\nItaly\r\n104.0\r\n14\r\nSpain\r\n103.2\r\n15\r\nCyprus\r\n99.9\r\n16\r\nGreece\r\n94.3\r\n17\r\nSlovenia\r\n87.1\r\n18\r\nCzech Republic\r\n82.2\r\n19\r\nMalta\r\n81.9\r\n20\r\nPortugal\r\n80.0\r\n21\r\nSlovakia\r\n72.6\r\n22\r\nHungary\r\n64.7\r\n23\r\nEstonia\r\n63.5\r\n24\r\nPoland\r\n60.7\r\n25\r\nLithuania\r\n54.5\r\n26\r\nLatvia\r\n51.2\r\n27\r\nRomania\r\n47.0\r\n28\r\nBulgaria\r\n44.0\r\nSource: Scottish Government estimates based on data from Eurostat, ONS, NRS and SNAP.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-14T17:04:06.62","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273095,"EventID":"S4W-07535","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2066,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-28T17:04:06.7","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-28T13:01:41","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what (a) travel expenses and (b) subsistence costs have been incurred by its officials in relation to the Scottish Ferries Review and draft ferries plan since 2008. \r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what (a) travel expenses and (b) subsistence costs have been incurred by its officials in relation to the Scottish Ferries Review and draft ferries plan since 2008. \r\n","AnswerText":"Travel expenses and subsistence costs incurred by Transport Scotland officials in relation to all ferry-related business since 2008 amount to approximately £100,000. Ferries officials make regular visits to those communities that rely on ferry services throughout the year to engage with stakeholders. Some of these costs will be associated with the Draft Ferries Plan presentations offered to all Local Authorities and, on request, to Ferry User Groups and other associated organisations. These presentations took place throughout February and March this year and regularly involved travel over multiple days and for long distances throughout Scotland.\r\nIt is not possible to provide details of the separate Ferries Review and Draft Ferries Plan costs.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-14T17:04:06.7","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273096,"EventID":"S4W-07536","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2066,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-28T17:04:06.807","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-28T13:01:41","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to publish all of the papers prepared by (a) consultants and (b) its officials in relation to the Scottish Ferries Review and draft ferries plan and, if ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to publish all of the papers prepared by (a) consultants and (b) its officials in relation to the Scottish Ferries Review and draft ferries plan and, if so, when.\r\n","AnswerText":"All of the final papers prepared by consultants and officials in relation to the Scottish Ferries Review and Draft Ferries Plan have already been published on the Transport Scotland website under Scottish Ferries Review.\r\nhttp://www.transportscotland.gov.uk/water/ferries/Scottish-Ferries-Review.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-14T17:04:06.807","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273097,"EventID":"S4W-07537","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2066,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-28T17:04:06.95","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-28T13:01:41","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S4W-07162 by Keith Brown on 25 May 2012, how a town centre to town centre vehicle service would benefit the local economies.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S4W-07162 by Keith Brown on 25 May 2012, how a town centre to town centre vehicle service would benefit the local economies.\r\n","AnswerText":"It is a long standing ambition of the Scottish Government, as well as Inverclyde Council and Argyll and Bute Council to have a good ferry link between Gourock town centre and Dunoon town centre. The Scottish Government is currently taking forward, in partnership with key stakeholders, a study looking at the financial case for a future passenger and vehicle service, with the vehicle portion being non-subsidised as required by the European Commission in their Decision of October 2009. The study will seek to report the views of the local communities on the potential impact of the service on businesses, particularly the tourism and retail sectors, transport resilience and integration, personal mobility and traffic congestion.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-14T17:04:06.963","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273098,"EventID":"S4W-07538","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2066,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-28T17:04:07.073","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-28T13:01:41","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what changes in economic activity in Gourock and Dunoon can be wholly attributable to the removal of Cowal Ferries’ vehicle service. \r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what changes in economic activity in Gourock and Dunoon can be wholly attributable to the removal of Cowal Ferries’ vehicle service. \r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-07537 on 12 June 2012. All answers to written Parliamentary Questions are available on the Parliament website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-14T17:04:07.09","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273099,"EventID":"S4W-07539","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2066,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-28T17:04:07.23","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-28T13:01:41","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S4W-07163 by Keith Brown on 25 May 2012, what impact the increased fuel burn per hour of the MV Finlaggan will have on its carbon reduc","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S4W-07163 by Keith Brown on 25 May 2012, what impact the increased fuel burn per hour of the MV Finlaggan will have on its carbon reduction targets.\r\n","AnswerText":"Across the various portfolios the Scottish Government is taking a number of positive steps to meet its carbon reduction targets. The increased fuel burn from the MV Finlaggan, compared with the previous vessel the MV Isle of Arran, marginally offsets the positive impacts of those other initiatives to reduce carbon emissions.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-14T17:04:07.23","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273100,"EventID":"S4W-07540","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2066,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-28T17:04:07.37","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-28T13:01:41","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S4W-07163 by Keith Brown on 25 May 2012, how many times the additional carrying capability has been required. \r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S4W-07163 by Keith Brown on 25 May 2012, how many times the additional carrying capability has been required. \r\n","AnswerText":"Since it came on service on 1 June 2011 the MV Finlaggan has sailed 186 times with a load higher than the recorded capacity of the MV Isle of Arran. MV Finlaggan is a larger vessel with a greater deadweight capacity and is able to carry a higher number of commercial vehicles than the MV Isle of Arran. The MV Finlaggan can carry 10 fully loaded commercial vehicles compared to 5 for the MV Isle of Arran.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-14T17:04:07.387","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273101,"EventID":"S4W-07541","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2066,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-28T17:04:07.527","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-28T13:01:41","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S4W-07163 by Keith Brown on 25 May 2012, what the difference is in fuel costs between the MV Finlaggan and the MV Isle of Arran.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S4W-07163 by Keith Brown on 25 May 2012, what the difference is in fuel costs between the MV Finlaggan and the MV Isle of Arran.\r\n","AnswerText":"The MV Finlaggan and the MV Isle of Arran use different types of fuel. MV Finlaggan uses MF180 fuel at a current price of 40.74 pence per litre while MV Isle of Arran uses marine gas oil at a current price of 49.19 pence per litre.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-14T17:04:07.54","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273102,"EventID":"S4W-07542","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2066,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-28T17:04:07.667","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-28T13:01:41","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S4W-06756 by Keith Brown on 1 May 2012, whether commuting dependency relates only to foot passengers who connect with bus and train ser","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S4W-06756 by Keith Brown on 1 May 2012, whether commuting dependency relates only to foot passengers who connect with bus and train services. \r\n","AnswerText":"The commuting dependency for the Gourock to Dunoon ferry services relates to both foot passengers and car users.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-14T17:04:07.683","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273103,"EventID":"S4W-07543","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2066,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-28T17:04:07.76","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-28T13:57:50.893","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S4W-07165 by Keith Brown on 25 May 2012, how much it spent on consultants in 2008-09 in relation to the ferries review. \r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S4W-07165 by Keith Brown on 25 May 2012, how much it spent on consultants in 2008-09 in relation to the ferries review. \r\n","AnswerText":"The total cost for consultancy fees incurred in relation to the Scottish Ferries Review in 2008-09 was nil.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-14T17:04:07.76","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273113,"EventID":"S4W-07488","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-29T13:56:36.327","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-24T17:38:36","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the First Minister last met the (a) previous and (b) current chief executive of TESCO in Bute House.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the First Minister last met the (a) previous and (b) current chief executive of TESCO in Bute House.\r\n","AnswerText":"I shall reply to the member as soon as possible.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-15T13:56:36.577","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273114,"EventID":"S4W-07489","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-29T13:56:36.64","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-24T17:38:36","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the First Minister last met the chairman of TESCO in Bute House.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the First Minister last met the chairman of TESCO in Bute House.\r\n","AnswerText":"I shall reply to the member as soon as possible.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-15T13:56:36.657","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273115,"EventID":"S4W-07490","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-29T13:56:36.717","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-24T17:38:36","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the First Minister last met the chief executive of ASDA in Bute House.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the First Minister last met the chief executive of ASDA in Bute House.\r\n","AnswerText":"I shall reply to the member as soon as possible.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-15T13:56:36.733","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273116,"EventID":"S4W-07491","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-29T13:56:36.797","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-24T17:38:36","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the First Minister last met the chairman of Royal Mail in Bute House.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the First Minister last met the chairman of Royal Mail in Bute House.\r\n","AnswerText":"I shall reply to the member as soon as possible.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-15T13:56:36.81","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273117,"EventID":"S4W-07492","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-29T13:56:36.873","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-24T17:38:36","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the First Minister last met the (a) chief executive and (b) chairman of the Royal Bank of Scotland in Bute House.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the First Minister last met the (a) chief executive and (b) chairman of the Royal Bank of Scotland in Bute House.\r\n","AnswerText":"I shall reply to the member as soon as possible.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-15T13:56:36.89","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273118,"EventID":"S4W-07494","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-29T13:56:36.95","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-24T17:38:36","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the First Minister last met the (a) chief executive and (b) chairman of Lloyds Banking Group in Bute House.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the First Minister last met the (a) chief executive and (b) chairman of Lloyds Banking Group in Bute House.\r\n","AnswerText":"I shall reply to the member as soon as possible.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-15T13:56:36.95","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273119,"EventID":"S4W-07496","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-29T13:56:37.03","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-24T17:38:36","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the First Minister last met the (a) chairman and (b) chief executive of HSBC in Bute House.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the First Minister last met the (a) chairman and (b) chief executive of HSBC in Bute House.\r\n","AnswerText":"I shall reply to the member as soon as possible.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-15T13:56:37.03","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273120,"EventID":"S4W-07498","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-29T13:56:37.107","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-24T17:38:36","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the First Minister last met the (a) chairman and (b) chief executive of BT in Bute House.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the First Minister last met the (a) chairman and (b) chief executive of BT in Bute House.\r\n","AnswerText":"I shall reply to the member as soon as possible.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-15T13:56:37.107","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273121,"EventID":"S4W-07500","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-29T13:56:37.187","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-24T17:38:36","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the First Minister last met the (a) chairman and (b) chief executive of Iberdrola in Bute House.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the First Minister last met the (a) chairman and (b) chief executive of Iberdrola in Bute House.\r\n","AnswerText":"I shall reply to the member as soon as possible.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-15T13:56:37.187","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273122,"EventID":"S4W-07502","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-29T13:56:37.263","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-24T17:38:36","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the First Minister last met the (a) chairman and (b) chief executive of BP in Bute House.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the First Minister last met the (a) chairman and (b) chief executive of BP in Bute House.\r\n","AnswerText":"I shall reply to the member as soon as possible.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-15T13:56:37.28","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273123,"EventID":"S4W-07504","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-29T13:56:37.357","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-24T17:38:36","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the First Minister last met the (a) chairman and (b) chief executive of First Group in Bute House.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the First Minister last met the (a) chairman and (b) chief executive of First Group in Bute House.\r\n","AnswerText":"I shall reply to the member as soon as possible.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-15T13:56:37.357","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273124,"EventID":"S4W-07506","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-29T13:56:37.437","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-24T17:38:36","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the First Minister last met the (a) chairman and (b) chief executive of Stagecoach in Bute House.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the First Minister last met the (a) chairman and (b) chief executive of Stagecoach in Bute House.\r\n","AnswerText":"I shall reply to the member as soon as possible.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-15T13:56:37.45","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273125,"EventID":"S4W-07508","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-29T13:56:37.53","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-24T17:38:36","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the First Minister last met the (a) chairman and (b) chief executive of Standard Life in Bute House.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the First Minister last met the (a) chairman and (b) chief executive of Standard Life in Bute House.\r\n","AnswerText":"I shall reply to the member as soon as possible.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-15T13:56:37.543","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273126,"EventID":"S4W-07511","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-29T13:56:37.607","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-24T17:38:36","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether statistics on recorded crime, its detection and the rates of solved crime currently collated by the existing police forces at police board level will be continued","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether statistics on recorded crime, its detection and the rates of solved crime currently collated by the existing police forces at police board level will be continued under the proposed single police force.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government is currently planning for the continued provision of existing recorded crime data during the transition to the Police Service of Scotland. The Scottish Government will also consider the best provision for future data collection and reporting arrangements with the Association of Chief Police Officers in Scotland (ACPOS) and with the Police Service of Scotland, when it is established. \r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-15T13:56:37.607","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273127,"EventID":"S4W-07512","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3806,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-29T13:56:37.7","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-25T10:01:16.097","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the timescale is for putting each of the CalMac ferry routes out to tender.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the timescale is for putting each of the CalMac ferry routes out to tender.\r\n","AnswerText":"Our current focus is on the finalisation of the Scottish Ferries Plan. The key outputs from that plan will define the main features of the future procurement of the Clyde and Hebrides ferry services. An announcement on the timescale of the tendering of these services will be made in due course.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-15T13:56:37.717","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273128,"EventID":"S4W-07514","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3806,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-29T13:56:37.81","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-25T10:01:16.097","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether CalMac plans to acquire new vessels on 18-year leases.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether CalMac plans to acquire new vessels on 18-year leases.","AnswerText":"CalMac Ferries Ltd has no plans to acquire new vessels on 18-year leases.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-15T13:56:37.81","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273129,"EventID":"S4W-07517","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3806,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-29T13:56:37.903","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-25T10:01:16.097","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it remains its policy to create a ferry regulator and, if so, what (a) the timescale will be and (b) budget has been allocated.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it remains its policy to create a ferry regulator and, if so, what (a) the timescale will be and (b) budget has been allocated.\r\n","AnswerText":"As noted in the Draft Ferries Plan published on 21 December 2011, we are keeping the need for a Scottish Ferries Regulator under review and will explore what legislative provision would be involved. Further details will be made available in the Final Ferries Plan, due to be published later in 2012.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-15T13:56:37.92","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273130,"EventID":"S4W-07520","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3806,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-29T13:56:37.997","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-25T10:01:16.097","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the tendering process for CalMac routes of over 30 minutes will require that the services have defibrillators and appropriately trained staff.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the tendering process for CalMac routes of over 30 minutes will require that the services have defibrillators and appropriately trained staff.\r\n","AnswerText":"There is no legislative requirement for the use of defibrillators on passenger ferries. No decisions have yet been taken in respect of service requirements in relation to the further tendering of the Clyde and Hebrides ferry services.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-15T13:56:38.013","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273131,"EventID":"S4W-07544","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5079,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-29T13:56:38.12","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-28T14:11:38.88","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many prosecutions have taken place in Scotland under the Corporate Manslaughter and Corporate Homicide Act 2007.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many prosecutions have taken place in Scotland under the Corporate Manslaughter and Corporate Homicide Act 2007.","AnswerText":"Since the Corporate Manslaughter and Corporate Homicide Act 2007 came into force, no prosecutions have taken place in Scotland. The Act has not long been in force and still to be tested in the court. Where there is sufficient credible and reliable evidence to bring such a charge it will be brought. The Health and Safety Division, a specialist division within the Crown Office Procurator Fiscal Service, is currently considering a number of cases under the corporate homicide legislation.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-15T13:56:38.12","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273132,"EventID":"S4W-07545","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5079,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-29T13:56:38.2","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-28T14:11:38.88","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to conduct a review of legislation pertaining to corporate homicide.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to conduct a review of legislation pertaining to corporate homicide.","AnswerText":"The act has not long been in force and still to be tested in the court. The priority at this time is to ensure the legislation is used effectively and the Scottish Government has no plans to conduct a review. If the legislation were found to be wanting in the future, we would consider what further steps should be taken.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-15T13:56:38.2","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273133,"EventID":"S4W-07546","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5079,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-29T13:56:38.277","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-28T14:11:38.88","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to legislate in relation to corporate homicide.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to legislate in relation to corporate homicide.","AnswerText":"Previous proposals to legislate on corporate homicide in Scotland have been considered to be outwith the competence of the Scottish Parliament. The UK Corporate Manslaughter and Corporate Homicide Act 2007, which came into force in April 2008, created a new offence of corporate homicide in Scotland. We consider that this act sends a robust message to organisations that failures to meet their duty of care to employees and the public will not be tolerated. The act has not long been in force and still to be tested in the court. The priority at this time is to ensure the legislation is used effectively. If the legislation were found to be wanting in the future, we would consider what further steps should be taken.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-15T13:56:38.277","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273134,"EventID":"S4W-07551","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2108,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":141,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-29T13:56:38.403","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-28T15:01:26.597","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its position is on the Deputy First Minister's comments on the BBC Scotland programme, The Big Debate - Choosing Scotland's Future, on 27 May 2012 that “there is no ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its position is on the Deputy First Minister's comments on the BBC Scotland programme, The Big Debate - Choosing Scotland's Future, on 27 May 2012 that “there is no Scottish representation on the monetary policy committee, something that would change if Scotland was independent”.\r\n","AnswerText":"As the First Minister set out in First Minister’s Questions on 31 May, the Bank of England’s Monetary Policy Committee has nine members, including four external members appointed by the Treasury. As part of a formal monetary union we would expect to be a part of that appointments process. There is nothing unusual about that. In addition, the Treasury has a non-voting observer on the Monetary Policy Committee, to ensure effective co-ordination of monetary and fiscal policy, and we expect to have the same representation.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-15T13:56:38.417","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273135,"EventID":"S4W-07552","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2108,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":141,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-29T13:56:38.56","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-28T15:01:26.597","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to Deputy First Minister's comments on the BBC Scotland programme, The Big Debate - Choosing Scotland's Future, on 27 May 2012 that “there is no Scottish represe","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to Deputy First Minister's comments on the BBC Scotland programme, The Big Debate - Choosing Scotland's Future, on 27 May 2012 that “there is no Scottish representation on the monetary policy committee, something that would change if Scotland was independent”, what form this representation would take.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-07551 on 21 June 2012. All answers to written Parliamentary Questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-15T13:56:38.573","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273136,"EventID":"S4W-07553","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2108,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":141,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-29T13:56:38.667","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-28T15:01:26.597","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with the (a) Bank of England and (b) UK Government regarding the representation that a Scotland separated from the rest of the UK would seek t","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with the (a) Bank of England and (b) UK Government regarding the representation that a Scotland separated from the rest of the UK would seek to have on the Bank of England's monetary policy committee.\r\n","AnswerText":"As I set out in the answer to oral question S4O-01106 on 7 June 2012, the Scottish Government engages in discussions with the Bank of England on matters of importance to the Scottish economy. The Scottish Government also engages in discussions with the UK Government on matters of importance to the Scottish economy.\r\nThe Official Report can be viewed at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28862.aspx?r=7064.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-15T13:56:38.683","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273137,"EventID":"S4W-07555","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2108,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":141,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-29T13:56:38.823","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-28T15:01:26.597","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with the Chancellor of the Exchequer about the appointment of external members to the Bank of England's monetary policy committee.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with the Chancellor of the Exchequer about the appointment of external members to the Bank of England's monetary policy committee.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-07553 on 21 June 2012. All answers to written Parliamentary Questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-15T13:56:38.823","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273138,"EventID":"S4W-07556","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2108,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":141,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-29T13:56:38.917","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-28T15:01:26.597","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how a Scotland separated from the rest of the UK would influence interests rates if they were set by the Bank of England.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how a Scotland separated from the rest of the UK would influence interests rates if they were set by the Bank of England.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-07551 on 21 June 2012. All answers to written Parliamentary Questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-15T13:56:38.917","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273139,"EventID":"S4W-07557","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2108,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":141,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-29T13:56:38.997","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-28T15:01:26.597","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how a Scotland separated from the rest of the UK would influence the Bank of England's monetary policy committee.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how a Scotland separated from the rest of the UK would influence the Bank of England's monetary policy committee.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-07551 on 21 June 2012. All answers to written Parliamentary Questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-15T13:56:39.01","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273140,"EventID":"S4W-07558","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2108,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":141,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-29T13:56:39.103","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-28T15:01:26.597","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether a Scotland separated from the rest of the UK would be able to appoint external members to the Bank of England's monetary policy committee.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether a Scotland separated from the rest of the UK would be able to appoint external members to the Bank of England's monetary policy committee.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-07551 on 21 June 2012. All answers to written Parliamentary Questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-15T13:56:39.103","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273141,"EventID":"S4W-07559","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-29T13:56:39.197","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-28T15:20:17.683","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many residential properties there are in the private rented sector in (a) Aberdeen and (b) Aberdeenshire.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many residential properties there are in the private rented sector in (a) Aberdeen and (b) Aberdeenshire.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government estimates that there are around 12,500 occupied residential properties in the private rented sector in Aberdeen, and 11,000 in Aberdeenshire.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-15T13:56:39.197","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273142,"EventID":"S4W-07560","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-29T13:56:39.29","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-28T15:20:17.683","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much has been spent on mental health services in (a) Aberdeen and (b) Aberdeenshire in each of the last five years.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much has been spent on mental health services in (a) Aberdeen and (b) Aberdeenshire in each of the last five years.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government sets national direction of policy on mental health and provides funding to agencies - including NHS boards and local authorities - to support implementation of policy. The management of local actions in implementing national policy and decisions on local spending priorities are the responsibility of relevant local agencies. It is therefore the responsibility of NHS boards and local authorities to work with their partners and regularly review spending decisions to deliver fit for purpose services which respond to local needs.\r\nSpend on mental health promotion, early intervention and appropriate treatment for people with mental health problems will continue to be drawn from the overall funds allocated to NHS Scotland and local authorities by the Scottish Government. This is difficult to calculate given the diverse way mental health spend can be reflected in other budgets eg within other social work and health budgets \r\nNet revenue expenditure reported by Aberdeen City and Aberdeenshire Councils on adults with mental health needs over the last five years is shown in table 1. Table 2 shows expenditure on general psychiatry services reported by NHS Grampian over the last five years for which information is available:\r\nTable 1 (£000)\r\nYear\r\n2007-08\r\n2008-09\r\n2009-10\r\n2010-11\r\n2011-121\r\nScotland\r\n79,580\r\n88,986\r\n90,377\r\n94,958\r\n98,862\r\nAberdeen City\r\n5,179\r\n5,010\r\n3,967\r\n5,228\r\n4,105\r\nAberdeenshire\r\n3,364\r\n3,895\r\n4,268\r\n4,080\r\n4,413\r\nSource: LFR 3. 2011-12 POBE return 2012.\r\nNote: 1. 2011-12 are budget estimates.\r\nTable 2 (£000)\r\nYear\r\n2006-07\r\n2007-08\r\n2008-09\r\n2009-10\r\n2010-11\r\nScotland \r\n£651,000\r\n£727,000\r\n£860,000\r\n£890,000\r\n£867,000\r\nNHS Grampian \r\n£55,711\r\n£59,684\r\n£66,557\r\n£71,191\r\n£69,400\r\nSource: ISD. All Scotland figures are rounded. NHS Grampian encompasses three local authority areas (Aberdeen City; Aberdeenshire and Moray Councils).","AnswerDate":"2012-06-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-15T13:56:39.307","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273143,"EventID":"S4W-07561","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-29T13:56:39.4","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-28T15:20:17.683","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many library staff were employed by (a) primary, (b) secondary and (c) special schools in (i) Aberdeen and (ii) Aberdeenshire in (A) 2009-10, (B) 2010-11 and (C) 2011","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many library staff were employed by (a) primary, (b) secondary and (c) special schools in (i) Aberdeen and (ii) Aberdeenshire in (A) 2009-10, (B) 2010-11 and (C) 2011-12.\r\n","AnswerText":"This information is published on the government website and is available in table 8.11(Full) of the following links. There were no school library staff reported for the primary or special sectors.\r\n2009-10 www.scotland.gov.uk/Resource/Doc/91982/0105429.xls\r\n2010-11 www.scotland.gov.uk/Resource/Doc/91982/0115815.xls\r\n2011-12 www.scotland.gov.uk/Resource/0039/00392619.xls.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-15T13:56:39.417","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273144,"EventID":"S4W-07562","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-29T13:56:39.51","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-28T15:20:17.683","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much was spent on primary school bus transport in (a) Aberdeen and (b) Aberdeenshire in (i) 2010-11 (ii) 2011-12.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much was spent on primary school bus transport in (a) Aberdeen and (b) Aberdeenshire in (i) 2010-11 (ii) 2011-12.\r\n","AnswerText":"Expenditure on school transport for primary education in 2010-11 was £1,009,000 in Aberdeen City and £5,267,000 in Aberdeenshire. Data for 2011-12 is not yet available. Figures are for gross revenue expenditure on taxis, buses and any other transport costs arising from the transport of children from home to school, as set out in section 50-51 of the Education (Scotland) Act 1980.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-15T13:56:39.51","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273145,"EventID":"S4W-07563","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5034,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-29T13:56:39.587","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-28T17:09:03","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress it has made in agreeing the (a) structure, (b) membership and (c) functions of the Tayside regional college board.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress it has made in agreeing the (a) structure, (b) membership and (c) functions of the Tayside regional college board.\r\n","AnswerText":"I have been closely considering college governance arrangements in the light of the report of the Review of Further Education Governance in Scotland and the government's plans for the regional funding of colleges. I will make an announcement shortly.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-15T13:56:39.603","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273146,"EventID":"S4W-07564","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-29T13:56:39.667","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-28T17:46:34","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will receive Barnett consequentials arising from the UK Government's announced £82 million in available support for young entrepreneurs in England and, if so, ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will receive Barnett consequentials arising from the UK Government's announced £82 million in available support for young entrepreneurs in England and, if so, how it will allocate it.","AnswerText":"The £10 million pilot study for the fund will apply to England only and is being funded from within current Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) baselines. Thereafter, depending on the success of the pilot, the rest of the £82 million will be rolled out over 2013-14 and 2014-15. Should any additional funding be provided by HM Treasury to BIS for the rollout, Barnett consequentials would be made available to the Scottish Government.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-15T13:56:39.68","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273147,"EventID":"S4W-07565","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-29T17:22:26.53","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-29T11:09:09.88","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it can take to have the Mental Welfare Commission added to the list of organisations and individuals to which an employee can whistleblow and receive protectio","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it can take to have the Mental Welfare Commission added to the list of organisations and individuals to which an employee can whistleblow and receive protection under the Public Interest Disclosure Act 1998.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Mental Welfare Commission for Scotland has extensive powers of investigation and inquiry under the Mental Health (Care and Treatment) (Scotland) Act 2003. If they think that someone with a mental illness or learning disability is not receiving proper care or treatment, no matter the individual’s setting, then they can make their own inquiries and thereafter make recommendations. The commission also has visiting powers to individuals who are receiving care and treatment for any mental disorder; visits can be to individuals or as part of a programme of themed visits. The commission further has investigative powers under the Adults with Incapacity (Scotland) Act 2000 in relation to any circumstances made known to them in which the personal welfare of an adult with incapacity seems to them to be at risk. The commission therefore investigate cases proactively, where they see something in a service user's paperwork that concerns them, as well as reactively, following up on a report to them of a concern.\r\nThe Public Interest Disclosure Act 1998 inserted provisions into the Employment Rights Act 1996 to provide certain protections for “whistleblowing”. The Schedule to SI 1549/1999 then specifies a list of bodies to which disclosure may be made under section 43F of the 1996 act, and the matters which are protected in relation to each such body. In addition, however, it should be noted that currently a worker employed by any body discharging any functions under the Adults With Incapacity Act 2000 or Mental Health (Care and Treatment) (Scotland) 2003 Act can, under certain circumstances, make a disclosure to the Mental Welfare Commission for Scotland under sections 43G and 43H of the Employment Rights Act 1996 Act and be afforded some protection provided, amongst other matters, the disclosure is made in good faith and is reasonable in the circumstances.\r\nThe Mental Welfare Commission raised this issue with the Scottish Government recently, and we are therefore currently considering whether or not the Commission should be added to the schedule to Statutory Instrument 1549/1999, to bring it within the scope of section 43F and, if so, the matters disclosed to the Commission which should be protected. The Employment Rights Act 1996 is reserved in terms of schedule 5 of the Scotland Act 1998. Any revision would therefore involve discussions with UK Ministers.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-15T17:22:26.577","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273148,"EventID":"S4W-07566","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-29T17:22:26.717","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-29T11:09:09.88","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what quality assurance has been undertaken on the part of the New Ways waiting times system that deals with the removal of patients from lists.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what quality assurance has been undertaken on the part of the New Ways waiting times system that deals with the removal of patients from lists.","AnswerText":"ISD routinely engages with NHS boards on the issue of data submission to the National Waiting Times Data Warehouse (New Ways) and data quality including data items relating to the number of patients removed from a waiting list.\r\nAll NHS boards are required to agree their data prior to each quarterly publication with an assurance that the published data reflects the accurate local position. This routine process involves seeking clarification from NHS boards that statistics that appear to be higher or lower than expected are accurate. This involves ISD’s statisticians corresponding with each board. Through this process any significant data quality issues fed back to NHS boards are highlighted in the publication.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-15T17:22:26.717","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273149,"EventID":"S4W-07567","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-29T17:22:26.793","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-29T11:09:09.88","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what inquiries it has made to those NHS boards where there is a variation in retrospective changes to New Ways waiting times coding of social availability as shown in the","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what inquiries it has made to those NHS boards where there is a variation in retrospective changes to New Ways waiting times coding of social availability as shown in the appendix to the PricewaterhouseCoopers report, Review of aspects of Waiting Times Management at NHS Lothian.","AnswerText":"As part of the Health Directorate’s normal discussion with NHS boards around their delivery and reporting of waiting times, the issue of any significant retrospective changes to data has been raised.\r\nIn relation to retrospective changes made in the latest published statistics in May 2012, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde made a number of changes to the 31 December 2011 figures. These were due to records being updated following the holiday period in December and the roll out of the TrakCare patient information systems across the board.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-15T17:22:26.793","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273150,"EventID":"S4W-07568","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-29T17:22:26.873","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-29T11:09:09.88","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what monitoring of patient exclusions from waiting times it will put in place regarding exceptional retrospective changes.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what monitoring of patient exclusions from waiting times it will put in place regarding exceptional retrospective changes.","AnswerText":"Officials are closely monitoring any retrospective changes made to waiting time statistics by NHS boards.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-15T17:22:26.873","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273151,"EventID":"S4W-07569","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-29T17:22:26.98","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-29T11:09:09.88","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-13716 by Nicola Sturgeon on 10 June 2008, what reports it has received from ISD Scotland on the patient experience (a) generally an","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-13716 by Nicola Sturgeon on 10 June 2008, what reports it has received from ISD Scotland on the patient experience (a) generally and (b) for vulnerable patients.\r\n","AnswerText":"Patient experience was included as part of ISD’s New Ways Data Quality Assessment Project undertaken in 2008. It did not specifically cover vulnerable patients although they may have been part of the sample of patients approached. A copy of the summary report can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.isdscotland.org/Health-Topics/Waiting-Times/Inpatient-Day-Cases-and-Outpatients/Data-Quality/DQA1%20Exec%20Summary%20Jan%2009.pdf.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-15T17:22:26.98","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273152,"EventID":"S4W-07570","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-29T17:22:27.06","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-29T11:09:09.88","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S4W-06383 by Nicola Sturgeon on 24 April 2012, when it will conclude consideration of establishing an NHS whistleblowers' confidential ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S4W-06383 by Nicola Sturgeon on 24 April 2012, when it will conclude consideration of establishing an NHS whistleblowers' confidential helpline or ensure access for NHS staff in Scotland to the helpline in England.","AnswerText":"As I stated in my answer to your question S4W-06383 I have asked the Scottish Workforce and Staff Governance (SWAG) committee to reconsider the issue of a whistleblowing helpline. The SWAG Committee next meet on 13 July 2012 and this issue will be on the agenda for discussion.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-15T17:22:27.06","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273153,"EventID":"S4W-07571","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-29T17:22:27.12","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-29T11:09:09.88","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it will ensure that all NHS boards record at both area partnership and board level all concerns raised by staff and the actions taken.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it will ensure that all NHS boards record at both area partnership and board level all concerns raised by staff and the actions taken.","AnswerText":"The Implementing and Reviewing Whistleblowing Arrangements in NHSScotland Partnership Information Network (PIN) Policy, which was published in December 2011, includes provision for audit and review. The PIN Policy clearly sets out boards’ obligations in terms of local policies developed in line with the PIN. The operation of local policies, which should be monitored by the area partnership forums, should include regular feedback sessions with area partnership forums to evaluate progress and collect data on the nature and number of concerns raised.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-15T17:22:27.12","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273154,"EventID":"S4W-07572","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-29T17:22:27.217","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-29T11:09:09.88","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it has taken to ensure the implementation of the provisions in the Patient Rights (Scotland) Act 2011 regarding recording, collating and reporting of comments ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it has taken to ensure the implementation of the provisions in the Patient Rights (Scotland) Act 2011 regarding recording, collating and reporting of comments concerns and complaints.","AnswerText":"Secondary legislation to support the implementation of the provisions in the Patient Rights (Scotland) Act 2011 in relation to feedback, comments, concerns and complaints came into force on 1 April 2012. This includes the Patient Rights (Complaints Procedure and Consequential Provisions) (Scotland) Regulations 2012 and the Patient Rights (Feedback, Comments, Concerns and Complaints) (Scotland) Directions 2012. These were issued to NHSScotland in March 2012 under Chief Executive Letter (CEL) 7 (2012) which is available at http://www.sehd.scot.nhs.uk/mels/CEL2012_07.pdf.\r\nGuidance on handling and learning from feedback, comments, concerns and complaints about NHS Health Care Services was also issued in March and is available at http://www.sehd.scot.nhs.uk/mels/CEL2012_08.pdf.\r\nNHS Education Scotland has been commissioned to lead on a 2 year learning and education programme in conjunction with the Scottish Public Services Ombudsman (SPSO) to develop capability of staff providing NHS Services to respond to feedback, comments, concerns and complaints.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-15T17:22:27.217","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273155,"EventID":"S4W-07573","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-29T17:22:27.31","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-29T11:09:09.88","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Patient Rights (Scotland) Act 2011 requires the publication of a collated record of comments, concerns and complaints and action taken for each NHS board and,","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Patient Rights (Scotland) Act 2011 requires the publication of a collated record of comments, concerns and complaints and action taken for each NHS board and, if so, when they will be published.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-07572 on 11 June 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\nThe Patient Rights (Feedback, Comments, Concerns and Complaints) (Scotland) Directions 2012, issued under CEL 7 (2012) and the Guidance issued under CEL 8 (2012) set out that relevant NHS bodies are required to:\r\nprepare and publish data annually in respect of their own services and their health service providers in relation to feedback, comments, concerns and complaints received in the year, and\r\nsubmit complaints data annually to the Information Services Division (ISD), a Division of NHS National Services Scotland, for collation and publication of national complaints statistics.\r\nThe first publication of each is due as soon as reasonably practicable after year ending 31 March 2013.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-15T17:22:27.323","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273156,"EventID":"S4W-07574","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-29T17:22:27.387","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-29T11:09:09.88","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it has taken to implement the guidance from the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence that recommends screening for tuberculosis in hostels and","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it has taken to implement the guidance from the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence that recommends screening for tuberculosis in hostels and prisons.","AnswerText":"The Scottish TB Action Plan, which was published in March 2011, recommended that the Scottish Health Protection Network should review the output of the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) initiative to develop guidance aimed at reducing the transmission of TB among hard-to-reach groups, and to consider its applicability in Scotland. This work is ongoing.\r\nMultidisciplinary teams/local services were advised at that time that they should be aware of those groups in their area which were considered to be most difficult to reach, and to design approaches to improve ways of reaching them.\r\nScottish Government officials have recently undertaken a review of the progress being made on the action plan recommendations by each of the Scottish NHS boards, and an annual report will be published later this year to summarise this.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-15T17:22:27.387","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273157,"EventID":"S4W-07575","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-29T17:22:27.48","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-29T11:09:09.88","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its position is on the joint report by the Royal College of General Practitioners and the Royal Pharmaceutical Society, Safer Prescribing in Prisons.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its position is on the joint report by the Royal College of General Practitioners and the Royal Pharmaceutical Society, Safer Prescribing in Prisons.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to his question S4W-04025 on 23 November 2011. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-15T17:22:27.48","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273158,"EventID":"S4W-07576","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-29T17:22:27.56","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-29T11:09:09.88","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it (a) has taken or (b) will take to ensure that the public is provided with information about the (a) risks, (b) limitations and (c) possible benefits of scre","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it (a) has taken or (b) will take to ensure that the public is provided with information about the (a) risks, (b) limitations and (c) possible benefits of screening for medical conditions involving (i) the use of genetic testing and (ii) exposure to radiation offered by commercial companies.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government does not provide the public with information about risks, limitations and possible benefits of screening provided by commercial companies.\r\nThe Scottish Government provides the public with information about the risks, limitations and possible benefits for population-based screening, in line with the advice from the UK National Screening Committee. This information is included in the NHS Health Scotland leaflets and these leaflets are available to download from the NHS Health Scotland website at: http://www.healthscotland.com/topics/health-topics/screening/breast.aspx.\r\nIn addition, information on the risks of radiation is also published on the NHS Inform website at: http://www.nhsinform.co.uk/Health-Library/Articles/R/radiation/risks-of-radiation. \r\nWe are supportive of the Human Genetics Commission’s (HGC) Common Framework of Principles for direct-to-consumer genetic testing services which was published in 2010 and which aims to tackle informed consent, marketing, risk communication, availability of counselling and data protection for direct to consumer genetic testing. It is important that when people choose to undergo this kind of genetic testing that they have the appropriate information available to them and if necessary access to appropriate counselling and support.\r\nIf HGC makes any recommendations on devolved matters for Scotland, the secretariat will ensure that these are presented in reports so that they are clearly distinguished as matters for the relevant territories. Devolved administrations will then be able to respond to them as appropriate. \r\nGenetic tests with a medical purpose are covered by the In Vitro Diagnostic Medical Devices Directive (98/79/EC) and, as such, the test kits used should be CE-marked. This directive is intended to ensure that IVDs do not compromise the health and safety of patients, users and third parties and attain the performance levels attributed to them by their manufacturer.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-15T17:22:27.56","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273159,"EventID":"S4W-07577","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-29T17:22:27.637","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-29T11:09:09.88","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps have been taken to provide support to visitors as recommended in the HM Inspectorate of Prisons report, Report on HMP Glenochil: Follow-up Inspection - 22-24 N","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps have been taken to provide support to visitors as recommended in the HM Inspectorate of Prisons report, Report on HMP Glenochil: Follow-up Inspection - 22-24 November 2011.\r\n","AnswerText":"I have asked Colin McConnell, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service, to respond. His response is as follows:\r\nThe SPS aims to ensure children and families visiting prisons are treated with dignity and respect. We are currently reviewing our Good Practice Guidelines for Children and Families as part of the development of a new Family Policy.\r\nHMP Glenochil together with partner agencies keeps support for families and visitors under continuous review. It appointed a full time Family Contact Officer in 2011. It is also currently considering plans to reconfigure the existing waiting areas to improve access to external agencies for families whilst they visit and to improve facilities for children.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-15T17:22:27.637","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273160,"EventID":"S4W-07578","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-29T17:22:27.73","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-29T11:09:09.88","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether HMP Glenochil has provided a comprehensive job description for the role of the Personal Officer and training for such officers and for Lifer Liaison and Lifer Con","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether HMP Glenochil has provided a comprehensive job description for the role of the Personal Officer and training for such officers and for Lifer Liaison and Lifer Contact Officers as recommended in the HM Inspectorate of Prisons report, Report on HMP Glenochil: Follow-up Inspection - 22-24 November 2011.\r\n","AnswerText":"I have asked Colin McConnell, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service, to respond. His response is as follows:\r\nIn regards to the role of the Personal Officer, SPS has recently commenced a review of their role across the prison estate which will inform the nature, scope, job description and training requirements for the role. This is currently at an early stage and we are in the process of gathering data from all prisons to inform the review.\r\nIn regards to Lifer Liaison and Lifer Contact Officers comprehensive training was provided for HMP Glenochil post holders in April which covered their roles, the early release and parole process, Integrated Case Management and risk management and progression. All Lifer Liaison and Lifer Contact Officers also attend quarterly forums and have access to a shared intranet site, both of which allow post holders to share best practice and to keep up to date with information relating to the management of prisoners and the parole process. It is also to ensure that there is effective communication on issues that affect both the SPS and external partners.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-15T17:22:27.73","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273161,"EventID":"S4W-07579","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-29T17:22:27.807","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-29T11:09:09.88","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps have been taken to ensure that all relevant prisoners have been assigned a Personal Officer as recommended in the HM Inspectorate of Prisons report, Report on ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps have been taken to ensure that all relevant prisoners have been assigned a Personal Officer as recommended in the HM Inspectorate of Prisons report, Report on HMP Glenochil: Follow-up Inspection - 22-24 November 2011.","AnswerText":"I have asked Colin McConnell, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service, to respond. His response is as follows:\r\nSPS has recently commenced a review of the role of the Personal Officer across the prison estate which will inform the nature, scope, job description and training requirements for the role. This is currently at an early stage and we are in the process of gathering data from all prisons to inform the review.\r\nAll prisoners in HMP Glenochil do however have an assigned Personal Officer.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-15T17:22:27.807","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273162,"EventID":"S4W-07580","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-29T17:22:27.887","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-29T11:09:09.88","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the pilot is in place to offer prisoners working in the laundry at HMP Glenochil the opportunity to undertake an SVQ and when all prisoners will be offered such a","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the pilot is in place to offer prisoners working in the laundry at HMP Glenochil the opportunity to undertake an SVQ and when all prisoners will be offered such an opportunity, as recommended in the HM Inspectorate of Prisons report, Report on HMP Glenochil: Follow-up Inspection - 22-24 November 2011.","AnswerText":"I have asked Colin McConnell, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service, to respond. His response is as follows:\r\nWhilst the recommendation will be kept under review HMP Glenochil has decided not to offer an SVQ for prisoners who work in the laundry and is focussing on expanding the range of qualifications available elsewhere within the prison. In 2011-12 HMP Glenochil delivered 1621 qualifications including 121 at SCQF Level 5 for prisoners in painting and decorating, hairdressing, cleaning (bio hazard) and cleaning (training) to British Institute of Cleaning Sciences standard.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-15T17:22:27.887","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273163,"EventID":"S4W-07581","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-29T17:22:27.98","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-29T12:20:10","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what grants it has received from the EU to help finance the construction and upgrading of (a) transmission lines and (b) subsea interconnectors in each of the last 10 yea","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what grants it has received from the EU to help finance the construction and upgrading of (a) transmission lines and (b) subsea interconnectors in each of the last 10 years.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has received no funding for such projects from the European Union.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-15T17:22:27.98","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273164,"EventID":"S4W-07582","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-29T17:22:28.057","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-29T12:47:33.777","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive for what reason optometrists qualified as independent prescribers may not write NHS prescriptions when working in general ophthalmic services.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive for what reason optometrists qualified as independent prescribers may not write NHS prescriptions when working in general ophthalmic services.","AnswerText":"We are currently exploring options to allow those optometrists recognised as prescribers to be able to prescribe under the NHS. Information will be issued to NHS boards and optometrists about this as soon as possible.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-15T17:22:28.057","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273165,"EventID":"S4W-07584","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4086,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-29T17:22:28.137","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-29T13:57:37","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its response is to the claim in the report, The relationship between soil mineral nitrogen, applied nitrogen and yields in Scottish soils, that many crops would need","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its response is to the claim in the report, The relationship between soil mineral nitrogen, applied nitrogen and yields in Scottish soils, that many crops would need to exceed their Nmax figures to achieve potential yield.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Nmax figures in the Scottish Nitrates Action Programme are based on the Scottish Agricultural College's recommendations for economically optimal applications of nitrogen fertiliser. The report cited has highlighted the variability of soil mineral nitrogen test results, but provides no explanation for the variability between sites. The statement relating to the need to exceed Nmax does not take account of the yield adjustment factor, which allows for increased rates of nitrogen where there is a history of higher than standard yields. The report does not demonstrate any significant indication for the need to increase Nmax for profitable crop production.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-15T17:22:28.15","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273166,"EventID":"S4W-07585","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4086,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-29T17:22:28.26","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-29T13:57:37","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, in light of its consultation nitrate vulnerable zones, whether it will (a) review and (b) update the figures concerning nitrogen uptake and use in modern crops.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, in light of its consultation nitrate vulnerable zones, whether it will (a) review and (b) update the figures concerning nitrogen uptake and use in modern crops.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Agricultural College published its Technical Note on nitrogen uptake and use in crops in December 2009. The recommendations have been updated in light of recent trials results and advisory experience. The Scottish Government will review the figures if further research indicates a need to change the recommendations.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-15T17:22:28.26","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273167,"EventID":"S4W-07586","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4086,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-29T17:22:28.37","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-29T13:57:37","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to amend the limits for groundwater nitrate levels.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to amend the limits for groundwater nitrate levels.\r\n","AnswerText":"No. Groundwater feeds surface waters. At concentrations above 50 milligrams per litre, the threshold set in the EU Nitrates Directive, nitrate can result in undesirable ecological changes in rivers, lochs and coastal waters.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-15T17:22:28.387","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273168,"EventID":"S4W-07587","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4086,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-29T17:22:28.493","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-29T13:57:37","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to replace the system in which farmers have to prove individual farm yield for nitrate vulnerable zone Nmax limits with a more regional-based approach.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to replace the system in which farmers have to prove individual farm yield for nitrate vulnerable zone Nmax limits with a more regional-based approach.\r\n","AnswerText":"The yield adjustment allows farmers to apply greater quantities of nitrogen fertiliser where crop yields have exceeded the standard yield, reflecting the nitrogen taken off in those harvests. The Scottish Government is currently consulting on what form the yield adjustment should take.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-15T17:22:28.493","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273193,"EventID":"S4W-07588","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":131,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-30T13:25:21.787","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-29T13:59:29","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, given the potential impact on employment, what representations it has made to the UK Government on the application of immigration law to non-European economic area seafa","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, given the potential impact on employment, what representations it has made to the UK Government on the application of immigration law to non-European economic area seafarers working on one-port voyages in the (a) ferries, (b) maritime and (c) offshore energy sectors in Scotland.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-07589 on 21 June 2012. All answers to written Parliamentary Questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\nThere are no plans to discuss this matter with the UK Government.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-18T13:25:22.07","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273194,"EventID":"S4W-07589","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":131,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-30T13:25:22.257","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-29T13:59:29","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its definition of a one-port voyage is in relation to the (a) maritime and (b) offshore energy sector and whether it has requested legal advice on this matter since ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its definition of a one-port voyage is in relation to the (a) maritime and (b) offshore energy sector and whether it has requested legal advice on this matter since May 2011.\r\n","AnswerText":"Although the definition of a “one port voyage” is not statutorily defined, it is a voyage where the departure and scheduled or intended arrival ports, which may be different, are in the UK.\r\nIt also means a voyage between places in the British Islands (including the Republic of Ireland) or from and returning to such a place during which, in either case, no call is made at any place outside those islands or its offshore installations on the UK continental shelf.\r\nA ship can, for the purposes of a one port voyage, leave UK territorial waters within the meaning of the Territorial Sea Act 1987 to facilitate the purpose of the voyage, but it shall have a scheduled intention to return to a UK port where the intended voyage is to supply, support, service or standby for the offshore installations in the UK Continental Shelf waters.\r\nThose joining vessels engaged on a one-port voyage and operating beyond British waters are not subject to work permit requirements, including the national minimum wage, and are subject to immigration controls only to the extent necessary to regulate their transit across UK territory to join the vessel and/or facilitate shore leave. Activity relating to one-port voyages is chiefly out with UK waters.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-18T13:25:22.257","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273195,"EventID":"S4W-07590","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":131,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-30T13:25:22.367","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-29T13:59:29","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, in light of the potential impact on employment, what representations it has made to (a) employment agencies and (b) shipping companies in Scotland on the recruitment of ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, in light of the potential impact on employment, what representations it has made to (a) employment agencies and (b) shipping companies in Scotland on the recruitment of seafarers from countries outside the European economic area to work on one-port voyages in Scotland for pay rates below the national minimum wage.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-07589 on 21 June 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\nNo such representations have been made.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-18T13:25:22.38","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273196,"EventID":"S4W-07591","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":131,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-30T13:25:22.49","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-29T13:59:29","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, in light of the potential impact on employment, what steps it will take to prevent the recruitment of seafarers from countries outside the European economic area to work","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, in light of the potential impact on employment, what steps it will take to prevent the recruitment of seafarers from countries outside the European economic area to work on one-port voyages in Scotland for pay rates below the national minimum wage.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-07589 on 21 June 2012. All answers to written Parliamentary Questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\nThere are no plans to further restrict such seafarers.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-18T13:25:22.507","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273197,"EventID":"S4W-07592","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":131,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-30T13:25:22.613","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-29T13:59:29","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, in light of the potential impact on employment, what steps it will take to ensure that the national minimum wage is paid to all seafarers working on one-port voyages in ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, in light of the potential impact on employment, what steps it will take to ensure that the national minimum wage is paid to all seafarers working on one-port voyages in Scotland and whether it will discuss this matter with the UK Government.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-07589 on 21 June 2012. All answers to written Parliamentary Questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\nThere are no plans to discuss this matter with the UK Government.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-18T13:25:22.613","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273198,"EventID":"S4W-07593","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-30T13:25:22.74","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-29T14:13:27","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much the Air Discount Scheme cost (a) Scotland and (b) Shetland in the last year in which business and voluntary organisations' travel costs were (i) included and (ii","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much the Air Discount Scheme cost (a) Scotland and (b) Shetland in the last year in which business and voluntary organisations' travel costs were (i) included and (ii) not included.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Air Discount Scheme does not extend to business-related travel. The Scottish Government paid the following amounts in discounted air fares under the scheme in:\r\n2010\r\nTotal\r\n£5.697 million\r\nShetland only\r\n£2.079 million\r\n\r\n2011\r\nTotal\r\n£4.883 million\r\nShetland only\r\n£1.792 million\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-18T13:25:22.74","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273203,"EventID":"S4O-01089","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":4956,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":106,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-30T15:37:35.023","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-23T14:29:15.217","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what impact the increase in air passenger duty is having on the delivery of its transport policy with regard to air travel.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what impact the increase in air passenger duty is having on the delivery of its transport policy with regard to air travel.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-18T15:37:35.053","MeetingDate":"2012-06-07T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273204,"EventID":"S4O-01090","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":3758,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":76,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-30T15:37:35.147","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-23T14:29:15.293","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its position is on the possibility of waste material being transported from Dounreay to Sellafield.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its position is on the possibility of waste material being transported from Dounreay to Sellafield.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-18T15:37:35.147","MeetingDate":"2012-06-07T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273205,"EventID":"S4O-01091","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2033,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":132,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-30T15:37:35.227","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-23T14:29:15.327","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made with the Scottish Court Service’s review of sheriff and justice of the peace courts.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made with the Scottish Court Service’s review of sheriff and justice of the peace courts.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-18T15:37:35.227","MeetingDate":"2012-06-07T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273206,"EventID":"S4O-01092","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":3751,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":108,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-30T15:37:35.303","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-23T14:29:15.357","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to reassess the effectiveness of acceptable behaviour contracts.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to reassess the effectiveness of acceptable behaviour contracts.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-18T15:37:35.303","MeetingDate":"2012-06-07T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273207,"EventID":"S4O-01093","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2675,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":93,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-30T15:37:35.367","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-23T14:29:15.373","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Tenant Farming Forum will deliver timeous solutions to simplify the rent review system for the tenanted farming sector.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Tenant Farming Forum will deliver timeous solutions to simplify the rent review system for the tenanted farming sector.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-18T15:37:35.367","MeetingDate":"2012-06-07T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273208,"EventID":"S4O-01094","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1882,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":129,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-30T15:37:35.443","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-23T14:29:15.387","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its position is on data published by Ofcom suggesting that 85% of the Scottish population is covered by 2G mobile coverage compared with 99% in England.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its position is on data published by Ofcom suggesting that 85% of the Scottish population is covered by 2G mobile coverage compared with 99% in England.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-18T15:37:35.443","MeetingDate":"2012-06-07T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273209,"EventID":"S4O-01095","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2595,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-30T15:37:35.52","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-23T14:29:15.403","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of public sector contracts is on the Public Contracts Scotland portal.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of public sector contracts is on the Public Contracts Scotland portal.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-18T15:37:35.52","MeetingDate":"2012-06-07T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273210,"EventID":"S4O-01096","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1892,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":134,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-30T15:37:35.6","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-23T14:29:15.437","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what powers police forces have to deal with illegal cockle fishing.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what powers police forces have to deal with illegal cockle fishing.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-18T15:37:35.6","MeetingDate":"2012-06-07T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273211,"EventID":"S4O-01097","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":5042,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-30T15:37:35.663","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-23T14:29:15.45","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made on implementing the recommendations of the Scottish Studies Working Group across the curriculum.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made on implementing the recommendations of the Scottish Studies Working Group across the curriculum.\r\n","AnswerText":"We are making good progress in taking forward the recommendations of the Scottish Studies Working Group in partnership with Education Scotland, the SQA and other stakeholders including the University of Glasgow’s Champions Group.\r\nA package of measures including guidance, online resources and professional learning has been launched and is now supporting learning about Scotland across the curriculum. Recommendations on Scottish texts in the new National Qualifications in English have been implemented and progress is being made on the development of an Award in Scottish Studies.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-18T15:37:35.663","MeetingDate":"2012-06-07T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Alasdair Allan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273212,"EventID":"S4O-01098","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-30T15:37:35.74","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-23T14:29:15.467","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how the registration of home support workers with the Scottish Social Services Council is being brought forward. \r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how the registration of home support workers with the Scottish Social Services Council is being brought forward. \r\n","AnswerText":"My policy officials are currently reviewing the timetable in relation to the registration of groups for whom registration has not yet commenced. These groups are supervisors and support workers in both care at home services and housing support services.\r\nWe should not underestimate the scale of what is required. Work undertaken to date has highlighted several issues that must be addressed before any decision is taken.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-18T15:37:35.74","MeetingDate":"2012-06-07T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273213,"EventID":"S4O-01100","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":4938,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-30T15:37:35.817","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-23T14:29:36.993","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its position is on the statement by the chief economist at the Bank of Scotland that \"April's barometer showed the strongest improvement in the Scottish jobs market ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its position is on the statement by the chief economist at the Bank of Scotland that \"April's barometer showed the strongest improvement in the Scottish jobs market for 11 months.\"","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-18T15:37:35.817","MeetingDate":"2012-06-07T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273214,"EventID":"S4O-01101","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":5109,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":101,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-30T15:37:35.88","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-23T14:29:37.01","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress it has made in taking forward proposals to extend the council tax exemption to include articulating students and those moving directly from an undergraduate","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress it has made in taking forward proposals to extend the council tax exemption to include articulating students and those moving directly from an undergraduate to a postgraduate course.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-18T15:37:35.88","MeetingDate":"2012-06-07T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273215,"EventID":"S4O-01102","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-30T15:37:35.957","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-23T14:29:37.027","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to review local government taxation.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to review local government taxation.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-18T15:37:35.957","MeetingDate":"2012-06-07T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273216,"EventID":"S4O-01103","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":2826,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":84,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-30T15:37:36.037","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-23T14:29:37.04","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with Glasgow City Council about unemployment.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with Glasgow City Council about unemployment.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-18T15:37:36.037","MeetingDate":"2012-06-07T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273217,"EventID":"S4O-01104","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":2610,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-30T15:37:36.1","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-23T14:29:37.057","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what employment initiatives it is pursuing in Central Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what employment initiatives it is pursuing in Central Scotland.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-18T15:37:36.1","MeetingDate":"2012-06-07T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273218,"EventID":"S4O-01105","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":3763,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-30T15:37:36.193","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-23T14:29:37.087","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assistance it is providing to businesses in the west of Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assistance it is providing to businesses in the west of Scotland.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-18T15:37:36.207","MeetingDate":"2012-06-07T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273219,"EventID":"S4O-01106","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":2159,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":88,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-30T15:37:36.27","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-30T11:54:52.743","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with the Bank of England regarding representation on its monetary policy committee for a Scotland separated from the rest of the UK.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with the Bank of England regarding representation on its monetary policy committee for a Scotland separated from the rest of the UK.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-18T15:37:36.287","MeetingDate":"2012-06-07T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273220,"EventID":"S4O-01107","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":3745,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":122,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-30T15:37:36.347","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-23T14:29:37.12","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how important the subsea sector is to the economy.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how important the subsea sector is to the economy.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-18T15:37:36.347","MeetingDate":"2012-06-07T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273221,"EventID":"S4O-01108","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":3815,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-30T15:37:36.427","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-23T14:29:37.15","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with the UK Government regarding the potential impact of the recommendations of the Beecroft report on employment in Scotland. \r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with the UK Government regarding the potential impact of the recommendations of the Beecroft report on employment in Scotland. \r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-18T15:37:36.427","MeetingDate":"2012-06-07T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273222,"EventID":"S4O-01109","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":1759,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-30T15:37:36.503","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-23T14:29:37.18","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress it has made toward developing alternative methods of measuring GDP to reflect quality of life and the sustainability of Scotland’s development.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress it has made toward developing alternative methods of measuring GDP to reflect quality of life and the sustainability of Scotland’s development.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-18T15:37:36.52","MeetingDate":"2012-06-07T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273223,"EventID":"S4O-01110","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":3061,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-30T15:37:36.583","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-23T14:29:37.197","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it last met representatives of Scottish Enterprise and what issues were discussed.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it last met representatives of Scottish Enterprise and what issues were discussed.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-18T15:37:36.583","MeetingDate":"2012-06-07T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273224,"EventID":"S4O-01111","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":5108,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":139,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-30T15:37:36.643","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-23T14:29:37.213","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what recent discussions it has had with North Ayrshire Council regarding the economic situation in its area.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what recent discussions it has had with North Ayrshire Council regarding the economic situation in its area.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-18T15:37:36.66","MeetingDate":"2012-06-07T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273225,"EventID":"S4O-01112","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":2487,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-30T15:37:36.723","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-23T14:29:37.243","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to support the economy in the south of Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to support the economy in the south of Scotland.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-18T15:37:36.737","MeetingDate":"2012-06-07T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273226,"EventID":"S4O-01113","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":3771,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-30T15:37:36.817","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-23T14:29:37.26","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what it is doing to develop and maintain employment opportunities for disabled people.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what it is doing to develop and maintain employment opportunities for disabled people.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-18T15:37:36.817","MeetingDate":"2012-06-07T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273227,"EventID":"S4O-01114","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":2673,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":114,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-30T15:37:36.893","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-23T14:29:37.277","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its position is regarding the review of community planning partnerships.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its position is regarding the review of community planning partnerships.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-18T15:37:36.893","MeetingDate":"2012-06-07T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273228,"EventID":"S4O-01115","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-30T15:37:36.957","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-23T14:29:37.29","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to review planning law in relation to the siting of mobile telephone masts.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to review planning law in relation to the siting of mobile telephone masts.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-18T15:37:36.957","MeetingDate":"2012-06-07T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273229,"EventID":"S4O-01116","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":2615,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":143,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-30T15:37:37.033","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-23T14:29:37.307","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what it is doing to encourage sustainable economic growth.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what it is doing to encourage sustainable economic growth.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-18T15:37:37.033","MeetingDate":"2012-06-07T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273230,"EventID":"S4O-01117","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":1775,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":146,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-30T15:37:37.097","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-23T14:29:37.353","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what start-up support is available for tourism-related social enterprises.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what start-up support is available for tourism-related social enterprises.","AnswerText":"There is a range of support available for tourism related social enterprises. In particular the £3 million Just Enterprise programme, launched by John Swinney in July 2011, is providing direct business support to enterprising third sector organisations.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-18T15:37:37.113","MeetingDate":"2012-06-07T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273231,"EventID":"S4O-01118","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":4014,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-30T15:37:37.177","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-23T14:29:37.37","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assessment it has made of how local authorities will address their pensions deficit and what discussions it has with them on the issue.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assessment it has made of how local authorities will address their pensions deficit and what discussions it has with them on the issue.","AnswerText":"The local authorities in Scotland are responsible for the 11 local government pension funds.\r\nThere are formal accounting regulations which govern how local governments’ pension funds are accounted for. In the Local Government in Scotland Act 2003 there are safeguards which relate to how a council or councils should account for any surplus or deficit. Pension funds are subject to a three yearly actuarial review, one of the outcomes of which is to determine a rate of employer’s contribution that will address the medium to long-term needs of the fund. Taking account of these various factors, it would be for each fund to use the resources at its disposal over time to cover any shortfalls.\r\nMinisters have had discussions with COSLA over the last few months to discuss the affordability and sustainability of local government pensions, and we are currently awaiting information from COSLA on the outcome of the most recent fund evaluations which concluded earlier this year. \r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-18T15:37:37.177","MeetingDate":"2012-06-07T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273232,"EventID":"S4W-07465","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3763,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-30T17:26:16.307","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-24T11:08:54","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many additional insulin pumps will be provided to adults in 2012-13, broken down by NHS board.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many additional insulin pumps will be provided to adults in 2012-13, broken down by NHS board.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Chief Executive Letter issued on 27 February 2012 made it clear that we expect the number of insulin pumps for both adults and children to triple over the next three years.\r\nWe have provided £2.5 million worth of funding to purchase insulin pumps and the associated consumables to support NHS boards in achieving this commitment.\r\nWe will be closely tracking the progress that boards make in increasing insulin pump provision throughout Scotland and the results will be published in the annual Scottish Diabetes Survey.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-18T17:26:16.417","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273233,"EventID":"S4W-07583","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4938,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-30T17:26:16.51","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-29T13:52:33","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its position is on the proposal by the Nursing and Midwifery Council to increase the annual nursing and midwifery fee from £76 to £120.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its position is on the proposal by the Nursing and Midwifery Council to increase the annual nursing and midwifery fee from £76 to £120.\r\n","AnswerText":"The regulation and registration of nurses and midwives is reserved to the UK Government and Scottish Ministers have no statutory powers in this matter. However, a fee increase of this magnitude would impose an unwelcome burden on key frontline health professionals across Scotland and I am not convinced that such a measure can be justified. The Scottish Government is in regular contact with the UK Department of Health and continues to monitor developments on this issue closely.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-18T17:26:16.523","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273234,"EventID":"S4W-07594","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2876,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-30T17:26:16.603","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-29T15:31:56","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much it has paid in private water supply grants in each of the last five years.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much it has paid in private water supply grants in each of the last five years.\r\n","AnswerText":"Local authorities are entitled to seek reimbursement of expenditure reasonably incurred in making grants under section 47 of the Local Government in Scotland Act 2003 and in connection with their administration of the private water supplies grant scheme on behalf of the Scottish Ministers.\r\nSection 47 reimbursement claims submitted to the Scottish Ministers and paid out in each of the last five years are as follows:\r\n2007-08\r\n£0.94 million\r\n2008-09\r\n£1.88 million\r\n2009-10\r\n£2.49 million\r\n2010-11\r\n£2.77 million\r\n2011-12\r\n£2.60 million\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-18T17:26:16.603","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273235,"EventID":"S4W-07595","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2876,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-30T17:26:16.697","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-29T15:31:56","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many hospital discharges with a diagnosis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease there have been in each of the last five years, broken down by NHS board.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many hospital discharges with a diagnosis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease there have been in each of the last five years, broken down by NHS board.\r\n","AnswerText":"Information on the number of hospital episodes of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and bronchiectasis is published by ISD Scotland at:\r\nhttp://www.isdscotland.org/Health-Topics/Hospital-Care/Publications/2012-03-27/Diagnosis_HB_Mar12.xls.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-18T17:26:16.697","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273236,"EventID":"S4W-07596","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2876,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-30T17:26:16.773","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-29T15:31:56","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what rate of hospital discharges per 100,000 people with a diagnosis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease there has been in each of the last five years, broken down b","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what rate of hospital discharges per 100,000 people with a diagnosis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease there has been in each of the last five years, broken down by NHS board.\r\n","AnswerText":"Information on the number of hospital episodes of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and bronchiectasis per 100,000 population is published by ISD Scotland at:\r\nhttp://www.isdscotland.org/Health-Topics/Hospital-Care/Publications/2012-03-27/Diagnosis_HB_Mar12.xls.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-18T17:26:16.79","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273237,"EventID":"S4W-07597","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2876,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-30T17:26:16.853","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-29T15:31:56","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many wildlife crime convictions there have been in each of the last five years.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many wildlife crime convictions there have been in each of the last five years.\r\n","AnswerText":"The available information is given in the following table.\r\nPersons with a charge proved for wildlife offences1,2,3\r\n2006-07\r\n2007-08\r\n2008-09\r\n2009-10\r\n2010-11\r\n29\r\n25\r\n22\r\n18\r\n12\r\nNotes:\r\n1. Where main offence. \r\n2. Includes, under the main offence grouping “Offences involving Animals/Plants”; offences involving birds, hunting with dogs, cruelty to wild animals, offences involving badgers, and other wildlife offences. \r\n3. Excludes offences related to Game laws, Fisheries and Plant life and environment.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-18T17:26:16.853","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273238,"EventID":"S4W-07598","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2876,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-30T17:26:16.93","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-29T15:31:56","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many drink-drive convictions there have been in each of the last five years.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many drink-drive convictions there have been in each of the last five years.\r\n","AnswerText":"The available information is given in the following table.\r\n\r\nPersons with a Charge Proved for Offences Related to Driving whilst Under the Influence of Drink/Drugs1,2, 2006-07 to 2010-11\r\nCrime/offence\r\n2006-07\r\n2007-08\r\n2008-09\r\n2009-10\r\n2010-11\r\nDeath by careless driving when under the influence of drink/drugs\r\n5\r\n1\r\n3\r\n0\r\n1\r\nDriving motor vehicle while unfit through drink or drugs\r\n336\r\n262\r\n266\r\n220\r\n177\r\nDriving motor vehicle with blood alcohol content above prescribed limit\r\n6,473\r\n6,279\r\n5,843\r\n4,969\r\n4,255\r\nFailure to provide breath, blood or urine specimen at police stat\r\n755\r\n740\r\n620\r\n609\r\n537\r\nFailure to provide breath specimen at the roadside\r\n66\r\n75\r\n73\r\n61\r\n53\r\nIn charge of motor vehicle while unfit through drink/drugs\r\n44\r\n39\r\n56\r\n29\r\n27\r\nIn charge of motor vehicle while blood alcohol content above limit\r\n392\r\n425\r\n364\r\n344\r\n298\r\nTotal\r\n8,071\r\n7,821\r\n7,225\r\n6,232\r\n5,348\r\nNotes:\r\n1. Where main offence.\r\n2. Drink driving offences cannot be separated from drink/drug driving offences.","AnswerDate":"2012-06-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-18T17:26:16.947","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273239,"EventID":"S4W-07599","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1845,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-30T17:26:17.007","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-29T15:59:13","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what investment is planned to improve road safety on the B9170.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what investment is planned to improve road safety on the B9170.\r\n","AnswerText":"Transport Scotland, through its operating companies, is responsible for the management and maintenance of trunk roads and motorways in Scotland. Local roads are a matter for local authorities.\r\nThe B9170 is a local road, and responsibility for investment, maintenance and safety measures on that road therefore rests with Aberdeenshire Council.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-18T17:26:17.007","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273240,"EventID":"S4W-07600","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3806,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-30T17:26:17.087","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-29T16:27:52.657","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many applications there were to the Post Office Diversification Fund in (a) 2010-11 and (b) 2011-12.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many applications there were to the Post Office Diversification Fund in (a) 2010-11 and (b) 2011-12.\r\n","AnswerText":"The number of eligible applications in each of the years were (a) 215 and (b) 200.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-18T17:26:17.087","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273241,"EventID":"S4W-07601","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3806,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-30T17:26:17.163","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-29T16:27:52.657","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the budget for the Post Office Diversification fund was in (a) 2010-11 and (b) 2011-12 and is for 2012-13.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the budget for the Post Office Diversification fund was in (a) 2010-11 and (b) 2011-12 and is for 2012-13.\r\n","AnswerText":"The budget for the fund was £1 miilion in each of 2010-11 and 2011-12. There is no budget for the Post Office Diversification Fund in 2012-13.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-18T17:26:17.163","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273242,"EventID":"S4W-07602","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3806,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-30T17:26:17.243","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-29T16:27:52.657","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many applications to the Post Office Diversification Fund in (a) 2010-11 and (b) 2011-12 were successful.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many applications to the Post Office Diversification Fund in (a) 2010-11 and (b) 2011-12 were successful.\r\n","AnswerText":"The number of post offices which received funding in each of the years were (a) 47 and (b) 48.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-18T17:26:17.243","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273243,"EventID":"S4W-07603","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4934,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-30T17:26:17.32","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-29T17:12:08.437","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its position is on the UNICEF publication, Report Card 10: Measuring Child Poverty and what implications the report will have on its child poverty strategy.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its position is on the UNICEF publication, Report Card 10: Measuring Child Poverty and what implications the report will have on its child poverty strategy.","AnswerText":"The recommendations in the Measuring Child Poverty report are consistent with the strategic aims of the Child Poverty Strategy for Scotland. Both documents highlight the importance of maximising household incomes and improving children’s wellbeing and life chances. However, I am greatly concerned that the UNICEF report also highlights the potentially serious negative impacts of benefit and tax credit cuts being made at Westminster and the likelihood they will reverse this trend. Whilst we are doing all we can to tackle poverty and inequality in Scotland, it is very difficult to make an impact on the headline figures while personal taxation and welfare benefits policy are reserved to the UK Government.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-18T17:26:17.32","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273244,"EventID":"S4W-07604","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5079,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-30T17:26:17.397","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-29T20:22:43","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of GDP is spent on culture.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of GDP is spent on culture.","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-18T17:26:17.397","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273280,"EventID":"S4W-05945","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5060,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-31T13:12:34.373","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-02-23T17:46:47","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether its procurement policy ensures that suppliers of its internet related services have a policy of blocking web pages that depict child sexual abuse.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether its procurement policy ensures that suppliers of its internet related services have a policy of blocking web pages that depict child sexual abuse.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has incorporated a compliance and information assurance stage into the process for procuring its ICT and internet related services. The purpose of this is to ensure that regulatory requirements and content standards are met.\r\nThe Scottish Government’s own websites do not depict inappropriate content and internet access for staff is filtered to prevent access to inappropriate sites, include those containing pornographic or other offensive material. Scottish Government policies, including an IT Code of Conduct and the Civil Service Code, apply in determining the standards of conduct for civil servants.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-19T13:12:34.607","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273281,"EventID":"S4W-07605","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-31T13:12:34.683","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-30T12:03:55.337","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive (a) how and (b) when the change fund for justice will be allocated.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive (a) how and (b) when the change fund for justice will be allocated.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government’s aim is to use the Reducing Reoffending Change Fund to help secure a significant improvement in the way services targeted at reducing reoffending are funded, commissioned and sustained. The government has been working with a stakeholder group, including COSLA and ADSW, to consider how the change fund could most effectively be used to support the desired shift to a more preventative and sustainable way of funding services to reduce reoffending. Plans for deploying the change fund will be announced before the summer recess.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-19T13:12:34.683","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273282,"EventID":"S4W-07607","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-31T13:12:34.763","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-30T14:21:25.327","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many (a) offenders and (b) sex offenders (i) are being monitored and (ii) have been monitored through the use of the intensive support packages in each year since 200","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many (a) offenders and (b) sex offenders (i) are being monitored and (ii) have been monitored through the use of the intensive support packages in each year since 2007.\r\n","AnswerText":"Each intensive support package (ISP) where the Scottish Government have made a financial contribution since 2007 was related to the management and monitoring of a sex offender.\r\nThe number of sex offenders monitored through the use of an ISP each year since 2007 is as fcollows. \r\nYear\r\nISPs\r\n2007-08\r\n13\r\n2008-09\r\n19\r\n2009-10\r\n26\r\n2010-11\r\n16\r\n2011-12\r\n13\r\n\r\nThe Scottish Government have not received any bids for a funding contribution to an ISP from Community Justice Authorities (CJAs) this financial year.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-19T13:12:34.763","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273283,"EventID":"S4W-07609","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-31T13:12:34.84","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-30T14:21:25.327","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many sex offenders who have served their whole prison sentence have been monitored through the use of the intensive support packages in each year since 2007.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many sex offenders who have served their whole prison sentence have been monitored through the use of the intensive support packages in each year since 2007.\r\n","AnswerText":"No funding for intensive support packages has been provided by the Scottish Government for an offender who has served their whole prison sentence. However, for sexual offenders outwith their licence period, other measures such as sexual offences prevention orders are available to help manage offender behaviour as they return to the community.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-19T13:12:34.84","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273284,"EventID":"S4W-07610","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-31T13:12:34.917","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-30T14:21:25.327","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many applications for intensive support packages have been (a) received and (b) rejected in each year since 2007.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many applications for intensive support packages have been (a) received and (b) rejected in each year since 2007.\r\n","AnswerText":"The statutory responsibility regarding the requirement to monitor those subject to intensive supervision lies with local authority criminal justice social work departments rather than with the Scottish Government. They receive a funding allocation for that purpose. The number of applications to the Scottish Government for assistance with intensive support packages that have been received and rejected in each year since 2007 are as follows.\r\nYear\r\nReceived\r\nRejected\r\n2007-08\r\n15\r\n2\r\n2008-09\r\n23\r\n4\r\n2009-10\r\n27\r\n1\r\n2010-11\r\n16\r\n0\r\n2011-12\r\n13\r\n0\r\n\r\nProposals for ISPs are considered by professional social work advisors at the Scottish Government to determine whether the measures proposed are in accordance with standard professional practice. The Scottish Government have not made any payments for intensive support packages in the current financial year.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-19T13:12:34.917","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273285,"EventID":"S4W-07611","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-31T13:12:34.997","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-30T14:21:25.327","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many sex offenders have reoffended when subject to (a) monitoring through (i) intensive support packages or (ii) other statutory supervision orders and (b) no further","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many sex offenders have reoffended when subject to (a) monitoring through (i) intensive support packages or (ii) other statutory supervision orders and (b) no further monitoring following release.\r\n","AnswerText":"The number of offenders who were recalled to prison when subject to an intensive support package each year since 2007 is as follows.\r\nYear\r\nNumber Recalled\r\n2007-08\r\n4\r\n2008-09\r\n1\r\n2009-10\r\n8\r\n2010-11\r\n1\r\n2011-12\r\n2\r\n\r\nThe information requested for parts (ii) and (b) in the question above is not held centrally. While reconviction data do not show whether a supervision requirement was in place at the point of a reconviction, reconviction data do show where a sex offender has been reconvicted. The most recent reconviction data is available on the Scottish Government website here:\r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2011/08/29151240/0.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-19T13:12:34.997","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273286,"EventID":"S4W-07612","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-31T13:12:35.073","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-30T14:21:25.327","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much of the community justice services’ budget is set aside for intensive support packages and how much has been in each year since 2007.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much of the community justice services’ budget is set aside for intensive support packages and how much has been in each year since 2007.\r\n","AnswerText":"Community based monitoring is met from existing local authority budgets. ISPs are provided on a “demand led” basis. For financial years 2007-08 to 2011-12 inclusive the actual expenditure provided by the Scottish Government each year for intensive support packages is as follows.\r\nYear\r\nPayments made (£)\r\n2007-08 \r\n553,079\r\n2008-09 \r\n1,129,932\r\n2009-10 \r\n1,210,613\r\n2010-11 \r\n734,258\r\n2011-12 \r\n121,443\r\n\r\nAs this is a demand-led funding stream, funding between years can vary considerably and expenditure incurred in 2012-13 for all intensive support packages whose costs cannot be covered by the respective Community Justice Authority will require to be met from within the overall criminal justice social work services budget. The Scottish Government have not made any payments for intensive support packages to date in this financial year.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-19T13:12:35.073","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273287,"EventID":"S4W-07613","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5075,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":112,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-31T13:12:35.137","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-30T15:05:43.19","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether NHS Fife is meeting its waiting time targets to obtain (a) an appointment and (b) treatment at a GP practice.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether NHS Fife is meeting its waiting time targets to obtain (a) an appointment and (b) treatment at a GP practice.","AnswerText":"The performance measure, HEAT standard, is measured by the GP Patient Experience Survey, http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2012/05/8250, which was published on 29 May 2012.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-19T13:12:35.137","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273288,"EventID":"S4W-07614","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5075,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":112,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-31T13:12:35.213","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-30T15:05:43.19","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many (a) newbuild, (b) retrofitted, (c) domestic and (d) non-domestic dwellings fall into each energy performance certificate rating, broken down by region.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many (a) newbuild, (b) retrofitted, (c) domestic and (d) non-domestic dwellings fall into each energy performance certificate rating, broken down by region.\r\n","AnswerText":"Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) ratings for new construction are collected and held by each local authority. There is no legal requirement to provide an EPC for a building which has been retrofitted. Information on existing dwellings is recorded centrally on the Home Energy Efficiency Database. Data for existing non-domestic buildings is not currently collected. The database will be extended to record the lodgement of EPCs for existing non-domestic buildings in late 2012, with new-build EPCs following in 2013.\r\nEPC ratings for existing dwellings are shown in the following table. This represents approximately one quarter of the housing stock, however, due to the triggers for producing EPCs, the totals should not be extrapolated to present a national picture.\r\nProperty Count\r\nEPC Rating\r\nLocal Authority\r\nA\r\nB\r\nC\r\nD\r\nE\r\nF\r\nG\r\nTotal\r\nAberdeen City\r\n0\r\n1,997\r\n9,305\r\n9,364\r\n4,344\r\n1,599\r\n423\r\n27,032\r\nAberdeenshire\r\n2\r\n532\r\n6,079\r\n7,080\r\n4,760\r\n2,465\r\n843\r\n21,761\r\nAngus\r\n0\r\n438\r\n3,296\r\n3,960\r\n2,035\r\n873\r\n283\r\n10,885\r\nArgyll and Bute\r\n0\r\n320\r\n1,787\r\n2,902\r\n2,316\r\n1,384\r\n604\r\n9,313\r\nClackmannanshire\r\n0\r\n154\r\n1,583\r\n1,946\r\n791\r\n186\r\n49\r\n4,709\r\nDumfries and Galloway\r\n0\r\n236\r\n2,557\r\n3,848\r\n2,870\r\n1,564\r\n635\r\n11,710\r\nDundee City\r\n0\r\n1,137\r\n6,220\r\n5,923\r\n2,617\r\n1,075\r\n362\r\n17,334\r\nEast Ayrshire\r\n0\r\n406\r\n5,370\r\n4,756\r\n1,574\r\n464\r\n122\r\n12,692\r\nEast Dunbartonshire\r\n0\r\n204\r\n1,780\r\n2,959\r\n1,384\r\n322\r\n67\r\n6,716\r\nEast Lothian\r\n1\r\n467\r\n3,140\r\n3,210\r\n1,352\r\n511\r\n162\r\n8,843\r\nEast Renfrewshire\r\n0\r\n310\r\n1,718\r\n2,673\r\n1,321\r\n388\r\n80\r\n6,490\r\nEdinburgh, City of\r\n1\r\n6,369\r\n21,811\r\n18,744\r\n9,179\r\n3,266\r\n927\r\n60,297\r\nEilean Siar\r\n0\r\n10\r\n92\r\n284\r\n372\r\n340\r\n194\r\n1,292\r\nFalkirk\r\n0\r\n623\r\n4,512\r\n5,250\r\n2,197\r\n802\r\n232\r\n13,616\r\nFife\r\n1\r\n1,368\r\n10,304\r\n12,866\r\n5,408\r\n1,587\r\n415\r\n31,949\r\nGlasgow City\r\n1\r\n8,786\r\n38,074\r\n27,260\r\n11,004\r\n3,174\r\n860\r\n89,159\r\nHighland\r\n0\r\n530\r\n3,831\r\n6,366\r\n5,239\r\n2,949\r\n966\r\n19,881\r\nInverclyde\r\n0\r\n764\r\n2,438\r\n2,362\r\n1,174\r\n349\r\n90\r\n7,177\r\nMidlothian\r\n0\r\n467\r\n3,299\r\n3,068\r\n1,005\r\n258\r\n83\r\n8,180\r\nMoray\r\n1\r\n282\r\n2,300\r\n3,036\r\n1,882\r\n810\r\n299\r\n8,610\r\nNorth Ayrshire\r\n0\r\n470\r\n4,144\r\n5,079\r\n1,953\r\n631\r\n266\r\n12,543\r\nNorth Lanarkshire\r\n0\r\n1,205\r\n9,276\r\n8,592\r\n2,861\r\n725\r\n176\r\n22,835\r\nOrkney Islands\r\n0\r\n14\r\n191\r\n579\r\n440\r\n267\r\n92\r\n1,583\r\nPerth and Kinross\r\n2\r\n606\r\n3,527\r\n4,432\r\n3,070\r\n1,608\r\n609\r\n13,854\r\nRenfrewshire\r\n2\r\n805\r\n5,345\r\n5,944\r\n2,474\r\n741\r\n253\r\n15,564\r\nScottish Borders\r\n1\r\n330\r\n2,986\r\n4,162\r\n2,659\r\n1,360\r\n554\r\n12,052\r\nShetland Islands\r\n0\r\n1\r\n170\r\n434\r\n410\r\n139\r\n58\r\n1,212\r\nSouth Ayrshire\r\n0\r\n445\r\n3,064\r\n4,183\r\n2,420\r\n836\r\n219\r\n11,167\r\nSouth Lanarkshire\r\n1\r\n1,307\r\n9,224\r\n10,116\r\n4,832\r\n1,642\r\n373\r\n27,495\r\nStirling\r\n1\r\n414\r\n2,724\r\n2,831\r\n1,502\r\n642\r\n172\r\n8,286\r\nWest Dunbartonshire\r\n0\r\n657\r\n3,942\r\n3,392\r\n1,011\r\n252\r\n69\r\n9,323\r\nWest Lothian\r\n1\r\n1,139\r\n4,951\r\n4,822\r\n1,236\r\n290\r\n80\r\n12,519\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-19T13:12:35.213","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Derek Mackay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273289,"EventID":"S4W-07615","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5075,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":112,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-31T13:12:35.293","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-30T15:05:43.19","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of dwellings is in public ownership and what energy performance categories these dwellings have.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of dwellings is in public ownership and what energy performance categories these dwellings have.","AnswerText":"Around 28% of Scottish housing stock is in public ownership.\r\nEnergy performance is measured using the Scottish House Condition Survey by approximating energy efficiency ratings (EER) as used in the production of Energy Performance Certificates. The EER grade properties from extremely good ratings of A to poor ratings of G.\r\nOf the homes in public ownership:\r\n2% of homes have an energy efficiency rating of B, \r\n47% have an energy efficiency rating of C \r\n36% have an energy efficiency rating of D\r\n13% have an energy efficiency rating of E\r\n1% have an energy efficiency rating of F.\r\nNo homes in the sample had an energy efficiency rating of A or G and 2% of homes in the sample were unable to be classified.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-19T13:12:35.293","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273290,"EventID":"S4W-07616","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5075,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":112,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-31T13:12:35.37","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-30T15:05:43.19","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of public bodies' budgets pays for the energy costs of public buildings, broken down by (a) region and (b) type of public body.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of public bodies' budgets pays for the energy costs of public buildings, broken down by (a) region and (b) type of public body.\r\n","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-19T13:12:35.37","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273291,"EventID":"S4W-07617","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5075,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":112,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-31T13:12:35.463","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-30T15:05:43.19","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many train journeys were (a) cancelled and (b) delayed in 2012; what the reasons were, and how many of the affected trains were going to or through Fife.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many train journeys were (a) cancelled and (b) delayed in 2012; what the reasons were, and how many of the affected trains were going to or through Fife.","AnswerText":"Fifteen thousand, seven hundred ScotRail services were cancelled in total, representing 2.2% of the 719,000 planned to operate in year 2011-12. This figure is not broken down for services operating in Fife.\r\nFifty-one thousand ScotRail services were delayed by over five minutes, representing 7.1% in year 2011-12. This figure is not broken down for services operating in Fife.\r\n70.4% of the cancellations were due to Network Rail issues, 27.5% were due to ScotRail issues, and 2.1% were due to problems caused by other train operating companies.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-19T13:12:35.463","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273292,"EventID":"S4W-07618","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2892,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-31T13:12:35.573","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-30T15:48:10.667","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S4W-07396 by Alex Neil on 30 May 2012, when it will provide a substantive response.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S4W-07396 by Alex Neil on 30 May 2012, when it will provide a substantive response.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government does not hold information on individual contracts centrally over this period.\r\nMonthly details of individual items of expenditure over £25,000 since 2010 are published at http://www.scotland.gov.uk/About/expenditure.\r\nDetails of individual public contracts awarded can be accessed through Public Contracts Scotland using the guidance available at http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Government/Procurement/directory.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-19T13:12:35.573","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273293,"EventID":"S4W-07619","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2066,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-31T13:12:35.667","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-30T16:13:33.373","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its response is to the Scottish Agricultural College Rural Policy Centre’s report, Rural Scotland in Focus 2012.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its response is to the Scottish Agricultural College Rural Policy Centre’s report, Rural Scotland in Focus 2012.\r\n","AnswerText":"We welcome the publication of this comprehensive report and the valuable contribution it will make to policy development at all levels of government.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-19T13:12:35.667","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273294,"EventID":"S4W-07620","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2066,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-31T13:12:35.76","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-30T16:13:33.373","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, in light of the Scottish Agricultural College Rural Policy Centre’s report, Rural Scotland in Focus 2012, identifying Campbeltown and Dunoon as the most vulnerable towns","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, in light of the Scottish Agricultural College Rural Policy Centre’s report, Rural Scotland in Focus 2012, identifying Campbeltown and Dunoon as the most vulnerable towns, what action it will take to (a) improve their transport links and (b) boost their economies and whether it will make improving the A83 a higher priority.\r\n","AnswerText":"Since 2007 this government has invested over £300 million to maintain and improve the trunk road network in the North West of Scotland. This has included allocating £1 million specifically to address the problems created by landslips at the Rest and Be Thankful on the A83 trunk road, with additional separate studies on the A83 also underway.\r\nThis government also works closely with a number of delivery partners to promote economic activity in Campbeltown and Dunoon and surrounding areas. £2 million of investment being made available for a new facility for the Campbeltown Creamery is one of several stakeholder investments being supported.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-19T13:12:35.76","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273295,"EventID":"S4W-07622","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2066,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-31T13:12:35.887","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-30T16:13:33.373","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, in light of the Scottish Agricultural College Rural Policy Centre’s report, Rural Scotland in Focus 2012, identifying Campbeltown as one of the most vulnerable towns, wh","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, in light of the Scottish Agricultural College Rural Policy Centre’s report, Rural Scotland in Focus 2012, identifying Campbeltown as one of the most vulnerable towns, whether it will make (a) securing a ferry link between Campbeltown and the Ayrshire coast and (b) increasing air services between Campbeltown and elsewhere a higher priority.","AnswerText":"The Draft Ferries Plan, published on 21 December 2011, included a proposal for a new ferry service between Campbeltown, via Arran, to Ardrossan or Troon. The community was asked for their views. These proposals would be dependent on proposals going forward for other parts of the network. The consultation closed on 30 March and all responses will be fully considered before final decisions are made. A final Ferries Plan will be published later in 2012.\r\nThe existing Public Service Obligation contract for air services from Campbeltown Airport ends in March 2013. The Scottish Government is committed to supporting air services from Campbeltown for a further four years and will work closely with the community to consider how existing service levels can be improved.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-19T13:12:35.887","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273296,"EventID":"S4W-07636","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2066,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-31T13:12:35.963","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-31T09:14:10","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S4W-04540 by Stewart Stevenson on 14 December 2012, whether it will provide an update for greenhouse gas emission reductions. \r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S4W-04540 by Stewart Stevenson on 14 December 2012, whether it will provide an update for greenhouse gas emission reductions. \r\n","AnswerText":"The Official Statistics publication Scottish Greenhouse Gas Emissions 2010 will be published on 17 July 2012, as announced in the list of forthcoming statistical publications on the Scottish Government's website. A link to the list of forthcoming statistical publications is available here: http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Statistics/Search/Forthcoming.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-19T13:12:35.963","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273297,"EventID":"S4F-00738","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":4976,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-31T14:49:42.82","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-29T15:52:33","Title":"To ask the First Minister when he will next meet the Secretary of State for Scotland.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister when he will next meet the Secretary of State for Scotland.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-19T14:49:42.853","MeetingDate":"2012-06-07T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273298,"EventID":"S4F-00740","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-31T14:49:42.93","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-31T10:49:07","Title":"To ask the First Minister whether members of the existing prison visiting committees will have a role in the statutory monitoring service proposed by the Scottish Government.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister whether members of the existing prison visiting committees will have a role in the statutory monitoring service proposed by the Scottish Government.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-19T14:49:42.93","MeetingDate":"2012-06-07T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273299,"EventID":"S4F-00742","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":3901,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":127,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-31T14:49:42.993","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-31T13:16:51.167","Title":"To ask the First Minister what the Scottish Government's response is to the figures from the National Records of Scotland showing that the population is at its highest ever level.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what the Scottish Government's response is to the figures from the National Records of Scotland showing that the population is at its highest ever level.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-19T14:49:43.007","MeetingDate":"2012-06-07T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273300,"EventID":"S4F-00744","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":2080,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":87,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-31T14:49:43.07","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-31T13:15:19.857","Title":"To ask the First Minister what engagements he has planned for the rest of the day.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what engagements he has planned for the rest of the day.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-19T14:49:43.07","MeetingDate":"2012-06-07T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273301,"EventID":"S4F-00746","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-31T14:49:43.147","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-31T13:38:39","Title":"To ask the First Minister what the Scottish Government's response is to the recently published Audit Scotland report, The National Fraud Initiative in Scotland.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what the Scottish Government's response is to the recently published Audit Scotland report, The National Fraud Initiative in Scotland.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-19T14:49:43.147","MeetingDate":"2012-06-07T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273302,"EventID":"S4F-00748","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":3743,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":123,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-31T14:49:43.21","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-31T13:57:02.197","Title":"To ask the First Minister what plans are being made for the Year of Homecoming 2014.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what plans are being made for the Year of Homecoming 2014.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-19T14:49:43.227","MeetingDate":"2012-06-07T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273303,"EventID":"S4W-07624","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1892,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":134,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-31T16:53:15.12","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-30T16:49:47","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to address the non-availability of the lipace inhibitor, Orlistat.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to address the non-availability of the lipace inhibitor, Orlistat.","AnswerText":"The non-availability across the UK of the lipase inhibitor, Orlistat is a matter for the principal manufacturer concerned.\r\nI understand that Roche Products Ltd, the main manufacturer of Orlistat (Xenical®), has experienced ongoing manufacturing issues since January 2012, and that every effort is being made to address these issues.\r\nA recent statement by Roche Products Ltd indicated that Xenical® is anticipated to remain out of stock in the UK until the end of July 2012 at the earliest. Roche Products Ltd will provide an update as soon as production of Xenical® resumes and becomes available again.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-19T16:53:15.493","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273304,"EventID":"S4W-07625","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1866,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-31T16:53:15.587","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-30T16:59:40","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the new Royal Hospital for Sick Children and Department of Clinical Neurosciences in Edinburgh will open.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the new Royal Hospital for Sick Children and Department of Clinical Neurosciences in Edinburgh will open.\r\n","AnswerText":"The opening of the new Royal Hospital for Sick Children and Department of Clinical Neurosciences, in Edinburgh, is planned for physical completion by the end of 2016 and operation in spring 2017 following commissioning. This timetable is dependent on the full resolution of the current issues being negotiated with the funders of the existing PFI contract regarding land and associated commercial issues.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-19T16:53:15.587","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273305,"EventID":"S4W-07626","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1866,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-31T16:53:15.697","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-30T16:59:40","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the new children’s hospital at the South Glasgow Hospitals Campus will open.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the new children’s hospital at the South Glasgow Hospitals Campus will open.","AnswerText":"The £842 million Adult and Children's Hospitals commenced on site in late March 2011 and the full development is planned to be operational/in service by the end of June 2015.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-19T16:53:15.713","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273306,"EventID":"S4W-07627","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1866,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-31T16:53:15.883","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-30T16:59:40","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether patients from the Lothian region will be treated at the new children’s hospital at the South Glasgow Hospitals Campus when it opens and, if so, how many.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether patients from the Lothian region will be treated at the new children’s hospital at the South Glasgow Hospitals Campus when it opens and, if so, how many.","AnswerText":"The current Royal Hospital for Sick Children in Glasgow provides a number of national designated services for the whole of Scotland. As with other health boards NHS Lothian refers patients who require these services to Glasgow. This is expected to continue when the new South Glasgow Hospitals Campus opens.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-19T16:53:15.883","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273307,"EventID":"S4W-07628","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1866,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-31T16:53:16.023","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-30T16:59:40","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with (a) NHS Lothian and (b) Consort regarding delays to the new Royal Hospital for Sick Children and Department of Clinical Neurosciences in ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with (a) NHS Lothian and (b) Consort regarding delays to the new Royal Hospital for Sick Children and Department of Clinical Neurosciences in Edinburgh.\r\n","AnswerText":"NHS Lothian is receiving support and advice directly from Scottish Government officials and the Scottish Futures Trust in the development of the project. The Scottish Futures Trust has had direct discussions with NHS Lothian and Consort in order to assist in resolving outstanding issues.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-19T16:53:16.023","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273308,"EventID":"S4W-07629","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1866,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-31T16:53:16.18","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-30T16:59:40","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it first informed NHS Lothian that funding for the new (a) Royal Hospital for Sick Children and (b) Department of Clinical Neurosciences in Edinburgh would be under ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it first informed NHS Lothian that funding for the new (a) Royal Hospital for Sick Children and (b) Department of Clinical Neurosciences in Edinburgh would be under the non-profit distributing model.","AnswerText":"A change in funding route for the Royal Hospital for Sick Children (RHSC) project was announced as part of the Draft Budget for 2011-12 on 17 November 2010. Given the real terms reduction of 32% of Capital DEL (Departmental Expenditure Limit) over the CSR (Comprehensive Spending Review) period, ministers agreed to maintain capital investment via a pipeline of revenue financed investment of £2.5 billion, of which £750 million related to health projects, either as stand-alone Non Profit Distributing (NPD) projects or via the hub initiative.\r\nThe announcement made on 17 November 2010 brought together the Royal Hospital for Sick Children and the Department of Clinical Neurosciences (DCN). This reinstates the board’s preferred strategic option and allows the generation of a number of physical and operational synergies that otherwise would not have been possible. Until that decision was taken it was not clear how and when the DCN project could be delivered.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-19T16:53:16.197","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273309,"EventID":"S4W-07630","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1866,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-31T16:53:16.29","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-30T16:59:40","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will intervene in relation to the delay to the new Royal Hospital for Sick Children and Department of Clinical Neurosciences in Edinburgh.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will intervene in relation to the delay to the new Royal Hospital for Sick Children and Department of Clinical Neurosciences in Edinburgh.\r\n","AnswerText":"NHS Lothian is receiving support and advice directly from Scottish Government officials and the Scottish Futures Trust to bring the current contractual issues to conclusion and allow the project to proceed.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-19T16:53:16.307","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273310,"EventID":"S4W-07631","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1866,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-31T16:53:16.383","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-30T16:59:40","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with NHS Lothian regarding the continued provision of acute children’s services at the Royal Hospital for Sick Children at Sciennes during the","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with NHS Lothian regarding the continued provision of acute children’s services at the Royal Hospital for Sick Children at Sciennes during the delayed construction of the new Royal Hospital for Sick Children.","AnswerText":"None. The Scottish Government remains fully committed to the delivery of the project on the Little France site.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-19T16:53:16.383","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273311,"EventID":"S4W-07632","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1866,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-31T16:53:16.46","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-30T16:59:40","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether proposals to keep the Royal Hospital for Sick Children in Edinburgh at the current location in Sciennes would be compatible with the recommendations in the Review","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether proposals to keep the Royal Hospital for Sick Children in Edinburgh at the current location in Sciennes would be compatible with the recommendations in the Review of Tertiary Paediatric Services in Scotland in relation to the co-location of children’s specialist acute services with adult, maternity and neonatal services.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government is fully committed to the delivery of the new Royal Hospital for Sick Children on the Little France site. This will fulfil the ambition to have specialist children’s services located on sites which also support maternity and adult services.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-19T16:53:16.46","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273312,"EventID":"S4W-07633","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1778,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":110,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-31T16:53:16.54","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-30T20:42:40","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much of the ExxonMobil Chemical Ltd civil penalty for unreported emissions will be spent in Fife.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much of the ExxonMobil Chemical Ltd civil penalty for unreported emissions will be spent in Fife.","AnswerText":"Revenue from the ExxonMobile Chemical Ltd civil penalty for under-reported carbon dioxide emissions in 2008 under the EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS) was used for the projects and tasks noted below. The criteria applied were that they must be Climate Change-related and be able to spend the available funds in 2010-11, the financial year in which the money was credited to the Scottish Executive account. As Minister for Climate Change, I allocated the funds without consideration of geographical location. \r\nGreen Bus Fund - £1 million,\r\nSEPA EU ETS IT costs - £101,250,\r\nPeatland restoration - £200,000,\r\nAberdeen heat networks programme - £1 million,\r\nExpansion of a loans scheme to encourage business to make alterations to buildings and processes - £375,000.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-19T16:53:16.54","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273313,"EventID":"S4W-07634","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1778,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":110,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-31T16:53:16.617","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-30T20:42:40","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what criteria will be used to decide where the ExxonMobil Chemical Ltd civil penalty for unreported emissions will be spent.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what criteria will be used to decide where the ExxonMobil Chemical Ltd civil penalty for unreported emissions will be spent.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-07633 on 12 June 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-19T16:53:16.633","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273314,"EventID":"S4W-07635","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1778,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":110,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-31T16:53:16.71","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-30T20:42:40","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive which minister will decide how the ExxonMobil Chemical Ltd civil penalty for unreported emissions will be spent.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive which minister will decide how the ExxonMobil Chemical Ltd civil penalty for unreported emissions will be spent.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-07633 on 12 June 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-19T16:53:16.71","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273315,"EventID":"S4W-07637","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4934,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-31T16:53:16.773","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-31T10:00:43.433","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will consult on ways to reduce single-use plastic carrier bags.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will consult on ways to reduce single-use plastic carrier bags.","AnswerText":"Our manifesto commitment to “seek to phase out free plastic bags in supermarkets” is based on evidence that even modest charging for bags significantly reduces the number of bags used and therefore disposed of. We are currently working to ensure that the proposals put forward for consultation are as effective and comprehensive as possible. We will consult on them in due course.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-19T16:53:16.79","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273316,"EventID":"S4W-07638","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4934,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-31T16:53:16.867","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-31T10:00:43.433","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive for what reason its planned launch of a consultation on carrier bags last autumn has been delayed.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive for what reason its planned launch of a consultation on carrier bags last autumn has been delayed.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-07637 on 19 June 2012. All answers to written Parliamentary Questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-19T16:53:16.883","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273317,"EventID":"S4W-07639","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4934,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-31T16:53:16.943","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-31T10:00:43.433","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it will reduce the number of waste plastic bags (a) shipped abroad, (b) incinerated and (c) buried in landfill.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it will reduce the number of waste plastic bags (a) shipped abroad, (b) incinerated and (c) buried in landfill.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-07637 on 19 June 2012. All answers to written Parliamentary Questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-19T16:53:16.943","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273318,"EventID":"S4W-07640","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1860,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-31T16:53:17.023","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-31T10:16:17.003","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discounts on ferry prices are available to hauliers from the islands.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discounts on ferry prices are available to hauliers from the islands.","AnswerText":"All hauliers using CalMac and NorthLink ferry services pay reduced fares due to the substantial subsidies paid to those companies under the terms of their contracts with the Scottish Ministers. In addition, certain further tariff reductions are available on a non-discriminatory basis.\r\nCalMac Ferries Ltd provides a Traders Rebate Scheme which offers hauliers a rebate of up to 15% based on their utilisation of capacity aboard CalMac ferries, other than on the current RET routes (Western Isles, Coll and Tiree). Eligibility is based on frequency and volume of use on a route by route basis.\r\nDiscounts are also available for lorries carrying hay, straw or livestock, provided that the lorry is returning empty.\r\nSignificant additional financial support made available to all commercial vehicles, regardless of size, using routes to the Western Isles, Coll and Tiree means that they receive between 25% and 45% discount, compared to the level of fares that would apply if RET had not been introduced. We have also extended RET to small commercial vehicles up to six metres in length for services to the Western Isles, Coll and Tiree.\r\nNorthLink Ferries Ltd operate a reduced freight rate for the weekend sailing from Aberdeen to Kirkwall. There are no haulier discounts, although all empty trailers are carried at a lower rate.\r\nIncreasing fuel prices clearly have had a significant impact on the costs facing hauliers serving our remote and island communities. This is an issue we have raised, and continue to raise, with the UK Government.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-19T16:53:17.023","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273319,"EventID":"S4W-07641","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1860,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-31T16:53:17.1","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-31T10:16:17.003","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the criteria are for hauliers from the islands to be eligible for discounts on ferry prices.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the criteria are for hauliers from the islands to be eligible for discounts on ferry prices.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-07640 on 19 June 2012. All answers to written Parliamentary Questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-19T16:53:17.1","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273320,"EventID":"S4W-07644","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-31T16:53:17.18","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-31T11:00:27","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive for what reason no Community Jobs Scotland opportunities have been advertised since 30 March 2012.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive for what reason no Community Jobs Scotland opportunities have been advertised since 30 March 2012.","AnswerText":"The first phase of Community Jobs Scotland (CJS) was a one year pilot scheme aimed at helping long-term unemployed young people aged 16 to 24 into employment. Funding straddled financial years 2011-12 and 2013-14 and young people were recruited until 30 March 2012 with places and associated employability training fully funded until December 2012.\r\nIn February 2012, I announced a continuation of Community Jobs Scotland (CJS) which will focus on unemployed young people aged 16 to 19 and recruitment for the new phase of CJS will begin in August 2012.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-19T16:53:17.18","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angela Constance","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273321,"EventID":"S4W-07645","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-31T16:53:17.24","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-31T11:00:27","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people aged between 18 and 24 who have been unemployed for 12 months or more have a (a) degree or (b) further education qualification, broken down by local autho","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people aged between 18 and 24 who have been unemployed for 12 months or more have a (a) degree or (b) further education qualification, broken down by local authority area and also expressed as a percentage of long-term youth unemployment in that area.","AnswerText":"Unemployment levels for 16 to 24 year olds in Scotland are published by the Office for National Statistics on a monthly basis from the Labour Force Survey, covering rolling quarters. The latest monthly figures were published on 16 May covering the period January to March 2012.\r\nThe Annual Population Survey (APS) combines elements from Labour Force Survey samples across a full year with an additional boost, and is the preferred source for detailed breakdowns of youth unemployment estimates in Scotland.\r\nThe latest APS estimates, covering October 2010 to September 2011, indicate that there were approximately 19,000 people age between 18 and 24 who had been unemployed for more than 12 months in Scotland.\r\nDue to small underlying survey sample sizes, it is not possible to provide reliable further breakdowns for this group e.g. by qualifications or local authority.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-19T16:53:17.257","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angela Constance","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273322,"EventID":"S4W-07646","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-31T16:53:17.32","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-31T11:00:27","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it considers that there are benefits to having elected members involved in alcohol and drug partnerships.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it considers that there are benefits to having elected members involved in alcohol and drug partnerships.","AnswerText":"Membership of alcohol and drug partnerships (ADPs) is for local areas to determine.  The number of ADPs who reserve a place in their membership structures for a councillor is not held centrally.\r\nOn 20 April 2009, a new joint Framework for Alcohol and Drug Partnerships (ADPs) was launched, signed jointly by Scottish Government, the NHS and COSLA, for delivering action on alcohol and drugs at local level.\r\nThis framework highlights the key players in these partnerships as being NHS boards and local authorities, although engagement with other bodies and constituencies are also vital to their success. \r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2009/03/04144703/0.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-19T16:53:17.32","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273323,"EventID":"S4W-07647","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-31T16:53:17.397","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-31T11:00:27","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many alcohol and drug partnerships reserve a place in their membership structures for a councillor.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many alcohol and drug partnerships reserve a place in their membership structures for a councillor.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-07646 on 15 June 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-19T16:53:17.397","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273324,"EventID":"S4W-07648","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-31T16:53:17.49","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-31T11:00:27","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive (a) how many and (b) which alcohol and drug partnerships produced an underspend in 2011-12 and what happened to the money.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive (a) how many and (b) which alcohol and drug partnerships produced an underspend in 2011-12 and what happened to the money.","AnswerText":"This information is currently not held centrally.  \r\nThe ADP Planning and Reporting Guidance for 2012-15 asks Alcohol and Drug Partnerships to highlight any underspends and proposals for future use of such money in their ADP Reports, which will be shared with Scottish Government in July 2012.\r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Health/health/Alcohol/TandS/ADPPlanningReporting2012-15.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-19T16:53:17.49","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273325,"EventID":"S4W-07649","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-31T16:53:17.553","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-31T11:00:27","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how alcohol and drug partnerships report to it on their duties to build capacity in their areas and what national evaluation is made of that information.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how alcohol and drug partnerships report to it on their duties to build capacity in their areas and what national evaluation is made of that information.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government does not require ADPs to report to it on capacity building in their areas, as ADPs are accountable to local community planning partnerships.\r\nThe provision of prevention activity, recovery focussed treatment and support services is for each local area to consider, taking account of local needs, circumstances and resources. Responsibility is devolved to alcohol and drug partnerships (ADPs) to commission (informed by robust needs assessment) evidence-based, person-centred and recovery-focused prevention and  treatment services to meet the needs of their resident populations.\r\nThe Scottish Government has worked with ADPs to develop a set of core outcomes and indicators which will enable improvements in the core outcomes to be measured. The core outcomes and indicators will be supplemented by local outcomes and indicators which reflect local priorities.\r\nAn Outcomes Toolkit for Alcohol and Drugs Partnerships, was published in September 2009.\r\nBuilding on this, the Scottish Government has worked with local Alcohol and Drug Partnerships (ADPs) and COSLA to strengthen ADP reporting arrangements. This work seeks to draw on existing good practice of ADP reporting to their Community Planning Partnerships (CPPs), and to provide a degree of consistency across the country by identifying a set of core outcomes and core indicators which all ADPs should report on.\r\nSeven core national drug and alcohol outcomes have been identified and formed part of the allocation letters for earmarked drug and alcohol funding for 2011-12. A full list of the core outcomes is available at: \r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Health/health/Alcohol/TandS/ADPOutandIn.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-19T16:53:17.57","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273326,"EventID":"S4W-07650","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-31T16:53:17.63","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-31T11:00:27","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what impact the Social Care (Self-directed Support) (Scotland) Bill will have on the (a) operation and (b) role of alcohol and drug partnerships.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what impact the Social Care (Self-directed Support) (Scotland) Bill will have on the (a) operation and (b) role of alcohol and drug partnerships.","AnswerText":"The Social Care (Self-directed Support) (Scotland) Bill places duties on local authorities around how care and support is planned and arranged following assessments under the Social Work (Scotland) Act 1968 and the relevant sections of the Children’s (Scotland) Act 1995. It is not expected to have a significant impact on either the operation or role of Alcohol and Drug partnerships (ADPs). However, many people who access services for issues related to problem drug or alcohol use will also be eligible for services provided through the 1968 Act and it is expected that local authorities will consider how their new duties and powers under the Bill can be used to best effect for those individuals. This may contribute to their strategic work as key partners in ADPs.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-19T16:53:17.647","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273327,"EventID":"S4W-07651","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-31T16:53:17.71","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-31T11:00:27","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the chairs of alcohol and drug partnerships last met (a) ministers and (b) officials and what was discussed.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the chairs of alcohol and drug partnerships last met (a) ministers and (b) officials and what was discussed.\r\n","AnswerText":"On 31 January 2012, Roseanna Cunningham MSP met with the Chairs of Aberdeen City, Dundee, East Ayrshire, East Renfrewshire, and Inverclyde to discuss the issues and challenges facing ADPs following the publication of drug prevalence figures.\r\nOfficials last met ADP Chairs on 11 June 2012 at an ADP Chairs networking event. Discussion centred on resourcing and commissioning of services, the development of the Drugs Logic Model, challenging stigma, an action learning set, along with an update on key national issues.\r\nBetween October 2011 and May 2012 officials undertook a series of individual meetings with the ADPs across Scotland to discuss progress in their local areas.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-19T16:53:17.723","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273328,"EventID":"S4W-07652","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-31T16:53:17.787","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-31T11:00:27","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its position is on current accountability structures of drug and alcohol partnerships.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its position is on current accountability structures of drug and alcohol partnerships.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-07653 on 15 June 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-19T16:53:17.803","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273329,"EventID":"S4W-07653","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-31T16:53:17.88","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-31T11:00:27","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S4W-03795 by Michael Matheson on 15 November 2011, whether the revised arrangements for alcohol and drug partnerships are now in place.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S4W-03795 by Michael Matheson on 15 November 2011, whether the revised arrangements for alcohol and drug partnerships are now in place.","AnswerText":"There was a requirement for ADPs to be established by October 2010.\r\nADPs are responsible for developing local strategies for tackling the problematic use of alcohol and drugs that are based on: a robust assessment of needs in their area; a transparent, evidence-based process for agreeing how funds should be deployed; and a clear focus on the outcomes that this investment is achieving within their communities.\r\nThe delivery framework for ADPs, jointly signed by the Scottish Government, NHS and COSLA in April 2009, outlined the responsibilities of NHS boards, local authorities and the Scottish Government. It clarified the lines of accountability which operate between government and community planning partnerships (CPPs) on delivery of outcomes for problem alcohol and drugs use, namely; through Single Outcome Agreements and NHS performance management arrangements. The framework placed the delivery of action on problem alcohol and drugs use in a clear outcomes context and was accompanied by an outcomes toolkit to help support partnerships in working with an outcomes approach. This reflected the recommendations of the Audit Scotland report on Alcohol and Drug Services, published in March 2009. \r\nSince 2010, the Scottish Government has been working in partnership with ADPs to strengthen governance and accountability arrangements by developing and agreeing a set of core ADP outcomes and indicators. We have now agreed, in consultation with ADPs, that as of summer 2012 there will be a requirement for the annual submission of delivery plans and annual reports. It is expected that ADPs will already be providing this information to their local CPP. \r\nThe ADP Planning and Reporting Guidance for 2012-15 has been agreed by the Scottish Government, COSLA and NHS Scotland, following recommendations from a short life working group of key stakeholders, and consultation with ADPs and others. This guidance aims to support the embedding of outcomes based planning and reporting at local level, helping ADPs to self-assess their performance (including benchmarking against other ADPs) and to articulate their contribution to their local Single Outcome Agreement, as well as contributing to a national picture of our overall progress in supporting alcohol and drug prevention, support and treatment. Improved information flows and visibility of ADPs will also help inform national strategies and decision-making by Scottish Government and COSLA.\r\nADPs are expected to develop three-year local Delivery Plans covering the period April 2012 - March 2015, copies of which are currently being shared with the Scottish Government. These plans should be updated annually.\r\nA copy of each ADP’s Annual Report (covering 1 April 2011 to 31 March 2012) should be provided to the Scottish Government by 30 June 2012.\r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Health/health/Alcohol/TandS/ADPPlanningReporting2012-15.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-19T16:53:17.88","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273330,"EventID":"S4W-07654","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-31T16:53:17.96","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-31T11:00:27","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to review the role of alcohol and drug partnerships.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to review the role of alcohol and drug partnerships.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has no plans at present to review the role of alcohol and drug partnerships.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-19T16:53:17.96","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273331,"EventID":"S4W-07655","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-31T16:53:18.037","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-31T11:01:15","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the changes to the eligibility for the Individual Learning Account (ILA) programme will result in changes to its funding.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the changes to the eligibility for the Individual Learning Account (ILA) programme will result in changes to its funding.","AnswerText":"The proposed changes to the Individual Learning Account (ILA) programme will refine the eligibility criteria to focus on low paid, low skilled and unemployed individuals. Individuals meeting the eligibility criteria are entitled to an ILA. This will not change.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-19T16:53:18.053","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angela Constance","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273332,"EventID":"S4W-07656","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-31T16:53:18.13","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-31T11:01:15","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there will be changes to the Individual Learning Account (ILA) programme to increase the level of annual funding per person.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there will be changes to the Individual Learning Account (ILA) programme to increase the level of annual funding per person.","AnswerText":"The Individual Learning Account programme provides up to £200 per year towards the cost of learning for eligible individuals. We have no plans to change the level of annual funding per person.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-19T16:53:18.13","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angela Constance","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273333,"EventID":"S4W-07657","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-31T16:53:18.223","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-31T11:01:15","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people received Individual Learning Account (ILA) funding in (a) 2009-10, (b) 2010-11 and (c) 2011-12.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people received Individual Learning Account (ILA) funding in (a) 2009-10, (b) 2010-11 and (c) 2011-12.\r\n","AnswerText":"The number of individuals receiving ILA funding in each year was:\r\nNumber of Individuals\r\nYear\r\n\r\n2009-10\r\n43,908\r\n2010-11\r\n57,881\r\n2011-12\r\n54,082\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-19T16:53:18.223","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angela Constance","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273334,"EventID":"S4W-07658","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-31T16:53:18.317","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-31T11:01:15","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people will receive Individual Learning Account (ILA) funding in (a) 2012-13 and (b) 2013-14.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people will receive Individual Learning Account (ILA) funding in (a) 2012-13 and (b) 2013-14.","AnswerText":"The Individual Learning Account (ILA) programme is demand-led. As such, it is the level of demand which will dictate how many people receive ILA funding in current and future years.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-19T16:53:18.317","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angela Constance","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273335,"EventID":"S4W-07659","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-31T16:53:18.41","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-31T11:01:15","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much it spent on the Individual Learning Account (ILA) programme in (a) 2009-10, (b) 2010-11 and (c) 2011-12.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much it spent on the Individual Learning Account (ILA) programme in (a) 2009-10, (b) 2010-11 and (c) 2011-12.\r\n","AnswerText":"The amount spent on the ILA programme in each year was:\r\nYear\r\nSpend\r\n2009-10\r\n£9,871,000\r\n2010-11\r\n£11,776,000\r\n2011-12\r\n£10,267,000\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-19T16:53:18.41","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angela Constance","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273336,"EventID":"S4W-07660","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-31T16:53:18.49","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-31T11:01:15","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much it will spend on the Individual Learning Account (ILA) programme in (a) 2012-13 and (b) 2013-14.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much it will spend on the Individual Learning Account (ILA) programme in (a) 2012-13 and (b) 2013-14.","AnswerText":"The Individual Learning Account (ILA) programme is demand-led. As such, it is the level of demand which will dictate our expenditure on ILAs in current and future years.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-19T16:53:18.49","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angela Constance","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273337,"EventID":"S4W-07661","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-31T16:53:18.597","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-31T11:01:15","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people in (a) secondary, (b) further and (c) higher education received Individual Learning Account (ILA) funding in (i) 2009-10, (ii) 2010-11 and (iii) 2011-12.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people in (a) secondary, (b) further and (c) higher education received Individual Learning Account (ILA) funding in (i) 2009-10, (ii) 2010-11 and (iii) 2011-12.","AnswerText":"The current Individual Learning Account application form does not capture whether applicants are undertaking any form of education. The information requested is therefore not available.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-19T16:53:18.597","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angela Constance","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273338,"EventID":"S4W-07662","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-31T16:53:18.707","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-31T11:01:15","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people with a degree level education received Individual Learning Account (ILA) funding in (a) 2009-10, (b) 2010-11 and (c) 2011-12.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people with a degree level education received Individual Learning Account (ILA) funding in (a) 2009-10, (b) 2010-11 and (c) 2011-12.\r\n","AnswerText":"The number of people with a degree level education who received ILA funding in each year was:\r\nNumber of Individuals\r\nYear\r\n\r\n2009-10\r\n7,594\r\n2010-11\r\n9,614\r\n2011-12\r\n8,233\r\nPlease note that completion of this field on the ILA application form is not mandatory. The figures above are therefore based on applications where data was entered in this field.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-19T16:53:18.707","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angela Constance","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273339,"EventID":"S4W-07663","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-31T16:53:18.817","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-31T11:05:46","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what it is doing to ensure that its procurement contracts benefit businesses based in Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what it is doing to ensure that its procurement contracts benefit businesses based in Scotland.","AnswerText":"As the member will be aware European public procurement rules do not allow public bodies to discriminate in favour of local suppliers. The government is lobbying the European Commission for the rules to be simplified and making the case for public bodies to be allowed to take local economic impact into account when making contract award decisions.\r\nWorking within the existing legislative framework the government has taken a number of steps to assist Scottish-based companies compete effectively for its contracts, including:\r\nproviding full visibility of contract opportunities on the Public Contracts Scotland (PCS) website. During calendar year 2011, 77% of all suppliers awarded contracts through PCS were registered with a Scottish address;\r\ntaking economic impact into account in collaborative procurement strategies e.g. splitting national requirements into specialist or geographical lots wherever possible;\r\nimproving the request for quotation facility on PCS to include more supplier details, for example the geographic locations in which a supplier is based and is seeking work;\r\nlaunching new functionality on PCS to allow the advertising of sub-contract opportunities by primary contractors on major projects;\r\nworking with suppliers (through the Supplier Engagement Working Group and the Public Procurement Advisory Group) to improve access to contracts by identifying their concerns and working with them to resolve issues (in particular through the Single Point of Enquiry), and to develop practical measures to make doing business easier, and\r\npublishing an infrastructure investment plan so that our expected capital expenditure is clear to see.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-19T16:53:18.817","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273340,"EventID":"S4W-07664","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-31T16:53:18.927","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-31T11:55:11","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S4W-07030 by Roseanna Cunningham on 16 May 2012, which of the recommendations in the Scottish Law Commission's Report on Succession it ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S4W-07030 by Roseanna Cunningham on 16 May 2012, which of the recommendations in the Scottish Law Commission's Report on Succession it considers controversial.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government’s preparatory dialogue on the Scottish Law Commission’s Report on Succession confirmed that the most divisive issue considered by the commission was whether adult children should continue to be protected from disinheritance by a parent’s will. The commission did not make a recommendation on this issue but instead offered two options for the Scottish Government to consider – either to afford all children a right to a legal share of a part of the whole of a deceased’s estate or to allow only dependent children to make an alimentary claim on the estate. Among other potentially controversial issues is whether protection for cohabitants should be extended to testate estates.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-19T16:53:18.927","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Roseanna Cunningham","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273341,"EventID":"S4W-07665","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-31T16:53:19.037","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-31T11:55:11","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S4W-07030 by Roseanna Cunningham on 16 May 2012, which stakeholders have real concerns about some of the recommendations in the Scottis","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S4W-07030 by Roseanna Cunningham on 16 May 2012, which stakeholders have real concerns about some of the recommendations in the Scottish Law Commission's Report on Succession.","AnswerText":"Scottish Government officials have met informally with members of the legal profession. That informal preparatory dialogue revealed that a number have concerns about some of the recommendations in the Scottish Law Commission’s Report on Succession. Given the informal nature of discussions, it would not be appropriate to name those involved.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-19T16:53:19.037","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Roseanna Cunningham","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273342,"EventID":"S4W-07666","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-31T16:53:19.143","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-31T11:55:11","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the recommendations in the Scottish Law Commission's Report on Succession will be taken forward.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the recommendations in the Scottish Law Commission's Report on Succession will be taken forward.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government is considering the options arising from the Scottish Law Commission’s Report on Succession and will consult formally when other priorities allow.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-19T16:53:19.177","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Roseanna Cunningham","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273343,"EventID":"S4W-07667","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-31T16:53:19.27","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-31T11:55:11","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S4W-07030 by Roseanna Cunningham on 16 May 2012, when it will consult again on the Scottish Law Commission's Report on Succession.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S4W-07030 by Roseanna Cunningham on 16 May 2012, when it will consult again on the Scottish Law Commission's Report on Succession.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government will consult formally on the Scottish Law Commission’s Report on Succession when other priorities allow.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-19T16:53:19.283","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Roseanna Cunningham","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273344,"EventID":"S4W-07668","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-31T16:53:19.393","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-31T11:55:11","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S4W-07033 by Roseanna Cunningham on 16 May 2012, what the nature is of the \"other priorities\". ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S4W-07033 by Roseanna Cunningham on 16 May 2012, what the nature is of the \"other priorities\". ","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government’s priorities are set out in our Programme for Government announced by the First Minister on 7 September 2011 – Renewing Scotland: The Government’s Programme for Scotland 2011-12.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-19T16:53:19.393","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Roseanna Cunningham","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273345,"EventID":"S4W-07669","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-31T16:53:19.52","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-31T13:29:20","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of single rooms is available in each hospital in each NHS board area.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of single rooms is available in each hospital in each NHS board area.\r\n","AnswerText":"Information on the percentage of single rooms available for use in each hospital is for NHS boards to manage and is not held centrally.\r\nThe Single Room Provision Steering Group Report published in December 2008 included information on the number of single rooms in NHSScotland and is available at this website: http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2008/12/04160144/0.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-19T16:53:19.52","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273346,"EventID":"S4W-07670","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4080,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-31T16:53:19.643","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-31T16:17:28.013","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many children aged (a) 11 and under and (b) 12 to 17 have been treated for anxiety or depression in the last five years, broken down by NHS board.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many children aged (a) 11 and under and (b) 12 to 17 have been treated for anxiety or depression in the last five years, broken down by NHS board.\r\n","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-19T16:53:19.643","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273364,"EventID":"S4O-01119","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":131,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-06T15:24:12.083","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-30T12:03:53.863","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether consultation with owner-occupiers is mandatory prior to a registered social landlord introducing factoring arrangements in blocks of flats in mixed tenure.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether consultation with owner-occupiers is mandatory prior to a registered social landlord introducing factoring arrangements in blocks of flats in mixed tenure.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-20T15:24:12.16","MeetingDate":"2012-06-14T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273365,"EventID":"S4O-01120","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2108,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":141,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-06T15:24:12.253","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-30T12:03:54.113","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many part- and full-time college places for students requiring additional support have been lost over the last year.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many part- and full-time college places for students requiring additional support have been lost over the last year.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-20T15:24:12.253","MeetingDate":"2012-06-14T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273366,"EventID":"S4O-01121","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-06T15:24:12.363","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-30T12:03:54.173","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what recent discussions it has had with NHS boards that show significant variation below the mean in the recording of either referral to treatment or waiting time targets","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what recent discussions it has had with NHS boards that show significant variation below the mean in the recording of either referral to treatment or waiting time targets.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-20T15:24:12.363","MeetingDate":"2012-06-14T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273367,"EventID":"S4O-01122","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":3751,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":108,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-06T15:24:12.473","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-30T12:03:54.233","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to redevelop the Sherrifhall roundabout and achieve grade separation.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to redevelop the Sherrifhall roundabout and achieve grade separation.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-20T15:24:12.473","MeetingDate":"2012-06-14T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273368,"EventID":"S4O-01123","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":3745,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":122,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-06T15:24:12.583","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-30T12:03:54.273","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what benefit the 2014 Commonwealth Games will bring to the north east.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what benefit the 2014 Commonwealth Games will bring to the north east.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-20T15:24:12.583","MeetingDate":"2012-06-14T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273369,"EventID":"S4O-01124","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":4934,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-06T15:24:12.753","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-06T11:18:07.887","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many of its employees have their salaries paid off-payroll.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many of its employees have their salaries paid off-payroll.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-20T15:24:12.753","MeetingDate":"2012-06-14T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273370,"EventID":"S4O-01125","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":3806,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-06T15:24:12.83","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-30T12:03:54.353","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress it is making with the tendering process for CalMac routes.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress it is making with the tendering process for CalMac routes.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-20T15:24:12.83","MeetingDate":"2012-06-14T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273371,"EventID":"S4O-01126","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":4956,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":106,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-06T15:24:12.893","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-30T12:03:54.393","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what social and economic impact the Scottish Futures Trust's hub programme is having on local communities.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what social and economic impact the Scottish Futures Trust's hub programme is having on local communities.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-20T15:24:12.91","MeetingDate":"2012-06-14T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273372,"EventID":"S4O-01127","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2892,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-06T15:24:13.003","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-30T12:03:54.423","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the Renewable Energy Investment Fund will be open for bids from community bodies.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the Renewable Energy Investment Fund will be open for bids from community bodies.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-20T15:24:13.02","MeetingDate":"2012-06-14T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273373,"EventID":"S4O-01128","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-06T15:24:13.113","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-30T12:03:54.473","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps are being taken to improve cleanliness at Raigmore Hospital.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps are being taken to improve cleanliness at Raigmore Hospital.","AnswerText":"Hospital cleanliness is a priority for the Scottish Government and to ensure that the highest standards are maintained we have put in place a comprehensive programme of actions. All hospitals must regularly report compliance with the requirements set out in the NHSScotland National Cleaning Services Specification and independent assurance is provided by the Healthcare Environment Inspectorate (HEI). Additionally, we have made available £5 million of additional resources to boards every year since 2009 to pay for hundreds of additional cleaning staff.\r\nRaigmore Hospital’s cleaning compliance score has remained above 90% and the last HEI unannounced inspection carried out in March 2011 reported that the hospital was clean and the general environment was well maintained. However, following an outbreak of Clostridium difficile in January 2012 the board published a significant event report which found standards of cleanliness were sub-optimal in both the affected wards and that this was primarily due to staffing and infrastructure issues. I have received assurance from NHS Highland that these have been addressed as a matter of urgency as per the recommendations in their report.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-20T15:24:13.113","MeetingDate":"2012-06-14T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273374,"EventID":"S4O-01129","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":4939,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":78,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-06T15:24:13.22","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-30T12:04:47.603","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representations it has received regarding the impact on businesses of the proposed water framework and industrial emissions directives.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representations it has received regarding the impact on businesses of the proposed water framework and industrial emissions directives.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-20T15:24:13.22","MeetingDate":"2012-06-14T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273375,"EventID":"S4O-01130","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":4947,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-06T15:24:13.33","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-30T12:04:47.643","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with the UK Government regarding the reform of the common agricultural policy.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with the UK Government regarding the reform of the common agricultural policy.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-20T15:24:13.33","MeetingDate":"2012-06-14T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273376,"EventID":"S4O-01132","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":2633,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-06T15:24:13.41","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-30T12:04:47.733","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to tackle water pollution.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to tackle water pollution.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-20T15:24:13.41","MeetingDate":"2012-06-14T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273377,"EventID":"S4O-01134","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":2595,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-06T15:24:13.487","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-30T12:04:47.853","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it is meeting its climate change public sector duty to reduce carbon emissions and tackle climate change.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it is meeting its climate change public sector duty to reduce carbon emissions and tackle climate change.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-20T15:24:13.487","MeetingDate":"2012-06-14T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273378,"EventID":"S4O-01135","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":3763,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-06T15:24:13.563","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-30T12:04:47.933","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to promote waste reduction and recycling.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to promote waste reduction and recycling.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-20T15:24:13.563","MeetingDate":"2012-06-14T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273379,"EventID":"S4O-01136","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":1866,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-06T15:24:13.627","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-30T12:04:47.983","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what work it is doing to improve the local environment around the canal network.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what work it is doing to improve the local environment around the canal network.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-20T15:24:13.643","MeetingDate":"2012-06-14T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273380,"EventID":"S4O-01137","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":2123,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":103,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-06T15:24:13.707","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-30T12:04:48.033","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many complaints have been made about the Seafield Waste Water Treatment Works in the monitoring year following completion of the odour improvement plan.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many complaints have been made about the Seafield Waste Water Treatment Works in the monitoring year following completion of the odour improvement plan.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-20T15:24:13.707","MeetingDate":"2012-06-14T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273381,"EventID":"S4O-01138","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":3743,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":123,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-06T15:24:13.783","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-06T11:26:22.38","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress it is making toward meeting the goals of the water framework directive.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress it is making toward meeting the goals of the water framework directive.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-20T15:24:13.783","MeetingDate":"2012-06-14T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273382,"EventID":"S4O-01139","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":1892,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":134,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-06T15:24:13.86","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-30T12:05:58.627","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it last met the Chief Constable of Dumfries and Galloway Constabulary and what matters were discussed.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it last met the Chief Constable of Dumfries and Galloway Constabulary and what matters were discussed.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-20T15:24:13.86","MeetingDate":"2012-06-14T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273383,"EventID":"S4O-01140","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":4951,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-06T15:24:13.94","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-30T12:05:58.697","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it expects to receive the results of the Scottish Court Service's review of justice delivery.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it expects to receive the results of the Scottish Court Service's review of justice delivery.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-20T15:24:13.94","MeetingDate":"2012-06-14T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273384,"EventID":"S4O-01141","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":77,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-06T15:24:14.017","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-30T12:05:58.757","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the single police force will take over liabilities in relation to tribunals that are current at the time of transfer of responsibility from regional police author","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the single police force will take over liabilities in relation to tribunals that are current at the time of transfer of responsibility from regional police authorities.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-20T15:24:14.017","MeetingDate":"2012-06-14T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273385,"EventID":"S4O-01142","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":2826,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":84,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-06T15:24:14.097","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-30T12:05:58.857","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made by the campaign, No Knives Better Lives.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made by the campaign, No Knives Better Lives.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-20T15:24:14.097","MeetingDate":"2012-06-14T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273386,"EventID":"S4O-01143","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":1778,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":110,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-06T15:24:14.157","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-30T12:05:58.897","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what impact assessment has been carried out regarding the proposed reduction in pay for legal trainees in the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service from 2013.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what impact assessment has been carried out regarding the proposed reduction in pay for legal trainees in the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service from 2013.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-20T15:24:14.173","MeetingDate":"2012-06-14T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273387,"EventID":"S4O-01144","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":2059,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":91,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-06T15:24:14.237","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-30T12:05:58.947","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to combat antisocial behaviour.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to combat antisocial behaviour.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-20T15:24:14.25","MeetingDate":"2012-06-14T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273388,"EventID":"S4O-01145","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":85,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-06T15:24:14.33","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-30T12:05:58.997","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consensus it has reached with other parties regarding allowing the proceeds of fiscal fines to remain in Scotland.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consensus it has reached with other parties regarding allowing the proceeds of fiscal fines to remain in Scotland.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-20T15:24:14.33","MeetingDate":"2012-06-14T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273389,"EventID":"S4O-01146","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":3129,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":83,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-06T15:24:14.423","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-30T12:05:59.057","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it can confirm that the Scottish police service will not face the reductions in numbers and pay and conditions being experienced in England and Wales and will wel","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it can confirm that the Scottish police service will not face the reductions in numbers and pay and conditions being experienced in England and Wales and will welcome transfer applications from officers in those countries.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-20T15:24:14.423","MeetingDate":"2012-06-14T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273390,"EventID":"S4O-01147","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":2674,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":99,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-06T15:24:14.487","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-30T12:05:59.157","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its position is on the investigative procedures of the police in relation to road accidents.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its position is on the investigative procedures of the police in relation to road accidents.\r\n","AnswerText":"The handling of road accident investigations is an operational matter for the police. ACPOS have guidelines and processes which deal with all incidents on the public highways where police attendance is necessary. These range from minor non injury road accidents through to fatal road accidents often involving a number of agencies working collaboratively.\r\nThe Scottish Government supports the police and other agencies in their efforts to investigate accidents and reduce injuries and fatalities on Scotland’s roads.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-20T15:24:14.5","MeetingDate":"2012-06-14T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273391,"EventID":"S4O-01148","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":3824,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-06T15:24:14.563","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-30T12:05:59.237","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to tackle metal theft.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to tackle metal theft.","AnswerText":"Tackling metal theft is a priority for the Scottish Government. A range of measures are being employed to bring about a reduction in levels of this type of crime.\r\nWe are strengthening the licensing regime for metal dealers and considering a ban on cash transactions involving metal. In addition we are supporting the police and others in raising public awareness, highlighting the importance of prevention and ensuring effective enforcement against thieves and unscrupulous dealers.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-20T15:24:14.58","MeetingDate":"2012-06-14T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273392,"EventID":"S4W-07642","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5060,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-06T17:28:57.45","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-31T09:50:49","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will compile a register of schools that have asbestos. \r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will compile a register of schools that have asbestos. \r\n","AnswerText":"The Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 (SI 2012/632) places a duty on the owners or leaseholders of all non-domestic public buildings, including schools, to manage the risk from asbestos. In the case of publicly funded schools, this duty rests with local authorities. For independent schools, the duty rests with the proprietors of the building.\r\nThe duty includes, among other things, a requirement to make and keep up to date records of the location and condition of asbestos-containing material (ACM) and presumed ACM in these premises. As we have no reason to believe this information is not being held, as required by the 2012 Regulations, the Scottish Government believes it is best that this information continues to be compiled locally rather than at a national level.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-20T17:28:57.467","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alasdair Allan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273393,"EventID":"S4W-07643","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5060,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-06T17:28:57.56","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-05-31T09:50:49","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, in light of the potential impact on public health, which organisations it has met since February 2012 to discuss how to deal with asbestos in schools.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, in light of the potential impact on public health, which organisations it has met since February 2012 to discuss how to deal with asbestos in schools.\r\n","AnswerText":"All matters relating to health and safety at work, including managing asbestos in buildings, are reserved and advice is provided to relevant authorities by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). The Control of Asbestos at Work Regulations 2012 (SI 2012/632) places a duty on the owners or leaseholders of all non-domestic buildings, including schools, to manage the risk from asbestos. In the case of publicly funded schools, this duty rest with the local authorities. For independent schools, the duty rests with the proprietors of the individual school.\r\nWhile we have had no meetings with HSE since February 2012 to discuss how to deal with asbestos in schools, we do keep in regular contact with them. This allows us to be aware of any issues concerning asbestos in schools. We in turn are then able to ensure that local authorities are aware of their responsibilities in this regard.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-20T17:28:57.56","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alasdair Allan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273394,"EventID":"S4W-07671","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":136,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-06T17:28:57.623","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-05T11:36:24","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consideration it has given to either a taxation process or fixed fee system in respect of public inquiries.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consideration it has given to either a taxation process or fixed fee system in respect of public inquiries.","AnswerText":"A public consultation on the Inquiry Rules (Scotland) 2007 was completed on 8 June 2012 and we will be considering all aspects of the current Rules in the light of the consultation responses.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-20T17:28:57.637","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273395,"EventID":"S4W-07672","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":136,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-06T17:28:57.717","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-05T11:37:53","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the cost of (a) administration and (b) legal fees has been for each public inquiry held since 1999.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the cost of (a) administration and (b) legal fees has been for each public inquiry held since 1999.\r\n","AnswerText":"There have been four public inquiries established under the Inquiries Act 2005. The ICL Inquiry and the Fingerprint Inquiry have both reported but have not been officially closed. Their near final costs are:\r\nICL Inquiry - £1.9 million* – shared equally between the Scottish Government and the Department of Work and Pensions\r\nFingerprint Inquiry - £4.75 million\r\nNote: *It should be noted that these costs included modifications to the Inquiry venue which have benefitted subsequent inquiries.\r\nTwo further Inquiries have yet to report. The interim costs of the Penrose Inquiry were provided in response to S4W-07071 on 4 May 2012. The Vale of Leven Inquiry is also ongoing and their costs are not available.\r\nNo breakdown of these total costs has yet been done.\r\nThe costs of the Holyrood Inquiry were published in an account of expenditure and the breakdown is as follows:\r\nLord Fraser fees \r\n£127,659\r\nAssociated Administration Costs \r\n£147,132\r\nLegal Supports Costs \r\n£215,684\r\nConsultancy (Technical & PR) \r\n£169,940\r\nTravel and Subsistence \r\n£7,141\r\nHearing Support Costs \r\n£49,870\r\nTotal Expenditure \r\n£717,426\r\n \r\nAll answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-20T17:28:57.717","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273423,"EventID":"S4W-07684","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-07T13:51:14.74","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-06T11:23:53","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether, under the new eligibility criteria, an Individual Learning Account (ILA)-funded course will count as a positive destination for the purposes of youth employment ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether, under the new eligibility criteria, an Individual Learning Account (ILA)-funded course will count as a positive destination for the purposes of youth employment figures.","AnswerText":"The Individual Learning Account (ILA) is a funding stream which allows recipients to access eligible provision. An ILA in itself will not count as a positive destination for the purposes of youth employment figures. However, individual courses undertaken will be assessed on their own merits in line with the existing definition of a positive destination.\r\nStatistics on the positive destinations of young people are collected through a survey of leavers run by Skills Development Scotland. This identifies the destination of a young person including whether or not they are in employment. These statistics are not used to measure youth employment. Statistics on youth employment come from the Labour Force Survey which is the official source of information on a range of labour market related statistics.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-21T13:51:14.847","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angela Constance","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273424,"EventID":"S4W-07685","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-07T13:51:14.94","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-06T11:23:53","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether someone undertaking an Individual Learning Account (ILA)-funded course is considered to be in (a) education or (b) training.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether someone undertaking an Individual Learning Account (ILA)-funded course is considered to be in (a) education or (b) training.","AnswerText":"The Individual Learning Account (ILA) is a funding stream which allows recipients to access a wide range of eligible provision. Individuals are not considered to be in (a) education or (b) training on the opening of an ILA account. They may however be considered to be in (a) education or (b) training whilst participating on an ILA funded course, dependent on the specific course undertaken.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-21T13:51:14.94","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angela Constance","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273425,"EventID":"S4W-07686","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-07T13:51:15.02","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-06T11:48:23","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what it is doing to encourage enterprise activity among unemployed or economically inactive young people.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what it is doing to encourage enterprise activity among unemployed or economically inactive young people.","AnswerText":"At the Business in Parliament Conference on 8 June, the First Minister announced that Scottish Enterprise, through the Scottish Investment Bank, had allocated £1 million of funding in 2012-13 to the Revolving Loan Fund. Administered by Prince’s Trust Youth Business Scotland (PTYBS), the Revolving Loan Fund offers access to loan funding of up to £5,000 to young people interested in starting up or growing their own business. For disadvantaged individuals an additional £1,000 grant is available. As well as making the Fund more sustainable in the long-term, it is estimated that the extra money will generate an additional 465 businesses, creating 630 jobs.\r\nThe Revolving Loan Fund complements existing start-up support available through Training for Work (self-employment option) and the DWP’s New Enterprise Allowance (NEA). Both programmes are for unemployed people aged over 18 who are interested in starting up their own business.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-21T13:51:15.02","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angela Constance","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273426,"EventID":"S4W-07687","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-07T13:51:15.097","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-06T11:48:23","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what it is doing to assist the private sector to compete to deliver services on behalf of government.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what it is doing to assist the private sector to compete to deliver services on behalf of government.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answers to questions S4W-07663 answered on 13 June 2012 and S4W-07688 answered on 21 June 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-21T13:51:15.113","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273427,"EventID":"S4W-07688","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-07T13:51:15.207","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-06T11:48:23","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what it is doing to reduce bureaucracy and enable more small and medium-sized businesses to bid for public sector contracts.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what it is doing to reduce bureaucracy and enable more small and medium-sized businesses to bid for public sector contracts.\r\n","AnswerText":"The government has taken a number of steps to reduce bureaucracy and enable more small and medium enterprises to bid for contracts, for example:\r\nproviding full visibility of contract opportunities on the Public Contracts Scotland (PCS) website. During calendar year 2011, 77% of all suppliers awarded contracts through PCS were registered on the site as small and medium enterprises (SMEs);\r\nissuing policy guidance that public bodies public bodies should take steps to ensure that financial requirements (in particular requirements relating to turnover and insurance levels) do not act as a barrier to participation by small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs);\r\nproducing the Supplier Journey, a comprehensive online guide that:\r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Government/Procurement/Selling/SupplierJourney\r\nexplains the process of awarding a public sector contract in straightforward terms; \r\nsets out what buyers expect suppliers to do at each stage in that process; \r\ngives practical information on how to find out about business opportunities, how to bid for business, and what to expect when delivering the contract; \r\ntells suppliers what support is available to help them win business, and what you can do if they are unsuccessful;\r\nreforming and simplifying the pre-qualification process by producing standard pre-qualification templates for use by public bodies;\r\ntaking SME impact into account in collaborative procurement strategies e.g. splitting national requirements into specialist or geographical lots and supporting SME consortia wherever possible;\r\nimproving the search facility on PCS to include more supplier details, including the SME status of suppliers;\r\nlaunching new functionality on PCS to allow the advertising of sub-contract opportunities, thereby allowing smaller suppliers to bid for contracts further down the supply chain, and\r\npromoting the involvement of SMEs in public procurement by issuing Six Simple Steps guidance to public bodies. \r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Resource/Doc/1265/0080942.pdf.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-21T13:51:15.207","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273428,"EventID":"S4W-07689","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4934,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-07T13:51:15.283","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-06T15:18:53.98","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will respond to the report by the Commission on Women Offenders and whether the response will address the future of HMP Cornton Vale.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will respond to the report by the Commission on Women Offenders and whether the response will address the future of HMP Cornton Vale.","AnswerText":"As I indicated in the recent parliamentary debate on the report by the Commission on Women Offenders, the Scottish Government will publish our response before the parliamentary summer recess. The response will address all of the commission’s recommendations, including those pertaining to HMP Cornton Vale.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-21T13:51:15.283","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273429,"EventID":"S4W-07691","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4934,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-07T13:51:15.363","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-06T15:18:53.98","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consideration it has given to (a) future alternative uses for or (b) the possible disposal of  HMP Cornton Vale.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consideration it has given to (a) future alternative uses for or (b) the possible disposal of  HMP Cornton Vale.\r\n","AnswerText":"The recent report by the Commission on Women Offenders included a recommendation that HMP Cornton Vale should be replaced with a smaller specialist prison for high risk, long-term prisoners.\r\nI refer the member to the answer to the question S3W-07689 on 14 June 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\nThe Scottish Government response will address this recommendation.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-21T13:51:15.363","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273430,"EventID":"S4W-07692","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-07T13:51:15.47","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-06T16:18:18.667","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive into how many geographical areas the proposed prison monitoring service will be divided.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive into how many geographical areas the proposed prison monitoring service will be divided.\r\n","AnswerText":"It is likely that the Chief Inspector will deploy the monitors to prisons as shown in the following table. This system will also allow monitors to be deployed individually or collectively to prisons where the need is deemed greatest by the Chief Inspector.\r\nNorth\r\nCentral\r\nSouth\r\nPeterhead*\r\nEdinburgh\r\nAddiewell\r\nAberdeen*\r\nPolmont\r\nShotts\r\nInverness\r\nCornton Vale\r\nGreenock\r\nOpen Estate\r\nLow Moss\r\nKilmarnock\r\nPerth\r\nBarlinnie\r\nDumfries\r\nGlenochil\r\n\r\n\r\nNote: *HMP Grampian from 2014.","AnswerDate":"2012-06-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-21T13:51:15.47","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273431,"EventID":"S4W-07693","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-07T13:51:15.66","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-06T16:18:18.667","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many monitors will be employed per geographical area in the proposed prison monitoring service and whether they will be individuals or organisations.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many monitors will be employed per geographical area in the proposed prison monitoring service and whether they will be individuals or organisations.","AnswerText":"Under the new monitoring service it is proposed that there will be three monitors employed and each monitor will cover one geographical area. The three monitors will be individuals rather than organisations.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-21T13:51:15.66","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273432,"EventID":"S4W-07694","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-07T13:51:15.737","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-06T16:18:18.667","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how monitors will be recruited for the proposed prison monitoring service.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how monitors will be recruited for the proposed prison monitoring service.","AnswerText":"The Chief Inspector will recruit and select the monitors based on applicants' experience, skills and knowledge. The appointments will be made by fair and open competition and recruitment will be conducted by the Scottish Government.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-21T13:51:15.737","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273433,"EventID":"S4W-07695","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-07T13:51:15.813","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-06T16:18:18.667","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether people with relevant experience but who have not worked in a prison setting will be excluded from working as monitors in the proposed monitoring service.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether people with relevant experience but who have not worked in a prison setting will be excluded from working as monitors in the proposed monitoring service.","AnswerText":"Applicants are likely to have a background in working in a prison environment, possibly within a prison service, but people with experience in other sectors will not be excluded from applying.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-21T13:51:15.813","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273434,"EventID":"S4W-07696","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-07T13:51:15.893","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-06T16:18:18.667","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive who will be responsible for appointing the monitors for the proposed prison monitoring service; for how long monitors will be appointed, and whether they will be paid.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive who will be responsible for appointing the monitors for the proposed prison monitoring service; for how long monitors will be appointed, and whether they will be paid.","AnswerText":"The Chief Inspector will be responsible for the appointment of the monitors. Monitors will be paid and the duration of their appointment will be for four years, but with flexibility for an extension when appropriate.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-21T13:51:15.893","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273435,"EventID":"S4W-07697","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-07T13:51:16.05","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-06T16:18:18.667","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether monitors in the proposed prison monitoring service will have unlimited access to prisons during visits.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether monitors in the proposed prison monitoring service will have unlimited access to prisons during visits.","AnswerText":"During a visit to a prison the prison monitor must be given free access to every part of the prison and every prisoner within the prison.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-21T13:51:16.063","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273436,"EventID":"S4W-07698","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-07T13:51:16.127","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-06T16:18:18.667","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether monitors in the proposed prison monitoring service will be able to carry out unannounced visits.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether monitors in the proposed prison monitoring service will be able to carry out unannounced visits.","AnswerText":"The monitors will access any prison either unannounced or by appointment, at any time. In most cases it will be unannounced.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-21T13:51:16.143","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273437,"EventID":"S4W-07699","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-07T13:51:16.22","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-06T16:18:18.667","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether monitors in the proposed prison monitoring service will be able to deal with prisoner complaints.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether monitors in the proposed prison monitoring service will be able to deal with prisoner complaints.","AnswerText":"The monitors will speak to prisoners as they carry out their monitoring duties. Should a prisoner raise a complaint with the monitor the monitor will take the appropriate action depending on the scale of the complaint. This action will range from resolving the issue locally with prison staff or referring the prisoner to the Prisoner Support Service.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-21T13:51:16.22","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273438,"EventID":"S4W-07700","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-07T13:51:16.423","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-06T16:18:18.667","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether monitors in the proposed prison monitoring service will be able to engage with governors.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether monitors in the proposed prison monitoring service will be able to engage with governors.","AnswerText":"Under the new monitoring service the monitors will have regular meetings and liaison with the governors and other prison managers and staff.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-21T13:51:16.423","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273439,"EventID":"S4W-07701","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-07T13:51:16.533","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-06T16:18:18.667","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether monitors in the proposed prison monitoring service will be able to challenge unacceptable practices found during visits.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether monitors in the proposed prison monitoring service will be able to challenge unacceptable practices found during visits.","AnswerText":"Yes, the monitors will notify the governor and the Chief Inspector of any circumstances relating to the condition of the prison or treatment of any prisoner or group of prisoners.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-21T13:51:16.547","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273440,"EventID":"S4W-07702","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-07T13:51:16.627","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-06T16:18:18.667","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the annual budget is of the prison visiting committee system and what the estimated annual cost is of the proposed prison monitoring system.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the annual budget is of the prison visiting committee system and what the estimated annual cost is of the proposed prison monitoring system.","AnswerText":"The current annual budget of the prison visiting committee system is £70,000. This budget currently sits under the Scottish Prison Service. This budget will be returned to central government to fund the new monitoring service along with an estimated additional cost of approximately £55,556.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-21T13:51:16.627","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273441,"EventID":"S4W-07703","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-07T13:51:16.72","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-06T16:18:18.667","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how the proposed prison monitoring service will meet the legal requirements of the national preventive mechanism.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how the proposed prison monitoring service will meet the legal requirements of the national preventive mechanism.","AnswerText":"I wrote to the Chair of the National Preventative Mechanism (NPM), Nick Hardwick on 24 May outlining the proposal for independent monitoring. Officials are liaising with NPM officials on the proposals.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-21T13:51:16.72","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273442,"EventID":"S4W-07704","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-07T13:51:16.797","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-06T16:18:18.667","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether monitors in the proposed prison monitoring service will be required to report to (a) the Cabinet Secretary for Justice, (b) the Parliament or (c) both.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether monitors in the proposed prison monitoring service will be required to report to (a) the Cabinet Secretary for Justice, (b) the Parliament or (c) both.","AnswerText":"The monitors will report directly to the Chief Inspector who has a duty to report annually to the Scottish Parliament. The annual report will include a separate section on monitoring. The Chief Inspector also meets regularly with the Cabinet Secretary for Justice and officials in the Community Justice Division.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-21T13:51:16.797","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273443,"EventID":"S4W-07706","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-07T13:51:16.877","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-06T16:18:18.667","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there will be a minimum number of monitoring visits per (a) week, (b) month or (c) year to each prison under the proposed prison monitoring service and, if so, wh","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there will be a minimum number of monitoring visits per (a) week, (b) month or (c) year to each prison under the proposed prison monitoring service and, if so, what that minimum number will be.","AnswerText":"Under the new monitoring service the monitors will visit their allocated prisons no less than once every three weeks.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-21T13:51:16.89","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273444,"EventID":"S4W-07707","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1860,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-07T13:51:16.953","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-06T16:23:45.947","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the Council of Economic Advisers will publish its fourth annual report.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the Council of Economic Advisers will publish its fourth annual report.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Chair of the Council of Economic Advisers will produce a Chair’s Brief at the end of the year summarising the advice that the council has provided over the year.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-21T13:51:16.953","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273445,"EventID":"S4W-07708","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1860,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-07T13:51:17.03","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-06T16:23:45.947","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive on what dates the Council of Economic Advisers published its previous annual reports.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive on what dates the Council of Economic Advisers published its previous annual reports.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Council of Economic Advisers published its previous annual reports on the following dates: First annual report – 5 December 2008; Second Annual Report – 4 December 2009; and Third Annual Report – 10 December 2010.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-21T13:51:17.03","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273446,"EventID":"S4W-07709","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1860,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-07T13:51:17.127","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-06T16:23:45.947","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive on what dates the Council of Economic Advisers met in 2011.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive on what dates the Council of Economic Advisers met in 2011.\r\n","AnswerText":"There were no meetings of the Council of Economic Advisers in 2011. \r\nThe council meeting on 10 September 2010 was the last during the previous parliamentary term. The Council of Economic Advisers was then reconvened by the First Minister following the Scottish parliamentary elections in May 2011 and the start of the new parliamentary term. The reconvened council met for the first time at the start of 2012 (on 20 January 2012).\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-21T13:51:17.127","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273447,"EventID":"S4W-07710","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1860,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-07T13:51:17.203","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-06T16:23:45.947","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the Council of Economic Advisers (a) last met and (b) will next meet.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the Council of Economic Advisers (a) last met and (b) will next meet.\r\n","AnswerText":"The last full meeting of the Council of Economic Advisers was on 20 January 2012. There was also a special session of the council, which was attended by four council members, on 18 February 2012.\r\nThe next meeting of the Council of Economic Advisers is scheduled for 7 September 2012.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-21T13:51:17.203","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273448,"EventID":"S4W-07711","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1860,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-07T13:51:17.28","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-06T16:23:45.947","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how often the Fiscal Commission Working Group has met since 25 March 2012; when the group will conclude its work, and whether its findings will be made publicly available","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how often the Fiscal Commission Working Group has met since 25 March 2012; when the group will conclude its work, and whether its findings will be made publicly available.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Fiscal Commission Working Group was established on 25 March and has since been co-ordinating the work to help establish a fiscal and macro-economic framework for Scotland. \r\nA formal meeting will take place in Edinburgh on 27 August 2012 to review progress.\r\nThe outputs of the group will be published in due course. It will form an important part of the development of the White Paper on independence, which will be published in autumn 2013.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-21T13:51:17.28","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273468,"EventID":"S4W-07714","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5059,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-07T16:59:23.81","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-06T17:01:53","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether a Scotland separated from the rest of the United Kingdom would become part of the Commonwealth.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether a Scotland separated from the rest of the United Kingdom would become part of the Commonwealth.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government’s proposal for Scotland is not “separation”, but independence, as stated in answer to question S4W-05459, on 5 March 2012. As paragraph 5.7 of the Scottish Government publication Europe and Foreign Affairs: Taking forward our National Conversation (September 2009) explains, “An independent Scotland would be recognised as a state in its own right by the international community and would become a full member of the United Nations and other international bodies, such as the Commonwealth, the World Health Organization, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development and the World Trade Organization. Both in these arenas and generally it would be able to develop its own foreign policy to promote Scotland’s interests internationally, and engage with other states as an equal partner.”\r\nAll answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-21T16:59:24.03","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273469,"EventID":"S4W-07715","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5059,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-07T16:59:24.123","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-06T17:01:53","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what financial contribution a Scotland separated from the rest of the United Kingdom would make to the upkeep of the monarchy.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what financial contribution a Scotland separated from the rest of the United Kingdom would make to the upkeep of the monarchy.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government's proposal for Scotland is not \"separation\", but independence, as stated in answer to question S4W-05459 on 5 March 2012. I also refer the member to the answer to question S4W-02136 from 26 August 2011.\r\nAll answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-21T16:59:24.137","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Bruce Crawford","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273470,"EventID":"S4W-07716","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5059,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-07T16:59:24.2","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-06T17:01:53","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether, if Scotland separates from the rest of the United Kingdom, the Scottish Government will pay for the upkeep of the royal estates in Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether, if Scotland separates from the rest of the United Kingdom, the Scottish Government will pay for the upkeep of the royal estates in Scotland.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government's proposal for Scotland is not \"separation\", but independence, as stated in answer to question S4W-05459 on 5 March 2012. I also refer the member to the answer to question S4W-02136 from 26 August 2011.\r\nAll answers to written Parliamentary Questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-21T16:59:24.217","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Bruce Crawford","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273471,"EventID":"S4W-07717","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5059,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-07T16:59:24.293","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-06T17:01:53","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether compensation will be paid to countries that have invested in Scotland's naval bases if Scotland separates from the rest of the United Kingdom and, if so, how much","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether compensation will be paid to countries that have invested in Scotland's naval bases if Scotland separates from the rest of the United Kingdom and, if so, how much.\r\n","AnswerText":"No. The Scottish Government’s proposal for constitutional reform is not about “separation”, but independence. In November 2013, the Scottish Government will publish a comprehensive white paper detailing all of the relevant issues, ensuring the people of Scotland are fully informed in order that they can make an authoritative and knowledgeable decision about Scotland’s constitutional future.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-21T16:59:24.293","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Bruce Crawford","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273472,"EventID":"S4W-07718","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5059,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-07T16:59:24.373","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-06T17:01:53","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what guidance the Early Years Task Force gives to local authorities regarding spend from the Early Years Change Fund.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what guidance the Early Years Task Force gives to local authorities regarding spend from the Early Years Change Fund.","AnswerText":"The Early Years Taskforce has published its shared vision and priorities, which includes initial guidance for Community Planning Partnerships on the Early Years Change Fund. This paper is available in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre (Bib. number 54022).\r\nFurther guidance will be provided for Community Planning Partnerships by the Early Years Taskforce by the end of the year.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-21T16:59:24.387","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Aileen Campbell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273473,"EventID":"S4W-07719","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5059,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-07T16:59:24.45","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-06T17:01:53","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there would be changes to benefit levels in a Scotland separated from the rest of the United Kingdom.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there would be changes to benefit levels in a Scotland separated from the rest of the United Kingdom.","AnswerText":"Decisions relating to benefit levels in an independent Scotland would be for the administration in power to take.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-21T16:59:24.467","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273474,"EventID":"S4W-07720","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5059,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-07T16:59:24.527","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-06T17:01:53","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Queen would be represented by a governor general in a Scotland separated from the rest of the United Kingdom and, if so, whether the governor general would be","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Queen would be represented by a governor general in a Scotland separated from the rest of the United Kingdom and, if so, whether the governor general would be the commander-in-chief of Scotland's armed forces.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-05459 on 5 March 2012. The head of state of an independent Scotland would not be represented by a governor general.\r\nAll answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-21T16:59:24.543","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Bruce Crawford","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273475,"EventID":"S4W-07722","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5059,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-07T16:59:24.62","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-06T17:01:53","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of the budget it spends on international aid.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of the budget it spends on international aid.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has maintained the International Development Fund at £9 million per year for the duration of the spending review period. In 2011-12 this was supplemented by proceeds of crime money to provide a total expenditure on Official Development Assistance of £10,029,156.72 set against a total Scottish Government budget of £28.007 billion. This represented 0.00036% of the total Scottish Government budget in 2011-12.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-21T16:59:24.62","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273476,"EventID":"S4W-07723","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1866,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-07T16:59:24.7","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-06T18:02:50","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it remains its plan to eradicate fuel poverty by 2016.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it remains its plan to eradicate fuel poverty by 2016.\r\n","AnswerText":"In my Statement to Parliament on 6 June 2012 I confirmed our plans for a National Retrofit Programme to tackle fuel poverty and reduce carbon emissions. This government remains committed to eradication of fuel poverty, as far as is reasonably practicable.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-21T16:59:24.7","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273477,"EventID":"S4W-07726","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-07T16:59:24.777","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-06T20:57:05","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many opportunities for young people have been (a) created and (b) filled by its £2.5 million challenge fund.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many opportunities for young people have been (a) created and (b) filled by its £2.5 million challenge fund.","AnswerText":"The Social Enterprise and Third Sector Challenge Fund will open for applications from social enterprises and third sector organisations on 21 June. It is expected that announcements of awards of funding will be made at the end of August, once the assessment process has been completed. Each bid will quantify the number of young people who will be supported.\r\nThe fund is an acknowledgment of the distinct role and expertise of the third sector and social enterprises, and young people from across Scotland will benefit from the opportunities created.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-21T16:59:24.777","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angela Constance","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273478,"EventID":"S4W-07727","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-07T16:59:24.857","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-06T20:57:05","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many opportunities for vulnerable young people have been (a) created and (b) filled by the £1.5 million that it allocated to support young carers into employment.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many opportunities for vulnerable young people have been (a) created and (b) filled by the £1.5 million that it allocated to support young carers into employment.","AnswerText":"In December 2011, the government announced it would support 1,000 of the most disadvantaged young people, including care leavers and young carers, to enter the labour market. The £1.5 million will be split over three years and will create around 330 opportunities per year. An Employer Recruitment Incentive of £1,500 is available.\r\nSkills Development Scotland is currently working with appropriate partners to roll out and implement this scheme.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-21T16:59:24.87","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angela Constance","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273479,"EventID":"S4W-07728","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-07T16:59:24.95","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-07T12:04:20.967","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the latest allocation of European Fisheries Fund grants will be made.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the latest allocation of European Fisheries Fund grants will be made.\r\n","AnswerText":"The latest allocation of European Fisheries Fund Grants were announced on 8 June 2012 at the Skippers Expo in Aberdeen.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-21T16:59:24.95","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273480,"EventID":"S4W-07729","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-07T16:59:25.057","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-07T12:04:20.967","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S4W-06491 by Richard Lochhead on 23 April 2012, at what stage negotiations are regarding the criteria for the European Maritime and Fis","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S4W-06491 by Richard Lochhead on 23 April 2012, at what stage negotiations are regarding the criteria for the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund.","AnswerText":"The European Commission published the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund proposals on 2 December 2011 and the negotiations are presently underway through the Working Party on Internal Fisheries Policy. We are fully engaged in the detailed dialogue between member states through the Working Party. Eligibility criteria will not be developed until the final shape of the proposals are confirmed. Due to the co-decision process and therefore scrutiny by the European Parliament, this may not happened until the first half of 2013.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-21T16:59:25.057","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273481,"EventID":"S4W-07730","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-07T16:59:25.167","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-07T12:04:20.967","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it expects the criteria for the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund to be agreed.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it expects the criteria for the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund to be agreed.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-07729 on 21 June 2012 All answers to written Parliamentary Questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-21T16:59:25.167","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273482,"EventID":"S4W-07731","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1866,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-07T16:59:25.277","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-07T12:05:49.497","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will allocate additional resources to NHS Lothian to deal with the outbreak of Legionella in Edinburgh.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will allocate additional resources to NHS Lothian to deal with the outbreak of Legionella in Edinburgh.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government Resilience Committee has considered NHS resource issues at every meeting. NHS Lothian is reporting that it is coping with the current pressures. Should the position change then the Scottish Government would ensure the required resources were available.\r\nAdditional specialist public health resources have already been provided to NHS Lothian from other boards, on a mutual aid basis.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-21T16:59:25.277","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273483,"EventID":"S4W-07732","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1866,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-07T16:59:25.353","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-07T12:05:49.497","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what impact the outbreak of Legionella in Edinburgh will have on NHS Lothian's ability to meet its waiting time targets.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what impact the outbreak of Legionella in Edinburgh will have on NHS Lothian's ability to meet its waiting time targets.\r\n","AnswerText":"The effect of the Legionella outbreak has brought a significant increase in the number of people requiring investigation and treatment in both primary and secondary care. However, NHS Lothian has confirmed that the actual number of elective procedures cancelled as a result of the impact on critical care has been minimal and the board will continue to monitor the impact until the end of the outbreak has been confirmed.\r\nDuring the course of the week commencing 4 June NHS Lothian cancelled eight elective procedures, all of which have already been rescheduled.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-21T16:59:25.37","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273484,"EventID":"S4W-07734","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1866,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-07T16:59:25.433","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-07T12:05:49.497","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what organisations are responsible for carrying out further research regarding the identification of the source of the Legionella outbreak in Edinburgh.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what organisations are responsible for carrying out further research regarding the identification of the source of the Legionella outbreak in Edinburgh.\r\n","AnswerText":"The City of Edinburgh Environmental Health team and the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), working as part of the Incident Management Team (IMT), are actively investigating the source of the current outbreak.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-21T16:59:25.433","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273485,"EventID":"S4W-07735","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1866,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-07T16:59:25.51","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-07T12:05:49.497","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any of the sites in Edinburgh that have been treated for Legionella have previously reported the existence of the bacteria.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any of the sites in Edinburgh that have been treated for Legionella have previously reported the existence of the bacteria.\r\n","AnswerText":"Currently there is no requirement by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) for a company, or the person in control of any premises, to notify anybody of the results of any sampling that is undertaken.\r\nMatters relating to the HSE are reserved to the UK Government.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-21T16:59:25.527","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273486,"EventID":"S4W-07736","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1866,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-07T16:59:25.603","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-07T12:05:49.497","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what organisations companies need to notify who their responsible person is regarding responsibility for managing Legionella control schemes.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what organisations companies need to notify who their responsible person is regarding responsibility for managing Legionella control schemes.","AnswerText":"The responsible body for matters relating to health and safety in the UK is the Health and Safety Executive and such matters are reserved to the UK Government. There is no requirement for a company to notify their responsible person to any organisation.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-21T16:59:25.603","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273487,"EventID":"S4W-07737","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1866,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-07T16:59:25.683","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-07T12:05:49.497","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, in light of the outbreak of Legionella in Edinburgh, whether an outbreak control team has been established to protect public health and prevent further infection.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, in light of the outbreak of Legionella in Edinburgh, whether an outbreak control team has been established to protect public health and prevent further infection.","AnswerText":"An Incident Management Team (IMT) was set up by NHS Lothian on 3 June when the fourth case of Legionnaires disease was confirmed. The IMT is led by NHS Lothian, and involves the Environmental Health Service of Edinburgh City Council, the Health and Safety Executive and Health Protection Scotland. Others are engaged as necessary in the work of the group, for instance the Met Office regarding weather patterns.\r\nAn Incident Management Team and Outbreak Control Team perform the same function - the terminology is interchangeable.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-21T16:59:25.683","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273525,"EventID":"S4W-07733","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1866,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-08T14:11:18.333","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-07T12:05:49.497","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what form the assessment will take to learn lessons from the Legionella outbreak in Edinburgh as referred to by the Cabinet Secretary for Health, Wellbeing and Cities Str","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what form the assessment will take to learn lessons from the Legionella outbreak in Edinburgh as referred to by the Cabinet Secretary for Health, Wellbeing and Cities Strategy on 7 June 2012 (Official Report, c. 9816).","AnswerText":"It is standard procedure in all public health incidents and outbreaks such as this for a report to be produced at the end of outbreak by the lead NHS Board Incident Management Team. This is set out in guidance published in October 2011 Management of Public Health Incidents: Guidance on the Roles and Responsibilities of NHS led Incident Management Teams. This report, including its lessons learned, will inform handling of future public health incidents.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-22T14:11:18.55","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273526,"EventID":"S4W-07742","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2876,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-08T14:11:18.66","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-07T14:24:11.127","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many incidents of credit and debit card fraud have been reported to the police in each of the last four years, broken down by local authority area.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many incidents of credit and debit card fraud have been reported to the police in each of the last four years, broken down by local authority area.\r\n","AnswerText":"This is a matter for the eight police forces in Scotland. The information requested is not held centrally.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-22T14:11:18.66","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273527,"EventID":"S4W-07743","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2876,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-08T14:11:18.753","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-07T14:24:11.127","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many incidents involving tampering with automated teller machines have been reported to the police in each of the last four years, broken down by local authority area","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many incidents involving tampering with automated teller machines have been reported to the police in each of the last four years, broken down by local authority area.\r\n","AnswerText":"This is a matter for the eight police forces in Scotland. The information requested is not held centrally.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-22T14:11:18.753","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273528,"EventID":"S4W-07744","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2876,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-08T14:11:18.83","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-07T14:24:11.127","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to reduce incidences of credit and debit card fraud.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to reduce incidences of credit and debit card fraud.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Crime and Drug Enforcement Agency houses the E-crime Unit which provides specialist support to the Scottish Police Service on serious organised crime facilitated by computer and other information technology. The unit is continually researching, evaluating and developing new techniques which allow them to remain effective in the rapidly changing world of hi-tech crime. This includes forging links with the Scottish business community including banks and other financial institutions to maximise opportunities for information sharing and to identify solutions in response to concerns over potential vulnerabilities in corporate e-infrastructures.\r\nThe Scottish Government sponsors the Scottish Business Crime Centre (SBCC), a non-profit making organisation created in 1996 and which operates as a partnership approach between the police, business community and government. The centre acts as secretariat to the Scottish Financial Crime Group. This group involves the police and major Scottish banks and was formed in early 2007 with the purpose of establishing a forum in which to share information and good practice on economic crime including credit and debit card fraud. The SBCC has produced a booklet entitled Targeting Retail Crime in Scotland – A Training Booklet for Staff which is a valuable resource in reducing crime and creating a safer and more secure environment for staff, customers and business by adopting best practice and focusing on common elements of shoplifting.\r\nThere are a wide range of government and business related websites that offer guidance to the public and to businesses regarding fraud, such as Getsafeonline, E-Crime Scotland, Stop-idfraud, Identitytheft, Banksafeonline and CrimeStoppers which all include advice on credit and debit card fraud and various other forms of internet related fraud.\r\nhttp://www.getsafeonline.org/\r\nhttp://www.ecrimescotland.org.uk/\r\nhttp://www.stop-idfraud.co.uk/\r\nhttp://www.identitytheft.org.uk/\r\nhttp://www.banksafeonline.org.uk/\r\nhttp://www.crimestoppers-uk.org/.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-22T14:11:18.847","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273529,"EventID":"S4W-07745","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2876,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-08T14:11:18.923","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-07T14:24:11.127","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what guidance it provides to the public regarding credit and debit card fraud.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what guidance it provides to the public regarding credit and debit card fraud.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-07744 on 18 June 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-22T14:11:18.923","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273530,"EventID":"S4W-07746","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2876,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-08T14:11:19.017","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-07T14:24:11.127","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to tackle type 2 diabetes among young people.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to tackle type 2 diabetes among young people.","AnswerText":"We recognise that a poor diet and excessive consumption of food and drink contributes directly to the high rates of the main causes of death and poor health in Scotland. Improvement will largely depend on people’s lifestyles. We are taking firm action to encourage people to eat better, be more active, stop smoking and drink sensibly to support people to live healthier lives.\r\nInitiatives such as our Obesity Prevention Action Plan, the Healthier Scotland Cooking Bus and the Scottish Grocers Federation’s healthyliving, Programme, focus on improving diet and increasing physical activity levels, particularly among young people.\r\nWe are spending over £7.5 million in the next three years to encourage healthy eating, including work with the food industry to reduce the added sugar and salt content of products and to produce healthier food.\r\nOur Diabetes Action Plan recognises that being overweight seriously increases an individual's chance of developing type 2 diabetes and the importance of addressing the underlying risk factors for diabetes, including obesity.\r\nWe also want to minimise the risk of complications for people with diabetes as well as prevent people from developing diabetes in the first place. The action plan sets out a comprehensive programme of work that will improve outcomes for people living with diabetes in Scotland.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-22T14:11:19.017","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273531,"EventID":"S4W-07747","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2876,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-08T14:11:19.097","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-07T14:24:11.127","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people are diagnosed with diabetes and what the estimated number is of undiagnosed cases.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people are diagnosed with diabetes and what the estimated number is of undiagnosed cases.\r\n","AnswerText":"According to the Scottish Diabetes Survey, there were 237,468 people diagnosed with diabetes in Scotland recorded on local diabetes registers at the start of 2011. This represents 4.6% of the population of Scotland. Of those registered with diabetes, 88% (208,279) had type 2 diabetes and 12% (27,910) had type 1 diabetes.\r\nWhile the number of cases of undiagnosed diabetes is unknown there are two sources which can be used to estimate this. The Scottish Public Health Observatory has estimated that in 2010 there were 48,844 undiagnosed cases of diabetes, or 0.9% of the population of Scotland. The Scottish Health Survey found that in 2008-09 2.5% of adults aged 16 and over (3.0% of men and 2.0% of women) who did not have a diagnosis of diabetes had glycated haemoglobin levels of 6.5% or above, indicative of possible undiagnosed diabetes.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-22T14:11:19.097","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273532,"EventID":"S4W-07748","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2876,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-08T14:11:19.19","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-07T14:24:11.127","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it encourages people who are undiagnosed or at risk of diabetes to seek early diagnosis.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it encourages people who are undiagnosed or at risk of diabetes to seek early diagnosis.\r\n","AnswerText":"We are fully committed to ensuring people with undiagnosed diabetes are identified and treated as quickly as possible to help prevent future complications.\r\nOur Diabetes Action Plan 2010 sets out our clear commitment to the prevention and early detection of diabetes, as well as our work to address the underlying risk factors for diabetes.\r\nWe have also invested in health programmes such as Keep Well which is operating within Scotland’s most deprived communities. To date, Keep Well has delivered health checks to well over 145,000 people to determine their risk of developing cardiovascular disease, including diabetes.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-22T14:11:19.19","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273533,"EventID":"S4W-07749","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2876,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-08T14:11:19.3","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-07T14:24:11.127","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the annual cost is for the treatment of diabetes.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the annual cost is for the treatment of diabetes.\r\n","AnswerText":"NHS boards are expected to plan, fund and deliver services to meet the needs of their local populations and the totality of a person’s healthcare needs rather than on an individual condition basis. Accurate estimates for the overall cost of treating people with diabetes are therefore difficult to establish, due to the complex nature of the condition and the co-morbidities and complications associated with it.\r\nWe recognise however, that the cost of diabetes to NHSScotland is significant. Healthcare Improvement Scotland's National Overview Report on Diabetes Standards, published in 2008, suggested that the overall cost of treating the disease may account for about 10% of the total NHSScotland budget.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-22T14:11:19.3","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273534,"EventID":"S4W-07750","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-08T14:11:19.423","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-07T14:38:54.357","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-38227 by Richard Lochhead on 17 December 2010, how many times it has replaced regulations affecting the farming and agricultural se","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-38227 by Richard Lochhead on 17 December 2010, how many times it has replaced regulations affecting the farming and agricultural sector with new versions rather than add to existing regulations since May 2007. \r\n","AnswerText":"The majority of regulation impacting on Scotland’s farmers and land managers comes from Europe and, to ensure they fully meet their obligations under the terms of the Scotland Act, Scottish Ministers must implement relevant EU rules. Since 2007 a total of 164 SSIs have been made in the broad area of agriculture replacing or revoking 107 previous SSIs.\r\nScottish Government is actively trying to reduce the burden of bureaucracy on Scotland's rural land managers. The SEARS (Scotland's Environmental and Rural Services) initiative has delivered a reduction of more than 8,000 visits and inspections to date. We have also appointed Brian Pack OBE to lead a review considering how to reduce the red tape associated with farming and fulfil our commitment to help farmers free up time for farming. Scottish Government is also pressing for greater simplification in the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) negotiations currently underway in Europe.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-22T14:11:19.423","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273535,"EventID":"S4W-07751","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-08T14:11:19.597","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-07T14:40:41.107","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many induction programmes for NHS staff cover (a) patient safety training and (b) how to raise concerns.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many induction programmes for NHS staff cover (a) patient safety training and (b) how to raise concerns.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government does not hold information on the number of induction programmes for NHS staff which cover (a) patient safety training and (b) how to raise concerns.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-22T14:11:19.597","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273536,"EventID":"S4W-07752","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-08T14:11:19.737","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-07T14:40:41.107","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the NHS staff annual appraisal process asks employees to report whether they have raised concerns. \r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the NHS staff annual appraisal process asks employees to report whether they have raised concerns. \r\n","AnswerText":"There are a number of different personal development planning and review (PDP & R)/appraisal processes which apply to NHSScotland employees depending on staff group. They operate as part of a continual process of planning, monitoring, assessment and support to help staff develop their capabilities and potential to fulfil their job role and purpose. While such discussions may offer an opportunity for an employee to raise concerns, there is no requirement as part of such discussions to ask employees about whether in fact they have raised concerns.\r\nAs stated in the Implementing and Reviewing Whistleblowing Arrangements in NHSScotland PIN Policy, many concerns will be raised openly with line managers as part of normal day-to-day practice, and indeed the PIN encourages a culture conducive to this being the case.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-22T14:11:19.737","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273537,"EventID":"S4W-07753","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-08T14:11:19.877","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-07T14:40:41.107","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what training is given to managers in the NHS regarding concerns raised by staff.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what training is given to managers in the NHS regarding concerns raised by staff.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government does not hold information on training given to managers in the NHS regarding concerns raised by staff.\r\nHowever, NHS boards are required, under the NHSScotland Staff Governance Standard, to have local policies in place which are compliant with the Implementing and Reviewing Whistleblowing Arrangements in NHSScotland PIN Policy. While the format and content will be for boards to determine locally, the PIN sets out a requirement for boards to ensure that managers are appropriately trained to fulfil those responsibilities under the local policy, including making staff for whom they are responsible aware of the policy and responding appropriately where concerns are raised with them.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-22T14:11:19.893","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273538,"EventID":"S4W-07754","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-08T14:11:20.017","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-07T14:40:41.107","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether NHS boards are required to report on how many deaths there have been of patients on the delayed discharge database.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether NHS boards are required to report on how many deaths there have been of patients on the delayed discharge database.\r\n","AnswerText":"NHS boards are not required to centrally report how many deaths there have been of patients on the delayed discharge database. However, I wrote to board chairs on 10 February 2011 to ask that medical directors review any future cases where a patient has been deemed medically fit for discharge but subsequently dies before that discharge can take place.\r\nThe recording of any such deaths, and related reviews of the circumstances, are a matter for individual NHS boards. We recently rolled out a new data system which means this information should be readily available to NHS boards.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-22T14:11:20.033","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273539,"EventID":"S4W-07773","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3061,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-08T15:49:01.2","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-08T10:18:54.53","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many Forced Marriage Protection Orders have been (a) issued and (b) breached since November 2011.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many Forced Marriage Protection Orders have been (a) issued and (b) breached since November 2011.\r\n","AnswerText":"This question relates to operational matters that are the responsibility of the Scottish Court Service (SCS) corporate body. The question has been passed to the Chief Executive of the SCS who will reply in writing.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-22T15:49:01.62","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273540,"EventID":"S4W-07783","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2673,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":114,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-08T15:49:01.76","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-08T10:33:00.627","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, as part of its major events strategy, what discussions it has had with the Scottish Football Association regarding a possible bid for the UEFA Euro 2020 football champio","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, as part of its major events strategy, what discussions it has had with the Scottish Football Association regarding a possible bid for the UEFA Euro 2020 football championships.\r\n","AnswerText":"We have had some initial discussions with the SFA, following media speculation that a bid might be in the offing.\r\nThe SFA have confirmed that they have had initial discussions on the principle of a joint bid with both Wales and the Republic of Ireland and have declared an interest to UEFA in order that they can fully explore the opportunity in more detail. Bids will not be required for at least 18 months.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-22T15:49:01.76","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Shona Robison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273541,"EventID":"S4W-07788","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-08T15:49:01.84","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-08T10:44:16.233","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the NHS plans to revise the QFracture algorithm.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the NHS plans to revise the QFracture algorithm.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network (SIGN) is now revising its guideline on the management of osteoporosis. This review will include risk estimation tools for osteoporosis and key questions that will be asked include:\r\nwhich diagnostic measurements or tools are effective in identifying increased risk of fracture, and\r\nwhich diagnostic methods or tools best predict response to pharmacological treatment.\r\nThe National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) is also due to provide further guidance on assessing the risk of fragility fracture in osteoporosis later this month. While this guidance will not have formal status in Scotland we nevertheless expect this will help guide clinical decision making.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-22T15:49:01.84","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273548,"EventID":"S4W-07816","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":2,"MSPID":1882,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":129,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-11T16:02:22.63","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-11T15:26:56.74","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when Healthcare Improvement Scotland's report on NHS Ayrshire and Arran’s management of significant adverse events will be published and what subsequent action will be ta","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when Healthcare Improvement Scotland's report on NHS Ayrshire and Arran’s management of significant adverse events will be published and what subsequent action will be taken.\r\n","AnswerText":"I can confirm that I have received the Healthcare Improvement Scotland report and it is being published today. NHS Ayrshire and Arran has developed an improvement plan which will be monitored by officials. This improvement plan is also being published today. \r\nTo ensure national learning from this report, I have instructed that a national framework for the management of adverse events be developed. This will support a consistent approach to the management of adverse events across NHSScotland and ensure at all times a culture of openness, trust, continuous learning and service improvement.\r\nIn addition to this, I have asked all boards to consider the HIS recommendations and to review their local policies and procedures. I have asked Healthcare Improvement Scotland to undertake a rolling programme of health board reviews over the course of the next 12 months to provide assurance that all appropriate action has been taken.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-25T16:02:22.987","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273549,"EventID":"S4F-00750","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":4976,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-11T14:34:54.833","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-08T13:14:34","Title":"To ask the First Minister when he will next meet the Prime Minister.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister when he will next meet the Prime Minister.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-25T14:34:54.893","MeetingDate":"2012-06-14T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273550,"EventID":"S4F-00752","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":5009,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-11T14:34:54.957","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-11T09:41:17","Title":"To ask the First Minister what issues will be discussed at the next meeting of the Cabinet.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what issues will be discussed at the next meeting of the Cabinet.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-25T14:34:54.973","MeetingDate":"2012-06-14T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273551,"EventID":"S4F-00755","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":5109,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":101,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-11T14:34:55.067","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-11T10:53:29","Title":"To ask the First Minister what action the Scottish Government is taking to address the disparity in the suicide rate in Scotland compared with the rest of the UK.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what action the Scottish Government is taking to address the disparity in the suicide rate in Scotland compared with the rest of the UK.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-25T14:34:55.067","MeetingDate":"2012-06-14T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273552,"EventID":"S4F-00760","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-11T14:34:55.223","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-11T12:15:02.203","Title":"To ask the First Minister how many new jobs have been created as a result of the modern apprenticeship programme.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister how many new jobs have been created as a result of the modern apprenticeship programme.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-25T14:34:55.223","MeetingDate":"2012-06-14T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273553,"EventID":"S4F-00770","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":4014,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-11T14:34:55.55","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-11T13:47:08.803","Title":"To ask the First Minister what discussions the Scottish Government has had with the Scottish Qualifications Authority and the teaching profession regarding proposed changes to the Higher English curri","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what discussions the Scottish Government has had with the Scottish Qualifications Authority and the teaching profession regarding proposed changes to the Higher English curriculum.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-25T14:34:55.55","MeetingDate":"2012-06-14T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273554,"EventID":"S4F-00774","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":2080,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":87,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-11T14:34:55.707","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-11T14:25:42.817","Title":"To ask the First Minister what engagements he has planned for the rest of the day.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what engagements he has planned for the rest of the day.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-25T14:34:55.707","MeetingDate":"2012-06-14T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273555,"EventID":"S4W-07760","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4086,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-11T17:08:59.347","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-07T14:48:25","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what legal provision allows the exit strategy for the Knapdale beaver trial to be undertaken.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what legal provision allows the exit strategy for the Knapdale beaver trial to be undertaken.\r\n","AnswerText":"There is no need for an express legal provision allowing an exit strategy from the Scottish Beaver Trial at Knapdale as beavers are not currently a protected species in Scotland.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-25T17:08:59.363","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273556,"EventID":"S4W-07761","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4086,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-11T17:08:59.503","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-07T14:48:25","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what circumstances have changed since Scottish Natural Heritage’s unsuccessful application in 2005 for a beaver trial in Knapdale that has allowed the current trial to pr","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what circumstances have changed since Scottish Natural Heritage’s unsuccessful application in 2005 for a beaver trial in Knapdale that has allowed the current trial to proceed.\r\n","AnswerText":"The application in 2007 for a licence to conduct a beaver reintroduction trial at Knapdale was carefully considered on its merits. The decision was taken to grant a licence. It would not be appropriate to comment on the decision of a previous administration in 2005.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-25T17:08:59.503","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273557,"EventID":"S4W-07765","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4934,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-11T17:08:59.583","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-07T16:17:10.6","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to (a) protect and (b) conserve juniper.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to (a) protect and (b) conserve juniper.\r\n","AnswerText":"There are a number of options available to land managers to support action to plant or enhance juniper under the Scotland Rural Development Programme (SRDP). Forestry Commission Scotland (FCS) have published a technical guidance note on how SRDP grants may help juniper conservation, and are supporting Plantlife Scotland to offer site-specific advice and guidance for land managers in targeted areas.\r\nFCS has made juniper one of 6 priority species in its Biodiversity Programme, Woods for Nature. Action by FCS is set out in a Species Action Note and it includes: survey of juniper populations on the National Forest Estate; collecting seed to establish a programme of juniper plant production in a nursery; and targeted management to stimulate natural regeneration or carry out planting to bolster remnant populations and create new juniper populations in forests. A significant amount of juniper planting is being carried out in a native woodland restoration project by Loch Katrine.\r\nForest Research is investigating how to promote natural regeneration of juniper populations using cattle grazing at trial sites.\r\nFCS is leading work to assess and respond to the risk of a fungus-like plant pathogen, Phythophthora austrocedrae, and has formed an Outbreak Management Team which includes the land manager, Scottish Natural Heritage, Plantlife Scotland and Forest Research.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-25T17:08:59.583","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273558,"EventID":"S4W-07766","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4934,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-11T17:08:59.707","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-07T16:17:10.6","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether landowners must seek official permission before removing juniper stands.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether landowners must seek official permission before removing juniper stands.\r\n","AnswerText":"Whether landowners need to seek permission before removing juniper stands will depend on a number of factors, including the size of the trees, the intended use of the land once cleared and any designation the land has for the purpose of nature protection.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-25T17:08:59.707","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273559,"EventID":"S4W-07767","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4934,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-11T17:08:59.77","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-07T16:17:10.6","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Scottish Biodiversity Strategy review will consider juniper conservation.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Scottish Biodiversity Strategy review will consider juniper conservation.\r\n","AnswerText":"The review of the Scottish Biodiversity Strategy has been considering the importance of the natural environment to our health, well-being and economic prosperity. While this has consequences for measures to support individual species, such as juniper, species level actions are not considered in the forthcoming consultation paper.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-25T17:08:59.77","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273560,"EventID":"S4W-07784","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2059,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":91,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-11T17:08:59.863","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-08T10:34:38.993","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the total value is of the contracts that it has issued under the 2012-13 Universal Home Insulation Scheme.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the total value is of the contracts that it has issued under the 2012-13 Universal Home Insulation Scheme.\r\n","AnswerText":"In 2012-13, the Scottish Government has made awards of grant totalling just over £16.5 million split between all 32 Scottish local authorities, all of which are participating in the Universal Home Insulation Scheme. In previous years, grant expenditure has leveraged in approximately half as much again from CERT and other sources. The grant covers both local authority contract costs and administration. Local authorities, not the Scottish Government, are responsible for issuing and managing contracts in connection with the Universal Home Insulation Scheme.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-25T17:08:59.863","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273561,"EventID":"S4W-07785","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2059,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":91,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-11T17:08:59.957","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-08T10:34:38.993","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will provide a geographical breakdown of the contracts that it has allocated under the 2012-13 Universal Home Insulation Scheme.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will provide a geographical breakdown of the contracts that it has allocated under the 2012-13 Universal Home Insulation Scheme.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government is not responsible for issuing and managing contracts in connection with the Universal Home Insulation Scheme: this is done by local authorities, who receive grant assistance from the Scottish Government. A list of the grant assistance made to individual local authorities is available here:\r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Built-Environment/Housing/warmhomes/uhis/areas.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-25T17:08:59.957","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273562,"EventID":"S4W-07786","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2059,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":91,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-11T17:09:00.067","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-08T10:34:38.993","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what organisations have been allocated contracts under the 2012-13 Universal Home Insulation Scheme and where they are located.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what organisations have been allocated contracts under the 2012-13 Universal Home Insulation Scheme and where they are located.\r\n","AnswerText":"Local authorities, rather than the Scottish Government, are responsible for issuing and managing contracts in connection with the Universal Home Insulation Scheme and therefore the Scottish Government does not hold this information. I refer the member to the answers to questions S4W-7784 and S4W-7785 on 22 June 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-25T17:09:00.067","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273563,"EventID":"S4W-07790","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-11T17:09:00.173","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-08T15:05:29","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with the UK Government regarding the sharing of intelligence services.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with the UK Government regarding the sharing of intelligence services.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive engages with the UK Government regularly on matters related to National Security.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-25T17:09:00.173","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273564,"EventID":"S4W-07791","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-11T17:09:00.27","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-08T15:10:47","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many operations have been cancelled as a result of the recent Legionalla outbeak in Edinburgh and what contingencies NHS Lothian has put in place to (a) deal with the","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many operations have been cancelled as a result of the recent Legionalla outbeak in Edinburgh and what contingencies NHS Lothian has put in place to (a) deal with the outbreak and (b) ensure that other services are conducted as normal.","AnswerText":"NHS Lothian has reported that the number of elective procedures cancelled as a result of the Legionella impact on critical care services has been minimal. The board will continue to monitor the impact until the end of the outbreak has been confirmed. From 4 June until 13 June eight elective procedures were cancelled, all of which have already been rescheduled.\r\nNHS Lothian quickly established a daily teleconference and control room as part of NHS Lothian's Business Continuity processes to ensure the availability of adequate intensive care and high dependency unit beds. An increase in capacity within critical care was quickly addressed to enable NHS Lothian to ensure that as many services as possible were conducted as normal.\r\nIn addition, NHS Lothian made contact with other NHS boards to make them aware of the potential need to request mutual aid. This was not required but was in place if needed.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-25T17:09:00.283","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273565,"EventID":"S4W-07804","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":138,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-11T17:09:00.393","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-09T16:35:55","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S4W-07532 by John Swinney on 8 June 2012, whether it will provide the GDP information in sterling.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S4W-07532 by John Swinney on 8 June 2012, whether it will provide the GDP information in sterling.\r\n","AnswerText":"The GDP per capita estimates provided in the answer to question S4W-07532 are expressed as a Purchasing Power Standard. The PPS is produced by Eurostat and takes into account differences in national price levels in order to allow for meaningful comparisons of GDP per capita over countries. \r\nWe are therefore unable to provide the information presented in the table in the answer to question S4W-07532 in sterling.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-25T17:09:00.393","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273566,"EventID":"S4W-07805","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":138,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-11T17:09:00.533","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-09T17:26:58","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its response is to Quarriers' recent survey of people with epilepsy that claimed that 55% of respondents believed that discrimination toward them was widespread.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its response is to Quarriers' recent survey of people with epilepsy that claimed that 55% of respondents believed that discrimination toward them was widespread.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government is committed to making Scotland a place where everyone is treated fairly, has the chance to live their lives without prejudice or discrimination and achieve their full potential, in all aspects of their lives.\r\nThere has been good progress in addressing discrimination in the delivery of health services and making measurable progress in equality and good relations. However we are not complacent and recognise we need to ensure that Scottish Government Health and Social Care Directorates and NHS boards continue to engage in this agenda at all levels.\r\nEpilepsy Scotland has been working to improve employment opportunities for people with epilepsy. Its employer of the year award has been supported with funding from the Scottish Government, with the aim of raising awareness and reducing stigma associated with epilepsy by promoting best practice across Scotland. The award acknowledges employers who give outstanding support to employees with epilepsy.\r\nWe also recognise the invaluable service and support that Quarriers offers people living with epilepsy. We have provided £1 million funding to Quarriers to help build their new Scottish Epilepsy Centre which is expected to be completed next year. A consortium of NHS boards has also contributed further funding of £2 million to support this project.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-25T17:09:00.533","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273567,"EventID":"S4W-07806","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":138,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-11T17:09:00.643","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-09T17:26:58","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to tackle depressive illness. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to tackle depressive illness. ","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has a range of actions in place to support people experiencing depression, including: improved access to psychological therapies, with a HEAT target to deliver faster access to mental health services by delivering 18 weeks’ referral to treatment for psychological therapies from December 2014; action to tackle alcohol misuse, including through availability of alcohol brief interventions; improving public awareness of what can be done to help prevent suicide – e.g. through Choose Life’s “Don’t Hide It. Talk About It” campaign, and continued funding of sources of support such as Breathing Space and Samaritans. \r\nThe Scottish Government will be publishing a new mental health strategy shortly, and will continue to work with our partner agencies in the NHS, local government and the third sector to provide a wide range of care, treatment and support.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-25T17:09:00.643","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273568,"EventID":"S4W-07807","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2876,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-11T17:09:00.753","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-11T11:19:55.753","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what role youth organisations play in supporting the learning and development of young people through the Curriculum for Excellence.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what role youth organisations play in supporting the learning and development of young people through the Curriculum for Excellence.\r\n","AnswerText":"Youth work organisations have a key role to play in supporting the delivery of Curriculum for Excellence and the wide range of government policies that are improving young people’s wellbeing and life chances.\r\nYouth work services include training and awards programmes, literacy projects, outdoor education, volunteering opportunities, community activities, anti-violence initiatives, healthy living programmes, inter-generational initiatives and a wide range of sports, arts and cultural activities.\r\nThrough youth work services and programmes, young people are involved in a wide and diverse range of activities that enhance their learning, develop their confidence, recognise their achievements, build capacity and skills and help them to prepare for further learning and employment.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-25T17:09:00.753","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273569,"EventID":"S4W-07811","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-11T17:09:00.86","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-11T11:29:40.687","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action is taken by NHS Lothian to ensure that it has sufficient numbers of (a) intensive care and (b) high dependency unit beds to respond to emergency public health","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action is taken by NHS Lothian to ensure that it has sufficient numbers of (a) intensive care and (b) high dependency unit beds to respond to emergency public health concerns while delivering other services as normal.  ","AnswerText":"NHS Lothian quickly established a daily teleconference and control room as part of NHS Lothian's Business Continuity processes to ensure the availability of adequate intensive care and high dependency unit beds. An increase in capacity within critical care was quickly addressed to enable NHS Lothian to ensure that as many services as possible were conducted as normal.\r\nIn addition, NHS Lothian made contact with other NHS boards to make them aware of the potential need to request mutual aid, this was not required but was in place if needed.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-25T17:09:00.86","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273570,"EventID":"S4W-07813","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-11T17:09:00.97","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-11T13:42:30","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much transport expenditure there has been in each (a) regional transport partnership and (b) local authority area in each of the last five years, also expressed on a ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much transport expenditure there has been in each (a) regional transport partnership and (b) local authority area in each of the last five years, also expressed on a per capita basis.\r\n","AnswerText":"Information about Transport Scotland expenditure on transport and roads can be found in table 10.1 of the publication Scottish Transport Statistics http://www.transportscotland.gov.uk/strategy-and-research/publications-and-consultations/j205779-152.htm. However, the information cannot easily be broken down by local authority area.\r\nThe following tables provide both capital and revenue expenditure and expenditure per capita by regional transport partnership area and local authority area: \r\nNet Revenue Expenditure on Roads and Transport\r\nLocal Authority\r\n2006-07\r\n2007-08\r\n2008-09\r\n2009-10\r\n2010-11\r\n\r\n£ thousand\r\n£ thousand\r\n£ thousand\r\n£ thousand\r\n£ thousand\r\nAberdeen City\r\n10,766\r\n10,336\r\n10,629\r\n11,461\r\n9,995\r\nAberdeenshire\r\n22,044\r\n23,423\r\n27,467\r\n31,223\r\n30,989\r\nAngus\r\n14,351\r\n15,977\r\n16,443\r\n17,932\r\n13,461\r\nArgyll and Bute\r\n13,026\r\n14,671\r\n18,184\r\n18,766\r\n20,377\r\nClackmannanshire\r\n3,324\r\n3,222\r\n3,382\r\n3,956\r\n3,672\r\nDumfries and Galloway\r\n19,846\r\n19,743\r\n20,749\r\n21,533\r\n22,229\r\nDundee City\r\n7,867\r\n6,787\r\n3,751\r\n8,217\r\n9,628\r\nEast Ayrshire\r\n10,713\r\n11,370\r\n11,365\r\n11,859\r\n12,806\r\nEast Dunbartonshire\r\n8,860\r\n7,577\r\n7,363\r\n7,535\r\n9,192\r\nEast Lothian\r\n6,099\r\n6,413\r\n7,189\r\n7,171\r\n9,124\r\nEast Renfrewshire\r\n10,586\r\n10,687\r\n10,440\r\n7,427\r\n7,679\r\nEdinburgh, City of\r\n13,879\r\n10,566\r\n11,549\r\n14,492\r\n15,946\r\nEilean Siar\r\n7,778\r\n8,355\r\n9,263\r\n9,747\r\n10,127\r\nFalkirk\r\n11,110\r\n10,498\r\n11,079\r\n11,971\r\n12,982\r\nFife\r\n29,828\r\n30,777\r\n34,710\r\n38,572\r\n41,504\r\nGlasgow City\r\n38,432\r\n42,328\r\n38,287\r\n35,725\r\n33,396\r\nHighland\r\n23,737\r\n26,775\r\n31,808\r\n32,487\r\n32,340\r\nInverclyde\r\n4,649\r\n4,113\r\n4,698\r\n4,754\r\n6,150\r\nMidlothian\r\n7,168\r\n5,841\r\n8,431\r\n8,181\r\n9,895\r\nMoray\r\n8,376\r\n8,059\r\n8,984\r\n10,415\r\n9,014\r\nNorth Ayrshire\r\n10,910\r\n11,279\r\n11,678\r\n13,310\r\n12,847\r\nNorth Lanarkshire\r\n23,526\r\n28,178\r\n32,381\r\n34,280\r\n34,972\r\nOrkney Islands\r\n10,880\r\n11,316\r\n13,259\r\n13,519\r\n13,327\r\nPerth and Kinross\r\n13,767\r\n15,535\r\n14,600\r\n15,028\r\n15,783\r\nRenfrewshire\r\n12,175\r\n12,270\r\n13,278\r\n14,562\r\n13,847\r\nScottish Borders\r\n13,221\r\n13,558\r\n14,494\r\n14,361\r\n19,797\r\nShetland Islands\r\n18,018\r\n17,994\r\n19,366\r\n20,801\r\n20,979\r\nSouth Ayrshire\r\n9,887\r\n9,966\r\n10,025\r\n9,603\r\n9,570\r\nSouth Lanarkshire\r\n32,242\r\n32,716\r\n31,609\r\n35,108\r\n37,163\r\nStirling\r\n7,058\r\n7,347\r\n8,537\r\n8,745\r\n10,469\r\nWest Dunbartonshire\r\n5,787\r\n5,920\r\n6,469\r\n6,312\r\n5,987\r\nWest Lothian\r\n13,152\r\n14,684\r\n16,206\r\n17,998\r\n19,800\r\nHITRANS\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\nNESTRANS\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n920\r\n300\r\nSESTRAN\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\nSWESTRANS\r\n816\r\n917\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\nSPT\r\n-12,882\r\n-13,335\r\n-34,735\r\n-32,350\r\n-32,727\r\nTACTRAN\r\n0\r\n0\r\n-10\r\n0\r\n-36\r\nZetTrans\r\n924\r\n1,516\r\n197\r\n106\r\n46\r\nSource: Local Financial Returns (LFR 05)\r\n\r\nNet Revenue Expenditure per capita on Roads and Transport\r\nLocal Authority\r\n2006-07\r\n2007-08\r\n2008-09\r\n2009-10\r\n2010-11\r\n\r\n£ \r\n£ \r\n£ \r\n£ \r\n£ \r\nAberdeen City\r\n52\r\n49\r\n51\r\n54\r\n46\r\nAberdeenshire\r\n93\r\n98\r\n114\r\n128\r\n126\r\nAngus\r\n131\r\n145\r\n149\r\n163\r\n122\r\nArgyll and Bute\r\n143\r\n161\r\n201\r\n208\r\n228\r\nClackmannanshire\r\n68\r\n65\r\n67\r\n78\r\n73\r\nDumfries and Galloway\r\n134\r\n133\r\n140\r\n145\r\n150\r\nDundee City\r\n55\r\n48\r\n26\r\n57\r\n67\r\nEast Ayrshire\r\n90\r\n95\r\n95\r\n99\r\n107\r\nEast Dunbartonshire\r\n84\r\n72\r\n70\r\n72\r\n88\r\nEast Lothian\r\n66\r\n68\r\n75\r\n74\r\n94\r\nEast Renfrewshire\r\n119\r\n120\r\n117\r\n83\r\n86\r\nEdinburgh, City of\r\n30\r\n23\r\n24\r\n30\r\n33\r\nEilean Siar\r\n295\r\n318\r\n354\r\n372\r\n387\r\nFalkirk\r\n74\r\n70\r\n73\r\n79\r\n85\r\nFife\r\n83\r\n85\r\n96\r\n106\r\n114\r\nGlasgow City\r\n66\r\n73\r\n66\r\n61\r\n56\r\nHighland\r\n110\r\n123\r\n145\r\n147\r\n146\r\nInverclyde\r\n57\r\n51\r\n58\r\n59\r\n77\r\nMidlothian\r\n90\r\n73\r\n105\r\n101\r\n122\r\nMoray\r\n97\r\n93\r\n102\r\n119\r\n103\r\nNorth Ayrshire\r\n81\r\n83\r\n86\r\n98\r\n95\r\nNorth Lanarkshire\r\n73\r\n87\r\n99\r\n105\r\n107\r\nOrkney Islands\r\n550\r\n570\r\n667\r\n677\r\n663\r\nPerth and Kinross\r\n98\r\n109\r\n101\r\n103\r\n107\r\nRenfrewshire\r\n72\r\n72\r\n78\r\n86\r\n81\r\nScottish Borders\r\n120\r\n122\r\n129\r\n127\r\n175\r\nShetland Islands\r\n823\r\n820\r\n881\r\n937\r\n937\r\nSouth Ayrshire\r\n89\r\n89\r\n90\r\n86\r\n86\r\nSouth Lanarkshire\r\n105\r\n106\r\n102\r\n113\r\n119\r\nStirling\r\n80\r\n83\r\n97\r\n99\r\n117\r\nWest Dunbartonshire\r\n63\r\n65\r\n71\r\n69\r\n66\r\nWest Lothian\r\n79\r\n88\r\n96\r\n105\r\n115\r\nHITRANS\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\nNESTRAN","AnswerDate":"2012-06-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-25T17:09:00.97","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273571,"EventID":"S4W-07814","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-11T17:09:01.08","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-11T13:42:30","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many social care workers have been registered in (a) Aberdeen City, (b) Aberdeenshire and (c) Angus in each of the last three years.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many social care workers have been registered in (a) Aberdeen City, (b) Aberdeenshire and (c) Angus in each of the last three years.\r\n","AnswerText":"This is a matter for the Scottish Social Services Council, the regulator of the social services workforce in Scotland. The information requested is not held centrally by the Scottish Government.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-25T17:09:01.08","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Aileen Campbell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273572,"EventID":"S4W-07815","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2876,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-11T17:09:01.203","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-11T13:58:47","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the first data for the child fluoride varnish 2014 HEAT target will be published.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the first data for the child fluoride varnish 2014 HEAT target will be published.","AnswerText":"Information Services Division plans to publish the first data on the child fluoride varnishing HEAT target in October 2012. This data will relate to the position as at 31 March 2012.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-25T17:09:01.203","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273591,"EventID":"S4W-07830","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":2,"MSPID":2675,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":93,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-12T10:03:02.273","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-12T09:36:26","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many carbon units will be credited to or debited from the 2011 net Scottish emissions account as a result of the operation of the EU Emissions Trading System.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many carbon units will be credited to or debited from the 2011 net Scottish emissions account as a result of the operation of the EU Emissions Trading System.\r\n","AnswerText":"Having noted the advice of SEPA, Scottish Ministers have determined that in relation to the operation of the EU Emissions Trading System in Scotland during 2011, 2,966,703 units will be debited from the 2011 net Scottish emissions account.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-26T10:03:02.35","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273609,"EventID":"S4W-07673","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-12T17:32:55.877","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-06T09:59:20","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans there are to increase the number of foreign language assistants and whether it will provide funding toward this.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans there are to increase the number of foreign language assistants and whether it will provide funding toward this.\r\n","AnswerText":"Scottish Government funds British Council Scotland to administer the Foreign Language Programme in Scotland, including promoting the value of Foreign Language Assistants to local authorities who are responsible for employing assistants in their schools. As a result of the Council’s work there will be 73 Foreign Language Assistants in Scottish  schools in 2012-13 compared with 59 in 2011-12.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-26T17:32:55.957","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alasdair Allan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273610,"EventID":"S4W-07674","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-12T17:32:56.063","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-06T09:59:20","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what recent discussions it has had with (a) the British Council and (b) local authorities regarding increasing the number of foreign language assistants.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what recent discussions it has had with (a) the British Council and (b) local authorities regarding increasing the number of foreign language assistants.\r\n","AnswerText":"Scottish Government officials meet regularly with British Council Scotland as part of the arrangements for funding the Foreign Language Assistants programme. British Council Scotland report that there will be 73 Foreign Language Assistants in Scotland in 2012-13 compared with 59 in 2011-12.\r\nScottish Government officials have also met with COSLA to discuss the Foreign Language Assistants Programme as part of the 1+2 languages commitment.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-26T17:32:56.063","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alasdair Allan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273611,"EventID":"S4W-07676","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-12T17:32:56.143","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-06T09:59:20","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what schools have been selected to take part in the pilot language 1+2 project and what criteria were used for selecting these schools.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what schools have been selected to take part in the pilot language 1+2 project and what criteria were used for selecting these schools.\r\n","AnswerText":"Scottish Government will be discussing arrangements for the 1+2 pilot programme with SCILT (Scotland’s National Centre for Languages), Education Scotland and local authorities over the summer.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-26T17:32:56.143","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alasdair Allan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273612,"EventID":"S4W-07677","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-12T17:32:56.203","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-06T09:59:20","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how the pilot language 1+2 project will be (a) monitored and (b) evaluated.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how the pilot language 1+2 project will be (a) monitored and (b) evaluated.\r\n","AnswerText":"Scottish Government will develop an engagement strategy for delivering the 1+2 languages commitment which will involve all key stakeholders. Education Scotland, in particular, will be involved in monitoring and evaluating progress over the period of the pilot project programme in 2012-13 and the wider implementation from 2013-14 onwards.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-26T17:32:56.22","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alasdair Allan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273613,"EventID":"S4W-07679","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-12T17:32:56.3","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-06T09:59:20","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assessment it has made of the cost of rolling out the 1+2 language programme.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assessment it has made of the cost of rolling out the 1+2 language programme.","AnswerText":"Scottish Government will consider with stakeholders, including COSLA and local authorities, the resource implications of the recommendations of the Languages Working Group Report, Language Learning in Scotland: A 1+2 Approach, published on 17 May 2012. Ministers will respond formally to the report in the Autumn.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-26T17:32:56.3","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alasdair Allan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273614,"EventID":"S4W-07680","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-12T17:32:56.377","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-06T09:59:20","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many teachers will be required to implement the 1+2 language programme and how many will require language training.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many teachers will be required to implement the 1+2 language programme and how many will require language training.\r\n","AnswerText":"Scottish Government will work with local authorities and initial teacher education providers to take forward the recommendations of the Languages Working Group Report, Language Learning in Scotland: A 1+2 Approach, which includes recommendations for an audit of teacher numbers and skills to support implementation of the 1+2 languages commitment.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-26T17:32:56.377","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alasdair Allan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273615,"EventID":"S4W-07682","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-12T17:32:56.453","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-06T09:59:20","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many teachers have the language skills required to implement the 1+2 language programme. \r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many teachers have the language skills required to implement the 1+2 language programme. \r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-07680 on 26 June 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-26T17:32:56.453","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alasdair Allan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273616,"EventID":"S4W-07683","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-12T17:32:56.533","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-06T09:59:20","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to extend compulsory language teaching to S3 and S4. \r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to extend compulsory language teaching to S3 and S4. \r\n","AnswerText":"Under Curriculum for Excellence all pupils in secondary schools have an entitlement to learning languages as part of the broad general education to the end of S3. This includes learning across all of the experiences and outcomes to the third level of Curriculum for Excellence.\r\nIn the senior phase – from S4 to S6 – young people will have options and choices to take a range of national qualifications, including those which emphasise the value of languages skills for life and work.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-26T17:32:56.533","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alasdair Allan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273617,"EventID":"S4W-07757","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-12T17:32:56.593","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-07T14:46:04.057","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what medicines have been approved by the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence but not by the Scottish Medicines Consortium.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what medicines have been approved by the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence but not by the Scottish Medicines Consortium.\r\n","AnswerText":"From August 2006 to May 2012 NICE has published 93 Single Technology Assessments (STAs) on new medicines. There are 8 medicines that have been recommended by NICE and not yet recommended by the Scottish Medicines Consortium (SMC) as follows.\r\nMedicine\r\nIndication\r\nComments\r\nInfliximab\r\nUlcerative colitis (subacute manifestations)\r\n\r\nTrabectedin\r\nSoft tissue sarcoma\r\n\r\nPemetrexed \r\nNon-small cell lung cancer (maintenance)\r\n\r\nGefitinib\r\nNon-small cell lung cancer (first line)\r\n\r\nTrastuzumab\r\nGastric cancer (HER2 positive)\r\n\r\nPrucalopride\r\nChronic constipation (women)\r\n\r\nGolimumab\r\nPsoriatic arthritis\r\nResubmission currently being assessed by SMC. Advice due \r\n09-07-12\r\nFingolimod\r\nMultiple sclerosis\r\nResubmission currently being assessed by SMC. Advice due \r\n10-09-12\r\n\r\nThe following medicines were not recommended by SMC and NICE have recommended them at Final Appraisal Determination stage, but final guidance has not yet been issued (both due June 2012).\r\nMedicine\r\nIndication\r\nComments\r\nAbiraterone\r\nMetastatic prostate cancer\r\nResubmission currently being assessed by SMC. Advice due 13-08-12\r\nBotulinum toxin\r\nChronic migraine (headache prevention)\r\n\r\n\r\nFrom August 2006 to May 2012 the following medicines have been accepted by the Scottish Medicines Consortium (SMC) and not recommended by the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) through the Single Technology Appraisal (STA) process.\r\nNICE STA\r\nMedicine\r\nIndication\r\nTA119\r\nFludarabine\r\nB-cell chronic lymphocytic leukaemia\r\nTA124\r\nPemetrexed\r\nNon-small cell lung cancer (locally advanced or metastatic)\r\nTA154\r\nTelbivudine\r\nChronic hepatitis B\r\nTA196\r\nImatinib\r\nGastrointestinal stromal tumours (adjuvant treatment)\r\nTA201\r\nOmalizumab\r\nSevere persistent allergic asthma in children\r\nTA205\r\nEltrombopag\r\nChronic immune (idiopathic) thrombocytopenic purpura \r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-07-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-26T17:32:56.593","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273618,"EventID":"S4W-07758","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-12T17:32:56.673","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-07T14:46:04.057","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive for what reason NHS boards use drug and therapeutic committees to approve the use of cancer medicines that have already been approved by the Scottish Medicines Consortium","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive for what reason NHS boards use drug and therapeutic committees to approve the use of cancer medicines that have already been approved by the Scottish Medicines Consortium.\r\n","AnswerText":"NHS board area drugs and therapeutics committees review a medicine that has been accepted by the Scottish Medicines Consortium in the context of existing comparable medicines available to treat the same condition via the board’s formulary or approved list. They do this by taking an overview of its place in therapy within current pathways, and determining the treatment protocol(s) and resource and service implications of its local implementation. The committee will then make a recommendation to the NHS board on whether or not to include the drug in the local formulary.\r\nAs stated in CMO (2012) 1, where a drug is not included on a local formulary, NHS boards are now expected to state what the alternative drug is.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-26T17:32:56.673","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273619,"EventID":"S4W-07775","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1759,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-12T17:32:56.75","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-08T10:27:01.62","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many special protection areas under the EU birds directive are in (a) satisfactory, (b) improving, (c) unfavourable and (d) unfavourable declining condition, and how ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many special protection areas under the EU birds directive are in (a) satisfactory, (b) improving, (c) unfavourable and (d) unfavourable declining condition, and how many are in the management control of the owner or occupier.\r\n","AnswerText":"The information requested is provided in the following table.\r\nTotal Number of SPAs\r\n153\r\nTotal number of SPA features:\r\n610\r\nof which are in satisfactory condition\r\n408\r\nof which are in improving condition\r\n12\r\nof which are in unfavourable condition\r\n44\r\nof which are in unfavourable/declining condition\r\n127\r\nof which are not assessed\r\n19\r\nNumber of features which are wholly or partially under assured management of the owner or occupier\r\n276\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-26T17:32:56.75","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273620,"EventID":"S4W-07776","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1759,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-12T17:32:56.83","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-08T10:27:01.62","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many special areas of conservation under the EU habitats directive are in (a) satisfactory, (b) improving, (c) unfavourable and (d) unfavourable declining condition, ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many special areas of conservation under the EU habitats directive are in (a) satisfactory, (b) improving, (c) unfavourable and (d) unfavourable declining condition, and how many are in the management control of the owner or occupier.","AnswerText":"The information requested is provided in the following table.\r\nTotal Number of SACs\r\n239\r\nTotal number of SAC features\r\n885\r\nof which are in satisfactory condition\r\n461\r\nof which are in improving condition\r\n153\r\nof which are in unfavourable condition\r\n188\r\nof which are in unfavourable/declining condition\r\n65\r\nof which are not assessed\r\n18\r\nNumber of features which are wholly or partially under assured management of the owner or occupier\r\n499\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-26T17:32:56.83","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273621,"EventID":"S4W-07777","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1759,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-12T17:32:56.89","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-08T10:27:01.62","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many sites of special scientific interest under the Nature Conservation (Scotland) Act 2004 or predecessor legislation are in (a) satisfactory, (b) improving, (c) unf","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many sites of special scientific interest under the Nature Conservation (Scotland) Act 2004 or predecessor legislation are in (a) satisfactory, (b) improving, (c) unfavourable and (d) unfavourable declining condition, and how many are in the management control of the owner or occupier.\r\n","AnswerText":"The information requested in relation to Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs) is provided in the following table.\r\nTotal Number of SSSIs\r\n1,439\r\nTotal number of SSSI features\r\n3,711\r\nof which are in satisfactory condition\r\n2,392\r\nof which are in improving condition\r\n410\r\nof which are in unfavourable condition\r\n295\r\nof which are in unfavourable/declining condition\r\n435\r\nof which are not assessed\r\n179\r\nNumber of features which are wholly or partially under assured management of the owner or occupier\r\n1,358\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-26T17:32:56.89","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273622,"EventID":"S4W-07778","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1759,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-12T17:32:56.97","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-08T10:27:01.62","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action can be taken against land (a) owners or (b) occupiers managing (i) sites of special scientific interest, (ii) special areas of conservation or (iii) special p","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action can be taken against land (a) owners or (b) occupiers managing (i) sites of special scientific interest, (ii) special areas of conservation or (iii) special protection areas that have been classified as being in (A) unfavourable and (B) unfavourable declining condition.\r\n","AnswerText":"Should action be necessary, Scottish Natural Heritage will in the first instance seek to encourage voluntary changes to land management under Rural Development Contracts – Rural Priorities. Where management not covered by Rural Priorities is required, SNH may enter into a Management Agreement. Should compulsory action be required, the available options are provided in the following table.\r\nStatutory Power\r\nRelevant Legislation\r\nPower Exercised by\r\nCircumstances\r\nDeer control agreement (section 7 agreement)\r\ns.7 Deer (Scotland) Act 1996\r\nSNH and land owner(s)\r\nFor preventing or remedying damage to the natural heritage caused by deer.\r\nDeer control scheme (section 8 control scheme)\r\ns.8 Deer (Scotland) Act 1996\r\nSNH, confirmed by Scottish Ministers\r\nFor preventing or remedying damage to the natural heritage caused by deer.\r\nNature Conservation Order\r\ns.23 Nature Conservation (Scotland) Act 2004\r\nScottish Ministers\r\nFor conservation of an SSSI or Natura feature.\r\nLand Management Order\r\ns.30 Nature Conservation (Scotland) Act 2004\r\nScottish Ministers, following a formal proposal made to Ministers and the land manager by SNH\r\nFor conserving, restoring or enhancing a SSSI or Natura feature.\r\nSpecies control order (from 2 July 2012)\r\ns. 14D Wildlife & Countryside Act 1981 \r\nSNH, SEPA, Forestry Commission Scotland, Scottish Ministers \r\nFor the eradication of invasive non-native plants or animals.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-26T17:32:56.97","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273623,"EventID":"S4W-07779","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1759,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-12T17:32:57.047","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-08T10:27:01.62","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive which (a) special protection areas or (b) special areas of conservation have been damaged in each of the last five years; what the nature of the damage was; what action w","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive which (a) special protection areas or (b) special areas of conservation have been damaged in each of the last five years; what the nature of the damage was; what action was taken to repair it; what compensation was paid, and what reports it made to the European Commission.\r\n","AnswerText":"The information requested has been supplied by Scottish Natural Heritage and placed in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre (Bib. number 54061). No compensation has been paid in relation to the incidents and none of the incidents have been reported to the EU.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-26T17:32:57.063","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273624,"EventID":"S4W-07780","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1759,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-12T17:32:57.127","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-08T10:27:01.62","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive which (a) special protection areas or (b) special areas of conservation have deteriorated in condition in each of the last five years; what the nature of the deterioratio","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive which (a) special protection areas or (b) special areas of conservation have deteriorated in condition in each of the last five years; what the nature of the deterioration was; what action was taken to repair it; what compensation was paid, and what reports it made to the European Commission.\r\n","AnswerText":"SNH has recorded the deterioration of one or more features at 36 of the 153 Special Protection Areas (SPA) and 34 of the 239 Special Areas of Conservation (SAC) in Scotland in the last five years. Details have been placed in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre (Bib. number 54110).\r\nBy March 2012, 77% of nature sites (including Sites of Special Scientific Interest) were assessed as being in a favourable condition, an increase from 71% in 2004. Where features are determined as being in unfavourable condition, SNH applies its “Remedies” process to identify the pressures and suitable remedial action.  Mechanisms to deliver management change include collaboration through the Joint Working programme (for sites which have been surveyed and found to be in poor condition due to grazing and trampling impacts), applications for Scotland Rural Development Programme funding and voluntary changes in management. Case study examples demonstrating a range of actions to improve the condition of designated sites is available on the SNH website via the following web-link:\r\nhttp://www.snh.gov.uk/docs/B730755.pdf\r\nNo compensation has been paid as a result of SPA or SAC deterioration.\r\nSNH does not report changes in the condition of features on individual SPA or SAC sites to the European Commission. Reports under the requirements of the EC Habitats and Birds Directives are compiled at a UK level by the Joint Nature Conservation Committee. Further information is available via the following web-link: \r\nhttp://jncc.defra.gov.uk/default.aspx?page=5327.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-07-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-26T17:32:57.14","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273625,"EventID":"S4W-07781","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1759,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-12T17:32:57.203","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-08T10:27:01.62","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive which special protection areas have hen harriers as a qualifying species and what the hen harrier population on the sites (a) was at the time of classification and (b) is","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive which special protection areas have hen harriers as a qualifying species and what the hen harrier population on the sites (a) was at the time of classification and (b) is based on the latest estimate.\r\n","AnswerText":"The information requested is provided in the following table (it is not possible to provide estimates for 2012 as this year’s breeding season is still underway).\r\nArea\r\nPairs at Time of SPA Classification\r\nYear of  SPA Classification\r\nPairs at Most Recent Assessment\r\nYear of Most Recent Assessment\r\nArran Moors\r\n21\r\n2003\r\n12\r\n2009\r\nCaithness and Sutherland Peatlands\r\n14\r\n1999\r\n17-19\r\n2003\r\nForest of Clunie\r\n20\r\n2001\r\n11\r\n2011\r\nGlen App and Galloway Moors\r\n10\r\n2003\r\n10\r\n2008\r\nGlen Tanar\r\n6\r\n1994\r\n1\r\n2010\r\nLangholm - Newcastleton Hills\r\n13\r\n2001\r\n1\r\n2011\r\nMuirkirk and North Lowther Uplands\r\n29.2\r\n2003\r\n7\r\n2011\r\nOrkney Mainland Moors (including Sleat Moss extension)\r\n28\r\n2000 (extension classified in 2008)\r\n41\r\n2006\r\nRenfrewshire Heights\r\n10\r\n2007\r\n1\r\n2011\r\nRinns of Islay\r\n7\r\n1995\r\n19\r\n2006\r\nStrath Carnaig and Strath Fleet Moors\r\n12\r\n2008\r\n12\r\n2005\r\nLoch of Inch and Torrs Warren (non-breeding site)\r\n8 (individuals)\r\n\r\n1999\r\n11 (individuals) (avge)\r\n2001-2006\r\nRiver Spey and Insh Marshes (non-breeding site)\r\n11 (individuals)\r\n\r\n1997\r\n5.6 (individuals) (avge)\r\n2005-2010\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-26T17:32:57.203","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273626,"EventID":"S4W-07782","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1759,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-12T17:32:57.28","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-08T10:27:01.62","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what proportion of sites of special scientific interest under the Nature Conservation (Scotland) Act 2004 or predecessor legislation are in favourable condition; what the","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what proportion of sites of special scientific interest under the Nature Conservation (Scotland) Act 2004 or predecessor legislation are in favourable condition; what the target for this is in the national performance framework; whether the target has been amended and, if so, for what reason.\r\n","AnswerText":"The latest figures tracking the proportion of protected features in favourable condition were released by Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) on 29 May 2012. They show that 77% of features at National (Sites of Special Scientific Interest), European (Special Areas of Conservation and Special Protection Areas) and international (Ramsar) levels were in favourable condition on 31 March 2012. The proportion of protected features on sites of special scientific interest in favourable condition by that date was 79%.\r\nSNH is currently working on advice to the Scottish Government on options for the formulation of a new target under the updated national indicator: “to improve the condition of protected nature sites”. This indicator was updated as part of the refresh of the National Performance Framework in December 2011 with the aim of improving clarity and ensuring that indicators are underpinned by targets that are up to date and reflect the Scottish Government’s current priorities.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-26T17:32:57.28","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273627,"EventID":"S4W-07789","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-12T17:32:57.373","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-08T11:46:49.517","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how long it took in 2011-12 for medicines that had been approved by the Scottish Medicines Consortium to be (a) approved by each area drug and therapeutic committee and (","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how long it took in 2011-12 for medicines that had been approved by the Scottish Medicines Consortium to be (a) approved by each area drug and therapeutic committee and (b) added to the appropriate clinical care pathway.\r\n","AnswerText":"The information requested is not available centrally.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-26T17:32:57.373","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273628,"EventID":"S4W-07792","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2108,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":141,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-12T17:32:57.453","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-08T15:16:53.903","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive (a) on what date and (b) how HM Revenue and Customs indicated that it would cost £22,274,000 to collect land and buildings transaction tax and landfill tax on behalf of t","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive (a) on what date and (b) how HM Revenue and Customs indicated that it would cost £22,274,000 to collect land and buildings transaction tax and landfill tax on behalf of the Scottish Government until 31 March 2020 (Official Report, c. 9909).\r\n","AnswerText":"HMRC provided a cost estimate for the administration of a like for like stamp duty land tax on 1 February 2012 and for a like for like landfill tax on 28 February 2012. These estimates were provided by email and are included within the overall Scottish Government estimates in my note to Scottish Parliament Information Centre (Bib. number 54051).\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-26T17:32:57.453","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273629,"EventID":"S4W-07793","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2108,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":141,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-12T17:32:57.53","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-08T15:16:53.903","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the statement by a representative of HM Revenue and Customs to the Finance Committee on 30 May 2012 that it had not provided estimates of costs as it had “not yet","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the statement by a representative of HM Revenue and Customs to the Finance Committee on 30 May 2012 that it had not provided estimates of costs as it had “not yet been told what kind of tax the Government wants to introduce” (Official Report, c. 1291) was accurate.\r\n","AnswerText":"As the official from HMRC confirmed to the Finance Committee of the Scottish Parliament, HMRC has not provided cost estimates for administering the devolved tax described in the Scottish Government’s consultation document.\r\nHMRC has provided indicative cost estimates for administration of “like for like” replacement taxes for Stamp Duty Land Tax and Landfill Tax. These estimates are included in my note to Scottish Parliament Information Centre (Bib. number 54051).\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-26T17:32:57.53","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273630,"EventID":"S4W-07794","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2108,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":141,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-12T17:32:57.61","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-08T15:16:53.903","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will publish its correspondence with HM Revenue and Customs regarding the cost of collecting stamp duty land tax and landfill tax on behalf of the Scottish Gov","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will publish its correspondence with HM Revenue and Customs regarding the cost of collecting stamp duty land tax and landfill tax on behalf of the Scottish Government.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the submission I have placed in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre (Bib. number 54051). This contains the cost estimates provided to the Scottish Government by HMRC.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-26T17:32:57.623","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273631,"EventID":"S4W-07795","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2108,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":141,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-12T17:32:57.687","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-08T15:16:53.903","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with (a) HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) and (b) trade unions regarding the future of the HMRC staff employed in Scotland as a result of the Sco","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with (a) HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) and (b) trade unions regarding the future of the HMRC staff employed in Scotland as a result of the Scottish Government's plan to set up a separate tax collection agency, and who was involved in such discussions.\r\n","AnswerText":"No formal discussions have taken place with HMRC regarding the future of HMRC staff employed in Scotland in relation to the Scottish Government’s proposal to establish Revenue Scotland. A first discussion between representatives of the Scottish Government Finance Directorate and the Council of Scottish Government Unions took place on Thursday 7 June.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-26T17:32:57.687","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273632,"EventID":"S4W-07796","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2108,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":141,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-12T17:32:57.78","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-08T15:16:53.903","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with business and industry representatives regarding its plan to set up a separate tax collection agency, broken down by (a) organisation and ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with business and industry representatives regarding its plan to set up a separate tax collection agency, broken down by (a) organisation and representatives, (b) date of meeting or correspondence and (c) ministers involved.\r\n","AnswerText":"Scottish Government officials discussed the proposal to establish Revenue Scotland with representatives of ICAS, The Law Society, Ernst and Young, Price Waterhouse Coopers, Deloitte and the Council of Scottish Government Unions on 7 June.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-26T17:32:57.78","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273633,"EventID":"S4W-07797","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2108,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":141,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-12T17:32:57.843","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-08T15:16:53.903","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the basis is for its figure of £16,706,000 for a separate tax collection agency to collect stamp duty land tax and landfill tax and whether this includes set-up, ong","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the basis is for its figure of £16,706,000 for a separate tax collection agency to collect stamp duty land tax and landfill tax and whether this includes set-up, ongoing and future contingency and running costs.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the note on costs of administering the devolved taxes that I have placed in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre (Bib. number 54051). This figure includes set-up, ongoing and future contingency and running costs. \r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-26T17:32:57.86","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273634,"EventID":"S4W-07798","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2108,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":141,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-12T17:32:57.92","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-08T15:16:53.903","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether HM Revenue and Customs has indicated that it is likely to (a) inhibit or (b) veto decisions of the Scottish Government in respect of fiscal policy and whether any","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether HM Revenue and Customs has indicated that it is likely to (a) inhibit or (b) veto decisions of the Scottish Government in respect of fiscal policy and whether any similar discussions have taken place with the (i) Bank of England or (ii) Treasury with respect to a Scotland separated from the rest of the UK using sterling.\r\n","AnswerText":"In evidence to the Scottish Parliament’s Finance Committee on 30 May 2012, HMRC set out the limitations of the role they would play in the collection and administration of the two replacement taxes devolved by the Scotland Act 2012:\r\n “If it (the Scottish Government) wants something that has a different framework or different rates, we would have to look at the details of what it wanted to do and decide whether it made sense for us to try to adapt our systems to operate that or whether we would need to say that it was so different that there would be no point in our trying to operate it.”\r\nThe Scottish Government engages in discussions with the Bank of England and UK Government on matters of importance to the Scottish economy.\r\nUnder independence fiscal policy would be the responsibility of the Scottish Government.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-26T17:32:57.937","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273635,"EventID":"S4W-07799","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2108,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":141,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-12T17:32:58","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-08T15:16:53.903","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what distributional analyses and by whom underpin the conclusion that 95% of the property market would benefit from the Scottish Government's proposed revenue-neutral cha","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what distributional analyses and by whom underpin the conclusion that 95% of the property market would benefit from the Scottish Government's proposed revenue-neutral change to property transaction tax.","AnswerText":"The analysis was undertaken by professional economists within the Scottish Government. The conclusion referred to relates to Scenario 2 on page 52 of the Scottish Government consultation paper Taking Forward a Scottish Land and Buildings Transaction. Under the scenario described, all residential property transactions under £326,923 (rounded to £325,000 in the consultation paper) would pay less tax than under the current Stamp Duty Land Tax rates and thresholds. According to 2007 Registers of Scotland data, there were 126,000 residential property transactions with a sale value below £326,923, out of a total of 133,000 transactions (both rounded to the nearest 1000). This represents 95% of the market. In 2009, there were 52,000 transactions below £326,923 out of a total of 55,000 transactions. This also represents 95% of the market.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-26T17:32:58","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273636,"EventID":"S4W-07800","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2108,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":141,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-12T17:32:58.077","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-08T15:16:53.903","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it calculates the revenue neutral property transaction tax scenario that “would bring benefits to about 95 per cent of the property market”; how many (a) private dwel","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it calculates the revenue neutral property transaction tax scenario that “would bring benefits to about 95 per cent of the property market”; how many (a) private dwellings, (b) commercial, (c) local authority, (d) NHS and (e) non-NHS public properties would be subject to (i) higher and (ii) lower tax, and what it estimates the average difference to be.","AnswerText":"All of the illustrative scenarios included in Annexes A to C of the Scottish Government consultation paper Taking Forward a Scottish Land and Buildings Transaction were calculated using a model developed by professional analysts within the Scottish Government and based on Registers of Scotland transaction data for 2007 and 2009.\r\nThe model applies the current slab rates to transaction data in previous years and calculates the resultant revenue. It also calculates revenue arising from applying different rates and thresholds, including progressive rates, to the same data.\r\nThe rates and thresholds illustrated in the scenarios are designed to be broadly revenue neutral compared to revenue from the existing Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) at rates current in 2007 and 2009.\r\nThe quotation from the consultation document relates to Scenario 2 on page 52 of the paper. This scenario applies only to residential property. As noted in the answer to question S4W-07799 on 20 June 2012, in this scenario, all residential property transactions under £326,923 (rounded to £325,000 in the consultation paper) would pay less tax than is due under SDLT at present. In 2007, 126,000 residential property transactions would have seen a lower tax charge, and 7,300 would have seen an increase. In 2009, the corresponding numbers were 52,000 and 3,000.\r\nAll answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-26T17:32:58.077","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273637,"EventID":"S4W-07801","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2108,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":141,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-12T17:32:58.153","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-08T15:16:53.903","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive at what property value purchasers would pay more under the revenue neutral property transaction tax scenario whereby all house purchases below £180,000 are exempt and how","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive at what property value purchasers would pay more under the revenue neutral property transaction tax scenario whereby all house purchases below £180,000 are exempt and how many (a) private dwellings, (b) commercial, (c) local authority, (d) NHS and (e) non-NHS public properties would be subject to (i) higher and (ii) lower tax; what the average difference would be, and how this has been calculated.\r\n","AnswerText":"The illustrative scenario referred to applies only to residential property. The scenario is described in page 49 of the Scottish Government consultation paper Taking Forward a Scottish Land and Buildings Transaction. Under this scenario (Scenario 1) residential property transactions above £207,692 and below £250,001 would pay more tax than under Stamp Duty Land Tax at present (due to smoothing of the current slab tax structure). Residential property sold for over £300,000 would also incur a higher tax charge. Using 2007 and 2009 Registers of Scotland data, 117,000 residential property transactions out of a total of 133,000 (to the nearest 1000) or 88% of the market would have paid less tax under Scenario 1. In 2009, the corresponding figures were 47,000 transactions out of 55,000 or 86% of the market.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-26T17:32:58.153","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273638,"EventID":"S4W-07802","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2108,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":141,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-12T17:32:58.25","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-08T15:16:53.903","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will bring forward details for a local income tax and whether the principles of that scheme will be the same as those of the scheme that was subject to a ruling b","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will bring forward details for a local income tax and whether the principles of that scheme will be the same as those of the scheme that was subject to a ruling by the Scottish Information Commissioner.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government believes the current council tax system is unfair and will consult with others later in this Parliament to produce a fairer tax based on the ability to pay. All potential alternative approaches will be considered as this work is progressed.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-26T17:32:58.25","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273639,"EventID":"S4W-07803","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2108,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":141,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-12T17:32:58.327","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-08T15:16:53.903","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what changes it has made to the organisation of the civil service to deal with tax changes arising from the Scotland Act 2012 and whether this includes secondments from t","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what changes it has made to the organisation of the civil service to deal with tax changes arising from the Scotland Act 2012 and whether this includes secondments from the Treasury or HM Revenue and Customs.","AnswerText":"An additional division within the Finance Directorate of the Scottish Government was established in June 2011 to plan and implement delivery of the financial provisions of the Scotland Act 2012, including the delivery of taxes to replace Stamp Duty Land Tax and Landfill Tax. The division currently has seven staff, including a deputy director reporting to the Director General Finance and an experienced member of staff at team leader level seconded from HMRC. Projects within the programme are being overseen by a programme board chaired by Director General Finance and managed according to Project and Programme Management (PPM) principles.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-26T17:32:58.343","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273640,"EventID":"S4W-07818","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5106,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":118,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-12T17:32:58.437","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-11T16:28:28.943","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many councils have fully implemented the Disabled Persons' Parking Places (Scotland) Act 2009.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many councils have fully implemented the Disabled Persons' Parking Places (Scotland) Act 2009.\r\n","AnswerText":"Scotland’s 32 local authorities are at varying stages of implementing the Disabled Persons Parking Places (Scotland) Act 2009.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-26T17:32:58.437","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273641,"EventID":"S4W-07819","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5106,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":118,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-12T17:32:58.513","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-11T16:28:28.943","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it ensures that councils comply with the Disabled Persons' Parking Places (Scotland) Act 2009.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it ensures that councils comply with the Disabled Persons' Parking Places (Scotland) Act 2009.\r\n","AnswerText":"Each local authority is required to publish an annual report on its performance of its functions in relation to the Act. The Scottish Government is also required to publish an annual report on the local authorities performance.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-26T17:32:58.513","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273642,"EventID":"S4W-07820","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5106,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":118,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-12T17:32:58.59","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-11T16:28:28.943","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when all of the requirements of the Disabled Persons' Parking Places (Scotland) Act 2009 will be implemented.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when all of the requirements of the Disabled Persons' Parking Places (Scotland) Act 2009 will be implemented.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Disabled Persons Parking Places (Scotland) Act 2009 does not state when all requirements should be implemented but required that the local authorities start the statutory process of implementing the legislation within 12 months.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-26T17:32:58.59","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273643,"EventID":"S4W-07821","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5106,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":118,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-12T17:32:58.67","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-11T16:28:28.943","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with Aberdeen City Council regarding implementing the Disabled Persons' Parking Places (Scotland) Act 2009.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with Aberdeen City Council regarding implementing the Disabled Persons' Parking Places (Scotland) Act 2009.","AnswerText":"No discussions have taken place between the Scottish Ministers and Aberdeen City Council regarding the implementation the Disabled Persons Parking Places (Scotland) Act 2009.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-26T17:32:58.67","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273644,"EventID":"S4W-07822","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5106,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":118,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-12T17:32:58.747","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-11T16:28:28.943","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much correspondence it has received from members of the public regarding the non-implementation of the Disabled Persons' Parking Places (Scotland) Act 2009, broken do","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much correspondence it has received from members of the public regarding the non-implementation of the Disabled Persons' Parking Places (Scotland) Act 2009, broken down by local authority.\r\n","AnswerText":"We are not aware of any correspondence being received from members of the public specifically regarding the non-implementation of the Disabled Persons' Parking Places (Scotland) Act 2009.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-26T17:32:58.763","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273645,"EventID":"S4W-07823","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5106,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":118,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-12T17:32:58.84","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-11T16:28:28.943","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will audit the implementation of the Disabled Persons' Parking Places (Scotland) Act 2009.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will audit the implementation of the Disabled Persons' Parking Places (Scotland) Act 2009.","AnswerText":"The implementation of the Disabled Persons’ Parking Places (Scotland) Act 2009 is currently audited through the reports that are produced by the local authorities at the end of June each year, on which the Scottish Government reports at the end of September. There are no plans to conduct any further audit.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-26T17:32:58.84","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273646,"EventID":"S4W-07824","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5034,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-12T17:32:58.92","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-11T17:22:08","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the findings of the consultation on renewables obligation certificates are due to be published.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the findings of the consultation on renewables obligation certificates are due to be published.\r\n","AnswerText":"Our consultation on changes to the Renewables Obligation (Scotland) legislation took place between October 2011 and January 2012. A summary of the consultation responses, alongside the responses themselves, was published on the Scottish Government website on 3 February 2012.\r\nMinisters are considering the many issues raised by consultees, and will publish their decisions and response to the consultation shortly. The changes arising from this process will be introduced via an amending Order, and are scheduled to take effect from April 2013.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-26T17:32:58.92","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273647,"EventID":"S4W-07825","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5034,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-12T17:32:58.997","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-11T17:22:08","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will bring forward proposals for the new renewables obligation certificates regime.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will bring forward proposals for the new renewables obligation certificates regime.\r\n","AnswerText":"Ministers are considering the many issues raised by consultees in response to the recent consultation and review of support levels under the Renewables Obligation (Scotland), and will publish their decisions and response to the consultation shortly.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-26T17:32:58.997","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273648,"EventID":"S4W-07826","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5034,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-12T17:32:59.077","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-11T17:22:08","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive at what stage the planning application process is for a biomass plant in Rosyth.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive at what stage the planning application process is for a biomass plant in Rosyth.\r\n","AnswerText":"The consultation period has ended for the Port of Rosyth Biomass application. This application will be determined after consideration of all material and planning considerations including statutory and non statutory consultee comments and letters of objection and support from members of the public.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-26T17:32:59.077","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273649,"EventID":"S4W-07828","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5080,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-12T17:32:59.153","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-11T18:23:43","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its position is on NHS Lanarkshire’s aim of delivering two integrated mental health facilities, and what action it has taken to assist the board in doing this.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its position is on NHS Lanarkshire’s aim of delivering two integrated mental health facilities, and what action it has taken to assist the board in doing this.\r\n","AnswerText":"It is for NHS Lanarkshire to plan and provide mental health services which meet the needs of their local communities, in line with national policy, frameworks and guidance.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-26T17:32:59.153","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273650,"EventID":"S4W-07829","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5109,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":101,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-12T17:32:59.23","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-11T23:36:17","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its position is on whether electronic cigarettes offer therapeutic value.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its position is on whether electronic cigarettes offer therapeutic value.","AnswerText":"The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), which is responsible for the regulation of medicines across the UK, has consulted on the issue of regulation of electronic cigarettes and is currently undertaking scientific research on these products. We await the outcome of this work.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-26T17:32:59.23","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273651,"EventID":"S4W-07831","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2876,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-12T17:32:59.31","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-12T09:02:09","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many prisoners there have been in each of the last five years, broken down by (a) gender, (b) age, (c) ethnicity, (d) religion and (e) nationality.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many prisoners there have been in each of the last five years, broken down by (a) gender, (b) age, (c) ethnicity, (d) religion and (e) nationality.\r\n","AnswerText":"The information requested is as follows.\r\nPrison Population by Gender, Age, Ethnicity, Religion and Nationality from 2006 to 2010\r\n \r\n30-06-2010\r\n30-06-2009\r\n30-06-2008\r\n30-06-2007\r\n30-06-2006\r\nTotal\r\n7,983\r\n8,183\r\n7,761\r\n7,154\r\n7,205\r\nGender\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nMale\r\n7,544\r\n7,767\r\n7,349\r\n6,810\r\n6,820\r\nFemale\r\n439\r\n416\r\n412\r\n344\r\n385\r\nAge\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n16-191\r\n640\r\n758\r\n756\r\n755\r\n719\r\n20 - 24\r\n1,618\r\n1,698\r\n1,576\r\n1,437\r\n1,416\r\n25 - 29\r\n1,539\r\n1,561\r\n1,528\r\n1,343\r\n1,370\r\n30 - 34\r\n1,246\r\n1,230\r\n1,136\r\n1,062\r\n1,084\r\n35 - 39\r\n958\r\n962\r\n976\r\n923\r\n1,009\r\n40 - 44\r\n805\r\n820\r\n745\r\n688\r\n701\r\n45 - 49\r\n548\r\n528\r\n476\r\n425\r\n412\r\n50 - 54\r\n291\r\n297\r\n263\r\n231\r\n220\r\n55 - 59\r\n154\r\n170\r\n139\r\n149\r\n136\r\n60 - 64\r\n93\r\n86\r\n87\r\n71\r\n69\r\n65 or over\r\n91\r\n73\r\n79\r\n70\r\n69\r\nEthnic background2\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nWhite\r\n7,652\r\n7,829\r\n7,430\r\n6,910\r\n7,000\r\nBlack-Caribbean\r\n26\r\n43\r\n44\r\n42\r\n32\r\nBlack-African\r\n56\r\n54\r\n65\r\n34\r\n18\r\nBlack-Other\r\n22\r\n27\r\n26\r\n18\r\n22\r\nIndian\r\n16\r\n11\r\n7\r\n9\r\n14\r\nPakistani\r\n74\r\n72\r\n68\r\n58\r\n69\r\nBangladeshi\r\n6\r\n6\r\n2\r\n3\r\n3\r\nChinese\r\n70\r\n79\r\n52\r\n21\r\n11\r\nOther Asian\r\n27\r\n24\r\n26\r\n23\r\n10\r\nMixed\r\n23\r\n18\r\n19\r\n14\r\n5\r\nOther \r\n11\r\n20\r\n22\r\n22\r\n21\r\nReligion3\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nChurch Of Scotland \r\n2,448\r\n2,538\r\n2,486\r\n2,503\r\n2,640\r\nRoman Catholic \r\n1,861\r\n1,905\r\n1,793\r\n1,697\r\n1,758\r\nOther Christian\r\n336\r\n341\r\n335\r\n263\r\n264\r\nMuslim \r\n180\r\n167\r\n168\r\n133\r\n122\r\nBuddhist \r\n35\r\n47\r\n33\r\n16\r\n3\r\nSikh \r\n8\r\n9\r\n10\r\n9\r\n7\r\nHindu \r\n3\r\n2\r\n2\r\n0\r\n4\r\nJewish \r\n3\r\n4\r\n3\r\n3\r\n4\r\nOther (Jehovah's Witness & Mormon)\r\n67\r\n83\r\n117\r\n88\r\n94\r\nNone \r\n3,042\r\n3,087\r\n2,814\r\n2,442\r\n2,309\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nNationality4\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nBritish\r\n7,632\r\n7,799\r\n7,813\r\n7,247\r\n7,059\r\nNon-British\r\n258\r\n314\r\n275\r\n206\r\n133\r\nSources: Scottish Government Justice Analytical Services and National Registers for Scotland.\r\nNotes: \r\nThe data presented here are drawn from the Scottish Prison Service PR2 administrative IT system and updated and quality assured on an on-going basis. Figures shown here may therefore differ slightly from those published previously. \r\n1. Prison population for 16 to 19 years may contain a small number of under 16s for some years.\r\n2. Ethnicity figures have been taken from the 2001 Census and cover all people aged 16 and over.\r\n3. Religion figures have been taken from the 2001 Census and cover all people aged 16 and over. They are for \"current religion\". Those who did not answer the (optional) question on current religion in the Census have been allocated proportionately to the other categories.\r\n4. Prison figures are as at 1 September. Population figures for nationality are for all ages and do not cover people living in communal establishments.","AnswerDate":"2012-06-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-26T17:32:59.31","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273652,"EventID":"S4W-07832","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2876,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-12T17:32:59.387","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-12T09:02:09","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many prisoners there have been per 100,000 population in each of the last five years, broken down by (a) gender, (b) age, (c) ethnicity, (d) religion and (e) national","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many prisoners there have been per 100,000 population in each of the last five years, broken down by (a) gender, (b) age, (c) ethnicity, (d) religion and (e) nationality.\r\n","AnswerText":"The information requested is as follows. \r\n\r\nIncarceration rates per 100,000 Population by Gender, Age, Ethnicity, Religion and Nationality from 2006 to 2010\r\n\r\n30-06-2010\r\n30-06-2009\r\n30-06-2008\r\n30-06-2007\r\n30-06-2006\r\nTotal\r\n185\r\n191\r\n182\r\n169\r\n172\r\nGender\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nMale\r\n366\r\n379\r\n362\r\n338\r\n341\r\nFemale\r\n20\r\n19\r\n19\r\n16\r\n18\r\nAge\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n16-191\r\n243\r\n287\r\n286\r\n286\r\n273\r\n20 – 24\r\n448\r\n473\r\n445\r\n414\r\n418\r\n25 – 29\r\n439\r\n456\r\n456\r\n415\r\n441\r\n30 – 34\r\n401\r\n407\r\n380\r\n348\r\n342\r\n35 – 39\r\n286\r\n276\r\n269\r\n246\r\n262\r\n40 – 44\r\n207\r\n206\r\n185\r\n170\r\n173\r\n45 – 49\r\n136\r\n133\r\n121\r\n110\r\n109\r\n50 – 54\r\n79\r\n83\r\n75\r\n67\r\n66\r\n55 – 59\r\n48\r\n53\r\n43\r\n45\r\n39\r\n60 – 64\r\n28\r\n27\r\n28\r\n24\r\n25\r\n65 or over\r\n10\r\n8\r\n9\r\n8\r\n8\r\nEthnic background2\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nWhite\r\n190\r\n195\r\n185\r\n172\r\n174\r\nBlack-Caribbean\r\n1776\r\n2937\r\n3005\r\n2869\r\n2186\r\nBlack-African\r\n1435\r\n1384\r\n1666\r\n871\r\n461\r\nBlack-Other\r\n2771\r\n3401\r\n3275\r\n2267\r\n2771\r\nIndian\r\n138\r\n95\r\n61\r\n78\r\n121\r\nPakistani\r\n347\r\n338\r\n319\r\n272\r\n324\r\nBangladeshi\r\n437\r\n437\r\n146\r\n219\r\n219\r\nChinese\r\n547\r\n618\r\n407\r\n164\r\n86\r\nOther Asian\r\n604\r\n537\r\n582\r\n515\r\n224\r\nMixed\r\n323\r\n253\r\n267\r\n197\r\n70\r\nOther \r\n147\r\n267\r\n293\r\n293\r\n280\r\nReligion3\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nChurch Of Scotland \r\n128\r\n133\r\n130\r\n131\r\n138\r\nRoman Catholic \r\n273\r\n279\r\n263\r\n249\r\n258\r\nOther Christian\r\n108\r\n110\r\n108\r\n85\r\n85\r\nMuslim \r\n588\r\n546\r\n549\r\n434\r\n399\r\nBuddhist \r\n541\r\n726\r\n510\r\n247\r\n46\r\nSikh \r\n158\r\n178\r\n198\r\n178\r\n139\r\nHindu \r\n62\r\n41\r\n41\r\n0\r\n82\r\nJewish \r\n51\r\n68\r\n51\r\n51\r\n68\r\nOther (Jehovah's Witness & Mormon)\r\n261\r\n324\r\n456\r\n343\r\n367\r\nNone \r\n275\r\n279\r\n255\r\n221\r\n209\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nNationality4\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nBritish\r\n156\r\n159\r\n159\r\n148\r\n144\r\nNon-British\r\n104\r\n135\r\n139\r\n121\r\n99\r\nSources: Scottish Government Justice Analytical Services and National Registers for Scotland\r\nNotes: \r\nThe data presented here are drawn from the Scottish Prison Service PR2 administrative IT system and updated and quality assured on an on-going basis. Figures shown here may therefore differ slightly from those published previously. \r\n1. Prison population for 16-19 years may contain a small number of under 16s for some years.\r\n2. Ethnicity figures have been taken from the 2001 Census and cover all people aged 16 and over.\r\n3. Religion figures have been taken from the 2001 Census and cover all people aged 16 and over. They are for \"current religion\". Those who did not answer the (optional) question on current religion in the Census have been allocated proportionately to the other categories.\r\n4. Prison figures are as at 1 September. Population figures for nationality are for all ages and do not cover people living in communal establishments.","AnswerDate":"2012-06-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-26T17:32:59.403","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273653,"EventID":"S4W-07833","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2876,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-12T17:32:59.48","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-12T09:02:09","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many prisoners there were in each of the last five years who had (a) literacy and (b) numeracy problems, broken down by (i) gender and (ii) age.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many prisoners there were in each of the last five years who had (a) literacy and (b) numeracy problems, broken down by (i) gender and (ii) age.\r\n","AnswerText":"I have asked Colin McConnell, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service, to respond. His response is as follows:\r\nBefore 1 August 2011, information on literacy and numeracy needs was not collected on a comprehensive basis.\r\nA national literacy and numeracy screening tool was introduced in public sector prisons on 1 August 2011. Since its introduction, until 30 April 2012, 68% (4184) of prisoners who opted to be assessed under this tool were assessed as lacking in functional literacy; 85% (4097) were assessed as lacking in functional numeracy.\r\nInformation by gender will be collected for public sector prisons from 1 August 2012. Information by age is not yet collected.\r\nInformation on literacy and numeracy needs of those in private sector prisons will be collected from 1 August 2012.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-26T17:32:59.497","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273654,"EventID":"S4W-07834","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2876,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-12T17:32:59.573","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-12T09:02:09","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many prisoners there were in each of the last five years who had been assessed as having a mental illness, broken down by (a) gender and (b) age.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many prisoners there were in each of the last five years who had been assessed as having a mental illness, broken down by (a) gender and (b) age.\r\n","AnswerText":"I have asked Colin McConnell, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service, to respond. His response is as follows:\r\nThis information is not available.\r\nThe Scottish Prison Service, up to the NHS transition on 1 November 2011, operated a manual health care records system and the retrieval and collation of this type of data was therefore problematic. No routine central collation of this data was sought from Establishments. The Prisoner Health Care Records transferred to the NHS health boards as part of the transition arrangements.”\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-26T17:32:59.573","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273655,"EventID":"S4W-07835","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2876,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-12T17:32:59.653","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-12T09:02:09","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many prisoners in each of the last five years were referred to the Enhanced Addiction Casework Service; how many received an (i) alcohol or (ii) drug intervention and","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many prisoners in each of the last five years were referred to the Enhanced Addiction Casework Service; how many received an (i) alcohol or (ii) drug intervention and at what rate, broken down by (a) gender and (b) age.\r\n","AnswerText":"I have asked Colin McConnell, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service, to respond. His response is as follows:\r\nThe following table shows the number of prisoners referred to the Enhanced Addiction Casework Service (EACS) detailing how many received alcohol and drug interventions and at what rate, in each of the last five years from 2007-08 to 2011-12. The gender and age information is not available.\r\nYear\r\nReferred\r\nNumber of Prisoners Received Alcohol Intervention\r\nTotal Alcohol Interventions Received\r\nRate of Alcohol Interventions Per Person\r\nNumber of Prisoners Received Drug Intervention\r\nTotal Drug Interventions Received\r\nRate of Drug Interventions Per Person\r\n2007-08\r\n5,073\r\n1,190\r\n4,992\r\n4.2\r\n2,754\r\n20,794\r\n7.6\r\n2008-09\r\n5,215\r\n1,395\r\n7,782\r\n5.6\r\n2,524\r\n20,449\r\n8.1\r\n2009-10\r\n5,082\r\n1,382\r\n8,729\r\n6.3\r\n1,623\r\n19,234\r\n11.9\r\n2010-11\r\n5,123\r\n1,126\r\n8,155\r\n7.2\r\n1,778\r\n14,887\r\n8.4\r\n2011-12\r\n5,221\r\n1,098\r\n7,836\r\n7.1\r\n1,684\r\n18,359\r\n10.9\r\n\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-26T17:32:59.667","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273656,"EventID":"S4W-07855","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5080,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-12T17:32:59.76","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-12T13:07:56.57","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S4W-05256 by Alex Neil on 8 February 2012, what progress has been made toward completion of each of the projects named in the questionn","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S4W-05256 by Alex Neil on 8 February 2012, what progress has been made toward completion of each of the projects named in the questionnaire.\r\n","AnswerText":"The South West hub Territory’s current pipeline contains twenty five projects from 11 of the 19 participants with an estimated construction cost totalling over £250 million.\r\nThese projects are currently being developed by the relevant participant bodies ahead of the appointment of a preferred Private Sector Development Partner (PSDP) in August 2012 and the subsequent planned hubco creation in October 2012.\r\nIt is thereafter expected that these projects will be delivered by the hubco in accordance with the individual participant timescales. \r\nThe procurement of the PSDP is on schedule and final tenders were received on 19 June 2012.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-26T17:32:59.76","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273657,"EventID":"S4O-01149","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":3763,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-13T13:59:32.08","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-06T15:32:51.607","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what recent representations it has made to the UK Government regarding the future of Clyde Coastguard.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what recent representations it has made to the UK Government regarding the future of Clyde Coastguard.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-27T13:59:32.177","MeetingDate":"2012-06-21T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273658,"EventID":"S4O-01150","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":5060,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-13T13:59:32.3","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-06T15:32:51.67","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to assist care leavers into further and higher education.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to assist care leavers into further and higher education.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-27T13:59:32.3","MeetingDate":"2012-06-21T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273659,"EventID":"S4O-01151","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2675,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":93,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-13T13:59:32.41","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-06T15:32:51.7","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its position is on the Office of Fair Trading report, Price and Choice in Remote Communities, in relation to such communities in Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its position is on the Office of Fair Trading report, Price and Choice in Remote Communities, in relation to such communities in Scotland.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-27T13:59:32.41","MeetingDate":"2012-06-21T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273660,"EventID":"S4O-01153","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":3815,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-13T13:59:32.517","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-06T15:32:51.763","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to tackle racist hate crime.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to tackle racist hate crime.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-27T13:59:32.517","MeetingDate":"2012-06-21T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273661,"EventID":"S4O-01154","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2134,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":82,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-13T13:59:32.69","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-06T15:32:51.78","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many jobs have been created by the small business bonus scheme and how this evidence was collected.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many jobs have been created by the small business bonus scheme and how this evidence was collected.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-27T13:59:32.69","MeetingDate":"2012-06-21T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273662,"EventID":"S4O-01155","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":3743,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":123,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-13T13:59:32.83","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-13T10:55:53.103","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with Scottish Water regarding the adoption of private drains and sewers.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with Scottish Water regarding the adoption of private drains and sewers.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-27T13:59:32.847","MeetingDate":"2012-06-21T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273663,"EventID":"S4O-01156","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":3759,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":80,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-13T13:59:32.94","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-06T15:32:51.84","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to educate children and young people about the dangers of sectarianism.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to educate children and young people about the dangers of sectarianism.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-27T13:59:32.94","MeetingDate":"2012-06-21T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273664,"EventID":"S4O-01157","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":4940,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-13T13:59:33.017","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-06T15:32:51.857","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what benefit the Edinburgh International Culture Summit will bring to Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what benefit the Edinburgh International Culture Summit will bring to Scotland.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-27T13:59:33.033","MeetingDate":"2012-06-21T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273665,"EventID":"S4O-01159","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":2674,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":99,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-13T13:59:33.127","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-06T15:33:19.733","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it plans to review the partnership information network policy on implementing and reviewing whistleblowing arrangements in the NHS. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it plans to review the partnership information network policy on implementing and reviewing whistleblowing arrangements in the NHS. ","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-27T13:59:33.127","MeetingDate":"2012-06-21T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273666,"EventID":"S4O-01160","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":1943,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-13T13:59:33.237","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-06T15:33:19.75","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists in Scotland regarding its Giving Voice campaign.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists in Scotland regarding its Giving Voice campaign.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-27T13:59:33.237","MeetingDate":"2012-06-21T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273667,"EventID":"S4O-01161","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":4086,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-13T13:59:33.313","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-06T15:33:19.767","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many women had post natal depression in 2011.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many women had post natal depression in 2011.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-27T13:59:33.313","MeetingDate":"2012-06-21T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273668,"EventID":"S4O-01162","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":2673,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":114,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-13T13:59:33.377","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-06T15:33:19.78","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress is being made regarding the introduction of a shingles vaccination for all 70 to 79-year-olds.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress is being made regarding the introduction of a shingles vaccination for all 70 to 79-year-olds.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-27T13:59:33.393","MeetingDate":"2012-06-21T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273669,"EventID":"S4O-01163","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-13T13:59:33.487","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-06T15:33:19.797","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with NHS Grampian regarding its plans for the provision of maternity services.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with NHS Grampian regarding its plans for the provision of maternity services.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-27T13:59:33.487","MeetingDate":"2012-06-21T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273670,"EventID":"S4O-01164","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":77,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-13T13:59:33.58","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-06T15:33:19.813","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress Healthcare Improvement Scotland is making in carrying out care inspections for older people.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress Healthcare Improvement Scotland is making in carrying out care inspections for older people.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-27T13:59:33.58","MeetingDate":"2012-06-21T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273671,"EventID":"S4O-01165","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":2033,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":132,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-13T13:59:33.687","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-06T15:33:19.843","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its position is on the value of Edington Cottage Hospital to North Berwick and its neighbouring communities.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its position is on the value of Edington Cottage Hospital to North Berwick and its neighbouring communities.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-27T13:59:33.687","MeetingDate":"2012-06-21T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273672,"EventID":"S4O-01166","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":5059,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-13T13:59:33.767","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-06T15:33:19.86","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representations it has received regarding Read classifications for GPs.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representations it has received regarding Read classifications for GPs.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-27T13:59:33.767","MeetingDate":"2012-06-21T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273673,"EventID":"S4O-01167","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":4080,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-13T13:59:33.843","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-06T15:33:19.873","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it has taken to ensure that a full range of staple gluten-free foods is available on prescription to people with coeliac disease in all NHS board areas.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it has taken to ensure that a full range of staple gluten-free foods is available on prescription to people with coeliac disease in all NHS board areas.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-27T13:59:33.86","MeetingDate":"2012-06-21T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273674,"EventID":"S4O-01169","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":5042,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-13T13:59:33.953","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-06T15:33:19.92","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what guidance it gives to NHS boards on consulting patients when changes are proposed to services delivered to patients at home.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what guidance it gives to NHS boards on consulting patients when changes are proposed to services delivered to patients at home.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-27T13:59:33.953","MeetingDate":"2012-06-21T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273675,"EventID":"S4O-01170","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":3751,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":108,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-13T13:59:34.03","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-06T15:33:19.937","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made regarding the development of the new Royal Hospital for Sick Children in Edinburgh.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made regarding the development of the new Royal Hospital for Sick Children in Edinburgh.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-27T13:59:34.03","MeetingDate":"2012-06-21T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273676,"EventID":"S4O-01171","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":4948,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-13T13:59:34.093","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-06T15:33:19.953","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to improve dialysis facilities for patients in rural areas.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to improve dialysis facilities for patients in rural areas.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-27T13:59:34.11","MeetingDate":"2012-06-21T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273677,"EventID":"S4O-01172","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":5074,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":104,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-13T13:59:34.203","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-06T15:33:19.983","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what new primary care facilities have been completed recently by NHS Lothian.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what new primary care facilities have been completed recently by NHS Lothian.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-27T13:59:34.203","MeetingDate":"2012-06-21T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273678,"EventID":"S4O-01173","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":4947,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-13T13:59:34.267","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-06T15:33:20.013","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made regarding the integration of health and social care in the Highlands.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made regarding the integration of health and social care in the Highlands.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-27T13:59:34.28","MeetingDate":"2012-06-21T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273679,"EventID":"S4O-01174","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":4964,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-13T13:59:34.36","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-06T15:33:20.047","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with the UK Government regarding the advertising of follow-on milk.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with the UK Government regarding the advertising of follow-on milk.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-27T13:59:34.36","MeetingDate":"2012-06-21T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273680,"EventID":"S4O-01177","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":2853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":81,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-13T13:59:34.437","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-06T15:33:20.107","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive which NHS boards do not employ or contract pathologists in their own area who are qualified to conduct NHS or procurator fiscal post mortems.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive which NHS boards do not employ or contract pathologists in their own area who are qualified to conduct NHS or procurator fiscal post mortems.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-27T13:59:34.437","MeetingDate":"2012-06-21T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273681,"EventID":"S4O-01178","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":1741,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-13T13:59:34.53","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-06T15:33:20.123","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to increase the provision of internet access to GP services.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to increase the provision of internet access to GP services.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-27T13:59:34.53","MeetingDate":"2012-06-21T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273683,"EventID":"S4W-07768","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-13T14:08:42.763","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-07T16:14:24","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what powers relating to prison visiting committees and the proposed prison monitoring service will be (a) modified and (b) transferred as part of a Section 14 order under","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what powers relating to prison visiting committees and the proposed prison monitoring service will be (a) modified and (b) transferred as part of a Section 14 order under the Public Services Reform (Scotland) Act 2010.","AnswerText":"The section 14 order under the Public Services Reform (Scotland) Act 2010 will detail what powers and duties have been modified and/or transferred.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-27T14:08:42.763","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273684,"EventID":"S4W-07769","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-13T14:08:42.84","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-07T16:14:24","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what duties other than monitoring people working in the proposed prison monitoring service will be assigned.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what duties other than monitoring people working in the proposed prison monitoring service will be assigned.","AnswerText":"The duties of the senior monitors will be detailed in the section 14 order under the Public Services Reform (Scotland) Act 2010.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-27T14:08:42.84","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273685,"EventID":"S4W-07770","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-13T14:08:42.92","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-07T16:14:24","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many (a) civilian staff and (b) police officers were employed by each police force to carry out checks on Disclosure Scotland applications in (i) 2007, (ii) 2008, (ii","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many (a) civilian staff and (b) police officers were employed by each police force to carry out checks on Disclosure Scotland applications in (i) 2007, (ii) 2008, (iii) 2009 and (iv) 2010.","AnswerText":"Disclosure Scotland has held information about civilian staff and constables employed in relevant police forces in Scotland to carry out checks on Disclosure Scotland applications only since the Protecting Vulnerable Groups Scheme went live on 28 February 2011.\r\nDisclosure Scotland has not at any time held information about staff employed in relevant police forces outwith Scotland.\r\nI refer the member to the answer to question S4W-07308 on 28 May 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-27T14:08:42.92","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273686,"EventID":"S4W-07817","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1866,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-13T14:08:43.027","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-11T15:59:53.82","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S4W-07401 by John Swinney on 31 May 2012, how much has been paid out in council tax discounts through energy efficiency schemes and how","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S4W-07401 by John Swinney on 31 May 2012, how much has been paid out in council tax discounts through energy efficiency schemes and how many properties are receiving these in each local authority, broken down by (a) type of dwelling and (b) mode of ownership.\r\n","AnswerText":"The collection of council tax statistics from local authorities is ongoing. This data will inform the Scottish Government’s report to Parliament during the summer on energy-efficient discount schemes, as required under section 66 of the Climate Change (Scotland) Act 2009.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-27T14:08:43.027","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273687,"EventID":"S4W-07837","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3824,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-13T14:08:43.137","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-12T11:53:26.75","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it will allocate the £32 million given to it by the Treasury to expand broadband infrastructure. \r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it will allocate the £32 million given to it by the Treasury to expand broadband infrastructure. \r\n","AnswerText":"The additional £32 million allocation announced on 8 June 2012 by the UK Government will be added to the Scottish Government’s central funding pot for broadband delivery across Scotland, which is now £244.5 million. This comprises £143.7 million from the Scottish Budget and £100.8 million from the UK Government. In addition to this, around £40 million, to date, has also been secured in local authority contributions.\r\nThis funding will be used to invest in infrastructure that will have the capacity to deliver broadband at a speed of 40-80 Megabits per second (Mbps) to 85-90% of premises by 2015, as set out in Scotland’s Digital Future: Infrastructure Action Plan, published on 31 January 2012. This commitment will be delivered in two parallel procurements: the current Highlands and Islands project, and a forthcoming one covering the rest of Scotland.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-27T14:08:43.137","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273688,"EventID":"S4W-07838","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3824,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-13T14:08:43.263","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-12T11:53:26.75","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what impact the taxation proposals that were announced by the Cabinet Secretary for Finance, Employment and Sustainable Growth on 7 June 2012 will have on first-time buye","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what impact the taxation proposals that were announced by the Cabinet Secretary for Finance, Employment and Sustainable Growth on 7 June 2012 will have on first-time buyers.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Taking forward a Scottish Land and Buildings Transaction Tax consultation paper http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2012/06/1301 runs until 30 August. The consultation seeks views on the structure of the proposed tax, and provides scenarios showing how a progressive structure could work. These scenarios include illustrations of raising the lowest tax threshold to take many more house purchases out of the tax net than at present. However as the consultation paper explains, we are not consulting actively on tax rates and thresholds because it is too soon to set rates now for a tax that will first take effect in April 2015. The consultation responses, further analytical work, and developments in the residential and non-residential property markets in Scotland over the next two years will inform eventual decisions about tax rates and thresholds.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-27T14:08:43.277","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273689,"EventID":"S4W-07839","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3824,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-13T14:08:43.403","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-12T11:53:26.75","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive for what reason it proposes to establish Revenue Scotland and whether this body will work alongside HM Revenue and Customs to deal with tax evasion.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive for what reason it proposes to establish Revenue Scotland and whether this body will work alongside HM Revenue and Customs to deal with tax evasion.\r\n","AnswerText":"We propose to establish Revenue Scotland to administer the replacement taxes that will be set by the Scottish Parliament. We would expect Revenue Scotland and HM Revenue and Customs to work together to tackle tax evasion.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-27T14:08:43.403","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273690,"EventID":"S4W-07840","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3824,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-13T14:08:43.527","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-12T11:53:26.75","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what services will be transferred from HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) to Revenue Scotland and what information it has on whether this could lead to a reduction in the numb","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what services will be transferred from HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) to Revenue Scotland and what information it has on whether this could lead to a reduction in the number of jobs at HMRC.\r\n","AnswerText":"No services are expected to transfer from HM Revenue and Customs to Revenue Scotland as a result of Stamp Duty Land Tax and Landfill Tax ceasing in Scotland and being replaced by devolved taxes administered by Revenue Scotland. We are not aware that HMRC expects any change in the number of staff it employs in Scotland as a result.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-27T14:08:43.543","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273691,"EventID":"S4W-07841","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3824,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-13T14:08:43.667","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-12T11:53:26.75","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many employees Revenue Scotland will have and what information it has on how many people will be transferred to it from HM Revenue and Customs under the Transfer of U","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many employees Revenue Scotland will have and what information it has on how many people will be transferred to it from HM Revenue and Customs under the Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) Regulations 2006.\r\n","AnswerText":"We expect that by 1 April 2015 Revenue Scotland will have a staff of approximately 20 to administer the replacements for the UK Stamp Duty Land Tax and Landfill Tax, assuming current constitutional arrangements. It is not currently anticipated that any staff will transfer on Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) terms from HMRC. Staffing arrangements will be kept under review.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-27T14:08:43.683","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273693,"EventID":"S4W-07848","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-13T14:08:43.95","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-12T12:30:30.223","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it will take following the Office of Fair Trading's market study of dentistry.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it will take following the Office of Fair Trading's market study of dentistry.","AnswerText":"We will study the recommendations made in the Office of Fair Trading (OFT) report on Dentistry – an OFT market study where they are applicable to dentistry in Scotland, and consider if any action requires to be taken.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-27T14:08:43.95","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273715,"EventID":"S4W-07762","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5075,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":112,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-13T17:39:53.323","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-07T16:06:47","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of street lights have been switched to LED or other energy saving bulbs, broken down by region.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of street lights have been switched to LED or other energy saving bulbs, broken down by region.","AnswerText":"Street lighting is the responsibility of local authorities. The information requested is not held centrally within the Scottish Government.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-27T17:39:53.337","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273716,"EventID":"S4W-07763","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5075,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":112,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-13T17:39:53.417","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-07T16:06:47","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what Barnett consequentials will arise from the UK Government's proposed high-speed rail link between London and Birmingham.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what Barnett consequentials will arise from the UK Government's proposed high-speed rail link between London and Birmingham.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government is of the view that consequentials should arise from the UK Government’s investment in the High Speed 2 link between London and Birmingham, and from its subsequent stages of development.\r\nHowever, I am aware there is no committed budget allocated for the construction of HS2; construction is planned to commence from 2017. Proposals for the inclusion of funding for the scheme in future Comprehensive Spending Reviews will be a matter for the UK Government.\r\nI expect that any additional funding secured for the scheme will carry consequentials for Scotland.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-27T17:39:53.417","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273717,"EventID":"S4W-07764","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5075,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":112,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-13T17:39:53.477","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-07T16:06:47","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress it has made in negotiations with the UK Department for Transport and the Welsh Assembly Government to make it easier for seriously injured service personnel","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress it has made in negotiations with the UK Department for Transport and the Welsh Assembly Government to make it easier for seriously injured service personnel and veterans under the age of 60 to access the concessionary travel scheme.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government announced in March 2011 that bus pass applications under the Scotland-wide Free Bus Travel Scheme for Older and Disabled People from seriously injured HM service personnel and veterans would be fast tracked from 1 April 2011. This followed discussions with the Department for Transport and the Welsh Assembly Government over a number of months. Negotiations with them on this matter were concluded in summer 2011 when similar arrangements were introduced in England and Wales.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-27T17:39:53.493","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273718,"EventID":"S4W-07843","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-13T17:39:53.557","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-12T12:25:38.93","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it expects to complete the cleansing of the data regarding the (a) number of clinical midwives, (b) average and range of midwife to birth ratio and (c) caseload of e","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it expects to complete the cleansing of the data regarding the (a) number of clinical midwives, (b) average and range of midwife to birth ratio and (c) caseload of each full-time equivalent community midwife in each NHS area.\r\n","AnswerText":"The work being taken forward by Scottish Government and key stakeholders including NHSScotland and the Royal College of Midwives to improve the quality of workforce data for Midwifery staff is due to be completed and published by National Services Scotland, Information Services Division, by the end of this year.\r\nThe published data will provide information on (a) the number of  clinical midwives and (b) average and range of midwife to birth ratio. It will not provide information on the caseload of each full-time equivalent community midwife.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-27T17:39:53.557","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273719,"EventID":"S4W-07844","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-13T17:39:53.65","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-12T12:25:38.93","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the average annual caseload is for community midwives in NHS (a) Greater Glasgow and Clyde and (b) Lothian. \r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the average annual caseload is for community midwives in NHS (a) Greater Glasgow and Clyde and (b) Lothian. \r\n","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally. However, we expect NHS boards to plan services to suit the needs of their local population and ensure that care is person centred, safe and effective.\r\nWe are aware there is a need to have midwives in the right place at the right time. We are giving health boards the tools to identify how many midwives they need, and where, for their local needs. We expect all boards to determine their workforce requirements and ensure they consider their future midwifery workforce needs, by taking account of birth trends and women’s changing needs and expectations.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-27T17:39:53.65","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273720,"EventID":"S4W-07845","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-13T17:39:53.713","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-12T12:25:38.93","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it has taken to ensure that the Scottish Women Held Maternity Record is available in electronic format.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it has taken to ensure that the Scottish Women Held Maternity Record is available in electronic format.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Woman Held Maternity Record (SWHMR) was updated in 2011 and is part of a range of actions underway to support NHS boards’ implementation of the Refreshed Framework for Maternity Care (2011), to ensure that care in Scotland is person centred, safe and effective. As set out in the Framework, it is the responsibility of NHS boards to ensure that maternity services gather, record and report on a wide range of information for both local and national purposes, and have IT systems that comply with nationally identified data requirements.\r\nNHS boards received funding in early June 2012, for 2012-13, outlining the government’s continued support with implementation of recommendations in the framework, and this specifically includes data collection. NHS boards recently provided an update on their progress with this, which indicated that they are planning to move towards electronic systems for information collection and analysis.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-27T17:39:53.713","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273721,"EventID":"S4W-07846","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-13T17:39:53.79","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-12T12:25:38.93","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what risk assessment it has carried out of the effect of (a) demographic changes over the next 10 years and (b) an increase in the number of staff taking early retirement","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what risk assessment it has carried out of the effect of (a) demographic changes over the next 10 years and (b) an increase in the number of staff taking early retirement on the number of midwives.\r\n","AnswerText":"It is for each NHS board to decide how best to plan and deliver their services to meet the needs of their population. This includes how best to utilise funding and staff, taking account of national and local priorities to meet local health needs.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-27T17:39:53.807","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273722,"EventID":"S4W-07847","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-13T17:39:53.883","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-12T12:25:38.93","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the reduction has been in the number of  (a) band (i) 7 and (ii) 8 team leaders and (b)  band 2 support workers in  midwifery posts following the recent 25% reductio","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the reduction has been in the number of  (a) band (i) 7 and (ii) 8 team leaders and (b)  band 2 support workers in  midwifery posts following the recent 25% reduction in management costs.\r\n","AnswerText":"Published information on headcount and whole time equivalent of (a) band 7, (b) band 8 and (c) band 2 staff in midwifery posts, as of 31 March 2012 can be found on the workforce statistics website at:\r\nhttp://www.isdscotland.scot.nhs.uk/Health-Topics/Workforce/Nursing-and-Midwifery/.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-27T17:39:53.883","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273723,"EventID":"S4W-07849","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-13T17:39:53.963","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-12T12:32:08.917","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it considers that the Care Commission should be able to investigate a complaint regarding the operation of a care home following a change of ownership in cases wh","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it considers that the Care Commission should be able to investigate a complaint regarding the operation of a care home following a change of ownership in cases where the staff remain the same.\r\n","AnswerText":"Where there is a change of ownership of a care home, the Care Inspectorate already has the necessary powers to investigate a complaint regarding its operation, even if the same staff are employed by the new service provider.\r\nUnder the Public Services Reform (Scotland) Act 2010 and the associated regulations, the new owner of the care home is required to apply to the Care Inspectorate for registration of the service. This is necessary because the registration of the new owner is distinct from the registration held by the previous owner regardless of the similarities between the providers.\r\nThese arrangements provide safeguards as the Care Inspectorate can scrutinise the new application and be satisfied that the proposed service meets all the necessary requirements and is able to provide care of the required standard and quality.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-27T17:39:53.963","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273724,"EventID":"S4W-07850","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-13T17:39:54.057","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-12T12:33:17.167","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S4W-07374 by Nicola Sturgeon on 6 June 2012, whether the Cabinet Secretary for Health, Wellbeing and Cities Strategy has questioned the","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S4W-07374 by Nicola Sturgeon on 6 June 2012, whether the Cabinet Secretary for Health, Wellbeing and Cities Strategy has questioned the quarterly statistics reports published by ISD on waiting times (a) ever and (b) on the increase in the number of patients who are socially unavailable.","AnswerText":"As part of the normal quarterly reporting of the ISD waiting times statistics by my officials, I have sought further explanations on various aspects of ISD waiting times statistics, particularly around NHS boards’ individual performance against the waiting time standards and other issues.\r\nFollowing the Price Waterhouse Cooper’s report on NHS Lothian management of waiting times, I now routinely receive more detailed information on social unavailability by individual NHS boards.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-07-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-27T17:39:54.057","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273725,"EventID":"S4W-07851","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-13T17:39:54.133","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-12T12:34:32.557","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what contingency plans are in place in relation to the planned industrial action by the British Medical Association on 21 June 2012.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what contingency plans are in place in relation to the planned industrial action by the British Medical Association on 21 June 2012.","AnswerText":"All NHS boards have robust business continuity plans in place to deal with disruptions such as those caused by industrial action and to ensure that core services are maintained. NHS boards worked closely with the BMA local representatives to assess the impact of the industrial action.\r\nNHS boards worked locally with doctors to agree the level of services that would be provided on the day and to avoid unnecessary disruption to patients. Urgent and emergency care was not affected. Health boards confirmed that all patients whose appointments had been cancelled and rescheduled were informed by letter or telephone. GP practices were responsible for informing their patients of the level of services they would provide on 21 June. Doctors were available to ensure that urgent and emergency care was not affected, this includes cancer treatment and other on-going treatment.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-27T17:39:54.133","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273726,"EventID":"S4W-07852","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-13T17:39:54.21","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-12T12:34:32.557","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has estimated the likely impact on NHS services of the planned industrial action by the British Medical Association on 21 June 2012.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has estimated the likely impact on NHS services of the planned industrial action by the British Medical Association on 21 June 2012.\r\n","AnswerText":"The industrial action was targeted at routine GP and hospital appointments, including planned surgery and outpatient clinics. NHS Boards worked closely with the BMA local representatives to assess the impact of the industrial action. Management information collected on the day of industrial action shows approximately 3200 outpatient appointments and 450 inpatient and day cases were cancelled, and 60% of GP practices were affected to some degree. Doctors were available to ensure that urgent and emergency care was not affected, this includes cancer treatment and other ongoing treatment.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-27T17:39:54.21","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273727,"EventID":"S4W-07853","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-13T17:39:54.29","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-12T12:34:32.557","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether doctors taking industrial action on 21 June 2012 will lose their salary for that day and whether advice has been issued to NHS boards on this matter.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether doctors taking industrial action on 21 June 2012 will lose their salary for that day and whether advice has been issued to NHS boards on this matter.","AnswerText":"Guidance for the conduct of the industrial action has been agreed between NHSScotland employers and the British Medical Association, and has been issued to all boards and local negotiating committees. This guidance encourages doctors to give advance notice of intended action in order that patient safety is not compromised.\r\nIn line with the guidance, doctors fulfilling their contractual duties on 21 June 2012 will receive payment as normal. Employers are entitled to withhold pay where doctors do not fulfil all or any of their contractual commitments. Therefore, doctors undertaking some but not all of their duties will receive appropriate part payment for their work.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-27T17:39:54.29","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273728,"EventID":"S4W-07854","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-13T17:39:54.353","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-12T12:34:32.557","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when ministers met the NHS trade unions to negotiate pension arrangements for 2013-14.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when ministers met the NHS trade unions to negotiate pension arrangements for 2013-14.","AnswerText":"I attended the Scottish Terms and Conditions Committee (STAC) on 28 March this year to explain Scottish Government policy on public sector pension reform and set out the parameters within which discussions on future pension arrangements for NHSScotland staff should take place. STAC is a partnership organisation which contains representation from NHS employers, NHS trades unions and professional representative organisations and the Scottish Government. It is STAC’s role to discuss and agree terms and conditions issues specific to NHSScotland staff and, as such, it is for them to take forward any negotiations on the issue of NHS pensions in Scotland.\r\nSince 28 March, STAC have established a Pensions Negotiating Group involving all key stakeholders which met for the first time on 15 May and is due to meet again on 29 June. A smaller Pensions Working Group to examine technical issues in detail and feed into the larger Negotiating Group has also been established and is meeting regularly. Both the design of the NHSScotland Pension Scheme from 2015 onwards and the increases in employee contributions imposed by the UK Government which are being phased in over a three year period from April 2012 are being discussed.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-27T17:39:54.367","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273729,"EventID":"S4W-07856","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-13T17:39:54.43","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-12T14:41:38","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much funding has been provided to deliver alcohol support services in (a) Aberdeen City, (b) Aberdeenshire and (c) Angus in each of the last five years.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much funding has been provided to deliver alcohol support services in (a) Aberdeen City, (b) Aberdeenshire and (c) Angus in each of the last five years.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government routes the investment in services to tackle problematic drug and alcohol use through NHS boards for administrative purposes. NHS boards therefore, disburse funding amongst local Alcohol and Drug Partnerships (ADPs). In those areas where there is more than one ADP, the NHS board will agree with ADPs how this funding should be distributed between them.\r\nThe Scottish Government does not hold information on what proportion of this funding is given to which ADP.\r\nThe following tables provide the allocations to NHS Grampian and NHS Tayside for ADPs in their board area.\r\nFinancial Year\r\nGrampian\r\n2008-09\r\n £2,014,386\r\n2009-10\r\n £2,804,595\r\n2010-11\r\n £2,804,595\r\n2011-12\r\n £2,880,671\r\n2012-13\r\n £3,010,872\r\n \r\nFinancial Year\r\nTayside\r\n2008-09\r\n £1,816,885\r\n2009-10\r\n £2,699,833\r\n2010-11\r\n £2,699,833\r\n2011-12\r\n £2,778,016\r\n2012-13\r\n £2,905,275\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-27T17:39:54.43","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273730,"EventID":"S4W-07857","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-13T17:39:54.507","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-12T14:41:38","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many deaths in NHS Grampian hospitals were alcohol related in each of the last five years and how many of these were of people aged (i) under 18, (ii) 18 to 29, (iii)","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many deaths in NHS Grampian hospitals were alcohol related in each of the last five years and how many of these were of people aged (i) under 18, (ii) 18 to 29, (iii) 30 to 55 and (iv) over 55.\r\n","AnswerText":"The information requested is given in the following table. These figures are provided on the same basis as the statistics of alcohol-related deaths published annually by the National Records of Scotland. The figures for 2011 are provisional; final statistics for 2011 will be available in August.\r\nTable 1: Alcohol-related Deaths in NHS Grampian Hospitals, 2007-11\r\nYear of Registration of Death\r\n\r\n17 and under\r\n18 to 29\r\n30 to 55\r\n56 and over\r\nAll ages\r\n2007\r\n-\r\n-\r\n31\r\n35\r\n66\r\n2008\r\n-\r\n1\r\n20\r\n39\r\n60\r\n2009\r\n-\r\n-\r\n21\r\n37\r\n58\r\n2010\r\n-\r\n-\r\n21\r\n28\r\n49\r\n2011 (provisional)\r\n-\r\n-\r\n15\r\n30\r\n45\r\nSource: National Records of Scotland - deaths for which underlying cause had one of the following International Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems, 10th Revision (ICD-10) codes: F10, G31.2, G62.1, I42.6, K29.2, K70, K73, K74.0, K74.1, K74.2, K74.6, K86.0, X45, X65, Y15.  ","AnswerDate":"2012-06-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-27T17:39:54.507","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273731,"EventID":"S4W-07858","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-13T17:39:54.587","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-12T14:41:38","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much each NHS Grampian hospital has spent on administration in each of the last three years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much each NHS Grampian hospital has spent on administration in each of the last three years.","AnswerText":"The information requested is publically available on the ISD Scotland website http://www.isdscotland.org/Health-Topics/Finance/Costs/.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-27T17:39:54.6","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273732,"EventID":"S4W-07859","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5079,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-13T17:39:54.68","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-12T15:12:35","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information it has on how many people are in receipt of housing benefit in each local authority area, broken down by gender, and how this compares with the figures f","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information it has on how many people are in receipt of housing benefit in each local authority area, broken down by gender, and how this compares with the figures for the two previous years for which the data are available.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Department for Work and Pensions publishes monthly statistics on the number of housing benefit recipients in each local authority area.\r\nThe most recently published statistics for February 2012 are available at:\r\nhttp://statistics.dwp.gov.uk/asd/asd1/hb_ctb/hbctb_release_may12.xls.\r\nTable 2 gives a time series of the number of housing benefit recipients by local authority area.\r\nOlder data can be found at:\r\nhttp://statistics.dwp.gov.uk/asd/asd1/hb_ctb/index.php?page=hbctb_arc.\r\nThe published statistics do not provide an analysis by gender. To assist in assessing the impact of the housing benefit changes, at our request, the Department for Work and Pensions has provided the Scottish Government with copies of the Single Housing Benefit Extract. These allow more detailed analyses of claimant numbers, tenure and benefit type. Datasets have been provided for May 2010, February 2011, December 2011 and February 2012. Analyses giving total number of claimants by gender for these dates are available on the Scottish Government website at:\r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Statistics/Browse/Housing-Regeneration/RefTables/adhoc-analysis/S4W-07859.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-27T17:39:54.68","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273733,"EventID":"S4W-07860","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5079,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-13T17:39:54.757","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-12T15:12:35","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information it has on how many households in each local authority area have no access to the internet from home, broken down by gender, and how many are single perso","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information it has on how many households in each local authority area have no access to the internet from home, broken down by gender, and how many are single person households.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Household Survey reports that in the two-year period 2009-10, 67% of households in Scotland had access to the internet from their home (i.e. had taken up internet services). The corresponding percentages for local authority areas are shown in the following table. At local authority level, the number of surveyed households without access to the internet from home is too small to permit an accurate breakdown by gender or household size.\r\nLocal Authority\r\n%\r\nAberdeen City\r\n71\r\nAberdeenshire\r\n70\r\nAngus\r\n69\r\nArgyll and Bute\r\n70\r\nClackmannanshire\r\n69\r\nDumfries and Galloway\r\n61\r\nDundee City\r\n61\r\nEast Ayrshire\r\n61\r\nEast Dunbartonshire\r\n79\r\nEast Lothian\r\n65\r\nEast Renfrewshire\r\n74\r\nEdinburgh City\r\n73\r\nEilean Siar\r\n66\r\nFalkirk\r\n64\r\nFife\r\n66\r\nGlasgow City\r\n61\r\nHighland\r\n69\r\nInverclyde\r\n58\r\nMidlothian\r\n71\r\nMoray\r\n71\r\nNorth Ayrshire\r\n64\r\nNorth Lanarkshire\r\n66\r\nOrkney\r\n71\r\nPerth and Kinross\r\n69\r\nRenfrewshire\r\n67\r\nScottish Borders\r\n63\r\nShetland\r\n73\r\nSouth Ayrshire\r\n62\r\nSouth Lanarkshire\r\n67\r\nStirling\r\n71\r\nWest Dunbartonshire\r\n63\r\nWest Lothian\r\n70\r\nScotland\r\n67\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-27T17:39:54.757","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273734,"EventID":"S4W-07861","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2678,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-13T17:39:54.837","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-12T15:40:08","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many gastric (a) bypass and (b) band operations were carried out in 2010-11 on people aged (i) under 10, (ii) 11 to 12, (iii) 13 to 14, (iv) 15 to 16, (v) 17 to 19, (","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many gastric (a) bypass and (b) band operations were carried out in 2010-11 on people aged (i) under 10, (ii) 11 to 12, (iii) 13 to 14, (iv) 15 to 16, (v) 17 to 19, (vi) 20 to 24, (vii) 25 to 34, (viii) 35 to 49, (ix) 50 to 64 and (x) over 64.\r\n","AnswerText":"The following table shows information on the number of patients undergoing gastric band and gastric bypass operations, where a main diagnosis of obesity has also been recorded, by age band for the financial year ending 31 March 2011.\r\nThe data may not include information on NHS patients whose operations were undertaken in independent sector hospitals.\r\nTable 1. Number of Patients undergoing Gastric Band and Gastric Bypass operations by age band in 2010-11\r\nAge of Patient\r\nGastric Band Operations\r\nGastric Bypass Operations\r\nUnder 10\r\n-\r\n-\r\n11 to 12\r\n-\r\n-\r\n13 to 14\r\n-\r\n-\r\n15 to 16\r\n-\r\n-\r\n17 to 19\r\n-\r\n-\r\n20 to 24\r\n1\r\n-\r\n25 to 34\r\n12\r\n3\r\n35 to 49\r\n56\r\n38\r\n50 to 64\r\n26\r\n27\r\n65 and over\r\n1\r\n1\r\nAll Ages\r\n96\r\n69\r\nSource: ISD Scotland SMR01.\r\nNote: - denotes no cases.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-27T17:39:54.837","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273735,"EventID":"S4W-07881","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-13T17:39:54.913","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-13T13:45:53.547","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Lothian incident management team dealing with the Legionella outbreak has declined an offer to use Hydrosense testing kits and, if so, (a) for what reason and","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Lothian incident management team dealing with the Legionella outbreak has declined an offer to use Hydrosense testing kits and, if so, (a) for what reason and (b) whether this decision will be reviewed in its evaluation of the outbreak.\r\n","AnswerText":"The NHS Lothian Incident Management Team considered the need for Hydrosense test kits in testing for legionella bacteria, in relation to the current outbreak in south west Edinburgh. Given the pressing need to quickly identify the source of the outbreak across a number of potential sites, it was agreed that it was not the right time to adopt new technologies. It was therefore agreed that the focus should be on utilising current testing methods as they have been proven to be highly effective in previous outbreaks.\r\nAn evaluation will be undertaken following the outbreak. This will cover all aspects of the response and follow up and will include epidemiological, microbiological and environmental investigations as well as managerial, communication and administrative procedures.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-27T17:39:54.913","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273750,"EventID":"S4W-07808","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2876,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-14T14:25:56.25","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-11T11:22:13.643","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many Historic Scotland properties there are in West Scotland; how many offer free admission, and which are open (a) all year and (b) in summer only.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many Historic Scotland properties there are in West Scotland; how many offer free admission, and which are open (a) all year and (b) in summer only.\r\n","AnswerText":"The information requested on Historic Scotland’s properties in West Scotland is provided in the following table: \r\nHistoric Scotland properties within the West Scotland Scottish Parliamentary Boundary\r\nAdmission\r\nOpening\r\nPaid/Free\r\nProperty\r\nTotal\r\nOpen all year\r\nFree\r\nAntonine Wall, Bar Hill Fort\r\nAuchengallon Cairn \r\nBarochan Cross\r\nBearsden Station, Roman Bathhouse \r\nCarn Ban, Chambered Cairn\r\nCastle Semple Collegiate Church\r\nKilpatrick, Dun\r\nKilwinning Abbey\r\nMoss Farm, Machrie Moor, Stone Circles, Cairns, Hut-Circles\r\nMoss Farm Cairn \r\nTorr a'Chaisteal, Dun\r\nTorrylin, Chambered Long Cairn \r\n12\r\nOpen all year\r\nPaid\r\nDumbarton Castle\r\n1\r\nSummer only \r\nFree\r\nLochranza Castle\r\nSkelmorlie Aisle and Largs Old Parish Church\r\n2\r\nSummer only \r\nPaid\r\nNewark Castle\r\n1\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-28T14:25:56.44","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273751,"EventID":"S4W-07809","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2876,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-14T14:25:56.5","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-11T11:22:13.643","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive which Historic Scotland property in (a) Scotland and (b) West Scotland that is open (i) all year and (ii) in summer only and has (A) free and (B) paid for admission has h","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive which Historic Scotland property in (a) Scotland and (b) West Scotland that is open (i) all year and (ii) in summer only and has (A) free and (B) paid for admission has had the (1) most and (2) fewest number of visitors in each of last five years and what that number was.","AnswerText":"The information requested on Historic Scotland’s visitor numbers is provided in the following tables:\r\nTable 1: Paid for admission sites in Scotland open all year\r\n \r\n2007-08\r\n2008-09\r\n2009-10\r\n2010-11\r\n2011-12\r\n \r\nSite \r\nVis No\r\nSite \r\nVis No\r\nSite \r\nVis No\r\nSite \r\nVis No\r\nSite \r\nVis No\r\nMost Visitors\r\nEdinburgh Castle\r\n1,249,326\r\nEdinburgh Castle\r\n1,119,752\r\nEdinburgh Castle\r\n1,196,608\r\nEdinburgh Castle\r\n1,197,939\r\nEdinburgh Castle\r\n1,314,974\r\nFewest Visitors\r\nDun drennan Abbey\r\n3,935\r\nDun drennan Abbey\r\n3,390\r\nDun drennan Abbey\r\n3,375\r\nSt Vigeans\r\n1,336\r\nSt Vigeans\r\n634\r\n\r\nTable 2: Paid for admission sites in West Scotland open all year\r\n \r\n2007-08\r\n2008-09\r\n2009-10\r\n2010-11\r\n2011-12\r\n \r\nSite \r\nVis No\r\nSite \r\nVis No\r\nSite \r\nVis No\r\nSite \r\nVis No\r\nSite \r\nVis No\r\nMost Visitors\r\nDumbarton Castle\r\n12,052\r\nDumbarton Castle\r\n11,861\r\nDumbarton Castle\r\n14,315\r\nDumbarton Castle\r\n13,383\r\nDumbarton Castle\r\n14,623\r\nFewest Visitors\r\nN/A\r\nN/A\r\nN/A\r\nN/A\r\nN/A\r\nN/A\r\nN/A\r\nN/A\r\nN/A\r\nN/A\r\nNote: Dumbarton Castle is the only paid for admission site in West Scotland open all year\r\n\r\nTable 3: Free admission sites in Scotland open all year\r\n \r\n2007-08\r\n2008-09\r\n2009-10\r\n2010-11\r\n2011-12\r\n \r\nSite \r\nVis No\r\nSite \r\nVis No\r\nSite \r\nVis No\r\nSite \r\nVis No\r\nSite \r\nVis No\r\nMost Visitors\r\nGlasgow Cathedral\r\n160,789\r\nGlasgow Cathedral\r\n156,605\r\nGlasgow Cathedral\r\n167,243\r\nGlasgow Cathedral\r\n193,836\r\nGlasgow Cathedral\r\n197,639\r\nFewest Visitors\r\nN/A\r\nN/A\r\nN/A\r\nN/A\r\nN/A\r\nN/A\r\nN/A\r\nN/A\r\nN/A\r\nN/A\r\nNote: Glasgow Cathedral is the only free admission site in Scotland open all year where visitor numbers are recorded\r\n\r\nTable 4: Paid for admission sites in Scotland open in summer only\r\n \r\n2007-08\r\n2008-09\r\n2009-10\r\n2010-11\r\n2011-12\r\n \r\nSite \r\nVis No\r\nSite \r\nVis No\r\nSite \r\nVis No\r\nSite \r\nVis No\r\nSite \r\nVis No\r\nMost Visitors\r\nInchcolm Abbey\r\n18,328\r\nInchmahome Priory\r\n16,715\r\nLoch Leven\r\n19,880\r\nInchcolm Abbey\r\n21,717\r\nInchcolm Abbey\r\n23,833\r\nFewest Visitors\r\nHackness\r\n1,632\r\nHackness\r\n1,613\r\nHackness\r\n1,802\r\nGlenluce Abbey\r\n1,840\r\nGlenluce Abbey\r\n1,183\r\n\r\nTable 5: Paid for admission sites in West Scotland open in summer only\r\n \r\n2007-08\r\n2008-09\r\n2009-10\r\n2010-11\r\n2011-12\r\n \r\nSite \r\nVis No\r\nSite \r\nVis No\r\nSite \r\nVis No\r\nSite \r\nVis No\r\nSite \r\nVis No\r\nMost Visitors\r\nNewark Castle\r\n4,304\r\nNewark Castle\r\n2,748\r\nNewark Castle\r\n3,064\r\nNewark Castle\r\n3,446\r\nNewark Castle\r\n3,627\r\nFewest Visitors\r\nN/A\r\nN/A\r\nN/A\r\nN/A\r\nN/A\r\nN/A\r\nN/A\r\nN/A\r\nN/A\r\nN/A\r\nNote: Newark Castle is the only paid for admission site in West Scotland open in summer only\r\n\r\nTable 6: Free admission sites in Scotland open in summer only\r\n \r\n2007-08\r\n2008-09\r\n2009-10\r\n2010-11\r\n2011-12\r\n \r\nSite \r\nVis No\r\nSite \r\nVis No\r\nSite \r\nVis No\r\nSite \r\nVis No\r\nSite \r\nVis No\r\nMost Visitors\r\nSt Serfs Church\r\n4,117\r\nSt Serfs Church\r\n3,944\r\nSt Serfs Church\r\n3,292\r\nSt Serfs Church\r\n4,096\r\nSt Serfs Church\r\n3,838\r\nFewest Visitors\r\nN/A\r\nN/A\r\nN/A\r\nN/A\r\nN/A\r\nN/A\r\nN/A\r\nN/A\r\nN/A\r\nN/A\r\nNote: St Serf's Church is the only free site in Scotland open in summer only where visitor numbers are recorded.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-28T14:25:56.517","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273752,"EventID":"S4W-07812","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2876,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-14T14:25:56.58","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-11T11:45:27.393","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will provide the Scottish Public Health Observatory with the details required in relation to the parameter 0400 literacy rate of people aged 15 and over for th","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will provide the Scottish Public Health Observatory with the details required in relation to the parameter 0400 literacy rate of people aged 15 and over for the European Health For All database.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Survey of Adult Literacies (SSAL) provides a whole range of internationally comparable data on the literacy levels of the Scottish population. The most recent survey, SSAL2009, was based on the International Adult Literacy Survey (IALS) carried out in the mid-1990s as part of an international programme of surveys and involved a random sample of 1,927 16 to 65-year-olds in Scottish households. However, SSAL does not provide a direct comparison with the WHO definition of literacy used for parameter 0400 in the European Health For All database and has not therefore been included in the data provided by ScotPHO.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-28T14:25:56.593","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273753,"EventID":"S4W-07862","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5106,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":118,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-14T14:25:56.673","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-12T15:48:26","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many charities are regulated by the Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many charities are regulated by the Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator.\r\n","AnswerText":"This is an operational matter for Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator, a non-ministerial department. The Scottish Government cannot answer on behalf of OSCR. The member should therefore contact OSCR directly for this information.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-28T14:25:56.673","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273754,"EventID":"S4W-07863","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5106,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":118,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-14T14:25:56.75","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-12T15:48:26","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many charities failed to submit their accounts to the Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator in (a) 2008-09, (b) 2009-10 and (c) 2010-11.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many charities failed to submit their accounts to the Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator in (a) 2008-09, (b) 2009-10 and (c) 2010-11.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-07862 on 20 June 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-28T14:25:56.75","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273755,"EventID":"S4W-07864","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5106,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":118,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-14T14:25:56.843","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-12T15:48:26","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many charities have failed to submit their accounts to the Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator for two or more consecutive years since 2005.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many charities have failed to submit their accounts to the Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator for two or more consecutive years since 2005.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-07862 on 20 June 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-28T14:25:56.843","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273756,"EventID":"S4W-07865","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5106,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":118,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-14T14:25:56.923","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-12T15:48:26","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action the Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator takes when (a) charities and (b) trustees of charities fail to submit annual accounts.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action the Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator takes when (a) charities and (b) trustees of charities fail to submit annual accounts.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-07862 on 20 June 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-28T14:25:56.923","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273757,"EventID":"S4W-07866","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5106,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":118,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-14T14:25:57","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-12T15:48:26","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many charities the Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator has taken action against in each of the last three years and what this action was.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many charities the Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator has taken action against in each of the last three years and what this action was.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-07862 on 20 June 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-28T14:25:57","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273758,"EventID":"S4W-07867","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-14T14:25:57.077","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-13T10:09:31.13","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the fee is for registration with the Scottish Social Services Council for each category of employment and whether changes to the fees are planned.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the fee is for registration with the Scottish Social Services Council for each category of employment and whether changes to the fees are planned.","AnswerText":"All registrants with the Scottish Social Services Council pay an initial application fee to register, an annual fee to maintain their registration and a fee to renew their registration after a specified period of either three or five years. Current fee levels are £30; £20; £15 and £10. Full details of fee levels for all current groups can be obtained from the SSSC web site at the attached link.\r\nhttp://www.sssc.uk.com/sssc/applying-for-registration/registration-fees.html.\r\nThe work currently being carried out on consideration of the registration timetable will include amongst other issues a review of the current level of registration fees.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-28T14:25:57.077","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Aileen Campbell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273759,"EventID":"S4W-07868","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-14T14:25:57.173","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-13T10:09:31.13","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what is being done to ensure that there is a trained and educated workforce to meet the future needs of the oil and gas industry.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what is being done to ensure that there is a trained and educated workforce to meet the future needs of the oil and gas industry.","AnswerText":"Through the Energy Skills Action Group the public sector is working with industry to address the skills needs of the energy sector in Scotland, and oil and gas is a key priority for this group. This government has committed to fund 25,000 Modern Apprenticeship start, 500 of which will be ring-fenced specifically for the energy and climate change sector, every year until 2014. In 2011/12 almost half of the 500 Energy MA starts were in Oil and Gas (47%). Last year the First Minister also announced £2m to support at least an additional 1,000 flexible training places in energy and low carbon. Skills Development Scotland is currently considering how this can support the current and future skills needs of the energy sector including the oil and gas industry.\r\nThrough the Scottish Funding Council we are supporting the recently established Scotland’s Colleges Energy Skills Partnership (ESP) – a new and unique step in collaboration between the colleges to offer energy skills training across regional and sub-sectoral hubs. We are also working with the Energy Technology Partnership (ETP) an alliance of independent Scottish Universities, engaged in world class energy research, development and demonstration.\r\nIn addition the Oil and Gas Industry Leadership Group has set up a short life working group with a small number of companies from across the industry to focus on increasing the labour supply. This approach has support from Oil and Gas UK; OPITO; Sub Sea UK; Scottish Enterprise; Skills Development Scotland; and Scottish Government and will build on the existing activity already taking place to improve the supply of skills labour for the sector.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-07-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-28T14:25:57.173","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273760,"EventID":"S4W-07869","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-14T14:25:57.25","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-13T10:09:31.13","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the average collection charge is in each local authority for council tax and water charges.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the average collection charge is in each local authority for council tax and water charges.","AnswerText":"The cost of collecting council tax (and water charges) is an Accounts Commission Performance Indicator. Data by local authority for 2010-11 is published by Audit Scotland under “Corporate management” (indicator 5) and can be accessed at:\r\nhttp://www.audit-scotland.gov.uk/performance/service/.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-28T14:25:57.25","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273761,"EventID":"S4W-07870","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-14T14:25:57.327","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-13T12:10:54.493","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what procedures are in place to allow local authority officials to combat antisocial behaviour by (a) tenants and (b) home owners.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what procedures are in place to allow local authority officials to combat antisocial behaviour by (a) tenants and (b) home owners.\r\n","AnswerText":"In March 2009 the Scottish Government and COSLA jointly published their Framework for tackling antisocial behaviour, Promoting Positive Outcomes. It followed a thorough review of national antisocial behaviour policy, recognising that prevention; early and effective intervention; and diversion, should be at its heart.\r\nThere is a range of tools available to local authorities and other partners to tackle antisocial behaviour across a range of tenures and the extent to which they are used and in what circumstances is an operational matter for those local authorities and other partners. Guidance on the use of tools to tackle antisocial behaviour can be found on the Scottish Government’s website at www.scotland.gov.uk.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-28T14:25:57.327","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273762,"EventID":"S4W-07871","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-14T14:25:57.42","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-13T12:10:54.493","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what new legislation is being considered to deal with antisocial behaviour by tenants.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what new legislation is being considered to deal with antisocial behaviour by tenants.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government consultation Affordable Rented Housing: creating flexibility for landlords and better outcomes for communities suggested 10 proposals for legislative change. Four of these proposals would give social landlords (local authorities and Registered Social Landlords) greater flexibility around allocations, tenancies and evictions and help deal with antisocial behaviour by their tenants. Any changes to be taken forward will form part of a Housing Bill. The consultation closed on 30 April 2012 and the paper can be accessed online at:\r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2012/02/9972/0.\r\nThe Scottish Government is currently consulting on the development of a strategy aimed at growing and improving standards within the Scottish private rented sector. As part of this, the Scottish Government is seeking views on how problem tenants living within privately rented properties can be more effectively dealt with to help both neighbours and landlords. The consultation runs until 10 July 2012 and can be accessed online at: http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Resource/0039/00391609.pdf.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-28T14:25:57.42","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273763,"EventID":"S4W-07872","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-14T14:25:57.5","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-13T12:10:54.493","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there are plans to reduce the time taken by the process for local authority housing officers to deal with antisocial behaviour.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there are plans to reduce the time taken by the process for local authority housing officers to deal with antisocial behaviour.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government consultation Affordable Rented Housing: creating flexibility for landlords and better outcomes for communities included a number of proposals to give social landlords (local authorities and Registered Social Landlords) greater flexibility in tackling antisocial behaviour and asked whether we need to simplify the eviction process where another court has already considered antisocial behaviour by a tenant or their household. Any changes to be taken forward will form part of a Housing Bill. The consultation closed on 30 April 2012 and can be accessed online:\r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2012/02/9972/0. \r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-28T14:25:57.5","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273764,"EventID":"S4W-07873","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-14T14:25:57.577","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-13T12:10:54.493","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether bus companies have a duty of care to protect passengers from potential passengers who are intoxicated or on drugs.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether bus companies have a duty of care to protect passengers from potential passengers who are intoxicated or on drugs.","AnswerText":"The duty of care to protect passengers is included as part of the terms and conditions of the operating licence from the Traffic Commissioner.\r\nMost bus operators currently use conditions of carriage to which both the passenger and the bus operator themselves must adhere. This can include refusing entry or removing passengers who are believed to be intoxicated, on drugs or appear likely to behave in an anti-social manner.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-28T14:25:57.593","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273765,"EventID":"S4W-07874","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-14T14:25:57.687","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-13T12:10:54.493","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what procedures are in place to protect bus drivers from verbal and physical attack by passengers.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what procedures are in place to protect bus drivers from verbal and physical attack by passengers.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government attaches the greatest importance to the safety of all passengers and staff using and delivering bus services and will continue to work in partnership with local authorities, transport operators and others on a range of deterrent and enforcement measures to make public transport safer for both passengers and staff.\r\nCommon deterrents currently in use include protective screens on buses separating bus drivers from passengers, the use of radio to report disturbances, the provision of CCTV coverage on buses and the use of signage to highlight that any physical attacks on drivers will not be tolerated and offenders prosecuted.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-28T14:25:57.687","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273766,"EventID":"S4W-07875","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-14T14:25:57.797","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-13T12:10:54.493","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assurances can be given to bus passengers that their journeys will not be disrupted by abusive passengers.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assurances can be given to bus passengers that their journeys will not be disrupted by abusive passengers.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government will continue to work in partnership with local authorities, transport operators and others on a range of deterrents and enforcement. Passengers will see this commitment reflected in practical measures such as CCTV, the use of radio to report disturbances, and signage to provide appropriate information and warnings.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-28T14:25:57.81","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273767,"EventID":"S4W-07876","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-14T14:25:57.89","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-13T12:10:54.493","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with communities concerned about antisocial behaviour.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with communities concerned about antisocial behaviour.","AnswerText":"In March 2009 the Scottish Government and COSLA jointly published their Framework for tackling antisocial behaviour, Promoting Positive Outcomes. It followed a thorough review of national antisocial behaviour policy, recognising that prevention; early and effective intervention; and diversion, should be at its heart.\r\nThe Scottish Government has recently engaged and is engaging with communities across a number of issues where antisocial behaviour is one of many issues under consideration.\r\nThe first Scottish Social Housing Charter was introduced on 1 April 2012. This followed extensive consultation with tenants, landlords and other interested parties to find out what they wanted the Charter to include. The outcomes contained in the Charter describe the results that tenants and other customers can expect social landlords to achieve. The Charter includes an outcome on social landlords working in partnership with other agencies to ensure that tenants and other customers live in well maintained neighbourhoods where they feel safe.\r\nIn addition to this, the Scottish Government recently consulted on Affordable Rented Housing: Creating flexibility for landlords and better outcomes for communities. This closed in April 2012 and included some proposals on tackling antisocial behaviour in the social rented sector. The responses to the consultation are currently being analysed.\r\nWe are also consulting on a strategy for the Private Rented Sector which asks how problem tenants living within privately rented properties could be more effectively dealt with to help both neighbours and landlords. This consultation closes on 10 July.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-28T14:25:57.89","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273768,"EventID":"S4W-07877","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-14T14:25:58.06","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-13T12:21:15.593","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S4W-07511 by Kenny MacAskill on 12 June 2012, what geographical areas Scotland will be broken into under the proposed single police for","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S4W-07511 by Kenny MacAskill on 12 June 2012, what geographical areas Scotland will be broken into under the proposed single police force for the purpose of statistics of recorded crime, its detection and the rates of solved crime.","AnswerText":"Future data needs, including the level of geography at which statistics will be reported under the Police Service of Scotland, are actively being considered to ensure that they support the enhanced local accountability to be brought about by reform.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-28T14:25:58.06","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273769,"EventID":"S4W-07878","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-14T14:25:58.2","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-13T12:21:15.593","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S4W-07511 by Kenny MacAskill on 12 June 2012, when it will consider the best provision for future data collection and reporting arrange","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S4W-07511 by Kenny MacAskill on 12 June 2012, when it will consider the best provision for future data collection and reporting arrangements with the Association of Chief Police Officers in Scotland (ACPOS) and whether this communication will take place before or after the formation of the proposed single police force.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government is actively considering the best provision for future data collection and reporting arrangements as part of on-going discussions with the ACPOS National Police Reform Team. Future data needs are actively being considered to ensure that they support the enhanced local accountability to be brought about by reform.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-28T14:25:58.2","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273770,"EventID":"S4W-07879","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-14T14:25:58.343","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-13T12:27:13","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what occupational health services are available to small businesses.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what occupational health services are available to small businesses.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government provides funding for the Scottish Centre for Healthy Working Lives. The Centre, as a Directorate of NHS Health Scotland, provides a range of services to promote health, safety and wellbeing in and through the workplace. This includes a network of advisers who can visit premises to offer advice on basic health and safety and on promoting health and wellbeing in the workplace.\r\nThe centre operates a free and confidential telephone advisory service which can offer a wider range of advice to employers, employees and healthcare professionals on health, safety, health promotion and occupational health. The advice line has received additional funding from DWP over 2010-13 primarily to improve the reach to small and micro-enterprises. This has been delivered in collaboration with the Scottish Chamber of Commerce.\r\nFollowing a comprehensive review in 2011, the centre launched a strategy to improve its reach to small and medium-sized enterprises.\r\nThe Scottish Government provides the bulk of the funding for the Working Health Services Scotland pilot, which is one of a number of DWP-funded Fit for Work Service pilot programmes. Working Health Services provides a service for people working for small and medium-sized enterprises (fewer than 250 employees), without access to in-house occupational health support and are on sickness absence or at risk of going off sick. A central telephone service provides rapid diagnosis and onward referral to local healthcare services.\r\nEmployers are also able to contract with commercial providers of occupational health services.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-28T14:25:58.343","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273771,"EventID":"S4W-07880","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-14T14:25:58.437","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-13T13:19:51","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S4W-07459 by Aileen Campbell on 7 June 2012, what information it has on the cost of training and education required for a support worke","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S4W-07459 by Aileen Campbell on 7 June 2012, what information it has on the cost of training and education required for a support worker in a care at home service to qualify for SVQ level 2.","AnswerText":"The cost of training and education required for a support worker in a care at home service to qualify to SVQ level 2 will vary depending on the individual’s existing knowledge and the chosen training provider.\r\nSkills Development Scotland offer a contribution towards the cost of training an individual undertaking a Modern Apprenticeship in Health and Social Care at Level 2, one of the mandatory outcomes of which is the SVQ at level 2 to which you refer. Contribution rates for apprenticeships vary by level of learning and age of the individuals. Skills Development Scotland has published the contribution rates for 2012-13 which can be accessed using the following link:\r\nhttp://www.providercentral.org.uk/OurServices/NationalTrainingProgrammes/Modern_Apprenticeships.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-28T14:25:58.437","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Aileen Campbell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273772,"EventID":"S4W-07882","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1866,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-14T14:25:58.637","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-13T14:50:57.743","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the estimated cost is of extending student loans for living costs for students studying for a Diploma in Legal Practice and how this figure has been calculated.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the estimated cost is of extending student loans for living costs for students studying for a Diploma in Legal Practice and how this figure has been calculated.\r\n","AnswerText":"We do not currently provide student loans for living costs for any group of postgraduate students including those studying for the Diploma in Professional Legal Practice.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-28T14:25:58.653","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273773,"EventID":"S4W-07883","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1866,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-14T14:25:58.733","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-13T14:50:57.743","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what proportion of students studying for a Diploma in Legal Practice was eligible for a full loan under the Postgraduate Students' Allowances Scheme in 2011-12.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what proportion of students studying for a Diploma in Legal Practice was eligible for a full loan under the Postgraduate Students' Allowances Scheme in 2011-12.","AnswerText":"Loan funding was not available for students studying for the Diploma in Professional Legal Practice (DPLP) under the Postgraduate Students’ Allowances Scheme (PSAS) in 2011-12.\r\nIn 2011-2, DPLP students could apply for an allowance of up to £3,400 towards the cost of their tuition fees under PSAS. 300 DPLP funded places were available at Scottish Institutions which were allocated on a discretionary basis by the institution.\r\nIn academic year 2012-13, all DPLP students (around 700) will be eligible to apply for non-income assessed loan funding of up to £3,400 towards the cost of their tuition fees under PSAS.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-28T14:25:58.733","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273774,"EventID":"S4W-07884","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1866,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-14T14:25:58.827","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-13T14:50:57.743","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information it has on what funding is available under the Professional and Career Development Loans scheme and whether applications for this are weighted in favour o","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information it has on what funding is available under the Professional and Career Development Loans scheme and whether applications for this are weighted in favour of low-income students.","AnswerText":"The Professional and Career Development Loan (PCDL) is a deferred payment bank loan to help pay for vocational training, leading to employment in the UK or the EU. The course must be vocational and can be full time, part time or distance learning. The loan can cover up to two years of learning (or up to three years if the course includes work experience) and can be between £300 and £10,000.\r\nThe Skills Funding Agency pays interest on the loan during the period of study and the interest rate is 9.9% (equivalent to 5-6% APR over the typical life time of a loan).\r\nAs this is a commercial bank loan the banks set the lending criteria and Government Ministers have no powers to intervene.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-28T14:25:58.84","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273775,"EventID":"S4W-07885","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1866,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-14T14:25:59.027","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-13T14:50:57.743","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether students studying for a Diploma in Legal Practice are eligible to apply for funding under the Professional and Career Development Loans scheme.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether students studying for a Diploma in Legal Practice are eligible to apply for funding under the Professional and Career Development Loans scheme.\r\n","AnswerText":"Students undertaking the Diploma in Professional Legal Practice are eligible to apply for loan funding under the Professional and Career Development Loan Scheme to assist with the cost of their tuition fees and/or to assist with living costs.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-28T14:25:59.027","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273776,"EventID":"S4W-07886","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1893,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-14T14:25:59.123","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-13T14:54:22.827","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when home buyers will be able to access the national mortgage indemnity scheme and, in light of a similar scheme being launched in England in March 2012, for what reason ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when home buyers will be able to access the national mortgage indemnity scheme and, in light of a similar scheme being launched in England in March 2012, for what reason the scheme is not yet available.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government’s guarantee and other key legal agreements for the scheme, which is led by Homes for Scotland, have now been agreed by the relevant parties and a number of housebuilders and lenders are committed to supporting it. The scheme has not yet launched as further work is needed by housebuilders and lenders to establish partnerships and because lenders require to make changes to ensure that their systems are ready to accept applications in Scotland.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-28T14:25:59.123","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273777,"EventID":"S4W-07887","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4938,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-14T14:25:59.23","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-13T15:24:15","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what proportion of the £32 million for superfast broadband that it has been given by the UK Government will be allocated to Central Scotland.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what proportion of the £32 million for superfast broadband that it has been given by the UK Government will be allocated to Central Scotland.\r\n","AnswerText":"The additional £32 million allocation announced on 8 June 2012 by the UK Government will be added to the Scottish Government’s central funding pot for broadband delivery across Scotland, which is now £244.5 million. This comprises £143.7 million from the Scottish Budget and £100.8 million from the UK Government. In addition to this, around £40 million, to date, has also been secured in local authority contributions.\r\nThis funding will be used to invest in infrastructure that will have the capacity to deliver broadband at a speed of 40-80 Megabits per second (Mbps) to 85-90% of premises by 2015, as set out in Scotland’s Digital Future: Infrastructure Action Plan, published on 31 January 2012.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-28T14:25:59.23","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273778,"EventID":"S4W-07888","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4938,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-14T14:25:59.323","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-13T15:24:15","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive which fuel poor areas it expects to benefit first from the National Retrofit Programme.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive which fuel poor areas it expects to benefit first from the National Retrofit Programme.\r\n","AnswerText":"In my Statement to Parliament on 6 June 2012 I confirmed the Scottish Government’s plans to develop a National Retrofit Programme which will offer a range of free or discounted heating and home insulation measures to people across Scotland who struggle with fuel poverty.\r\nThe programme will adopt an area based approach that prioritises fuel poverty and other deprivation factors. Support and measures provided will be tailored to home and household needs, based on a thorough assessment.\r\nWe expect the programme to start in 2013 and cover the whole of Scotland in 10 years.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-28T14:25:59.323","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273779,"EventID":"S4W-07889","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4938,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-14T14:25:59.417","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-13T15:24:15","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what contribution it has made to the bee industry in the last five years.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what contribution it has made to the bee industry in the last five years.\r\n","AnswerText":"A number of contributions have been made including:\r\nThe launch in 2010 of the 10-year Honey Bee Health Strategy which aims to develop Education, Training, Knowledge Transfer and Communications as well as promote Surveillance, Diagnosis, Biosecurity and Research and Development.\r\nOrganising and delivering of three Bee Health Days and a comprehensive advisory service provided by the Scottish Agricultural College. \r\nThe restructuring of the SG Bee Inspectorate which includes Bee Inspectors delivering local level education through delivering informative talks to beekeeping associations.\r\nThe introduction of a control plan, to be used by bee farmers, for the notifiable disease European Foulbrood (EFB).\r\nThe introduction in 2012 of a surveillance programme to help establish the disease situation throughout Scotland.\r\nProvision of a free diagnostic service by Science and Advice for Scottish Agriculture (SASA) to identify and confirm the presence of notifiable bee pests and diseases.\r\nAn improved cross-border working relationship with colleagues in Fera’s National Bee Unit (NBU).\r\nUtilising and contributing to the NBU’s database and information system “BeeBase”.  Nearly 900 Scottish beekeepers have registered since 2010.\r\nSigning up to the EU COLOSS (Prevention of Colony Losses) network.\r\nContributing £550k to the £10 million multi-agency research programme “Insect Pollinator Initiative (IPI)”.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-28T14:25:59.417","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273780,"EventID":"S4W-07890","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4938,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-14T14:25:59.497","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-13T15:24:15","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what funding it has made available to local authorities to establish sports hubs in the last two years.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what funding it has made available to local authorities to establish sports hubs in the last two years.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has made available £1.5 million each year to ensure we have 150 Community Sports Hubs established by 2016. The level of funding made available to each local authority is an operational matter for sportscotland and I have asked the chief executive, Stewart Harris, to provide the detailed information requested.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-28T14:25:59.497","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Shona Robison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273781,"EventID":"S4W-07891","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4938,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-14T14:25:59.59","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-13T15:24:15","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many tonnes of carbon are captured by peat bogs.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many tonnes of carbon are captured by peat bogs.\r\n","AnswerText":"Scotland’s peatlands contain an estimated 1,600 million tonnes of carbon. Mosses, mainly Sphagnum species, are the main peat formers. The rate at which carbon is sequestered varies markedly between sites and from year to year. A semi-natural peat bog can capture as much as 0.7 tonnes of carbon per hectare in a year.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-28T14:25:59.59","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273782,"EventID":"S4W-07893","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":131,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-14T14:25:59.683","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-13T16:12:38.853","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S4W-07343 by John Swinney on 6 June 2012, how it defines \"third sector\" with regard to eligibility for financial support.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S4W-07343 by John Swinney on 6 June 2012, how it defines \"third sector\" with regard to eligibility for financial support.","AnswerText":"The Third Sector is made up of community groups, voluntary organisations, charities, social enterprises, co-operatives and individual volunteers.\r\nAn organisation is regarded as being in the third sector if it:\r\nhas a positive community purpose\r\nis run by an unpaid (or mostly unpaid) committee\r\nis not principally set up to distribute profit to shareholders\r\nis not run by or affiliated to a political party or a government body.\r\nThe Private Company Limited by Guarantee is one of the legal structures used by third sector organisations, although not all Private Companies Limited by Guarantee would be considered part of the third sector.\r\nThe Scottish Government provides financial support across a range of policy areas to a wide range of third sector organisations, each fund has specific criteria tied to policy outcomes, and applicant organisations will have their own legal structure. Applicants should consult the appropriate fund guidance for advice.\r\nThe Scottish Government’s Third Sector Unit is currently exploring how to focus its future direct funding investments to support further growth and development across the sector.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-28T14:25:59.683","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273783,"EventID":"S4W-07894","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":131,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-14T14:25:59.793","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-13T16:12:38.853","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S4W-07343 by John Swinney on 6 June 2012, whether private companies limited by guarantee are eligible for financial support from the Sc","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S4W-07343 by John Swinney on 6 June 2012, whether private companies limited by guarantee are eligible for financial support from the Scottish Government and, if so, what criteria apply.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-07893 on 25 June 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-28T14:25:59.793","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273784,"EventID":"S4W-07896","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-14T14:25:59.87","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-13T16:54:47.297","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much plain film reporting is carried out by radiographers in each NHS board.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much plain film reporting is carried out by radiographers in each NHS board.\r\n","AnswerText":"This is a matter for NHS boards. This information is not currently held centrally. However, following the publication of the National Delivery Plan for Allied Health Professions, NHS boards will be required to report nationally on a standardised measure of musculoskeletal plain image reporting. And they will also be required to develop an action plan to use reporting radiographers effectively in their board.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-28T14:25:59.87","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273785,"EventID":"S4W-07897","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-14T14:25:59.95","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-13T12:10:54.493","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action can be taken to prevent disruption to bus journeys by abusive passengers.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action can be taken to prevent disruption to bus journeys by abusive passengers.","AnswerText":"In addition to various practical measures on buses themselves, the police, local authorities, and other local agencies are responsible for tackling anti-social behaviour at local level.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-28T14:25:59.963","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273786,"EventID":"S4W-07934","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3061,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-14T14:26:00.027","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-14T09:03:41","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many risk of sexual harm orders have been (a) issued and (b) breached in each year since 2006.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many risk of sexual harm orders have been (a) issued and (b) breached in each year since 2006.\r\n","AnswerText":"The following table details the number of risk of sexual harm orders that have been issued and breached under the Protection of Children and the Prevention of Sexual Offences (Scotland) Act 2005 in each year since 2006.\r\n\r\n2005-06\r\n2006-07\r\n2007-08\r\n2008-09\r\n2009-10\r\n2010-11\r\nIssued\r\n0\r\n4\r\n3\r\n2\r\n0\r\n5\r\nBreached\r\n0\r\n1\r\n0\r\n0\r\n1\r\n3\r\nRisk of Sexual Harm Orders were strengthened by provisions in the Criminal Justice & Licensing (Scotland) Act 2010.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-28T14:26:00.043","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273787,"EventID":"S4W-07935","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3061,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-14T14:26:00.12","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-14T09:03:41","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many (a) prosecutions and (b) convictions there have been under the Protection of Children and Prevention of Sexual Offences (Scotland) Act 2005 in each year since 20","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many (a) prosecutions and (b) convictions there have been under the Protection of Children and Prevention of Sexual Offences (Scotland) Act 2005 in each year since 2006. \r\n","AnswerText":"The available information is given in the following table.\r\nPersons proceeded against under the Protection of Children and Prevention of Sexual Offences (Scotland) Act 20051, 2005-06 to 2010-11\r\nMain Result of Proceedings\r\n2005-06\r\n2006-07\r\n2007-08\r\n2008-09\r\n2009-10\r\n2010-11\r\nProceeded against\r\n1\r\n3\r\n1\r\n6\r\n6\r\n7\r\nConvicted\r\n1\r\n3\r\n0\r\n6\r\n5\r\n7\r\nNot Guilty\r\n0\r\n0\r\n1\r\n0\r\n1\r\n0\r\nNote: 1. Where Main offence.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-28T14:26:00.137","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273788,"EventID":"S4O-01168","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":138,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-14T15:03:09.513","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-06T15:33:19.89","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what message the Scottish Government has for the public and competitors from Scotland for the forthcoming Olympic and Paralympic Games.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what message the Scottish Government has for the public and competitors from Scotland for the forthcoming Olympic and Paralympic Games.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-28T15:03:09.513","MeetingDate":"2012-06-21T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273789,"EventID":"S4W-07898","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1793,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-14T16:54:36.447","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-14T09:31:06.707","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what work it has carried out with Registers of Scotland and the Crofting Commission to compile a new crofting register and when the register will be posted online.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what work it has carried out with Registers of Scotland and the Crofting Commission to compile a new crofting register and when the register will be posted online.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government is working closely with the Registers of Scotland and the Crofting Commission to develop the new Crofting Register, to be held by the Keeper of the Registers of Scotland under Part 2 of the Crofting Reform (Scotland) Act 2010, which will provide legal certainty on the extent of, and interests in, croft land.\r\nThe work in developing the new register is ongoing and includes consultation with key stakeholders and expected users of the register on a variety of issues, including the content of the register, the application processes, application forms and guidance. As well as meeting the full costs of developing and introducing the Crofting Register, the Scottish Government is also providing £100,000 towards reducing the cost of registration for groups submitting 10 or more crofts for registration at the same time. The Government is also providing a further £100,000 towards the preparation of applications and registration of common grazings on the new register and is working closely with the Crofting Commission on this project.\r\nThe Scottish Government is preparing the third commencement order for the Crofting Reform (Scotland) Act 2010 to commence the provisions relating to the new register. This is expected to be laid before the Scottish Parliament shortly after the 2012 Summer Recess and will be followed by a Registers of Scotland Fees Order and Rules. Subject to Parliamentary approval, this should allow the register to be publicly available for registration of croft land towards the end of this year.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-28T16:54:36.48","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273790,"EventID":"S4W-07900","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1793,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-14T16:54:36.62","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-14T09:31:06.707","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it remains its position to bring forward the third commencement order for the Crofting Reform (Scotland) Act 2010 in summer 2012.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it remains its position to bring forward the third commencement order for the Crofting Reform (Scotland) Act 2010 in summer 2012.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government expects to lay before the Scottish Parliament the third commencement order for the Crofting Reform (Scotland) Act 2010, commencing the remaining provisions in the Act, which include the new Crofting Register, as planned, shortly after the 2012 Summer Recess.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-28T16:54:36.62","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273791,"EventID":"S4W-07901","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1793,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-14T16:54:36.727","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-14T09:31:06.707","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it encourages the development of new crofts.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it encourages the development of new crofts.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government encourages the development of new crofts in a number of ways, including through working closely with the Crofting Commission to help it better regulate crofting and with Highlands and Islands Enterprise in its crofting development function.\r\nThe Scottish Government also encourages communities to purchase Scottish Ministers’ croft land under the transfer of Crofting Estates (Scotland) Act 1997 as a means to establishing new crofts for community benefit. We would encourage all landlords, in both the public and private sectors to consider setting up new crofts, which should contribute to the long-term sustainability of crofting.\r\nOnce new crofts have been established, financial support is available from specific crofting grants and the Scotland Rural Development Programme (SRDP). Specific measures to assist new, primarily young, entrants are the extra 10% assistance from the Crofting Counties Agricultural Grants Scheme made available to those under 40 years of age, and the assistance with interest rate relief for new entrants to agriculture whose agricultural standard labour requirement is greater than 25%. In addition, the Croft House Grants Scheme provides up to £22,000 assistance to help crofters live on the crofts they work.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-28T16:54:36.727","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273792,"EventID":"S4W-07902","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1793,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-14T16:54:36.82","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-14T09:31:06.707","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many new crofts have been registered since August 2010.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many new crofts have been registered since August 2010.\r\n","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally. The current Register of Crofts is administered on behalf of Scottish Ministers by the Crofting Commission and I have asked the Chief Executive of the Crofting Commission to respond to you directly with the information you have requested.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-28T16:54:36.837","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273793,"EventID":"S4W-07903","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1793,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-14T16:54:36.93","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-14T09:31:06.707","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assistance it has given to fish producer organisations affected by the reported lack of access to waters around the Faroe Islands for mackerel fishing.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assistance it has given to fish producer organisations affected by the reported lack of access to waters around the Faroe Islands for mackerel fishing.\r\n","AnswerText":"The absence of an agreement between the EU and the Faroe Islands for mutual access to fishing waters has caused a number of significant disruptions to the Scottish fishing industry. Most importantly, the setting of unilateral and excessive quotas by the Faroe Islands (and Iceland) places the long term sustainability of the mackerel stock in jeopardy. At present, however, Scottish vessels prosecuting the mackerel fishery in EU waters are able to access significant fishing opportunities. The provisional UK 2012 allocation of mackerel is over 130,000 tonnes, and this will be adjusted upwards when final allocations are made.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-28T16:54:36.947","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273794,"EventID":"S4W-07904","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1793,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-14T16:54:37.057","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-14T09:31:06.707","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the value is of the returned quotas that have been allocated to the Scottish Fishermen’s Organisation and the (a) Orkney, (b) Shetland and (c) Lunar fish producer or","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the value is of the returned quotas that have been allocated to the Scottish Fishermen’s Organisation and the (a) Orkney, (b) Shetland and (c) Lunar fish producer organisations.\r\n","AnswerText":"The value of any fish quota, in terms of the price per tonne achieved at first sale, can fluctuate considerably in light of prevailing market conditions. Any estimate of value can therefore only be an approximation. Noting this level of uncertainty, the table below shows the approximate value of quotas allocated to the Fish Producer Organisations noted there. These estimates are based on average first sale prices in 2011.\r\nProducer Organisation\r\nValue allocated (£ millions)\r\nScottish Fishermen’s Organisation\r\n2.12\r\nOrkney FPO\r\n0.20\r\nShetland FPO\r\n0.23\r\nLunar FPO\r\n0.02\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-28T16:54:37.057","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273795,"EventID":"S4W-07905","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1793,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-14T16:54:37.133","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-14T09:31:06.707","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether returned quotas that are allocated to the Scottish Fishermen’s Organisation and the (a) Orkney, (b) Shetland and (c) Lunar fish producer organisations are directe","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether returned quotas that are allocated to the Scottish Fishermen’s Organisation and the (a) Orkney, (b) Shetland and (c) Lunar fish producer organisations are directed to the producer organisations or to specific vessels.\r\n","AnswerText":"Allocations of fish quota are made to Fish Producer Organisations. In the case of the quotas that were reserved by the European Union to facilitate a mutual access agreement with the Faroe Islands (where agreement was not reached and therefore quotas will be returned to EU member states) allocations have been made to producer organisations with member vessels that have fished in Faroese waters in recent years (2009 and 2010). The purpose of the allocation is therefore to provide assistance to producer organisations with members active in the Faroese fishery. It is for producer organisations to decide how to make that assistance available to individual members.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-28T16:54:37.15","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273796,"EventID":"S4W-07906","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1793,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-14T16:54:37.21","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-14T09:31:06.707","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the returned quotas that have been allocated to the Scottish Fishermen’s Organisation and the (a) Orkney, (b) Shetland and (c) Lunar fish producer organisations will","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the returned quotas that have been allocated to the Scottish Fishermen’s Organisation and the (a) Orkney, (b) Shetland and (c) Lunar fish producer organisations will come into force.\r\n","AnswerText":"These fish quotas can be utilised now.\r\nIt is the practice of the UK Fisheries Administrations to issue provisional allocations of fish quotas in the early part of the year. These provisional allocations then become final allocations later in the year, when all in-year amendments made by the EU and any adjustments made as a consequence of the application of UK quota management rules (for example, in relation to any penalties for over-fishing) can be taken into account. Provisional allocations for 2012 have already been issued. It is expected that final allocations will be issued shortly, although there remains provision in quota management rules for allocations to be adjusted further (for example where producer organisations wish to “borrow” from 2013 quotas).\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-28T16:54:37.227","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273797,"EventID":"S4W-07907","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1793,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-14T16:54:37.29","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-14T09:31:06.707","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with the Faroe Islands Government on the resumption of access to mackerel fishing\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with the Faroe Islands Government on the resumption of access to mackerel fishing\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has actively participated in all rounds of negotiations between the coastal states for mackerel so far. We act as part of the UK delegation to the European Union, the EU being the Coastal State with negotiating authority on behalf of member states. The latest round ended without agreement in Reykjavik in February. Since then, Scottish Government officials have engaged with the Faroe Islands Government by meeting with a delegation of Faroese MPs in Edinburgh. We will continue to work hard to ensure the Scottish position is well represented in the autumn negotiations for a 2013 agreement.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-28T16:54:37.307","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273798,"EventID":"S4W-07921","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1893,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-14T16:54:37.367","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-14T09:43:56.31","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many attacks on livestock by raptor species have been recorded in the last five years and how this information is published.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many attacks on livestock by raptor species have been recorded in the last five years and how this information is published.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government does not record this information.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-28T16:54:37.367","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273799,"EventID":"S4W-07922","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4964,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-14T16:54:37.46","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-14T09:52:56.09","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive (a) how many and (b) what percentage of mothers have breastfed in each year since 1999 and what the year-on-year percentage change has been, broken down by (a) NHS board ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive (a) how many and (b) what percentage of mothers have breastfed in each year since 1999 and what the year-on-year percentage change has been, broken down by (a) NHS board and (b) age group.\r\n","AnswerText":"Data is only available from 2001-02 onwards. Breastfeeding data is recorded at the public health nurse/health visitor First Visit review (at around 10 days old) and the 6-8 week review and collated by Information Services Division (ISD). The number and percentage breastfed includes exclusively breastfed and mixed breast and formula fed. There are explanatory notes on these figures on the ISD website. \r\nNumber and percentage of mothers breastfeeding at first visit and 6-8 week review, 2001-02 to 2010-11\r\n \r\nFirst visit\r\n6-8 week review\r\nNumber breastfed\r\n% Breastfed \r\nNumber breastfed\r\n% Breastfed \r\n2001-02\r\n18,200\r\n43.5\r\n14,286\r\n35.7\r\n2002-03\r\n18,497\r\n44.5\r\n14,595\r\n36.5\r\n2003-04\r\n19,148\r\n44.3\r\n14,989\r\n35.8\r\n2004-05\r\n19,652\r\n44.4\r\n15,448\r\n36.3\r\n2005-06\r\n19,862\r\n44.7\r\n15,774\r\n36.8\r\n2006-07\r\n20,291\r\n44.1\r\n15,917\r\n35.7\r\n2007-08\r\n22,445\r\n44.6\r\n16,987\r\n35.5\r\n2008-09\r\n23,415\r\n45.4\r\n17,704\r\n36.2\r\n2009-10\r\n23,413\r\n45.6\r\n17,558\r\n36.0\r\n2010-11\r\n25,938\r\n46.8\r\n19,730\r\n37.1\r\nSource: ISD\r\nPercentage year-on-year change in breastfeeding prevalence at first visit by NHS Board, 2001-02 to 2010-11\r\n\r\n2001-02\r\n2002-03\r\n2003-04\r\n2004-05\r\n2005-06\r\n2006-07\r\n2007-08\r\n2008-09\r\n2009-10\r\n2010-11\r\nScotland\r\nx\r\n2.1\r\n-0.3\r\n0.1\r\n0.7\r\n-1.2\r\n1.0\r\n1.9\r\n0.4\r\n2.6\r\nNHS Ayrshire and Arran\r\nx\r\n-4.4\r\n3.0\r\n5.4\r\n-3.0\r\n-4.5\r\n-11.5\r\n3.0\r\n3.0\r\n-4.7\r\nNHS Borders\r\nx\r\n0.6\r\n-5.1\r\n5.7\r\n-4.7\r\n-0.9\r\n-4.1\r\n5.8\r\n-5.5\r\n-0.4\r\nNHS Dumfries and Galloway\r\nx\r\n2.5\r\n-2.9\r\n0.9\r\n-5.5\r\n1.0\r\n-1.1\r\n-0.6\r\n0.8\r\n-3.5\r\nNHS Fife\r\nx\r\n5.1\r\n2.1\r\n-2.2\r\n3.6\r\n-0.3\r\n0.5\r\n-3.7\r\n1.1\r\n-1.5\r\nNHS Forth Valley\r\nx\r\n0.9\r\n7.0\r\n-4.5\r\n6.9\r\n-8.5\r\n0.6\r\n5.1\r\n-4.0\r\n-2.1\r\nNHS Grampian\r\nx\r\nx\r\nx\r\nx\r\nx\r\nx\r\nx\r\nx\r\nx\r\nx\r\nNHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde\r\nx\r\n3.7\r\n-3.6\r\n2.0\r\n-1.9\r\n2.4\r\n-0.3\r\n3.9\r\n0.3\r\n0.7\r\nNHS Highland\r\nx\r\n-5.9\r\n2.8\r\n1.3\r\n7.4\r\n-9.9\r\n1.9\r\n2.0\r\n-1.0\r\n1.0\r\nNHS Lanarkshire\r\nx\r\n9.5\r\n-2.6\r\n-2.2\r\n5.2\r\n-12.1\r\n10.4\r\n-7.5\r\n2.9\r\n2.5\r\nNHS Lothian\r\nx\r\n2.5\r\n0.4\r\n0.9\r\n-0.3\r\n2.6\r\n0.1\r\n2.9\r\n0.5\r\n1.0\r\nNHS Orkney\r\nx\r\nx\r\nx\r\nx\r\nx\r\nx\r\nx\r\nx\r\nx\r\nx\r\nNHS Shetland\r\nx\r\nx\r\nx\r\nx\r\nx\r\nx\r\nx\r\nx\r\n-7.5\r\n16.4\r\nNHS Tayside\r\nx\r\n-3.7\r\n2.2\r\n-3.1\r\n1.5\r\n0.8\r\n-1.6\r\n-1.2\r\n4.7\r\n-1.5\r\nNHS Western Isles\r\nx\r\nx\r\nx\r\nx\r\nx\r\nx\r\n4.6\r\n32.4\r\n-27.5\r\n8.3\r\nSource: ISD\r\nPercentage year-on-year change in breastfeeding prevalence at 6-8 weeks by NHS Board, 2001-02 to 2010-11\r\n\r\n2001-02\r\n2002-03\r\n2003-04\r\n2004-05\r\n2005-06\r\n2006-07\r\n2007-08\r\n2008-09\r\n2009-10\r\n2010-11\r\nScotland\r\nx\r\n2.0\r\n-1.7\r\n1.2\r\n1.5\r\n-2.9\r\n-0.7\r\n2.0\r\n-0.7\r\n3.2\r\nNHS Ayrshire and Arran\r\nx\r\n-3.5\r\n0.3\r\n7.0\r\n-4.3\r\n-1.1\r\n-13.0\r\n2.9\r\n0.1\r\n-5.6\r\nNHS Borders\r\nx\r\n8.2\r\n-8.3\r\n4.3\r\n-0.5\r\n-8.3\r\n-7.5\r\n11.3\r\n-7.2\r\n-1.8\r\nNHS Dumfries and Galloway\r\nx\r\n-3.8\r\n2.7\r\n-4.0\r\n3.0\r\n-9.5\r\n-0.4\r\n-2.9\r\n3.4\r\n-7.3\r\nNHS Fife\r\nx\r\n6.8\r\n-4.4\r\n1.1\r\n1.7\r\n-0.7\r\n0.1\r\n-3.9\r\n-3.2\r\n-0.5\r\nNHS Forth Valley\r\nx\r\n-2.6\r\n3.0\r\n-4.0\r\n6.7\r\n-9.8\r\n5.8\r\n5.2\r\n-11.0\r\n4.6\r\nNHS Grampian\r\nx\r\nx\r\nx\r\nx\r\nx\r\nx\r\nx\r\nx\r\nx\r\nx\r\nNHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde\r\nx\r\n4.6\r\n-3.1\r\n3.6\r\n-0.9\r\n-2.0\r\n-3.9\r\n5.2\r\n0.3\r\n0.8\r\nNHS Highland\r\nx\r\n-2.6\r\n0.3\r\n0.1\r\n8.1\r\n-15.0\r\n7.5\r\n-3.0\r\n-1.6\r\n1.5\r\nNHS Lanarkshire\r\nx\r\n8.4\r\n-4.8\r\n0.4\r\n3.2\r\n-5.8\r\n-0.6\r\n-1.2\r\n-3.6\r\n2.5\r\nNHS Lothian\r\nx\r\n1.6\r\n0.0\r\n1.1\r\n0.6\r\n-0.1\r\n-0.0\r\n2.5\r\n1.3\r\n-0.2\r\nNHS Orkney\r\nx\r\nx\r\nx\r\nx\r\nx\r\nx\r\nx\r\nx\r\nx\r\nx\r\nNHS Shetland\r\nx\r\nx\r\nx\r\nx\r\nx\r\nx\r\nx\r\nx\r\n-3.4\r\n19.3\r\nNHS Tayside\r\nx\r\n-3.5\r\n0.4\r\n-1.4\r\n5.4\r\n-4.1\r\n-2.9\r\n-4.6\r\n5.8\r\n-3.0\r\nNHS Western Isles\r\nx\r\nx\r\nx\r\nx\r\nx\r\nx\r\n5.8\r\n18.0\r\n-21.9\r\n1.8\r\nSource: ISD\r\nPercentage year-on-year change in breastfeeding prevalence at first visit by age of mother, 2001-02 to 2010-11\r\n\r\nTotal (all ages)\r\nUnder 20\r\n20-24\r\n25-29\r\n30-34\r\n35-39\r\n40+\r\n2001-02\r\nx\r\nx\r\nx\r\nx\r\nx\r\nx\r\nx\r\n2002-03\r\n2.1\r\n-10.9\r\n2.4\r\n2.8\r\n3.2\r\n1.9\r\n-0.1\r\n2003-04\r\n-0.3\r\n-11.4\r\n-4.7\r\n-0.1\r\n0.3\r\n0.4\r\n-2.7\r\n2004-05\r\n0.1\r\n11.3\r\n0.3\r\n-0.0\r\n-0.4\r\n-1.5\r\n2.5\r\n2005-06\r\n0.7\r\n1.0\r\n0.3\r\n0.7\r\n2.0\r\n-0.7\r\n1.0\r\n2006-07\r\n-1.2\r\n-5.7\r\n-1.3\r\n-1.0\r\n-1.3\r\n0.8\r\n-3.2\r\n2007-08\r\n1.0\r\n-2.3\r\n-1.9\r\n0.6\r\n1.5\r\n1.7\r\n2.9\r\n2008-09\r\n1.9\r\n0.2\r\n2.8\r\n3.7\r\n2.3\r\n0.8\r\n-2.9\r\n2009-10\r\n0.4\r\n1.6\r\n-4.0\r\n-0.7\r\n0.5\r\n1.6\r\n2.7\r\n2010-11\r\n2.6\r\n-3.4\r\n3.1\r\n1.0\r\n2.6\r\n-0.2\r\n-3.6\r\nSource: ISD.\r\nPercentage year","AnswerDate":"2012-06-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-28T16:54:37.46","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273800,"EventID":"S4W-07923","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4964,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-14T16:54:37.54","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-14T09:52:56.09","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive (a) how many and (b) what percentage of relevant women have been diagnosed with post-natal depression in each year since 1999 and what the year-on-year percentage change ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive (a) how many and (b) what percentage of relevant women have been diagnosed with post-natal depression in each year since 1999 and what the year-on-year percentage change has been, broken down by (a) NHS board and (b) age group.","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally\r\nThe SIGN guideline on the management of perinatal mood disorders refers to a range of evidence showing a post natal depression prevalence rate of around 10% to 15%. These figures will encompass those experiencing mild, moderate and severe post natal depression.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-28T16:54:37.54","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273801,"EventID":"S4W-07924","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4964,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-14T16:54:37.633","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-14T09:52:56.09","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information it has on the employment rate of adults with autism.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information it has on the employment rate of adults with autism.\r\n","AnswerText":"Information on the employment rate of adults with autism is not held centrally.\r\nThe Scottish Strategy for Autism was launched in November 2011 and recognises the importance of supporting into work people with autism. The Government’s Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Reference Group has set in hand work to explore how to improve access to employment and training for people with autism.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-28T16:54:37.633","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273802,"EventID":"S4W-07933","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-14T16:54:37.71","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-13T17:18:30","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many accidents there have been on the A9 between Perth and Inverness in each year since 2007 and, in light of this, whether it plans to bring forward the duelling of ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many accidents there have been on the A9 between Perth and Inverness in each year since 2007 and, in light of this, whether it plans to bring forward the duelling of the road.\r\n","AnswerText":"The following table shows the number of accidents which resulted in personal injury on the A9 between Perth and Inverness in each year since 2007.\r\nTransport Scotland collates information on reported personal injury accidents on trunk roads in Scotland and this database is updated periodically, as data provided by the Police is checked and verified. The year-end figures for 2011 have yet to be received and verified.\r\nA9 Perth to Inverness Accidents by Year/Severity\r\n\r\nFatal\r\nSerious\r\nSlight\r\nTotal\r\n2007\r\n7\r\n10\r\n43\r\n60\r\n2008\r\n5\r\n11\r\n38\r\n54\r\n2009\r\n3\r\n14\r\n46\r\n63\r\n2010\r\n9\r\n9\r\n41\r\n59\r\n2011*\r\n7\r\n5\r\n31\r\n43\r\n5 year total\r\n31\r\n49\r\n199\r\n279\r\nNote: *2011 stats are not fully complete for all Police forces and are subject to change on submission of further datasets.\r\nThe figures quoted may differ slightly from those published elsewhere due to being extracted on a different date and the database may have changed between the two dates, e.g. due to late returns or corrections.\r\nWe are the first Government to commit to dualling the A9, and we have just announced more details of the ambitious timetable and full dualling programme for the A9 between Perth and Inverness.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-28T16:54:37.71","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273803,"EventID":"S4W-07940","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4939,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":78,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-14T16:54:37.79","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-14T13:12:03.497","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many bariatric surgery operations were carried out by NHS Forth Valley in (a) 2010-11 and (b) 2011-12.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many bariatric surgery operations were carried out by NHS Forth Valley in (a) 2010-11 and (b) 2011-12.\r\n","AnswerText":"ISD central records do not include any bariatric surgery procedures carried out by NHS Forth Valley hospitals in the financial year ending 31 March 2011. Figures for the financial year ending 31 March 2012 are expected to be available in September 2012.\r\nThe data for Forth Valley has been identified as being incomplete on central returns. NHS Forth Valley and ISD are working to resolve this.\r\nNHS Forth Valley report that in 2010-11 they provided Bariatric Surgery Procedures using facilities at Ross Hall Hospital in Glasgow as surgical facilities at the former Stirling Royal Infirmary were unsuitable for bariatric surgery cases. The number of procedures provided at Ross Hall Hospital for NHS Forth Valley Residents in 2010-11 was 18.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-07-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-28T16:54:37.79","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273834,"EventID":"S4W-07928","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1866,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-15T16:12:05.443","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-14T09:59:18.877","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many properties are valued (a) at under £180,000, (b) between £180,000 and £350,000 and (c) above £350,000, also broken down by local authority.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many properties are valued (a) at under £180,000, (b) between £180,000 and £350,000 and (c) above £350,000, also broken down by local authority.\r\n","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-29T16:12:05.49","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273835,"EventID":"S4W-07929","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1866,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-15T16:12:05.613","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-14T09:59:18.877","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much has been paid to local authorities for running the 2012 Scottish local government elections and what amount remains outstanding.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much has been paid to local authorities for running the 2012 Scottish local government elections and what amount remains outstanding.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government is providing £5 million to local authorities towards the cost of running these elections in light of the additional costs they incurred as a result of decoupling local elections from elections to the Scottish Parliament. The Scottish Government is also reimbursing local authorities for the core costs of the electronic counting system which are approximately £3.5 million.\r\nThese costs will be reimbursed in summer/autumn 2012.\r\nOther election costs were met by local authorities from their existing allocations.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-29T16:12:05.613","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Derek Mackay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273836,"EventID":"S4W-07930","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1866,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-15T16:12:05.693","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-14T09:59:18.877","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information it has on the recommended (a) rates of pay for staff and (b) reimbursement for volunteers that assist with local government elections.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information it has on the recommended (a) rates of pay for staff and (b) reimbursement for volunteers that assist with local government elections.","AnswerText":"The rates of pay for election staff and the reimbursement of volunteers is determined locally by each individual local authority. Returning Officer fees are agreed in consultation with COSLA.\r\nThis is not information held centrally by the Scottish Government.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-29T16:12:05.693","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Derek Mackay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273837,"EventID":"S4W-07932","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1769,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":75,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-15T16:12:05.833","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-14T10:01:39.183","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to promote National Breastfeeding Awareness week.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to promote National Breastfeeding Awareness week.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has worked in partnership with NHS Health Scotland and built on the success of last years “Feedgood Factor” campaign. TV advertisements are being broadcast on all of the terrestrial commercial channels thereby ensuring that the whole of Scotland receives coverage. Indoor posters have been distributed to GP Practices, Pharmacies, Hospitals, Community Centres, Libraries and Day Care Centres for children under three. Outdoor sheets have been placed strategically in areas of multiple deprivation where it is known that women  are less likely to consider breastfeeding. In addition, the Feedgood Factor website provides information on available breastfeeding support in local areas. \r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-29T16:12:05.833","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273838,"EventID":"S4W-07936","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2876,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-15T16:12:05.973","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-14T10:34:33","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will consider setting up a statistical database for Scotland similar to Statistics Finland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will consider setting up a statistical database for Scotland similar to Statistics Finland.","AnswerText":"The Statistics Finland website is set up in a similar way to the equivalent site in Scotland: http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Statistics. These sites provide high quality official statistics on all aspects of life in these countries.\r\nWhile our website contains some international comparative data, the Statistics Finland site links into a wider range of internationally comparative data via the EU Statistics organisation, EUROSTAT. This is available for EU member states as a result of their legal obligations to produce statistics, and would be similarly available to an independent Scotland which was an EU member.\r\nWe are continually improving the range and impact of statistics in Scotland. Priorities are set by seeking and balancing the needs of existing and potential users of statistics, and we are happy to consider what Statistics Finland do on their international database alongside other ideas for improvement based on best practice internationally.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-29T16:12:05.973","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273839,"EventID":"S4W-07937","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4947,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-15T16:12:06.113","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-14T10:43:45","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many sites of special scientific interest in the Highlands and Islands have been denotified in the last 10 years, broken down by local authority area.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many sites of special scientific interest in the Highlands and Islands have been denotified in the last 10 years, broken down by local authority area.","AnswerText":"The information requested is provided in the following table.\r\nSSSI\r\nDenotified Area (ha)\r\nDate Denotified or Subsumed\r\nLocal Authority Area\r\nNotes\r\nArdchyline Wood\r\n0.4\r\n07-11-2002\r\nArgyll and Bute\r\nPart denotification\r\nLaxford Moors\r\n445\r\n19-11-2009\r\nHighland\r\nFull denotification\r\nLoch Laxford\r\n1,163.00\r\n19-11-2009\r\nHighland\r\nFull denotification\r\nRum\r\n107.06\r\n26-03-2010\r\nHighland\r\nPart denotification\r\nLynn of Lorn Small Islands\r\n97.6\r\n24-06-2010\r\nArgyll and Bute\r\nFull denotification\r\nBlack Rock Gorge\r\n12.7\r\n10-09-2010\r\nHighland\r\nFull denotification\r\nAchanarras Quarry\r\n1.2\r\n29-10-2010\r\nHighland\r\nPart denotification\r\nAllt Tigh Cumhaig\r\n1.42\r\n29-10-2010\r\nHighland\r\nFull denotification\r\nRudha Cuil-cheanna\r\n14.9\r\n18-11-2010\r\nHighland\r\nFull denotification\r\nMallaig Coast\r\n50.1\r\n11-02-2011\r\nHighland\r\nFull denotification\r\nKnockan Cliff\r\n0.4\r\n03-02-2012\r\nHighland\r\nPart denotification\r\nLoch of Winless\r\n0.2\r\n03-02-2012\r\nHighland\r\nPart denotification\r\nBurn of Latheronwheel\r\n45\r\n03-02-2012\r\nHighland\r\nFull denotification\r\nHill of Leodebest\r\n10.6\r\n03-02-2012\r\nHighland\r\nFull denotification\r\nCallert\r\n11.7\r\n22-03-2012\r\nHighland\r\nFull denotification\r\nAirdghunail\r\n40.8\r\n29-03-2012\r\nHighland\r\nFull denotification\r\nGlasdrum\r\n448.4\r\n16-05-2003\r\nArgyll and Bute\r\nSubsumed into Glen Creran Woods SSSI\r\nGlasdrum\r\n448.4\r\n16-05-2003\r\nArgyll and Bute\r\nSubsumed into Glen Creran Woods SSSI\r\nOronsay\r\n329\r\n22-01-2007\r\nArgyll and Bute\r\nSubsumed into Oronsay and South Colonsay SSSI\r\nOronsay\r\n329\r\n22-01-2007\r\nArgyll and Bute\r\nSubsumed into Oronsay and South Colonsay SSSI\r\nOnich Dry Gorge\r\n26.65\r\n18-04-2008\r\nHighland\r\nSubsumed into Onich to North Ballachulish Woods and Shore SSSI\r\nOnich Shore\r\n11.8\r\n18-04-2008\r\nHighland\r\nSubsumed into Onich to North Ballachulish Woods and Shore SSSI\r\nOnich Dry Gorge\r\n26.65\r\n18-04-2008\r\nHighland\r\nSubsumed into Onich to North Ballachulish Woods and Shore SSSI\r\nOnich Shore\r\n11.8\r\n18-04-2008\r\nHighland\r\nSubsumed into Onich to North Ballachulish Woods and Shore SSSI\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-29T16:12:06.113","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273840,"EventID":"S4W-07938","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2876,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-15T16:12:06.24","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-14T11:37:37.503","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the targets are for the implementation of the outcomes listed in The Honey Bee Health Strategy.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the targets are for the implementation of the outcomes listed in The Honey Bee Health Strategy.","AnswerText":"The Honey Bee Health Strategy is a living document which is entering into its third year of a ten year plan.\r\nA Strategy Implementation Group has been established and meets annually to discuss priorities and agree actions. Two sub-groups meet regularly throughout the year to take specific tasks forward and report back to the Strategy Group for review. To date several actions within each of the outcomes have been delivered successfully.\r\nFurther information is provided in the answer to S4W-07889 on 26 June 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-29T16:12:06.24","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273841,"EventID":"S4W-07941","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5057,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-15T16:12:06.38","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-14T14:30:22.533","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to improve economic activity in (a) Girvan, (b) Stranraer, (c) Sanquhar, (d) Cumnock, (e) Ayr, (f) Maybole, (g) Dumfries, (h) Eyemouth, (i) Hawic","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to improve economic activity in (a) Girvan, (b) Stranraer, (c) Sanquhar, (d) Cumnock, (e) Ayr, (f) Maybole, (g) Dumfries, (h) Eyemouth, (i) Hawick, (j) Kilmarnock, and surrounding areas.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government is committed to supporting sustainable growth across Scotland. We recognise the particular challenges faced in the South of Scotland and work closely with a wide range of delivery partners including: Scottish Enterprise; Scottish Development International; Skills Development Scotland; VisitScotland; local authorities; the third sector; financial institutions and other specialist sectoral advisory bodies to promote economic activity in the area.\r\nWe are firmly committed to maintaining a supportive business environment, ensuring that appropriate measures are in place to stimulate and grow businesses, thereby improving economic activity.\r\nThese measures include: investing in broadband; reducing unnecessary burdens on business through better planning; and making it easier to access public sector contracts. By way of specific example, in 2011-12 the small business bonus scheme reduced business rates for almost 10,900 businesses across East and South Ayrshire, the Borders and Dumfries and Galloway.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-07-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-29T16:12:06.38","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273842,"EventID":"S4W-07951","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5057,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-15T16:12:06.503","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-14T14:57:48.47","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what proportion of prisoners in each year since 2005 was on remand.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what proportion of prisoners in each year since 2005 was on remand.\r\n","AnswerText":"I have asked Colin McConnell, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service, to respond. His response is as follows:\r\nThe information requested can be found in Table 1 of the annual Prison statistics Scotland publication. This is available online at\r\n http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Statistics/Browse/Crime-Justice/PubPrisons.\r\nFigures for 2011-12 are due to be published on 29 June 2012.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-29T16:12:06.52","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273843,"EventID":"S4W-07958","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3824,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-15T16:12:06.66","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-14T15:05:14.487","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive for what reason the proposed exemption limit for a licence for metal dealers has been changed and what discussions it has had with the (a) British Transport Police and (b","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive for what reason the proposed exemption limit for a licence for metal dealers has been changed and what discussions it has had with the (a) British Transport Police and (b) Association of Chief Police Officers in Scotland (ACPOS) on this matter.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government believes that part of the solution to the rising incidence of metal theft is to tighten regulation of the licensing scheme for metal dealers. For that reason we have announced that the exemption limit should be removed entirely, thus ensuring that all metal dealers are subject to licensing. Before we do this we will also review the licensing conditions in place and in particular look at ‘retention of metal’ requirements that have the potential to prevent the safe and effective operation of some larger businesses that handle significant numbers of transactions and substantial amounts of metal.\r\nThis will require further consultation so as a first step we have announced that we will raise the limit from £100,000 to £1million. This will ensure that more dealers are licensed without adversely impacting on the legitimate businesses of the many larger dealers who raised concerns about the operation of the licensing scheme as currently constructed.\r\nWe have liaised closely with the police as we work to update the licensing scheme.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-29T16:12:06.66","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273844,"EventID":"S4W-07959","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3824,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-15T16:12:06.8","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-14T15:05:14.487","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with the British Transport Police regarding working with the proposed single police force to tackle metal theft.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with the British Transport Police regarding working with the proposed single police force to tackle metal theft.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Ministers and officials meet regularly with the British Transport Police to discuss a range of issues, including metal theft and how the BTP will work alongside the new Police Service of Scotland to tackle crime. There are already close working arrangements between the BTP and the Scottish police, and these will continue after April 2013 when the single service begins its work.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-29T16:12:06.8","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273845,"EventID":"S4W-07960","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2876,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-15T16:12:06.94","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-14T15:11:11.233","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many patients were diagnosed with vertebral compression fractures in each NHS board area in the last year for which information is available, broken down by gender.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many patients were diagnosed with vertebral compression fractures in each NHS board area in the last year for which information is available, broken down by gender.\r\n","AnswerText":"It is not possible to answer the question fully from central records. It is likely that patients will receive treatment for this condition in a range of clinical settings (primary care, accident and emergency and hospital) but currently only hospital admission data provides information to identify it specifically.\r\nThe number of patients admitted to a Scottish NHS hospital with a specific diagnosis of vertebral compression fracture in the financial year ending 31 March 2011 is shown in the following table.\r\nNumber of Patients1 Treated in Scottish NHS Hospitals with a Specific Diagnosis of Vertebral Compression Fracture. Financial Year Ending 31 March 2011\r\nNHS Board of Residence\r\nMale\r\nFemale\r\nTotal\r\nAll Scottish residents\r\n140\r\n336\r\n476\r\nNHS Ayrshire and ArranP\r\n14\r\n27\r\n41\r\nNHS Borders\r\n1\r\n5\r\n6\r\nNHS Dumfries and Galloway\r\n4\r\n13\r\n17\r\nNHS Fife\r\n8\r\n28\r\n36\r\nNHS Forth Valley\r\n3\r\n7\r\n10\r\nNHS GrampianP\r\n3\r\n17\r\n20\r\nNHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde\r\n34\r\n81\r\n115\r\nNHS Highland\r\n7\r\n15\r\n22\r\nNHS Lanarkshirep\r\n7\r\n26\r\n33\r\nNHS Lothian\r\n43\r\n90\r\n133\r\nNHS Orkney Islands\r\n1\r\n2\r\n3\r\nNHS Shetland Islands\r\n-\r\n1\r\n1\r\nNHS Tayside\r\n13\r\n23\r\n36\r\nNHS Western Isles\r\n2\r\n1\r\n3\r\nNon Scottish residents/ unknown\r\n1\r\n1\r\n2\r\nPProvisional - Due to the implementation of new patient management systems by some NHS boards there is known data incompleteness for NHS Grampian, NHS Lanarkshire and NHS Ayrshire and Arran. Figures may increase in future revisions.\r\n- denotes zero (0).Source: ISD SMR01.\r\nNote: 1. patients may have more than one episode in a given year.","AnswerDate":"2012-06-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-29T16:12:06.94","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273846,"EventID":"S4W-07961","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2876,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-15T16:12:07.033","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-14T15:11:11.233","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many balloon kyphoplasty operations were carried out in each NHS board area in the last year for which information is available.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many balloon kyphoplasty operations were carried out in each NHS board area in the last year for which information is available.\r\n","AnswerText":"The number of balloon kyphoplasty operations carried out by the NHS in Scotland in the financial year ending 31 March 2011 is shown in the following table.\r\nNumber of Balloon Kyphoplasty Operations Carried Out by NHS Boards in Scotland. Financial Year Ending 31 March 2011.\r\nNHS Board of treatment\r\nNo. of Operations\r\nAll NHS Boards\r\n5\r\nNHS Ayrshire and ArranP\r\n-\r\nNHS Borders\r\n-\r\nNHS Dumfries and Galloway\r\n-\r\nNHS Fife\r\n-\r\nNHS Forth Valley\r\n1\r\nNHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde\r\n-\r\nGolden Jubilee National Hospital\r\n-\r\nNHS GrampianP\r\n2\r\nNHS Highland\r\n-\r\nNHS LanarkshireP\r\n-\r\nNHS Lothian\r\n-\r\nNHS Orkney\r\n-\r\nNHS Shetland\r\n-\r\nNHS Tayside\r\n2\r\nNHS Western Isles\r\n-\r\nPProvisional - Due to the implementation of new patient management systems by some NHS boards there is known data incompleteness for NHS Grampian, NHS Lanarkshire and NHS Ayrshire and Arran. Figures may increase in future revisions.\r\nSource: ISD SMR01.\r\nNote: -Denotes zero (0).","AnswerDate":"2012-06-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-29T16:12:07.033","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273847,"EventID":"S4W-07963","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2876,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-15T16:12:07.113","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-14T15:09:48","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many crimes have taken place in railway stations in each of the last five years, broken down by (a) type of crime, (b) local authority area and (c) time of day of the","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many crimes have taken place in railway stations in each of the last five years, broken down by (a) type of crime, (b) local authority area and (c) time of day of the incident.\r\n","AnswerText":"This is a matter for the British Transport Police. The information requested is not held centrally.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-29T16:12:07.113","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273848,"EventID":"S4W-07965","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5041,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-15T16:12:07.19","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-14T15:34:33.177","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it will take to ensure that the pension entitlements of employees on the Clyde and Hebrides Ferry Services are protected in the 2013-19 contract.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it will take to ensure that the pension entitlements of employees on the Clyde and Hebrides Ferry Services are protected in the 2013-19 contract.\r\n","AnswerText":"Under EU law, the Scottish Government will be required to go out to tender for the Clyde and Hebrides ferry services. In the event that the current operator, Calmac Ferries Ltd, was not successful in the procurement of services, staff would be entitled to transfer to the new operator through the Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) Regulations (TUPE) rules. Pension protection for workers who transfer under TUPE rules is provided for under sections 257 and 258 of the Pensions Act 2004.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-29T16:12:07.19","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273849,"EventID":"S4W-07966","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2678,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-15T16:12:07.33","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-14T15:36:37","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with the Nursing and Midwifery Council in the last year about potential levels of registration fees.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with the Nursing and Midwifery Council in the last year about potential levels of registration fees.","AnswerText":"The regulation of nursing and midwifery is reserved to the UK Government and Scottish Ministers have no statutory functions in setting registration fees for these professions. No discussion has been held with the Nursing and Midwifery Council on this subject.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-29T16:12:07.33","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273850,"EventID":"S4W-07967","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2678,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-15T16:12:07.457","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-14T15:36:37","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has had discussions with the Nursing and Midwifery Council about phasing in the recently proposed rise in registration fees.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has had discussions with the Nursing and Midwifery Council about phasing in the recently proposed rise in registration fees.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-07966 on 26 June 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-29T16:12:07.457","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273851,"EventID":"S4W-07968","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2876,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-15T16:12:07.597","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-14T15:40:19","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much money has been paid out in legal aid in each of the last five years.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much money has been paid out in legal aid in each of the last five years.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Legal Aid Board prepares an annual report each year, which provides details about expenditure on the legal aid fund. This is laid before the Scottish Parliament along with the board's statement of accounts. The net figures for legal aid expenditure for 2007-08 to 2011-12 having taken account of income, including from contributions and expenses, are as follows (million):\r\n2007-08\r\n2008-09\r\n2009-10\r\n2010-11\r\n2011-12\r\n£155.065\r\n£150.242\r\n£150.481\r\n£161.391\r\n£156.9\r\nThe figures in this table for 2007-08 to 2010-11 are taken from the board’s annual reports for these years. The board has not yet finalised its annual report and statement of accounts for financial year 2011-12. The figure given for 2011-12 is therefore provisional at this stage.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-29T16:12:07.597","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273852,"EventID":"S4W-07969","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1860,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-15T16:12:07.737","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-15T09:36:45.393","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what crofting and other agricultural estates it owns and how many hectares each comprises.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what crofting and other agricultural estates it owns and how many hectares each comprises.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government’s Rural Payments and Inspections Division has responsibility for 58 Crofting Estates and four lowground holdings. A detailed breakdown can be found on the Scottish Government website at http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/farmingrural/Rural/rural-land/land-management.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-29T16:12:07.737","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273853,"EventID":"S4W-07970","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1860,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-15T16:12:07.893","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-15T09:36:45.393","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will publish a map showing the locations of crofting and other agricultural estates owned by the Scottish Government.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will publish a map showing the locations of crofting and other agricultural estates owned by the Scottish Government.","AnswerText":"A map showing the locations of Scottish ministers’ crofting and other agricultural estates, along with those of other SEARS partners, is available on the Scottish Government website at www.scotland.gov.uk/Resource/Doc/259920/0082987.pdf.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-29T16:12:07.893","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273854,"EventID":"S4W-07971","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1860,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-15T16:12:08.063","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-15T09:36:45.393","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the estimated net cost is of administering crofting and other agricultural estates owned by the Scottish Government.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the estimated net cost is of administering crofting and other agricultural estates owned by the Scottish Government.\r\n","AnswerText":"The estimated net cost of administering the Scottish ministers’ crofting and agricultural estates is £143,000 per annum.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-29T16:12:08.08","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273855,"EventID":"S4W-07972","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1860,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-15T16:12:08.203","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-15T09:36:45.393","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive under what powers crofting and other agricultural estates owned by the Scottish Government were acquired prior to 1999; what information it has on the policy purpose; whe","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive under what powers crofting and other agricultural estates owned by the Scottish Government were acquired prior to 1999; what information it has on the policy purpose; whether such powers still exist, and what information it has on whether compensation was paid to the previous owners.\r\n","AnswerText":"Most of the estates or holdings were acquired between 1900 and 1939 for lease to smallholders and crofters for land settlement purposes. The acquisition of land took place under the Congested Districts (Scotland) Act 1897, the Small Landholders (Scotland) Acts 1886 and 1931, the Land Settlement (Scotland) Acts 1919 to 1934 and the Agriculture (Scotland) Act 1948.\r\nThe above legislation conferred power on the Board of Agriculture (a forerunner to the Agriculture, Food and Rural Communities Directorate) to acquire land by agreement, purchase, lease, gift and compulsory purchase for occupation and settlement by crofters, cottars, fishermen and returning ex-servicemen. The main aim was to provide, equip and adapt land under favourable conditions and in less-congested districts of Scotland at that time.\r\nThese powers still exist, but Scottish ministers’ policy has been to sell and not purchase for some time.\r\nThe majority of estates were purchased by the Board of Agriculture and a purchase price was paid. Records of the purchase price are held by the Scottish Government’s Estates Management team.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-29T16:12:08.203","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273856,"EventID":"S4W-07975","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-15T16:12:08.33","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-15T10:24:40.963","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many modern apprenticeships have been created in the Almond Valley and Linlithgow constituencies.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many modern apprenticeships have been created in the Almond Valley and Linlithgow constituencies.","AnswerText":"Modern apprenticeship starts are recorded by local authority area rather than constituency area. There were 894 modern apprenticeship starts in the West Lothian local authority area in 2011-12.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-29T16:12:08.33","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angela Constance","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273857,"EventID":"S4W-07976","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-15T16:12:08.47","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-15T10:44:47.663","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it ensures that GPs are fully aware of the drug and alcohol treatment services available in their area.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it ensures that GPs are fully aware of the drug and alcohol treatment services available in their area.\r\n","AnswerText":"The provision of services is for each local area to consider, taking account of local needs, circumstances and resources. It is for individual Alcohol and Drug Partnerships, to ensure that person-centred prevention, support and treatment services are provided to meet the needs of their resident populations, and that GPs in their area are aware of these.\r\nThe Scottish Government funds the Scottish Drugs Forum to provide a Directory of Scottish Drug Services. The Directory contains information on over 200 drug treatment agencies in Scotland, including referral procedures and opening times.\r\nhttp://www.scottishdrugservices.com/sdd/homepage.htm.\r\nAlcohol Focus Scotland also provides details of local alcohol support services on their website.\r\nhttp://www.alcohol-focus-scotland.org.uk/local-organisations.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-29T16:12:08.47","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273858,"EventID":"S4W-07977","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-15T16:12:08.593","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-15T10:44:47.663","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when its self-directed support proposals for those who misuse drugs and alcohol will be made available.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when its self-directed support proposals for those who misuse drugs and alcohol will be made available.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has no proposals for self-directed support that are specific to people who misuse drugs and alcohol. The Social Care (Self-directed Support) (Scotland) Bill places duties on local authorities around how care and support is planned and arranged following assessments under the Social Work (Scotland) Act 1968 and the relevant sections of the Children’s (Scotland) Act 1995. Many people who access services for issues related to problem drug or alcohol use will also be eligible for services provided through the 1968 Act and it is expected that local authorities will consider how their new duties and powers under the Bill can be used to best effect for those individuals.\r\nUnder the current regulations, people of certain descriptions are deemed ineligible to receive direct payments. This includes people who are required, by various \r\ncourt-imposed orders, to submit to treatment for drug or alcohol dependency. The Scottish Government intends to consult on whether this and other restrictions should be omitted from new regulations.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-29T16:12:08.61","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273859,"EventID":"S4W-07978","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3806,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-15T16:12:08.687","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-15T11:17:31.567","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive on what basis it has estimated the cost of a victims commissioner at £0.5 million (Official Report, c. 10026).","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive on what basis it has estimated the cost of a victims commissioner at £0.5 million (Official Report, c. 10026).","AnswerText":"The estimate is based on the Financial Memorandum for the Commissioner for Victims and Witnesses (Scotland) Bill which stated that the total cost including start up costs in the first year would be £481,159.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-29T16:12:08.687","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273860,"EventID":"S4W-07979","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4947,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-15T16:12:08.78","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-15T11:21:41.247","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many prisoners have been convicted for assaulting prison officers since 2003, broken down by prison.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many prisoners have been convicted for assaulting prison officers since 2003, broken down by prison.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-29T16:12:08.78","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273861,"EventID":"S4W-07980","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4947,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-15T16:12:08.937","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-15T11:21:41.247","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many prisoners have been reported to the Procurator Fiscal for making false accusations of criminal behaviour against prison officers since 2003.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many prisoners have been reported to the Procurator Fiscal for making false accusations of criminal behaviour against prison officers since 2003.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-29T16:12:08.953","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273862,"EventID":"S4W-07981","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4956,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":106,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-15T16:12:09.093","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-15T11:23:37.26","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what economic benefits the construction of the Forth Replacement Crossing has brought to South Queensferry and Kirkliston.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what economic benefits the construction of the Forth Replacement Crossing has brought to South Queensferry and Kirkliston.\r\n","AnswerText":"Across the Forth Replacement Crossing project there are currently nearly 800 site based employees and 268 Scottish firms have already benefitted from £52 million of subcontracts and supply orders. At its peak the project will directly support 1,200 jobs and the Chambers of Commerce estimate that the FRC will deliver economic benefits worth around £6 billion to Scotland’s economy. It is not possible to provide a breakdown for South Queensferry and Kirkliston.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-29T16:12:09.093","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273863,"EventID":"S4W-07982","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4956,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":106,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-15T16:12:09.263","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-15T11:23:37.26","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many jobs the work on the Forth Replacement Crossing has brought to residents of South Queensferry and Kirkliston and how many will be created on completion of the pr","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many jobs the work on the Forth Replacement Crossing has brought to residents of South Queensferry and Kirkliston and how many will be created on completion of the project.\r\n","AnswerText":"Across the Forth Replacement Crossing project there are currently nearly 800 site based employees. This figure does not include those employed by the 268 Scottish firms who have already benefitted from subcontracts and supply orders on the project. At its peak the project will directly support 1,200 jobs. It is not possible to provide a breakdown for South Queensferry and Kirkliston.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-29T16:12:09.263","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273864,"EventID":"S4W-07983","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4956,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":106,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-15T16:12:09.39","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-15T11:23:37.26","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many modern apprenticeships have been created by the Forth Replacement Crossing project.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many modern apprenticeships have been created by the Forth Replacement Crossing project.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Principal Contract will deliver an annual average of 45 vocational training positions, 21 professional body training places and 46 positions for the long term unemployed, as well as further scope to maximise Modern Apprenticeship opportunities every year.\r\nAcross the Forth Replacement Crossing (FRC) project there are currently nearly 800 site based employees. Since July 2011, the FRC project has delivered 26 vocational training positions including modern apprenticeships, 33 professional body training places and 36 long term unemployed positions. These opportunities and the scope for Modern Apprenticeship opportunities will increase as work on site progresses and the workforce increases to an estimated peak of 1200 site based employees.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-29T16:12:09.39","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273865,"EventID":"S4W-07984","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-15T16:12:09.5","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-15T11:25:44.773","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many meetings (a) the Cabinet Secretary for Health, Wellbeing and Cities Strategy or (b) officials have had with (i) Earl Howe, (ii) Sir Bruce Keogh or (iii) the Medi","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many meetings (a) the Cabinet Secretary for Health, Wellbeing and Cities Strategy or (b) officials have had with (i) Earl Howe, (ii) Sir Bruce Keogh or (iii) the Medical Healthcare products Regulatory Agency about PIP breast implants.\r\n","AnswerText":"There have not yet been any meetings between me or my officials and Earl Howe.\r\nMy officials have met with Sir Bruce Keogh on three occasions when they attended as observers meetings of the Expert Group led by him on PIP silicone breast implants.\r\nMy officials attend as observers the MHRA’s Committee on the Safety of Devices at which PIP silicone breast implants was discussed as part of the agenda at two meetings within the last year.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-29T16:12:09.5","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273866,"EventID":"S4W-07985","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-15T16:12:09.623","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-15T11:25:44.773","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information it has regarding how many clinicians have complained to the Medical and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency about PIP breast implants and how many of t","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information it has regarding how many clinicians have complained to the Medical and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency about PIP breast implants and how many of them work in Scotland.\r\n","AnswerText":"No information is held by Scottish Government on the number of clinicians who have complained to MHRA about PIP silicone breast implants.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-29T16:12:09.623","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273867,"EventID":"S4W-07986","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-15T16:12:09.75","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-15T11:25:44.773","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it works with the Medical and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it works with the Medical and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency.","AnswerText":"My officials work with MHRA in a number of different ways, including regular communication by email and telephone, attending as observers the Committee on the Safety of Devices, as well as other ad hoc meetings to discuss issues of mutual interest.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-29T16:12:09.75","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273868,"EventID":"S4W-07987","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-15T16:12:09.843","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-15T11:25:44.773","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when (a) the Cabinet Secretary for Health, Wellbeing and Cities Strategy and (b) Health Facilities Scotland received a medical alert about problems with PIP breast implan","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when (a) the Cabinet Secretary for Health, Wellbeing and Cities Strategy and (b) Health Facilities Scotland received a medical alert about problems with PIP breast implants; what action was then taken to notify women, and when.\r\n","AnswerText":"Medical device alerts, including those about PIP silicone breast implants, are sent by MHRA directly to Health Facilities Scotland who distribute them to their network of equipment co-ordinators in NHS boards. Those co-ordinators are responsible for cascading alerts to the appropriate areas within their NHS board and the alert specifies what action or actions are to be taken.\r\nMedical device alerts about PIP silicone breast implants were issued by MHRA on 31 March 2010 (MDA/2010/025), 4 October 2010 (MDA/2010/078) and 15 March 2012 (MDA/2010/011).\r\nThe first alert, issued in 2010, indicated that further advice about the clinical management of patients implanted with PIP silicone breast implants would be made available, and that advice was provided in the latter two alerts.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-29T16:12:09.857","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273869,"EventID":"S4W-07988","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-15T16:12:09.95","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-15T11:25:44.773","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will call a summit with private health providers to ensure a consistency of approach for women with PIP breast implants.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will call a summit with private health providers to ensure a consistency of approach for women with PIP breast implants.","AnswerText":"I have made it very clear that I expect private healthcare providers to provide an appropriate package of care to their patients. There are no plans to call a summit of private healthcare providers to discuss this issue.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-29T16:12:09.967","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273870,"EventID":"S4W-07989","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3806,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-15T16:12:10.03","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-15T11:59:45.583","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it last spoke to Highlands and Islands Enterprise on developing a feasibility study regarding the establishment of a medical isotopes unit in the Caithness area.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it last spoke to Highlands and Islands Enterprise on developing a feasibility study regarding the establishment of a medical isotopes unit in the Caithness area.","AnswerText":"Scottish Government officials have discussed this issue with Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) on a number of occasions, including, most recently on 21 June.\r\nHIE has reviewed a report from Dounreay on the possibility of attracting the production of medical isotopes to the Dounreay site. That report indicates that the production of medical isotopes at Dounreay would require either a new nuclear reactor or a particle accelerator. This would represent a significant financial investment in the region of well over £200 million. HIE’s view – in agreement with the report from Dounreay - is that such an investment is unlikely to be attractive to commercial organisations without significant state intervention.\r\nHIE also notes that Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development is currently working on the issue of the supply of medical isotopes and is likely to bring forward solutions that will work for all of Europe.\r\nHIE will continue to focus and prioritise its resources on developing economic and community solutions to Caithness and North Sutherland that offer a better chance of success, such as the development of jobs in the significant renewable projects near to Caithness.\r\nHIE does not plan to undertake further work on developing a case for medical isotope production.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-06-29T16:12:10.043","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273884,"EventID":"S4W-07939","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2876,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-18T13:52:18.043","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-14T11:44:44.01","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many (a) pre-school children and (b)  children aged 5 to 15 have had (i) hearing tests and (ii) speech therapy in each of the last five years, broken down by (A) loca","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many (a) pre-school children and (b)  children aged 5 to 15 have had (i) hearing tests and (ii) speech therapy in each of the last five years, broken down by (A) local authority and (B) NHS board.\r\n","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-02T13:52:18.823","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273885,"EventID":"S4W-07952","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2876,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-18T13:52:18.917","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-14T15:00:20.91","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to advertise the European emergency number, 112.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to advertise the European emergency number, 112.\r\n","AnswerText":"112, the European Union-wide number used to contact the emergency services which operates as well as 999 in the UK, is already advertised in various ways. The Scottish Government is in regular contact with blue light organisations, telecommunication companies and the UK Government on the public emergency call system. As part of these ongoing discussions the Scottish Government intends to consider how best to ensure the most effective and proper use of the 999 and 112 emergency contact numbers. The Scottish Government would urge all members of the public to be aware of how to summon assistance in an emergency whether at home or abroad.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-07-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-02T13:52:18.917","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273886,"EventID":"S4W-07953","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2876,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-18T13:52:19.01","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-14T15:00:20.91","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many under 16-year-olds have been diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in each year since 2007, broken down by NHS board.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many under 16-year-olds have been diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in each year since 2007, broken down by NHS board.\r\n","AnswerText":"This information is not available centrally.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-02T13:52:19.01","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273887,"EventID":"S4W-07954","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2876,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-18T13:52:19.09","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-14T15:00:20.91","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many under 16-year-olds have been prescribed Ritalin in each year since 2007, broken down by NHS board.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many under 16-year-olds have been prescribed Ritalin in each year since 2007, broken down by NHS board.\r\n","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-02T13:52:19.09","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273888,"EventID":"S4W-07955","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2876,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-18T13:52:19.167","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-14T15:00:20.91","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to exploit geothermal energy; what surveys it has carried out to find out the best sources of such energy, and whether it has commissioned studies of th","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to exploit geothermal energy; what surveys it has carried out to find out the best sources of such energy, and whether it has commissioned studies of the cost of extraction.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government recognises that Geothermal energy may represent a substantial and almost entirely untapped resource in Scotland. This emerging technology is highlighted in our 2020 Routemap for Renewable Energy in Scotland, where the wider reaching benefits are noted, particularly the potential to improve fuel security and combat fuel poverty in deprived areas, as well as the significant contribution geothermal could make to our heat and electricity targets given the natural alignment with district heating.\r\nIn order to encourage commercial interest, the Scottish Government has commissioned a research programme to identify the next steps to take forward the commercial exploitation of deep geothermal energy, including high level mapping of potential and the scope for licensing. The study will also include a costs and financial risk assessment which should identify the likely capital and operating costs for exploring and developing the geothermal energy resources identified. The results are expected to be available by Spring 2013.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-07-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-02T13:52:19.167","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273889,"EventID":"S4W-07964","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5041,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-18T13:52:19.26","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-14T15:34:33.177","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S4W-07216 by Keith Brown on 29 May 2012, what discussions it had with (a) Serco Group and (b) trade unions regarding employees' pension","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S4W-07216 by Keith Brown on 29 May 2012, what discussions it had with (a) Serco Group and (b) trade unions regarding employees' pensions prior to the announcement of preferred bidder for the 2012-18 contract for the Northern Isles ferry services.","AnswerText":"On 11 October 2011 I met with the STUC and all of the trade unions with an interest, including the RMT, to discuss a range of ferry-related issues, including staff transfer arrangements in the event of a change of operator for the Northern Isles ferry services. I was able to provide assurance on application of the Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) Regulations (TUPE) and the statutory pension protections. This formed part of my regular engagement with the trade unions on matters of mutual interest.\r\nIn a public procurement, in circumstances where there is a change of operator, staff are entitled to transfer to the new operator through the TUPE rules. This is a matter of law and was therefore not the subject of negotiation with either bidders or trade unions. Pension protection for workers who transfer under TUPE rules is provided for under sections 257 and 258 of the Pensions Act 2004.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-02T13:52:19.26","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273890,"EventID":"S4W-07973","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1769,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":75,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-18T13:52:19.353","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-15T10:22:12.83","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S4W-07191 by Keith Brown on 24 May 2012, what the cost has been of maintaining MV (a) Hrossey, (b) Hjaltland and (c) Hamnvaoe in each y","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S4W-07191 by Keith Brown on 24 May 2012, what the cost has been of maintaining MV (a) Hrossey, (b) Hjaltland and (c) Hamnvaoe in each year since 2002.\r\n","AnswerText":"The following table sets out the maintenance costs of MV Hrossey, MV Hjaltland and MV Hamnavoe since 2002:-\r\nVessel Maintenance\r\nHrossey\r\nHjaltland\r\nHamnavoe\r\nTotal\r\nJuly - June (£k)\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n2002-03 (Oct-Jun)\r\n10\r\n11\r\n18\r\n39\r\n2003-04\r\n78\r\n59\r\n78\r\n215\r\n2004-05\r\n133\r\n137\r\n103\r\n373\r\n2005-06\r\n255\r\n186\r\n160\r\n601\r\n2006-07\r\n445\r\n505\r\n373\r\n1,323\r\n2007-08\r\n398\r\n524\r\n354\r\n1,276\r\n2008-09\r\n407\r\n545\r\n262\r\n1,214\r\n2009-10\r\n574\r\n548\r\n520\r\n1,642\r\n2010-11\r\n687\r\n873\r\n289\r\n1,849\r\nNotes:\r\nThe twelve month information runs from July to June.\r\nThe information relates to vessel maintenance costs. It does not include any overhaul costs.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-02T13:52:19.353","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273891,"EventID":"S4W-07974","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1769,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":75,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-18T13:52:19.433","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-15T10:22:12.83","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S4W-07190 by Keith Brown on 24 May 2012,  what the annual value of the Northern Isles ferry contract for 2012-18 will be to the success","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S4W-07190 by Keith Brown on 24 May 2012,  what the annual value of the Northern Isles ferry contract for 2012-18 will be to the successful bidder.\r\n","AnswerText":"Serco Ltd emerged as the successful bidder for the 2012-18 Northern Isles ferry services contract. Their total price for the full period of the contract was £222,845,789, although the undiscounted price on a yearly basis comes to £243,015,553. Annually, this price is represented below, starting with Year 1, July 2012 to July 2013:\r\nYear 1\r\nYear 2\r\nYear 3\r\nYear 4\r\nYear 5\r\nYear 6\r\n£40,578,165\r\n£35,231,359\r\n£38,542,943\r\n£43,599,327\r\n£43,572,948\r\n£41,490,812\r\nIt should be noted, however, that these figures are subject to change and that the final outturn annual costs will not be known until the end of each contract year. This is due to the unpredictability of the effects of inflation, particularly with regard to fuel costs. The Year 6 figure reflects the fact that the final contract “year” covers only\r\nnine months, from July 2017 to April 2018.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-02T13:52:19.433","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273892,"EventID":"S4W-07990","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-18T13:52:19.527","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-15T15:28:24","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many ambulances are on duty at one time in (a) Aberdeen city and (b) Aberdeenshire.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many ambulances are on duty at one time in (a) Aberdeen city and (b) Aberdeenshire.","AnswerText":"This is an operational matter for the Scottish Ambulance Service, the information requested is not held centrally.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-02T13:52:19.527","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273893,"EventID":"S4W-07992","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-18T13:52:19.603","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-15T15:28:24","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the average response time is for an ambulance in the NHS Grampian area.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the average response time is for an ambulance in the NHS Grampian area.\r\n","AnswerText":"Average ambulance response times (in minutes) for the last five years across the NHS Grampian area are set out in the following table.\r\nYear\r\nCategory A\r\nAll Emergency\r\n2007-08\r\n7.1\r\n8.1\r\n2008-09\r\n6.8\r\n7.6\r\n2009-10\r\n6.8\r\n8.0\r\n2010-11\r\n6.6\r\n8.4\r\n2011-12\r\n6.8\r\n8.6\r\nNotes:\r\n*Information provided by the Scottish Ambulance Service.\r\n**“All Emergency” is defined as Category A, B and C calls.\r\nThe following is the original answer (published on 26 June 2012); see below.\r\nAverage ambulance response times (in minutes) for the last five years across the NHS Grampian area are set out in the following table.\r\nYear\r\nCategory A\r\nAll Emergency\r\n2007-08\r\n7.1\r\n8.1\r\n2008-09\r\n6.8\r\n7.6\r\n2009-10\r\n6.8\r\n8.0\r\n2010-11\r\n6.6\r\n8.4\r\n2011-12\r\n6.4\r\n8.2\r\nNotes:\r\n* Information provided by the Scottish Ambulance Service.\r\n**“All Emergency” is defined as Category A, B and C calls.","AnswerDate":"2012-06-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-02T13:52:19.603","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273894,"EventID":"S4W-07993","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-18T13:52:19.68","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-15T15:28:24","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many children have been classed as living in poverty in (a) Aberdeen and (b) Aberdeenshire in each of the last three years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many children have been classed as living in poverty in (a) Aberdeen and (b) Aberdeenshire in each of the last three years.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government publishes figures annually on the levels of child poverty in Scotland. This information can be accessed at http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2012/06/7976. The figures are based on information from the Family Resources Survey (FRS) and the latest available data refers to the year 2010-11. The FRS is a sample survey and the sample size is not sufficient to provide reliable estimates at local authority level. \r\nFigures published by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) can be used as a proxy for poverty at local authority level in Scotland. Figures covering Scotland for the year 2009 were published on 29 September 2011 for the first time and show the proportion of children living in families in receipt of out of work benefits or in receipt of tax credits where their reported income is less than 60 per cent of median income. This is a proxy indicator for child poverty and is not directly comparable with estimates used in monitoring national child poverty targets which are based on the FRS. The data can be accessed at http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/stats/personal-tax-credits/child_poverty.htm. The figures show that (a) in Aberdeen City 5,490 children (15.9%) and (b) in Aberdeenshire 4,525 children (8.7%) are classed as living in poverty.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-02T13:52:19.68","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273895,"EventID":"S4W-07994","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2159,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":88,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-18T13:52:19.76","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-15T17:25:24.833","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what evidence James Murdoch provided to the Scottish Government that a successful bid by News Corporation for full control of BSkyB would create or secure jobs in Scotlan","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what evidence James Murdoch provided to the Scottish Government that a successful bid by News Corporation for full control of BSkyB would create or secure jobs in Scotland; on what date, and how.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-06912 on 10 May 2012 (Bib. number 53943) and to the proceedings of the Leveson Inquiry. The First Minister also covered this during First Minister’s questions on 14 June 2012:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28862.aspx?r=7115&i=64881&c=1326658&s=leveson.\r\nAll answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-02T13:52:19.777","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273896,"EventID":"S4W-07997","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1759,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-18T13:52:19.853","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-15T16:56:20","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many businesses have applied to the Low Carbon Skills Fund, broken down by local authority area.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many businesses have applied to the Low Carbon Skills Fund, broken down by local authority area.","AnswerText":"432 businesses have applied to the Low Carbon Skills Fund since the launch in October 2010 until 31 March 2012. The breakdown by local authority area is detailed in the following table.\r\nLocal Authority\r\nApplications Received\r\nAberdeen City\r\n12\r\nAberdeenshire\r\n9\r\nAngus\r\n4\r\nArgyll and Bute\r\n16\r\nClackmannanshire\r\n10\r\nDumfries and Galloway\r\n12\r\nDundee City\r\n5\r\nEast Ayrshire\r\n14\r\nEast Dunbartonshire\r\n7\r\nEast Lothian\r\n7\r\nEast Renfrewshire\r\n7\r\nEdinburgh, City of\r\n41\r\nEilean Siar\r\n4\r\nFalkirk\r\n6\r\nFife\r\n22\r\nGlasgow City\r\n41\r\nHighland\r\n32\r\nInverclyde\r\n3\r\nMidlothian\r\n9\r\nMoray\r\n7\r\nNorth Ayrshire\r\n9\r\nNorth Lanarkshire\r\n22\r\nOrkney Islands\r\n2\r\nPerth and Kinross\r\n16\r\nRenfrewshire\r\n16\r\nScottish Borders\r\n2\r\nShetland Islands\r\n3\r\nSouth Ayrshire\r\n16\r\nSouth Lanarkshire\r\n36\r\nStirling\r\n15\r\nWest Dunbartonshire\r\n5\r\nWest Lothian\r\n19\r\nOutside Scotland\r\n3\r\nTotal\r\n432\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-02T13:52:19.87","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angela Constance","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273897,"EventID":"S4W-07998","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1759,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-18T13:52:19.947","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-15T16:56:20","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many businesses have received funding from the Low Carbon Skills Fund, broken down by (a) value of award and (b) local authority area.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many businesses have received funding from the Low Carbon Skills Fund, broken down by (a) value of award and (b) local authority area.","AnswerText":"227 businesses have received funding from the Low Carbon Skills Fund since its launch in October 2010 until 31 March 2012.\r\nNumber of LCFS applications claimed and value by Local Authority\r\nLocal Authority\r\nApplications Claimed\r\nValue of LCSF Claims Paid (£)\r\n0-100\r\n101-999\r\n1000-4,999\r\n5,000+\r\nAberdeen City\r\n7\r\n0\r\n2\r\n5\r\n0\r\nAberdeenshire\r\n6\r\n0\r\n4\r\n2\r\n0\r\nAngus\r\n1\r\n0\r\n1\r\n0\r\n0\r\nArgyll and Bute\r\n3\r\n0\r\n3\r\n0\r\n0\r\nClackmannanshire\r\n6\r\n0\r\n6\r\n0\r\n0\r\nDumfries and Galloway\r\n7\r\n0\r\n6\r\n1\r\n0\r\nDundee City\r\n4\r\n0\r\n4\r\n0\r\n0\r\nEast Ayrshire\r\n7\r\n0\r\n6\r\n1\r\n0\r\nEast Dunbartonshire\r\n1\r\n0\r\n1\r\n0\r\n0\r\nEast Lothian\r\n6\r\n0\r\n1\r\n2\r\n3\r\nEast Renfrewshire\r\n4\r\n0\r\n2\r\n1\r\n1\r\nEdinburgh, City of\r\n22\r\n0\r\n19\r\n2\r\n1\r\nEilean Siar\r\n4\r\n0\r\n4\r\n0\r\n0\r\nFalkirk\r\n5\r\n0\r\n4\r\n1\r\n0\r\nFife\r\n11\r\n1\r\n7\r\n2\r\n1\r\nGlasgow City\r\n20\r\n2\r\n15\r\n3\r\n0\r\nHighland\r\n20\r\n1\r\n13\r\n5\r\n1\r\nInverclyde\r\n1\r\n0\r\n1\r\n0\r\n0\r\nMidlothian\r\n5\r\n0\r\n2\r\n3\r\n0\r\nMoray\r\n4\r\n0\r\n4\r\n0\r\n0\r\nNorth Ayrshire\r\n3\r\n0\r\n3\r\n0\r\n0\r\nNorth Lanarkshire\r\n9\r\n0\r\n7\r\n1\r\n1\r\nOrkney Islands\r\n2\r\n0\r\n1\r\n1\r\n0\r\nPerth and Kinross\r\n8\r\n0\r\n6\r\n2\r\n0\r\nRenfrewshire\r\n8\r\n0\r\n6\r\n1\r\n1\r\nScottish Borders\r\n2\r\n1\r\n0\r\n1\r\n0\r\nShetland Islands\r\n2\r\n0\r\n2\r\n0\r\n0\r\nSouth Ayrshire\r\n8\r\n0\r\n7\r\n1\r\n0\r\nSouth Lanarkshire\r\n25\r\n1\r\n17\r\n6\r\n1\r\nStirling\r\n6\r\n0\r\n5\r\n1\r\n0\r\nWest Dunbartonshire\r\n1\r\n0\r\n1\r\n0\r\n0\r\nWest Lothian\r\n9\r\n0\r\n7\r\n1\r\n1\r\nTotal\r\n227\r\n6\r\n167\r\n43\r\n11\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-02T13:52:19.947","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angela Constance","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273898,"EventID":"S4W-07999","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1759,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-18T13:52:20.023","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-15T16:56:20","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many employees have received training funded by the Low Carbon Skills Fund.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many employees have received training funded by the Low Carbon Skills Fund.","AnswerText":"In the 15 month period between October 2010 and December 2011, training for 396 individual employees was supported by the Low Carbon Skills Fund. However, just over 1,400 training opportunities were supported under the fund in the 18 months since its launch in October 2010 until 31 March 2012. An individual may have benefited from more than one training opportunity.\r\nYear\r\nOpportunities Approved\r\n2010-11\r\n640\r\n2011-12\r\n765\r\nTotal\r\n1,405\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-02T13:52:20.04","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angela Constance","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273899,"EventID":"S4W-08000","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1759,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-18T13:52:20.117","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-15T16:56:20","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much funding it has made available for the Low Carbon Skills Fund.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much funding it has made available for the Low Carbon Skills Fund.","AnswerText":"£945,000 has been made available for the Low Carbon Skills Fund since its launch in October 2010 until 31 March 2012.\r\nYear\r\nFunding (£)\r\n2010-11\r\n585,000\r\n2011-12\r\n360,000\r\nTotal\r\n945,000\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-02T13:52:20.133","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angela Constance","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273900,"EventID":"S4W-08001","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-18T13:52:20.213","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-18T09:51:09.393","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has advised the Scottish Environment Protection Agency when the map of artificial structures and natural features as per the Flood Risk Management (Scotland) A","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has advised the Scottish Environment Protection Agency when the map of artificial structures and natural features as per the Flood Risk Management (Scotland) Act 2009 must be finalised and what the reasons are for its position on this matter.\r\n","AnswerText":"We have advised SEPA that a map of artificial structures and natural features should be prepared by December 2014, in order to co-ordinate with the start of the consultation period on the draft Flood Risk Management Strategies.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-02T13:52:20.227","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273901,"EventID":"S4W-08002","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4939,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":78,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-18T13:52:20.307","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-18T09:24:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many (a) local authorities and (b) public bodies have completed a Gaelic language plan as per the Gaelic Language (Scotland) Act 2005.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many (a) local authorities and (b) public bodies have completed a Gaelic language plan as per the Gaelic Language (Scotland) Act 2005.\r\n","AnswerText":"To date, a total of 23 Gaelic Language Plans have been agreed by Bòrd na Gàidhlig as per the Gaelic Language (Scotland) Act 2005.\r\nFive of these are local authorities (four are at the stage of undertaking renewals as per the timetable in their original plans). The other 18 are Scottish Public Authorities, which includes the Scottish Government and the Scottish Parliament (one is at the stage of undertaking a renewal as per the timetable in their original plan).\r\nAnother 27 bodies (a mixture of local authorities and public bodies) are formally in the process of preparing plans for the first time.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-02T13:52:20.307","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alasdair Allan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273902,"EventID":"S4W-08003","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":138,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-18T13:52:20.367","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-18T10:57:22.12","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive to what extent the Scottish Enlightenment is taught in schools.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive to what extent the Scottish Enlightenment is taught in schools.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Enlightenment provides an excellent way to inspire and engage young people in aspects of history, philosophy, science and other areas of the curriculum. A dedicated Scottish Enlightenment resource was developed by Education Scotland in partnership with the National Trust for Scotland and supported by the National Library of Scotland and the Heritage Education Forum. Such resources are being promoted and supported as we take forward the recommendations of the Scottish Studies Working Group, through the Studying Scotland resource and professional learning opportunities for practitioners.\r\nAlthough information is not held centrally on the use of topics such as the Scottish Enlightenment, Education Scotland advise that most children and young people will meet aspects of the Scottish Enlightenment as they progress through their education and inspection evidence indicates that more schools are offering topics on the Scottish Enlightenment as Curriculum for Excellence is implemented.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-02T13:52:20.383","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alasdair Allan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273903,"EventID":"S4W-08004","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":138,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-18T13:52:20.447","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-18T10:57:22.12","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what it is doing to (a) raise awareness and (b) encourage the teaching of the Scottish Enlightenment.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what it is doing to (a) raise awareness and (b) encourage the teaching of the Scottish Enlightenment.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-08003 on 28 June 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-02T13:52:20.46","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alasdair Allan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273904,"EventID":"S4W-08005","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2876,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-18T13:52:20.523","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-18T11:08:52","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether its recent exercise to recruit volunteers to the Children's Hearings System attracted the requisite number of responses from male candidates.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether its recent exercise to recruit volunteers to the Children's Hearings System attracted the requisite number of responses from male candidates.","AnswerText":"Yes. The 2011-12 Children's Hearings recruitment campaign was the most successful to date, delivering a greater number of responses overall, including a 30% increase in male respondents, realising improved cost efficiencies for a sixth year in a row and representing excellent value for money.\r\nLast month the campaign received a Gold Award at the Marketing Society Scotland Star Awards in the “charity and cause related” category. This was recognition, from industry peers, that the campaign represented the highest standards of excellence in creativity, cost effectiveness and planning.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-02T13:52:20.523","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Aileen Campbell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273905,"EventID":"S4F-00775","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":4976,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-18T14:39:42.153","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-18T09:42:21","Title":"To ask the First Minister when he will next meet the Secretary of State for Scotland.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister when he will next meet the Secretary of State for Scotland.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-02T14:39:42.34","MeetingDate":"2012-06-21T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273906,"EventID":"S4F-00776","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":2826,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":84,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-18T14:39:42.37","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-18T10:34:12.517","Title":"To ask the First Minister what support the Scottish Government gives to carers.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what support the Scottish Government gives to carers.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-02T14:39:42.37","MeetingDate":"2012-06-21T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273907,"EventID":"S4F-00778","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-18T14:39:42.433","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-18T10:37:57.037","Title":"To ask the First Minister what impact industrial action by doctors could have on operations, diagnostic tests and outpatient appointments.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what impact industrial action by doctors could have on operations, diagnostic tests and outpatient appointments.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-02T14:39:42.45","MeetingDate":"2012-06-21T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273908,"EventID":"S4F-00780","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":5009,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-18T14:39:42.51","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-18T10:43:46.697","Title":"To ask the First Minister what issues will be discussed at the next meeting of the Cabinet.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what issues will be discussed at the next meeting of the Cabinet.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-02T14:39:42.51","MeetingDate":"2012-06-21T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273909,"EventID":"S4F-00782","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":2080,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":87,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-18T14:39:42.573","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-18T11:05:19.437","Title":"To ask the First Minister what engagements he has planned for the rest of the day\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what engagements he has planned for the rest of the day\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-02T14:39:42.59","MeetingDate":"2012-06-21T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273910,"EventID":"S4F-00786","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":2675,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":93,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-18T14:39:42.73","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-18T12:28:21","Title":"To ask the First Minister what progress has been made to reduce journey time on the main rail line from Inverness to Edinburgh and Glasgow.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what progress has been made to reduce journey time on the main rail line from Inverness to Edinburgh and Glasgow.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-02T14:39:42.73","MeetingDate":"2012-06-21T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273919,"EventID":"S4W-08006","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2159,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":88,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-18T17:02:09.81","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-18T11:40:36.297","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what specific assurances James Murdoch provided regarding any connection between jobs in Scotland and a successful bid by News Corporation for full ownership of BSkyB and","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what specific assurances James Murdoch provided regarding any connection between jobs in Scotland and a successful bid by News Corporation for full ownership of BSkyB and whether the Scottish Government will publish related correspondence and minutes.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-06912 on 10 May 2012 (Bib. number 53943) and to the proceedings of the Leveson Inquiry. The First Minister also covered this during First Minister’s questions on 14 June 2012:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28862.aspx?r=7115&i=64881&c=1326658&s=leveson. \r\nAll answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-02T17:02:09.84","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273920,"EventID":"S4W-08007","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2159,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":88,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-18T17:02:09.95","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-18T11:40:36.297","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it remains the position of the First Minister that he did not leak a possible date for an independence referendum in 2014 to The Scottish Sun on Sunday, as set ou","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it remains the position of the First Minister that he did not leak a possible date for an independence referendum in 2014 to The Scottish Sun on Sunday, as set out in his testimony to the Leveson Inquiry into the culture, practices and ethics of the press.\r\n","AnswerText":"The First Minister covered this in his evidence to the Leveson Inquiry, which can be found at the following link: \r\nhttp://www.levesoninquiry.org.uk/evidence/?witness=alex-salmond-msp.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-02T17:02:09.95","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273921,"EventID":"S4W-08008","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2159,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":88,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-18T17:02:10.043","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-18T11:40:36.297","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the First Minister’s testimony to the Leveson Inquiry into the culture, practices and ethics of the press, whether it remains his position that the Scottish G","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the First Minister’s testimony to the Leveson Inquiry into the culture, practices and ethics of the press, whether it remains his position that the Scottish Government was not the source of the story in the inaugural edition of The Scottish Sun on Sunday regarding a possible date for an independence referendum.\r\n","AnswerText":"The First Minister covered this in his evidence to the Leveson Inquiry, which can be found at the following link: http://www.levesoninquiry.org.uk/evidence/?witness=alex-salmond-msp.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-02T17:02:10.043","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273922,"EventID":"S4W-08009","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2159,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":88,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-18T17:02:10.153","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-18T11:40:36.297","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the First Minister’s testimony to the Leveson Inquiry into the culture, practices and ethics of the press, whether it remains his position that he believes th","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the First Minister’s testimony to the Leveson Inquiry into the culture, practices and ethics of the press, whether it remains his position that he believes that his bank account was illegally accessed and whether any discussions have taken place with the police in relation to this matter.\r\n","AnswerText":"The First Minister covered this in his evidence to the Leveson Inquiry, which can be found at the following link: http://www.levesoninquiry.org.uk/evidence/?witness=alex-salmond-msp.\r\nReporting this incident to the police is a matter for the First Minister as the victim to decide, and his current view is that he would simply prefer that the newspaper in question investigates these activities. The Information Commissioner’s Operation Motorman report in December 2006 revealed 103 examples of data “illegally obtained” by The Observer.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-02T17:02:10.153","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273923,"EventID":"S4W-08010","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2159,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":88,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-18T17:02:10.23","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-18T11:40:36.297","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its advice is to citizens who suspect that a crime has been committed.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its advice is to citizens who suspect that a crime has been committed.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government is responsible for the development and implementation of policy in relation to criminal law and procedure.\r\nIn relation to the First Minister’s bank account, the First Minister’s view is that it is for the newspaper concerned to properly investigate.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-02T17:02:10.23","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273924,"EventID":"S4W-08011","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2159,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":88,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-18T17:02:10.31","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-18T11:40:36.297","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the First Minister's testimony to the Leveson Inquiry into the culture, practices and ethics of the press, who the source was of the allegation that his bank ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the First Minister's testimony to the Leveson Inquiry into the culture, practices and ethics of the press, who the source was of the allegation that his bank account had been accessed by The Observer in 1999.\r\n","AnswerText":"A former journalist from The Observer informed the First Minister of this, as he made clear in his evidence to the Leveson Inquiry, which can be found at the following link http://www.levesoninquiry.org.uk/evidence/?witness=alex-salmond-msp.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-02T17:02:10.31","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273925,"EventID":"S4W-08012","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2159,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":88,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-18T17:02:10.387","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-18T11:40:36.297","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the First Minister has employed any former journalists at The Observer as special advisers and, if so, who and how long they were employed.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the First Minister has employed any former journalists at The Observer as special advisers and, if so, who and how long they were employed.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government does not disclose details of past employment of its staff.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-02T17:02:10.387","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273926,"EventID":"S4W-08013","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2159,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":88,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-18T17:02:10.497","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-18T11:40:36.297","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the First Minister’s special adviser, Alex Bell, has been involved in discussions regarding the allegations set out at the Leveson Inquiry into the culture, pract","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the First Minister’s special adviser, Alex Bell, has been involved in discussions regarding the allegations set out at the Leveson Inquiry into the culture, practices and ethics of the press that the First Minister’s bank account had been illegally accessed by The Observer and, if so, what the nature of those discussions was.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government does not hold a record of such alleged discussions.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-02T17:02:10.497","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273927,"EventID":"S4W-08014","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2159,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":88,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-18T17:02:10.573","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-18T11:40:36.297","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the First Minster responded to the letter from the managing editor of the Guardian Media Group of 27 July 2011 requesting further information in order to investig","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the First Minster responded to the letter from the managing editor of the Guardian Media Group of 27 July 2011 requesting further information in order to investigate allegations regarding unauthorised access to his bank account set out in his letter of 22 July 2011.\r\n","AnswerText":"All correspondence on the matter is included in the First Minister’s evidence to the Leveson Inquiry, which can be found at the following link: http://www.levesoninquiry.org.uk/evidence/?witness=alex-salmond-msp.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-02T17:02:10.573","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273928,"EventID":"S4W-08015","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2159,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":88,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-18T17:02:10.667","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-18T11:40:36.297","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representative of News Corporation indicated that BSkyB jobs in Scotland would be at risk if its bid for full control of BskyB was unsuccessful; on what date, and ho","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representative of News Corporation indicated that BSkyB jobs in Scotland would be at risk if its bid for full control of BskyB was unsuccessful; on what date, and how.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-06912 on 10 May 2012 (Bib. number 53943) and to the proceedings of the Leveson Inquiry.\r\nAll answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-02T17:02:10.667","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273929,"EventID":"S4W-08016","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2159,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":88,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-18T17:02:10.747","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-18T11:40:36.297","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether BSkyB jobs in Scotland are at risk following the withdrawal of News Corporation’s takeover bid for BSkyB and, if so, which jobs.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether BSkyB jobs in Scotland are at risk following the withdrawal of News Corporation’s takeover bid for BSkyB and, if so, which jobs.\r\n","AnswerText":"In a dynamic, global economy all companies are subject to competitive pressures. I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-06912 (Bib. number 53943) on 10 May 2012, for information given by the former chairman of News International, on the economic benefits of its bid for BSkyB.\r\nAll answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-02T17:02:10.763","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273930,"EventID":"S4W-08017","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2159,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":88,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-18T17:02:10.87","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-18T11:40:36.297","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it considers it appropriate for a company to threaten job losses in the event that a takeover bid for full control of one of its subsidiaries is not supported by ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it considers it appropriate for a company to threaten job losses in the event that a takeover bid for full control of one of its subsidiaries is not supported by the Scottish Government.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government is not aware of the circumstances described having ever occurred.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-02T17:02:10.87","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273931,"EventID":"S4W-08018","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2159,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":88,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-18T17:02:10.95","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-18T11:40:36.297","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what independent assessment it received regarding the likely impact on Scottish jobs of a successful News Corporation takeover bid for BSkyB.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what independent assessment it received regarding the likely impact on Scottish jobs of a successful News Corporation takeover bid for BSkyB.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the proceedings of the Leveson Inquiry and to the answers to questions:\r\nS4W-06912 on 10 May 2012 – Bib. number 53943\r\nS4W-06958 on 11 May 2012 – Bib. number 53955\r\nS4W-06959 on 11 May 2012 – Bib. number 53956\r\nS4W-06960 on 11 May 2012 – Bib. number 53957\r\nS4W-06972 on 11 May 2012 – Bib. number 53968.\r\nThe Scottish Government works continuously to secure and protect jobs in Scotland.\r\nAll answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-02T17:02:10.95","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273932,"EventID":"S4W-08019","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2159,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":88,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-18T17:02:11.043","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-18T11:40:36.297","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has previously informed the Parliament of an assertion by James Murdoch that jobs in Scotland would be at risk if News Corporation’s bid for full control of BS","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has previously informed the Parliament of an assertion by James Murdoch that jobs in Scotland would be at risk if News Corporation’s bid for full control of BSkyB did not proceed.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-06950 (Bib. number 53951) on 11 May 2012 and the proceedings of the Leveson Inquiry.\r\nAll answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-02T17:02:11.043","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273933,"EventID":"S4W-08020","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2876,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-18T17:02:11.167","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-18T11:51:48.993","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many campus-based police officers there have been in each year since 2007, broken down by local authority.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many campus-based police officers there have been in each year since 2007, broken down by local authority.\r\n","AnswerText":"Historical data on the number of campus-based police officers in Scotland is not available. Deployment of officers to schools is a decision for police forces in discussion with local authorities. The following table shows current numbers of campus based officers or school link officers as they are known in some areas, across Scottish police force areas.\r\nForce/Division\r\nNo. of Campus/School Link Officers\r\nNo. of Schools Covered\r\nCentral Scotland\r\n2\r\n2\r\nDumfries and Galloway\r\n5\r\n7\r\nFife Constabulary\r\n2\r\n3\r\nGrampian Police\r\n2\r\n2\r\nLothian and Borders\r\n14\r\n26\r\nNorthern Constabulary\r\n0\r\n0\r\nTayside Police\r\n0\r\n0\r\nStrathclyde A\r\n0\r\n0\r\nStrathclyde B\r\n7\r\n7\r\nStrathclyde G\r\n6\r\n6\r\nStrathclyde K\r\n5\r\n5\r\nStrathclyde L\r\n0\r\n0\r\nStrathclyde N\r\n3\r\n3\r\nStrathclyde Q\r\n5\r\n4\r\nStrathclyde U\r\n14\r\n14\r\nTotal:\r\n65\r\n79\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-02T17:02:11.183","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273934,"EventID":"S4W-08021","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2159,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":88,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-18T17:02:11.277","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-18T11:40:36.297","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it can confirm that the loss of 2,000 jobs averted by HEROtsc's winning a contract referred to at First Minister’s Questions on 14 June 2012 (Official Report, c. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it can confirm that the loss of 2,000 jobs averted by HEROtsc's winning a contract referred to at First Minister’s Questions on 14 June 2012 (Official Report, c. 10118) was averted despite the withdrawal of News Corporation's bid for the takeover of BSkyB.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-06948 (Bib. number 53949) on 11 May 2012 and to the proceedings of the Leveson Inquiry.\r\nAll answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-02T17:02:11.293","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273935,"EventID":"S4W-08022","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2159,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":88,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-18T17:02:11.4","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-18T11:40:36.297","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it considers that the First Minister's position that it would not take media plurality into account in representations regarding News Corporation’s bid for BSkyB ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it considers that the First Minister's position that it would not take media plurality into account in representations regarding News Corporation’s bid for BSkyB as it is a reserved matter is consistent with the Scottish Government’s establishment of a Scottish Broadcasting Commission and representations to broadcasting outlets submitted in evidence to the Leveson Inquiry into the culture, practices and ethics of the press.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-06914 (Bib. number 53945) on 10 May 2012 and the proceedings of the Leveson Inquiry.\r\nAll answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-02T17:02:11.4","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273936,"EventID":"S4W-08023","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2159,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":88,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-18T17:02:11.527","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-18T11:40:36.297","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will provide substantive answers to those written questions on the relationship between it and News Corporation lodged prior to the First Minister’s appearance at","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will provide substantive answers to those written questions on the relationship between it and News Corporation lodged prior to the First Minister’s appearance at the Leveson Inquiry into the culture, practices and ethics of the press that have received a holding answer.\r\n","AnswerText":"All such questions have been answered.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-02T17:02:11.527","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273937,"EventID":"S4W-08024","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2876,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-18T17:02:11.62","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-18T11:58:13.303","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will list the action plans that are in place for specific diseases.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will list the action plans that are in place for specific diseases.","AnswerText":"All of our disease specific Action Plans can be found on the publications page of the Scottish Government website which can be accessed at: \r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/Recent.\r\nCurrently we have the following live action plans which are disease specific:\r\nThe Better Heart Disease and Stroke Care Action Plan. \r\nThe Diabetes Action Plan.\r\nBetter Cancer Care.\r\nScotland’s Dementia Strategy.\r\nTuberculosis Action Plan.\r\nHIV Action Plan.\r\nAll of our disease specific Action Plans are fully aligned to our Quality Strategy to ensure that they deliver safe, effective and truly person centred care for people living with these conditions in Scotland. Information on the Quality Strategy can be accessed via the Scottish Government website at:\r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Health/NHS-Scotland/NHSQuality\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-02T17:02:11.62","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273938,"EventID":"S4W-08025","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3763,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-18T17:02:11.697","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-18T12:03:13.13","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether a property must have a completion certificate for all works carried out on the property.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether a property must have a completion certificate for all works carried out on the property.","AnswerText":"No. Only work that requires a building warrant must have a completion certificate. Generally, a building warrant is required to erect a new building, to alter or extend an existing building or to convert or demolish a building.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-02T17:02:11.697","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Derek Mackay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273939,"EventID":"S4W-08028","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2876,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-18T17:02:11.777","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-18T13:53:43","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive (a) how many and (b) what percentage of (i) primary and (ii) secondary school pupils have had unauthorised absences in each of the last five years, broken down by local a","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive (a) how many and (b) what percentage of (i) primary and (ii) secondary school pupils have had unauthorised absences in each of the last five years, broken down by local authority.\r\n","AnswerText":"The requested information is available from the Scottish Parliament Information Centre (Bib. number 54074).\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-02T17:02:11.777","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273940,"EventID":"S4W-08029","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2876,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-18T17:02:11.87","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-18T13:53:43","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive (a) how many and (b) what percentage of (i) primary and (ii) secondary school pupils have been excluded from school in each of the last five years, broken down by local a","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive (a) how many and (b) what percentage of (i) primary and (ii) secondary school pupils have been excluded from school in each of the last five years, broken down by local authority.\r\n","AnswerText":"The requested information is available from the Scottish Parliament Information Centre (Bib. number 54074).\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-02T17:02:11.87","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273941,"EventID":"S4W-08030","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2876,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-18T17:02:11.947","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-18T13:53:43","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive (a) how many and (b) what percentage of (i) primary and (ii) secondary school pupils have been removed from school for more than two weeks in each of the last five academ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive (a) how many and (b) what percentage of (i) primary and (ii) secondary school pupils have been removed from school for more than two weeks in each of the last five academic years, broken down by (A) local authority and (B) reason for absence.\r\n","AnswerText":"The available information on primary and secondary school pupils who were temporarily excluded for more than 2 weeks in each of the last five academic years is available from the Scottish Parliament Information Centre (Bib. number 54074).\r\nThis information is not available from pupils who have been removed from the register (also known as permanent exclusion), as there is no fixed time period attached to their removal.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-02T17:02:11.947","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273942,"EventID":"S4W-08031","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2876,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-18T17:02:12.027","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-18T13:53:43","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what systems are in place to ensure that pupils removed from school in one area have their school records transferred to their new education authority when they move.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what systems are in place to ensure that pupils removed from school in one area have their school records transferred to their new education authority when they move.","AnswerText":"The national electronic school to school (S2) transfer system enables the secure transfer of a standard set of pupil details between publicly funded schools across all 32 local authority areas in Scotland. The system highlights instances of pupils who have left a school but not arrived at their expected onward destination.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-02T17:02:12.027","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alasdair Allan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273956,"EventID":"S4W-07724","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-19T14:30:01.017","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-06T18:52:42","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive for what reason details of its Marketing Unit public relations spend for (a) 2010-11 and (b) 2011-12 have not been published on its website.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive for what reason details of its Marketing Unit public relations spend for (a) 2010-11 and (b) 2011-12 have not been published on its website.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government’s expenditure on public relations is a relatively small part of the overall expenditure on advertising which it supports, and has been published in recent years on the government’s website on request. The expenditure for 2010-11 and 2011-12 are published on the government’s website and I will publish future expenditure via the website on an annual basis.\r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/About/People/Directorates/Communications/advertising-marketing/PR-Spend.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-03T14:30:01.127","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273957,"EventID":"S4W-07725","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-19T14:30:01.347","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-06T18:52:42","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will publish details of its Marketing Unit advertising spend for 2011-12 on its website.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will publish details of its Marketing Unit advertising spend for 2011-12 on its website.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government Marketing Unit advertising spend for 2011-12 has recently been published on the Scottish Government website, for which the link is:\r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/About/People/Directorates/Communications/advertising-marketing/spend.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-03T14:30:01.347","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273958,"EventID":"S4W-07995","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5106,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":118,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-19T14:30:01.44","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-17T22:12:32.093","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what recent discussions it has had with the UK Government regarding holding military inquests in Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what recent discussions it has had with the UK Government regarding holding military inquests in Scotland.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-04694 on 4 January 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\nScottish Government officials continue to be in regular contact with the Ministry of Justice regarding the commencement of sections 12 and 50 of the Coroners and Justice Act 2009 which make provision for a fatal accident inquiry to be held in Scotland into the death abroad of any service personnel domiciled in Scotland. These provisions have not yet been commenced by the Ministry of Justice, but we understand that it is their intention to do so as soon as practicable.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-03T14:30:01.44","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273959,"EventID":"S4W-08026","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2876,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-19T14:30:01.533","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-18T13:37:52","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much money it has given to Veterans Scotland in each year since 2007.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much money it has given to Veterans Scotland in each year since 2007.\r\n","AnswerText":"Veterans Scotland has been provided with a range of grant, fee and other payments from the Scottish Government since 2007. These total £141,900.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-03T14:30:01.533","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273960,"EventID":"S4W-08027","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2876,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-19T14:30:01.643","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-18T13:37:52","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive which projects have received funding and how much money each has received from the Scottish Veterans Fund in each of the last five years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive which projects have received funding and how much money each has received from the Scottish Veterans Fund in each of the last five years.","AnswerText":"Organisations that have received Scottish Government grant funding from the Scottish Veterans Fund since its introduction in 2007-08 are as follows:-\r\nFinancial Year\r\nOrganisation\r\nProject\r\nAward\r\n2008 - 09\r\nVeterans Scotland\r\nFunding for Veterans Awareness Day\r\n£2200\r\nVeterans Scotland\r\nTo organise a Thanksgiving Service for the lives of Service personnel killed in Iraq and Afghanistan\r\n£5500\r\nFreight Agency\r\nCommission a book aimed at school children and young people to communicate the experiences of veterans returning from conflict\r\n£7800\r\nErskine\r\nResearch into the needs of Service personnel returning from active service\r\n£8000\r\nPoppy Scotland/Scottish Association for Mental Health\r\nCommission a report to gain better understanding of alcohol dependency issues as they relate to veterans\r\n£9000\r\nScottish Association for Mental Health/Combat Stress\r\nTo provide a practical veterans guide to those agencies working with mental health difficulties\r\n£9500\r\nScottish Poverty Information Unit\r\nCommission a report to collect baseline information on the financial situation and wellbeing of veterans in Scotland\r\n£9500\r\nLady Haig Poppy Factory\r\nVentilation system for the factory\r\n£9500\r\nScottish Veterans Residences\r\nTo build a new website with a focus on housing for Service leavers \r\n£9500\r\nFirst Base Agency\r\nPilot project of improvement for Service personnel with drug dependency as a result of being unable to cope with civilian life\r\n£9500\r\n2009 - 10\r\nGardening Leave\r\nTo train a fully qualified horticultural therapist\r\n£3000\r\nGordon Highlanders Museum\r\nTo hold workshops to give children a better understanding of veterans affairs\r\n£4500\r\nOfficers Association Scotland\r\nTo run a pilot scheme for a bespoke service assisting transition to civvy street\r\n£4500\r\nPoppy Scotland/Blake Stevenson\r\nFor research into employment needs of disabled veterans\r\n£5750\r\nVeterans Scotland\r\nBi-annual newsletter and directory for veterans\r\n£9000\r\nCadet Training Centre Inverness\r\nTrip to Normandy for 12 cadets and 4 veterans carrying the baton of Remembrance to celebrate the D-Day landings with presentations on return\r\n£2500\r\nPoppy Scotland\r\nA 3 year educational programme for children 3 - 18yrs on the importance of remembrance and the main issues facing veterans today\r\n£10000\r\nErskine\r\nDevelopment of web-based CMS system\r\n£9000\r\nHolybush House\r\nTo set up and support a carers support website\r\n£3500\r\nCombat Stress\r\nA one year fixed-term contract Assistant Psychologist\r\n£10000\r\nOfficers Association Scotland\r\nTo gain accreditation in coaching\r\n£4500\r\nScottish Veterans Residences\r\nTo covert the games room at Whiteford House into a resource and IT centre for use by veterans\r\n£7500\r\nErskine\r\nStart up costs fro Pathfinder initiative\r\n£4750\r\nCombat Stress\r\nTo fund the 90th anniversary service at St Giles Cathedral on 14 May 2009\r\n£1500\r\n2010 - 11\r\nVeterans Scotland\r\nComplete the Veterans Scotland e-Hub following update work carried out on member sites\r\n£9000\r\nPoppy Scotland/ Citizens Advice Scotland ASAP Project\r\nTo develop a booklet which will complement the e-learning tool being developed for advisers working in Citizens Advice Bureaus\r\n£6150\r\nLady Haig Poppy Factory\r\nTo support the interactive mobile museum used to educate school children on remembrance and ongoing problems affecting veterans\r\n£7000\r\nPoppy Scotland\r\nConference to highlight the problems of employment facing disabled and vulnerable veterans\r\n£7950\r\nPoppy Scotland\r\nSowing the Seed Phase 3 educational pack for school teachers on the subject of remembrance\r\n£10000\r\nScottish Veterans Residences\r\nRemembrance service to celebrate 125 years of service to veterans\r\n£1250\r\nMark Wright Project\r\nFunding for the physical activity outdoor programme designed to help veterans in accessing healthy outdoor activities\r\n£9900\r\nThistle Foundation\r\nFunding for veterans lifestyle management courses to improve the health and wellbeing of veterans through participation\r\n£10000\r\nErskine\r\nFunding to support a pilot scheme offeri","AnswerDate":"2012-06-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-03T14:30:01.643","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273961,"EventID":"S4W-08033","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4086,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-19T14:30:01.75","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-18T15:58:06","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many pressured areas each local authority has created since the Housing (Scotland) Act 2010 came into force, broken down by month of creation.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many pressured areas each local authority has created since the Housing (Scotland) Act 2010 came into force, broken down by month of creation.","AnswerText":"There is no statutory requirement for local authorities to inform the Scottish Government when they designate, amend or revoke a pressured area. The Scottish Government is aware of five local authorities who have made use of the provisions in the Housing (Scotland) Act 2010 to extend existing pressured area designations. These authorities are:\r\nDumfries and Galloway – June 2011\r\nHighland – October 2011\r\nPerth and Kinross – December 2011\r\nArgyll and Bute - January 2012\r\nFife – March 2012.. \r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-03T14:30:01.767","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273962,"EventID":"S4W-08034","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4939,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":78,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-19T14:30:01.94","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-18T16:32:56","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made toward the creation of the Inner Forth landscape partnership.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made toward the creation of the Inner Forth landscape partnership.","AnswerText":"A partnership board has been established, bringing together a number of key public and third sector partners. The board is responsible for determining the direction and strategy of the Inner Forth Landscape Initiative, monitoring delivery and ensuring funding requirements are met. The board is currently awaiting the outcome of an application submitted earlier this year to the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) for a Landscape Partnership Scheme which could secure a £4 million package of measures for the Inner Forth. A decision on the HLF application is expected in July 2012.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-03T14:30:01.953","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273963,"EventID":"S4W-08035","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1860,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-19T14:30:02.11","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-19T09:39:16.607","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information it has on how rural householders will qualify for assistance under the proposed energy company obligation.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information it has on how rural householders will qualify for assistance under the proposed energy company obligation.","AnswerText":"This is a UK Government policy. Relevant information may be found on the Department of Energy and Climate Change’s website. Of particular interest may be a document titled: Carbon Saving Community Obligation: Rural and Low Income Areas. Further information may be found in the The Electricity and Gas (Energy Company Obligation) Order 2012 available at:\r\nhttp://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukdsi/2012/9780111525456/contents or sought directly from DECC.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-03T14:30:02.11","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273964,"EventID":"S4W-08036","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1860,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-19T14:30:02.313","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-19T09:39:16.607","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will respond to the Department of Energy and Climate Change’s consultation on eligibility criteria for the proposed energy company obligation.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will respond to the Department of Energy and Climate Change’s consultation on eligibility criteria for the proposed energy company obligation.","AnswerText":"The UK Government Department of Energy and Climate Change’s (DECC) consultation on the Energy Company Obligation closed in January this year. Scottish Ministers responded. DECC have recently published their response. This and other DECC publications relating to the Energy Company Obligation and Green Deal are available at: www.decc.gov.uk.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-03T14:30:02.33","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273965,"EventID":"S4W-08037","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1860,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-19T14:30:02.733","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-19T09:39:16.607","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how rural off-gas grid householders will qualify for the proposed national retrofit programme.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how rural off-gas grid householders will qualify for the proposed national retrofit programme.","AnswerText":"The National Retrofit Programme, which I announced in my statement to the Parliament on 6 June, will aim to offer a range of free or discounted heating and home insulation measures to people across Scotland who struggle with fuel poverty. The programme is to begin operation in the next financial year.\r\nIn line with recommendations from the Scottish Fuel Poverty Forum the programme will aim to adopt an area based approach that prioritises fuel poverty and other deprivation factors with a central role for local authorities in its delivery. I expect that rural and off gas areas will feature in this approach.  Support and measures provided will be tailored to home and household needs, based on a thorough assessment.\r\nRural off-gas grid householders may also benefit from two funds being launched later this year. The Warm Homes Fund will be targeted to fuel-poor communities and will support renewable energy projects aimed at reducing their household bills. Rural householders in areas not currently connected to the gas grid, but located close to it, may also be able to access additional support (in the form of loan funding) from our Gas Infill Fund, to help with the cost of connection.\r\nIn addition, the Microgeneration Strategy published last week sets out actions to increase the level of microgeneration in Scotland including a £5 million boost for renewable heat at a householder level via the Homes Renewables Loans Scheme.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-03T14:30:02.75","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273966,"EventID":"S4W-08038","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1860,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-19T14:30:02.937","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-19T09:39:16.607","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will publish its microgeneration strategy.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will publish its microgeneration strategy.","AnswerText":"I launched the Microgeneration Strategy for Scotland on 22 June 2012 in Inverness. It sets out the Scottish Government’s support for microgeneration, our ambitions for the sector and the successes and key actions we have taken to date across a range of policies: planning, building regulation, skills, housing and fuel poverty. The Strategy also showcases what has been achieved by national and local government, industry, communities, householders, the skills sector and other stakeholders across Scotland to grow the market for microgeneration.\r\nAlongside the Strategy, I also announced a £5 million boost to our Home Renewables Loans scheme to help householders install new green heating systems in their homes. From August 2012, loans of up to £10,000 will be available to householders to install renewable heat technology such as biomass boilers and heat pumps in their own homes.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-03T14:30:02.953","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273967,"EventID":"S4W-08039","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-19T14:30:03.03","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-19T10:59:12.76","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether a referral was made to the children’s reporter in the Declan Hainey case and, if not, whether this was raised in subsequent reports on this matter and what its po","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether a referral was made to the children’s reporter in the Declan Hainey case and, if not, whether this was raised in subsequent reports on this matter and what its position is on this.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Children’s Reporter Administration has confirmed that they did not receive any referral for Declan Hainey. This was not raised as an issue in the subsequent Significant Case Review (SCR). The SCR reviewed the circumstances of this case and made a series of recommendations. We have received assurances that these have been acted upon.\r\nThe Scottish Government continue to believe that promoting and safeguarding the wellbeing of Scotland’s children must be a key priority.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-03T14:30:03.03","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Aileen Campbell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273968,"EventID":"S4W-08040","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2108,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":141,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-19T17:08:31.077","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-19T12:38:56","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many new recruits have completed police training in each of the last eight years.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many new recruits have completed police training in each of the last eight years.\r\n","AnswerText":"The recruitment and training of police officers is an operational matter for chief constables.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-03T17:08:31.187","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273969,"EventID":"S4W-08041","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2108,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":141,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-19T17:08:31.28","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-19T12:38:56","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what major changes there have been in police training over the last eight years.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what major changes there have been in police training over the last eight years.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-08040 on 27 June 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-03T17:08:31.28","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273970,"EventID":"S4W-08042","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2108,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":141,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-19T17:08:31.343","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-19T12:38:56","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what reduction there has been in the length of police training for new recruits in each of the last eight years. \r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what reduction there has been in the length of police training for new recruits in each of the last eight years. \r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-08040 on 27 June 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-03T17:08:31.357","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273971,"EventID":"S4W-08043","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5047,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-19T17:08:31.593","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-19T12:45:53","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people have Duchenne muscular dystrophy, broken down by NHS board.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people have Duchenne muscular dystrophy, broken down by NHS board.\r\n","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-03T17:08:31.593","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273972,"EventID":"S4W-08044","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5047,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-19T17:08:31.733","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-19T12:45:53","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many nurses specialise in the treatment of Duchenne muscular dystrophy, broken down by NHS board.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many nurses specialise in the treatment of Duchenne muscular dystrophy, broken down by NHS board.\r\n","AnswerText":"The information requested is not centrally held as data specifically for nurses specialising in the treatment of Duchenne muscular dystrophy is not captured separately in workforce statistics. NHSScotland Information Services (ISD) staff publish data quarterly and trend information for headcount and whole time equivalent (WTE) of nursing staff by band and NHS Board as of 30 September 2011 is available at:\r\nhttp://www.isdscotland.org/Health-Topics/Workforce/Publications/2011-11-29/Clinical_Nurse_Specialist_S2011.xls.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-03T17:08:31.733","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273973,"EventID":"S4W-08045","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5047,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-19T17:08:31.81","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-19T12:45:53","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to improve services for people with Duchenne muscular dystrophy and their families.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to improve services for people with Duchenne muscular dystrophy and their families.\r\n","AnswerText":"There has been real progress in improving neuromuscular services in recent years. The Ministerial Statement on Neuromuscular Services, which we published in March 2011, outlines much of the good work under way. The statement can be accessed via the following link:\r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Health/NeuromuscularConditions.\r\nThe Scottish Muscle Network (SMN) is the main vehicle in Scotland for improving healthcare services for people with neuromuscular conditions, including Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD).\r\nThe SMN links together paediatricians, neurologists, clinical geneticists, cardiologists and allied health professionals with the aim of delivering specialist, multi-disciplinary care to people as close to their home as possible.\r\nThe SMN promotes equity of care through the development and audit of clinical standards on the management of DMD, which aim to ensure that people living with DMD receive high quality care wherever they live in Scotland.\r\nThe Scottish Government has also agreed to fund a pilot of three full-time regional Care Advisor posts for two years and evaluate their success. The Care Advisors will act as advocates for people living with neuromuscular conditions and their families and liaise with appropriate health and social care services to help ensure their needs are met.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-07-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-03T17:08:31.827","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273974,"EventID":"S4W-08046","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5047,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-19T17:08:31.903","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-19T12:45:53","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will establish a centre of excellence for the research and treatment of Duchenne muscular dystrophy.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will establish a centre of excellence for the research and treatment of Duchenne muscular dystrophy.","AnswerText":"The Chief Scientist Office of the Scottish Government Health and Social Care Directorates funds high quality research of direct relevance to the NHS in Scotland. CSO would be happy to receive applications on the subject of Duchenne muscular dystrophy. These would be subject to our usual peer review process. Details of how to submit research proposals are available on our website.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-03T17:08:31.903","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273975,"EventID":"S4W-08071","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-19T17:08:31.997","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-19T13:03:17","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S4W-07309 by Aileen Campbell on 31 May 2012, whether any Scottish police force has failed to meet the 14-day service level agreement fo","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S4W-07309 by Aileen Campbell on 31 May 2012, whether any Scottish police force has failed to meet the 14-day service level agreement for processing Disclosure Scotland applications for two consecutive months since February 2011 and, if so, for what reason no penalty was applied.\r\n","AnswerText":"Disclosure Scotland’s service level target with Scottish police forces is that forces should return 90% of force enquiries within 14 calendar days and 100% within 21 calendar days.\r\nPenalties are available for persistent unsatisfactory performance; however, to allow new requirements introduced following the establishment of the Protecting Vulnerable Groups Scheme to settle, Disclosure Scotland agreed with ACPOS (Association of Chief Police Officers in Scotland) that consideration of penalties would begin from the start of the financial year 2012-13, that is 1 April 2012. No penalties have yet been imposed.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-07-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-03T17:08:31.997","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Aileen Campbell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273976,"EventID":"S4W-08072","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-19T17:08:32.09","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-19T13:03:17","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what penalties can be imposed on Scottish police forces that fail to meet the 14-day service level agreement for processing Disclosure Scotland applications for two conse","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what penalties can be imposed on Scottish police forces that fail to meet the 14-day service level agreement for processing Disclosure Scotland applications for two consecutive months.\r\n","AnswerText":"The service level agreement that Disclosure Scotland has with ACPOS (Association of Chief Police Officers in Scotland) provides for the possibility of imposing penalties on Scottish police forces that fail to meet the service level target for force enquiries from the start of the financial year 2012-13, that is 1 April 2012.\r\nDisclosure Scotland’s service level target with Scottish police forces is that forces should return 90% of force enquiries within 14 calendar days and 100% within 21 calendar days.\r\nIn cases of unsatisfactory performance lasting two months or more, Disclosure Scotland will write to the force concerned and request a performance recovery plan. Where that recovery plan is not being followed or being amended to greater effect, Disclosure Scotland may impose a variation in the rate of payment in proportion to the average rate of delay over those three months. The rate at which deductions can be made is set out in the table.\r\nPerformance Bands\r\nTurn-around time (average, over all three months of trigger period)\r\nRate of reduction\r\nApplied for/Review reduction after point\r\n0-14 calendar days\r\nNone\r\nNone\r\n15-21 calendar days\r\n(acceptable)\r\nNone - other measures will be in place, such as reporting and chase lists\r\nNone\r\n22-28 calendar days\r\n(unacceptable)\r\n10% of monthly total payment\r\nUntil 2 months of expected performance have been recorded\r\n29-35 calendar days\r\n(unacceptable)\r\n12.5% of monthly total payment\r\nUntil 2 months of expected performance have been recorded.  Actual rates may be reviewed on a monthly basis to reflect gradual improvements in performance, based at any time on the previous 5 months.\r\n36 and above calendar days\r\n(unacceptable)\r\n15% of monthly total payment\r\nAs above\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-07-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-03T17:08:32.09","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Aileen Campbell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273977,"EventID":"S4W-08073","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-19T17:08:32.187","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-19T13:03:17","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive (a) how many and (b) what percentage of the Disclosure Scotland applications sent to Scottish police forces for additional checks has been processed outwith the 14-day pe","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive (a) how many and (b) what percentage of the Disclosure Scotland applications sent to Scottish police forces for additional checks has been processed outwith the 14-day period required by the service level agreement in each year since 2007.\r\n","AnswerText":"Information about the number and percentage of force enquiries to Scottish police forces from Disclosure Scotland that were processed outwith the service level target of returning 90% of force enquiries within 14 calendar days for each year since 2007 is set out in the following table.\r\nIt should be noted that, since go live of the Protecting Vulnerable Groups Scheme on 28 February 2011, forces are required to return 90% of force enquiries within 14 calendar days and the remainder within 21 calendar days.\r\nYear\r\nNumber of Enquiries Processed Outwith the 14 Day Target\r\nPercentage of Enquiries Processed Outwith the 14 Day Target\r\n2006\r\n13,229\r\n73%\r\n2007\r\n12,464\r\n63%\r\n2008\r\n12,143\r\n50%\r\n2009\r\n16,153\r\n49%\r\n2010\r\n16,947\r\n57%\r\n2011\r\n8,382\r\n38%\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-07-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-03T17:08:32.2","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Aileen Campbell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273978,"EventID":"S4W-08075","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-19T17:08:32.28","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-19T13:03:17","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the rate of sickness absence for Scottish Prison Service employees has been in each year since 2007, broken down by (a) prison and (b) staff category.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the rate of sickness absence for Scottish Prison Service employees has been in each year since 2007, broken down by (a) prison and (b) staff category.\r\n","AnswerText":"I have asked Colin McConnell, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service, to respond. His response is as follows:\r\nWe do not collate the data in the manner requested, however the following table shows the rate of working days lost due to sickness absence as a percentage of the maximum number of working days available to SPS based on the headcount figures reported in our Annual Report for the relevant periods.\r\n Period\r\nHeadcount reported in Annual Report\r\nMaximum Working Days available\r\nAbsence Days Lost\r\nAbsence Days Lost as a percentage of Maximum Working Days\r\n2007-08\r\n4,049\r\n911,025\r\n41,213\r\n4.52%\r\n2008-09\r\n4,007\r\n901,575\r\n41,498\r\n4.60%\r\n2009-10\r\n4,086\r\n919,350\r\n36,669\r\n3.99%\r\n2010-11\r\n4,178\r\n940,050\r\n37,468\r\n3.99%\r\n2011-12\r\n4,173\r\n938,925\r\n36,692\r\n3.91%\r\n\r\nWe can however provide the number of working days lost due to sickness absence during the relevant periods. This information is provided in the following tables.\r\nNumber of Working Days Lost Due to Sickness Absence during the Period 1 April 2007 to 31 March 2008\r\nSPS Establishment\r\nPay Band A\r\nPay Band B\r\nPay Band C\r\nPay Band D\r\nPay Band E\r\nPay Band F\r\nPay Band G, H, I & Senior Civil Servants\r\nGrand Total\r\nAberdeen\r\n \r\n21\r\n150\r\n779\r\n54\r\n63\r\n \r\n1,067\r\nBarlinnie\r\n39\r\n401\r\n1,322\r\n5,050\r\n288\r\n38\r\n4\r\n7,142\r\nCentral Stores\r\n1\r\n20\r\n1\r\n \r\n12\r\n \r\n \r\n34\r\nCornton Vale\r\n3\r\n101\r\n890\r\n1,799\r\n209\r\n15\r\n \r\n3,017\r\nDumfries\r\n \r\n82\r\n397\r\n856\r\n135\r\n14\r\n7\r\n1,491\r\nEdinburgh\r\n1\r\n283\r\n958\r\n2,057\r\n295\r\n56\r\n2\r\n3,652\r\nGlenochil\r\n \r\n557\r\n1,400\r\n2,406\r\n547\r\n231\r\n1\r\n5,142\r\nGreenock\r\n4\r\n123\r\n455\r\n1,169\r\n34\r\n \r\n \r\n1,785\r\nHeadquarters\r\n \r\n82\r\n247\r\n346\r\n66\r\n145\r\n259\r\n1,145\r\nInverness\r\n \r\n29\r\n153\r\n748\r\n21\r\n12\r\n \r\n963\r\nOpen Estate\r\n26\r\n234\r\n200\r\n806\r\n36\r\n26\r\n \r\n1,328\r\nPerth\r\n108\r\n268\r\n971\r\n2,274\r\n440\r\n54\r\n107\r\n4,222\r\nPeterhead\r\n \r\n26\r\n374\r\n1,239\r\n243\r\n16\r\n5\r\n1,903\r\nPolmont\r\n61\r\n483\r\n1,353\r\n1,854\r\n353\r\n92\r\n82\r\n4,278\r\nShotts\r\n \r\n126\r\n515\r\n2,447\r\n416\r\n130\r\n7\r\n3,641\r\nSPS College\r\n15\r\n29\r\n306\r\n \r\n30\r\n23\r\n \r\n403\r\nGrand Total\r\n258\r\n2,865\r\n9,692\r\n23,830\r\n3,179\r\n915\r\n474\r\n41,213\r\n\r\nNumber of Working Days Lost Due to Sickness Absence during the Period 1 April 2008 to 31 March 2009\r\nSPS Establishment\r\nPay Band B\r\nPay Band C\r\nPay Band D\r\nPay Band E\r\nPay Band F\r\nPay Band G, H, I & Senior Civil Servants\r\nGrand Total\r\nAberdeen\r\n33\r\n353\r\n658\r\n13\r\n \r\n \r\n1,057\r\nBarlinnie\r\n453\r\n1,867\r\n4,107\r\n590\r\n19\r\n6\r\n7,042\r\nCentral Stores\r\n32\r\n \r\n \r\n3\r\n \r\n \r\n35\r\nCornton Vale\r\n135\r\n951\r\n2,679\r\n210\r\n80\r\n \r\n4,055\r\nDumfries\r\n43\r\n443\r\n945\r\n91\r\n \r\n91\r\n1,613\r\nEdinburgh\r\n99\r\n775\r\n3,110\r\n410\r\n13\r\n75\r\n4,482\r\nGlenochil\r\n599\r\n924\r\n2,369\r\n145\r\n43\r\n88\r\n4,168\r\nGreenock\r\n37\r\n435\r\n794\r\n124\r\n105\r\n8\r\n1,503\r\nHeadquarters\r\n88\r\n227\r\n277\r\n254\r\n140\r\n251\r\n1,237\r\nInverness\r\n13\r\n114\r\n404\r\n39\r\n8\r\n \r\n578\r\nOpen Estate\r\n237\r\n155\r\n712\r\n57\r\n9\r\n \r\n1,170\r\nPerth\r\n582\r\n1,001\r\n2,828\r\n366\r\n41\r\n14\r\n4,832\r\nPeterhead\r\n74\r\n446\r\n767\r\n257\r\n173\r\n1\r\n1,718\r\nPolmont\r\n528\r\n1,031\r\n1,879\r\n557\r\n21\r\n92\r\n4,108\r\nShotts\r\n229\r\n1,459\r\n1,474\r\n307\r\n12\r\n8\r\n3,489\r\nSPS College\r\n61\r\n56\r\n5\r\n279\r\n10\r\n \r\n411\r\nGrand Total\r\n3,243\r\n10,237\r\n23,008\r\n3,702\r\n674\r\n634\r\n41,498\r\n\r\nNumber of Working Days Lost Due to Sickness Absence during the Period 1 April 2009 to 31 March 2010\r\nSPS Establishment\r\nPay Band B\r\nPay Band C\r\nPay Band D\r\nPay Band E\r\nPay Band F\r\nPay Band G, H, I & Senior Civil Servants\r\nGrand Total\r\nAberdeen\r\n75\r\n474\r\n570\r\n85\r\n4\r\n5\r\n1,213\r\nBarlinnie\r\n351\r\n1,089\r\n4,389\r\n659\r\n69\r\n1\r\n6,558\r\nCentral Stores\r\n3\r\n \r\n \r\n1\r\n26\r\n \r\n30\r\nCornton Vale\r\n55\r\n768\r\n2,308\r\n261\r\n7\r\n \r\n3,399\r\nDumfries\r\n60\r\n414\r\n788\r\n81\r\n10\r\n \r\n1,353\r\nEdinburgh\r\n94\r\n664\r\n2,254\r\n315\r\n10\r\n64\r\n3,401\r\nGlenochil\r\n313\r\n1,026\r\n2,396\r\n139\r\n78\r\n78\r\n4,030\r\nGreenock\r\n36\r\n341\r\n515\r\n102\r\n \r\n \r\n994\r\nHeadquarters\r\n16\r\n422\r\n442\r\n126\r\n138\r\n330\r\n1,474\r\nInverness\r\n51\r\n139\r\n479\r\n13\r\n64\r\n \r\n746\r\nOpen Estate\r\n182\r\n354\r\n647\r\n66\r\n5\r\n \r\n1,254\r\nPerth\r\n413\r\n766\r\n1,319\r\n146\r\n18\r\n2\r\n2,664\r\nPeterhead\r\n29\r\n323\r\n445\r\n97\r\n1\r\n1\r\n896\r\nPolmont\r\n363\r\n1,232\r\n2,263\r\n211\r\n145\r\n10\r\n4,224\r\nShotts\r\n123\r\n1,659\r\n1,924\r\n414\r\n7\r\n5\r\n4,132\r\nSPS College\r\n24\r\n105\r\n44\r\n126\r\n1\r\n1\r\n301\r\nGr","AnswerDate":"2012-07-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-03T17:08:32.293","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273979,"EventID":"S4W-08076","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-19T17:08:32.387","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-19T13:03:17","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many working days have been lost due to stress-related illnesses among Scottish Prison Service staff in each year since 2007, broken down by (a) prison and (b) staff ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many working days have been lost due to stress-related illnesses among Scottish Prison Service staff in each year since 2007, broken down by (a) prison and (b) staff category.\r\n","AnswerText":"I have asked Colin McConnell, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service, to respond. His response is as follows:\r\nThe information requested is provided in the following tables.\r\nNumber of Working Days Lost Due to Sickness Absence, Declared as Stress Related, During the Period 1 April 2007 to 31 March 2008\r\nSPS Establishment\r\nPay Band B\r\nPay Band C\r\nPay Band D\r\nPay Band E\r\nPay Band F\r\nGrand Total\r\nAberdeen\r\n\r\n7\r\n45\r\n33\r\n\r\n85\r\nBarlinnie\r\n101\r\n294\r\n694\r\n93\r\n\r\n1,182\r\nCornton Vale\r\n\r\n104\r\n343\r\n32\r\n\r\n479\r\nDumfries\r\n\r\n11\r\n229\r\n\r\n\r\n240\r\nEdinburgh\r\n240\r\n126\r\n262\r\n150\r\n\r\n778\r\nGlenochil\r\n141\r\n309\r\n401\r\n198\r\n226\r\n1,275\r\nGreenock\r\n\r\n48\r\n198\r\n\r\n\r\n246\r\nHeadquarters\r\n\r\n8\r\n25\r\n\r\n64\r\n97\r\nInverness\r\n20\r\n17\r\n67\r\n1\r\n\r\n105\r\nOpen Estate\r\n\r\n\r\n121\r\n15\r\n\r\n136\r\nPerth\r\n55\r\n205\r\n370\r\n9\r\n\r\n639\r\nPeterhead\r\n25\r\n75\r\n567\r\n179\r\n\r\n846\r\nPolmont\r\n181\r\n309\r\n217\r\n116\r\n\r\n823\r\nShotts\r\n49\r\n85\r\n673\r\n14\r\n80\r\n901\r\nSPS College\r\n\r\n18\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n18\r\nGrand Total\r\n812\r\n1,616\r\n4,212\r\n840\r\n370\r\n7,850\r\n\r\nNumber of Working Days Lost Due to Sickness Absence, Declared as Stress Related, During the Period 1 April 2008 to 31 March 2009\r\nSPS Establishment\r\nPay Band B\r\nPay Band C\r\nPay Band D\r\nPay Band E\r\nPay Band F\r\nPay Band G\r\nPay Band H\r\nGrand Total\r\nAberdeen\r\n\r\n15\r\n141\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n156\r\nBarlinnie\r\n75\r\n368\r\n708\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n1,151\r\nCornton Vale\r\n\r\n225\r\n241\r\n68\r\n78\r\n\r\n\r\n612\r\nDumfries\r\n\r\n105\r\n31\r\n10\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n146\r\nEdinburgh\r\n10\r\n15\r\n366\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n391\r\nGlenochil\r\n40\r\n218\r\n236\r\n27\r\n27\r\n\r\n\r\n548\r\nGreenock\r\n\r\n\r\n85\r\n1\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n86\r\nHeadquarters\r\n56\r\n19\r\n\r\n\r\n64\r\n62\r\n47\r\n248\r\nOpen Estate\r\n\r\n\r\n112\r\n23\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n135\r\nPerth\r\n37\r\n58\r\n128\r\n\r\n31\r\n\r\n\r\n254\r\nPeterhead\r\n65\r\n282\r\n57\r\n\r\n171\r\n\r\n\r\n575\r\nPolmont\r\n35\r\n69\r\n213\r\n284\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n601\r\nShotts\r\n37\r\n489\r\n133\r\n24\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n683\r\nSPS College\r\n\r\n\r\n5\r\n20\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n25\r\nGrand Total\r\n355\r\n1,863\r\n2,456\r\n457\r\n371\r\n62\r\n47\r\n5,611\r\n\r\nNumber of Working Days Lost Due to Sickness Absence, Declared as Stress Related, During the Period 1 April 2009 to 31 March 2010\r\nSPS Establishment\r\nPay Band B\r\nPay Band C\r\nPay Band D\r\nPay Band E\r\nPay Band F\r\nPay Band G\r\nGrand Total\r\nAberdeen\r\n\r\n30\r\n158\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n188\r\nBarlinnie\r\n\r\n85\r\n711\r\n16\r\n42\r\n\r\n854\r\nCornton Vale\r\n\r\n44\r\n291\r\n41\r\n\r\n\r\n376\r\nDumfries\r\n\r\n36\r\n153\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n189\r\nEdinburgh\r\n\r\n76\r\n183\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n259\r\nGlenochil\r\n\r\n186\r\n319\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n505\r\nGreenock\r\n\r\n55\r\n23\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n78\r\nHeadquarters\r\n2\r\n101\r\n85\r\n\r\n22\r\n16\r\n226\r\nInverness\r\n\r\n\r\n53\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n53\r\nOpen Estate\r\n\r\n14\r\n98\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n112\r\nPerth\r\n10\r\n177\r\n157\r\n18\r\n\r\n\r\n362\r\nPeterhead\r\n10\r\n37\r\n63\r\n26\r\n\r\n\r\n136\r\nPolmont\r\n18\r\n206\r\n242\r\n22\r\n\r\n\r\n488\r\nShotts\r\n1\r\n575\r\n261\r\n212\r\n\r\n\r\n1,049\r\nSPS College\r\n10\r\n15\r\n\r\n50\r\n\r\n\r\n75\r\nGrand Total\r\n51\r\n1,637\r\n2,797\r\n385\r\n64\r\n16\r\n4,950\r\n\r\nNumber of Working Days Lost Due to Sickness Absence, Declared as Stress Related, During the Period 1 April 2010 to 31 March 2011\r\nSPS Establishment\r\nPay Band B\r\nPay Band C\r\nPay Band D\r\nPay Band E\r\nPay Band F\r\nPay Band G\r\nPay Band H\r\nPay Band I\r\nGrand Total\r\nAberdeen\r\n\r\n67\r\n100\r\n\r\n88\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n255\r\nBarlinnie\r\n55\r\n200\r\n377\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n632\r\nCentral Stores\r\n\r\n5\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n5\r\nCornton Vale\r\n54\r\n3\r\n300\r\n\r\n\r\n15\r\n\r\n\r\n372\r\nEdinburgh\r\n32\r\n130\r\n31\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n193\r\nGlenochil\r\n\r\n37\r\n691\r\n130\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n858\r\nGreenock\r\n75\r\n112\r\n\r\n15\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n202\r\nHeadquarters\r\n22\r\n\r\n\r\n11\r\n\r\n32\r\n10\r\n\r\n75\r\nInverness\r\n\r\n97\r\n69\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n166\r\nOpen Estate\r\n63\r\n78\r\n292\r\n35\r\n9\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n477\r\nPerth\r\n64\r\n101\r\n66\r\n4\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n235\r\nPeterhead\r\n11\r\n222\r\n51\r\n3\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n287\r\nPolmont\r\n93\r\n111\r\n229\r\n46\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n479\r\nShotts\r\n118\r\n201\r\n177\r\n76\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n103\r\n675\r\nSPS College\r\n\r\n89\r\n\r\n25\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n114\r\nGrand Total\r\n587\r\n1,453\r\n2,383\r\n345\r\n97\r\n47\r\n10\r\n103\r\n5,025\r\n\r\nNumber of Working Days Lost Due to Sickness Absence, Declared as Stress Related, During the Period 1 April 2011 to 31 March 2012\r\nSPS Establishment\r\nPay Band B\r\nPay Band C\r\nPay Band D\r\nPay Band E\r\nPay Band F\r\nPay Band G\r\nPay Band H\r\nPay Band I\r\nGrand Total\r\nAberdeen\r\n\r\n195\r\n59\r\n\r\n13\r\n45\r\n\r\n\r\n312\r\nBarlinnie\r\n\r\n73\r\n260\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n333\r\nCentral Stores\r\n\r\n\r\n27\r\n\r\n72\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n99\r\nCornton Vale\r\n11\r\n62\r\n400\r\n3\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n476\r\nDumfries\r\n\r\n11\r\n88\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n99\r\nEdinburgh\r\n69\r\n113\r\n123\r\n29\r\n\r","AnswerDate":"2012-07-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-03T17:08:32.387","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273980,"EventID":"S4W-08077","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-19T17:08:32.527","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-19T13:03:17","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many Scottish Prison Service staff have been absent due to stress-related illness in each year since 2007, broken down by (a) prison and (b) staff category.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many Scottish Prison Service staff have been absent due to stress-related illness in each year since 2007, broken down by (a) prison and (b) staff category.\r\n","AnswerText":"I have asked Colin McConnell, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service, to respond. His response is as follows:\r\nThe information requested is provided in the following tables.\r\nNumber of Scottish Prison Service Staff Absent due to Sickness Absence, Declared as Stress Related, During the Period 1 April 2007 to 31 March 2008.\r\nSPS Establishment\r\nPay Band B\r\nPay Band C\r\nPay Band D\r\nPay Band E\r\nPay Band F\r\nGrand Total\r\nAberdeen\r\n \r\n2\r\n4\r\n1\r\n \r\n7\r\nBarlinnie\r\n4\r\n8\r\n15\r\n2\r\n \r\n29\r\nCornton Vale\r\n \r\n2\r\n6\r\n2\r\n \r\n10\r\nDumfries\r\n \r\n2\r\n4\r\n \r\n \r\n6\r\nEdinburgh\r\n3\r\n4\r\n7\r\n1\r\n \r\n15\r\nGlenochil\r\n4\r\n5\r\n8\r\n3\r\n1\r\n21\r\nGreenock\r\n \r\n2\r\n3\r\n \r\n \r\n5\r\nHeadquarters\r\n \r\n1\r\n1\r\n \r\n2\r\n4\r\nInverness\r\n1\r\n1\r\n1\r\n1\r\n \r\n4\r\nOpen Estate\r\n \r\n \r\n4\r\n1\r\n \r\n5\r\nPerth\r\n1\r\n4\r\n8\r\n1\r\n \r\n14\r\nPeterhead\r\n1\r\n3\r\n8\r\n2\r\n \r\n14\r\nPolmont\r\n1\r\n7\r\n5\r\n2\r\n \r\n15\r\nShotts\r\n2\r\n6\r\n7\r\n1\r\n1\r\n17\r\nSPS College\r\n \r\n1\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n1\r\nGrand Total\r\n17\r\n48\r\n81\r\n17\r\n4\r\n167\r\n\r\nNumber of Scottish Prison Service staff absent due to sickness absence, declared as stress related, during the period 1 April 2008 to 31 March 2009\r\nSPS Establishment\r\nPay Band B\r\nPay Band C\r\nPay Band D\r\nPay Band E\r\nPay Band F\r\nPay Band G/H/I\r\nGrand Total\r\nAberdeen\r\n \r\n1\r\n2\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n3\r\nBarlinnie\r\n2\r\n10\r\n17\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n29\r\nCornton Vale\r\n \r\n4\r\n7\r\n1\r\n1\r\n \r\n13\r\nDumfries\r\n \r\n3\r\n2\r\n1\r\n \r\n \r\n6\r\nEdinburgh\r\n1\r\n3\r\n9\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n13\r\nGlenochil\r\n3\r\n6\r\n7\r\n1\r\n1\r\n \r\n18\r\nGreenock\r\n \r\n \r\n4\r\n1\r\n \r\n \r\n5\r\nHeadquarters\r\n1\r\n1\r\n \r\n \r\n2\r\n2\r\n6\r\nOpen Estate\r\n \r\n \r\n3\r\n1\r\n \r\n \r\n4\r\nPerth\r\n2\r\n2\r\n7\r\n \r\n2\r\n \r\n13\r\nPeterhead\r\n1\r\n5\r\n2\r\n \r\n1\r\n \r\n9\r\nPolmont\r\n1\r\n3\r\n7\r\n2\r\n \r\n \r\n13\r\nShotts\r\n1\r\n8\r\n5\r\n2\r\n \r\n \r\n16\r\nSPS College\r\n \r\n \r\n1\r\n1\r\n \r\n \r\n2\r\nGrand Total\r\n12\r\n46\r\n73\r\n10\r\n7\r\n2\r\n150\r\n\r\nNumber of Scottish Prison Service Staff Absent due to Sickness Absence, Declared as Stress Related, During the Period 1 April 2009 to 31 March 2010\r\nSPS Establishment\r\nPay Band B\r\nPay Band C\r\nPay Band D\r\nPay Band E\r\nPay Band F\r\nPay Band G/H/I\r\nGrand Total\r\nAberdeen\r\n \r\n1\r\n4\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n5\r\nBarlinnie\r\n \r\n6\r\n13\r\n1\r\n1\r\n \r\n21\r\nCornton Vale\r\n \r\n1\r\n6\r\n2\r\n \r\n \r\n9\r\nDumfries\r\n \r\n1\r\n2\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n3\r\nEdinburgh\r\n \r\n2\r\n5\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n7\r\nGlenochil\r\n \r\n5\r\n8\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n13\r\nGreenock\r\n \r\n1\r\n2\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n3\r\nHeadquarters\r\n1\r\n2\r\n2\r\n \r\n1\r\n1\r\n7\r\nInverness\r\n \r\n \r\n1\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n1\r\nOpen Estate\r\n \r\n1\r\n4\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n5\r\nPerth\r\n1\r\n3\r\n4\r\n2\r\n \r\n \r\n10\r\nPeterhead\r\n1\r\n4\r\n2\r\n1\r\n \r\n \r\n8\r\nPolmont\r\n2\r\n5\r\n8\r\n1\r\n \r\n \r\n16\r\nShotts\r\n1\r\n9\r\n6\r\n3\r\n \r\n \r\n19\r\nSPS College\r\n1\r\n1\r\n \r\n2\r\n \r\n \r\n4\r\nGrand Total\r\n7\r\n42\r\n67\r\n12\r\n2\r\n1\r\n131\r\n\r\nNumber of Scottish Prison Service Staff Absent due to Sickness Absence, Declared as Stress Related, During the Period 1 April 2010 to 31 March 2011\r\n\r\nSPS Establishment\r\nPay Band B\r\nPay Band C\r\nPay Band D\r\nPay Band E\r\nPay Band F\r\nPay Band G/H/I\r\nGrand Total\r\nAberdeen\r\n \r\n1\r\n3\r\n \r\n1\r\n \r\n5\r\nBarlinnie\r\n2\r\n5\r\n12\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n19\r\nCentral Stores\r\n \r\n1\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n1\r\nCornton Vale\r\n1\r\n1\r\n9\r\n \r\n \r\n1\r\n12\r\nEdinburgh\r\n1\r\n1\r\n3\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n5\r\nGlenochil\r\n \r\n3\r\n12\r\n4\r\n \r\n \r\n19\r\nGreenock\r\n1\r\n4\r\n \r\n1\r\n \r\n \r\n6\r\nHeadquarters\r\n1\r\n \r\n \r\n1\r\n \r\n3\r\n5\r\nInverness\r\n \r\n1\r\n1\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n2\r\nOpen Estate\r\n1\r\n2\r\n7\r\n1\r\n1\r\n \r\n12\r\nPerth\r\n2\r\n4\r\n4\r\n1\r\n \r\n \r\n11\r\nPeterhead\r\n1\r\n4\r\n3\r\n1\r\n \r\n \r\n9\r\nPolmont\r\n3\r\n4\r\n8\r\n2\r\n \r\n \r\n17\r\nShotts\r\n1\r\n4\r\n10\r\n1\r\n \r\n 1\r\n17\r\nSPS College\r\n \r\n1\r\n \r\n1\r\n \r\n \r\n2\r\nGrand Total\r\n14\r\n36\r\n72\r\n13\r\n2\r\n5\r\n142\r\n\r\nNumber of Scottish Prison Service Staff Absent due to Sickness Absence, Declared as Stress Related, During the Period 1 April 2011 to 31 March 2012\r\nSPS Establishment\r\nPay Band B\r\nPay Band C\r\nPay Band D\r\nPay Band E\r\nPay Band F\r\nPay Band G/H/I\r\nGrand Total\r\nAberdeen\r\n \r\n3\r\n1\r\n \r\n1\r\n1\r\n6\r\nBarlinnie\r\n \r\n2\r\n8\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n10\r\nCentral Stores\r\n \r\n \r\n1\r\n \r\n1\r\n \r\n2\r\nCornton Vale\r\n1\r\n2\r\n17\r\n1\r\n \r\n \r\n21\r\nDumfries\r\n \r\n2\r\n3\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n5\r\nEdinburgh\r\n2\r\n4\r\n7\r\n1\r\n \r\n \r\n14\r\nGlenochil\r\n1\r\n3\r\n3\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n7\r\nGreenock\r\n \r\n2\r\n \r\n \r\n1\r\n \r\n3\r\nHeadquarters\r\n1\r\n4\r\n3\r\n2\r\n \r\n 1\r\n11\r\nInverness\r\n \r\n \r\n1\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n1\r\nLow Moss\r\n1\r\n4\r\n5\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n10\r\nOpen Estate\r\n1\r\n1\r\n2\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n4\r\nPerth\r\n2\r\n3\r\n2\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n7\r\nPeterhead\r\n \r\n2\r\n5\r\n3\r\n \r\n \r\n10\r\nPolmont\r\n3\r\n2\r\n6\r\n1\r\n1\r\n \r\n13\r\nShotts\r\n \r\n2\r","AnswerDate":"2012-07-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-03T17:08:32.527","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273981,"EventID":"S4W-08078","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-19T17:08:32.607","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-19T13:03:17","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much the Scottish Prison Service has spent on sick pay for (a) absences and (b) stress-related illnesses in each year since 2007.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much the Scottish Prison Service has spent on sick pay for (a) absences and (b) stress-related illnesses in each year since 2007.\r\n","AnswerText":"I have asked Colin McConnell, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service, to respond. His response is as follows:\r\nThe information requested in relation to point (a) is provided in the following table. The notional costs shown in the table have been calculated using the pay band maxima associated with each employee and no cognisance has been taken of employees who were in a reduced pay situation.\r\nNotional Cost of Working Days Lost Due to Sickness Absence\r\nPeriod\r\nNotional Cost (£)\r\n2007-08\r\n4,606,435\r\n2008-09\r\n4,743,363\r\n2009-10\r\n4,268,631\r\n2010-11\r\n4,386,985\r\n2011-12\r\n4,350,533\r\nSource: Quarterly Departmental Sickness Absence Returns.\r\nNote: Periods are from 1 April to 31 March.\r\nThe information requested in relation to point (b) is provided in the following table. The notional costs shown in the table have been calculated using the pay band maxima associated with each employee and no cognisance has been taken of employees who were in a reduced pay situation.\r\nNotional Cost of Working Days Lost Due to Sickness Absence Declared as Stress Related\r\nPeriod\r\nNotional Cost (£)\r\n2007-08\r\n878,813\r\n2008-09\r\n647,548\r\n2009-10\r\n574,039\r\n2010-11\r\n588,898\r\n2011-12\r\n518,523\r\nSource: Quarterly Departmental Sickness Absence Returns.\r\nNotes: Periods are from 1 April to 31 March.”\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-07-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-03T17:08:32.607","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273982,"EventID":"S4W-08079","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-19T17:08:32.7","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-19T13:03:17","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it has taken to assist the Scottish Prison Service in dealing with stress-related illnesses among staff in each year since 2007.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it has taken to assist the Scottish Prison Service in dealing with stress-related illnesses among staff in each year since 2007.","AnswerText":"I have asked Colin McConnell, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service, to respond. His response is as follows:\r\nSince the late nineties the SPS has funded (from its government allocation) an Employee well-being programme which provides 24/7 telephone support, advice and counselling. With regard to stress-related illnesses and mental health in particular staff can access an online therapy programme called Beating the Blues™ which has been available since 2007.\r\nAs part of the SPS Occupational Health strategy we have a policy entitled The Management of Stress at Work Policy and Procedure and Risk Assessment Process, which deals with stress and related matters. This was agreed in partnership with the recognised trades unions in 2006.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-07-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-03T17:08:32.7","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273983,"EventID":"S4W-08080","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-19T17:08:32.793","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-19T13:03:17","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what funding it has made available to assist the Scottish Prison Service in dealing with stress-related illnesses among staff in each year since 2007.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what funding it has made available to assist the Scottish Prison Service in dealing with stress-related illnesses among staff in each year since 2007.\r\n","AnswerText":"I have asked Colin McConnell, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service, to respond. His response is as follows:\r\nThe SPS has not requested specific funding from the Scottish Government to deal with stress-related illnesses among staff. These costs are managed within our existing staffing budget.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-07-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-03T17:08:32.793","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273998,"EventID":"S4O-01179","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":3061,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-20T13:29:26.49","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-13T14:58:00.403","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it last met representatives of the Violence Reduction Unit and what issues were discussed.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it last met representatives of the Violence Reduction Unit and what issues were discussed.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-04T13:29:26.647","MeetingDate":"2012-06-28T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":273999,"EventID":"S4O-01180","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":4941,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-20T13:29:26.893","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-13T14:58:00.433","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what recent discussions it has had with stakeholders regarding the cost of policing parades in Glasgow.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what recent discussions it has had with stakeholders regarding the cost of policing parades in Glasgow.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-04T13:29:26.893","MeetingDate":"2012-06-28T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274000,"EventID":"S4O-01181","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2159,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":88,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-20T13:29:26.973","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-13T14:58:00.467","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what instructions the Cabinet Secretary for Health, Wellbeing and Cities Strategy has given NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde in relation to reinstating services at Lightburn","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what instructions the Cabinet Secretary for Health, Wellbeing and Cities Strategy has given NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde in relation to reinstating services at Lightburn Hospital.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-04T13:29:26.973","MeetingDate":"2012-06-28T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274001,"EventID":"S4O-01182","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1893,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-20T13:29:27.05","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-13T14:58:00.483","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it assesses the population of raptor species across Scotland and how this information is recorded and published.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it assesses the population of raptor species across Scotland and how this information is recorded and published.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-04T13:29:27.05","MeetingDate":"2012-06-28T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274002,"EventID":"S4O-01183","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":5042,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-20T13:29:27.13","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-13T14:58:00.513","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made on implementing the recommendation of the Scottish Studies Working Group that opportunities to learn Scotland’s languages should be promoted.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made on implementing the recommendation of the Scottish Studies Working Group that opportunities to learn Scotland’s languages should be promoted.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-04T13:29:27.13","MeetingDate":"2012-06-28T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274003,"EventID":"S4O-01184","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":5074,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":104,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-20T13:29:27.207","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-13T14:58:00.543","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many probationer teachers have found employment in the last year. \r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many probationer teachers have found employment in the last year. \r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-04T13:29:27.207","MeetingDate":"2012-06-28T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274004,"EventID":"S4O-01186","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":3101,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-20T13:29:27.283","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-13T14:58:00.67","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the impact on colleges is of the reductions in their funding.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the impact on colleges is of the reductions in their funding.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-04T13:29:27.283","MeetingDate":"2012-06-28T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274005,"EventID":"S4O-01187","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":3907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":135,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-20T13:29:27.363","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-13T14:58:00.747","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to grow the economy in Kilmarnock and Irvine Valley.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to grow the economy in Kilmarnock and Irvine Valley.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-04T13:29:27.363","MeetingDate":"2012-06-28T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274006,"EventID":"S4O-01188","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2059,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":91,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-20T13:29:27.44","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-13T14:58:00.777","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with NHS boards regarding the provision of IVF treatment. \r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with NHS boards regarding the provision of IVF treatment. \r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-04T13:29:27.44","MeetingDate":"2012-06-28T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274007,"EventID":"S4O-01189","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":5106,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":118,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-20T13:29:27.52","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-17T22:08:20.233","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it last met Creative Scotland to discuss its work in Aberdeen.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it last met Creative Scotland to discuss its work in Aberdeen.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-04T13:29:27.52","MeetingDate":"2012-06-28T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274008,"EventID":"S4O-01190","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":3758,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":76,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-20T13:29:27.597","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-13T14:58:53.273","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with the Indonesian Government.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with the Indonesian Government.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-04T13:29:27.597","MeetingDate":"2012-06-28T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274009,"EventID":"S4O-01191","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":1882,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":129,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-20T13:29:27.673","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-13T14:58:53.383","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it will showcase Scots culture for the year of Homecoming 2014 and beyond.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it will showcase Scots culture for the year of Homecoming 2014 and beyond.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-04T13:29:27.673","MeetingDate":"2012-06-28T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274010,"EventID":"S4O-01192","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":4956,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":106,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-20T13:29:27.753","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-13T14:58:53.57","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what issues were discussed with the Prime Minister of Lower Saxony during his visit to the Parliament.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what issues were discussed with the Prime Minister of Lower Saxony during his visit to the Parliament.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-04T13:29:27.753","MeetingDate":"2012-06-28T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274011,"EventID":"S4O-01193","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":2826,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":84,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-20T13:29:27.83","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-13T14:58:53.647","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what recent discussions it has had with Scottish organisations carrying out development work in South Sudan.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what recent discussions it has had with Scottish organisations carrying out development work in South Sudan.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-04T13:29:27.83","MeetingDate":"2012-06-28T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274012,"EventID":"S4O-01195","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":1778,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":110,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-20T13:29:27.893","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-13T14:58:53.82","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what recent discussions it has had with the European Commission. \r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what recent discussions it has had with the European Commission. \r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-04T13:29:27.91","MeetingDate":"2012-06-28T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274013,"EventID":"S4O-01196","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":4016,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":133,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-20T13:29:27.97","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-13T14:58:53.897","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to promote local broadcasting and programming in the Scottish Borders.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to promote local broadcasting and programming in the Scottish Borders.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-04T13:29:27.987","MeetingDate":"2012-06-28T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274014,"EventID":"S4O-01197","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":2675,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":93,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-20T13:29:28.063","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-13T14:58:53.99","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made in implementing the proposals of the Traditional Arts Working Group.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made in implementing the proposals of the Traditional Arts Working Group.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-04T13:29:28.063","MeetingDate":"2012-06-28T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274015,"EventID":"S4O-01198","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":3129,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":83,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-20T13:29:28.143","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-13T14:58:54.147","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its position is on items held by the national collections of art in Edinburgh being displayed at other venues across the country.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its position is on items held by the national collections of art in Edinburgh being displayed at other venues across the country.\r\n","AnswerText":"All Scotland’s National Collections are expected to provide public access to items in their collections as widely as possible.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-04T13:29:28.143","MeetingDate":"2012-06-28T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274016,"EventID":"S4O-01199","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":1759,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-20T13:29:28.22","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-13T14:59:04.21","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress it is making on rolling out an infrastructure for electric cars.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress it is making on rolling out an infrastructure for electric cars.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-04T13:29:28.22","MeetingDate":"2012-06-28T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274017,"EventID":"S4O-01201","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":1943,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-20T13:29:28.3","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-13T14:59:04.257","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the uptake and interest has been in the railway station improvement programme announced earlier this year.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the uptake and interest has been in the railway station improvement programme announced earlier this year.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-04T13:29:28.3","MeetingDate":"2012-06-28T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274018,"EventID":"S4O-01202","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":77,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-20T13:29:28.36","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-13T14:59:04.27","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what criteria will be considered in deciding where to target the next roll-out of broadband.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what criteria will be considered in deciding where to target the next roll-out of broadband.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-04T13:29:28.377","MeetingDate":"2012-06-28T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274019,"EventID":"S4O-01203","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":86,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-20T13:29:28.47","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-13T14:59:04.303","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what investment it plans for town centres and high streets.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what investment it plans for town centres and high streets.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-04T13:29:28.47","MeetingDate":"2012-06-28T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274020,"EventID":"S4O-01204","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":2610,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-20T13:29:28.55","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-13T14:59:04.317","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to improve the broadband infrastructure in Central Scotland.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to improve the broadband infrastructure in Central Scotland.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-04T13:29:28.55","MeetingDate":"2012-06-28T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274021,"EventID":"S4O-01205","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":3743,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":123,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-20T13:29:28.627","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-13T14:59:04.35","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action is being taken to improve broadband speeds in Angus and Aberdeenshire.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action is being taken to improve broadband speeds in Angus and Aberdeenshire.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-04T13:29:28.643","MeetingDate":"2012-06-28T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274022,"EventID":"S4O-01206","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":5079,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-20T13:29:28.72","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-19T17:25:55.283","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it last met the chief executive of Scottish Water and what issues were discussed.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it last met the chief executive of Scottish Water and what issues were discussed.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-04T13:29:28.72","MeetingDate":"2012-06-28T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274023,"EventID":"S4O-01207","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":5107,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":124,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-20T13:29:28.797","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-13T14:59:04.397","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what it is doing to improve access to public sector contracts for small companies.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what it is doing to improve access to public sector contracts for small companies.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-04T13:29:28.797","MeetingDate":"2012-06-28T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274024,"EventID":"S4O-01208","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":4947,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-20T13:29:28.877","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-13T14:59:04.413","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what is being done to increase the supply of social-rented housing.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what is being done to increase the supply of social-rented housing.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-04T13:29:28.877","MeetingDate":"2012-06-28T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274025,"EventID":"S4O-01209","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":3,"MSPID":1742,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-20T13:48:21.517","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-15T12:29:00","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body whether it will provide benches in the garden area.","AnswerText":"The SPCB plans to install external furniture on the paved area in the members’ garden. However, in light of discussions on having a members’ coffee lounge downstairs rather than upstairs and information that has been imparted in that respect, the furniture will take the form of tables and chairs rather than benches.","AnswerDate":"2012-06-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":"2012-06-27T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Linda Fabiani","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274026,"EventID":"S4O-01210","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":3,"MSPID":5057,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-20T13:48:21.623","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-15T12:33:00","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body what advice it sought regarding the proposed external screening facility.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":"2012-06-27T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274027,"EventID":"S4O-01211","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":3,"MSPID":2610,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-20T13:48:21.703","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-18T10:55:00","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body what impact the recent changes to the Parliament's IT system have had on services to members.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":"2012-06-27T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274028,"EventID":"S4O-01212","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":3,"MSPID":5034,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-20T13:48:21.78","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-18T15:05:00","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body what action it is taking to become a living-wage employer.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":"2012-06-27T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274029,"EventID":"S4O-01213","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":3,"MSPID":1778,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":110,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-20T13:48:21.86","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-19T13:54:54.723","Title":"To ask the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body how its procurement contracts take account of Article 19 of the EU procurement directive.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body how its procurement contracts take account of Article 19 of the EU procurement directive.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-04T13:48:21.86","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274030,"EventID":"S4O-01214","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":3,"MSPID":4934,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-20T13:48:21.953","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-19T15:01:00","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body how it helps small charitable organisations to meet the costs of organising events in the complex.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":"2012-06-27T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274031,"EventID":"S4O-01215","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":3,"MSPID":2892,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-20T13:48:22.03","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-19T15:03:00","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body what it is doing to promote the availability in the building of beer brewed in Scotland.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":"2012-06-27T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274051,"EventID":"S4W-08081","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-20T17:34:29.767","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-19T13:03:17","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive on how many occasions the Scottish Court Service has used (a) a seizure of vehicle order, (b) an arrestment of funds order, (c) a deduction from benefits order and (d) an","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive on how many occasions the Scottish Court Service has used (a) a seizure of vehicle order, (b) an arrestment of funds order, (c) a deduction from benefits order and (d) an earnings arrestment order to recover unpaid fines and arrears from antisocial behaviour fixed penalty orders in each year since 2007.","AnswerText":"This question relates to operational matters that are the responsibility of the Scottish Court Service (SCS) corporate body. The question has been passed to the Chief Executive of the SCS who will reply in writing.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-04T17:34:29.923","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274052,"EventID":"S4W-08082","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-20T17:34:30.313","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-19T13:03:17","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive on how many occasions the Scottish Court Service has used (a) a seizure of vehicle order, (b) an arrestment of funds order, (c) a deduction from benefits order and (d) an","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive on how many occasions the Scottish Court Service has used (a) a seizure of vehicle order, (b) an arrestment of funds order, (c) a deduction from benefits order and (d) an earnings arrestment order to recover unpaid fines and arrears from Justice of the Peace Court fines in each year since 2007.","AnswerText":"This question relates to operational matters that are the responsibility of the Scottish Court Service (SCS) corporate body. The question has been passed to the Chief Executive of the SCS who will reply in writing.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-04T17:34:30.327","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274053,"EventID":"S4W-08083","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-20T17:34:30.547","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-19T13:03:17","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive on how many occasions the Scottish Court Service has used (a) a seizure of vehicle order, (b) an arrestment of funds order, (c) a deduction from benefits order and (d) an","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive on how many occasions the Scottish Court Service has used (a) a seizure of vehicle order, (b) an arrestment of funds order, (c) a deduction from benefits order and (d) an earnings arrestment order to recover unpaid fines and arrears from Sheriff Court fines in each year since 2007.\r\n","AnswerText":"This question relates to operational matters that are the responsibility of the Scottish Court Service (SCS) corporate body. The question has been passed to the Chief Executive of the SCS who will reply in writing.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-04T17:34:30.56","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274054,"EventID":"S4W-08084","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-20T17:34:30.733","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-19T13:03:17","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive on how many occasions the Scottish Court Service has used (a) a seizure of vehicle order, (b) an arrestment of funds order, (c) a deduction from benefits order and (d) an","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive on how many occasions the Scottish Court Service has used (a) a seizure of vehicle order, (b) an arrestment of funds order, (c) a deduction from benefits order and (d) an earnings arrestment order to recover unpaid fines and arrears from fiscal penalties in each year since 2007.\r\n","AnswerText":"This question relates to operational matters that are the responsibility of the Scottish Court Service (SCS) corporate body. The question has been passed to the Chief Executive of the SCS who will reply in writing.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-04T17:34:30.75","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274055,"EventID":"S4W-08085","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-20T17:34:30.903","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-19T13:03:17","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much money the Scottish Court Service has recovered through the use of (a) seizure of vehicle orders, (b)  arrestment of funds orders, (c) deduction from benefits ord","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much money the Scottish Court Service has recovered through the use of (a) seizure of vehicle orders, (b)  arrestment of funds orders, (c) deduction from benefits orders and (d) earnings arrestment orders from unpaid and in arrears antisocial behaviour fixed penalty orders in each year since 2007.\r\n","AnswerText":"This question relates to operational matters that are the responsibility of the Scottish Court Service (SCS) corporate body. The question has been passed to the Chief Executive of the SCS who will reply in writing.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-04T17:34:30.92","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274056,"EventID":"S4W-08086","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-20T17:34:31.06","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-19T13:03:17","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much money the Scottish Court Service has recovered through the use of (a) seizure of vehicle orders, (b)  arrestment of funds orders, (c) deduction from benefits ord","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much money the Scottish Court Service has recovered through the use of (a) seizure of vehicle orders, (b)  arrestment of funds orders, (c) deduction from benefits orders and (d)  earnings arrestment orders from unpaid and in arrears Justice of the Peace court fines in each year since 2007.\r\n","AnswerText":"This question relates to operational matters that are the responsibility of the Scottish Court Service (SCS) corporate body. The question has been passed to the Chief Executive of the SCS who will reply in writing.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-04T17:34:31.06","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274057,"EventID":"S4W-08087","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-20T17:34:31.187","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-19T13:03:17","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much money the Scottish Court Service has recovered through the use of (a) seizure of vehicle orders, (b) arrestment of funds orders, (c) deduction from benefits orde","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much money the Scottish Court Service has recovered through the use of (a) seizure of vehicle orders, (b) arrestment of funds orders, (c) deduction from benefits orders and (d) earnings arrestment orders from unpaid and in arrears Sheriff Court fines in each year since 2007.\r\n","AnswerText":"This question relates to operational matters that are the responsibility of the Scottish Court Service (SCS) corporate body. The question has been passed to the Chief Executive of the SCS who will reply in writing.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-04T17:34:31.187","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274058,"EventID":"S4W-08088","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-20T17:34:31.31","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-19T13:03:17","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much money the Scottish Court Service has recovered through the use of (a) seizure of vehicle orders, (b) arrestment of funds orders, (c) deduction from benefits orde","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much money the Scottish Court Service has recovered through the use of (a) seizure of vehicle orders, (b) arrestment of funds orders, (c) deduction from benefits orders and (d) earnings arrestment orders from unpaid and in arrears fiscal penalties each year since 2007.\r\n","AnswerText":"This question relates to operational matters that are the responsibility of the Scottish Court Service (SCS) corporate body. The question has been passed to the Chief Executive of the SCS who will reply in writing\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-04T17:34:31.31","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274059,"EventID":"S4W-08089","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-20T17:34:31.467","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-19T13:03:17","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how long on average the Scottish Court Service has waited before implementing enforcement measures for the recovery of unpaid fines and arrears in each year since 2007.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how long on average the Scottish Court Service has waited before implementing enforcement measures for the recovery of unpaid fines and arrears in each year since 2007.","AnswerText":"This question relates to operational matters that are the responsibility of the Scottish Court Service (SCS) corporate body. The question has been passed to the Chief Executive of the SCS who will reply in writing.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-04T17:34:31.483","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274060,"EventID":"S4W-08090","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-20T17:34:31.683","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-19T13:03:17","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what guidance has been given to the Scottish Court Service regarding the use of enforcement measures to recover unpaid fines and arrears and how long to wait before impos","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what guidance has been given to the Scottish Court Service regarding the use of enforcement measures to recover unpaid fines and arrears and how long to wait before imposing them.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has not given the Scottish Court Service any guidance on this, as it is an operational matter.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-04T17:34:31.683","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274061,"EventID":"S4W-08091","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-20T17:34:31.827","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-19T13:03:17","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what guidance has been given to (a) police forces and (b) the Scottish Court Service regarding the use of fines as an alternative punishment to community service orders o","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what guidance has been given to (a) police forces and (b) the Scottish Court Service regarding the use of fines as an alternative punishment to community service orders or custodial sentences.","AnswerText":"Decisions of the courts on the use of fines are a matter for judges and are made independently of Government, within the framework set by legislation.\r\nPolice fixed penalty notices are alternatives to prosecution and are not alternative punishments to community service orders or custodial sentences. The range of offences for which police fixed penalty notices may be used are set out in legislation and guidance on the circumstances in which they should be used is determined by the Lord Advocate’s Guidelines.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-04T17:34:31.827","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274062,"EventID":"S4W-08092","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-20T17:34:31.997","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-19T13:03:17","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the value is of fines not imposed as a result of courts imposing supervised attendance orders on offenders who are unable to pay, in each year since 2007.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the value is of fines not imposed as a result of courts imposing supervised attendance orders on offenders who are unable to pay, in each year since 2007.\r\n","AnswerText":"This question relates to operational matters that are the responsibility of the Scottish Court Service (SCS) corporate body. The question has been passed to the Chief Executive of the SCS who will reply in writing.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-04T17:34:32.013","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274063,"EventID":"S4W-08093","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-20T17:34:32.153","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-19T13:03:17","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there is a correlation between the value of an unpaid fine or arrears and the length of a supervised attendance order imposed on offenders unable to pay and, if s","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there is a correlation between the value of an unpaid fine or arrears and the length of a supervised attendance order imposed on offenders unable to pay and, if so, what ratio is used.","AnswerText":"Judicial decisions on sentencing take account of many factors, in light of the case presented and sanctions available. The value of the outstanding fine is likely to be one such factor in determining the length of a supervised attendance order, but the Scottish Government does not hold data that would allow the level of correlation to be determined.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-04T17:34:32.153","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274064,"EventID":"S4W-08094","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5075,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":112,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-20T17:34:32.293","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-19T13:07:03","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of complaints to the Scottish Legal Complaints Commission regarding the probity of solicitors has been upheld since 2007 and how much compensation has bee","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of complaints to the Scottish Legal Complaints Commission regarding the probity of solicitors has been upheld since 2007 and how much compensation has been awarded. \r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government does not hold the information requested.\r\nIt may be helpful to note that conduct complaints against solicitors are referred to the Law Society of Scotland. The Law Society of Scotland’s Professional Conduct Committee investigates. If it considers that the complaint is upheld, one option is an unsatisfactory conduct censure and compensation. Another option for the Committee is to refer the matter for prosecution by the Scottish Solicitors’ Discipline Tribunal and information would be required on how many of these referrals are upheld by the Tribunal.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-04T17:34:32.293","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274065,"EventID":"S4W-08096","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2876,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-20T17:34:32.45","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-19T14:05:13","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive which NHS boards have established a fracture liaison service.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive which NHS boards have established a fracture liaison service.\r\n","AnswerText":"Up and About or Falling Short?, a report of the findings of a mapping of services in Community Health and Care Partnerships (CHCPs) for falls prevention and management and fracture prevention in older people in Scotland, was published on the Scottish Government website in May 2012. The report was produced by the National Falls Programme in association with WorksOut as part of the Delivery Framework for Adult Rehabilitation in Scotland.\r\nThe report recognised that there is a need to capitalise consistently on opportunities to prevent recurrent falls and fractures, and it identified that 25 out of 38 CHCPs (this figure includes the three sectors within Glasgow CHP) have fracture liaison services in place. To help address this gap in provision, one of the recommendations in the report is that health and social care services should establish Fracture Liaison Services (or equivalent), with referral protocols and pathways to multidisciplinary services providing secondary falls prevention.\r\nThe implementation of the actions and recommendations in the report will be monitored by the Scottish Government’s Chief Health Professions Officer.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-07-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-04T17:34:32.45","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274066,"EventID":"S4W-08097","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2876,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-20T17:34:32.62","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-19T14:05:13","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many hip fractures there have been in each of the last five years broken down by (a) by gender and (b) NHS board.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many hip fractures there have been in each of the last five years broken down by (a) by gender and (b) NHS board.\r\n","AnswerText":"The information requested is given in the following tables:\r\nTable 1 - Number of Hip Fracture Hospital stays by Gender: 2006-07 to 2010-11\r\n\r\n2006-07\r\n2007-08\r\n2008-09\r\n2009-10\r\n2010-11P\r\nMale\r\n1,900\r\n1,979\r\n2,107\r\n2,139\r\n2,132\r\nFemale\r\n5,348\r\n5,414\r\n5,255\r\n5,425\r\n5,387\r\nScotland\r\n7,248\r\n7,393\r\n7,362\r\n7,564\r\n7,519\r\nSource: ISD Scotland SMR01.\r\nTable 2 - Number of Hip Fracture Hospital stays by NHS Board of residence: 2006-07 to 2010-11\r\n\r\n2006-07\r\n2007-08\r\n2008-09\r\n2009-10\r\n2010-11P\r\nNHS Ayrshire and Arran\r\n531\r\n602\r\n586\r\n596\r\n620\r\nNHS Borders\r\n136\r\n165\r\n154\r\n155\r\n176\r\nNHS Dumfries and Galloway\r\n214\r\n199\r\n245\r\n259\r\n275\r\nNHS Fife\r\n455\r\n489\r\n479\r\n482\r\n494\r\nNHS Forth Valley\r\n338\r\n344\r\n372\r\n396\r\n359\r\nNHS Grampian\r\n733\r\n710\r\n700\r\n776\r\n781\r\nNHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde\r\n1,788\r\n1,808\r\n1,758\r\n1,669\r\n1,678\r\nNHS Highland\r\n445\r\n500\r\n457\r\n541\r\n522\r\nNHS Lanarkshire\r\n721\r\n722\r\n765\r\n775\r\n727\r\nNHS Lothian\r\n1,068\r\n1,023\r\n1,027\r\n1,092\r\n1,081\r\nNHS Orkney Islands\r\n28\r\n27\r\n27\r\n27\r\n18\r\nNHS Shetland Islands\r\n26\r\n23\r\n26\r\n32\r\n19\r\nNHS Tayside\r\n646\r\n646\r\n633\r\n644\r\n626\r\nNHS Western Isles\r\n24\r\n31\r\n22\r\n37\r\n38\r\nNon-Scottish Residents\r\n95\r\n104\r\n111\r\n83\r\n105\r\nScotland\r\n7,248\r\n7,393\r\n7,362\r\n7,564\r\n7,519\r\nSource: ISD Scotland SMR01.\r\nPProvisional - Due to the implementation of new Patient Management Systems by some NHS boards there is known data incompleteness for NHS Grampian, NHS Lanarkshire and NHS Ayrshire and Arran. Figures may increase in future revisions).","AnswerDate":"2012-07-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-04T17:34:32.62","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274067,"EventID":"S4W-08098","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4014,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-20T17:34:32.807","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-19T15:53:11.387","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many free (a) Saltire and (b) Union flags were distributed to the public by its agencies at events in each of the last five years and what the cost was.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many free (a) Saltire and (b) Union flags were distributed to the public by its agencies at events in each of the last five years and what the cost was.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government is not responsible for the distribution of materials by its agencies.\r\nWe do not hold this information centrally.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-04T17:34:32.807","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Bruce Crawford","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274068,"EventID":"S4W-08101","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4014,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-20T17:34:32.95","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-19T15:53:11.387","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive at which events in the next four years its agencies plan to distribute free flags to the public.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive at which events in the next four years its agencies plan to distribute free flags to the public.\r\n","AnswerText":"Non-departmental public bodies and government agencies are responsible for managing their own marketing budgets and are expected to deliver maximum value for the taxpayer.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-04T17:34:32.963","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Bruce Crawford","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274069,"EventID":"S4W-08103","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2876,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-20T17:34:33.137","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-19T16:20:23.373","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people have been diagnosed with anaphylaxis in each of the last five years, broken down by NHS board.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people have been diagnosed with anaphylaxis in each of the last five years, broken down by NHS board.","AnswerText":"The total number of people in Scotland diagnosed with anaphylaxis is not available centrally.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-07-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-04T17:34:33.15","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274070,"EventID":"S4W-08104","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2876,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-20T17:34:33.277","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-19T16:20:23.373","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people in each NHS board area were diagnosed with wet macular degeneration in the last year for which information is available.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people in each NHS board area were diagnosed with wet macular degeneration in the last year for which information is available.","AnswerText":"The number of people in Scotland diagnosed with wet macular degeneration is not available centrally.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-04T17:34:33.29","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274071,"EventID":"S4W-08105","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3806,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-20T17:34:33.493","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-19T16:23:35.813","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether an independent (a) survey and (b) valuation of the MV Ali Cat was commissioned prior to its purchase for use on the Dunoon to Gourock ferry route and, if so, whet","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether an independent (a) survey and (b) valuation of the MV Ali Cat was commissioned prior to its purchase for use on the Dunoon to Gourock ferry route and, if so, whether this is publicly available.\r\n","AnswerText":"The MV AliCat was not purchased by the Scottish Government.\r\nThe MV AliCat was purchased by David MacBrayne Ltd (DML) and is chartered by them to Argyll Ferries Ltd (AFL) for use on the Gourock – Dunoon town centre to town centre ferry service. The survey and valuation of the MV AliCat was a matter for DML and the previous owner. Prior to commencing service on the route the MV AliCat was subject to a survey by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency in order to secure a valid passenger certificate.\r\nIt was the responsibility of all bidders, in the tender to operate this route, to submit documentary evidence to demonstrate that the proposed vessels met the requirements in the Invitation to Tender. AFL did this as part of their bid.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-07-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-04T17:34:33.493","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274072,"EventID":"S4W-08107","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1793,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-20T17:34:33.73","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-19T16:23:57.08","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to help local authorities deliver foreign language teaching as part of the Curriculum for Excellence.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to help local authorities deliver foreign language teaching as part of the Curriculum for Excellence.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government is committed to improving language learning in Scotland and welcomes the far-sighted and ambitious Languages Working Group Report published on 17 May, Language Learning in Scotland: A 1+2 Approach. The report’s headline recommendation on a much earlier start to learning another language is particularly welcome. Work will now be taken forward on a pilot project programme in the 2012-13 school year to demonstrate how the 1+2 model can best be implemented within Curriculum for Excellence. Ministers will respond formally to the report’s 35 recommendations in the autumn, including those covering how local authorities can best deliver language learning, promote language teaching as a career, coordinate primary and secondary language teaching and use cultural organisations and language communities in schools. The Government is also committed to getting the most from the Foreign Language Assistant Programme in Scotland and is funding British Council Scotland to promote the value of language assistants to local authorities who are responsible for employing them in their schools.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-04T17:34:33.743","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alasdair Allan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274073,"EventID":"S4W-08108","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1793,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-20T17:34:33.917","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-19T16:23:57.08","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to work with local authorities to increase the number of foreign language assistants in schools.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to work with local authorities to increase the number of foreign language assistants in schools.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-08107 on 28 June 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-04T17:34:33.917","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alasdair Allan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274074,"EventID":"S4W-08109","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1793,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-20T17:34:34.12","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-19T16:23:57.08","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to promote foreign language teaching as a career option for foreign languages graduates.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to promote foreign language teaching as a career option for foreign languages graduates.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-08107 on 28 June 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-04T17:34:34.133","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alasdair Allan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274075,"EventID":"S4W-08110","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1793,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-20T17:34:34.243","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-19T16:23:57.08","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to help local authorities coordinate foreign language teaching between secondary schools and their feeder primary schools.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to help local authorities coordinate foreign language teaching between secondary schools and their feeder primary schools.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-08107 on 28 June 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-04T17:34:34.243","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alasdair Allan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274076,"EventID":"S4W-08111","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1793,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-20T17:34:34.353","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-19T16:23:57.08","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to encourage local authorities to teach a wide range of foreign languages.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to encourage local authorities to teach a wide range of foreign languages.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-08107 on 28 June 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-04T17:34:34.353","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alasdair Allan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274077,"EventID":"S4W-08112","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1793,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-20T17:34:34.51","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-19T16:23:57.08","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to link cultural organisations and language communities to foreign language provision in schools.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to link cultural organisations and language communities to foreign language provision in schools.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-08107 on 28 June 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-04T17:34:34.51","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alasdair Allan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274078,"EventID":"S4W-08113","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1845,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-20T17:34:34.65","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-19T16:32:36.377","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many mortgage repossession orders have been issued in each year since 2007, broken down by Sherriff Court.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many mortgage repossession orders have been issued in each year since 2007, broken down by Sherriff Court.\r\n","AnswerText":"This question relates to operational matters that are the responsibility of the Scottish Court Service (SCS) corporate body. The question has been passed to the Chief Executive of the SCS who will reply in writing.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-04T17:34:34.65","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274079,"EventID":"S4W-08114","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1845,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-20T17:34:34.773","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-19T16:32:36.377","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much council tax has not been collected by each local authority in each year since 2007.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much council tax has not been collected by each local authority in each year since 2007.\r\n","AnswerText":"Scotland’s local authorities have collected £9.405 billion of council tax (95.9 % of the total billed) since 2007, as of 31 March 2012. The following table gives details of the council tax that had not been collected by 31 March 2012 for each billing year since 2007-08:\r\nTotal Council Tax Not Collected as at 31 March 2012\r\n\r\n2007-08\r\n2008-09\r\n2009-10\r\n2010-11\r\n2011-12\r\nTotal\r\n(£000)\r\n(£000)\r\n(£000)\r\n(£000)\r\n(£000)\r\n(£000)\r\nAberdeen City\r\n3,059\r\n3,232\r\n3,672\r\n4,036\r\n5,363\r\n19,362\r\nAberdeenshire\r\n1,708\r\n2,186\r\n2,673\r\n558\r\n4,238\r\n11,363\r\nAngus\r\n786\r\n936\r\n901\r\n917\r\n1,244\r\n4,784\r\nArgyll and Bute\r\n916\r\n981\r\n1,027\r\n1,209\r\n1,794\r\n5,927\r\nClackmannanshire\r\n695\r\n758\r\n715\r\n765\r\n879\r\n3,812\r\nDumfries and Galloway\r\n1,410\r\n1,472\r\n1,504\r\n1,735\r\n2,329\r\n8,450\r\nDundee City\r\n2,120\r\n2,331\r\n2,607\r\n2,285\r\n3,130\r\n12,473\r\nEast Ayrshire\r\n1,191\r\n1,162\r\n1,169\r\n1,378\r\n2,265\r\n7,166\r\nEast Dunbartonshire\r\n975\r\n1,144\r\n1,114\r\n1,167\r\n1,695\r\n6,095\r\nEast Lothian\r\n834\r\n1,002\r\n1,017\r\n1,258\r\n1,781\r\n5,892\r\nEast Renfrewshire\r\n835\r\n943\r\n868\r\n923\r\n1,128\r\n4,697\r\nEdinburgh, City of\r\n8,398\r\n9,440\r\n9,822\r\n10,654\r\n13,588\r\n51,902\r\nEilean Siar\r\n160\r\n190\r\n250\r\n300\r\n829\r\n1,729\r\nFalkirk\r\n997\r\n1,219\r\n1,359\r\n1,480\r\n2,099\r\n7,154\r\nFife\r\n4,309\r\n5,194\r\n5,243\r\n5,953\r\n6,273\r\n26,972\r\nGlasgow City\r\n16,819\r\n16,817\r\n14,278\r\n13,479\r\n13,833\r\n75,226\r\nHighland\r\n1,859\r\n2,239\r\n2,657\r\n2,842\r\n4,410\r\n14,007\r\nInverclyde\r\n1,164\r\n1,164\r\n1,251\r\n1,347\r\n1,543\r\n6,469\r\nMidlothian\r\n1,087\r\n1,337\r\n1,594\r\n1,831\r\n2,104\r\n7,953\r\nMoray\r\n521\r\n597\r\n573\r\n655\r\n949\r\n3,295\r\nNorth Ayrshire\r\n1,699\r\n1,907\r\n1,964\r\n2,310\r\n3,028\r\n10,908\r\nNorth Lanarkshire\r\n3,731\r\n4,337\r\n4,504\r\n4,846\r\n5,627\r\n23,045\r\nOrkney Islands\r\n62\r\n86\r\n96\r\n117\r\n194\r\n555\r\nPerth and Kinross\r\n1,711\r\n1,918\r\n1,841\r\n1,894\r\n2,262\r\n9,626\r\nRenfrewshire\r\n2,450\r\n2,672\r\n2,316\r\n2,506\r\n2,821\r\n12,765\r\nScottish Borders\r\n887\r\n1,073\r\n1,217\r\n1,424\r\n1,679\r\n6,280\r\nShetland Islands\r\n45\r\n58\r\n73\r\n114\r\n263\r\n553\r\nSouth Ayrshire\r\n1,122\r\n1,265\r\n1,376\r\n1,553\r\n2,374\r\n7,690\r\nSouth Lanarkshire\r\n3,491\r\n3,969\r\n4,323\r\n4,932\r\n4,789\r\n21,504\r\nStirling\r\n537\r\n615\r\n651\r\n718\r\n1,108\r\n3,629\r\nWest Dunbartonshire\r\n2,097\r\n2,049\r\n2,531\r\n2,768\r\n1,710\r\n11,155\r\nWest Lothian\r\n1,990\r\n2,349\r\n2,535\r\n2,897\r\n3,650\r\n13,421\r\nTotal\r\n69,665\r\n76,642\r\n77,721\r\n80,851\r\n100,979\r\n405,859\r\nSource: Council Tax Receipts Return (CTRR).\r\nNote: Local authorities continue to collect unpaid council tax for earlier years. This table presents the position reported by local authorities as at 31 March 2012.","AnswerDate":"2012-07-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-04T17:34:34.773","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274080,"EventID":"S4W-08115","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1845,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-20T17:34:34.913","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-19T16:32:36.377","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many emergency surgery operations were carried out by each (a) NHS board and (b) hospital in each year since 2007. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many emergency surgery operations were carried out by each (a) NHS board and (b) hospital in each year since 2007. ","AnswerText":"Information on the number of emergency procedures, where a main operation has been recorded, by NHS health board and by hospital is provided for financial years 2006-07 to 2010-11. The tables are available from the Scottish Parliament Information Centre (Bib. number 54082).\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-07-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-04T17:34:34.913","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274081,"EventID":"S4W-08116","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1845,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-20T17:34:35.053","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-19T16:32:36.377","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many spot safety checks on school buses have been carried out by each police force in each year since 2007.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many spot safety checks on school buses have been carried out by each police force in each year since 2007.","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-04T17:34:35.053","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274082,"EventID":"S4W-08117","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1845,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-20T17:34:35.163","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-19T16:32:36.377","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many school buses have been deemed unroadworthy by each police force in each year since 2007.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many school buses have been deemed unroadworthy by each police force in each year since 2007.\r\n","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-04T17:34:35.18","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274083,"EventID":"S4W-08118","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1845,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-20T17:34:35.32","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-19T16:32:36.377","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people have been screened by each NHS board as part of the cardiac assessment of young athletes programme in each year since the programme was introduced.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people have been screened by each NHS board as part of the cardiac assessment of young athletes programme in each year since the programme was introduced.\r\n","AnswerText":"We’ve invested over £350,000 in Scotland’s Cardiac Assessment of Young Athletes (CAYA) Programme, which has enabled over 1,500 young people who are engaged in competitive sports to undergo cardiovascular assessment.\r\nSports covered by the programme include football, basketball, swimming, gymnastics, cycling, hockey and rugby. A breakdown of the number of athletes that have been screened in each NHS board follows:\r\nNHS Board\r\n2009\r\n2010\r\n2011\r\n2012 ( to date)\r\nTotal\r\nAyrshire and Arran\r\n82\r\n15\r\n18\r\n0\r\n115\r\nBorders\r\n0\r\n12\r\n25\r\n6\r\n43\r\nDumfries and Galloway\r\n0\r\n0\r\n15\r\n0\r\n15\r\nFife\r\n29\r\n49\r\n0\r\n18\r\n96\r\nForth Valley\r\n37\r\n40\r\n20\r\n41\r\n138\r\nGrampian\r\n10\r\n10\r\n20\r\n14\r\n54\r\nGreater Glasgow and Clyde\r\n90\r\n227\r\n140\r\n66\r\n523\r\nHighlands\r\n0\r\n40\r\n25\r\n25\r\n90\r\nLanarkshire\r\n12\r\n68\r\n70\r\n10\r\n160\r\nLothian\r\n22\r\n50\r\n38\r\n28\r\n138\r\nTayside\r\n15\r\n68\r\n41\r\n63\r\n187\r\nTotal \r\n297\r\n579\r\n412\r\n271\r\n1,559\r\nIn 2010, the CAYA programme was extended to rural areas through satellite clinics. CAYA satellite clinics have taken place in Aberdeen, Inverness, Dundee, Dingwall, Selkirk and Perth and further clinics are planned in the Outer Hebrides and Ayrshire. \r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-04T17:34:35.32","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274084,"EventID":"S4W-08119","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1845,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-20T17:34:35.507","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-19T16:32:36.377","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people have received support from bereavement support teams in each year since 2007, broken down by NHS board, and how many teams each board has.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people have received support from bereavement support teams in each year since 2007, broken down by NHS board, and how many teams each board has.\r\n","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally. Guidance on the development and delivery of quality bereavement care services (entitled Shaping Bereavement Care) was issued to NHSScotland in February 2011 (www.sehd.scot.nhs.uk/mels/cel2011_09.pdf).  This followed extensive debate over two years and reflects the report and recommendations of a multi-disciplinary project group.\r\nIn addition an interactive Scottish Grief and Bereavement Hub, officially launched at the NHSScotland event on 21 June 2012, is being developed to facilitate the sharing of good practice, support the future planning of bereavement care and link cross-cutting policies. The Hub will help build relationships between bereavement co-ordinators and others involved in the planning and delivery of bereavement care.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-04T17:34:35.523","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274085,"EventID":"S4W-08120","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":131,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-20T17:34:35.71","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-19T17:32:08.237","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive which train operating companies have made requests to (a) close and (b) reduce the opening hours of station ticket offices in the most recent period for which information","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive which train operating companies have made requests to (a) close and (b) reduce the opening hours of station ticket offices in the most recent period for which information is available and for which stations.","AnswerText":"There have been no requests from ScotRail to permanently close or reduce station ticket office opening hours during the term of this Franchise.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-04T17:34:35.71","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274086,"EventID":"S4W-08121","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5079,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-20T17:34:35.897","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-20T09:17:42.353","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of students receiving funding from the Students Awards Agency for Scotland claims the (a) minimum and (b) maximum (i) student living costs and (ii) Young ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of students receiving funding from the Students Awards Agency for Scotland claims the (a) minimum and (b) maximum (i) student living costs and (ii) Young Students’ Bursary.","AnswerText":"The level of living cost support for students depends on a variety of circumstances, such as the type of course, whether the student is independent from their parents, whether the student is living at home or elsewhere, location of study, household and student income and whether or not the student is in the final year of their course. Table 1 shows estimates using 2010-11 data.\r\nTable 1: Students receiving minimum/maximum living costs support and Young Students Bursary as a percentage of all undergraduate Scots in Scotland supported by SAAS, 2010-11:\r\n\r\nMinimum amount (as a percentage of all undergraduate students in Scotland)\r\n\r\nMaximum amount (as a percentage of all undergraduate students in Scotland)\r\n\r\nLiving cost support\r\n0.06%\r\n\r\n48.13%\r\nYoung Students’ Bursary\r\n\r\n0.14%\r\n\r\n15.56%\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-04T17:34:35.897","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274087,"EventID":"S4W-08122","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":138,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-20T17:34:36.037","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-20T09:20:46.747","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the impact on the Scottish economy will be of UK Government proposals to add VAT to the cost of repairing and maintaining listed buildings.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the impact on the Scottish economy will be of UK Government proposals to add VAT to the cost of repairing and maintaining listed buildings.","AnswerText":"I am very concerned by the proposal to remove the VAT relief on approved alterations to listed buildings and I have written to the Treasury urging them to withdraw from this deeply regrettable proposal. The proposal will add 20% to the cost of alterations to listed buildings. The impact of this change will fall directly upon those owners of listed buildings who are not able to reclaim VAT. I have requested data underpinning the decision to impose this change, in particular the impact upon Scotland. Without these figures we are unable to estimate the full impact upon the Scottish economy.\r\nNotwithstanding that specific impact, the Scottish Government advocates reducing VAT on repair and maintenance work on all dwellings regardless of listed status. It is currently levied at the standard rate of 20% on all such works. We believe such a reduction would be an important positive step which would stimulate economic activity; bring empty homes back into use; reduce the incentive to use non-VAT registered contractors; and help improve the condition of houses.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-04T17:34:36.037","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274088,"EventID":"S4W-08125","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3896,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":97,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-20T17:34:36.163","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-20T09:26:56.013","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the code of practice for ministerial appointments to public bodies will be used in the appointment of chairs of regional boards of colleges.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the code of practice for ministerial appointments to public bodies will be used in the appointment of chairs of regional boards of colleges.\r\n","AnswerText":"We intend that the Code of Practice for Ministerial Appointments to Public Bodies in Scotland would be used for the appointment of the chairs of regional boards of colleges in multi-college regions.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-04T17:34:36.193","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274089,"EventID":"S4W-08126","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3896,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":97,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-20T17:34:36.363","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-20T09:26:56.013","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the appointment round for new chairs of regional boards for colleges will commence.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the appointment round for new chairs of regional boards for colleges will commence.","AnswerText":"We plan to bring forward legislation to make provision for the establishment of statutory regional boards in those college regions where there is more than one college (except in the Highlands and Islands, for which separate provision will be made). Subject to that legislation completing its parliamentary stages, we shall begin the appointment round for chairs of those regional boards as soon as possible.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-04T17:34:36.38","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274090,"EventID":"S4W-08127","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3896,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":97,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-20T17:34:36.583","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-20T09:26:56.013","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the new chairs of regional boards of colleges will be in place.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the new chairs of regional boards of colleges will be in place.","AnswerText":"We plan to bring forward legislation to make provision for the establishment of statutory regional boards in those college regions where there is more than one college (except in the Highlands and Islands, for which separate provision will be made). Subject to that legislation completing its Parliamentary stages, we shall begin the appointment round for chairs of those regional boards as soon as possible.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-04T17:34:36.583","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274091,"EventID":"S4W-08129","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4939,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":78,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-20T17:34:36.77","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-19T16:37:42","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the survival rates are for small to medium-sized enterprises in Falkirk district at (a) 12 and (b) 36 months and how this compares with the rate for Scotland.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the survival rates are for small to medium-sized enterprises in Falkirk district at (a) 12 and (b) 36 months and how this compares with the rate for Scotland.\r\n","AnswerText":"Table 1 shows the proportion of businesses born each year, which were still in business one year on and three years on. These data are taken from the Business Demography 2010 publication which contains the most up to date data available.\r\nTable 1: New Business Survival Rates, after One Year and after Three Years, Falkirk Local Authority Area and Scotland\r\nYear Business Born\r\n1 Year Survival Rate\r\n3 Year Survival Rate\r\nFalkirk\r\nScotland\r\nFalkirk\r\nScotland\r\n2005\r\n96.0%\r\n95.3%\r\n62.6%\r\n64.0%\r\n2006\r\n95.8%\r\n96.5%\r\n67.7%\r\n65.7%\r\n2007\r\n97.0%\r\n96.1%\r\n65.2%\r\n65.5%\r\n2008\r\n95.0%\r\n93.4%\r\n..\r\n..\r\n2009\r\n91.3%\r\n90.8%\r\n..\r\n..\r\nSource: Business Demography 2010, Office for National Statistics.\r\nNote: ..Denotes that data are not yet available.","AnswerDate":"2012-06-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-04T17:34:36.787","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274092,"EventID":"S4W-08130","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4939,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":78,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-20T17:34:36.897","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-19T16:44:55","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made regarding reform of the EU Regional Aid Guidelines.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made regarding reform of the EU Regional Aid Guidelines.","AnswerText":"The European Commission has issued a discussion paper on its proposals for the new Regional Aid Guidelines, which will come into force in 2014. The proposals in the discussion paper are not helpful for Scotland, and we are directly engaged in negotiations with the Commission so that aid is not unnecessarily restricted, precisely at the time when flexibility around this sort of support for investment is required. We expect to see formal draft proposals in October, with a further round of negotiations before the Regulations are finalised towards the end of 2012.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-07-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-04T17:34:36.897","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274093,"EventID":"S4W-08131","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4080,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-20T17:34:37.083","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-20T09:54:28.337","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people convicted of possessing (a) heroin, (b) cocaine, (c) cannabis, (d) amphetamines and (e) ecstasy in each of the last two years received (i) a custodial sen","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people convicted of possessing (a) heroin, (b) cocaine, (c) cannabis, (d) amphetamines and (e) ecstasy in each of the last two years received (i) a custodial sentence, (ii) a community payback order including a requirement to carry out a drug programme, (iii) a drug treatment and testing order, (iv) a fine, or another disposal.","AnswerText":"The available information is given in the following table. Whilst information is held on persons sentenced to a community payback order, this cannot be linked to directly to those also receiving a requirement to carry out a drug programme.\r\nPersons with a Charge Proved for Possession of Selected Drugs 1,2, by Result, 2008-09 to 2010-11\r\nDrug / result\r\n2008-09\r\n2009-10\r\n2010-11\r\nHeroin\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nCustody\r\n105\r\n134\r\n126\r\nCommunity payback order\r\n0\r\n0\r\n4\r\nDrug treatment and testing order\r\n52\r\n52\r\n47\r\nMonetary\r\n748\r\n847\r\n776\r\nOther\r\n449\r\n399\r\n495\r\nAll\r\n1,354\r\n1,432\r\n1,448\r\nCocaine\r\n\r\n\r\n \r\nCustody\r\n20\r\n31\r\n11\r\nCommunity payback order\r\n0\r\n0\r\n1\r\nDrug treatment and testing order\r\n5\r\n3\r\n1\r\nMonetary\r\n579\r\n1,145\r\n903\r\nOther\r\n81\r\n138\r\n124\r\nAll\r\n685\r\n1,317\r\n1,040\r\nCannabis\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nCustody\r\n19\r\n38\r\n30\r\nCommunity payback order\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\nDrug treatment and testing order\r\n3\r\n5\r\n5\r\nMonetary\r\n637\r\n774\r\n990\r\nOther\r\n229\r\n268\r\n304\r\nAll\r\n888\r\n1,085\r\n1,329\r\nAmphetamines\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nCustody\r\n2\r\n5\r\n5\r\nCommunity payback order\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\nDrug treatment and testing order\r\n0\r\n0\r\n1\r\nMonetary\r\n62\r\n110\r\n99\r\nOther\r\n22\r\n30\r\n34\r\nAll\r\n86\r\n145\r\n139\r\nEcstasy\r\n\r\n\r\n \r\nCustody\r\n4\r\n1\r\n1\r\nCommunity payback order\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\nDrug treatment and testing order\r\n0\r\n1\r\n0\r\nMonetary\r\n276\r\n118\r\n72\r\nOther\r\n47\r\n33\r\n23\r\nAll\r\n327\r\n153\r\n96\r\nNotes:\r\n1. Where Main Offence.\r\n2. The Criminal History System, from which these data are derived, contains an offence modifier code for a crime or offence which provides additional information for the specific incident as opposed to the actual charge. This code has been used here to identify the type of drug involved in drugs possession offences, however it should be noted that only around half the records on the CHS for drugs offences contain details of the drug(s) involved.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-04T17:34:37.097","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274094,"EventID":"S4W-08132","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4080,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-20T17:34:37.3","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-20T09:54:28.337","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people were convicted of possessing illegal drugs in 2011-12.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people were convicted of possessing illegal drugs in 2011-12.\r\n","AnswerText":"Information for 2011-12 will not be available until publication of the Criminal Proceedings in Scotland, 2011-12 Statistical Bulletin. This is due to be published in November 2012.\r\nThe dates of all Scottish Government Official and National Statistics publications are pre-announced, and the up to date list of future publications can be found at: http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Statistics/Search/Forthcoming.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-04T17:34:37.317","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274095,"EventID":"S4W-08133","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4080,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-20T17:34:37.567","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-20T09:54:28.337","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the average fine was for possessing (a) heroin, (b) cocaine, (c) ecstasy, (d) cannabis and (e) amphetamines in each of the last three years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the average fine was for possessing (a) heroin, (b) cocaine, (c) ecstasy, (d) cannabis and (e) amphetamines in each of the last three years.","AnswerText":"The available information is given in the following table.\r\nAverage (Mean) Fine (£) for possession of Selected Drugs1,2, 2008-09 to 2010-11\r\n \r\n2008-09\r\n2009-10\r\n2010-11\r\nDrug type\r\nNumber\r\nAverage Fine (£)\r\nNumber\r\nAverage Fine (£)\r\nNumber\r\nAverage Fine (£)\r\nHeroin\r\n748\r\n185\r\n847\r\n179\r\n776\r\n175\r\nCocaine\r\n579\r\n226\r\n1,145\r\n211\r\n903\r\n206\r\nEcstasy\r\n276\r\n191\r\n118\r\n202\r\n72\r\n157\r\nCannabis\r\n637\r\n151\r\n774\r\n133\r\n990\r\n137\r\nAmphetamines\r\n62\r\n193\r\n110\r\n170\r\n99\r\n183\r\nNotes:\r\n1. Where main offence.\r\n2. The Criminal History System, from which these data are derived, contains an offence modifier code for a crime or offence which provides additional information for the specific incident as opposed to the actual charge. This code has been used here to identify the type of drug involved in drugs possession offences, however it should be noted that only around half the records on the CHS for drugs offences contain details of the drug(s) involved.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-04T17:34:37.583","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274096,"EventID":"S4W-08134","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4080,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-20T17:34:37.723","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-20T09:54:28.337","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many (a) prisoner-on-prisoner and (b) prisoner-on-staff assaults have been reported in each prison since the beginning of 2012.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many (a) prisoner-on-prisoner and (b) prisoner-on-staff assaults have been reported in each prison since the beginning of 2012.\r\n","AnswerText":"I have asked Colin McConnell, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service, to respond. His response is as follows:\r\nThe following table illustrates the total number of prisoner on prisoner assaults and prisoner on staff assaults broken down by Establishment. Included are serious, minor and non injury assaults. The data is as of 25 June 2012.\r\nPrison\r\nPrisoner on\r\nPrisoner Assaults\r\nPrisoner on\r\nStaff Assaults\r\nAberdeen\r\n14\r\n3\r\nAddiewell\r\n24\r\n8\r\nBarlinnie\r\n33\r\n11\r\nCornton Vale\r\n12\r\n26\r\nDumfries\r\n8\r\n0\r\nEdinburgh\r\n32\r\n8\r\nGlenochil\r\n5\r\n4\r\nGreenock\r\n6\r\n1\r\nInverness\r\n8\r\n1\r\nKilmarnock\r\n29\r\n11\r\nLow Moss\r\n15\r\n0\r\nOpen estate\r\n0\r\n0\r\nPerth\r\n21\r\n2\r\nPeterhead\r\n2\r\n3\r\nPolmont\r\n65\r\n3\r\nShotts\r\n10\r\n0\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-04T17:34:37.737","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274097,"EventID":"S4W-08135","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4939,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":78,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-20T17:34:37.877","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-20T09:59:19","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress Scottish Development International has made in fostering trade links with Turkey.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress Scottish Development International has made in fostering trade links with Turkey.\r\n","AnswerText":"Scottish Development International (SDI) led an energy focussed trade delegation between 24 and 28 June 2012 that visited Ankara, Izmir and Istanbul. This mission has resulted in an agreement to involve the major Turkish oil and gas pipeline contractor, BOTAS in a workshop on pipeline-related industries in Scotland. In addition, a number of the Scottish companies that participated in the mission are planning to return to Turkey to follow up business leads generated as a result of the trade mission.\r\nEarlier in June, SDI hosted a visit to Scotland by the Middle Black Sea Development Agency (OKA), the economic, social and cultural development agency of the Turkish Middle Black Sea region.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-07-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-04T17:34:37.877","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274098,"EventID":"S4W-08136","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4939,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":78,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-20T17:34:38.05","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-20T09:59:19","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made toward the declaration of Bo’ness and Kinneil foreshore as a nature reserve.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made toward the declaration of Bo’ness and Kinneil foreshore as a nature reserve.","AnswerText":"The declaration of local nature reserves is a matter for local authorities under section 21 of the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act 1949. Further information on Local Nature Reserves is available on Scottish Natural Heritage’s website at the following web address:\r\nhttp://www.snh.gov.uk/protecting-scotlands-nature/protected-areas/local-designations/lnr/.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-04T17:34:38.05","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274099,"EventID":"S4W-08137","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4939,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":78,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-20T17:34:38.19","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-20T09:59:19","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made toward extending the John Muir Trail to the Falkirk Council area.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made toward extending the John Muir Trail to the Falkirk Council area.\r\n","AnswerText":"Falkirk Council formally approved the route of the John Muir Trail in February 2012. Route improvements started the following month.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-04T17:34:38.19","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274100,"EventID":"S4W-08138","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2892,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-20T17:34:38.33","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-20T11:38:01.853","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S4W-07040 by Keith Brown on 11 May 2012, which ferry routes are served by the six vessels leased by the public sector from the private ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S4W-07040 by Keith Brown on 11 May 2012, which ferry routes are served by the six vessels leased by the public sector from the private sector and what the (a) leasing, (b) maintenance and (c) other costs have been in each year of each contract.","AnswerText":"The ferry routes served by vessels leased or chartered by the public sector from the private sector are as follows:\r\nNorthlink Ferries Ltd\r\nThe MV Hjaltland and the MV Hrossey operate between Aberdeen and Kirkwall / Lerwick, with the MV Hamnavoe operating between Stromness and Scrabster.\r\nThe MV Helliar and the MV Hildasay are freight-only vessels and operate between Aberdeen, Lerwick and Kirkwall.\r\nCalMac Ferries Ltd\r\nThe MV Muirneag operates a freight service between Stornoway and Ullapool.\r\nIn terms of costs:-\r\n(a) The costs of leasing or chartering these vessels are covered by confidentiality agreements between their owners and the ferry operators. \r\n(b) The following table sets out the maintenance costs of MV Hrossey, MV Hjaltland and MV Hamnavoe since the current contract with Northlink Ferries Ltd commenced in October 2006.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nVessel Maintenance\r\nHrossey\r\nHjaltland \r\nHamnavoe\r\nTotal\r\nJuly - June (£000)\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\n \r\n2006-07\r\n445\r\n505\r\n373\r\n1,323\r\n2007-08\r\n398\r\n524\r\n354\r\n1,276\r\n2008-09\r\n407\r\n545\r\n262\r\n1,214\r\n2009-10\r\n574\r\n548\r\n520\r\n1,642\r\n2010-11\r\n687\r\n873\r\n289\r\n1,849\r\nNotes:\r\nThe twelve month information runs from July to June.\r\nThe information relates to vessel maintenance costs. It does not include any overhaul costs.\r\nMV Helliar, MV Hildasay and MV Muirneag are chartered and the owners are responsible for maintenance costs.\r\n(c) The following table sets out the other costs of MV Hrossey, MV Hjaltland and MV Hamnavoe since the current contract with Northlink Ferries Ltd commenced in October 2006.\r\nAnnual Overhaul Refit/Dry Dock costs\r\nHrossey\r\nHjaltland\r\nHamnavoe\r\nTotal\r\nJuly - June (£000)\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\n \r\n2006-07\r\n148\r\n174\r\n151\r\n473\r\n2007-08\r\n70\r\n73\r\n218\r\n361\r\n2008-09\r\n640\r\n673\r\n62\r\n1,375\r\n2009-10\r\n272\r\n266\r\n281\r\n819\r\n2010-11\r\n309\r\n392\r\n74\r\n775\r\nNotes:\r\nThe 12 month information runs from July to June.\r\nThe information relates to costs arising from the annual overhaul period.\r\nMV Helliar, MV Hildasay and MV Muirneag are chartered and the owners are responsible for overhaul costs.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-04T17:34:38.33","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274101,"EventID":"S4W-08139","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2892,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-20T17:34:38.423","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-20T11:38:01.853","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S4W-07040 by Keith Brown on 11 May 2012, how many of the vessels will need to be replaced in the next (a) six and (b) 12 years and what","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S4W-07040 by Keith Brown on 11 May 2012, how many of the vessels will need to be replaced in the next (a) six and (b) 12 years and what the estimated cost of a new vessel is in each case.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Final Ferries Plan will provide details of the investment required for vessels and will set out how we will ensure that our funding priorities can be met over the period of the Ferries Plan to 2022. The Final Ferries Plan will be published later this year.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-04T17:34:38.423","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274102,"EventID":"S4W-07895","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2673,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":114,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-21T14:15:19.62","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-13T16:31:32.9","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, in light of the potential health benefits, whether it will meet the Scottish Football Association to discuss introducing a summer football season.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, in light of the potential health benefits, whether it will meet the Scottish Football Association to discuss introducing a summer football season.","AnswerText":"We hold regular discussions with the Scottish FA on a wide range of issues. The women’s and youth game have successfully moved to a summer season and I understand the Scottish FA will commission a study into the feasibility of changing the current football schedule as there are wider implications for the professional game.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-05T14:15:20.103","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Shona Robison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274103,"EventID":"S4W-07908","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-21T14:15:20.197","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-14T09:31:27.873","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many workless households there are and how many there were in May 1999.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many workless households there are and how many there were in May 1999.\r\n","AnswerText":"The latest available data for workless households comes from the Labour Force Survey household dataset for April-June 2011.\r\nThe number of workless households in Scotland during the period April-June 2011 was 359,000. During the period April-June 1999 in Scotland, the number of workless households was 393,000.\r\nNote:\r\n1 -  Households including at least one person aged 16 to 64.\r\n2 – Estimates only include those households with at least one person aged between 16-64.\r\n3 - A workless household is a household that includes at least one person aged 16 to 64 where no-one aged 16 or over is in employment.\r\nSource: Labour Force Survey household dataset (not seasonally adjusted).\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-05T14:15:20.197","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274104,"EventID":"S4W-07909","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-21T14:15:20.29","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-14T09:31:27.873","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many children are living in a workless household and how many there were in May 1999.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many children are living in a workless household and how many there were in May 1999.\r\n","AnswerText":"The latest available data for workless households comes from the Labour Force Survey household dataset for April-June 2011.\r\nThe number of children living in a workless household in Scotland during the period April-June 2011 was 145,000. During the period April-June 1999 in Scotland, the number of children living in a workless household was 162,000.\r\nSource: Labour Force Survey household dataset (not seasonally adjusted)\r\nNote:\r\n1. Households including at least one person aged 16 to 64.\r\n2. Children refers to children under the age of 16.\r\n3. Estimates only include those households with at least one person aged between 16 to 64. \r\n4. A workless household is a household that includes at least one person aged 16 to 64 where no-one aged 16 or over is in employment.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-05T14:15:20.29","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Aileen Campbell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274105,"EventID":"S4W-07910","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-21T14:15:20.383","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-14T09:31:27.873","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many children are living in a lone parent family and how many there were in May 1999.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many children are living in a lone parent family and how many there were in May 1999.\r\n","AnswerText":"The latest available data for children living in a lone parent family comes from the Labour Force Survey household dataset for April to June 2011.\r\nThe number of children living in a lone parent family in Scotland during the period April to June 2011 was 211,000. During the period April to June 1999 in Scotland, the number of children living in a lone parent family was 217,000.\r\nSource: Labour Force Survey household dataset (not seasonally adjusted)\r\nNote:\r\n1. Households including at least one person aged 16 to 64.\r\n2. Estimates only include those households with at least one person aged 16 to 64.\r\n3. Children refer to children under 16.\r\n4. Estimates are rounded to the nearest thousand.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-07-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-05T14:15:20.383","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Aileen Campbell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274106,"EventID":"S4W-07911","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-21T14:15:20.463","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-14T09:31:27.873","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many lone parent families there are and how many there were in May 1999.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many lone parent families there are and how many there were in May 1999.","AnswerText":"The latest available data for the number of lone parent families comes from the Labour Force Survey dataset for January-March 2012.\r\nThe number of lone parent families in Scotland during the period January to March 2012 was 173,000. During the period January to March 1999 in Scotland, the number of children living in a lone parent family was 164,000.\r\nSource: Labour Force Survey dataset (not seasonally adjusted)\r\nNote:\r\n1. Lone parent families are those where the household reference person is a parent with dependant children under the age of 16 and is either:\r\n - married but their spouse or partner is not part of the same household, or \r\n - is not married and not living together with any other household member as a couple.\r\n2. Estimates only include those aged 16 to 64.\r\n3. Estimates are rounded to the nearest thousand.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-07-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-05T14:15:20.463","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Aileen Campbell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274107,"EventID":"S4W-07912","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-21T14:15:20.523","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-14T09:31:27.873","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what proportion of school-age children received free school meals in May (a) 1999 and (b) 2011 or according to the latest published data.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what proportion of school-age children received free school meals in May (a) 1999 and (b) 2011 or according to the latest published data.","AnswerText":"16.2 per cent of all pupils present on the annual school meal survey day in January 1999, took a free school meal. This compares to 15.7 per cent of all pupils present on the annual school meal survey day in February 2012.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-05T14:15:20.54","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274108,"EventID":"S4W-07913","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-21T14:15:20.62","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-14T09:31:27.873","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the participation rate was in higher education of young people from the most deprived decile in (a) 1999 and (b) 2011 or according to the latest published data.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the participation rate was in higher education of young people from the most deprived decile in (a) 1999 and (b) 2011 or according to the latest published data.\r\n","AnswerText":"The information requested concerning young people from the most deprived decile in Scotland is not readily available but is available for the most deprived quintile (20 per cent). The following information refers to the 20 per cent most deprived areas in Scotland. Furthermore, the Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation (SIMD), which is used to identify the most deprived areas of Scotland, was introduced in 2001-02, so it is only possible to provide the information from 2001-02.\r\nThe Age Participation Index is a projection of future participation in higher education of 17-year-old Scots based on current first time participation rates of Scots under the age of 21. This measure excludes part-time study or those studying with the Open University.\r\nAge Participation Index (API) for Scotland by deprivation status:\r\n2001-02 to 2009-10\r\nYear\r\nNumber of Entrants\r\nAPI\r\n20% Most Deprived Areas\r\nLeast Deprived Areas\r\n2001-02\r\n29,310\r\n43.9\r\n26.0\r\n48.5\r\n2002-03\r\n28,655\r\n43.9\r\n23.3\r\n50.0\r\n2003-04\r\n28,485\r\n41.0\r\n22.8\r\n46.0\r\n2004-05\r\n27,825\r\n40.4\r\n23.3\r\n45.0\r\n2005-06\r\n28,450\r\n42.2\r\n23.4\r\n47.4\r\n2006-07\r\n27,830\r\n43.3\r\n23.4\r\n48.9\r\n2007-08\r\n27,055\r\n42.0\r\n23.4\r\n47.1\r\n2008-09\r\n28,415\r\n42.8\r\n24.8\r\n47.6\r\n2009-10\r\n29,165\r\n44.1\r\n26.2\r\n48.8\r\nSources: Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA), Scottish Funding Council (SFC) and the National Records of Scotland (NRS).\r\nNote: Student numbers are rounded to the nearest five.\r\nThe Higher Education Initial Participation Rate (HEIPR) replaced the API for the academic year 2010-11 to produce more accurate results which are more comparable with other countries and to allow the inclusion of part-time study and Open University students.\r\nEducation Initial Participation Rate for Scotland by deprivation status: 2006-07 to 2010-11.\r\n\r\nNumber of Entrants\r\nHEIPR\r\n20% Most Deprived Areas\r\nLeast Deprived Areas\r\n2006-07\r\n34,595\r\n52.8%\r\n34.9%\r\n57.9%\r\n2007-08\r\n33,795\r\n51.5%\r\n34.7%\r\n56.1%\r\n2008-09\r\n35,625\r\n53.6%\r\n36.3%\r\n58.2%\r\n2009-10\r\n37,050\r\n55.1%\r\n38.6%\r\n59.5%\r\n2010-11\r\n36,960\r\n55.2%\r\n39.7%\r\n59.1%\r\nSources: Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA), Scottish Funding Council (SFC) and the National Records of Scotland (NRS).\r\nNote: Student numbers are rounded to the nearest five.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-05T14:15:20.633","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274109,"EventID":"S4W-07914","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-21T14:15:20.713","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-14T09:31:27.873","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people are registered homeless and what the figure was in May 1999.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people are registered homeless and what the figure was in May 1999.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government doesn’t produce statistics on the number of homeless people at a point in time. We do however produce statistics on the number of cases assessed as homeless or threatened with homelessness over a 12 month period.\r\nDuring 2011-12, 35,515 cases were assessed as homeless or threatened with homelessness. These 35,515 cases contained a total of 40,255 adults and 17,765 children.\r\nDuring 1998-99, there were estimated to be around 33,500 cases assessed as homeless or threatened with homelessness. The corresponding information on the number of adults and children is not available. This information was only collected from 2002 onwards.\r\nFor comparison purposes, the relevant figures for each year since 2002 are as undernoted:\r\n\r\nNumber of cases assessed as homeless or threatened with homelessness\r\nTotal number of adults in cases assessed as homeless or threatened with homelessness\r\nTotal number of children in cases assessed as homeless or threatened with homelessness\r\n2002-03\r\n39,650\r\n44,525\r\n19,144\r\n2003-04\r\n42,557\r\n48,273\r\n20,614\r\n2004-05\r\n41,505\r\n47,234\r\n21,193\r\n2005-06\r\n43,598\r\n49,422\r\n22,090\r\n2006-07\r\n42,751\r\n48,965\r\n21,828\r\n2007-08\r\n41,134\r\n47,967\r\n21,946\r\n2008-09\r\n42,052\r\n48,615\r\n21,993\r\n2009-10\r\n43,554\r\n50,061\r\n22,469\r\n2010-11\r\n41,958\r\n48,108\r\n21,237\r\n2011-12\r\n35,515\r\n40,255\r\n17,765\r\nNote: 2002-03 = 1 April 2002 to 31 March 2003.\r\nFurther information on homelessness statistics is available at:\r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/homelessstats.","AnswerDate":"2012-07-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-05T14:15:20.713","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274110,"EventID":"S4W-07915","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-21T14:15:20.807","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-14T09:31:27.873","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many dependent drinkers there are and how many there were in May 1999.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many dependent drinkers there are and how many there were in May 1999.\r\n","AnswerText":"There is no standard definition of a dependent drinker which is used in population surveys. The Scottish Health Survey used the CAGE questionnaire between 1998 and 2010 which asks current drinkers a set of six questions about their drinking. Answering two or more of the questions positively is generally seen as an indicator of possible “problem drinking”.\r\nThe following table details the proportion of adults aged 16 to 74 who reported two or more CAGE items in 1998 and 2010. The survey was not run in 1999. As the questions are asked of current drinkers only, and the proportion of non-drinkers has changed over time, these figures have also been provided.\r\nPotential Problem Drinking Among Adults (aged 16-74) \r\nYear\r\nPopulation\r\n% of Current Drinkers\r\nEstimated Number of Current Drinkers\r\n% of “Problem Drinkers”1\r\nEstimated Number of “Problem Drinkers”\r\n% of Current Drinkers Who are “Problem Drinkers”\r\n1998\r\n3,727,386\r\n90%\r\n3,354,647\r\n9%\r\n301,918\r\n8%\r\n2010\r\n3,904,671\r\n86%\r\n3,365,826\r\n12%\r\n403,899\r\n10%\r\nSources: National Records of Scotland mid-year population estimates; Scottish Health Survey 1998 and 2010.\r\nNote: 1. For more details on the CAGE questionnaire, please refer to chapter 3 of the 2010 Scottish Health Survey annual report. http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2011/09/27084018/0.","AnswerDate":"2012-06-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-05T14:15:20.82","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274111,"EventID":"S4W-07916","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-21T14:15:20.9","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-14T09:31:27.873","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many (a) heroin and (b) crack cocaine users there are and how many there were in May 1999.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many (a) heroin and (b) crack cocaine users there are and how many there were in May 1999.","AnswerText":"\r\n(a) Heroin\r\nAccording to the Estimating the National and Local Prevalence of Problem Drug Use in Scotland 2009-10 (published in 2011) report the number of individuals with problem drug use (opiates and/or benzodiazepine use) was 59,600 individuals.\r\nAccording to the Estimating the National and Local Prevalence of Problem Drug Use in Scotland 2000 (published in 2001) report the number of individuals with problem drug use (opiates and/or benzodiazepine use) was 55,800 individuals.\r\nAdditionally, the Scottish Crime and Justice Survey 2010-11 (published in 2012) report estimated 0.3% (9,000 adults) of adults aged 16 to 59 had used heroin in the last year.\r\nThe Scottish Crime Survey 2000 (published in 2002) report estimated 0.2% of adults aged 16 to 59 had used heroin in the last year. An estimate of the number of adults for 2000 is not available.\r\n(b) Crack\r\nEstimates for the number of individuals with problem drug use does not include the use of crack.\r\nHowever, according to the Scottish Crime and Justice Survey 2010-11 report 0.2% of 16 to 59-year-olds self-reported they had used crack cocaine in the last year. This equates to 6,000 individuals.\r\nAccording to the Scottish Crime Survey 2000 report, 0% of 16 to 59-year-olds self-reported they had used crack cocaine in the last year. This is likely to be due to the small sample size used for data collection. An estimate of the number of adults for 2000 is not available.\r\nThe Scottish Crime and Justice Survey provides data on self-reported drug use in Scotland. The most recent data available is from 2010-11. The closest survey sweep to 1999 is its predecessor, the Scottish Crime Survey (SCS) 2000. The SCS used a small sample and different methodology, therefore estimates are subject to large confidence intervals and comparisons between years should be interpreted with caution. It is not possible to show data for a particular month. Household surveys are less effective in estimating problematic opiate and crack cocaine use, therefore separate studies estimating the national prevalence of problem drug misuse in Scotland have been carried out.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-07-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-05T14:15:20.9","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Roseanna Cunningham","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274112,"EventID":"S4W-07917","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-21T14:15:20.96","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-14T09:31:27.873","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many children live in a household where there is a drug problem and how many lived in such households in May 1999.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many children live in a household where there is a drug problem and how many lived in such households in May 1999.","AnswerText":"Estimates are that between 40,000 to 60,000 children in Scotland may be affected by parental drug misuse, of whom 10,000 to 20,000 may be living with that parent.\r\nThese estimates are derived from Estimating the National and Local Prevalence of Problem Drug Misuse in Scotland published in 2009.\r\nData for May 1999 are not available.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-05T14:15:20.977","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274113,"EventID":"S4W-07918","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-21T14:15:21.07","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-14T09:31:27.873","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many criminal offences were committed in (a) 1999 and (b) 2011 or according to the latest published data.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many criminal offences were committed in (a) 1999 and (b) 2011 or according to the latest published data.\r\n","AnswerText":"Crimes1 and Offences2 Recorded by the Police in Scotland, 1999-2000 and 2011-12\r\n\r\n1999-2000\r\n2011-12\r\nCrimes\r\n435,481\r\n314,186\r\nOffences\r\n499,402\r\n544,033\r\nCrimes and Offences\r\n934,883\r\n858,219\r\nNotes:\r\n1. Crimes consist of non-sexual crimes of violence, sexual offences, crimes of dishonesty, fire-raising, vandalism etc. and other crimes.\r\n2. Offences consist of miscellaneous offences and motor vehicle offences.","AnswerDate":"2012-07-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-05T14:15:21.07","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274114,"EventID":"S4W-07919","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-21T14:15:21.15","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-14T09:31:27.873","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many properties were repossessed in (a) 1999 and (b) 2011 or according to the latest published data.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many properties were repossessed in (a) 1999 and (b) 2011 or according to the latest published data.","AnswerText":"According to the statistics published by the Council of Mortgage Lenders, the number of properties repossessed in the UK in 1999 was around 30,000.\r\nRecent data published by the CML states that the total number of properties taken into possession by first-charge mortgage lenders in the UK in 2011 was 36,200. This was the lowest annual total since 2007.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-07-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-05T14:15:21.15","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274115,"EventID":"S4W-07920","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-21T14:15:21.243","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-14T09:31:27.873","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people are living in fuel poverty and how many there were in May 1999.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people are living in fuel poverty and how many there were in May 1999.","AnswerText":"The most recent available statistics from the Scottish House Conditions Survey (2010) show that around 658,000 (28%) Scottish households are fuel poor.\r\nThis data was not collected in 1999.\r\nData was collected in 1996 when 756,000  households were fuel poor (35.6%) in Scotland. However, the definition of fuel poverty has changed since 1996, so these figures are not directly comparable. The figure for 2002 which is based on the current methodology was 293,000.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-05T14:15:21.243","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274116,"EventID":"S4W-07925","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-21T14:15:21.32","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-14T09:31:27.873","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the reoffending rate for criminal offences was in (a) 1999 and (b) 2011 or according to the latest published data.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the reoffending rate for criminal offences was in (a) 1999 and (b) 2011 or according to the latest published data.","AnswerText":"Information on reconviction rates is published annually by the Scottish Government. These are available at the following location (http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Statistics/Browse/Crime-Justice/PubReconvictions).\r\nThe latest data published in August 2011 relates to the cohort of offenders who received a non-custodial sentence or were released from a custodial sentence in 2008-09. The planned publication date for reconviction rates for the 2009-10 cohort is August 2012.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-05T14:15:21.32","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274117,"EventID":"S4W-07926","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-21T14:15:21.4","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-14T09:31:27.873","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many children are in care and how many were in care in May 1999.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many children are in care and how many were in care in May 1999.","AnswerText":"The latest statistics show that at 31 July 2011 there were 16,171 children looked after by local authorities in Scotland.\r\nFigures are not available for May 1999, but are available for 31 March 1999, when there were 11,191 children looked after by local authorities in Scotland.\r\nThese statistics are available in Table 1.1 in Children’s Social Work Statistics Scotland, No 1: 2012 Edition available at http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Statistics/Browse/Children/PubChildrenSocialWork.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-05T14:15:21.4","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Aileen Campbell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274118,"EventID":"S4W-07927","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-21T14:15:21.477","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-14T09:31:27.873","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many children were referred to the Scottish Children's Reporter Administration for (a) protection and (b) offences in (i) 1999 and (ii) 2011 or according to the lates","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many children were referred to the Scottish Children's Reporter Administration for (a) protection and (b) offences in (i) 1999 and (ii) 2011 or according to the latest published data.\r\n","AnswerText":"This is an operational matter for the Scottish Children’s Reporter Administration (SCRA). I have asked the Principal Reporter to respond. His response is set out in the following table:\r\n\r\n1998-99\r\n2010-11\r\nChildren referred on offence grounds \r\n14,951\r\n8,126\r\nChildren referred on non-offence grounds \r\n21,953\r\n33,710\r\nTotal children referred \r\n30,164\r\n39,217\r\nSome children may be referred on both offence and non-offence grounds in the course of the year. The total does not therefore match the sum of the offence and non-offence referrals.\r\nData for 2011-12 is due for publication on 5 July 2012. The SCRA online statistical service can be accessed at:\r\nhttp://www.scra.gov.uk/publications/online_statistical_service.cfm for 2010/11. \r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-05T14:15:21.477","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Aileen Campbell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274119,"EventID":"S4W-08140","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-21T14:15:21.587","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-20T11:40:51","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S4W-07699 by Kenny MacAskill on 18 June 2012 and the letter from the Justice Directorate to Neil Powrie of the Association of Visiting ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S4W-07699 by Kenny MacAskill on 18 June 2012 and the letter from the Justice Directorate to Neil Powrie of the Association of Visiting Committees dated 8 June 2012, what its final position is on whether the proposed prison monitoring service will be able to deal with individual prisoner complaints.","AnswerText":"The functions of the prison monitors will be detailed in the section 14 order under the Public Services Reform (Scotland) Act 2010. The draft order will be laid in September.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-05T14:15:21.587","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274120,"EventID":"S4W-08141","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2892,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-21T14:15:21.663","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-20T11:50:54.65","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assessment has been made of the (a) climate change and (b) direct environmental impacts that may arise as a result of enhanced oil recovery.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assessment has been made of the (a) climate change and (b) direct environmental impacts that may arise as a result of enhanced oil recovery.\r\n","AnswerText":"Enhanced oil recovery is compatible with the Scottish Climate Change Act and its targets if it does not give rise to any net increase in Scotland's greenhouse gas emissions. \r\nAs Enhanced Oil Recovery is not new to the North Sea Oil and Gas industry and has been carried out routinely for many years we do not see this activity give rise to any net increase in Scotland’s greenhouse gas emissions. The technique also maximises the efficiency with which resources are extracted and minimises the potential for unrecoverable deposits. This is good environmental practice as it is good husbandry of valuable natural resources.\r\nEmissions in the offshore oil and gas production sector are included in the EU Emissions Trading System, when qualifying installations undertaking certain activities emit listed greenhouse gases, as detailed in Schedule 1 of the ETS Regulations 2005. Most offshore emissions are CO2 emissions and are within the net UK carbon account. This sector falls under reserved competence and is dealt with by DECC and BiS.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-05T14:15:21.663","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274121,"EventID":"S4W-08142","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2892,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-21T14:15:21.757","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-20T11:50:54.65","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it considers that enhanced oil recovery would be compatible with the Climate Change (Scotland) Act 2009 and what the reasons are for its position on this matter.\r","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it considers that enhanced oil recovery would be compatible with the Climate Change (Scotland) Act 2009 and what the reasons are for its position on this matter.\r\n","AnswerText":"Enhanced oil recovery is compatible with the Scottish Climate Change Act and its targets if it does not give rise to any net increase in Scotland's greenhouse gas emissions. \r\nAs Enhanced Oil Recovery is not new to the North Sea Oil and Gas industry and has been carried out routinely for many years we do not see this activity give rise to any net increase in Scotland’s greenhouse gas emissions. The technique also maximises the efficiency with which resources are extracted and minimises the potential for unrecoverable deposits. This is good environmental practice as it is good husbandry of valuable natural resources.\r\nEmissions in the offshore oil and gas production sector are included in the EU Emissions Trading System, when qualifying installations undertaking certain activities emit listed greenhouse gases, as detailed in Schedule 1 of the ETS Regulations 2005. Most offshore emissions are CO2 emissions and are within the net UK carbon account. This sector falls under reserved competence and is dealt with by DECC and BiS.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-05T14:15:21.773","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274122,"EventID":"S4W-08143","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4934,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-21T14:15:21.867","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-20T12:24:35.197","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the outcomes are of its Mixed Plastics Capital Grant Programme.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the outcomes are of its Mixed Plastics Capital Grant Programme.\r\n","AnswerText":"This is a landmark and ambitious project to bring cutting-edge technology to Scotland, involving overseas investors as well as careful planning and close partnerships with stakeholders in Scotland, including local authorities and the waste management industry.\r\nFollowing its Mixed Plastics Capital Grant Programme, Zero Waste Scotland is now working with a preferred supplier and is following due diligence considerations to finalise a project which would see significant investment being made in Scotland to establish a mixed plastics reprocessing plant.\r\nWhile a site location is still to be confirmed, the plastics reprocessing plant would create local jobs and allow Scotland to benefit further from the economic opportunities associated with recycling.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-07-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-05T14:15:21.867","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274123,"EventID":"S4W-08144","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4934,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-21T14:15:21.977","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-20T12:24:35.197","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will publish its consultation on a marine litter strategy and whether proposals will include a target for the reduction of marine litter.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will publish its consultation on a marine litter strategy and whether proposals will include a target for the reduction of marine litter.\r\n","AnswerText":"We will undertake a consultation on a draft marine litter strategy in the autumn.\r\nIt is envisaged that the strategy will build on existing measures for monitoring levels of marine and coastal litter which will assist with progress towards achieving the targets of the Marine Strategy Framework Directive.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-07-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-05T14:15:21.977","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274124,"EventID":"S4W-08145","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4934,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-21T14:15:22.1","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-20T12:24:35.197","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what resources it has committed to the formation of a marine litter strategy and what resources it will commit to its implementation.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what resources it has committed to the formation of a marine litter strategy and what resources it will commit to its implementation.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government contracted the Scottish Association for Marine Science and the Hutton Institute/Macaulay Land Use Research Institute to undertake a study and prepare a research report to inform and support the development of a marine litter strategy. The total cost of this study was £30,000.\r\nWe intend to undertake a public consultation on a strategy later this year and costs relating to that process and beyond have not yet been confirmed.\r\nA breakdown showing staff resources in supporting the process is unavailable.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-07-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-05T14:15:22.1","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274125,"EventID":"S4W-08146","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4934,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-21T14:15:22.21","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-20T12:24:35.197","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive by what process it will review the Cycling Action Plan for Scotland and what opportunities there will be for representations.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive by what process it will review the Cycling Action Plan for Scotland and what opportunities there will be for representations.","AnswerText":"Cycling Scotland is due to submit the first Cycling Action Plan for Scotland progress report to Ministers by the end of July 2012. I gave a commitment to a refresh of the 2010 document during the Green Party debate on cycling and road safety in March. Officials in Transport Scotland will conduct the refresh in consultation with key stakeholders and further details on the process and the opportunities for representation will be given following full consideration of the progress report.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-05T14:15:22.21","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274126,"EventID":"S4W-08147","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-21T14:15:22.287","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-20T12:45:30.62","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive which minister has responsibility for the Scottish National Standards for Information and Advice Providers.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive which minister has responsibility for the Scottish National Standards for Information and Advice Providers.\r\n","AnswerText":"As Minister for Housing and Transport, I am responsible for the Scottish National Standards for Information and Advice Providers.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-05T14:15:22.287","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274127,"EventID":"S4W-08148","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-21T14:15:22.367","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-20T12:45:30.62","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, following the announcement that there is to be a review of the provision of advice, who will carry out the review; what the duration is; when it will report; to which mi","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, following the announcement that there is to be a review of the provision of advice, who will carry out the review; what the duration is; when it will report; to which minister, and what engagement with stakeholders is planned.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Making Justice Work Programme will be looking at various aspects of advice provision, as part of its Access to Justice project. The programme is managed by the Justice Directorate of the Scottish Government, and falls within my justice portfiolio. The programme runs until 2015. The Access to Justice project is currently being developed. Stakeholders, including advice providers, have already been involved in a series of workshops to help define the Access to Justice project, and a reference group has been established which includes a range of advice agencies.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-07-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-05T14:15:22.38","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274128,"EventID":"S4W-08149","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-21T14:15:22.46","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-20T12:45:30.62","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many reviews of the provision of advice have been carried out since 1999 and by which directorates.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many reviews of the provision of advice have been carried out since 1999 and by which directorates.\r\n","AnswerText":"In 2001, a review was conducted into legal information and advice provision in Scotland. In 2004, a strategic review was conducted into publicly funded legal assistance, which was followed by a consultation in 2005 entitled Advice for All, and led to legislative provision in the Legal Profession and Legal Aid (Scotland) Act 2007. These reviews were led by the Justice Department of the Scottish Government. In 2010, a consultation took place on a strategic approach to the provision of information, advice and representation. This was undertaken by the Scottish Legal Aid Board, COSLA and the Scottish Government (Social Inclusion Department), which has informed the development of the Making Justice Work project on Access to Justice.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-07-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-05T14:15:22.473","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274129,"EventID":"S4W-08150","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-21T14:15:22.553","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-20T12:45:30.62","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its position is on the Scottish National Standards for Information and Advice Providers.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its position is on the Scottish National Standards for Information and Advice Providers.\r\n","AnswerText":"The standards have seen a large number of agencies, including almost all of the Citizens Advice Bureaux, improve the quality of their housing, money and welfare benefits information and advice services. The standards have also encouraged local authorities to increase access to this advice across Scotland. This is particularly welcome in the Islands and more rural areas where there was an unmet need. We have seen a number of advice agencies work together to provide peer support throughout Scotland. The Scottish Government is continuing to encourage agencies to work to the standards to drive up the quality of their information and advice services.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-05T14:15:22.553","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274130,"EventID":"S4W-08151","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-21T14:15:22.63","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-20T12:45:30.62","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, following the end of the contract for delivery of the audit function of the Scottish National Standards for Information and Advice Providers, how long the break in the a","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, following the end of the contract for delivery of the audit function of the Scottish National Standards for Information and Advice Providers, how long the break in the audit service will be and how long agencies due to be re-accredited can maintain accredited status.\r\n","AnswerText":"As per the answer to question S4W-08148 on 27 July 2012, the Making Justice Work Programme will be looking at various aspects of advice provision as part of its Access to Justice project. Stakeholders will be kept fully informed about our decisions when they are made. Agencies due for reaccreditation this year will maintain their accredited status until March 2013.\r\nAll answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-05T14:15:22.63","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274131,"EventID":"S4W-08152","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2892,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-21T14:15:22.757","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-20T14:12:28.15","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what involvement it had with the UK Government regarding the development of regulations laid before the UK Parliament in June 2012 in relation to the (a) Green Deal, (b) ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what involvement it had with the UK Government regarding the development of regulations laid before the UK Parliament in June 2012 in relation to the (a) Green Deal, (b) Energy Company Obligation and (c) Renewable Heat Incentive.","AnswerText":"In relation to the Green Deal and Energy Company Obligation, the Scottish Government worked very closely with the UK Government on the development of the regulations to ensure they were sufficiently flexible to allow Scottish specific circumstances to be taken into account. Under the Energy Act 2011, Scottish Ministers had to give consent for a number of the secondary regulations to be laid in the UK Parliament.\r\nIn terms of the Renewable Heat Incentive, under the Energy Act 2008 Scottish Ministers must give consent to any changes to the Renewable Heat Incentive regulations. We will continue to work closely with DECC (Department of Energy and Climate Change) in the development of future regulations.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-07-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-05T14:15:22.757","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274132,"EventID":"S4W-08153","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2892,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-21T14:15:22.833","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-20T14:12:28.15","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its position is on the terms of the regulations laid before the UK Parliament in June 2012 in relation to the (a) Green Deal, (b) Energy Company Obligation and (c) R","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its position is on the terms of the regulations laid before the UK Parliament in June 2012 in relation to the (a) Green Deal, (b) Energy Company Obligation and (c) Renewable Heat Incentive and what impact they will have in Scotland.","AnswerText":"In relation to the Green Deal and Energy Company Obligation, the Scottish Government is content with the regulations and consented to them being laid before the UK Parliament.\r\nIn terms of the regulation relating to the Renewable Heat Incentive, we remain concerned about the impact this will have on investment in the sector at such a critical time. We feel that it is important to provide certainty and confidence and this action will only add to the uncertainty.\r\nIn the Scottish Government’s response to the consultation, we told the UK Government it was our belief that the measures set out were misguided and unnecessary and, while we do not agree that this measure is required, we understand the UK Government’s reasons for introducing a change, and they have acknowledged and are aware of the risks associated with their actions.\r\nWe are very supportive of appropriate fiscal measures that will help protect the credibility of the Renewable Heat Incentive scheme and we continue to work with the UK Government as they develop longer term proposals.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-07-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-05T14:15:22.85","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274133,"EventID":"S4W-08155","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4934,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-21T14:15:22.927","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-20T15:28:56.163","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the seabird special protection areas and sites of special scientific interest have been subject to six-yearly site condition monitoring.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the seabird special protection areas and sites of special scientific interest have been subject to six-yearly site condition monitoring.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-08158 on 2 July 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/Apps2/MAQASearch/QAndMSearch.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-07-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-05T14:15:22.927","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274134,"EventID":"S4W-08156","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4934,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-21T14:15:23.007","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-20T15:28:56.163","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the marine special area of conservation network has been subject to six-yearly site condition monitoring.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the marine special area of conservation network has been subject to six-yearly site condition monitoring.","AnswerText":"Marine features in special areas of conservation (SAC) in Scotland are included in Scottish Natural Heritage’s Site Condition Monitoring rolling six year programme. The frequency at which an individual feature will be monitored is determined by the risk/vulnerability of the feature type across the designated sites suite with higher risk/more vulnerable features being monitored more frequently. Site condition monitoring has not taken place at proposed or candidate SACs to date.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-07-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-05T14:15:23.007","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274135,"EventID":"S4W-08157","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4934,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-21T14:15:23.083","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-20T15:28:56.163","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the site condition is of the marine Natura 2000 sites.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the site condition is of the marine Natura 2000 sites.\r\n","AnswerText":"For the suite of Special Areas of Conservation within territorial waters 52 designated features are in favourable condition and five are in unfavourable condition.\r\nThe Special Protection Areas which were classified in 2009 in the marine environment have not reached their first six yearly site condition but at the time of site classification Scottish Natural Heritage considered site condition monitoring requirements and concluded that monitoring of the breeding colony was sufficient.\r\nSites in offshore waters adjacent to Scotland are currently either proposed or candidate Special Areas of Conservation (SACs). Scientific data used to recommend the site to the EC are different to that required to assess the site condition. Condition of the sites at the time of their submission to the EC is estimated using information on marine activities that might damage the features of the site, and the sensitivity of the habitats or species to such activities. Further information can be found on the JNCC website http://jncc.defra.gov.uk/page-4534. Please note that some of these documents are draft versions and are currently being updated ahead of their formal release to public authorities.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-07-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-05T14:15:23.083","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274136,"EventID":"S4W-08158","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4934,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-21T14:15:23.16","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-20T15:28:56.163","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether (a) Scottish Natural Heritage and (b) the Joint Nature Conservation Committee will continue to undertake site condition monitoring of seabird special protection a","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether (a) Scottish Natural Heritage and (b) the Joint Nature Conservation Committee will continue to undertake site condition monitoring of seabird special protection areas and sites of special scientific interest on a six-yearly basis.","AnswerText":"Where Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) or Non Governmental Organisations (NGOs) carry out routine seabird monitoring on reserves the data is used to complete condition assessments for seabirds every six years. Beyond this SNH relies on the UK-wide national seabird census work to assess populations.\r\nUK breeding seabird population trends are assessed through a 15 year census reporting cycle interspersed with annual monitoring. This allows both long and short term population trends to be identified. There have been three seabird colony censuses to date (1969-70; 1985-88 and 1998-2002) with a further census currently in the early planning stage (estimated completion 2014-17). The Joint Nature Conservation Committee (JNCC) are co-ordinating this census in collaboration with a multi-stakeholder group composed of members from the statutory nature conservation bodies, environmental NGOs and academia.\r\nJNCC also coordinate the Seabird Monitoring Programme (established 1986), a partnership programme that collates sample data on breeding numbers and breeding success of seabirds, to enable their conservation status to be assessed. The Seabird Monitoring Programme provides annual updates to the population trends identified by the seabird censuses and also assesses seabird breeding success, survival rate and diet, together with interpretation of the likely causes of change. All Special Protection Areas for breeding seabirds are monitored during each seabird census, together with a selection of these on a more regular basis by the Seabird Monitoring Programme.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-07-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-05T14:15:23.177","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274137,"EventID":"S4W-08159","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4934,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-21T14:15:23.253","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-20T15:28:56.163","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it will ensure that the features of marine protected areas are not damaged.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it will ensure that the features of marine protected areas are not damaged.\r\n","AnswerText":"Marine Protected Areas will be managed to achieve the conservation objectives. The need for specific management over and above existing sectoral measures and licensing will be determined on a site-by-site basis. It will be based on the protected features, their condition, the conservation objectives, and the level of sensitivity to pressures caused by marine activities. Discussions with stakeholders who have practical environmental knowledge of the location will help shape the most appropriate management measures.\r\nCompetent Authorities will also have to consider the potential impacts on MPA features when exercising any of their functions as required by sections 82 and 83 of the Marine (Scotland) Act 2010.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-07-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-05T14:15:23.27","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274138,"EventID":"S4W-08160","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4934,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-21T14:15:23.35","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-20T15:28:56.163","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it will protect cetaceans by means of the provisions of the Marine (Scotland) Act 2010 and the Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it will protect cetaceans by means of the provisions of the Marine (Scotland) Act 2010 and the Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009.\r\n","AnswerText":"Any Marine Protected Area (MPA) proposal brought forward will complement the species protection already afforded to all species of cetaceans by virtue of being European Protected Species under the EU Habitats Directive.\r\nThree species of cetaceans are listed as MPA search features - Risso's dolphin, white-beaked dolphin and minke whale. To ensure that important life stages of these species are considered for protection, MPA search locations are currently being assessed against the Scottish MPA Selection Guidelines.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-07-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-05T14:15:23.35","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274139,"EventID":"S4W-08161","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4934,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-21T14:15:23.443","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-20T15:28:56.163","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what it is doing to provide protection for marine areas critical to basking sharks.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what it is doing to provide protection for marine areas critical to basking sharks.\r\n","AnswerText":"Any Marine Protected Area (MPA) proposal brought forward will complement the species protection already afforded to Basking Shark through the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, as amended.\r\nThe basking shark is listed as a MPA search feature.\r\nOne search location has been identified and is currently being assessed to identify if there are any habitats critical for the species.\r\nAs part of this, further research is being undertaken;\r\n(a) through tagging basking sharks within the MPA search location this summer to understand more about their fine-scale distribution and use of the area and\r\n(b) to gain a greater understanding of the habitats that support basking shark in this location through data modelling.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-07-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-05T14:15:23.443","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274140,"EventID":"S4W-08162","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4934,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-21T14:15:23.537","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-20T15:28:56.163","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what research is planned or underway to fill the knowledge gaps identified by the Marine Climate Change Impacts Partnership's paper, Knowledge Gaps.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what research is planned or underway to fill the knowledge gaps identified by the Marine Climate Change Impacts Partnership's paper, Knowledge Gaps.","AnswerText":"Marine Scotland is working in two areas to identify work that it needs to take forward from the Marine Climate Change Impacts Partnership’s paper, Research Gaps. Firstly with its partners within the CAMERAS (Co-ordinated Agenda for Marine, Environment and Rural Affairs Science) Scottish Marine Science Strategy framework to identify specific work. Secondly, within the UK Marine Science Co-ordination Committee, of which Marine Scotland is a member, which considered the MCCIP paper at its March meeting. Research into climate change is a very broad issue and it will not be for Scottish Government to address all of these gaps. Nonetheless, Scottish Government is working with the wider marine research community to ensure most of these issues are addressed.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-05T14:15:23.55","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274141,"EventID":"S4W-08163","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4934,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-21T14:15:23.66","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-20T15:28:56.163","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it will address the conservation issues identified for marine species and habitats in Scotland's Marine Atlas: Information for The National Marine Plan.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it will address the conservation issues identified for marine species and habitats in Scotland's Marine Atlas: Information for The National Marine Plan.\r\n","AnswerText":"Scotland’s marine Atlas identified a number of pressures on marine habitats and species, including changes in the physical and chemical qualities of the water, disturbance of the seabed, underwater noise, recreational disturbance, and coastal development. A number of initiatives are underway which will help to address these issues.\r\nThe National Marine Plan will include objectives and policies to contribute to managing and minimising the impact of pressures identified in the Atlas, including steering damaging uses away from sensitive areas. It will also include ecosystem objectives and policies to support general ecosystem health and functioning and to further conservation measures. Environmental protection will be incorporated into decision making.\r\nTargets and indicators are currently under development to achieve Good Environmental Status by 2020 under the European Marine Strategy Framework Directive, and a programme of measures to achieve these targets must be in place by 2016. Marine planning provides one of several mechanisms to implement the measures once in place.\r\nThe Marine Nature Conservation Strategy for Scotland outlines objectives and measures to meet strategic aims for conservation. It focuses on a three pillar approach - species measures, site protection measures, and other initiatives that make a contribution to nature conservation, and which can be incorporated in decision making. Marine planning is one example. \r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-07-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-05T14:15:23.66","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274142,"EventID":"S4W-08164","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4934,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-21T14:15:23.753","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-20T15:28:56.163","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it will improve the status of species and habitats identified as deteriorating in Scotland's Marine Atlas: Information for The National Marine Plan.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it will improve the status of species and habitats identified as deteriorating in Scotland's Marine Atlas: Information for The National Marine Plan.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-08163 on 9 July 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-07-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-05T14:15:23.753","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274143,"EventID":"S4W-08165","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4934,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-21T14:15:23.833","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-20T15:28:56.163","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what wider seas measures it will implement to ensure favourable conservation status for marine species and habitats.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what wider seas measures it will implement to ensure favourable conservation status for marine species and habitats.\r\n","AnswerText":"Examples of wider seas measures are marine planning, environmental impact assessment, and strategic environmental assessment. In addition to these, wider seas measures contained within sectoral policies and plans can play their part in improving the status of marine habitats and species. \r\nReformation of the Common Fisheries Policy and implementation of Inshore Fisheries Group management plans should provide environmental benefit. Measures under development to deliver good environmental status by 2020 under the EU Marine Strategy Framework Directive should also provide benefit to marine species and habitats. The Scottish Government is also developing a marine litter strategy.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-07-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-05T14:15:23.833","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274144,"EventID":"S4W-08166","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4934,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-21T14:15:23.91","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-20T15:49:35.307","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the current term for the chair of Scottish Natural Heritage ends and what progress has been made in appointing a successor.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the current term for the chair of Scottish Natural Heritage ends and what progress has been made in appointing a successor.\r\n","AnswerText":"The current term of appointment for the Chair of Scottish Natural Heritage ends on 31 July 2012. Details of an extension to this appointment from 1 August 2012 to 28 February 2014 were announced by the Scottish Government on 25 May. A copy of the news release is available at http://www.scotland.gov.uk/News/Releases/2012/05/SNHchair250512.\r\nWe expect to commence arrangements for the appointment of a successor in the autumn of 2013.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-07-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-05T14:15:23.927","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274145,"EventID":"S4W-08169","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4014,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-21T14:15:23.987","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-20T15:56:33","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many wind farm development applications it has called in in each year since 1999, broken down by local authority.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many wind farm development applications it has called in in each year since 1999, broken down by local authority.\r\n","AnswerText":"The information available is given in the following table.\r\nYear\r\nNo. Called-in\r\nPer Year\r\nLocal Authority\r\n2002\r\n1\r\nArgyll and Bute Council\r\n2003\r\n1\r\nEast Ayrshire Council\r\n2004\r\n2\r\nOrkney Islands Council\r\n2006\r\n1\r\nComhairle nan Eilean Siar\r\n2007\r\n1\r\nOrkney Islands Council\r\n2008\r\n2\r\nAberdeenshire Council and\r\nArgyll and Bute Council\r\n2012\r\n1\r\nComhairle nan Eilean Siar\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-07-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-05T14:15:24.003","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Derek Mackay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274146,"EventID":"S4W-08170","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4014,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-21T14:15:24.08","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-20T15:56:33","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assessment it has made of the impact on local authority planning department budgets of the costs associated with planning applications for wind farm developments.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assessment it has made of the impact on local authority planning department budgets of the costs associated with planning applications for wind farm developments.\r\n","AnswerText":"No such assessment has been made, however information on the general impacts of processing planning applications is given in page 1 of Consultation on Fees for Planning Applications 2012 published by the Scottish Government in March 2012. The consultation can be found at http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2012/03/3164/downloads. \r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-07-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-05T14:15:24.08","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Derek MacKay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274147,"EventID":"S4W-08171","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4014,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-21T14:15:24.177","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-20T15:56:33","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assessment it has made of the impact on Scottish Natural Heritage of the costs associated with planning applications for wind farm developments.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assessment it has made of the impact on Scottish Natural Heritage of the costs associated with planning applications for wind farm developments.","AnswerText":"No such assessment has been made.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-07-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-05T14:15:24.177","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274148,"EventID":"S4W-08172","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4014,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-21T14:15:24.253","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-20T15:56:33","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assessment it has made of the impact on the Scottish Environment Protection Agency of the costs associated with planning applications for wind farm developments.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assessment it has made of the impact on the Scottish Environment Protection Agency of the costs associated with planning applications for wind farm developments.","AnswerText":"No such assessment has been made.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-07-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-05T14:15:24.27","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Derek Mackay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274149,"EventID":"S4W-08173","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4014,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-21T14:15:24.347","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-20T15:56:33","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its administration costs have been for each wind farm development application that it has called in, in each year since 1999.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its administration costs have been for each wind farm development application that it has called in, in each year since 1999.","AnswerText":"It is not possible to quantify administration costs as officials do not routinely record this information on an individual case basis.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-07-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-05T14:15:24.363","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Derek Mackay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274150,"EventID":"S4W-08174","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":136,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-21T14:15:24.44","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-20T16:01:48","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it considers that any of the recommendations made in the report by the Communities, Equality and Local Government Committee of the National Assembly for Wales, Th","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it considers that any of the recommendations made in the report by the Communities, Equality and Local Government Committee of the National Assembly for Wales, The future outlook for the media in Wales could be applied in Scotland.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government is aware of the report by the Communities, Equality and Local Government Committee of the National Assembly for Wales, The future outlook for the media in Wales.\r\nThere is a commonality between many of the report’s recommendations such as on developing the Welsh broadcasting sector, increased production levels and greater accountability of broadcasting institutions to the Welsh people and recommendations previously made by the Scottish Broadcasting Commission.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-07-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-05T14:15:24.44","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274151,"EventID":"S4W-08175","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2134,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":82,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-21T14:15:24.52","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-20T16:22:10.627","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many businesses that received support under the small business bonus scheme went out of business in the year in which they received that support, in the last two year","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many businesses that received support under the small business bonus scheme went out of business in the year in which they received that support, in the last two years for which information is available.","AnswerText":"In the four years since its introduction by this Government, the Small Business Bonus Scheme has reduced business rates taxation for over 85,000 business premises across Scotland, including over 6,900 in Lanarkshire.\r\nA 2009 poll by the Federation of Small Businesses stated that around two-thirds of businesses in receipt of the rates relief are putting the money saved into offsetting increases in other bills, with around one in eight suggesting the saving has helped their business stay afloat and almost one in ten had reinvested the saving in their business, for example in staff training.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-07-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-05T14:15:24.52","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274152,"EventID":"S4W-08176","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2134,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":82,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-21T14:15:24.597","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-20T16:22:10.627","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many businesses in receipt of support under the small business bonus scheme employed additional staff after receiving that support.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many businesses in receipt of support under the small business bonus scheme employed additional staff after receiving that support.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-08175 on 2 July 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-07-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-05T14:15:24.613","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274153,"EventID":"S4W-08177","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":136,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-21T14:15:24.69","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-20T16:20:41","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive (a) how many and (b) what percentage of consultations by Ofcom it has responded to in the last two years.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive (a) how many and (b) what percentage of consultations by Ofcom it has responded to in the last two years.\r\n","AnswerText":"Ofcom is the independent regulator and competition authority for the communications industries, including telecommunications, broadcasting and the postal service.\r\nSince June 2009 Ofcom has conducted 234 consultations on a broad range of subject areas. The Scottish Government responds to consultations when appropriate; including responding to the recent consultation on licensing local television.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-07-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-05T14:15:24.69","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274154,"EventID":"S4W-08178","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":136,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-21T14:15:24.8","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-20T16:29:28","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has a protocol with the UK Government for dealing with reserved broadcasting issues.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has a protocol with the UK Government for dealing with reserved broadcasting issues.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has an over-arching Memorandum of Understanding with the UK Government on how to work together, responsibilities of the respective governments and best practice for the relationship.\r\nThere is also a concordat agreement between the Scottish Government and the Department of Culture, Media and Sport. The purpose of this document is to act as a guidance document on working practices to ensure a close and effective working relationship.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-07-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-05T14:15:24.8","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274155,"EventID":"S4W-08179","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":136,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-21T14:15:24.923","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-20T16:33:24","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what funding it has provided to community radio in each of the last five years.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what funding it has provided to community radio in each of the last five years.\r\n","AnswerText":"Community radio is important to the Scottish Government in reaching micro-local communities with public information messages. For each government campaign we assess the relevance to the audience in order to compile a media schedule, which often includes community radio. The Scottish Government provides between 8-10% of radio advertising expenditure to community radio, as follows (overall advertising expenditure varies from year to year, affected by, for example, the need for public information in specific localities due to the severe winter weather in 2009-10 and 2010-11):\r\n2008-09 - £83,612\r\n2009-10 - £128,968\r\n2010-11 - £133,962\r\n2011-12 - £67,116.\r\nCommunity radio stations that have received advertising funding are listed in the following table.\r\n\r\nCommunity Stations Used\r\n2008\r\n2009\r\n2010\r\n2011\r\n2012\r\n\r\n\r\nArgyll FM\r\nArgyll FM\r\nArgyll FM\r\n\r\n\r\nCaithness FM\r\nAwaz FM\r\nAwaz FM\r\n\r\n\r\nCuillin FM\r\nCaithness FM\r\nCaithness FM\r\n\r\n\r\nHeartland FM\r\nCuillin FM\r\nCuillin FM\r\nIsles FM\r\nIsles FM\r\nIsles FM\r\nHeartland FM\r\nHeartland FM\r\n\r\n\r\nL107\r\nIsles FM\r\nIsles FM\r\n\r\n\r\nLeith FM\r\nL107\r\nL107\r\nLochbroom FM\r\nLochbroom FM\r\nLochbroom FM\r\nLeith FM\r\nLeith FM\r\n\r\n\r\nNECR\r\nLochbroom FM\r\nLochbroom FM\r\nNevis Radio\r\nNevis Radio\r\nNevis Radio\r\nNECR\r\n\r\nOban FM\r\nOban FM\r\nOban FM\r\nNevis Radio\r\nNevis Radio\r\n\r\nPerth FM\r\nPerth FM\r\nOban FM\r\nOban FM\r\nSIBC\r\nSIBC\r\nSIBC\r\nPerth FM\r\n\r\n\r\nSunny Govan Radio\r\nSunny Govan Radio\r\nSIBC\r\nSIBC\r\n\r\nSuperstation Orkney\r\nSuperstation Orkney\r\nSunny Govan Radio\r\nSunny Govan Radio\r\n\r\nTwo Lochs Radio\r\nTwo Lochs Radio\r\nSuperstation Orkney\r\nSuperstation Orkney\r\n\r\nWaves Radio\r\nWaves Radio\r\nTwo Lochs Radio\r\nTwo Lochs Radio\r\n\r\nYOURradio\r\nYOURradio\r\nWaves Radio\r\nWaves Radio\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nYOURradio\r\nYOURradio\r\nIn addition, from time to time, community radio stations have been successful in securing grants through various Scottish Government policy streams. However, no central record is retained of these grants.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-07-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-05T14:15:24.923","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274156,"EventID":"S4W-08180","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":136,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-21T14:15:25.003","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-20T16:35:07","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive which community radio stations have received funding in each of the last five years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive which community radio stations have received funding in each of the last five years.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-08179 on 6 July 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-07-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-05T14:15:25.017","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274171,"EventID":"S4W-08187","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3806,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-21T16:59:13.927","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-21T10:21:33.707","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the value is of the Northern Ferries contract.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the value is of the Northern Ferries contract.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-07974 on 27 June 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx \r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-07-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-05T16:59:14.097","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274172,"EventID":"S4W-08188","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3806,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-21T16:59:14.237","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-21T10:21:33.707","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any changes are planned to the pension commitments to staff as a result of SERCO taking over the Northern Ferries contract.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any changes are planned to the pension commitments to staff as a result of SERCO taking over the Northern Ferries contract.\r\n","AnswerText":"Following the award of the next Northern Isles ferry services contract to Serco Ltd, staff who work on the existing NorthLink service are entitled to transfer to Serco through the Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) Regulations (TUPE) rules. Pension protection for workers who transfer under TUPE rules is provided for under sections 257 and 258 of the Pensions Act 2004.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-07-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-05T16:59:14.253","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274173,"EventID":"S4W-08189","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-21T16:59:14.347","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-21T11:28:32.107","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what (a) its initial estimate and (b) the final outturn cost was of each public sector body merger that has taken place since 2007.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what (a) its initial estimate and (b) the final outturn cost was of each public sector body merger that has taken place since 2007.","AnswerText":"The estimated costs and savings of each public body merger in the Simplification Programme are set out in the Public Services Reform: Simplification and Improvement Update Document, May 2009, which is published on the Scottish Government website at http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Government/public-bodies/pubs/SimplificationProgrammeUpdateDocument.\r\nThe estimated cost and savings of the additional mergers introduced at Stage 2 of the Public Service Reform (Scotland) Act 2010 (and therefore not included in the 2009 Update document), are set out in the Supplementary Financial Memorandum which accompanied the bill following stage 2 consideration, which is published on the Scottish Parliament website at: \r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/Bills/16535.aspx.  \r\nThe public body mergers since the Public Services Reform (Scotland) Act 2010 are listed in the Simplification Tracker, which is published on the Scottish Government website at: \r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Government/public-bodies/simplification-programme/SimplificationTracker. \r\nI will write to you separately with details of the estimated costs and savings of these mergers.\r\nI will also write to the member separately about what information might usefully be collected in respect of the final outturn costs for each of the public sector body mergers since 2007.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-07-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-05T16:59:14.347","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274174,"EventID":"S4W-08191","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-21T16:59:14.457","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-21T11:28:32.107","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S4W-07593 by Keith Brown 18 June 2012, how much the Air Discount Scheme cost (a) Scotland and (b) Shetland from (i) 1 April 2010 to 31 ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S4W-07593 by Keith Brown 18 June 2012, how much the Air Discount Scheme cost (a) Scotland and (b) Shetland from (i) 1 April 2010 to 31 March 2011 and (ii) 1 April 2011 to 31 March 2012.","AnswerText":"Amounts paid in discounted air fares under the Air Discount Scheme are as follows:\r\nScotland\r\nApril 2010 to March 2011 - £5.689 million\r\nApril 2011 to March 2012 - £4.610 million\r\nShetland\r\nApril 2010 to March 2011 - £2.092 million\r\nApril 2011 to March 2012 - £1.711 million\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-07-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-05T16:59:14.47","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274175,"EventID":"S4W-08192","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-21T16:59:14.55","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-21T11:28:32.107","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S4W-07593 by Keith Brown 18 June 2012, for what reason it provided the figures for the calendar years 2010 and 2011.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S4W-07593 by Keith Brown 18 June 2012, for what reason it provided the figures for the calendar years 2010 and 2011.\r\n","AnswerText":"We provided figures for 2010 and 2011 to offer some insight into the change in Air Discount Scheme expenditure following the application, in 2011, of terms and conditions which were an original component of the scheme agreed with the European Commission in 2006.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-07-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-05T16:59:14.55","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274176,"EventID":"S4W-08194","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4014,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-21T16:59:14.627","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-21T11:58:22.753","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the review of third sector funding for children, young people and families will be (a) completed and (b) published.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the review of third sector funding for children, young people and families will be (a) completed and (b) published.","AnswerText":"The review of the Unified Voluntary Sector and other funds is complete. The relevant documents are now available on the Scottish Government website. The report and recommendations from the expert group established to carry out the review is available at http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2012/06/4904. The Scottish Government response to the recommendations is available at http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2012/06/3626.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-07-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-05T16:59:14.627","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Aileen Campbell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274177,"EventID":"S4W-08195","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5109,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":101,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-21T16:59:14.707","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-21T13:56:39","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many higher education students from Scotland have received funding through the Erasmus programme in each year for which information is available.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many higher education students from Scotland have received funding through the Erasmus programme in each year for which information is available.\r\n","AnswerText":"The numbers as provided by the British Council (the UK national agency for Erasmus) are as follows:\r\nYear\r\nNumbers\r\n2006-07\r\n942\r\n2007-08\r\n1,344\r\n2008-09\r\n1,251\r\n2009-10\r\n1,466\r\n2010-11\r\n1,614\r\nThe figures are based on numbers of students per institution, from Scottish institutions.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-07-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-05T16:59:14.707","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274178,"EventID":"S4W-08196","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4086,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-21T16:59:14.8","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-21T13:50:36.43","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what pension provision it would make in an independent Scotland and where the funds would come from.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what pension provision it would make in an independent Scotland and where the funds would come from.","AnswerText":"On independence, welfare benefits and the state pension would continue to be paid as they are under the current devolution settlement. Pensions would be protected. On the basis of both revenue and share of GDP, Scotland is better able to afford the current levels of social protection than the rest of the UK.\r\nFigures from Government Expenditure and Revenue in Scotland show that in 2010-11, a smaller percentage of government revenue was spent on social protection in Scotland than in the United Kingdom as a whole: spending on social protection accounted for 42% of total government revenue in the United Kingdom, but 40% in Scotland, including a geographic share of North Sea revenues.\r\nIn Scotland, we spent 15% of our GDP (including North Sea GDP) on social protection in 2010-11, while the UK spent 16%. As a share of GDP, social protection spend has been lower in Scotland than the UK for each of the last five years.\r\nIt would be for future Scottish administrations to deliver improvements to the welfare system, designed for Scottish needs. Independence would allow future Scottish administrations the full flexibility required to make these improvements, in particular by aligning the welfare system with Scottish health, social care, education, employability and skills services and by focusing on key principles such as eradication of poverty.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-07-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-05T16:59:14.8","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274198,"EventID":"S4W-08204","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":2,"MSPID":4947,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-22T11:53:14.437","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-22T08:48:55","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will publish its formal response to the Commission on Women Offenders.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will publish its formal response to the Commission on Women Offenders.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government will publish our response to the Commission on Women Offenders’ report on 25 June. A copy has been placed in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre (Bib. number 54067).\r\nThe response focuses on the 37 clear sighted recommendations contained within the Commission on Women Offenders’ report. We agree with the aims and principles of all of the recommendations, accept 33 of them immediately, and will consider the remaining four in more detail.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-06T11:53:14.687","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274199,"EventID":"S4W-08205","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":2,"MSPID":3771,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-22T12:01:07.313","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-22T09:45:26","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will fulfil its commitments in Homes Fit for the 21st Century: The Scottish Government’s Strategy and Action Plan for Housing in the Next Decade: 2011-2020 to (a)","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will fulfil its commitments in Homes Fit for the 21st Century: The Scottish Government’s Strategy and Action Plan for Housing in the Next Decade: 2011-2020 to (a) introduce a further regulated standard for energy efficiency in social housing and (b) publish a strategy for sustainable housing.","AnswerText":"Our draft Sustainable Housing Strategy, Homes that Don’t Cost the Earth, is published today for public consultation. The strategy will set out our vision for warm, high quality, affordable, low carbon homes and a housing sector that will help to establish a successful low carbon economy across Scotland. It will include further information on our proposals for a National Retrofit Programme to refurbish existing homes to make them more energy efficient. This programme will prioritise fuel poor areas while maximising the energy efficiency measures and funding opportunities available to all. I have also published proposals for consultation on a new Energy Efficiency Standard for Social Housing that builds on and goes beyond the energy efficiency element of the Scottish Housing Quality Standard. Taken together, the proposals in these consultation documents will help to achieve the step change in provision of energy efficient housing we promised in the Infrastructure Investment Plan and help us meet the challenging targets on fuel poverty and emissions set by the Scottish Parliament.\r\nI have placed copies of the documents in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre:\r\nHomes that don’t cost the earth: A consultation on Scotland’s Sustainable Housing Strategy (Bib. number 54045).\r\nDeveloping an Energy Efficiency Standard for Social Housing: A Consultation (Bib. number 54047).\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-06T12:01:07.343","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274200,"EventID":"S4W-08197","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":136,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-22T13:40:40.733","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-21T14:25:56","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many (a) charges have been brought and (b) convictions have been made in each year under the Protection from Abuse (Scotland) Act 2001.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many (a) charges have been brought and (b) convictions have been made in each year under the Protection from Abuse (Scotland) Act 2001.","AnswerText":"The Protection from Abuse (Scotland) Act 2001 does not create any criminal offences and there can therefore be no prosecutions under this legislation.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-06T13:40:40.75","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274201,"EventID":"S4W-08198","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":136,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-22T13:40:40.997","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-21T14:25:56","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S4W-05956 by Kenny MacAskill on 8 March 2012, what the breakdown of dog control notices is by year.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S4W-05956 by Kenny MacAskill on 8 March 2012, what the breakdown of dog control notices is by year.","AnswerText":"The answer to S4W-05956 contained the number of dog control notices issued by local authorities between implementation of the legislation on 26 February 2011 and 5 March 2012. Therefore, the information in S4W-05956 covered the first full year of operation of the dog control notice regime.\r\nWe will likely collect further information from local authorities early next year when the legislation has been in force for two years i.e. information on the full second year of operation of the dog control notice regime will be available then.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-06T13:40:41.013","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274202,"EventID":"S4W-08199","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4016,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":133,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-22T13:40:41.093","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-21T15:15:41.587","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many requests for information under the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002 it has (a) received and (b) refused, broken down by year.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many requests for information under the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002 it has (a) received and (b) refused, broken down by year.","AnswerText":"This information is published in the Annual Reports on Information request handling in the Scottish Government which are available on the Scottish Government’s website at:\r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/About/Information/FOI/Reporting.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-06T13:40:41.093","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Brian Adam","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274203,"EventID":"S4W-08206","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5074,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":104,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-22T13:40:41.233","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-22T10:13:04","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to introduce legislation relating to the Scottish Law Commission's Report on Succession.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to introduce legislation relating to the Scottish Law Commission's Report on Succession.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government is considering the Scottish Law Commission’s Report on Succession (SCOT LAW COM No 215) 2009. Officials have met informally with a number of stakeholders because, although some of the report’s recommendations had significant support, others are controversial. That preparatory dialogue has confirmed that some stakeholders have real concerns about important aspects of the package. Formal consultation, when other priorities allow, will be necessary to inform the way forward.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-07-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-06T13:40:41.247","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Roseanna Cunningham","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274204,"EventID":"S4W-08207","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5074,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":104,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-22T13:40:41.34","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-22T10:13:04","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it considers that there are problems relating to special destinations registered before 1990 and, if so, whether it plans to introduce legislation to deal with th","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it considers that there are problems relating to special destinations registered before 1990 and, if so, whether it plans to introduce legislation to deal with them.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government is considering the Scottish Law Commission’s Report on Succession (SCOT LAW COM No 215) 2009 which followed a review of the law of succession, including special destinations. The 2009 report supersedes the Report on Succession (SCOT LAW COM No 124)1990 and reaches different conclusions in respect of special destinations.\r\nA number of the recommendations of the 2009 report are controversial and we will carry out formal consultation when other priorities allow. That exercise will inform decisions on the way forward on the report’s recommendations, including those on special destinations.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-07-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-06T13:40:41.357","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Roseanna Cunningham","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274205,"EventID":"S4W-08208","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5074,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":104,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-22T13:40:41.433","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-22T10:13:04","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it considers that there are problems relating to evacuations of special destinations registered before 1990 and, if so, whether it plans to introduce legislation ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it considers that there are problems relating to evacuations of special destinations registered before 1990 and, if so, whether it plans to introduce legislation to deal with them.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government is considering the Scottish Law Commission’s Report on Succession (SCOT LAW COM No 215) 2009 which followed a review of the law of succession, including the evacuation of special destinations. The 2009 report supersedes the Report on Succession (SCOT LAW COM No 124)1990 and reaches different conclusions in respect of the evacuation of special destinations.\r\nA number of the recommendations of the 2009 report are controversial and we will carry out formal consultation when other priorities allow. That exercise will inform decisions on the way forward on the report’s recommendations, including those on the evacuation of special destinations.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-07-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-06T13:40:41.433","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Roseanna Cunningham","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274219,"EventID":"S4W-08181","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2892,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-22T15:42:48.163","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-20T17:18:25","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consideration it has given to the implementation of a Scotland-wide bus survey that would make it possible to compare performance by area and by bus operator.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consideration it has given to the implementation of a Scotland-wide bus survey that would make it possible to compare performance by area and by bus operator.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has no plans to implement a Scotland-wide bus survey at this time, however, the Scottish Household Survey (SHS) is asked of a sample of households across Scotland each year and includes questions on passenger satisfaction including buses.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-07-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-06T15:42:48.18","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274220,"EventID":"S4W-08182","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2892,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-22T15:42:48.287","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-20T17:18:25","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had regarding a replacement for bus compliance officers.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had regarding a replacement for bus compliance officers.","AnswerText":"Discussions regarding the provision of bus compliance is currently ongoing with both Vehicle and Operator Services Agency (VOSA) and Bus Users UK.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-07-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-06T15:42:48.287","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274221,"EventID":"S4W-08183","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2892,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-22T15:42:48.367","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-20T17:18:25","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether enforcement examiners have been engaged to work on bus punctuality and, if so, how many.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether enforcement examiners have been engaged to work on bus punctuality and, if so, how many.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government provide funding to the Vehicle and Operator Services Agency (VOSA) to undertake bus punctuality improvement work in Scotland. Presently there are four enforcement examiners and bus punctuality forms part of their overall enforcement role. This will extend to seven or eight enforcement examiners within this financial year.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-07-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-06T15:42:48.367","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274222,"EventID":"S4W-08184","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2892,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-22T15:42:48.443","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-20T17:18:25","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what proportion of the work of enforcement examiners will be involved with bus punctuality assessment.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what proportion of the work of enforcement examiners will be involved with bus punctuality assessment.","AnswerText":"Vehicle and Operator Services Agency (VOSA) examiners involved in bus punctuality improvement will, as part of their duties, assess the suitability of systems for monitoring and improving punctuality that operators have in place. This work is considered to form around 20-25% of their normal duties. When required they may also carry out specific assessment of punctuality as part of a wider investigation.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-07-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-06T15:42:48.443","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274223,"EventID":"S4W-08185","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2892,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-22T15:42:48.523","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-20T17:18:25","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether bus operators are required to provide punctuality data to it or any of its statutory bodies.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether bus operators are required to provide punctuality data to it or any of its statutory bodies.","AnswerText":"Bus operators are required, when asked, to provide punctuality data to both the Traffic Commissioner and the local authority.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-07-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-06T15:42:48.523","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274224,"EventID":"S4W-08186","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2892,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-22T15:42:48.63","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-20T17:18:25","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many bus punctuality improvement partnerships are in operation and what assessment of their impact is being undertaken.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many bus punctuality improvement partnerships are in operation and what assessment of their impact is being undertaken.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has knowledge of two Bus Punctuality Improvement Partnership (BPIP) in operation. One operating in Aberdeen and the other operating in Dundee and Angus. Assessments are carried out by the relevant transport authorities and evidence is used to inform guidance produced by the Scottish Government.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-07-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-06T15:42:48.63","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274225,"EventID":"S4W-08209","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1866,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-22T15:42:48.727","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-22T10:26:22","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it ensures that wind energy projects in designated wildlife sites are monitored regularly.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it ensures that wind energy projects in designated wildlife sites are monitored regularly.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive ensures that wind energy projects in designated wildlife sites are given appropriate consideration by ensuring the involvement of the relevant conservation bodies in the evaluation process. When considering applications for large-scale wind generating stations, this involves consulting with developers, the statutory consultees (Scottish Natural Heritage and the Scottish Environment Protection Agency) and other interested parties to evaluate and consider the potential impacts, and to inform planning conditions. Planning conditions are attached to every consent which protect the environment during pre-construction and construction, the operational period of the site, and decommissioning and restoration period. \r\nDevelopments which have the potential to impact upon any European Designated Site are also subject to Appropriate Assessment as per Conservation (Natural Habitats, &c.) Regulations 1994 as amended. This assessment is conducted by the competent authority, which for large-scale wind developments (greater than 50MW) is Scottish Ministers.\r\nIt is the responsibility of the determining authority (the relevant Planning Authority for developments <50MW and Scottish Ministers >50MW) to ensure that any monitoring condition that is applied is well designed, meets established planning tests and makes appropriate provision in consultation with agencies such as SEPA or SNH. It is the responsibility of the Planning Authority to ensure that conditions requiring monitoring are appropriately complied with.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-07-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-06T15:42:48.727","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274226,"EventID":"S4W-08211","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-22T15:42:48.803","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-22T12:00:21.577","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what (a) discussions it has had with and (b) representations it has made to the Department of Business, Innovation and Skills regarding the implications for employment in","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what (a) discussions it has had with and (b) representations it has made to the Department of Business, Innovation and Skills regarding the implications for employment in Scotland of the Beecroft report on employment law.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government wrote to the UK Government Employment Minister in April and made clear that while we support efforts to streamline processes for employees and employers we remain to be convinced of the merits of encroaching on the existing rights of employees, particularly at this time. The Scottish Government is also not aware of any evidence that any of the recommendations in the Beecroft report would result in an increase in economic activity.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-07-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-06T15:42:48.803","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274227,"EventID":"S4W-08213","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1759,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-22T15:42:48.897","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-22T12:23:49","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consideration it has given to the security of supply of biomass for biomass power stations.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consideration it has given to the security of supply of biomass for biomass power stations.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has ensured that there is online planning guidance for planning authorities as well as scoping guidance for applications under Section 36 of the Electricity Act 1989. This guidance sets out the requirement to assess security of supply for individual biomass applications.\r\nThe Wood Fuel Task Force’s second report reiterated the need to prioritise the use of biomass for renewable heat at a scale appropriate to local supply and concluded that there is no capacity to support further large scale electricity generation biomass plants from the domestic wood fibre resource.\r\nThat is why we are reviewing support for such plant and are lobbying UK Government to recognise the impacts of support for electricity only plant at a UK level.\r\nStudies into Global biomass resource have been carried out at a UK level. The UK and Global Bioenergy Resource study was published in March 2011. It was produced by AEA on behalf of the UK Government.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-07-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-06T15:42:48.897","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274228,"EventID":"S4W-08214","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1759,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-22T15:42:48.973","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-22T12:23:49","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its position is on the need to increase the efficiency of biomass power plants.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its position is on the need to increase the efficiency of biomass power plants.\r\n","AnswerText":"Because of the multiple energy uses to which biomass can be put, the limits to supply, and the competition for that supply from other non-energy sectors, we need to encourage the most efficient and beneficial use of the available biomass resource. The Scottish Government would prefer to see biomass used in heat-only or combined heat and power (CHP) schemes, off gas-grid, and at a scale appropriate to make best use of both the available heat, and of local supply. That is one of the reasons why we have consulted on potential changes in this area under the Renewables Obligation (Scotland).\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-06T15:42:48.973","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274241,"EventID":"S4W-08217","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4080,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-25T12:46:23.627","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-22T16:18:16.8","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many hoax calls have been made to the Scottish Ambulance Service and what the cost was of dealing with these, in each of the last three years.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many hoax calls have been made to the Scottish Ambulance Service and what the cost was of dealing with these, in each of the last three years.\r\n","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally. The Scottish Government condemns hoax calls to our emergency services, these are not victimless pranks and they distract vital resources and attention away from those who are in life threatening situations.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-09T12:46:24.797","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274242,"EventID":"S4W-08218","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5106,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":118,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-25T12:46:24.997","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-24T18:49:08.987","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what powers local authorities have to deal with owners of derelict buildings who do not secure their premises against vandals and fire-raisers.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what powers local authorities have to deal with owners of derelict buildings who do not secure their premises against vandals and fire-raisers.","AnswerText":"The existing legislation enables local authorities to deal with defective or dangerous buildings. They can serve notice on the owner to carry out emergency work to secure the premises, where there is a danger to the public. If the owner does not carry out the work they are guilty of an offence under the Building (Scotland) Act 2003. The local authority can then do work in default of the owner.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-07-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-09T12:46:25.013","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Derek Mackay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274243,"EventID":"S4W-08219","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5106,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":118,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-25T12:46:25.107","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-24T18:49:08.987","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to allow police and fire services to charge for call-outs to derelict buildings that have not been secured against vandals and fire-raisers.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to allow police and fire services to charge for call-outs to derelict buildings that have not been secured against vandals and fire-raisers.\r\n","AnswerText":"There are no plans to allow the new Police Service of Scotland or Scottish Fire and Rescue Service to introduce charges for call-outs to derelict buildings.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-07-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-09T12:46:25.107","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274244,"EventID":"S4W-08220","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5106,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":118,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-25T12:46:25.217","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-24T18:49:08.987","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many notices each local authority has issued in each year to owners of defective or derelict buildings under the Building (Scotland) Act 2003.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many notices each local authority has issued in each year to owners of defective or derelict buildings under the Building (Scotland) Act 2003.\r\n","AnswerText":"This is a matter for local authorities. Limited information on defective buildings notices issued by individual local authorities since 2005 should be available on their online Building Standards Register.\r\nThe only data held centrally is the Building Standards Annual Return for 2010-11. This recorded 96 notices served on owners of defective buildings. A breakdown by local authority is found in the following table:\r\nLocal Authority\r\nNo. of Defective\r\nNotices Issued\r\nAberdeen City\r\n4\r\nAberdeenshire\r\n0\r\nAngus\r\n0\r\nArgyll and Bute\r\n0\r\nCity of Edinburgh\r\n0\r\nClackmannanshire\r\n0\r\nComhairle nan Eilean Siar\r\n0\r\nDumfries and Galloway\r\n0\r\nDundee City\r\n0\r\nEast Ayrshire\r\n0\r\nEast Dunbartonshire\r\n0\r\nEast Lothian\r\n0\r\nEast Renfrewshire\r\n0\r\nFalkirk\r\n0\r\nFife\r\n0\r\nGlasgow City\r\n0\r\nHighland\r\n13\r\nInverclyde\r\n2\r\nMidlothian\r\n7\r\nMoray\r\n0\r\nNorth Ayrshire\r\n0\r\nNorth Lanarkshire\r\n24\r\nOrkney\r\n0\r\nPerth and Kinross\r\n3\r\nRenfrewshire\r\n25\r\nScottish Borders\r\n17\r\nShetland Islands\r\n0\r\nSouth Ayrshire\r\n0\r\nSouth Lanarkshire\r\n0\r\nStirling\r\n0\r\nWest Dunbartonshire\r\n0\r\nWest Lothian\r\n1\r\nScotland\r\n96\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-07-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-09T12:46:25.217","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Derek Mackay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274245,"EventID":"S4W-08221","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5106,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":118,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-25T12:46:25.34","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-24T18:49:08.987","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what responsibilities owners of derelict listed buildings have to ensure that their property does not fall into serious disrepair.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what responsibilities owners of derelict listed buildings have to ensure that their property does not fall into serious disrepair.","AnswerText":"All building owners have a general responsibility to maintain their property. There is no specific additional responsibility for the owners of unoccupied listed buildings. If it appears to a local authority that such a building is defective or dangerous they are empowered under sections 28-30 of the Building (Scotland) Act 2003 to carry out remedial works and to pursue the building owner for the expense incurred.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-07-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-09T12:46:25.34","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274246,"EventID":"S4W-08222","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-25T12:46:25.48","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-25T10:17:40.233","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its position is on the judgement in Italy in the case of Valentino Bocca relating to MMR inoculations and autism.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its position is on the judgement in Italy in the case of Valentino Bocca relating to MMR inoculations and autism.\r\n","AnswerText":"The judgement in Italy reflects the opinion of a judge on the specific facts of this single case and should not be seen as a precedent for any other case. The judgement does not alter the scientific position that there is no credible scientific evidence to show that MMR vaccine is a cause of autism. A wide range of large epidemiological studies, performed over more than a decade in a variety of countries, have consistently found no link between MMR and autism.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-09T12:46:25.48","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274247,"EventID":"S4W-08223","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-25T12:46:25.637","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-25T10:17:40.233","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will review the use of the MMR vaccine following the recent judgement in Italy in the case of Valentino Bocca relating to MMR inoculations and autism.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will review the use of the MMR vaccine following the recent judgement in Italy in the case of Valentino Bocca relating to MMR inoculations and autism.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government bases vaccination policy on the independent expert advice provided by the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation. The view of the JCVI is that there is overwhelming scientific evidence that MMR does not cause autism.\r\nIn March a judge presiding over a case in Rimini Italy decided to award compensation to the parents of a nine year old boy on the basis that a vaccination against measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) had caused autism. This decision reflects the opinion of a judge on the specific facts of this single case and should not be seen as a precedent for any other case.\r\nThe judgement of the court in Italy does not alter the scientific position and there are no plans to undertake further research nor to change MMR immunisation policy as a result of this Italian court decision.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-09T12:46:25.637","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274248,"EventID":"S4W-08224","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-25T12:46:25.81","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-25T10:17:40.233","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what it is doing to (a) promote and (b) preserve the Ben Lomond National Memorial Park.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what it is doing to (a) promote and (b) preserve the Ben Lomond National Memorial Park.","AnswerText":"The Memorial Park’s management agreement, which was drawn up in 1996, is being reviewed and updated with the assistance of Forestry Commission Scotland, National Trust for Scotland and Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park Authority. The area will, however, remain dedicated as a living landscape for quiet recreation and contemplation in memory of those who have fallen in conflict. The partners to the new management agreement will look at appropriate ways to promote the memorial both locally and through websites and leaflets.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-07-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-09T12:46:25.81","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274249,"EventID":"S4W-08225","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-25T12:46:25.933","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-25T10:17:40.233","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what work will take place to improve the A9 between 1 July 2012 and 1 January 2017.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what work will take place to improve the A9 between 1 July 2012 and 1 January 2017.","AnswerText":"The timetable for the dualling of the A9 between Perth and Inverness was announced by Alex Neil, Cabinet Secretary for Infrastructure and Capital Investment, on 26 June 2012. It identifies packages of design and development work with the objective of being ready to start construction by 2015-16.\r\nThe timetable can be viewed at: \r\nhttp://www.transportscotland.gov.uk/files/documents/projects/A9_Dualling_Perth_to_Inverness_-_Programme_-_June_2012.pdf\r\nIn addition, Transport Scotland has programmed over £26 million of routine safety, improvement and maintenance works between 2012 and 2015.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-07-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-09T12:46:25.933","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274250,"EventID":"S4W-08226","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-25T12:46:26.06","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-25T10:17:40.233","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with representatives of the haulage industry regarding increasing HGV speed limits on trunk roads.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with representatives of the haulage industry regarding increasing HGV speed limits on trunk roads.","AnswerText":"Officials from Transport Scotland meet representatives of the Road Haulage Association and Freight Transport Association periodically. Speed limits for HGVs on A-roads have been one of many issues discussed.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-07-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-09T12:46:26.073","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274251,"EventID":"S4W-08227","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-25T12:46:26.2","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-25T10:17:40.233","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will consider increasing HGV speed limits from 40 mph to 50 mph on trunk roads.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will consider increasing HGV speed limits from 40 mph to 50 mph on trunk roads.","AnswerText":"We currently have no plans to increase the speed limits applying to HGVs on trunk roads, although we do now have the power to do so under the Scotland Act 2012.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-07-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-09T12:46:26.2","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274252,"EventID":"S4W-08234","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":3824,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-25T12:46:26.34","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-25T10:47:24","Title":"To ask the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body whether it has received representations from the Chinese Government regarding the recent visit of His Holiness the Dalai Lama to the Parliament and, if","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body whether it has received representations from the Chinese Government regarding the recent visit of His Holiness the Dalai Lama to the Parliament and, if so, what these were.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Presiding Officer was approached by the Edinburgh Inter-Faith Association to ask if she would be willing to facilitate a pastoral meeting between representatives of Scotland’s faiths and religious organisations and His Holiness The 14th Dalai Lama. The Presiding Officer agreed to this request and the meeting took place, as scheduled, on Friday 22nd June in Queensberry House. \r\n \r\nHaving agreed to this meeting the Presiding Officer invited the People’s Republic of China’s Consul General to Scotland, Mr Li Ruiyou, to meet her on Tuesday 13 March in the Scottish Parliament. At this meeting the Presiding Officer informed the Consul General that she would be facilitating a pastoral meeting in Queensberry House where His Holiness The 14th Dalai Lama would meet with representatives of Scotland’s faiths and religious organisations. \r\n \r\nThere have been two other occasions this year when the Consul General of the People’s Republic of China has met representatives of the Scottish Parliament. The Clerk / Chief Executive, Paul Grice, met the Consul General on 21 February and the Deputy Presiding Officer, John Scott MSP, and some Members from the Cross Party Group on China, attended a function hosted by the Consul General on 20 March. The issue of His Holiness The 14th Dalai Lama’s pastoral meeting at the Scottish Parliament was raised on both occasions.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-07-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-09T12:46:26.357","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Linda Fabiani","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274253,"EventID":"S4W-08235","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":3824,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-25T12:46:26.527","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-25T10:47:24","Title":"To ask the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body who was present at the recent meeting in the Parliament with His Holiness the Dalai Lama. \r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body who was present at the recent meeting in the Parliament with His Holiness the Dalai Lama. \r\n","AnswerText":"The Presiding Officer was approached by the Edinburgh Inter-Faith Association to ask if she would be willing to facilitate a pastoral meeting between representatives of Scotland’s faiths and religious organisations and His Holiness The 14th Dalai Lama. The Presiding Officer agreed to this request and the meeting was arranged for Friday 22nd June in Queensberry House. Present at the meeting, in addition to the Presiding Officer and His Holiness The 14th Dalai Lama, were:\r\n \r\nImam Mohammad Sajjad Asam - representative of the Muslim Faith;\r\nRight Reverend Albert Bogle – Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland;\r\nMost Reverend David Chillingworth – Primus of the Episcopal Church in Scotland;\r\nAllan Forsyth – Chairperson of the Baha’i Council of Scotland;\r\nLouisa Gupta – representative of the Brahma Kumaris faith;\r\nAcharya Medini Pati Mishra Ji – representative of the Hindu faith;\r\nHis Eminence Keith Patrick O’Brien – Cardinal of the Roman Catholic Church in Scotland;\r\nReverend Donald Reid – Co-Convener of the Edinburgh Inter-Faith Association and Director of the Scottish Inter-Faith Council;\r\nLama Yeshe Losal Rinpoche – representative of the Buddhist faith;\r\nReverend Maud Robinson – representative of the Scottish Unitarian Association;\r\nRabbi Avrohom Moshe Rubin – representative of the Jewish faith; \r\nMr Wege Singh – representative of the Sikh faith; and\r\nBrother Stephen Smyth, General-Secretary, Action for Churches Together in Scotland\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-07-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-09T12:46:26.527","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Linda Fabiani","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274254,"EventID":"S4W-08236","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3824,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-25T12:46:26.637","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-25T10:47:24","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with the administration of Dundee City Council regarding the recent visit of His Holiness the Dalai Lama.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with the administration of Dundee City Council regarding the recent visit of His Holiness the Dalai Lama.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has had no discussions with the administration of Dundee City Council, regarding the recent visit of His Holiness the Dalai Lama to Scotland.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-07-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-09T12:46:26.65","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274255,"EventID":"S4W-08237","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4939,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":78,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-25T12:46:26.73","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-25T10:50:54","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress Transport Scotland and Falkirk Council have made regarding improving junctions 5 and 6 on the M9.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress Transport Scotland and Falkirk Council have made regarding improving junctions 5 and 6 on the M9.","AnswerText":"The improvements to junctions 5 and 6 are led by Falkirk Council. Transport Scotland and Falkirk Council are discussing the proposals to ensure they fully comply with Transport Scotland’s and the Council’s interests.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-07-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-09T12:46:26.747","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274256,"EventID":"S4W-08238","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4939,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":78,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-25T12:46:26.823","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-25T10:50:54","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made on plans to install signals at the M9 junction 6 off-slip and the M9 junction 6 on-slip.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made on plans to install signals at the M9 junction 6 off-slip and the M9 junction 6 on-slip.","AnswerText":"The plans to install signals at the M9 junction 6 off-slip and the M9 junction 6 on-slip are led by Falkirk Council. Transport Scotland and Falkirk Council are discussing the proposals to ensure they fully comply with Transport Scotland’s and the Council’s interests.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-07-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-09T12:46:26.823","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274257,"EventID":"S4W-08246","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4080,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-25T12:46:26.933","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-25T12:03:11.357","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the 28-day hospital readmission rate following discharge from a mental health speciality has been in each of the last three years, broken down by NHS board.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the 28-day hospital readmission rate following discharge from a mental health speciality has been in each of the last three years, broken down by NHS board.","AnswerText":"The following table shows the latest figures for the number of discharges from mental health hospitals (SMR04) that have a subsequent readmission to a mental health hospital within 28 days.\r\n\r\nTable 1: Number of discharges from mental health hospitals in Scotland with subsequent readmission within 28 days, and rate of readmission as a percentage of all discharges year ending 31 March\r\nNHS Board of Residence\r\n2009\r\n2010\r\n2011p\r\nNumber\r\n% of all discharges\r\nNumber\r\n% of all discharges\r\nNumber\r\n% of all discharges\r\nAyrshire and Arran\r\n129\r\n11.04\r\n117\r\n10.32\r\n93\r\n8.37\r\nBorders\r\n57\r\n13.64\r\n40\r\n10.64\r\n28\r\n7.93\r\nDumfries and Galloway\r\n38\r\n9.09\r\n55\r\n11.78\r\n72\r\n14.43\r\nFife\r\n107\r\n10.89\r\n120\r\n12.10\r\n93\r\n9.46\r\nForth Valley\r\n77\r\n10.03\r\n81\r\n10.64\r\n73\r\n9.19\r\nGrampian\r\n132\r\n9.82\r\n129\r\n10.42\r\n126\r\n10.30\r\nGreater Glasgow and Clyde\r\n439\r\n10.02\r\n377\r\n9.67\r\n265\r\n7.84\r\nHighland\r\n95\r\n9.11\r\n68\r\n7.34\r\n78\r\n7.57\r\nLanarkshire\r\n170\r\n9.50\r\n154\r\n9.28\r\n161\r\n10.22\r\nLothian\r\n218\r\n8.97\r\n209\r\n9.36\r\n219\r\n9.75\r\nOrkney\r\n*\r\n13.33\r\n*\r\n11.11\r\n*\r\n3.7\r\nShetland\r\n*\r\n4.55\r\n-\r\n-\r\n*\r\n10.71\r\nTayside\r\n144\r\n9.45\r\n154\r\n9.85\r\n118\r\n8.44\r\nWestern Isles\r\n7\r\n8.05\r\n7\r\n11.86\r\n5\r\n9.09\r\nNotes:\r\np - provisional - due to the implementation of new Patient Management Systems by some NHS  boards data may be incomplete.\r\n*Indicates values that have been suppressed due to the potential risk of disclosure.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-07-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-09T12:46:26.933","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274258,"EventID":"S4W-08247","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4080,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-25T12:46:27.027","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-25T12:03:11.357","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people have been admitted to hospital with anaphylactic shock in each year since 2009, broken down by NHS board.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people have been admitted to hospital with anaphylactic shock in each year since 2009, broken down by NHS board.","AnswerText":"The following table shows information on the number of patients admitted to hospital with anaphylactic shock by NHS board and financial years 2008-09 – 2010-11.\r\nTable 1 - Number of patients admitted with anaphylactic shock by NHS board and financial year\r\nNHS Board\r\n2008-09\r\n2009-10\r\n2010-11p\r\nGolden Jubilee National Hospital\r\n1\r\n1\r\n3\r\nNHS Ayrshire and Arran\r\n37\r\n51\r\n44\r\nNHS Borders\r\n21\r\n13\r\n20\r\nNHS Dumfries and Galloway\r\n19\r\n19\r\n16\r\nNHS Fife\r\n31\r\n36\r\n32\r\nNHS Forth Valley\r\n22\r\n30\r\n24\r\nNHS Grampian\r\n50\r\n38\r\n40\r\nNHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde\r\n112\r\n91\r\n126\r\nNHS Highland\r\n27\r\n40\r\n41\r\nNHS Lanarkshire\r\n34\r\n33\r\n27\r\nNHS Lothian\r\n87\r\n58\r\n74\r\nNHS Orkney\r\n2\r\n3\r\n-\r\nNHS Shetland\r\n4\r\n4\r\n6\r\nNHS Tayside\r\n39\r\n32\r\n31\r\nNHS Western Isles\r\n8\r\n4\r\n4\r\nScotland\r\n494\r\n453\r\n488\r\nSource: ISD Scotland SMR01.\r\nNote:p - provisional - Due to the implementation of new Patient Management Systems by some NHS boards there is known data incompleteness for NHS Grampian, NHS Lanarkshire and NHS Ayrshire and Arran. Figures may increase in future revisions.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-07-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-09T12:46:27.027","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274259,"EventID":"S4W-08248","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4080,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-25T12:46:27.137","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-25T12:03:11.357","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people have been admitted to hospital with anaphylactic shock following an adverse reaction to (a) drugs and (b) medicines in each year since 2009, broken down b","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people have been admitted to hospital with anaphylactic shock following an adverse reaction to (a) drugs and (b) medicines in each year since 2009, broken down by NHS board.","AnswerText":"The following table shows information on the number of patients admitted to hospital where anaphylactic shock was a contributory factor due to the adverse effects of a prescribed drug or medicine properly administered. The diagnostic coding employed on national returns are not detailed enough to distinguish anaphylactic shock due to an adverse reaction to (a) drugs from that due to (b) medicines\r\nTable 1 - Number of patients admitted where anaphylactic shock was a contributory factor due to the adverse effects of a prescribed drug or medicine properly administered, by NHS board and year.\r\n\r\n2008-09\r\n2009-10\r\n2010-11p\r\nGolden Jubilee National Hospital\r\n1\r\n1\r\n3\r\nNHS Ayrshire and Arran\r\n3\r\n8\r\n3\r\nNHS Borders\r\n1\r\n-\r\n1\r\nNHS Dumfries and Galloway\r\n2\r\n1\r\n2\r\nNHS Fife\r\n7\r\n19\r\n9\r\nNHS Forth Valley\r\n3\r\n2\r\n3\r\nNHS Grampian\r\n12\r\n4\r\n7\r\nNHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde\r\n17\r\n13\r\n25\r\nNHS Highland\r\n7\r\n4\r\n4\r\nNHS Lanarkshire\r\n2\r\n2\r\n1\r\nNHS Lothian\r\n15\r\n14\r\n18\r\nNHS Orkney\r\n1\r\n1\r\n-\r\nNHS Shetland\r\n-\r\n2\r\n1\r\nNHS Tayside\r\n7\r\n7\r\n2\r\nNHS Western Isles\r\n-\r\n-\r\n1\r\nScotland\r\n78\r\n78\r\n80\r\nSource: ISD Scotland SMR01.\r\np -  provisional - Due to the implementation of new Patient Management Systems by some NHS boards there is known data incompleteness for NHS Grampian, NHS Lanarkshire and NHS Ayrshire and Arran. Figures may increase in future revisions.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-07-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-09T12:46:27.137","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274260,"EventID":"S4W-08249","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4080,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-25T12:46:27.243","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-25T12:03:11.357","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people have died from anaphylactic shock in each year since 2009, broken down by NHS board.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people have died from anaphylactic shock in each year since 2009, broken down by NHS board.\r\n","AnswerText":"The information requested is given in the table below. The following table gives the numbers of deaths for which anaphylactic shock was recorded as being a contributory factor to the death1. \r\nDeaths for which Anaphylactic Shock was a Contributory Factor* - by Area of Residence and Year\r\nNHS Board\r\n2009\r\n2010\r\n2011\r\n(Provisional)\r\nAyrshire and Arran\r\n1\r\n0\r\n0\r\nBorders\r\n0\r\n0\r\n1\r\nDumfries and Galloway\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\nFife\r\n0\r\n0\r\n2\r\nForth Valley\r\n0\r\n2\r\n0\r\nGrampian\r\n1\r\n1\r\n0\r\nGreater Glasgow and Clyde\r\n2\r\n0\r\n1\r\nHighland\r\n1\r\n0\r\n0\r\nLanarkshire\r\n0\r\n0\r\n1\r\nLothian\r\n0\r\n1\r\n0\r\nOrkney\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\nShetland\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\nTayside\r\n0\r\n2\r\n1\r\nWestern Isles\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\nAll\r\n5\r\n6\r\n6\r\nNotes:\r\n*Deaths for which the ICD-10 codes for the causes of the death included one or more of the following: T78.0, T78.2, T80.5 and T88.6.\r\n1. The National Records of Scotland (NRS) categorises the causes of each death registered in Scotland using the codes which are given in the International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems, 10th Revision (ICD-10). A death may have a number of causes. Normally, deaths are counted on the basis of the underlying cause of death (that is the disease or injury which initiated the chain of morbid events leading directly to death, or the accident or act which produced the fatal injury). However, the ICD rules do not allow anaphylactic shock (or various other consequences of certain other causes of death) to be counted as the underlying cause of death. Therefore, the table gives the numbers of deaths for which anaphylactic shock was recorded as being a contributory factor to the death.","AnswerDate":"2012-07-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-09T12:46:27.243","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274261,"EventID":"S4F-00795","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":4976,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-25T14:45:13.503","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-21T14:03:53","Title":"To ask the First Minister when he will next meet the Prime Minister.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister when he will next meet the Prime Minister.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-09T14:45:13.723","MeetingDate":"2012-06-28T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274262,"EventID":"S4F-00801","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":2080,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":87,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-25T14:45:13.94","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-25T11:02:23.933","Title":"To ask the First Minister what engagements he has planned for the rest of the day.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what engagements he has planned for the rest of the day.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-09T14:45:13.94","MeetingDate":"2012-06-28T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274263,"EventID":"S4F-00804","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":3901,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":127,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-25T14:45:14.05","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-25T11:31:31.417","Title":"To ask the First Minister what impact the Scottish Government considers further reductions in the UK welfare budget will have on poverty in Scotland.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what impact the Scottish Government considers further reductions in the UK welfare budget will have on poverty in Scotland.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-09T14:45:14.067","MeetingDate":"2012-06-28T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274264,"EventID":"S4F-00810","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":1866,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-25T14:45:14.267","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-25T13:28:53.617","Title":"To ask the First Minister whether the Scottish Government will instigate a public inquiry into the outbreak of Legionella in Edinburgh.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister whether the Scottish Government will instigate a public inquiry into the outbreak of Legionella in Edinburgh.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-09T14:45:14.267","MeetingDate":"2012-06-28T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274265,"EventID":"S4F-00811","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":2066,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-25T14:45:14.317","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-25T13:30:40.683","Title":"To ask the First Minister what the Scottish Government's position is on charging shoppers five pence per plastic carrier bag.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what the Scottish Government's position is on charging shoppers five pence per plastic carrier bag.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-09T14:45:14.317","MeetingDate":"2012-06-28T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274266,"EventID":"S4F-00815","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":2673,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":114,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-25T14:45:14.47","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-25T14:00:42.397","Title":"To ask the First Minister what issues were discussed at the most recent meeting of the British-Irish Council.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what issues were discussed at the most recent meeting of the British-Irish Council.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-09T14:45:14.47","MeetingDate":"2012-06-28T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274267,"EventID":"S4W-08032","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1841,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":120,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-25T16:59:59.29","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-18T14:23:44","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many Scottish Baccalaureate courses have been taken by school students in each local authority since 2009, broken down by subject.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many Scottish Baccalaureate courses have been taken by school students in each local authority since 2009, broken down by subject.\r\n","AnswerText":"The information requested has been placed in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre (Bib. number 54090).\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-07-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-09T16:59:59.303","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alasdair Allan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274268,"EventID":"S4W-08241","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5059,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-25T16:59:59.413","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-25T11:29:09.56","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much it has spent on supporting childcare in each year since 1999.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much it has spent on supporting childcare in each year since 1999.\r\n","AnswerText":"Central Government provided local authorities with funding for childcare through the Revenue Support Grant, as part of the Childcare Strategy, from 1999-2008. As a result we do not hold published expenditure detail that would allow the identification of final provision for childcare during this period.\r\nInformation on the local government settlement is contained within an annual circular from national government. Circulars for each of the years since 1999 can be viewed at the following link:\r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Government/local-government/17999/11203.\r\nFrom 2008-09, as part of the Concordat with local government, funding was rolled up into the block grant provided to local authorities. It is the responsibility of each local authority as an independent corporate body to manage its own budgets and to allocate the total financial resources available to it on the basis of local needs and priorities, having first fulfilled its statutory obligations and the jointly agreed set of national and local priorities. As such it is for local authorities, as part of their overall financial management, to take their own decisions on the level of support for childcare.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-07-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-09T16:59:59.413","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Aileen Campbell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274269,"EventID":"S4W-08242","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5059,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-25T16:59:59.523","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-25T11:29:09.56","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what support it gives to local authorities to assist with childcare.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what support it gives to local authorities to assist with childcare.\r\n","AnswerText":"The overall financial settlement for local government supports local authorities to deliver the current pre-school entitlement of 475 hours per annum for 3 and 4 year olds.\r\nLocal authorities do not have a statutory responsibility to provide childcare beyond this, although a range of family support, early learning and childcare services are delivered by local authorities in partnership with other agencies.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-07-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-09T16:59:59.523","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Aileen Campbell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274270,"EventID":"S4W-08244","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5059,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-25T16:59:59.633","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-25T11:29:09.56","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many times it has met the childcare partnership managers from each local authority since 2007 and on what dates.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many times it has met the childcare partnership managers from each local authority since 2007 and on what dates.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has met with the national grouping of Childcare Partnership Officers (which is now called the Early Years and Childcare Officers Group) – on the following dates since 2007:\r\n8 November 2007\r\n9 November 2009\r\n22 March 2010\r\n17 January 2011\r\n14 November 2011\r\n23 April 2012\r\nIn addition, a representative from the Scottish Government has also attended a number of meetings of the Early Years and Childcare officer workgroup, comprising eight representatives from four regional groups, which meet approx three times per year. We do not hold figures on the dates on which Scottish Government officials have attended these meetings since 2007.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-07-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-09T16:59:59.633","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Aileen Campbell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274271,"EventID":"S4W-08245","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5059,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-25T16:59:59.74","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-25T11:29:09.56","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it offers initiatives to employers to encourage the provision of workplace nurseries and, if so, what these initiatives are.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it offers initiatives to employers to encourage the provision of workplace nurseries and, if so, what these initiatives are.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government held a National Summit with businesses on 28 June 2012 to explore what more they could do to deliver flexible, family friendly policies. A report will be produced in due course outlining the main themes which emerged from the Summit.\r\nThe Scottish Government is also committed to developing a series of Public Social Partnerships, or PSPs, to develop and pilot early learning and childcare services in areas of particular or unmet need, such as:\r\nparents on low income or in poverty\r\nparents who work shifts\r\nout of school care\r\nrurality issues.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-07-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-09T16:59:59.74","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Aileen Campbell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274272,"EventID":"S4W-08250","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":131,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-25T16:59:59.85","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-25T15:01:50","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what railway stations have been opened or reopened in each year since 1999 and how much funding it provided toward each.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what railway stations have been opened or reopened in each year since 1999 and how much funding it provided toward each.\r\n","AnswerText":"Station\r\nOpened\r\nTotal Cost\r\nScottish\r\nGovernment Funding\r\nDunfermline Queen Margaret\r\nJanuary 2000\r\n£1.8 million\r\nNil\r\nHowwood\r\nMarch 2001\r\n£1.23 million\r\nNil\r\nBeauly\r\nApril 2002\r\n£0.2 million\r\nNil\r\nBrunstane, Newcraighall\r\nJune 2002\r\n£11 million\r\nSG £8.5 million\r\nEdinburgh Park\r\nDecember 2003\r\n£4.5 million\r\nNil \r\nGartcosh\r\nMay 2005\r\n£3.5 million\r\nNil\r\nKelvindale, Larkhall, Merryton,\r\n Chatelherault *\r\nDecember 2005\r\n£35.6 million \r\nSG £28.1 million \r\nAlloa ^\r\nMay 2008\r\n£2.4 million \r\nSG £2.28 million\r\nLaurencekirk\r\nMay 2009\r\n£3.5 million\r\nSG £2.9 million \r\nBathgate #\r\nOctober 2010\r\n£2.7 million \r\nSG fully funded \r\nBlackridge #\r\nDecember 2010\r\n£3.5 million \r\nSG £2.5 million \r\nArmadale # \r\nMarch 2011\r\n£1.9 million \r\nSG fully funded\r\nCaldercruix #\r\nMarch 2011\r\n£2.4 million \r\nSG fully funded\r\nDrumgelloch #\r\nMarch 2011\r\n£2.2 million \r\nSG fully funded\r\nNotes:\r\n[*] Cost breakdown for the four stations delivered within the Larkhall line re-opening is not available but the total project cost was £35.6 million.\r\n[^] Station built as part of Stirling-Alloa-Kincardine line re-opening cost was £85 million.\r\n[#] Five stations built as part of Airdrie-Bathgate line re-opening cost was £375 million.\r\nNew stations have recently been delivered within larger rail enhancement projects.","AnswerDate":"2012-07-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-09T16:59:59.85","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274273,"EventID":"S4W-08251","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":131,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-25T16:59:59.943","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-25T15:01:50","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many new trains it has funded in each year since 1999.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many new trains it has funded in each year since 1999.","AnswerText":"Scottish Ministers assumed responsibility for the rail franchise in Scotland in 2005.\r\nThe Scottish Government through ScotRail lease all of the trains in its fleet directly from Rolling Stock Operating Companies [ROSCOs] as part of its Franchise funding arrangements. These leases are in place until the end of the current Franchise in November 2014.\r\nScotRail has added the following trains to its operating fleet since 2005.\r\n2006 – 5 class 322 electric trains for use on Edinburgh – N Berwick routes \r\n2008 – 8 class 158 diesel trains for use on Aberdeen- Fife – Edinburgh routes\r\n2011 – 38 class 380 new electric trains in Ayrshire, Inverclyde and east Lothian. \r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-07-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-09T16:59:59.96","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274274,"EventID":"S4W-08252","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":131,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-25T17:00:00.053","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-25T15:01:50","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive where the responses to Rail 2014 - Public Consultation have been published.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive where the responses to Rail 2014 - Public Consultation have been published.","AnswerText":"The responses have been published on the Transport Scotland website:\r\nhttp://www.transportscotland.gov.uk/strategy-and-research/publications-and-consultations/rail-passenger-services-2014.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-07-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-09T17:00:00.07","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274275,"EventID":"S4W-08253","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":131,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-25T17:00:00.13","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-25T15:01:50","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will consult further on the criteria that would initiate a break in the next ScotRail franchise after five years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will consult further on the criteria that would initiate a break in the next ScotRail franchise after five years.","AnswerText":"The detail of the specification for the next franchisees is currently being drawn up. The criteria being considered for the break clause in the ScotRail franchise include growth in passenger numbers and improvements in overall performance.\r\nA programme of ongoing consultation with key stakeholders is currently being drawn up so that the development of the specification of the forthcoming franchises can be discussed.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-07-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-09T17:00:00.13","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274276,"EventID":"S4W-08254","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":131,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-25T17:00:00.223","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-25T15:01:50","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what (a) discussion or (b) consultation it has initiated regarding the (i) criteria for, (ii) governance of and (iii) application process for bids to the Scottish Station","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what (a) discussion or (b) consultation it has initiated regarding the (i) criteria for, (ii) governance of and (iii) application process for bids to the Scottish Stations Investment Fund.","AnswerText":"Transport Scotland has received 12 enquiries about individual station proposals as a result of the announcement.\r\nThe governance, criteria and application process for the Scottish Stations Investment Fund will be discussed and agreed with key stakeholders over the coming months. The outcomes of the Rail 2014 consultation will inform our thinking in this regard.\r\nIn the meantime, interested parties are encouraged to discuss their proposals with their local Regional Transport Partnership, to consider whether these fit with local and regional objectives.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-07-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-09T17:00:00.223","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274277,"EventID":"S4W-08255","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":131,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-25T17:00:00.303","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-25T15:01:50","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to bring forward proposals on future rail fare levels following its consideration of the responses to Rail 2014 - Public Consultation.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to bring forward proposals on future rail fare levels following its consideration of the responses to Rail 2014 - Public Consultation.\r\n","AnswerText":"A range of options for the setting of regulated fares is currently being modelled. We also intend to expand fares regulation to protect those in rural areas as well as commuters. The levels at which regulated fares will be set for the next franchise will be included in the franchise specification.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-07-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-09T17:00:00.303","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274278,"EventID":"S4W-08256","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":131,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-25T17:00:00.397","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-25T15:01:50","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive which (a) housing developments and (b) local authority areas will participate in the New Supply Shared Equity with Developers Scheme.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive which (a) housing developments and (b) local authority areas will participate in the New Supply Shared Equity with Developers Scheme.\r\n","AnswerText":"The housing developments by local authority area that have been approved to participate in the New Supply Shared Equity with Developers Scheme in 2012-13 are provided in the following table.\r\nDeveloper\r\nProject\r\nLocal Authority Area\r\nBeshouse Residential Properties Limited\r\nSmithcroft Road, Glasgow\r\nGlasgow City Council\r\nPersimmon Homes\r\nWhiteacres Road, Parklands, Glasgow\r\nGlasgow City Council\r\nCruden Homes West\r\nGolspie Street/Harhill Street/Govan Road, Glasgow\r\nGlasgow City Council\r\nPersimmon Homes\r\nAshwood Gait, Edinburgh\r\nEdinburgh City Council\r\nUpland Developments\r\n76-82 Gorgie Road, Edinburgh\r\nEdinburgh City Council\r\nPersimmon Homes\r\nBowmore Road, Kilmarnock, East Ayrshire\r\nEast Ayrshire Council \r\nOgilvie Homes Limited\r\nDovecot Steading, Haddington, East Lothian\r\nEast Lothian District Council\r\nPersimmon Homes\r\nCrookston Court, Larbert, Falkirk\r\nFalkirk Council\r\nPACT Enterprises Limited\r\nHugh Place, Lochgelly, Fife\r\nFife Council\r\nPersimmon Homes\r\nTrondheim Parkway, Dunfermline, Fife\r\nFife Council\r\nPat Munro (Alness) Limited\r\nOld Milnafua Road, Alness, Highland\r\nHighland Council\r\nPat Munro (Alness) Limited\r\nSutherland Road, Dornoch, Highland\r\nHighland Council\r\nRathven Investments\r\nDalfaber Neighbourhood Centre, Dalfaber Drive, Aviemore, Highland\r\nHighland Council\r\nTaylor Wimpey East Scotland\r\nHopefield Grange, Bonnyrigg, Midlothian\r\nMidlothian Council\r\nMansell Homes\r\nVogrie Road, Gorebridge, Midlothian\r\nMidlothian Council\r\nQueensberry Properties Limited\r\nWoodland Grange, Dalkeith, Midlothian\r\nMidlothian Council\r\nOrkney Builders (Contractors) Limited\r\nPapdale Loan/Close, Orkney\r\nOrkney Islands Council\r\nOrkney Builders (Contractors) Limited\r\nBack Road, Orkney\r\nOrkney Islands Council \r\nBerwickshire Limited\r\nStation Drive, Todlaw, Duns, Scottish Borders\r\nScottish Borders Council\r\nStanley Brash Construction\r\nWilderhaugh, Galashiels, Scottish Borders\r\nScottish Borders Council\r\nPersimmon Homes\r\nBlackadder Way, Chirnside, Scottish Borders\r\nScottish Borders Council\r\nCruden Homes East\r\nStirling Bridge, Stirling\r\nStirling Council\r\nOgilvie Homes Limited\r\nNew Park Gardens, Stirling\r\nStirling Council\r\nPersimmon Homes\r\nThe Quarry, Doune, Stirling\r\nStirling Council\r\nTighean Innse Gall\r\nAllt Na Broige, Marybank, Isle of Lewis, Western Isles\r\nWestern Isles Council\r\nTighean Innse Gall\r\nTong Road, Isle of Lewis, Western Isles\r\nWestern Isles Council\r\nOgilvie Homes Limited\r\nAtholl Way, Livingston\r\nWest Lothian Council \r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-07-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-09T17:00:00.397","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274279,"EventID":"S4W-08257","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":131,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-25T17:00:00.473","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-25T15:01:50","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many applications there have been for the purchase of council-owned properties under the (a) preserved and (b) modernised right to buy scheme in each year since 30 Se","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many applications there have been for the purchase of council-owned properties under the (a) preserved and (b) modernised right to buy scheme in each year since 30 September 2002.\r\n","AnswerText":"This data is provided by local authorities on the basis of financial years and is available up to 2010-11. The information is contained in the following table:\r\nFinancial Year\r\nApplications under Preserved Right to Buy\r\nApplications under Modernised Right to Buy\r\nTotal\r\n2002-03\r\n28,245\r\n11\r\n28,256\r\n2003-04\r\n20,700\r\n546\r\n21,246\r\n2004-05\r\n20,808\r\n1,103\r\n21,911\r\n2005-06\r\n16,462\r\n1,486\r\n17,948\r\n2006-07\r\n14,291\r\n1,971\r\n16,262\r\n2007-08\r\n11,328\r\n2,027\r\n13,355\r\n2008-09\r\n4,826\r\n1,481\r\n6,307\r\n2009-10\r\n3,442\r\n1,292\r\n7,734\r\n2010-11\r\n2,679\r\n1,065\r\n3,744\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-07-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-09T17:00:00.473","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274280,"EventID":"S4W-08258","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":131,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-25T17:00:00.583","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-25T15:01:50","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many applications there have been for the purchase of properties owned by registered social landlords under the (a) preserved and (b) modernised right to buy scheme i","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many applications there have been for the purchase of properties owned by registered social landlords under the (a) preserved and (b) modernised right to buy scheme in each year since 30 September 2002.\r\n","AnswerText":"This information is collected by the Scottish Housing Regulator and is available up to 31 March 2011 for financial years only. The information is contained in the following table:\r\nFinancial Year\r\nApplications under Preserved Right to Buy\r\nApplications under Modernised Right to Buy\r\nTotal\r\n2002-03\r\n1842\r\n14\r\n1856\r\n2003-04\r\n3420\r\n51\r\n3471\r\n2004-05\r\n3352\r\n98\r\n3450\r\n2005-06\r\n2651\r\n137\r\n2788\r\n2006-07\r\n2466\r\n161\r\n2627\r\n2007-08\r\n2176\r\n170\r\n2346\r\n2008-09\r\n1136\r\n176\r\n1312\r\n2009-10\r\n857\r\n214\r\n1071\r\n2010-11\r\n723\r\n185\r\n908\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-07-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-09T17:00:00.583","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274291,"EventID":"S4W-08273","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":2,"MSPID":5106,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":118,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-26T10:36:38.73","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-26T08:37:50","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will respond to the report, Future arrangements to secure food standards and safety in Scotland.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will respond to the report, Future arrangements to secure food standards and safety in Scotland.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scudamore review was as a direct result of the UK Government’s decision to move responsibility for nutrition and food labelling in England from the Food Standards Agency (FSA) to the Department of Health and the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs in 2010. These changes in England removed significant capacity in the FSA’s nutrition and labelling functions for Scotland, undermining our drive to improve public health through diet.\r\nGiven the importance of food safety to Scotland’s health, we asked Professor Jim Scudamore to head an independent review to determine the best outcome for Scotland’s long term interests. They recommended creating a new Scottish body for food safety, food standards, nutrition, food labelling and meat inspection, utilising the experience and capacity which exists already in Scotland.\r\nWe have accepted that majority recommendation. We did not seek any change in the FSA’s functions, but we must react to the machinery of government changes in 2010. A new body will allow a Scottish approach to be taken to tackle poor diet and food-borne diseases and should support our food and drink industry in growing its strong, international reputation for safe, quality food.\r\nWe have accepted all of the Panel’s recommendations. This means that the new body will be at arms-length from the Scottish Government. The body will encompass nutrition and labelling policy, and meat inspection policy and operational delivery, in addition to food safety and standards. We will establish a new body which is independent, evidence-based, consumer-focussed and transparent.\r\nCreating a new Scottish Food Standards body will require primary legislation, and we plan to consult on options before the end of this year.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-06-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-10T10:36:38.823","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274292,"EventID":"S4W-08200","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-26T14:11:48.66","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-21T17:33:39.073","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S4W-07455 by Fergus Ewing on 13 June 2012, whether it will provide the information that was requested.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S4W-07455 by Fergus Ewing on 13 June 2012, whether it will provide the information that was requested.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government published Conserve and Save: The Energy Efficiency Action Plan for Scotland in October 2010. This plan introduced, for the first time, a headline target to reduce final energy (end-use) consumption by 12% by 2020 using a 2005-07 baseline as published by the Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC).\r\nThe latest DECC energy trends data indicated that overall, Scotland is on track to meet the 12% 2020 reduction target for final maximum energy consumption.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-10T14:11:48.69","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274293,"EventID":"S4W-08201","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-26T14:11:48.813","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-21T17:33:39.073","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S4W-07454 by Fergus Ewing on 13 June 2012, what percentage of the 30% emissions target has been achieved.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S4W-07454 by Fergus Ewing on 13 June 2012, what percentage of the 30% emissions target has been achieved.\r\n","AnswerText":"The latest published performance data for the Scottish Government is for 2009-10 and shows a decrease in CO2 from energy use of 3.7% from the baseline year of 1999-2000. This published report can be found at: www.scotland.gov.uk/publications/2011/11/01111158/0.\r\nWe have a number of actions underway to improve our performance. Under our Transforming Our Workplace programme we will reduce the size of the Scottish Government estate by 25% by March 2016 and improve the levels of occupancy in our remaining buildings by rationalising the use of space and exploring co-location opportunities. We are also undertaking a programme of work to improve the energy performance of our buildings.\r\nWe intend to publish our environmental performance data for 2010-11 and 2011-12 in the autumn as part of our duty in regard to public sector sustainability reporting.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-07-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-10T14:11:48.83","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274294,"EventID":"S4W-08202","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-26T14:11:48.91","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-21T17:33:39.073","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action is being taken regarding generic testing for inherited heart diseases.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action is being taken regarding generic testing for inherited heart diseases.\r\n","AnswerText":"We have supported the establishment of the Familial Arrhythmia Network Scotland (FANS). The network aims to raise awareness of familial arrhythmias, define and agree referral protocols, develop national guidance for clinical and genetic testing and establish a national register which will support the long term follow-up of people living with inherited arrhythmias.\r\nFANS’ work will help ensure that people who need genetic testing get appropriate access. The decision to undertake genetic screening and genetic counselling will be supported through the FANS clinical service once the benefit to the patient and their family has been established.\r\nWe have indicated in our Heart Disease and Stroke Action Plan that FANS should extend its activities to cover cardiomyopathies.\r\nWe’ve also invested over £350,000 in Scotland’s Cardiac Assessment of Young Athletes Programme, which has enabled over 1500 young people who are engaged in competitive sports to undergo cardiovascular assessment.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-07-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-10T14:11:48.91","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274295,"EventID":"S4W-08203","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-26T14:11:49.003","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-21T17:33:39.073","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consideration it is giving to encouraging the use of winter tyres.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consideration it is giving to encouraging the use of winter tyres.\r\n","AnswerText":"There has been much consideration given to encouraging the use of winter tyres. In October 2011 the Cabinet Secretary for Justice launched the ‘Ready Scotland’ website which provides preparedness information on winter travel, including a section on winter tyres, thus enabling individuals to make informed choices about using winter tyres.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-07-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-10T14:11:49.003","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274296,"EventID":"S4W-08261","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5080,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-26T14:11:49.08","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-25T16:12:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S4W-07855 by Alex Neil on 25 June 2012, what progress has been made toward completion of (a) East Kilbride Hunter Health Centre, (b) Wi","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S4W-07855 by Alex Neil on 25 June 2012, what progress has been made toward completion of (a) East Kilbride Hunter Health Centre, (b) Wishaw Health Centre and (c) Kilsyth Health Centre and what the estimated completion dates are.","AnswerText":"The South West hubco is due to be formally established in October 2012. Once the hubco is formed, the projects referred to in the question will be developed in accordance with the NHS Board's requirements. In advance of this delivery phase, an Initial Agreement for the three projects was approved by the Scottish Government on 29 March 2012. NHS Lanarkshire are currently undertaking preparatory work on the projects to support the development of the projects by the hubco and allow an Outline Business Case to be considered by the Scottish Government in April 2013.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-07-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-10T14:11:49.08","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274297,"EventID":"S4W-08263","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2029,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":145,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-26T14:11:49.157","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-25T17:13:13","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions and meetings it has had with the UK Ministry of Justice about its intention to reform the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions and meetings it has had with the UK Ministry of Justice about its intention to reform the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme.","AnswerText":"Scottish Government officials have maintained contact with the UK Ministry of Justice throughout the process. However, the Scottish Government was not asked to contribute to the development of the proposals themselves prior to the consultation being launched.\r\nScottish Government officials jointly hosted a consultation event with the UK Ministry of Justice in Edinburgh on 16 March 2012 to which a range of interested organisations in Scotland were invited.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-07-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-10T14:11:49.157","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274298,"EventID":"S4W-08264","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2029,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":145,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-26T14:11:49.237","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-25T17:13:13","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many victims of crime in Scotland will be affected annually if (a) bands 1 to 5 of the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme are abolished and (b) amounts of compensa","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many victims of crime in Scotland will be affected annually if (a) bands 1 to 5 of the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme are abolished and (b) amounts of compensation awarded for bands 6 to 10 are reduced.","AnswerText":"Numbers of applications to the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme have fluctuated in the past, and it is difficult to predict future demand as it depends on crime rates and other variables. The impact of the revisions planned by the UK Ministry of Justice is estimated using data on past claims (2011-12) and therefore is only indicative of the potential impact on the future number of claims.\r\nAround 1,400 people may be affected by removing bands 1 to 5, based on last year’s figures, and around 1,000 by reducing bands 6 to 12 of the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme. Awards for victims of fatal injuries, sexual assault and patterns of physical abuse will not be affected.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-07-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-10T14:11:49.237","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274299,"EventID":"S4W-08267","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-26T14:11:49.313","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-25T17:43:37","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what will replace the Scotland Rural Development Programme at the end of the current programme.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what will replace the Scotland Rural Development Programme at the end of the current programme.\r\n","AnswerText":"Although my officials are continuing to make preparations on the basis that a new programme will come into force as soon as possible after the current one ends, due to the potential delay in agreeing the new regulations within the EU we are also considering contingency measures to ensure crucial funding in priority areas can continue.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-10T14:11:49.313","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274300,"EventID":"S4W-08268","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-26T14:11:49.393","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-25T17:43:37","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there will be a rollover of Scotland Rural Development Programme measures prior to the agreement of a replacement programme.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there will be a rollover of Scotland Rural Development Programme measures prior to the agreement of a replacement programme.\r\n","AnswerText":"Although my officials are continuing to make preparations on the basis that a new programme will come into force as soon as possible after the current one ends, due to the potential delay in agreeing the new regulations within the EU we are also considering contingency measures to ensure crucial funding in priority areas can continue.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-10T14:11:49.393","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274301,"EventID":"S4W-08269","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-26T14:11:49.487","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-25T17:43:37","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it is having with the European Commission on the reform of the common agricultural policy and what the Scottish Government's position is on coupled payme","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it is having with the European Commission on the reform of the common agricultural policy and what the Scottish Government's position is on coupled payments.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government is involved in ongoing discussions with the European Commission on the reform of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) indeed I met with Commissioner Ciolos recently at the Royal Welsh Show. In addition, Scottish Government officials have had discussions with various EC officials on the subject.\r\nCoupled support is vital for Scotland’s livestock sector and the Scottish Government welcome the provision in the draft CAP regulations that allow it to continue. However, we want to have the option to go beyond the 5% limit being proposed by the Commission.\r\nOur position is guided by the independent Inquiry into Future Support for Agriculture in Scotland, chaired by Brian Pack, which recommended that Scotland be able to use 15% of its direct payments ceiling for coupled payments.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-07-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-10T14:11:49.487","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274302,"EventID":"S4W-08270","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-26T14:11:49.563","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-25T17:43:37","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it considers that an extension to the Less Favoured Area Support Scheme will ensure that agricultural producers have some degree of business certainty in relation","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it considers that an extension to the Less Favoured Area Support Scheme will ensure that agricultural producers have some degree of business certainty in relation to reform of the common agricultural policy.\r\n","AnswerText":"We are aware of the change that is likely to happen as a result of the new common agricultural policy proposals from the European Commission, and we are working on managing the impact of these changes to ensure a positive outcome for the Scottish agricultural sector. Some stakeholders have called for a delay in implementation of a new Pillar 2 Less Favoured Area (renamed Area of Natural Constraint in the new proposals) Support Scheme to limit the impact on producers at a time of changes to the Pillar 1 direct payments scheme. Whether this is possible will depend on the new EU regulations which are currently being discussed within the European parliament and European Council.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-10T14:11:49.563","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274303,"EventID":"S4W-08271","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-26T14:11:49.643","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-25T17:43:37","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what payments have been made under the Less Favoured Area Support Scheme in each of the last three payment years, broken down by Scottish Government Rural Payments and In","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what payments have been made under the Less Favoured Area Support Scheme in each of the last three payment years, broken down by Scottish Government Rural Payments and Inspections Directorate area office.\r\n","AnswerText":"The following table shows payments made under the Less Favoured Area Support Scheme, broken down by Scottish Government Rural Payments and Inspections Division Area Office.\r\nArea Office\r\n2009\r\n2010\r\n2011*\r\nAyr\r\n7,146,694\r\n7,010,799\r\n7,195,732\r\nBenbecula\r\n819,768\r\n857,434\r\n828,742\r\nDumfries\r\n6,692,285\r\n6,409,367\r\n6,692,512\r\nElgin\r\n2,257,189\r\n2,573,974\r\n2,466,667\r\nGalashiels\r\n7,464,747\r\n7,132,858\r\n7,645,105\r\nGolspie\r\n1,201,928\r\n1,181,065\r\n1,305,371\r\nHamilton\r\n2,730,965\r\n2,669,525\r\n2,801,231\r\nInverness\r\n5,040,012\r\n5,018,480\r\n5,134,773\r\nInverurie\r\n4,028,032\r\n3,903,318\r\n4,090,831\r\nKirkwall\r\n3,829,882\r\n4,358,026\r\n4,265,122\r\nLerwick\r\n2,495,001\r\n2,758,819\r\n2,575,853\r\nOban\r\n6,651,215\r\n6,957,076\r\n6,869,147\r\nPerth\r\n6,654,872\r\n6,033,959\r\n7,168,634\r\nPortree\r\n1,616,186\r\n1,769,262\r\n1,749,120\r\nStornoway\r\n1,046,294\r\n971,748\r\n981,346\r\nThurso\r\n3,331,492\r\n3,591,321\r\n3,609,205\r\nTotal\r\n63,006,562\r\n63,197,034\r\n65,379,393\r\nNote: *2011 payments correct as at 29 June 2012.","AnswerDate":"2012-07-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-10T14:11:49.643","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274304,"EventID":"S4W-08272","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-26T14:11:49.703","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-25T17:43:37","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether information for agricultural producers in respect of single farm payments and the Less Favoured Area Support Scheme is provided in advance or retrospect of the ap","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether information for agricultural producers in respect of single farm payments and the Less Favoured Area Support Scheme is provided in advance or retrospect of the application periods for these schemes.\r\n","AnswerText":"Current information is available for all schemes through the Scottish Government’s website and in paper form from all local offices of the Rural Payments and Inspections Division (RPID). In addition, we make available guidance two months in advance of the application deadline for the completion of the form that underpins the majority of schemes attracting subsidy, including the Single Farm Payment and Less Favoured Area Support Schemes. At that point, we draw potential applicants’ attention to any key changes. Applicants can also make use of the self-help facilities by using RPID’s telephone helpline (for those seeking help with online submissions) and by speaking to their local area office in relation to business-specific information.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-10T14:11:49.72","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274327,"EventID":"S4W-08265","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4086,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-26T17:04:19.11","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-25T17:38:32","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive which ScotRail-operated services Transport Scotland consider as inter-city; what stations they call at, and which have fares that are (a) regulated by the (i) Scottish an","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive which ScotRail-operated services Transport Scotland consider as inter-city; what stations they call at, and which have fares that are (a) regulated by the (i) Scottish and (ii) UK Government and (b) unregulated.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government manages and monitors the performance of ScotRail operated services including its “intercity” known as interurban services. The current fares structure is a mixture of regulated and unregulated fares specified in the terms of the Franchise Agreement. In brief, regulated fares are those in the Strathclyde area, the Edinburgh area commuter basket and off-peak (or equivalent) and Season Tickets on all remaining journeys. All other rail fares are unregulated and are a commercial matter for ScotRail. ScotRail interurban services are:\r\nGlasgow – Aberdeen\r\nGlasgow Queen Street; Larbert; Stirling; Dunblane; Gleneagles; Invergowrie; Dundee; Broughty Ferry; Balmossie; Monifieth; Barry Links; Golf Street; Carnoustie; Arbroath; Montrose; Laurencekirk; Stonehaven; Portlethen; Aberdeen; Dyce\r\nEdinburgh – Aberdeen\r\nEdinburgh; Haymarket; Inverkeithing; Kirkcaldy; Markinch; Ladybank; Springfield; Cupar; Leuchars; Dundee; Broughty Ferry; Balmossie; Monifieth; Barry Links; Golf Street; Carnoustie; Arbroath; Montrose; Laurencekirk; Stonehaven; Portlethen; Aberdeen; Dyce; Inverurie\r\nAberdeen – Inverness\r\nAberdeen; Dyce; Inverurie; Insch; Huntly; Keith; Elgin; Forres; Nairn; Inverness\r\nGlasgow Queen Street – Edinburgh (via Falkirk High)\r\nGlasgow Queen Street; Bishopbriggs; Lenzie; Croy; Falkirk High; Polmont; Linlithgow; Haymarket; Edinburgh\r\nGlasgow/Edinburgh – Inverness\r\nGlasgow Queen Street; Stirling; Bridge of Allan; Dunblane Gleneagles; Edinburgh; Haymarket; Inverkeithing; Kirkcaldy; Markinch; Ladybank; Perth; Dunkeld; Pitlochry; Blair Atholl; Dalwhinnie; Newtonmore; Kingussie; Aviemore; Carrbridge; Inverness\r\nFares on these ScotRail services which are:\r\n(i)\tRegulated by Scottish Ministers: Season Ticket; Off Peak Return; Anytime Day Return (where there is no Off Peak Return); Anytime Day Single (within Edinburgh basket and Strathclyde only), Off Peak Day Return (within Strathclyde only)\r\n(ii)\tRegulated by Dft: None\r\n(iii)\tUnregulated includes: First Class; Anytime Return; Super Off Peak Return; Anytime Day Return (where there is an Off Peak Return); Off-Peak Day Return (except within Strathclyde) Anytime Day Single (except within Edinburgh basket area); Advance\r\nFor clarity, fares which are regulated are:\r\nAll fares within Strathclyde\r\nAll Season Tickets\r\nAll Off Peak Returns\r\nAnytime Day Returns on flows where there is no Off Peak Return\r\nAnytime Day Singles within the Edinburgh basket area(area bounded by Falkirk High, Bathgate, Fauldhouse, Newcraighall, North Berwick and Kirkcaldy).\r\nAll other fares are unregulated.","AnswerDate":"2012-07-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-24T17:04:19.203","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274328,"EventID":"S4W-08274","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4016,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":133,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-26T17:04:19.313","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-26T10:58:25","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether British citizens living in an independent Scotland would have access to all the same benefits and public services as Scottish citizens.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether British citizens living in an independent Scotland would have access to all the same benefits and public services as Scottish citizens.\r\n","AnswerText":"Access to benefits and public services would remain the same in an independent Scotland. It would be for successive Scottish Governments to consider whether improvements were required.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-24T17:04:19.313","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274329,"EventID":"S4W-08275","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4016,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":133,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-26T17:04:19.423","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-26T10:58:25","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether British citizens resident in an independent Scotland would be able to vote in all Scottish elections.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether British citizens resident in an independent Scotland would be able to vote in all Scottish elections.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-08276 on 31 August 2012. All answers to written Parliamentary Questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-24T17:04:19.423","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Bruce Crawford","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274330,"EventID":"S4W-08276","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4016,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":133,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-26T17:04:19.5","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-26T10:58:25","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what British citizens resident outside of Scotland would be (a) automatically entitled to and (b) able to opt for Scottish citizenship in an independent Scotland.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what British citizens resident outside of Scotland would be (a) automatically entitled to and (b) able to opt for Scottish citizenship in an independent Scotland.\r\n","AnswerText":"Citizenship in an independent Scotland was addressed in the White Paper Your Scotland, Your Voice, published by the Scottish Government in November 2009. Full details of the Scottish Government’s proposals for independence will be provided in the comprehensive white paper to be published in November 2013.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-24T17:04:19.5","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274331,"EventID":"S4W-08278","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4016,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":133,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-26T17:04:19.593","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-26T10:58:25","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether financial institutions in an independent Scotland would be regulated by the Bank of England.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether financial institutions in an independent Scotland would be regulated by the Bank of England.\r\n","AnswerText":"Scottish Ministers have outlined their intention to retain sterling in a formal monetary union with the UK, in an independent Scotland. As I set out in my speech to the David Hume Institute on 2 February 2012, our proposal is to maintain the Bank of England as the central bank as part of a formal monetary union.\r\nScottish Ministers also announced the Fiscal Commission Working Group on 25 March 2012 which has since been coordinating the work to help establish a fiscal and macroeconomic framework for Scotland. The outputs of the group will be published in due course.\r\nFull details of the Scottish Government’s proposals for independence will be provided in the comprehensive white paper to be published in November 2013.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-24T17:04:19.593","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274332,"EventID":"S4W-08279","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4016,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":133,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-26T17:04:19.687","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-26T10:58:25","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether financial institutions in an independent Scotland would be regulated by the Consumer Protection and Markets Authority.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether financial institutions in an independent Scotland would be regulated by the Consumer Protection and Markets Authority.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-08278 on 31 August 2012. All answers to written Parliamentary Questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-24T17:04:19.703","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274333,"EventID":"S4W-08280","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4016,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":133,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-26T17:04:19.78","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-26T10:58:25","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether financial institutions in an independent Scotland would participate in the Financial Services Compensation Scheme.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether financial institutions in an independent Scotland would participate in the Financial Services Compensation Scheme.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-08278 on 31 August 2012. All answers to written Parliamentary Questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-24T17:04:19.797","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274334,"EventID":"S4W-08281","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4016,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":133,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-26T17:04:19.89","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-26T10:58:25","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it would guarantee retail deposits in Scottish banks in an independent Scotland.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it would guarantee retail deposits in Scottish banks in an independent Scotland.\r\n","AnswerText":"Scottish Ministers have outlined their intention to retain sterling in a formal monetary union with the UK, in an independent Scotland. As I set out in my speech to the David Hume Institute on 2 February 2012, our proposal is to maintain the Bank of England as the central bank as part of a formal monetary union. This will include continued protection for depositors.\r\n?Scottish Ministers also announced the Fiscal Commission Working Group on 25 March 2012 which has since been coordinating the work to help establish a fiscal and macroeconomic framework for Scotland. The outputs of the group will be published in due course.?\r\n?Full details of the Scottish Government’s proposals for independence will be provided in the comprehensive white paper to be published in November 2013.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-24T17:04:19.89","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274335,"EventID":"S4W-08282","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4016,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":133,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-26T17:04:20.013","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-26T10:58:25","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it would create a central bank in an independent Scotland and, if so, what form such a bank would take.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it would create a central bank in an independent Scotland and, if so, what form such a bank would take.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-08278 on 31 August 2012. All answers to written Parliamentary Questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-24T17:04:20.013","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274336,"EventID":"S4W-08283","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4016,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":133,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-26T17:04:20.107","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-26T10:58:25","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what proposals it has to replace the role of the Bank of England in relation to banknotes issued by private Scottish banks in an independent Scotland.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what proposals it has to replace the role of the Bank of England in relation to banknotes issued by private Scottish banks in an independent Scotland.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-08278 on 31 August 2012. All answers to written Parliamentary Questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-24T17:04:20.123","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274337,"EventID":"S4W-08284","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4016,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":133,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-26T17:04:20.187","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-26T10:58:25","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has for investment in an oil fund in the first five years of an independent Scotland and whether the fund would hold UK gilts as assets.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has for investment in an oil fund in the first five years of an independent Scotland and whether the fund would hold UK gilts as assets.\r\n","AnswerText":"The First Minister set out in his speech at the London School of Economics on 15 February 2012 it is estimated that, by value, over half of Scotland’s oil and gas reserves could still to be extracted, which would provide approximately 40 more years of production. We can and will establish and develop an oil fund, as fiscal conditions allow.\r\nScotland is estimated to be in a relatively stronger budgetary position than the UK as a whole, which gives us fiscal policy choices. In the five years to 2010-11 – the most recent figures – Scotland is estimated to have been in a relatively stronger budget position than the UK as a whole to the tune of £8.6 billion.\r\nThe Scottish Government published the discussion paper An Oil Fund for Scotland on 30 July 2009 which set out a range of possible investment strategies for a Scottish Oil Fund. The paper is available from http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2009/07/28112701/0.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-24T17:04:20.203","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274338,"EventID":"S4W-08286","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4016,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":133,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-26T17:04:20.28","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-26T10:58:25","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether an independent Scotland would have a national insurance fund. \r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether an independent Scotland would have a national insurance fund. \r\n","AnswerText":"At the time of independence, Scotland would continue to have a national insurance fund. An independent Scotland would be able to raise a broad range of taxes, including national insurance, to ensure a fiscally sustainable future. It would be able to make decisions on both tax rates and on expenditure, including on welfare benefits. The publication Government Expenditure and Revenues Scotland (GERS), published in March 2012 and which can be accessed at http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2012/03/9525 sets out estimates of public revenues raised in Scotland and public expenditure for Scotland. The figures show that Scotland is estimated to receive 9.3% of UK public spending, but generates 9.6% of UK taxes including a geographic share of North Sea revenues. Based on these estimates, Scotland generated approximately £1,400 more in tax receipts per person in 2010-11 than the average across the UK. Furthermore, over the past five years as a whole Scotland is estimated to have been in a stronger fiscal position than the UK as a whole.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-24T17:04:20.28","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274339,"EventID":"S4W-08287","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4016,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":133,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-26T17:04:20.357","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-26T10:58:25","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether, in an independent Scotland, national insurance contributions that had been previously made in employment in the rest of the UK would count toward benefits in Sco","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether, in an independent Scotland, national insurance contributions that had been previously made in employment in the rest of the UK would count toward benefits in Scotland.\r\n","AnswerText":"Yes.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-24T17:04:20.357","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274340,"EventID":"S4W-08288","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4016,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":133,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-26T17:04:20.437","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-26T10:58:25","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether an independent Scotland would establish a driver and vehicle licensing agency.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether an independent Scotland would establish a driver and vehicle licensing agency.\r\n","AnswerText":"Full details of the government’s proposals for independence will be provided in the white paper to be published in November 2013.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-24T17:04:20.45","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274341,"EventID":"S4W-08289","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4016,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":133,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-26T17:04:20.56","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-26T10:58:25","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether an independent Scotland would remain part of the national grid.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether an independent Scotland would remain part of the national grid.\r\n","AnswerText":"Scotland already has two transmission system owners, Scottish Hydro Electric Transmission Ltd and Scottish Power Transmission Ltd, who work closely with National Grid Plc to develop, maintain and operate the electricity grid on a GB-wide basis. The Scottish Government strongly believes that it is in the shared interests of Scotland and the rest of the UK to continue a GB-wide approach to the operation of energy infrastructure and markets after Scottish independence, in line with the drive towards more integrated energy markets across the EU.\r\nFull details of the government's proposals on energy will be provided in the white paper on independence to be published in November 2013.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-24T17:04:20.56","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274342,"EventID":"S4W-08290","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4016,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":133,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-26T17:04:20.717","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-26T10:58:25","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how the electricity industry would be regulated in an independent Scotland.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how the electricity industry would be regulated in an independent Scotland.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government strongly believes that it is in the shared interests of Scotland and the rest of the UK to continue with the GB-wide energy and electricity markets after Scottish independence, in line with the increasingly integrated EU energy market. This would be similar in principle to the many international sharing arrangements which are planned, for example the All-Islands Approach agreed by UK, Scottish and Irish governments. A Scottish regulator would co-operate closely with regulators in the rest of GB on a consistent approach to regulation to provide certainty for investors.\r\nFull details of the Government’s proposals on energy will be provided in the White Paper on Independence to be published in November 2013.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-07-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-24T17:04:20.717","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274343,"EventID":"S4W-08291","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4016,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":133,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-26T17:04:20.827","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-26T10:58:25","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how nuclear waste would be (a) stored and (b) disposed of in an independent Scotland.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how nuclear waste would be (a) stored and (b) disposed of in an independent Scotland.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government is committed to dealing responsibly with the toxic nuclear legacy this country has inherited.  This is not a legacy we would have chosen, but we will continue to ensure that plans for the long-term management of radioactive waste, spent nuclear fuel and other nuclear materials are taken forward in a way that protects the health and interests of the Scottish people and the integrity of our environment.\r\n\r\nThe management of radioactive waste is a devolved matter and, as such, is already the responsibility of Scottish Ministers.  The management of spent nuclear fuel and other nuclear materials, such as plutonium, is currently reserved meaning responsibility lies with the UK Government.\r\n\r\nFull details of the Scottish Government’s proposals on independence will be provided in the White Paper to be published in November 2013.","AnswerDate":"2012-08-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-24T17:04:20.827","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274344,"EventID":"S4W-08292","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4016,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":133,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-26T17:04:20.933","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-26T10:58:25","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether military personnel based in Scotland would be automatically transferred to the Scottish armed forces in an independent Scotland and, if so, whether there would be","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether military personnel based in Scotland would be automatically transferred to the Scottish armed forces in an independent Scotland and, if so, whether there would be a mechanism to allow them to opt out.\r\n","AnswerText":"On 2 February 2012, the First Minister confirmed in the Scottish Parliament that in an independent Scotland military personnel would have a choice in terms of the armed forces in which they served. Full details of the Scottish Government’s proposals for independence will be provided in the comprehensive white paper to be published in November 2013.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-24T17:04:20.95","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Bruce Crawford","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274345,"EventID":"S4W-08293","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4016,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":133,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-26T17:04:21.077","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-26T10:58:25","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether people collecting the state pension in an independent Scotland would be able to collect their pension if they moved to England, Wales or Northern Ireland and, if ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether people collecting the state pension in an independent Scotland would be able to collect their pension if they moved to England, Wales or Northern Ireland and, if so, which government would pay the pension. \r\n","AnswerText":"At the time of independence, welfare benefits and the state pension would continue to be paid as they are. Spending on pensions and benefits accounted for 42 per cent of total government revenue in the UK in 2010-11, but only 40 per cent in Scotland – meaning that pensions will be more affordable in an independent Scotland than they are by Westminster. Those who are eligible will receive the state pension regardless of where they reside. Thereafter, a key advantage of independence is that the Scottish parliament can decide on a welfare and pension system that best meets the needs of the people of Scotland.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-24T17:04:21.09","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274346,"EventID":"S4W-08294","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4016,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":133,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-26T17:04:21.2","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-26T10:58:25","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with the UK Government to ensure that, in an independent Scotland, residents would be able to (a) receive NHS treatment free at the point of u","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with the UK Government to ensure that, in an independent Scotland, residents would be able to (a) receive NHS treatment free at the point of use and (b) opt for specialist NHS treatment in a hospital in the rest of the UK.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government remains committed to the Scottish NHS as a publicly funded and publicly delivered service, free at the point of delivery. \r\nAs laid out in Your Scotland Your Voice (paragraphs 6.9 to 6.11), with independence, cross-border co-operation in health could be enhanced. There are already cross-border arrangements for the commissioning of specialist health services and similar agreements exist on a European Union basis.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-24T17:04:21.2","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274347,"EventID":"S4W-08296","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4016,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":133,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-26T17:04:21.31","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-26T10:58:25","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether an independent Scotland would have a written constitution and, if so, how this would be (a) drawn up and (b) ratified and whether it will have an option to allow ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether an independent Scotland would have a written constitution and, if so, how this would be (a) drawn up and (b) ratified and whether it will have an option to allow Scotland to become a republic.\r\n","AnswerText":"Paragraph 9.19 of the Scottish Government publication Your Scotland, Your Voice (November 2009) states that an independent Scotland could consider “formulating and agreeing a fully codified and written constitution.” Full details of the Scottish Government’s proposals for independence will be provided within the comprehensive white paper to be published in November 2013, which will include The Queen as Head of State.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-24T17:04:21.31","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Bruce Crawford","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274348,"EventID":"S4W-08299","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2066,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-26T17:04:21.42","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-26T11:54:55.877","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will announce the new chair of the Crofting Commission and what its response is to any concerns about the time taken to make this appointment.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will announce the new chair of the Crofting Commission and what its response is to any concerns about the time taken to make this appointment.","AnswerText":"The competitive interview process for appointment of the Convener of the Crofting Commission is underway but not yet completed. The Scottish Government recognises that a convener should be in place as soon as the necessary processes permit, and is working towards appointing the convener as soon as possible. In the meantime we are pleased that the Board of the Crofting Commission has instituted interim arrangements.\r\nThe Scottish Government is determined to ensure that an equal opportunity is given to each applicant, and that the best candidate is appointed. This necessitates taking the time required to guarantee a fair, open and transparent appointment process, in line with the Public Appointments Commissioner for Scotland’s Code of Practice.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-07-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-24T17:04:21.433","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274349,"EventID":"S4W-08304","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2876,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-26T17:04:21.56","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-26T14:21:12","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S4W-08030 by Michael Russell on 26 June 2012,  (a) how many and (b) what percentage of (i) primary and (ii) secondary school pupils hav","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S4W-08030 by Michael Russell on 26 June 2012,  (a) how many and (b) what percentage of (i) primary and (ii) secondary school pupils have been removed from school for more than two weeks by their parent or guardian in each of the last five academic years, broken down by (A) local authority and (B) reason for absence.","AnswerText":"The information we collect from local authorities on pupil attendance and absence does not include information on who removed the pupil from school. Many of the reasons for a pupil absence relate to matters outside the parent’s or pupil’s control, such as sickness. However, we do collect information on pupil absence for holidays or exceptional domestic circumstances, which in many cases will be the result of a parent or guardian’s decision. Information on pupils with an absence of more than two weeks for these reasons has been placed in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre (Bib. number 54120).\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-07-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-24T17:04:21.56","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274367,"EventID":"S4W-08167","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-27T14:30:16.543","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-20T15:44:45","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S4W-07685 by Angela Constance on 20 June 2012, what criteria it uses to determine whether an Individual Learning Account (ILA)-funded c","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S4W-07685 by Angela Constance on 20 June 2012, what criteria it uses to determine whether an Individual Learning Account (ILA)-funded course constitutes a positive destination. \r\n","AnswerText":"Statistics on the positive destinations of young people are collected through a survey of leavers run by Skills Development Scotland. Individuals identified to be participating in higher education, further education, training, employment, voluntary work or on an Activity Agreement are considered to have achieved a positive destination.The source of funding for an episode of education or training does not affect whether it is counted as a positive destination.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-07-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-25T14:30:16.653","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angela Constance","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274368,"EventID":"S4W-08168","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-27T14:30:16.763","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-20T15:44:45","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S4W-07685 by Angela Constance on 20 June 2012, how many people on Individual Learning Account (ILA)-funded courses in each of the last ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S4W-07685 by Angela Constance on 20 June 2012, how many people on Individual Learning Account (ILA)-funded courses in each of the last three years were considered to be in a positive destination.\r\n","AnswerText":"Statistics on the positive destinations of young people are collected through a survey of leavers run by Skills Development Scotland. This identifies the destination of a young person, including whether they are participating in education or training. However, as the survey does not gather data on funding sources, the information you have requested is not available.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-07-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-25T14:30:16.763","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angela Constance","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274369,"EventID":"S4W-08228","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-27T14:30:16.84","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-25T10:27:29.313","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Minister for Energy, Enterprise and Tourism has met Citizens Advice Scotland, Money Advice Scotland and Scotwest Credit Union to discuss pay day loans and, if","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Minister for Energy, Enterprise and Tourism has met Citizens Advice Scotland, Money Advice Scotland and Scotwest Credit Union to discuss pay day loans and, if so, what (a) the outcome was and (b) what subsequent meetings with stakeholders (i) have taken place and (ii) are planned.\r\n","AnswerText":"I can confirm that I met with Susan McPhee, Acting Chief Executive of CAS, Yvonne MacDermid, Chief Executive of MAS and Rod Ashley, Chief Executive of Scotwest Credit Union on Tuesday 17 January 2012.\r\nFollowing the meeting a number of action points were agreed, including looking into possible solutions that the Scottish Parliament can implement, particularly promoting credit unions as an alternative. I also wrote to UK Minister Norman Lamb regarding greater regulation of pay day loans.\r\nNo further meetings with stakeholders have taken place to date. However, I do intend to bring together stakeholders at roundtable discussion. At this meeting we will discuss the merits of a conference on these issues.\r\nI will, of course, keep abreast of the issue being considered by the UK Parliament.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-25T14:30:16.857","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274370,"EventID":"S4W-08231","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-27T14:30:16.933","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-25T10:27:29.313","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps the Minister for Energy, Enterprise and Tourism has taken to engage with (a) civic Scotland and (b) COSLA to discuss pay day loans.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps the Minister for Energy, Enterprise and Tourism has taken to engage with (a) civic Scotland and (b) COSLA to discuss pay day loans.\r\n","AnswerText":"I have met with key stakeholders including Susan McPhee, Acting Chief Executive of CAS, Yvonne MacDermid, Chief Executive of MAS and Rod Ashley, Chief Executive of Scotwest Credit Union.\r\nI intend to bring together a wider audience, in a roundtable discussion, to consider the merits of a conference on these issues. All relevant stakeholders will be invited, including Civic Scotland and COSLA.\r\nRegulatory powers for pay day loans rest with Her Majesty’s Government and have done so for successive UK Governments.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-25T14:30:16.933","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274371,"EventID":"S4W-08233","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-27T14:30:17.013","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-25T10:27:29.313","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S4O-00967 by Fergus Ewing on 2 May 2012, whether it has taken action to discourage people from taking out pay day loans. \r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S4O-00967 by Fergus Ewing on 2 May 2012, whether it has taken action to discourage people from taking out pay day loans. \r\n","AnswerText":"Further to my letter to UK Minister Norman Lamb regarding greater regulation of Payday Lenders, the UK Government has gained agreement with the industry’s four main trade associations to strengthen industry codes of practice. This includes significant improvements to ensure increased transparency for consumers about the way payday loans work, and effective compliance monitoring.\r\nThe Scottish Government believe that increased transparency will highlight that pay day loans can become a very expensive form of lending and allow consumers to make an informed choice. We view the regulation of this type of lending as a very serious issue, and we will do everything in our power to ensure that people in Scotland have access to advice, financial education, and, if appropriate to their circumstances, the option of low cost borrowing from credit unions.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-25T14:30:17.027","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274372,"EventID":"S4W-08300","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3824,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-27T14:30:17.107","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-26T13:05:52.09","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information it has made publicly available regarding Lyme disease; how this guidance is issued, and whether it includes details about (a) tick bites and (b) how to r","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information it has made publicly available regarding Lyme disease; how this guidance is issued, and whether it includes details about (a) tick bites and (b) how to remove ticks from the skin.\r\n","AnswerText":"Information about Lyme disease is available on the Health Protection Scotland (HPS) website - http://www.hps.scot.nhs.uk/giz/lymedisease.aspx?subjectid=100.\r\nAlso available on the website is a factsheet titled What Do I Need To Know About Ticks and Tick Borne Diseases?. This factsheet includes information on ticks, what diseases they carry, how to prevent being infected and what you should do if you are bitten.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-07-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-25T14:30:17.107","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274373,"EventID":"S4W-08301","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3824,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-27T14:30:17.2","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-26T13:05:52.09","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of ticks in Scotland carries Lyme disease and what information it has about the rest of the UK.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of ticks in Scotland carries Lyme disease and what information it has about the rest of the UK.\r\n","AnswerText":"The percentage of ticks in Scotland which carry Lyme disease is not known.\r\nThere have been, and continue to be, research studies conducted in Scotland that have investigated aspects of tick ecology and Lyme disease epidemiology. However, in part because of the difficulty in defining and ascertaining precisely where an infectious tick bite occurred, a comprehensive picture of the distribution of ticks in Scotland which carry lyme disease remains largely unknown and unquantified.\r\nThe Scottish Government does not hold information relating to the rest of the UK.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-07-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-25T14:30:17.2","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274374,"EventID":"S4W-08302","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3824,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-27T14:30:17.293","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-26T13:05:52.09","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what strategy it put in place regarding the rise in identified cases of Lyme disease that was recorded in the Annual Report of the Chief Medical Officer 2010 and what add","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what strategy it put in place regarding the rise in identified cases of Lyme disease that was recorded in the Annual Report of the Chief Medical Officer 2010 and what additional resources it will commit toward the (a) prevention, (b) diagnosis and (c) treatment of cases.\r\n","AnswerText":"In order to contribute to the reduction of Lyme disease in Scotland, Health Protection Scotland (HPS) recently reviewed the latest trends in respect of confirmed cases. This review identified recommendations for further action, including the need for effective reporting and high quality data, upon which informed decisions and future services and intervention planning for Scotland can be based. HPS is currently considering the conclusions of the review.\r\nAs there is no immunisation against Lyme disease, prevention depends upon key messages to the public who frequent rural areas. These key messages are issued via Health Protection Scotland’s Tick Fact Sheet and the Health Protection Agency’s seasonal Tick Awareness Week alert, which highlight the importance of preventative measures against tick bites, for those visiting rural areas.\r\nWhile no additional resource has currently been committed towards Lyme disease, this is subject to review on an ongoing basis.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-07-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-25T14:30:17.293","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274375,"EventID":"S4W-08303","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3824,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-27T14:30:17.403","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-26T13:05:52.09","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information it has regarding the annual number of cases of Lyme disease that are misdiagnosed or unreported.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information it has regarding the annual number of cases of Lyme disease that are misdiagnosed or unreported.\r\n","AnswerText":"Surveillance of Lyme disease in Scotland is based on laboratory identification of Borrelia burgdorferi reported to Health Protection Scotland. As clinical notifications are not included, it is not possible to estimate the number of cases of Lyme disease which are misdiagnosed or unreported.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-07-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-25T14:30:17.403","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274376,"EventID":"S4W-08305","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2610,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-27T14:30:17.48","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-26T14:22:20","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, following the introduction of the proposed universal credit, whether it considers that housing associations will have a role in establishing credit unions.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, following the introduction of the proposed universal credit, whether it considers that housing associations will have a role in establishing credit unions.","AnswerText":"Housing associations and other registered social landlords are independent organisations. Subject to any relevant regulatory requirements of the Scottish Housing Regulator, it is for the governing body of each association to decide what, if any, role it would be appropriate for the association to have in establishing credit unions.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-07-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-25T14:30:17.48","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274377,"EventID":"S4W-08306","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2610,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-27T14:30:17.573","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-26T14:22:20","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, in light of the potential impact of the Welfare Reform Act 2012 on housing benefit, what mechanisms are in place to assess the performance of housing associations.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, in light of the potential impact of the Welfare Reform Act 2012 on housing benefit, what mechanisms are in place to assess the performance of housing associations.","AnswerText":"Under the Housing (Scotland) Act 2010, the Scottish Housing Regulator (SHR) is responsible for monitoring, assessing and reporting on the performance of housing associations and other registered social landlords. The mechanisms for undertaking such assessments are a matter for the SHR.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-07-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-25T14:30:17.573","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274378,"EventID":"S4W-08307","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2610,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-27T14:30:17.667","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-26T14:22:20","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to ensure the financial viability of housing associations for 2013 and beyond.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to ensure the financial viability of housing associations for 2013 and beyond.","AnswerText":"Under the Housing (Scotland) Act 2010, the Scottish Housing Regulator is responsible for monitoring, assessing and reporting on the financial wellbeing and standards of governance of housing associations and other registered social landlords and, where appropriate, for making regulatory interventions in respect of these matters.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-07-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-25T14:30:17.667","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274379,"EventID":"S4W-08308","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4964,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-27T14:30:17.747","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-26T15:50:13","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what work is being done to provide healthcare professionals with training on how to deal with patients with Angelman syndrome.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what work is being done to provide healthcare professionals with training on how to deal with patients with Angelman syndrome.","AnswerText":"In Scotland, rare diseases such as Angelman syndrome are largely managed through genetic services and through access to national specialist services and treatments commissioned by National Services Division.\r\nThe Scottish Genetics Education Network (ScotGEN) is a collaboration between the four Scottish Clinical Genetics Centres and Scottish Universities. ScotGEN aims to provide high quality teaching materials for genetics education. Genetic information leaflets on a range of genetic conditions, including Angelman syndrome, are available on ScotGEN’s website at:\r\nhttp://www.scotgen.org.uk/information/content.asp?ID=76.\r\nIn addition, NHSScotland, in partnership with other UK health departments, supports a dedicated European website on rare diseases and therapies: www.orpha.net.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-07-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-25T14:30:17.76","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274380,"EventID":"S4W-08309","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4964,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-27T14:30:17.84","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-26T15:50:13","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what support is available to people with Angelman syndrome and their families.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what support is available to people with Angelman syndrome and their families.\r\n","AnswerText":"People with Angelman syndrome and their families can access a range of clinical services depending on need, including paediatric neurology; specialist neurology/epilepsy support; clinical genetics and counselling; neurophysiology; and community paediatric services.\r\nIn addition, the NHSScotland Single Gene Complex Needs Service works with people with complex needs as a result of living with a genetic condition, including chromosomal abnormalities. The service aims to improve families’ quality of life and can liaise with the health service, social services, the voluntary sector, education and employers.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-07-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-25T14:30:17.84","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274381,"EventID":"S4W-08310","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1778,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":110,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-27T14:30:17.933","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-26T16:15:49","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive the status is of the harbour revision order process for the Rosyth International Container Terminal.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the status is of the harbour revision order process for the Rosyth International Container Terminal.\r\n","AnswerText":"The application for a harbour revision order for the Rosyth International Container Terminal received over 70 objections and ministers referred these to a public local inquiry which began hearing evidence in January, with a further evidence session held in April. Ministers will determine whether or not to make the order once the report of the inquiry is received.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-07-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-25T14:30:17.933","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274382,"EventID":"S4W-08311","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1778,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":110,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-27T14:30:18.043","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-26T16:15:49","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the reporter's report of the public local inquiry on the Rosyth International Container Terminal will be received.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the reporter's report of the public local inquiry on the Rosyth International Container Terminal will be received.","AnswerText":"We expect to receive the report of the public local inquiry later this year.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-07-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-25T14:30:18.043","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274383,"EventID":"S4W-08312","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1778,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":110,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-27T14:30:18.15","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-26T16:15:49","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will make its recommendation on the Rosyth International Container Terminal project.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will make its recommendation on the Rosyth International Container Terminal project.","AnswerText":"Ministers will consider the report of the public local inquiry and determine whether or not to make the order as soon as possible thereafter.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-07-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-25T14:30:18.167","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274384,"EventID":"S4W-08313","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-27T14:30:18.277","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-26T16:22:44","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what financial assistance has been given by (a) it and (b) its agencies to ITM Power regarding the hydrogen economy and whether future assistance is planned.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what financial assistance has been given by (a) it and (b) its agencies to ITM Power regarding the hydrogen economy and whether future assistance is planned.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government and its agencies have not provided any financial assistance to ITM Power for hydrogen related activity and there are no current plans to do so. However, we welcome the presence of ITM Power in Scotland, recognise the contribution it could make towards achieving our low carbon energy ambitions, and will continue to engage with the company over its planned activities.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-07-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-25T14:30:18.29","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274385,"EventID":"S4W-08314","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-27T14:30:18.37","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-26T16:22:44","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions (a) it and (b) its agencies have had with (i) Aberdeen City Council and (ii) ITM Power regarding the hydrogen economy and on what dates.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions (a) it and (b) its agencies have had with (i) Aberdeen City Council and (ii) ITM Power regarding the hydrogen economy and on what dates.\r\n","AnswerText":"Representatives of the Scottish Government and its agencies have discussed a hydrogen project proposal with Aberdeen City Council on the following dates:\r\n25 November 2011\r\n6 December 2011\r\n17 January 2012\r\n15 February 2012\r\n12 March 2012\r\n20 April 2012\r\n16 May 2012.\r\nOfficials have had separate discussions with ITM Power on 13 June and 21 June 2012 on the subject of the company’s plans to increase its presence in Scotland’s energy sector.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-07-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-25T14:30:18.37","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274386,"EventID":"S4W-08316","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-27T14:30:18.463","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-27T10:15:01.15","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its assessment is of the value of the quit4u smoking cessation programme in a (a) pharmacy and (b) non-pharmacy setting and what plans there are for the programme.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its assessment is of the value of the quit4u smoking cessation programme in a (a) pharmacy and (b) non-pharmacy setting and what plans there are for the programme.\r\n","AnswerText":"A three year independent evaluation of quit4u, commissioned and managed by Health Scotland was published on 8 May 2012 and can be accessed at http://www.healthscotland.com/documents/5827.aspx. \r\nThe evaluation found that quit4u was both an effective and cost-effective approach to encouraging people living in areas of deprivation to quit smoking. Quit4u appears to be particularly beneficial in boosting the effectiveness of smoking cessation support delivered through pharmacies, particularly at one month and three months post quit date. \r\nSelf-reported Quit Rates1 (Russell Standard2) at One, Three and 12 Months: Quit4u (2009-10) (Compared with a Matched Sample for Other Smoking Cessation Services)\r\nPharmacy Services\r\n1 Month\r\n3 Months\r\n12 Months\r\nquit4u\r\n50.7% \r\n29.3% \r\n7.4% \r\nNon-quit4u (other SCS) \r\n26.4%\r\n10.2%\r\n4.3%\r\nNon  Pharmacy Services\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nquit4u\r\n48.0% \r\n31.2% \r\n10.9% \r\nNon-quit4u (other SCS)\r\n46.9%\r\n21.5%\r\n9.9%\r\n\r\nSource: Data Extracted from NHS Health Scotland publication - Evaluation of Quit for You – 8 May 2012 http://www.healthscotland.com/documents/5827.aspx.\r\nNote: The Russell standard defines people as quit if they have not smoked, even a puff in the last two weeks (one month quit) or they have not smoked more than five cigarettes since the one month follow-up (three and 12 month quit).","AnswerDate":"2012-07-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-25T14:30:18.463","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274387,"EventID":"S4W-08318","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5109,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":101,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-27T14:30:18.557","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-27T11:49:28","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there are boards of public bodies to which ministers make appointments of which 60% or more of the membership is female.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there are boards of public bodies to which ministers make appointments of which 60% or more of the membership is female.","AnswerText":"There are currently three regulated public boards in Scotland that have 60% or more female membership. These are:\r\nAdditional Support Needs Tribunal for Scotland - 76% female\r\nNHS Education for Scotland - 88% female\r\nNHS Health Scotland - 77% female.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-07-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-25T14:30:18.557","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274388,"EventID":"S4W-08319","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2066,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-27T14:30:18.633","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-27T12:06:57","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will provide details of the alternative route being proposed in the event of the closure of the A83 at the Rest and Be Thankful.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will provide details of the alternative route being proposed in the event of the closure of the A83 at the Rest and Be Thankful.","AnswerText":"Our operating company Scotland TranServ is progressing the detailed design of the emergency diversion route along the line of the Old Military Road. Full details of the design will be made available in due course.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-07-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-25T14:30:18.65","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274389,"EventID":"S4W-08320","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2066,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-27T14:30:18.743","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-27T12:06:57","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the alternative route being proposed in the event of the closure of the A83 at the Rest and Be Thankful will be in place by autumn 2012.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the alternative route being proposed in the event of the closure of the A83 at the Rest and Be Thankful will be in place by autumn 2012.","AnswerText":"The works are programmed to start in August and be completed by November 2012.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-07-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-25T14:30:18.743","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274407,"EventID":"S4W-08215","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4939,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":78,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-27T17:00:31.83","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-22T13:15:37","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress there has been in integrating health and social care in the Falkirk Council area.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress there has been in integrating health and social care in the Falkirk Council area.","AnswerText":"On 8 May I launched a consultation on the integration of adult health and social care. During the consultation period there will be a thorough engagement process taking place with a wide range of stakeholders involving the NHS, local government, the third and independent sector. The analysis of the consultation will take place over the autumn. This will inform the policy and legislation proposals.\r\nWhile it is reasonable for local partnerships to wait for future direction on integration to be made clear, there is much good work already on-going at a local level. The partnership in Falkirk is pursuing a range of joint initiatives as part of its Change Fund activity.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-07-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-25T17:00:31.877","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274408,"EventID":"S4W-08216","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4939,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":78,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-27T17:00:31.97","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-22T13:15:37","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress it has made in developing a successor to the air route development fund.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress it has made in developing a successor to the air route development fund.","AnswerText":"The European Commission introduced restrictive guidelines in 2005 which severely limit the amount of public assistance that can be made available for the start-up of new air routes. The Commission is currently reviewing these guidelines and our contributions to the Commission’s consultation exercise have argued strongly for guidelines which do not inhibit sustainable economic growth. We wish to see revised guidelines which would allow us, within current financial constraints, to effectively support improvements to Scotland’s international air network.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-07-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-25T17:00:31.97","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274409,"EventID":"S4W-08315","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5109,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":101,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-27T17:00:32.05","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-27T09:25:47","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the interest payments to providers of Professional and Career Development Loans for students in Scotland are arrangements made by the (a) Secretary of State or (b","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the interest payments to providers of Professional and Career Development Loans for students in Scotland are arrangements made by the (a) Secretary of State or (b) Scottish Ministers under the terms of section 12 of the Further Education and Training Act 2007.","AnswerText":"The Skills Funding Agency (SFA) pays the interest in respect of borrowers’ Professional and Career Development Loans (P&CDLs) whilst they are studying.\r\nSection 12 of the Further Education and Training Act 2007 gave powers to the Learning and Skills Council (LSC), to allow them to administer P&CDLs and make payments on behalf of Scottish Ministers.\r\nThe Apprenticeships, Skills, Children and Learning Act 2009 then transferred these powers from the LSC (which was abolished) to the new body, the SFA.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-07-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-25T17:00:32.05","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274410,"EventID":"S4W-08317","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2108,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":141,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-27T17:00:32.127","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-27T11:19:26.417","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will provide a breakdown of how it calculated the underspend in the (a) Rural Affairs and the Environment, (b) Education and Lifelong Learning and (c) Finance,","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will provide a breakdown of how it calculated the underspend in the (a) Rural Affairs and the Environment, (b) Education and Lifelong Learning and (c) Finance, Employment and Sustainable Growth portfolio that were reported in Provisional Outturn 2011-12 and Shovel-Ready Projects.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Provisional Outturn 2011-12 and Shovel-Ready Projects paper of 27 June 2012 provided unaudited figures in respect of performance against budget. As in previous years, the Scottish Government will publish an Analysis of Major Variances (including these DEL variances) based on audited figures in the Scottish Government Consolidated Accounts. The accounts for the year ended 31 March 2012 are expected to be published in late September.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-25T17:00:32.127","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274411,"EventID":"S4W-08321","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4016,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":133,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-27T17:00:32.203","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-27T13:03:17","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many businesses have appealed their non-domestic rates since 2007 and what average time was taken to settle the appeals.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many businesses have appealed their non-domestic rates since 2007 and what average time was taken to settle the appeals.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government publishes quarterly statistics on Non-Domestic Rates Revaluation Appeals, providing information on the number of properties for which revaluation appeals were lodged at 2005 and 2010 revaluations and the rate at which these appeals have been resolved.\r\nThese statistics can be found at: \r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Statistics/Browse/Local-Government-Finance/NDR-Rates-Relief.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-07-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-25T17:00:32.203","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274412,"EventID":"S4W-08322","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3806,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-27T17:00:32.283","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-27T13:37:50.32","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there has been a delay in implementing the Inverness to Aberdeen rail capacity and service improvements scheme and, if so, for what reason.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there has been a delay in implementing the Inverness to Aberdeen rail capacity and service improvements scheme and, if so, for what reason.\r\n","AnswerText":"No. The project will be completed in phases between 2015 and 2030 as specified in the government’s Infrastructure Investment Plan, published in December 2011.\r\nIt is anticipated that phase 1 of the project will deliver enhanced commuter services into both cities and Network Rail will work with promoters to deliver Kintore and Dalcross railway stations. Detailed development work is currently underway to determine the track and signalling improvements required to deliver the extra services and stations.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-07-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-25T17:00:32.297","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274413,"EventID":"S4W-08323","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3806,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-27T17:00:32.393","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-27T13:37:50.32","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether Network Rail’s proposals for improvements on the Inverness to Aberdeen line will be published on the Transport Scotland website and, if so, when.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether Network Rail’s proposals for improvements on the Inverness to Aberdeen line will be published on the Transport Scotland website and, if so, when.\r\n","AnswerText":"Yes. Network Rail is currently finalising its appraisal of the options proposed in its Pre-feasibility Study published in 2011.\r\nThe appraisal examines in more detail the feasibility, cost and deliverability of the options, such as journey time improvements, service enhancements and potential re-opening at Dalcross and Kintore. This work is expected to be completed and published later this summer.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-07-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-25T17:00:32.393","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274414,"EventID":"S4W-08324","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3806,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-27T17:00:32.47","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-27T13:37:50.32","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what capacity the single track rail lines from Perth and Aberdeen to Inverness have to cope with an increase in freight.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what capacity the single track rail lines from Perth and Aberdeen to Inverness have to cope with an increase in freight.\r\n","AnswerText":"Available capacity on the Scottish rail network is not allocated specifically to freight or passenger services. Limited capacity exists on the rail lines from Perth and Aberdeen to Inverness and both freight and passenger operators can make a bid to Network Rail for access.\r\nPerth to Inverness:\r\nWork is currently underway to examine the potential for infrastructure enhancements, including passing loops to offer improved capacity for increasing both passenger and freight services. Phase two of the scheme is also included in our High Level Output Specification which was published on 21 June 2012.\r\nAberdeen to Inverness:\r\nNetwork Rail is finalising its appraisal for delivery of journey time improvements, service enhancements and potential new stations on the Aberdeen to Inverness line. The appraisal, expected later this summer, will contain a detailed assessment of the improvements required to deliver extra freight and passenger services.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-07-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-25T17:00:32.47","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274415,"EventID":"S4W-08325","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3806,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-27T17:00:32.563","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-27T14:25:09.307","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S4W-06147 by Alex Neil on 23 March 2012, whether it has received a reply from the Commissioner for Internal Market and Services.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S4W-06147 by Alex Neil on 23 March 2012, whether it has received a reply from the Commissioner for Internal Market and Services.\r\n","AnswerText":"I received a reply from the Commissioner for Internal Market and Services on 14 May 2012. A copy of the reply has been lodged in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre (Bib. number 54162).\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-07-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-25T17:00:32.563","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274416,"EventID":"S4W-08326","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3806,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-27T17:00:32.64","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-27T14:25:09.307","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made with its proposed fund to help the victims of crime and how much money it estimates this could raise in each of the next four years. \r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made with its proposed fund to help the victims of crime and how much money it estimates this could raise in each of the next four years. \r\n","AnswerText":"The current Scottish Government consultation Making Justice Work for Victims and Witnesses includes a proposal to introduce a victim surcharge payable by offenders.\r\nThe consultation asks for views on the level or levels at which a surcharge should be set; whether it should be a fixed of variable rate, and the circumstances in which it should apply. Estimates of the amount that may be raised are dependent on the conclusions reached on these options. Full financial information will be provided when our final proposals are introduced in a Victims and Witnesses Bill.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-07-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-25T17:00:32.64","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274417,"EventID":"S4W-08327","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2066,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-27T17:00:32.733","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-27T14:20:47","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it considers that the Directorate for Planning and Environmental Appeals is adequately resourced to deal with the number of planning appeals on wind farm planning","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it considers that the Directorate for Planning and Environmental Appeals is adequately resourced to deal with the number of planning appeals on wind farm planning applications necessitating a public inquiry.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Directorate for Planning and Environmental Appeals (DPEA) is currently adequately resourced to deal with all aspects of the work it receives, including wind farm applications which require an inquiry. DPEA has a core group of salaried reporters as well as a panel of self employed reporters, who are used to deal with peaks in their workload. \r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-07-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-25T17:00:32.733","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Derek Mackay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274418,"EventID":"S4W-08328","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2066,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-27T17:00:32.877","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-27T14:20:47","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive within what timeframe reporters from the Directorate for Planning and Environmental Appeals must complete their report on a wind farm planning application following the c","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive within what timeframe reporters from the Directorate for Planning and Environmental Appeals must complete their report on a wind farm planning application following the conclusion of a public inquiry.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Directorate for Planning and Environmental Appeals (DPEA) has targets for processing casework from receipt of the case to submission of the report to Scottish ministers. This target is 38 weeks. No target is set for submission of the report following the inquiry.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-07-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-25T17:00:32.877","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Derek Mackay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274419,"EventID":"S4W-08329","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2066,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-27T17:00:32.97","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-27T14:20:47","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will stipulate a maximum time limit within which reporters from the Directorate for Planning and Environmental Appeals must have completed their report on a wi","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will stipulate a maximum time limit within which reporters from the Directorate for Planning and Environmental Appeals must have completed their report on a wind farm planning application following the conclusion of a public inquiry.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Directorate for Planning and Environmental Appeals sets targets for submission of the report to Scottish ministers from receipt of the case. This is considered a more appropriate indicator of performance.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-07-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-25T17:00:32.97","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Derek Mackay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274420,"EventID":"S4W-08330","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2066,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-27T17:00:33.063","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-27T14:20:47","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will stipulate a maximum time limit within which ministers must make a decision, following the submission of a Directorate for Planning and Environmental Appea","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will stipulate a maximum time limit within which ministers must make a decision, following the submission of a Directorate for Planning and Environmental Appeals reporter’s report on a wind farm public inquiry.","AnswerText":"The determination of applications for section 36 wind farm developments requires careful weighing of a variety of complex issues and of the advice and opinion received by Scottish ministers from their advisors. In a case where a public local inquiry has been called, this would include, but would not be limited to, the findings of the reporter. Scottish ministers must be confident that all material issues have been appropriately considered before any decision can be made.\r\nGiven this, we consider it inappropriate to stipulate a maximum time limit for these considerations. However, we are aware of the impact both on local communities, and on the applicant, of any delay in the determination process and wherever possible such delays are kept to a minimum. Work is being undertaken to address the broader barriers to deployment, such as aviation radar issues, which we hope will be reflected in a reduction in application timescales in due course.\r\nIn relation to called-in planning applications and recalled planning appeals, following the submission of the reporter's report to Scottish ministers, ministers aim to issue their decision within two months in 80% of cases and three months in 100% of cases.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-07-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-25T17:00:33.063","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Derek Mackay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274421,"EventID":"S4W-08331","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2066,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-27T17:00:33.157","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-27T14:20:47","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what average time reporters from the Directorate for Planning and Environmental Appeals take to submit their reports to ministers following a public inquiry into a wind f","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what average time reporters from the Directorate for Planning and Environmental Appeals take to submit their reports to ministers following a public inquiry into a wind farm planning application.","AnswerText":"The Directorate for Planning and Environmental Appeals (DPEA) has submitted nine reports relating to section 36 wind farm applications in the last five years. The average time taken to submit a report to Scottish ministers in these cases, following conclusion of the inquiry, is 24 weeks. DPEA has also submitted reports to Scottish ministers on three called-in planning applications and five recalled planning appeals in this period. The average time taken to submit the report to Scottish ministers in these cases, following the conclusion of the inquiry, is 18 weeks.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-07-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-25T17:00:33.157","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Derek Mackay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274422,"EventID":"S4W-08332","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2066,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-27T17:00:33.267","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-27T14:20:47","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what average time ministers take to make a final decision on a wind farm public inquiry following submission of a Directorate of Planning and Environmental Appeals report","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what average time ministers take to make a final decision on a wind farm public inquiry following submission of a Directorate of Planning and Environmental Appeals reporter's report.\r\n","AnswerText":"The average length of time for Scottish ministers to determine an application under section 36 of the Electricity Act after receipt of the inquiry report is eight months. The maximum duration of these considerations has been 23 months (the decision to reject the Greenock wind farm application in 2007) and the shortest period has been three months (the decision to consent the Fallago Rig wind farm after the second PLI in 2010).\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-07-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-25T17:00:33.267","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Derek Mackay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274423,"EventID":"S4W-08333","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2066,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-27T17:00:33.343","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-27T14:20:47","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its position is on the average length of time taken by the Directorate of Planning and Environmental Appeals to complete reports following wind farm public inquiries","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its position is on the average length of time taken by the Directorate of Planning and Environmental Appeals to complete reports following wind farm public inquiries.","AnswerText":"Scottish ministers want decisions to be taken as quickly as possible, allowing for proper consideration of the evidence and information available. Ministers appreciate the complexity of issues raised in wind farm applications and appeals and the evidence heard by reporters at inquiries. Scottish ministers welcome the efforts that have been made by the Directorate for Planning and Environmental Appeals (DPEA) to streamline the processes and timescales for examination of these cases. The processes adopted by both the Scottish Government and DPEA are under constant review, and ministers are confident that these will continue to improve, and determination timescales will reduce.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-07-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-25T17:00:33.36","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Derek Mackay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274424,"EventID":"S4W-07738","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-28T17:21:06.743","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-07T12:20:34.857","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what impact the peer support scheme has had on the number of individual patient treatment requests.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what impact the peer support scheme has had on the number of individual patient treatment requests.\r\n","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-07-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-26T17:21:07.027","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274425,"EventID":"S4W-07740","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-28T17:21:07.133","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-07T12:20:34.857","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there is evidence that the peer support system for individual patient treatment requests has led to clinicians providing each other with increased support.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there is evidence that the peer support system for individual patient treatment requests has led to clinicians providing each other with increased support.\r\n","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-07-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-26T17:21:07.15","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274426,"EventID":"S4W-07741","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-28T17:21:07.213","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-07T12:20:34.857","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive which NHS boards have established individual patient treatment request registers.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive which NHS boards have established individual patient treatment request registers.\r\n","AnswerText":"The guidance to further strengthen the safe and effective use of new medicines across the NHS in Scotland published under cover of SGHD/CMO(2012)1 on 13 February 2012 asked NHS boards to confirm that their policies on formularies and management of individual patient treatment request registers (IPTRs) had been updated to reflect the additional guidance which included the need to maintain accurate and up to date information on IPTRs and the outcomes, including the outcome of any appeals.\r\nAll NHS boards have provided this confirmation as appropriate.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-07-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-26T17:21:07.227","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274427,"EventID":"S4W-08193","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-28T17:21:07.307","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-21T11:44:22.603","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will provide thalidomide survivors with a permanent financial contribution of at least the same annual rate as in the pilot health grant scheme for the rest of","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will provide thalidomide survivors with a permanent financial contribution of at least the same annual rate as in the pilot health grant scheme for the rest of their lives.","AnswerText":"Officials from the four administrations are currently jointly discussing future funding options with the Thalidomide Trust and National Advisory Council. A meeting between officials and the Trust is scheduled for 17 July.\r\nWe also await the evaluation of the second year of the grant before coming to a final decision.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-07-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-26T17:21:07.307","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274428,"EventID":"S4W-08334","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-28T17:21:07.557","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-27T14:44:56.237","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what it is doing to reward universities and colleges for assisting students to find work.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what it is doing to reward universities and colleges for assisting students to find work.\r\n","AnswerText":"We invest around £2 billion every year in colleges and universities and we expect both sectors to have a strong focus on increasing the employability of learners.\r\nOur reforms of the college sector will ensure that provision is closely aligned with the needs of the economy so that learners are equipped with the skills highly prized by employers.\r\nOur approach to post 16 learning is reaping clear benefits: the latest figures from the Higher Education Statistics Agency show that Scotland’s graduates have the highest rate of “positive destinations” in the UK at 90 per cent, command higher starting salaries than the UK average and have the lowest rate of graduate unemployment in the UK.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-07-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-26T17:21:07.557","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angela Constance","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274429,"EventID":"S4W-08335","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-28T17:21:07.633","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-27T14:44:56.237","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive which baseload generating stations are planned for decommissioning as a result of the additional generating output from wind farms.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive which baseload generating stations are planned for decommissioning as a result of the additional generating output from wind farms.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government does not make decisions on decommissioning specific generating stations.\r\nThe draft Electricity Generating Policy Statement (EGPS) published in March 2012:\r\nhttp://scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Business-Industry/Energy/EGPS2012 sets out the pathway to meeting the Scottish Government target of the equivalent of at least 100% of gross electricity consumption from renewables by 2020. The EGPS shows renewable generation, including onshore wind, will form part of a balanced electricity mix, with thermal generation continuing to play an important role. It also confirms Scotland will need a minimum of 2.5 GW modernised thermal baseload generation to backup renewable generation. How that will be delivered is a market-based decision for electricity generators in the increasingly supportive policy and regulatory frameworks and attractive investment environment Scottish Ministers are working to deliver in Scotland.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-07-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-26T17:21:07.633","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274430,"EventID":"S4W-08336","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-28T17:21:07.743","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-27T14:44:56.237","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive which (a) NHS boards and (b) local authorities have an autism mapping coordinator in place.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive which (a) NHS boards and (b) local authorities have an autism mapping coordinator in place.","AnswerText":"Following the launch of the Scottish Strategy for Autism, in February 2012, I announced as a spending priority the roll-out of local autism coordinators across Scotland.\r\nNational Autism Mapping Coordinators, led by a Project Leader, have been appointed from 1 August 2012 on a fixed-term 10 month contract in the voluntary sector to map autism service provision and support throughout Scotland.\r\nMappers will be responsible for regional areas, covering Strathclyde, Ayrshire and Dumfries, Edinburgh, Lothian and Borders, Central Scotland, North East Scotland and the Highlands and Islands. They will determine levels, type and quality of service provision and any gaps. Mappers will link in, consult and work with all local authorities, NHS, autism networks, local organisations and individuals on the spectrum, their families and carers within their allocated areas. Findings will inform future decisions on how many local autism coordinators will be required, the nature of the work they would undertake locally and where they will be best placed to meet the needs of people with autism.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-07-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-26T17:21:07.743","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274431,"EventID":"S4W-08337","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-28T17:21:07.82","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-27T14:44:56.237","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive which (a) NHS boards, (b) local authorities and (c) voluntary sector organisations have a one-stop-shop model for the provision of local services for people with autism.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive which (a) NHS boards, (b) local authorities and (c) voluntary sector organisations have a one-stop-shop model for the provision of local services for people with autism.","AnswerText":"Following the launch of the Scottish Strategy for Autism, in February 2012, I announced as a spending priority the roll-out of One Stop Shops across Scotland.\r\nOne Stop Shops to provide local services for people with autism have already been established in Edinburgh (Number 6, a voluntary sector model) and Glasgow (Autism Resource Centre, a local authority/NHS partnership). Six new One Stop Shops are currently being planned in the Highlands, Grampian, Tayside, Lanarkshire, Fife and Ayrshire. These will be voluntary sector models, working in partnership with local authorities and NHS, to ensure a national sustainable model that allows for local flexibility, tailoring each one so that it meets local needs. Local steering groups will be set up to decide on a development plan which in its implementation will prioritise and respond to these needs.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-07-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-26T17:21:07.837","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274432,"EventID":"S4W-08338","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-28T17:21:07.9","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-27T14:44:56.237","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what it is doing to ensure that the school education system prepares pupils for the workplace.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what it is doing to ensure that the school education system prepares pupils for the workplace.","AnswerText":"From 2003-2011 Determined to Succeed, our national enterprise in education strategy, helped develop the enterprise, entrepreneurial and employability skills of our young people, better preparing them for learning, life and work. The strategy was embedded within the wider Curriculum for Excellence programme from April 2011.\r\nCurriculum for Excellence is making teaching and learning more relevant, engaging and connected, we are equipping young people with the skills, knowledge and understanding they need them for work and life in a globalised society.\r\nA key element in providing a context for learning, and to ensure learning is relevant, experiential and engaging, is the partnerships that exist between schools and employers. These partnerships are central to the delivery of Curriculum for Excellence and to support their development we created the Employers and Young People website to encourage the engagement of employers in supporting young people to understand, and engage with, the world of work. There are over 17,500 such partnerships in Scotland.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-07-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-26T17:21:07.9","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274433,"EventID":"S4W-08339","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-28T17:21:07.993","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-27T14:44:56.237","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what it is doing to encourage school leavers to enter the manufacturing industry.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what it is doing to encourage school leavers to enter the manufacturing industry.\r\n","AnswerText":"Skills Development Scotland (SDS) works closely with schools, colleges and other partners to offer guidance on the wide range of career options open to young people.  Their career services include face-to-face and telephone information, advice and guidance, as well as access to My World of Work, Scotland’s online career service, which consists of information and video case studies and support tools for accessing learning and training opportunities, such as strengths diagnostic and CV writing tools. It also includes information on the wide range of career options within manufacturing.\r\nSDS seeks to ensure that all advice is set in the context of future job opportunities and the needs of the economy. SDS is developing a Skills Investment Plan (SIP) for each of the key growth sectors set out in the Government Economic Strategy in consultation with industry and in collaboration with related public bodies. SIPs use labour market information to identify sectors’ strengths and tackle barriers like low awareness of opportunities, low attractiveness to new recruits, lack of leadership; specific skills gaps; and training pipelines. Within these SIPs there will be some distinct activities which will support manufacturing within those sectors including increasing awareness of opportunities to school leavers.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-07-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-26T17:21:07.993","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angela Constance","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274434,"EventID":"S4W-08340","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4951,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-28T17:21:08.07","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-27T15:05:43.037","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will undertake an evaluation of the Rural Homes for Rent pilot scheme.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will undertake an evaluation of the Rural Homes for Rent pilot scheme.","AnswerText":"We have no current plans to evaluate the Rural Homes for Rent pilot scheme.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-07-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-26T17:21:08.087","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274435,"EventID":"S4W-08341","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4951,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-28T17:21:08.15","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-27T15:05:43.037","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its position is on the success of the Rural Homes for Rent pilot scheme.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its position is on the success of the Rural Homes for Rent pilot scheme.","AnswerText":"The projects which have been completed as part of the Rural Homes for Rent pilot will make a real difference to many rural communities by providing good quality homes that people can afford.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-07-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-26T17:21:08.163","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274436,"EventID":"S4W-08342","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4951,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-28T17:21:08.35","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-27T15:05:43.037","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is aware of the housing development built on the Dormont estate near Lockerbie under the Rural Homes for Rent pilot scheme.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is aware of the housing development built on the Dormont estate near Lockerbie under the Rural Homes for Rent pilot scheme.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government is aware of the housing development built on the Dormont Estate near Lockerbie under the Rural Homes for Rent pilot scheme. The eight homes were designed to PassivHaus standards and have been successful in gaining many awards, including Rural Development of the Year at the Scottish Home Awards 2012.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-07-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-26T17:21:08.367","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274437,"EventID":"S4W-08343","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4951,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-28T17:21:08.447","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-27T15:05:43.037","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether funding will be available in future to build homes similar to those on the Dormont estate near Lockerbie at affordable rent for people in rural areas.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether funding will be available in future to build homes similar to those on the Dormont estate near Lockerbie at affordable rent for people in rural areas.\r\n","AnswerText":"Each of Scotland’s 32 local authorities has now received a share of almost £582 million in subsidy over the next three-years to deliver affordable homes in their area. The funding will be used to encourage councils and housing associations to build greener homes by providing a larger government subsidy for houses built to meet higher standards of energy efficiency. And rural areas, which may experience higher developments costs, will also be helped with higher government contributions to ensure that housing developments can be successfully delivered in remote parts of the country. We also plan to launch a £10 million Greener Homes Innovation Scheme aimed at encouraging the provision of sustainable, greener homes.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-07-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-26T17:21:08.447","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274438,"EventID":"S4W-08344","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5041,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-28T17:21:08.54","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-27T15:16:10","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much funding it has given to the Black Leadership Network in each of the last three years and which (a) person and (b)  organisation is accountable for the use of thi","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much funding it has given to the Black Leadership Network in each of the last three years and which (a) person and (b)  organisation is accountable for the use of this.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Black Leadership Network (BLN) was established under the auspices of the Council for Ethnic Minority Voluntary Organisations (CEMVO) and the Glasgow Anti Racist Alliance (GARA) now known as the Coalition for Racial Equality & Rights (CRER). The Scottish Government during the last three years has provided funding to CEMVO (£0.2million in 2009/10, £0.2million in 2010-11 and £0.19million in 2011-12) some of which was used to further develop the BLN. Although the BLN was initially funded by CEMVO it is now self financed by CRER and the responsibility for overseeing it lies with Jatin Haria, Executive Director of CRER.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-07-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-26T17:21:08.54","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274439,"EventID":"S4W-08346","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5041,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-28T17:21:08.617","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-27T15:16:10","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what funding (a) it and (b) the NHS has given to organisations to settle employment tribunals, broken down by organisation.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what funding (a) it and (b) the NHS has given to organisations to settle employment tribunals, broken down by organisation.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government does not provide specific funding to NHS boards to settle employment tribunals.\r\nThe NHSScotland Central Legal Office, part of NHS National Services Scotland, provides legal support to boards in relation to litigation, at cost to individual NHS boards. Boards, as individual employers, will determine whether or not to settle employment tribunals, based on legal advice received, and will be expected to cover these costs from their own budgets. No specific funding is made available for this purpose.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-07-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-26T17:21:08.633","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274440,"EventID":"S4W-08347","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5041,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-28T17:21:08.71","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-27T15:16:10","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive which of its directorates were represented at the 2012 Scottish Minority Ethnic Achievement Awards.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive which of its directorates were represented at the 2012 Scottish Minority Ethnic Achievement Awards.\r\n","AnswerText":"Scottish Government directorates are not aware of any civil servants having been invited to the 2012 Scottish Minority Ethnic Achievement Awards.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-07-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-26T17:21:08.727","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274441,"EventID":"S4W-08348","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5041,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-28T17:21:08.803","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-27T15:16:10","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator is subject to the provisions of the Equality Act 2010 (Specific Duties) (Scotland) Regulations 2012.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator is subject to the provisions of the Equality Act 2010 (Specific Duties) (Scotland) Regulations 2012.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator is subject to the public sector equality duty at section 149 of the Equality Act 2010. It is not however subject to the provisions of the Equality Act 2010 (Specific Duties) (Scotland) Regulations 2012.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-07-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-26T17:21:08.803","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274442,"EventID":"S4W-08349","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4939,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":78,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-28T17:21:08.897","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-27T16:14:05","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress NHS Forth Valley has made toward meeting insulin pump provision targets.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress NHS Forth Valley has made toward meeting insulin pump provision targets.\r\n","AnswerText":"Chief Executive Letter CEL 4 (2012) on Insulin Pump Therapy for People with Type 1 Diabetes, issued on 27 February, made it clear that we expect all NHS boards to triple the number of insulin pumps for both adults and children with type 1 diabetes over the next three years.\r\nNHS Forth Valley has developed a local action plan which sets out its plans for increasing the capacity and skills of its staff to support an enhanced insulin pump service. \r\nWe expect that implementation of this plan will ensure NHS Forth Valley’s pump service continues to provide safe, effective and person-centred care while working towards meeting our commitment to increase pump provision.\r\nThe progress that all boards are making with increasing insulin pump provision, including NHS Forth Valley, will be published in the annual Scottish Diabetes Survey.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-07-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-26T17:21:08.897","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274443,"EventID":"S4W-08350","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4939,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":78,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-28T17:21:08.977","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-27T16:14:05","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made with improvements to the A801 Avon Gorge link road since February 2012 and what the timescale is for completion.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made with improvements to the A801 Avon Gorge link road since February 2012 and what the timescale is for completion.","AnswerText":"In light of the objectives of the Strategic Transport Project Review and National Planning Framework 2, we are continuing our discussions with Falkirk and West Lothian Council and other stakeholders regarding the development of the Grangemouth Freight Hub. This includes consideration of the A801 and recent progress on Falkirk’s Tax Incremental Financing (TIF) proposal.\r\nThe timetable for the delivery of the A801 (including the River Avon Gorge Crossing) will be set in the context of overall affordability.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-07-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-26T17:21:08.977","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274444,"EventID":"S4W-08351","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4939,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":78,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-28T17:21:09.053","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-27T16:14:05","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many breaches of the sulphur dioxide 15-minute mean objective, as specified in the Air Quality (Scotland) Regulations 2000, have been identified by the (a) Bo'ness To","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many breaches of the sulphur dioxide 15-minute mean objective, as specified in the Air Quality (Scotland) Regulations 2000, have been identified by the (a) Bo'ness Town Hall, (b) AURN (Inchyra Park), (c) Moray Primary School, (d) Grangemouth Municipal Chambers and (e) Polmont monitoring stations since November 2005.","AnswerText":"The number of breaches of the sulphur dioxide 15-minute mean objective is set out in the following table:\r\nArea\r\n2005\r\n2006\r\n2007\r\n2008\r\n2009\r\n2010\r\n2011\r\n20123\r\nBo’ness Town Hall\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n4\r\n1\r\n0\r\n0\r\nAURN (Inchyra Park)\r\n0\r\n14\r\n1\r\n4\r\n20\r\n46\r\n36\r\n44\r\nMoray Primary School1\r\n-\r\n-\r\n126\r\n117\r\n65\r\n62\r\n74\r\n67\r\nGrangemouth Municipal Chambers\r\n0\r\n3\r\n109\r\n49\r\n17\r\n12\r\n6\r\n43\r\nPolmont2\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n1\r\n0\r\n0\r\nNotes:\r\n1. Operational from January 2007\r\n2. Operational from September 2010\r\n3. To 7 July 2012.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-07-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-26T17:21:09.053","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274445,"EventID":"S4W-08352","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4939,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":78,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-28T17:21:09.21","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-27T16:14:05","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what safeguards the new Business Gateway contracts will contain to ensure that social enterprises receive full support and advice.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what safeguards the new Business Gateway contracts will contain to ensure that social enterprises receive full support and advice.","AnswerText":"The Business Gateway provides support and advice which is open to all businesses across Scotland, including social enterprises. Local authorities are responsible for the delivery of Business Gateway locally and legally responsible for the retendering of the service. The specification for Business Gateway contracts highlights that support for social enterprises is available, including access to all one to many services provided (tools, guides and website diagnostics) as well as to workshops and events. Like other businesses, social enterprises can also access more intensive locally delivered support where they meet the criteria outlined in the specification.\r\nBusiness Gateway also refers businesses onto other specialist advice services where necessary, including the Just Enterprise Programme, a business support programme, financed by the Scottish Government, delivering business support and learning services across Scotland and integrating for the first time, start-up, business support and learning and development services to Social Entrepreneurs and Enterprising Third Sector Organisations. Just Enterprise complements the economic development infrastructure in Scotland – Scottish Enterprise, Highlands and Islands Enterprise and Business Gateway.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-07-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-26T17:21:09.21","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274446,"EventID":"S4W-08353","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4934,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-28T17:21:09.303","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-27T17:01:17.027","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will designate protected areas at sea for internationally important seabird populations.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will designate protected areas at sea for internationally important seabird populations.\r\n","AnswerText":"A number of work streams are being progressed by the Joint Nature Conservation Committee (JNCC) and Scottish Natural Heritage to identify locations at sea of importance to species covered by the requirement to classify Special Protection Areas under the EU Wild Birds Directive.\r\nThe Scottish Government expects to receive recommendations for wintering waterfowl, red throated divers, terns, and shags during 2013, with the aim of completing classification of these proposals by end of 2015.\r\nFor other seabirds and migratory species areas of search are being identified using the European Seabirds at Sea database. The JNCC will undertake further research to corroborate these findings with supporting evidence from other sources. The identification of Special Protection Area proposals from this work stream should be completed by 2015 with classification as soon as possible thereafter.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-26T17:21:09.303","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274447,"EventID":"S4W-08354","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5080,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-28T17:21:09.397","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-28T09:24:54.327","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what impact the recent backlog in the coding of clinical episodes by NHS Lanarkshire will have on the statistics that are published by the Information Services Division.\r","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what impact the recent backlog in the coding of clinical episodes by NHS Lanarkshire will have on the statistics that are published by the Information Services Division.\r\n","AnswerText":"Clinical coding is carried out for the following national returns: SMR00 (Outpatients), SMR01 (Acute Inpatient and Day Cases), SMR01_1E (Geriatric Long Stay), SMR02 (Maternity Inpatients and Day Cases) and SMR04 (Mental Health Inpatients and Day Cases).\r\nThe Information Services Division (ISD) routinely monitors the submission of SMR data from all boards; this includes regular meetings to discuss data submission problems and providing support to help resolve them. For NHS Lanarkshire, SMR data is complete for all the above data sets to March 2012 except for SMR02 data. SMR02 data is complete to January 2011, with incomplete data for February and March 2011. There is currently no data on file from April 2011 onwards. The delay in submission has been due to problems experienced by NHS Lanarkshire following the implementation of their new Patient Management System – TrakCare. \r\nThe incomplete SMR02 data will impact on one annual publication which is due to be published in August 2012: Births in Scottish Hospitals, year ending 31 March 2011. ISD is currently working with Lanarkshire to resolve the outstanding data submission issues to meet a rescheduled publication date of November 2012. NHS Lanarkshire is not the only board with incomplete SMR submissions delaying the Births in Scottish Hospitals publication. ISD is working with other boards that are experiencing problems following the implementation of TrakCare. Information on the completeness of SMR data nationally is available at the following ISD webpage.\r\nhttp://www.isdscotland.org/Products-and-Services/Hospital-Records-Data-Monitoring/SMR-Completeness/.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-07-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-26T17:21:09.397","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274448,"EventID":"S4W-08375","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2678,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-28T17:21:09.473","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-28T09:47:46.84","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has instructed or contracted a third party to conduct research by telephone to establish the number of people in households who smoke tobacco.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has instructed or contracted a third party to conduct research by telephone to establish the number of people in households who smoke tobacco.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government contracted TNS to carry out an evaluation of the field marketing activity in support of its wider 2012 smoking cessation campaign. This research was conducted amongst visitors to bespoke smoking cessation stands in 34 locations across Scotland. All interviews were conducted over the telephone with people aged over 16 who had agreed to be contacted for research purposes. In total, 282 interviews were completed from 26 January to 4 March 2012. \r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-07-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-26T17:21:09.49","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274449,"EventID":"S4W-08376","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":5041,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-28T17:21:09.63","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-28T10:03:13.843","Title":"To ask the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body whether it is subject to the provisions of the Equality Act 2010 (Specific Duties) (Scotland) Regulations 2012.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body whether it is subject to the provisions of the Equality Act 2010 (Specific Duties) (Scotland) Regulations 2012.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body is not subject to the provisions of the Equality Act 2010 (Specific duties) (Scotland) Regulations 2012. It is listed as a public body subject to the specific duties as covered by the Equality Act 2010 (Specific Duties) Regulations 2011 which covers mainly public sector bodies in England but includes the SPCB as a public body listed under “parliamentary and devolved bodies”. \r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-07-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-26T17:21:09.63","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Stewart","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274450,"EventID":"S4W-08377","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4934,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-28T17:21:09.71","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-28T10:12:28.233","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what funding it is providing to improve the A90 cycle path from Edinburgh to Fife.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what funding it is providing to improve the A90 cycle path from Edinburgh to Fife.","AnswerText":"The A90 cycle path from Edinburgh to the start of the Forth Road Bridge is classified as a local road and not a trunk road and, as such, Transport Scotland provides no direct funding for this route. All local roads in Scotland are the responsibility of the local authority, in this case, the City of Edinburgh Council.\r\nLast year the Scottish Government and Transport Scotland worked in partnership with the City of Edinburgh Council (CEC), awarding it a total of £121,000 for upgrading and design works on the A90 cycle path. This financial year, CEC will receive £565,000 funding for cycling, walking and safer streets projects directly from Transport Scotland. Local authorities are encouraged to work with Sustrans whose grant award of £7,160,000 this year can be used to match local authority funding for large cycling projects, such as the A90 cycle path.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-07-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-26T17:21:09.723","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274451,"EventID":"S4W-08378","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4934,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-28T17:21:09.817","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-28T10:12:28.233","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what sections of public road will be managed as part of the joint Forth road bridge management contract and what impact this will have on any planned cycle path improveme","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what sections of public road will be managed as part of the joint Forth road bridge management contract and what impact this will have on any planned cycle path improvements on these roads.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Bridge Operating Company Contract for the Forth Replacement Crossing (FRC) and the Forth Road Bridge (FRB) will include the connecting roads from M90 Junction 3 Halbeath in the north through to Junction 1A on the M9 at Kirkliston in the south. Transport Scotland will continue to be responsible for the management of these roads although the day-to-day maintenance will be carried out by the appointed bridge operating company.\r\nThe FRC scheme has been carefully designed to incorporate new sections of footpaths, cycleways and safe crossing points to maintain and enhance existing routes.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-07-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-26T17:21:09.817","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274452,"EventID":"S4W-08383","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":86,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-28T17:21:10.037","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-28T11:03:37.093","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive on what date it will publish (a) the responses to, (b) the analysis of and (c) its response to its consultation, Your Scotland, Your Referendum.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive on what date it will publish (a) the responses to, (b) the analysis of and (c) its response to its consultation, Your Scotland, Your Referendum.\r\n","AnswerText":"The responses to the Scottish Government’s consultation, Your Scotland, Your Referendum, are currently being analysed by independent researchers who have verified that over 26,000 valid responses were received. The report of the analysis will be published after the Scottish Parliament returns from the summer recess. This is in line with the timetable set out in the consultation paper http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Resource/0038/00386125.pdf.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-26T17:21:10.037","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Bruce Crawford","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274453,"EventID":"S4W-08384","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":86,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-28T17:21:10.16","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-28T11:03:37.093","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how long it has allowed for analysis of the responses to its consultation, Your Scotland, Your Referendum, and for what reason.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how long it has allowed for analysis of the responses to its consultation, Your Scotland, Your Referendum, and for what reason.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-08383 on 1 August 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-26T17:21:10.16","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Bruce Crawford","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274454,"EventID":"S4W-08385","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":86,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-28T17:21:10.24","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-28T11:03:37.093","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive on what date it is due to receive the analysis of its consultation, Your Scotland, Your Referendum.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive on what date it is due to receive the analysis of its consultation, Your Scotland, Your Referendum.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-08383 on 1 August 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-26T17:21:10.253","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Bruce Crawford","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274455,"EventID":"S4W-08386","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":86,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-28T17:21:10.457","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-28T11:03:37.093","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, given the slippage in the timetable for publication of responses to and analysis of The Registration of Civil Partnerships Same Sex Marriage: A Consultation, as noted by","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, given the slippage in the timetable for publication of responses to and analysis of The Registration of Civil Partnerships Same Sex Marriage: A Consultation, as noted by the Cabinet Secretary for Health, Wellbeing and Cities Strategy on 27 June 2012 (Official Report, c. 10687), what safeguards it has put in place to ensure that there is no delay in the publication of the analysis of the responses to its consultation, Your Scotland, Your Referendum.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-08383 on 1 August 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-26T17:21:10.457","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Bruce Crawford","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274456,"EventID":"S4W-08387","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":86,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-28T17:21:10.537","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-28T11:03:37.093","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what length of time it recommends is allocated to (a) analyse and (b) publish consultation responses.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what length of time it recommends is allocated to (a) analyse and (b) publish consultation responses.\r\n","AnswerText":"Good practice guidance on consultations for Scottish Government staff is published on the Scottish Government website at http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Resource/Doc/160377/0079069.pdf.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-26T17:21:10.537","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Bruce Crawford","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274457,"EventID":"S4W-08388","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":86,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-28T17:21:10.63","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-28T11:03:37.093","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, for each of its consultations published in the last year, how many days there were between the closure of the consultation and the publication of the (a) responses, (b) ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, for each of its consultations published in the last year, how many days there were between the closure of the consultation and the publication of the (a) responses, (b) analysis and (c) the Scottish Government’s response.\r\n","AnswerText":"As there is no set timescale for analysis or publication of consultation responses, the Scottish Government does not gather data on the timing of such publications.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-26T17:21:10.63","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Bruce Crawford","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274458,"EventID":"S4W-08389","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-28T17:21:10.723","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-28T11:26:16","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S4W-07769 by Kenny MacAskill on 26 June 2012, when it will lay before the Parliament the section 14 order, and for what reason this was","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S4W-07769 by Kenny MacAskill on 26 June 2012, when it will lay before the Parliament the section 14 order, and for what reason this was not carried out on 25 June 2012, as had been indicated by Mr MacAskill in his letter of 24 May 2012 to the Convener of the Justice Committee.\r\n","AnswerText":"The draft section 14 Order under the Public Services Reform (Scotland) Act 2010 will be laid in the Parliament in September. In shaping our proposals, the Scottish Government recognise the value of contributions from a wide range of individuals and organisations. That is why, to build on engagement with stakeholders, we postponed laying the draft Parliamentary Order to September. This will not change the proposed period for the formal consultation which will run from September to the end of November.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-07-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-26T17:21:10.723","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274459,"EventID":"S4W-08390","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-28T17:21:10.817","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-28T11:41:28","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the Carbon Trust methodology for setting appropriate public sector energy efficiency targets will be completed.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the Carbon Trust methodology for setting appropriate public sector energy efficiency targets will be completed.\r\n","AnswerText":"A methodology for setting appropriate public sector energy efficiency targets has been developed by the Carbon Trust as part of a suite of support interventions. This methodology is available to all public bodies who are involved in setting energy efficiency targets as part of their overall Carbon Management planning, by request to the Carbon Trust. Requests can be made by contacting the Carbon Trust at scotlandoffice@carbontrust.co.uk or by telephoning 01355 581810.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-26T17:21:10.817","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274460,"EventID":"S4W-08391","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-28T17:21:10.91","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-28T11:41:28","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what public sector bodies have set targets for energy efficiency; what the targets are, and what progress there has been to date.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what public sector bodies have set targets for energy efficiency; what the targets are, and what progress there has been to date.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government published Conserve and Save: The Energy Efficiency Action Plan for Scotland in October 2010. This plan introduced, for the first time, a headline target to reduce final energy (end-use) consumption by 12% by 2020 using a 2005-07 baseline as published by the Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC).\r\nThe latest DECC energy trends data indicated that overall, Scotland is on track to meet the 12% 2020 target for final maximum energy consumption. The Scottish Government does not hold centrally information broken down by individual sector.\r\nThe overarching Scotland target of 12% establishes a minimum level of ambition for all sectors, including the public sector. The Carbon Trust have helped to support over 140 public bodies to ensure that appropriate energy saving performance and targets are included within Carbon Management Plans. They report that implemented measures in 2011-12 have saved the Public Sector around 398 GWh of energy, generating annual cost savings of nearly £4.3 million. The Scottish Government does not hold centrally detailed Carbon Management Plan information.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-26T17:21:10.91","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274461,"EventID":"S4W-08392","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-28T17:21:11.05","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-28T11:41:28","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will set a target of 10% energy efficiency savings from its own estate within a year, as the UK Government has done.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will set a target of 10% energy efficiency savings from its own estate within a year, as the UK Government has done.\r\n","AnswerText":"Rather than focus on a short-term, one year target, the Scottish Government is committed to achieving a far reaching reduction in our energy use. As outlined in the previous reply S4W-07454 on 13 June 2012 by the Minister for Energy, Enterprise and Tourism, we have set a target of reducing CO2 emissions from energy used in our buildings by 30% by 2020.\r\nWe continue to deliver efficiency savings throughout our estate by implementing the actions detailed in the previous reply S4W-08201 on 4 July 2012 by the Cabinet Secretary for Finance, Employment and Sustainable Growth.\r\nAll answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-26T17:21:11.05","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274462,"EventID":"S4W-08393","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-28T17:21:11.13","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-28T12:25:27.85","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to ensure the adoption of  the dementia designs in the guide published by the University of Stirling Dementia Services Development Centre for pati","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to ensure the adoption of  the dementia designs in the guide published by the University of Stirling Dementia Services Development Centre for patients with dementia in general hospitals and emergency departments.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Standards of Care for Dementia in Scotland (2011) state that NHS boards will ensure that there is regular audit of the physical environment in these settings for people with dementia and action any deficits; and the standards signpost services to the Design for People with Dementia: Audit Tool (2008), produced by The Dementia Services Development Centre at The University of Stirling in collaboration with Health Facilities Scotland. NHS boards will also want to consider using any new design tools as appropriate to help them in meeting this standard.\r\nThe Chief Nursing Officer continues a programme of improvement activity into the care of all older people and people with dementia at all ages in acute general hospitals, in partnership with NHS boards and others, including people with dementia and their families with experience of care in these settings. This is informed by a holistic approach to improving the care experience of people with dementia in hospital environments, with attention to ensuring an effective, safe and personalised caring environment. This activity is being supported by the training of 300 Dementia Champions drawn from acute general hospital and associated care setting by 2013 to lead improvements in care at the frontline, and by the appointment of a specialist dementia nurse consultant to each board to advise on and help implement service change.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-07-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-26T17:21:11.143","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274463,"EventID":"S4W-08394","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-28T17:21:11.223","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-28T12:25:27.85","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what standards it will adopt for (a) advice from Health Facilities Scotland and (b) inspection by the Health Environment Inspectorate and the Care Inspectorate for assess","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what standards it will adopt for (a) advice from Health Facilities Scotland and (b) inspection by the Health Environment Inspectorate and the Care Inspectorate for assessment of environments for dementia patients in (i) acute hospitals, (ii) accident and emergency departments and (iii) care homes.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Standards of Care for Dementia in Scotland (2011) contain standards on the assessment, provision and design of care environments for people with dementia. It includes a standard on the regular audit of acute general hospital settings and the requirement that adaptations and reasonable adjustments should be made in all settings to support people to remain as independent as possible. The standards signpost services to the Design for People with Dementia: Audit Tool (2008), produced by The Dementia Services Development Centre at The University of Stirling in collaboration with Health Facilities Scotland. Services will also want to consider using any new design tools as appropriate to help them in meeting these standards.\r\nThese standards will inform both the advice given to NHS boards by Health Facilities Scotland and any inspections by Healthcare Improvement Scotland (HIS) (including Health Environment Inspectorate) and the Care Inspectorate (CI) into the environmental aspects of dementia care. The current programme of inspections by HIS into the care of all older people, and those with dementia at all ages, in acute general hospital, includes a focus on these issues. The CI Inspection Plan for 2012-13 states that their planned inspections include an alignment with the Scottish Government prioritisation on improving dementia services.\r\nThe CI is also designating a network of qualified nurse inspectors to concentrate on the work around the Dementia Standards now being rolled out across care homes and care at home settings. The CI is working closely with the Scottish Social Services Council to develop and raise awareness of the Promoting Excellence dementia skills framework to improve dementia standards of care in care home, care at home and adult day care services.\r\nThe forthcoming review of the National Care Standards will include their formal alignment with the Dementia Standards.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-07-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-26T17:21:11.223","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274464,"EventID":"S4W-08395","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":131,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-28T17:21:11.3","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-28T12:38:36","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive where information on a (a) national or (b) local authority basis can be accessed regarding the average length of time that households registered as homeless are allocated","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive where information on a (a) national or (b) local authority basis can be accessed regarding the average length of time that households registered as homeless are allocated temporary accommodation.\r\n","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-07-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-26T17:21:11.3","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274465,"EventID":"S4W-08396","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":131,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-28T17:21:11.41","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-28T12:38:36","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive where information on a (a) national or (b) local authority basis can be accessed regarding the average rent paid for temporary accommodation.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive where information on a (a) national or (b) local authority basis can be accessed regarding the average rent paid for temporary accommodation.\r\n","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-07-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-26T17:21:11.41","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274466,"EventID":"S4W-08397","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":131,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-28T17:21:11.487","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-28T12:38:36","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how the recently announced £15 million of accelerated existing funding for affordable housing will be distributed and what proportion will be allocated to (a) affordable ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how the recently announced £15 million of accelerated existing funding for affordable housing will be distributed and what proportion will be allocated to (a) affordable socially rented housing and (b) homes for mid-market rent.","AnswerText":"We are currently discussing with councils how they plan to utilise their Resource Planning Assumptions to deliver a range of affordable housing over the next three years. As part of that process we will agree how the funding will be drawn down over the three years, taking into account the accelerated funding that is now available.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-07-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-26T17:21:11.487","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274467,"EventID":"S4W-08398","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":131,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-28T17:21:11.58","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-28T12:38:36","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what criteria will be used to allocate the recently announced £20 million of new funding for affordable housing for local authorities and whether  each local authority wi","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what criteria will be used to allocate the recently announced £20 million of new funding for affordable housing for local authorities and whether  each local authority will be able to apply for this.\r\n","AnswerText":"The extra £20 million will be allocated this autumn to local authorities to enhance their three year strategic local programmes of new developments in their area, which may be a combination of registered social landlords and local authority build. We are discussing the distribution of the £20 million with COSLA.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-07-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-26T17:21:11.58","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274468,"EventID":"S4W-08399","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":131,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-28T17:21:11.66","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-28T12:38:36","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when construction of the Hardgrove to Kinmount improvement scheme will (a) commence and (b) be completed.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when construction of the Hardgrove to Kinmount improvement scheme will (a) commence and (b) be completed.\r\n","AnswerText":"The construction of the A75 Hardgrove to Kinmount scheme is currently scheduled to commence on site in early 2013 with an anticipated completion date early 2014.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-07-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-26T17:21:11.66","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274469,"EventID":"S4W-08400","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":131,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-28T17:21:11.767","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-28T12:38:36","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its position is on the recommendations  made in the Consumer Focus Scotland report, Guaranteed water rights – Consumer awareness of Scottish Water’s minimum service ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its position is on the recommendations  made in the Consumer Focus Scotland report, Guaranteed water rights – Consumer awareness of Scottish Water’s minimum service standards.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government welcomes this report by Consumer Focus Scotland on Scottish Water’s Guaranteed Service Standards. There is a clear message in the recommendations that Scottish Water must do much more to get across to all its customers what a good scheme it is. My officials asked Scottish Water to address these recommendations and I am reassured by both Consumer Focus Scotland and Scottish Water that they are jointly engaged in determining how best to implement them.\r\nThis reflects this government’s aim that all water industry stakeholders should put the customer interest at the heart of their consideration of how best to achieve the continuing improvements we are seeing in the water services available to people in Scotland.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-07-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-26T17:21:11.767","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274470,"EventID":"S4W-08411","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2595,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-28T17:21:11.847","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-28T12:51:24","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the provisional total departmental expenditure limit (DEL) underspend has been in each of the last five years.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the provisional total departmental expenditure limit (DEL) underspend has been in each of the last five years.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government is required to manage its Departmental Expenditure Limit (DEL) cash and non-cash budget within the framework of the Consolidated Budgeting Guidance published by HM Treasury on an annual basis. The figures in the following table are provided on the basis of the rules in place for the respective years and reflect the provisional outturn underspends announced to the Parliament. Financial year 2011-12 was the first year of the Devolved Administrations Budget Exchange Mechanism with the scope for a planned carry forward to 2012-13. \r\nProvisional HM Treasury DEL Underspend by Cash/ Non Cash – 2007-08 to 2011-12\r\n\r\n2007-08\r\n2008-09\r\n2009-10\r\n2010-11\r\n2011-12\r\n£ million\r\n£ million\r\n£ million\r\n£ million\r\n£ million\r\nBudget Exchange planned c/f (1)\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-100\r\nFiscal DEL\r\n-42\r\n-125\r\n-168\r\n-12\r\n-79\r\nNon-cash DEL (2)\r\n0\r\n94\r\n121\r\n-86\r\n-8\r\nTotal DEL Underspend\r\n-42\r\n-31\r\n-47\r\n-98\r\n-187\r\nFiscal DEL% of Total SG DEL\r\n-0.2%\r\n-0.5%\r\n-0.6%\r\n-0.04%\r\n-0.6%\r\nNotes:\r\n1. The Budget Exchange Mechanism is effective from 2011-12 for the period of the current Spending Review.\r\n2. Under HM Treasury Consolidated Budgeting rules, non-cash was monitored separately from 2008-09 onwards.","AnswerDate":"2012-08-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-26T17:21:11.847","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274471,"EventID":"S4W-08412","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2595,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-28T17:21:11.94","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-28T12:51:24","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the provisional cash departmental expenditure limit (DEL) underspend has been in each of the last five years.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the provisional cash departmental expenditure limit (DEL) underspend has been in each of the last five years.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-08411 on 7 August 2012. All answers to written Parliamentary Questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/wa.search.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-26T17:21:11.94","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274472,"EventID":"S4W-08413","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2595,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-28T17:21:12.017","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-28T12:51:24","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of the departmental expenditure limit (DEL) cash budget the provisional cash DEL underspend has represented in each of the last five years.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of the departmental expenditure limit (DEL) cash budget the provisional cash DEL underspend has represented in each of the last five years.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-08411 on 7 August 2012. All answers to written Parliamentary Questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/wa.search.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-26T17:21:12.017","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274473,"EventID":"S4W-08414","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2595,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-28T17:21:12.11","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-28T12:51:24","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the provisional non-cash departmental expenditure limit (DEL) underspend has been in each of the last five years.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the provisional non-cash departmental expenditure limit (DEL) underspend has been in each of the last five years.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-08411 on 7 August 2012. All answers to written Parliamentary Questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/wa.search.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-26T17:21:12.11","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274474,"EventID":"S4W-08415","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2595,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-28T17:21:12.19","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-28T12:51:24","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much control it has over the (a) cash and (b) non-cash departmental expenditure limit (DEL) underspend.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much control it has over the (a) cash and (b) non-cash departmental expenditure limit (DEL) underspend.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government is required to manage its DEL cash and non-cash budget within the framework of the Consolidated Budgeting Guidance published by HM Treasury on an annual basis. Accordingly, the Scottish Government monitors performance against budgets authorised by the Scottish Parliament and HM Treasury limits. Budget Exchange arrangements for the Devolved Administrations has replaced End Year Flexibility and will operate across the UK 2010 Comprehensive Spending Review period. This provides a facility to plan budget carry-forward within agreed limits. The Devolved Administrations Budget Exchange Mechanism allows the Scottish Government to carry forward any underspends from one financial year to the next up to a limit which is calculated as a percentage of the DEL budget.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-26T17:21:12.19","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274475,"EventID":"S4W-08417","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2595,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-28T17:21:12.3","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-28T12:51:24","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will provide a breakdown of the non-cash departmental expenditure limit (DEL) underspend for each of the last five years.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will provide a breakdown of the non-cash departmental expenditure limit (DEL) underspend for each of the last five years.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government is required to manage its Departmental Expenditure Limit (DEL) cash and non-cash budget within the framework of the Consolidated Budgeting Guidance published by HM Treasury on an annual basis. The figures in the following tables are provided on the basis of the rules in place for the respective years and provide a breakdown of the provisional HM Treasury cash and non-cash DEL underspends for each of the last five years, broken down by portfolio.\r\nProvisional HM Treasury DEL underspend by Portfolio – 2011-12\r\n\r\n2011-12\r\n\r\nFiscal\r\nNon-cash\r\nTotal DEL\r\n£m\r\n£m\r\n£m\r\nFinance, Employment and Sustainable Growth\r\n-14\r\n-28\r\n-42\r\nHealth, Wellbeing and Cities Strategy\r\n-9\r\n-2\r\n-11\r\nEducation and Lifelong Learning\r\n-20\r\n58\r\n38\r\nParliamentary Business and Government Strategy\r\n-1\r\n0\r\n-1\r\nJustice\r\n-5\r\n-4\r\n-9\r\nRural Affairs and the Environment\r\n-53\r\n0\r\n-53\r\nCulture and External Affairs\r\n-2\r\n-2\r\n-4\r\nInfrastructure and Capital Investment\r\n0\r\n-17\r\n-17\r\nAdministration\r\n-1\r\n-3\r\n-4\r\nCrown Office and Procurator Fiscal\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\nLocal Government\r\n-2\r\n0\r\n-2\r\nTotal Scottish Government\r\n-107\r\n2\r\n-105\r\nFood Standards Agency\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\nScottish Parliamentary Corporate Body\r\n-2\r\n0\r\n-2\r\nAudit Scotland\r\n-1\r\n0\r\n-1\r\nTotal Scottish Block\r\n-110\r\n2\r\n-108\r\nFunding secured for Carry Forward to 2012-13\r\n-79\r\n0\r\n-79\r\nBudget alignment transfer \r\n10\r\n-10\r\n0\r\nYear End DEL Underspend\r\n-179\r\n-8\r\n-187\r\nNote: Table reflects Scottish Government Portfolios post May 2011 Scottish Parliament election.\r\nPortfolio\r\n2007-08\r\n2008-09\r\n2009-10\r\n2010-11\r\nFiscal\r\nNon-cash1\r\nFiscal\r\nNon- cash\r\nFiscal\r\nNon- cash\r\nFiscal\r\nNon- cash\r\n£m\r\n£m\r\n£m\r\n£m\r\n£m\r\n£m\r\n£m\r\n£m\r\nOffice of the First Minister\r\n-7\r\nn/a\r\n-2\r\n1\r\n-7\r\n1\r\n-5\r\n-1\r\nFinance and Sustainable Growth\r\n20\r\nn/a\r\n-9\r\n-6\r\n-57\r\n52\r\n24\r\n-58\r\nHealth and Wellbeing\r\n-2\r\nn/a\r\n-50\r\n44\r\n-16\r\n38\r\n0\r\n0\r\nEducation and Lifelong Learning\r\n-22\r\nn/a\r\n-44\r\n5\r\n11\r\n-15\r\n12\r\n-31\r\nJustice\r\n-29\r\nn/a\r\n-41\r\n35\r\n10\r\n-17\r\n-1\r\n0\r\nRural Affairs and the Environment\r\n-23\r\nn/a\r\n-53\r\n25\r\n-50\r\n65\r\n-23\r\n2\r\nAdministration\r\n0\r\nn/a\r\n-21\r\n2\r\n5\r\n-4\r\n-2\r\n-1\r\nCrown Office and Procurator Fiscal\r\n0\r\nn/a\r\n-3\r\n1\r\n-1\r\n1\r\n-1\r\n1\r\nLocal Government\r\n0\r\nn/a\r\n7\r\n0\r\n-1\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\nTotal Scottish Government\r\n-63\r\nn/a\r\n-216\r\n107\r\n-106\r\n121\r\n4\r\n-88\r\nFood Standards Agency\r\n0\r\nn/a\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n-1\r\n0\r\nScottish Parliamentary Corporate Body\r\n-3\r\nn/a\r\n-1\r\n0\r\n-1\r\n0\r\n-3\r\n0\r\nAudit Scotland\r\n-3\r\nn/a\r\n-1\r\n0\r\n-3\r\n0\r\n-3\r\n1\r\nTotal Scottish Block\r\n-69\r\nn/a\r\n-218\r\n107\r\n-110\r\n121\r\n-3\r\n-87\r\nBalance of budget unallocated\r\n27\r\nn/a\r\n93\r\n-13\r\n-58\r\n0\r\n-9\r\n1\r\nYear End DEL Underspend\r\n-42\r\nn/a\r\n-125\r\n94\r\n-168\r\n121\r\n-12\r\n-86\r\nNote: 1. Under HM Treasury Consolidated Budgeting rules, non-cash was monitored separately from 2008-09 onwards.","AnswerDate":"2012-08-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-26T17:21:12.3","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274476,"EventID":"S4W-08418","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2595,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-28T17:21:12.393","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-28T12:51:24","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will provide a breakdown of the cash departmental expenditure limit (DEL) underspend for each of the last five years, broken down by portfolio.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will provide a breakdown of the cash departmental expenditure limit (DEL) underspend for each of the last five years, broken down by portfolio.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-08417 on 8 August 2012. All answers to written Parliamentary Questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/wa.search.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-26T17:21:12.393","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274477,"EventID":"S4W-08419","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2595,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-28T17:21:12.487","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-28T12:51:24","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will provide an explanation for the cash departmental expenditure limit (DEL) underspend in 2011-12 for the Finance, Employment and Sustainable Growth portfoli","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will provide an explanation for the cash departmental expenditure limit (DEL) underspend in 2011-12 for the Finance, Employment and Sustainable Growth portfolio.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-08317 on 7 August 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/wa.search.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-26T17:21:12.5","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274478,"EventID":"S4W-08420","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2595,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-28T17:21:12.58","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-28T12:51:24","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will provide an explanation for the cash departmental expenditure limit (DEL) underspend in 2011-12 for the Health, Wellbeing and Cities Strategy portfolio.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will provide an explanation for the cash departmental expenditure limit (DEL) underspend in 2011-12 for the Health, Wellbeing and Cities Strategy portfolio.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the question S4W-08317 on 7 August 2012. All answers to written Parliamentary Questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/wa.search.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-26T17:21:12.58","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274479,"EventID":"S4W-08421","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2595,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-28T17:21:12.69","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-28T12:51:24","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will provide an explanation for the cash departmental expenditure limit (DEL) underspend in 2011-12 for the Education and Lifelong Learning portfolio.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will provide an explanation for the cash departmental expenditure limit (DEL) underspend in 2011-12 for the Education and Lifelong Learning portfolio.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-08317 on 7 August 2012. All answers to written Parliamentary Questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/wa.search.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-26T17:21:12.69","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274480,"EventID":"S4W-08422","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2595,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-28T17:21:12.767","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-28T12:51:24","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will provide an explanation for the cash departmental expenditure limit (DEL) underspend in 2011-12 for the Justice portfolio.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will provide an explanation for the cash departmental expenditure limit (DEL) underspend in 2011-12 for the Justice portfolio.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-08317 on 7 August 2012. All answers to written Parliamentary Questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/wa.search.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-26T17:21:12.767","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274481,"EventID":"S4W-08423","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2595,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-28T17:21:12.843","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-28T12:51:24","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will provide an explanation for the cash departmental expenditure limit (DEL) underspend in 2011-12 for the Rural Affairs and the Environment portfolio.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will provide an explanation for the cash departmental expenditure limit (DEL) underspend in 2011-12 for the Rural Affairs and the Environment portfolio.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-08317 on 7 August 2012. All answers to written Parliamentary Questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/wa.search.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-26T17:21:12.843","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274482,"EventID":"S4W-08424","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2595,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-28T17:21:12.937","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-28T12:51:24","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will provide a breakdown of the cash departmental expenditure limit (DEL) underspend in 2011-12 for each portfolio, broken down by resource and capital.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will provide a breakdown of the cash departmental expenditure limit (DEL) underspend in 2011-12 for each portfolio, broken down by resource and capital.\r\n","AnswerText":"The following table provides a breakdown of the provisional HM Treasury cash Departmental Expenditure Limit (DEL) underspend in 2011-12 for each portfolio, broken down by resource and capital.\r\nProvisional HM Treasury DEL Cash Underspend by Portfolio Split by Capital/Resource: 2011-12\r\n\r\nResource\r\nCapital\r\nTotal Fiscal DEL\r\n£ Million\r\n£ Million\r\n£ Million\r\nFinance, Employment and Sustainable Growth\r\n-52\r\n38\r\n-14\r\nHealth, Wellbeing and Cities Strategy\r\n-8\r\n-1\r\n-9\r\nEducation and Lifelong Learning\r\n-17\r\n-3\r\n-20\r\nParliamentary Business and Government Strategy\r\n-1\r\n0\r\n-1\r\nJustice\r\n-7\r\n2\r\n-5\r\nRural Affairs and the Environment\r\n-40\r\n-13\r\n-53\r\nCulture and External Affairs\r\n-2\r\n0\r\n-2\r\nInfrastructure and Capital Investment\r\n7\r\n-7\r\n0\r\nAdministration\r\n-2\r\n1\r\n-1\r\nCrown Office and Procurator Fiscal\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\nLocal Government\r\n-2\r\n0\r\n-2\r\nTotal Scottish Government\r\n-124\r\n17\r\n-107\r\nFood Standards Agency\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\nScottish Parliamentary Corporate Body\r\n-2\r\n0\r\n-2\r\nAudit Scotland\r\n-1\r\n0\r\n-1\r\nTotal Scottish Block\r\n-127\r\n17\r\n-110\r\nFunding secured for Carry Forward to 2012-13\r\n-44\r\n-35\r\n-79\r\nBudget alignment transfer\r\n22\r\n-12\r\n10\r\nYear End DEL Underspend\r\n-149\r\n-30\r\n-179\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-26T17:21:12.953","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274483,"EventID":"S4W-08425","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2595,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-28T17:21:13.063","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-28T12:51:24","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will provide a breakdown of the capital projects that had altered timescales that resulted in a £30 million capital departmental expenditure limit (DEL) unders","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will provide a breakdown of the capital projects that had altered timescales that resulted in a £30 million capital departmental expenditure limit (DEL) underspend in 2011-12.\r\n","AnswerText":"Capital projects, by nature, are often managed over a number of financial years and as such the Scottish Government recognises that there will, on occasions, be minor and marginal movements to timescales caused by, for example, weather or planning delays, with a subsequent impact on the expenditure profile of the project. This requires a flexible approach to managing capital budgets over time. In respect of financial year 2011-12, the following projects experienced marginal movements in timescales – the Forth Replacement Crossing, the Victoria and Albert Waterfront project, the Port Edgar project, the Stromness Harbour extension project. Accordingly, appropriate budget will be reassigned to these projects in 2012-13 through the Budget Exchange Mechanism.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-26T17:21:13.063","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274484,"EventID":"S4W-08426","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2595,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-28T17:21:13.14","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-28T12:51:24","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its prediction was in (a) October, (b) November and (c) December 2011 for the 2011-12 provisional cash departmental expenditure limit (DEL) underspend for (i) resour","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its prediction was in (a) October, (b) November and (c) December 2011 for the 2011-12 provisional cash departmental expenditure limit (DEL) underspend for (i) resource and (ii) capital.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government is engaged in the proactive management of the capital and resource departmental expenditure limits budgets throughout the financial year. Financial information at key points in the year is used to support decision making by ministers to ensure the best use of the resources available to the Scottish Government. This is conveyed to the Scottish Parliament’s Finance Committee through the Autumn and Spring Budget Revision processes.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-26T17:21:13.14","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274485,"EventID":"S4W-08429","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2595,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-28T17:21:13.22","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-28T12:51:24","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its prediction was in (a) January, (b) February, (c) March and (d) April 2012 for the 2011-12 provisional cash departmental expenditure limit (DEL) underspend for (i","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its prediction was in (a) January, (b) February, (c) March and (d) April 2012 for the 2011-12 provisional cash departmental expenditure limit (DEL) underspend for (i) resource and (ii) capital.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-08426 on 7 August 2012. All answers to written Parliamentary Questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/wa.search.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-26T17:21:13.22","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274486,"EventID":"S4W-08433","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2595,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-28T17:21:13.313","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-28T12:51:24","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the figure of £98 million for 2010-11, on page 2 of Provisional Outturn 2011-12 and Shovel-Ready Projects, includes both cash and non-cash DEL.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the figure of £98 million for 2010-11, on page 2 of Provisional Outturn 2011-12 and Shovel-Ready Projects, includes both cash and non-cash DEL.\r\n","AnswerText":"I can confirm that the figures for 2007-08 to 2010-11, on page 2 of the Provisional Outturn 2011-12 and Shovel-Ready Projects, include both cash and non-cash DEL.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-26T17:21:13.327","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274487,"EventID":"S4W-08434","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2595,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-28T17:21:13.437","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-28T12:51:24","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the figure of £47 million for 2009-10 on page 2 of Provisional Outturn 2011-12 and Shovel-Ready Projects includes both cash and non-cash departmental expenditure ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the figure of £47 million for 2009-10 on page 2 of Provisional Outturn 2011-12 and Shovel-Ready Projects includes both cash and non-cash departmental expenditure limit (DEL).\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-08433 on 7 August 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/wa.search\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-26T17:21:13.437","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274488,"EventID":"S4W-08435","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2595,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-28T17:21:13.53","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-28T12:51:24","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the figure of £31 million for 2008-09 on page 2 of Provisional Outturn 2011-12 and Shovel-Ready Projects includes both cash and non-cash departmental expenditure ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the figure of £31 million for 2008-09 on page 2 of Provisional Outturn 2011-12 and Shovel-Ready Projects includes both cash and non-cash departmental expenditure limit (DEL).\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-08433 on 7 August 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/wa.search.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-26T17:21:13.53","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274489,"EventID":"S4W-08436","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2595,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-28T17:21:13.657","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-28T12:51:24","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the figure of £42 million for 2007-08 on page 2 of Provisional Outturn 2011-12 and Shovel-Ready Projects includes both cash and non-cash departmental expenditure ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the figure of £42 million for 2007-08 on page 2 of Provisional Outturn 2011-12 and Shovel-Ready Projects includes both cash and non-cash departmental expenditure limit (DEL).\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-08433 on 7 August 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/wa.search.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-26T17:21:13.657","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274517,"EventID":"S4W-08355","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":135,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-29T14:03:49.167","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-28T09:30:33.957","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many graduates there have been of computer science courses that have an emphasis on software engineering since 2007, broken down by institution.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many graduates there have been of computer science courses that have an emphasis on software engineering since 2007, broken down by institution.\r\n","AnswerText":"Figures on qualifiers from Scottish Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) who studied Computer Science are provided in the following tables. It is not possible to separately identify courses that have an emphasis on software engineering from official data.\r\n\r\nTable 1: Qualifiers from Scottish HEIs who studied Computer Science by institution.\r\n \r\nAll levels of study\r\n2007-08\r\n2008-09\r\n2009-10\r\n2010-11\r\nAll Institutions\r\n2020\r\n1875\r\n1865\r\n2140\r\nAberdeen, The University of\r\n60\r\n65\r\n60\r\n55\r\nAbertay Dundee, The University of\r\n300\r\n360\r\n380\r\n420\r\nDundee, The University of\r\n50\r\n45\r\n65\r\n60\r\nEdinburgh, Napier University\r\n250\r\n215\r\n175\r\n215\r\nEdinburgh, The University of\r\n205\r\n210\r\n170\r\n295\r\nGlasgow Caledonian University\r\n180\r\n130\r\n135\r\n165\r\nGlasgow, The University of\r\n85\r\n115\r\n110\r\n110\r\nHeriot-Watt University\r\n95\r\n100\r\n75\r\n80\r\nHighlands and Islands, The University\r\n115\r\n105\r\n115\r\n115\r\nOpen University, The\r\n40\r\n35\r\n35\r\n30\r\nRobert Gordon University, The\r\n195\r\n110\r\n135\r\n205\r\nSt Andrews, The University of\r\n45\r\n30\r\n50\r\n50\r\nStirling, The University of\r\n50\r\n60\r\n50\r\n45\r\nStrathclyde, The University of\r\n80\r\n75\r\n95\r\n95\r\nThe West of Scotland, The University\r\n260\r\n210\r\n215\r\n195\r\nSource: Higher Education Statistics Agency.\r\n\r\nTables 2a, 2b and 2c contain a breakdown of the above figures by level of Study.\r\nTable 2a: Postgraduate Qualifiers from Scottish HEIs who studied Computer Science by institution.\r\n \r\n Postgraduate \r\n2007-08\r\n2008-09\r\n2009-10\r\n2010-11\r\nAll Institutions\r\n690\r\n660\r\n625\r\n825\r\nAberdeen, The University of\r\n30\r\n40\r\n30\r\n35\r\nAbertay Dundee,The University of\r\n120\r\n100\r\n115\r\n115\r\nDundee, The University of\r\n20\r\n20\r\n25\r\n20\r\nEdinburgh, Napier University\r\n50\r\n55\r\n25\r\n30\r\nEdinburgh,The University of\r\n150\r\n170\r\n140\r\n255\r\nGlasgow Caledonian University\r\n75\r\n50\r\n30\r\n60\r\nGlasgow, The University of\r\n50\r\n65\r\n75\r\n70\r\nHeriot-Watt University\r\n35\r\n35\r\n30\r\n35\r\nHighlands and Islands, The University\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\nOpen University, The\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\nRobert Gordon University, The\r\n105\r\n60\r\n70\r\n135\r\nSt Andrews, The University of\r\n20\r\n10\r\n25\r\n35\r\nStirling, The University of\r\n15\r\n25\r\n20\r\n15\r\nStrathclyde, The University of\r\n5\r\n20\r\n20\r\n15\r\nThe West of Scotland, The University\r\n15\r\n15\r\n20\r\n5\r\nSource: Higher Education Statistics Agency.\r\n\r\nTable 2b: First Degree Qualifiers from Scottish HEIs who studied Computer Science by institution.\r\n \r\nFirst Degree\r\n2007-08\r\n2008-09\r\n2009-10\r\n2010-11\r\nAll Institutions\r\n1100\r\n1050\r\n1105\r\n1195\r\nAberdeen, The University of\r\n30\r\n25\r\n25\r\n25\r\nAbertay Dundee,The University of\r\n180\r\n245\r\n260\r\n300\r\nDundee, The University of\r\n35\r\n30\r\n40\r\n40\r\nEdinburgh, Napier University\r\n190\r\n155\r\n145\r\n185\r\nEdinburgh,The University of\r\n55\r\n45\r\n35\r\n45\r\nGlasgow Caledonian University\r\n105\r\n80\r\n95\r\n100\r\nGlasgow, The University of\r\n35\r\n50\r\n35\r\n40\r\nHeriot-Watt University\r\n60\r\n65\r\n45\r\n45\r\nHighlands and Islands, The University\r\n15\r\n10\r\n20\r\n25\r\nOpen University, The\r\n15\r\n10\r\n10\r\n5\r\nRobert Gordon University, The\r\n90\r\n50\r\n70\r\n70\r\nSt Andrews, The University of\r\n30\r\n20\r\n25\r\n15\r\nStirling, The University of\r\n25\r\n25\r\n30\r\n25\r\nStrathclyde, The University of\r\n70\r\n60\r\n75\r\n80\r\nThe West of Scotland, The University\r\n165\r\n185\r\n195\r\n190\r\nSource: Higher Education Statistics Agency.\r\n\r\nTable 2c: Other HE Qualifiers from Scottish HEIs who studied Computer Science by institution.\r\n \r\nOther HE\r\n2007-08\r\n2008-09\r\n2009-10\r\n2010-11\r\nAll Institutions\r\n230\r\n165\r\n135\r\n120\r\nAberdeen, The University of\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\nAbertay Dundee,The University of\r\n5\r\n15\r\n5\r\n5\r\nDundee, The University of\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\nEdinburgh, Napier University\r\n10\r\n5\r\n5\r\n0\r\nEdinburgh,The University of\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\nGlasgow Caledonian University\r\n0\r\n0\r\n5\r\n5\r\nGlasgow, The University of\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\nHeriot-Watt University\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\nHighlands and Islands, The University\r\n100\r\n95\r\n95\r\n90\r\nOpen University, The\r\n25\r\n25\r\n20\r\n20\r\nRobert Gordon University, The\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\nSt Andrews, The University of\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\nStirling, The University of\r\n10\r\n10\r\n0\r\n0\r\nStrathclyde, The University of\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\nThe West of Scotland, The University\r","AnswerDate":"2012-07-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-27T14:03:49.697","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274518,"EventID":"S4W-08356","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":135,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-29T14:03:49.79","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-28T09:30:33.957","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it encourages pupils to consider studying undergraduate courses in science.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it encourages pupils to consider studying undergraduate courses in science.\r\n","AnswerText":"Education in Science, Technologies, Engineering and Maths (STEM) subjects is a priority for this government, as these areas are key drivers of Scotland’s future economic prosperity.\r\nUnder Curriculum for Excellence (CfE), teachers have professional autonomy to ensure pupils’ learning experiences are tailored to meet their individual needs and interests. Entries for Highers and Advanced Highers in science subjects have increased since 2009, with pass rates remaining high. The examination results for 2011 show that science subjects represent three of the top five subjects taken at Higher.\r\nThe recent independent report from the Science and Engineering Education Advisory Group (SEEAG) included recommendations aimed at ensuring pupils continue to have opportunities to experience high-quality learning in the sciences, and have access to appropriate information about pathways into STEM-related further learning and careers. The Scottish Government intends to publish a response to the SEEAG report later in the summer.\r\nHigher Education and industry work closely together to identify future skills needs for Scotland.  Over the next three years the Scottish Funding Council will increase by 1,200 the number of funded places available at universities for science, technology, engineering and mathematics. These are considered to be priority growth areas over coming years, particularly with the growth of new clean energy sectors.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-07-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-27T14:03:49.79","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alasdair Allan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274519,"EventID":"S4W-08357","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":135,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-29T14:03:49.887","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-28T09:30:33.957","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it supports participation in equestrian sports.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it supports participation in equestrian sports.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government provides funding to sport through its Grant in Aid to sportscotland. For the calendar year 2012, sportscotland will provide £154,890 in support to Horse Scotland, the governing body for equestrianism in Scotland, to help develop the sport.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-07-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-27T14:03:49.887","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Shona Robison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274520,"EventID":"S4W-08358","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":135,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-29T14:03:50.027","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-28T09:30:33.957","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much it will invest in hockey over the next spending review period and in which areas of the country.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much it will invest in hockey over the next spending review period and in which areas of the country.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government does not hold this information centrally.\r\nSportscotland, as the national agency for sport and the lead agency for the development of sport in Scotland, provides financial investment to Scottish Hockey in order to deliver ministerial priorities.\r\nI have therefore asked Stewart Harris, Chief Executive of sportscotland to write to you separately with details of the investment provided to Scottish Hockey.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-07-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-27T14:03:50.027","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Shona Robison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274521,"EventID":"S4W-08359","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":135,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-29T14:03:50.197","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-28T09:30:33.957","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it supports the development of football in schools.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it supports the development of football in schools.\r\n","AnswerText":"As the governing body, the Scottish FA receives funding from sportscotland to support the development of the game in schools and beyond through the sport’s new performance strategy Scotland United – A 2020 Vision. This new strategy outlined the need for a new player pathway to help support the development of talented young footballers in Scotland. As a result, seven new performance schools have been selected by the Scottish FA which, as I am sure you are aware, includes Grange Academy, who will now work in partnership with their local football clubs and the Scottish FA to help develop the selected young boys and girls football technical skills as a part of their normal curriculum in the new school year.\r\nThe level and detail of the investment to sportscotland is an operational matter and I have therefore asked the Chief Executive of sportscotland, Stewart Harris, to write to you with further details.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-07-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-27T14:03:50.197","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Shona Robison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274522,"EventID":"S4W-08360","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":135,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-29T14:03:50.323","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-28T09:30:33.957","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it encourages engagement between denominational and non-denominational schools.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it encourages engagement between denominational and non-denominational schools.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government published a guide promoting twinning arrangements between denominational and non-denominational schools in 2006. The guide, Building Friendships and Strengthening Communities, continues to be made available through the Scottish Government website at:\r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2006/12/07092739/0. \r\nThe Scottish Government supports engagement between schools to break down barriers between communities and encourage friendships between pupils.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-07-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-27T14:03:50.323","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274523,"EventID":"S4W-08361","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":135,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-29T14:03:50.463","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-28T09:30:33.957","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to introduce additional measures to tackle the issue of vacant shop premises.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to introduce additional measures to tackle the issue of vacant shop premises.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government recognises that vibrant town centres and high streets are vital to the wellbeing of communities and the local economy. We are committed to supporting town centres and high streets and I will shortly be announcing details of our town centre review which supports delivery of the national Regeneration Strategy. Tackling empty high street property is likely to be one of the key considerations of the review.\r\nLocal authorities are responsible for local economic development and therefore for ensuring the viability of the towns within their area, taking account of local circumstances and the aspirations of communities.\r\nWe are currently consulting on measures to help communities tackle vacant and unused property in their areas. Ideas contained in the consultation paper on the Community Empowerment and Renewal Bill include measures to encourage temporary use and potential powers for the local authority to enforce the sale or lease of empty properties.\r\nIn addition, the Scottish Government intends to create a new incentive to encourage landlords to let vacant commercial premises by reforming empty property business rates relief from April 2013.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-07-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-27T14:03:50.463","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274524,"EventID":"S4W-08362","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":135,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-29T14:03:50.603","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-28T09:30:33.957","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it encourages the start-up of new businesses in Kilmarnock and Irvine Valley.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it encourages the start-up of new businesses in Kilmarnock and Irvine Valley.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government is firmly committed to working with all partners across Ayrshire to maintain a supportive business environment, ensuring that measures are in place to encourage the development of new businesses in Kilmarnock and Irvine Valley. The Business Gateway, delivered by local authorities as part of their local economic development responsibility, is the key delivery channel offering a first point of contact for all publicly funded advice to start-up and existing businesses.\r\nOur key economic development agencies in the area, Scottish Development International and Scottish Enterprise, are working closely with East Ayrshire Council on the Make it Kilmarnock initiative. One strand of this initiative, Business Nurture, promotes Kilmarnock as a location for new businesses, particularly through the promotion of business parks at Moorfield and Rowallan.\r\nIn addition, the Cabinet Secretary for Finance, Employment and Sustainable Growth officially opened the Entrepreneurial Spark facility in Sir Tom Hunter's premises in Dundonald last month. This joint initiative, involving the three local authorities in Ayrshire, will provide extensive hands-on support and mentoring for new business with growth potential.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-07-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-27T14:03:50.603","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274525,"EventID":"S4W-08363","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":135,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-29T14:03:50.743","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-28T09:30:33.957","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what benefits are delivered to communities in Ayrshire by the developers of renewable energy schemes. \r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what benefits are delivered to communities in Ayrshire by the developers of renewable energy schemes. \r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government does not hold details of individual community benefit arrangements. However, in April we established a public register to encourage transparency and consistency of community benefits being offered across Scotland.\r\nThe public register of community benefits has been designed to accommodate all scales of development – from single farm-based turbines upwards and will help communities negotiate with developers and better understand what other communities are receiving. The live, interactive database will be made available at http://www.communityenergyscotland.org.uk/register from 18 July 2012.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-27T14:03:50.743","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274526,"EventID":"S4W-08364","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":135,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-29T14:03:50.867","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-28T09:30:33.957","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to improve the pre-qualification questionnaire process for the procurement of services from small businesses.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to improve the pre-qualification questionnaire process for the procurement of services from small businesses.\r\n","AnswerText":"A top priority of the Procurement Reform Programme is to use public procurement spending as a driver of economic growth and we are committed to ensuring that small and medium-sized businesses have fair and equal access to public sector contracts in Scotland.\r\nInconsistency in the way pre-qualification process is undertaken by different public bodies has been highlighted by suppliers as one of the main barriers to their participation in the public sector market. To address this, following extensive consultation with business and the wider public sector, we have introduced a standardised suite of questions relating to supplier capacity, capability and business probity.\r\nThese standard questions and accompanying guidance are now incorporated into the new shared service e-tendering service (PCS: Tender) that is currently being implemented across the wider public sector. We will also provide an online database for suppliers to store and access their answers to pre-qualification and tender exercises. The tender process for this database is currently underway and we hope to award the contract later this year.\r\nTo make the standard questions available to buyers who are not currently using the PCS:Tender system, the questions and guidance are also available from the prequalification section of the Procurement Journey on the Scottish Government website. In May, we also issued guidance highlighting the need for requirements at the selection stage of a procurement exercise to be relevant and proportionate to the subject matter of the particular contract.\r\nMeasures to mandate the use of standard public procurement processes and systems are being considered as part of the Procurement Bill which will be introduced during this parliament.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-07-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-27T14:03:50.867","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274527,"EventID":"S4W-08365","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":135,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-29T14:03:50.93","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-28T09:30:33.957","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will ask public bodies to adopt recognised quality management systems to aid governance and accountability.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will ask public bodies to adopt recognised quality management systems to aid governance and accountability.\r\n","AnswerText":"Each of the public bodies for which the Scottish Government is responsible is expected to have effective measures in place to manage performance and risk and therefore to comply with generally recognised quality management principles. The adoption of a particular system would be a matter for the bodies themselves to decide upon.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-07-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-27T14:03:50.947","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274528,"EventID":"S4W-08366","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":135,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-29T14:03:51.023","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-28T09:30:33.957","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many court cases to resolve family contact disputes there have been under the Family Law (Scotland) Act 2006.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many court cases to resolve family contact disputes there have been under the Family Law (Scotland) Act 2006.\r\n","AnswerText":"This question relates to operational matters that are the responsibility of the Scottish Court Service (SCS) corporate body. The question has been passed to the Chief Executive of the SCS who will reply in writing.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-07-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-27T14:03:51.023","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Roseanna Cunningham","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274529,"EventID":"S4W-08367","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":135,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-29T14:03:51.103","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-28T09:30:33.957","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the National Records of Scotland will make available the information that it holds regarding the parish records of the Roman Catholic Church available to all of t","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the National Records of Scotland will make available the information that it holds regarding the parish records of the Roman Catholic Church available to all of the country’s genealogy centres.\r\n","AnswerText":"The records referred to are the property of the Roman Catholic Church and it is their decision where they can be accessed from.\r\nThey are available on the internet at www.scotlandspeople.gov.uk.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-07-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-27T14:03:51.103","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274530,"EventID":"S4W-08368","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":135,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-29T14:03:51.18","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-28T09:30:33.957","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what screening is available for potential sudden cardiac death victims in younger age groups and whether it plans to widen its availability.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what screening is available for potential sudden cardiac death victims in younger age groups and whether it plans to widen its availability.\r\n","AnswerText":"We have supported the establishment of the Familial Arrhythmia Network Scotland (FANS). The network aims to raise awareness of familial arrhythmias, define and agree referral protocols, develop national guidance for clinical and genetic testing and establish a national register which will support the long-term follow-up of people living with inherited arrhythmias.\r\nFANS’ work will help ensure that people who need genetic testing get appropriate access. The decision to undertake genetic screening and genetic counselling will be supported through the FANS clinical service once the benefit to the patient and their family has been established.\r\nWe have indicated in our Heart Disease and Stroke Action Plan that FANS should extend its activities to cover cardiomyopathies.\r\nWe’ve also invested over £350,000 in Scotland’s Cardiac Assessment of Young Athletes (CAYA) Programme, which has enabled over 1,500 young people who are engaged in competitive sports to undergo cardiovascular assessment. \r\nWe expect the results from this programme will be helpful in informing the National Screening Committee’s wider review of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy screening.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-07-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-27T14:03:51.18","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274531,"EventID":"S4W-08369","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":135,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-29T14:03:51.257","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-28T09:30:33.957","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it monitors the impact on communities of odours from industrial premises.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it monitors the impact on communities of odours from industrial premises.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government does not itself undertake any odour monitoring of industrial or other premises. This is the responsibility of individual local authorities, or the Scottish Environment Protection Agency, where the premises are regulated under the Pollution Prevention and Control (Scotland) Regulations 2000.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-07-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-27T14:03:51.257","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274532,"EventID":"S4W-08370","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":135,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-29T14:03:51.337","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-28T09:30:33.957","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will ask local authorities to review the council tax liabilities of terminally ill people who are hospitalised and who have unoccupied second homes.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will ask local authorities to review the council tax liabilities of terminally ill people who are hospitalised and who have unoccupied second homes.\r\n","AnswerText":"Under the Local Government Finance Act 1992, which governs council tax, it is for each local authority to interpret and apply the provisions set out in legislation. Depending on individual circumstances, a number of exemptions and discounts may be awarded. This can include exemption where an individual is away from home to receive care and council tax discount for second or unoccupied properties.\r\nHowever, local authorities do not have powers to provide discretionary exemptions based on health or other issues. This type of support for individuals is provided through the social security system, which is reserved to the UK Parliament.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-07-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-27T14:03:51.337","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274533,"EventID":"S4W-08371","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":135,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-29T14:03:51.413","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-28T09:30:33.957","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consultation it has with local organisations regarding (a) countryside and (b) woodland development.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consultation it has with local organisations regarding (a) countryside and (b) woodland development.\r\n","AnswerText":"Consultation arrangements on countryside and woodland development depend on the nature of the development.\r\n “Development” in the countryside as defined by the Town and Country Planning Act is, in most cases, considered by local authorities, who are responsible for consulting with local organisations.\r\nForestry Commission Scotland (FCS) is responsible for determining whether applications for new woodland planting, woodland felling and deforestation and, in most cases, the construction of forest roads and quarries should be approved.  All applications are advertised on the FCS public register and, in addition, FCS consults with local authorities, statutory consultees and local organisations (for example, Community Councils) on cases above a size threshold, or as otherwise agreed locally with the relevant authority and partners. Details of consultation arrangements can be found at: http://www.forestry.gov.uk/pdf/consult.pdf/$FILE/consult.pdf.\r\nIn addition, proposals for afforestation, deforestation and the construction of forest roads and quarries are subject to environmental impact assessment under the Environmental Impact Assessment (Forestry) (Scotland) Regulations 1999. Full details of how forestry proposals are considered and consulted upon by FCS under the EIA regulations can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.forestry.gov.uk/pdf/EIAGeneral09.pdf/$FILE/EIAGeneral09.pdf.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-07-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-27T14:03:51.413","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274534,"EventID":"S4W-08372","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":135,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-29T14:03:51.493","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-28T09:30:33.957","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, in light of the potential impact on businesses in Scotland, what discussions it has had with the UK Government regarding signature fraud in financial transactions.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, in light of the potential impact on businesses in Scotland, what discussions it has had with the UK Government regarding signature fraud in financial transactions.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has a wide counter-fraud agenda of which signature fraud is a part. Our approach to fraud is risk-based and designed to reduce the impact it has across Scotland on organisations in the public sector, the private sector, the not-for-profit sector, as well as individual members of the public.\r\nThe Scottish Government is represented on the UK Government’s Fraud, Error and Debt Taskforce that includes members from the Welsh Assembly and all major UK Government departments. The group is tasked with helping to facilitate collaborative working between central and local government, and the public, private and civil sector in order to enhance approaches to counter-fraud. The taskforce works closely with the National Fraud Authority, an executive agency of the Home Office that works with the counter-fraud community to make fraud more difficult to commit in and against the UK. The National Fraud Authority also leads the implementation of Fighting Fraud Together, a cross-sector strategy published in October 2011 aiming to reduce fraud.\r\nIn the UK, signature fraud on cheques is handled by the UK Cheque and Credit Clearing Company. The most up-to-date figures released in March 2011 show the continuing decline in cheque usage has played a part in an annual 3 per cent fall in overall cheque fraud losses. The UK Cheque and Credit Clearing Company works in partnership with the Financial Fraud Action UK purpose of creating a united front against financial fraud and its effects.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-07-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-27T14:03:51.507","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274535,"EventID":"S4W-08437","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3824,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-29T14:03:51.6","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-28T13:26:26","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S4O-01121 by Nicola Sturgeon on 14 June 2012 (Official Report, c. 10110) whether it has had discussions with NHS Ayrshire and Arran abo","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S4O-01121 by Nicola Sturgeon on 14 June 2012 (Official Report, c. 10110) whether it has had discussions with NHS Ayrshire and Arran about breaches of diagnostic waiting time targets in each of the last four quarters and, if so, when and what the outcomes were.\r\n","AnswerText":"Ministers meet with NHS Chairs regularly to discuss a number of issues including performance against waiting time standards.\r\nScottish Government officials closely monitor and meet regularly with Boards to discuss and support the delivery of waiting time standards. In relation to NHS Ayrshire and Arran there have been discussions around diagnostic services particularly endoscopy services. A recovery plan has been put in place, this includes the use of a locum to reduce the number of patients waiting longer than the waiting time standard. It is anticipated that the Board’s performance will be improved by end of this September and that the waiting times standards will be sustained thereafter.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-07-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-27T14:03:51.6","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274536,"EventID":"S4W-08445","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2029,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":145,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-29T14:03:51.74","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-28T13:50:45.16","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it prepared the costings for the proposals on the progress of the reform of post-16 education, which were announced by the Cabinet Secretary for Education and Lifelo","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it prepared the costings for the proposals on the progress of the reform of post-16 education, which were announced by the Cabinet Secretary for Education and Lifelong Learning on 28 June 2012.\r\n","AnswerText":"I intend to bring forward legislation to support our aims for Post-16 Education Reform. As part of the Bill development process there is on-going analysis of the costs that may be involved.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-07-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-27T14:03:51.74","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274537,"EventID":"S4W-08446","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2029,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":145,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-29T14:03:51.897","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-28T13:50:45.16","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the costings for the proposals on the progress of the reform of post-16 education, which were announced by the Cabinet Secretary for Education and Lifelong Learning ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the costings for the proposals on the progress of the reform of post-16 education, which were announced by the Cabinet Secretary for Education and Lifelong Learning on 28 June 2012, will be lodged in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre (SPICe) and for what reason they were not lodged prior to the cabinet secretary's statement.\r\n","AnswerText":"I intend to bring forward legislation to support our ambitions for Post-16 Education Reform. A Financial Memorandum will be produced, as normal, as part of any legislation.\r\nCosts will be subject to Parliamentary scrutiny as part of consideration of legislation.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-07-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-27T14:03:51.897","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274538,"EventID":"S4W-08461","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1769,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":75,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-29T14:03:52.023","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-28T14:07:21","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S4W-07973 by Keith Brown on 27 June 2012, what the overhaul costs have been for the MV (a) Hrossey, (b) Hjaltland and (c) Hamnvaoe in e","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S4W-07973 by Keith Brown on 27 June 2012, what the overhaul costs have been for the MV (a) Hrossey, (b) Hjaltland and (c) Hamnvaoe in each year since 2002.","AnswerText":"The following table sets out the overhaul costs of MV Hrossey, MV Hjaltland and MV Hamnavoe in each year since 2002.\r\nAnnual Overhaul Refit/Dry Dock costs\r\nHrossey\r\nHjaltland\r\nHamnavoe\r\nTotal\r\nJuly - June (£k)\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\n \r\n2002-03 (Oct-Jun)\r\n47\r\n47\r\n5\r\n99\r\n2003-04\r\n231\r\n154\r\n143\r\n528\r\n2004-05\r\n151\r\n175\r\n172\r\n498\r\n2005-06\r\n189\r\n153\r\n145\r\n487\r\n2006-07\r\n148\r\n174\r\n151\r\n473\r\n2007-08\r\n70\r\n73\r\n218\r\n361\r\n2008-09\r\n640\r\n673\r\n62\r\n1,375\r\n2009-10\r\n272\r\n266\r\n281\r\n819\r\n2010-11\r\n309\r\n392\r\n74\r\n775\r\nNotes:\r\n1. The twelve month information runs from July to June.\r\nThe information relates to costs arising from the annual overhaul period.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-07-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-27T14:03:52.023","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274539,"EventID":"S4W-08462","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1769,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":75,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-29T14:03:52.163","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-28T14:07:21","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S4W-07974 by Keith Brown on 27 June 2012, what estimate it has made of the level of public subsidy required to (a) maintain the contrac","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S4W-07974 by Keith Brown on 27 June 2012, what estimate it has made of the level of public subsidy required to (a) maintain the contract with the Royal Bank of Scotland to lease the MV Hrossey, MV Hjaltland and MV Hamnvaoe and (b) charter two new vessels, for service on the 2012-18 Northern Isles ferry contract.","AnswerText":"The costs of leasing and chartering these vessels are covered by confidentiality agreements between their owners and the ferry operators.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-07-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-27T14:03:52.18","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274540,"EventID":"S4W-08463","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-29T14:03:52.32","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-28T14:11:02","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information it has on absenteeism for (a) Scottish Government employees, (b) NHS employees, (c) police service employees and (d) teachers for 2011-12.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information it has on absenteeism for (a) Scottish Government employees, (b) NHS employees, (c) police service employees and (d) teachers for 2011-12.","AnswerText":"The following table gives the average working days lost (AWDL) per full-time equivalent employee in Scottish Government Core Directorates.\r\n1 July 2010 \r\nto 30 June 2011\r\n1 October 2010 \r\nto 30 September 2011\r\n1 January 2011 \r\nto 31 December 2011\r\n1 April 2011 \r\nto 31 March 2012\r\n6.6 days\r\n6.4 days\r\n6.3 days\r\n6.3 days\r\nNote: Sickness absence is reported in 12 month periods to account for seasonality.\r\nThe latest available absence data (2011-12) for NHS Scotland is published at the following link:\r\nhttp://www.isdscotland.org/Health-Topics/Workforce/Publications/data-tables.asp.\r\n[Scroll down to the Staff Governance heading and open the excel attachment Sickness Absence].\r\nNHS absence data is measured as an absence rate, which is different to the standard AWDL measure used by government departments.\r\nThe latest available absence data (2010-11) from the Scottish Policing Performance Framework is available at the following link; Table 4.3.2 refers.\r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2011/10/25105642/34#tablefourthreetwo.\r\nPolice absence data is measured by the proportion of working days lost, which is different to the standard AWDL measure used by government departments.\r\nThe latest available absence data (2010-11) relating to teachers is published by Audit Scotland at the following link:\r\nhttp://www.audit-scotland.gov.uk/performance/service/\r\n[Click on the Excel attachment Corporate management].\r\nThese figures are not comparable.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-07-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-27T14:03:52.32","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274541,"EventID":"S4W-08464","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5080,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-29T14:03:52.46","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-28T14:19:18","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its position is on routine testing for group B streptococcus in pregnancy.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its position is on routine testing for group B streptococcus in pregnancy.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government is given independent advice on screening by the UK National Screening Committee. The UK National Screening Committee currently recommends that a national screening programme for Group B Streptococcus (GBS) should not be introduced. This policy is currently being reviewed.\r\nThe Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists has also considered the potential benefits and harm of screening for GBS during pregnancy and has agreed that there is no clear evidence to show that screening all pregnant women in the UK would be beneficial.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-07-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-27T14:03:52.46","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274542,"EventID":"S4W-08465","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-29T14:03:52.553","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-28T15:02:59.363","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive which broadband exchanges in Perth and Kinross are planned for an upgrade in (a) 2012 and (b) 2013.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive which broadband exchanges in Perth and Kinross are planned for an upgrade in (a) 2012 and (b) 2013.\r\n","AnswerText":"Upgrading of BT exchanges, such as those in Perth and Kinross, is a matter for BT.\r\nBT’s press release of 13 September 2011 confirms that the Perth exchange is scheduled to be upgraded to provide Superfast (fibre-based) broadband services during 2012. BT has not yet made any Superfast broadband announcements in the Perth and Kinross region for 2013. \r\nhttp://www.btplc.com/News/Articles/ShowArticle.cfm?ArticleID=11C1C9A8-997C-4A1F-9876-D36365E64F33\r\nBT’s press releases of 21 July 2011, 22 December 2011 and 22 May 2012 confirm that the Pitlochry, Scone and Stanley exchanges are scheduled to be upgraded to provide Wholesale Broadband Connect services (up to 20 Mbps over the existing copper network) by spring 2013.\r\nhttp://www.btplc.com/News/Articles/Showarticle.cfm?ArticleID=13F4100B-2DC0-470E-80F0-CD6047CE3F71, \r\nhttp://www.btplc.com/News/Articles/Showarticle.cfm?ArticleID=D06889A3-786C-444A-A558-18973F883497, and \r\nhttp://www.btplc.com/News/Articles/Showarticle.cfm?ArticleID=D600C102-CFE6-479F-A58C-D647D371D508.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-07-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-27T14:03:52.553","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274543,"EventID":"S4W-08466","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-29T14:03:52.63","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-28T15:02:59.363","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with Perth and Kinross Council regarding broadband upgrades since the publication of Scotland’s Digital Future - Infrastructure Action Plan.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with Perth and Kinross Council regarding broadband upgrades since the publication of Scotland’s Digital Future - Infrastructure Action Plan.\r\n","AnswerText":"Since publication of Scotland’s Digital Future – Infrastructure Action Plan on 31 January 2012, the Scottish Government has been in dialogue with Perth and Kinross Council on its broadband plan for the region; this has included one meeting at official level on 30 March.\r\nAs we progress with implementation of the Step Change 2015 Programme, over the summer, we will continue our dialogue with the council to identify local priorities for the Perth and Kinross region. We will be holding a series of workshops and one-to-one meetings with local government to progress this work and will engage with Perth and Kinross Council as part of this process.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-07-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-27T14:03:52.63","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274544,"EventID":"S4W-08467","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2876,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-29T14:03:52.71","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-28T14:44:54","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the cost of treating asthma has been to the NHS in each of the last five years.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the cost of treating asthma has been to the NHS in each of the last five years.\r\n","AnswerText":"It is the responsibility of NHS boards to plan, fund and deliver services to meet the needs of their local populations and the totality of a person’s healthcare needs rather than on an individual condition basis. Accurate estimates for the overall cost of treating people with asthma are therefore difficult to establish.\r\nWe recognise however, that the cost of asthma to NHSScotland is significant. In April 2012 a report on Programme Budgeting – Testing The Approach in Scotland was published which estimates that NHSScotland spent just over 6% (£500 million) of identified spend on respiratory disease overall in 2007-08. This report is available on the Scottish Government website at:\r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2012/04/8235/5.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-07-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-27T14:03:52.71","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274545,"EventID":"S4W-08468","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2876,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-29T14:03:52.787","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-28T14:44:54","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many days of hospitalisation have been associated with asthma in each of the last five years, broken down by NHS board.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many days of hospitalisation have been associated with asthma in each of the last five years, broken down by NHS board.","AnswerText":"The number of hospital bed days where the main diagnosis was recorded as asthma, in the last 5 years that information is available, by NHS Board of residence, is shown in the following table.\r\n\r\n2006-07\r\n2007-08\r\n2008-09\r\n2009-10\r\n2010-11 1\r\nAll Scottish Residents\r\n      20,268 \r\n      18,104 \r\n      19,946 \r\n      17,684 \r\n      16,690 \r\nNHS Ayrshire and Arran\r\n       1,716 \r\n       1,498 \r\n       1,784 \r\n       1,460 \r\n       1,404 \r\nNHS Borders\r\n          441 \r\n          393 \r\n          505 \r\n          328 \r\n          325 \r\nNHS Dumfries and Galloway\r\n          539 \r\n          463 \r\n          460 \r\n          384 \r\n          437 \r\nNHS Fife\r\n          937 \r\n          740 \r\n       1,322 \r\n          948 \r\n          696 \r\nNHS Forth Valley\r\n          892 \r\n          960 \r\n          988 \r\n          826 \r\n          845 \r\nNHS Grampian\r\n       2,044 \r\n       1,837 \r\n       1,564 \r\n       1,467 \r\n       1,340 \r\nNHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde\r\n       5,246 \r\n       4,543 \r\n       4,901 \r\n       4,681 \r\n       4,287 \r\nNHS Highland\r\n       1,526 \r\n       1,794 \r\n       1,948 \r\n       1,760 \r\n       1,517 \r\nNHS Lanarkshire\r\n       2,510 \r\n       2,046 \r\n       2,006 \r\n       1,920 \r\n       2,012 \r\nNHS Lothian\r\n       3,020 \r\n       2,551 \r\n       3,132 \r\n       2,646 \r\n       2,774 \r\nNHS Orkney\r\n            73 \r\n            49 \r\n            17 \r\n            29 \r\n            20 \r\nNHS Shetland\r\n            43 \r\n            43 \r\n            23 \r\n            24 \r\n            30 \r\nNHS Tayside\r\n       1,071 \r\n          964 \r\n       1,089 \r\n       1,050 \r\n          864 \r\nNHS Western Isles\r\n          210 \r\n          223 \r\n          207 \r\n          161 \r\n          139 \r\nSOURCE: ISD Scotland (SMR01 data)\r\nNote: 1. 2010-11 figures are provisional.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-07-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-27T14:03:52.787","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274546,"EventID":"S4W-08469","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2876,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-29T14:03:52.863","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-28T14:44:54","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many deaths there have been in each of the last five years in which the main cause of death was asthma, broken down by NHS board.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many deaths there have been in each of the last five years in which the main cause of death was asthma, broken down by NHS board.","AnswerText":"This information is publicly available on the National Records of Scotland website. The codes for deaths where asthma was the underlying cause are J45-J46.\r\n2007: http://www.gro-scotland.gov.uk/files1/stats/07t6-4.xls\r\n2008: http://www.gro-scotland.gov.uk/files2/stats/vital-events-ref-tables-2008/ve-2008-t6-4.xls\r\n2009: http://www.gro-scotland.gov.uk/files2/stats/ve-reftables-09/ve09-t6-4.xls\r\n2010: http://www.gro-scotland.gov.uk/files2/stats/ve-reftables-2010/ve10-t6-4.xls\r\n2011 (provisional): http://www.gro-scotland.gov.uk/files2/stats/births-marriages-deaths-preliminary/bdve-2011-preliminary-tablep5.xls.\r\nFinal figures for 2011 are due to be published on 9 August, in the next version of NRS Vital Events Reference Table 6.3.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-07-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-27T14:03:52.863","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274547,"EventID":"S4W-08470","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2876,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-29T14:03:53.02","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-28T14:44:54","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people with asthma there have been in each of the last five years, broken down by NHS board.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people with asthma there have been in each of the last five years, broken down by NHS board.","AnswerText":"The following table shows the total number of individuals on General Practice asthma registers for each year from 2006-07 to 2010-11. These data are based on annual registers of practice patients with a diagnosis of asthma, which exclude those who have had no prescription for asthma-related drugs in the last 12 months.\r\nThese data are collected as part of the Quality and Outcomes Framework (QOF). Participation in the QOF is voluntary, although around 99% of practices do take part. However, this does mean that data from a small number of practices are not included in these figures. Detailed information on QOF, including register sizes, for Scottish general practices is published annually at www.isdscotland.org/qof.\r\nNumber of individuals on QOF Asthma Registers 2006-07 to 2010-111\r\nNHS Board\r\n2006-07\r\n2007-08\r\n2008-09\r\n2009-10\r\n2010-11\r\nNHS Ayrshire and Arran\r\n21,164\r\n21,749\r\n22,157\r\n23,066\r\n23,527\r\nNHS Borders\r\n6,942\r\n6,964\r\n7,228\r\n7,336\r\n7,390\r\nNHS Dumfries and Galloway\r\n8,092\r\n8,771\r\n8,956\r\n9,365\r\n9,508\r\nNHS Fife\r\n21,376\r\n21,365\r\n22,401\r\n23,449\r\n23,476\r\nNHS Forth Valley\r\n16,559\r\n16,532\r\n16,799\r\n17,511\r\n17,634\r\nNHS Grampian\r\n31,287\r\n31,538\r\n32,426\r\n33,131\r\n33,639\r\nNHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde\r\n67,757\r\n68,524\r\n70,977\r\n74,489\r\n75,225\r\nNHS Highland\r\n17,822\r\n18,273\r\n18,571\r\n19,079\r\n19,469\r\nNHS Lanarkshire\r\n32,139\r\n33,033\r\n34,432\r\n35,685\r\n36,347\r\nNHS Lothian\r\n45,290\r\n45,743\r\n47,776\r\n48,766\r\n49,643\r\nNHS Orkney\r\n658\r\n1,144\r\n1,229\r\n1,230\r\n1,236\r\nNHS Shetland\r\n1,407\r\n1,423\r\n1,419\r\n1,499\r\n1,509\r\nNHS Tayside\r\n22,241\r\n22,355\r\n23,094\r\n23,699\r\n23,857\r\nNHS Western Isles\r\n1,605\r\n1,591\r\n1,648\r\n1,706\r\n1,796\r\nNHS Scotland\r\n294,339\r\n299,005\r\n309,113\r\n320,011\r\n324,256\r\nSource: ISD Scotland.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-07-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-27T14:03:53.02","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274548,"EventID":"S4W-08471","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4014,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-29T14:03:53.16","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-28T15:43:25.133","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it plans to introduce construction compliance plans. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it plans to introduce construction compliance plans. ","AnswerText":"Local authority verifiers will be expected to issue Construction Compliance Plans with all building warrants applied for on or after 1 October 2012.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-07-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-27T14:03:53.16","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Derek Mackay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274549,"EventID":"S4W-08485","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1793,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-29T14:03:53.3","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-28T17:29:48.407","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people hold land in commonty under the Division of Commonties Act 1695 and what the differences are between such land and land held in common ownership.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people hold land in commonty under the Division of Commonties Act 1695 and what the differences are between such land and land held in common ownership.\r\n","AnswerText":"There are no figures for the number of people in Scotland who hold land as commonty, however the number is likely to be very low.\r\nOne of the difficulties with identifying such land is that the title deeds will not necessarily expressly convey a proprietary right of commonty. In past cases of doubt, the nature of the possession has been an important factor.\r\nThe Land Register is a modern, map-based register of title managed and maintained by the Keeper of the Registers of Scotland. On first registration of an area of land in that register, the keeper will examine the prior title deeds as well as other evidence submitted by, or on behalf of, the applicant for registration. If an applicant considered that their primary property carried with it a proprietary right of commonty in other land, they could include evidence to that effect in their application. The keeper is not aware of any land held as commonty being registered in the Land Register.\r\nAccordingly, the titles to any land which remains held as commonty are likely to be recorded in the General Register of Sasines. This register, which has been in operation since 1617, is a register of deeds and holds only the information set out in those deeds. Therefore, it is unlikely that land held as commonty could be identified from the Register of Sasines alone.\r\nThe Parliament recently passed the Land Registration etc. (Scotland) Bill that will ultimately allow for the completion of the Land Register, replacing the Register of Sasines. It will provide better, clearer information on ownership of all land in Scotland.\r\nLand held as commonty can in general be distinguished from land held in modern common ownership in three main ways: \r\nThe mode of constitution - Typically, specific shares in commonty are not set out in the title deeds, whereas in modern common property it is common for the fractional share to be set out in the title deeds. \r\nThe nature of the title – A right held in commonty cannot be transferred on its own; unlike modern common property, the right can only be held as a pertinent of other land. \r\nRules for division – With modern common property, rules relating to division exist at common law. By contrast a commonty (leaving aside common grazings under crofting tenure) can only be divided under the rules in the Division of Commonties Act 1695.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-07-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-27T14:03:53.3","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274550,"EventID":"S4W-08487","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1793,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-29T14:03:53.49","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-28T17:29:48.407","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its position is on transferring land held in commonty under the Division of Commonties Act 1695 to land held in common ownership.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its position is on transferring land held in commonty under the Division of Commonties Act 1695 to land held in common ownership.\r\n","AnswerText":"The 1695 act allows an area of land, still held as commonty, to be divided amongst the common owners of that land. This may arise where change of circumstance means that it is no longer beneficial to one or more of the owners to hold the land as commonty. It may also be because there is dispute between the commonty owners which cannot be resolved by other means.\r\nThe result of division is that each of the owners obtains exclusive ownership of a portion of the area of land, as opposed to obtaining a share of common ownership of the whole land. If such owners wished the property to be held between them in modern common ownership, they would be free to do so by completing the necessary conveyancing.\r\nThe Scottish Government is aware that the act has not been used recently, however the act continues to provide a right to any remaining owners of commonty to continue to hold their land in the way that suits them.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-07-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-27T14:03:53.503","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274551,"EventID":"S4W-08488","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1793,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-29T14:03:53.63","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-28T17:29:48.407","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information it has on when the Division of Commonties Act 1695 was last referred to in a court case.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information it has on when the Division of Commonties Act 1695 was last referred to in a court case.\r\n","AnswerText":"The last case we are aware of where land was sought to be divided under the act was Macandrew v Crerar1 in 1929. In this case the land was held not to be commonty and so the act did not apply. \r\nThe act and Macandrew v Crerar were cited in Fearnan Partnership v Grindlay2 in 1992, but this case was concerned with common grazing rather than commonty and the reference to the act was brief.\r\n1. 1929 S.C 699.\r\n2. 1992 S.C (H.L) 38.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-07-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-27T14:03:53.63","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274552,"EventID":"S4W-08489","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":135,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-29T14:03:53.74","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-29T10:27:50.62","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will review the (a) standards and (b) guidance for local authority planning officers in relation to assessing loss of light in planning applications.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will review the (a) standards and (b) guidance for local authority planning officers in relation to assessing loss of light in planning applications.\r\n","AnswerText":"We have no plans to review national planning standards or guidance in this regard. The British Research Establishment (BRE) has recently updated its guidance \"Site layout planning for daylight and sunlight: a guide to good practice\". Some planning authorities have produced their own supplementary planning guidance on this issue.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-07-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-27T14:03:53.74","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Derek Mackay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274553,"EventID":"S4W-08490","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3806,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-29T14:03:53.817","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-29T10:29:04.593","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the NHS will procure the drug, Dificlir, to combat Clostridium difficile and, if so, which (a) NHS boards and (b) hospitals will use it.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the NHS will procure the drug, Dificlir, to combat Clostridium difficile and, if so, which (a) NHS boards and (b) hospitals will use it.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Medicines Consortium issued advice for fidaxomicin (Dificlir®) on 9 July. It is accepted for restricted use within NHS Scotland for the treatment of adults with Clostridium difficile infections (CDI) also known as C. difficile-associated diarrhoea (CDAD). The SMC has restricted it to the treatment of adults with a first recurrence only on the advice of local microbiologists or specialists in infectious diseases.\r\nThe submitting company did not submit a sufficiently robust economic analysis to gain acceptance by SMC for first-line use in adults with severe CDI.\r\nIt is unknown at this point which NHS boards will include this as a treatment option in their formularies. NHS Boards are expected to have made a decision within 90 days of the SMC advice being issued.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-07-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-27T14:03:53.817","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274554,"EventID":"S4W-08492","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2066,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-29T14:03:53.893","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-29T10:41:32.937","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the budget has been for the Islay goose management scheme in each year of operation and what its annual budget will be in future.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the budget has been for the Islay goose management scheme in each year of operation and what its annual budget will be in future.\r\n","AnswerText":"The budget and expenditure figures for the Islay Local Goose Management Scheme are set out in the following table.\r\nYear\r\nApproved\r\nExpenditure\r\nActual\r\nExpenditure\r\nExpenditure on Marksmen/ Scaring Equipment\r\n2000-01\r\n£569,000\r\n£637,000\r\n(1)\r\n2001-02\r\n£542,000\r\n£611,000\r\n(1)\r\n2002-03\r\n£542,000\r\n£638,000\r\n(1)\r\n2003-04\r\n£542,000\r\n£630,000\r\n(1)\r\n2004-05\r\n£542,000\r\n£626,000\r\n(1)\r\n2005-06\r\n£785,270  \r\n£763,000\r\n£41,200 \r\n2006-07\r\n£785,270  \r\n£717,000 \r\n£27,500 \r\n2007-08\r\n£785,270  \r\n£727,000 \r\n£27,500 \r\n2008-09\r\n£903,000  \r\n£897,000 \r\n£27,500 \r\n2009-10\r\n£903,000  \r\n£910,000\r\n£27,500 \r\n2010-11\r\n£903,000  \r\n£897,000\r\n£27,500 \r\n2011-12\r\n£710,000  \r\n£708,000 \r\n£25,000 \r\n2012-13\r\n£843,258\r\n(2)\r\n£25,000\r\n2013-14\r\n£843,258\r\n(2)\r\n£25,000\r\n2014-15\r\n£843,258\r\n(2)\r\n£25,000\r\nNotes:\r\n1. For the 2000 to 2005 scheme the budget includes marksmen and scaring equipment costs.\r\n2. Future budget set out in revised proposal of 5 July 2012.","AnswerDate":"2012-07-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-27T14:03:53.893","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274555,"EventID":"S4W-08493","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2066,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-29T14:03:53.973","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-29T10:41:32.937","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its response is to any concerns among Islay crofters and farmers about reductions in the budget of the Islay goose management scheme.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its response is to any concerns among Islay crofters and farmers about reductions in the budget of the Islay goose management scheme.","AnswerText":"Scottish ministers recognise that crofters and farmers on Islay face substantial pressures dealing with the impact on crops and pasture from high numbers of geese. The National Goose Management Review Group (NGMRG) has worked hard to provide additional funding and this is reflected in the revised proposal to the Islay Local Goose Management Group of 5 July, which represents a 29% increase on the original budget for this year.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-07-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-27T14:03:53.973","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274556,"EventID":"S4W-08494","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2066,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-29T14:03:54.05","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-29T10:41:32.937","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assessment it has made of the number of geese on Islay in recent years, broken down by species.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assessment it has made of the number of geese on Islay in recent years, broken down by species.\r\n","AnswerText":"The following tables detail the peak counts1 for Greenland barnacle geese and Greenland white-fronted geese between 2000 and 2012 and greylag geese between 2005 and 20112. \r\nYear\r\nBarnacles\r\nWhitefronts\r\n2000-01\r\n38,022\r\n14,096\r\n2001-02\r\n35,213\r\n12,261\r\n2002-03\r\n36,478\r\n12,473\r\n2003-04\r\n39,704\r\n10,738\r\n2004-05\r\n45,123\r\n8,244\r\n2005-06\r\n49,652\r\n8,360\r\n2006-07\r\n60,945\r\n7,902\r\n2007-08\r\n49,261\r\n7,616\r\n2008-09\r\n48,290\r\n8,590\r\n2009-10\r\n50,145\r\n7,262\r\n2010-11\r\n49,918\r\n8,027\r\n2011-12\r\n56,961\r\n5,536\r\n\r\nYear\r\nGreylag Geese\r\n2005\r\n475\r\n2006\r\nNo information available\r\n2007\r\n1,800\r\n2008\r\n1,600\r\n2009\r\n2,100\r\n2010\r\n2,631\r\n2011\r\n1,900-2,100\r\nNotes:\r\n1. The method of reporting count totals to the National Goose Management Review Group (NGMRG) was changed in 2005 from an average count to a peak count. To enable comparison the 2000 and 2005 counts have been amended to reflect the peak count.\r\n2. The 2011 count was disrupted due to weather and the range provided represents an estimate.","AnswerDate":"2012-07-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-27T14:03:54.05","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274557,"EventID":"S4W-08495","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2066,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-29T14:03:54.16","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-29T10:41:32.937","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, other than the goose management scheme, what action it will take to address concerns of crofters and farmers on Islay regarding damage to crops and pasture caused by gee","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, other than the goose management scheme, what action it will take to address concerns of crofters and farmers on Islay regarding damage to crops and pasture caused by geese.","AnswerText":"Scottish ministers recognise that growing populations of geese are now creating considerable problems for farmers in some areas. The National Goose Management Review Group is working with local communities and NFU Scotland to develop adaptive management approaches that will aim to limit populations of species such as greylag geese to a specified level. A pilot adaptive management approach to the greylag geese on Islay, designed to prevent the expansion of this population, should commence shortly.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-07-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-27T14:03:54.177","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274558,"EventID":"S4W-08496","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1866,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-29T14:03:54.3","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-29T10:48:45.393","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to update its 12% energy efficiency target by 2020 to match the EU target of 17%.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to update its 12% energy efficiency target by 2020 to match the EU target of 17%.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has no plans to update the 12% energy efficiency target at present.\r\nThe indicative European Union target is to reduce energy consumption by 20% by 2020, calculated using primary energy consumption against a projected 2020 business as usual baseline. This business as usual baseline assumes that primary energy consumption increases out to 2020.\r\nScotland has an energy efficiency target to reduce total final energy consumption by 12% by 2020, set against a three year average baseline over the period 2005 to 2007, and not against an increasing business as usual baseline as is the case with the EU. Applying the EU methodology to Scottish figures suggests that by meeting the Scottish target we will meet the indicative EU target of 20%.\r\nThe 17% figure quoted does not appear in the final agreed text in the Directive. However, member states had previously committed to a voluntary energy saving target of 20% by 2020. The compromise agreement set out in the Directive is expected to deliver energy savings of around 15% on a business as usual basis and there is potential for a further 2% saving through tougher emission standards for cars and vans, and the remaining 3% through new eco-design measures such as upgraded boilers.\r\nThe most recent energy trends data in December 2011 indicated that Scotland's final energy consumption reduced by 7.4% in 2008 against the 2005 to 2007 averaged baseline and by 9.6% in 2009 against the baseline (the latest year for which full data is available.) This reduction in consumption indicates that Scotland is on track to achieve the 12% reduction target in 2020.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-27T14:03:54.3","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274559,"EventID":"S4W-08440","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-29T15:46:38.617","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-28T13:40:48.42","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what skills training there is specifically for long-term unemployed people.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what skills training there is specifically for long-term unemployed people.","AnswerText":"Depending on age and length of time unemployed, a range of skills training is available through UK, Scottish and locally funded routes.\r\nThose claiming Jobseekers Allowance will be mandated to the DWP Work Programme at the nine months unemployed stage for those aged 18 to 24 and at the 12 months stage for those aged 25 or over. Skills provision within the Work Programme is a matter for the contract providers and should be tailored to the needs of the individual.\r\nPrior to entering the Work Programme, those aged 18 or over and who are suitable and eligible can access Training for Work, the Scottish Government vocational skills programme for the unemployed. The Department for Work and Pensions offers a range of pre-Work Programme support. This is further supplemented by a range of locally funded skills provision for the unemployed, supported by the European Social Fund which varies across each Community Planning Partnership area.\r\nAs part of the Programme for Government, the Scottish Government committed, through Opportunities for All, to an offer of a place in education or training for every 16 to 19 year old in Scotland who is currently not in work, a Modern Apprenticeship or education. From April this year it ensures targeted support for those at risk of long-term unemployment and gives greater focus within the post-16 education system to meeting the needs of those young people.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-07-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-27T15:46:38.647","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274560,"EventID":"S4W-08441","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-29T15:46:38.773","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-28T13:40:48.42","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much is spent on skills projects across the country and how much of it is allocated for long-term youth unemployment.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much is spent on skills projects across the country and how much of it is allocated for long-term youth unemployment.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government invests £1.5 billion a year in post-16 education and training, to help all young people get the learning and skills they need to get a job addressing short, medium and long-term youth unemployment.\r\nThis is supplemented by £30 million of additional Scottish Government funding announced in December 2011 and by funding committed by local authorities and Community Planning Partners to deliver an all Scotland approach to providing opportunities for all Scotland’s young people.\r\nOpportunities for All will ensure that all 16 to 19 year olds in Scotland not already in work, education or training will be offered a learning or training opportunity. Within this commitment, we will target support to re-engage long term unemployed young people.\r\nFor those aged over 18, we will continue to work closely with DWP Jobcentre Plus to make sure the Youth Contract successfully supports long term unemployed young people in Scotland.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-07-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-27T15:46:38.773","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angela Constance","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274561,"EventID":"S4W-08442","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-29T15:46:38.88","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-28T13:40:48.42","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to publish a strategy to tackle long-term youth unemployment.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to publish a strategy to tackle long-term youth unemployment.","AnswerText":"Supporting Young Scots Into Work – Scotland’s Youth Employment Strategy was published on 29 June. This covers short, medium and long-term youth unemployment.\r\nThe strategy is available at http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2012/06/9210.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-07-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-27T15:46:38.897","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angela Constance","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274562,"EventID":"S4W-08443","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-29T15:46:39.007","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-28T13:40:48.42","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to introduce randomised ordering of candidates for local government elections.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to introduce randomised ordering of candidates for local government elections.","AnswerText":"The Electoral Commission and the Electoral Management Board are due to submit reports in the autumn on the running of the local government elections held in May 2012. The Scottish Government will consider these reports and any other representations made about issues arising from the elections before deciding whether any changes should be made to the arrangements for future local government elections.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-07-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-27T15:46:39.007","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Derek Mackay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274563,"EventID":"S4W-08444","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-29T15:46:39.083","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-28T13:40:48.42","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to introduce randomised ordering of candidates for NHS board elections.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to introduce randomised ordering of candidates for NHS board elections.","AnswerText":"The London School of Economics in association with the University of St Andrews is conducting the independent evaluation of the Pilot Health Board Elections. Their report is due to be completed and laid before the Parliament during the autumn of 2012.\r\nThe Scottish Government will consider any recommendation made within the report regarding how any future health board elections may be conducted.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-07-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-27T15:46:39.083","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274564,"EventID":"S4W-08482","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-29T15:46:39.177","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-28T16:25:40.427","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many apprenticeship starts there were in engineering in 2011-12 and how many were connected to the renewables industry.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many apprenticeship starts there were in engineering in 2011-12 and how many were connected to the renewables industry.\r\n","AnswerText":"Please see the table, below, detailing Modern Apprenticeship starts in engineering and related rameworks in 2011-12.\r\nFramework\r\n2011-12\r\nAutomotive\r\n850\r\nElectrotechnical Services\r\n501\r\nEngineering\r\n1,209\r\nEngineering Construction\r\n111\r\nLand-based Engineering\r\n52\r\nOil and Gas Extraction\r\n115\r\nVehicle Maintenance and Repair\r\n166\r\nConstruction (Civil Engineering and Specialist Sector)\r\n92\r\nProcess Manufacturing\r\n12\r\nWind Turbine Operations\r\n20\r\nTotal\r\n3,128\r\nOther than the Wind Turbine Operations, it is not possible to identify how many of these starts work in the renewables sector.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-07-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-27T15:46:39.177","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angela Constance","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274565,"EventID":"S4W-08483","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5075,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":112,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-29T15:46:39.257","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-28T16:30:50.64","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of S4 school leavers in 2011 entered (a) further education, (b) higher education and (c) apprenticeship schemes.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of S4 school leavers in 2011 entered (a) further education, (b) higher education and (c) apprenticeship schemes.\r\n","AnswerText":"In September 2011, 42.1 per cent of S4 school leavers from the 2010-11 academic year were in further education, 0.5 per cent in higher education, 16 per cent in training and 19.1 per cent in employment.\r\nWe do not collect information on school leavers who enter apprenticeship schemes separately as part of the school leaver destination surveys. Leavers who enter apprenticeship schemes will be included within the ‘employment’ category.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-07-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-27T15:46:39.303","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274566,"EventID":"S4W-08484","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5075,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":112,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-29T15:46:39.38","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-28T16:30:50.64","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive for what reason the Student Awards Agency for Scotland reduces the maximum loan entitlement for final year students.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive for what reason the Student Awards Agency for Scotland reduces the maximum loan entitlement for final year students.\r\n","AnswerText":"The loan includes an amount to cover students during the summer holidays as they are generally not eligible for state benefits.\r\nThe final year loan is currently reduced as, on completion of their course, students are in a position to seek full-time employment or, if they do not find suitable employment, become eligible to claim state benefits.\r\nWe are currently reviewing the final year loan arrangements as part of our work to simplify student support in higher education through the post-16 reform programme.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-07-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-27T15:46:39.38","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274567,"EventID":"S4W-08497","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5075,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":112,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-29T15:46:39.473","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-29T11:47:23.117","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of the S4 school leavers in 2011 who did not enter apprenticeship schemes or further or higher education found employment within six months.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of the S4 school leavers in 2011 who did not enter apprenticeship schemes or further or higher education found employment within six months.","AnswerText":"The initial and follow-up school leaver destination surveys do not separately identify school leavers who enter apprenticeship schemes. However, leavers on apprenticeship schemes will be included within the employment category.\r\nOf the 8,164 S4 school leavers from the 2010-11 academic year included in the follow-up survey, 24.7 per cent were in employment and 11.1 per cent were in training in March 2012.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-07-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-27T15:46:39.49","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274568,"EventID":"S4W-08498","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1893,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-29T15:46:39.583","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-29T12:55:42","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive under what powers a retired senior civil servant has been invited to investigate the governance of Scottish Gymnastics and what the terms of the inquiry are.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive under what powers a retired senior civil servant has been invited to investigate the governance of Scottish Gymnastics and what the terms of the inquiry are.\r\n","AnswerText":"Sportscotland is accountable for the major investment of public funding into Scottish governing bodies, including the Scottish Gymnastics Association (SGA). Following receipt of certain serious allegations, sportscotland has instigated an independent review of the association.\r\nSportscotland’s authority to appoint such an independent reviewer emanates from its Royal Charter. Provision 2(dd) stipulates that:\r\nIn furtherance of its objects the council shall have the following powers:\r\nto encourage and support the adoption of the highest ethical standards among persons or teams from Scotland participating in sport and physical recreation.\r\nThe remit of the independent review, as clearly outlined to the SGA, is as follows:\r\ninvestigation into the allegations relating to the fair treatment of SGA staff, and\r\ninvestigation into the allegations that the SGA has failed to comply with the application of its internal disciplinary and child protection policies.\r\nI have asked Stewart Harris, Chief Executive of sportscotland, to write to you with further details of the independent review.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-07-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-27T15:46:39.6","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Shona Robison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274569,"EventID":"S4W-08499","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1893,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-29T15:46:39.693","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-29T12:55:42","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what factors other than performance and management information are assessed in relation to the funding decisions of sportscotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what factors other than performance and management information are assessed in relation to the funding decisions of sportscotland.","AnswerText":"Sportscotland is responsible for its own funding decisions and is accountable to ministers for them. Its investment in Scottish governing bodies of sport (SGBs) is based on SGBs’ detailed plans which as well as performance must also set out development and participation outcomes and demonstrate good governance and workforce arrangements. I have asked Stewart Harris, Chief Executive of sportscotland, to write to you setting out in detail the funding principles and the processes behind the agency’s funding decisions.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-07-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-27T15:46:39.707","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Shona Robison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274570,"EventID":"S4W-08500","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1893,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-29T15:46:39.787","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-29T12:55:42","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the level of sports governance is adequate to deliver athletes to represent Scotland effectively at the Commonwealth Games.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the level of sports governance is adequate to deliver athletes to represent Scotland effectively at the Commonwealth Games.","AnswerText":"We are confident that sportscotland has the appropriate levels of sport governance in place to deliver for the 2014 Glasgow Commonwealth Games.\r\nSportscotland is developing and strengthening Scotland’s performance sport infrastructure by direct investment in the 17 games sports governing bodies with the ultimate aim of increasing the number of Scottish athletes performing and achieving success on the world stage.\r\nI have asked Stewart Harris, Chief Executive of sportscotland, to write to you with further details of sportscotland’s role in high performance sport.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-07-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-27T15:46:39.787","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Shona Robison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274571,"EventID":"S4W-08501","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3763,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-29T15:46:39.863","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-29T13:49:59","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what responsibility (a) local authorities and (b) housing associations have for re-housing tenants who receive a repossession order.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what responsibility (a) local authorities and (b) housing associations have for re-housing tenants who receive a repossession order.\r\n","AnswerText":"Tenants in this circumstance can apply to a local authority under homelessness legislation. The local authority will determine whether or not they are homeless or threatened with homelessness, in priority need and if they are unintentionally homeless. If this is the case then the household will have the right to settled accommodation. From 31 December 2012 all unintentionally homeless households will have the right to settled accommodation.\r\nIf they are intentionally homeless, the household will be entitled to temporary accommodation and advice and assistance. The local authority may also have continuing duties to children and young people under the terms of the Children (Scotland) Act 1995.\r\nMore broadly, all registered social landlords must allow anyone aged 16 or over to apply for housing. A local authority or a housing association will then decide on their priority for housing.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-07-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-27T15:46:39.863","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274572,"EventID":"S4W-08502","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2108,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":141,"ApprovedDate":"2012-06-29T15:46:39.943","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-29T14:35:28","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will publish prescribing guidelines for the drug, eculizumab.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will publish prescribing guidelines for the drug, eculizumab.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Medicines Consortium (SMC) has issued two pieces of advice for eculizumab (Soliris®) for NHS Scotland.\r\nNumber 436/07 was issued on 8 November 2011 and is not recommended for use in NHS Scotland for the treatment of patients with paroxysmal nocturnal haemoglobinuria (PNH). The manufacturer did not supply any health economic analysis and cost-effectiveness was not demonstrated in an independent economic analysis therefore eculizumab cannot be recommended for use within NHS Scotland.\r\nNumber 767/12 was issued on the 13 February 2012 and is not recommended for use in NHS Scotland, in the absence of a submission from the holder of the marketing authorisation, for the treatment of patients with atypical haemolytic uremic syndrome (aHUS.)\r\nThere are no plans to issue any further prescribing guidance.\r\nManufacturers are free to resubmit to SMC at any time.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-07-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-27T15:46:39.957","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274579,"EventID":"S4W-08448","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3815,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-02T13:34:13.91","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-28T13:44:56","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how Part IV of the Conservation (Natural Habitats &c.) Regulations 1994 is applied to orders made under the Harbours Act 1964.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how Part IV of the Conservation (Natural Habitats &c.) Regulations 1994 is applied to orders made under the Harbours Act 1964.","AnswerText":"The procedural requirements of Part IV of the Conservation (Natural Habitats, &c.) Regulations 1994 must be executed by any competent authority for any plan or project. This includes situations where orders made under the Harbours Act 1964 constitute plans or projects.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-07-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-30T13:34:14.22","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274580,"EventID":"S4W-08449","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3815,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-02T13:34:14.313","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-28T13:44:56","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive in what circumstances the (a) relevant consenting body, (b) Directorate for Planning and Environmental Appeals, (c) Scottish Government and (d) Scottish Parliament should","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive in what circumstances the (a) relevant consenting body, (b) Directorate for Planning and Environmental Appeals, (c) Scottish Government and (d) Scottish Parliament should treat whether a development proposal meets the description of a national development listed in the National Planning Framework for Scotland 2 as a material consideration in carrying out their functions.","AnswerText":"The considerations which are material to the determination of an application for development consent are a matter for the determining authority. For proposals considered under the Planning etc. (Scotland) Act 2006, a proposal which is considered to be a national development would be subject to specific processing arrangements for national developments and the question of “need” for the development would not form part of the determination of the application.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-07-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-30T13:34:14.313","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Derek Mackay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274581,"EventID":"S4W-08450","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3815,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-02T13:34:14.41","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-28T13:44:56","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive who is responsible for determining whether a development proposal meets the requirements and description of a national development listed in the National Planning Framewo","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive who is responsible for determining whether a development proposal meets the requirements and description of a national development listed in the National Planning Framework for Scotland 2 and what criteria they use to make such a determination.","AnswerText":"Whether a development proposal meets the requirements and description of a national development designated in the National Planning Framework is a matter for the determining authority, having regard to the descriptions of the development, its location and its key elements set out in the statement of need for the national development.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-07-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-30T13:34:14.41","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Derek Mackay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274582,"EventID":"S4W-08451","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3815,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-02T13:34:14.487","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-28T13:44:56","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its (a) role and (b) responsibility is in relation to Marine Scotland in ensuring that licences granted under the Marine (Scotland) Act 2010 comply with the Conserva","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its (a) role and (b) responsibility is in relation to Marine Scotland in ensuring that licences granted under the Marine (Scotland) Act 2010 comply with the Conservation (Natural Habitats &c.) Regulations 1994.\r\n","AnswerText":"Licences granted under the Marine (Scotland) Act 2010 are issued by Marine Scotland on behalf of Scottish Ministers. The procedural requirements of Part IV of the Conservation (Natural Habitats, &c.) Regulations 1994 must be executed by any competent authority for any plan or project. This includes applications for a marine licence under the Marine (Scotland) Act 2010.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-30T13:34:14.487","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274583,"EventID":"S4W-08452","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3815,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-02T13:34:14.58","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-28T13:44:56","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to make representations to the UK Government regarding amendments to the Harbours Act 1964.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to make representations to the UK Government regarding amendments to the Harbours Act 1964.","AnswerText":"We have no such plans.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-07-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-30T13:34:14.58","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274584,"EventID":"S4W-08453","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3815,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-02T13:34:14.657","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-28T13:44:56","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information is required for a competent authority to determine whether a plan or project will have a likely significant effect on a European wildlife site for the pu","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information is required for a competent authority to determine whether a plan or project will have a likely significant effect on a European wildlife site for the purpose of regulation 48(1) of the Conservation (Natural Habitats &c.) Regulations 1994.\r\n","AnswerText":"According to established case law of the Court of Justice of the European Union, a determination that a plan or project is not likely to have a significant effect on a European site must be made on the basis of objective information. The information required for such a determination will vary on a case by case basis subject to the particulars of the plan or project and the European sites which might be affected.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-07-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-30T13:34:14.673","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274585,"EventID":"S4W-08454","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3815,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-02T13:34:14.75","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-28T13:44:56","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how the principles of Scottish Planning Policy and national planning guidance are intended to apply to the determination of development consents that are not enabled by t","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how the principles of Scottish Planning Policy and national planning guidance are intended to apply to the determination of development consents that are not enabled by the Town and Country Planning (Scotland) Act 1997, as amended, but for which responsibility is devolved.\r\n","AnswerText":"Scottish Planning Policy and other national planning policy and guidance may be material considerations for devolved decision-making on development proposals that do not fall within the planning acts.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-07-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-30T13:34:14.75","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Derek Mackay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274586,"EventID":"S4W-08455","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3815,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-02T13:34:14.83","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-28T13:44:56","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what weight Marine Scotland attaches to existing consents under other regimes when determining licence applications under the Marine (Scotland) Act 2010.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what weight Marine Scotland attaches to existing consents under other regimes when determining licence applications under the Marine (Scotland) Act 2010.\r\n","AnswerText":"Section 27(1) of the Marine (Scotland) Act 2010 sets out the matters to be taken into consideration by Scottish Ministers in determining applications for a marine licence:\r\n27. Determination of applications\r\n(1) In determining an application for a marine licence (including the terms on which it is to be granted and what conditions, if any, are to be attached to it), the Scottish Ministers must have regard to— \r\n(a) the need to— \r\n(i) protect the environment, \r\n(ii) protect human health, \r\n(iii) prevent interference with legitimate uses of the sea, \r\n(b) such other matters as the Scottish Ministers consider relevant.\r\nConsents given under e.g. planning legislation might be a relevant other consideration but would not eliminate the statutory requirement to have regard to the factors set out at subsection 27(1)(a).\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-30T13:34:14.83","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274587,"EventID":"S4W-08456","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3815,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-02T13:34:14.94","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-28T13:44:56","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what communication it has had with competent authorities in other parts of the UK regarding ensuring that consents made under the Harbours Act 1964 comply with the requir","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what communication it has had with competent authorities in other parts of the UK regarding ensuring that consents made under the Harbours Act 1964 comply with the requirements of Article 6 of the EU habitats directive.","AnswerText":"We have had no specific discussions on this matter.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-07-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-30T13:34:14.94","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274588,"EventID":"S4W-08457","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3815,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-02T13:34:15.017","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-28T13:44:56","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive in what circumstances it would not be legally competent for it to make an order under sections 14 or 16 of the Harbours Act 1964.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive in what circumstances it would not be legally competent for it to make an order under sections 14 or 16 of the Harbours Act 1964.","AnswerText":"In deciding whether or not to make a Harbour Revision or Empowerment Order, ministers are required to act within the terms of the Harbours Act 1964 and any other relevant legislation.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-07-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-30T13:34:15.033","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274589,"EventID":"S4W-08458","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3815,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-02T13:34:15.14","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-28T13:44:56","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what guidance it has issued under regulation 52(3) of the Conservation (Natural Habitats &c.) Regulations 1994.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what guidance it has issued under regulation 52(3) of the Conservation (Natural Habitats &c.) Regulations 1994.","AnswerText":"No guidance has been issued under regulation 52(3) of the Conservation (Natural Habitats &c.) Regulations 1994.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-07-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-30T13:34:15.14","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274590,"EventID":"S4W-08459","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3815,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-02T13:34:15.237","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-28T13:44:56","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive in what circumstances it may be appropriate for a competent authority to assess the implications for European wildlife sites of those parts of a plan or project for which","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive in what circumstances it may be appropriate for a competent authority to assess the implications for European wildlife sites of those parts of a plan or project for which consent is partly or wholly required to be made by another competent authority.","AnswerText":"This is for competent authorities to decide on a case by case basis. Regulation 52 of the Conservation (Natural Habitats &c.) Regulations 1994 (as amended) provides for co-ordination where more than one competent authority is involved.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-07-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-30T13:34:15.25","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274591,"EventID":"S4W-08460","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3815,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-02T13:34:15.343","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-28T13:44:56","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the need for developments listed as national developments in the National Planning Framework for Scotland 2 can be considered established when the development wou","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the need for developments listed as national developments in the National Planning Framework for Scotland 2 can be considered established when the development would be authorised by legislation other than the Town and Country Planning Act (Scotland) 1997, as amended, and what the reasons are for its position on this matter.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-04949 on 24 January 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-07-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-30T13:34:15.343","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Derek Mackay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274592,"EventID":"S4W-08472","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-02T13:34:15.437","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-28T16:20:28.747","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will publish the contract and supporting documentation between it and Serco Ltd for the Northern Isles ferry service that beings on 5 July 2012.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will publish the contract and supporting documentation between it and Serco Ltd for the Northern Isles ferry service that beings on 5 July 2012.\r\n","AnswerText":"The contract for the Northern Isles ferry services will be published on the Transport Scotland website in due course.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-07-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-30T13:34:15.453","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274593,"EventID":"S4W-08473","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-02T13:34:15.53","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-28T16:20:28.747","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much money Shetland Islands Council will receive under the Police and Fire Reform Bill.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much money Shetland Islands Council will receive under the Police and Fire Reform Bill.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government’s Draft Budget for 2013-14 will be published in September. Details of funding for individual local authorities will be set out in the Local Government Finance (Scotland) Order 2013 which will be debated by the Scottish Parliament in February 2013.\r\nFinancial information about the Police and Fire Reform Bill is set out in the bill's supporting documents available at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/Bills/45701.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-07-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-30T13:34:15.547","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274594,"EventID":"S4W-08474","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-02T13:34:15.64","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-28T16:20:28.747","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the impact on Shetland will be of the programme to transform ageing houses into energy-efficient homes.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the impact on Shetland will be of the programme to transform ageing houses into energy-efficient homes.\r\n","AnswerText":"In my statement to Parliament on 6 June 2012 I confirmed the Scottish Government’s plans to develop a National Retrofit Programme to transform Scotland’s ageing houses into energy efficient homes. \r\nIn line with the recommendations from the Scottish Fuel Poverty Forum the programme will adopt an area based approach that prioritises fuel poverty and other deprivation factors. Support and measures provided will be tailored to home and household needs, based on a thorough assessment. Local authorities will have a central role in the design and delivery of local programmes and officials have established a local authority working group, to develop this further. The first meeting of the group will be in August.\r\nWe aim to roll out the programme from April 2013.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-07-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-30T13:34:15.64","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274595,"EventID":"S4W-08477","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-02T13:34:15.733","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-28T16:20:28.747","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much of the £200 million a year for the new programme of measures to transform ageing houses into energy-efficient homes noted in its press release of 6 June 2012, Dr","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much of the £200 million a year for the new programme of measures to transform ageing houses into energy-efficient homes noted in its press release of 6 June 2012, Drive to tackle fuel poverty, will be spent in (a) 2013, (b) 2014, (c) 2015 and (d) 2016.\r\n","AnswerText":"This government is committed to eradicating fuel poverty, as far as is reasonably practicable, by 2016. The Economy, Energy and Tourism Committee report on fuel poverty, published 22 February 2012, called for £200 million per annum of funding from public and private sources to tackle fuel poverty. Our National Retrofit Programme aims to cover the whole of Scotland in ten years and will deliver the step change in provision of energy efficient homes we promised in the Infrastructure Investment Plan.\r\nThe Scottish Government is working with energy companies to identify around £200 million a year to support the programme, which we aim to roll out from April 2013. The Scottish Government has committed to provide a quarter of a billion pounds over the spending review period to support the programme.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-07-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-30T13:34:15.75","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274596,"EventID":"S4W-08478","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-02T13:34:15.86","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-28T16:20:28.747","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it will meet its stated £200 million annual spend on its programme to transform ageing houses into energy-efficient homes in 2012–13, given that its funding is quoted","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it will meet its stated £200 million annual spend on its programme to transform ageing houses into energy-efficient homes in 2012–13, given that its funding is quoted as £65 million and the proposed Energy Company Obligation is quoted as equating to an investment of £120 million in Scotland.\r\n","AnswerText":"This government is committed to eradicating fuel poverty, as far as is reasonably practicable, by 2016. The Economy, Energy and Tourism committee report on fuel poverty, published 22 February 2012, called for £200 million per annum of funding from public and private sources to tackle fuel poverty. Our National Retrofit Programme is expected to commence in April 2013. We are currently working with local authorities, the Scottish Fuel Poverty Forum and energy companies to develop the Programme which will cover the whole of Scotland in ten years.\r\nFor 2013-14 we expect this to be comprised of £65 million Scottish Government fuel poverty and energy efficiency programmes, £16.75 million Scottish Government domestic energy efficiency programmes, £7.75 million War million Homes Fund, £120 million Energy Company Obligation (assuming a pro-rata share based on population). Total £209.5 million.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-07-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-30T13:34:15.86","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274597,"EventID":"S4W-08479","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-02T13:34:15.97","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-28T16:20:28.747","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much money will be spent in Shetland to transform ageing houses into energy-efficient homes over the next 10 years.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much money will be spent in Shetland to transform ageing houses into energy-efficient homes over the next 10 years.\r\n","AnswerText":"In my statement to Parliament on 6 June 2012 I confirmed the Scottish Government’s plans to develop a National Retrofit Programme to transform Scotland’s ageing houses into energy efficient homes.\r\nThe Scottish Government has established a local authority working group to develop the programme, which we aim to roll out from April 2013. The first meeting of the group will be in August. Alongside this we are holding workshops with the Sustainable Housing Strategy Group and the Scottish Fuel Poverty Forum to further develop our plans.\r\nThe Scottish Government is working with energy companies to identify around £200 million a year to support the programme. We plan to cover the whole of Scotland in 10 years.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-07-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-30T13:34:15.97","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274598,"EventID":"S4W-08480","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-02T13:34:16.047","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-28T16:20:28.747","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how the pro-rata share of the proposed energy company obligation to help fund the transformation of ageing housing into energy-efficient homes is calculated.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how the pro-rata share of the proposed energy company obligation to help fund the transformation of ageing housing into energy-efficient homes is calculated.\r\n","AnswerText":"The pro-rata share is based on the expected level of investment required from energy suppliers to deliver on their targets under their obligations, as estimated by the UK Government, Department of Energy and Climate Change, and assuming that Scotland achieves a share of that investment proportionate to its population. The Energy Company Obligation is a target for energy companies to deliver measures throughout Great Britain and no regional delivery targets are set by the UK Government. The Scottish Government is working with energy companies, local councils and other partners to develop a national retrofit programme to tackle fuel poverty and maximise energy company investment in Scotland and ensure that they deliver a proportionate share of the obligation here.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-07-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-30T13:34:16.047","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274599,"EventID":"S4W-08481","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-02T13:34:16.157","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-28T16:20:28.747","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what programmes have partly or fully funded or will partly or fully fund energy efficiency schemes in (a) 2007, (b) 2008, (c) 2009, (d) 2010, (e) 2011, (f) 2012, (g) 2013","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what programmes have partly or fully funded or will partly or fully fund energy efficiency schemes in (a) 2007, (b) 2008, (c) 2009, (d) 2010, (e) 2011, (f) 2012, (g) 2013, (h) 2014, (i) 2015 and (j) 2016.\r\n","AnswerText":"In relation to fuel poverty and housing energy efficiency, the following programmes of the Scottish Government has partly or fully funded, or will partly or fully fund, schemes in the following calendar years:\r\n\r\nProgramme by Year\r\n2007\r\n2008\r\n2009\r\n2010\r\n2011\r\n2012\r\n2013\r\n2014\r\n2015\r\n2016\r\nCentral Heating Programme\r\nYes\r\nYes\r\nYes\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nWarm Deal\r\nYes\r\nYes\r\nYes\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nEnergy Efficiency Advice and Support**\r\nYes\r\nYes\r\nYes\r\nYes\r\nYes\r\nYes\r\nYes\r\nYes\r\nYes\r\nYes\r\nEnergy Assistance Package\r\n\r\n\r\nYes\r\nYes\r\nYes\r\nYes\r\n*\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nHome Insulation Scheme\r\n\r\n\r\nYes\r\nYes\r\nYes\r\nEnded March 2012\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nUniversal Home Insulation Scheme\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nBegan April 2010\r\nYes\r\nYes\r\n*\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nBoiler Scrappage Scheme\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nBegan May 2010\r\nYes\r\nYes\r\n*\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nGas Infill\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nCommitment to launch fund in financial year 2012-13\r\nYes\r\nYes\r\n\r\n\r\nGreener Homes Innovation Fund \r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n12 week period for formal bids opens in September 2012.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nWarm Homes\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nCommitment to launch fund in financial year 2012-13\r\nYes\r\nYes\r\nYes\r\nYes\r\nNational Retrofit Programme\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nScheduled for launch 1 April 2013\r\nYes\r\nYes\r\nYes\r\nNotes:\r\nSome programmes only ran for part of the year in which they are shown.\r\n*The Energy Assistance Package, Universal Home Insulation Scheme and Boiler Scrappage Scheme aim to be rolled up into the National Retrofit Programme which is due to be launched on 1 April 2013. In respect of the Boiler Scrappage Scheme, there is a manifesto commitment attached to it before the scheme can discontinue.\r\n**Through ESSACs (Energy Savings Scotland Advice Centres) and EST (Energy Savings Trust).","AnswerDate":"2012-07-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-30T13:34:16.17","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274600,"EventID":"S4W-08503","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3824,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-02T13:34:16.25","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-02T09:24:36","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive who oversees the work of the Law Society of Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive who oversees the work of the Law Society of Scotland.","AnswerText":"The Law Society of Scotland is an independent professional body. It is not regulated by the Scottish Government nor any other body but is subject to the provisions of the Solicitors (Scotland) Act 1980 and other enactments.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-07-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-30T13:34:16.25","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274601,"EventID":"S4W-08504","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3824,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-02T13:34:16.36","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-02T09:24:36","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to review the regulatory system in place for the Law Society of Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to review the regulatory system in place for the Law Society of Scotland.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Parliament has recently considered and approved two pieces of legislation which significantly modify the regulatory system in place for the Law Society of Scotland, namely the Legal Profession and Legal Aid (Scotland) Act 2007 and the Legal Services (Scotland) Act 2010. The Scottish Government has no further plans to review the regulation of the Law Society of Scotland.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-07-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-30T13:34:16.36","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274602,"EventID":"S4W-08505","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3824,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-02T13:34:16.437","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-02T09:24:36","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assessment it has made of the performance of the Law Society of Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assessment it has made of the performance of the Law Society of Scotland.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government does not assess the performance of the Law Society of Scotland.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-07-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-30T13:34:16.437","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274603,"EventID":"S4W-08506","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3824,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-02T13:34:16.53","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-02T09:24:36","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its position is on the need for independent regulation of the legal profession.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its position is on the need for independent regulation of the legal profession.","AnswerText":"The Law Society of Scotland is an independent self-regulating professional body for solicitors and conveyancing and executry practitioners. Section 120 of the Legal Services (Scotland) Act 2010 laid down the regulatory framework for the regulation of the Faculty of Advocates by the Court of Session. Sections 25-29 of the Law Reform (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Scotland) Act 1990 provide for the Lord President of the Court of Session and the Scottish Ministers to approve and regulate professional or other bodies which apply to enable their members to have rights to conduct litigation and rights of audience in the courts.\r\nThere are safeguards in place. Complaints about all legal practitioners can be made to the Scottish Legal Complaints Commission which is an independent body. Further, allegations of misconduct by solicitors may be heard by the Scottish Solicitors’ Discipline Tribunal, another independent body. In addition, the Legal Services (Scotland) Act 2010 provided for increased lay involvement in the work of the Law Society, and a lay majority on its regulatory committee. The Scottish Government considers these arrangements appropriate and that there are adequate safeguards. It does not consider further independent regulation of the solicitor profession in Scotland to be necessary.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-07-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-30T13:34:16.53","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274604,"EventID":"S4W-08507","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3824,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-02T13:34:16.607","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-02T09:24:36","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its position is on self-regulation of the legal profession.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its position is on self-regulation of the legal profession.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-08506 on 11 July 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-07-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-30T13:34:16.607","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274608,"EventID":"S4W-08475","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-02T15:10:36.613","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-28T16:20:28.747","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the breakdown by region is of the £700 million that households are due to save as a result of fuel poverty and energy efficiency programmes, as noted in its press re","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the breakdown by region is of the £700 million that households are due to save as a result of fuel poverty and energy efficiency programmes, as noted in its press release of 6 June 2012, Drive to tackle fuel poverty, and how much will be allocated to Shetland.\r\n","AnswerText":"Savings are estimated to be those at household level depending on the type of heating system or insulation chosen or accepted by that household.  As such they are not “allocated” by Scottish Government.\r\nOn 6 June 2012, the Scottish Government published the Home Energy Programmes Summary and Detailed Reports for the period from 1 April 2009 to 31 March 2012:\r\nwww.energysavingtrust.org.uk/scotland/Take-action/Grants-and-savings/Home-Energy-Scotland/Energy-Assistance-Package/Programme-statistics\r\nThis includes information on money due to be saved by households over the lifetime of the measures provided by the Boiler Scrappage Scheme, Home Insulation Scheme and Universal Home Insulation Scheme, broken down by Energy Saving Scotland Advice Centre area and local authority area. The Scottish Government does not hold this information for the Energy Assistance Package, so it is not possible to provide a breakdown of the £700 million. However, of the £286 million expected to be saved over the lifetime of the measures provided by the Boiler Scrappage Scheme, Home Insulation Scheme and Universal Home Insulation Scheme, £3 million (10.5%) is expected to be saved by households in Shetland.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-07-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-30T15:10:36.673","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274609,"EventID":"S4W-08476","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-02T15:10:36.783","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-28T16:20:28.747","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much it has spent on fuel poverty and energy efficiency programmes in the last five years, broken down by region, and how much it has spent in Shetland.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much it has spent on fuel poverty and energy efficiency programmes in the last five years, broken down by region, and how much it has spent in Shetland.\r\n","AnswerText":"In relation to fuel poverty and housing energy efficiency programmes, on 6 June 2012, the Scottish Government published the Home Energy Programmes Summary and Detailed Reports for the period from 1 April 2009 to 31 March 2012:\r\nhttp://www.energysavingtrust.org.uk/scotland/Take-action/Grants-and-savings/Home-Energy-Scotland/Energy-Assistance-Package/Programme-statistics.\r\nThis includes information on expenditure on the Universal Home Insulation Scheme, broken down by Energy Saving Scotland Advice Centre area and local authority area. The same information for the Boiler Scrappage Scheme can be derived by multiplying the published information on vouchers paid by the voucher value of £400. The Scottish Government does not hold this information for the Energy Assistance Package or the Home Insulation Scheme.\r\nThe Scottish Government does not hold this information for the Central Heating Programme, which operated in FY2007/08 and FY2008/09. However information on numbers of installations carried out by the Central Heating Programme, by local authority area, is available at:\r\nhttp://www.chwdp-scottishexecutive.co.uk/statistics/statistics.php.\r\nThe amount spent on the Scottish Non-Domestic Energy Efficiency national advice and support programme in the last five years is £34.52 million.\r\nThe amount spent on the Scottish Domestic Energy Efficiency national advice and support programme in the last five years is £23.73 million.\r\nThe Scottish Government does not hold information on expenditure on these programmes at regional or local authority level.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-07-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-30T15:10:36.783","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274610,"EventID":"S4W-08508","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3896,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":97,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-02T15:10:36.923","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-02T13:40:47.053","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what financial support mechanisms are available to port authorities to assist them in meeting environmental standards in respect of ballast water exchange near Natura sit","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what financial support mechanisms are available to port authorities to assist them in meeting environmental standards in respect of ballast water exchange near Natura sites.\r\n","AnswerText":"Scottish Natural Heritage provides advice on possible impacts of developments, including ballast water transfers, on Natura sites. No specific funding is available to port authorities on this issue.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-07-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-30T15:10:36.923","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274611,"EventID":"S4W-08509","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3896,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":97,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-02T15:10:37.033","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-02T13:40:47.053","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it considers the transfer of ballast water a potential route for invasive non-native species to marine habitats in Scotland.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it considers the transfer of ballast water a potential route for invasive non-native species to marine habitats in Scotland.\r\n","AnswerText":"If not managed properly the transfer of ballast water is a potential route for the introduction of invasive non-native species to marine habitats in Scotland.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-07-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-30T15:10:37.033","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274612,"EventID":"S4W-08510","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3896,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":97,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-02T15:10:37.173","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-02T13:40:47.053","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what standards are appropriate for ballast water exchange at ports near or contiguous with sites protected under the EU birds and habitats directives.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what standards are appropriate for ballast water exchange at ports near or contiguous with sites protected under the EU birds and habitats directives.","AnswerText":"It is the responsibility of the port/harbour authority to ensure that any environmental legislation, such as the Habitats Directive, is met within the area under their authority.\r\nVessels will have to meet the requirements of the Ballast Water Management Convention once it enters into force. The standard aims to reduce the risk of introducing non-native species.\r\nWhere possible, ballast water exchange should be conducted at least 200 nautical miles from the nearest land and in waters 200 metres deep.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-07-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-30T15:10:37.173","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274613,"EventID":"S4W-08511","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3896,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":97,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-02T15:10:37.313","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-02T13:40:47.053","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive to whom the \"polluter pays\" principle, as described in the draft Code of Practice on Non-native Species, would apply if ballast water exchange led to the introduction of ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive to whom the \"polluter pays\" principle, as described in the draft Code of Practice on Non-native Species, would apply if ballast water exchange led to the introduction of damaging invasive non-native species.\r\n","AnswerText":"It is the responsibility of the ship owner to comply with the international requirements as set out in the Ballast Water Convention when it enters into force.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-07-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-30T15:10:37.313","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274614,"EventID":"S4W-08512","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3896,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":97,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-02T15:10:37.453","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-02T13:40:47.053","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what communication it has had with Orkney Islands Council regarding the proposal to authorise ballast water releases in the sheltered harbour of Scapa Flow.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what communication it has had with Orkney Islands Council regarding the proposal to authorise ballast water releases in the sheltered harbour of Scapa Flow.","AnswerText":"It is the responsibility of Orkney Islands Council to ensure it complies with the relevant legislation.\r\nI have written to the Convener, Orkney Islands Council to stress the importance of complying with international conventions and guidelines on the exchange of ballast water. I have also sought assurances that the appropriate assessment has been fully considered in accordance with the requirements of the Habitats Directive.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-07-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-30T15:10:37.453","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274615,"EventID":"S4W-08513","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3896,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":97,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-02T15:10:37.58","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-02T13:40:47.053","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it can take when a local authority or harbour authority approves a scheme for ballast water discharge against the advice of Scottish Natural Heritage or the Sc","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it can take when a local authority or harbour authority approves a scheme for ballast water discharge against the advice of Scottish Natural Heritage or the Scottish Environment Protection Agency.\r\n","AnswerText":"Under Regulation 48A of the Habitats Regulations 1994, the Scottish Ministers can request a copy of the proposal and may direct an assessment in compliance with that legislation.\r\nScottish Ministers must consult the appropriate nature conservation body regarding the exercise of these functions.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-07-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-30T15:10:37.597","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274620,"EventID":"S4W-08514","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2633,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-03T13:49:56.987","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-02T13:55:59.933","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government what discussions have taken place between the Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and the Environment and retailers on the suspension of Scottish mackerel’s Marine Stewa","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what discussions have taken place between the Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and the Environment and retailers on the suspension of Scottish mackerel’s Marine Stewardship Council\r\ncertificate.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-08516 on 1 August 2012. All answers to written Parliamentary Questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-31T13:49:57.3","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274621,"EventID":"S4W-08515","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2633,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-03T13:49:57.377","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-02T13:55:59.933","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government whether the Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and the Environment has met retailers to discuss the suspension of Scottish mackerel’s Marine Stewardship Council certifi","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether the Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and the Environment has met retailers to discuss the suspension of Scottish mackerel’s Marine Stewardship Council certificate.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-08516 on 1 August 2012. All answers to written Parliamentary Questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-31T13:49:57.377","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274622,"EventID":"S4W-08516","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2633,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-03T13:49:57.457","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-02T13:55:59.933","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government what discussions took place between the Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and the Environment and retailers on the suspension of Scottish mackerel’s Marine Stewardship","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what discussions took place between the Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and the Environment and retailers on the suspension of Scottish mackerel’s Marine Stewardship Council certificate before 30 June 2012.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has established regular contact with retailers on several issues, and I have personally raised my concerns over the sourcing of seafood on many occasions. I have urged retailers to be aware of the behaviour of Faroes and Iceland in relation to the mackerel stock.\r\nEarlier this year I met with Sainsbury's to discuss the particular issue of the loss of the Marine Stewardship Council certificate, and my officials have kept in regular contact with them as the situation progresses. I have also taken the decision to organise a meeting with the supermarkets later this summer. The meeting will be hosted jointly by the Scottish Government and industry, and will be facilitated by Seafood Scotland. I hope that the meeting will help us to find a way forward to ensure that the people of Scotland and the rest of the UK have the opportunity to continue to buy Scottish mackerel.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-31T13:49:57.457","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274623,"EventID":"S4W-08524","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2892,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-03T13:49:57.533","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-02T14:23:45.21","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government what assessment it has made of the possible consequences of a widespread outage of banking services and what contingency plans exist to deal with such a situation.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what assessment it has made of the possible consequences of a widespread outage of banking services and what contingency plans exist to deal with such a situation.\r\n","AnswerText":"Matters relating to the financial services industry are reserved to the UK Government. However, the Scottish Government is working with Her Majesty's Treasury and others to strengthen the resilience of the industry in Scotland. In the event of a widespread outage of the banking sector, the Scottish Government would be part of a nationwide response involving the relevant authorities, including local emergency responders in Scotland. Any response by the Scottish Government to a widespread outage would be complementary to the business continuity plans of the banking sector.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-31T13:49:57.55","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274624,"EventID":"S4W-08525","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5057,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-03T13:49:57.627","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-02T16:59:15.747","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government how it records the levels of sea lice in Scottish waters.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it records the levels of sea lice in Scottish waters.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government does not carry out routine monitoring or recording of sea lice levels in Scottish waters.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-07-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-31T13:49:57.627","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274625,"EventID":"S4W-08526","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5057,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-03T13:49:57.707","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-02T16:59:15.747","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it considers that it has an accurate picture regarding the level of sea lice in Scottish waters and the impact on fish stocks.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it considers that it has an accurate picture regarding the level of sea lice in Scottish waters and the impact on fish stocks.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-08525 on 19 July 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\nThe evidence of impacts of sea lice on fish stocks in Scotland is not proven.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-07-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-31T13:49:57.707","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274626,"EventID":"S4W-08527","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5057,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-03T13:49:57.8","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-02T16:59:15.747","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government for what reason Marine Scotland Science has deleted data on sea lice levels at salmon farms.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government for what reason Marine Scotland Science has deleted data on sea lice levels at salmon farms.","AnswerText":"Under The Fish Farming Businesses (Record Keeping) (Scotland) Order 2008, Schedule 1, Part 2) Marine Scotland Science can require that sea lice records be submitted for scrutiny. Where compliance has been demonstrated, that record will either be returned to the company in question, or deleted, with a note appended to the case that the company has demonstrated compliance with the legislation in question.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-07-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-31T13:49:57.8","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274627,"EventID":"S4W-08528","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5057,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-03T13:49:57.877","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-02T16:59:15.747","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government how often salmon farms are inspected to monitor levels of sea lice.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how often salmon farms are inspected to monitor levels of sea lice.","AnswerText":"Sea lice inspections are completed as part of a broader risk-based surveillance inspection programme. Those farms assessed as being of highest risk of contracting or spreading the listed diseases are visited annually, those of medium risk once every second year and those at lowest risk, once every third year. Sites which are experiencing significant lice problems, or are not signed up to the Scottish Code of Good Practice for Finfish Aquaculture are subject to an enhanced inspection regime and, in 2012, 21 of these enhanced inspections have been completed to date.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-07-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-31T13:49:57.877","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274628,"EventID":"S4W-08529","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1860,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-03T13:49:57.97","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-03T10:50:04.18","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government whether the £120 million that it announced on 25 June 2012 for broadband improvements in the Highlands and Islands is additional to the £10 million previously announced ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether the £120 million that it announced on 25 June 2012 for broadband improvements in the Highlands and Islands is additional to the £10 million previously announced for the area.","AnswerText":"I can confirm that the £120 million announced on 25 June 2012 for broadband improvements in the Highlands and Islands includes the £10 million previously committed to the region.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-07-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-31T13:49:57.97","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274629,"EventID":"S4W-08530","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":81,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-03T13:49:58.063","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-03T10:51:24.983","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government what the value has been of Regional Selective Assistance (a) offers, (b) payments and (c) recoveries and how many (i) new jobs have been created and (ii) jobs have been ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the value has been of Regional Selective Assistance (a) offers, (b) payments and (c) recoveries and how many (i) new jobs have been created and (ii) jobs have been safeguarded, in each year since 2006, broken down by local authority area.\r\n","AnswerText":"RSA Accepted Offers (by Council Area for each of the calendar years 2007-11) \r\nThe information is set out in the five tables which I have placed in the Scottish Parliament’s Information Centre (Bib. number 54205). In relation to accepted offers please note:\r\n- Payment of RSA is made in instalments, typically over several years as job and capital expenditure targets are met. Not all projects will proceed, and nor do all accepted offers result in full payment, as projects are sometimes scaled down or abandoned before payments are made. The figures quoted represent the maximum grant potentially payable if the project is satisfactorily completed, and not the amount actually paid to date. All job numbers are firms’ forecast figures, and are subject to change depending on general economic conditions and other factors affecting the businesses concerned.\r\n- Projects in the Highlands and Islands area are, for the most part, handled by Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) under its powers rather than RSA. The RSA data held on projects in the HIE area does not include council areas.\r\n- The “unallocated” category is for projects that have no specific location selected at the point of offer acceptance and, subsequently, the project is not taken forward.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-31T13:49:58.063","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274630,"EventID":"S4W-08531","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5047,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-03T13:49:58.143","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-03T10:53:13.893","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government how much of the £230,000 to tackle sectarianism announced on 25 June 2012 will be awarded to each of the six communities and when the awards will be made.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much of the £230,000 to tackle sectarianism announced on 25 June 2012 will be awarded to each of the six communities and when the awards will be made.\r\n","AnswerText":"A total of £157,404 will be provided directly to six community organisations detailed in the following table:\r\nCommunity Organisation\r\nFunding\r\nGetting Better Together, Shotts\r\n£24,368\r\nCommunity Links, Blantyre\r\n£24,928\r\nYipworld, Cumnock\r\n£24,741\r\nTwechar Community Action\r\n£26,979\r\nCentral Scotland Regional Equality Council\r\n£27,809\r\nInverclyde Community Trust\r\n£28,579\r\nTotal\r\n£157,404\r\nTwo organisations, the Voluntary Action Fund and the Scottish Community Development Centre, will receive £21,015 and £17,500 respectively to provide expert staff to assist the community projects to ensure their work is sustainable and effective. A further £26,000 will provide support for communities to share learning and knowledge with each other and Scottish ministers. £8,500 will be provided to cover organisational overheads.\r\nThe funds will be distributed in phases throughout the 2012-13 financial year in line with standard Scottish Government grant management practices.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-07-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-31T13:49:58.143","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Roseanna Cunningham","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274631,"EventID":"S4W-08532","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5047,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-03T13:49:58.237","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-03T10:53:13.893","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government how many convictions there were in 2011-12 under section 74 of the Criminal Justice (Scotland) Act 2003, broken down by procurator fiscal area.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many convictions there were in 2011-12 under section 74 of the Criminal Justice (Scotland) Act 2003, broken down by procurator fiscal area.","AnswerText":"Information for 2011-12 will not be available until publication of the Criminal Proceedings in Scotland, 2011-12 Statistical Bulletin. This is due to be published in November 2012.\r\nThe dates of all Scottish Government Official and National Statistics publications are pre-announced, and the up to date list of future publications can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Statistics/Search/Forthcoming\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-07-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-31T13:49:58.237","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274632,"EventID":"S4W-08533","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4080,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-03T13:49:58.33","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-03T11:36:59.92","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government how many deaths there were in 2011 in which pressure ulcers or sores were (a) the underlying cause of death or (b) mentioned on the death certificate, broken down by NHS","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many deaths there were in 2011 in which pressure ulcers or sores were (a) the underlying cause of death or (b) mentioned on the death certificate, broken down by NHS board.\r\n","AnswerText":"For the purpose of producing statistics on causes of death, deaths registered in Scotland are classified using the International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems, Tenth Revision (ICD-10). The most relevant category in this classification is code L89 (decubitus ulcer) which is assigned when the death certificate refers to bedsores, plaster ulcers and pressure ulcers.\r\nTable 1 - Deaths registered in Scotland for which pressure ulcers or sores were the underlying cause, by NHS board of residence and year of registration:\r\n\r\n2010\r\n2011\r\n(provisional)\r\nAyrshire and Arran\r\n1\r\n0\r\nDumfries and Galloway\r\n0\r\n1\r\nFife\r\n3\r\n0\r\nForth Valley\r\n0\r\n1\r\nGrampian\r\n1\r\n1\r\nGreater Glasgow and Clyde\r\n0\r\n6\r\nHighland \r\n1\r\n0\r\nLanarkshire\r\n2\r\n2\r\nLothian\r\n4\r\n2\r\nTayside\r\n1\r\n1\r\nAll\r\n13\r\n14\r\nNote: ICD code L89.\r\nTable 2: Deaths registered in Scotland for which pressure ulcers or sores were mentioned on the death certificate, by NHS board of residence and year of registration:\r\n\r\n2010\r\n2011\r\n(provisional)\r\nAyrshire and Arran\r\n6\r\n9\r\nBorders\r\n1\r\n1\r\nDumfries and Galloway\r\n5\r\n6\r\nFife\r\n8\r\n4\r\nForth Valley\r\n2\r\n5\r\nGrampian\r\n11\r\n11\r\nGreater Glasgow and Clyde\r\n31\r\n31\r\nHighland \r\n4\r\n5\r\nLanarkshire\r\n10\r\n13\r\nLothian\r\n15\r\n16\r\nOrkney\r\n0\r\n1\r\nTayside\r\n5\r\n9\r\nWestern Isles\r\n0\r\n1\r\nAll\r\n98\r\n112\r\nNote: ICD code L89.\r\nThe tables give figures for 2010 as well as for 2011, because the figures for 2010 that appear in the second table were not provided when a similar question in respect of deaths in 2010 (S4W-03698) was answered on 9 November 2011. This was due to a misunderstanding, within the National Records of Scotland (NRS), that was identified only when NRS began to produce the figures to answer this question. NRS apologises for the error.\r\nAll answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-07-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-31T13:49:58.33","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274634,"EventID":"S4W-08517","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-03T15:58:12.687","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-02T14:16:43.967","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government how many people had downloaded its Jubilee app, Queen of Scots, as at 1 July 2012.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many people had downloaded its Jubilee app, Queen of Scots, as at 1 July 2012.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Queen of Scots mobile app had been downloaded 1,756 times by 1 July 2012.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-31T15:58:12.72","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274635,"EventID":"S4W-08518","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-03T15:58:12.813","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-02T14:16:43.967","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on ScotCen’s report, A Stalled Generation? Transitions to adulthood in Scotland today.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on ScotCen’s report, A Stalled Generation? Transitions to adulthood in Scotland today.\r\n","AnswerText":"The report highlights statistical data of which the Scottish Government is aware. It highlights that while unemployment rates for people aged 25 to 29 are rising, the rates for those aged 16 to 24 are considerably higher.\r\nWhen considered alongside the long-term scarring effects we know that unemployment can have on young people, we believe that the current focus on those aged 16 to 24 should be maintained.\r\nThose aged 25 to 29 will continue to have access to a range of local and national employment support through European Social Fund and Training for Work, the vocational skills programme for unemployed people aged 18 and over. Those reaching 12 months unemployed will access the Department for Work and Pensions’ Work Programme.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-07-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-31T15:58:12.813","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angela Constance","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274636,"EventID":"S4W-08519","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-03T15:58:12.907","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-02T14:16:43.967","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government what support it provides for unemployed people aged between 24 and 30.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what support it provides for unemployed people aged between 24 and 30.\r\n","AnswerText":"While many unemployed adults will be mandated to DWP programmes, the Scottish Government provides significant support to unemployed people aged 24 to 30 and indeed beyond. Since the start of 2007, more than half of those accessing European Social Fund employability support across Scotland have been over the age of 25. In addition, everyone over 18 and at least three months unemployed is eligible to access Training for Work, the Scottish Government's vocational training programme for unemployed adults.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-07-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-31T15:58:12.907","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angela Constance","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274637,"EventID":"S4W-08520","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-03T15:58:12.983","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-02T14:16:43.967","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government how many unemployed people aged between 24 and 30 there have been in each of the last three years.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many unemployed people aged between 24 and 30 there have been in each of the last three years.\r\n","AnswerText":"Unemployment levels for 25 to 34 year olds in Scotland are published by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) on a monthly basis, covering rolling quarters. The latest monthly figures, published on 20 June, cover the period February to April 2012.\r\nEstimates for 25 to 29 year olds (i.e. those aged between 24 and 30) are only available from the disaggregated Labour Force Survey (LFS) datasets which cover calendar quarters (January to March, April to June etc.).\r\nBased on the latest available calendar quarter LFS data covering January to March 2012, it is estimated that 24,000 people aged 25 to 29 were unemployed in Scotland. The table contains data covering the comparable period in each of the last three years.\r\nUnemployment Level, 25 to 29 Year Olds in Scotland, January to March 2010 to January to March 2012\r\nQuarter\r\nLevel\r\nJanuary to March 2010\r\n 34,000 \r\nJanuary to March 2011\r\n28,000 \r\nJanuary to March 2012\r\n24,000 \r\nSource: Labour Force Survey, ONS.\r\nNotes: \r\n1. Estimates are rounded to the nearest thousand. \r\n2. The survey sample sizes for estimates of this nature are relatively small; hence the estimates are subject to a high degree of sampling error.","AnswerDate":"2012-07-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-31T15:58:12.983","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angela Constance","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274638,"EventID":"S4W-08521","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-03T15:58:13.063","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-02T14:16:43.967","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it considers that it collects sufficient data regarding the employment status of people aged between 24 and 30.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it considers that it collects sufficient data regarding the employment status of people aged between 24 and 30.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Labour Force Survey (LFS), conducted by the Office for National Statistics (ONS), provides the official measures of employment and unemployment. \r\nThe LFS is a survey of the employment situation of the UK population and is the largest household survey in the UK. The survey collects data from a sample of people of all ages from across the UK. As such, the Scottish Government has access to similar data regarding employment status for all age groups.\r\nThe ONS publishes estimates for the following age groups on a monthly basis: 16-17, 18-24, 25-34, 35-49, 50-64 and 65+. Estimates for other age sub-groups are available from the underlying LFS data every quarter.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-07-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-31T15:58:13.063","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angela Constance","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274639,"EventID":"S4W-08522","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-03T15:58:13.14","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-02T14:16:43.967","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it plans to conduct a longitudinal study of youth transitions.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it plans to conduct a longitudinal study of youth transitions.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government currently has no plans to conduct a longitudinal survey of youth transitions in Scotland.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-07-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-31T15:58:13.157","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angela Constance","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274640,"EventID":"S4W-08523","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-03T15:58:13.233","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-02T14:16:43.967","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it considers that there is a data gap following the suspension of the Scottish School Leavers Survey.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it considers that there is a data gap following the suspension of the Scottish School Leavers Survey.\r\n","AnswerText":"We do not consider that there is a data gap following the suspension of the Scottish School Leavers Survey. Whilst this was a rich data source, there is no evidence that it was widely used. Latterly, its usefulness was also undermined by high attrition rates, which had a significant negative impact on the robustness and relevance of any findings.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-07-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-31T15:58:13.233","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274641,"EventID":"S4W-08534","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4086,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-03T15:58:13.313","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-03T13:37:41","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government how it ensures that applicants assess the effects of development proposals on stored carbon in peat and other carbon-rich soils.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it ensures that applicants assess the effects of development proposals on stored carbon in peat and other carbon-rich soils.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Planning Policy document states “The design of new development should address the causes of climate change by minimising the carbon and other greenhouse gas emissions and should include features that provide effective adaptation to the predicted effects of climate change” (paragraph 43). It is for planning authorities to apply Scottish Planning Policy to their development plans and development management decisions as appropriate.\r\nThe Scottish Government has provided guidance on calculating potential carbon losses and savings from wind farms on Scottish peatlands. The Scottish Government’s online renewables planning advice encourages developers to apply the carbon assessment tool, which forms part of the calculating carbon losses and savings guidance, to proposals for all wind farms on land with substantial quantities of peat.  The advice can be found on the Scottish Government website, and the guidance at: “Calculating carbon savings from wind farms on Scottish peatlands –a new approach” (2008) http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2008/06/25114657/0.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-07-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-31T15:58:13.313","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Derek Mackay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274642,"EventID":"S4W-08535","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4086,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-03T15:58:13.407","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-03T13:37:41","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government what guidance it has given to planning authorities regarding the assessment of effects of development proposals on stored carbon in peat and other carbon-rich soils.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what guidance it has given to planning authorities regarding the assessment of effects of development proposals on stored carbon in peat and other carbon-rich soils.\r\n","AnswerText":"Paragraph 133 of Scottish Planning Policy states “The disturbance of some soils, particularly peat, may lead to the release of stored carbon, contributing to greenhouse gas emissions. Where peat and other carbon rich soils are present, applicants should assess the likely effects associated with any development work.”\r\nPlanning Advice Note 50 Controlling the Environmental Effects of Surface Mineral Workings refers in part to peat.\r\nThe policy and guidance can be found on the Scottish Government’s website: \r\nwww.scotland.gov.uk. \r\nThe Scottish Government has a dedicated web page to wind farms and carbon.  The web page hosts a range of guidance, including a methodology and calculator for calculating the potential carbon losses and savings from wind farms on Scottish peatlands. The web page also includes information on site surveys for developments on peatland. The web page can be found at: \r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Business-Industry/Energy/Energy-sources/19185/17852-1/CSavings. \r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-07-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-31T15:58:13.407","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Derek Mackay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274643,"EventID":"S4W-08536","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4086,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-03T15:58:13.483","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-03T13:37:41","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government what guidance it has given to planning authorities regarding defining degraded peatland that has been significantly damaged by human activity, in order to determine the ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what guidance it has given to planning authorities regarding defining degraded peatland that has been significantly damaged by human activity, in order to determine the acceptability of proposals for commercial peat extraction.","AnswerText":"No such guidance has been given.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-07-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-31T15:58:13.483","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Derek Mackay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274644,"EventID":"S4W-08537","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4086,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-03T15:58:13.577","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-03T13:37:41","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government what guidance it has given to planning authorities regarding determining the conservation value and restoration potential of degraded peatland, in order to determine the","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what guidance it has given to planning authorities regarding determining the conservation value and restoration potential of degraded peatland, in order to determine the acceptability of proposals for commercial peat extraction.","AnswerText":"No such guidance has been given.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-07-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-31T15:58:13.577","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Derek Mackay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274645,"EventID":"S4W-08538","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4086,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-03T15:58:13.657","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-03T13:37:41","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it records planning consents for peat extraction centrally and how it accounts for carbon loss under national greenhouse gas reporting.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it records planning consents for peat extraction centrally and how it accounts for carbon loss under national greenhouse gas reporting.","AnswerText":"Records of planning consents for peat extraction are not held centrally, but rest with the local authorities concerned. The Scottish Government follows Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) guidance in accounting for carbon loss from the quantity of peat extracted. Detailed guidance on how emissions resulting from peat extraction are calculated is provided in Annex A3 on pages 568-570 of the report UK Greenhouse Gas Inventory, 1990 to 2010: Annual Report for submission under the Framework Convention on Climate Change http://naei.defra.gov.uk/report_link.php?report_id=693.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-07-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-31T15:58:13.67","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274646,"EventID":"S4W-08539","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-03T15:58:13.75","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-03T13:59:34.77","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answers to questions S4W-07612 and S4W-07607 by Kenny MacAskill on 29 June 2012, for what reason the average expenditure on each intensive support packag","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answers to questions S4W-07612 and S4W-07607 by Kenny MacAskill on 29 June 2012, for what reason the average expenditure on each intensive support package fell from £46,562 in 2009-10 to £9,342 in 2011-12.\r\n","AnswerText":"Intensive Support Packages are, by their nature, highly individualised and tailored in nature and it is not a “standard” service. Therefore taking an “average” cost, is not really a reasonable way of comparing activity when you are looking at such a small group of individuals. To illustrate the small size of the client group involved, in the two years selected in the question the number of Intensive Support Packages was 26 and 13 respectively.\r\nProfessional social work advice helps determine what arrangements are appropriate for an Intensive Support Package, and arrangements will be different depending on their judgement of the risk involved.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-07-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-07-31T15:58:13.75","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274656,"EventID":"S4W-08379","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2610,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-04T14:05:21.413","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-28T10:38:40.183","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government what discussions it has had with Scottish Water since April 2011 regarding procurement policy issues.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what discussions it has had with Scottish Water since April 2011 regarding procurement policy issues.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government is in regular dialogue with Scottish Water on a wide variety of issues, including procurement policy issues.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-07-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-01T14:05:21.647","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274657,"EventID":"S4W-08380","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2610,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-04T14:05:21.74","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-28T10:38:40.183","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government what criteria Scottish Water uses when awarding contracts.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what criteria Scottish Water uses when awarding contracts.\r\n","AnswerText":"Scottish Water awards contracts on the basis of the most economical advantageous offer, which balances the commercial elements of an offer with the service/technical offering. The criteria used in each tender evaluation depends on the nature of the goods or services being procured and by law must be related to and limited to the subject matter of the contract.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-07-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-01T14:05:21.74","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274658,"EventID":"S4W-08381","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2610,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-04T14:05:21.817","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-28T10:38:40.183","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government how it monitors the delivery of the public procurement contracts awarded by Scottish Water.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it monitors the delivery of the public procurement contracts awarded by Scottish Water.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has put in place governance mechanisms to monitor the deliver of the objectives ministers have set. These governance mechanisms can be found at http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Business-Industry/waterindustryscot/statgovcon/governance.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-07-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-01T14:05:21.817","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274659,"EventID":"S4W-08382","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2610,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-04T14:05:21.913","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-28T10:38:40.183","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government how it ensures that businesses based in Scotland are given priority in relation to public procurement contracts awarded by Scottish Water.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it ensures that businesses based in Scotland are given priority in relation to public procurement contracts awarded by Scottish Water.\r\n","AnswerText":"As a publicly owned utility entity, Scottish Water must comply with the European Union Treaty which prohibits discrimination on grounds of locality or nationality and specific EU rules on procurement by utilities, given effect in Scots law by the Utilities Contracts (Scotland) Regulations 2012. These regulations require that higher value contracts are advertised in the EU Official Journal and awarded after fair and open competition.\r\nAll Scottish Water procurement requirements that go through the Official Journal of the European Union (OJEU) are also placed within the Scottish Government's public contracts Scotland portal, to ensure visibility to all organisations that might have interest. Over 85% of Scottish Water's external spend goes through a supply chain with locations in Scotland, and over 60% of Scottish Water's supply chain are classified as small and medium enterprises.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-07-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-01T14:05:21.913","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274660,"EventID":"S4W-08540","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1793,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-04T14:05:21.973","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-03T14:19:06.297","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government what it is doing to assist crofters who do not have access to a mains water supply.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what it is doing to assist crofters who do not have access to a mains water supply.\r\n","AnswerText":"There is a grant for owners and users of private water supplies of up to £800 per property to assist with the capital cost of improving treatment to help ensure the provision of safe drinking water. It does not cover the ongoing maintenance and operating costs of treatment. The scheme is administered by the local authorities on behalf of Scottish Ministers. \r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-07-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-01T14:05:21.99","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274661,"EventID":"S4W-08541","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1793,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-04T14:05:22.067","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-03T14:19:06.297","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on using Scotland Rural Development Programme grants to assist crofters in accessing a mains water supply.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on using Scotland Rural Development Programme grants to assist crofters in accessing a mains water supply.","AnswerText":"There are opportunities under the SRDP for crofters to access support for providing and/or maintaining a water supply to their croft for agricultural purposes. The Crofting Counties Agricultural Grants Scheme (CCAGS) offers match-funded grants towards the cost of a range of on-croft agricultural operations. Eligible operations under CCAGS include the provision and improvement of water supplies for agricultural business use. More information is available on the CCAGS web page at http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/farmingrural/SRDP/CCAGS.\r\nThe SRDP does not provide support to access mains water supplies for domestic purposes. Outwith the SRDP, the Croft House Grant Scheme (CHGS) offers grants of up to £22,000 towards the construction or improvement of croft housing. Eligible operations under CHGS include the provision of a sink with hot and cold water supplies and drainage. More information is available on the CHGS web page at:\r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/farmingrural/Agriculture/grants/BDandM/CHGS.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-07-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-01T14:05:22.067","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274662,"EventID":"S4W-08542","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1793,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-04T14:05:22.147","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-03T14:19:06.297","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S3W-39263 by Roseanna Cunningham on 25 February 2011, whether Scottish Natural Heritage is planning a further study into the predation","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S3W-39263 by Roseanna Cunningham on 25 February 2011, whether Scottish Natural Heritage is planning a further study into the predation of livestock by wild animals and birds.\r\n","AnswerText":"Scottish Natural Heritage currently has no plans to carry out a further study on the predation of livestock by wild animals or birds.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-07-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-01T14:05:22.147","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274663,"EventID":"S4W-08543","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1793,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-04T14:05:22.223","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-03T14:19:06.297","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S3W-39263 by Roseanna Cunningham on 25 February 2012, what livestock protection measures have been (a) introduced or (b) discussed by ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S3W-39263 by Roseanna Cunningham on 25 February 2012, what livestock protection measures have been (a) introduced or (b) discussed by the sea eagle management scheme.\r\n","AnswerText":"(a) The Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) Sea Eagle Management Scheme is primarily aimed at those farmers and crofters who are within 5km of nesting sea eagles, however it also includes provision for considering areas outwith the current breeding distribution where sea eagles are present.\r\nThe Scheme prescriptions cover three areas - sheep management (includes support for animal health measures, land improvement and capital works such as fencing, sheep shelters etc); positive management for sea eagles (such as management of nest or roost sites); and community projects (sea eagle related tourism ventures etc.).\r\n(b) Applications for the scheme are assessed by a panel of representatives from SNH, National Farmers Union Scotland, Scottish Crofting Federation, and the RSPB. The panel assess applications and discuss any issues raised by them. \r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-07-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-01T14:05:22.27","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274664,"EventID":"S4W-08544","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1793,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-04T14:05:22.35","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-03T14:19:06.297","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government what (a) financial support and (b) assistance is available to farmers and crofters whose livestock has been, or is at risk of being, killed or injured by wild animals an","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what (a) financial support and (b) assistance is available to farmers and crofters whose livestock has been, or is at risk of being, killed or injured by wild animals and birds.\r\n","AnswerText":"(a) Apart from the Sea Eagle Management Scheme within the Rural Options of the Scottish Rural Development Programme (SRDP) there are measures available which may help eagle management indirectly, e.g. habitat management options. However, there are no direct eagle management prescriptions, except for wardening.  Due to complications with animal health elements in the Sea Eagle Management Scheme it is uncertain whether the EU would agree to a straight transfer of the current scheme to SRDP.\r\n(b) Farmers and crofters can undertake practical measures such as provide shelters for stock in such areas which makes them less accessible to bird predators. A number of deterrents like kites, scarecrows, flickering tapes etc can be used but all of these need backed up by a regular presence of people and physical scaring. In areas where these methods are not working, or where they are impractical, there is recourse to legal methods to minimise serious damage for those species of predator which can be legally controlled.\r\nA number of bird predators can be controlled under the General Licence by authorised people. The General Licence covers some bird species, including great black-backed gull and carrion and hooded crows which are known to attack stock.\r\nRavens are protected but licenses to protect livestock are issued by Scottish Government Rural Payments and Inspections Directorate offices in cases where there is serious damage to livestock and other scaring methods have been exhausted or are impractical to implement.\r\nBoth golden and sea eagles are specially protected birds under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 as amended, and the EC Birds Directive, therefore we seek to minimise conflict through bespoke management options.\r\nFoxes are not legally protected (except by the welfare legislation that covers all British wild mammals – The Wild Mammals Protection Act 1996) and can be controlled legally by authorised people at any time.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-07-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-01T14:05:22.35","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274665,"EventID":"S4W-08545","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1793,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-04T14:05:22.457","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-03T14:19:06.297","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it plans to introduce a feeding programme for sea eagles to mitigate the number of livestock being taken by them.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it plans to introduce a feeding programme for sea eagles to mitigate the number of livestock being taken by them.\r\n","AnswerText":"There are currently no plans to introduce a widespread feeding programme for sea eagles, however there is provision within the current Sea Eagle Management Scheme potentially to provide carrion in certain situations.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-07-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-01T14:05:22.457","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274666,"EventID":"S4W-08548","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4939,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":78,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-04T14:05:22.55","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-04T09:50:44.22","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government when an announcement will be made on Falkirk Council’s tax incremental financing bid.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when an announcement will be made on Falkirk Council’s tax incremental financing bid.","AnswerText":"The council continues to work with the Scottish Futures Trust to develop its tax incremental financing proposals and it intends to submit a final business case to them for recommendation to Scottish ministers by autumn 2012. A ministerial decision on this will be made thereafter.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-07-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-01T14:05:22.567","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274667,"EventID":"S4W-08549","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5034,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-04T14:05:22.643","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-04T11:03:05","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government when it plans to hold the event in relation to women's representation as stated in amendment S4M-03289.1.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when it plans to hold the event in relation to women's representation as stated in amendment S4M-03289.1.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government is planning to hold the event in early 2013.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-07-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-01T14:05:22.643","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274668,"EventID":"S4W-08550","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5034,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-04T14:05:22.753","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-04T11:03:05","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government when it plans to hold a summit on human trafficking.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when it plans to hold a summit on human trafficking.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-06358 on 27 March 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-07-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-01T14:05:22.753","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274678,"EventID":"S4W-08551","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4080,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-05T15:33:42.683","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-04T15:11:48.58","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government what the value is of prescription medicines returned unused to pharmacies.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the value is of prescription medicines returned unused to pharmacies.\r\n","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-02T15:33:42.807","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274679,"EventID":"S4W-08552","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4080,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-05T15:33:42.933","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-04T15:11:48.58","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government what happens to prescription medicines returned unused to pharmacies.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what happens to prescription medicines returned unused to pharmacies.\r\n","AnswerText":"Prescription medicines returned unused to pharmacies are destroyed under local arrangements determined and administered by each health board.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-02T15:33:42.933","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274680,"EventID":"S4W-08553","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4080,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-05T15:33:43.057","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-04T15:11:48.58","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government what action it is taking to reduce medicine wastage.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what action it is taking to reduce medicine wastage.\r\n","AnswerText":"NHS boards have strategies in place to improve the effectiveness of prescribing and reduce wastage.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-02T15:33:43.057","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274681,"EventID":"S4W-08554","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2066,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-05T15:33:43.167","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-04T15:24:08","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government whether its public service obligation contract with Argyll Ferries for a passenger-only service between Gourock and Dunoon allows it to (a) provide additional funding to","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether its public service obligation contract with Argyll Ferries for a passenger-only service between Gourock and Dunoon allows it to (a) provide additional funding to Argyll Ferries (i) for operational requirements and (ii) in order to acquire replacement vessels and (b) vary the terms of the contract.\r\n","AnswerText":"This information is already publicly available. Our contract with Argyll Ferries Ltd for the Gourock-Dunoon ferry service is on the Transport Scotland website:\r\nhttp://www.transportscotland.gov.uk/water/ferries/subsidised/gourock-dunoon.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-07-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-02T15:33:43.167","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274682,"EventID":"S4W-08557","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2066,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-05T15:33:43.277","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-04T15:24:08","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government whether Argyll Ferries has met the terms of its public service obligation contract for a passenger-only service between Gourock and Dunoon in the last 12 months.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether Argyll Ferries has met the terms of its public service obligation contract for a passenger-only service between Gourock and Dunoon in the last 12 months.\r\n","AnswerText":"Under the terms of its contract with the Scottish Ministers, Argyll Ferries Ltd (AFL) is required to provide timetabled ferry services between the town centres of Gourock and Dunoon. The contract levies penalties for any sailings which are not undertaken, other than those outside the control of the operator, principally weather conditions.\r\nIn the early months of the contract, there was an unacceptable level of cancellations and delays for technical reasons. These have now been addressed. In the first quarter of the contract (July-September 2011), technical reliability was 97.9% and punctuality was 89.1%. During the last quarter (April-June 2012), both had risen to over 99%. These figures do not include cancellations for weather or for other reasons outside the control of the operator.\r\nIn December 2011, in response to the early operational problems, we instructed AFL to produce an Improvement Plan for the services. This has been produced and is being implemented.\r\nAFL is delivering the services specified by the contract and continue to take steps to improve their operation.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-07-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-02T15:33:43.293","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274683,"EventID":"S4W-08558","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2066,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-05T15:33:43.37","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-04T15:24:08","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will publish the scope of work prepared for the proposed feasibility study into ferry services between Gourock and Dunoon.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will publish the scope of work prepared for the proposed feasibility study into ferry services between Gourock and Dunoon.","AnswerText":"Yes.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-07-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-02T15:33:43.37","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274684,"EventID":"S4W-08559","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2066,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-05T15:33:43.447","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-04T15:24:08","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government what annual subsidy is payable to Argyll Ferries in respect of the six-year public service obligation contract for a passenger-only service between Gourock and Dunoon.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what annual subsidy is payable to Argyll Ferries in respect of the six-year public service obligation contract for a passenger-only service between Gourock and Dunoon.","AnswerText":"Please see the information in the following table:-\r\nContract year\r\n(July-June)\r\nGrant (£)\r\nFuel Cost (£)\r\n2011-12\r\n1,166,626\r\n436,197\r\n2012-13\r\n1,215,330\r\ntbc\r\n2013-14\r\n1,417,344\r\ntbc\r\n2014-15\r\n1,427,512\r\ntbc\r\n2015-16\r\n1,428,332\r\ntbc\r\n2016-17\r\n1,473,386\r\ntbc\r\n\r\nIn addition, Argyll Ferries Ltd received £141,991 in start-up costs in Year 1.\r\nFuel costs, for a quantity of fuel fixed by the contract, are determined around the start of each contract year in line with the price at that time.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-07-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-02T15:33:43.447","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274685,"EventID":"S4W-08560","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2066,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-05T15:33:43.54","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-04T15:24:08","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government what subsidy payments were made to Argyll Ferries in respect of the public service obligation contract for a passenger-only service between Gourock and Dunoon between Ju","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what subsidy payments were made to Argyll Ferries in respect of the public service obligation contract for a passenger-only service between Gourock and Dunoon between July 2011 and June 2012.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-08559 on 19 July 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-07-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-02T15:33:43.54","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274686,"EventID":"S4W-08561","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2066,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-05T15:33:43.62","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-04T15:24:08","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government when the tender process for routes operated by CalMac Ferries will begin.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when the tender process for routes operated by CalMac Ferries will begin.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4O-01125 on 14 June 2012. All answers to parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-07-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-02T15:33:43.637","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274687,"EventID":"S4W-08562","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2066,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-05T15:33:43.713","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-04T15:24:08","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government how many foot passengers have used the Gourock to Dunoon ferry service in each of the last four years, broken down by month.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many foot passengers have used the Gourock to Dunoon ferry service in each of the last four years, broken down by month.","AnswerText":"Numbers of foot passengers using the Government-subsidised Gourock-Dunoon ferry service are set out in the following table.\r\nUntil 29 June 2011, a vehicle and passenger ferry service was provided by Cowal Ferries Ltd. Since 30 June 2011, a passenger-only ferry service has been provided by Argyll Ferries Ltd. The figures for Cowal Ferries are for foot passengers only and exclude vehicle drivers and passengers.\r\n\r\n2008-09\r\n2009-10\r\n2010-11\r\n2011-12\r\nQuarter 1 \r\n(July- September)\r\n116,683\r\n114,374\r\n107,035\r\n111,292\r\nQuarter 2 \r\n(October - December)\r\n92,539\r\n88,722\r\n83,625\r\n75,171\r\nQuarter 3 \r\n(January - March)\r\n86,362\r\n85,728\r\n80,928\r\n79,470\r\nQuarter 4\r\n(April - June)\r\n101,253\r\n97,302\r\n88,502\r\nNot yet available\r\n\r\nFor reasons of commercial confidentiality, David MacBrayne Ltd, the parent company of Argyll Ferries Ltd, does not publish monthly carryings information.\r\nEquivalent figures for the Western Ferries service between McInroy's Point and Hunters Quay are not publicly available.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-07-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-02T15:33:43.713","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274688,"EventID":"S4W-08563","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5079,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-05T15:33:43.79","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-05T12:47:24.427","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government what action it is taking to support the food and drink industries.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what action it is taking to support the food and drink industries.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government works with a range of public and private sector partners to support the food and drink industries through our National Food and Drink Policy. “Recipe for Success” sets out the holistic approach we are adopting to support this successful sector, including: supporting the growth of our food and drink industry; enhancing our international reputation as a land of food and drink; educating people about our food from plough to plate; and developing the skills of our food and drink workforce.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-02T15:33:43.79","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274689,"EventID":"S4W-08564","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5079,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-05T15:33:43.87","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-05T12:47:24.427","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government what (a) importance it places on and (b) support it provides to the meat (i) production and (ii) processing industries.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what (a) importance it places on and (b) support it provides to the meat (i) production and (ii) processing industries.","AnswerText":"The Scottish red meat production and processing sector plays an important role in the wider food and drinks industry, and in the fabric of our rural communities. Since the start of the current support programme in 2007 Scottish meat processors have received in total £7.37 million of assistance, supporting £26.7 million of private investment.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-02T15:33:43.87","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274690,"EventID":"S4W-08565","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5079,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-05T15:33:43.947","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-05T12:47:24.427","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government what its targets are for growing the meat products industry.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its targets are for growing the meat products industry.","AnswerText":"No individual targets have been set for specific sectors within the food and drinks industry in Scotland.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-02T15:33:43.947","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274691,"EventID":"S4W-08566","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5079,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-05T15:33:44.027","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-05T12:47:10","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government whether the convention to debate the integration of some services with post offices referred to by the Minister for Local Government and Planning on 2 February 2012 (Off","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether the convention to debate the integration of some services with post offices referred to by the Minister for Local Government and Planning on 2 February 2012 (Official Report, c. 6070) has taken place and, if so, what the outcome was.","AnswerText":"The proposed convention is due to take place in the autumn.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-02T15:33:44.027","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274692,"EventID":"S4W-08567","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5079,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-05T15:33:44.103","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-05T12:47:24.427","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government how significant the meat products industry is in the context of its strategy for the food and drink industries.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how significant the meat products industry is in the context of its strategy for the food and drink industries.\r\n","AnswerText":"The meat products sector in Scotland has a significant contribution to make towards the delivery of this Government's Food and Drink strategy.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-02T15:33:44.12","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274693,"EventID":"S4W-08568","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5079,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-05T15:33:44.18","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-05T12:47:24.427","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government what information it has on how many people are employed in the meat products industry in (a) Scotland, (b) Glasgow region and (c) the Glasgow Shettleston constituency.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what information it has on how many people are employed in the meat products industry in (a) Scotland, (b) Glasgow region and (c) the Glasgow Shettleston constituency.\r\n","AnswerText":"The latest available data on the number of people employed in the meats products industry is taken from the Business Register and Employment Survey, which shows that in 2010 there were 6,600 people employees in the “Processing and preserving of meat and production of meat products” sector in Scotland. There were 600 employed in this sector in Glasgow City.\r\nThe number of employees in the Glasgow Shettleston Constituency area is below the threshold allowed for publication and therefore disclosive so cannot be provided.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-02T15:33:44.197","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274694,"EventID":"S4W-08569","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5079,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-05T15:33:44.273","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-05T12:47:24.427","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government what the unemployment level is in (a) Scotland, (b) Glasgow region and (c) the Glasgow Shettleston constituency.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the unemployment level is in (a) Scotland, (b) Glasgow region and (c) the Glasgow Shettleston constituency.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Annual Population Survey (APS) is the preferred source of data on unemployment at a local level.\r\nArea\r\nUnemployment Level\r\n(a) Scotland\r\n216,100\r\n(b) Glasgow City\r\n38,300\r\n(c) Glasgow Shettleston SPC\r\n2,700* \r\nSource: Annual Population Survey, January to December 2011 dataset. \r\nNotes:\r\n1. Includes all persons aged 16 to 64 who meet the ILO definition of unemployed. \r\n2. *This figure is based on a small underlying sample and is therefore subject to a high degree of uncertainty. ","AnswerDate":"2012-07-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-02T15:33:44.273","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angela Constance","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274695,"EventID":"S4W-08570","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5079,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-05T15:33:44.353","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-05T12:47:24.427","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government what information it has on how many meat product factories there are in (a) Scotland, (b) Glasgow region and (c) the Glasgow Shettleston constituency.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what information it has on how many meat product factories there are in (a) Scotland, (b) Glasgow region and (c) the Glasgow Shettleston constituency.\r\n","AnswerText":"Based on information provided by the Food Standards Agency Scotland, there are in total 325 approved meat product and meat preparation factories in Scotland, of which 29 meat plants are located in the Glasgow region, including three within the Shettleston constituency.\r\nIn some cases factories will hold dual approval for meat products and meat preparations.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-02T15:33:44.353","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274696,"EventID":"S4W-08571","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5079,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-05T15:33:44.43","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-05T12:47:24.427","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it has met representatives of ABP UK, or associated companies, and, if so, what issues were discussed.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it has met representatives of ABP UK, or associated companies, and, if so, what issues were discussed.","AnswerText":"Scottish Development International (SDI) and Scottish Enterprise (SE) along with Skills Development Scotland, Glasgow City Council and Clyde Gateway have had a close working relationship with Freshlink for more than 12 months around the possible relocation and expansion of its Glasgow site to new purpose built premises nearby. Officials from SDI, SE and Clyde Gateway met with the company most recently on 10 July. They will continue to remain in close contact with Freshlink to see what other options are available to secure the future of this very important employer.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-07-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-02T15:33:44.43","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274697,"EventID":"S4W-08572","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5079,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-05T15:33:44.523","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-05T12:47:24.427","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government whether the UK Government has suggested devolving responsibility for the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme to the Scottish Government.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether the UK Government has suggested devolving responsibility for the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme to the Scottish Government.","AnswerText":"No such proposal has been made by the UK Government.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-07-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-02T15:33:44.523","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Roseanna Cunningham","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274698,"EventID":"S4W-08573","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5079,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-05T15:33:44.603","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-05T12:47:24.427","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on devolution of responsibility for the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme to the Scottish Government.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on devolution of responsibility for the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme to the Scottish Government.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government is of the view that a separate Scottish scheme would be desirable with an emphasis on alleviating the hardship often experienced by victims of violent crime.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-07-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-02T15:33:44.603","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Roseanna Cunningham","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274699,"EventID":"S4W-08574","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5079,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-05T15:33:44.68","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-05T12:47:24.427","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government what progress it is making in taking over responsibility for employment tribunals in Scotland from the UK Government.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what progress it is making in taking over responsibility for employment tribunals in Scotland from the UK Government.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Lord Chancellor wrote to me on 31 October 2011 outlining the basis of proposals which would transfer the administration of reserved tribunals to Scottish ministers and the responsibility for judicial leadership to the Lord President.\r\nDiscussions have since been held at official level on the details of the proposal and we are awaiting the outcome of the UK Government's consideration of related policy matters and the timing of any legislative requirements.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-07-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-02T15:33:44.68","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Roseanna Cunningham","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274700,"EventID":"S4W-08575","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5079,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-05T15:33:44.757","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-05T13:37:14","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government when it last met representatives of (a) employers and (b) trades unions in the shipbuilding industry and what issues were discussed.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when it last met representatives of (a) employers and (b) trades unions in the shipbuilding industry and what issues were discussed.","AnswerText":"Ministers regularly meet with employers and representatives at various visits and events during the year, and discuss issues of importance to individual companies. The Cabinet Secretary also regularly meets with all Industry Leadership Group Chairs, including the Aerospace, Defence and Marine Chair.\r\nThe Confederation of Shipbuilding and Engineering Unions wrote to the Scottish Government on 22 June 2012 seeking a meeting with officials, which has been agreed.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-02T15:33:44.773","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274701,"EventID":"S4W-08546","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5109,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":101,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-09T13:44:03.087","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-04T09:35:07.787","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-08195 by Michael Russell on 2 July 2012, whether the figures refer to students (a) inbound to Scottish institutions, (b) outbound ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-08195 by Michael Russell on 2 July 2012, whether the figures refer to students (a) inbound to Scottish institutions, (b) outbound to other EU institutions or (c) both.","AnswerText":"The figures provided refer to UK outgoing Erasmus students from Scottish institutions.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-07-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-06T13:44:03.383","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274702,"EventID":"S4W-08547","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5109,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":101,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-09T13:44:03.537","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-04T09:35:07.787","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-08195 by Michael Russell on 2 July 2012, whether it will provide a breakdown by nation of the international study destinations for","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-08195 by Michael Russell on 2 July 2012, whether it will provide a breakdown by nation of the international study destinations for Scotland-domiciled students participating in Erasmus.\r\n","AnswerText":"The numbers as provided by The British Council (the UK National Agency for Erasmus) are as follows:\r\n\r\n\r\n2008-09\r\n\r\nHost Country\r\nStudy\r\nWork\r\nTotal\r\nAustria\r\n20\r\n3\r\n23\r\nBelgium\r\n34\r\n5\r\n39\r\nBulgaria\r\n \r\n \r\n0\r\nCyprus\r\n2\r\n \r\n2\r\nCzech Republic\r\n32\r\n3\r\n35\r\nDenmark\r\n28\r\n6\r\n34\r\nEstonia\r\n2\r\n \r\n2\r\nFinland\r\n30\r\n4\r\n34\r\nFrance\r\n253\r\n109\r\n362\r\nGermany\r\n119\r\n45\r\n164\r\nGreece\r\n \r\n3\r\n3\r\nHungary\r\n3\r\n \r\n3\r\nIceland\r\n3\r\n \r\n3\r\nIreland\r\n7\r\n4\r\n11\r\nItaly\r\n70\r\n8\r\n78\r\nLatvia\r\n \r\n \r\n0\r\nLiechtenstein\r\n \r\n \r\n0\r\nLithuania\r\n2\r\n2\r\n4\r\nLuxembourg\r\n \r\n \r\n0\r\nMalta\r\n1\r\n14\r\n15\r\nNetherlands\r\n61\r\n11\r\n72\r\nNorway\r\n17\r\n3\r\n20\r\nPoland\r\n13\r\n \r\n13\r\nPortugal\r\n16\r\n \r\n16\r\nRomania\r\n7\r\n \r\n7\r\nSlovakia\r\n2\r\n1\r\n3\r\nSlovenia\r\n \r\n \r\n0\r\nSpain\r\n195\r\n71\r\n266\r\nSweden\r\n58\r\n2\r\n60\r\nTurkey\r\n4\r\n \r\n4\r\nTotals\r\n979\r\n294\r\n1,273\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n2009-10\r\n\r\nHost Country\r\nStudy\r\nWork\r\nTotal\r\nAustria\r\n36\r\n5\r\n41\r\nBelgium\r\n55\r\n6\r\n61\r\nBulgaria\r\n \r\n \r\n0\r\nCyprus\r\n3\r\n \r\n3\r\nCzech Republic\r\n26\r\n2\r\n28\r\nDenmark\r\n36\r\n7\r\n43\r\nEstonia\r\n2\r\n \r\n2\r\nFinland\r\n29\r\n9\r\n38\r\nFrance\r\n316\r\n128\r\n444\r\nGermany\r\n115\r\n38\r\n153\r\nGreece\r\n5\r\n \r\n5\r\nHungary\r\n2\r\n \r\n2\r\nIceland\r\n \r\n \r\n0\r\nIreland\r\n6\r\n3\r\n9\r\nItaly\r\n90\r\n23\r\n113\r\nLatvia\r\n \r\n \r\n0\r\nLiechtenstein\r\n \r\n \r\n0\r\nLithuania\r\n1\r\n15\r\n16\r\nLuxembourg\r\n \r\n \r\n0\r\nMalta\r\n1\r\n22\r\n23\r\nNetherlands\r\n64\r\n21\r\n85\r\nNorway\r\n31\r\n3\r\n34\r\nPoland\r\n10\r\n \r\n10\r\nPortugal\r\n10\r\n \r\n10\r\nRomania\r\n1\r\n \r\n1\r\nSlovakia\r\n \r\n \r\n0\r\nSlovenia\r\n3\r\n \r\n3\r\nSpain\r\n250\r\n73\r\n323\r\nSweden\r\n52\r\n2\r\n54\r\nTurkey\r\n4\r\n \r\n4\r\nTotals\r\n1,148\r\n357\r\n1,505\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n2010-11\r\n\r\nHost Country\r\nStudy\r\nWork\r\nTotal\r\nAustria\r\n27\r\n2\r\n29\r\nBelgium\r\n41\r\n5\r\n46\r\nBulgaria\r\n \r\n1\r\n1\r\nCyprus\r\n2\r\n1\r\n3\r\nCzech Republic\r\n26\r\n1\r\n27\r\nDenmark\r\n39\r\n4\r\n43\r\nEstonia\r\n1\r\n \r\n1\r\nFinland\r\n33\r\n7\r\n40\r\nFrance\r\n339\r\n141\r\n480\r\nGermany\r\n159\r\n73\r\n232\r\nGreece\r\n \r\n \r\n0\r\nHungary\r\n11\r\n \r\n11\r\nIceland\r\n1\r\n \r\n1\r\nIreland\r\n5\r\n3\r\n8\r\nItaly\r\n90\r\n16\r\n106\r\nLatvia\r\n \r\n \r\n0\r\nLiechtenstein\r\n \r\n \r\n0\r\nLithuania\r\n \r\n \r\n0\r\nLuxembourg\r\n \r\n \r\n0\r\nMalta\r\n1\r\n3\r\n4\r\nNetherlands\r\n62\r\n16\r\n78\r\nNorway\r\n26\r\n3\r\n29\r\nPoland\r\n18\r\n1\r\n19\r\nPortugal\r\n10\r\n3\r\n13\r\nRomania\r\n2\r\n \r\n2\r\nSlovakia\r\n4\r\n1\r\n5\r\nSlovenia\r\n \r\n1\r\n1\r\nSpain\r\n276\r\n88\r\n364\r\nSweden\r\n64\r\n1\r\n65\r\nTurkey\r\n6\r\n \r\n6\r\nTotal\r\n1,243\r\n371\r\n1,614\r\nThese are for all outgoing Scottish Erasmus Students from 2008-09 to 2010-11.","AnswerDate":"2012-07-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-06T13:44:03.553","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274703,"EventID":"S4W-08582","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5106,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":118,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-09T13:44:03.633","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-05T18:14:24.083","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government what household recycling rates have been achieved in each local authority area in each year since 1999.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what household recycling rates have been achieved in each local authority area in each year since 1999.\r\n","AnswerText":"The following table gives the household recycling rate achieved in each local authority area in each year since 1999.\r\nHousehold Waste Recycled or Composted (% Tonnes)\r\nLocal Authority\r\n2001-02\r\n2002-03\r\n2003-04\r\n2004-05\r\n2005-06\r\n2006-07\r\n2007-08\r\n2008-09\r\n2009-10\r\n2010-11\r\nAberdeen\r\n6.5\r\n6.7\r\n9.6\r\n16.1\r\n19.7\r\n21.9\r\n22.6\r\n22.6\r\n25.7\r\n30.9\r\nAberdeenshire\r\n5.6\r\n9.5\r\n12.9\r\n10.3\r\n16.3\r\n23.0\r\n31.2\r\n32.3\r\n33.3\r\n32.4\r\nAngus\r\n14.3\r\n15.9\r\n10.7\r\n31.1\r\n35.4\r\n32.7\r\n37.0\r\n37.5\r\n40.6\r\n38.4\r\nArgyll and Bute \r\n9.2\r\n8.2\r\n9.8\r\n17.8\r\n25.4\r\n36.6\r\n37.7\r\n38.8\r\n45.1\r\n45.4\r\nClackmannan\r\n3.9\r\n6.5\r\n9.3\r\n38.7\r\n40.1\r\n43.6\r\n42.2\r\n44.9\r\n46.7\r\n49.8\r\nDumfries and Galloway\r\n3.1\r\n3.7\r\n5.2\r\n6.3\r\n11.1\r\n24.3\r\n31.4\r\n36.0\r\n39.7\r\n43.2\r\nDundee\r\n5.7\r\n11.1\r\n12.4\r\n27.6\r\n31.5\r\n30.0\r\n32.4\r\n34.7\r\n37.5\r\n30.3\r\nEast Ayrshire\r\n2.4\r\n3.2\r\n6.2\r\n19.0\r\n33.8\r\n37.2\r\n44.1\r\n44.2\r\n45.1\r\n46.0\r\nE. Dunbartonshire\r\n7.5\r\n10.4\r\n 15.4\r\n16.7\r\n24.7\r\n30.8\r\n31.3\r\n32.0\r\n34.5\r\n39.7\r\nEast Lothian\r\n6.3\r\n12.7\r\n14.9\r\n18.9\r\n29.3\r\n28.0\r\n32.5\r\n35.6\r\n36.5\r\n39.5\r\nEast Renfrewshire\r\n7.9\r\n13.3\r\n21.4\r\n29.3\r\n32.4\r\n33.4\r\n36.8\r\n40.5\r\n38.0\r\n47.4\r\nEdinburgh\r\n5.6\r\n6.5\r\n12.1\r\n17.3\r\n22.1\r\n24.6\r\n27.6\r\n30.0\r\n31.5\r\n29.5\r\nEilean Siar\r\n3.7\r\n1.3\r\n1.1\r\n10.4\r\n12.7\r\n19.2\r\n23.1\r\n20.3\r\n23.1\r\n21.8\r\nFalkirk\r\n5.0\r\n5.3\r\n9.3\r\n20.1\r\n30.9\r\n35.9\r\n33.8\r\n39.2\r\n40.9\r\n47.5\r\nFife\r\n1.9\r\n5.4\r\n17.9\r\n25.7\r\n32.2\r\n35.0\r\n41.7\r\n45.4\r\n47.9\r\n49.4\r\nGlasgow\r\n3.6\r\n5.5\r\n6.0\r\n8.4\r\n12.3\r\n13.7\r\n15.1\r\n16.4\r\n18.8\r\n22.5\r\nHighland \r\n2.8\r\n3.4\r\n7.3\r\n11.9\r\n24.6\r\n31.9\r\n37.3\r\n40.1\r\n41.6\r\n41.1\r\nInverclyde \r\n3.9\r\n4.7\r\n5.6\r\n7.1\r\n21.7\r\n24.0\r\n24.9\r\n33.6\r\n36.8\r\n36.9\r\nMidlothian \r\n3.9\r\n4.4\r\n5.0\r\n5.0\r\n23.1\r\n34.0\r\n38.2\r\n39.5\r\n43.4\r\n46.3\r\nMoray\r\n4.4\r\n8.4\r\n16.1\r\n17.8\r\n28.7\r\n36.4\r\n41.0\r\n40.9\r\n39.8\r\n41.3\r\nNorth Ayrshire\r\n6.6\r\n14.5\r\n23.6\r\n27.7\r\n30.4\r\n28.9\r\n34.7\r\n39.9\r\n46.7\r\n48.5\r\nNorth Lanarkshire \r\n3.1\r\n7.3\r\n13.7\r\n14.4\r\n29.6\r\n31.4\r\n35.3\r\n42.2\r\n46.3\r\n46.1\r\nOrkney Islands\r\n22.2\r\n18.7\r\n20.3\r\n18.3\r\n17.2\r\n20.8\r\n29.2\r\n38.9\r\n36.6\r\n36.4\r\nPerth and Kinross\r\n16.6\r\n19.1\r\n20.9\r\n26.4\r\n34.7\r\n34.9\r\n37.0\r\n38.0\r\n43.4\r\n48.0\r\nRenfrewshire \r\n5.2\r\n9.2\r\n11.1\r\n16.4\r\n25.3\r\n29.3\r\n31.2\r\n31.7\r\n38.8\r\n44.1\r\nScottish Borders \r\n12.8\r\n11.1\r\n12.9\r\n7.8\r\n17.8\r\n29.2\r\n36.5\r\n40.9\r\n43.4\r\n45.8\r\nShetland Islands\r\n10.5\r\n23.3\r\n29.6\r\n9.3\r\n9.6\r\n17.3\r\n19.2\r\n22.7\r\n19.3\r\n19.5\r\nSouth Ayrshire\r\n4.7\r\n4.9\r\n6.8\r\n19.3\r\n33.5\r\n38.7\r\n45.2\r\n48.0\r\n51.2\r\n47.3\r\nSouth Lanarkshire \r\n7.1\r\n5.8\r\n18.7\r\n27.3\r\n31.5\r\n31.0\r\n32.2\r\n35.8\r\n36.7\r\n34.7\r\nStirling\r\n10.1\r\n8.9\r\n15.1\r\n28.0\r\n34.6\r\n39.0\r\n42.4\r\n44.7\r\n46.8\r\n51.1\r\nWest Dunbartonshire\r\n5.7\r\n6.6\r\n7.4\r\n11.5\r\n29.7\r\n37.7\r\n35.7\r\n33.8\r\n33.9\r\n41.5\r\nWest Lothian \r\n6.5\r\n6.8\r\n12.4\r\n17.5\r\n27.2\r\n37.1\r\n37.1\r\n43.3\r\n44.3\r\n47.5\r\nScotland average\r\n5.7\r\n7.7\r\n12.2\r\n17.8\r\n25.5\r\n29.2\r\n32.6\r\n35.4\r\n38.0\r\n40.3\r\nSources: SEPA Local authority Waste Arisings Survey (LAWAS) and WasteDataFlow.\r\nData for 2001-02 to 2003-04 calculated from Table 2 in Waste Data Digests 3, 4 and 5. Note: waste collected at civic amenity sites has been assumed to be 100% household\r\nData from 2004-05 to 2010-11 from Zero waste Plan Table 7: http://www.sepa.org.uk/waste/waste_data/zero_waste_plan_data.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-06T13:44:03.633","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274704,"EventID":"S4W-08583","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5106,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":118,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-09T13:44:03.71","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-05T18:14:24.083","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government what business waste recycling rates have been achieved in each local authority in each year since 1999.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what business waste recycling rates have been achieved in each local authority in each year since 1999.\r\n","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-06T13:44:03.71","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274705,"EventID":"S4W-08584","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5106,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":118,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-09T13:44:03.787","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-05T18:14:24.083","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government which local authorities provide a food waste recycling service.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government which local authorities provide a food waste recycling service.\r\n","AnswerText":"The following table identifies those local authorities currently providing a household food waste recycling service:\r\n\r\nCouncil\r\nFull/Part Rollout\r\nHow is food collected?\r\nHow often?\r\n1\r\nAberdeen City\r\nPart\r\nFood and Garden\r\nFortnightly\r\n2\r\nAberdeenshire\r\nPart\r\nSeparately\r\nWeekly\r\n3\r\nArgyll and Bute\r\nPart\r\nSeparately\r\nWeekly\r\n4\r\nDundee City\r\nPart\r\nSeparately\r\nWeekly/Fortnightly\r\n5\r\nEast Renfrewshire\r\nFull\r\nFood and Garden\r\nWeekly\r\n6\r\nEast Ayrshire\r\nPart\r\nSeparately\r\nWeekly\r\n7\r\nEdinburgh, City of\r\nPart\r\nSeparately\r\nWeekly\r\n8\r\nEilean Siar\r\nFull\r\nFood, garden, paper and card\r\nFortnightly\r\n9\r\nFife\r\nPart\r\nFood and Garden\r\nFortnightly\r\n10\r\nMoray\r\nFull\r\nFood and Garden\r\nFortnightly\r\n11\r\nNorth Lanarkshire\r\nPart\r\nFood and Garden\r\nFortnightly\r\n12\r\nPerth and Kinross\r\nFull\r\nFood and Garden\r\nFortnightly\r\n13\r\nStirling\r\nFull\r\nSeparately\r\nWeekly\r\n14\r\nWest\r\nDunbartonshire\r\nPart\r\nFood and Garden\r\nFortnightly\r\n15\r\nFalkirk\r\nPart\r\nSeparately\r\nWeekly\r\n16\r\nInverclyde\r\nFull\r\nSeparately\r\nWeekly\r\n17\r\nFife\r\nRollout - ongoing\r\nFood and Garden\r\nFortnightly\r\nZero Waste Scotland has advised that rollouts of household food collection services are also planned in Clackmannanshire, Falkirk, North Lanarkshire and North Ayrshire between now and February 2013.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-06T13:44:03.787","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274706,"EventID":"S4W-08585","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5106,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":118,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-09T13:44:03.88","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-05T18:14:24.083","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government how much each local authority has paid in landfill tax in each year since 1999.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much each local authority has paid in landfill tax in each year since 1999.","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-06T13:44:03.897","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274707,"EventID":"S4W-08587","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2595,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-09T13:44:03.973","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-06T11:23:15.037","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government how many companies went into liquidation in the first quarter of 2012 and how this compares with the previous (a) quarter and (b) year.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many companies went into liquidation in the first quarter of 2012 and how this compares with the previous (a) quarter and (b) year.","AnswerText":"The Accountant in Bankruptcy publishes the official corporate insolvency statistics for Scotland on a quarterly basis on its website (see www.aib.gov.uk). \r\nLiquidation may be voluntary, by resolution of the company’s members or creditors, or compulsory, by order of the courts. Not all liquidations are insolvencies: a voluntary liquidation may be the formal closure of a solvent business which the company’s members no longer wish to continue, a compulsory liquidation of a solvent business may sometimes be in the public interest.\r\nThe Accountant in Bankruptcy records statistics on compulsory liquidations and creditors’ voluntary liquidations. A third type of liquidation exists, called members’ voluntary liquidation, however this is not technically insolvency as the directors of the company swear a declaration of solvency to say that the company will be able to pay all its debts within a period not exceeding twelve months. Accordingly members' voluntary liquidations, although recorded by the Accountant in Bankruptcy, are counted separately to the statistics on corporate insolvency (corporate insolvency statistics consist of receiverships, compulsory liquidations and creditors' voluntary liquidations).\r\nThe most recent quarterly statistics, corresponding to the first quarter of financial year 2012-13 (equivalently, the 2nd quarter of 2012), were published on 25 July 2012 (see www.aib.gov.uk/scottish-insolvency-statistics-quarter-1-2012-13). These statistics showed that there were 468 liquidations in this quarter, consisting of 348 compulsory liquidations, 62 creditors’ voluntary liquidations, and 58 members’ voluntary liquidations: this represented an increase of 11 per cent compared to the previous quarter, and an increase of 16 per cent compared to the same period of the previous year. \r\nThe next set of quarterly insolvency statistics, corresponding to the second quarter of financial year 2012-13 (equivalently the third quarter of 2012), are due to be published in October 2012.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-07-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-06T13:44:03.99","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274708,"EventID":"S4W-08588","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2595,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-09T13:44:04.083","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-06T11:24:48.013","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government how many personal insolvencies there were in the first quarter of 2012 and how this compares with the previous (a) quarter and (b) year.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many personal insolvencies there were in the first quarter of 2012 and how this compares with the previous (a) quarter and (b) year.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Accountant in Bankruptcy publishes the official personal insolvency statistics for Scotland on a quarterly basis on its website (see www.aib.gov.uk). \r\nPersonal insolvency statistics consist of both bankruptcy and Protected Trust Deed figures. The most recent quarterly statistics, corresponding to the first quarter of financial year 2012-13 (equivalently, the 2nd quarter of 2012), were published on the 25 July 2012 (see www.aib.gov.uk/scottish-insolvency-statistics-quarter-1-2012-13). \r\nThese statistics showed that there were 5,601 personal insolvencies in this quarter, consisting of 3,310 bankruptcies and 2,291 Protected Trust Deeds. This figure represented a 15 per cent increase in personal insolvencies on the previous quarter, and a 5 per cent increase compared to the same period of the previous year.\r\nThe next set of quarterly insolvency statistics, corresponding to the second quarter of financial year 2012-13 (equivalently the third quarter of 2012), are due to be published in October 2012.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-07-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-06T13:44:04.083","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274709,"EventID":"S4W-08589","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-09T13:44:04.163","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-06T11:27:06.723","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government what meetings the Minister for Local Government and Planning has had with local authority leaders to discuss the living wage since May 2012.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what meetings the Minister for Local Government and Planning has had with local authority leaders to discuss the living wage since May 2012.\r\n","AnswerText":"Local authorities are self-governing bodies and set the terms and conditions under which staff are employed. I have had a number of meetings with local authorities since May, which have provided an opportunity to discuss a range of issues including the living wage. I welcome the fact that more and more councils are paying the living wage, with the majority of councils now either paying the living wage or committed to introducing it during 2012-13.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-06T13:44:04.163","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Derek Mackay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274710,"EventID":"S4W-08590","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-09T13:44:04.257","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-06T11:27:06.723","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government what meetings the Minister for Local Government and Planning has had with private sector employers to promote the merits of a living wage since his appointment; on what ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what meetings the Minister for Local Government and Planning has had with private sector employers to promote the merits of a living wage since his appointment; on what dates, and who attended each meeting.\r\n","AnswerText":"I have had no meetings with private sector employers specifically or solely on the living wage. However, the Scottish Government supports the payment of the living wage and encourages all employers within the public, private and third sectors in Scotland to do likewise, although this is a matter for employers.\r\nMinisters have announced their intention to introduce a Sustainable Procurement Bill during the life of the current Parliament, and we will shortly hold a public consultation on the proposed policy content of the bill. We intend to use the consultation on the forthcoming bill as an opportunity to also consult private sector employers and other stakeholders on promotion of the living wage through public procurement activity.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-06T13:44:04.27","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Derek Mackay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274711,"EventID":"S4W-08597","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2066,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-09T13:44:04.363","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-06T12:06:28.647","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government for what reason it has not set up a new inland water safety working group as recommended in Report of Inland Water Rescue Stakeholder Group; whether it is planning to do","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government for what reason it has not set up a new inland water safety working group as recommended in Report of Inland Water Rescue Stakeholder Group; whether it is planning to do so, and, if so, when.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has continued to keep in contact with members of the previous inland water rescue stakeholder group when required on matters related to water safety, and as such has not established a new inland water safety working group. We will convene a meeting of a new working group when we consider it necessary, and will of course approach relevant organisations, including those from the third sector.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-07-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-06T13:44:04.363","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Roseanna Cunningham","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274712,"EventID":"S4W-08598","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2066,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-09T13:44:04.46","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-06T12:06:28.647","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government whether the voluntary sector will be represented on any new inland water safety working group, as recommended in Report of Inland Water Rescue Stakeholder Group and, if ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether the voluntary sector will be represented on any new inland water safety working group, as recommended in Report of Inland Water Rescue Stakeholder Group and, if so, whether LochWatch Loch Awe, Glasgow Humane Society and Safe Tay will be included.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-08597 on 30 July 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-07-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-06T13:44:04.46","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Roseanna Cunningham","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274713,"EventID":"S4W-08601","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-09T13:44:04.553","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-06T16:39:28.3","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government what benefits the Edinburgh-Glasgow Improvement Project will bring to (a) Stirling, (b) Dunblane and (c) Alloa.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what benefits the Edinburgh-Glasgow Improvement Project will bring to (a) Stirling, (b) Dunblane and (c) Alloa.\r\n","AnswerText":"The continuing electrification of the Scottish rail network will benefit all rail passengers by driving reliability improvements across the entire network.\r\nThe newly refurbished Haymarket Station will provide an effective interchange between Stirling services and the tram network offering connection opportunities to the airport, places of work and the surrounding business development area.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-07-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-06T13:44:04.553","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274714,"EventID":"S4W-08586","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":136,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-09T13:50:13.17","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-06T10:14:41","Title":"To ask the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body whether it will consider displaying the Saltire flag in the chamber beside the Presiding Officer when the Parliament is sitting.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body whether it will consider displaying the Saltire flag in the chamber beside the Presiding Officer when the Parliament is sitting.\r\n","AnswerText":"The issue of whether to display the saltire in the debating chamber has been considered by the SPCB previously, most recently on 4 February 2009. On that occasion, the matter had been raised by a petitioner to the Parliament and, after considering the request, the SPCB responded on 11 February 2009 saying that in its view, the introduction of the flag of Scotland into the chamber was unnecessary, given the unique and instantly recognisable design of the chamber and of the building as whole. That remains the position.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-07-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-06T13:50:13.203","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Scanlon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274729,"EventID":"S4W-08602","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":86,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-09T15:02:31.76","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-09T13:04:10.03","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government when it will publish a youth arts strategy.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when it will publish a youth arts strategy.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-08605 on 6 August 2012. All answers to written Parliamentary Questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-06T15:02:31.773","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274730,"EventID":"S4W-08603","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":86,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-09T15:02:31.883","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-09T13:04:10.03","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government when it will publish a response to the youth arts strategy document prepared by Creative Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when it will publish a response to the youth arts strategy document prepared by Creative Scotland.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-08605 on 6 August 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-06T15:02:31.883","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274731,"EventID":"S4W-08604","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":86,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-09T15:02:31.963","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-09T13:04:10.03","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government what discussion it will have with the sector prior to publishing its response to Creative Scotland's youth arts strategy.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what discussion it will have with the sector prior to publishing its response to Creative Scotland's youth arts strategy.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-08605 on 6 August 2012. All answers to written Parliamentary Questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-06T15:02:31.963","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274732,"EventID":"S4W-08605","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":86,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-09T15:02:32.04","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-09T13:04:10.03","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government what discussions Creative Scotland had with the sector prior to the completion of its youth arts strategy document.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what discussions Creative Scotland had with the sector prior to the completion of its youth arts strategy document.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government asked Creative Scotland to develop a Youth Arts Strategy for Scotland, in the Letter of Guidance to Creative Scotland on its establishment in July 2010.\r\nCreative Scotland consulted extensively with the youth arts sector and other key stakeholders in developing its brief for the strategy, which outlined the rationale scope and proposed methodology. A national discussion has continued between Scotland's young people and the organisers, supporters and deliverers of the sector, including Scotland's youth arts companies to develop the strategy.\r\n1,802 stakeholders have contributed so far to this national discussion including 859 young people. The Children's Parliament and Young Scot carried out a variety of consultation processes through in-depth workshops, national surveys and a Youth task group. Adult stakeholders fed into the process via focus groups held across 36 locations in Scotland, and through one-to-one meetings.\r\nScotland's Youth Arts Strategy will be published this autumn and the Scottish Government will consider the strategy once it is finalised.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-06T15:02:32.04","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274741,"EventID":"S4W-08591","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-10T13:55:08.78","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-06T11:45:48.073","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-08222 by Michael Matheson on 28 June 2012, whether it will review the use of epidemiological studies as proof of the safety of the","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-08222 by Michael Matheson on 28 June 2012, whether it will review the use of epidemiological studies as proof of the safety of the MMR vaccine.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has no plans to review the use of epidemiological studies as proof of the safety of the MMR vaccine. We will continue to monitor new emerging data on an ongoing basis, and continue to consider the advice of the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI).\r\nThere remains no credible scientific evidence to suggest that MMR vaccine is a cause of autism, and no basis on which to commission new research or a re-appraisal of existing evidence. A wide range of large epidemiological studies, performed over more than a decade in a variety of countries, have consistently found no link between MMR and autism. Independent experts agree that an association between MMR and autism is purely coincidental.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-07T13:55:09.137","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":true},{"UniqueID":274742,"EventID":"S4W-08592","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-10T13:55:09.293","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-06T11:45:48.073","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-08223 by Michael Matheson on 28 June 2012, whether it will review the safety of the MMR vaccine and hold an inquiry into the manag","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-08223 by Michael Matheson on 28 June 2012, whether it will review the safety of the MMR vaccine and hold an inquiry into the management of the immunisation programme.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has no plans to review the safety of the MMR vaccine, or hold an inquiry into the management of the Scottish childhood immunisation programme.\r\nThere remains no credible scientific evidence to suggest that MMR vaccine is a cause of autism, and no basis on which to commission new research or a re-appraisal of existing evidence.\r\nWe will continue to take advice on immunisation issues from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI), and on safety issues from the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA).\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-07T13:55:09.293","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":true},{"UniqueID":274743,"EventID":"S4W-08593","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-10T13:55:09.403","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-06T11:45:48.073","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on the case in the USA under the whistleblower statute in which two scientists previously employed by Merck allege that the company engaged in fraud","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on the case in the USA under the whistleblower statute in which two scientists previously employed by Merck allege that the company engaged in fraud to hide the fact that the mumps element of the MMR vaccine is not as effective as the company claims.\r\n","AnswerText":"It would be inappropriate for the Scottish Government to comment on these proceedings.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-07T13:55:09.403","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":true},{"UniqueID":274744,"EventID":"S4W-08594","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-10T13:55:09.48","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-06T11:45:48.073","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will review the evidence of the merits of the inclusion of the mumps vaccine element of Merck’s MMR 11 vaccine.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will review the evidence of the merits of the inclusion of the mumps vaccine element of Merck’s MMR 11 vaccine.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government does not plan to review the composition of the MMR 11 vaccine. As with all vaccination programmes, the Scottish Government relies on independent expert advice from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI).\r\nThe mumps component of the MMR vaccine has been used in MMR vaccines in Scotland and the UK more generally since 1988. The efficacy of the component is well understood. Expert advice to healthcare professionals (within the Immunisation Against Infectious Disease publication) states that a single dose of mumps containing vaccine confers between 61% and 91% protection against mumps. A single dose of MMR vaccine is around 64% effective against mumps, with two doses required to produce satisfactory protection against measles, mumps and rubella.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-07T13:55:09.48","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":true},{"UniqueID":274745,"EventID":"S4W-08596","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-10T13:55:09.577","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-06T11:45:48.073","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government when a review was last carried out of the MMR vaccine in Scotland.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when a review was last carried out of the MMR vaccine in Scotland.\r\n","AnswerText":"A review of issues around MMR vaccination in Scotland was carried out by an expert group in 2001-02. A report of the group was published in April 2002 and this is available on the Scottish Government website. \r\nThe Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) reviews all vaccines within the Scottish childhood immunisation programme on an ongoing basis. Scottish Government Senior Medical Officers have observational status on the group.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-07T13:55:09.577","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":true},{"UniqueID":274746,"EventID":"S4W-08599","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-10T13:55:09.653","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-06T12:51:49.88","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government (a) whether cyberbullying was discussed and (b) what actions were agreed at its recent conference on so-called virtual violence.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government (a) whether cyberbullying was discussed and (b) what actions were agreed at its recent conference on so-called virtual violence.","AnswerText":"The Virtual Violence CPD Event on 12 June 2012 was organised by the Violence Reduction Unit and looked at a broad range of topics within e-safety, including cyberbullying. The event aimed to raise awareness about e-safety and highlighted the role of professionals and the preventative steps that can be undertaken to reduce the risk of e-crime. As this was a CPD event, no distinct actions were agreed.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-07T13:55:09.653","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alasdair Allan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274747,"EventID":"S4W-08606","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4934,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-10T13:55:09.73","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-09T14:08:20.727","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government what proportion of the £18 million Marine Renewables Commercialisation Fund will support research into (a) potential and (b) mitigation of impacts of marine renewables d","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what proportion of the £18 million Marine Renewables Commercialisation Fund will support research into (a) potential and (b) mitigation of impacts of marine renewables devices on biodiversity.\r\n","AnswerText":"The £18 million Marine Renewables Commercialisation Fund will support the development and deployment of the first commercial scale wave and tidal array projects in Scottish waters.\r\nIssues with (a) potential and (b) mitigation of impacts of marine renewables devices on biodiversity are well understood by Marine Scotland, who ensure that the development of wave, tidal and offshore wind energy sectors is achieved in a sustainable manner in the seas around Scotland. In addressing the various issues and challenges of developing offshore renewables in relation to impacts on biodiversity, Marine Scotland has initiated a number of projects and commissioned research to provide solutions and support to partner organisations and industry on potential interactions with natura species; including seabirds, marine mammals and migratory fish. This will include; addressing flight characteristics and habitats, collision risk modelling, baseline data, population modelling and effects of displacement.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-07T13:55:09.73","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274748,"EventID":"S4W-08607","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-10T13:55:09.823","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-09T17:46:03.157","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government when the My Work Coach programme will be launched.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when the My Work Coach programme will be launched.","AnswerText":"Skills Development Scotland has been piloting the My Work Coach service since April this year across five local authority areas. These areas are North Lanarkshire, Borders, Highlands, Fife and Glasgow. Learning from this pilot, Skills Development Scotland plan to roll out the service across all regions in the coming months as a key part of the Service Modernisation Programme.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-07-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-07T13:55:09.84","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angela Constance","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274749,"EventID":"S4W-08608","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-10T13:55:09.95","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-09T17:46:03.157","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government what proposals arose from the Making Training Work Better review.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what proposals arose from the Making Training Work Better review.","AnswerText":"Making Training Work Better allowed us to develop proposals that seek to reduce duplication of funding for episodes of training whilst focussing on the provision of skills development for young people and maximising support for the low paid low skilled and the unemployed across Scotland. The proposals are:\r\n- Develop higher level Technical and Professional Apprenticeships to offer a wider range of entry and progression opportunities through the apprenticeship programme;\r\n- Provide flexible support, including incentives to employers, to support 16 to 24-year-olds from disadvantaged groups such as care leavers and young carers into jobs, including Modern Apprenticeships;\r\n- Support 20 to 24-year-old Modern Apprentices across all frameworks rather than for selected sectors;\r\n- Develop a transparent process for developing new apprenticeship frameworks that focus on employer needs through Scotland’s Modern Apprenticeship Group;\r\n- Enhance the work experience element of the Get Ready for Work programme;\r\n- Explore the potential for an outcome-focused national employability fund that brings together funding from a range of sources to provide more coherent and flexible pre-employment support for young people and adults;\r\n- Protect provision and access to pre-employment skills provision for adults by ensuring that all the funding used to train and support individuals is dispersed in most appropriate way; \r\n- Maximise support for those moving towards and into work by better targeting Individual Learning Account funding, and\r\n- Continue to provide support for small and micro employers with 100 employees or less through Flexible Training Opportunities.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-07T13:55:09.95","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angela Constance","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274750,"EventID":"S4W-08609","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-10T13:55:10.073","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-09T17:46:03.157","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will follow the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development charter for work experience that was launched in April 2012.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will follow the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development charter for work experience that was launched in April 2012.","AnswerText":"In Action for Jobs - Supporting Young Scots into Work, Scotland's Youth Employment Strategy, the Scottish Government committed to investigate existing guidance on work experience with relevant organisations and identify whether there is a need for further resources to be developed.\r\nThe Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development charter for work experience will be considered as part of this investigation.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-07-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-07T13:55:10.073","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angela Constance","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274754,"EventID":"S4W-08613","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-10T13:55:10.45","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-09T17:52:29.427","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government whether discussions have taken place with Skills Development Scotland on collecting data on the 16 to 19 age group in addition to those collected in September and March/","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether discussions have taken place with Skills Development Scotland on collecting data on the 16 to 19 age group in addition to those collected in September and March/April on school leavers.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government is working with Skills Development Scotland and other partners to improve the quality and use of data on 16 to 19-year-olds in order to support the delivery of Opportunities for All.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-07T13:55:10.45","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angela Constance","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274755,"EventID":"S4W-08614","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-10T13:55:10.527","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-09T17:52:29.427","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government how much it will provide to support local authorities in delivering activity agreements in each of the next three years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much it will provide to support local authorities in delivering activity agreements in each of the next three years.","AnswerText":"We are investing £10.5 million in the next three years to support local partnerships to deliver activity agreements. Broken down as follows:\r\n2012-13 - £4 million, \r\n2013-14 - £3.5 million and \r\n2014-15 - £3 million.\r\nA dedicated National Development Manager is providing additional support directly to partnerships.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-07T13:55:10.527","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angela Constance","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274756,"EventID":"S4W-08615","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5079,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-10T13:55:10.62","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-10T11:07:38.81","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-07014 by Fiona Hyslop on 16 May 2012, when the information will be available.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-07014 by Fiona Hyslop on 16 May 2012, when the information will be available.\r\n","AnswerText":"I replied to the Member on 8 August 2012 and a copy has been placed in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre (Bib. number 53983).\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-07T13:55:10.62","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274757,"EventID":"S4W-08616","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5106,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":118,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-10T13:55:10.697","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-10T11:37:46.603","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government (a) how many and (b) what percentage of GP practices in each NHS board area have enhanced service contracts for drug treatment.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government (a) how many and (b) what percentage of GP practices in each NHS board area have enhanced service contracts for drug treatment.","AnswerText":"This is a matter for NHS boards. The information requested is not held centrally.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-07-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-07T13:55:10.697","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274767,"EventID":"S4W-08595","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-10T15:08:26.323","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-06T11:45:48.073","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government how much NHS boards have spent purchasing Merck’s MMR 11 vaccine in each year since 2007.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much NHS boards have spent purchasing Merck’s MMR 11 vaccine in each year since 2007.\r\n","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-07T15:08:26.37","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":true},{"UniqueID":274768,"EventID":"S4W-08630","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-10T15:08:26.477","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-10T11:55:15.483","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government which companies that have had government contracts or received public support since May 2011 have produced a training and apprenticeship plan.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government which companies that have had government contracts or received public support since May 2011 have produced a training and apprenticeship plan.","AnswerText":"Whilst training and apprenticeship plans have been produced in some Scottish Government contracts, for example, the construction of the Scottish Crime Campus at Gartcosh, this information for all contracts is not held centrally and can only be provided at disproportionate cost. We are currently considering how we may, in the future, be able to capture such data systematically.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-07T15:08:26.477","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274769,"EventID":"S4W-08631","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-10T15:08:26.587","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-10T11:55:15.483","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government whether training and apprenticeship plans for companies that have held government contracts or received public support since May 2011 are publicly available and, if so, ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether training and apprenticeship plans for companies that have held government contracts or received public support since May 2011 are publicly available and, if so, where this information can be accessed.","AnswerText":"We intend to use the forthcoming consultation on a Procurement Bill to seek the views of the public, private and third sectors on whether those awarded a major contract should publish their training and apprenticeship plans.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-07T15:08:26.587","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274770,"EventID":"S4W-08632","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-10T15:08:26.667","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-10T11:55:15.483","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government how many apprenticeships have been created by companies that have held government contracts or received public support since May 2011, broken down by (a) contract and (b","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many apprenticeships have been created by companies that have held government contracts or received public support since May 2011, broken down by (a) contract and (b) company.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government published guidance in February 2008 on how to use public contracts to deliver wider community benefits, such as training and employment opportunities. Over 3,500 targeted recruitment and training opportunities have been achieved in Scotland through this approach, which has been applied on contracts such as those for the Commonwealth Games, the Southern General Hospital in Glasgow and the Scottish Crime Campus. While there is currently no central database of the number of apprenticeships created by companies holding public contracts or receiving public support, we are considering how we can capture information relating to contracts systematically in future. We also intend to use the forthcoming consultation on a Procurement Bill to seek view on whether companies in receipt of major public contracts should be required to publish their training and apprenticeship plans.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-07T15:08:26.667","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274771,"EventID":"S4W-08633","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-10T15:08:26.743","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-10T11:55:15.483","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government whether companies that hold government contracts will be contacted during the consultation process for the proposed Sustainable Procurement Bill.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether companies that hold government contracts will be contacted during the consultation process for the proposed Sustainable Procurement Bill.","AnswerText":"We are engaging with a wide range of stakeholders, including business representatives and, once the consultation on the Bill is launched, all businesses, not just those who already hold Government contracts, will have an opportunity to submit their views.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-07T15:08:26.743","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274772,"EventID":"S4W-08634","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5080,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-10T15:08:26.82","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-10T12:28:52.323","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government what recent discussions the Minister for Housing and Transport has had with Network Rail regarding the Initial Industry Plan Scotland: Proposals for Control Period 5 and","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what recent discussions the Minister for Housing and Transport has had with Network Rail regarding the Initial Industry Plan Scotland: Proposals for Control Period 5 and beyond.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has regular meetings with Network Rail to discuss a range of issues in relation to forward planning, including the development of the industry’s Initial Investment Plan and our High Level Output Specification for Control Period 5.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-07-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-07T15:08:26.82","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274773,"EventID":"S4W-08635","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5080,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-10T15:08:26.9","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-10T12:28:52.323","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government which capital projects proposed in the Initial Industry Plan Scotland: Proposals for Control Period 5 and beyond it will support.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government which capital projects proposed in the Initial Industry Plan Scotland: Proposals for Control Period 5 and beyond it will support.\r\n","AnswerText":"The High Level Output Specification published on 21 June 2012 sets out the Government’s ambitious investment priorities for the five year (2014 to 2019) Control Period. The £5 billion programme of investment in infrastructure includes:\r\nPhase 1 of the Edinburgh to Glasgow Improvements Programme \r\nCompletion of the Borders Railway \r\nPhase 1 of the Aberdeen to Inverness Rail Improvements Project, and \r\nPhase 2 of the Highland Main Line Improvements Project\r\nAll of these projects are detailed in our Infrastructure Investment Plan, and the Industry’s Investment Plan.\r\nWe will require the rail industry to work together to deliver future phases of the Aberdeen to Inverness Improvements Project and the Highland Main Line Improvements Project, and the rolling programme of electrification, which will cover around 100 single track kilometres per annum to meet future capacity requirements.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-07T15:08:26.913","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274774,"EventID":"S4W-08636","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5080,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-10T15:08:26.993","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-10T12:28:52.323","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government whether the electrification of the East Kilbride line will be (a) initiated and (b) completed in Control Period 5.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether the electrification of the East Kilbride line will be (a) initiated and (b) completed in Control Period 5.","AnswerText":"Electrification of the strategic rail network is to be delivered in phases starting with Edinburgh Glasgow Improvement Programme (EGIP). East Kilbride was identified in the Strategic Transport Projects Review as a line which may be included in later phases of electrification. Our High Level Output Specification for control period 5 (2014-19) asks Network Rail to plan for the electrification of 100 single track kilometres per annum commencing from the completion of EGIP. This will include proposals for delivery beyond control period 5 and the electrification of East Kilbride will be considered in that programme.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-07T15:08:26.993","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274775,"EventID":"S4W-08637","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5080,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-10T15:08:27.087","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-10T12:28:52.323","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government whether the proposed electrification of the East Kilbride line will include the dualling of track between East Kilbride and Busby.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether the proposed electrification of the East Kilbride line will include the dualling of track between East Kilbride and Busby.\r\n","AnswerText":"There are no plans to double the track between Busby and East Kilbride. However, Busby Junction is planned to be redoubled in 2013.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-07T15:08:27.087","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274776,"EventID":"S4W-08638","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5080,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-10T15:08:27.18","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-10T12:28:52.323","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government what reductions in journey times between Glasgow and East Kilbride would be achieved through electrification.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what reductions in journey times between Glasgow and East Kilbride would be achieved through electrification.\r\n","AnswerText":"Journey time improvements of up to 10 minutes would be anticipated were the line to be electrified.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-07T15:08:27.18","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274777,"EventID":"S4W-08639","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5080,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-10T15:08:27.257","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-10T12:28:52.323","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government what progress it is making toward electrification of the Glasgow suburban railway network.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what progress it is making toward electrification of the Glasgow suburban railway network.","AnswerText":"A large proportion of the suburban network is already electrified covering routes between Glasgow and Ayrshire, Glasgow and Edinburgh via Airdrie/Bathgate and via Carstairs, North and South Clyde, parts of Strathclyde South, parts of Lanarkshire and the West Coast Main Line south from Glasgow. On 11 July 2012, Network Rail and ScotRail confirmed a £12 million joint investment to electrify the 8 km stretch of line between Glasgow Central and Paisley Canal by December 2012. The first phase of the Edinburgh Glasgow Improvement Programme (EGIP) will include approximately 160 single track km of electrification across the Edinburgh - Glasgow via Falkirk High and the Cumbernauld lines, part of which are on the Glasgow suburban railway network. Our High Level Output Specification for control period 5 (2014-19) asks Network Rail to plan for the electrification of 100 single track kilometres per annum commencing from the completion of EGIP.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-07T15:08:27.257","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274778,"EventID":"S4W-08640","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5080,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-10T15:08:27.337","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-10T12:28:52.323","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government what percentage of emergency arrivals was admitted, discharged or transferred within four hours in each (a) NHS board and (b) accident and emergency unit in each year si","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what percentage of emergency arrivals was admitted, discharged or transferred within four hours in each (a) NHS board and (b) accident and emergency unit in each year since 2007.\r\n","AnswerText":"Information on the percentage of attendances (new and unplanned returns) that were seen within four hours by NHS board and by accident and emergency site has been placed in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre (Bib 54190). This information is shown by financial year, from 2008-09 to 2011-12. Information for 2007-08 is not included as a full year's worth of data is not available (the accident and emergency data mart was established in June 2007 to monitor compliance against waiting times targets).\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-07T15:08:27.337","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274779,"EventID":"S4W-08641","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5080,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-10T15:08:27.413","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-10T12:28:52.323","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government how many emergency arrivals were not admitted, discharged or transferred for at least eight hours in each (a) NHS board and (b) accident and emergency unit in each year ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many emergency arrivals were not admitted, discharged or transferred for at least eight hours in each (a) NHS board and (b) accident and emergency unit in each year since 2007.\r\n","AnswerText":"Tables 1 and 2 represent the number of attendances (new and unplanned returns) that were not seen within eight hours by NHS board and by accident and emergency (A&E) site. Table 2 excludes any accident and emergency site where there were no attendances not seen within eight hours between 2008-09 and 2011-12. Information for 2007-08 is not included as a full year's worth of data is not available (the accident and emergency data mart was established in June 2007 to monitor compliance against waiting times targets).\r\nTable 1 - Number of Attendances (New and Unplanned Returns) that Were Not Seen within Eight Hours by NHS Board; 2008-09 to 2011-12\r\nNHS Board\r\nFinancial Year\r\n2008-09\r\n2009-10\r\n2010-11\r\n2011-12\r\nNHS Ayrshire and Arran\r\n39\r\n58\r\n97\r\n136\r\nNHS Borders\r\n2\r\n6\r\n24\r\n23\r\nNHS Dumfries and Galloway\r\n32\r\n37\r\n42\r\n32\r\nNHS Fife\r\n275\r\n160\r\n747\r\n1,588\r\nNhs Forth Valley\r\n56\r\n68\r\n198\r\n119\r\nNHS Grampian\r\n447\r\n295\r\n216\r\n313\r\nNHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde\r\n313\r\n408\r\n1,170\r\n852\r\nNHS Highland\r\n12\r\n21\r\n35\r\n42\r\nNHS Lanarkshire\r\n524\r\n177\r\n713\r\n853\r\nNHS Lothian\r\n470\r\n1,049\r\n870\r\n1,108\r\nNHS Orkney\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n1\r\nNHS Shetland\r\n2\r\n1\r\n1\r\n4\r\nNHS Tayside\r\n16\r\n10\r\n18\r\n24\r\nNHS Western Isles\r\n2\r\n-\r\n-\r\n2\r\nScotland\r\n2,190\r\n2,290\r\n4,131\r\n5,097\r\nSource: A&E data mart, ISD Scotland.\r\nTable 2 - Number of Attendances (New and Unplanned Returns) that Were Not Seen within Eight Hours by Accident and Emergency Site; 2008-09 to 2011-12\r\nAccident and Emergency Site\r\nFinancial Year\r\n2008-09\r\n2009-10\r\n2010-11\r\n2011-12\r\nAberdeen Royal Infirmary\r\n362\r\n171\r\n159\r\n244\r\nArbroath Infirmary\r\n1\r\n1\r\n-\r\n-\r\nBalfour Hospital\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n1\r\nBelford Hospital\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n12\r\nBorders General Hospital\r\n2\r\n6\r\n24\r\n23\r\nCaithness General Hospital\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n2\r\nDr Gray's Hospital\r\n84\r\n121\r\n55\r\n67\r\nDumfries and Galloway Royal Infirmary\r\n19\r\n25\r\n28\r\n11\r\nFalkirk Community Hospital\r\n2\r\n1\r\n1\r\n-\r\nForth Valley Royal Hospital\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n99\r\nGalloway Community Hospital\r\n13\r\n12\r\n14\r\n21\r\nGilbert Bain Hospital\r\n2\r\n1\r\n1\r\n4\r\nGlasgow Royal Infirmary\r\n36\r\n47\r\n141\r\n47\r\nHairmyres Hospital\r\n250\r\n78\r\n483\r\n548\r\nInverclyde Royal Hospital\r\n4\r\n10\r\n23\r\n22\r\nKincardine Community Hospital\r\n-\r\n-\r\n1\r\n-\r\nMonklands District \r\nGeneral Hospital\r\n58\r\n44\r\n124\r\n161\r\nNinewells Hospital\r\n11\r\n6\r\n9\r\n16\r\nPerth Royal Infirmary\r\n4\r\n3\r\n9\r\n8\r\nQueen Margaret Hospital\r\n115\r\n97\r\n447\r\n914\r\nRaigmore Hospital\r\n12\r\n21\r\n35\r\n28\r\nRoyal Aberdeen \r\nChildren's Hospital\r\n1\r\n3\r\n1\r\n2\r\nRoyal Alexandra Hospital\r\n60\r\n46\r\n133\r\n125\r\nRoyal Hospital For \r\nSick Children (Edinburgh)\r\n7\r\n8\r\n1\r\n8\r\nRoyal Hospital For \r\nSick Children (Glasgow)\r\n15\r\n4\r\n10\r\n22\r\nRoyal Infirmary of \r\nEdinburgh at Little France\r\n317\r\n779\r\n523\r\n689\r\nSouthern General Hospital\r\n22\r\n55\r\n56\r\n42\r\nSt John's Hospital\r\n131\r\n193\r\n319\r\n287\r\nStirling Community Hospital\r\n54\r\n67\r\n197\r\n20\r\nStobhill Hospital\r\n2\r\n5\r\n11\r\n-\r\nUniversity Hospital Ayr\r\n22\r\n45\r\n51\r\n92\r\nUniversity Hospital Crosshouse\r\n17\r\n13\r\n46\r\n44\r\nVale Of Leven General Hospital\r\n5\r\n1\r\n2\r\n6\r\nVictoria Hospital\r\n160\r\n63\r\n300\r\n674\r\nVictoria Infirmary\r\n54\r\n156\r\n271\r\n232\r\nWestern General Hospital\r\n15\r\n69\r\n27\r\n124\r\nWestern Infirmary/\r\nGartnavel General\r\n115\r\n84\r\n523\r\n356\r\nWestern Isles Hospital\r\n2\r\n-\r\n-\r\n2\r\nWishaw General Hospital\r\n216\r\n55\r\n106\r\n144\r\nScotland\r\n2,190\r\n2,290\r\n4,131\r\n5,097\r\nSource: A&E data mart, ISD Scotland.","AnswerDate":"2012-08-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-07T15:08:27.43","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274780,"EventID":"S4W-08642","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5080,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-10T15:08:27.507","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-10T12:28:52.323","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government how many emergency arrivals were not admitted, discharged or transferred for at least 12 hours in each (a) NHS board and (b) accident and emergency unit in each year sin","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many emergency arrivals were not admitted, discharged or transferred for at least 12 hours in each (a) NHS board and (b) accident and emergency unit in each year since 2007.\r\n","AnswerText":"Tables 1 and 2 represent the number of attendances (new and unplanned returns) that were not seen within twelve hours by NHS board and by Accident and Emergency (A&E) site. Table 2 excludes any accident and emergency site where there were no attendances not seen within 12 hours between 2008-09 and 2011-12. Information for 2007-08 is not included as a full year's worth of data is not available (the accident and emergency data mart was established in June 2007 to monitor compliance against waiting times targets).\r\nTable 1 - Number of Attendances (New and Unplanned Returns) that Were Not Seen within 12 hours by NHS Board; 2008-09 to 2011-12\r\nNHS Board\r\nFinancial Year\r\n2008-09\r\n2009-10\r\n2010-11\r\n2011-12\r\nNHS Ayrshire and Arran\r\n2\r\n3\r\n6\r\n22\r\nNHS Borders\r\n-\r\n1\r\n2\r\n4\r\nNHS Dumfries and Galloway\r\n6\r\n3\r\n3\r\n3\r\nNHS Fife\r\n65\r\n34\r\n198\r\n476\r\nNHS Forth Valley\r\n3\r\n-\r\n13\r\n4\r\nNHS Grampian\r\n61\r\n53\r\n25\r\n44\r\nNHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde\r\n20\r\n13\r\n39\r\n6\r\nNHS Highland\r\n3\r\n2\r\n7\r\n1\r\nNHS Lanarkshire\r\n171\r\n45\r\n204\r\n188\r\nNHS Lothian\r\n69\r\n142\r\n80\r\n130\r\nNHS Orkney\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\nNHS Shetland\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n1\r\nNHS Tayside\r\n-\r\n-\r\n1\r\n3\r\nNHS Western Isles\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\nScotland\r\n400\r\n296\r\n578\r\n882\r\nSource: A&E data mart, ISD Scotland.\r\nTable 2 - Number of Attendances (New and Unplanned Returns) that Were Not Seen within 12 Hours by Accident and Emergency Site; 2008-09 to 2011-12\r\nNHS Board\r\nFinancial Year\r\n2008-09\r\n2009-10\r\n2010-11\r\n2011-12\r\nAberdeen Royal Infirmary\r\n43\r\n15\r\n10\r\n36\r\nBorders General Hospital\r\n-\r\n1\r\n2\r\n4\r\nDr Gray's Hospital\r\n18\r\n35\r\n14\r\n8\r\nDumfries and Galloway Royal Infirmary\r\n2\r\n1\r\n3\r\n-\r\nFalkirk Community Hospital\r\n-\r\n-\r\n1\r\n-\r\nForth Valley Royal Hospital\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n2\r\nGalloway Community Hospital\r\n4\r\n2\r\n-\r\n3\r\nGilbert Bain Hospital\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n1\r\nGlasgow Royal Infirmary\r\n2\r\n-\r\n5\r\n-\r\nHairmyres Hospital\r\n75\r\n29\r\n152\r\n148\r\nInverclyde Royal Hospital\r\n-\r\n4\r\n-\r\n-\r\nKincardine Community Hospital\r\n-\r\n-\r\n1\r\n-\r\nMonklands District General Hospital\r\n7\r\n15\r\n22\r\n9\r\nNinewells Hospital\r\n-\r\n-\r\n1\r\n-\r\nPerth Royal Infirmary\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n3\r\nQueen Margaret Hospital\r\n35\r\n29\r\n115\r\n256\r\nRaigmore Hospital\r\n3\r\n2\r\n7\r\n1\r\nRoyal Aberdeen Children's Hospital\r\n-\r\n3\r\n-\r\n-\r\nRoyal Alexandra Hospital\r\n1\r\n3\r\n2\r\n1\r\nRoyal Hospital for Sick Children (Edinburgh)\r\n1\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\nRoyal Hospital for Sick Children (Glasgow)\r\n8\r\n1\r\n2\r\n2\r\nRoyal Infirmary of Edinburgh at Little France\r\n18\r\n78\r\n13\r\n50\r\nSouthern General Hospital\r\n3\r\n-\r\n2\r\n1\r\nSt John's Hospital\r\n48\r\n53\r\n62\r\n64\r\nStirling Community Hospital\r\n3\r\n-\r\n12\r\n2\r\nStobhill Hospital\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\nUniversity Hospital Ayr\r\n2\r\n3\r\n6\r\n19\r\nUniversity Hospital Crosshouse\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n3\r\nVale Of Leven General Hospital\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\nVictoria Hospital\r\n30\r\n5\r\n83\r\n220\r\nVictoria Infirmary\r\n5\r\n3\r\n6\r\n2\r\nWestern General Hospital\r\n2\r\n11\r\n5\r\n16\r\nWestern Infirmary/Gartnavel General\r\n1\r\n2\r\n22\r\n-\r\nWishaw General Hospital\r\n89\r\n1\r\n30\r\n31\r\nScotland\r\n400\r\n296\r\n578\r\n882\r\nSource: A&E data mart, ISD Scotland.","AnswerDate":"2012-08-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-07T15:08:27.507","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274781,"EventID":"S4W-08643","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5080,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-10T15:08:27.617","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-10T12:28:52.323","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government what assessment it has made of the recruitment of consultants to accident and emergency units.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what assessment it has made of the recruitment of consultants to accident and emergency units.\r\n","AnswerText":"Staffing levels of units and related recruitment issues are matters for individual health boards. However, the Scottish Government maintains regular contact with all NHSScotland boards on a range of issues. Discussions are currently underway with health boards about their plans to ensure appropriate staffing levels of units, including accident and emergency units, over the next 12 months. These discussions will help inform the Reshaping Medical Workforce project and decisions about future medical undergraduate intake numbers.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-07-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-07T15:08:27.617","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274782,"EventID":"S4W-08644","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5080,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-10T15:08:27.79","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-10T12:28:52.323","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government what the appropriate staffing levels are for consultant-led accident and emergency units.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the appropriate staffing levels are for consultant-led accident and emergency units.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-08643 on 27 July 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-07-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-07T15:08:27.79","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274783,"EventID":"S4W-08645","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5080,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-10T15:08:27.897","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-10T12:28:52.323","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government whether instances have been reported to the Cabinet Secretary for Health, Wellbeing and Cities Strategy of staffing at consultant-led accident and emergency units fallin","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether instances have been reported to the Cabinet Secretary for Health, Wellbeing and Cities Strategy of staffing at consultant-led accident and emergency units falling below minimum requirements in each year since 2007.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-08643 on 27 July 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-07-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-07T15:08:27.897","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274784,"EventID":"S4W-08646","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5080,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-10T15:08:28.007","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-10T12:28:52.323","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government what recent discussions the Cabinet Secretary for Health, Wellbeing and Cities Strategy has had with NHS Lanarkshire regarding (a) performance levels at accident and eme","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what recent discussions the Cabinet Secretary for Health, Wellbeing and Cities Strategy has had with NHS Lanarkshire regarding (a) performance levels at accident and emergency units and (b) clinical coding.","AnswerText":"Both ministers and Scottish Government officials keep in regular contact with NHS boards on a range of matters. NHS Lanarkshire held its annual review in public in Hamilton on 5 July with government officials in attendance as observers.\r\nThe NHS board confirmed at the Review that they have completed a substantial recruitment programme investing some £2.4 million over the last 18 months to increase consultant numbers within emergency medicine across Lanarkshire.  The board has also added nursing staff to further strengthen each of the three accident and emergency departments (A&E). At the Annual Review NHS Lanarkshire also reiterated their commitment to meeting and sustaining the four-hour A&E HEAT Standard.\r\nI can confirm that the government was aware of the issues NHS Lanarkshire experienced with clinical coding, following the implementation of the board's new patient management system: TrakCare. Information Services Division is currently working with NHS Lanarkshire to resolve the outstanding data submission issues and I have been assured by the board that a robust action plan is in place to ensure the effective maintenance and improvement of local clinical coding. Full details of the actions taken have been submitted to the NHS Lanarkshire Board and are available on their website which can be accessed via the following link: http://www.nhslanarkshire.org.uk/boards/Pages/default.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-07-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-07T15:08:28.007","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274785,"EventID":"S4W-08647","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5080,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-10T15:08:28.083","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-10T12:28:52.323","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government what the cause was of the clinical coding backlog in NHS Lanarkshire and what steps are being taken to address it.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the cause was of the clinical coding backlog in NHS Lanarkshire and what steps are being taken to address it.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-08646 on 23 July 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-07-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-07T15:08:28.083","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274786,"EventID":"S4W-08648","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5080,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-10T15:08:28.163","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-10T12:28:52.323","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government what steps will be taken to prevent a future backlog in clinical coding at NHS Lanarkshire.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what steps will be taken to prevent a future backlog in clinical coding at NHS Lanarkshire.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-08646 on 23 July 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-07-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-07T15:08:28.163","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274787,"EventID":"S4W-08649","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5080,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-10T15:08:28.24","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-10T12:28:52.323","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government what changes have been made to the timetable for delivery of (a) East Kilbride Hunter Health Centre, (b) Wishaw Health Centre and (c) Kilsyth Health Centre since 2006.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what changes have been made to the timetable for delivery of (a) East Kilbride Hunter Health Centre, (b) Wishaw Health Centre and (c) Kilsyth Health Centre since 2006.","AnswerText":"The new health centres at East Kilbride, Wishaw and Kilsyth were part of the second phase of capital projects agreed by the board of NHS Lanarkshire in March 2007. The first phase was due for completion by 2013 with the second phase to commence after that date.\r\nI can confirm that the board has had its Initial Agreement submission approved by the Scottish Government to pursue these projects via the Hub procurement process. The board has now been invited to develop an Outline Business Case (OBC) for the proposal. This will involve significant clinical planning and technical work to ensure the new facilities reflect local needs and are robust, sustainable and flexible; to support services in the future. The board aims to submit its OBC for approval in February 2013 and a full business case in the summer of 2013. The board has assured me that they will be engaging with local communities on the development proposals.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-07-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-07T15:08:28.24","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274795,"EventID":"S4W-08650","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-11T13:57:35.073","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-10T15:52:56.57","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government what its policy is on the creation of new public bodies.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its policy is on the creation of new public bodies.","AnswerText":"We will continue the successful programme of simplification, looking for further opportunities to streamline our public bodies. We will continue to take every opportunity to reduce costs and bureaucracy and improve service delivery. Our presumption is against the creation of new public bodies unless there is a need to do so.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-08T13:57:35.543","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274796,"EventID":"S4W-08651","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-11T13:57:35.637","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-10T15:52:56.57","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it plans to create any new public bodies in the current parliamentary session.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it plans to create any new public bodies in the current parliamentary session.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government operates a presumption against the creation of new public bodies, except where there is a clear need to do so as in the following cases.\r\nThrough the Police and Fire Reform (Scotland) Bill we have announced our intention to establish the Scottish Police Authority, which will oversee the new Police Service of Scotland, and the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service. The Police and Fire Reform (Scotland) Bill passed Stage 3 of the Parliamentary process on 27 June and the legislation is moving forward to Royal Assent, which is expected in early August.\r\nWe have announced our intention to create a new Scottish Food Standards body.  This will require primary legislation, and we plan to consult on options before end of this year.  It would replace the UK-wide Food Standards Agency in Scotland.\r\nLink to announcement question: \r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx?SearchType=Advance&ReferenceNumbers=S4W-08273&ResultsPerPage=10.\r\nWe have announced our intention to create Revenue Scotland, which will be responsible for administering the devolved taxes that will replace the UK Stamp Duty Land Tax and Landfill Tax from 1 April 2015.\r\nWe recently published a consultation on proposals to create a new tribunals system in Scotland. The consultation can be found at: \r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2012/03/8967/0.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-08T13:57:35.637","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274797,"EventID":"S4W-08652","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5034,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-11T13:57:35.713","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-10T16:11:53.62","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government how many staff the Scottish Legal Aid Board has employed in each year since 2007.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many staff the Scottish Legal Aid Board has employed in each year since 2007.\r\n","AnswerText":"The numbers of staff employed by the Scottish Legal Aid Board at its head office for each of the financial years since 2007-08 are set out in table 1. These staff carry out administrative functions such as assessing legal aid applications. They are funded through the board’s grant in aid.\r\nTTable 1\r\nFinancial Year\r\n2007-08\r\n2008-09\r\n2009-10\r\n2010-11\r\n2011-12\r\nTotal Scottish Legal Aid Board staff\r\n316\r\n310\r\n315\r\n300\r\n286\r\n\r\nThe Scottish Government has given the board additional responsibilities in recent years. As a result the board also employs a number of staff involved in delivering services directly to the public or to other parts of the justice system. These staff are funded through the Scottish legal aid budget. The staff employed in these capacities are set out in tables 2-4.\r\nTable 2\r\nFinancial Year\r\n2007-08\r\n2008-09\r\n2009-10\r\n2010-11\r\n2011-12\r\nTotal Public Defence Solicitors’ Office staff\r\n23\r\n24\r\n25\r\n25\r\n33\r\n\r\nTable 3\r\nFinancial Year\r\n2007-08\r\n2008-09\r\n2009-10\r\n2010-11\r\n2011-12\r\nTotal Solicitor Contact Line staff\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n9\r\n\r\nTable 4\r\nFinancial Year\r\n2007-08\r\n2008-09\r\n2009-10\r\n2010-11\r\n2011-12\r\nTotal Civil Legal Assistance Office staff\r\n4\r\n8\r\n19\r\n23\r\n23\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-07-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-08T13:57:35.713","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274798,"EventID":"S4W-08653","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5034,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-11T13:57:35.807","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-10T16:11:53.62","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government how much funding it has given to legal aid in each year since 2007.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much funding it has given to legal aid in each year since 2007.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-07968 on 22 June 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-07-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-08T13:57:35.807","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274799,"EventID":"S4W-08654","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5034,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-11T13:57:35.883","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-10T16:11:53.62","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government how many applications for legal aid there have been in each year since 2007.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many applications for legal aid there have been in each year since 2007.\r\n","AnswerText":"The numbers of applications for the different types of legal assistance for each of the years since 2007-08 are set out in tables 1-4. The figures for 2011-12 have not yet been published and are still subject to final checking and verification in advance of publication in the Scottish Legal Aid Board’s Annual Report.\r\nTable 1 - Civil Legal Assistance\r\nApplication Type\r\n2007-08\r\n2008-09\r\n2009-10\r\n2010-11\r\n2011-12\r\nAdvice and assistance\r\n85,802\r\n90,908\r\n85,277\r\n90,098\r\n80,561\r\nAssistance By Way of Representation\r\n4,144\r\n4,320\r\n4,280\r\n4,331\r\n4,795\r\nCivil legal aid\r\n15,861\r\n17,738\r\n22,028\r\n21,251\r\n20,016\r\nRequests for counsel, experts or expensive work\r\n5,991\r\n6,319\r\n6,284\r\n7,274\r\n6,875\r\nTransfer of solicitor\r\n781\r\n892\r\n980\r\n1,081\r\n1,222\r\nReview of decision to refuse legal aid\r\n2,503\r\n2,426\r\n3,656\r\n4,193\r\n4,387\r\nExtension of grant\r\n927\r\n967\r\n1,210\r\n1,632\r\n1,929\r\nSpecial Urgency\r\n8,818\r\n10,219\r\n14,696\r\n13,508\r\n10,773\r\n\r\nTable 2 - Criminal Legal Assistance\r\nApplication Type\r\n2007-08\r\n2008-09\r\n2009-10\r\n2010-11\r\n2011-12\r\nAdvice and assistance\r\n104,220\r\n52,065\r\n27,864\r\n27,545\r\n31,590\r\nAssistance By Way Of Representation\r\n17,308\r\n39,279\r\n47,142\r\n42,853\r\n37,450\r\nSummary criminal legal aid\r\n82,657\r\n64,457\r\n61,056\r\n59,159\r\n58,324\r\nSolemn criminal legal aid \r\n(granted by the courts up to November 2010)\r\n12,782\r\n12,410\r\n12,066\r\n11,739\r\n12,347\r\nAppeals\r\n2,012\r\n1,920\r\n2,042\r\n1,912\r\n1,784\r\nReview of decision to refuse legal aid\r\n7,419\r\n3,573\r\n2,661\r\n2,777\r\n2,753\r\nRequests for counsel, experts or expensive work\r\n10,280\r\n9,317\r\n9,118\r\n8,928\r\n9,207\r\nTransfer of solicitor\r\n5,553\r\n3,873\r\n3,410\r\n3,228\r\n2,999\r\nSpecial Urgency\r\n1,882\r\n1,859\r\n1,880\r\n1,782\r\n1,704\r\nExceptional Status\r\n343\r\n453\r\n368\r\n348\r\n374\r\n\r\nTable 3 - Contempt of Court Legal Aid\r\nApplication Type\r\n2007-08\r\n2008-09\r\n2009-10\r\n2010-11\r\n2011-12\r\nContempt of court\r\n1,117\r\n969\r\n981\r\n1,204\r\n1,134\r\n\r\nTable 4 - Children’s legal assistance\r\nApplication Type\r\n2007-08\r\n2008-09\r\n2009-10\r\n2010-11\r\n2011-12\r\nAdvice and assistance\r\n4,682\r\n4,878\r\n4,448\r\n4,601\r\n4,548\r\nLegal aid (including appeals)\r\n4,119\r\n4,603\r\n4,650\r\n4,734\r\n4,946\r\nRequests for counsel, experts or expensive work\r\n416\r\n308\r\n605\r\n505\r\n670\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-07-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-08T13:57:35.883","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274800,"EventID":"S4W-08655","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5034,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-11T13:57:35.963","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-10T16:11:53.62","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government what targets there are for the time taken to process legal aid claims.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what targets there are for the time taken to process legal aid claims.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Legal Aid Board has a number of performance targets, which are agreed by ministers and published each year in its Corporate Plan. The targets for the time it takes to process the various types of claims in respect of the three types of legal aid, as published in the Board's Corporate Plan 2011-14, are set out in the following tables below. For example, in respect of initial applications in summary cases the target is to process 99% of applications in five days.\r\nTable 1 - Criminal Legal Aid Applications\r\nTimeliness (percentage of applications actioned within service standard time)\r\nService standard    (working days)\r\nTarget\r\nInitial applications in summary cases\r\n5 days\r\n99%\r\nSanction for counsel, experts or unusual costs\r\n5 days\r\n99%\r\nRequests to change solicitor\r\n5 days\r\n99%\r\nReviews of refusal of initial application\r\n5 days\r\n99%\r\nApplications to make an appeal in court \r\n5 days\r\n99%\r\nSpecial urgency \r\n2 days\r\n99%\r\nExceptional cases\r\n5 days\r\n99%\r\n\r\nTable 2 - Civil Legal Aid Applications\r\nTimeliness (percentage of applications actioned within service standard time)\r\nService standard     (working days)\r\nTarget\r\nInitial applications\r\n32 days\r\n96%\r\nSanction for counsel, experts or unusual costs\r\n6 days\r\n96%\r\nRequests to change solicitor\r\n7 days\r\n96%\r\nReviews of refusal of initial application\r\n29 days\r\n96%\r\nRequests to extend the scope (14 day)\r\n20 days\r\n96%\r\nRequests to extend the scope (28 day)\r\n28 days\r\n96%\r\nSpecial urgency cases received\r\n2 days\r\n97%\r\n\r\nTable 3 - Children’s Legal Aid Applications\r\nTimeliness (percentage of applications actioned within service standard time)\r\nService standard (working days)\r\nTarget\r\nSanction for counsel, experts or unusual costs\r\n5 days\r\n\r\n99%\r\nRequests to change solicitor\r\n5 days\r\n99%\r\nApplications to make an appeal in court \r\n5 days\r\n99%\r\nSpecial urgency cases \r\n2 days\r\n99%\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-07-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-08T13:57:35.963","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274801,"EventID":"S4W-08656","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5034,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-11T13:57:36.04","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-10T16:11:53.62","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government what average length of time has been taken to process legal aid applications in each year since 2007.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what average length of time has been taken to process legal aid applications in each year since 2007.\r\n","AnswerText":"The average length of time taken by the Scottish Legal Aid Board to process the three types of legal aid applications in each year since 2007 is set out in the following tables. The average has been calculated by dividing the total number of processing days by the total number of applications.\r\nThe figures for ‘average process days’ represent the time that the board took to take a decision on the application and do not include any time that an application was outwith the Board’s hands awaiting a response to a continuation for further information from the solicitor or the applicant. In addition, “average process days” are working days. The calculation excludes weekends and public holidays.\r\nTable 1 - Criminal Legal Aid Applications\r\n \r\n \r\nAverage Process Days\r\n2007-08\r\n2008-09\r\n2009-10\r\n2010-11\r\n2011-12\r\nInitial applications in summary cases\r\n2.7 \r\n2.1 \r\n1.3\r\n1.7 \r\n1.2 \r\nSanction for counsel, experts or unusual costs\r\n1.3 \r\n3.5 \r\n1.1\r\n1.2 \r\n1.2 \r\nRequests to change solicitor\r\n1.2 \r\n1.9 \r\n1.7\r\n1.3 \r\n1.1 \r\nReview of refusal of initial application\r\n1.9 \r\n1.9 \r\n2.8\r\n1.6 \r\n1.4 \r\nApplication to make an appeal in court\r\n1.6 \r\n1.9 \r\n1.8\r\n2.0 \r\n1.7 \r\nSpecial Urgency\r\n3.5 \r\n3.9 \r\n1.8\r\n1.0 \r\n1.4 \r\nExceptional cases\r\n2.5 \r\n2.6 \r\n1.9\r\n1.3 \r\n1.1 \r\nInitial applications in solemn cases (recording started in January 2011)\r\nN/a\r\nN/a\r\nN/a\r\n1.0 \r\n1.0 \r\n\r\nTable 2 - Civil Legal Aid Applications\r\n \r\nAverage Process Days\r\n \r\n2007-08\r\n2008-09\r\n2009-10\r\n2010-11\r\n2011-12\r\nInitial applications\r\n12.9 \r\n13.0 \r\n20.2 \r\n13.9 \r\n22.8 \r\nSanction for counsel, experts, unusual costs\r\n2.0 \r\n2.1 \r\n2.6 \r\n2.4 \r\n2.8 \r\nRequests to change solicitor\r\n1.7 \r\n2.0 \r\n2.4 \r\n2.5 \r\n2.3 \r\nReviews of refusal of initial application\r\n15.2 \r\n10.4 \r\n18.8 \r\n17.0 \r\n22.7 \r\nRequest to extend the scope (14 days)\r\n16.2 \r\n14.5 \r\n17.3 \r\n16.4 \r\n17.7 \r\nRequest to extend scope (28 days)\r\nN/a\r\n21.0 \r\n30.0 \r\n31.0 \r\nN/a \r\nSpecial Urgency\r\n0.9 \r\n1.1 \r\n1.4 \r\n1.2 \r\n1.1 \r\n\r\nTable 3- Children’s Legal Aid Applications\r\n \r\n \r\nAverage Process Days\r\n2007-08\r\n2008-09\r\n2009-10\r\n2010-11\r\n2011-12\r\nSanction for counsel, experts, unusual costs\r\n1.9 \r\n2.0 \r\n1.7 \r\n1.9 \r\n1.4 \r\nRequests to change solicitor\r\n1.3\r\n1.5\r\n1.1\r\n2.2\r\n1.3\r\nApplications to make an appeal in court\r\n2.9\r\n2.0\r\n2.2\r\n2.7\r\n2.8\r\nSpecial Urgency cases\r\nN/A\r\n3.1\r\n1.7\r\n1.0\r\n1.1\r\nNote: Figures for 2007-08 are unavailable.","AnswerDate":"2012-07-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-08T13:57:36.04","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274802,"EventID":"S4W-08657","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4951,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-11T13:57:36.12","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-11T10:20:04.793","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government how many modern apprenticeships were created in the (a) Annandale East and Eskdale, (b) Annandale North, (c) Annandale South, (d) Nith, (e) Lochar and (f) Mid and Upper ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many modern apprenticeships were created in the (a) Annandale East and Eskdale, (b) Annandale North, (c) Annandale South, (d) Nith, (e) Lochar and (f) Mid and Upper Nithsdale ward in (i) 2011-12 and (ii) 2006.\r\n","AnswerText":"Skills Development Scotland (SDS), who have operational responsibility for national training programmes including modern apprenticeships (MAs), do not gather statistical information broken down as far as council ward level.\r\nMA start numbers in Dumfries and Galloway Local Authority area in 2006-07 and 2011-12 are provided in response to your question S4W-08661 on 7 August 2012.\r\nAll answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-08T13:57:36.12","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angela Constance","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274803,"EventID":"S4W-08659","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4951,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-11T13:57:36.197","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-11T10:20:04.793","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government how much money was spent on modern apprenticeships in the (a) Annandale East and Eskdale, (b) Annandale North, (c) Annandale South, (d) Nith, (e) Lochar and (f) Mid and ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much money was spent on modern apprenticeships in the (a) Annandale East and Eskdale, (b) Annandale North, (c) Annandale South, (d) Nith, (e) Lochar and (f) Mid and Upper Nithsdale ward in (i) 2011-12 and (ii) 2006.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government does not hold this level of detailed information centrally. I will ask the Chief Executive of Skills Development Scotland to respond to you with this information.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-08T13:57:36.197","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angela Constance","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274804,"EventID":"S4W-08661","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4951,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-11T13:57:36.29","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-11T10:20:04.793","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government how many modern apprenticeships were created in Dumfries and Galloway in (a) 2011-12 and (b) 2006.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many modern apprenticeships were created in Dumfries and Galloway in (a) 2011-12 and (b) 2006.\r\n","AnswerText":"Please see below the figures for modern apprenticeship (MA) starts in Dumfries and Galloway in 2006-07 and 2011-12:\r\nMA starts, Dumfries and Galloway\r\n2006-07\r\n2011-12\r\n415\r\n960\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-08T13:57:36.307","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angela Constance","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274805,"EventID":"S4W-08663","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4951,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-11T13:57:36.383","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-11T10:20:04.793","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government how much money was spent on modern apprenticeships in Dumfries and Galloway in (a) 2011-12 and (b) 2006.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much money was spent on modern apprenticeships in Dumfries and Galloway in (a) 2011-12 and (b) 2006.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government does not hold this information centrally. I will ask the Chief Executive of Skills Development Scotland to respond to you with this information.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-08T13:57:36.4","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angela Constance","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274806,"EventID":"S4W-08665","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4951,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-11T13:57:36.477","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-11T10:20:04.793","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government in what sectors modern apprenticeships were created in Dumfriesshire in 2011-12.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government in what sectors modern apprenticeships were created in Dumfriesshire in 2011-12.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government does not hold this level of detailed information centrally. I will ask the Chief Executive of Skills Development Scotland to respond to you with this information.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-08T13:57:36.477","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angela Constance","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274807,"EventID":"S4W-08666","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2673,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":114,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-11T13:57:36.57","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-11T11:47:47.677","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government what steps are being taken to clarify the status of sheltered housing in the Fire (Scotland) Act 2005 following the recent consultation on its definition of relevant pre","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what steps are being taken to clarify the status of sheltered housing in the Fire (Scotland) Act 2005 following the recent consultation on its definition of relevant premises.","AnswerText":"An analysis of the responses to the recent consultation on the definition of “relevant premises” and the steps the Government intends to take as a result was published in May and is available on the Scottish Government website at the following address http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Justice/public-safety/fire-and-rescue-services/resources/relevantpremisesconsultationreport.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-07-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-08T13:57:36.57","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Roseanna Cunningham","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274808,"EventID":"S4W-08670","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5106,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":118,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-11T13:57:36.663","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-11T12:16:09.417","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government how many advocacy services have been put out to competitive tendering in the last year and how many were won by local organisations.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many advocacy services have been put out to competitive tendering in the last year and how many were won by local organisations.\r\n","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally.  \r\nCommissioning of advocacy services is a matter for local authorities and NHS boards as they have responsibility, within their respective areas, for provision of advocacy for those who need it.\r\nGuidance on the Procurement of Care and Support Services by public bodies in Scotland published jointly by the Scottish Government and COSLA in September 2012 is available at http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2010/09/21100130/0.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-07-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-08T13:57:36.663","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274809,"EventID":"S4W-08672","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5106,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":118,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-11T13:57:36.76","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-11T12:16:09.417","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government how much public money was spent on advocacy in the last year, broken down by (a) NHS board and (b) local authority and also expressed per head of population.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much public money was spent on advocacy in the last year, broken down by (a) NHS board and (b) local authority and also expressed per head of population.\r\n","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally.\r\nI refer the member to the answer to question S4W-04930 on 23 January 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-07-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-08T13:57:36.76","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274810,"EventID":"S4W-08673","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5106,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":118,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-11T13:57:36.853","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-11T12:16:09.417","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government how many people accessed advocacy services in the last year, broken down by (a) NHS board and (b) local authority.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many people accessed advocacy services in the last year, broken down by (a) NHS board and (b) local authority.","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally.\r\nI refer the member to the answer to question S4W-04931 on 23 January 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-07-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-08T13:57:36.853","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274811,"EventID":"S4W-08674","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":131,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-11T13:57:36.93","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-11T12:40:39.873","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government whether the police are permitted to use tracking techniques to attempt to recover stolen mobile phones.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether the police are permitted to use tracking techniques to attempt to recover stolen mobile phones.","AnswerText":"Obtaining communications data is provided for by the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000. Any data obtained must first meet the statutory tests of necessity and proportionality.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-07-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-08T13:57:36.93","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274812,"EventID":"S4W-08675","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":131,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-11T13:57:37.007","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-11T12:40:39.873","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government whether the police are permitted to use tracking techniques in an effort to identify perpetrators in cases of theft of mobile phones.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether the police are permitted to use tracking techniques in an effort to identify perpetrators in cases of theft of mobile phones.","AnswerText":"Obtaining communications data is provided for by the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000. Any data obtained must first meet the statutory tests of necessity and proportionality.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-07-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-08T13:57:37.007","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274813,"EventID":"S4W-08676","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":131,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-11T13:57:37.103","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-11T12:40:39.873","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government whether the Human Rights Act 1998 applies to cases of theft of mobile phones and, if so, which sections.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether the Human Rights Act 1998 applies to cases of theft of mobile phones and, if so, which sections.","AnswerText":"The Human Rights Act provides for a variety of protections, including an individual’s right to privacy. The right to privacy may be infringed if it is necessary for a specific purpose (such as the prevention and detection of crime), and the action is proportionate to what is hoped to be achieved. The Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000 and the Regulation of Investigatory Powers (Scotland) Act 2000 put in place a statutory framework within which specified public bodies can demonstrate compliance with the Human Rights Act.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-07-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-08T13:57:37.103","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274816,"EventID":"S4W-08667","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-11T15:05:57.11","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-11T11:49:57.34","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government what support Creative Scotland can provide to new and emerging artists.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what support Creative Scotland can provide to new and emerging artists.","AnswerText":"I have asked Andrew Dixon, Chief Executive of Creative Scotland, the public body for Culture and Creative Industries, to write to the member. Further information about Creative Scotland’s activities is available at http://www.creativescotland.com/.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-08T15:05:57.157","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274817,"EventID":"S4W-08668","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-11T15:05:57.313","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-11T11:49:57.34","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government how many independent solo artists Creative Scotland has supported in the last 12 months.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many independent solo artists Creative Scotland has supported in the last 12 months.\r\n","AnswerText":"I have asked Andrew Dixon, Chief Executive of Creative Scotland, the public body for Culture and Creative Industries, to write to the member. Further information about Creative Scotland’s activities is available at http://www.creativescotland.com/.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-08T15:05:57.313","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274818,"EventID":"S4W-08669","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-11T15:05:57.39","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-11T11:49:57.34","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government how Creative Scotland defines (a) new and (b) established artists for the purposes of grant funding.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how Creative Scotland defines (a) new and (b) established artists for the purposes of grant funding.","AnswerText":"I have asked Andrew Dixon, Chief Executive of Creative Scotland, the public body for Culture and Creative Industries, to write to the member. Further information about Creative Scotland’s activities is available at http://www.creativescotland.com/.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-08T15:05:57.39","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274819,"EventID":"S4W-08677","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4940,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-11T15:05:57.483","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-11T13:54:35.703","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government what support it is offering to the employees of the Remploy factory in Netherton following the announcement that the factory is to close.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what support it is offering to the employees of the Remploy factory in Netherton following the announcement that the factory is to close.","AnswerText":"Through our Partnership Action for Continuing Employment (PACE) initiative, we are working very closely with the Department of Work and Pensions to deliver a package of support which will be specially tailored to meet the needs of employees facing redundancy at the Remploy Netherton factory.\r\nA Disability Employment Adviser will be appointed as a Personal Case Worker to provide support to each individual employee. The package of support is due to begin during week commencing Monday 30 July and will last for a period of up to 18 months as required.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-08T15:05:57.483","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274820,"EventID":"S4W-08678","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2673,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":114,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-12T15:25:30.143","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-12T10:52:37.547","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government what discussions it has had with BT regarding increased broadband connectivity in North East Fife.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what discussions it has had with BT regarding increased broadband connectivity in North East Fife.\r\n","AnswerText":"Throughout the development of Scotland’s Digital Future: Infrastructure Action Plan, published on 31 January 2012, and subsequent Procurement Plan published on 25 May 2012, the principal focus of the Scottish Government’s discussions with BT has been to ascertain BT’s planned investment in superfast broadband throughout all parts of Scotland, including North East Fife. This continuing work is an integral part of our pre-procurement activity and will enable us to define the scope of the intervention area for our forthcoming Step Change 2015 broadband procurement.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-09T15:25:30.44","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274821,"EventID":"S4W-08679","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2673,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":114,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-12T15:25:30.55","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-12T10:52:37.547","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government what investment is planned to increase broadband connectivity in North East Fife.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what investment is planned to increase broadband connectivity in North East Fife.","AnswerText":"The Scottish public sector currently has a funding pot of £284.5 million for broadband delivery across Scotland. This comprises funds from the Scottish Budget, UK Government and local authority contributions.\r\nThis funding will be used to invest in infrastructure that will have the capacity to deliver broadband at a speed of 40-80 Megabits per second (Mbps) to 85-90% of premises by 2015, as set out in Scotland’s Digital Future: Infrastructure Action Plan, published on 31 January 2012. This commitment will be delivered in two parallel procurements: the current Highlands and Islands project, and a forthcoming one covering the rest of Scotland. Public sector investment will be solely targeted in the areas where the market is not delivering or will not deliver next generation broadband. These are defined by the EU as “white areas”.\r\nWe are currently working with Fife Council to identify and map out the investment priorities for the entire Fife region, including North East Fife.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-09T15:25:30.55","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274822,"EventID":"S4W-08680","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2673,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":114,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-12T15:25:30.627","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-12T10:52:37.547","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government what discussions it has had with Fife Council regarding increased broadband connectivity in North East Fife.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what discussions it has had with Fife Council regarding increased broadband connectivity in North East Fife.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has been in dialogue with Fife Council on its broadband plan for the region since March 2011. Most recently, this has included a meeting at official level on 21 February 2012.\r\nAs we progress with implementation of the Step Change 2015 Programme, over the summer, we will continue our engagement with Fife Council to identify and map out the investment priorities for the entire Fife region, including North East Fife.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-09T15:25:30.643","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274823,"EventID":"S4W-08681","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1759,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-12T15:25:30.72","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-12T11:37:51.447","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government whether the requirement for new coal-fired power stations to demonstrate full carbon capture and storage from day one from 2020 applies to plants (a) consented or (b) in","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether the requirement for new coal-fired power stations to demonstrate full carbon capture and storage from day one from 2020 applies to plants (a) consented or (b) in operation from 2020.\r\n","AnswerText":"As outlined in the Scottish Government's draft Electricity Generation Policy Statement, from 9 November 2009 any application for a new coal plant will need to demonstrate CCS on a minimum of 300MW (net) of capacity from the first day of operation. Further new builds will, from 2020, be expected to have full CCS from their first day of operation.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-09T15:25:30.72","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274824,"EventID":"S4W-08682","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1759,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-12T15:25:30.8","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-12T11:37:51.447","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government whether a new coal-fired power station consented before 2020 that becomes operational after 2020 will need to demonstrate full carbon capture and storage from day one.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether a new coal-fired power station consented before 2020 that becomes operational after 2020 will need to demonstrate full carbon capture and storage from day one.\r\n","AnswerText":"As stated in the Scottish Government's draft Electricity Generation Policy Statement, any application for a new coal plant in Scotland from 9 November 2009 will need to demonstrate CCS on a minimum of 300MW (net) of capacity from their first day of their operation. Further new builds will, from 2020, be expected to have full CCS from their first day of operation.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-09T15:25:30.8","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274825,"EventID":"S4W-08683","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1759,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-12T15:25:30.877","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-12T11:37:51.447","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government how many marine mammals have been found along the coast with characteristic spiral injuries; in which seal management areas they were found; what species were involved, ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many marine mammals have been found along the coast with characteristic spiral injuries; in which seal management areas they were found; what species were involved, and in how many cases post mortems have been carried out since 2007.","AnswerText":"In the period from 2007 to date a total of 33 grey seals, 28 common (or harbour) seals, and three harbour porpoise have been identified with characteristic spiral injuries. Eighteen of these were suitable for full post mortem and the majority of the others were examined either physically or through photographs. Of the total (64), 53 were found in the East Coast of Scotland seal management area, seven in the Orkney and North Coast area, two in South West Scotland and one each in the Western Isles and the West Scotland areas.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-09T15:25:30.877","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274826,"EventID":"S4W-08684","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1759,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-12T15:25:30.957","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-12T11:37:51.447","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government what steps it is taking to investigate the cause of the decline in harbour seal populations.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what steps it is taking to investigate the cause of the decline in harbour seal populations.\r\n","AnswerText":"Marine Scotland is funding a major research programme, undertaken by the Sea Mammal Research Unit at St Andrews University, to investigate the cause or causes of the decline in common (or harbour) seal populations since 2008. Further information on this research, which has already eliminated a range of potential factors, can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/marine/science/Publications/TopicSheets/MarineMammalResearchTS.\r\nAs part of this programme the Sea Mammal Research Unit is hosting a workshop with international experts on 28 August.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-09T15:25:30.97","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274827,"EventID":"S4W-08685","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1759,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-12T15:25:31.033","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-12T11:37:51.447","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government whether its surveillance strategy is conducted at the appropriate resolution to detect all animals that strand as a result of sustaining characteristic spiral injuries.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether its surveillance strategy is conducted at the appropriate resolution to detect all animals that strand as a result of sustaining characteristic spiral injuries.","AnswerText":"Marine Scotland funds a specific extension to the UK Cetacean Strandings Investigation Programme in Scotland to investigate seal deaths around Scotland, building on the existing strandings network around the coasts. We have also recently initiated a review of the programme to explore options for improvement in the future.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-09T15:25:31.05","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274828,"EventID":"S4W-08686","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1759,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-12T15:25:31.127","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-12T11:37:51.447","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government what steps it is taking to mitigate any human-induced causes of the decline in harbour seal populations.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what steps it is taking to mitigate any human-induced causes of the decline in harbour seal populations.","AnswerText":"Marine Scotland has introduced Seal Conservation Areas in each of the regions which have recorded declines in common (or harbour) seal numbers. This includes strict limits on lethal seal management of common (or harbour) seals specifically to protect fisheries and fish farms in these areas. No lethal seal management is permitted in the Firth of Tay and Eden Estuary SAC for this species. In addition a research programme is investigating the possible causes of unusual seal mortalities and exploring options for mitigation. Further information on this research can be found at: \r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/marine/science/Publications/TopicSheets/MarineMammalResearchTS.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-09T15:25:31.127","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274829,"EventID":"S4W-08688","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1759,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-12T15:25:31.207","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-12T11:37:51.447","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government what action it is taking to ensure that the conservation objectives of the Firth of Tay and Eden Estuary harbour seal special area of conservation are met.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what action it is taking to ensure that the conservation objectives of the Firth of Tay and Eden Estuary harbour seal special area of conservation are met.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-08686 on 9 August 2012. All answers to written Parliamentary Questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-09T15:25:31.207","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274838,"EventID":"S4W-08689","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4080,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-13T13:31:12.233","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-12T14:20:18.627","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government how many clinical negligence payments each NHS board made in 2011-12.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many clinical negligence payments each NHS board made in 2011-12.\r\n","AnswerText":"The following table details the total number of clinical negligence payments that NHS boards made in 2011-12:\r\nClinical Negligence Payments in 2011-12\r\nHealth Board\r\n\r\nAyrshire and Arran\r\n22\r\nBorders\r\n5\r\nDumfries and Galloway\r\n3\r\nFife\r\n19\r\nForth Valley\r\n15\r\nGrampian\r\n25\r\nGreater Glasgow and Clyde\r\n72\r\nHighland\r\n7\r\nLanarkshire\r\n16\r\nLothian\r\n27\r\nOrkney\r\n-\r\nShetland\r\n2\r\nTayside\r\n16\r\nWestern Isles\r\n1\r\nNHS 24\r\n-\r\nNHS National Services Scotland\r\n1\r\nNational Waiting Times Board\r\n10\r\nScottish Government Health and Social Care Directorates\r\n-\r\nScottish Ambulance Service\r\n3\r\nTotal\r\n244\r\nSource: Central Legal Office, NHS National Services Scotland.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-10T13:31:12.843","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274839,"EventID":"S4W-08690","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4080,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-13T13:31:12.95","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-12T14:20:18.627","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government how much the NHS spent on clinical negligence claims in 2011-12.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much the NHS spent on clinical negligence claims in 2011-12.\r\n","AnswerText":"In 2011-12, NHS Scotland spent £27.19 million on clinical negligence claims.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-10T13:31:12.95","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274840,"EventID":"S4W-08691","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4080,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-13T13:31:13.043","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-12T14:20:18.627","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government how many clinical negligence claims were made against the NHS regarding pressure ulcers or sores in (a) 2010-11 and (b) 2011-12.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many clinical negligence claims were made against the NHS regarding pressure ulcers or sores in (a) 2010-11 and (b) 2011-12.\r\n","AnswerText":"Two claims were raised in 2010-11, and one raised in 2011-12.\r\nSource: Central Legal Office, NHS National Services Scotland.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-10T13:31:13.043","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274841,"EventID":"S4W-08692","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4080,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-13T13:31:13.137","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-12T14:20:18.627","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government how many cases of drug-resistant tuberculosis there have been in each of the last three years and how it compared with the number of new cases of tuberculosis.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many cases of drug-resistant tuberculosis there have been in each of the last three years and how it compared with the number of new cases of tuberculosis.\r\n","AnswerText":"The following table provides the number of drug-resistant tuberculosis cases there have been in each of the last three years, compared with the number of new cases of tuberculosis:\r\n\r\nYear\r\n2009\r\n2010*\r\n2011*\r\nNumber of cases reported to ESMI\r\n486\r\n503\r\n455\r\nNumber of cases cultured \r\n325\r\n329\r\n302\r\nNumber of cultured cases with antibiotic resistance profile \r\n317\r\n323\r\n293\r\nNumber of cases resistant to at least one of the four first line antibiotics**\r\n22\r\n16\r\n27\r\nNotes:\r\n*Data is still provisional.\r\n**Excludes cases of M bovis only resistant to pyrazinamide.\r\nThe 2011 figures are currently provisional, and there is ongoing work with the validation of data for the year which will be required before comparisons to previous years are analysed further.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-10T13:31:13.137","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274842,"EventID":"S4W-08693","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5041,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-13T13:31:13.233","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-12T15:41:45.2","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government how many new homes for social rent were built in 2011 and have been built in 2012, broken down by parliamentary constituency.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many new homes for social rent were built in 2011 and have been built in 2012, broken down by parliamentary constituency.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally by parliamentary constituency.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-10T13:31:13.233","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274843,"EventID":"S4W-08694","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5041,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-13T13:31:13.31","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-12T15:41:45.2","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government what the take-up rate has been for the (a) New Supply Shared Equity, (b) New Supply Shared Equity with Developers and (c) Open Market Shared Equity scheme in each of the","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the take-up rate has been for the (a) New Supply Shared Equity, (b) New Supply Shared Equity with Developers and (c) Open Market Shared Equity scheme in each of the last three years, broken down by local authority area.\r\n","AnswerText":"The number of completions for a) New Supply Shared Equity Scheme; b) New Supply Shared Equity with Developers Scheme, and c) Open Market Shared Equity Scheme by local authority area for 2009-10, 2010-11, and 2011-12 are provided in the following tables.\r\n(a) New Supply Shared Equity\r\nLocal Authority\r\n2009-10\r\n2010-11\r\n2011-12\r\nHighlands and Islands and Moray\r\nHighland\r\n111\r\n164\r\n87\r\nMoray\r\n0\r\n22\r\n0\r\nOrkney\r\n0\r\n4\r\n5\r\nShetland\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\nWestern Isles\r\n0\r\n0\r\n18\r\nNorth and East\r\nAberdeenshire\r\n138\r\n35\r\n12\r\nAngus\r\n10\r\n10\r\n0\r\nCity of Aberdeen\r\n18\r\n17\r\n12\r\nCity of Dundee\r\n0\r\n0\r\n1\r\nClackmannanshire\r\n18\r\n8\r\n0\r\nFalkirk\r\n18\r\n0\r\n0\r\nPerth and Kinross\r\n73\r\n3\r\n0\r\nStirling\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\nSouth and East\r\nCity of Edinburgh\r\n60\r\n13\r\n0\r\nEast Lothian\r\n20\r\n2\r\n9\r\nFife\r\n0\r\n4\r\n0\r\nMidlothian\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\nThe Scottish Borders\r\n0\r\n17\r\n0\r\nWest Lothian\r\n16\r\n8\r\n0\r\nNorth and South Clyde\r\nArgyll and Bute\r\n0\r\n27\r\n25\r\nEast Dunbartonshire\r\n0\r\n0\r\n11\r\nEast Renfrewshire\r\n30\r\n0\r\n0\r\nInverclyde\r\n26\r\n0\r\n27\r\nRenfrewshire\r\n0\r\n0\r\n55\r\nWest Dunbartonshire\r\n0\r\n8\r\n18\r\nGlasgow\r\nGlasgow City Council\r\n71\r\n128\r\n159\r\nSouth and West\r\nDumfries and Galloway\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\nEast Ayrshire\r\n30\r\n0\r\n0\r\nNorth Ayrshire\r\n14\r\n7\r\n0\r\nNorth Lanarkshire\r\n60\r\n6\r\n7\r\nSouth Ayrshire\r\n25\r\n0\r\n0\r\nSouth Lanarkshire\r\n56\r\n8\r\n0\r\n\r\n(b) New Supply Shared Equity with Developers\r\nLocal Authority\r\n2009-10*\r\n2010-11\r\n2011-12\r\nHighlands and Islands and Moray\r\nHighland\r\nN/A\r\n3\r\n0\r\nMoray\r\nN/A\r\n0\r\n0\r\nOrkney\r\nN/A\r\n0\r\n0\r\nShetland\r\nN/A\r\n0\r\n0\r\nWestern Isles\r\nN/A\r\n0\r\n0\r\nNorth and East\r\nAberdeenshire\r\nN/A\r\n0\r\n0\r\nAngus\r\nN/A\r\n0\r\n0\r\nCity of Aberdeen\r\nN/A\r\n0\r\n0\r\nCity of Dundee\r\nN/A\r\n0\r\n0\r\nClackmannanshire\r\nN/A\r\n0\r\n0\r\nFalkirk\r\nN/A\r\n0\r\n0\r\nPerth and Kinross\r\nN/A\r\n4\r\n2\r\nStirling\r\nN/A\r\n28\r\n0\r\nSouth and East\r\nCity of Edinburgh\r\nN/A\r\n11\r\n11\r\nEast Lothian\r\nN/A\r\n0\r\n0\r\nFife\r\nN/A\r\n0\r\n5\r\nMidlothian\r\nN/A\r\n0\r\n5\r\nThe Scottish Borders\r\nN/A\r\n0\r\n2\r\nWest Lothian\r\nN/A\r\n7\r\n26\r\nNorth and South Clyde\r\nArgyll and Bute\r\nN/A\r\n0\r\n10\r\nEast Dunbartonshire\r\nN/A\r\n0\r\n0\r\nEast Renfrewshire\r\nN/A\r\n0\r\n0\r\nInverclyde\r\nN/A\r\n0\r\n0\r\nRenfrewshire\r\nN/A\r\n14\r\n0\r\nWest Dunbartonshire\r\nN/A\r\n0\r\n0\r\nGlasgow\r\nGlasgow City Council\r\nN/A\r\n18\r\n38\r\nSouth and West\r\nDumfries and Galloway\r\nN/A\r\n0\r\n0\r\nEast Ayrshire\r\nN/A\r\n0\r\n0\r\nNorth Ayrshire\r\nN/A\r\n0\r\n3\r\nNorth Lanarkshire\r\nN/A\r\n0\r\n0\r\nSouth Ayrshire\r\nN/A\r\n0\r\n0\r\nSouth Lanarkshire\r\nN/A\r\n0\r\n0\r\nNote: *The New Supply Shared Equity with Developers Trial commenced in 2010-11.\r\n(c) Open Market Shared Equity\r\nLocal Authority\r\n2009-10\r\n2010-11\r\n2011-12\r\nHighlands and Islands and Moray\r\nHighland\r\n92\r\n10\r\n38\r\nMoray\r\n6\r\n4\r\n4\r\nOrkney\r\n6\r\n2\r\n2\r\nShetland\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\nWestern Isles\r\n1\r\n0\r\n0\r\nNorth and East\r\nAberdeenshire\r\n15\r\n10\r\n12\r\nAngus\r\n10\r\n3\r\n3\r\nCity of Aberdeen\r\n69\r\n36\r\n16\r\nCity of Dundee\r\n23\r\n5\r\n2\r\nClackmannanshire\r\n6\r\n2\r\n0\r\nFalkirk\r\n21\r\n11\r\n2\r\nPerth and Kinross\r\n24\r\n12\r\n18\r\nStirling\r\n33\r\n11\r\n1\r\nSouth and East\r\nCity of Edinburgh \r\n325\r\n226\r\n12\r\nEast Lothian\r\n67\r\n33\r\n15\r\nFife\r\n65\r\n30\r\n3\r\nMidlothian\r\n41\r\n28\r\n3\r\nThe Scottish Borders\r\n11\r\n1\r\n4\r\nWest Lothian\r\n161\r\n86\r\n11\r\nNorth and South Clyde\r\nArgyll and Bute\r\n7\r\n2\r\n1\r\nEast Dunbartonshire\r\n28\r\n0\r\n0\r\nEast Renfrewshire\r\n17\r\n2\r\n2\r\nInverclyde\r\n21\r\n5\r\n2\r\nRenfrewshire\r\n18\r\n3\r\n3\r\nWest Dunbartonshire\r\n24\r\n1\r\n2\r\nGlasgow\r\nCity of Glasgow\r\n176\r\n33\r\n14\r\nSouth and West\r\nDumfries and Galloway\r\n49\r\n5\r\n11\r\nEast Ayrshire\r\n13\r\n3\r\n0\r\nNorth Ayrshire\r\n13\r\n1\r\n0\r\nNorth Lanarkshire\r\n45\r\n5\r\n1\r\nSouth Ayrshire\r\n28\r\n6\r\n2\r\nSouth Lanarkshire\r\n44\r\n3\r\n2\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-10T13:31:13.31","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274844,"EventID":"S4W-08695","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5041,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-13T13:31:13.403","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-12T15:41:45.2","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government when the MI New Home scheme will become operational.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when the MI New Home scheme will become operational.","AnswerText":"The scheme, which is led by Homes for Scotland, will be launched as soon as possible. Work is currently underway to finalise partnerships between participating housebuilders and lenders and to ensure that lenders are ready to accept applications in Scotland.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-10T13:31:13.403","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274845,"EventID":"S4W-08696","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-13T13:31:13.497","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-12T16:01:32.013","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government what business plan or financial projections it was provided prior to offering grants to Vion in 2011.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what business plan or financial projections it was provided prior to offering grants to Vion in 2011.","AnswerText":"Vion was required to complete a Training Plus application form which included details of the plans for the project associated with the grant along with projections and anticipated outputs.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-07-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-10T13:31:13.497","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274846,"EventID":"S4W-08697","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-13T13:31:13.573","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-12T16:01:32.013","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government what criteria Vion met to be offered grants in 2011.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what criteria Vion met to be offered grants in 2011.","AnswerText":"Vion met the eligibility requirements for Training plus which are:\r\nThere must be genuine competition for the project from locations outwith Scotland;\r\ngrant provision must be critical to influence the decision to locate or retain the operation in Scotland;\r\nthe project’s funding requirements cannot be met by a Regional Selective Assistance grant;\r\nthe company must have considered whether it could deliver the training through national training programs, including those delivered by Skills Development Scotland need to be considered), and\r\nthe project must be linked to the creation of new jobs or safeguarding of existing jobs.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-07-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-10T13:31:13.573","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274847,"EventID":"S4W-08698","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-13T13:31:13.67","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-12T16:01:32.013","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government who approved the offer of grants to Vion in 2011.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government who approved the offer of grants to Vion in 2011.","AnswerText":"The application for Training Plus was processed through the normal Scottish Enterprise delegated authority process which requires projects of this size to be approved by Scottish Enterprise’s Single Approval Group.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-07-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-10T13:31:13.67","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274848,"EventID":"S4W-08699","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-13T13:31:13.747","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-12T16:01:32.013","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government what correspondence or dialogue it has had with Vion since it offered the company grants in 2011.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what correspondence or dialogue it has had with Vion since it offered the company grants in 2011.\r\n","AnswerText":"Scottish Enterprise held regular meetings with the company to discuss the progress of the project.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-07-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-10T13:31:13.747","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274849,"EventID":"S4W-08700","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-13T13:31:13.823","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-12T16:01:32.013","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government what reasons Vion gave for not taking the grants that it was offered in 2011.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what reasons Vion gave for not taking the grants that it was offered in 2011.\r\n","AnswerText":"A training plus grant is dependent on delivery of the training plan contained in the application and offer agreement. Funding cannot be paid out unless training activity has taken place and the company can provide supporting evidence of this and the costs associated with it. Currently, Vion is now not active on this project due to the 90 day consultation process and gave notice to Scottish Enterprise of this situation.\r\nIn the event that Vion had met the criteria to make an eligible claim (which it did for the first stage of the project), the conditions in the contract relating to the outcomes would have resulted in 100% clawback of any grant payment made. Therefore, Vion decided not to make a claim for the grant to which it was entitled.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-07-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-10T13:31:13.84","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274850,"EventID":"S4W-08701","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-13T13:31:13.933","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-12T16:01:32.013","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government how much it has awarded in grants to Vion since 2007.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much it has awarded in grants to Vion since 2007.","AnswerText":"Since 2007 Vion has been paid £223,875 in grants that relate to:\r\nlean management for centrally processed meat: £131,600\r\nmanagement development: £30,650\r\ndeveloping a graduate scheme: £11,000\r\nstrategy: £50,625.\r\nThese grants relate to only a proportion of the actual expenditure incurred by Vion for these projects.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-07-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-10T13:31:13.95","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274851,"EventID":"S4W-08702","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3758,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":76,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-13T13:31:14.027","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-13T11:34:40.393","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government how many prosecutions there have been under section (a) 50 of the Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982 and (b) 12 of the Children and Young Persons (Scotland) Act 1937 i","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many prosecutions there have been under section (a) 50 of the Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982 and (b) 12 of the Children and Young Persons (Scotland) Act 1937 in each year since 1999.\r\n","AnswerText":"The available information is given in the following table.\r\nPeople proceeded against in Scottish Courts under the Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982 Section 50 and the Children and Young Persons (Scotland) Act 1937 Section 121, 1999-2000 to 2010-11:\r\nFinancial year\r\nCivic Government\r\n(Scotland) Act 1982 Section 50\r\nChildren and Young Persons\r\n(Scotland) Act 1937 Section 12\r\n1999-2000\r\n437\r\n185\r\n2000-01\r\n401\r\n169\r\n2001-02\r\n337\r\n182\r\n2002-03\r\n322\r\n216\r\n2003-04\r\n348\r\n270\r\n2004-05\r\n265\r\n217\r\n2005-06\r\n218\r\n161\r\n2006-07\r\n183\r\n197\r\n2007-08\r\n168\r\n239\r\n2008-09\r\n112\r\n201\r\n2009-10\r\n114\r\n163\r\n2010-11\r\n89\r\n182\r\nNote: 1. Where main offence.","AnswerDate":"2012-07-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-10T13:31:14.043","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274852,"EventID":"S4W-08705","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3758,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":76,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-13T13:31:14.137","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-13T11:34:40.393","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government how many prosecutions there have been under section 51 of the Criminal Justice (Scotland) Act 2003, broken down by year.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many prosecutions there have been under section 51 of the Criminal Justice (Scotland) Act 2003, broken down by year.","AnswerText":"Section 51 of the Criminal Justice (Scotland) Act 2003 does not create a specific criminal offence and therefore there have been no prosecutions under this particular section. Instead, section 51 creates a list of factors which must be considered by the court in any prosecution of common law assault on a child, where the defence raise the issue of 'justifiable assault' (reasonable chastisement).\r\nAs records are not kept on the defence position at any trial, it is not possible to state how many times this section has been raised during a prosecution of an assault on a child.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-07-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-10T13:31:14.137","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274853,"EventID":"S4W-08706","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3758,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":76,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-13T13:31:14.213","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-13T11:34:40.393","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government how many children under the age of 12 have been charged with criminal offences in each year since 1999, broken down by (a) offence, (b) age, (c) gender and (d) police fo","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many children under the age of 12 have been charged with criminal offences in each year since 1999, broken down by (a) offence, (b) age, (c) gender and (d) police force.\r\n","AnswerText":"Information on the number of people charged is not held centrally. \r\nThere have been no children under the age of 12 prosecuted in Scottish Courts in the financial years 1999-2000 to 2010-11.\r\nThe majority of children aged under 16 will be dealt with by the Scottish Children’s Reporter Administration.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-10T13:31:14.213","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274860,"EventID":"S4W-08707","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":86,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-16T15:41:50.29","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-13T17:06:40.377","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government whether any ministers, special advisers or officials have (a) met or (b) had contact, including correspondence, with the group, Americans for an Independent Scotland, or","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether any ministers, special advisers or officials have (a) met or (b) had contact, including correspondence, with the group, Americans for an Independent Scotland, or any of the people involved in the group who are named on its website, since 1 January 2012 and, if so, (i) who, (ii) where, (iii) when, (iv) for what purpose, (v) who was present at any such meeting and (vi) what matters were discussed.\r\n","AnswerText":"The information relevant to your question is available on the Scottish Government Website: \r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/About/Information/FOI/Disclosures/2012/August/MinisterialEvents.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-13T15:41:50.63","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Bruce Crawford","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274861,"EventID":"S4W-08709","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-16T15:41:50.74","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-16T10:33:00.693","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government how much it has invested in smoking cessation services in each of the last three years, broken down by NHS board.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much it has invested in smoking cessation services in each of the last three years, broken down by NHS board.\r\n","AnswerText":"Funding levels for smoking cessation from the tobacco control budget have remained the same for each of the last three years. Funds have been issued to boards as follows, including this current year:\r\nBoard\r\nSmoking Cessation (£)\r\n2009-10\r\n2010-11\r\n2011-12\r\n2012-13\r\nNHS Ayrshire and Arran\r\n542,000\r\n542,000\r\n542,000\r\n542,000\r\nNHS Borders\r\n170,000\r\n170,000\r\n170,000\r\n170,000\r\nNHS Dumfries and Galloway\r\n231,000\r\n231,000\r\n231,000\r\n231,000\r\nNHS Fife\r\n462,000\r\n462,000\r\n462,000\r\n462,000\r\nNHS Forth Valley\r\n373,000\r\n373,000\r\n373,000\r\n373,000\r\nNHS Grampian\r\n597,000\r\n597,000\r\n597,000\r\n597,000\r\nNHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde\r\n2,569,000\r\n2,569,000\r\n2,569,000\r\n2,569,000\r\nNHS Highland\r\n455,000\r\n455,000\r\n455,000\r\n455,000\r\nNHS Lanarkshire\r\n1,147,000\r\n1,147,000\r\n1,147,000\r\n1,147,000\r\nNHS Lothian\r\n1,311,000\r\n1,311,000\r\n1,311,000\r\n1,311,000\r\nNHS Orkney\r\n53,000\r\n53,000\r\n53,000\r\n53,000\r\nNHS Shetland\r\n59,000\r\n59,000\r\n59,000\r\n59,000\r\nNHS Tayside\r\n949,000\r\n949,000\r\n949,000\r\n949,000\r\nNHS Western Isles\r\n82,000\r\n82,000\r\n82,000\r\n82,000\r\nTotal\r\n9,000,000\r\n9,000,000\r\n9,000,000\r\n9,000,000\r\nNote: In addition to the funding outlined above, some £2 million per annum for smoking cessation is contained within NHS board baseline allocations.\r\nFinally, in addition to NHS boards, community pharmacies also deliver a smoking cessation service. Community pharmacies are remunerated for this service, which is controlled during the year within the global sum set by the Scottish Government.","AnswerDate":"2012-08-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-13T15:41:50.757","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274862,"EventID":"S4W-08710","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-16T15:41:50.85","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-16T10:33:00.693","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government whether the role of smoking cessation practitioners is integral to the treatment plans of patients with smoking-related cancers.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether the role of smoking cessation practitioners is integral to the treatment plans of patients with smoking-related cancers.\r\n","AnswerText":"Funding for the provision of smoking cessation services is allocated to NHS health boards. Individual boards are then responsible for design and delivery of high quality services, in line with current evidence and guidance, in order to deliver the agreed targets and outcomes.\r\nIndividual treatment plans for all patients, including cancer patients should be formulated to take into account current specific guidance and recommendations in order to ensure greater access to cessation support in acute settings. Training on smoking cessation for frontline workers in the secondary care setting has been developed and is promoted in current guidance.\r\nThis approach has recently been set out in the Chief Executive Letter 1 (2012) on the Health Promoting Health Service1 which was issued on 16 January 2012. This includes a specific action for NHS boards to ensure dedicated specialist smoking cessation support is available within the hospital/acute setting which is integrated with community-based cessation services. \r\nA number of boards run pre-operative assessment clinics during which patients are encouraged to quit smoking prior to any operation. The benefits of stopping smoking are explained and how the NHS can help smokers quit. If patients choose to quit they are referred immediately to specialist NHS smoking cessation services.\r\nNote: CEL 1 (2012) Heath Promoting Health Service: Action in Hospital Settings http://www.sehd.scot.nhs.uk/mels/CEL2012_01.pdf.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-13T15:41:50.85","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274863,"EventID":"S4W-08711","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-16T15:41:50.943","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-16T10:33:00.693","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government how the role of smoking cessation practitioners contributes to NHS boards meeting relevant targets.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how the role of smoking cessation practitioners contributes to NHS boards meeting relevant targets.","AnswerText":"Specialist smoking cessation practitioners are key contributors to meeting the HEAT target on smoking cessation. They provide the front line “stop smoking” services to clients who wish to quit and also feed in data on quitters to the Information Services Division (ISD) Scotland monitoring system.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-13T15:41:50.943","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274864,"EventID":"S4W-08712","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-16T15:41:51.02","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-16T10:33:00.693","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government what targets NHS boards have regarding smoking cessation.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what targets NHS boards have regarding smoking cessation.\r\n","AnswerText":"NHS Board Smoking Cessation HEAT Targets \r\nBoard\r\n1-Month Quits to be Delivered within the 40% Most-Deprived within-Board SIMD areas by end March 2014.\r\n1- Month Quits to be Delivered across whole Board population by end March 2014\r\nNHS Ayrshire and Arran\r\n3,544\r\n5,907\r\nNHS Borders\r\n838\r\n1,525\r\nNHS Dumfries and Galloway\r\n1,373\r\n2,496\r\nNHS Fife\r\n3,550\r\n5,917\r\nNHS Forth Valley\r\n3,002\r\n5,004\r\nNHS Grampian\r\n4,648\r\n7,746\r\nNHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde\r\n12,182\r\n20,303\r\nNHS Highland\r\n2,358\r\n4,288\r\nNHS Lanarkshire\r\n5,929\r\n9,882\r\nNHS Lothian\r\n7,011\r\n11,686\r\nNHS Orkney\r\n105\r\n234\r\nNHS Shetland\r\n104\r\n232\r\nNHS Tayside\r\n3,628\r\n6,047\r\nNHS Western Isles\r\n175\r\n390\r\nTotal\r\n48,447\r\n81,657\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-13T15:41:51.02","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274865,"EventID":"S4W-08713","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5109,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":101,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-16T15:41:51.1","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-16T10:36:47.277","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government which public bodies it funds jointly with the UK Government and one or more other devolved administrations.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government which public bodies it funds jointly with the UK Government and one or more other devolved administrations.\r\n","AnswerText":"Public Bodies the Scottish Government funds jointly with the UK Government and one or more other devolved administrations are as follows.\r\nThe Animal Health and Veterinary Laboratories Agency\r\nThe Board for Academic Medicine\r\nThe British Cattle Movement Service\r\nThe British International Doctor’s Association\r\nCommission for Healthcare Regulatory Excellence\r\nE-Learning for Health\r\nThe Foods Standards Agency\r\nThe Forestry Commission Scotland\r\nThe Foundation Programme Application System\r\nImproving selection into the Foundation Programme\r\nThe Joint Nature Conservation Committee\r\nThe Police Negotiating Board\r\nThe Serious Organised Crime Agency\r\nSkills for Health\r\nThe Student Loans Company\r\nThe UK Climate Change Committee\r\nThe UK Climate Change Committee Adaptation Sub-Committee\r\nThe UK Commission for Employment and Skills\r\nThe UK Foundation Programme Office \r\nThe UK Supreme Court.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-13T15:41:51.1","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274866,"EventID":"S4W-08714","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1860,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-16T15:41:51.193","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-16T12:03:12.027","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government under what circumstances a track, road or private way intended primarily for forestry purposes could be created or materially improved, upgraded or otherwise altered wit","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government under what circumstances a track, road or private way intended primarily for forestry purposes could be created or materially improved, upgraded or otherwise altered without needing regulatory consent.\r\n","AnswerText":"The creation, improvement, upgrading or alteration of forestry roads is principally controlled by the Environmental Impact Assessment (Forestry) (Scotland) Regulations 1999. \r\nIn “sensitive areas” any person wishing to undertake any work of this nature should apply to Forestry Commission Scotland (FCS) for a determination as to whether the project is likely to have a significant impact on the environment and therefore whether it requires regulatory consent, i.e. whether a full environmental impact assessment must be undertaken. “Sensitive areas” are defined as:\r\n(a) National Nature Reserves or Sites of Special Scientific Interest;\r\n(b) National Parks;\r\n(c) World Heritage Sites;\r\n(d) Scheduled Ancient Monuments;\r\n(e) Areas of Outstanding National Beauty;\r\n(f) Natural Heritage of National Scenic Areas;\r\n(g) A site designated as a Special Area of Conservation (SAC) or identified as a candidate SAC, and\r\n(h) A site classified or proposed as a Special Protection Area.\r\nOutwith sensitive areas, projects where the area involved covers less than one hectare do not require a determination from FCS as to whether regulatory consent is required. All projects covering an area of one hectare or more require a determination of whether consent is required from FCS.\r\nHowever, in the vast majority of cases work of this nature will also form part of a new woodland creation project, or a long-term management plan/forest design plan, which will either require the approval of FCS before grant aid can be obtained, or be linked to an application for a felling licence, which requires the consent of FCS.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-13T15:41:51.193","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274873,"EventID":"S4W-08715","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-17T15:03:36.543","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-16T12:16:56.25","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government what criteria it used in choosing local authorities for its pilot scheme to support graduate recruitment and business growth.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what criteria it used in choosing local authorities for its pilot scheme to support graduate recruitment and business growth.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Chambers of Commerce put forward a proposal for a pilot scheme to support graduate recruitment and business growth. The Scottish Chambers of Commerce considered areas with high rates of unemployed young people aged 18 to 24 and areas in which they are well placed to immediately support delivery of the pilot.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-14T15:03:36.73","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angela Constance","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274874,"EventID":"S4W-08716","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-17T15:03:36.823","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-16T12:16:56.25","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government how many 16 to 18-year-olds have been unemployed for over a year and not in full-time education, broken down by geographical area.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many 16 to 18-year-olds have been unemployed for over a year and not in full-time education, broken down by geographical area.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Annual Population Survey (APS) is the preferred source of detailed data on young unemployed people.\r\nThe latest APS data available is for April 2011 to March 2012. This data shows that there were 4,500 people aged 16 to 18 who were not in full-time education and had been unemployed for over year. It is not possible to provide data broken down by local authority area due to the underlying sample sizes.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-14T15:03:36.823","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angela Constance","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274875,"EventID":"S4W-08717","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-17T15:03:36.917","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-16T12:16:56.25","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government when each local authority and Skills Development Scotland will have completed youth employment actions plans and whether these will be made public.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when each local authority and Skills Development Scotland will have completed youth employment actions plans and whether these will be made public.","AnswerText":"In support of Opportunities for All, we anticipate that Youth Employment Action Plans for all local authority areas to be in place by the end of the autumn. For most areas this will be a first version and plans will be updated on a regular basis.\r\nThe documents will be available on request, subject to local authority agreement. However, the contents will change on a regular basis in light of progress and local priority.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-14T15:03:36.917","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angela Constance","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274876,"EventID":"S4W-08719","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-17T15:03:36.997","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-16T12:16:56.25","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government what youth unemployment action forums it has planned.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what youth unemployment action forums it has planned.","AnswerText":"An action forum on youth employment is being planned in Erskine (for Renfrewshire, Inverclyde and West Dunbartonshire) in August 2012, with a wider rural skills and youth employment action forum taking place in Oban in September 2012. Further events will take place later in the year in Ayrshire, Tayside and Forth Valley.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-14T15:03:36.997","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angela Constance","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274877,"EventID":"S4W-08720","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-17T15:03:37.057","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-16T12:16:56.25","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government who will be invited to the youth unemployment action forum in (a) Oban and (b) Dumfries.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government who will be invited to the youth unemployment action forum in (a) Oban and (b) Dumfries.","AnswerText":"An action forum on youth employment was held in Dumfries on 21 June. Those invited included local employers, young people, training providers, politicians and representatives of public, private and third sector organisations. Invitations to the event in Oban, being planned for September, will cover a similar list.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-14T15:03:37.073","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angela Constance","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274878,"EventID":"S4W-08721","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-17T15:03:37.167","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-16T12:16:56.25","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government how many jobs in the energy industry will be created for young people as part of the establishment of the Nigg Skills Academy.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many jobs in the energy industry will be created for young people as part of the establishment of the Nigg Skills Academy.","AnswerText":"The Nigg Skills Academy has been developed to provide access to training which will equip individuals with the skills to participate in the opportunities that will flow from current and future investment in Nigg and in the wider energy industry.\r\nIn 2012-13 the Nigg Skills Academy has been contracted to deliver 270 modern apprenticeship starts. 140 of the contracted places are for 16 to 24-year-olds.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-14T15:03:37.167","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angela Constance","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274879,"EventID":"S4W-08722","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-17T15:03:37.243","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-16T12:16:56.25","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government who attended the meeting in March 2012 with public sector chief executives to discuss youth employment and what the \"nearly 100 pledges\" were that resulted.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government who attended the meeting in March 2012 with public sector chief executives to discuss youth employment and what the \"nearly 100 pledges\" were that resulted.\r\n","AnswerText":"1. The Scottish Leaders Forum (SLF) brings together chief officers of all public bodies in Scotland to strengthen networks and bring strategic thinking to issues of relevance across public service.\r\n2. The Scottish Leaders Forum Plenary Meeting on 1 and 2 March 2012 was focussed upon the combined areas of Sustainable Economic Growth and Youth Employment. On the particular area of Youth Employment, the Minister for Youth Employment spoke about the various strands of action to address this, now embedded within the Youth Employment Strategy.\r\n3. Workshop sessions were then facilitated by Scottish Government Officials with colleagues from Job Centre Plus and Skills Development Scotland to discuss with participants the practical ways that employers across public service could work together to create further opportunities for young people. \r\n4. In concluding the event, all participants were invited to make a pledge on what they would do personally, in their role as senior leaders in public service, to tackle youth unemployment. Some committed pledges on the day and others were received in response to a follow-up letter from the Permanent Secretary after the event. \r\n5. There was a high level of engagement with this agenda and we have received 81 specific responses from organisations across public service.  Within these there are:\r\n30 organisations which commit to offer Modern Apprenticeships (some for the first time)\r\n32 organisations which commit to offer work experience, placements or paid internships\r\n8 organisations which commit to make use of community benefit clauses or influence the supply chain in other ways to create opportunities for young people\r\n2 organisations which commit to substantially increase the proportion of young people in their workforce \r\nMany indications and examples of ways that organisations will use their own communications and influence to reinforce the importance of providing opportunities for young people\r\nMany examples of innovative collaborations and partnerships across organisations to tackle youth unemployment together\r\nA wide variety of other pledges, including using the CPP (community planning partnership) to mobilise an action-focussed and partnership model to tackle youth unemployment, create an action-learning set across SLF members and personally providing mentoring to an unemployed young person.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-14T15:03:37.243","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angela Constance","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274880,"EventID":"S4W-08723","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-17T15:03:37.323","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-16T12:16:56.25","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government how many (a) modern apprenticeships and (b) work experience or student places (i) it and (ii) each of its agencies has offered in each of the last three years.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many (a) modern apprenticeships and (b) work experience or student places (i) it and (ii) each of its agencies has offered in each of the last three years.\r\n","AnswerText":"This answer includes responses to PQ references S4W-08724, S4W-08754 and S4W-08755.\r\nThe following numbers of Modern Apprenticeships, Work Experience and Student Placements have been appointed in the last three years.\r\n \r\n2009-10\r\n2010-11\r\n2011-12\r\n \r\nPaid Students\r\nUnpaid Students & Work experience\r\nPaid Students\r\nUnpaid Students & Work experience\r\nModern Apprentice\r\nPaid Students\r\nUnpaid Students & Work experience\r\nScottish Government\r\n34\r\n58\r\n23\r\n39\r\n17\r\n17\r\n15\r\nAccountant in Bankruptcy\r\n2\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n1\r\n0\r\n0\r\nDisclosure Scotland\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\nEducation Scotland\r\nn/a\r\nn/a\r\nn/a\r\nn/a\r\n2\r\n0\r\n3\r\nHM Inspectorate of Education\r\n0\r\n0\r\n1\r\n1\r\nn/a\r\nn/a\r\nn/a\r\nNational Archives of Scotland\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\nn/a\r\nn/a\r\nn/a\r\nStudent Awards Agency Scotland\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n6\r\n1\r\n0\r\nScottish Public Pensions Agency\r\n14\r\n1\r\n0\r\n1\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\nSocial Work Inspection Agency\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\nn/a\r\nn/a\r\nn/a\r\nScottish Housing Regulator\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\nTransport Scotland\r\n5\r\n1\r\n1\r\n0\r\n0\r\n5\r\n0\r\nTotal\r\n55\r\n60\r\n25\r\n41\r\n26\r\n23\r\n18\r\nNote: Prior to August 2012 unpaid work experience and unpaid student placements were not differentiated on the Scottish Government HR system.\r\nThe following table gives the proportion of the workforce which was made up of young people on 31 March 2012. “Young people” is defined as those staff aged 24 years or younger on 31 March.\r\n \r\n% of Workforce\r\nScottish Government\r\n2%\r\nAccountant in Bankruptcy\r\n5%\r\nDisclosure Scotland\r\n3%\r\nEducation Scotland\r\n4%\r\nStudent Awards Agency Scotland\r\n8%\r\nScottish Public Pensions Agency\r\n7%\r\nScottish Housing Regulator\r\n0%\r\nTransport Scotland\r\n1%\r\nNote: Permanent and Fixed-Term employees only.\r\nThis table gives the number of staff employed on a permanent basis in Core Scottish Government and Agencies who were aged under 25 years at 31 March of the last five years.\r\n \r\n31 March \r\n2008\r\n31 March \r\n2009\r\n31 March \r\n2010\r\n31 March \r\n2011\r\n31 March \r\n2012\r\nScottish Government\r\n117\r\n149\r\n148\r\n104\r\n67\r\nAccountant in Bankruptcy\r\n12\r\n15\r\n13\r\n8\r\n5\r\nCommunities Scotland\r\n6\r\nn/a\r\nn/a\r\nn/a\r\nn/a\r\nDisclosure Scotland\r\nn/a\r\nn/a\r\n21\r\n8\r\n4\r\nEducation Scotland\r\nn/a\r\nn/a\r\nn/a\r\nn/a\r\n9\r\nFisheries Research Services\r\n4\r\n3\r\nn/a\r\nn/a\r\nn/a\r\nHM Inspectorate of Education\r\n11\r\n13\r\n14\r\n12\r\nn/a\r\nNational Archives of Scotland\r\n6\r\n6\r\n4\r\n3\r\nn/a\r\nOffice of the Scottish Charity Regulator\r\n2\r\n6\r\n3\r\n0\r\n0\r\nStudent Awards Agency Scotland\r\n12\r\n18\r\n20\r\n12\r\n7\r\nScottish Agricultural Science Agency\r\n5\r\nn/a\r\nn/a\r\nn/a\r\nn/a\r\nScottish Building Standards Agency\r\n1\r\nn/a\r\nn/a\r\nn/a\r\nn/a\r\nScottish Fisheries Protection Agency\r\n12\r\n10\r\nn/a\r\nn/a\r\nn/a\r\nScottish Public Pensions Agency\r\n14\r\n25\r\n24\r\n16\r\n17\r\nSocial Work Inspection Agency\r\n1\r\n1\r\n2\r\n1\r\nn/a\r\nScottish Housing Regulator\r\n0\r\n1\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\nTransport Scotland\r\n16\r\n10\r\n6\r\n5\r\n3\r\n \r\nIt is not possible to report on the age of agency workers as this information is not held by the Scottish Government HR.\r\nThe Scottish Government also employs a number of staff aged under 25 years on other contract types, e.g. fixed-term appointments or modern apprenticeships.\r\nThe Scottish Government ia currently in the process of collecting and analysing baseline data on the number of young people in both paid and unpaid work in key public bodies in Scotland. We plan to publish the data later in the year once the analysis and quality assurance of the data is complete.\r\n \r\nThe following is the original answer (published on 20 August 2012); see below.\r\n \r\nThis answer includes answers to questions S4W-08724, S4W-08754 and S4W-08755.\r\nThe following numbers of modern apprenticeships, work experience and student placements have been appointed in the last three years.\r\n \r\n2009-10\r\n2010-11\r\n2011-12\r\n \r\nPaid Students\r\nUnpaid Students & Work experience\r\nPaid Students\r\nUnpaid Students & Work experience\r\nModern Apprentice\r\nPaid Students\r\nUnpaid Students & Work experience\r\nScottish Government\r\n34\r\n58\r\n23\r\n39\r\n17\r\n17\r\n15\r\nAccountant in Bankruptcy\r\n2\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n1\r\n0\r\n0\r\nDisclosure Scotland\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\nEducation Scotland\r\nn/a\r\nn/a\r\nn/a\r","AnswerDate":"2012-08-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-14T15:03:37.323","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angela Constance","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274881,"EventID":"S4W-08724","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-17T15:03:37.4","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-16T12:16:56.25","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government what proportion of (a) its and (b) its agencies' workforce is made up of young people.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what proportion of (a) its and (b) its agencies' workforce is made up of young people.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-08723 on 20 August 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-14T15:03:37.4","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angela Constance","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274882,"EventID":"S4W-08725","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-17T15:03:37.493","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-16T12:16:56.25","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government how (a) it and (b) its agencies plan to increase the number of young people in its/their workforce.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how (a) it and (b) its agencies plan to increase the number of young people in its/their workforce.\r\n","AnswerText":"As part of the all government, all Scotland approach to tackling youth employment, all areas of the Scottish Government and its agencies will continue to consider how best they can support Scottish Government objectives of helping young people into employment on an ongoing basis.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-14T15:03:37.493","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angela Constance","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274883,"EventID":"S4W-08726","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-17T15:03:37.557","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-16T12:16:56.25","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government how it will support the development of work-focused skills among young people.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it will support the development of work-focused skills among young people.","AnswerText":"Through our reform of post-16 education we will ensure that the whole system is focussed on improving the life chances of learners and on meeting the needs of employers and Scotland’s economy. Through the delivery of modern apprenticeships, work experience opportunities and student placements in both public and private sectors, we will offer young people the opportunity to learn a variety of important work-focussed skills.\r\nMore specifically, we will work with sector bodies such as the Digital Participation Action Group to support the development of work-focussed digital skills among our young people.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-14T15:03:37.573","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angela Constance","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274884,"EventID":"S4W-08727","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-17T15:03:37.633","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-16T12:16:56.25","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government how many (a) modern apprenticeships and (b) work experience or student places the NHS has offered in each of the last three years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many (a) modern apprenticeships and (b) work experience or student places the NHS has offered in each of the last three years.\r\n","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally by the Scottish Government, however the NHS offers a range of measures to support the employability of young people across Scotland.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-14T15:03:37.633","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angela Constance","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274885,"EventID":"S4W-08728","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-17T15:03:37.713","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-16T12:16:56.25","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government what activities supported by the CashBack for Communities programme have specifically affected youth employment.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what activities supported by the CashBack for Communities programme have specifically affected youth employment.\r\n","AnswerText":"We want our young people to have as many positive opportunities as possible. Jobs and economic growth are this government’s top priorities and youth employment is one of the most critical.\r\nWe have invested over £46 million to benefit over 600,000 young people since CashBack began in 2007 offering young people positive opportunities and investing back into communities. All CashBack activities and projects provide our young people with positive opportunities which develops their skills and confidence that helps them prepare for their future and to reach their full potential. Those are the very attributes that employers look for in a young person.\r\nI am delighted that every year, young people going through CashBack projects find a positive destination whether that’s as a football coach or rugby development officer in our SFA and SRU programmes or into volunteering in YouthScotland and college courses and apprenticeships through our innovative use of CashBack funding in partnership with the private sector with ScottishPower and the Personal Development Partnership.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-14T15:03:37.713","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274886,"EventID":"S4W-08729","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-17T15:03:37.79","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-16T12:16:56.25","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will encourage non-departmental public bodies to create a plan for youth employment.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will encourage non-departmental public bodies to create a plan for youth employment.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government will work with all non-departmental public bodies to help them develop plans to tackle youth employment.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-14T15:03:37.79","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angela Constance","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274887,"EventID":"S4W-08730","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-17T15:03:37.87","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-16T12:16:56.25","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government when each of the heritage and culture organisations will have developed plans for (a) training, (b) volunteering and (c) work-experience activities.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when each of the heritage and culture organisations will have developed plans for (a) training, (b) volunteering and (c) work-experience activities.","AnswerText":"As with all Government bodies and agencies, the Scottish Government will be in dialogue with heritage and cultural organisations about the development of their youth employment plans on an ongoing basis.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-14T15:03:37.87","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274888,"EventID":"S4W-08731","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-17T15:03:37.947","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-16T12:16:56.25","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government whether all European Social Fund money for tackling youth unemployment will be allocated through community planning partnerships.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether all European Social Fund money for tackling youth unemployment will be allocated through community planning partnerships.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-08767 on 3 August  2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-14T15:03:37.947","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274889,"EventID":"S4W-08732","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-17T15:03:38.023","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-16T12:16:56.25","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government what proportion of funding from the Social Enterprise and Third Sector Challenge Fund will be allocated through community planning partnerships.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what proportion of funding from the Social Enterprise and Third Sector Challenge Fund will be allocated through community planning partnerships.","AnswerText":"Skills Development Scotland (SDS) is managing and delivering the Fund on behalf of the Scottish Government. It will allocate the fund directly to Third Sector organisations and Social Enterprises who are successful in the bidding process. Therefore no part of the funding will be allocated through Community Planning Partnerships (CPPs).\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-07-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-14T15:03:38.023","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angela Constance","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274890,"EventID":"S4W-08733","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-17T15:03:38.103","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-16T12:16:56.25","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government how it will incentivise employers to support up to 1,000 young people facing the greatest disadvantages, as noted in Action for Jobs - Supporting Young Scots into Work.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it will incentivise employers to support up to 1,000 young people facing the greatest disadvantages, as noted in Action for Jobs - Supporting Young Scots into Work.","AnswerText":"In December 2011 the Scottish Government announced it would support 1,000 of the most disadvantaged young people including; care leavers, ex-young offenders and young carers, to enter the labour market over the next three years.\r\nAn Employer Recruitment Incentive of £1,500 is available this year to support employers who have employed a disadvantaged young person. The incentive will be subject to continuous evaluation and improvement measures throughout the three years that this incentive is available.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-14T15:03:38.103","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angela Constance","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274891,"EventID":"S4W-08734","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-17T15:03:38.18","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-16T12:16:56.25","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government how it will prioritise provision in colleges for 16 to 19-year-olds.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it will prioritise provision in colleges for 16 to 19-year-olds.","AnswerText":"The Government outlines its priorities for the college sector through my annual letter of Ministerial guidance. For 2012-13 my priorities included:\r\nA guarantee of an appropriate place in learning for every young person aged 16 to 19,\r\nThat a similar offer is available, where possible, to 20-24 year olds,  \r\nResourcing provision for those looking for jobs, and those with low or out of date skills\r\nImproving retention levels at colleges\r\nThese priorities will be delivered through outcome agreements which the Scottish Funding Council has negotiated with colleges. I will publish all college outcome agreements before the start of the 2012-13 academic year.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-14T15:03:38.197","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274892,"EventID":"S4W-08735","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-17T15:03:38.26","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-16T12:16:56.25","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government how it will prioritise college places for 20 to 24-year-olds.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it will prioritise college places for 20 to 24-year-olds.","AnswerText":"The Government outlines its priorities for the college sector through my annual letter of Ministerial guidance. For 2012-13 my priorities included:\r\nA guarantee of an appropriate place in learning for every young person aged 16 to 19,\r\nThat a similar offer is available, where possible, to 20-24 year olds, \r\nResourcing provision for those looking for jobs, and those with low or out of date skills\r\nImproving retention levels at colleges\r\nThese priorities will be delivered through outcome agreements which the Scottish Funding Council has negotiated with colleges. I will publish all college outcome agreements before the start of the 2012-13 academic year.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-14T15:03:38.273","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274893,"EventID":"S4W-08736","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-17T15:03:38.337","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-16T12:16:56.25","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government for what age group it will prioritise college places.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government for what age group it will prioritise college places.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Government outlines its priorities for the college sector through my annual letter of Ministerial guidance. For 2012-13 my priorities included:\r\nA guarantee of an appropriate place in learning for every young person aged 16 to 19,\r\nThat a similar offer is available, where possible, to 20-24 year olds, \r\nResourcing provision for those looking for jobs, and those with low or out of date skills\r\nImproving retention levels at colleges\r\nThese priorities will be delivered through outcome agreements which the Scottish Funding Council has negotiated with colleges. I will publish all college outcome agreements before the start of the 2012-13 academic year.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-14T15:03:38.337","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell ","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274895,"EventID":"S4W-08738","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-17T15:03:38.507","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-16T12:16:56.25","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government whether refocusing college places on younger workers will have a negative impact on the opportunities for older workers with low skills to go back into education.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether refocusing college places on younger workers will have a negative impact on the opportunities for older workers with low skills to go back into education.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-06058, on 19 March 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-14T15:03:38.507","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angela Constance","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274896,"EventID":"S4W-08739","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-17T15:03:38.57","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-16T12:16:56.25","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government how it will reduce the rate of college drop-outs.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it will reduce the rate of college drop-outs.","AnswerText":"The Government outlines its priorities for the college sector through my annual letter of Ministerial guidance. For 2012-13 my priorities included:\r\nA guarantee of an appropriate place in learning for every young person aged 16 to 19,\r\nThat a similar offer is available, where possible, to 20-24 year olds,\r\nResourcing provision for those looking for jobs, and those with low or out of date skills\r\nImproving retention levels at colleges\r\nThese priorities will be delivered through outcome agreements which the Scottish Funding Council has negotiated with colleges. I will publish all college outcome agreements before the start of the 2012-13 academic year.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-14T15:03:38.587","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274897,"EventID":"S4W-08740","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-17T15:03:38.65","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-16T12:16:56.25","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government what incentives it will offer to employers to take on 16 to 24-year-olds from disadvantaged groups.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what incentives it will offer to employers to take on 16 to 24-year-olds from disadvantaged groups.","AnswerText":"In December 2011, the Scottish Government announced it would support 1,000 of the most disadvantaged young people including; care leavers, ex-young offenders and young carers, to enter the labour market over the next three years.\r\nAn Employer Recruitment Incentive of £1,500 is available this year to support employers who have employed a disadvantaged young person. The incentive will be subject to continuous evaluation and improvement measures throughout the three years that this incentive is available.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-14T15:03:38.65","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angela Constance","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274898,"EventID":"S4W-08741","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-17T15:03:38.727","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-16T12:16:56.25","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government what support it will offer to employers to take on 16 to 24-year-olds from disadvantaged groups.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what support it will offer to employers to take on 16 to 24-year-olds from disadvantaged groups.","AnswerText":"In December 2011, the Scottish Government announced it would support 1,000 of the most disadvantaged young people including; care leavers, ex-young offenders and young carers, to enter the labour market over the next three years. An Employer Recruitment Incentive of £1,500 is available for the year 2012-13 to support employers who have employed a disadvantaged young person.\r\nIn addition, each young person will receive additional employability support such as mentoring, job coaching, and personal organisation. This list is not exhaustive and support should and will be tailored to the young person’s needs.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-14T15:03:38.727","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angela Constance","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274899,"EventID":"S4W-08742","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-17T15:03:38.803","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-16T12:16:56.25","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government which modern apprenticeship frameworks have contribution rates.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government which modern apprenticeship frameworks have contribution rates.","AnswerText":"Please find attached the link to the section on the Skills Development Scotland website that details the public sector contribution rates across modern apprenticeship frameworks by age.\r\nhttp://www.providercentral.org.uk/OurServices/NationalTrainingProgrammes/Modern_Apprenticeships.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-14T15:03:38.82","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angela Constance","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274900,"EventID":"S4W-08743","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-17T15:03:38.883","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-16T12:16:56.25","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government when it will explore the potential for an outcome-focused national employability fund.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when it will explore the potential for an outcome-focused national employability fund.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government is currently exploring the potential for an outcome-focused national employability fund. Initial consultation with stakeholders was undertaken in Putting Learners at the Centre and as part of the Employability Framework refresh currently being prepared for publication later this year.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-14T15:03:38.883","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angela Constance","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274901,"EventID":"S4W-08745","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-17T15:03:38.96","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-16T12:16:56.25","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government how much of the £505,000 allocated for its graduate employment pilot scheme will be spent on (a) incentives to firms and (b) careers fairs.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much of the £505,000 allocated for its graduate employment pilot scheme will be spent on (a) incentives to firms and (b) careers fairs.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Chambers of Commerce has provided a summary of financial estimates setting out that of the £505,000:\r\n(a) £300,000 will be allocated for incentives to firms, and\r\n(b) £99,000 will be allocated for the delivery of careers fairs.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-14T15:03:38.977","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angela Constance","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274902,"EventID":"S4W-08747","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-17T15:03:39.04","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-16T12:16:56.25","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government how many graduates will be given jobs as a result of its scheme to support graduate recruitment and business growth.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many graduates will be given jobs as a result of its scheme to support graduate recruitment and business growth.\r\n","AnswerText":"It is the aim of the pilot programme being run in 2012-13 by the Scottish Chambers of Commerce to support 100 graduates into employment.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-14T15:03:39.053","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angela Constance","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274903,"EventID":"S4W-08748","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-17T15:03:39.133","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-16T12:16:56.25","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government how it will spend the £25 million from the European Structural Fund that has been allocated to youth unemployment.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it will spend the £25 million from the European Structural Fund that has been allocated to youth unemployment.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-08767 on 3 August 2012. All answers to written Parliamentary Questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-14T15:03:39.133","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274904,"EventID":"S4W-08749","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-17T15:03:39.21","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-16T12:16:56.25","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government when Skills Development Scotland and the SQA will introduce the certificate for work readiness.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when Skills Development Scotland and the SQA will introduce the certificate for work readiness.","AnswerText":"The certificate for work readiness is currently being piloted by Skills Development Scotland across five areas in Scotland (North Lanarkshire, Borders, Highlands, Fife and Glasgow). Taking the learning from these pilots, Skills Development Scotland plan to move towards full roll-out from January 2013.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-14T15:03:39.21","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angela Constance","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274905,"EventID":"S4W-08750","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-17T15:03:39.303","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-16T12:16:56.25","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government what minimum number of hours of work experience will be required to qualify for a certificate for work readiness.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what minimum number of hours of work experience will be required to qualify for a certificate for work readiness.","AnswerText":"The minimum number of hours of work experience required to qualify for a certificate for work readiness will be 192 hours.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-14T15:03:39.303","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angela Constance","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274906,"EventID":"S4W-08751","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-17T15:03:39.383","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-16T12:16:56.25","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government what consultations it has planned with businesses and other employers in order to produce the certificate for work readiness.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what consultations it has planned with businesses and other employers in order to produce the certificate for work readiness.","AnswerText":"Skills Development Scotland has spoken to a range of employers and employer-facing groups through the process of developing the certificate of work readiness. Skills Development Scotland is also in the process of establishing an external stakeholder group, which will have employers involved to steer the development of the certificate as it is rolled out.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-14T15:03:39.397","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angela Constance","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274907,"EventID":"S4W-08752","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-17T15:03:39.46","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-16T12:16:56.25","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government, in producing guidelines on work experience, whether it will consider defining (a) work experience, (b) internship, (c) work and (d) when an employee should be paid.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, in producing guidelines on work experience, whether it will consider defining (a) work experience, (b) internship, (c) work and (d) when an employee should be paid.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government recognises the important role work experience can play in supporting young people toward and into work. As we note in Action for Jobs – Supporting Young Scots into Work: Scotland’s Youth Employment Strategy, we will investigate existing guidance on work experience with relevant organisations and identify whether there is a need for further resources to be developed.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-14T15:03:39.477","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angela Constance","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274908,"EventID":"S4W-08753","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-17T15:03:39.553","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-16T12:16:56.25","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government whether, in developing its youth employment strategy, it consulted the Department for Work and Pensions on the subject of the Youth Contract.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether, in developing its youth employment strategy, it consulted the Department for Work and Pensions on the subject of the Youth Contract.\r\n","AnswerText":"Yes. DWP officials in Scotland discussed and commented on the draft Strategy. This included discussions on the Youth Contract.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-14T15:03:39.57","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angela Constance","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274909,"EventID":"S4W-08754","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-17T15:03:39.647","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-16T12:16:56.25","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government how many under-25-year-olds it (a) employs and (b) has employed in each of the last five years, broken down by (i) permanent and (ii) agency staff.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many under-25-year-olds it (a) employs and (b) has employed in each of the last five years, broken down by (i) permanent and (ii) agency staff.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-08723 on 20 August 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-14T15:03:39.647","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angela Constance","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274910,"EventID":"S4W-08755","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-17T15:03:39.727","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-16T12:16:56.25","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government how many under-25-year-olds each of its agencies (a) employs and (b) has employed in each of the last five years, broken down by (i) permanent and (ii) agency staff.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many under-25-year-olds each of its agencies (a) employs and (b) has employed in each of the last five years, broken down by (i) permanent and (ii) agency staff.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-08723 on 20 August 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-14T15:03:39.727","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angela Constance","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274911,"EventID":"S4W-08756","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-17T15:03:39.803","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-16T12:16:56.25","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government how it will increase the proportion of under-25-year-olds in its workforce and those of its agencies.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it will increase the proportion of under-25-year-olds in its workforce and those of its agencies.","AnswerText":"As part of the all Government, all Scotland approach to tackling youth employment, all Scottish Government Directorates will consider how best they can support the Scottish Government’s commitment to helping young people into employment on an ongoing basis. The Scottish Government will remain in dialogue with its agencies about development of their youth employment plans.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-14T15:03:39.803","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angela Constance","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274912,"EventID":"S4W-08757","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-17T15:03:39.88","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-16T12:16:56.25","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government how much of his budget the Cabinet Secretary for Education and Lifelong Learning will direct toward tackling youth unemployment in 2012-13.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much of his budget the Cabinet Secretary for Education and Lifelong Learning will direct toward tackling youth unemployment in 2012-13.\r\n","AnswerText":"As part of the all Government, all Scotland approach to tackling youth employment, all Cabinet Secretaries will consider how best they can each support Scottish Government objectives of helping young people into employment within their areas of responsibility on an ongoing basis.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-14T15:03:39.88","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angela Constance","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274913,"EventID":"S4W-08758","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-17T15:03:39.96","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-16T12:16:56.25","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government how much of her budget the Cabinet Secretary for Culture and External Affairs will direct toward tackling youth unemployment in 2012-13.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much of her budget the Cabinet Secretary for Culture and External Affairs will direct toward tackling youth unemployment in 2012-13.\r\n","AnswerText":"As part of the all Government, all Scotland approach to tackling youth employment, all Cabinet Secretaries will consider how best they can each support Scottish Government objectives of helping young people into employment within their areas of responsibility on an ongoing basis.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-14T15:03:39.96","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angela Constance","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274914,"EventID":"S4W-08759","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-17T15:03:40.037","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-16T12:16:56.25","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government how much of her budget the Cabinet Secretary for Health, Wellbeing and Cities Strategy will direct toward tackling youth unemployment in 2012-13.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much of her budget the Cabinet Secretary for Health, Wellbeing and Cities Strategy will direct toward tackling youth unemployment in 2012-13.\r\n","AnswerText":"As part of the all Government, all Scotland approach to tackling youth employment, all Cabinet Secretaries will consider how best they can each support Scottish Government objectives of helping young people into employment within their areas of responsibility on an ongoing basis.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-14T15:03:40.053","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angela Constance","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274915,"EventID":"S4W-08760","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-17T15:03:40.117","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-16T12:16:56.25","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government how much of his budget the Cabinet Secretary for Finance, Employment and Sustainable Growth will direct toward tackling youth unemployment in 2012-13.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much of his budget the Cabinet Secretary for Finance, Employment and Sustainable Growth will direct toward tackling youth unemployment in 2012-13.","AnswerText":"As part of the all Government, all Scotland approach to tackling youth employment, all Cabinet Secretaries will consider how best they can each support Scottish Government objectives of helping young people into employment within their areas of responsibility on an ongoing basis.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-14T15:03:40.117","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angela Constance","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274916,"EventID":"S4W-08761","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-17T15:03:40.193","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-16T12:16:56.25","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government how much of his budget the Cabinet Secretary for Parliamentary Business and Government Strategy will direct toward tackling youth unemployment in 2012-13.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much of his budget the Cabinet Secretary for Parliamentary Business and Government Strategy will direct toward tackling youth unemployment in 2012-13.","AnswerText":"As part of the all government, all Scotland approach to tackling youth employment, all Cabinet Secretaries will consider how best they can each support Scottish Government objectives of helping young people into employment within their areas of responsibility on an ongoing basis.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-14T15:03:40.21","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angela Constance","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274917,"EventID":"S4W-08762","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-17T15:03:40.27","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-16T12:16:56.25","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government how much of his budget the Cabinet Secretary for Justice will direct toward tackling youth unemployment in 2012-13.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much of his budget the Cabinet Secretary for Justice will direct toward tackling youth unemployment in 2012-13.","AnswerText":"As part of the all Government, all Scotland approach to tackling youth employment, all Cabinet Secretaries will consider how best they can each support Scottish Government objectives of helping young people into employment within their areas of responsibility on an ongoing basis.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-14T15:03:40.287","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angela Constance","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274918,"EventID":"S4W-08763","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-17T15:03:40.363","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-16T12:16:56.25","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government how much of his budget the Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and the Environment will direct toward tackling youth unemployment in 2012-13.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much of his budget the Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and the Environment will direct toward tackling youth unemployment in 2012-13.","AnswerText":"As part of the all Government, all Scotland approach to tackling youth employment, all Cabinet Secretaries will consider how best they can each support Scottish Government objectives of helping young people into employment within their areas of responsibility on an ongoing basis.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-14T15:03:40.363","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angela Constance","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274919,"EventID":"S4W-08764","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-17T15:03:40.443","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-16T12:16:56.25","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government how much of his budget the Cabinet Secretary for Infrastructure and Capital Investment will direct toward tackling youth unemployment in 2012-13.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much of his budget the Cabinet Secretary for Infrastructure and Capital Investment will direct toward tackling youth unemployment in 2012-13.","AnswerText":"As part of the all Government, all Scotland approach to tackling youth employment, all Cabinet Secretaries will consider how best they can each support Scottish Government objectives of helping young people into employment within their areas of responsibility on an ongoing basis.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-14T15:03:40.443","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angela Constance","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274920,"EventID":"S4W-08765","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-17T15:03:40.52","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-16T12:16:56.25","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government when it will announce on which projects the remaining £11 million for youth employment for 2013-14 and 2014-15 will be spent.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when it will announce on which projects the remaining £11 million for youth employment for 2013-14 and 2014-15 will be spent.","AnswerText":"The £18 million available in 2012-13 now fully committed, and I am currently consulting on the best use of the remainder of the £30 million available over 2013-15, taking account of the impacts of this year’s investment.\r\nI continue to take every available opportunity to widen the discussion beyond this additional funding and to consider how our investment across learning, economic development and local government can be aligned with the youth employment agenda.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-14T15:03:40.52","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angela Constance","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274921,"EventID":"S4W-08766","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-17T15:03:40.6","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-16T12:16:56.25","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government when it will announce on which projects the £25 million for youth employment from European structural funding will be spent.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when it will announce on which projects the £25 million for youth employment from European structural funding will be spent.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-08767 on 3 August 2012. All answers to written Parliamentary Questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-14T15:03:40.6","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274922,"EventID":"S4W-08767","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-17T15:03:40.677","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-16T12:16:56.25","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government how much of the £25 million for youth employment from European structural funding has been allocated and to which projects.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much of the £25 million for youth employment from European structural funding has been allocated and to which projects.","AnswerText":"No decision on the mechanism for the distribution of funding has yet been taken. All key stakeholders including Community Planning Partnerships are involved in on going discussions concerning what activities should be funded, and how best they can be delivered.\r\nScottish Government officials are currently undertaking a scoping study to provide details of any gaps in service and to highlight those projects which are working well. This will enable the Scottish Government to strengthen the case with the European Commission for a strong focus on business support to encourage growth and provide small business with the confidence to expand through employability.\r\nWe will continue to work closely with the European Commission to discuss proposals and we expect the Programme Monitoring Committee in October, to agree the necessary changes to the Operational Programmes and to launch a call for projects very soon after that.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-14T15:03:40.677","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274923,"EventID":"S4W-08768","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-17T15:03:40.753","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-16T12:16:56.25","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government how it will target modern apprenticeships at 16 to 19-year-olds.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it will target modern apprenticeships at 16 to 19-year-olds.","AnswerText":"We recognise a need to prioritise resources within the MA area. Given the continuing challenges within the labour market for young people, we have asked Skills Development Scotland (SDS) to maximise the number of 16 to 24-year-olds moving into employed apprenticeships. We expect SDS to continue to ensure the availability of a significant number of MA opportunities for young people aged 16 to 19, given that supporting post school transitions into the labour market is a priority.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-14T15:03:40.753","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angela Constance","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274924,"EventID":"S4W-08769","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5034,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-17T15:03:40.833","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-16T13:52:35.697","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government what provision is made for any deaf athletes participating in the 2014 Commonwealth Games.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what provision is made for any deaf athletes participating in the 2014 Commonwealth Games.","AnswerText":"The sports programme for the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games is determined by the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) and the International Paralympic Committee (IPC), in consultation with the Glasgow 2014 Organising Committee (OC). The OC consulted directly with Commonwealth Games Scotland, Scottish Disability Sport and the sportscotland Institute of Sport as key disability sport stakeholders.\r\nThere are no categories within the IPC classification system for athletes with a hearing impairment, therefore, there are no specific events within the Glasgow 2014 sports programme for deaf people. However, deafness would not preclude athlete participation in other appropriate medal events.\r\nThere will be 22 fully integrated Para-Sport medal events as part of the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games, the most ever in the history of the Commonwealth Games, which will provide a unique opportunity for the participation of elite athletes with a disability at 2014 games.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-07-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-14T15:03:40.833","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Shona Robison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274925,"EventID":"S4W-08770","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5047,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-17T15:03:40.927","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-17T10:34:14.19","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government how much of the £3 million to tackle sectarianism in 2012-13 has been allocated, broken down by (a) organisation and (b) amount.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much of the £3 million to tackle sectarianism in 2012-13 has been allocated, broken down by (a) organisation and (b) amount.","AnswerText":"I have already made a series of announcements on funding for work to tackle sectarianism. Specifically, on 31 May 2012 I announced £272,000 for four anti-sectarian organisations. Information on this announcement can be found at http://www.scotland.gov.uk/News/Releases/2012/05/sectarianism31052012.\r\nOn 25 June 2012, I announced £230,000 for the continuation of six projects exploring community approaches to tackling sectarianism. Information on this announcement can be found at http://www.scotland.gov.uk/News/Releases/2012/06/sectarianism25062012. I also refer the member to the reply given to question S4W-08531 answered on 30 July 2012. All answers to written Parliamentary Questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\nOn 11 August 2012, I announced that Citizen’s Theatre will receive £116,000 to run the excellent “Divided City” project and that the Festival of Spirituality and Peace was running a series of events on sectarianism thanks to £9,000 of funding. Information on this announcement can be found at http://www.scotland.gov.uk/News/Releases/2012/08/sectarianism10082012.\r\nYou will also wish to be aware that on 11 July 2011 I announced £1.8 million funding for the National Football Co-ordination Unit and that £800,000 will be paid in the current financial year. Information on this announcement can be found at http://www.scotland.gov.uk/News/Releases/2011/07/11151351.\r\nFurther announcements on funding will be made in September.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-14T15:03:40.927","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Roseanna Cunningham","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274926,"EventID":"S4W-08771","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5047,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-17T15:03:41.003","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-17T10:34:14.19","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government how much money it has allocated to the Football Coordination Unit for Scotland for 2012-13.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much money it has allocated to the Football Coordination Unit for Scotland for 2012-13.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-08770 on 14 August 2012. All answers to written Parliamentary Questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-14T15:03:41.003","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Roseanna Cunningham","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274927,"EventID":"S4W-08772","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5009,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-17T15:03:41.083","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-17T11:03:46.337","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government how many prosecutions have taken place in Scotland under the Gangmasters (Licensing) Act 2004.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many prosecutions have taken place in Scotland under the Gangmasters (Licensing) Act 2004.\r\n","AnswerText":"The following table shows the number of people prosecuted in Scotland where the main offence was under the Gangmasters (Licensing) Act 2004:\r\n2008-09\r\n2009-10\r\n2010-11\r\n1\r\n2\r\n4\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-14T15:03:41.083","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274928,"EventID":"S4W-08773","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5009,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-17T15:03:41.16","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-17T11:03:46.337","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the Equal Opportunities Committee's request at paragraph 635 of its 5th Report 2010 (Session 3): Inquiry into Migration and Trafficking, what discussions it ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the Equal Opportunities Committee's request at paragraph 635 of its 5th Report 2010 (Session 3): Inquiry into Migration and Trafficking, what discussions it has had with the UK Government and the Gangmasters Licensing Authority (GLA) about extending the GLA’s statutory powers of arrest to Scotland.\r\n","AnswerText":"Preliminary discussions have been held between the Scottish Government and the GLA.\r\nHowever, the matter is not straightforward. Legal traditions in Scotland are quite different from those in England and Wales. While powers of arrest are relatively widely conferred in England and Wales, in Scotland this is very rare as prosecutions of offences is the sole preserve of the Lord Advocate and in this regard the police are in a sense the agents of the fiscal.\r\nTo extend this power of arrest to Scotland would therefore involve a significant incursion on accepted rules of Scottish criminal procedure and would require a very compelling justification.\r\nThe Scottish Government is, however, open to further discussion and to consider whether, against current evidence, the case for extending these powers is sufficient to justify seeking such exceptional provision.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-14T15:03:41.16","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274929,"EventID":"S4W-08774","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-17T15:03:41.237","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-17T11:22:00.463","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government what support it will offer people in full-time education who (a) are unemployed and (b) have given up looking for work.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what support it will offer people in full-time education who (a) are unemployed and (b) have given up looking for work.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government invests £2 billion a year in grant funding to improve the future employment prospects of those participating in further and higher education.  Whether in school, college or university, individuals can gain access to careers advice and support through Skills Development Scotland. Educational institutions also routinely encourage students to make full use of their own local careers facilities, with a view to aiding employment.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-14T15:03:41.237","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angela Constance","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274930,"EventID":"S4W-08775","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-17T15:03:41.317","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-17T11:22:00.463","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government what it will do to avoid entry level jobs that could be filled by non-graduates being taken by graduates.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what it will do to avoid entry level jobs that could be filled by non-graduates being taken by graduates.\r\n","AnswerText":"We are engaged with representatives from the higher education sector to support the excellent work being carried out with employers from all of Scotland’s key industries to improve opportunities for graduates and explore solutions to the issue of underemployment.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-14T15:03:41.317","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274931,"EventID":"S4W-08776","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-17T15:03:41.393","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-17T11:22:00.463","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it plans to publish the equality impact assessment for its youth employment strategy.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it plans to publish the equality impact assessment for its youth employment strategy.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government is in discussions with a number of equalities organisations and once these are finalised we shall publish the equalities impact assessment.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-14T15:03:41.393","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angela Constance","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274932,"EventID":"S4W-08777","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-17T15:03:41.473","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-17T11:22:00.463","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government when it will hold the national youth employment event referred to in its youth employment strategy.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when it will hold the national youth employment event referred to in its youth employment strategy.","AnswerText":"Officials are consulting with appropriate stakeholders to identify a suitable date for this event, likely to be in late October.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-07-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-14T15:03:41.473","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angela Constance","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274933,"EventID":"S4W-08778","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-17T15:03:41.55","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-17T11:22:00.463","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government what youth organisations and other stakeholders will be invited to the national youth employment event referred to in its youth employment strategy.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what youth organisations and other stakeholders will be invited to the national youth employment event referred to in its youth employment strategy.","AnswerText":"We will seek to invite a wide range of appropriate stakeholders.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-14T15:03:41.567","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angela Constance","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274934,"EventID":"S4W-08779","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-17T15:03:41.643","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-17T11:22:00.463","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government how it will focus its training places and modern apprenticeships on young people aged 16 to 19.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it will focus its training places and modern apprenticeships on young people aged 16 to 19.","AnswerText":"Given the continuing challenges within the labour market for young people, it is important that we continue to maximise the number of 16 to 24-year-olds moving into employed apprenticeships. All approved modern apprenticeship frameworks in Scotland are funded for this group, with higher contribution rates for apprentices aged 16 to 19.\r\nSkills Development Scotland will continue to prioritise the majority of modern apprenticeship places to the 16 to 19-year-old cohort, get Ready for Work places to 16 to 18-year-olds, and Training for Work places to those aged 18 and above.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-14T15:03:41.66","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angela Constance","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274939,"EventID":"S4W-08780","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2673,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":114,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-18T15:15:35.843","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-17T12:10:30.08","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government what discussions it has had with mobile broadband providers regarding the rollout of superfast, 3G mobile broadband to all areas of North East Fife before the auction of","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what discussions it has had with mobile broadband providers regarding the rollout of superfast, 3G mobile broadband to all areas of North East Fife before the auction of 4G bandwidths.\r\n","AnswerText":"As set out in Scotland’s Digital Future – Infrastructure Action Plan, published on 31 January 2012, improving mobile phone and broadband coverage across the whole of Scotland is a priority for the Scottish Government. Whist the Scottish Government has not yet had specific conversations about mobile broadband coverage in specific areas, we continue to have discussions with the mobile operators about improving coverage in Scotland.\r\nHowever, the Scottish Government currently has no powers to set improved levels of mobile coverage as telecoms regulations in the UK is reserved. Coverage obligations fall within mobile operators’ licence conditions, and Ofcom, the UK telecoms regulator, is responsible for ensuring that operators fulfil their licence condition requirements. All operators are meeting the 3G coverage obligations contained within their respective licence conditions.\r\nOn 24 July 2012, Ofcom announced its plans for the forthcoming 4G auctions. During Ofcom’s consultation phase, the Scottish Government successfully made representations regarding the setting of coverage targets – both a UK-wide coverage target of 98% and for a specific coverage level to be achieved in all four UK nations.  With regards to the latter, a 95% indoor coverage level has now been set – which is a considerable improvement to the coverage targets originally proposed by Ofcom in 2011.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-15T15:15:36.14","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274940,"EventID":"S4W-08781","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2673,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":114,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-18T15:15:36.263","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-17T12:10:30.08","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government what discussions it has had with mobile operators regarding mobile phone reception in North East Fife.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what discussions it has had with mobile operators regarding mobile phone reception in North East Fife.","AnswerText":"As set out in Scotland’s Digital Future – Infrastructure Action Plan, published on 31 January 2012, improving mobile phone and broadband coverage across the whole of Scotland is a priority for the Scottish Government. Whist the Scottish Government has not yet had specific conversations about mobile phone coverage in specific areas, we continue to have discussions with the mobile operators about improving coverage in Scotland.\r\nWe also continue to make representation to the UK Government to ensure that its Mobile Infrastructure Project has maximum possible impact throughout all of Scotland for both voice and data coverage in current mobile Not Spots. The precise areas to benefit will not be known until the UK Government’s procurement completes in December 2012.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-15T15:15:36.28","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274941,"EventID":"S4W-08782","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5106,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":118,"ApprovedDate":"2012-08-10T10:07:39.723","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-08-09T00:00:00","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many vehicles each local authority has procured using funding from the Low Carbon Vehicle Procurement Support Scheme, broken down by engine type.","AnswerText":"The following tables show the number and types of vehicles purchased by each local authority, and their community planning partners, in the 2 years the scheme has operated, 2010-11 and 2011-12. In 2010-11 the scheme was also opened up to wider public bodies.\r\n2011-12\r\n\r\nCommunity Planning Partnership\r\nElectric Car\r\nExtended Range Electric Car\r\nElectric Van\r\nHybrid Van\r\nElectric Minibus\r\nElectric Sweeper\r\nAberdeen City \r\n\r\n\r\n1\r\n\r\n\r\n1\r\nAberdeenshire\r\n\r\n\r\n1\r\n\r\n\r\n1\r\nAngus\r\n2\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n1\r\nArgyll & Bute\r\n\r\n\r\n2\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nClackmannanshire\r\n\r\n\r\n4\r\n\r\n\r\n1\r\nDumfries and Galloway \r\n2\r\n1\r\n2\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nDundee\r\n5\r\n\r\n7\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nEast Ayrshire\r\n1\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n1\r\nEast Dunbartonshire\r\n3\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nEast Lothian\r\n3\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nEast Renfrewshire\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n2\r\n\r\n\r\nEdinburgh\r\n4\r\n1\r\n8\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nFalkirk\r\n6\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nFife\r\n4\r\n\r\n9\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nGlasgow\r\n3\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n2\r\nHighland\r\n\r\n4\r\n1\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nInverclyde\r\nNo grant claimed\r\nMidlothian\r\n2\r\n\r\n2\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nMoray\r\n\r\n2\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nNorth Ayrshire\r\nNo grant claimed\r\nNorth Lanarkshire\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n2\r\nOrkney\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n1\r\n\r\nOuter Hebrides/Eilean Siar (CNE)\r\n1\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nPerth & Kinross\r\n5\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nRenfrewshire\r\n3\r\n\r\n2\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nScottish Borders\r\n\r\n3\r\n3\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nShetland\r\n2\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n1\r\n\r\nSouth Ayrshire \r\n4\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nSouth Lanarkshire\r\n\r\n\r\n3\r\n\r\n\r\n2\r\nStirling\r\n5\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nWest Dunbartonshire\r\nNo grant claimed\r\nWest Lothian\r\n2\r\n1\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n1\r\nTOTAL 130\r\n57\r\n12\r\n45\r\n2\r\n2\r\n12\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mr Alex Neil MSP ","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274942,"EventID":"S4W-08783","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":86,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-18T15:15:36.467","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-18T12:05:28","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government when the Scottish Futures Trust identified the savings reported in the media on 11 July 2012 as being enough to allow the building of additional schools and whether all ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when the Scottish Futures Trust identified the savings reported in the media on 11 July 2012 as being enough to allow the building of additional schools and whether all of the savings will be allocated to school building projects.","AnswerText":"When the £1.25 billion Scotland’s Schools for the Future programme was announced in June 2009, it was originally expected to fund the replacement or refurbishment of 55 schools. The programme is managed by the Scottish Futures Trust (SFT) on behalf of the Scottish Government.\r\nIn October 2011, the Scottish Government announced that due to the efficient and effective management of the programme by SFT, it would be possible to deliver 12 more schools than originally planned for the same level of investment.\r\nIn February 2012, local authorities were invited to submit their bids for support from the third and final phase of the programme by 21 July. These have been received and are being evaluated. An announcement on which projects have been successful is expected by the end of September.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-15T15:15:36.467","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274943,"EventID":"S4W-08785","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":86,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-18T15:15:36.577","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-18T12:05:28","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government what contribution the Scottish Futures Trust makes to the funding of individual schools.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what contribution the Scottish Futures Trust makes to the funding of individual schools.\r\n","AnswerText":"None. Funding for the £1.25 billion Scotland’s Schools for the Future programme is provided by the Scottish Government (£800 million) and the local authorities (£450 million). The Scottish Futures Trust’s role is to efficiently and effectively manage the programme to help local authorities achieve the best value for money for their investment in new schools.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-15T15:15:36.577","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274944,"EventID":"S4W-08786","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":86,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-18T15:15:36.653","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-18T12:05:28","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government whether Scottish Government funding for the building of schools can be accessed only via the Scottish Futures Trust.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether Scottish Government funding for the building of schools can be accessed only via the Scottish Futures Trust.","AnswerText":"Decisions about which schools are to receive funding under the Scotland’s Schools for the Future programme are for the Scottish Government. The Scottish Futures Trust’s role is to manage the programme on behalf of the Scottish Government and to assist local authorities in the procurement of good quality, well designed, sustainable schools at a competitive price.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-15T15:15:36.653","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274945,"EventID":"S4W-08787","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":86,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-18T15:15:36.733","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-18T12:05:28","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government what role the Scottish Futures Trust has in deciding the design of a school for which it has contributed funding.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what role the Scottish Futures Trust has in deciding the design of a school for which it has contributed funding.","AnswerText":"The detailed design of new school buildings, including those receiving funding under the Scotland’s Schools for the Future programme is a matter for the local authorities. \r\nThe Scottish Futures Trust’s role is to manage the programme on behalf of the Scottish government and to assist local authorities in their procurement of good quality, well designed, sustainable schools at a competitive price.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-15T15:15:36.747","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274946,"EventID":"S4W-08788","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2033,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":132,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-18T15:15:36.84","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-18T12:07:45","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government how many full-time equivalent health visitors have been employed in East Lothian in each year since 1999.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many full-time equivalent health visitors have been employed in East Lothian in each year since 1999.\r\n","AnswerText":"The number of health visitors employed by Community Health Partnership (CHP) is only available from 2007. The following table provides information on Health Visitors employed (whole-time equivalent) in East Lothian CHP each year since 2007. However, the role of the health visitor should not be seen in isolation as they form part of the public health nurse team which incorporates health visitors and school nurses, with some staff fulfilling a dual role.\r\nTable 1: Health Visitors, Public Health Nurses and School Nurses1,2 Employed (Whole-Time Equivalent) in East Lothian Community Health Partnership\r\n \r\nSeptember\r\n2007\r\nSeptember\r\n2008\r\nSeptember\r\n2009\r\nSeptember\r\n2010\r\nSeptember\r\n2011\r\nHealth Visitors\r\n21.4 \r\n22.3 \r\n22.2 \r\n20.1 \r\n18.5 \r\nPublic Health Nurses\r\n1.0 \r\n3.4 \r\n3.2 \r\n1.4 \r\n1.6 \r\nSchool Nurses\r\n- \r\n3.8 \r\n6.1 \r\n5.7 \r\n6.7 \r\nTotal\r\n22.4 \r\n29.5 \r\n31.5 \r\n27.2 \r\n26.8 \r\nSource: ISD Scotland.\r\nNotes:\r\n1. Staff in post at CHP level are not routinely published on the ISD website. However, data on health visitors, public health nurses and school nurses for 2007-12 are available by NHS board and region on the ISD website here: \r\nhttp://www.isdscotland.org/Health-Topics/Workforce/Publications/2012-05-29/Nursing_and_Midwifery_SIP_M2012.xls.\r\n2. Data on Health Visitors and Public Health Nurses for 1999-2005 are available by NHS board and region on the ISD website here:\r\nhttp://www.isdscotland.org/Health-Topics/Workforce/Historic-Data/WFE01_HB_REG.xls.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-15T15:15:36.84","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274958,"EventID":"S4W-08790","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5074,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":104,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-19T15:56:12.427","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-19T10:00:08.973","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government how much money received through (a) court and (b) fixed penalty fines it has remitted to the Treasury in each year since 2007.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much money received through (a) court and (b) fixed penalty fines it has remitted to the Treasury in each year since 2007.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has no role in the collection of fines, or in their remission to HM Treasury. These are operational matters for the Scottish Court Service (SCS).\r\nSCS has provided the following information in response to your question:\r\n\r\nJP Non-Statutory Court Fines\r\n£000\r\nSheriff Court Fines\r\n£000\r\nTotal Court Fines\r\n£000\r\nFiscal Penalties\r\n£000\r\nPolice Fixed Penalties\r\n£000\r\nTotal\r\n£000\r\nValue Collected by SCS\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n2007-08\r\n0\r\n16,086\r\n16,086\r\n659\r\n0\r\n16,745\r\n2008-09\r\n326\r\n17,188\r\n17,514\r\n1,959\r\n4,190\r\n23,662\r\n2009-10\r\n733\r\n13,998\r\n14,731\r\n3,167\r\n9,348\r\n27,246\r\n2010-11\r\n1,010\r\n27,776\r\n28,786\r\n3,565\r\n13,273\r\n45,625\r\n2011-12\r\n1,013\r\n10,179\r\n11,192\r\n4,107\r\n13,476\r\n28,775\r\nValue Retained by SCS\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n2007-08\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n659\r\n0\r\n659\r\n2008-09\r\n326\r\n0\r\n326\r\n1,599\r\n840\r\n2,764\r\n2009-10\r\n733\r\n0\r\n733\r\n2,036\r\n2,168\r\n4,938\r\n2010-11\r\n1,010\r\n0\r\n1,010\r\n2,297\r\n3,056\r\n6,362\r\n2011-12\r\n1,013\r\n0\r\n1,013\r\n2,786\r\n2,922\r\n6,720\r\nValue Remitted to Consolidated Fund\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n2007-08\r\n0\r\n16,086\r\n16,086\r\n0\r\n0\r\n16,086\r\n2008-09\r\n0\r\n17,188\r\n17,188\r\n360\r\n3,350\r\n20,898\r\n2009-10\r\n0\r\n13,998\r\n13,998\r\n1,130\r\n7,180\r\n22,308\r\n2010-11\r\n0\r\n27,776\r\n27,776\r\n1,269\r\n10,218\r\n39,262\r\n2011-12\r\n0\r\n10,179\r\n10,179\r\n1,321\r\n10,554\r\n22,054\r\nNotes:\r\nSCS commenced collecting fiscal fines in all courts from December 2007. Figures for 2007-08 are therefore not directly comparable with other years\r\nFigures for JP court fines are not directly comparable between years prior to 2010-11 due to the progressive nature of court unification.\r\nThe total fines income remitted to HMT includes all sheriff court fines income and the non-retainable element of the JP court fines income - the JP court element (statutory) is not separately identifiable.\r\nTotal remitted to HMT includes fines, confiscations and forfeitures.\r\nThere was a significant single confiscation of £17 million in 2010-11.","AnswerDate":"2012-08-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-16T15:56:12.69","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274959,"EventID":"S4W-08791","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5074,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":104,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-19T15:56:12.987","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-19T10:00:08.973","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government what proportion of the money received through (a) court and (b) fixed penalty fines it has (i) retained and (ii) had returned to it through the block grant in each year ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what proportion of the money received through (a) court and (b) fixed penalty fines it has (i) retained and (ii) had returned to it through the block grant in each year since 2007.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has no role in the collection of fines. This is an operational matter for the Scottish Court Service (SCS). Accordingly, it retains no monies from fines collection.\r\nPlease see the reply to S4W-08790 on 16 August 2012 for the amount of fine income which SCS retained in the years in question. All answers to parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\nThere is no direct relationship between the amounts arising from fines collection remitted to the Consolidated Fund by SCS, and the block grant to the Scottish Government.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-16T15:56:12.987","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274960,"EventID":"S4W-08792","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5074,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":104,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-19T15:56:13.113","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-19T10:00:08.973","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government how much money received through proceeds of crime legislation it has remitted to the Treasury in each year since 2007.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much money received through proceeds of crime legislation it has remitted to the Treasury in each year since 2007.","AnswerText":"All monies that have been recovered through Proceeds of Crime Act since 2007 have been retained and spent by the Scottish Government.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-07-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-16T15:56:13.127","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274961,"EventID":"S4W-08793","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5074,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":104,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-19T15:56:13.253","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-19T10:00:08.973","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government what proportion of the money received through proceeds of crime legislation it has (a) retained and (b) had returned to it through the block grant in each year since 200","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what proportion of the money received through proceeds of crime legislation it has (a) retained and (b) had returned to it through the block grant in each year since 2007.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-08792 on 27 July 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-07-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-16T15:56:13.253","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274962,"EventID":"S4W-08794","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-19T15:56:13.393","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-19T11:29:50.613","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government how many public bodies there have been in each year since 2003.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many public bodies there have been in each year since 2003.\r\n","AnswerText":"Historical information on public bodies in Scotland is available on the Public Bodies pages of the Scottish Government website at:\r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Government/public-bodies/pubs/Information.\r\nA list of current public bodies in Scotland is available in the National Public Bodies Directory at: \r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Government/public-bodies/about/Bodies.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-16T15:56:13.393","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274963,"EventID":"S4W-08795","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5079,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-19T15:56:13.533","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-19T12:08:00.147","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-02170 by Nicola Sturgeon on 5 September 2011, what (a) meetings, (b) conferences and (c) public events the Cabinet Secretary for H","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-02170 by Nicola Sturgeon on 5 September 2011, what (a) meetings, (b) conferences and (c) public events the Cabinet Secretary for Health, Wellbeing and Cities Strategy has attended since that date regarding the development or implementation of its cities strategy.\r\n","AnswerText":"Since 5 September 2011, the Cabinet Secretary for Health, Wellbeing and Cities Strategy has attended: (a) the following meetings [with external participants]:\r\n20 September\r\nLeader of Stirling Council (Councillor Graham Houston)\r\n27 October\r\nLeader of Dundee City Council (Councillor Ken Guild)\r\n23 November\r\nCOSLA spokesperson for Regeneration and Sustainable Development (Councillor Alison Hay)\r\n9 February\r\nRoss Martin, Centre for Scottish Public Policy\r\n21 March\r\nScottish Cities Alliance Leadership Group \r\n13 June\r\nChairman of VisitScotland (Dr Mike Cantlay)\r\n\r\nand (b) the following conferences: \r\n28 September\r\nSupporting Scotland’s Cities: Empowering People and Creating Opportunities; Glasgow\r\n28 September\r\nScottish Low Carbon Investment Conference; Edinburgh\r\n24 November\r\nCities and the Economy, a Fraser of Allander/Herald Group Seminar; Glasgow\r\n16 December\r\nCOSLA Convention; Edinburgh\r\nThese engagements have had a specific focus on cities. While there have been no events targeted exclusively at a public audience, a number of the conferences have been open to the public.\r\nIn addition to these engagements, the Cabinet Secretary for Health, Wellbeing and Cities Strategy led the debate on the Agenda for Cities on 19 January 2012.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-16T15:56:13.533","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274964,"EventID":"S4W-08807","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1759,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-19T15:56:13.673","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-19T14:00:45.047","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-06938 by Keith Brown on 11 May 2012, other than discussion with stakeholders, what it is doing to disseminate information to the p","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-06938 by Keith Brown on 11 May 2012, other than discussion with stakeholders, what it is doing to disseminate information to the public to (a) help reduce concerns about the range and (b) promote the use of electric cars.\r\n","AnswerText":"The E-cosse partnership will seek to educate motorists on the many benefits of driving an electric vehicle, and also find ways of making them a more realistic and accessible option wherever possible. This will include consideration of suitable education and promotion activities aimed at the public.\r\nIn addition, we are currently developing a Scottish Electric Vehicles/Plugged In Places website for the general public, which will include information on topics such as the benefits of electric vehicles, what to consider when buying an electric vehicle, e.g. range requirements, how to purchase an electric vehicle and charging point locations. \r\nWe also fund a Low Carbon Loan Scheme operated by the Energy Saving Trust. This provides interest free loans of £500 to £50,000 to support organisations that want to reduce the carbon impact and fuel costs of their transport with more efficient alternatives, including the purchase of low carbon vehicles.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-16T15:56:13.673","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274965,"EventID":"S4W-08808","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3763,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-19T15:56:13.813","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-19T14:02:22.423","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government how many reports there have been of lost blood samples in NHS hospitals in each of the last 10 years, broken down by NHS board.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many reports there have been of lost blood samples in NHS hospitals in each of the last 10 years, broken down by NHS board.\r\n","AnswerText":"Where data is available, the following table indicates the recorded instances of lost blood samples in NHS hospitals in each of the last 10 years, broken down by NHS board. Nine boards do not routinely collect this information. Given that incident monitoring systems differ widely between boards and within different areas of practice, the figures presented are only indicative.\r\nNumber of Lost Blood Samples 2002 to 2012\r\nNHS Board\r\n2002\r\n2003\r\n2004\r\n2005\r\n2006\r\n2007\r\nAyrshire and Arran\r\n  0\r\n 0\r\n 0\r\n 0\r\n 0\r\n  1\r\nBorders\r\n  -\r\n  -\r\n  -\r\n  -\r\n  -\r\n  -\r\nDumfries and Galloway\r\n  -\r\n  -\r\n  -\r\n  -\r\n  -\r\n  -\r\nFife\r\n  0\r\n  0\r\n  0\r\n  0\r\n  3\r\n  1\r\nForth Valley\r\n  -\r\n  -\r\n  -\r\n  -\r\n  5\r\n 10\r\nGreater Glasgow and Clyde:\r\nGlasgow North\r\n  0\r\n  3\r\n  3\r\n  3\r\n  0\r\n  3\r\nGreater Glasgow and Clyde:\r\nGlasgow South\r\n  0\r\n  1\r\n  0\r\n  2\r\n  1\r\n  7\r\nGrampian\r\n  -\r\n  -\r\n  -\r\n  -\r\n  -\r\n  -\r\nHighland\r\n  -\r\n  -\r\n  -\r\n  -\r\n  -\r\n  -\r\nLanarkshire\r\n  -\r\n  -\r\n  -\r\n  -\r\n  -\r\n  -\r\nLothian\r\n  -\r\n  - \r\n 13\r\n 58 \r\n 31\r\n 18 \r\nNWTC/GJNH\r\n  -\r\n  -\r\n  -\r\n  -\r\n  1\r\n  -\r\nOrkney\r\n  -\r\n  -\r\n  -\r\n  -\r\n  -\r\n  -\r\nShetland\r\n  -\r\n  -\r\n  -\r\n  -\r\n  -\r\n  -\r\nNSS(SNBTS)\r\n  -\r\n  -\r\n  -\r\n  -\r\n  -\r\n  -\r\nState Hospital\r\n  -\r\n  -\r\n  -\r\n  -\r\n  -\r\n  -\r\nTayside\r\n  -\r\n  -\r\n  -\r\n  -\r\n  -\r\n  -\r\nWestern Isles\r\n  -\r\n  -\r\n  -\r\n  -\r\n  -\r\n  -  \r\n\r\nNHS Board\r\n2008\r\n2009\r\n2010\r\n2011\r\n2012\r\n(to date)\r\nTotal\r\nAyrshire and Arran\r\n  0\r\n 2\r\n 1\r\n 0\r\n  1\r\n  5\r\nBorders\r\n  -  \r\n -\r\n 0\r\n 0  \r\n  1\r\n  1\r\nDumfries and Galloway\r\n  -  \r\n -\r\n  -\r\n  -\r\n  -\r\n  -\r\nFife\r\n  1\r\n 0\r\n 0\r\n 4\r\n  1\r\n 10\r\nForth Valley\r\n  6\r\n 10\r\n 8\r\n 11\r\n  4\r\n 54\r\nGreater Glasgow and Clyde:\r\nGlasgow North\r\n  3\r\n 12\r\n 7\r\n 0\r\n  0\r\n 34\r\nGreater Glasgow and Clyde:\r\nGlasgow South\r\n  0\r\n  0\r\n 18\r\n 53\r\n 31\r\n 113\r\nGrampian\r\n  -  \r\n -\r\n  -\r\n  -\r\n  -\r\n  -\r\nHighland\r\n  -  \r\n -\r\n  -\r\n  -\r\n  -\r\n  -\r\nLanarkshire\r\n  -  \r\n -\r\n  -\r\n  -\r\n  -\r\n  -\r\nLothian\r\n 25\r\n 28\r\n 16 \r\n 17\r\n 15\r\n221\r\nNWTC/GJNH\r\n  2\r\n  -\r\n  -\r\n  2\r\n -\r\n 5\r\nOrkney\r\n  -  \r\n  -\r\n  -\r\n  -\r\n  -\r\n  -\r\nShetland\r\n  -  \r\n  -\r\n  -\r\n  -\r\n  -\r\n  -\r\nNSS(SNBTS)\r\n  -  \r\n  -\r\n  -\r\n  -\r\n  -\r\n  -\r\nState Hospital\r\n  -  \r\n  -\r\n  -\r\n  -\r\n  -\r\n  -\r\nTayside\r\n  -  \r\n  -\r\n  -\r\n  -\r\n  -\r\n  -\r\nWestern Isles\r\n  -\r\n  -\r\n  -\r\n  1  \r\n 1\r\n 2\r\nNotes: \r\n*Data not routinely collected.\r\nNWTC/GJNH: NHS National Waiting Times Centre/Golden Jubilee National Hospital.\r\nNSS/SNBTS: NHS National Services Scotland/Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service.","AnswerDate":"2012-08-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-16T15:56:13.83","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274971,"EventID":"S4W-08789","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4086,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-20T14:49:38.97","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-19T09:47:28.203","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government, in light of its 27 June 2012 announcement of additional money toward building homes, whether it has revised its target of building 30,000 affordable homes and, if so, w","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, in light of its 27 June 2012 announcement of additional money toward building homes, whether it has revised its target of building 30,000 affordable homes and, if so, what the new target is.\r\n","AnswerText":"We have made clear that we expect to exceed our commitment to deliver 30,000 affordable homes over the five-year term of this Parliament, but we have not specified a revised overall target.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-17T14:49:39.097","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274972,"EventID":"S4W-08809","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1769,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":75,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-20T14:49:39.203","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-20T11:30:46.847","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government what advice it gives to dentists regarding the use of thyroid collars.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what advice it gives to dentists regarding the use of thyroid collars.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government does not give specific advice to dentists regarding the use of thyroid collars. Dentists are expected to attend relevant training courses and source advice from the UK Health Protection Agency.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-17T14:49:39.203","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274980,"EventID":"S4W-08810","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3759,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":80,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-20T14:52:33.26","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-20T13:07:08.733","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government what action it is taking to promote the Youth Jobs Fund in South Lanarkshire and similar local wage subsidy programmes to unemployed young people.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what action it is taking to promote the Youth Jobs Fund in South Lanarkshire and similar local wage subsidy programmes to unemployed young people.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government is supportive of all local authority schemes which assist young people in Scotland.\r\nThis year South Lanarkshire will benefit from additional Opportunities for All funding. This £1.457 million investment will provide further youth employment and training opportunities for 16 to 24-year-olds. South Lanarkshire have decided to invest a significant proportion of this funding to add capacity to their Youth Jobs Fund, allowing an extra 150 young people to participate in the programme.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-17T14:52:33.713","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angela Constance","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274981,"EventID":"S4W-08811","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3759,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":80,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-20T14:52:33.807","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-20T13:07:08.733","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government whether there are plans to roll out Project Search across the country.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether there are plans to roll out Project Search across the country.","AnswerText":"Project Search is currently being developed in nine sites across eight local authority areas in Scotland. It is for partners in local authority areas to decide if they wish to adopt the Project Search model.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-17T14:52:33.807","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angela Constance","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274988,"EventID":"S4W-08813","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4964,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-23T15:57:08.227","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-20T15:56:34","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government what costs it has incurred in relation to Aberdeen City Council's Access from the North Proposals for a third Don crossing.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what costs it has incurred in relation to Aberdeen City Council's Access from the North Proposals for a third Don crossing.","AnswerText":"The recorded cost to the Scottish Government of holding a public inquiry into the use of compulsory purchase orders for a third Don crossing was:\r\n£2,688.80\treporters fees\r\n£481.16\treporters travel and subsistence\r\n£400.00\thire of hall for inquiry\r\n£984.00\thire of sound system for inquiry\r\n£909.60\tcost of advertising the inquiry in Press & Journal\r\nTotal\t\t£5,463.56.\r\nAdditional administrative costs have been incurred in respect of the inquiry and in processing the compulsory purchase order application but it is not possible to attribute these within departmental administrative costs.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-20T15:57:08.477","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274989,"EventID":"S4W-08814","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4964,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-23T15:57:08.553","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-20T15:56:34","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government what costs it has incurred in relation to Aberdeen City Council's proposals for the Haudagain roundabout.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what costs it has incurred in relation to Aberdeen City Council's proposals for the Haudagain roundabout.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government part funded the pre-appraisal stage of the A90/A96 Haudagain Roundabout STAG assessment with funds in the region of £38,000 over years 2004-05 and 2005-06. The costs in relation to the remaining part of the STAG assessment were incurred by Nestrans following their establishment as a statutory partnership on 1 April 2006.\r\nThe Scottish Government is committed to starting work at the Haudagain Roundabout immediately after the completion of the Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route. The Scottish Government has committed £3 million for design work and preparations will start in time to ensure construction can go ahead immediately on completion of the Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-20T15:57:08.553","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274990,"EventID":"S4W-08818","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4016,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":133,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-23T15:57:08.633","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-23T13:46:29.573","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government what Scotland’s GDP per hour worked has been relative to the top 31 most productive OECD countries in each year since 2005.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what Scotland’s GDP per hour worked has been relative to the top 31 most productive OECD countries in each year since 2005.","AnswerText":"Scotland’s productivity (measured as output per hour worked) performance relative to OECD countries is monitored through Scotland Performs. Information on the latest performance can be found at Scotland Performs: \r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/About/Performance/scotPerforms/purpose/productivity.\r\nAgainst the 31 OECD member countries Scotland is estimated to have been ranked 19th in both 2005 and 2006 in terms of productivity performance; 16th in 2007; and 17th in each year between 2008 and 2010.\r\nIn 2010, the gap in productivity performance between Scotland and the closest ranked country in the top quartile decreased to 14.5 percentage points - the lowest level since 2005.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-20T15:57:08.633","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274991,"EventID":"S4W-08812","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4955,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":105,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-24T15:08:22.37","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-20T15:47:17","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government how much funding was made available through the CashBack for Communities programme in each of the last three years for which information is available, also broken down b","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much funding was made available through the CashBack for Communities programme in each of the last three years for which information is available, also broken down by award for (a) sporting activities and facilities projects, (b) grant schemes that support small, diversionary youth work projects, (c) cultural activities involving arts, music and dance, (d) community assets programmes.\r\n","AnswerText":"Since the Inception of CashBack for Communities in 2007, over £46 million recovered under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 has been invested or fully committed through to 2014 to a wide range of community projects and facilities throughout Scotland, directly benefitting over 600,000 young people.\r\nThe following table shows the funding to all of our national partner organisations in each of the last three financial years (2010-11 through to 2012-13).\r\n\r\n2010-11\r\n2011-12\r\n2012-13\r\nSporting Activities and Facilities projects\r\nScottish Football Association \r\n815,875\r\n738,473\r\n1,000,244\r\nScottish Rugby Union \r\n503,100\r\n800,500\r\n726,200\r\nBadminton Scotland\r\n224,000\r\n56,000\r\n-\r\nScottish Squash\r\n105,670\r\n84,330\r\n-\r\nTennis Scotland\r\n94,000\r\n8,000\r\n-\r\nScottish Athletics\r\n39,931\r\n133,020\r\n-\r\nScottish Hockey\r\n208,000\r\n52,000\r\n-\r\nSportsScotland Facilities Fund\r\n320,949\r\n151,000\r\n5,913,414\r\nAmateur Boxing Scotland \r\n-\r\n180,000\r\n179,797\r\nBasketball Scotland\r\n223,132\r\n125,000\r\n230,000\r\nScottish Sports Future\r\n453,356\r\n589,116\r\n630,100\r\nClub Golf\r\n-\r\n-\r\n125,000\r\nGrant schemes that support small, diversionary youth work projects,\r\nYouth Scotland \r\n250,000\r\n450,000\r\n50,000\r\nYouthLink Scotland \r\n1,500,000\r\n1,375,000\r\n500,000\r\nCultural activities involving arts, music and dance\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nCreative Scotland\r\n491,000\r\n750,000\r\n750,000\r\nMentoring and Youth Employability\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nPersonal Development Partnership \r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n  - Fairbridge (merged with Prince’s Trust in 2012)\r\n87,831\r\n79,805\r\n149,728\r\n  - Princes Trust\r\n206,679\r\n-\r\n381,273\r\n  - Venture Trust\r\n205,292\r\n236,020\r\n-\r\n  - Venture Scotland\r\n-\r\n-\r\n17,500\r\nScottishPower\r\n-\r\n24,852\r\n52,000\r\nPrinces Trust \r\n-\r\n100,000\r\n100,000\r\nEarly years and Community Development \r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nAngus Council/Tayside Police \r\n-\r\n70,000\r\n140,000\r\nWorking on Wheels\r\n-\r\n49,775\r\n53,425\r\nCommunity assets projects\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nInspiring Scotland \r\n-\r\n377,700\r\n763,900\r\nOther Projects and Commitments\r\n250,000\r\n2,515,148\r\n1,261,500\r\nTotal\r\n5,978,815\r\n8,945,739\r\n13,024,081\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-21T15:08:22.557","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274992,"EventID":"S4W-08819","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1759,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-24T15:08:22.73","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-24T10:21:14.58","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government how it will ensure that the proposed voluntary code of practice for the dairy industry is implemented in Scotland.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it will ensure that the proposed voluntary code of practice for the dairy industry is implemented in Scotland.\r\n","AnswerText":"Farmers Unions and milk processors have agreed a Heads of Agreement on a voluntary code of practice. As the final points are negotiated through to the end of this month, my officials will be seeking regular updates on progress from both parties as they work towards final agreement.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-21T15:08:22.73","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274993,"EventID":"S4W-08820","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1759,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-24T15:08:22.807","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-24T10:21:14.58","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government what discussions it has had with (a) ministers and (b) officials of the (i) UK and (ii) Welsh Assembly Government regarding the dairy farming industry.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what discussions it has had with (a) ministers and (b) officials of the (i) UK and (ii) Welsh Assembly Government regarding the dairy farming industry.","AnswerText":"I met with Jim Paice, Defra Farming Minister and the other Devolved Administration Ministers, Alun Davies, Deputy Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries, Food and European Programmes, Welsh Government and Michelle O'Neill, Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, DARD (Department of Agriculture and Rural Development), Northern Ireland at the Royal Welsh Show last month to discuss the dairy farming industry.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-21T15:08:22.807","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274994,"EventID":"S4W-08821","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1759,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-24T15:08:22.9","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-24T10:21:14.58","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government what discussions it has had with organisations representing (a) farmers, (b) processors and (c) retailers in relation to the dairy farming sector.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what discussions it has had with organisations representing (a) farmers, (b) processors and (c) retailers in relation to the dairy farming sector.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has regular discussions with the National Farmers Union of Scotland and Dairy UK on issues affecting the dairy sector. I have also had recent discussions with the retail sector regarding dairy and the need to ensure that producers receive a fair price for their milk. \r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-21T15:08:22.9","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274995,"EventID":"S4W-08822","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1759,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-24T15:08:23.01","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-24T10:21:14.58","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government what discussions it has had regarding the introduction of pricing formulae for the sale of dairy products.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what discussions it has had regarding the introduction of pricing formulae for the sale of dairy products.","AnswerText":"I met with Jim Paice, Defra Farming Minister and the other Devolved Administration Ministers, Alun Davies, Deputy Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries, Food and European Programmes, Welsh Government and Michelle O'Neill, Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, DARD (Department of Agriculture and Rural Development), Northern Ireland at the Royal Welsh Show last month where we discussed a range of dairy issues, including the need for a Price Formula for the sale of dairy products. This is one of the specific issues that are included in the voluntary code of practice that is currently being negotiated.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-21T15:08:23.01","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274996,"EventID":"S4W-08823","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1759,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-24T15:08:23.087","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-24T10:21:14.58","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government what form the review of the voluntary code of practice for the dairy industry will take after the 12-month trial period and who will lead the review.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what form the review of the voluntary code of practice for the dairy industry will take after the 12-month trial period and who will lead the review.\r\n","AnswerText":"Farmers unions and milk processors have agreed a Heads of Agreement on a voluntary code of practice. The final points will be negotiated this month. The code will be reviewed after the first year to assess its effectiveness and compliance. An independent chair/arbitrator will be appointed if agreed by both parties.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-21T15:08:23.087","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274997,"EventID":"S4W-08824","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-24T15:08:23.183","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-24T12:04:47.033","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-08472 by Keith Brown on 2 July 2012, to what timescale it is referring in using the term \"in due course\".\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-08472 by Keith Brown on 2 July 2012, to what timescale it is referring in using the term \"in due course\".\r\n","AnswerText":"The new contract for the Northern Isles ferry services will be published on the Transport Scotland website later this summer.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-21T15:08:23.183","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274998,"EventID":"S4W-08825","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-24T15:08:23.26","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-24T12:04:47.033","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government what guidance it has issued to local authorities on school reform since the Commission on the Delivery of Rural Education was established.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what guidance it has issued to local authorities on school reform since the Commission on the Delivery of Rural Education was established.","AnswerText":"The Commission on the Delivery of Rural Education was established on 7 July 2011. Since that date the Scottish Government has issued no formal guidance to local authorities on school reform.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-21T15:08:23.277","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":274999,"EventID":"S4W-08826","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-24T15:08:23.37","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-24T12:04:47.033","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government what the justification is for composite secondary classes under the Curriculum for Excellence framework.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the justification is for composite secondary classes under the Curriculum for Excellence framework.\r\n","AnswerText":"Curriculum for Excellence gives local authorities and schools the freedom and flexibility to design and deliver the curriculum in a way which best meets the needs of their local contexts and learners. This includes the development of individual curriculum models which take into account the expertise and resources available in a school. As a result we expect to see a range of different class structures in secondary schools.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-21T15:08:23.37","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275000,"EventID":"S4W-08827","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-24T15:08:23.463","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-24T12:04:47.033","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government whether there are plans to reimburse qualifying patient travel costs for counselling appointments.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether there are plans to reimburse qualifying patient travel costs for counselling appointments.","AnswerText":"There are currently two schemes in place to assist patients with the cost of travel to hospital in Scotland. The first is a means tested scheme to help those in receipt of certain DWP (Department for Work and Pensions) benefits; and the second a non-means tested scheme to help patients that reside in the Highlands and Islands area.\r\nTherefore, patients attending hospital for counselling appointments may qualify for assistance under one of those schemes.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-21T15:08:23.463","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275001,"EventID":"S4W-08828","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-24T15:08:23.54","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-24T12:04:47.033","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government for what reason (a) double and (b) triple duty nurses are being asked to select only one area of speciality and what is being done to cover any resulting gaps in rural p","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government for what reason (a) double and (b) triple duty nurses are being asked to select only one area of speciality and what is being done to cover any resulting gaps in rural provision.","AnswerText":"Clinical standards, professional regulation requirements, and public expectations of quality have all increased in recent years and the idea that a single professional could have all the skills required to look after patients with complex chronic conditions and multiple nursing needs, as well as give skilled ante natal, intra-partum, and post natal care has become unrealistic.\r\nEach remote or island community is developing appropriate models to sustain services based on single duty personnel, sometimes covering wider geographical areas, and with greater use of telemedicine where appropriate.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-21T15:08:23.54","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275002,"EventID":"S4W-08829","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-24T15:08:23.633","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-24T12:04:47.033","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government what it is doing to help recruit junior doctors in (a) Shetland, (b) Orkney and (c) the Western Isles.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what it is doing to help recruit junior doctors in (a) Shetland, (b) Orkney and (c) the Western Isles.","AnswerText":"Recruitment of secondary care junior doctors is coordinated by NHS Education for Scotland (NES) through the Scottish Medical Training process. GP and Foundation trainees are recruited through the national UK recruitment processes.\r\nIn addition NES has, in partnership with the north of Scotland territorial health boards, offered a “Rural-track GP Specialty Training” option from August 2012. This is designed to offer an attractive rurally based training option to junior doctors.\r\nNES has developed a marketing strategy aimed at helping recruitment to remote and rural areas of Scotland. This can be viewed at www.mmc.scot.nhs.uk/living-and-working-in-scotland/remote-and-rural.asp.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-21T15:08:23.633","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275020,"EventID":"S4W-08830","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":131,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-25T15:18:19","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-24T15:26:29.36","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government what new train services will be introduced as a result of the Paisley Rail Corridor Improvements and what the timescale for these services will be.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what new train services will be introduced as a result of the Paisley Rail Corridor Improvements and what the timescale for these services will be.\r\n","AnswerText":"From December 2012, there will be four trains per hour between Glasgow Central and Ayr, an increase of two, one of which will terminate at Irvine between off peak periods.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-22T15:18:19.107","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275021,"EventID":"S4W-08834","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2673,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":114,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-25T15:18:19.217","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-24T15:32:28","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government how it encourages healthier levels of salt consumption.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it encourages healthier levels of salt consumption.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government and the Food Standards Agency (FSA) in Scotland are encouraging food businesses to meet the FSA’s 2012 salt targets. These targets are set for around 80 categories of processed foods contributing most salt in the diet.\r\nThe Scottish Government is currently funding a technical manager post, hosted by the Scottish Food and Drink Federation, to help small and medium-sized enterprises in Scotland to reformulate their products and reduce levels of salt, fats and sugars.\r\nPublic health advice to consumers about eating a healthy balanced diet includes messages about the importance of reducing salt intake for health reasons and includes advice about choosing foods that are low in salt.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-22T15:18:19.217","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275022,"EventID":"S4W-08835","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-25T15:18:19.297","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-24T15:59:40","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-05741 by John Swinney on 5 March 2012, whether it plans to remain a living-wage employer for the remainder of the current parliame","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-05741 by John Swinney on 5 March 2012, whether it plans to remain a living-wage employer for the remainder of the current parliamentary session.\r\n","AnswerText":"Yes.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-22T15:18:19.297","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275023,"EventID":"S4W-08836","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-25T15:18:19.39","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-24T15:59:40","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it considers that the living wage should be adjusted annually in line with inflation.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it considers that the living wage should be adjusted annually in line with inflation.\r\n","AnswerText":"Yes.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-22T15:18:19.39","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275024,"EventID":"S4W-08837","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1793,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-25T15:18:19.467","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-25T10:11:23.127","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government how much land is held in commonty.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much land is held in commonty.\r\n","AnswerText":"There are no statistics available for the amount of land in Scotland held in commonty, however, it is likely to be a very small amount.\r\nOne of the difficulties with identifying such land is that the title deeds will not necessarily expressly convey a proprietary right of commonty. In past cases of doubt, the nature of the possession has been an important factor. \r\nThe Land Register is a modern, map-based register of title, managed and maintained by the Keeper of the Registers of Scotland. On first registration of an area of land in that register, the Keeper will examine the prior title deeds as well as other evidence submitted by, or on behalf of, the applicant for registration. If an applicant considered that their primary property carried with it a proprietary right of commonty in other land, they could include evidence to that effect in their application. The Keeper is not aware of any land held as commonty being registered in the Land Register.\r\nAccordingly, the titles to any land that remains held as commonty are likely to be recorded in the General Register of Sasines. This register, which has been in operation since 1617, is a register of deeds and holds only the information set out in those deeds. Therefore, it is unlikely that land held as commonty could be identified from the Register of Sasines alone.\r\nParliament recently passed the Land Registration etc. (Scotland) Act 2012 that will ultimately allow for the completion of the Land Register, replacing the Register of Sasines. It will provide better, clearer information on ownership of all land in Scotland. \r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-22T15:18:19.483","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275025,"EventID":"S4W-08838","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1793,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-25T15:18:19.56","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-25T10:11:23.127","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it plans to repeal the Division of Commonties Act 1695.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it plans to repeal the Division of Commonties Act 1695.","AnswerText":"There are no plans at present to repeal the Division of Commonties Act 1695. The act allows an area of commonty to be divided amongst the owners either where holding the land as commonty no longer suits the parties or to allow enclosure and cultivation of the land. In modern common ownership, a similar end may be achieved by an action of division or sale. \r\nThe Scottish Government is aware that the act has not been used recently, however, it continues to provide a right to any remaining owners of commonty to continue to hold their land in the way that suits them. It is therefore not desirable to remove this right from the owners of commonty. \r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-22T15:18:19.56","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275026,"EventID":"S4W-08839","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5079,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-25T15:18:19.64","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-25T11:33:31.65","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government what meetings the (a) First and (b) Deputy First Minister have held with the UK Government to discuss equal or same-sex marriage and which UK ministers attended.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what meetings the (a) First and (b) Deputy First Minister have held with the UK Government to discuss equal or same-sex marriage and which UK ministers attended.\r\n","AnswerText":"This issue has been taken forward by officials. The Deputy First Minister will discuss with her UK counterparts as and when required.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-22T15:18:19.64","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275027,"EventID":"S4W-08849","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-25T15:18:19.717","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-25T11:51:11.97","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government when it will provide a substantive answer to question S4W-04757, which received a holding response from Angela Constance on 18 January 2012.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when it will provide a substantive answer to question S4W-04757, which received a holding response from Angela Constance on 18 January 2012.\r\n","AnswerText":"A substantive answer to question S4W-04757 was provided on 19 January 2012.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-22T15:18:19.717","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angela Constance","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275028,"EventID":"S4W-08873","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2892,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-25T15:18:19.793","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-25T12:38:51.57","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government what changes to equality legislation it considers desirable before introducing same-sex marriage and whether the UK Government has agreed to make these changes.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what changes to equality legislation it considers desirable before introducing same-sex marriage and whether the UK Government has agreed to make these changes.","AnswerText":"Our view is that an amendment to the Equality Act 2010 is required to give certainty on protection for individual celebrants taking a different view from a religious body that does agree to conduct same sex marriage. We will work with the UK Government to secure agreement to such an amendment before the formal introduction of a bill to the Scottish Parliament, with a view to it being in place before the legislation comes into force.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-22T15:18:19.81","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275029,"EventID":"S4W-08874","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2892,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-25T15:18:19.887","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-25T12:38:51.57","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government whether its proposed bill on same-sex marriage will also provide for mixed-sex civil partnerships.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether its proposed bill on same-sex marriage will also provide for mixed-sex civil partnerships.\r\n","AnswerText":"No.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-22T15:18:19.887","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275030,"EventID":"S4W-08875","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2892,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-25T15:18:19.967","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-25T12:38:51.57","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government whether its proposed bill on same-sex marriage will provide for a period during which same-sex couples may convert a civil partnership into a marriage.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether its proposed bill on same-sex marriage will provide for a period during which same-sex couples may convert a civil partnership into a marriage.","AnswerText":"Paragraph 3.43 of the last consultation noted that “If Scotland should introduce same sex marriage, some existing civil partners may wish to convert their partnership into a marriage”. Paragraph 3.44 noted that the detail “will be included in the consultation on any draft Bill”. That remains our position.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-22T15:18:19.967","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275031,"EventID":"S4W-08876","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2892,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-25T15:18:51.137","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-25T12:38:51.57","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government whether its proposed bill on same-sex marriage will ensure that married or civilly partnered transgender people are not required to divorce or dissolve their partnership","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether its proposed bill on same-sex marriage will ensure that married or civilly partnered transgender people are not required to divorce or dissolve their partnership before re-registering their gender.","AnswerText":"Paragraph 3.42 of the consultation on the registration of civil partnerships and same sex marriage said: “If Scotland should move to introduce same sex marriage, then, in future, there would be no need in law for transgender people to divorce before obtaining the full gender recognition certificate. The marriage could just continue. Transgender people and their spouses would still be able to divorce, if they wished to do so, and the issue of an interim certificate under the Gender Recognition Act would still be a ground for divorce”.\r\nThe government appreciates that similar issues also arise in relation to people in a civil partnership who are acquiring a new gender under the Gender Recognition Act. We will include details on these points in the next consultation on same sex marriage, due to issue later this year.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-22T15:18:51.137","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275040,"EventID":"S4W-08815","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-26T13:51:53.57","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-22T17:54:52","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government how the Care Inspectorate ensures that the social work component of home care for older people is inspected.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how the Care Inspectorate ensures that the social work component of home care for older people is inspected.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-08816 on 23 August 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-23T13:51:53.867","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275041,"EventID":"S4W-08816","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-26T13:51:53.96","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-22T17:54:52","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government how the pathway of care provision for older people that is provided by (a) GPs, (b) the NHS, (c) social work departments and (d) (i) integrated and (ii) individual care ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how the pathway of care provision for older people that is provided by (a) GPs, (b) the NHS, (c) social work departments and (d) (i) integrated and (ii) individual care providers is inspected.\r\n","AnswerText":"Integrated working between health and social care scrutiny bodies is important in assuring the quality of care, including that of older people. This joined up working will continue to be important as we move towards the integration of health and social care.\r\nThe Public Services Reform (Scotland) Act 2010 provides for a range of powers to enable multi-agency and joint inspections to take place and the Care Inspectorate, Healthcare Improvement Scotland (HIS) and other scrutiny bodies have a duty to co-operate and co-ordinate their activity to improve the scrutiny of health and social care services.\r\n(a) GPs\r\nHealth boards are required to ensure that care provided to older people by GPs is consistent with their contractual requirements and the General Medical Council’s Good Medical Practice. Under the Quality and Outcomes Framework or enhanced services elements of the GP contract, boards may also have specific pathways identified detailing care of the elderly, and these would be monitored as part of the contract review process.\r\n(b) NHS\r\nHIS is responsible for supporting, ensuring and monitoring the quality of NHS care, including that of older people. HIS is required by law to prepare an inspection plan which is approved by Scottish ministers. The 2012-13 plan focuses on a range of areas including, the Healthcare Environment Inspectorate, assuring the Care of Older People in Acute Hospitals, independent Healthcare Regulation, Scrutiny of Children’s Services and Inspections of Healthcare in Prisons. The plan will include both announced and unannounced inspections.\r\n(c) Social Work departments  \r\nThe Care Inspectorate ensures that the social work component of all regulated care services, including home care for older people, is inspected in two ways: at local authority level as part of the wider scrutiny of local authority services and at individual registered care service level to inspect the quality of care delivered by individual service providers, including local authorities.\r\n(d) (i) Integrated\r\nOn 8 May 2012 I launched a consultation (http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2012/05/6469) on proposals for integration of adult health and social care.\r\nThe Scottish Government recognises that effective collaborative working with external scrutiny partners will be important, and will work with the Care Inspectorate, HIS and the Mental Welfare Commission to ensure an appropriately integrated approach to reviewing the quality of service and outcomes is achieved.\r\n(d) (ii) Individual Care Providers\r\nThe Care Inspectorate undertakes annual unannounced inspections of certain services for the elderly, including home care. The Care Inspectorate inspects the quality of the care services provided to individuals, including whether the package of care agreed with the social work care manager and recorded in the single shared assessment is indeed being delivered and regularly reviewed and whether it results in positive outcomes for individual service users. The inspection process also includes consulting with individuals in receipt of the care service, their carers and relatives and other professionals such as GPs to seek wider views about the quality of service being offered.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-23T13:51:53.96","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275042,"EventID":"S4W-08817","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-26T13:51:54.037","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-22T17:54:52","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government which agency is responsible for inspecting NHS care services for older people.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government which agency is responsible for inspecting NHS care services for older people.\r\n","AnswerText":"Healthcare Improvement Scotland is responsible for supporting, ensuring and monitoring the quality of NHS care, including that of older people.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-23T13:51:54.053","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275043,"EventID":"S4W-08840","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":131,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-26T13:51:54.117","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-24T16:38:32","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government what the cost is of each component of the Edinburgh Glasgow Improvement Programme announced on 4 July 2012 and over what period these costs will be incurred.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the cost is of each component of the Edinburgh Glasgow Improvement Programme announced on 4 July 2012 and over what period these costs will be incurred.","AnswerText":"The budget for the programme is £650 million and will be delivered within the next control period (2014-19). The breakdown of this cost is commercially sensitive.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-23T13:51:54.13","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275044,"EventID":"S4W-08841","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":131,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-26T13:51:54.21","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-24T16:38:32","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government what the cost estimate was for rail electrification to Stirling, Dunblane and Alloa proposed in the original Edinburgh Glasgow Improvement Programme.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the cost estimate was for rail electrification to Stirling, Dunblane and Alloa proposed in the original Edinburgh Glasgow Improvement Programme.\r\n","AnswerText":"The budget estimate for electrification of Stirling, Dunblane and Alloa routes is around £95 million.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-23T13:51:54.21","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275045,"EventID":"S4W-08842","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":131,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-26T13:51:54.287","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-24T16:38:32","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government what costs the Edinburgh Glasgow Improvement Programme had incurred before 4 July 2012.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what costs the Edinburgh Glasgow Improvement Programme had incurred before 4 July 2012.","AnswerText":"The costs incurred before 4 July 2012 were circa £70 million, including construction, feasibility, outline design and management costs.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-23T13:51:54.287","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275046,"EventID":"S4W-08843","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":131,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-26T13:51:54.367","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-24T16:38:32","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government what costs the Edinburgh Glasgow Improvement Programme has incurred on rail improvement schemes that are not included in the programme announced on 4 July 2012.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what costs the Edinburgh Glasgow Improvement Programme has incurred on rail improvement schemes that are not included in the programme announced on 4 July 2012.\r\n","AnswerText":"We remain committed to the Edinburgh Glasgow Improvement Programme.\r\nWe are unable to provide a breakdown of costs by individual projects of the programme, however, the costs incurred across the Programme before 4 July 2012 were circa £70 million.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-23T13:51:54.367","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275047,"EventID":"S4W-08844","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":131,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-26T13:51:54.443","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-24T16:38:32","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government what components of the original Edinburgh Glasgow Improvement Programme will not be progressed before (a) 2017 and (b) 2020.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what components of the original Edinburgh Glasgow Improvement Programme will not be progressed before (a) 2017 and (b) 2020.\r\n","AnswerText":"The first phase announced on 4 July will be delivered within the next Control Period (2014-19).\r\nFurther elements of EGIP including the electrification of Stirling, Dunblane and Alloa services, Glasgow connectivity with Edinburgh Gateway station and the proposal for 6 trains per hour on the route via Falkirk, could be delivered in future phases. The timing and specification of future phases will be dependent on other considerations including High Speed Rail, and opportunities that presents to connect Edinburgh and Glasgow, and wider capacity and affordability issues.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-23T13:51:54.443","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275048,"EventID":"S4W-08845","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":131,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-26T13:51:54.537","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-24T16:38:32","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government what sections of rail track will be electrified in each year until 2020.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what sections of rail track will be electrified in each year until 2020.","AnswerText":"We are committed to the electrification of the rail network as set out in our High Level Output Specification published on 21 June 2012, which requires Network Rail to develop and implement a rolling programme of electrification that will cover around 100 single track kilometres per annum following completion of Phase 1 of the Edinburgh to Glasgow Improvements Programme.\r\nSpecific routes are to be agreed with the Scottish ministers in advance, and are expected to include the Glasgow to Edinburgh via Shotts and Rutherglen to Coatbridge and Whifflet lines.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-23T13:51:54.537","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275049,"EventID":"S4W-08846","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":131,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-26T13:51:54.677","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-24T16:38:32","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government whether the Scottish Futures Trust's 2011-12 benefits statement is publicly available and, if so, where.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether the Scottish Futures Trust's 2011-12 benefits statement is publicly available and, if so, where.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Futures Trust’s Benefits Statement for 2011-12 along with all supporting documentation is available from the SFT website by way of the following link http://www.scottishfuturestrust.org.uk/publications/benefits/.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-23T13:51:54.693","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275050,"EventID":"S4W-08847","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":131,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-26T13:51:54.77","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-24T16:38:32","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government whether the £131 million of savings reported by the Scottish Futures Trust in its 2011-12 benefits statement was independently verified and, if so, by what organisation.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether the £131 million of savings reported by the Scottish Futures Trust in its 2011-12 benefits statement was independently verified and, if so, by what organisation.\r\n","AnswerText":"I have asked Barry White, Chief Executive of the Scottish Futures Trust to respond. His response is as follows: \r\nThe Scottish Futures Trust arranged for independent validation of the 2011-12 Benefits Statement from the London School of Economics as well as Grant Thornton, a leading financial and business advisor with relevant experience in infrastructure investment in Scotland.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-23T13:51:54.787","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275051,"EventID":"S4W-08848","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":131,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-26T13:51:54.85","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-24T16:38:32","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government for which public sector organisations the Scottish Futures Trust achieved £131 million of savings in 2011-12 and how much each organisation saved.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government for which public sector organisations the Scottish Futures Trust achieved £131 million of savings in 2011-12 and how much each organisation saved.","AnswerText":"I have asked Barry White, Chief Executive of the Scottish Futures Trust (SFT) to respond. His response is as follows: \r\nOver the past 12 months, a total of £131.4 million of benefits and savings have been secured by the Scottish Futures Trust, made up of a variety of elements including efficiency gains, additional investment, avoided costs and by undertaking regular project reviews to bring about better value for money.\r\nSFT works on a wide variety of Scotland-wide infrastructure programmes such as the National Housing Trust, Scotland’s Schools for the Future, Asset Management and hub and the format SFT’s annual Benefits Statement follows is on a project rather than organisation approach.\r\nFor example, SFT is working with numerous councils across Scotland to deliver the National Housing Trust (NHT) initiative. So far, over 600 affordable homes for rent are currently under construction, helping to protect over 700 jobs in the house building sector. In effect, without NHT, these homes would not have been built. In response to demand, SFT launched Phase 2 of the NHT initiative late last year.\r\nAdditionally, SFT is working with every single local authority across Scotland to drive forward the Scottish Government’s £1.25 billion Scotland's Schools for the Future programme. SFT’s role is to efficiently and effectively manage the programme to help local authorities achieve the very best value for money for their investment in new schools. Such has been SFT’s success in this area that an additional 12 schools are to be built from within the existing budget.\r\nDetails of SFT’s work along with the associated benefits are available from the SFT website by way of the following link.\r\nhttp://www.scottishfuturestrust.org.uk/publications/2011-2012-benefits-statement-supporting-material/.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-23T13:51:54.863","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275052,"EventID":"S4W-08850","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2595,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-26T13:51:54.943","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-25T12:13:10.707","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government what (a) correspondence and (b) meetings it had with HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) regarding the land and buildings transaction tax prior to deciding not to choose HMRC ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what (a) correspondence and (b) meetings it had with HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) regarding the land and buildings transaction tax prior to deciding not to choose HMRC for its collection.\r\n","AnswerText":"Prior to reaching a decision about the collection of the Land and Buildings Transaction Tax, Scottish Government officials sought and received from HMRC information about the likely costs of collection of a tax “like for like” with Stamp Duty Land Tax. Officials from the Scottish Government and HMRC discussed the request and also HMRC’s response on a number of occasions by phone and in person.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-23T13:51:54.943","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275053,"EventID":"S4W-08852","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2595,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-26T13:51:55.037","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-25T12:13:10.707","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government what discussions it has had with business and industry representatives regarding the creation of Revenue Scotland.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what discussions it has had with business and industry representatives regarding the creation of Revenue Scotland.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-07796 on 20 June 2012.\r\nFurther discussion has taken place during the consultation events on the Land and Buildings Transaction Tax.\r\nAll answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-23T13:51:55.037","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275054,"EventID":"S4W-08853","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2595,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-26T13:51:55.113","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-25T12:13:10.707","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government what evidence supports its statement in Taking forward a Scottish Land and Buildings Transaction Tax that it \"examined carefully the option of contracting the work to [H","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what evidence supports its statement in Taking forward a Scottish Land and Buildings Transaction Tax that it \"examined carefully the option of contracting the work to [HM Revenue and Customs].\" ","AnswerText":"In line with standard practice, Scottish Government officials assessed and evaluated the emerging options for collection of the devolved taxes including estimates based on information from HMRC of the costs of HMRC administering a tax “like for like” with Stamp Duty Land Tax. A copy of cost information has been provided to the Scottish Parliament Information Centre (Bib. number 54051). The Scottish Government opted for the best value for money option. \r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-23T13:51:55.13","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275055,"EventID":"S4W-08854","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2595,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-26T13:51:55.207","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-25T12:13:10.707","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide a breakdown of the cost of establishing Revenue Scotland's IT system.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide a breakdown of the cost of establishing Revenue Scotland's IT system.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the document I have placed in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre (Bib. number 54051).\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-23T13:51:55.207","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275056,"EventID":"S4W-08855","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2595,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-26T13:51:55.287","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-25T12:13:10.707","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government what the cost will be of establishing Revenue Scotland.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the cost will be of establishing Revenue Scotland.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the document I have placed in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre (Bib. number 54051).\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-23T13:51:55.287","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275057,"EventID":"S4W-08856","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2595,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-26T13:51:55.363","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-25T12:13:10.707","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide a breakdown of the projected staffing costs for the (a) setting up and (b) running of Revenue Scotland.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide a breakdown of the projected staffing costs for the (a) setting up and (b) running of Revenue Scotland.\r\n","AnswerText":" refer the member to the document I have placed in the Scottish Parliaments Information Centre (Bib. number 54051).\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-23T13:51:55.363","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275058,"EventID":"S4W-08857","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2595,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-26T13:51:55.457","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-25T12:13:10.707","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide a breakdown of the projected staffing costs for the Registers of Scotland regarding the (a) setting up and (b) running of the systems associated ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide a breakdown of the projected staffing costs for the Registers of Scotland regarding the (a) setting up and (b) running of the systems associated with the collection of the (i) land and buildings transaction tax and (ii) replacement landfill tax.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the document I have placed in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre (Bib. number 54051).\r\nRegisters of Scotland will not be responsible for the collection of the replacement for Landfill Tax; that responsibility lies with the Scottish Environment Protection Agency.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-23T13:51:55.457","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275059,"EventID":"S4W-08858","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2595,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-26T13:51:55.537","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-25T12:13:10.707","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide a breakdown of the projected non-staffing costs for the Registers of Scotland regarding the (a) setting up and (b) running of the systems associa","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide a breakdown of the projected non-staffing costs for the Registers of Scotland regarding the (a) setting up and (b) running of the systems associated with the collection of the (i) land and buildings transaction tax and (ii) replacement landfill tax.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the document I have placed in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre, (Bib number 54051).\r\nRegisters of Scotland will not be responsible for the collection of the replacement for Landfill Tax; that responsibility lies with the Scottish Environment Protection Agency.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-23T13:51:55.55","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275060,"EventID":"S4W-08859","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2595,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-26T13:51:55.63","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-25T12:13:10.707","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide a breakdown of the projected non-staffing costs for the (a) setting up and (b) running of Revenue Scotland.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide a breakdown of the projected non-staffing costs for the (a) setting up and (b) running of Revenue Scotland.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the document I have placed in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre (Bib number 54051).\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-23T13:51:55.63","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275061,"EventID":"S4W-08860","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2595,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-26T13:51:55.707","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-25T12:13:10.707","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide a breakdown of the projected staffing costs for the Scottish Environment Protection Agency regarding the (a) setting up and (b) running of the sy","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide a breakdown of the projected staffing costs for the Scottish Environment Protection Agency regarding the (a) setting up and (b) running of the systems associated with the collection of the (i) land and buildings transaction tax and (ii) replacement landfill tax.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the document I have placed in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre (Bib. number 54051). The Scottish Environment Protection Agency will not have responsibility for collection of the land and buildings transaction tax.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-23T13:51:55.723","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275062,"EventID":"S4W-08861","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2595,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-26T13:51:55.783","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-25T12:13:10.707","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide a breakdown of the projected non-staffing costs for the Scottish Environment Protection Agency regarding the (a) setting up and (b) running of th","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide a breakdown of the projected non-staffing costs for the Scottish Environment Protection Agency regarding the (a) setting up and (b) running of the systems associated with the collection of the (i) land and buildings transaction tax and (ii) replacement landfill tax.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the document I have placed in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre (Bib. number 54051). The Scottish Environment Protection Agency will not have responsibility for collection of the land and buildings transaction tax.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-23T13:51:55.8","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275063,"EventID":"S4W-08862","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2595,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-26T13:51:55.88","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-25T12:13:10.707","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government what the cost of pensions for Revenue Scotland staff will be.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the cost of pensions for Revenue Scotland staff will be.\r\n","AnswerText":"The pension costs of Revenue Scotland staff are expected to be aligned with the pension costs of Scottish Government staff. These costs are included in the projected costs for Revenue Scotland that I have placed in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre (Bib. number 54051).\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-23T13:51:55.88","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275064,"EventID":"S4W-08863","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2595,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-26T13:51:55.973","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-25T12:13:10.707","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government what the remuneration of Revenue Scotland's most senior employee will be.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the remuneration of Revenue Scotland's most senior employee will be.\r\n","AnswerText":"Estimated staff costs for Revenue Scotland are set out in the document I placed in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre (Bib. number 54051). Remuneration will be set in line with the Scottish Government’s pay policy.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-23T13:51:55.973","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275065,"EventID":"S4W-08864","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2595,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-26T13:51:56.05","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-25T12:13:10.707","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government how many compliance officers Revenue Scotland will have.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many compliance officers Revenue Scotland will have.\r\n","AnswerText":"The staffing structure for Revenue Scotland will be finalised in due course.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-23T13:51:56.05","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275066,"EventID":"S4W-08865","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2595,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-26T13:51:56.127","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-25T12:13:10.707","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government how Revenue Scotland will tackle tax evasion.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how Revenue Scotland will tackle tax evasion.\r\n","AnswerText":"The issue of tax evasion is one that I take most seriously.\r\nThe Scottish Government will consult on appropriate measures to combat tax evasion as part of the consultation on tax management that I have announced for later this year.\r\nRevenue Scotland will work with the relevant authorities including the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service to tackle tax evasion. It will also work closely with HMRC where appropriate.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-23T13:51:56.127","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275067,"EventID":"S4W-08866","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2595,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-26T13:51:56.207","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-25T12:13:10.707","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government how much it will spend on recruitment for Revenue Scotland.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much it will spend on recruitment for Revenue Scotland.\r\n","AnswerText":"Costs for recruitment to Revenue Scotland are included within the estimated staff costs, set out in the document that I have placed in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre (Bib. number 54051). Any recruitment will be carried out in line with Scottish Government policy.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-23T13:51:56.207","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275068,"EventID":"S4W-08867","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2595,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-26T13:51:56.3","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-25T12:13:10.707","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government what the annual property costs for Revenue Scotland will be.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the annual property costs for Revenue Scotland will be.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the estimated costs of Revenue Scotland which I have placed in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre (Bib. number 54051).\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-23T13:51:56.3","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275069,"EventID":"S4W-08868","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2595,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-26T13:51:56.377","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-25T12:13:10.707","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government how many offices Revenue Scotland will have.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many offices Revenue Scotland will have.\r\n","AnswerText":"It is anticipated that Revenue Scotland, once set up, will be based initially on the existing Scottish Government estate.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-23T13:51:56.393","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275070,"EventID":"S4W-08869","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2595,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-26T13:51:56.47","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-25T12:13:10.707","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government what the budget for designing Revenue Scotland's (a) logo and (b) other branding materials will be.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the budget for designing Revenue Scotland's (a) logo and (b) other branding materials will be.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the estimated costs for Revenue Scotland which I have placed in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre (Bib. number 54051). This document sets out the anticipated staff and non-staff costs.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-23T13:51:56.47","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275071,"EventID":"S4W-08870","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2595,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-26T13:51:56.55","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-25T12:13:10.707","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government what modelling it has carried out of the costs of Revenue Scotland.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what modelling it has carried out of the costs of Revenue Scotland.\r\n","AnswerText":"A full analysis of the anticipated costs of Revenue Scotland has been carried out. These are set out in the document I have placed in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre (Bib. number 54051).\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-23T13:51:56.55","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275072,"EventID":"S4W-08871","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2595,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-26T13:51:56.627","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-25T12:13:10.707","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government whether its projected (a) set-up and (b) running costs of Revenue Scotland have been verified independently.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether its projected (a) set-up and (b) running costs of Revenue Scotland have been verified independently.\r\n","AnswerText":"The projected costs for Revenue Scotland have been estimated in line with usual procedures.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-23T13:51:56.627","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275073,"EventID":"S4W-08872","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2595,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-26T13:51:56.707","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-25T12:13:10.707","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government what the legal costs of setting up Revenue Scotland will be.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the legal costs of setting up Revenue Scotland will be.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the document I have placed in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre (Bib. number 54051) which sets out the projected costs of Revenue Scotland.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-23T13:51:56.707","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275074,"EventID":"S4W-08877","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5079,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-26T13:51:56.8","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-25T15:16:21.49","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it has set a date for completion of Scottish Natural Heritage’s updated wild land mapping.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it has set a date for completion of Scottish Natural Heritage’s updated wild land mapping.\r\n","AnswerText":"Scottish Natural Heritage is continuing to take forward its work on wild land mapping, the next phase of which will be completed in the autumn. A specific date has not been set for its completion.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-23T13:51:56.8","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275075,"EventID":"S4W-08878","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5079,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-26T13:51:56.877","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-25T15:16:21.49","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government how it recognises the contribution that wild places make toward promoting Scotland as a location for hill walking and wildlife tourism.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it recognises the contribution that wild places make toward promoting Scotland as a location for hill walking and wildlife tourism.\r\n","AnswerText":"Wildlife tourism and hill walking are valuable niche markets within the tourism industry in Scotland. The industry-led tourism strategy “Tourism Scotland 2020” identifies “nature, heritage and activities” as one of four groups of key assets that the industry will use in targeting the markets that offer Scotland the greatest growth potential.\r\nRecognising the importance of these assets, 2013 has been designated as our Year of Natural Scotland, a year in which we will celebrate Scotland's reputation as a place of outstanding natural beauty with a landscape and biodiversity to engage with and enjoy responsibly. In the run up to, and during, the year we will focus on promoting the activities, including wildlife tourism and walking, available in Scotland’s natural tourism attractions and will inspire the people of Scotland and our visitors to experience and participate in Scotland’s natural heritage at festivals and events, natural tourism attractions and outdoor locations.\r\nIn addition to this, the ninth guide in the (free) Tourism Intelligence Scotland “Opportunities for Growth” series was published in July and provides key intelligence on the wildlife tourism sector, as well as offering advice on how business can ensure that wildlife enthusiasts have the best experience possible. The guide, produced by Highland and Island Enterprise, Scottish Enterprise and VisitScotland (in partnership with Scottish Natural Heritage, Forestry Commission Scotland and Wild Scotland) is available at http://www.tourism-intelligence.co.uk/.\r\nAs well as a dedicated ‘walking’ section on their website, VisitScotland also produce (in association with Forestry Commission Scotland) the “Walk in Scotland. Scotland. Created for Walking 2012” guide available at http://www.visitscotland.com/see-do/activities/walking/.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-23T13:51:56.893","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275076,"EventID":"S4W-08879","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5079,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-26T13:51:56.97","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-25T15:16:21.49","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government what analysis it has made of the tourism value to rural Scotland of a new landscape designation.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what analysis it has made of the tourism value to rural Scotland of a new landscape designation.","AnswerText":"Scottish ministers are not considering a new landscape designation for Scotland.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-23T13:51:56.97","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275077,"EventID":"S4W-08880","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2066,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-26T13:51:57.05","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-25T15:37:13","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-08558 by Keith Brown on 19 July 2012, when it will publish the scoping information and in what format.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-08558 by Keith Brown on 19 July 2012, when it will publish the scoping information and in what format.\r\n","AnswerText":"The terms of reference for the Gourock to Dunoon ferry service feasibility study of a future passenger and vehicle service with the vehicle portion being non-subsidised will be published in full once they are finalised. We expect them to be available shortly.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-23T13:51:57.05","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275078,"EventID":"S4W-08881","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2066,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-26T13:51:57.157","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-25T15:37:13","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government what discussions it has had with the EU regarding the tendering process for CalMac ferry routes and whether these have included delaying the process.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what discussions it has had with the EU regarding the tendering process for CalMac ferry routes and whether these have included delaying the process.\r\n","AnswerText":"There has been no recent discussion with the EU regarding the tendering process for the next Clyde and Hebrides ferry services contract.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-23T13:51:57.157","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275079,"EventID":"S4W-08882","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2066,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-26T13:51:57.25","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-25T15:37:13","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-08557 by Keith Brown on 19 July 2012, whether all ministers agree that “[Argyll Ferries Ltd] is delivering the services specified ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-08557 by Keith Brown on 19 July 2012, whether all ministers agree that “[Argyll Ferries Ltd] is delivering the services specified by the contract”.\r\n","AnswerText":"As set out in the response to question S4W-08557, Argyll Ferries Ltd are delivering the services specified by the contract. Scottish ministers are maintaining a close interest in the delivery of these services as Argyll Ferries Ltd continue to take steps to improve their operation.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-23T13:51:57.25","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275080,"EventID":"S4W-08883","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":81,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-26T13:51:57.33","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-25T15:44:16","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government what guidance it gives to the NHS regarding the timing of and intervals between meals and other refreshments provided for patients.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what guidance it gives to the NHS regarding the timing of and intervals between meals and other refreshments provided for patients.\r\n","AnswerText":"The information requested is already in the public domain and is available on the following Healthcare Improvement Scotland website:\r\nhttp://www.healthcareimprovementscotland.org/programmes/patient_safety/improving_nutritional_care.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-23T13:51:57.33","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275081,"EventID":"S4W-08884","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":81,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-26T13:51:57.407","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-25T15:44:16","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government what guidance it gives to the NHS regarding assessing patients’ needs for assistance with eating and drinking and ensuring that such assistance is provided.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what guidance it gives to the NHS regarding assessing patients’ needs for assistance with eating and drinking and ensuring that such assistance is provided.","AnswerText":"The information requested is in the public domain and available on the following Healthcare Improvement Scotland website: \r\nhttp://www.healthcareimprovementscotland.org/programmes/patient_safety/improving_nutritional_care.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-23T13:51:57.407","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275082,"EventID":"S4W-08885","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2876,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-26T13:51:57.487","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-25T16:34:19","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government how much food waste is produced by schools annually.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much food waste is produced by schools annually.","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally but may be collected by local education authorities.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-23T13:51:57.5","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alasdair Allan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275083,"EventID":"S4W-08886","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2876,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-26T13:51:57.58","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-25T16:34:19","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government what action it is taking to reduce the amount of food waste produced by schools.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what action it is taking to reduce the amount of food waste produced by schools.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government is acting on a number of fronts to tackle food waste in schools in line with our Zero Waste Plan approach of managing resources to support a low-carbon economy in which organisations, including schools, and businesses make efficient use of materials.\r\nOur delivery programme, Zero Waste Scotland, has recently launched a voluntary agreement, targeting reductions in food and packaging waste from the hospitality and food service industries, including schools and their contract catering service providers. In addition, Zero Waste Scotland promotes the Love Food Hate Waste campaign through a network of regional partners and community organisations, helping to raise awareness of the issue of food waste, including frequent engagement in schools.\r\nThe Waste (Scotland) Regulations 2012 will, from January 2014, require schools involved in the processing, distribution or preparation of food to take all reasonable steps to ensure the separate collection of food waste, with the exception of schools in rural areas.\r\nIn 2011 the Scottish Government published new guidance on Catering for Change – Buying food sustainably in the public sector and Catering Services (http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2011/01/12154555/0) to ensure that public bodies are guided to create contracts with the maximum opportunity for the public sector to transact with small and medium-sized enterprises and promote the achievement of sustainable development.\r\nSustainable development is an important theme in Curriculum for Excellence and nearly all schools in Scotland are taking part in the Eco-Schools Scotland programme which is supported by the Scottish Government. Local authorities and partners support schools working to minimise waste and a range of initiatives are taken to help schools reduce, re-use and recycle.\r\nWe are also taking forward our manifesto commitment to develop the concept of One Planet Schools which reinforces the importance of whole-school approaches to sustainability, including waste minimisation. Education Scotland has been working in partnership with the Sustainable Scotland Network, Eco Schools, WWF and other partner organisations to support Schools Global Footprinting initiatives in schools.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-23T13:51:57.58","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alasdair Allan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275084,"EventID":"S4W-08887","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2876,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-26T13:51:57.657","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-25T16:34:19","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government what it is doing to encourage the recycling of food waste in schools.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what it is doing to encourage the recycling of food waste in schools.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-08886 on 21 August 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-23T13:51:57.673","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alasdair Allan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275085,"EventID":"S4W-08888","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-26T13:51:57.75","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-26T11:13:14.023","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it has made representations to the UK Government regarding repealing the ban on HIV home-testing kits.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it has made representations to the UK Government regarding repealing the ban on HIV home-testing kits.\r\n","AnswerText":"The sale, supply or advertising of HIV home-testing kits is currently regulated by the HIV Testing Kits and Services Regulations 1992. This legislation is reserved to UK Government. There have been a number of developments in the field of HIV home-testing kits over the last year and the Scottish Government is liaising closely with the UK Department of Health on these issues.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-23T13:51:57.75","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275086,"EventID":"S4W-08889","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":136,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-26T13:51:57.83","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-26T11:42:42","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government how many prisoners have been identified as being on the autism spectrum in each of the last 10 years, also expressed as a percentage.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many prisoners have been identified as being on the autism spectrum in each of the last 10 years, also expressed as a percentage.\r\n","AnswerText":"I have asked Colin McConnell, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service, to respond. His response is as follows:\r\nThis information is not available.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-23T13:51:57.83","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275087,"EventID":"S4W-08890","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":136,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-26T13:51:57.907","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-26T11:42:42","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government what training is given to police officers to identify the signs of autistic spectrum disorders.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what training is given to police officers to identify the signs of autistic spectrum disorders.\r\n","AnswerText":"The training of police officers is an operational matter for Chief Constables. The Association of Chief Police Officers in Scotland have informed me that the probationer training programme includes specific training on autistic spectrum disorders and that further training is provided to all officers during their training on mental health issues.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-23T13:51:57.907","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275088,"EventID":"S4W-08891","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":136,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-26T13:51:57.983","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-26T11:42:42","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government what training is given to prison staff to identify the possibility of prisoners having an autistic spectrum disorder.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what training is given to prison staff to identify the possibility of prisoners having an autistic spectrum disorder.\r\n","AnswerText":"I have asked Colin McConnell, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service, to respond. His response is as follows:\r\nThe Scottish Prison Service does not provide specific training to prison staff to identify the possibility of prisoners having an autistic spectrum disorder.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-23T13:51:57.983","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275089,"EventID":"S4W-08892","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":136,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-26T13:51:58.063","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-26T11:42:42","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government what training is given to (a) sheriffs and (b) judges to identify the possibility of someone appearing before them having an autistic spectrum disorder.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what training is given to (a) sheriffs and (b) judges to identify the possibility of someone appearing before them having an autistic spectrum disorder.","AnswerText":"This question relates to matters that are the responsibility of the Lord President, under his powers within Part 2 of the Judiciary & Courts (Scotland) Act 2008, and for which Scottish ministers are not accountable.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-23T13:51:58.063","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275090,"EventID":"S4W-08893","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":136,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-26T13:51:58.14","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-26T11:42:42","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government what provision is made in the penal system for people who are identified as being on the autism spectrum.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what provision is made in the penal system for people who are identified as being on the autism spectrum.","AnswerText":"I have asked Colin McConnell, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service, to respond. His response is as follows:\r\nHealth professionals conduct a comprehensive health assessment for all prisoners on reception. Responsibility for the delivery of prisoner health care services transferred to NHS health boards in 1 November 2011. SPS will continue to work in partnership with NHS boards to meet the assessed health care needs of prisoners to support rehabilitation.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-23T13:51:58.14","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275091,"EventID":"S4W-08894","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5042,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-26T13:51:58.233","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-26T12:43:01.95","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will receive Barnett consequentials arising from the UK Government's recently announced investment in major rail and transportation infrastructure and, if so,","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will receive Barnett consequentials arising from the UK Government's recently announced investment in major rail and transportation infrastructure and, if so, how much it will (a) receive and (b) spend on rail infrastructure investment projects.","AnswerText":"Scotland will not receive Barnett consequentials arising from the UK Government's announcement. The Scottish Government set out its commitment to investing in rail in the statement to the Parliament on 21 June 2012 and in the High Level Output Specification (HLOS) published on 21 June 2012.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-23T13:51:58.25","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275097,"EventID":"S4W-08897","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4934,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-27T14:54:10.03","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-26T16:57:37","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government how many times the defence of justifiable assault under section 51 of the Criminal Justice (Scotland) Act 2003 has (a) been invoked and (b) resulted in an acquittal in r","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many times the defence of justifiable assault under section 51 of the Criminal Justice (Scotland) Act 2003 has (a) been invoked and (b) resulted in an acquittal in relation to charges of assault on a child under 16.\r\n","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-24T14:54:10.2","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275098,"EventID":"S4W-08899","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":86,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-27T14:54:10.293","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-26T18:01:42","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will establish an endowment fund in the name of Eric Liddell to support young people involved in sport, education and humanitarian work and, if so, whether it","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will establish an endowment fund in the name of Eric Liddell to support young people involved in sport, education and humanitarian work and, if so, whether it considers that such a fund would be an appropriate way to honour his legacy.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government holds the achievements and legacy of Eric Liddell in high regard. The University of Edinburgh has recently launched the Eric Liddell High Performance Sports Scholarships to ensure future generations of university athletes have the opportunity to follow their sporting ambitions, and the Scottish Government is currently discussing with the university options to support this scholarship.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-24T14:54:10.293","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Shona Robison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275099,"EventID":"S4W-08901","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":86,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-27T14:54:10.373","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-26T18:01:42","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on establishing an endowment fund to support young people involved in sport, education and humanitarian work.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on establishing an endowment fund to support young people involved in sport, education and humanitarian work.\r\n","AnswerText":"In 2012-13 we are providing over £3.3 million funding for national youth work and youth citizenship organisations, including YouthLink, Young Scot and the Scottish Youth Parliament. The youth work sector receives an additional valuable boost through the CashBack for Communities Programme. Since the inception of CashBack for Communities in 2007, over £46 million recovered from proceeds of crime has been invested or fully committed to a wide range of community projects and facilities throughout Scotland, directly benefitting over 600,000 young people. Over £9 million of this has been allocated directly to YouthLink and Youth Scotland for disbursement to youth work organisations across Scotland. Scottish Government has no plans to establish a separate endowment fund.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-24T14:54:10.373","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Shona Robison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275100,"EventID":"S4W-08902","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4939,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":78,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-27T14:54:10.45","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-27T09:46:13","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government, in light of the potential impact on the shipbuilding industry in Scotland, what representations it has made to the UK Government regarding the appointment of a Korean s","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, in light of the potential impact on the shipbuilding industry in Scotland, what representations it has made to the UK Government regarding the appointment of a Korean shipbuilder as preferred bidder for Royal Navy ships.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government and its Ministers have taken a direct interest in the Military Afloat Reach & Sustainability (MARS) tankers project from its inception. A number of representations to the UK Government have been made between 2006 and 2012 both publicly and in correspondence.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-24T14:54:10.45","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275101,"EventID":"S4W-08903","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2066,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-27T14:54:10.543","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-27T10:36:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-08319 by Keith Brown on 19 July 2012, what its response is to any concerns that HGVs and other haulage vehicles will be unable to ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-08319 by Keith Brown on 19 July 2012, what its response is to any concerns that HGVs and other haulage vehicles will be unable to use the Old Military Road.\r\n","AnswerText":"Consultants have carried out analysis to ensure HGVs are able to negotiate the whole of the emergency diversion route.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-24T14:54:10.543","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275102,"EventID":"S4W-08911","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2595,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-27T14:54:10.623","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-27T12:08:11.63","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government what its projected figure is for the amount to be collected through non-domestic rates in 2012-13, broken down by month.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its projected figure is for the amount to be collected through non-domestic rates in 2012-13, broken down by month.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has estimated that local authorities will collect non-domestic rates totalling £2,263 million in respect of 2012-13 as set out in Table 16.01 of the Scottish Spending Review 2011 and Draft Budget 2012-13. Non-domestic rates income projections are subject to regular monitoring as part of the normal budget cycle process as more up-to-date data becomes available to check that the forecasts remain on track. If any adjustments for future year estimates are necessary they would be brought to the attention of the parliament and its committees for scrutiny through the budget process.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-24T14:54:10.637","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275103,"EventID":"S4W-08912","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2595,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-27T14:54:10.717","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-27T12:08:11.63","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government how much was collected through non-domestic rates in (a) April, (b) May, (c) June and (d) July 2012.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much was collected through non-domestic rates in (a) April, (b) May, (c) June and (d) July 2012.\r\n","AnswerText":"Non-domestic rates income projections are subject to regular monitoring throughout the course of the financial year as part of the normal budget cycle process as more up-to-date data becomes available to check that the forecasts remain on track. If any adjustments are necessary they would be brought to the attention of the parliament and its committees for scrutiny through the budget process.\r\nThe Scottish Government lays before Parliament an annual Non-Domestic Rating White Paper Account setting out full details of all the sums collected by local authorities and the distributable amounts paid back to local authorities.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-24T14:54:10.717","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275104,"EventID":"S4W-08904","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-30T15:27:44.587","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-27T11:15:09","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government how the backlog of around £17 million in capital work for the Highlands and Islands Fire and Rescue Service, noted in the report, Best Value in fire and rescue services ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how the backlog of around £17 million in capital work for the Highlands and Islands Fire and Rescue Service, noted in the report, Best Value in fire and rescue services in Scotland: Overview report, will be addressed prior to the formation of the single fire service.","AnswerText":"As was highlighted by Audit Scotland in their Best Value review of Highlands and Islands, the Scottish Government has already provided enhanced levels of capital funding to the service. It is a matter for Highlands and Islands Joint Fire and Rescue Board, with the help of a peer support team as required, to prioritise and effectively manage capital projects until the establishment of the new single service, when it will then be a matter for the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service to take forward.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-27T15:27:44.837","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Roseanna Cunningham","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275105,"EventID":"S4W-08905","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-30T15:27:44.93","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-27T11:15:09","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government what the reason is for the discrepancy in the percentage of operational firefighters who are women, at 4.6%, compared with 46% of police officers, 42% of ambulance staff","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the reason is for the discrepancy in the percentage of operational firefighters who are women, at 4.6%, compared with 46% of police officers, 42% of ambulance staff and 26% of prison wardens, as noted in the report, Best Value in fire and rescue services in Scotland: Overview report.\r\n","AnswerText":"Recruitment to Fire and Rescue Services is a matter for the Scottish Fire and Rescue Authorities. However the Transitional Fire and Rescue Framework for Scotland 2012 sets out the Scottish Government’s expectations that services build on the work already done to recruit, retain and develop individuals from equality groups across all areas of Scotland and at all levels. A copy of the Transitional Fire and Rescue Framework is available at: \r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2012/05/6587/0.\r\nThe Fire and Rescue Framework for the new single Scottish Fire and Rescue Service will set out those expectations similarly.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-27T15:27:44.93","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Roseanna Cunningham","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275106,"EventID":"S4W-08906","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-30T15:27:45.023","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-27T11:15:09","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on the sickness absence rate for firefighters in 2010-11, at 10 days per firefighter for the Highlands and Islands and Lothian fire and rescue servi","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on the sickness absence rate for firefighters in 2010-11, at 10 days per firefighter for the Highlands and Islands and Lothian fire and rescue services and over seven days for Grampian, Tayside and Strathclyde, as noted in the report, Best Value in fire and rescue services in Scotland: Overview report.\r\n","AnswerText":"Issues arising from sickness absence and attendance management are matters for the Scottish Fire and Rescue Authorities.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-27T15:27:45.023","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Roseanna Cunningham","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275107,"EventID":"S4W-08907","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-30T15:27:45.243","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-27T11:15:09","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government for what reason primary fires in Scotland are at 2.5 for every 1,000 people compared with 1.8 in England and Wales, as noted in the report, Best Value in fire and rescue","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government for what reason primary fires in Scotland are at 2.5 for every 1,000 people compared with 1.8 in England and Wales, as noted in the report, Best Value in fire and rescue services in Scotland: Overview report.","AnswerText":"A detailed examination of these issues is set out in Scotland Together: A Study Examining Fire Deaths and Injuries in Scotland, commissioned by the Scottish Government and published in 2009, a copy of which is available in the Scottish Parliament’s Information Centre (Bib. number 51403).\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-27T15:27:45.243","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Roseanna Cunningham","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275108,"EventID":"S4W-08908","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-30T15:27:45.353","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-27T11:15:09","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government for what reason the number of house fires and deaths in Scotland is around double the level in England and Wales, as noted in the report, Best Value in fire and rescue s","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government for what reason the number of house fires and deaths in Scotland is around double the level in England and Wales, as noted in the report, Best Value in fire and rescue services in Scotland: Overview report.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-08907 on 15 August 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-27T15:27:45.353","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Roseanna Cunningham","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275109,"EventID":"S4W-08909","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-30T15:27:45.43","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-27T11:15:09","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government for what reason the number of fires and casualties in Scotland has not fallen as quickly in Scotland as in other parts of the UK, as noted in the report, Best Value in f","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government for what reason the number of fires and casualties in Scotland has not fallen as quickly as in other parts of the UK, as noted in the report, Best Value in fire and rescue services in Scotland: Overview report.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-08907 on 15 August 2012. All answers to written Parliamentary Questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-27T15:27:45.43","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Roseanna Cunningham","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275110,"EventID":"S4W-08916","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5057,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-30T15:27:45.647","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-27T14:47:07.847","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government what action is taken to identify young people with Meares-Irlen Syndrome. \r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what action is taken to identify young people with Meares-Irlen Syndrome. \r\n","AnswerText":"Under the Education (Additional Support for Learning) (Scotland) Act 2004, as amended, education authorities have a duty to identify any additional support needs for all children and young people for whom they are responsible and to tailor provision to their individual circumstances.\r\nThe act also enables parents to request a specific assessment, such as an educational, psychological or medical assessment, at any time, to identify if their child has additional support needs.\r\nIn order to help all teachers in Scotland identify the signs of barriers to learning, such as Meares-Irlen Syndrome, and dyslexia early in a child’s school life, the Scottish Government, in partnership with Dyslexia Scotland, launched the online ‘Assessing Dyslexia’ Toolkit in June 2010. \r\nIn November 2011, we announced an additional £40,000 grant to Dyslexia Scotland. This will be used to review and update the toolkit, add new materials on how to effectively support children and young people, make it more accessible for teachers and develop a section for local authorities on how to best implement the toolkit. We expect this to be available to schools early in the 2012-13 academic year.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-27T15:27:45.647","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275111,"EventID":"S4W-08917","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5057,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-30T15:27:45.743","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-27T14:47:07.847","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government what funding is available to support the identification of dyslexia and related conditions. \r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what funding is available to support the identification of dyslexia and related conditions. \r\n","AnswerText":"Under the Education (Additional Support for Learning) (Scotland) Act 2004, as amended, education authorities have a duty to identify any additional support needs for all children and young people for whom they are responsible, and to tailor provision to their individual circumstances.\r\nTo help all teachers identify the signs of literacy difficulties and dyslexia early, the Scottish Government provided Dyslexia Scotland with £39,000 to develop an online “Assessing Dyslexia” toolkit launched in June 2010. Since then, we have provided Dyslexia Scotland with an annual grant of £3,000 to maintain the toolkit.\r\nIn November 2011, the Scottish Government announced an additional £40,000 grant to Dyslexia Scotland, to review and update the toolkit. This includes new materials on effectively supporting children and young people with dyslexia, increased accessibility for teachers and information for local authorities on implementation of the toolkit. It is expected to be available early in the 2012-13 academic year.\r\nFor adults, assessment for dyslexia is not available on demand and adults wishing to be assessed require a private assessment from a suitably qualified educational psychologist. Costs vary but may be around £400 per assessment.\r\nFurther and higher education institutions may offer dyslexia assessments. Each institution has its own arrangements and services differ between institutions.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-27T15:27:45.743","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275112,"EventID":"S4W-08918","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3824,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-30T15:27:45.837","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-27T15:06:12","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it plans to put provisions in place to ensure that small landholdings that are no longer tenanted are maintained to a reasonable standard by the landlord.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it plans to put provisions in place to ensure that small landholdings that are no longer tenanted are maintained to a reasonable standard by the landlord.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has no plans to ensure that small landholdings that are no longer tenanted are maintained to a reasonable standard by the landlord. It is to be hoped that vacant holdings will soon be re-let and the new tenant will maintain them.\r\nLandlords of land held under small landholding tenure are required by the Small Landholders (Scotland) Act 1911 to inform the Scottish Government where a legatee or statutory successor cannot be found. The landlord cannot re-let the holding without the Scottish Government’s approval to any person other than a neighbouring holder to enlarge his holding or to a new holder.\r\nIf a new or neighbouring landholder cannot be found, the Scottish Government may use discretionary powers, under section 17 of the Small Landholders (Scotland) Act 1911 to enable landlords to let the land under another form of land tenure. In addition, the landlord may apply to the Scottish Land Court to resume a holding (remove it from small landhold tenure).\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-27T15:27:45.837","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275113,"EventID":"S4W-08919","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3824,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-30T15:27:45.93","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-27T15:06:12","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government what (a) support is available for and (b) it can do to reduce the cost to small-landholding farmers who wish to convert to crofting.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what (a) support is available for and (b) it can do to reduce the cost to small-landholding farmers who wish to convert to crofting.\r\n","AnswerText":"On application by the tenant of a small landholding in an area designated by Scottish ministers for crofting tenure, the Crofting Commission has the power to convert the small landholding to crofting tenure. Before conversion can take place, the Crofting Commission must be presented with a certificate obtained from the Scottish Land Court confirming that the holding is tenanted under Small Landholdings legislation and providing evidence that appropriate compensation has been paid.\r\nSupport may be available for legal matters relating to acquiring the necessary certificate or for the process of having a valuer appointed by the Scottish Land Court and for any appeals against the assessment of compensation before the Lands Tribunal for Scotland. However, it should be noted that assistance does not extend to cover the costs or the valuer’s services.\r\nThe availability of legal advice and representation for people who could not otherwise afford it is an issue that the Scottish Government takes very seriously and for which it provides substantial levels of funding. Advice and assistance may be provided by a solicitor on any matter of Scots law subject to a test of financial eligibility carried out by the solicitor. Civil legal aid, which provides for representation before a court, such as the Scottish Land Court and the Lands Tribunal for Scotland, may also be available provided that the three tests contained in the Legal Aid (Scotland) Act 1986 are met; which are that applicants must qualify financially, they must have a legal basis for their case, and it must be reasonable in the particular circumstances of the case that legal aid is provided.\r\nThe amount of compensation to be paid is a private matter between landlord and tenant. Conversion to crofting tenure brings a number of benefits, including access to grant assistance specific to crofting. The Scottish Government does not consider it appropriate to use public funds to subsidise the costs of conversion because it is a private legal matter between two parties and has an individual rather than a public benefit.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-27T15:27:45.943","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275114,"EventID":"S4W-08920","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3824,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-30T15:27:46.037","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-27T15:06:12","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it plans to allow farmers of small landholdings to buy the land without having to convert it to a croft.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it plans to allow farmers of small landholdings to buy the land without having to convert it to a croft.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government considers that tenants of small landholdings may already enter into arrangements with their landlords to purchase their holdings. There is no requirement for the small holding to be converted to a croft before the land can be sold. Conversion to a croft carries with it the possibility of exercising the right to buy that exists for crofts. There is no equivalent right to buy a small holding.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-27T15:27:46.037","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275115,"EventID":"S4W-08921","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3824,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-30T15:27:46.117","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-27T15:06:12","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it (a) considers that an accurate record is kept and (b) plans to keep a central register of small landholdings.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it (a) considers that an accurate record is kept and (b) plans to keep a central register of small landholdings.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has no current plans to compile and keep a central register of small landholdings.\r\nThe Scottish Land Court holds a number of records, among which will be orders relating to small landholdings, but does not hold a central register.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-27T15:27:46.117","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275116,"EventID":"S4W-08922","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3824,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-30T15:27:46.32","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-27T15:06:12","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it plans to review legislation relating to small landholding in the current parliamentary session.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it plans to review legislation relating to small landholding in the current parliamentary session.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has no current plans to review legislation relating to small landholding in the current parliamentary session.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-27T15:27:46.32","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275117,"EventID":"S4W-08923","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3824,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-30T15:27:46.397","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-27T15:06:12","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government what legislative provision covers the wrongful removal of a small landholding from the small landholdings register.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what legislative provision covers the wrongful removal of a small landholding from the small landholdings register.\r\n","AnswerText":"Section 17 of the Small Landholders (Scotland) Act 1911 is the legislative provision covering the removal of a small holding from the requirement for the land to be let as a small landholding.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-27T15:27:46.397","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275118,"EventID":"S4W-08930","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-30T15:27:46.523","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-30T09:56:45.357","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government how many orders have been issued each year in Aberdeen under the Antisocial Behaviour (Scotland) Act 2004.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many orders have been issued each year in Aberdeen under the Antisocial Behaviour (Scotland) Act 2004.\r\n","AnswerText":"Aberdeen sheriff court granted 15 applications under the Antisocial Behaviour etc. (Scotland) Act 2004 in 2008-09, 38 applications in 2009-10 and 17 applications in 2010-11.\r\nData is not available before 2008-09. The Scottish Government suspended the publication of civil judicial statistics for the period 2003-07 due to a lack of precision in the definition of data items and consequently the way in which courts captured and recorded civil data. Extensive work was carried out to identify and rectify instances of inconsistent recording of data and the publication was resumed in December 2010.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-27T15:27:46.523","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275119,"EventID":"S4W-08934","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5079,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-30T15:27:46.677","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-30T11:51:50.467","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on the recent report commissioned by the Scottish Campaign against Irresponsible Driving calling for access to investigation reports in road traffic","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on the recent report commissioned by the Scottish Campaign against Irresponsible Driving calling for access to investigation reports in road traffic accidents.\r\n","AnswerText":"On 17 July 2012, the Lord Advocate received a copy of the research report commissioned by the Scottish Campaign against Irresponsible Driving (SCID) titled Access in Europe by a bereaved family to information gathered during an investigation into a fatal road collision.\r\nCrown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS) officials are presently considering the terms of the report.\r\nThe investigation of road traffic fatalities and the provision of information to bereaved relatives is the responsibility of COPFS. Policies are in place to ensure that the appropriate information is provided to bereaved relatives as quickly as possible. COPFS recognises how important it is that they receive full and complete information, including the investigation report.\r\nAlex Neil, Cabinet Secretary for Infrastructure and Capital Investment, is meeting a representative from the SCID to discuss the report in due course.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-27T15:27:46.677","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lesley Thomson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275120,"EventID":"S4W-08935","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":136,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-30T15:27:46.787","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-30T12:01:18","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government how many Young Scot National Entitlement Cards have been issued in each of the last five years, broken down by local authority area.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many Young Scot National Entitlement Cards have been issued in each of the last five years, broken down by local authority area.\r\n","AnswerText":"The following five year breakdown includes the total number of active cards at each report date. It does not include cards that have expired or are pending approval.\r\n\r\nLocal Authority\r\n5 June 2007\r\n7 January 2008\r\n1 April 2009\r\n1 April 2010\r\n28 January 2011\r\n28 July 2012\r\nAberdeen City\r\n134\r\n301\r\n4,842\r\n8,316\r\n10,860\r\n15,710\r\nAberdeenshire\r\n1,585\r\n4,263\r\n17,741\r\n19,910\r\n22,586\r\n29,469\r\nAngus\r\n1,319\r\n1,427\r\n7,153\r\n7,855\r\n9,013\r\n11,244\r\nArgyll and Bute\r\n846\r\n968\r\n1,128\r\n1,158\r\n1,222\r\n1,359\r\nCity of Edinburgh\r\n1,359\r\n4,987\r\n17,574\r\n20,677\r\n24,336\r\n31,369\r\nClackmannanshire\r\n648\r\n947\r\n2,481\r\n3,435\r\n3,846\r\n4,309\r\nComhairle nan Eilean Siar\r\n618\r\n688\r\n1,273\r\n1,545\r\n1,915\r\n2,540\r\nDumfries and Galloway\r\n3,635\r\n5,367\r\n7,921\r\n9,880\r\n12,487\r\n16,300\r\nDundee City\r\n1,261\r\n2,961\r\n5,052\r\n6,520\r\n8,255\r\n11,314\r\nEast Ayrshire\r\n827\r\n1,366\r\n6,707\r\n7,681\r\n7,886\r\n9,496\r\nEast Dunbartonshire\r\n158\r\n2,571\r\n6,840\r\n7,984\r\n9,165\r\n11,066\r\nEast Lothian\r\n407\r\n693\r\n6,062\r\n6,992\r\n8,164\r\n10,490\r\nEast Renfrewshire\r\n1,942\r\n3,369\r\n9,155\r\n10,284\r\n11,643\r\n13,969\r\nFalkirk\r\n1,115\r\n1,691\r\n2,402\r\n4,686\r\n5,574\r\n7,950\r\nFife\r\n11,987\r\n18,137\r\n31,153\r\n33,807\r\n38,238\r\n45,939\r\nGlasgow City\r\n4,577\r\n9,828\r\n22,512\r\n26,242\r\n30,479\r\n37,551\r\nHighland\r\n365\r\n547\r\n17,825\r\n17,862\r\n19,586\r\n22,540\r\nInverclyde\r\n4,811\r\n5,129\r\n5,488\r\n5,289\r\n6,211\r\n6,364\r\nMidlothian\r\n161\r\n251\r\n2,311\r\n4,408\r\n5,713\r\n6,870\r\nMoray\r\n2,445\r\n6,062\r\n7,734\r\n8,994\r\n9,764\r\n11,739\r\nNorth Ayrshire\r\n2,270\r\n6,140\r\n11,128\r\n12,520\r\n14,072\r\n16,875\r\nNorth Lanarkshire\r\n426\r\n13,952\r\n26,723\r\n30,337\r\n31,723\r\n39,793\r\nOrkney Islands\r\n339\r\n402\r\n803\r\n1,037\r\n1,399\r\n2,079\r\nPerth and Kinross\r\n1,963\r\n4,125\r\n5,979\r\n8,366\r\n10,263\r\n13,375\r\nRenfrewshire\r\n254\r\n477\r\n700\r\n865\r\n1,162\r\n1,890\r\nScottish Borders\r\n3,293\r\n6,482\r\n8,582\r\n9,622\r\n10,769\r\n13,284\r\nShetland Islands\r\n410\r\n542\r\n1,882\r\n2,143\r\n2,456\r\n2,946\r\nSouth Ayrshire\r\n52\r\n127\r\n324\r\n6,753\r\n8,373\r\n10,740\r\nSouth Lanarkshire\r\n278\r\n439\r\n7,565\r\n12,301\r\n22,577\r\n28,924\r\nStirling\r\n2,083\r\n2,638\r\n4,971\r\n5,012\r\n6,581\r\n7,746\r\nWest Dunbartonshire\r\n26\r\n49\r\n7,023\r\n7,797\r\n8,644\r\n10,368\r\nWest Lothian\r\n435\r\n620\r\n977\r\n1,127\r\n2,587\r\n5,897\r\nTotals\r\n52,029\r\n107,546\r\n260,011\r\n311,405\r\n367,549\r\n461,505\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-27T15:27:46.787","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Aileen Campbell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275121,"EventID":"S4W-08936","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":136,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-30T15:27:46.88","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-30T12:01:18","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government what the percentage uptake was of the Young Scot National Entitlement Card in each of the last five years, broken down by local authority area.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the percentage uptake was of the Young Scot National Entitlement Card in each of the last five years, broken down by local authority area.\r\n","AnswerText":"The following table includes the percentage of card holders, of those who are eligible, in each local authority area. It does not include cards that have expired or are pending approval.\r\nLocal Authority\r\n5 June 2007\r\n7 January 2008\r\n1 April 2009\r\n1 April 2010\r\n28 January 2011\r\n28 July 2012\r\nAberdeen \r\n0.32%\r\n0.72%\r\n11.20%\r\n20.13%\r\n24.88%\r\n34.54%\r\nAberdeenshire \r\n3.79%\r\n10.18%\r\n42.63%\r\n45.78%\r\n53.14%\r\n68.95%\r\nAngus \r\n7.13%\r\n7.71%\r\n38.94%\r\n41.62%\r\n48.47%\r\n60.47%\r\nArgyll and Bute \r\n5.47%\r\n6.25%\r\n7.27%\r\n7.34%\r\n7.85%\r\n8.85%\r\nCity of Edinburgh \r\n1.34%\r\n4.90%\r\n17.31%\r\n21.61%\r\n24.63%\r\n31.30%\r\nClackmannanshire \r\n7.08%\r\n10.35%\r\n26.59%\r\n36.14%\r\n40.57%\r\n46.03%\r\nComhairle nan Eilean Siar \r\n14.99%\r\n16.69%\r\n30.73%\r\n38.12%\r\n46.95%\r\n63.45%\r\nDumfries and Galloway \r\n15.15%\r\n22.37%\r\n32.76%\r\n39.98%\r\n50.95%\r\n67.37%\r\nDundee City \r\n3.94%\r\n9.26%\r\n16.24%\r\n21.44%\r\n26.05%\r\n35.11%\r\nEast Ayrshire \r\n3.71%\r\n6.13%\r\n29.98%\r\n34.34%\r\n35.11%\r\n42.97%\r\nEast Dunbartonshire \r\n0.78%\r\n12.72%\r\n34.00%\r\n39.86%\r\n45.92%\r\n56.70%\r\nEast Lothian \r\n2.59%\r\n4.41%\r\n37.15%\r\n37.22%\r\n46.23%\r\n58.47%\r\nEast Renfrewshire \r\n11.39%\r\n19.76%\r\n53.55%\r\n58.85%\r\n67.02%\r\n80.59%\r\nFalkirk \r\n4.14%\r\n6.28%\r\n8.90%\r\n17.01%\r\n20.25%\r\n28.63%\r\nFife \r\n17.20%\r\n26.03%\r\n44.75%\r\n48.36%\r\n54.42%\r\n65.02%\r\nGlasgow City \r\n3.56%\r\n7.65%\r\n17.74%\r\n21.76%\r\n24.50%\r\n30.54%\r\nHighland \r\n1.02%\r\n1.53%\r\n49.62%\r\n47.94%\r\n53.43%\r\n62.07%\r\nInverclyde \r\n30.77%\r\n32.81%\r\n35.45%\r\n35.06%\r\n40.89%\r\n43.68%\r\nMidlothian \r\n1.10%\r\n1.71%\r\n15.63%\r\n28.34%\r\n37.69%\r\n44.16%\r\nMoray \r\n15.35%\r\n38.05%\r\n49.74%\r\n55.36%\r\n60.73%\r\n74.78%\r\nNorth Ayrshire \r\n8.96%\r\n24.23%\r\n43.90%\r\n49.73%\r\n55.98%\r\n68.53%\r\nNorth Lanarkshire \r\n0.68%\r\n22.14%\r\n42.51%\r\n48.44%\r\n50.69%\r\n64.91%\r\nOrkney Islands \r\n10.06%\r\n11.93%\r\n23.83%\r\n31.00%\r\n41.70%\r\n62.34%\r\nPerth and Kinross \r\n8.30%\r\n17.44%\r\n23.61%\r\n31.07%\r\n38.10%\r\n49.10%\r\nRenfrewshire \r\n0.79%\r\n1.49%\r\n2.21%\r\n2.75%\r\n3.68%\r\n6.05%\r\nScottish Borders \r\n18.79%\r\n36.98%\r\n48.00%\r\n51.03%\r\n58.24%\r\n72.11%\r\nShetland Islands \r\n10.56%\r\n13.97%\r\n49.18%\r\n55.85%\r\n62.64%\r\n74.38%\r\nSouth Ayrshire \r\n0.27%\r\n0.66%\r\n1.68%\r\n34.89%\r\n43.23%\r\n56.62%\r\nSouth Lanarkshire \r\n0.48%\r\n0.76%\r\n13.07%\r\n21.32%\r\n39.19%\r\n50.99%\r\nStirling \r\n11.29%\r\n14.30%\r\n26.46%\r\n25.61%\r\n34.06%\r\n37.67%\r\nWest Dunbartonshire \r\n0.14%\r\n0.27%\r\n38.72%\r\n44.39%\r\n48.59%\r\n61.27%\r\nWest Lothian \r\n1.39%\r\n1.99%\r\n3.08%\r\n3.36%\r\n7.95%\r\n17.99%\r\nTotals\r\n5.28%\r\n10.92%\r\n28.64%\r\n31.63%\r\n37.12%\r\n46.68%\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-27T15:27:46.88","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Aileen Campbell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275122,"EventID":"S4W-08937","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-30T15:27:47.053","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-30T12:10:52.967","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to a report in The Telegraph on 30 July 2012 that it is to hold “constitutional reform FOI seminars”, whether it will make the content and all related materials","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to a report in The Telegraph on 30 July 2012 that it is to hold “constitutional reform FOI seminars”, whether it will make the content and all related materials of these seminars public.\r\n","AnswerText":"The “constitutional reform FOI seminars” referred to in the Telegraph report are in fact the same as the routine FOI training sessions which are delivered regularly by the Scottish Government’s FOI Unit to government staff who handle FOI requests, not just those working on constitutional reform. This type of training has been routinely provided by the FOI Unit since before the FOI Act came into force on 1 January 2005, to ensure that staff were fully aware of their obligations and responsibilities from when the act came into force.\r\nThese seminars aim to give staff an overview of the Scottish Government’s obligations and responsibilities under FOI legislation, and the detailed guidance and other support which is available, followed by a discussion of some examples of FOI requests relating to the work of the team attending the seminar, to give them a practical understanding of how to handle FOI requests in accordance with the legislation.\r\nThe slides for these seminars, and the examples discussed in the “constitutional reform FOI seminar” are published on the government website at http://www.scotland.gov.uk/About/Information/FOI/Training.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-27T15:27:47.053","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275123,"EventID":"S4W-08938","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-30T15:27:47.147","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-30T12:10:52.967","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to a report in The Telegraph on 30 July 2012 that it is to hold “constitutional reform FOI seminars”, on what dates and at what times the seminars will take pla","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to a report in The Telegraph on 30 July 2012 that it is to hold “constitutional reform FOI seminars”, on what dates and at what times the seminars will take place; how long they will last, and who will attend.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-08937 on 2 October 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\nThe dates and times of the seminars referred to in The Telegraph report are:\r\n24 July – 10.00am to 12.30pm\r\n30 July – 2.30pm to 5pm\r\n8 August – 10.00am to 12.30pm.\r\nThey were attended by Scottish Government staff who are working on issues relating to constitutional reform.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-27T15:27:47.147","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275124,"EventID":"S4W-08939","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-30T15:27:47.397","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-30T12:10:52.967","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to a report in The Telegraph on 30 July 2012 that it is to hold “constitutional reform FOI seminars”, which (a) officials, (b) special advisers and (c) minister","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to a report in The Telegraph on 30 July 2012 that it is to hold “constitutional reform FOI seminars”, which (a) officials, (b) special advisers and (c) ministers were involved in (i) developing content for, (ii) delivering and (iii) attending the seminars.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-08937 and S4W-08938 on 2 October 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\nThe seminars referred to in The Telegraph report were routine FOI training seminars, developed and delivered by staff in the Scottish Government’s FOI Unit and attended by government staff who are working on issues relating to constitutional reform. No special advisers or ministers had any involvement.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-27T15:27:47.397","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275125,"EventID":"S4W-08940","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-30T15:27:47.473","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-30T12:10:52.967","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to a report in The Telegraph on 30 July 2012 that it is to hold “constitutional reform FOI seminars”, what the cost of developing and delivering these seminars ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to a report in The Telegraph on 30 July 2012 that it is to hold “constitutional reform FOI seminars”, what the cost of developing and delivering these seminars is, also broken down by the cost of (a) developing content, (b) delivering the seminars and (c) staff time of those attending.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-08937 on 2 October 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\nThe cost of developing the “constitutional reform FOI seminars” was minimal, because they were the same as the routine FOI training sessions which are delivered regularly by the Scottish Government’s FOI Unit to government staff who handle FOI requests, not just those working on issues relating to constitutional reform.\r\nThe Scottish Government does not record the time spent by officials attending or delivering this type of routine training event, or the cost of that time.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-27T15:27:47.473","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275136,"EventID":"S4W-08924","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5042,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-31T12:20:33.627","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-27T15:31:08","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government when its consultation on the maintenance of land in private housing estates closed and when it will report the findings.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when its consultation on the maintenance of land in private housing estates closed and when it will report the findings.\r\n","AnswerText":"The government’s consultation on the maintenance of land on private housing estates closed on 6 June 2011. We propose to report the findings shortly.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-28T12:20:33.847","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275137,"EventID":"S4W-08926","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5042,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-31T12:20:34.003","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-27T15:31:08","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government how much of the funding allocated to the Edinburgh Glasgow Improvement Programme will be used for the provision of rolling stock. \r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much of the funding allocated to the Edinburgh Glasgow Improvement Programme will be used for the provision of rolling stock. \r\n","AnswerText":"The £650 million figure announced on 4 July does not include for provision of rolling stock.\r\nThe costs for the provision of rolling stock will be covered within the next ScotRail Franchise.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-28T12:20:34.003","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275138,"EventID":"S4W-08927","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5042,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-31T12:20:34.08","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-27T15:31:08","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government whether the Edinburgh Glasgow Improvement Programme announced on 4 July 2012 includes provision for the Croy Loop. \r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether the Edinburgh Glasgow Improvement Programme announced on 4 July 2012 includes provision for the Croy Loop. \r\n","AnswerText":"The first phase announced on 4 July does not include provision of the Croy Turnback. This infrastructure intervention is not required for four trains per hour.\r\nFurther elements of EGIP including the Croy turnback, the electrification of Stirling, Dunblane and Alloa services, Glasgow connectivity with Edinburgh Gateway station and the proposal for six trains per hour on the route via Falkirk, can be delivered in future phases. The timing and specification of future phases will be dependent on other considerations including High Speed Rail, and opportunities that presents to connect Edinburgh and Glasgow, and wider capacity and affordability issues.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-28T12:20:34.097","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275139,"EventID":"S4W-08928","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5042,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-31T12:20:34.207","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-27T15:31:08","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government how much the proposed electrification of the Cumbernauld line will cost and whether it will provide details of the infrastructure requirements.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much the proposed electrification of the Cumbernauld line will cost and whether it will provide details of the infrastructure requirements.\r\n","AnswerText":"Network Rail are in the process of procuring these works. These works will include the electrification of the route from Springburn to Cumbernauld, a turnback facility at Hyndland station and infrastructure works at Springburn station.\r\nThe cost estimate for this work is commercially sensitive.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-28T12:20:34.207","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275140,"EventID":"S4W-08929","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5042,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-31T12:20:34.377","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-27T15:31:08","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government whether trains on the Glasgow to Edinburgh via Falkirk High service will call at the proposed Edinburgh gateway station.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether trains on the Glasgow to Edinburgh via Falkirk High service will call at the proposed Edinburgh gateway station.\r\n","AnswerText":"Trains on the Glasgow to Edinburgh via Falkirk High service will not call at the proposed Edinburgh Gateway station under the first phase of EGIP (Edinburgh Glasgow Improvement Programme) announced on 4 July 2012.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-28T12:20:34.377","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275141,"EventID":"S4W-08931","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5042,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-31T12:20:34.47","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-27T15:31:08","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government whether the Edinburgh Glasgow Improvement Programme proposals announced on 4 July 2012 will lead to an increase in passenger satisfaction for those travelling from Croy ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether the Edinburgh Glasgow Improvement Programme proposals announced on 4 July 2012 will lead to an increase in passenger satisfaction for those travelling from Croy to Glasgow and Edinburgh and whether more seats will be available and there will be less overcrowding at peak times. \r\n","AnswerText":"The proposals announced on 4 July will result in more capacity on the Edinburgh Glasgow route. This in turn will result in less overcrowding for passengers boarding at Croy in peak times.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-28T12:20:34.487","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275142,"EventID":"S4W-08932","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5042,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-31T12:20:34.58","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-27T15:31:08","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government how many additional seats per hour will be available on services on the Edinburgh to Glasgow via Falkirk High line as a result of the Edinburgh Glasgow Improvement Progr","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many additional seats per hour will be available on services on the Edinburgh to Glasgow via Falkirk High line as a result of the Edinburgh Glasgow Improvement Programme proposals announced on 4 July 2012, also expressed as a percentage.\r\n","AnswerText":"The specification of the rolling stock to operate the route has not yet been concluded, however, an increased seating capacity of over 25% is forecast.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-28T12:20:34.58","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275143,"EventID":"S4W-08933","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5042,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-31T12:20:34.75","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-27T15:31:08","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government how many trains will stop at Croy station as a result of the Edinburgh Glasgow Improvement Programme proposals announced on 4 July 2012\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many trains will stop at Croy station as a result of the Edinburgh Glasgow Improvement Programme proposals announced on 4 July 2012.\r\n","AnswerText":"There will be no alteration to the current calling pattern at Croy station as a result of the proposal announced on 4 July.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-28T12:20:34.767","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275144,"EventID":"S4W-08941","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5079,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-31T12:20:34.907","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-30T15:46:28","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-08574 by Roseanna Cunningham on 30 July 2012, whether it would apply charges for raising employment tribunal claims.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-08574 by Roseanna Cunningham on 30 July 2012, whether it would apply charges for raising employment tribunal claims.","AnswerText":"Matters relating to employment tribunals remain reserved to the UK Government. The responsibility for setting fees has not been included in proposals from the UK Government to transfer the administration of reserved tribunals to the Scottish ministers.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-28T12:20:34.907","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Roseanna Cunningham","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275145,"EventID":"S4W-08942","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5079,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-31T12:20:35.017","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-30T15:46:28","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-08574 by Roseanna Cunningham on 30 July 2012, whether it considers that the removal of lay judges from employment tribunals would ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-08574 by Roseanna Cunningham on 30 July 2012, whether it considers that the removal of lay judges from employment tribunals would make the system fairer.\r\n","AnswerText":"Matters relating to employment tribunals remain reserved to the UK Government. \r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-28T12:20:35.017","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Roseanna Cunningham","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275146,"EventID":"S4W-08943","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5079,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-31T12:20:35.093","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-30T15:46:28","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government what information it has on how many times since 1999 employment tribunals in Scotland have made a majority decision where the lay judges were in agreement.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what information it has on how many times since 1999 employment tribunals in Scotland have made a majority decision where the lay judges were in agreement.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government does not hold this information as matters relating to employment tribunals in Scotland remain reserved to the UK Government.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-28T12:20:35.093","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Roseanna Cunningham","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275147,"EventID":"S4W-08944","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5079,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-31T12:20:35.187","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-30T18:17:19","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-08574 by Roseanna Cunningham on 30 July 2012, whether it would maintain a system of expenses for witnesses attending employment tr","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-08574 by Roseanna Cunningham on 30 July 2012, whether it would maintain a system of expenses for witnesses attending employment tribunals.\r\n","AnswerText":"Until responsibility for the operation of employment tribunals is transferred to Scottish ministers, matters affecting the delivery of their service, including expenses for witnesses, remain reserved to the UK Government.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-28T12:20:35.187","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Roseanna Cunningham","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275148,"EventID":"S4W-08945","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5079,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-31T12:20:35.283","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-31T11:11:30.843","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it plans to amend the law so that a person who deliberately causes or allows serious physical harm to a child or vulnerable adult can be sentenced to up to 10 ye","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it plans to amend the law so that a person who deliberately causes or allows serious physical harm to a child or vulnerable adult can be sentenced to up to 10 years in prison.\r\n","AnswerText":"There are a number of existing criminal laws in relation to the protection of children and vulnerable adults.\r\nSection 12 of the Children and Young Persons (Scotland) Act 1937 contains an offence which, amongst other matters, criminalises the exposing of children to harm where someone has parental responsibilities to a child or someone is in charge of a child. The definition of harm includes where the child dies as a result of the exposure to harm. The maximum custodial penalty available under this offence is up to 10 years imprisonment.\r\nSection 83 of the Adults with Incapacity (Scotland) Act 2000 contains an offence which criminalises the ill-treating or wilful neglect of an adult with incapacity where any person is exercising welfare powers as defined within the 2000 act. The maximum custodial penalty available under this offence is up to two years imprisonment.\r\nIn addition to these specific statutory offences, any person who causes another person, including children and vulnerable adults, serious physical harm may be, depending on the circumstances, committing the common law offence of assault. The maximum custodial penalty available under this common law offence is up to life imprisonment.\r\nThe Scottish Government does keep the operation of the criminal law under review, but we do not have any current plans at this time to amend the law in these areas.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-28T12:20:35.283","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Roseanna Cunningham","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275152,"EventID":"S4W-08953","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":131,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-31T15:28:11.02","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-31T12:46:58.61","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it expects (a) Glasgow City Council, (b) Network Rail and (c) Buchanan Partnership to contribute financially to the redevelopment of Glasgow Queen Street railway","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it expects (a) Glasgow City Council, (b) Network Rail and (c) Buchanan Partnership to contribute financially to the redevelopment of Glasgow Queen Street railway station and the removal of the Millennium Hotel extension.","AnswerText":"We are in the process of engaging the relevant stakeholders regarding the redevelopment of Glasgow Queen Street railway station. Funding arrangements will form part of those discussions.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-28T15:28:11.053","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275153,"EventID":"S4W-08954","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":131,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-31T15:28:11.16","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-31T12:46:58.61","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government whether Jacobs Consultancy discussed its review of the Edinburgh Glasgow Improvement Programme with (a) Network Rail and (b) ScotRail when preparing its report.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether Jacobs Consultancy discussed its review of the Edinburgh Glasgow Improvement Programme with (a) Network Rail and (b) ScotRail when preparing its report.","AnswerText":"Jacobs did not discuss its review of the Edinburgh Glasgow Improvement Programme with Network Rail or ScotRail when preparing its report.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-28T15:28:11.16","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275154,"EventID":"S4W-08955","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":131,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-31T15:28:11.287","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-31T12:46:58.61","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government when (a) ScotRail and (b) Network Rail were first advised that Transport Scotland had commissioned Jacobs Consultancy to review the Edinburgh Glasgow Improvement Program","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when (a) ScotRail and (b) Network Rail were first advised that Transport Scotland had commissioned Jacobs Consultancy to review the Edinburgh Glasgow Improvement Programme.\r\n","AnswerText":"Senior officials at both Network Rail and ScotRail were aware that Transport Scotland was undertaking a review of EGIP and the findings were shared in advance of the public announcement.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-28T15:28:11.287","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275155,"EventID":"S4W-08956","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":131,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-31T15:28:11.393","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-31T12:46:58.61","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government whether the Jacobs Consultancy report for Transport Scotland on its review of the Edinburgh Glasgow Improvement Programme is publicly available and, if so, where.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether the Jacobs Consultancy report for Transport Scotland on its review of the Edinburgh Glasgow Improvement Programme is publicly available and, if so, where.","AnswerText":"The report produced by Jacobs for Transport Scotland is not currently publicly available. The report will be published in due course.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-28T15:28:11.393","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275156,"EventID":"S4W-08957","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":131,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-31T15:28:11.52","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-31T12:46:58.61","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government whether details of the Edinburgh Glasgow Improvement Programme published on the Transport Scotland website were changed to reflect the changes in the implementation plan","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether details of the Edinburgh Glasgow Improvement Programme published on the Transport Scotland website were changed to reflect the changes in the implementation plan and, if so, when.","AnswerText":"Details of the changes in the Edinburgh Glasgow Improvement Programme implementation plan will be available soon.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-28T15:28:11.52","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275157,"EventID":"S4W-08958","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":131,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-31T15:28:11.643","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-31T12:46:58.61","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government whether the Edinburgh Glasgow Improvement Programme team considered running longer trains on the main Edinburgh/Glasgow line prior to Jacobs Consultancy's review of the ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether the Edinburgh Glasgow Improvement Programme team considered running longer trains on the main Edinburgh/Glasgow line prior to Jacobs Consultancy's review of the programme.\r\n","AnswerText":"Longer trains were considered prior to the Jacobs review of the programme. The proposed Queen Street Station redevelopment presented an opportunity, which was not previously available, to extend the platforms to accommodate longer trains.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-28T15:28:11.643","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275158,"EventID":"S4W-08959","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":131,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-31T15:28:11.753","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-31T12:46:58.61","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on the Glasgow Crossrail link.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on the Glasgow Crossrail link.","AnswerText":"Glasgow Crossrail was considered as part of the Strategic Transport Projects Review (STPR) and rejected as it would not make best use of the rail network. As a standalone intervention it would not achieve the step change necessary to deliver significant improvements for Glasgow and the west of Scotland.\r\nIn contrast, the West of Scotland Strategic Rail Enhancements (STPR Intervention 24) supports objectives to address capacity problems at Glasgow Central and Queen Street, offering additional strategic connectivity and improving connections in and around Glasgow.\r\nTo achieve this, the Scottish Government are investing £430 million over 16 years on the recently introduced Class 380 electric trains and £50 million on directly related infrastructure improvements.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-28T15:28:11.753","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275159,"EventID":"S4W-08960","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":131,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-31T15:28:11.88","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-31T12:46:58.61","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government whether rail services between Cumbernauld and Glasgow will take longer as a result of the route accommodating electric services and diesel trains to Stirling.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether rail services between Cumbernauld and Glasgow will take longer as a result of the route accommodating electric services and diesel trains to Stirling.","AnswerText":"The interface between electric and diesel trains, which is present on the network currently, will not impact on journey times.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-28T15:28:11.88","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275160,"EventID":"S4W-08961","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":131,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-31T15:28:11.987","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-31T12:46:58.61","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government whether the additional train services between Glasgow and Ayr under consideration by Transport Scotland will stop at Paisley Gilmour Street and what the reasons are for ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether the additional train services between Glasgow and Ayr under consideration by Transport Scotland will stop at Paisley Gilmour Street and what the reasons are for its position on this matter.","AnswerText":"From December 2012, there will be two new fast trains which will operate each hour from Ayr to Glasgow, running non-stop from Kilwinning thus not calling at Paisley Gilmour Street.\r\nAll routes will benefit from reduced journey times with some services being up to ten minutes quicker than currently thus delivering the ministerial commitment to meaningfully reduce journey times in an affordable manner with no increase in franchise subsidy. The new timetable delivers these objectives by matching seating capacity on each service with forecast passenger demand. Peak hour services remain similar to the current service pattern so the vast majority of passengers who travel between Ayr and Paisley are unaffected. Adding more Paisley calls to the off peak services will result in increased costs, overcrowding of some services, increased journey times for the majority of passengers on each train and a reduction in the number of trains arriving on time each day.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-28T15:28:12.003","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275161,"EventID":"S4W-08962","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":131,"ApprovedDate":"2012-07-31T15:28:12.113","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-31T12:46:58.61","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will ask Transport Scotland to review its proposed reduction in the train service between Ayr and Paisley Gilmour Street.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will ask Transport Scotland to review its proposed reduction in the train service between Ayr and Paisley Gilmour Street.","AnswerText":"The total number of trains between Ayr and Paisley Gilmour Street will be maintained through a connecting service at Irvine.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-28T15:28:12.113","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275162,"EventID":"S4W-08982","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":2,"MSPID":4940,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-08-01T14:45:14.85","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-08-01T14:23:01","Title":"To ask the Scottish  Government when the Registrar General will publish his annual report for 2011.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish  Government when the Registrar General will publish his annual report for 2011.","AnswerText":"Scotland’s Population 2011: the Registrar General’s Annual Review of Demographic Trends’ is published today. The report contains information about births, deaths and marriages during the year, together with other demographic information. A copy of the report is available in the Scottish Parliament Reference Centre (Bib. number 54060), or from the Registrar General’s website at www.gro-scotland.gov.uk.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-29T14:45:15.177","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275163,"EventID":"S4W-08963","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4086,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-08-01T15:11:23.323","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-31T13:38:47.833","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government, in light of the additional money announced on 27 June 2012 for affordable housing, how many affordable homes it plans to build in the current parliamentary session, in ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, in light of the additional money announced on 27 June 2012 for affordable housing, how many affordable homes it plans to build in the current parliamentary session, in addition to the 30,000 previously announced.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-08789 on 13 August 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-29T15:11:23.357","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275164,"EventID":"S4W-08964","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4086,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-08-01T15:11:23.45","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-31T13:38:47.833","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government what the estimated cost of childcare provision will be resulting from the proposed Rights of Children and Young People Bill, broken down by local authority area.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the estimated cost of childcare provision will be resulting from the proposed Rights of Children and Young People bill, broken down by local authority area.\r\n","AnswerText":"A financial memorandum will be introduced along with the Children and Young People Bill which will include the costs and savings associated with it. This will include the estimated costs of implementing legislative proposals on early learning and childcare, including the cost to local authorities.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-29T15:11:23.45","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Aileen Campbell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275165,"EventID":"S4W-08965","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4086,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-08-01T15:11:23.52","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-31T13:38:47.833","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government what mechanisms it will put in place to help local authorities achieve the level of childcare provision required as a result of the proposed Rights of Children and Young","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what mechanisms it will put in place to help local authorities achieve the level of childcare provision required as a result of the proposed Rights of Children and Young People bill.\r\n","AnswerText":"We will work closely with stakeholders, including COSLA, throughout the development of the Children and Young People Bill to determine what mechanisms will need to be put in place to help local authorities achieve the level of childcare provision in the bill.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-29T15:11:23.52","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Aileen Campbell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275166,"EventID":"S4W-08966","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1759,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-08-01T15:11:23.6","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-31T15:50:32.35","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will make a submission to the European Commission regarding a prioritised action framework for the funding of the management of natura sites and, if so, what ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will make a submission to the European Commission regarding a prioritised action framework for the funding of the management of natura sites and, if so, what steps it has taken regarding this, and whether it will consult on the matter.\r\n","AnswerText":"Work to prepare the Scotland component of a UK Prioritised Action Framework is under way. Consultation with relevant parties is accounted for in the provisional timetable.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-29T15:11:23.6","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275167,"EventID":"S4W-08967","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1759,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-08-01T15:11:23.68","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-31T15:50:32.35","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government how its common strategic framework and associated partnership agreement for the co-ordination of expenditure of EU funds will take account of its prioritised action fram","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how its common strategic framework and associated partnership agreement for the co-ordination of expenditure of EU funds will take account of its prioritised action framework for the funding of the management of natura sites, and whether it will consult on the matter.\r\n","AnswerText":"Prioritised Action Frameworks are intended as planning tools whose purpose is to identify key priorities and provide an integrated overview of how to achieve them with regard to different financing instruments. It is too early to predict how this might be accounted for by the common strategic framework and associated partnership agreement for the co-ordination of expenditure of EU funds.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-29T15:11:23.68","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275168,"EventID":"S4W-08968","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2159,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":88,"ApprovedDate":"2012-08-01T15:11:23.76","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-31T16:59:22.45","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government when it will provide substantive answers to questions S4W-07994, S4W-08006, S4W-08007, S4W-08008, S4W-08009, S4W-08010, S4W-08011, S4W-08012, S4W-08013, S4W-08014, S4W-0","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when it will provide substantive answers to questions S4W-07994, S4W-08006, S4W-08007, S4W-08008, S4W-08009, S4W-08010, S4W-08011, S4W-08012, S4W-08013, S4W-08014, S4W-08015, S4W-08016, S4W-08017, S4W-08018, S4W-08019, S4W-08021, S4W-08022 and S4W-08023, which received holding answers on 2 July 2012, and what the reason is for the delay.\r\n","AnswerText":"All of these questions have now received substantive replies.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-29T15:11:23.76","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275169,"EventID":"S4W-08969","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2159,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":88,"ApprovedDate":"2012-08-01T15:11:23.84","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-31T16:59:22.45","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government what the average length of time has been to respond to a written parliamentary question each year since May 2007, broken down by minister.  \r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the average length of time has been to respond to a written parliamentary question each year since May 2007, broken down by minister.  \r\n","AnswerText":"The information requested could only be obtained at disproportionate cost.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-29T15:11:23.84","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Brian Adam","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275170,"EventID":"S4W-08970","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2159,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":88,"ApprovedDate":"2012-08-01T15:11:23.92","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-31T16:59:22.45","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government how many questions have been issued with holding answers each year since May 2007, broken down by minister.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many questions have been issued with holding answers each year since May 2007, broken down by minister.\r\n","AnswerText":"The information requested could only be obtained at disproportionate cost.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-29T15:11:23.92","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Brian Adam","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275171,"EventID":"S4W-08971","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2159,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":88,"ApprovedDate":"2012-08-01T15:11:23.99","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-31T16:59:22.45","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government how many times answers to written parliamentary questions have not received a full response because the information was not held centrally each year since May 2007, brok","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many times answers to written parliamentary questions have not received a full response because the information was not held centrally each year since May 2007, broken down by minister. \r\n","AnswerText":"The information requested could only be obtained at disproportionate cost.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-29T15:11:24","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Brian Adam","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275172,"EventID":"S4W-08972","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":81,"ApprovedDate":"2012-08-01T15:11:24.07","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-08-01T11:47:14.013","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government whether NHS boards will meet to share good practice in relation to the management of individual patient treatment requests and, if so, when. \r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether NHS boards will meet to share good practice in relation to the management of individual patient treatment requests and, if so, when. \r\n","AnswerText":"Scottish Government guidance published on 13 February 2012 recognised the benefits of NHS boards meeting at least annually to share good practice in relation to IPTR management.\r\nThe Scottish Government is not aware of any meeting that has been arranged by NHS boards specifically to share good practice on IPTRs. However, senior staff from each board meet on a regular basis which provides an opportunity for best practice to be shared.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-29T15:11:24.07","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275173,"EventID":"S4W-08973","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":81,"ApprovedDate":"2012-08-01T15:11:24.17","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-08-01T11:47:14.013","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government whether any NHS boards have published a policy on dealing with individual patient treatment requests and, if so, which boards, where this can be accessed, and whether it","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether any NHS boards have published a policy on dealing with individual patient treatment requests and, if so, which boards, where this can be accessed, and whether it has carried out a comparative review between each.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government issued guidance to boards on 17 March 2010 which set out the policy framework with regard to the introduction of newly licensed medicines and boards were asked to develop policies in accordance with the framework.\r\nThis clarified that NHS boards were expected to have a written policy for individual patient treatment requests (IPTR) in place and operational by April 2011. All NHS boards confirmed they had established a written policy.\r\nFurther guidance published on 13 February 2012 asked NHS boards to confirm that their policies on formularies and management of IPTRs had been updated to reflect the additional guidance. All NHS boards have provided this confirmation.\r\nIndividual NHS board policies on their IPTR arrangements are available from their website.\r\nDevelopment of local NHS board policies is a matter for individual NHS boards.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-29T15:11:24.18","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275174,"EventID":"S4W-08974","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":81,"ApprovedDate":"2012-08-01T15:11:24.26","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-08-01T11:47:14.013","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government whether NHS boards must publish information on the (a) number and (b) nature of individual patient treatment requests and the outcomes of these.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether NHS boards must publish information on the (a) number and (b) nature of individual patient treatment requests and the outcomes of these.\r\n","AnswerText":"NHS boards are not expected to publish information on the number and nature of individual patient treatment requests (IPTR) and the outcomes.\r\nDue to the nature of these IPTR, the publishing of such information may lead to the identification of individual patients and therefore breach patient confidentiality.\r\nNHS boards are expected to keep a register of all their IPTR decisions and appeals.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-29T15:11:24.27","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275175,"EventID":"S4W-08975","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":81,"ApprovedDate":"2012-08-01T15:11:24.34","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-08-01T11:47:14.013","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government what monitoring it carries out of the (a) composition of and (b) training for the panels that assess individual patient treatment requests.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what monitoring it carries out of the (a) composition of and (b) training for the panels that assess individual patient treatment requests.\r\n","AnswerText":"Whilst the guidance issued on 18 March 2011 and further guidance issued on 13 February 2012 set out a framework within which NHS boards, as a matter of good practice, are expected to operate when dealing with individual patient treatment requests (IPTRs), there is no set composition for IPTR panels. The choice of individuals is likely to be dependent on the medicine requested and on the timescales required.\r\nThe composition and training of IPTR panel members is a matter for the individual NHS Boards to take forward taking account of national guidance, local IPTR policies and individual training requirements.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-29T15:11:24.34","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275176,"EventID":"S4W-08976","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5109,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":101,"ApprovedDate":"2012-08-01T15:11:24.42","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-08-01T12:36:52.94","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government whether the temporary agency staff it employs can apply for permanent posts and, if so, when this policy was introduced and for what reason it introduced this. \r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether the temporary agency staff it employs can apply for permanent posts and, if so, when this policy was introduced and for what reason it introduced this. \r\n","AnswerText":"It has always been the case that temporary agency workers can apply for permanent posts in the Scottish Government where these posts are openly advertised to the external market. Selection for such posts is on merit on the basis of fair and open competition. This is a statutory requirement set out in the Civil Service Commission Recruitment Principles.\r\nTemporary agency workers cannot apply for internally advertised posts as these posts are open only to current civil servants who have already been appointed on merit through a fair and open competition.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-29T15:11:24.42","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275177,"EventID":"S4W-08983","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2159,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":88,"ApprovedDate":"2012-08-01T15:11:24.49","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-08-01T14:57:36.467","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government how many times in each year since 2007 have answers to written parliamentary questions not received a full response because the information was not held centrally, broke","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many times in each year since 2007 have answers to written parliamentary questions not received a full response because the information was not held centrally, broken down by minister. \r\n","AnswerText":"The information requested could only be obtained at disproportionate cost.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-29T15:11:24.5","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Brian Adam","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275201,"EventID":"S4W-09009","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":131,"ApprovedDate":"2012-08-03T10:26:11.947","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-08-02T16:03:03.547","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it intends to introduce secondary legislation under the Private Rented Sector (Scotland) Act 2011 to clarify the law on the charging of premiums in the private r","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it plans to introduce secondary legislation under the Private Rented Sector (Scotland) Act 2011 to clarify the law on the charging of premiums in the private rented sector and if so, when.\r\n","AnswerText":"Section 32 of the Private Rented Housing (Scotland) Act 2011 provides Scottish ministers with the power to make regulation to outline premium charges that are permissible. The Scottish Government intends to lay secondary legislation in the Scottish Parliament outlining that only arrangements for the forthcoming Green Deal programme do not fall under the definition of a premium.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-31T10:26:12.057","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275202,"EventID":"S4W-08977","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-08-03T14:13:05.607","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-08-01T13:37:59.473","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government on what date the 2012 Scottish Diabetes Survey will be published and what were the publication dates for the survey in each of the last four years.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government on what date the 2012 Scottish Diabetes Survey will be published and what were the publication dates for the survey in each of the last four years.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Diabetes Survey Monitoring Group aims to collate all survey data, quality assure these data, and finalise and publish the Scottish Diabetes Survey report within 12 months of the end of each calendar year.\r\nThe Scottish Diabetes Survey 2012 will therefore be published in 2013.\r\nThe Scottish Diabetes Survey 2011 was published on 20 August 2012. The report is available at: www.diabetesinscotland.org.uk/Publications.aspx. It is understood that the 2011 survey is one of the most comprehensive and complete accounts of diabetes care available anywhere in the world. We expect that this survey, and future publications, will serve diabetes services as useful performance management tool.\r\nThe Scottish Diabetes Survey 2010 was published in August 2011.\r\nThe Scottish Diabetes Survey 2009 was published in March 2010 to coincide with a National Diabetes Conference.\r\nThe Scottish Diabetes Survey 2008 was published in July 2009.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-31T14:13:05.857","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275203,"EventID":"S4W-08979","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-08-03T14:13:06.293","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-08-01T13:37:59.473","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government how many people have Type 1 diabetes, and how many of them receive insulin pump therapy, broken down by NHS board.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many people have Type 1 diabetes, and how many of them receive insulin pump therapy, broken down by NHS board.\r\n","AnswerText":"This information is contained within the Scottish Diabetes Survey which was published on 20 August 2012 and is available at the following link: http://www.diabetesinscotland.org.uk/Publications/SDS%202011.pdf. \r\nThe survey indicates that there are 28,272 people with type 1 diabetes in Scotland. \r\nThe survey also provides a breakdown of the number of people with type 1 diabetes who are on an insulin pump as of December 2011.\r\nNHS Board\r\nType 1 Population\r\nNumber of Pumps\r\nPercentage\r\nAyrshire and Arran\r\n2,217\r\n35\r\n1.6%\r\nBorders\r\n621\r\n51\r\n8.2%\r\nDumfries and Galloway\r\n900\r\n23\r\n2.6%\r\nFife\r\n1,976\r\n132\r\n6.7%\r\nForth Valley\r\n1,618\r\n45\r\n2.8%\r\nGrampian\r\n3,042\r\n72\r\n2.4%\r\nGreater Glasgow and Clyde\r\n6,195\r\n95\r\n1.5%\r\nHighland\r\n1,773\r\n29\r\n1.6%\r\nLanarkshire\r\n3,533\r\n56\r\n1.6%\r\nLothian\r\n4,184\r\n208\r\n5.0%\r\nOrkney\r\n120\r\n5\r\n4.2%\r\nShetland\r\n123\r\n2\r\n1.6%\r\nTayside\r\n1,866\r\n130\r\n7.0%\r\nWestern Isles\r\n178\r\n1\r\n0.6%\r\nScotland\r\n28,346\r\n884\r\n3.1%\r\nChief Executive Letter CEL 4 (2012) on Insulin Pump Therapy for People with Type 1 Diabetes, issued on 27 February, makes it clear that we expect all NHS boards to triple the number of insulin pumps for both adults and children with type 1 diabetes over the next three years.\r\nThe progress that all NHS boards are making with increasing insulin pump provision will continue to be published in the annual Scottish Diabetes Survey.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-31T14:13:06.307","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275204,"EventID":"S4W-08981","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-08-03T14:13:06.62","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-08-01T13:37:59.473","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government how many people it estimates will have Type 1 diabetes on (a) 1 November 2012 and (b) 1 February 2013, and how many of them will receive insulin pump therapy, broken dow","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many people it estimates will have Type 1 diabetes on (a) 1 November 2012 and (b) 1 February 2013, and how many of them will receive insulin pump therapy, broken down by NHS board.\r\n","AnswerText":"The information requested is not centrally held. \r\nThere are, however, around 960 people diagnosed with type 1 diabetes in Scotland each year. We expect the numbers of people with type 1 diabetes to increase in line with previous years as recorded on page 12 of the 2011 Scottish Diabetes Survey. The survey is available at the following link:\r\nhttp://www.diabetesinscotland.org.uk/Publications/SDS%202011.pdf. \r\nThe Survey also provides a breakdown of the number of people with type 1 diabetes who are on an insulin pump as of December 2011.\r\nNHS Board\r\nType 1 Population\r\nNumber of Pumps\r\nPercentage\r\nAyrshire and Arran\r\n2,217\r\n35\r\n1.6%\r\nBorders\r\n621\r\n51\r\n8.2%\r\nDumfries and Galloway\r\n900\r\n23\r\n2.6%\r\nFife\r\n1,976\r\n132\r\n6.7%\r\nForth Valley\r\n1,618\r\n45\r\n2.8%\r\nGrampian\r\n3,042\r\n72\r\n2.4%\r\nGreater Glasgow and Clyde\r\n6,195\r\n95\r\n1.5%\r\nHighland\r\n1,773\r\n29\r\n1.6%\r\nLanarkshire\r\n3,533\r\n56\r\n1.6%\r\nLothian\r\n4,184\r\n208\r\n5.0%\r\nOrkney\r\n120\r\n5\r\n4.2%\r\nShetland\r\n123\r\n2\r\n1.6%\r\nTayside\r\n1,866\r\n130\r\n7.0%\r\nWestern Isles\r\n178\r\n1\r\n0.6%\r\nScotland\r\n28,346\r\n884\r\n3.1%\r\nChief Executive Letter CEL 4 (2012) on Insulin Pump Therapy for People with Type 1 Diabetes, issued on 27 February, makes it clear that we expect all NHS boards to triple the number of insulin pumps for both adults and children with type 1 diabetes over the next three years.\r\nThe progress that all NHS boards are making with increasing insulin pump provision will continue to be published in the annual Scottish Diabetes Survey.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-31T14:13:06.637","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275205,"EventID":"S4W-08984","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4934,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-08-03T14:13:07.323","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-08-02T09:59:18.203","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government what surveillance is carried to track the spread of dothistroma needle blight.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what surveillance is carried to track the spread of dothistroma needle blight.\r\n","AnswerText":"Since 2006 Forest Enterprise Scotland (FES) has been undertaking annual ground-based surveys for the presence/absence of Dothistroma needle blight on the national forest estate (NFE). In 2011, following development of cost-effective techniques, FES also commenced more detailed annual surveys to assess the severity of infections on the NFE. In 2011, FES also undertook a helicopter survey of pine woodlands (which had not yet been ground-surveyed) on the NFE to detect any signs of ill-health and to see if such aerial reconnaissance would be a more cost-effective way of identifying the presence/absence and severity of Dothistroma. During these flights signs of pine ill-health on private sector ground were also recorded and the information, with photographs, made available to the relevant owners.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-31T14:13:07.337","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275206,"EventID":"S4W-08985","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4934,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-08-03T14:13:07.947","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-08-02T09:59:18.203","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government how much of the forest estate is affected by dothistroma needle blight, when the last assessment of this was made and how this compares to 2006.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much of the forest estate is affected by dothistroma needle blight, when the last assessment of this was made and how this compares to 2006.\r\n","AnswerText":"This year’s annual assessment for the presence of Dothistroma needle blight on the national forest estate is still in progress. The 2011 survey detected 11,500 hectares of pine woodland with Dothistroma infection (Lodgepole pine: 7,500 hectares; Scots pine: 3,300 hectares; and Corsican pine: 250 hectares).\r\nIn 2006, the survey detected Dothistroma infection in 132 hectares of Corsican pine woodland. This figure is not directly comparable with future year’s data as the extent and structure of each year’s survey has evolved with our understanding of the disease and its host range.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-31T14:13:07.96","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275207,"EventID":"S4W-08986","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4934,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-08-03T14:13:08.553","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-08-02T09:59:18.203","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government which parts of the public forest estate in Scotland are worst affected by dothistroma needle blight.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government which parts of the public forest estate in Scotland are worst affected by dothistroma needle blight.\r\n","AnswerText":"The worst affected areas for Dothistroma needle blight on the national forest estate are North Highland Forest District and Moray & Aberdeenshire Forest District.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-31T14:13:08.57","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275208,"EventID":"S4W-08987","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4934,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-08-03T14:13:09.193","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-08-02T09:59:18.203","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government what the economic impact that dothistroma needle blight would be if it was allowed to continue spreading.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the economic impact of dothistroma needle blight would be if it was allowed to continue spreading.\r\n","AnswerText":"Dothistroma needle blight (DNB) is already having an adverse economic impact as a result of degradation in timber value, and this will increase with continued spread of the disease. In addition there are wider consequences (also affecting non-market outputs) that include reduced carbon sequestration, and the loss of amenity, recreation, and biodiversity value. Loss of biodiversity value would be especially concerning if the disease were to spread in native Caledonian pinewoods. The speed of change in the behaviour of this disease, coupled with uncertainties about the efficacy of some of the potential management options makes it very difficult to quantify economic impacts. However, these impacts are likely to be greatest in areas such as the north and north east of Scotland, where pine currently represents almost half of the woodland area. Along with the industry, Forestry Commission Scotland is establishing a Scottish Timber Markets Impact Group, whose remit will include assessing the implications of tree health issues for the production and marketing of timber from Scottish forests.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-31T14:13:09.21","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275209,"EventID":"S4W-08988","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4934,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-08-03T14:13:09.787","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-08-02T09:59:18.203","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government what steps it is taking to raise awareness of dothistroma needle blight.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what steps it is taking to raise awareness of dothistroma needle blight.\r\n","AnswerText":"Dothistroma needle blight (DNB) has featured in the trade press and on the Forestry Commission’s website for several years, and a Forest Research Note was published in 2008. DNB has also featured in annual Forest Health Days run by Forest Research in order to raise awareness of emerging threats to tree health. In January 2008 a pan-GB Working Group (now a Programme Board) was formed to oversee research directions and operational responses to this disease, with Confor representing the private forestry sector.\r\nFurther measures to raise awareness during recent months have included:\r\nA two-page article by Forest Research and Forestry Commission Scotland (FCS) in the February edition of the Forestry Journal (a trade magazine for the forestry and arboricultural sectors in GB);\r\nA joint Confor/FCS national briefing on DNB for the private sector (held in Perth on 25 April);\r\nA joint presentation on DNB by Forest Research and FCS at the annual meeting of Native Pinewood Managers on 3 May;\r\nFour DNB training events in DNB identification for private forestry sector survey staff – held in Fife, Galloway, North Highland and Moray/Aberdeenshire, and\r\nThe production of a field guide to DNB and other pine foliar pathogens. This was issued at training events and is available, along with other information about DNB, on the Forestry Commission website at: http://www.forestry.gov.uk/fr/infd-6zckae.\r\nFour further training sessions for private forestry sector staff will be offered this year.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-31T14:13:09.803","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275210,"EventID":"S4W-08989","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4934,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-08-03T14:13:10.38","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-08-02T09:59:18.203","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it approve aerials fungicide applications to reduce dothistroma needle blight and, if so, under what circumstances and how many have taken place.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it approves the use of aerials fungicide applications to reduce dothistroma needle blight and, if so, under what circumstances, and how many have taken place.\r\n","AnswerText":"The GB Strategy for Dothistroma needle blight (DNB) recognises that a range of measures will be required to deal with DNB in pine woodlands. This GB Strategy recommends that consideration is given to the role of chemical treatments, including the targeted use of the aerial application of fungicide. Many fungicides have been found to be effective against DNB; for example, cuprous oxide, copper sulphate and copper oxychloride have been used in ground-based applications in nurseries in GB and in aerial spraying operations in countries such as New Zealand.\r\nThe aerial application of fungicide is therefore being considered as part of a potential suite of measures that may be required to address problems associated with DNB in Scotland. While there have been no forestry-related aerial applications of fungicide in Scotland (and there are currently no fungicides approved for such aerial-application in the UK), Forest Research is trialling ground-based forest applications of a range of products thought to be effective against DNB. In addition, two areas are being selected for trials of aerial application of fungicide in 2013, and Forest Research will apply to the Chemicals Regulation Directorate for the necessary experimental licence. These trials would help determine the efficacy and environmental impact of aerial applications and so help inform decisions about their possible future use.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-31T14:13:10.393","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275211,"EventID":"S4W-08990","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4934,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-08-03T14:13:10.973","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-08-02T09:59:18.203","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government what research is planned or underway to fill knowledge gaps suggested by the report, Dothistroma needle blight: GB Strategy.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what research is planned or underway to fill knowledge gaps suggested by the report, Dothistroma needle blight: GB Strategy.\r\n","AnswerText":"The research programme led by the Forestry Commission’s research agency, Forest Research, includes:\r\nsurveys to determine the Dothistroma needle blight (DNB) distribution and intensity in Scotland and whether the pathogen is also infecting non-pine species;\r\nanalysis and recording of samples from private sector DNB surveys in Scotland;\r\nannual DNB surveys of forest tree nurseries in Scotland, including monitoring to determine the presence or otherwise of the second causal agent of DNB - Dothistroma pini (which is present in some parts of Europe but has not yet been found in the UK);\r\nwork on determining the mating type and genotype distribution of DNB in Scotland;\r\ninvestigating spore dispersal mechanisms (this is being studied in England);\r\ninvestigating potential host resistance and the use of alternative species/origins;\r\ndetermining the effectiveness of silvicultural and chemical control techniques for DNB, and\r\nproposed further work on climatic links.\r\nGiven the global nature of this disease, it is also important to share research findings between countries. Forest Research is chairing the EU COST Action “DIAROD” which is building on the work of the International Dothistroma Alliance and aims to synthesize knowledge, encourage collaborative research in key areas, determine future research priorities and use the resulting information to develop management strategies applicable to this evolving disease and other future disease threats.\r\nAlong with the Research Councils, Defra the Forestry Commission, and the Scottish Government is currently engaged in discussions about developing a Tree Health and Plant Biosecurity Initiative, under the auspices of Living with Environmental Change (LWEC), aimed at increasing UK research capacity and capability in relation to tree health and its associated plant biosecurity issues.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-31T14:13:10.987","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275212,"EventID":"S4W-08991","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4934,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-08-03T14:13:11.737","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-08-02T09:59:18.203","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government what restrictions are there on the planting of specific tree species to assist in the reduction of dothistroma needle blight risk in (a) the public forest estate and (b)","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what restrictions are there on the planting of specific tree species to assist in the reduction of dothistroma needle blight risk in (a) the public forest estate and (b) private estates. \r\n","AnswerText":"On the national forest estate there is a moratorium on the planting of:\r\nCorsican pine \r\nlodgepole pine other than the more resistant Alaskan origin of that species when planted in self-thinning mixtures with Sitka spruce on sites where higher inputs of fertiliser and drainage would otherwise be required to secure successful establishment.\r\nAsymptomatic Scots pine (from nurseries where infection has been detected) within 550m of known uninfected pine crops or in Caledonian pinewood areas.\r\nWith respect to privately owned land, Forestry Commission Scotland has informed owners of the potential risks of Dothistroma needle blight (DNB) and of the approach being taken on the national forest estate. Private owners may then make decisions that are based on their own particular circumstances and objectives. If DNB causes failure of grant-aided pine on private estates, the owners remain liable for grant reclaim in accordance with the conditions of grant support.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-31T14:13:11.737","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275213,"EventID":"S4W-08992","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3896,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":97,"ApprovedDate":"2012-08-03T14:13:12.313","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-08-02T10:05:43.85","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government which education provider is responsible for filling modern apprenticeship places arising from the Forth Replacement Crossing construction.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government which education provider is responsible for filling modern apprenticeship places arising from the Forth Replacement Crossing construction.\r\n","AnswerText":"The current modern apprenticeships within the project are being filled by students from Telford College. An appropriate education provider will be appointed depending on the particular needs of each apprenticeship.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-31T14:13:12.33","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275214,"EventID":"S4W-08993","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3896,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":97,"ApprovedDate":"2012-08-03T14:13:13.063","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-08-02T10:05:43.85","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government what is being done to ensure that young people living near to the construction of the Forth Replacement Crossing are able to benefit from the training and job opportunit","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what is being done to ensure that young people living near to the construction of the Forth Replacement Crossing are able to benefit from the training and job opportunities it is creating.","AnswerText":"Key performance indicators have been agreed with the Principal Contractor to ensure work experience placements for further education students, support for PhD students and educational visits to the works. All Forth Replacement Crossing employment opportunities are required to be advertised in local job centres.\r\nOperation of the recruitment processes for training and employment vacancies are a matter for the contractors.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-31T14:13:13.077","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275215,"EventID":"S4W-08994","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":131,"ApprovedDate":"2012-08-03T14:13:13.857","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-08-02T10:07:46.26","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government when it will publish its response to its consultation on the charging of premiums in the private rented sector.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when it will publish its response to its consultation on the charging of premiums in the private rented sector.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has announced its response to the consultation on the charging of premiums in the private rented sector.\r\nWe intend to commence the provisions contained in section 32 of the Private Rented Housing (Scotland) Act 2011 to amend the definition of a premium, and to lay secondary legislation in the Scottish Parliament confirming that arrangements for the forthcoming Green Deal programme do not fall under the definition of a premium.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-31T14:13:13.873","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275216,"EventID":"S4W-08996","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2066,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-08-03T14:13:14.607","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-08-02T11:12:10.137","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on the closure of the A83 on 1 August 2012 due to a landslide at the Rest and Be Thankful.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on the closure of the A83 on 1 August 2012 due to a landslide at the Rest and Be Thankful.\r\n","AnswerText":"We regret the inconvenience caused by the road closure following the landslide on 1 August at the Rest and Be Thankful, however safety for all road users is our absolute priority. We are fully committed to delivering a safe diversion route at the A83 Rest and Be Thankful in as short a timescale as possible and a study to look at permanent solutions is underway.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-31T14:13:14.623","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275217,"EventID":"S4W-08997","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2066,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-08-03T14:13:15.403","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-08-02T11:12:10.137","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-08320 by Keith Brown on 19 July 2012, whether the work will be accelerated, in light of the landslide on 1 August 2012.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-08320 by Keith Brown on 19 July 2012, whether the work will be accelerated, in light of the landslide on 1 August 2012.\r\n","AnswerText":"It is very important that any solutions, permanent and temporary are properly designed and constructed. We are fully committed to delivering a safe diversion route at the A83 Rest and Be Thankful in as short a timescale as possible. Discussions are ongoing with the landowner and the works are currently programmed to start this month, with a 12-week construction period.\r\nI am chairing a taskforce which has been set up to oversee progress. The taskforce, which met for the first time on 15 August, includes representatives from the key agencies involved.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-31T14:13:15.417","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275218,"EventID":"S4W-08998","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2066,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-08-03T14:13:15.84","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-08-02T11:12:10.137","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government what action it is taking to prevent future landslides on the A83 at the Rest and Be Thankful.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what action it is taking to prevent future landslides on the A83 at the Rest and Be Thankful.\r\n","AnswerText":"Scotland has outstanding scenery - high mountains and steep valleys – which can, under periods of prolonged or severe weather events, be prone to landslides. These are a natural phenomenon and the A83 trunk road at the Rest and Be Thankful is an area of particular risk. We cannot stop landslides occurring, but we need to manage the consequences effectively.\r\nFollowing previous landslides at the Rest and Be Thankful, Scottish ministers have invested approximately £700,000 on mitigation measures, including the installation of flexible flow netting, a new culvert and drainage system at a previous landslide site and geotechnical monitoring equipment. The protective netting is currently being extended. An early warning system has also been put in place which activates Wig-Wag flashing amber lights when severe weather warnings are received from the Met Office.\r\nTransport Scotland will continue to deliver the landslide mitigation programme, investing approximately £500,000 per year across the network, including the A83.\r\nEarlier this year, we announced a £100,000 study to investigate the feasibility of improvements on the A83 trunk road. The study will look closely at what more can be done in managing the effects of landslides at the Rest and Be Thankful, including long term engineering options such as rock shelters, stabilisation using vegetation techniques and investigating alternative access routes to mid Argyll. The study will also look into removing pinch points along the route. We remain on schedule to complete the study by the end of the year.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-31T14:13:15.853","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275219,"EventID":"S4W-08999","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3896,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":97,"ApprovedDate":"2012-08-03T14:13:16.183","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-08-02T12:42:40.543","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government how many care leavers aged between 19 and 21 have applied for guidance and assistance under Section 29(2) of the Children (Scotland) Act 1995 over the last five years, b","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many care leavers aged between 19 and 21 have applied for guidance and assistance under Section 29(2) of the Children (Scotland) Act 1995 over the last five years, broken down by age and by local authority area.\r\n","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-31T14:13:16.197","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Aileen Campbell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275220,"EventID":"S4W-09000","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3896,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":97,"ApprovedDate":"2012-08-03T14:13:16.493","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-08-02T12:42:40.543","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government how many care leavers aged between 19 and 21 were given guidance and assistance under Section 29(2) of the Children (Scotland) Act 1995 over the last five years by age, ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many care leavers aged between 19 and 21 were given guidance and assistance under Section 29(2) of the Children (Scotland) Act 1995 over the last five years by age, broken down by (a) age and (b) local authority area.\r\n","AnswerText":"The numbers of young people aged 19-21 years who were eligible for aftercare services on 31 March 2007-09 and 31 July 2010-11 are detailed in the following table. We are unable to break this down further to give specific ages.\r\n \r\n2007\r\n2008\r\n2009\r\n2010\r\n2011\r\nAberdeen City\r\n29\r\n13\r\n18\r\n19\r\n22\r\nAberdeenshire\r\n7\r\n34\r\n31\r\n30\r\n36\r\nAngus\r\n8\r\n7\r\n4\r\n4\r\n10\r\nArgyll and Bute\r\n2\r\n2\r\n4\r\n22\r\n18\r\nClackmannanshire\r\n0\r\n0\r\n \r\n1\r\n2\r\nDumfries and Galloway\r\n58\r\n52\r\n53\r\n43\r\n47\r\nDundee City\r\n19\r\n26\r\n16\r\n6\r\n16\r\nEast Ayrshire\r\n25\r\n24\r\n36\r\n23\r\n19\r\nEast Dunbartonshire\r\n3\r\n9\r\n14\r\n10\r\n7\r\nEast Lothian\r\n18\r\n17\r\n20\r\n11\r\n13\r\nEast Renfrewshire\r\n11\r\n3\r\n1\r\n7\r\n8\r\nEdinburgh, City of \r\n147\r\n145\r\n57\r\n133\r\n158\r\nEilean Siar\r\n1\r\n2\r\n1\r\n0\r\n3\r\nFalkirk\r\n1\r\n16\r\n10\r\n4\r\n2\r\nFife\r\n19\r\n40\r\n0\r\n85\r\n22\r\nGlasgow\r\n170\r\n225\r\n284\r\n169\r\n219\r\nHighland\r\n0\r\n42\r\n3\r\n18\r\n34\r\nInverclyde\r\n20\r\n25\r\n21\r\n42\r\n28\r\nMidlothian\r\n7\r\n13\r\n6\r\n6\r\n4\r\nMoray\r\n12\r\n11\r\n14\r\n6\r\n13\r\nNorth Ayrshire\r\n36\r\n31\r\n40\r\n32\r\n33\r\nNorth Lanarkshire\r\n22\r\n18\r\n87\r\n59\r\n68\r\nOrkney\r\n2\r\n2\r\n3\r\n2\r\n0\r\nPerth and Kinross\r\n16\r\n12\r\n0\r\n0\r\n3\r\nRenfrewshire\r\n56\r\n56\r\n0\r\n1\r\n0\r\nScottish Borders\r\n8\r\n6\r\n7\r\n7\r\n9\r\nShetland Islands\r\n7\r\n8\r\n0\r\n1\r\n3\r\nSouth Ayrshire\r\n8\r\n5\r\n11\r\n32\r\n35\r\nSouth Lanarkshire\r\n43\r\n51\r\n54\r\n34\r\n31\r\nStirling\r\n20\r\n15\r\n0\r\n7\r\n6\r\nWest Dunbartonshire\r\n28\r\n26\r\n26\r\n8\r\n13\r\nWest Lothian\r\n93\r\n91\r\n86\r\n87\r\n93\r\nAll\r\n896\r\n1,027\r\n881\r\n909\r\n975\r\nSource: Children Looked After Statistics.","AnswerDate":"2012-08-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-31T14:13:16.493","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Aileen Campbell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275221,"EventID":"S4W-09001","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3896,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":97,"ApprovedDate":"2012-08-03T14:13:16.807","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-08-02T12:42:40.543","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government how many care leavers under the age of 21, who have left school have received financial assistance under Section 30 of the Children (Scotland) Act 1995 over the last fiv","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many care leavers under the age of 21, who have left school have received financial assistance under Section 30 of the Children (Scotland) Act 1995 over the last five years, broken down by (a) age and (b) local authority area.\r\n","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-31T14:13:16.823","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Aileen Campbell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275222,"EventID":"S4W-09002","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3896,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":97,"ApprovedDate":"2012-08-03T14:13:17.15","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-08-02T12:42:40.543","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government how many care leavers under the age of 21, who have left school have been declined financial assistance under Section 30 of the Children (Scotland) Act 1995 over the las","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many care leavers under the age of 21, who have left school have been declined financial assistance under Section 30 of the Children (Scotland) Act 1995 over the last five years, broken down by (a) age and (b) local authority area.\r\n","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-31T14:13:17.167","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Aileen Campbell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275223,"EventID":"S4W-09003","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-08-03T14:13:17.477","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-08-02T13:56:58.01","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government what the cost was of establishing Scotland House in London during the Olympic Games and from which budget line this was taken.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the cost was of establishing Scotland House in London during the Olympic Games and from which budget line this was taken.\r\n","AnswerText":"Information relating to the costs of Scotland House, including rationale for choosing the venue, costs and where possible guest lists for events have been published on the Scottish Government website: www.scotland.gov.uk/scotlandhouse.\r\nNote: Some of the information is still being collated so is not at present on the website.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-31T14:13:17.493","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Shona Robison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275224,"EventID":"S4W-09004","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-08-03T14:13:17.853","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-08-02T13:56:58.01","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it discussed with the Scotland Office using Dover House as the base for Scotland House in London during the Olympic Games and, if so, how much (a) Dover House wo","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it discussed with the Scotland Office using Dover House as the base for Scotland House in London during the Olympic Games and, if so, how much (a) Dover House would have cost and (b) for what reason it did not use it.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-09003 on 31 August 2012. All answers to written Parliamentary Questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-31T14:13:17.867","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Shona Robison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275225,"EventID":"S4W-09006","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-08-03T14:13:18.197","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-08-02T13:56:58.01","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it discussed with the Scottish Development International using their London office as the base for Scotland House in London during the Olympic Games and, if so, ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it discussed with the Scottish Development International using their London office as the base for Scotland House in London during the Olympic Games and, if so, (a) how much the office would have cost and (b) for what reason it did not use it.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-09003 on 31 August 2012. All answers to written Parliamentary Questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-31T14:13:18.21","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Shona Robison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275226,"EventID":"S4W-09007","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-08-03T14:13:18.537","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-08-02T13:56:58.01","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government who was (a) invited to and (b) attended each event held at Scotland House in London during the Olympic Games.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government who was (a) invited to and (b) attended each event held at Scotland House in London during the Olympic Games.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-09003 on 31 August 2012. All answers to written Parliamentary Questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-08-31T14:13:18.553","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Shona Robison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275235,"EventID":"S4W-09010","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4086,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-08-06T08:15:56.257","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-08-02T17:19:43.96","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government what guidelines it will issue to landlords on providing mechanisms for independent dispute resolution where they have opted out of the Tenancy Deposit Schemes (Scotland)","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what guidelines it will issue to landlords who have opted out of the Tenancy Deposit Schemes (Scotland) Regulations 2011 on providing mechanisms for independent dispute resolution.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has no plans to issue guidelines to private landlords on the provision of independent dispute resolution on matters related to tenant deposits.\r\nAll private landlords who take or hold a deposit in connection with a relevant tenancy have a legal duty to act in accordance with the Tenancy Deposit Schemes (Scotland) Regulations 2011, unless they are otherwise exempt. Landlords must also participate in the independent dispute resolution process provided by the scheme they choose to lodge a deposit with, if that is the preference of their tenants.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-03T08:15:56.35","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275238,"EventID":"S4W-09011","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3806,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-08-07T15:28:45.07","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-08-03T09:38:56.297","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when it will publish the findings of the research that it commissioned on the scale and nature of child sexual exploitation.\r\n","AnswerText":"The report commissioned of the University of Bedfordshire on child sexual exploitation in Scotland is due to be published by the end of September.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-04T15:28:45.413","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Aileen Campbell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275239,"EventID":"S4W-09012","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1860,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-08-07T15:28:45.723","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-08-03T10:26:30.673","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what public interest tests must be met before the compulsory purchase of land by a public body can proceed; where details of these tests are available and what review procedures there are.\r\n","AnswerText":"Circular 6/2011: Compulsory Purchase Orders set out that in deciding whether to confirm a compulsory purchase order Scottish Ministers will weigh up the public benefit in the public body's proposals against the interests of the people affected. The public body should properly assess the public benefit in its proposals and the impact on the people affected. The circular suggests some issues the public body may wish to consider when assessing the public interest. The statement of reasons which accompanies the submission to ministers of the compulsory purchase order for consideration should set out the public benefit.\r\nWhere a compulsory purchase order has been confirmed by ministers, there is a six week period, beginning from the date that the public body first publishes notice of the confirmation of the order, in which the validity of the order can be challenged in the Court of Session. The challenge may only be made on the grounds of the lawfulness, rather than the merits, of the decision.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-04T15:28:45.74","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Derek Mackay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275240,"EventID":"S4W-09013","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1860,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-08-07T15:28:45.99","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-08-03T11:07:29.22","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what percentage of (a) 16 and (b) 17-year olds is in (a) education and (b) apprenticeships\r\n","AnswerText":"The latest Annual Population Survey for April 2011 to March 2012 estimates that 88% of 16 year olds and 79% of 17 year olds are enrolled in any education or are currently doing a recognised apprenticeship.\r\nSource: Annual Population Survey, Office for National Statistics.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-04T15:28:46.003","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angela Constance","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275241,"EventID":"S4W-09014","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5047,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-08-07T15:28:46.317","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-08-03T13:59:33.24","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it records and monitors the level of neonatal deaths.\r\n","AnswerText":"Neonatal death rates in each NHS board have been published by the National Records of Scotland since 2007 (and its predecessor the General Register Office for Scotland), and can be found at: \r\nhttp://www.gro-scotland.gov.uk/statistics/theme/vital-events/general/ref-tables/2011/section-1-summary.html.\r\nThe annual Scottish Perinatal and Infant Mortality and Morbidity Report, produced by Healthcare Improvement Scotland and Information Services Division (a division of National Services Scotland) provides detailed information on stillbirths and neonatal deaths in Scotland to monitor rates and makes recommendations to encourage improvements in practice. The 2010 report can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.healthcareimprovementscotland.org/programmes/reproductive,_maternal__child/programme_resources/spimmr_2010.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-04T15:28:46.333","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275242,"EventID":"S4W-09015","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5047,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-08-07T15:28:46.597","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-08-03T13:59:33.24","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many neonatal deaths there have been since 2007, broken down by NHS board.\r\n","AnswerText":"The numbers of neonatal deaths in each NHS board area in each year since 2007 have already been published by the National Records of Scotland (and its predecessor the General Register Office for Scotland), and can be found on the web site via the following addresses.\r\nThe latest published figures, 2011, are available in the Vital Events Reference Table 1.3 on the web site via: http://www.gro-scotland.gov.uk/statistics/theme/vital-events/general/ref-tables/2011/section-1-summary.html.\r\n2010 figures are available in the Reference Table 1.3 via: http://www.gro-scotland.gov.uk/statistics/theme/vital-events/general/ref-tables/2010/summary.html.\r\nEach earlier year's numbers can be found in that year's Table 1.3, which are available from the website via: http://www.gro-scotland.gov.uk/statistics/theme/vital-events/general/ref-tables/archive/index.html.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-04T15:28:46.613","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275243,"EventID":"S4W-09016","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5079,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-08-07T15:28:46.877","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-08-06T11:55:55.32","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it encourages the reporting of female genital mutilation.\r\n","AnswerText":"Scottish Government takes the issue of female genital mutilation (FGM) very seriously and sees it as a form of physical abuse of women and girls and a violation of their human rights under the guise of culture and/or religion.\r\nA number of methods are used to encourage the reporting of FGM including engaging with individuals and groups of people from communities affected by FGM, raising awareness of the harm caused by FGM, the law against FGM and the government’s position; working closely with police, voluntary organisations, social services, education departments, and statutory sector organisations to prevent FGM, support victims and engage with communities; increasing confidence in reporting by supporting minority ethnic organisations that work with FGM victims. Recently the Scottish Government has funded Saheliya, a minority ethnic women’s organisation in Edinburgh, £225,000 over the three years 2012-15 to work with women from communities affected by FGM.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-04T15:28:46.893","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275244,"EventID":"S4W-09018","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2633,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-08-07T15:28:47.143","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-08-06T15:33:25","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-08516 by Richard Lochead on 1 August 2012, who will be invited to the meeting with the supermarkets and when it will be held.\r\n","AnswerText":"In view of the discussions on the mackerel situation which took place yesterday, 3 September, between European Fisheries Commissioner Maria Damanaki and the Icelandic and Norwegian Fisheries Ministers, arrangements for the meeting with retailers have not been finalised. A decision on arrangements for the meeting will be made as soon as we know the outcome of yesterday’s talks.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-04T15:28:47.16","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275245,"EventID":"S4W-09022","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4947,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-08-07T15:28:47.44","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-08-06T17:01:21","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it assists with the establishment of new GP practices.\r\n","AnswerText":"Every NHS board has a statutory duty to provide or secure the provision of primary medical services as respects their area, to the extent that they consider necessary to meet all reasonable requirements. The Scottish Government allocated £681 million to NHS boards in 2012-13 to enable them to discharge this duty.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-04T15:28:47.457","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275246,"EventID":"S4W-09023","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4947,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-08-07T15:28:47.69","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-08-06T17:01:21","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many GP practices have been established since 2007, broken down by NHS board.\r\n","AnswerText":"Information Services Division (ISD) of National Services Scotland publishes statistics as at 1 October annually on the number of GP practices broken down by NHS board. The latest figures and historical figures can be accessed via this link http://www.isdscotland.org/Health-Topics/General-Practice/Practices-and-Their-Populations/.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-04T15:28:47.703","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275247,"EventID":"S4W-09024","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1742,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-08-07T15:28:47.94","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-08-07T10:31:00.203","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what recent action it has taken to promote disability awareness and equality training in the NHS.\r\n","AnswerText":"The promotion of disability awareness and equality training is the responsibility of individual NHS boards. Scottish Government is committed to promoting equality of opportunity and the Equal Opportunity Partnership Information Network (PIN) policy is currently under review to reflect recent changes in legislation. Scottish Government also sponsors NHS boards’ gold membership of the Employers Forum on Disability that provides advice and guidance on disability issues.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-04T15:28:47.953","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275248,"EventID":"S4W-09025","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1742,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-08-07T15:28:48.203","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-08-07T10:31:00.203","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether electronic note-takers are available at public conferences that it organises.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government actively promotes and encourages inclusive communication, including communication support at public conferences and events, to ensure that disabled people have the same freedom, choice, dignity and control as other citizens.\r\nThe Scottish Government endeavours to ensure that appropriate means of communication support including electronic notetakers, if appropriate, are made available at public conferences that it organises, if requested and if identified as a requirement in advance.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-04T15:28:48.203","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275249,"EventID":"S4W-09026","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1742,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-08-07T15:28:48.453","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-08-07T10:31:00.203","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what recent reviews it has carried out of the accessibility of NHS premises for wheelchair users.","AnswerText":"There have been no recent reviews carried out of the accessibility of NHS premises for wheelchair users as compliance with statute is a normal part of NHS board business.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-04T15:28:48.453","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275250,"EventID":"S4W-09027","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1742,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-08-07T15:28:48.703","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-08-07T10:31:00.203","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it plans to make representations to the UK Government regarding updating  British Standards BS 8300 on wheelchair size.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has no plans to make representations to the UK Government regarding the updating of British Standard 8300 on wheelchair size.\r\nThe British Standards Institute Committee is monitoring developments in wheelchair design. This will assist them in determining if there is a need for updates to the standard when it is considered for review in 2015.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-04T15:28:48.72","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Derek Mackay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275284,"EventID":"S4W-09017","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-08-08T15:30:50.743","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-08-06T14:27:29","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, in light of the potential impact on the economy, how it will ensure that there are sufficient graduate engineers to meet the needs of the North Sea oil and gas industry in future years.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government is committed to ensuring that we have the skills to capitalise on the opportunities that the oil and gas industry presents for jobs and growth in Scotland and I have listed below the key activities being taken forward.\r\nEnergy Skills Action Group\r\nThrough the Energy Skills Action Group (ESAG), the public sector is working in partnership with industry to address the skills needs of the energy sector in Scotland.\r\nThe oil and gas industry is a key priority for the ESAG, and following the request from the ESAG for information on their skills needs, the Oil and Gas Industry Leadership Group have set up a short life working group with a small number of companies from across the industry to focus on increasing the labour supply. This approach has support from Oil and Gas UK; OPITO; Sub Sea UK; Scottish Enterprise; Skills Development Scotland; and Scottish Government and will build on the existing activity already taking place to improve the supply of skills labour for the sector.\r\nOil and Gas Industry Leadership Group\r\nThe Scottish Government has regular discussion with the oil and gas industry covering workforce development issues. Skills is also one of the six strategic priorities identified by the Oil and Gas Industry Leadership Group, and will look to be addressed through the oil and gas strategy launched by the First Minister in April 2012. The aim being to ensure the availability of a skilled workforce to support the continued development of the industry.\r\nSpecific Skills Initiatives \r\nThis government has also committed to fund 25,000 modern apprenticeships (MA), 500 of which will be ring-fenced specifically for the energy and climate change sector, every year until 2014. In 2011-12 almost half of the 500 Energy MA starts were in oil and gas (47%).\r\nLast year the First Minister also announced £2 million to support at least an additional 1,000 flexible training places in energy and low carbon. Skills Development Scotland is currently considering how this can support the current and future skills needs of the energy sector including the oil and gas industry.\r\nTo meet this commitment, Skills Development Scotland launched a new Energy Skills Challenge Fund on 21 August this year seeking bids from firms and training organisations to develop provision and co-ordinate recruitment onto tailored courses. The fund will support individuals new to the industry and those already working in the sector seeking to improve their skills.\r\nThrough the Scottish Funding Council we are supporting the recently established Scotland’s Colleges Energy Skills Partnership (ESP) – a new and unique step in collaboration between the colleges to offer energy skills training across regional and sub-sectoral hubs. We are also working with the Energy Technology Partnership (ETP) an alliance of independent Scottish Universities, engaged in world class energy research, development and demonstration.\r\nOPITO\r\nOPITO is the Aberdeen-based oil and gas skills development body which represents the UK’s industry by taking a collaborative approach to skills, learning and workforce development, as well as ensuring the highest safety standards and workplace competencies are in place. Owned by industry, and not for profit, OPITO works closely with industry to understand their specific skills needs, and initiates and invests in a wide range of activities and projects to drive improvement.\r\nOPITO provides industry representation on skills needs to the Oil and Gas Industry Advisory Group and the Energy Skills Action Group, both of which report to the Energy Advisory Board chaired by the First Minister. The Energy Skills Action Group is working to establish a common format for skills demand intelligence across the energy sector.\r\nSkills Development Scotland \r\nIn addition, Skills Development Scotland is currently working with OPITO and the oil and gas industry to develop courses specifically targeted at meeting the current skills needs of the sector. An ex","AnswerDate":"2012-09-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-05T15:30:51.04","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275285,"EventID":"S4W-09019","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-08-08T15:30:52.507","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-08-06T15:39:06","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what assistance is given to Orkney and Shetland Islands Councils to provide inter-island ferry links.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government is providing local government in Scotland with around £11.5 billion in 2012-13. Orkney Islands Council will receive over £76 million this year, whilst Shetland Islands Council will receive over £98.5 million. The vast majority of this funding, including funding for ferry services, is provided by means of a block grant. It is then the responsibility of each local authority, as an independent corporate body, to allocate the total financial resources available to it on the basis of local needs and priorities, having first fulfilled its statutory obligations and the jointly agreed set of national and local priorities.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-05T15:30:52.537","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275286,"EventID":"S4W-09020","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-08-08T15:30:53.13","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-08-06T15:39:06","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what consideration it is giving to establishing fixed infrastructure links between islands in Shetland.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government is not considering establishing any fixed infrastructure links between the Shetland Islands. Our plans are described within the Scottish Government’s 2011 Infrastructure Investment Plan.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-05T15:30:53.147","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275287,"EventID":"S4W-09021","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-08-08T15:30:53.677","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-08-06T15:39:06","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much annual \"island allowance\" is paid by (a) Orkney, (b) Shetland and (c) Western Isles Council, broken down by employment category.\r\n","AnswerText":"Information on how much Island Councils pay their employees annually in distant islands allowance is not held centrally. This is a matter for councils as independent corporate bodies responsible for the pay and conditions of service of their employees.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-05T15:30:53.693","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Derek Mackay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275288,"EventID":"S4W-09056","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2066,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-08-08T15:30:54.16","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-08-08T10:28:03.25","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when it will publish the results of Transport Scotland’s survey on the use of bilingual signs on trunk roads.\r\n","AnswerText":"The report Analyses of the Effects of Bilingual Signs on Road Safety in Scotland will be published on 31 August 2012.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-05T15:30:54.177","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275289,"EventID":"S4W-09057","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2066,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-08-08T15:30:54.457","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-08-08T10:29:26.477","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on the level of mobile phone network coverage in the Southend area of Argyll, what action it will take to improve this and whether it will discuss this with mobile phone operators.\r\n","AnswerText":"As set out in Scotland’s Digital Future – Infrastructure Action Plan, published on 31 January 2012, improving mobile phone and broadband coverage across the whole of Scotland is a priority for the Scottish Government, and we continue to have discussions with mobile operators about improving coverage across Scotland.\r\nThe Scottish Government currently has no powers to set improved levels of mobile coverage as telecoms regulations in the UK is reserved. Coverage obligations fall within mobile operators’ licence conditions, and Ofcom, the UK telecoms regulator, is responsible for ensuring that operators fulfil their licence condition requirements. All operators are meeting the 3G coverage obligations contained within their respective licence conditions.\r\nWe continue to make representations to the UK Government to ensure that its Mobile Infrastructure Project has maximum possible impact throughout all of Scotland for both voice and data coverage in current mobile Not Spots. The precise areas to benefit will not be known until the UK Government’s procurement completes in December 2012.\r\nThe Scottish Government has also successfully lobbied Ofcom to improve coverage targets associated with the forthcoming 4G auctions. This has resulted in a 95% indoor coverage level target being set in all four UK nations – a considerable improvement on the coverage targets originally proposed by Ofcom in 2011 and one that will extend 4G services across Scotland.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-05T15:30:54.473","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275290,"EventID":"S4W-09059","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2012-08-08T15:30:54.737","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-08-08T10:34:00.107","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government (a) for what reason and (b) when all S3 pupils will have to register with Skills Development Scotland's website, My World of Work, and how the process will be monitored.\r\n","AnswerText":"There are no plans to make registration on My World of Work compulsory for school pupils. Skills Development Scotland will continue to work with schools and pupils to encourage extensive use of the new service.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-05T15:30:54.753","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angela Constance","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275310,"EventID":"S4W-09060","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2012-08-09T14:12:59.587","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-08-08T12:07:19","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many officials have transferred from the Crofters Commission to the Rural Payments and Inspections Directorate since the directorate was established.\r\n","AnswerText":"Under the Crofting Cattle Improvement Scheme, the bull stud at Knocknagael Farm transferred from the Crofters Commission to the Rural Payments and Inspections Directorate (now Division) on 1 August 2011, with the transfer of three permanent members of staff.\r\nUnder the Croft House Grants Scheme, a further six members of staff based in Tiree transferred from the Commission to RPID on the same date.\r\nCrofters’ access to these assistance schemes has not changed, and the staff and operational bases for the schemes remain the same.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-06T14:12:59.667","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275311,"EventID":"S4W-09061","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2012-08-09T14:13:00.057","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-08-08T12:07:19","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many agricultural units are being investigated by the Rural Payments and Inspections Directorate under the eligible land criteria following the 2012 Integrated Administration and Control System deadline, broken down by area office.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Rural Payments and Inspections Division (RPID) has selected around 1,150 agricultural units to be inspected under its 2012 inspection programme. This equates to 5% of all single application forms submitted to cover a number of grant schemes with varying conditions, albeit the inspections relating to the Single Farm Payment and Less Favoured Area Support Schemes are primarily concerned with assessing eligible land. The inspections undertaken are no more than the minimum number required by the European Commission, and for each area office is broken down as follows:\r\nArea Office\r\nInspections to\r\nbe Undertaken\r\nAyr\r\n116\r\nBenbecula\r\n30\r\nDumfries\r\n96\r\nElgin\r\n22\r\nGala\r\n115\r\nGolspie\r\n26\r\nHamilton\r\n49\r\nInverness\r\n82\r\nInverurie\r\n185\r\nKirkwall\r\n53\r\nLerwick\r\n23\r\nOban\r\n70\r\nPerth \r\n152\r\nPortree\r\n26\r\nStornoway\r\n50\r\nThurso\r\n59\r\nTotal\r\n1,154\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-06T14:13:00.07","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275312,"EventID":"S4W-09062","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1892,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":134,"ApprovedDate":"2012-08-09T14:13:00.353","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-08-08T15:44:09","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the annual cost is of (a) diagnosing and (b) treating Lyme disease in humans; what the average amount of days lost at work are, and how much this costs the economy.\r\n","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally as NHS boards are not required to report this information to Scottish Government.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-06T14:13:00.353","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275313,"EventID":"S4W-09063","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-08-09T14:13:00.633","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-08-09T11:08:05.58","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what (a) recruitment, (b) training and (c) apprenticeship targets have been set for the Scottish Futures Trust's proposed south west hub programme, also broken down by (i) project and (ii) the programme's alliance community partnerships that have received preferred bidder status.\r\n","AnswerText":"As the South West hub territory is still in the final bidding process and has not yet reached contract signature, the content of the preferred bidder’s offering has to remain commercially confidential at this stage. Specific details in relation to this territory are therefore not yet available.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-06T14:13:00.65","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275314,"EventID":"S4W-09065","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-08-09T14:13:00.93","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-08-09T11:08:05.58","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what (a) local and (b) national (i) recruitment, (ii) training and (iii) apprenticeship targets have been set for each of the Scottish Futures Trust's established hub programmes, also broken down by project.\r\n","AnswerText":"Each hub bidder proposes specific Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) during the hub procurement process, including targets for recruitment and training opportunities. Each hub territory has different project specific objectives based on those proposed by the successful hub bidder. Individual project targets are established by agreement between the Participant organisation and hubco on a project specific basis in line with Participant requirements (i.e. health board or local authority).\r\nDetails of the individual targets set for each project that has reached financial close to date are as follows:\r\nSouth East hub Territory Projects\r\nD&B Project 1\r\n[Drumbrae]\r\nD&B\r\nProject 2\r\n[Craigmillar]\r\nD&B Project 3\r\n[Wester Hailes]\r\nD&B\r\nProject 4\r\n[Haddington Infants & Primary School]\r\nEducational Opportunities & Work Experience for Under 16s \r\n(measured in number of days - min 2 persons)\r\n10\r\n20\r\n20\r\n20\r\nEducational Opportunities & Work Experience for Over 16s\r\n(measured in number of days - min 2 persons)\r\n10\r\n20\r\n20\r\n20\r\nEducational Opportunities and site visits by schools \r\n(measured in number of days – up to 10 people per visit)\r\n20\r\n20\r\n50\r\n40\r\nEducational Opportunities/ site visits by colleges\r\n(measured in number of days – up to 10 people per visit)\r\n20\r\n20\r\n30\r\n40\r\nRecruitment & Training Direct Employment - Operative\r\n0\r\n2\r\n2\r\n2\r\nRecruitment & Training Indirect Employment - Operative\r\n0\r\n2\r\n0\r\n0\r\nRecruitment & Training Professional Employment\r\n0\r\n1\r\n0\r\n0\r\nRecruitment & Training - Apprentices\r\n1\r\n2\r\n1\r\n2\r\nRecruitment & Training - Trainees\r\n1\r\n1\r\n1\r\n1\r\n\r\nNorth Hub Territory Projects\r\nDBFM\r\nProject 1\r\n[Aberdeen Health Village]\r\nApprenticeship Schemes – number of apprentices that are being provided on a project by project basis\r\n2\r\nGraduate Placements – number of graduates that are being provided on a project by project basis\r\n2\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-06T14:13:00.947","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275315,"EventID":"S4W-09066","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2012-08-09T14:13:01.337","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-08-09T10:21:05","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-08825 by Michael Russell on 7 August 2012, what informal guidance has been issued.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has not issued informal guidance on school reform to local authorities since the Commission on the Delivery of Rural Education was established.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-06T14:13:01.35","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275316,"EventID":"S4W-09072","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4964,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-08-10T14:16:38.19","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-08-09T13:04:25","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what guidance it has issued to retailers regarding the Infant Formula and Follow-on Formula (Scotland) Regulations 2007.\r\n","AnswerText":"Guidance notes on the Infant Formula and Follow-on Formula Regulations 2007 were first published on the website of the Food Standards Agency in May 2008. This guidance was revised in March 2009 to reflect an amendment to the 2007 Regulations. These UK-wide guidance notes aim to help food businesses, enforcement officers and other interested parties interpret the provisions of the Infant Formula and Follow-on Formula Regulations 2007 and 2008.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-07T14:16:38.453","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275317,"EventID":"S4W-09073","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4964,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-08-10T14:16:38.89","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-08-09T13:04:25","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what penalties can be imposed for breaches of the Infant Formula and Follow-on Formula (Scotland) Regulations 2007.\r\n","AnswerText":"Regulation 28 of the Infant Formula and Follow-on Formula (Scotland) Regulations 2007 sets out the penalties for contravention of or failure to comply with these Regulations. Any person found guilty of an offence is liable, on summary conviction, to a fine not exceeding level 5 on the standard scale (currently £5,000).\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-07T14:16:38.907","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275318,"EventID":"S4W-09074","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4964,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-08-10T14:16:39.123","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-08-09T13:04:25","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many retailers have been penalised for breaching the Infant Formula and Follow-on Formula (Scotland) Regulations 2007, also broken down by (a) retailer, (b) penalty and (c) year.\r\n","AnswerText":"There have been no prosecutions for breaches of the Infant Formula and Follow-on Formula (Scotland) Regulations 2007 (as amended).\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-07T14:16:39.14","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275319,"EventID":"S4W-09075","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2673,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":114,"ApprovedDate":"2012-08-10T14:16:39.36","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-08-09T16:52:44","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many road accident-related deaths there have been in (a) North East Fife and (b) Fife in each year since 2007.\r\n","AnswerText":"The figures for road accident related deaths in North East Fife are as follows:\r\nTable: North East Fife Fatal Casualty Numbers by Year\r\nCasualty\r\n2007\r\n2008\r\n2009\r\n2010\r\n2011\r\nTotal\r\nFatal\r\n2\r\n8\r\n3\r\n6\r\n3\r\n22\r\nTotal\r\n2\r\n8\r\n3\r\n6\r\n3\r\n22\r\n\r\nThe figures for road accident related deaths in Fife are as follows:\r\nTable: Fife-wide Fatal Casualty Numbers by Year\r\nCasualty\r\n2007\r\n2008\r\n2009\r\n2010\r\n2011\r\nTotal\r\nFatal\r\n14\r\n14\r\n6\r\n13\r\n11\r\n58\r\nTotal\r\n14\r\n14\r\n6\r\n13\r\n11\r\n58\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-07T14:16:39.373","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275320,"EventID":"S4W-09076","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2673,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":114,"ApprovedDate":"2012-08-10T14:16:39.593","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-08-09T16:52:44","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what measures are being taken to prevent road accidents nationally, and what specific measures there are for North East Fife.\r\n","AnswerText":"Scotland’s Road Safety Framework to 2020, published on 15 June 2009, includes distinct and challenging targets for reductions in road casualties in Scotland over the next decade from 1 January 2011.\r\nThe framework provides strategic direction and gives eight national priorities for road safety in Scotland, which are being delivered through 96 commitments. It allows local partners to address specific local issues in conjunction with national action to make an optimum contribution to reducing fatalities and casualties on Scotland’s roads. Working with our Road Safety Strategic Partnership Board and our Road Safety Operational Partnership Group, we will continue to ensure that everyone plays their part to make our roads safer for everyone.\r\nInformation about specific interventions being implemented by our road safety partners in Scotland is published annually in the Road Safety Framework Annual Report. The 2011 report, published on 1 March 2012, is available on the Transport Scotland website at:\r\nhttp://www.transportscotland.gov.uk/strategy-and-research/publications-and-consultations/j218244-00.htm.\r\nNorth East Fife\r\nThe measures currently being taken to prevent road crashes in North East Fife and Fife as a whole are expressed in Fife's Safer Travel Strategy 2008 - 2011. This document focuses on the work undertaken by Fife Council and supporting partners (Fife Constabulary, Fife Fire and Rescue Service, Fife Safety Camera Partnership etc), and can be downloaded at:\r\nhttp://publications.1fife.org.uk/uploadfiles/publications/c64_bookletfullpagessml.pdf.\r\nLater this year Fife's Safer Travel Strategy is due to be replaced by Fife's Road Safety Action Plan 2012 – 2015.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-07T14:16:39.61","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275321,"EventID":"S4W-09077","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2673,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":114,"ApprovedDate":"2012-08-10T14:16:39.827","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-08-09T16:52:44","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it expects to achieve the targets set out in Scotland’s Road Safety Framework to 2020 for reductions in the number of deaths and injuries on roads by 2015.\r\n","AnswerText":"We are on track to meet the 2020 targets as set out in Scotland’s Road Safety Framework, and we have already achieved some of the 2015 “milestones” targets, as shown in the following table.\r\n\r\n2004-08 average (baseline)\r\n2011\r\nfigure\r\n% reduction on baseline\r\n2015\r\nmilestone\r\n2020\r\ntarget\r\nCasualties killed\r\n292\r\n186\r\n36%\r\n30%\r\n40%\r\nSeriously Injured casualties\r\n2,605\r\n1,873\r\n28%\r\n43%\r\n55%\r\nChildren killed*\r\n15\r\n5\r\n65%\r\n35%\r\n50%\r\nChildren seriously injured\r\n325\r\n203\r\n38%\r\n50%\r\n65%\r\nNote: *Children killed is measured using a three year average due to the small numbers each year.\r\nThe provisional Key Reported Road Casualty Statistics Scotland 2011, published on 20 June 2012 gives more detailed information, and shows that total reported road casualties are now at their lowest level since records began. This document is available on the Transport Scotland website at:\r\nhttp://www.transportscotland.gov.uk/strategy-and-research/publications-and-consultations/j230656-00.htm.","AnswerDate":"2012-09-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-07T14:16:39.843","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275322,"EventID":"S4W-09079","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1892,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":134,"ApprovedDate":"2012-08-10T14:16:40.06","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-08-10T09:41:47","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when the fourth generation contract for the South West Unit Trunk Road Operating Company will be announced; for what reason the original tender date of May 2012 was missed; when the work will start, and which agency will provide on-going maintenance and winter services until then.\r\n","AnswerText":"Transport Scotland is currently evaluating the tenders for the South West (and North West) contracts in accordance with the Public Contracts (Scotland) Regulations 2006. As this is a live procurement exercise it would be inappropriate to disclose any details relating to the evaluation at this time.\r\nThe Commencement of Service date for the fourth generation South West (and North West) contracts is scheduled for 1 April 2013, and the incumbent Operating Companies, Amey in the South West (and Scotland TranServ in the North West) will continue to provide the maintenance and winter service specified under the terms of their contracts until that date.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-07T14:16:40.077","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275329,"EventID":"S4W-09028","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-08-14T14:29:36.517","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-08-07T11:14:32.33","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-08394 by Nicola Sturgeon on 27 July 2012, which areas in hospitals it regards as critical to ensure that the design meets the required standards for patients with dementia and whether there is a rating system against which these are measured.\r\n","AnswerText":"It is important that all care for people with dementia in hospital is delivered in an appropriate environment. The standards on the design of care environments for people with dementia set out in The Standards of Care for Dementia in Scotland (2011) apply to all areas in hospitals in which care for people with dementia is delivered.\r\nTo help services measure and assess the extent to which these standards are being met, the standards signpost services to the Design for People with Dementia: Audit Tool (2008), produced by The Dementia Services Development Centre at The University of Stirling in collaboration with Health Facilities Scotland. Services will also want to consider using any new design tools as appropriate to help them in meeting these standards.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-11T14:29:36.673","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275330,"EventID":"S4W-09030","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-08-14T14:29:37.08","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-08-07T11:14:32.33","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-08394 by Nicola Sturgeon on 27 July 2012, which hospitals' designs have been subject to (a) inspection and (b) audit to ensure that they are suitable for dementia patients; which received a satisfactory rating and who carried these out.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Standards of Care for Dementia in Scotland (2011) inform the current programme of inspections by Healthcare Improvement Scotland (HIS) into the care of all older people, and those with dementia at all ages, in acute general hospital.\r\nThis programme of inspections includes a focus on the issues around the design of dementia environments. Individual inspection reports are on the HIS website http://www.healthcareimprovementscotland.org/welcome_to_healthcare_improvem.aspx. The inspections are part of the wider Chief Nursing Officer-led improvement programme with NHS boards and others on the care of older people, and people with dementia at all ages, in hospitals.\r\nWhile hospitals have also been self-auditing against the dementia standards, information is not held centrally specifically on any self-inspection or self-audit by individual hospitals against the standards on the design of care environments for people with dementia set out in the dementia standards.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-11T14:29:37.08","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275331,"EventID":"S4W-09032","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-08-14T14:29:37.44","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-08-07T11:14:32.33","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many (a) full-time and (b) full-time equivalent school nurses there have been in each year since 2007, broken down by NHS board.\r\n","AnswerText":"Published information on (a) full-time and (b) full-time equivalent school nurses there have been in each year since 2007, broken down by NHS board can be found at: \r\nhttp://www.isdscotland.org/Health-Topics/Workforce/Publications/2012-08-28/Nursing_and_Midwifery_SIP_J2012.xls.\r\nThe nursing workforce working in schools goes beyond school nurses. The figures for Public Health Nurses and Health Visitors should also be taken into account. Public Health Nurses include School Nurses, Health Visitors and those who have a dual role.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-11T14:29:37.453","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275332,"EventID":"S4W-09033","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-08-14T14:29:37.767","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-08-07T11:14:32.33","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what Barnett consequentials will arise as a consequence of the UK Government's proposal to vaccinate every child aged 2 to 17 against influenza.\r\n","AnswerText":"The costs of vaccinating children aged 2 to 17 against influenza are being funded from within the UK Department of Health’s 2010 Spending Review settlement, with no additional allocation from HM Treasury. There are therefore no Barnett consequentials available.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-11T14:29:37.783","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275333,"EventID":"S4W-09034","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-08-14T14:29:38.11","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-08-07T11:14:32.33","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will vaccinate every child aged 2 to 17 against influenza and, if so, how many additional staff will be required and what funding it will give each NHS board to carry this out.\r\n","AnswerText":"Scottish Ministers have welcomed the recommendations from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) to extend the influenza vaccination programme to children from two years to less than 17. We will be looking at the recommendation closely to decide how best to implement the programme. \r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-11T14:29:38.127","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275334,"EventID":"S4W-09035","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-08-14T14:29:38.437","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-08-07T11:14:32.33","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, in light of the reported link between cooling towers and legionella outbreaks, what progress has been made in eliminating them and what barriers there are to carrying this out.\r\n","AnswerText":"The responsibility for management of cooling towers lies with each individual company therefore the Scottish Government has no jurisdiction in these matters. Work-related health and safety is a reserved matter for the Westminster Parliament.\r\nThe Health and Safety Executive (HSE) publishes an Approved Code of Practice which provides guidance on the control of legionella bacteria in water systems. This sets out what steps should be taken by employers, and those with responsibilities for the control of premises, for identifying and assessing sources of risk, preparing a scheme to prevent or control risk and implementing, managing and monitoring the precautions. It also provides some advice on replacing cooling towers with alternative methods of cooling.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-11T14:29:38.453","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275335,"EventID":"S4W-09036","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-08-14T14:29:38.78","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-08-07T11:14:32.33","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S3W-39723 by Fergus Ewing on 4 March 2011, what progress has been made in increasing the number of electronic submission of SMR25 forms from (a) statutory drug services, (b) the Scottish Prison Service and (c) primary care providers and whether primary care providers must complete the form electronically in order to receive a fee.\r\n","AnswerText":"I have asked NHS Information Services Division to provide an update on electronic SMR25 submissions and they have provided this response. They have reported that over the past year, progress has been made in increasing the electronic submission of SMR25 forms as outlined below for each of the services:\r\n(a) Statutory (includes all NHS and Local Authority services) Drug Treatment Services:\r\nApproximately 95% of all SMR25 submissions from statutory services are now made electronically compared with 70% in March 2011.\r\nAs of September 2011, all submissions for statutory and voluntary drug treatment services are expected to be completed electronically. Paper forms are no longer accepted from statutory drug treatment services, unless they are in the process of transitioning to electronic submissions. Following the roll out of a new IT system (completed March 2012) in parts of Glasgow, all services within Glasgow City now have the facility to submit data electronically and ISD expect that electronic submissions will be received by December 2012.\r\nISD send monthly compliance reports to Alcohol and Drug Partnerships (ADPs) to enable them to identify those services who are not submitting SMR25 data electronically and also to ensure data quality. ISD continue to work with ADPs and services to ensure that all services who should be submitting SMR25 data are doing so electronically.\r\n(b) Scottish Prison Service\r\nSince 1 April 2010, drug treatment services within all 13 publicly funded Scottish prisons make electronic SMR25 submissions.\r\nISD are engaging with the two Health Boards containing private prisons with the aim of receiving electronic SMR25 data. Kilmarnock prison is expected to collect electronic SMR25 data in late 2012. ISD will continue to work with the Addiewell prison to progress electronic submission.\r\n(c) Primary Care Providers (including GPs)\r\nCurrently, no electronic SMR25 submissions are received from primary care providers, however 94 general practices submitted SMR25a paper forms to ISD in 2010-11.\r\nThere is no requirement for primary care providers to submit SMR25 forms electronically in order to receive a fee. Any fees associated with providing drug and alcohol treatment services are received as part of the enhanced services contract which is managed locally by NHS boards. In 2010-11, approximately 400 practices received payments for providing drug treatment services.\r\nAs of 1 October 2011, there are approximately 1,000 GP practices in Scotland. However, it should be noted that not all of these practices will provide drug treatment services.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-11T14:29:38.78","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Roseanna Cunningham","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275336,"EventID":"S4W-09037","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-08-14T14:29:39.093","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-08-07T11:14:32.33","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether the information recorded on the (a) children's data and (b) pregnancy section of SMR25 forms for drugs misusers is linked to the data on (i) child protection registers and (ii) the Scottish Women-Held Maternity Record.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Drug Misuse Database (SDMD) is a key national information source on the use of drugs in Scotland.\r\nThe purpose of the SDMD is to help us understand the needs of people with drug problems presenting for specialist treatment. It will help inform recovery plans and over time, enable us to understand more about people’s journey through treatment and the outcomes they achieve.\r\nThe system is not linked to data on child protection registers or the Scottish Women-Held Maternity Record.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-11T14:29:39.107","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275337,"EventID":"S4W-09038","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-08-14T14:29:39.403","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-08-07T11:14:32.33","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what analysis of the Scottish Women-Held Maternity Record is carried out with regard to recording of drug and or alcohol misuse.\r\n","AnswerText":"The SWHMR is a paper record, however some of the information from individual SWHMR forms may be used to populate the SMR02 dataset, including information about drugs and alcohol.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-11T14:29:39.42","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275338,"EventID":"S4W-09039","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-08-14T14:29:39.7","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-08-07T11:14:32.33","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether all (a) females, (b) pregnant and (c) mothers who are substance misusers are referred to (i) social work departments and (ii) neonatal paediatricians and what its position is on whether the data systems of their primary care providers, maternity services, drug treatment services and social work departments are able to share this information adequately.\r\n","AnswerText":"National guidance to all Alcohol and Drug Partnerships and Drug and Alcohol services within the HEAT A11: Updated Drug and Alcohol Treatment Types publication states the following:\r\nComprehensive assessment is targeted at drug/alcohol misusers with more complex needs and those who will require structured drug/alcohol treatment interventions. The assessment aims to determine the exact nature of the service user’s drug/alcohol problems, and coexisting problems in the other domains of health (mental and physical), social functioning and offending. A full risk assessment should also be conducted. Comprehensive assessment may be conducted by more than one member of a multidisciplinary team, because different competences may be necessary to assess different areas of service user need (e.g. a doctor needs to assess service users for prescribing interventions involving controlled drugs – a supplementary prescriber may also be involved or a psychologist may need to carry out psychometric assessment).\r\nComprehensive assessment can be seen as an ongoing process rather than a single event. Comprehensive assessment will be carried out when a service user may:\r\nRequire structured and/or intensive intervention \r\nHave significant psychiatric and/or physical co-morbidity \r\nHave significant level of risk of harm to self or others \r\nBe in contact with multiple service providers \r\nHave a history of disengagement from drug treatment services \r\nBe pregnant or have children “at risk”. \r\nComprehensive assessment provides information that will contribute to the development of a recovery support plan for a service user.\r\nThe refreshed Framework for Maternity Care in Scotland sets out how services should be provided to pregnant women with substance misuse issues. It states boards should have evidence that there are effective communication and pathways between maternity service, primary care, public health nursing and other NHS services working with women at risk of poorer outcomes. \r\nNHS boards should also have evidence that maternity care services are integrated with Local Children’s services and vulnerable adult planning mechanisms. \r\nThe Scottish Woman Held Maternity Record (SWHMR) guidance for Professional Version 6 sets out how the information gathered in the SWHMR should be used by Maternity care services to assist in the process of early communication and care planning for families with complex needs or identified vulnerabilities. The Health Plan Indicator or HPI allocated by the health visitor/public health nurse at the initial assessment indicates the level of service required by families following the birth of a baby and can be “core” or “additional”. Pregnant Women, children and families with complex needs or identified vulnerabilities such as alcohol or substance misuse should be allocated an “additional” Health Plan Indicator. The allocation of an HPI requires a structured approach to assessment and any information on the allocation of an HPI should be shared during the hand over from midwife to health visitor/public health nurse.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-11T14:29:39.717","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275339,"EventID":"S4W-09040","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-08-14T14:29:40.013","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-08-07T11:14:32.33","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many children of people referred by social work departments to children's reporters in each of the last five years were previously referred by drug services to social work.\r\n","AnswerText":"Children can be referred to the Reporter up to the age of 16 (or 18 if they are already on supervision). This is a matter for the Principal Reporter, however I can confirm that Scottish Children's Reporter Administration (SCRA) does not centrally record whether those children have children of their own. Any such information would be held on individual case files. Referrals to the Children’s Reporter are only made in respect of children, not adults.\r\nSCRA does not hold centrally the numbers of children where parental drug misuse is a factor in their referral. However, SCRA has published a number of research reports, which include examination of the extent and impact of parental drug misuse on children and young people referred to the reporter. These reports are available on the SCRA’s website www.scra.gov.uk.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-11T14:29:40.027","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Aileen Campbell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275340,"EventID":"S4W-09041","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-08-14T14:29:40.31","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-08-07T11:14:32.33","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many referrals by health services to children's reporters in each of the last five years were due to problems associated with parental drug misuse.\r\n","AnswerText":"This is a matter for the Principal Reporter. I can confirm that, in 2011-12, 360 children were referred to the reporter from health sources. This is from a total of 31,593 children referred in total during the year.\r\nThe Scottish Children's Reporter Administration (SCRA) does not hold centrally the numbers of children where parental drug misuse is a factor in their referral. However, SCRA has published a number of research reports, which include examination of the extent and impact of parental drug misuse on children and young people referred to the reporter. These reports are available on the SCRA’s website www.scra.gov.uk.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-11T14:29:40.323","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Aileen Campbell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275341,"EventID":"S4W-09042","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-08-14T14:29:40.62","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-08-07T11:14:32.33","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on whether the data systems of drug treatment services, maternity services and children's reporters are able to share information adequately in order to determine the number of pregnant drug misusers in each local authority area and how many of the children that they give birth to will require and receive appropriate support, broken down by service.\r\n","AnswerText":"Sharing appropriate information is an essential component of child protection and care activity. Local data sharing agreements and procedures will vary but local areas and agencies should ensure that there are robust information-sharing protocols in place and that practitioners understand their responsibilities in relation to the sharing, storing and retrieving of information.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-11T14:29:40.637","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275342,"EventID":"S4W-09043","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-08-14T14:29:40.917","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-08-07T11:14:32.33","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what copyright fees the Family Nurse Partnership Programme expects to pay in (a) 2012-13, (b) 2013-14 and (c) 2014-15.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government will pay a licensing fee to University of Colorado, Denver, based on the number of clients starting the programme in each financial year. The fee is £9.80 for each client, based on the current exchange rate, and for 2012-13 will be:\r\n£5,392.16. \r\nFor future years the total payable will be dependent upon the numbers recruited to the programme and the exchange rate at that time. \r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-11T14:29:40.933","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275343,"EventID":"S4W-09044","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-08-14T14:29:41.23","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-08-07T11:14:32.33","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how the Family Nurse Partnership Programme will be evaluated in the (a) short and (b) medium term and how often it will report on this.\r\n","AnswerText":"Evaluation of the programme is key to assessing its success. The programme will be continually monitored, using agreed quality control measures, to ensure measurable outputs are met.\r\nTo date there have been two interim reports published on the evaluation of the Family Nurse Partnership programme in NHS Lothian which are available on the Scottish Government website.\r\nFirst interim evaluation report – pregnancy phase (published July 2011) http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2011/07/28142203/0.\r\nSecond interim evaluation report – late pregnancy and postpartum phases (published June 2012) http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2012/06/1551/0.\r\nA further interim report (infancy phase) is due to be published in late 2012 with the full evaluation report due to be published in the spring of 2013. We will consider how we report future evaluation of the programme across Scotland following publication of the full evaluation report.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-11T14:29:41.247","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275344,"EventID":"S4W-09046","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-08-14T14:29:41.527","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-08-07T11:14:32.33","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether health visitors have full access to the Scottish Women-Held Maternity Record after a pregnancy and what its reason is for its position on this matter.\r\n","AnswerText":"Health Visitors have full access to the Scottish Women-Held Maternity Record (SWHMR) as it is used as a starting point for their initial assessments. The SWHMR guidance for Professional Version 6 sets out how the information gathered in the SWHMR should be used by maternity care services to assist in the process of early communication and care planning for families with complex needs or identified vulnerabilities. Any pertinent information should be shared during the hand over from midwife to health visitor/public health nurse.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-11T14:29:41.54","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275345,"EventID":"S4W-09047","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-08-14T14:29:41.823","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-08-07T11:14:32.33","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when the Scottish Women-Held Maternity Record will be made fully electronic and accessible to (a) GPs, (b) health visitors and (c) parents and for what reason this is not already the case.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Woman Held Maternity Record (SWHMR), was updated in 2011, and is part of a range of actions underway to support NHS boards’ implementation of the Refreshed Framework for Maternity Care (2011), to ensure that care in Scotland is person centred, safe and effective. As set out in the Framework, it is the responsibility of NHS boards to ensure that maternity services gather, record and report on a wide range of information for both local and national purposes, and have IT systems that comply with nationally identified data requirements.\r\nNHS boards received funding in early June 2012, for 2012-13, outlining the government’s continued support with implementation of recommendations in the framework, and this specifically includes data collection. NHS boards recently provided an update on their progress with this, which indicated that they are planning to move towards electronic systems for information collection and analysis.\r\nThe Refreshed Framework for Maternity Care in Scotland states that health boards are expected to have evidence that their IT systems comply with nationally identified data requirements.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-11T14:29:41.837","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275346,"EventID":"S4W-09050","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-08-14T14:29:42.133","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-08-07T11:14:32.33","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether the data collected by the Scottish Women-Held Maternity Record complements that recorded by the initial assessment forms used by NHS boards.\r\n","AnswerText":"Data collated within Scottish Women-Held Maternity Record (SWHMR) complements assessments undertaken at the handover between the midwife and the public health nurse delivering a woman’s maternity care; however this is not duplication in work, merely a prompt to facilitate important communication between health care professionals.\r\nThe SWHMR guidance for Professional Version 6 sets out how the information gathered in the SWHMR should be used by maternity care services to assist in the process of early communication and care planning for families with complex needs or identified vulnerabilities. The Health Plan Indicator (HPI) can be allocated either during the antenatal period by the midwife or by the health visitor/public health nurse and indicates the level of service required by families and can be “core” or “additional”. The HPI is a flexible tool and should reflect the child or family circumstances at any particular point. All children should have an HPI allocated by six months.\r\nPregnant Women, children and families with complex needs or identified vulnerabilities such as alcohol or substance misuse should be allocated an “additional” Health Plan Indicator. The allocation of an HPI requires a structured approach to assessment and any information on the allocation of an HPI should be shared during the hand over from midwife to health visitor/public health nurse.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-11T14:29:42.15","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275347,"EventID":"S4W-09051","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-08-14T14:29:42.447","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-08-07T11:14:32.33","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, apart from that recorded by the Scottish Women-Held Maternity Record and health visitor assessment forms, what information is collated for use at (a) local and (b) national levels with regard to people with problems with alcohol, drugs or tobacco.\r\n","AnswerText":"A number of additional health data collections record substance use information during and post maternity. Scottish Morbidity Record 02 (SMR02) is a prenatal and antenatal episode based patient record relating to all inpatients and day cases discharged from obstetric specialties. Substance use information recorded on SMR02 includes smoking behaviour, drug use during pregnancy and typical weekly consumption (SMR02 may include data entered from the Scottish Woman-Held Maternity Record, SWHMR). Information Services Division (ISD) publishes annual data on maternities recording drug misuse at Scotland, NHS board and local authority level. Scotland and NHS board data on smoking is also published on the ISD website; information on alcohol consumption during pregnancy is not routinely published but is available on request.\r\nThe Scottish Drug Misuse Database (SDMD) is a key national information source on the use of drugs in Scotland. The initial assessment (SMR25a) and follow up assessments (SMR25b) ask whether the client presenting for specialist drug treatment or their partner is pregnant, and whether the client has dependent children under the age of 16. Information on the percentage of “new clients” who report at their initial assessment that they have dependent children is published annually by ISD in Drug Misuse Statistics Scotland. The first release of information collected by the SDMD at follow-up assessment, including that on dependent children, will be published by ISD in December 2012.\r\nThe Scottish Birth Record (SBR) is a web-based system developed to ensure that every child born in Scotland has one record, which will act as the foundation for future information collection. SBR includes information relating to alcohol and smoking use: smoking history, smoking during the pregnancy; alcohol intake pre-pregnancy; current alcohol use, and whether the mother was referred for alcohol problems. This data may come from SWHMR or be entered directly on to the system at birth. In addition, diagnostic codes covering alcohol, drugs and tobacco relevant to the baby can be recorded on SBR. Neonatal discharges recording drug misuse for Scotland, NHS boards and local authorities are published by ISD; the SBR alcohol and smoking information is not routinely published but is available at both national and local level.\r\nThe Scottish National Smoking Cessation Services Database was established in 2005 to capture information on people presenting to NHS services in Scotland for help to stop smoking. This web-based system includes information on quit attempts made by pregnant women; these data is published in the smoking cessation statistics annual report.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-11T14:29:42.447","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275348,"EventID":"S4W-09052","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-08-14T14:29:42.743","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-08-07T11:14:32.33","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government for what reason it has not yet published the findings of its consultation on the draft standards for wheelchairs.\r\n","AnswerText":"The findings of the public consultation on the draft clinical standards for NHSScotland’s wheelchair and specialist seating services were published on 25 May 2011 and may be viewed on the Publications section of the Scottish Government website http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2011/05/25092915/0.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-11T14:29:42.757","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275349,"EventID":"S4W-09053","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-08-14T14:29:43.07","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-08-07T11:14:32.33","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on the impact of dental treatment in Scotland of the findings of the Office of Fair Trading's report, Dentistry, an OFT market study.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Office of Fair Trading (OFT) Report identified areas for action. The Scottish Government had already addressed some of these areas prior to publication of the OFT Report, as follows:\r\n1. The National Health Services (General Dental Services) (Scotland) Regulations 2010 already require dentists to provide written treatment plans with costs in specific circumstances.\r\n2. The process for patients to complain about NHS Services has been improved through the Patient Rights (Scotland) Act 2011.\r\n3. The system to inspect private dental practices is currently being agreed with Healthcare Improvement Scotland.\r\nDirect access to dental care professionals is the remit of the General Dental Council and we await their decision.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-11T14:29:43.07","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275350,"EventID":"S4W-09067","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5034,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-08-14T14:29:43.367","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-08-09T13:13:45","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what discussions it has had with Dundee City Council regarding the decision to close Kemback Street Day Centre and its associated Out and About service for vulnerable adults with learning disabilities.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has had no discussions with Dundee City Council regarding the decision to close Kemback Street Day Centre. It is the responsibility of local authorities to work with their partners and regularly review spending decisions to deliver fit for purpose services which respond to local needs.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-11T14:29:43.383","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275351,"EventID":"S4W-09068","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5034,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-08-14T14:29:43.633","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-08-09T13:13:45","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what guidance it issues to local authorities on how public consultions on proposed changes to service provision should be carried out.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government does not issue specific guidance to local authorities on how public consultations on proposed changes to service provisions should be carried out. Local authorities are subject to a duty to secure best value. The Best Value Statutory Guidance describes a number of characteristics which authorities should be able to demonstrate, one of which is responsiveness and consultation. This includes responsiveness to the needs of communities and citizens, and consultation arrangements which are open, fair and inclusive. The guidance does not prescribe how this should be done - local authorities are autonomous bodies and it is up to them to determine how they manage their day to day business. The guidance is available at:\r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2004/04/19166/35250.\r\nThe Scottish Government published Right first time: A practical guide for public authorities in Scotland to decision-making and the law in 2010. This is relevant to local authorities as well as other public sector organisations and includes a section on consultation.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-11T14:29:43.647","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Derek Mackay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275352,"EventID":"S4W-09069","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5034,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-08-14T14:29:43.913","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-08-09T13:13:45","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the statutory basis is of its guidance, right first time, A practical guide for public authorities in Scotland to decision-making and the law, and how it monitors the effectiveness of this and other similar guidance.\r\n","AnswerText":"The guidance has no statutory basis. However, Scottish ministers are able to issue guidance in many areas where appropriate, including ways in which to help ensure that public bodies have good decision making processes.\r\nThe Accounts Commission audits the performance of local authorities whilst the Auditor General audits the performance of most other public bodies in Scotland - the audit includes consideration of the relevant bodies' systems and processes.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-11T14:29:43.927","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Derek Mackay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275353,"EventID":"S4W-09070","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5034,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-08-14T14:29:44.177","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-08-09T13:13:45","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it considers that the decision by Dundee City Council to close Kemback Street Day Centre and its associated Out and About service is a breach of section 26 of the Mental Health (Care and Treatment) (Scotland) Act 2003 and what evidence it has to support its position on this matter.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government sets national direction of policy on mental health and provides funding to agencies, including NHS boards and local authorities, to support implementation of policy. The management of local actions in implementing national policy and decisions on local spending priorities are the responsibility of relevant local agencies.\r\nSection 26 of the Mental Health (Care and Treatment) (Scotland) Act 2003 imposes a statutory duty on local authorities to provide services designed to promote the wellbeing and social development for persons who have, or have had, a mental disorder and who are not in hospital.\r\nIt is the responsibility of local authorities to work with their partners and regularly review spending decisions to deliver fit for purpose services which respond to local needs. The duty is on the local authority to provide the required services under section 26, and the closure of one particular service would not of itself necessarily be a breach of that section.\r\nScottish Ministers placed a legal duty on local authorities under the 2003 act to ensure that these services are available to people who need them. They expect public bodies upon whom statutory duties have been placed by an act of the Scottish Parliament to comply with those duties. Failure to comply with a specific duty could leave those bodies open to judicial review.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-11T14:29:44.193","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275354,"EventID":"S4W-09071","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5034,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-08-14T14:29:44.473","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-08-09T13:13:45","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what guidance on the long-term place of day centres in social care policy service users can expect following its review of the consultation, The Same as You?.\r\n","AnswerText":"The consultation of The same as you? is still open for public consultation and the closing date is 30 September 2012. All views regarding day centre for service users with a learning disability will be taken into consideration in the development of the new learning disability policy.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-11T14:29:44.473","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275355,"EventID":"S4W-09078","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5106,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":118,"ApprovedDate":"2012-08-14T14:29:44.723","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-08-09T17:00:42","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what communication it has received from Aberdeen City Council regarding the council's (a) review of the proposed third Don crossing and (b) plans for improvements at the Haudagain roundabout.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has received no correspondence from Aberdeen City Council in relation to a review of a Third Don Crossing.\r\nA number of meetings were held between Transport Scotland and Aberdeen City Council before the publication of the A90/A96 Haudagain Improvement - STAG Report published in July 2008.\r\nA meeting also took place on 12 April 2012 during which officials confirmed the allocation of £3 million to take forward the design work to improve the Haudagain Roundabout.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-11T14:29:44.74","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275356,"EventID":"S4W-09088","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3061,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-08-14T14:29:45.067","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-08-10T14:32:16","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many (a) fatal and (b) non-fatal accidents there have been on roads in Central Scotland in each of the last five years, broken down by road.\r\n","AnswerText":"The following table provides the statistics requested. As the roads are of different lengths an accident rate per kilometre of road is included. The accident rate per kilometre and levels of traffic need to be considered when comparing the numbers of accidents on different roads.\r\nAccidents in Central Scotland Parliamentary Region by Road and Severity, 2007 to 2011\r\n\r\n\r\n2007\r\n2008\r\n2009\r\n2010\r\n2011\r\n\r\n2007\r\n2008\r\n2009\r\n2010\r\n2011\r\n\r\n\r\nNumbers\r\n\r\nRates per Km\r\nFatal\r\nA721\r\n - \r\n 1 \r\n - \r\n - \r\n 1 \r\n\r\n - \r\n 0.05 \r\n - \r\n - \r\n 0.05 \r\n\r\nA722\r\n - \r\n - \r\n - \r\n - \r\n 1 \r\n\r\n - \r\n - \r\n - \r\n - \r\n 0.33 \r\n\r\nA723\r\n - \r\n - \r\n - \r\n - \r\n 1 \r\n\r\n - \r\n - \r\n - \r\n - \r\n 0.07 \r\n\r\nA725\r\n 1 \r\n 2 \r\n - \r\n - \r\n - \r\n\r\n 0.05 \r\n 0.10 \r\n - \r\n - \r\n - \r\n\r\nA73\r\n - \r\n 1 \r\n - \r\n - \r\n 2 \r\n\r\n - \r\n 0.04 \r\n - \r\n - \r\n 0.08 \r\n\r\nA752\r\n 2 \r\n 1 \r\n - \r\n - \r\n - \r\n\r\n 0.18 \r\n 0.09 \r\n - \r\n - \r\n - \r\n\r\nA80\r\n - \r\n 1 \r\n 1 \r\n - \r\n - \r\n\r\n - \r\n 0.12 \r\n 0.12 \r\n - \r\n - \r\n\r\nA8011\r\n 2 \r\n - \r\n - \r\n - \r\n - \r\n\r\n 0.34 \r\n - \r\n - \r\n - \r\n - \r\n\r\nA803\r\n 1 \r\n - \r\n 1 \r\n 1 \r\n - \r\n\r\n 0.03 \r\n - \r\n 0.03 \r\n 0.03 \r\n - \r\n\r\nA89\r\n 1 \r\n - \r\n - \r\n - \r\n - \r\n\r\n 0.05 \r\n - \r\n - \r\n - \r\n - \r\n\r\nA904\r\n - \r\n 2 \r\n - \r\n - \r\n - \r\n\r\n - \r\n 0.10 \r\n - \r\n - \r\n - \r\n\r\nA993\r\n 1 \r\n - \r\n - \r\n - \r\n - \r\n\r\n 0.22 \r\n - \r\n - \r\n - \r\n - \r\n\r\nB7001\r\n - \r\n - \r\n 1 \r\n - \r\n - \r\n\r\n - \r\n - \r\n 0.23 \r\n - \r\n - \r\n\r\nB7066\r\n - \r\n - \r\n 1 \r\n - \r\n - \r\n\r\n - \r\n - \r\n 0.06 \r\n - \r\n - \r\n\r\nB7071\r\n - \r\n - \r\n 1 \r\n - \r\n - \r\n\r\n - \r\n - \r\n 0.13 \r\n - \r\n - \r\n\r\nB7078\r\n - \r\n 1 \r\n - \r\n 1 \r\n - \r\n\r\n - \r\n 0.12 \r\n - \r\n 0.12 \r\n - \r\n\r\nB717\r\n 1 \r\n - \r\n - \r\n - \r\n - \r\n\r\n 0.13 \r\n - \r\n - \r\n - \r\n - \r\n\r\nB757\r\n - \r\n 1 \r\n - \r\n - \r\n - \r\n\r\n - \r\n 0.87 \r\n - \r\n - \r\n - \r\n\r\nB799\r\n - \r\n 1 \r\n - \r\n 1 \r\n 1 \r\n\r\n - \r\n 0.18 \r\n - \r\n 0.18 \r\n 0.18 \r\n\r\nB804\r\n - \r\n - \r\n - \r\n - \r\n 1 \r\n\r\n - \r\n - \r\n - \r\n - \r\n 0.15 \r\n\r\nB8080\r\n - \r\n 1 \r\n - \r\n - \r\n - \r\n\r\n - \r\n 0.44 \r\n - \r\n - \r\n - \r\n\r\nB816\r\n - \r\n - \r\n 1 \r\n - \r\n - \r\n\r\n - \r\n - \r\n 0.07 \r\n - \r\n - \r\n\r\nB825\r\n - \r\n - \r\n - \r\n - \r\n 1 \r\n\r\n - \r\n - \r\n - \r\n - \r\n 0.05 \r\n\r\nM73\r\n - \r\n - \r\n 1 \r\n - \r\n - \r\n\r\n - \r\n - \r\n 0.12 \r\n - \r\n - \r\n\r\nM74\r\n - \r\n - \r\n 1 \r\n - \r\n - \r\n\r\n - \r\n - \r\n 0.05 \r\n - \r\n - \r\n\r\nM8\r\n 1 \r\n 2 \r\n 1 \r\n - \r\n 1 \r\n\r\n 0.07 \r\n 0.15 \r\n 0.07 \r\n - \r\n 0.07 \r\n\r\nM80\r\n 1 \r\n - \r\n - \r\n - \r\n 1 \r\n\r\n 0.04 \r\n - \r\n - \r\n - \r\n 0.04 \r\n\r\nUnclassified\r\n 5 \r\n 3 \r\n 9 \r\n 1 \r\n 5 \r\n\r\n .. \r\n .. \r\n .. \r\n .. \r\n .. \r\nOther severities\r\nA706\r\n 4 \r\n 4 \r\n 3 \r\n 6 \r\n 4 \r\n\r\n 1.32 \r\n 1.32 \r\n 0.99 \r\n 1.98 \r\n 1.32 \r\n\r\nA71\r\n 21 \r\n 25 \r\n 22 \r\n 24 \r\n 17 \r\n\r\n 0.77 \r\n 0.92 \r\n 0.81 \r\n 0.88 \r\n 0.62 \r\n\r\nA72\r\n 25 \r\n 19 \r\n 17 \r\n 17 \r\n 16 \r\n\r\n 1.75 \r\n 1.33 \r\n 1.19 \r\n 1.19 \r\n 1.12 \r\n\r\nA721\r\n 37 \r\n 47 \r\n 41 \r\n 44 \r\n 36 \r\n\r\n 1.81 \r\n 2.30 \r\n 2.01 \r\n 2.16 \r\n 1.76 \r\n\r\nA722\r\n 12 \r\n 9 \r\n 6 \r\n 10 \r\n 7 \r\n\r\n 3.97 \r\n 2.98 \r\n 1.99 \r\n 3.31 \r\n 2.32 \r\n\r\nA723\r\n 35 \r\n 29 \r\n 28 \r\n 24 \r\n 23 \r\n\r\n 2.33 \r\n 1.93 \r\n 1.86 \r\n 1.60 \r\n 1.53 \r\n\r\nA724\r\n 9 \r\n 11 \r\n 9 \r\n 12 \r\n 15 \r\n\r\n 2.31 \r\n 2.82 \r\n 2.31 \r\n 3.08 \r\n 3.85 \r\n\r\nA725\r\n 53 \r\n 40 \r\n 43 \r\n 45 \r\n 31 \r\n\r\n 2.78 \r\n 2.10 \r\n 2.25 \r\n 2.36 \r\n 1.62 \r\n\r\nA726\r\n 6 \r\n 12 \r\n 20 \r\n 11 \r\n 10 \r\n\r\n 0.54 \r\n 1.08 \r\n 1.79 \r\n 0.99 \r\n 0.90 \r\n\r\nA727\r\n 1 \r\n - \r\n 1 \r\n 1 \r\n 1 \r\n\r\n 0.82 \r\n - \r\n 0.82 \r\n 0.82 \r\n 0.82 \r\n\r\nA73\r\n 36 \r\n 23 \r\n 40 \r\n 24 \r\n 27 \r\n\r\n 1.43 \r\n 0.91 \r\n 1.59 \r\n 0.95 \r\n 1.07 \r\n\r\nA74\r\n 2 \r\n 1 \r\n 2 \r\n 1 \r\n 2 \r\n\r\n 1.44 \r\n 0.72 \r\n 1.44 \r\n 0.72 \r\n 1.44 \r\n\r\nA749\r\n 9 \r\n 5 \r\n 7 \r\n 4 \r\n 7 \r\n\r\n 2.20 \r\n 1.22 \r\n 1.71 \r\n 0.98 \r\n 1.71 \r\n\r\nA752\r\n 12 \r\n 16 \r\n 6 \r\n 13 \r\n 5 \r\n\r\n 1.06 \r\n 1.42 \r\n 0.53 \r\n 1.15 \r\n 0.44 \r\n\r\nA775\r\n 7 \r\n 5 \r\n 14 \r\n 5 \r\n 9 \r\n\r\n 1.01 \r\n 0.72 \r\n 2.02 \r\n 0.72 \r\n 1.30 \r\n\r\nA8\r\n 18 \r\n 23 \r\n 18 \r\n 18 \r\n 10 \r\n\r\n 1.77 \r\n 2.26 \r\n 1.77 \r\n 1.77 \r\n 0.98 \r\n\r\nA80\r\n 36 \r\n 27 \r\n 27 \r\n 22 \r\n 10 \r\n\r\n 4.20 \r\n 3.15 \r\n 3.15 \r\n 2.57 \r\n 1.17 \r\n\r\nA8004\r\n - \r\n - \r\n - \r\n - \r\n 1 \r\n\r\n - \r\n - \r\n - \r\n - \r\n 1.45 \r\n\r\nA801\r\n 3 \r\n 7 \r\n 10 \r\n 3 \r\n 5 \r\n\r\n 0.55 \r\n 1.28 \r\n 1.83 \r\n 0.55 \r\n 0.92 \r\n\r\nA8010\r\n 12 \r\n 8 \r\n 5 \r\n 1 \r\n 2 \r\n\r\n 5.07 \r\n 3.38 \r\n 2.11 \r\n 0.42 \r\n 0.85 \r\n\r\nA8011\r\n 14 \r\n 6 \r\n 10 \r\n 7 \r\n 4 \r\n\r\n 2.38 \r\n 1.02 \r\n 1.70 \r\n 1.19 \r\n 0.68 \r\n\r\nA803\r\n 38 \r\n 33 \r\n 34 \r\n 34 \r\n 31 \r\n\r\n 1.11 \r\n 0.96 \r\n 0.99 \r\n 0.99 \r\n 0.90 \r\n\r\nA872\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-11T14:29:45.083","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275357,"EventID":"S4W-09089","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2033,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":132,"ApprovedDate":"2012-08-14T14:29:45.347","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-08-13T12:28:59","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its positon is on reports that 1,108 patients in NHS  Lothian waited over eight hours to be assessed by a doctor in accident and emergency departments in  2011-12.\r\n","AnswerText":"The report that 1,108 patients in NHS Lothian waited over eight hours in 2011-12 was in response to a question as to how many emergency arrivals were not admitted, discharged or transferred for at least eight hours. Some of these waits will have been because the clinical decision was that the best thing for a particular patient was to stay in the emergency department and the fact that a number of patients waited over eight hours does not mean that they had not been assessed by an appropriately skilled and qualified doctor or nurse in the emergency department itself.\r\nOverall the Scottish Government is committed to ensuring that patients receive prompt access to the care which they need. That is why the Scottish Government, alone of the four UK administrations, has continued to set the standard for boards to achieve that 98% of patients should be admitted, transferred or discharged within four hours. However, the government is also quite clear that clinical decision making and patient safety must always take priority.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-11T14:29:45.363","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275358,"EventID":"S4W-09090","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2033,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":132,"ApprovedDate":"2012-08-14T14:29:45.643","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-08-13T12:28:59","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what steps it is taking to reduce the number of patients required to wait over eight hours to be assessed by a doctor in accident and emergency departments in NHS Lothian.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government are working closely with NHS Lothian to provide support and guidance in reducing delays for patients presenting to the emergency department.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-11T14:29:45.66","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275359,"EventID":"S4W-09091","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3806,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-08-14T14:29:45.893","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-08-13T15:01:23.347","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will assess the economic impact on (a) businesses and b) local government from islands that are no longer eligible for the Air Discount Scheme.\r\n","AnswerText":"Given that businesses and local government have never been eligible for inclusion in the Air Discount Scheme, it is not possible to assess the economic impact of there being no longer eligible.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-11T14:29:45.91","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275360,"EventID":"S4W-09092","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":86,"ApprovedDate":"2012-08-14T14:29:46.237","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-08-13T16:58:46.28","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will list the (a) titles and (b) remits of the work streams and projects relating to (i) constitutional policy and (ii) its referendum on constitutional change that have been established, broken down by the (A) number and grade of staff, (B) date work began, (C) date work is due to report or conclude, (D) who they will report to and (E) who instructed or requested the work to be carried out.\r\n","AnswerText":"Staff across the Scottish Government support Ministers in work on constitutional policy, including preparing for the implementation of the Scotland Act 2012 and the independence referendum in relation to their own policy areas, as and when required. For details of the staffing of the Elections and Constitution Division as at 31 March 2008, 2009 & 2010 and 30 September 2010, I refer the Member to the answer to question S3W-36766 on 17 November 2010. That information is available from: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx?SearchType=Advance&ReferenceNumbers=S3W-36766.\r\nFurthermore, more current details of Scottish Government staff supporting constitutional reform has been published on the Scottish Government website at http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/constitution/About/constitution-SG-staffing.\r\nThe Scottish Government has also published a list of workstreams supporting constitutional reform, including implementation of Scotland Act provisions. The titles of those workstreams, along with their remit and their start date are available on the Scottish Government website at:\r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/constitution/About/Workstreams.\r\nThe workstreams and projects have been established in response to the Scottish Government’s mandate to hold a referendum on independence and to implement the major provisions of the Scotland Act 2012.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-11T14:29:46.253","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275361,"EventID":"S4W-09093","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":86,"ApprovedDate":"2012-08-14T14:29:46.563","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-08-13T16:58:46.28","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will list the (a) titles and (b) remits of the work streams and projects relating to (i) constitutional policy and (ii) its referendum on constitutional change that are due to be established, broken down by the (A) number and grade of staff, (B) date work will begin, (C) date work is due to report or conclude, (D) who they will report to and (E) who instructed or requested the work to be carried out.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the Member to the answer to question S4W-09092 on 9 November 2012. All answers to written Parliamentary Questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-11T14:29:46.58","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275362,"EventID":"S4W-09094","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":86,"ApprovedDate":"2012-08-14T14:29:46.86","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-08-13T16:58:46.28","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will list the (a) titles and (b) remits of all work streams and projects being carried out by its Elections and Constitution Division.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the Member to the answer to question S4W-09092 on 9 November 2012. All answers to written Parliamentary Questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-11T14:29:46.877","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275363,"EventID":"S4W-09095","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":86,"ApprovedDate":"2012-08-14T14:29:47.157","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-08-13T16:58:46.28","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will list the (a) titles and (b) remits of all work streams and projects being carried out relating to the implementation of the Scotland Act 2012. \r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the Member to the answer to question S4W-09092 on 9 November 2012. All answers to written Parliamentary Questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-11T14:29:47.173","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275364,"EventID":"S4W-09096","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":86,"ApprovedDate":"2012-08-14T14:29:47.453","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-08-13T16:58:46.28","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many external appointments have been made to support each (a) work stream and (b) project relating to (i) constitutional policy and (ii) the forthcoming referendum on constitutional change in each year since 2007, broken down by (A) remit, (B) dates and (C) total employment cost of each appointment.\r\n","AnswerText":"There has been no external recruitment for constitutional policy since 2007, and no external appointments to the Scottish Government have been made.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-11T14:29:47.47","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275365,"EventID":"S4W-09097","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-08-14T14:29:47.75","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-08-14T10:02:26.98","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government for what reason the Scottish Women-Held Maternity Record is not used as the initial starting point for health visitor assessments and, in light of the information from these assessments not being held on a national basis, what its positon is on the impact that this can have on patients who move to a different NHS board area.\r\n","AnswerText":"The SWHMR guidance for Professional Version 6 sets out how the information gathered in the SWHMR should be used by maternity care services to assist in the process of early communication and care planning for families with complex needs or identified vulnerabilities. Any pertinent information should be shared during the hand over from midwife to health visitor/public health nurse.\r\nThe SWHMR is held by the woman during her pregnancy and therefore Health Visitors, Midwives and other relevant professionals will have access to the data it contains during this period and the initial postnatal period. By being in the woman’s possession rather than a particular health board, this ensures the woman will receive informed maternity care wherever she may be.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-11T14:29:47.767","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275366,"EventID":"S4W-09098","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2673,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":114,"ApprovedDate":"2012-08-14T14:29:48.077","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-08-13T16:29:59","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what steps it can take to limit scientific testing on live animals for cosmetic purposes.","AnswerText":"Legislation on animal procedures is a reserved matter and all such experiments are regulated by the Home Office through the Animal (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986. In 1997-98 a voluntary ban was secured on the testing of cosmetic finished products and ingredients on animals in the United Kingdom. The UK Government has stated that it cannot foresee any circumstances under which licences would be issued under the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 for testing on cosmetic finished products and ingredients.\r\nThe Scottish Government is in regular contact with the UK Government on a wide range of issues, including this legislation and will continue to support the continuation of this policy and associated ban.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-11T14:29:48.093","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alasdair Allan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275380,"EventID":"S4W-09100","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-08-15T13:59:45.787","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-08-14T14:38:14","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when it will announce which communities will recieve funding from the first phase of the Community Broadband Scotland initiative.\r\n","AnswerText":"Projects selected to receive funding from the first round of the Community Broadband Scotland Seed Fund will be announced in October.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-12T13:59:46.037","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275381,"EventID":"S4W-09101","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-08-15T13:59:46.597","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-08-14T14:38:14","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what action it will take when the Community Broadband Scotland initiative is complete.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Community Broadband Scotland (CBS) initiative is intended to be a source of learning for communities to enable them to develop tailored solutions to meet their broadband requirements. This will comprise a range of support mechanisms – a dedicated web and phone resource, offering advice, case study examples and toolkits; a network of staff on the ground delivering support to local communities; and a Rural Seed Fund. The learning that is extracted through CBS will continue to be a resource for communities across Scotland.\r\nThe Scottish Government has committed funding to support CBS over the next three years. An evaluation of the initiative will be undertaken prior to the end of that period and this will inform future action to be taken.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-12T13:59:46.613","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275382,"EventID":"S4W-09102","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-08-15T13:59:46.91","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-08-14T14:38:14","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when the first case study reports will be produced under the Community Broadband Scotland initiative. ","AnswerText":"The Community Broadband Scotland (CBS) website, which will go live in October, will include lessons learned and case studies from a range of successful community projects from across the UK and further afield.\r\nWe will announce projects to be supported under the first round of the Seed Fund in October. Key learning points will be shared on an ongoing basis through the CBS website and detailed case study reports will be produced on completion of the projects.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-12T13:59:46.927","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275383,"EventID":"S4W-09103","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-08-15T13:59:47.19","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-08-14T14:38:14","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the criteria were for selecting the communities that will recieve funding from the first phase of the Community Broadband Scotland initiative.\r\n","AnswerText":"Communities that will receive funding from round 1 of the Community Broadband Scotland Seed Fund have not yet been selected. Detailed criteria for selecting the communities will be made available in September.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-12T13:59:47.207","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275384,"EventID":"S4W-09104","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5109,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":101,"ApprovedDate":"2012-08-15T13:59:47.487","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-08-14T15:46:03","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what rights to NHS services have non-EU citizens who are living and working in Scotland for less than one year.\r\n","AnswerText":"Immediate necessary treatment in an accident and emergency or casualty department is freely available to everyone, regardless of their residency status.\r\nUnder an exemption contained in the National Health Service (Charges to Overseas Visitors) (Scotland) Regulations 1989, as amended, all foreign nationals who have a legal right to be in Scotland and who are in employment are entitled to access NHS hospital treatment and services.\r\nAs general medical services (GMS) are provided by health professionals contracted to the NHS, it is a matter for general practitioners, dentists, optometrists and pharmacists to determine whether or not charges should be applied in providing GMS for overseas visitors.\r\nHowever, in taking such decisions we suggest that GMS providers can refer to the principles of the Charging Regulations, underpinned by the guidance in CEL(2010)9 http://www.sehd.scot.nhs.uk/mels/CEL2010_09.pdf.\r\nThe Scottish Government has set up an overseas visitors helpline, operated by NHS inform, for the public and the service. We have also commissioned Health Rights Information Scotland to produce a series of information and advice leaflets covering the most common reasons that overseas visitors come to Scotland, and the healthcare they may be able to access while they are here. The leaflets are available at http://www.hris.org.uk/index.aspx?o=3936.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-12T13:59:47.487","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275385,"EventID":"S4W-09105","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2012-08-15T13:59:47.783","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-08-14T15:46:47","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether there was a contingency plan to ensure that a lifeline ferry service to and from Shetland would have been operated had the proposed strike action on Serco NorthLink Ferries in July 2012 taken place.\r\n","AnswerText":"In response to concerns raised by the RMT union about the new Northern Isles ferry services contract, on 23 July 2012 Serco NorthLink's Managing Director met with representatives from both the RMT and Nautilus. A framework for representative dialogue was agreed with both unions and a formal exchange of correspondence followed between Serco NorthLink and the RMT.\r\nOn 30 July 2012, the RMT issued a news release stating that its major concerns had been addressed by Serco NorthLink and confirming that the proposed ballot for industrial action had been cancelled. As Serco NorthLink was able to swiftly satisfy the RMT’s concerns, the ferry operator did not reach the stage where contingency planning was required.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-12T13:59:47.8","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275386,"EventID":"S4W-09109","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1845,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-08-15T13:59:48.127","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-08-14T17:26:24","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many (a) GP surgeries and (b) outreach GP surgeries there have been in each year since 1999, broken down by NHS board.\r\n","AnswerText":"Information Services Division (ISD) of National Services Scotland publishes statistics as at 1 October annually on the number of GP practices broken down by NHS board. The latest figures and historical figures can be accessed via this link http://www.isdscotland.org/Health-Topics/General-Practice/Publications/2011-12-20/PracPops_Trend_Oct1999-2011.xls.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-12T13:59:48.143","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275387,"EventID":"S4W-09110","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1845,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-08-15T13:59:48.47","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-08-14T17:26:24","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many (a) GP surgeries and (b) outreach GP surgeries have closed in each year since 1999, broken down by NHS board.\r\n","AnswerText":"Information Services Division (ISD) of National Services Scotland publishes statistics as at 1 October annually on the number of GP practices broken down by NHS board. The latest figures and historical figures can be accessed via this link:\r\nhttp://www.isdscotland.org/Health-Topics/General-Practice/Publications/2011-12-20/PracPops_Trend_Oct1999-2011.xls.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-12T13:59:48.47","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275389,"EventID":"S4W-09112","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4934,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-08-15T13:59:49","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-08-15T11:04:30.437","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many former students have outstanding student loans that include a graduate endowment element.\r\n","AnswerText":"At the end of financial year 2011-2012 15,200 of the graduates who chose to take a student loan in order to pay the Graduate Endowment had an outstanding balance on their loans.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-12T13:59:49.017","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275390,"EventID":"S4W-09113","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-08-15T13:59:49.25","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-08-15T10:43:02","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-08701 by John Swinney on 31 July 2012, what assessment it has made of the outcomes of the grants.\r\n","AnswerText":"The grants referred to in S4W-08701, provided by Scottish Enterprise, are evaluated by the extent to which they achieved their intended aims.\r\nThe grants awarded and their impact is summarised below:\r\nLean and CPM (£131,600) and Management Development (£30,650) both 2010-11\r\nThe object of these programs was to train the staff in the methods needed to embed a culture of lean manufacturing at the site. The training, while not certification driven, was carried out by an external consultant, verified through normal account management monitoring and meetings and then checked against the supplier documentation and discussions with the management team.\r\nDeveloping a Graduate Scheme (£11,000) 2009-10\r\nThe purpose of this project was to reintroduce the recruitment of graduates into the organisation. The target for the first year, to recruit eight graduates, was achieved. Thereafter, the company evaluated the programme. It continues to be a regular feature of the group’s employment strategy.\r\nStrategy (£50,625) 2009-10\r\nThis was provided to allow VION in Broxburn to carry out a feasibility study before proceeding with a project to invest in plant, equipment and buildings.\r\nThe feasibility study was completed and the £18 million investment was made by the company, allowing it to increase volumes from 200 to 400 tonnes of sausage products per week.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-12T13:59:49.267","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275404,"EventID":"S4W-09106","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3751,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":108,"ApprovedDate":"2012-08-16T14:52:54.753","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-08-14T16:45:35","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it plans to ask (a) district and (b) sheriff courts to produce a summary of court decisions for the media.\r\n","AnswerText":"We have no plans to ask the Scottish Court Service to produce a summary of justice of the peace and sheriff court decisions for the media. The Scottish Court Service does already publish the decisions of the Court of Session, High Court of Justiciary and sheriff courts on their website where there is a significant point of law or particular public interest.\r\nhttp://www.scotcourts.gov.uk/opinionsApp/index.asp?txt=False.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-13T14:52:54.8","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275405,"EventID":"S4W-09107","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3751,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":108,"ApprovedDate":"2012-08-16T14:52:55.11","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-08-14T16:45:35","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what action it is taking to protect people from street violence.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government is committed to tackling violence in Scotland, wherever it occurs. Recorded crime in Scotland is at a 37 year low, violent crime has reduced by 17 percent in the last year and crimes of handling an offensive weapon are their lowest in 18 years.\r\nThese reductions have been delivered through a combination of tough enforcement, early intervention and education. I would like to recognise the significant and sustained efforts of our local partners in tackling and preventing violence.\r\nThis includes the 17,436 police officers who are working in our communities. This visible police presence is helping to make Scotland a safer place to live – as shown in the recent results of the Scottish Household Survey that over three quarters of adults (78%) say they feel very or fairly safe while walking alone in the neighbourhood after dark, whilst almost all (97%) say they feel safe when they are alone in their home at night.\r\nOur courts are also sending a clear message that violent behaviour will not be tolerated. For example, in terms of tackling knife crime, those who are caught carrying knives are being given longer sentences than ever before. The average length of custodial sentences for carrying an offensive weapon has increased, from 118 days in 2005-06 to 288 days in 2010-11 and is at its highest for a decade. The Lord Advocate’s prosecution guidelines for knife carrying are also sending a clear zero tolerance message. Under these guidelines, anyone caught in Scotland’s town and city centres in possession of a knife will be prosecuted on indictment before a sheriff and jury. This means an increase of the potential maximum prison term for offenders from one to four years.\r\nFurthermore, in March 2011, we published the first National Strategy for CCTV in Scotland. This government believes that CCTV systems can play a crucial role in the prevention, detection and, as recent high profile court cases have shown, the prosecution of crime.\r\nIn addition to these enforcement measures, we believe that addressing the root causes of violent behaviour and knife crime is key to preventing violence in the future and making Scotland’s streets safer. That is why we are investing in a range of educational initiatives, including No Knives Better Lives, which are raising awareness of the dangers and consequences of violence amongst young people and supporting them to make positive choices.\r\nWe have also invested over £46 million, recovered from the proceeds of crime, into the highly successful CashBack for Communities Programme. CashBack improves self-confidence, self-esteem and provides positive opportunities for the young people who take part, while also supporting those communities worst hit by crime and anti-social behaviour. Since its launch in 2007 more than 600,000 young Scots have participated in a wide range of positive activities in their communities.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-13T14:52:55.127","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275406,"EventID":"S4W-09108","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3751,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":108,"ApprovedDate":"2012-08-16T14:52:55.36","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-08-14T16:45:35","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the impact will be on its environmental policies of the UK Government's decision to freeze support for geothermal power.\r\n","AnswerText":"In its response to the recent consultation on a review of bands under the England and Wales Renewables Obligation, the UK Government announced its decision re retain support for electricity generated using geothermal energy at the current level. The Scottish Government has conducted a similar consultation exercise, and we will announce our decisions shortly.\r\nMeanwhile, in order to encourage commercial interest in this energy source, the Scottish Government has commissioned a research programme aimed at identifying the next steps to take forward the commercial exploitation of deep geothermal energy, including high level mapping of potential and the scope for licensing. The study will also include a costs and financial risk assessment which should identify the likely capital and operating costs for exploring and developing the geothermal energy resources identified. We expect the results to be available by spring 2013.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-13T14:52:55.377","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275407,"EventID":"S4W-09115","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3896,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":97,"ApprovedDate":"2012-08-16T14:52:55.61","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-08-15T13:37:40","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what types of marine (i) protected  and (ii) special protected areas are being considered by the Joint Nature Conservation Committee.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Joint Nature Conservation Committee provide scientific advice to Scottish ministers to support the identification in the Scottish offshore zone of Marine Protected Areas under the Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009, Special Areas of Conservation under the EU Habitats Directive, and Special Protection Areas under the EU Wild Birds Directive.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-13T14:52:55.627","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275408,"EventID":"S4W-09116","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3896,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":97,"ApprovedDate":"2012-08-16T14:52:55.953","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-08-15T13:37:40","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when it will (a) publish details and (b) consult on the areas proposed for designation as marine (i) protected and (ii) special protected areas, and what form the consultation will take.","AnswerText":"A progress report on the development of the Marine Protected Area network is planned for December, including locations under consideration as MPAs. Marine Scotland will finalise details on locations proposed for MPA designation prior to consultation, which we aim to start in 2013 and will run for 12 weeks. Details of locations of importance to seabirds are publicly available and this will be updated on further advice expected during 2013. This will include proposals for Special Protection Areas which will undergo public consultation, subject to approval by Scottish ministers.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-13T14:52:55.97","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275409,"EventID":"S4W-09118","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3896,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":97,"ApprovedDate":"2012-08-16T14:52:56.233","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-08-15T13:37:40","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it is coordinating the processes for (a) identifying and (b) designating marine (i) protected  and (ii) special protected areas.\r\n","AnswerText":"Marine Scotland is working in partnership with SNH and JNCC at a national level to identify Nature Conservation MPA proposals for potential inclusion in a network of sites in Scotland’s seas. JNCC and SNH will provide formal advice to Scottish ministers on the identification of Nature Conservation Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) to deliver duties in the Marine (Scotland) Act 2010 and Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009. On the basis of this advice, ministers will determine which of the Nature Conservation MPA proposals they consider should be publically consulted upon in 2013 with a view to subsequent formal designation (subject to ministerial decision) under the Marine (Scotland) Act 2010 and the Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009.\r\nThe Marine (Scotland) Act makes provision for SPAs to be included in the MPA network, and Marine Scotland is working with ornithologists from SNH and JNCC to identify the most suitable territories for Scotland’s seabirds to ensure that we achieve compliance with the requirements of the EU Wild Birds Directive. Once most suitable territories are identified, and supporting scientific cases are received, Scottish ministers will consider the case for consultation and designation as SPAs.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-13T14:52:56.25","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275410,"EventID":"S4W-09123","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-08-16T14:52:56.513","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-08-15T16:23:08","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what (a) audit and (b) research on the off-licence use of medicines is being supported by the Chief Medical Scientist.\r\n","AnswerText":"Information on the “off-licence” use of medicines is not held centrally and no audit of such use has been carried out. The Chief Scientist Office is not currently supporting any research on off-licence use of medicines.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-13T14:52:56.53","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275411,"EventID":"S4W-09124","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-08-16T14:52:56.843","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-08-15T16:23:08","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what information it has on the off-licence use of medicines, broken down by (a) age group and (b) types of use.\r\n","AnswerText":"Information on the “off-licence” use of medicines broken down by age group and type of use is not held centrally.\r\nPrescription data which is collected centrally relates to prescribed items dispensed in the community by community pharmacists and dispensing doctors. These data are not patient specific and do not identify if the item is prescribed outside the terms of the marketing authorisation (off-licence).\r\nWhilst UK medicines legislation does allow for the use of licensed medicinal products being used outside the terms of the marketing authorisation, the decision to recommend the use of a medicine in this way is a matter for clinical judgement by the prescriber concerned involving full consultation with the patient.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-13T14:52:56.857","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275412,"EventID":"S4W-09125","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-08-16T14:52:57.17","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-08-16T10:23:46.927","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-06529 by Michael Matheson on 30 April 2012,  what the uptake of (a) influenza and (b) pandemic vaccine was for (i) primary care staff, (ii) hospital-based doctors, (iii) hospital-based nurses and (iv) other clinical staff in each NHS board in 2011-12, also expressed as a percentage.\r\n","AnswerText":"Calculating uptake of vaccination by NHS staff is complicated for a number of reasons. NHS boards use different occupational health systems, and some staff will be vaccinated through the core vaccination programme by their GP due to risk factors.\r\nHealth Protection Scotland currently collects some high level data from NHS boards on uptake for healthcare workers, and this allows an estimate to be calculated. For the 2011-12 flu season uptake of routine seasonal flu vaccine was estimated at 33%. This figure is based on data provided for all staff and represents a weighted mean value based on the population within each board.\r\nInformation for individual clinical staff groups is not held centrally.\r\nThere was no pandemic vaccine in 2011-12.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-13T14:52:57.187","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275413,"EventID":"S4W-09126","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-08-16T14:52:57.483","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-08-16T10:23:46.927","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will publish the terms of reference of the reseach it has commissioned Professor Ian Diamond to carry out on the possible effect of independence on research funding, and whether this includes funding from non-governmental sources.\r\n","AnswerText":"Professor Ian Diamond was asked to prepare an expert think piece on options to ensure continuity in research funding in an post independent Scotland. Professor Diamond's former position with the Economic and Social Research Council and with Research Councils UK provided him with experience necessary to develop such expert advice. Given this expertise, Professor Diamond was not constrained with a detailed remit in undertaking this piece of work.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-13T14:52:57.497","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275414,"EventID":"S4W-09128","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-08-16T14:52:57.793","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-08-16T10:23:46.927","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many students enrolled at medical schools in each of the last three years, broken down by country of domicile.\r\n","AnswerText":"Figures on entrants studying Medicine at Scotland’s Five Medical Schools broken down by domicile, are provided in the following tables.\r\nTable 1: Number of Undergraduate Entrants to Scotland’s Five Medical Schools: 2008-09\r\nMedical Schools\r\nCountry of Domicile\r\n \r\nScotland\r\nEngland\r\nWales\r\nNorthern Ireland\r\nOther UK\r\nEU\r\n(Non UK)\r\nNon-EU Europe\r\nNon European\r\nTotal\r\nUniversity of Dundee\r\n110\r\n15\r\n0\r\n10\r\n0\r\n5\r\n0\r\n10\r\n155\r\nUniversity of Aberdeen\r\n110\r\n40\r\n0\r\n20\r\n0\r\n10\r\n0\r\n10\r\n190\r\nUniversity of Edinburgh\r\n120\r\n70\r\n5\r\n10\r\n5\r\n5\r\n0\r\n25\r\n235\r\nUniversity of St Andrews\r\n75\r\n35\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n35\r\n150\r\nUniversity of Glasgow\r\n145\r\n40\r\n0\r\n25\r\n0\r\n10\r\n0\r\n15\r\n235\r\nTotal\r\n560\r\n205\r\n5\r\n65\r\n5\r\n30\r\n0\r\n95\r\n965\r\nSource: Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA)\r\nNote: All student numbers are rounded to the nearest five.\r\nTable 2: Number of Undergraduate Entrants to Scotland’s Five Medical Schools: 2009-10\r\nMedical Schools\r\nCountry of Domicile\r\n \r\nScotland\r\nEngland\r\nWales\r\nNorthern Ireland\r\nOther UK\r\nEU\r\n(Non UK)\r\nNon-EU Europe\r\nNon-European\r\nTotal\r\nUniversity of Dundee\r\n115\r\n15\r\n15\r\n5\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n5\r\n155\r\nUniversity of Aberdeen\r\n105\r\n35\r\n0\r\n25\r\n0\r\n5\r\n0\r\n15\r\n180\r\nUniversity of Edinburgh\r\n110\r\n80\r\n5\r\n10\r\n0\r\n5\r\n0\r\n30\r\n235\r\nUniversity of St Andrews\r\n70\r\n40\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n10\r\n0\r\n40\r\n165\r\nUniversity of Glasgow\r\n125\r\n50\r\n0\r\n30\r\n0\r\n15\r\n0\r\n15\r\n240\r\nTotal\r\n520\r\n225\r\n25\r\n70\r\n0\r\n35\r\n0\r\n105\r\n980\r\nSource: Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA)\r\nNote: All student numbers are rounded to the nearest five.\r\nTable 3: Number of Undergraduate Entrants to Scotland’s Five Medical Schools: 2010-11\r\nMedical Schools\r\nCountry of Domicile\r\n \r\nScotland\r\nEngland\r\nWales\r\nNorthern Ireland\r\nOther UK\r\nEU (Non UK)\r\nNon-EU Europe\r\nNon-European\r\nTotal\r\nUniversity of Dundee\r\n90\r\n15\r\n0\r\n25\r\n0\r\n15\r\n0\r\n10\r\n155\r\nUniversity of Aberdeen\r\n135\r\n20\r\n0\r\n10\r\n0\r\n10\r\n0\r\n15\r\n185\r\nUniversity of Edinburgh\r\n120\r\n70\r\n5\r\n20\r\n0\r\n5\r\n0\r\n30\r\n250\r\nUniversity of St Andrews\r\n65\r\n40\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n5\r\n5\r\n35\r\n150\r\nUniversity of Glasgow\r\n110\r\n65\r\n0\r\n35\r\n0\r\n15\r\n0\r\n20\r\n245\r\nTotal\r\n520\r\n210\r\n5\r\n90\r\n0\r\n45\r\n5\r\n105\r\n985\r\nSource: Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA)\r\nNote: All student numbers are rounded to the nearest five.","AnswerDate":"2012-08-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-13T14:52:57.81","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275415,"EventID":"S4W-09129","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-08-16T14:52:58.107","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-08-16T10:23:46.927","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what review it is carrying out on the epidemiology of the misuse of Gabapentin.\r\n","AnswerText":"The safety profile of all marketed medicines is continually reviewed by the UK licensing authority, the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) and the balance of risks and benefits re-evaluated as necessary.\r\nGabapentin is an effective anti-epileptic medicine licensed for the treatment of focal seizures in epilepsy and for the treatment of neuropathic (nerve) pain. The decision whether to prescribe Gabapentin is a matter for the clinician in consultation with the patient, taking into account the patient’s medical history, including where there is a known history of substance misuse. All NHS boards monitor GP prescribing through the use of the Prescribing Information System for Scotland (PRISMS).\r\nThere are no current plans to review the use of Gabapentin.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-13T14:52:58.12","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275416,"EventID":"S4W-09130","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-08-16T14:52:58.417","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-08-16T10:23:46.927","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on the report, \"Smoking cessation support delivered via mobile phone text messaging [txt2stop]: a single blind randomised trial\",  which was published in The Lancet, July 2011 and whether it will issue guidance in light of this.\r\n","AnswerText":"Funding for the provision of smoking cessation services is allocated to NHS health boards. Individual boards are then responsible for design and delivery of high quality, intensive, evidence-based services tailored to the needs of the local population. These services should be in line with the definitions and recommendations set out in the NHS Health Scotland and ASH publication A Guide to Smoking Cessation in Scotland 2010 (http://www.healthscotland.com/documents/4661.aspx).\r\nThis guidance does not specifically promote text messaging but concentrates on longstanding and robust evidence around behavioural support and pharmacotherapies in line with NICE guidance.\r\nThe guidance does, however, recommend that other types of public health interventions such as the national smoking helpline Smokeline and support website www.canstopsmoking.com should be used where appropriate to support NHS Smoking Cessation effort. The www.canstopsmoking website offers free text support which aims to provide encouragement, advice and motivation to quit and stay quit, and to help the client cope with cravings and withdrawal symptoms. In addition, some NHS boards offer their own text service in support of local specialist smoking cessation services.\r\nA new Tobacco Control Strategy, which will focus on prevention and cessation, is due to be launched later this year. The strategy will set out plans for reviewing smoking cessation services across Scotland. In the light of this review, we will consider whether any modification to current guidance is required.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-13T14:52:58.417","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275417,"EventID":"S4W-09131","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-08-16T14:52:58.73","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-08-16T10:23:46.927","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on the report, \"Giving the wrong impression: food and beverage brand impressions delivered to youth through popular movies\", which was published in The Journal of Public Health, November 2011, and whether this will impact on its strategy for tackling obesity.\r\n","AnswerText":"Scottish Government policy on this issue will continue to be informed by the latest evidence. We are mindful of the impact that marketing of food high in fat, salt and sugar can have on the nation’s dietary health and obesity levels so our commitment to look for ways to restrict such marketing activity, especially to children, remains.\r\nAs this report highlights, product placement is one of many ways in which brands are promoted to viewers. We would strongly urge companies to take a responsible attitude to any such promotion, not only with product placement but also with any sponsorship and advertisements around movies and other media.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-13T14:52:58.747","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275418,"EventID":"S4W-09132","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-08-16T14:52:59.043","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-08-16T10:23:46.927","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on the use of biomarkers in raw sewage to assess the use of illegal drugs.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has no plans at present to commission research to assess the use of illegal drugs through the use of biomarkers in raw sewage. However, we continuously monitor any developments in the evidence base on substance misuse and note with interest any new approaches to detecting illegal drug use.\r\nSince 2007, the Scottish Government has invested significantly in building the evidence base on substance misuse in Scotland, so that we can better understand substance misuse in Scotland and how best to respond.\r\nThe following studies are funded by the Scottish Government to estimate the prevalence of drug use in Scotland. The Scottish Crime and Justice Survey: Drug Use is a household survey which provides information on the experiences and prevalence of illicit drug use amongst the general adult population in Scotland. The most recent data available is for the year 2010-11, published 27 March 2012.\r\nThe prevalence of problem drug use in Scotland is provided by the study Estimating the National and Local Prevalence of Problem Drug Use in Scotland. This study provides estimates of the problematic use of opiates (including illicit and prescribed methadone use) and/or the illicit use of benzodiazepines. The most recent data available is estimates for the year 2009-10, published 29 November 2011.\r\nThe prevalence of drug use amongst schoolchildren across Scotland (13 and 15 year olds) is provided through Scottish Schools Adolescent Lifestyle and Substance Use Survey (SALSUS) a school survey looking at drug, tobacco and alcohol use. The most recent data is for the year 2010, published 20 December 2011.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-13T14:52:59.043","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Roseanna Cunningham","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275428,"EventID":"S4W-09163","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5079,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-08-17T14:03:44.57","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-08-17T11:35:34.92","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the cost is for pupils to buy a school meal, broken down by local authority.","AnswerText":"We no longer hold this information centrally, the last collection was in 2010 and can be accessed through the following link http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2010/07/06095048/31.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-14T14:03:45.117","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alasdair Allan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275429,"EventID":"S4W-09164","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4952,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-08-17T14:03:46.52","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-08-17T11:45:29.897","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many convictions there have been each year under the Animal Health and Welfare (Scotland) Act 2006 for causing unnecessary suffering, and what proportion of those convicted received a (a) disqualification and (b) deprivation order.\r\n","AnswerText":"The available information is given in the following table.\r\nPeople Convicted under Animal Health and Welfare (Scotland) Act 20061\r\nSection of Act:\r\n2006-07\r\n2007-08\r\n2008-09\r\n2009-10\r\n2010-11\r\n SECTION 19(1)\r\n0\r\n5\r\n14\r\n17\r\n13\r\n SECTION 19(2)\r\n2\r\n38\r\n51\r\n87\r\n58\r\n SECTION 19(3)\r\n0\r\n1\r\n0\r\n0\r\n1\r\n SECTION 20(1)(A)\r\n0\r\n2\r\n0\r\n0\r\n1\r\n SECTION 20(1)(B)\r\n0\r\n1\r\n2\r\n0\r\n1\r\n SECTION 20(2)\r\n0\r\n0\r\n3\r\n1\r\n2\r\n SECTION 24\r\n0\r\n6\r\n6\r\n8\r\n5\r\n SECTION 25(7)\r\n0\r\n0\r\n1\r\n0\r\n0\r\n SECTION 29(1)(A)(B)\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n1\r\n0\r\n SECTION 29(2)(A) & (B)\r\n1\r\n7\r\n2\r\n4\r\n1\r\n SECTION 40(11)\r\n0\r\n0\r\n1\r\n3\r\n2\r\nAll\r\n3\r\n60\r\n80\r\n121\r\n84\r\nPercentage receiving disqualification orders1,2\r\n0.0%\r\n8.3%\r\n6.3%\r\n14.9%\r\n15.5%\r\nNote:\r\n1. Where main charge.\r\n2. Data on disqualification orders are not published routinely as part of the Criminal Proceedings in Scotland bulletin, however, the data has been analysed for accuracy. The data is gathered from the same source as the convictions data.\r\nThere was no deprivation orders issued.\r\nInformation for 2011-12 will not be available until publication of the Criminal Proceedings in Scotland, 2011-12 Statistical Bulletin. This is due to be published in November 2012.\r\nThe dates of all Scottish Government Official and National Statistics publications are pre-announced, and the up to date list of future publications can be found at: \r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Statistics/Search/Forthcoming.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-14T14:03:46.537","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275444,"EventID":"S4W-09133","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3896,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":97,"ApprovedDate":"2012-08-20T15:25:10.28","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-08-16T15:55:39.983","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what recommendations it has made to local authorities regarding the building of teachers’ assessment literacy through (a) intra- and (b)inter-school discussion.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government issued a suite of guidance on assessment approaches, known as Building the Curriculum 5, including quality assurance and moderation, to all schools and authorities in January 2010. In addition to seminars, Education Scotland in partnership with SQA and the Scottish Government has developed the National Assessment Resource (NAR) to support teachers to develop their professional skills and a shared understanding of assessment practices for CfE. The exemplars on the NAR have been developed by teachers supported by Education Scotland. The NAR also includes case studies from several authorities on quality assurance and moderation in and across authorities. It is for headteachers and Education Authorities to advise their staff and schools respectively on their deployment of time with inter-school discussion. The Scottish Government does not set expectations on such matters.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-17T15:25:10.497","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275445,"EventID":"S4W-09134","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3896,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":97,"ApprovedDate":"2012-08-20T15:25:10.78","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-08-16T15:55:39.983","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what information is given to (a) primary and (b) secondary school teachers that sets out the expected knowledge and skills of pupils and how best to illustrate pupils' progress, including examples of teacher assessment, as they move to secondary schools\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government issued comprehensive advice in April 2009 to all teachers setting out, through a national framework of experiences and outcomes, the expected knowledge and skills that should be developed across primary and secondary sectors.\r\nAdvice on assessing pupils’ progress is given on the Education Scotland website : \r\nhttp://www.educationscotland.gov.uk/thecurriculum/howisprogressassessed/index.asp.\r\nThe National Assessment Resource also contains exemplification from a range of schools on how they are developing arrangements to share pupil progress at the point of primary/secondary transition.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-17T15:25:10.793","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275446,"EventID":"S4W-09136","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3896,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":97,"ApprovedDate":"2012-08-20T15:25:11.06","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-08-16T15:55:39.983","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what guidance it gives to local authorities regarding how much time should be allocated to primary and secondary teachers visiting each other’s schools in order to facilitate pupils moving to secondary.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has not issued any guidance on this issue. It is for education authorities to provide advice to their schools on the nature and time spent on transitional arrangements between their primary and secondary schools.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-17T15:25:11.077","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275447,"EventID":"S4W-09137","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3896,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":97,"ApprovedDate":"2012-08-20T15:25:11.357","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-08-16T15:55:39.983","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what best practices it has identified for joint primary and secondary school curriculum planning, and how these are shared with teaching staff.\r\n","AnswerText":"Education Scotland support and share best practice with schools and authorities in seminars, their website and with exemplars in the National Assessment Resource on transition from early years to primary and from primary to secondary.\r\nLocal authorities also have a responsibility to encourage schools to engage in joint planning activities within their Associated School Groups and to develop curriculum structures and learning pathways which are appropriate for their local context, and the needs of individual learners.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-17T15:25:11.357","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275448,"EventID":"S4W-09138","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3896,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":97,"ApprovedDate":"2012-08-20T15:25:11.683","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-08-16T15:55:39.983","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many hours per year are set aside for teachers to discuss with peers annotated portfolios of pupils’ work.\r\n","AnswerText":"Guidance on profiling and the development of profiles was published in December 2010 as part of the Building the Curriculum series. It is for education authorities and schools to manage and agree the time to be spent by teachers to discuss with peers on annotated portfolios of pupils’ work.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-17T15:25:11.683","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275449,"EventID":"S4W-09139","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3896,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":97,"ApprovedDate":"2012-08-20T15:25:12.09","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-08-16T15:55:39.983","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what percentage of pupils move to secondary school with a P7 profile, broken down by local authority.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government does not gather this information. All primary 7 pupils will develop a profile with support from their teacher which will build an accurate and comprehensive account of their progress and achievement. The profile is developed as an on-going process of dialogue and reflection between the teacher and the learner. The first P7 profiles were developed during the schools year 2011-12 and the first S3 profiles will be developed by third year pupils with support from their teachers during the school year 2012-13.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-17T15:25:12.09","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275450,"EventID":"S4W-09140","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3896,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":97,"ApprovedDate":"2012-08-20T15:25:12.37","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-08-16T15:55:39.983","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much time is allocated per year for interaction between the primary and secondary school sector to discuss (a) curriculum planning, (b) approaches to teaching and (c) assessment.\r\n","AnswerText":"It is for education authorities to provide advice to their schools on the nature and time spent on transitional arrangements between their primary and secondary schools.\r\nFunding of £6.7 million in 2010-12 and a further three years funding of £3.762 million from 2012-15 has been made available to local authorities to support additional local activity associated with introducing and operating a quality assurance and moderation system. This will allow time for teachers to build their expertise and amongst other practitioners in sharing, understanding and applying standards.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-17T15:25:12.387","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275451,"EventID":"S4W-09141","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3896,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":97,"ApprovedDate":"2012-08-20T15:25:12.65","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-08-16T15:55:39.983","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what support is provided for teaching staff to assist with (a) making judgements about and (b) maintaining pupils' portfolios.\r\n","AnswerText":"In addition to guidance published in December 2010 (Building the Curriculum 5), Education Scotland has had a number of seminars for authorities and schools to provide advice and guidance on profiling and the development of profile. In addition they worked with schools to develop exemplars of profiling and pupil profiles at P7 and S3 and these have been made available on their website:\r\nhttp://www.educationscotland.gov.uk/learningteachingandassessment/assessment/achievement/profiling/index.asp.  \r\nEducation Scotland are also currently working with a group of 13 schools to provide further exemplification on profiling and the S3 profile which will be published in December 2012. A Curriculum for Excellence briefing on profiling and the S3 profile for all practitioners is currently being prepared by Education Scotland with a view to publication early this school session.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-17T15:25:12.667","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275452,"EventID":"S4W-09143","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3896,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":97,"ApprovedDate":"2012-08-20T15:25:12.98","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-08-16T15:55:39.983","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the expected experiences and outcomes at each key points of pupils' educational progress are and what is required to achieve these.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government issued comprehensive advice in April 2009 to all teachers setting out, through a national framework of experiences and outcomes, the expected knowledge and skills that should be developed across primary and secondary sectors.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-17T15:25:12.993","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275453,"EventID":"S4W-09166","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-08-20T15:25:13.26","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-08-17T14:07:57","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what disciplinary action is taken against NHS staff who fail to comply with standard infection control procedures.\r\n","AnswerText":"It is a matter for individual NHS boards, as the employer, to deal with disciplinary procedures concerning any failures by staff to comply with the appropriate policies relating to standard infection control procedures. \r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-17T15:25:13.273","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275454,"EventID":"S4W-09167","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-08-20T15:25:13.743","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-08-17T14:07:57","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what action is taken if NHS boards fail to ensure that the patient environment is cleaned in line with the NHS Scotland National Cleaning Services Specification (2009).\r\n","AnswerText":"Monitoring of compliance with the National Cleaning Services Specification (2009) is undertaken by Health Facilities Scotland (HFS). Where NHS boards fail to meet the required level of compliance, HFS will ensure that the board puts in place a remedial action plan. These plans are summarised in the quarterly NHSScotland National Cleaning Compliance Reports which are available, along with fuller information on the monitoring process, at  http://www.hfs.nhs.uk/.\r\nAdditional monitoring is provided by means of inspections carried out by the Health Environment Inspectorate, which examine, among other things, the cleanliness of the patient environment. Where necessary, NHS boards will be asked to draw up improvement plans which set out how they intend to resolve any issues which have been indentified.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-17T15:25:13.76","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275455,"EventID":"S4W-09168","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-08-20T15:25:14.197","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-08-17T14:07:57","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much compensation has been paid to (a) patients whose health has been affected by and (b) families of patients that have died as a result of hospital acquired infection.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government does not itself hold information on compensation paid out to patients or families of deceased patients in relation to healthcare associated infection (HAI).\r\nHowever, we have been advised by NHS National Services Scotland (Central Legal Office) that it is aware of a total of £660,671.13 which has been awarded to patients where a healthcare associated infection was involved.\r\nIn some of these cases, HAI may have been only one factor among others in the award of the compensation paid out.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-17T15:25:14.21","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275456,"EventID":"S4W-09169","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1860,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-08-20T15:25:14.757","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-08-17T15:12:26","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what steps it is considering to increase the number of companies that can install solar water heating.\r\n","AnswerText":"Over the last two years, the number of businesses based in Scotland registered to install solar water heating under the Microgeneration Certification Scheme has increased from 46 in January 2010 to 112 as of July 2012. A further 187 UK companies operate in Scotland.\r\nThis demonstrates the growth in the market and the Scottish Government’s is supporting continued development, as set out in the Microgeneration Strategy for Scotland published on 22 June 2012. Alongside the Strategy, we announced an increase of £5 million in our Home Renewables Loans scheme targetted at renewable heat, with an increase in the loans available for heat technologies, such as solar water heating, to £10,000. Loans are also available to small and medium sized business to help them with the capital costs of technologies such as solar water heating.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-17T15:25:14.773","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275457,"EventID":"S4W-09170","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1860,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-08-20T15:25:15.1","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-08-17T15:12:26","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what support it is giving to small businesses considering installing solar water heating on their premises.\r\n","AnswerText":"Our Small Business Loan Scheme, managed by the Energy Saving Trust (EST), provides loans to businesses to install energy efficiency and renewables measures. Since the scheme was introduced in late 2008, 26 loans totalling £256,311 have been paid for solar water heating in business premises.\r\nThe Scottish Government also sponsors EST to deliver the Small Business Advice service in Scotland, providing advice and recommendations on energy efficiency and renewables measures. A total of 4,347 businesses have received advice since 2006-07 and the most recent evaluation indicates growing interest in renewables, with two thirds of businesses advised by EST receiving recommendations on renewables in 2010-11, up from 38% in 2008-09.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-17T15:25:15.117","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275458,"EventID":"S4W-09171","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1860,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-08-20T15:25:15.397","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-08-17T15:12:26","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether the standardisation of the equipment used in solar water heating installations could reduce consumer costs.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government supports standards for microgeneration technologies, including solar hot water systems. There are many benefits to standardisation, and solar hot water systems must be registered under the Microgeneration Certification Scheme or Solar Keymark to be eligible for funding through Scottish Government and UK Government schemes. In order to be certified under these schemes they must meet European Standards for solar collectors.\r\nhttp://www.microgenerationcertification.org/\r\nhttp://www.solarkeymark.org/\r\nWe are not aware of analysis undertaken on the specific impact of standardisation on consumer costs, as costs are affected by a range of factors. Standardisation has the potential to contribute to reduced costs by increasing consumer confidence, growing the market and hence lowering costs through economies of scale. Certification also ensures that consumers can be confident that their equipment will meet minimum standards for efficiency. However, standards may also increase costs in order for manufacturers to meet the requirements of the standards.\r\nIn addition, wider market forces may well have a bigger impact on costs, for example the global cost of copper has risen over the past few years which impacts on the costs of solar hot water systems. Delays to the domestic Renewable Heat Incentive have also constrained demand for heat technologies, but once introduced this is likely to have a bigger impact on market growth than standards alone.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-17T15:25:15.397","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275459,"EventID":"S4W-09172","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1860,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-08-20T15:25:15.677","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-08-17T15:12:26","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it considers that the cost of accreditation is an impediment to companies considering being solar water heating installers.\r\n","AnswerText":"There has been a significant increase in businesses based in Scotland registered to install solar water heating under the Microgeneration Certification Scheme, from 46 in January 2010 to 112 as of July 2012. We therefore do not consider accreditation is an impediment to companies becoming installers. The Scottish Government wishes to increase uptake of microgeneration across Scotland and we will continue to work with industry, in particular through the Microgeneration Task Group, to take forward recommendations in the Microgeneration Strategy for Scotland.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-17T15:25:15.693","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275460,"EventID":"S4W-09173","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1860,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-08-20T15:25:15.973","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-08-17T15:12:26","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what assessment it has made of potential benefits to manufacturers of solar water heating systems if demand were to increase by (a) 10%, (b) 20% and (c) 50%.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has not assessed the potential benefits to manufacturers of solar water heating of increased demand at these rates. The Scottish Government supports continued growth of the market for solar water heating and welcomes the development of manufacturing base in Scotland, with AES Solar in Forres and Sustainable Technologies in Nairn. A total of 22 manufacturers of solar hot water systems are registered in the UK under the Microgeneration Certification Scheme and more across Europe under Solar Keymark. We recognise that development of the market both in Scotland and globally will benefit manufacturers and will continue to work with industry as we take forward the recommendations from the Microgeneration Strategy for Scotland to ensure that we maximise the benefits to Scottish businesses and consumers.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-17T15:25:15.973","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275461,"EventID":"S4W-09174","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1860,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-08-20T15:25:16.24","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-08-17T15:12:26","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it considers that requiring solar water heating on every new residential build  would make it more affordable.\r\n","AnswerText":"The most appropriate and cost effective way of reducing emissions from buildings depends on a number of factors, as set out in our planning and building standards systems. Scottish Planning Policy (paragraph 44) places energy generation within a holistic framework and states “The use of energy efficient, microgenerating and decentralised renewable energy systems will be components in the move towards reducing emissions, but energy efficient design of buildings will make a significant contribution to reducing emissions. Location, siting, orientation, design, materials and insulation are important factors in the energy efficiency of buildings.”\r\nThe Scottish Government has also set challenging minimum levels for carbon dioxide and energy performance in Scottish building regulations for new buildings. The approach emphasises the importance of improving the building fabric as well as considering low and zero carbon generating technologies to achieve the standards in the most appropriate and cost effective manner possible. Although the use of such technologies is not a requirement, current emissions targets for new building mean that such technologies are becoming more common. We consider that this approach is the best way to support growth of the market for technologies such as solar water heating, ensuring solutions are best designed to meet individual consumer’s needs.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-17T15:25:16.253","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275462,"EventID":"S4W-09175","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4947,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-08-20T15:25:16.55","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-08-17T15:51:56","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many public sector pension schemes there are in Scotland and what information it has on the financial health of these schemes.\r\n","AnswerText":"There are five main public sector pension schemes in Scotland for which Scottish Ministers have a responsibility. These cover the NHS, teachers, police, fire and local government. There are an additional three schemes where the responsibility is reserved. These cover the civil service, the armed forces and the judiciary. In addition, a small number of public bodies operate their own schemes.\r\nEach scheme is valued by the scheme actuaries on a regular basis to establish its financial health. This is used to determine the future contribution rates which are necessary to meet the scheme liabilities. The Scottish Government remains committed to ensuring that the public sector pension schemes within its responsibility remain affordable, sustainable and fair into the future. The forthcoming UK Public Service Pensions Bill places a requirement for all UK public service pension schemes to be reformed by April 2015, and discussions about these reforms are underway with Scottish stakeholders.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-17T15:25:16.55","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275465,"EventID":"S4W-09144","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1759,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-08-21T12:32:06.773","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-08-16T16:02:35.9","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when it will publish the conservation status of marine features that are protected in existing marine special areas of conservation and when this status was last assessed through site-condition monitoring.\r\n","AnswerText":"Monitoring of marine features has been part of the SNH’s Site Condition Monitoring (SCM) programme since its inception in 1999. Due to the resource requirements for marine monitoring, it has not been possible to monitor all marine features within the six year reporting cycle. It is anticipated that a baseline condition assessment for all marine SAC features will be completed by 2012-13. SNH is currently working up the programme for the first SAC sites which will be repeat monitored using the SCM methodology.\r\nWhen assessments are completed they are published via SiteLink on the SNH website. The results of SCM for all feature types (including marine) will be published in early 2013, marking the end of the second six year cycle of monitoring. This will update the report produced in 2010 on the condition of features and the steps being taken to improve the condition of unfavourable features.\r\nIn Scottish offshore waters (from 12 to 200 nautical miles) the conservation status of marine features that are protected in existing marine SACs has not yet been assessed through site-condition monitoring. JNCC are developing a monitoring programme across the offshore marine environment which will include recommendations on the monitoring of sites.\r\nThe next Habitats Directive Article 17 report is due to be submitted by the UK Government to the European Commission in July 2013 and will report on the Favourable Conservation Status of Annex I habitats, and Annex II, IV and V species across their ranges in the UK.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-18T12:32:06.85","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275466,"EventID":"S4W-09145","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1759,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-08-21T12:32:07.1","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-08-16T16:02:35.9","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether Scottish Natural Heritage plans to reduce the frequency of site-condition monitoring of seabird special protection areas.\r\n","AnswerText":"Due to resource constraints it is not possible to monitor all SPA features every six year reporting cycle. Where routine seabird monitoring is carried out by SNH on National Nature Reserves, or by partner bodies such as RSPB or NTS, SNH will continue to use this data for condition assessments each reporting cycle. Condition assessments for SPAs outwith routinely monitored sites will be completed using data provided by the UK national seabird census – which is currently repeated on a 15 year basis.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-18T12:32:07.117","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275467,"EventID":"S4W-09146","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1759,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-08-21T12:32:07.35","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-08-16T16:02:35.9","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how marine protected areas designated under the Marine (Scotland) Act 2010 are monitored.\r\n","AnswerText":"The government will make a report to Parliament on MPAs in December 2012. Following this we will consult and designate MPAs in 2013. Once designated MPAs will be reviewed periodically to ensure that they are meeting, or are capable of meeting, the agreed conservation objectives and whether any additional management is likely to be required.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-18T12:32:07.367","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275468,"EventID":"S4W-09147","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1759,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-08-21T12:32:07.6","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-08-16T16:02:35.9","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether a framework has been established for monitoring the outcomes of marine protected area designations and, if so, what budget has been agreed for implementing this monitoring programme.\r\n","AnswerText":"Progress on the designation and status of MPAs and progress towards achieving their conservation objectives will be subject to a six-yearly reporting cycle to the Scottish Parliament. Monitoring of Nature Conservation MPA protected features will be undertaken as part of a wider programme of biodiversity monitoring and surveillance, including monitoring programmes established to implement the Marine Strategy Framework Directive from 2014 onwards. A framework is under development and a budget has yet to be agreed for the monitoring programme. Historic Scotland will be responsible for periodic monitoring of Historic MPAs. Estimated costs per site were outlined in the Financial Memorandum on the Marine (Scotland) Bill.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-18T12:32:07.613","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275469,"EventID":"S4W-09148","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1759,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-08-21T12:32:07.863","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-08-16T16:02:35.9","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-08165 by Richard Lochhead on 9 July 2012, what elements of (a) common fisheries policy reform and (b) the implementation of inshore fisheries group management plans it considers will help marine species and habitats achieve favourable conservation status.\r\n","AnswerText":"One of the Scottish Government's key aims in reforming the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) is to deliver better and mutually supportive integration between the CFP and the marine environment legislation which will help Scotland to achieve favourable conservation status??.\r\nThe Scottish Government has also promoted the commitment within CFP reform to the achievement of fishing at levels which allow for maximum sustainable yield of fish stocks, a key determinant for the attainment of favourable conservation status.\r\nThe IFG plans (and the work of the IFGs more broadly) have the potential to help marine habitats and species achieve favourable conservation status in two ways:\r\nFirstly, at a general level, the IFGs (and the process of developing and implementing the management plans) provide a mechanism to facilitate the integration of biodiversity considerations into the management of inshore fisheries. The management plans help the IFG members to understand how their activities and proposals might interact with features of biodiversity importance, and in particular designated sites and species. \r\nSecondly, at a more specific level, the process of developing the management plans has allowed environmental bodies to advise where proposals are relevant to European Marine Sites or European Protected Species and, consequently, to help identify the actions that may be required to address issues arising during implementation (e.g. such work that may be required in order to inform an appropriate assessment under the Habitats Regulations). \r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-18T12:32:07.88","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275470,"EventID":"S4W-09149","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1759,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-08-21T12:32:08.16","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-08-16T16:02:35.9","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it will assess equivalent ecological value when two potential marine protected areas are being compared.\r\n","AnswerText":"The overall aim is to develop a Marine Protected Area network. All locations are assessed against the MPA selection guidelines and must also satisfy the OSPAR requirements for an ecologically coherent network. Where options to represent features offer the same value, then other factors will be considered.\r\nSocio-economic factors may be considered in selection of sites, where two or more potential areas/search locations meet the scientific guidelines, in order to inform ministers' final decisions. Stakeholders have also been offered  the opportunity to comment on whether they have a particular preference for  options identified by SNH or JNCC.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-18T12:32:08.16","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275471,"EventID":"S4W-09150","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1759,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-08-21T12:32:08.41","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-08-16T16:02:35.9","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how the sectorial marine plans for tidal and wave energy will complement the development of (a) marine protected areas and (b) the National Marine Plan under the Marine (Scotland) Act 2010.\r\n","AnswerText":"The scoping exercises for offshore wind and wave and tidal energy in Scottish waters are a tool for developers at an early stage in searching for potential areas. The scoping exercises identify broad areas which may be suitable for further developments from the point of view of best resource but also with fewest potential hazards. Both contribute to planning for renewables and form one component of the renewables elements of Scotland’s first national marine plan currently under development. The scoping studies do not prevent developers wishing to develop outside of these areas and all licence applications for renewables development in these or other areas are subject to the requirements of legislation including Environment Impact Assessment. Possible locations for designation as a Marine Protected Area under the Marine (Scotland) Act are being identified using a science led approach but Ministers have provision to take account of other issues in decisions on a designation.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-18T12:32:08.427","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275472,"EventID":"S4W-09151","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1759,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-08-21T12:32:08.66","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-08-16T16:02:35.9","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how priority marine features distribution data has been incorporated in the scoping study for (a) offshore wave energy development and (b) tidal stream energy development.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scoping Studies included data layers describing the distributions of several categories of protected areas. These include established SACs and SPAs, areas under consideration for future designation, and areas of search for potential new protected areas, including MPAs under the Marine (Scotland) Act. Many of these areas have been designated, or are being considered for designation, because of the presence of habitats or species that are Recommended PMFs. Further data layers described the distribution of spawning and nursery grounds for commercial fish species (including some PMF species), the distributions of cetaceans, areas designated for the protected of seals and cetaceans, and sea haul-outs.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-18T12:32:08.677","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275473,"EventID":"S4W-09152","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1759,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-08-21T12:32:08.91","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-08-16T16:02:35.9","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how environmental data sets will be considered in future tidal and wave energy constraints mapping.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government considers a range of data sets during tidal and wave energy constraints mapping. Data sets representing relevant constraints are obtained from a range of sources. The constraint sets are allocated to one of three thematic restriction models, covering constraints arising from industrial activity, socio-cultural interests, and environmental factors. In the environmental model, environmental data sets are double weighted in the maps produced. Similar maps are produced for the industrial and socio-cultural themes. Following the completion of the three models, an overlay map of all three models is produced to identify areas of search for commercial scale wave and tidal developments. This process is likely to be followed in future wave and tidal energy constraints mapping.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-18T12:32:08.927","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275474,"EventID":"S4W-09153","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1759,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-08-21T12:32:09.173","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-08-16T16:02:35.9","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what discussions it has with (a) the Crown Estate, (b) the renewables industry and (c) marine stakeholders regarding the potential for new wave and tidal lease sites.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has had a range of discussions with The Crown Estate, the Renewables Industry and marine stakeholders regarding the potential for new wave and tidal lease sites during the ongoing development of Sectoral Marine Plans for Wave and Tidal Energy in Scottish Waters. The plans aim to identify the most sustainable locations where commercial scale wave and tidal energy developments could take place.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-18T12:32:09.19","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275475,"EventID":"S4W-09154","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1759,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-08-21T12:32:09.423","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-08-16T16:02:35.9","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what influence it considers  the presence of a Crown Estate lease site for development has in (a) marine (i) planning and (ii) licensing decisions and (b) the selection of sites as marine protected areas.\r\n","AnswerText":"The presence of a Crown Estate lease site for development has no formal status as a consideration in determining marine licensing applications. The existence of a lease maybe a factor that is taken into consideration in the development of a marine plan, though this will depend on individual circumstances and developing marine plans. Possible locations for designation as a Marine Protected Area under the Marine (Scotland) Act are being identified using a science led approach but Ministers have provision to take account of other issues in decisions on a designation.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-18T12:32:09.44","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275476,"EventID":"S4W-09155","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1759,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-08-21T12:32:09.707","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-08-16T16:02:35.9","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what influence the scoping study for (a) offshore wave energy development and (b) tidal stream energy development will have in (i) marine (A) planning and (B) licensing decisions and (ii) the selection of sites as marine protected areas.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scoping Reports for Offshore Wind Farm Developments and Wave and Tidal Energy Developments in Scottish Waters identify broad areas which may be suitable for further developments from the point of view of best resource but also with fewest potential hazards. Both contribute to planning for renewables and form one component of the renewables elements of Scotland’s first national marine plan currently under development. The scoping studies do not prevent developers wishing to develop outside of these areas and all licence applications for renewables development in these or other areas are subject to the requirements of legislation including Environment Impact Assessment. Possible locations for designation as a Marine Protected Area under the Marine (Scotland) Act are being identified using a science led approach but ministers have provision to take account of other issues in decisions on a designation.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-18T12:32:09.72","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275477,"EventID":"S4W-09156","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1759,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-08-21T12:32:09.97","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-08-16T16:02:35.9","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what discussions it has had with the Department of Energy and Climate Change to ensure that identification of the Pentland Firth and Orkney waters as a marine energy park includes provision for protection of the natural heritage of the area.\r\n","AnswerText":"The designation of the Pentland Firth and Orkney Waters as a marine energy park is a matter for the UK Government’s Department of Energy and Climate Change.\r\nHowever, the Scottish Government is committed to ensuring the sustainable use and protection of our coasts and seas and the resources that they contain and is responsible for planning and licensing offshore renewable activity in Scottish waters. The planning system has an important role in supporting the achievement of sustainable development through its influence on the location, layout and design of any new developments.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-18T12:32:09.987","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275478,"EventID":"S4W-09157","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1759,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-08-21T12:32:10.237","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-08-16T16:02:35.9","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what consideration is given to harbour porpoises in its special area of conservation network.\r\n","AnswerText":"At present, no suitable locations in Scottish waters have been identified, in accordance with Article 4.1 of the EU Habitats Directive, for harbour porpoise to be considered a qualifying feature of a Special Area of Conservation (SAC).\r\nHowever, there are 15 SACs in Scottish waters that list the presence of harbour porpoises as a non-qualifying feature (grade D). Although this means there are no conservation objectives specific to the species at these sites, there will be conservation measures in place for the qualifying habitat features which will indirectly benefit the harbour porpoises through prey resource availability.\r\nThe Joint Cetacean Protocol (JCP) will soon report up to date estimates of harbour porpoise density, distribution and population trends. Going forward, the Joint Nature Conservation Committee (JNCC) will commission a more detailed analysis of the JCP data resource to determine whether discrete and persistent areas of relatively high harbour porpoise density exist in the UK marine area. These areas will then be considered against the requirements of the EU Habitats Directive.\r\nThe results of this analysis are expected in late 2013 and, if appropriate, SAC proposals are expected to follow in late 2014.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-18T12:32:10.25","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275479,"EventID":"S4W-09158","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1759,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-08-21T12:32:10.5","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-08-16T16:02:35.9","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it takes account of the habitats directive in its licensing decisions.\r\n","AnswerText":"All licensing decisions undertaken by the Scottish Government are considered in accordance with the Conservation (Natural Habitats, &c.) Regulations 1994 (as amended) which transpose the requirements of Council Directive 92/43/EEC (the Habitats Directive).\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-18T12:32:10.517","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275480,"EventID":"S4W-09159","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1759,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-08-21T12:32:10.767","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-08-16T16:02:35.9","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what conditions are attached to license consents given by Marine Scotland, in order to ensure the conditions of the habitats directive are met in relation to cetaceans.\r\n","AnswerText":"All cetaceans are listed as European Protected Species (EPS) and are protected under the Conservation (Natural Habitats, &c.) Regulations 1994 (as amended), which prohibits the deliberate and reckless capture, injury, killing and disturbance of cetaceans.\r\nWhen considering an EPS licence application, an assessment is undertaken in consultation with Scottish Natural Heritage and the Joint Nature Conservation Committee. If an EPS licence is granted it may be subject to a range of conditions that specify appropriate mitigation measures to ensure compliance with the regulations. Examples of mitigation may include use of marine mammal observers, passive acoustic monitoring, soft start procedures and restrictions on the timing of works.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-18T12:32:10.78","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275481,"EventID":"S4W-09160","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1759,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-08-21T12:32:11.03","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-08-16T16:02:35.9","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4F-00492 by Alex Salmond on 1 March 2012 (Official Report, c. 6832), what meetings have been held since the conference of 20 January 2012 and the follow-up meeting of 27 January 2012.\r\n","AnswerText":"Updates on the impact of the Schmallenberg virus were given at the quarterly meetings of the Animal Health and Welfare Stakeholder Group on 30 April 2012 and 21 August 2012. A meeting to specifically discuss the Schmallenberg virus was held with the National Farmers Union of Scotland on 15 August 2012.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-18T12:32:11.047","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275482,"EventID":"S4W-09161","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1759,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-08-21T12:32:11.297","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-08-16T16:02:35.9","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether the strategic management board to oversee veterinary surveillance has discussed the Schmallenberg virus and, if so, what recommendations the board has made.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Strategic Management Board for veterinary surveillance has met three times, and has mostly been engaged in structural and strategic discussions, especially on the recommendations from the Review of Veterinary Surveillance published last year.\r\nThe board discussed Schmallenberg virus at its first meeting, but only as an example of the effectiveness of the current disease surveillance system, which identified the virus very quickly.\r\nUntil the structural issues have been addressed the Strategic Management Board is not expected to become involved in decisions regarding the handling of individual diseases. Such decisions are made through the existing system of regular meetings between the Scottish Government, the Scottish Agricultural College and the Moredun Research Institute.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-18T12:32:11.313","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275483,"EventID":"S4W-09162","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1759,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-08-21T12:32:11.547","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-08-16T16:02:35.9","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it has put in place an early warning system regarding the Schmallenberg virus.\r\n","AnswerText":"Infection by the Schmallenberg virus is not a notifiable animal disease. However, given that the Schmallenberg virus has been recently discovered and knowledge about its characteristics and impact is still developing, the Scottish Government has put in place sensible surveillance measures.\r\nFirstly, the Scottish Agricultural College (SAC) has written to all Scottish veterinary practices inviting them to identify and report potential incidents of acute Schmallenberg infection in cattle. With Scottish Government funding SAC is able to provide free testing of cattle when Schmallenberg is suspected.\r\nScottish Government also funds SAC and the Moredun Research Institute to investigate clinical cases where infection by the Schmallenberg virus is a potential diagnosis at no additional cost to animal keepers, who will only pay the subsidised rate for such investigations.\r\nAdditionally, samples have also been taken as part of the annual sheep and goat survey (which covers Great Britain and tests for brucellosis) and will be used to screen for the Schmallenberg virus in areas of England and Wales that were free of the virus in 2011. If that screening indicates that the virus may be moving toward Scotland, the Scottish Government will consider carrying out similar tests on samples taken in Scotland as part of the same survey.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-18T12:32:11.56","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275484,"EventID":"S4W-09182","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3763,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-08-21T12:32:11.797","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-08-20T10:54:52","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many (a) concessionary and (b) bus companion travel cards were issued in each of the last five years, broken down by local authority.\r\n","AnswerText":"The issuing of National Entitlement Cards is the responsibility of each Scottish local authority.\r\nWhilst information on the total number of National Entitlement Cards issued per year is not available, the table that has been placed in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre (Bib. number 54264) shows the number of valid National Entitlement Cards (providing access to free bus travel) that were in circulation at specific times in the last five years.\r\nThis is broken down by local authority and details the total number of cards in circulation and of this total, the number which were issued as companion cards.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-18T12:32:11.81","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275485,"EventID":"S4W-09184","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":89,"ApprovedDate":"2012-08-21T12:32:12.077","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-08-20T12:24:37","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the average number of monthly calls is for the Student Awards Agency for Scotland.\r\n","AnswerText":"Since SAAS opened for applications for the 2012-13 academic year on 4 April 2012 until the end August 2012, the total number of attempted calls is 255,235. The number of calls per month varies significantly however this gives an average of just over 51,047 calls per month. It is not possible to isolate how many of these calls are repeated attempts to contact SAAS.\r\nThe monthly breakdown of calls attempted is:\r\nNumber of Attempted Calls to SAAS Contact Centre\r\nMonth\r\n\r\nApril\r\n20,112\r\nMay\r\n29,645\r\nJune\r\n64,175\r\nJuly\r\n37,425\r\nAugust\r\n103,878\r\nTotal (to date)\r\n255,235\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-18T12:32:12.093","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275486,"EventID":"S4W-09185","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":89,"ApprovedDate":"2012-08-21T12:32:12.34","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-08-20T12:24:37","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many staff are employed by the Student Awards Agency for Scotland to answer incoming calls.\r\n","AnswerText":"As a frontline delivery agency, all staff at SAAS have some level of customer contact including telephone contact. However the majority of calls are routed through the dedicated contact centre.\r\nThe total number of staff currently employed in the contact centre is 25 to 16 permanent staff, plus nine temporary workers recruited to assist the peak call period.\r\nIn addition, SAAS have two managers who manage the contact centre and also deal with the more complex or demanding calls.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-18T12:32:12.357","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275487,"EventID":"S4W-09186","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":89,"ApprovedDate":"2012-08-21T12:32:12.637","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-08-20T12:24:37","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what contingency action the Student Awards Agency for Scotland takes in case of an increased volume in the number of calls it receives prior to the start of an academic year.\r\n","AnswerText":"The peak processing session for SAAS is from April to October. During this time SAAS employs additional temporary staff in its dedicated Contact Centre as well as elsewhere across the agency, including student placements.\r\nIn recent years the guarantee date has been introduced to incentivise early applications.\r\nSAAS have also invested in technology to ensure students can complete routine tasks online. There is extensive information on the SAAS website and through social media to assist students in completing applications and to answer the most common queries.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-18T12:32:12.653","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275488,"EventID":"S4W-09187","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":89,"ApprovedDate":"2012-08-21T12:32:12.933","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-08-20T12:24:37","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the Student Awards Agency for Scotland’s average call handling time is.","AnswerText":"Since SAAS opened for applications for the 2012-13 academic year on 4 April 2012, the average call handling time, time spent with customers, is 10 minutes and 52 seconds. Our average call waiting time is 13 minutes and 24 seconds. \r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-18T12:32:12.95","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275489,"EventID":"S4W-09188","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":89,"ApprovedDate":"2012-08-21T12:32:13.217","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-08-20T12:24:37","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the Student Awards Agency for Scotland’s target is for answering incoming calls.","AnswerText":"SAAS has no set target for dealing with incoming calls. At peak times, it is for the operational management of SAAS to balance processing applications with customer contact.\r\nThe primary customer service commitment is to meet, annually, the SAAS Guarantee Date. The Guarantee Date, usually 30 June each year, is not a deadline but SAAS aim to process all applications received by the Guarantee Date in time for the start of the student’s course.\r\nThis year SAAS received 105,405 applications by the Guarantee Date. All these applications have now been processed.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-18T12:32:13.23","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275490,"EventID":"S4W-09195","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2673,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":114,"ApprovedDate":"2012-08-21T12:32:13.48","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-08-20T15:27:26","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what action it is taking to develop the role of colleges in the activity agreements programme.\r\n","AnswerText":"As activity agreements are focused on those young people not yet able or ready to access formal learning opportunities we would see college as a progression route for them upon completion of their activity agreement. Some young people will access college provision on a short-term or part-time basis, during their time on an activity agreement, as a taster to introduce them to this route to further learning.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-18T12:32:13.497","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angela Constance","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275491,"EventID":"S4W-09196","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2673,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":114,"ApprovedDate":"2012-08-21T12:32:13.747","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-08-20T15:27:26","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what funding North East Fife will receive as part of the activity agreements programme.\r\n","AnswerText":"Fife Council has been allocated up to £244,733 to support the development of Activity Agreements in Fife for 2012-13. The use of this funding across the area is a matter for the council to decide.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-18T12:32:13.76","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angela Constance","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275492,"EventID":"S4W-09197","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2892,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-08-21T12:32:14.01","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-08-21T10:43:48","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-06539 by Nicola Sturgeon on 23 April 2012, what funding has been allocated to establish the consultant level training posts in community sexual and reproductive healthcare; what the (a) process and (b) timescale for recruitment for this is and what future funding arrangements will be put in place to ensure that this continues.\r\n","AnswerText":"As indicated in the answer to question S4W-06539, the intention is to advertise training posts in Community Sexual and Reproductive Healthcare from next year. As part of the Scottish Government project to reshape the medical workforce, last year, the Cabinet Secretary for Health, Wellbeing and Cities Strategy approved the disestablishment of two training posts in Public Health Medicine from August 2013.\r\nSalaries arising from training posts disestablished under the Reshaping Project are returned by NHS Education Scotland (NES) to the Scottish Government for reallocation as appropriate. The two salaries released by the disestablishment of Public Health Medicine training posts will be returned to NES for the purpose of funding the creation of two new training posts in Community Sexual and Reproductive Healthcare.\r\nThese training posts will be advertised and recruited to, under the established national processes for recruitment to all specialty training posts across Scotland. This process commences in late 2012, with a view to having trainees commence in August 2013.\r\nIn the longer term, the overall training establishment in this specialty will be guided by the ongoing work of the National Reshaping Medical Workforce Project Board, which will provide advice to the Cabinet Secretary for Health and Wellbeing on the establishment of training grade doctors.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-18T12:32:14.027","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275506,"EventID":"S4W-09177","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5079,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-08-22T14:34:52.097","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-08-20T10:06:44","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how the system of charging fees for access to medical records operates.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Data Protection Act 1998 gives individuals the statutory right, subject to some exemptions, to see information contained within their own health records. A charge between £10 and £50 can be applied.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-19T14:34:52.237","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275507,"EventID":"S4W-09178","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5079,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-08-22T14:34:52.487","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-08-20T10:06:44","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what monitoring it carries out of fees charged by GPs for providing references for patients and what its position is on such charges being applied to benefit claimants and appellants.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government does not monitor professional fees. The majority of GP practices in Scotland operate as independent contractors under the terms of a UK general medical services contract and when GPs agree to provide services outwith their NHS contractual terms and conditions, they are entitled to charge a professional fee as remuneration for doing so.\r\nMatters relating to welfare, employment and tax benefits remain reserved to the UK Government and as such it would not be appropriate for Scottish Ministers to directly intervene.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-19T14:34:52.5","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275508,"EventID":"S4W-09180","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5079,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-08-22T14:34:52.733","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-08-20T10:06:44","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether charging schemes must be on display in dental surgeries.\r\n","AnswerText":"NHS Regulations require a dental contractor to display in a prominent position at the practice premises such information as the health board or the agency may issue. \r\nInformation regarding the leaflet: HCS2 - A Quick Guide to Help with Health Costs, should be displayed and this contains information on the costs of some of the most common NHS dental treatments.\r\nCharges for private dental treatment are a matter for the individual dentists concerned and dentists are free to set their private charges at any level they wish. The Scottish Government has no control over private dental treatment or charges.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-19T14:34:52.75","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275509,"EventID":"S4W-09181","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5079,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-08-22T14:34:52.983","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-08-20T10:06:44","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether dental practices that have received investment from the NHS must carry out  NHS work.\r\n","AnswerText":"Significant financial incentives have been made available by NHS boards aimed at encouraging dentists to join NHS board’s dental lists, to improve access to, and increase delivery of NHS treatment.\r\nGrants under the Scottish Government Scottish Dental Access Initiative have been available to dentists wishing to establish new or expand or purchase existing NHS dental practices. A condition of the grant is that the recipient is required to derive a minimum of 80% of his/her annual gross income from NHS General Dental services.\r\nVocational Training (VT) Practice Improvement Allowance is available to NHS practices to enable them to recruit a NHS vocational trainee, who in turn has to provide NHS care.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-19T14:34:53","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275523,"EventID":"S4W-09189","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5059,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-08-23T15:19:25.387","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-08-20T15:02:09","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it encourages asylum-seekers and refugees to access pre-school education for their children.\r\n","AnswerText":"Local authorities are under a statutory duty to provide 475 hours of pre-school education to three and four year olds in Scotland and it is their responsibility to deliver this throughout their local area. This includes asylum seekers and refugees.\r\nThe Scottish Government provides funding to the Scottish Refugee Council (£1.65 million during 2012-15) in order that they can work with local partners to provide support, advice and practical assistance to asylum seekers and refugees in Scotland, including in relation to accessing the services to which they are entitled.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-20T15:19:25.527","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275524,"EventID":"S4W-09190","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5059,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-08-23T15:19:25.777","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-08-20T15:02:09","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it helps asylum-seekers and refugees access the provision of English for speakers of other languages courses.\r\n","AnswerText":"We are acutely aware of the continuous demand for English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) provision throughout Scotland. That is why we made available additional funding of £15.3 million during the period from 2007-12 to improve the quality and quantity of ESOL provision.\r\nWe are also aware of the importance of ensuring that funding is targeted on areas where the evidenced need is greatest. That is why we introduced a new funding model for 2012-13, based upon improvements in sharing ESOL information between partner providers as well as an effective referral process.\r\nWe believe this new system is making it easier for not just asylum-seekers and refugees to access ESOL provision, but for other residents in Scotland whose first language is not English but who are seeking to access ESOL provision.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-20T15:19:25.79","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275525,"EventID":"S4W-09191","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5059,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-08-23T15:19:26.027","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-08-20T15:02:09","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how (a) it and (b) local authorities help asylum-seekers and refugees register with (i) GPs and (ii) dentists.\r\n","AnswerText":"Information about health care from the NHS for asylum seekers or refugees living in Scotland is published on the Health Rights Information Scotland website at http://www.hris.org.uk/patient-information/information-about-health-rights/health-care-for-overseas-visitors/health-care-for-asylum-seekers-and-refugees/. \r\nProcesses have been introduced across secondary care for routine ethnicity data collection in NHSS and biannual reporting of completeness levels is undertaken by ISD (see http://www.isdscotland.org/Health-Topics/Equality-and-Diversity/Publications/2012-08-28/2012-08-28-EDIP-Summary.pdf?12746828795 for most recent report).\r\nMore generally, online information support is available in a range of formats/languages on how to access health services (see Health Rights Information Scotland site at http://www.how-to-use-the-nhs.com/) and translated patient materials on topics such as health services, immunisation, mental health, patient rights, pregnancy and childbirth at Health in my language, NHS Inform (http://www.healthinmylanguage.com/home.aspx).\r\nThe Scottish Government provides funding to the Scottish Refugee Council (£1.65 million during 2012-15) in order that they can work with local partners to provide support, advice and practical assistance to asylum seekers and refugees in Scotland.\r\nLocal authorities do not take an active role in helping asylum seekers and refugees register GPs and dentists as it is dealt with by Greater Glasgow Health Board as the main dispersal area. They have an officer who has responsibility for ensuring that each asylum seeker who is dispersed to Glasgow is registered with a GP and dentist. In order to achieve this they work closely with UK Borders Agency and the introduction service provided by the Scottish Refugee Council to ensure that asylum seekers are able to access appropriate health services as soon as possible after their arrival in Scotland.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-20T15:19:26.04","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275526,"EventID":"S4W-09193","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5059,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-08-23T15:19:26.29","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-08-20T15:02:09","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it helps asylum-seekers and refugees access mental health services.\r\n","AnswerText":"Asylum seekers in Scotland, and those granted refugee status, have access to NHS services on the same basis as a UK national who is ordinarily resident in Scotland, while they remain in the country. NHS boards and their partners will ensure that their mental health needs are met on the basis of comprehensive needs assessment and delivery of culturally sensitive services.\r\nThrough the Scottish Government’s new mental health strategy, we are committed to working with NHS boards and their partners to ensure monitoring information about who is accessing services, such as their ethnicity, is consistently available to inform decisions about service redesign and to remove barriers to services.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-20T15:19:26.307","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275527,"EventID":"S4W-09194","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5059,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-08-23T15:19:26.54","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-08-20T15:02:09","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what financial support it provides to charities working with asylum-seekers and refugees.\r\n","AnswerText":"Through the Race, Religion and Refugee Integration Funding Stream the Scottish Government will provide £2.81 million for the period 2012-15 to third sector organisations who work with refugees and asylum seekers in Scotland.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-20T15:19:26.557","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275528,"EventID":"S4W-09220","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4080,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-08-23T15:19:26.79","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-08-21T15:21:21.563","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the means testing support cap for help with care home costs is set at; what its position is on whether this is sufficient, and whether it plans to consult on changing this. \r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-09247 on 13 September 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-20T15:19:26.807","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275529,"EventID":"S4W-09221","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4080,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-08-23T15:19:27.07","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-08-21T15:21:21.563","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on introducing a lifetime cap on a person's care costs.\r\n","AnswerText":"There are no current plans to introduce a lifetime cap on a person’s care costs.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-20T15:19:27.087","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275530,"EventID":"S4W-09222","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4080,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-08-23T15:19:27.913","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-08-21T15:21:21.563","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it has carried out modelling on how many people would benefit from (a) the introduction of a lifetime care costs cap of £35,000 and (b) an increase in the upper capital limit for means tested support.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has not modelled the effects of the recommendations of the Commission on Funding Care and Support in detail.\r\nThe commission’s recommendations were made for England, and in the context of the English system for care and support, where Free Personal and Nursing Care is not applicable.\r\nWe are therefore considering the proposals, and will decide whether any are desirable in a Scottish context.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-20T15:19:27.93","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275531,"EventID":"S4W-09223","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2066,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-08-23T15:19:28.193","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-08-21T14:38:30","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-08881 by Keith Brown on 15 August 2012, what correspondence it has had with the EU regarding the process.\r\n","AnswerText":"We have had no recent correspondence with the EU regarding the tendering process for the next Clyde and Hebrides ferry services contract.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-20T15:19:28.193","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275532,"EventID":"S4W-09224","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2066,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-08-23T15:19:28.507","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-08-21T14:38:30","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will publish the correspondence it has had with Argyll Ferries Ltd regarding variations in the terms of the company's contract.\r\n","AnswerText":"There have been a number of contract variations made to the Public Service Contract between Scottish Ministers and Argyll Ferries Ltd since the contract commenced on 30 June 2011. These covered the deployment of a third vessel on Cowal Games Saturday in 2011 and 2012, timetable revision, vessel refit periods and the use of the timber pier at Dunoon. Consideration is being given to the publication of these amendments and Transport Scotland will be discussing this shortly with Argyll Ferries Ltd.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-20T15:19:28.52","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275533,"EventID":"S4W-09225","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2066,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-08-23T15:19:28.897","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-08-21T14:38:30","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-08882 by Keith Brown on 15 August 2012, whether it will provide the information that was requested.\r\n","AnswerText":"Argyll Ferries Ltd is delivering the services specified in the Public Service Contract and are continuing to take steps to improve their operation.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-20T15:19:28.91","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275534,"EventID":"S4W-09226","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2033,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":132,"ApprovedDate":"2012-08-23T15:19:29.193","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-08-22T09:35:54","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its target time is for ministerial replies to (a) correspondence and (b) parliamentary questions from members and what proportion of these have met this target with a (i) substantive and (ii) holding response in each year since 2007, broken down by minister.\r\n","AnswerText":"The target time for ministerial replies to all correspondence is 20 working days and for parliamentary questions is 10 working days when the Parliament is sitting and 20 working days during recess.\r\nCompleted information to date shows that the percentage of final replies issued on target for all ministerial correspondence since 2007, broken down by minister, are:\r\nYear\r\n2007\r\n2008\r\n2009\r\n2010\r\n2011\r\n\r\n%\r\n%\r\n%\r\n%\r\n%\r\nAlex Salmond\r\n56\r\n77\r\n80\r\n81\r\n60\r\nBruce Crawford\r\n71\r\n72\r\n91\r\n86\r\n92\r\nLinda Fabiani\r\n78\r\n91\r\n96\r\n90\r\nn/a\r\nJohn Swinney\r\n89\r\n84\r\n80\r\n97\r\n84\r\nJim Mather\r\n90\r\n95\r\n98\r\n98\r\n96\r\nStewart Stevenson\r\n89\r\n93\r\n96\r\n96\r\n95\r\nFiona Hyslop\r\n94\r\n96\r\n91\r\n84\r\n86\r\nMaureen Watt\r\n93\r\n94\r\n90\r\n96\r\nn/a\r\nAdam Ingram\r\n94\r\n94\r\n90\r\n84\r\n98\r\nNicola Sturgeon\r\n96\r\n96\r\n97\r\n97\r\n94\r\nShona Robison\r\n97\r\n99\r\n98\r\n80\r\n89\r\nStewart Maxwell\r\n90\r\n96\r\n97\r\n96\r\nn/a\r\nKenny MacAskill\r\n96\r\n92\r\n97\r\n98\r\n98\r\nFergus Ewing\r\n90\r\n95\r\n95\r\n97\r\n84\r\nRichard Lochhead\r\n78\r\n78\r\n91\r\n93\r\n88\r\nMichael Russell\r\n69\r\n87\r\n90\r\n93\r\n95\r\nBrian Adam\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n89\r\nAlasdair Allan\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n95\r\nKeith Brown\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n91\r\nAileen Campbell\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n78\r\nAngela Constance\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n81\r\nRoseanna Cunningham\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n96\r\nDerek Mackay\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n91\r\nMichael Matheson\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n98\r\nAlex Neil\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n90\r\nThe Audit of Written Parliamentary Questions outlines the percentage of final replies issued on target and this is published in SPICe every quarter.\r\nThe information requested on holding responses for ministerial correspondence and parliamentary questions could only be obtained at disproportionate costs.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-20T15:19:29.193","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Joe FitzPatrick","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275535,"EventID":"S4W-09229","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2012-08-23T15:19:29.443","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-08-22T10:53:58","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-08824 by Keith Brown on 15 August 2012, (a) what months constitute “summer” for the purposes of responses to parliamentary questions and (b) on what date the contract will be published.","AnswerText":"The reference to “later this summer” in my response to S4W-08824 was intended to indicate that the contract for the new Northern Isles ferry services would be published on the Transport Scotland website after the summer recess. This is still our intention. The precise date of publication has yet to be fixed.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-20T15:19:29.457","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275536,"EventID":"S4W-09231","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5057,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-08-23T15:19:29.753","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-08-22T15:16:53.883","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how successful the literacy screening tool, the Big Plus, has been.\r\n","AnswerText":"I have asked Colin McConnell, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service, to respond. His response is as follows:\r\nA total of 5,575 prisoners opted to be assessed under the Big Plus screening tool from its introduction on 1 August 2011 to 31 July 2012. Approximately 81% of prisoners screened were assessed as lacking in functional literacy and 71% as lacking in functional numeracy. As a result, the individual learning plans (ILPs) for these prisoners will be able to reflect the indicative level of literacy and numeracy the prisoners have reached and make the appropriate provision for their development.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-20T15:19:29.77","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275537,"EventID":"S4W-09232","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5057,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-08-23T15:19:30.02","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-08-22T15:16:53.883","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how successful the Scottish Prison Service's Learning, Skills and Employability contract has been; how the contract is evaluated, and what impact it has had on prisoners' (a) literacy and (b) numeracy levels.\r\n","AnswerText":"I have asked Colin McConnell, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service, to respond. His response is as follows:\r\nDuring the first year of the Learning and Skills Services (LSS) contracts, the learning providers have performed in accordance with contractual requirements.\r\nThe learning providers’ operational performance is reviewed monthly at each prison against contract requirements and overall performance is monitored centrally by SPS HQ. Scheduled quarterly meetings also take place between the learning providers and SPS HQ staff to review overall performance and to discuss opportunities for future service development.\r\nSince the introduction of the current contract on 1 August 2011 until 31 July 2012, 5,575 opted to be assessed for literacy and numeracy needs. The results have been taken into account when developing learning programmes for these offenders. As a result of the learning programmes 4,081 SQA courses have been completed by prisoners and 1,249 other educational qualifications have been achieved. A further 500 have received certificates awarded by the supplier in acknowledgement of their efforts.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-20T15:19:30.033","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275538,"EventID":"S4W-09236","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4939,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":78,"ApprovedDate":"2012-08-23T15:19:30.253","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-08-22T15:40:23","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the annual growth rate in tourism has been since 2007.\r\n","AnswerText":"Despite the challenging conditions in the global economy, the Scottish tourism sector has remained resilient. The annual growth rate in tourism is set out in the following table:\r\n\r\n2007\r\n2008\r\n2009\r\n2010\r\n2011\r\nAnnual Growth\r\nRate\r\nOverseas Data\r\nTotal Visits (000)\r\n2,791\r\n2,492\r\n2,544\r\n2,358\r\n2,350\r\n-4%\r\nTotal Spend (£m)\r\n£1,367\r\n£1,241\r\n£1,369\r\n£1,455\r\n£1,494\r\n3%\r\nConstant Spend (£m)\r\n£1,295\r\n£1,140\r\n£1,237\r\n£1,278\r\n£1,283\r\n0%\r\nDomestic Data\r\nTotal Visits (000)\r\n13,120\r\n12,145\r\n12,042\r\n12,093\r\n13,356\r\n1%\r\nTotal Spend (£m)\r\n£4,203\r\n£4,053\r\n£3,928\r\n£3,971\r\n£4,508\r\n2%\r\nConstant Spend (£m)\r\n£2,686\r\n£2,583\r\n£2,312\r\n£2,210\r\n£2,591\r\n0%\r\nCombined Total\r\nTotal Visits (000)\r\n15,911\r\n14,637\r\n14,586\r\n14,451\r\n15,706\r\n0%\r\nTotal Spend (£m)\r\n£5,570\r\n£5,294\r\n£5,298\r\n£5,426\r\n£6,002\r\n2%\r\nConstant Spend (£m)\r\n£3,981\r\n£3,723\r\n£3,549\r\n£3,488\r\n£3,873\r\n0%\r\nSource: IPS, ONS.","AnswerDate":"2012-09-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-20T15:19:30.27","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275539,"EventID":"S4W-09237","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4939,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":78,"ApprovedDate":"2012-08-23T15:19:30.503","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-08-22T15:40:23","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how successful VisitScotland’s sustainable tourism certificate scheme, Green Tourism Business Scheme, has been.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Green Tourism Business Scheme (GTBS), which has been in operation since 1997, is the largest and most established scheme of its type in the world. Originally developed in partnership with VisitScotland, the GTBS is now operated by Green Business UK Ltd, a not-for-profit organisation established in 2001 to deliver the GTBS and provide auditing, advisory and membership services.\r\nThe GTBS is now the only national scheme to be independently validated by the International Centre for Responsible Tourism (ICRT) on behalf of VisitEngland, VisitWales, and the Northern Ireland Tourist board and endorsed by VisitScotland and Failte Ireland.\r\nIt has 819 members in Scotland, including VisitScotland Information Centres and offices, and over 2,300 members through the UK and Ireland. The current network of members is comprised of a wide range of business types, including accommodation providers, visitor attractions, conference and event venues, activity providers, tour operators and others.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-20T15:19:30.52","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275540,"EventID":"S4W-09238","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4939,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":78,"ApprovedDate":"2012-08-23T15:19:30.753","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-08-22T15:40:23","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how successful Business Club Scotland has been at helping small and medium-sized enterprises gain contracts.\r\n","AnswerText":"Since being established in 2009, BusinessClub Scotland (BCS) has attracted 3,300 members and hosted over 50 successful business events around the country. These meetings facilitate business-to-business networking and increased awareness of the range and scale of procurement opportunities associated with major events in Scotland including the 2014 Commonwealth Games. In partnership with Scottish Enterprise the club is currently undertaking formal research to identify the barriers to SMEs supplying goods and services to major events. Likely to be published early in 2013, the analysis will influence BCS activities going forward.\r\nBusinessClub Scotland has not yet published an annual report but is currently collating evidence of the impact of BCS programmes, as part of a formal evaluation required by Scottish Enterprise as a condition of funding. Interim information provided by BusinessClub Scotland includes the following statistics: 37 member companies have already secured contracts for the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games; member companies have achieved £200,000 worth of business through Scotland's wider events programme.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-20T15:19:30.767","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275541,"EventID":"S4W-09239","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4939,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":78,"ApprovedDate":"2012-08-23T15:19:31.003","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-08-22T15:40:23","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many post-surgery radiotherapy treatments are conducted by NHS Forth Valley and how many are outsourced elsewhere.\r\n","AnswerText":"NHS Forth Valley does not provide radiotherapy treatment. Radiotherapy services (treatment) are provided in each of Scotland’s five cancer centres. These are located in NHS Lothian, NHS Tayside, NHS Grampian, NHS Highland and NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde. As a result of the stringent safety measures required to support the delivery of radiotherapy services, treatment can only be provided in specially designed and staffed facilities.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-20T15:19:31.017","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275542,"EventID":"S4W-09240","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4939,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":78,"ApprovedDate":"2012-08-23T15:19:31.25","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-08-22T15:40:23","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what consideration it has given to harmonising school holidays across the country.\r\n","AnswerText":"The statutory responsibility for the provision of education rests with local authorities including the requirement that local authority schools must be open for 190 days in each school year. Within that framework, the law does not define the length and structure of the individual school day, week, year or the distribution of school holidays which are entirely for education authorities to consider.\r\nWe believe that local authorities are best placed to determine the structure of the school year taking into consideration local circumstances which best meet the needs of their residents. The Scottish Government has no plans to introduce national term dates.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-20T15:19:31.267","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alasdair Allan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275543,"EventID":"S4W-09241","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4939,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":78,"ApprovedDate":"2012-08-23T15:19:31.61","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-08-22T15:40:23","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the estimated impact of the 2012 London Olympics and Paralympics has been for Scotland.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government was clear from the outset about maximising the benefits to Scotland from London 2012. The Scottish Government worked with partners to deliver Scotland House which enabled Scottish and international visitors to network and showcased the very best of Scotland as a place to visit, live, study and do business. Details of Scotland House key outcomes are available at: \r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/ArtsCultureSport/Sport/MajorEvents/Glasgow-2014/London2012.\r\nThe London 2012 Olympic Games and Paralympic Games have also been a success story for Scottish sport. Scottish athletes won 13 Olympic and \r\n11 Paralympic medals. The Scottish Government is increasing investment in PE to build on this success. We are also opening up Community Sports Hubs to help people get healthier and more active.\r\nEarly indications are that London 2012 has increased interest in the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games. Recently published research has shown an increase in excitement in Glasgow 2014 and that interest in buying tickets has doubled.\r\nThe Scottish Government has been on the Steering Group for the London 2012 meta-evaluation which will next report in October 2012. At that stage figures on GVA and full-time equivalent jobs supported in Scotland will become available.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-20T15:19:31.61","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Shona Robison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275544,"EventID":"S4W-09242","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1775,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":146,"ApprovedDate":"2012-08-23T15:19:31.86","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-08-22T16:59:52","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what steps it is taking to encourage private sector development of specialist housing for older people.","AnswerText":"Age, Home and Community: A Strategy for Housing for Scotland’s Older People: 2012 – 2021, published in December 2011, sets the policy direction for housing and housing-related support for older people in Scotland, to enable them to live independently in their own homes for as long as possible. It identifies five main outcomes that should be achieved for older people’s housing. One of these is that investment in new housing provision of all types and tenures should meet the future needs of older people.\r\nLocal authorities continue to have responsibility for assessing the need for housing of all types and tenures and related support services for their local populations, including older people. These needs should be reflected in their Local Housing Strategies to inform future investment in housing and related services in their areas.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-20T15:19:31.877","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Burgess","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275545,"EventID":"S4W-09243","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1775,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":146,"ApprovedDate":"2012-08-23T15:19:32.157","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-08-22T16:59:52","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it plans to redefine affordable housing to include adapted housing for older people.\r\n","AnswerText":"Accessible housing for older people and other groups with particular needs is funded through the Affordable Housing programme.  Funding decisions are based on the priorities of local authorities as identified in their Housing Need and Demand Assessments, Local Housing Strategies and Strategic Housing Investment Plans.\r\nFunding is also provided to support the adaptation of existing housing to meet the needs of older people and disabled people. \r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-20T15:19:32.173","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Burgess","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275546,"EventID":"S4W-09244","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2066,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-08-23T15:19:32.517","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-08-23T09:09:54","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what (a) grants and (b) other financial support have been given each year by Creative Scotland, broken down by art form.\r\n","AnswerText":"I have asked Andrew Dixon, Chief Executive of Creative Scotland, the public body for Culture and Creative Industries, to write to the member. Further information about Creative Scotland’s activities is available at http://www.creativescotland.com/.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-20T15:19:32.53","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275547,"EventID":"S4W-09246","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1845,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-08-23T15:19:32.89","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-08-23T11:54:40","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it plans to consult on introducing a care home fees cap.\r\n","AnswerText":"There are currently no plans to consult on a proposal to introduce a care home fees cap.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-20T15:19:32.907","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275548,"EventID":"S4W-09247","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1845,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-08-23T15:19:33.28","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-08-23T11:54:40","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the asset threshold where people have to contribute to the cost of their care is set at; whether it considers this to be sufficient, and whether it plans to consult on changing this.\r\n","AnswerText":"The National Assistance (Assessment of Resources) Regulations 1992 and associated Charging for Residential Accommodation Guidance (CRAG) provide the framework for local authorities to charge for the residential care that they provide or arrange.\r\nSince the Scottish Government introduced free personal and nursing care for people aged over 65 in July 2002, the local authority will pay a contribution for these elements of the residential care costs for those assessed as needing them. The current rates increased in April 2012 and are £163 per week for personal care and £237 per week where nursing care is also required. Older residents therefore need only contribute towards their remaining costs depending on the outcome of the financial assessment.\r\nUnder the financial assessment, anyone with capital, including property, worth £24,750 or more, must meet his or her care costs (over and above any assessed entitlement to free personal and nursing care) in full. These residents are known as self-funders. Where capital falls between £15,250 and £24,750 a resident will be expected to contribute a proportion of his or her assets towards the cost of care.\r\nWhere a resident has capital of less than £15,250 and requires local authority support to meet the cost of their stay in the residential home, they would be expected to contribute to the care home fees from their pensions and any other income. These residents are known as publicly funded.\r\nProperty is disregarded in certain situations, such as when the resident’s partner or a disabled relative still lives in the former home.\r\nThere are no plans to change this framework, other than to make it compliant with changes in the revised welfare benefit system.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-20T15:19:33.297","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275549,"EventID":"S4W-09249","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4934,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-08-23T15:19:33.64","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-08-23T14:09:56.88","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when Scottish Water will publish its Water Efficiency Plan and what consultation it will carry out during the plan’s development.\r\n","AnswerText":"Scottish Water has published their Water Efficiency Plan on their website. See Link. \r\nhttp://www.scottishwater.co.uk/you-and-your-home/your-home/water-efficiency/water-efficiency-downloads/water-efficiency-plan.\r\nScottish Water developed the plan and the focus of wider consultation has been on The Water Efficiency Trial component of the overall Water Efficiency Plan. In developing the trial Scottish Water consulted with Scottish Government, SEPA, WICS, WaterWatch Scotland and latterly Consumer Focus Scotland. They also carried out some customer research to inform the development of the trial.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-20T15:19:33.653","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275550,"EventID":"S4W-09250","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4934,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-08-23T15:19:33.967","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-08-23T14:09:56.88","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what (a) industry and (b) activity it expects will require to carry out large-scale abstractions, as described in Part 2 of the draft Water Resources (Scotland) Bill, that cannot be authorised under the Water Environment (Controlled Activities) (Scotland) Regulations 2011.","AnswerText":"All abstractions from the water environment require authorisation under the Water Environment (Controlled Activities) (Scotland) Regulations 2011. The proposals in the Water Resources (Scotland) Bill are that abstractions over 10 Megalitres per day will require additional consent from ministers (unless they are subject to an exemption). Ministers will be able to take into account a wider range of impacts that particularly large abstractions would have and thereby ensure that Scotland’s water resources are being used for the benefit of the people of Scotland.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-20T15:19:33.98","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275561,"EventID":"S4W-09230","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2012-08-24T14:38:53.497","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-08-22T11:32:53","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether the owner of both a not-for-profit company that is limited by guarantee and a private limited company would qualify for fare reductions under the Air Discount Scheme for tickets purchased for his or herself for the same flight when travelling with either company and, if not, what its reasons are for its position on this matter.\r\n","AnswerText":"Travel undertaken by an Air Discount Scheme (ADS) member on behalf of a Private Limited Company would be considered business-related travel and would not be eligible for discounted fares. Travel undertaken by a scheme member on behalf of a not-for-profit company or other third sector organisation would be eligible for discounted fares, provided that the organisation had registered with the ADS Administrative Team based at Inverness Airport. If a member was travelling in a dual capacity and part of the reason for travel was business-related, their travel would not be eligible for discounted fares.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-21T14:38:53.73","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275562,"EventID":"S4W-09251","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2033,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":132,"ApprovedDate":"2012-08-24T14:38:54.06","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-08-23T15:37:18","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many cases involving accused from East Lothian have been heard at (a) Haddington and (b) Edinburgh Sheriff Court in 2012 and how many in each year since 2007.\r\n","AnswerText":"No information is held locally or centrally on the number of cases heard at Haddington and Edinburgh Sheriff Court involving accused from East Lothian. Information on accused prosecuted in these courts, and throughout Scotland, is based on the locus of the crime rather than the domicile or residence of the accused.\r\nThe available information on people prosecuted at these courts is given in the following table. \r\nPersons Proceeded Against1 in Haddington and Edinburgh Sheriff Court, 2007-08 to 2010-11\r\n \r\n2007-08\r\n2008-09\r\n2009-10\r\n2010-11\r\nSheriff Solemn:\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\n \r\nHaddington\r\n0\r\n2\r\n10\r\n43\r\nEdinburgh\r\n656\r\n566\r\n581\r\n564\r\nSheriff Summary:\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\n \r\nHaddington\r\n994\r\n1,038\r\n1,099\r\n1,049\r\nEdinburgh\r\n8,561\r\n7,621\r\n6,317\r\n6,703\r\nAll\r\n10,211\r\n9,227\r\n8,007\r\n8,359\r\nNote: 1. Where main offence.\r\nInformation for 2011-12 will not be available until publication of the Criminal Proceedings in Scotland, 2011-12 Statistical Bulletin. This is due to be published in November 2012.\r\nThe dates of all Scottish Government Official and National Statistics publications are pre-announced, and the up to date list of future publications can be found at: http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Statistics/Search/Forthcoming.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-21T14:38:54.073","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275563,"EventID":"S4W-09252","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2012-08-24T14:38:54.34","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-08-23T15:53:48","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-08828 by Nicola Sturgeon on 20 August 2012, what telemedicine facilities are available in Shetland and where these are located.\r\n","AnswerText":"A range of telehealth (which incorporates telemedicine) solutions are detailed in the following table, all of which offer savings on the inconvenience of travelling and the costs associated:\r\nService/Clinic\r\nNHS Board/ Organisation\r\nFrequency\r\nDescription\r\nDementia Service\r\nNHS Grampian to NHS Shetland\r\n\r\nRoyal Cornhill Hospital, Aberdeen to Mental Health Dept, Lerwick Health Centre\r\nWeekly\r\nMemory Assessment Service\r\nHead & Neck Cancer Service (Tele-endoscopy)\r\nNHS Grampian to NHS Shetland\r\n\r\nAberdeen Royal Infirmary to Gilbert Bain Hospital, Shetland\r\nEvery 2 months\r\nTele-endoscopy Clinic\r\nOncology Services\r\nNHS Grampian to NHS Shetland\r\n\r\nAberdeen Royal Infirmary to Gilbert Bain Hospital\r\nWeekly\r\nPatient Consultations with Oncologists in Aberdeen Royal Infirmary \r\nOncology Services\r\nNHS Grampian to NHS Shetland\r\n\r\nAberdeen Royal Infirmary to Gilbert Bain Hospital\r\nWeekly\r\nWeekly MDT meetings with Oncologists in Aberdeen\r\nHepatic, Pancreatic and Biliary (HPB) Services\r\nNHS Grampian to NHS Shetland \r\n\r\nAberdeen Royal Infirmary to Gilbert Bain Hospital or GP Surgery\r\nWeekly slots are available (Fridays) as required\r\nHPB Consultant can provide weekly clinics for both new and review HPB patients at GB Hospital. Local GP’s can also link into appointments\r\nTeleneurology\r\nNHS Grampian to NHS Shetland\r\n\r\nAberdeen Royal Infirmary to Gilbert Bain Hospital\r\nEvery 3 months\r\nGeneral Neurology clinic\r\nTeleneurology\r\nNHS Grampian to NHS Shetland \r\n\r\nAberdeen Royal Infirmary to Gilbert Bain Hospital\r\nEvery 4 months\r\nFollow up Clinics for patients with Multiple Sclerosis with local MS nurse on Shetland\r\nTeleneurology\r\nNHS Grampian to NHS Shetland \r\n\r\nAberdeen Royal Infirmary to Gilbert Bain Hospital or GP Surgery (if GP has VC)\r\nAs required\r\nMND Specialist in Aberdeen can provide Telemedicine appointment to patients at local GP surgeries in Yell or at Gilbert Bain Hospital\r\nAdditionally, there is the “Foula Project, Non-Doctor Island – Pilot Project” to develop a new Health Suite on the Island of Foula off the west coast of the Shetland Islands. It has been agreed that Dan Medical will provide a clinical system (D-MAS) that has capabilities to do ECG/Heart Monitoring, Blood Pressure & Pulse, Spirometry (lung breathing test), Digital Imaging, Pulse Oximetry and a facility to provide Video Conferencing that could enable live consultations. The equipment would not only give the residents of the island instant assessment in their community but would also offer emergency reviews from specialist consultants or A&E in the event that they could not get off the island.\r\nHowever, overall there are a significant number of both telehealth and telecare solutions available to the people of Shetland and these are too great to list here (including over 700 home link units). I understand that an awareness-raising event is being held by NHS Shetland and Shetland Islands Council on 2 and 3 October that is specifically looking at this very issue to enable professionals and locals to find out more about the services available locally. More information on this will be provided directly by my officials. There is also a national telehealthcare event being held in Edinburgh on 1 November which may be of interest to you (http://bookings.shscevents.co.uk/all/2846).\r\nFurther information on telehealth and telecare (or telehealthcare) is available online at http://www.jitscotland.org.uk/action-areas/telecare-in-scotland/ and http://knowledge.scot.nhs.uk/telehealthcare.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-21T14:38:54.357","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275564,"EventID":"S4W-09253","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2012-08-24T14:38:54.637","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-08-23T15:53:48","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-08829 by Nicola Sturgeon on 20 August 2012, how Rural-track GP Specialty Training has been promoted and how many GPs have recently (a) expressed an interest in and (b) signed-up for this.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Rural-track GP Specialty Training (GPST) option was offered as one of 18 GPST programmes in Scotland from the 2012 recruitment round.\r\nIt was promoted through the Scottish Medical Training website and was featured in an edition of “BMJ Careers” in January 2012 entitled “Training the rural GPs of the future” \r\nhttp://www.nes.scot.nhs.uk/media/570062/general_practice_rural_track_2012.pdf. http://www.mmc.scot.nhs.uk/living-and-working-in-scotland/remote-and-rural.aspx.\r\nhttp://careers.bmj.com/careers/advice/view-article.html?id=20006803.\r\nEvery opportunity is also taken by the NHS Education for Scotland (NES) GP team and the wider deanery team in the North of Scotland to promote this training opportunity to individuals and groups of young doctors who are at the stage of considering options for specialty training.\r\nThe first cohort was recruited in August 2012. Five posts were filled; two in Western Isles and one in each of Shetland, Orkney and Caithness, although the Caithness based trainee has since resigned.\r\nNES has reported that it has received significant informal interest from trainees for the 2013 recruitment round which opens on 12 November 2012.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-21T14:38:54.637","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275565,"EventID":"S4W-09254","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2012-08-24T14:38:54.917","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-08-23T15:53:48","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-08829 by Nicola Sturgeon on 20 August 2012, how many (a) surgeries and (b) other NHS establishments in Shetland are involved in the rurally-based training option offered to junior doctors.\r\n","AnswerText":"The provision of the GP component of the training programme is through two NHS Education for Scotland (NES) approved training practices in the Hillswick and Lerwick Health Centres.\r\nThe Gilbert Bain Hospital provides the majority of the hospital experience that forms a part of the training programme, complemented by more specialist hospital experience in Aberdeen that cannot be gained on Shetland.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-21T14:38:54.933","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275579,"EventID":"S4W-08947","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2678,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-08-27T15:46:54.087","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-31T12:28:57.62","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government when points of contact will be in place to inform patients how to access treatment in other European countries, as outlined in the EU patients' rights directive.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when points of contact will be in place to inform patients how to access treatment in other European countries, as outlined in the EU patients' rights directive.","AnswerText":"A consultation document setting out the Scottish Government’s overall approach to implementation of EU Directive 2011/24 on the Application of Patients’ Rights in Cross-border Healthcare will issue in October. It will seek views on the detail of implementation and examine the effects the Directive may have on Scotland’s healthcare system.\r\nThe consultation will cover all key policy and delivery considerations, including: national contact points; patient entitlements, healthcare that may be subject to prior authorisation, and categories for refusal.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-24T15:46:54.1","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275580,"EventID":"S4W-08948","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2678,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-08-27T15:46:54.333","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-31T12:28:57.62","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it can confirm that patients in Scotland will be entitled to obtain treatment in private healthcare facilities under the EU patients' rights directive.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it can confirm that patients in Scotland will be entitled to obtain treatment in private healthcare facilities under the EU patients' rights directive.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-08947 on 13 September 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-24T15:46:54.35","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275581,"EventID":"S4W-08949","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2678,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-08-27T15:46:54.583","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-31T12:28:57.62","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government what authorisation is required for patients to access non-hospital healthcare under the EU patients’ rights directive.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what authorisation is required for patients to access non-hospital healthcare under the EU patients’ rights directive.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-08947 on 13 September 2012. All answers to written Parliamentary Questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-24T15:46:54.583","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275582,"EventID":"S4W-08951","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2678,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-08-27T15:46:54.833","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-31T12:28:57.62","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government whether the costs of specialist teleassessments across EU borders will be covered under the EU patients’ rights directive.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether the costs of specialist teleassessments across EU borders will be covered under the EU patients’ rights directive.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-08947 on 13 September 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-24T15:46:54.85","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275583,"EventID":"S4W-08952","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2678,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-08-27T15:46:55.083","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-31T12:28:57.62","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government when the list of proscribed procedures under the EU patients’ rights directive will be submitted to the European Commission for approval.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when the list of proscribed procedures under the EU patients’ rights directive will be submitted to the European Commission for approval.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-08947 on 13 September 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-24T15:46:55.1","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275584,"EventID":"S4W-09198","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2595,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-08-27T15:46:55.333","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-08-21T11:45:07","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-08425 by John Swinney on 7 August 2012, what marginal movement in terms of timescales was experienced by the (a) Forth Replacement Crossing, (b) Victoria and Albert waterfront project, (c) Port Edgar project and (d) Stromness Harbour extension project  in 2011-12 and what the financial implication of this was.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government budget is managed flexibly across all projects and portfolios to ensure the spend achieves the maximum benefit for the Scottish people. Within the overall budget, the only financial implication of marginal movements in timescales for individual projects of a number of weeks, is to shift an element of the cashflow required into the next financial year, in this case, from 2011-12 into 2012-13.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-24T15:46:55.333","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275585,"EventID":"S4W-09206","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2595,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-08-27T15:46:55.583","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-08-21T11:45:07","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-08856 by John Swinney on 16 August 2012, on which page of the document the information requested can be found.\r\n","AnswerText":"The document I placed in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre sets out the high-level costs for the delivery of the devolved taxes.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-24T15:46:55.6","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275586,"EventID":"S4W-09207","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2595,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-08-27T15:46:55.833","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-08-21T11:45:07","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many staff will be employed by Revenue Scotland.","AnswerText":"The precise number of staff to be employed by Revenue Scotland will be confirmed in due course.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-24T15:46:55.847","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275587,"EventID":"S4W-09208","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2595,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-08-27T15:46:56.223","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-08-21T11:45:07","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many senior staff will be employed by Revenue Scotland.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-09207 on 19 September 2012. We have recently announced the appointment of the interim head for Revenue Scotland.\r\nAll answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-24T15:46:56.237","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275588,"EventID":"S4W-09209","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2595,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-08-27T15:46:56.597","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-08-21T11:45:07","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the annual cost will be for employing (a) senior and (b) junior staff at Revenue Scotland.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the document I placed in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre (Bib. number 54051) which sets out the anticipated staff costs for Revenue Scotland.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-24T15:46:56.613","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275589,"EventID":"S4W-09211","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2595,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-08-27T15:46:56.863","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-08-21T11:45:07","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many junior staff will be employed by Revenue Scotland.","AnswerText":"The precise number of staff to be employed by Revenue Scotland will be confirmed in due course.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-24T15:46:56.877","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275590,"EventID":"S4W-09212","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2595,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-08-27T15:46:57.127","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-08-21T11:45:07","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-08850 by John Swinney on 13 August 2012, how many times it discussed the collection of a land and buildings transaction tax with HM Revenue and Customs and on what dates.\r\n","AnswerText":"Scottish Government officials have discussed with HMRC aspects of the collection of a tax to replace the Stamp Duty Land Tax on a number of occasions since 30 November 2010.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-24T15:46:57.143","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275591,"EventID":"S4W-09213","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2595,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-08-27T15:46:57.36","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-08-21T11:45:07","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-08850 by John Swinney on 13 August 2012, on which dates (a) it wrote to HM Revenue and Customs and (b) HM Revenue and Customs wrote to it regarding the collection of a land and buildings transaction tax.\r\n","AnswerText":"Scottish Government officials and HMRC exchanged correspondence on aspects of the collection of a tax to replace the Stamp Duty Land Tax on a number of occasions. This correspondence has been placed in the Scottish Parliamentary Information Centre (Bib. number 5427).\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-24T15:46:57.377","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275592,"EventID":"S4W-09214","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2595,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-08-27T15:46:57.597","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-08-21T11:45:07","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will publish the correspondence between it and HM Revenue and Customs regarding the collection of a land and buildings transaction tax.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-09213 on 19 September 2012. Correspondence between the Scottish Government and HMRC on aspects of the collection of a tax to replace the Stamp Duty Land Tax has been placed on the Scottish Government website.\r\nAll answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-24T15:46:57.61","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275593,"EventID":"S4W-09215","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2595,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-08-27T15:46:57.843","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-08-21T11:45:07","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government on which dates it held (a) meetings and (b) telephone conversations with HM Revenue and Customs regarding the collection of a land and buildings transaction tax.\r\n","AnswerText":"Scottish Government officials have discussed aspects of the collection of a tax to replace the Stamp Duty Land Tax on a number of occasions since 30 November 2010.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-24T15:46:57.86","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275594,"EventID":"S4W-09216","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2595,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-08-27T15:46:58.08","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-08-21T11:45:07","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-08854 by John Swinney on 13 August 2012, on which page of the document the information requested can be found.\r\n","AnswerText":"The document I placed in Scottish Parliament Information Centre (Bib. number 54051) sets out estimated overall costs for the delivery of the devolved taxes.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-24T15:46:58.093","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275595,"EventID":"S4W-09217","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2595,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-08-27T15:46:58.313","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-08-21T11:45:07","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much it will cost to establish Revenue Scotland's IT system.\r\n","AnswerText":"It is anticipated that IT systems managed by RoS and SEPA will be used for the collection and administration of the devolved taxes. The estimated costs of developing and operating these systems are included in the estimates set out in the document I placed in the Scottish Parliamentary Information Centre (Bib. number 54051). In addition, it is expected that Revenue Scotland staff will use the Scottish Government’s IT system, SCOTS. The cost of extending the SCOTS system to Revenue Scotland staff are also included in the document placed in the Scottish Parliamentary Information Centre.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-24T15:46:58.33","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275596,"EventID":"S4W-09218","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2595,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-08-27T15:46:58.563","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-08-21T11:45:07","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-08859 by John Swinney on 13 August 2012, on which page of the document can the information requested be found.\r\n","AnswerText":"The document I placed in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre (Bib number 54051) sets out estimated overall costs for the delivery of the devolved taxes.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-24T15:46:58.563","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275597,"EventID":"S4W-09219","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2595,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-08-27T15:46:58.797","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-08-21T11:45:07","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the main non-staffing costs will be for Revenue Scotland","AnswerText":"Non-staffing costs for Revenue Scotland will include provision of public information about the devolved taxes, legal costs including costs associated with appeals and debt recovery and standard running costs including accommodation, systems support and staff training.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-24T15:46:58.813","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275598,"EventID":"S4W-09255","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2012-08-27T15:46:59.047","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-08-24T13:37:42","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on the amendments tabled to the European Commission’s proposals to reform the common agricultural policy post 2014 by (a) George Lyon MEP and (b) Conservative MEPs that propose changes to sheep tagging legislation and aim to help ensure that any penalty regime affecting crofters is fair and not based on a 100% accuracy rate.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government supports proposals which seek to ensure that the Cross Compliance Regulations are proportionate and fair to all Scottish farmers and crofters.\r\nScottish Government has already obtained and implemented flexibilities which have ensured that in 2011 no Scottish farmer or crofter was penalised solely for not achieving a 100% read rate at a critical control point.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-24T15:46:59.047","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275599,"EventID":"S4W-09256","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5057,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-08-27T15:46:59.31","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-08-24T16:49:40.15","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-05880 by Kenny MacAskill on 5 March 2012, whether it will make an announcement on the introduction of such a service and, if so, (a) when it will be launched, (b) how much it will cost to (i) develop and (ii) operate, (c) who would run it, (d) how many new jobs would be created and where they will be located, (e) how many existing jobs would be lost and (f) whether call handlers would be able to (A) identify the location of callers and (B) patch callers through to the emergency services.\r\n","AnswerText":"Consideration of the adoption of the “111” number for access to non-emergency healthcare services in Scotland is still ongoing; a decision will be made in due course. Should it be adopted, this number would replace the existing number for NHS 24 and therefore no new service would be set up. The Scottish Government has been in regular contact with the Public Petitions Committee of the Scottish Parliament on this matter (PE1285 refers).\r\nChief Constable Kevin Smith, the President of the Association of Chief Police Officers in Scotland, announced the establishment of a single non-emergency number for the police, on 31 May at their annual conference. It is anticipated that the new number will become operational from 1 April 2013. However, specific information relating to the establishment of this number will be a matter for the new Chief Constable of the Police Service of Scotland.\r\nIn due course, we will seek to ensure that the issue is also considered by the new Fire and Rescue Service.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-24T15:46:59.327","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275600,"EventID":"S4W-09264","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-08-27T15:46:59.547","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-08-27T09:54:59","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many people have been prescribed methadone in each year since 1999 and what the average length of time is of a course.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Review of Methadone in Drug Treatment: Prescribing Information and Practice published in 2007 (for the year 2006) estimated that 22,224 individuals were receiving methadone.\r\nPrior to 2007-08, this information had not been routinely collected. To address this evidence gap, the Scottish Government has invested in three approaches:\r\n(1) In 2011 and 2012 the Scottish Government Drugs Policy Unit asked every NHS Board in Scotland how many individuals were receiving opioid substitute treatment in the month of April. This provided an estimate of 24,994 individuals receiving methadone prescriptions in 2011 and 24,507 individuals receiving methadone prescriptions in 2012.\r\n(2) The Scottish Government has invested in the enhancement of the Scottish Drug Misuse Database (SDMD) so that it includes the collection of follow-up data and outcomes-based information from people as they progress through their treatment pathway. The first release of this information will be published by Information Services Division (ISD) of NHS National Services Scotland in December 2012.\r\n(3) The Scottish Government developed the Scottish Drug and Alcohol Treatment Waiting Times Database, introduced April 2011. This provides us with quarterly information on the length of time people are waiting for treatment and the treatments started. Nineteen thousand and forty-three drug treatments started between 1 April 2011 and 31 March 2012 and they were broken down as follows:\r\n(1) Structured Preparatory & Motivational Intervention\r\n8,085\r\n(2) Community based support and/or rehabilitation\r\n6,232\r\n(3) Residential detoxification and rehabilitation\r\n678\r\n(4) Prescribed Drug Treatment (including but not exclusively methadone)\r\n3,703\r\n(5) Community based Detoxification\r\n345\r\n\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-24T15:46:59.56","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Roseanna Cunningham","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275601,"EventID":"S4W-09265","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-08-27T15:46:59.793","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-08-27T09:54:59","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government (a) what percentage of and (b) how many methadone recipients have undergone periodic urine testing in each year since 1999.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Drugs Misuse and Dependence – UK Guidelines on Clinical Management (more commonly known as the Orange Guidelines) advises clinicians to undertake random urine tests if and when appropriate. The guidelines further state that urine tests may be used to assess how a client is responding to treatment and to assess if they are failing to benefit from a specific course of treatment.\r\nAs this is a decision for the clinician to make in line with UK agreed clinical guidelines there is no, and never has been, any centrally held information.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-24T15:46:59.81","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Roseanna Cunningham","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275602,"EventID":"S4W-09266","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-08-27T15:47:00.043","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-08-27T09:54:59","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government (a) what percentage of and (b) how many methadone recipients have (i) entered, (ii) completed and (iii) re-entered drug rehabilitation in each year since 1999.\r\n","AnswerText":"Prior to 2007-08, this information had not been collected. To address this evidence gap the Scottish Government has:\r\n(1) Invested in, and enhanced, the Scottish Drug Misuse Database (SDMD) to improve the information available on people entering and completing drug treatment in Scotland. This will enable us to understand more about people’s journeys through treatment and the outcomes they achieve. The first release of follow-up and outcomes-based information will be published by Information Services Division (ISD) of NHS National Services Scotland in December 2012.\r\n(2) Developed the Scottish Drug and Alcohol Treatment Waiting Times Database, which went live from 1 April 2011. This provides quarterly information, which is published by ISD, on the length of time people are waiting for treatment and the treatment interventions started.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-24T15:47:00.06","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Roseanna Cunningham","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275603,"EventID":"S4W-09267","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-08-27T15:47:00.31","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-08-27T09:54:59","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when it last reviewed its (a) drugs and (b) drugs treatment strategy and what conclusions were made.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Road to Recovery is a long-term strategy and is under continual review from both within and out with government.\r\nIn order to do this effectively and sustainably the Scottish Government established the Drugs Strategy Delivery Commission (DSDC) in 2009 to give expert advice on the impact and progress of the strategy.\r\nIn addition to the work of the DSDC, we recognise that the strategy is a product of political consensus and so it was right that the Scottish Government requested and led a parliamentary debate in September 2010 to hear the challenge and consensus of all political parties. Additionally briefing in parliament from the, then, Minister for Community Safety, Fergus Ewing MSP, was offered to all MSPs, as well as individual briefings for all party leaders, in March 2011.\r\nIn 2009 we committed to a HEAT target that states by March 2013, 90% of clients will wait no longer than three weeks from referral received to appropriate drug or alcohol treatment that supports their recovery. We are well on our way to achieving this target, and in June 2012, Information Services Division (ISD) of NHS National Services Scotland reported that between January to March 2012, 87% of people received treatment for drug use within three weeks of referral.\r\nThe Scottish Government has invested in the enhancement of the Scottish Drugs Misuse Database (SDMD) so that it includes the collection of follow-up and outcomes based information from clients as they progress through their treatment pathway.\r\nThe analysis and reporting of this information by ISD from December 2012 will, over time, provide us with some key answers to the numbers of people in drug treatment in Scotland (by treatment type); and provide an opportunity for additional analysis which will inform our understandings of people’s journeys through drug treatment (for particular cohort groups), the effectiveness of different types of treatment (including length of time) and the outcomes that individuals are achieving (e.g. around accommodation, family, employment/training, drug use and offending).\r\nSo far from the SDMD we note that since 2007 more and more people are coming in to treatment (39,458 recorded entries into treatment, 2007-08 to 2010-11).\r\nFurthermore the Scottish Government developed the Scottish Drug and Alcohol Treatment Waiting Times Database, introduced in April 2011. This provides us with quarterly reports on the length of time people are waiting for treatment and the treatments they started. 19,043 drug treatments started between 1 April 2011 and 31 March 2012 and these included the following:\r\n(1) Structured Preparatory & Motivational Intervention\r\n8,085\r\n(2) Community based support and/or rehabilitation\r\n6,232\r\n(3) Residential detoxification and rehabilitation\r\n678\r\n(4) Prescribed Drug Treatment (including but not exclusively methadone)\r\n3,703\r\n(5) Community based Detoxification\r\n345\r\nThe Scottish Government continues to work closely with the independent National Forum on Drug Related Deaths (NFDRD). In partnership with the forum we have established a database that offers information and context behind each drug-related death in Scotland (information that prior to 2007-08 was previously not routinely collected or analysed). This in turn offers challenge to the strategy and an opportunity to develop critical interventions, for example the National Naloxone programme.\r\nThe Scottish Government remains committed to providing the Parliament with regular updates on the implementation and impact of Road to Recovery for the review and challenge of MSPs. We want to continue to work with parties across the Parliament to build on and reinforce the consensus of this important approach.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-24T15:47:00.31","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Roseanna Cunningham","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275604,"EventID":"S4W-09268","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-08-27T15:47:00.56","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-08-27T09:54:59","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what funding has been given to the Drug Recovery Network in each year since 2007.\r\n","AnswerText":"In April 2009, then Minister for Community Safety, Fergus Ewing announced the establishment of a Scottish Drugs Recovery Consortium (SDRC) whose role would be to advocate, catalyse and lobby for recovery to be the mainstay of drug services.\r\nThe first member of staff joined the consortium in November 2009 and the first director joined in January 2010. The consortium was officially launched by Fergus Ewing in June 2010. The Scottish Government is the sole funder for the consortium (now called Scottish Recovery Consortium) and has provided £1,065,745 between 2009-10 and 2012-13. The breakdown is as follows:\r\nYear\r\nAmount\r\n2009-10\r\n£125,000\r\n2010-11\r\n£398,000\r\n2011-12\r\n£280,000\r\n2012-13\r\n£262,745\r\nTotal\r\n£1,065,745\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-24T15:47:00.573","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Roseanna Cunningham","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275605,"EventID":"S4W-09269","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-08-27T15:47:00.81","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-08-27T09:54:59","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many drug rehabilitation places have been made available in each year since 1999, also broken down by those made available by (a) each NHS board and (b) the Scottish Prison Service.\r\n","AnswerText":"Prior to 2007-08, this information had not been collected. That is why the Scottish Government developed the Scottish Drug and Alcohol Treatment Waiting Times Database, introduced in April 2011. This reports on the number of people entering drug and alcohol treatment and the types of support they access, broken down by NHS board and Alcohol and Drug Partnership (ADP). From this, we know that during 2011-12, approximately 15,600 people entered drug treatment to support their recovery. This does not equal the number of rehabilitation (or drug treatment and support) places available.\r\nThe Scottish Drug and Alcohol Treatment Waiting Times Database also provides us with quarterly information on the length of time people are waiting for treatment and the treatments started. 19,043 drug treatments were started between 1 April 2011 and 31 March 2012 and the types of treatment started included the following:\r\n(1) Structured Preparatory & Motivational Intervention\r\n8,085\r\n(2) Community based support and/or rehabilitation\r\n6,232\r\n(3) Residential detoxification and rehabilitation\r\n678\r\n(4) Prescribed Drug Treatment (including but not exclusively methadone)\r\n3,703\r\n(5) Community based Detoxification\r\n345\r\nThe above is reported nationally on a quarterly basis but is not routinely published on an individual NHS board basis.\r\nThis government recognised that the number of drug rehabilitation places made available each year has not been broken down by those made available by the Scottish Prison Service. Prison staff have now started reporting to Information Services Division (ISD) of NHS National Services Scotland on waiting times data. The current level of data under-represents all the treatment and support provided in the prison. Officials are meeting with representatives of all prisons on 27 September to discuss how the data can be improved and to agree timescales for publishing this data.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-24T15:47:00.823","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Roseanna Cunningham","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275606,"EventID":"S4W-09270","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-08-27T15:47:01.073","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-08-27T09:54:59","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many people are in drug treatment programmes and how many of those are (a) in employment and (b) in training.\r\n","AnswerText":"Prior to 2007-08, this information had not been collected. To respond to this evidence gap, the Scottish Government has: \r\n(1) Developed the Scottish Drug and Alcohol Treatment Waiting Times Database. This recorded that 15,600 people entered drug treatment (and that 19,043 treatments started) between April 2011 and March 2012. The treatments started in 2011-12 included the following:\r\n(1) Structured Preparatory & Motivational Intervention\r\n8,085\r\n(2) Community based support and/or rehabilitation\r\n6,232\r\n(3) Residential detoxification and rehabilitation\r\n678\r\n(4) Prescribed Drug Treatment (including but not exclusively methadone)\r\n3,703\r\n(5) Community based Detoxification\r\n345\r\n(2) Enhanced the Scottish Drugs Misuse Database (SDMD) which is why Information Services Division (ISD) of NHS National Services Scotland is now collecting data on people’s pathways through treatment.\r\nThe purpose of the SDMD is to help us understand the needs of people with drug problems presenting for specialist treatment. It will help inform recovery plans and, over time, enable us to understand more about people’s journey through treatment and the outcomes they achieve (including paid and unpaid employment, support into employment and full-time education and training). The first release of follow-up information from the SDMD will be published by ISD Scotland in December 2012.\r\n2011-12 information on new clients who presented to specialist drug treatment services and who received an assessment of their drug use and care needs is due to be published by ISD in late 2012/ early 2013 (ISD is yet to confirm the date for the reporting of SMR25a information from the SDMD).\r\nWe do have information, from the SDMD, on the employment status of new clients who received a specialist assessment of their drug use and care needs in 2010-11. This information was published by ISD on the 28 February 2012 in Drug Misuse Statistics Scotland 2011.\r\nIn 2010-11, 12% of new clients who received a specialist assessment of their drug use and care needs reported that they were employed (includes paid and unpaid employment, support into employment and full-time education and training). Information from the SDMD also told us that 67% of new clients in 2010-11 reported that they were unemployed (73% in 2009-10). This information from the Scottish Drug Misuse Database (SDMD) on the employment status of \"new clients\" presenting to specialist treatment via SMR25a has been published annually by ISD in Drug Misuse Statistics Scotland. http://www.drugmisuse.isdscotland.org/publications/11dmss/11dmssb.htm\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-24T15:47:01.073","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Roseanna Cunningham","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275607,"EventID":"S4W-09271","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-08-27T15:47:01.307","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-08-27T09:54:59","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what is the (a) purchase price and (b) dispensing cost for a litre of methadone for (i) the NHS and (ii) pharmacies.\r\n","AnswerText":"Methadone solution is purchased by community pharmacies who dispense it against NHS prescriptions and are then reimbursed for all dispensings. The purchase price varies by contractor, and over time, as they strive to achieve the best possible purchase price from suppliers on behalf of the NHS.\r\nA reimbursement price is set for Scotland after consultation with pharmacy contractor representatives and published in the Drug Tariff. The current reimbursement price for generic methadone hydrochloride solution 1mg/ml 500mls, which is the most common prescribed form, is £4.70.\r\nPharmacy contractors dispensing methadone may also receive dispensing and supervision fees set by the relevant health board. These fees are agreed locally and vary between health boards.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-24T15:47:01.323","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Roseanna Cunningham","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275608,"EventID":"S4W-09272","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-08-27T15:47:01.557","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-08-27T09:54:59","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many hospital admissions have been related to drug abuse in each year since 1999.\r\n","AnswerText":"Information on the number of hospital admissions, with a diagnosis of drug misuse since 1 April 1999, as reported by Information Services Division (ISD) of NHS National Services Scotland is presented in Tables 1 and 2.\r\nTable 1 shows the number of psychiatric discharges with a diagnosis of drug misuse in Scotland between 1 April 1999 and 31 March 2010 and Table 2 shows the number of general acute inpatient and day case discharges with a diagnosis of drug misuse in Scotland between 1 April 1999 and 31 March 2011.\r\nTable 1: Psychiatric Hospital Discharges1 with a Diagnosis of Drug Misuse2,3,4 as Main or Secondary Diagnosis5,6; Years Ending 31 March 2000 to 20107\r\nYear\r\nNumber of Discharges8\r\n1999-2000\r\n1,926\r\n2000-01\r\n1,786\r\n2001-02\r\n1,871\r\n2002-03\r\n1,911\r\n2003-04\r\n1,820\r\n2004-05\r\n1,869\r\n2005-06\r\n1,724\r\n2006-07\r\n1,463\r\n2007-08\r\n1,439\r\n2008-09\r\n1,591\r\n2009-10\r\n1,524\r\nSource: ISD / IR2012-01512.\r\nNotes: \r\n1. Information is based on date of discharge (rather than date of admission) \r\n2. Excludes misuse of tobacco or alcohol.\r\n3. Includes type of admission not known, and cases with a missing or invalid response.\r\n4. Includes transfers from other psychiatric inpatient care.\r\n5. Diseases recorded using the World Health Organization's International Classification of Diseases 10th Revision (ICD10). ). Drug-related codes: F11, F12, F13, F14, F15, F16, F18, F19. Up to six diagnoses are recorded. All six diagnoses have been used to identify drug related conditions.\r\n6. Caution is necessary when interpreting these figures. The recording of drug misuse may vary from hospital to hospital. Where drug misuse is suspected but unconfirmed it may not be recorded by the hospital.\r\n7. Information on psychiatric discharges for drug misuse in 2010-11 is not currently available for public release.  Figures for this period will be published by NHS Information Services Division (ISD) Scotland in 2013.\r\n8. Patients resident outside Scotland or whose NHS board or council area of residence is not known are included in this analysis. Therefore these figures will be between 3-5% greater than previously published figures. \r\nTable 2: General Acute1 Inpatient and Day Case Discharges2,3 with a Diagnosis of Drug Misuse4,5 as Main or Secondary Diagnosis; Years Ending 31 March 2000 to 2011\r\nYear\r\nNumber of Discharges6\r\n1999-2000\r\n3,885\r\n2000-01\r\n4,353\r\n2001-02\r\n4,583\r\n2002-03\r\n4,769\r\n2003-04\r\n4,582\r\n2004-05\r\n4,578\r\n2005-06\r\n4,511\r\n2006-07\r\n4,923\r\n2007-08\r\n5,545\r\n2008-09\r\n5,964\r\n2009-10\r\n5,808\r\n2010-11\r\n6,301\r\nSource: ISD / IR2012-01512.\r\nNotes:\r\n1. Excludes mental illness hospitals, psychiatric units and maternity hospitals.\r\n2. Information is based on date of discharge (rather than date of admission) because the SMR01 dataset is a discharge summary record.\r\n3. Figures in Table 2 relate only to those individuals who are treated as inpatients or day cases in an acute hospital. They do not include individuals managed as outpatients.\r\n4. Diseases recorded using the World Health Organisation’s International Classification of Diseases 10th Revision (ICD10). Drug-related codes: F11, F12, F13, F14, F15, F16, F18, F19.  Up to six diagnoses are recorded. All six diagnoses have been used to identify drug related conditions.\r\n5. Caution is necessary when interpreting these figures. The recording of drug misuse may vary from hospital to hospital. Where drug misuse is suspected, but unconfirmed it may not be recorded by the hospital.\r\n6. Patients resident outside Scotland or whose NHS board or council area of residence is not known are included in this analysis. Therefore, these figures will be between 1-2% higher than previously published figures by ISD.","AnswerDate":"2012-09-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-24T15:47:01.573","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Roseanna Cunningham","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275609,"EventID":"S4W-09273","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-08-27T15:47:01.807","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-08-27T09:54:59","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much it has cost the NHS to deal with drug abuse in each year since 1999.\r\n","AnswerText":"Prior to 2007-08, this information had not been collected. That is why the Scottish Government invested in the research Assessing the Scale and Impact of Illicit Drug Markets in Scotland http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2009/10/06103906/0, which was published in October 2009. The report estimated that the total cost of illicit drug use to the health service in Scotland was £180,452,500. \r\nTable 5.9.1 of this report breaks down the wider costs of drug misuse:\r\n\r\nRecreational\r\nProblem\r\nTotal\r\nHealth\r\n£1,636,865\r\n£178,815,635\r\n£180,452,500\r\nCriminal Justice\r\n£76,874,333\r\n£533,543,497\r\n£610,417,830\r\nSocial care\r\n£594,087\r\n£111,444,323\r\n£112,038,410\r\nCosts to the economy\r\n£23,545,729\r\n£795,376,802\r\n£818,922,530\r\nWider costs to society\r\n£21,165,696\r\n£1,739,381,610\r\n£1,760,547,306\r\nTotal\r\n£123,816,710\r\n£3,358,561,868\r\n£3,482,378,578\r\n\r\nThis report also offers some useful cost / benefit analysis of drug treatment in the context of preventative spend:\r\nCost per individual drug users / per annum\r\nNot in Treatment\r\nIn treatment for 1 year\r\nIn treatment for more than 1 year\r\nCost to the Heath Service\r\n(reduction in cost)\r\n£3,005\r\n£1,536\r\n(48.9%)\r\n£1,173\r\n(61%)\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-24T15:47:01.823","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Roseanna Cunningham","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275610,"EventID":"S4W-09274","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-08-27T15:47:02.087","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-08-27T09:54:59","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the economic and social cost of drug abuse has been in each year since 1999.\r\n","AnswerText":"Prior to 2007-08, this information had not been collected. That is why the Scottish Government invested in the research Assessing the Scale and Impact of Illicit Drug Markets in Scotland http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2009/10/06103906/0, which was published in October 2009. \r\nThe report estimates that the total economic and social cost of illicit drug use in Scotland is just under £3.5 billion. Costs associated with problem drug use accounts for 96% of the total cost and this equates to just under £61,000 per problem drug user. Recreational drug use accounts for 4% of the total estimated cost equating to £134 per user.\r\nTable 5.9.1 of this Report Breaks Down the Wider Costs of Drug Misuse\r\n\r\nRecreational\r\nProblem\r\nTotal\r\nHealth\r\n£1,636,865\r\n£178,815,635\r\n£180,452,500\r\nCriminal Justice\r\n£76,874,333\r\n£533,543,497\r\n£610,417,830\r\nSocial care\r\n£594,087\r\n£111,444,323\r\n£112,038,410\r\nCosts to the economy\r\n£23,545,729\r\n£795,376,802\r\n£818,922,530\r\nWider costs to society\r\n£21,165,696\r\n£1,739,381,610\r\n£1,760,547,306\r\nTotal\r\n£123,816,710\r\n£3,358,561,868\r\n£3,482,378,578\r\n\r\nThis report also offers some useful cost / benefit analysis of drug treatment in the context of preventative spend:\r\nCost per individual drug users / per annum\r\nNot in Treatment\r\nIn treatment for 1 year\r\nIn treatment for more than 1 year\r\nCost to the Criminal Justice system\r\n(reduction in cost)\r\n£12,713\r\n\r\n£6,524\r\n(48.7%)\r\n£1,536\r\n(87.9%)\r\nCost to the Heath Service\r\n(reduction in cost)\r\n£3,005\r\n£1,536\r\n(48.9%)\r\n£1,173\r\n(61%)\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-24T15:47:02.103","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Roseanna Cunningham","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275611,"EventID":"S4W-09275","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5057,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-08-27T15:47:02.37","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-08-27T11:20:26.673","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many police support staff there were in (a) each police force, (b) the Scottish Crime and Drug Enforcement Agency and (c) the Scottish Police Services Authority on 30 June 2012.\r\n","AnswerText":"Police staff play a critical role in the success of Scottish policing, and supporting the delivery of crucial frontline services, and will continue to do so in the future. The number of police support staff (full-time equivalent) on 30 June 2012 are given in the following table. Operational decisions about levels of police support staff are a matter for chief constables, the Scottish Police Services Authority and Scottish Crime and Drug Enforcement Agency.\r\nNumber of Police Support Staff (FTE) on 30 June 2012\r\nCentral\r\n304\r\nDumfries and Galloway\r\n219\r\nFife\r\n383\r\nGrampian\r\n629\r\nLothian and Borders\r\n1,044\r\nNorthern\r\n319\r\nStrathclyde\r\n2,280\r\nTayside\r\n469\r\nSPSA\r\n1,114\r\nSCDEA\r\n127\r\nScotland\r\n6,890\r\nNotes:\r\n1. Figures are expressed in terms of full-time equivalent (FTE) police support staff, rounded to the nearest whole number.\r\n2 Scotland totals may not equal the sum of the parts due to rounding.","AnswerDate":"2012-09-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-24T15:47:02.383","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275628,"EventID":"S4W-09276","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4086,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-08-28T15:17:08.807","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-08-27T12:14:11","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the percentage change was in the level of (a) passengers, (b) cars and (c) freight using (i) CalMac Ferries Ltd-operated services to the Western Isles and (ii) routes operated by (A) CalMac Ferries Ltd and (B) NorthLink Ferries that were not covered by the road equivalent tariff pilot in (1) 2007, (2) 2008, (3) 2009, (4) 2010 and (5) 2011.\r\n","AnswerText":"The percentage change data requested are set out in the following tables.\r\nNorthlink Data\r\nNorthlink / Calendar Year\r\nPassengers\r\nCars\r\nFreight\r\nLerwick/Aberdeen\r\n%\r\n%\r\n%\r\nNorthLink 2007\r\n-0.21\r\n-1.47\r\n34.49\r\nNorthLink 2008\r\n-0.75\r\n0.26\r\n14.47\r\nNorthLink 2009\r\n4.17\r\n-0.15\r\n-2.79\r\nNorthLink 2010\r\n6.2\r\n4.27\r\n5.39\r\nNorthLink 2011\r\n5.87\r\n-1.08\r\n5.41\r\nKirkwall/Aberdeen\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nNorthLink 2007\r\n-2.28\r\n-0.81\r\n79.39\r\nNorthLink 2008\r\n-6.17\r\n-8.99\r\n16.77\r\nNorthLink 2009\r\n8.06\r\n8.05\r\n5.97\r\nNorthLink 2010\r\n-2.61\r\n-6.03\r\n0.02\r\nNorthLink 2011\r\n1.57\r\n1.22\r\n27.28\r\nLerwick/Kirkwall\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nNorthLink 2007\r\n-14.77\r\n-14.23\r\n82.86\r\nNorthLink 2008\r\n-0.54\r\n-1.97\r\n10.86\r\nNorthLink 2009\r\n5.31\r\n-2.1\r\n16.77\r\nNorthLink 2010\r\n5.47\r\n7.09\r\n12.74\r\nNorthLink 2011\r\n4.1\r\n-2\r\n17.47\r\nStromness/Scrabster\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nNorthLink 2007\r\n4.6\r\n5.06\r\n9.67\r\nNorthLink 2008\r\n-6.35\r\n-5.03\r\n32.42\r\nNorthLink 2009\r\n4.21\r\n-0.97\r\n4.8\r\nNorthLink 2010\r\n-6.32\r\n-9.31\r\n-13.77\r\nNorthLink 2011\r\n-2.51\r\n-3.67\r\n-4.05\r\n\r\nFrom 2007 onwards the NorthLink Ferries freight figures are inclusive of livestock metres. This was the first full year that the system was introduced.\r\nCalMac Data\r\nCalMac Route\r\nPassenger % Difference 2011 v 2010\r\nPassenger % Difference 2010 v 2009\r\nPassenger % Difference 2009 v 2008\r\nPassenger % Difference 2008 v 2007\r\nPassenger % Difference 2007 v 2006\r\nWemyss Bay to Rothesay\r\n-3.23%\r\n-2.73%\r\n2.02%\r\n-3.81%\r\n1.40%\r\nArdrossan to Brodick\r\n-5.29%\r\n2.15%\r\n1.17%\r\n-5.56%\r\n1.78%\r\nClaonaig to Lochranza\r\n-9.94%\r\n-4.36%\r\n8.52%\r\n-7.99%\r\n4.05%\r\nLargs to Cumbrae Slip\r\n-4.07%\r\n0.96%\r\n1.35%\r\n-5.27%\r\n3.86%\r\nColintraive to Rhubodach\r\n-13.73%\r\n1.40%\r\n1.68%\r\n-0.46%\r\n-2.69%\r\nTarbert LF to Portavadie\r\n-9.45%\r\n-2.33%\r\n17.23%\r\n-1.63%\r\n-10.57%\r\nKennacraig to Islay\r\n2.90%\r\n-1.23%\r\n7.55%\r\n1.23%\r\n3.20%\r\nOban to Craignure\r\n-3.67%\r\n-2.39%\r\n4.28%\r\n-7.07%\r\n-6.82%\r\nOban to Castlebay/Lochboisdale\r\n5.84%\r\n2.07%\r\n23.60%\r\n-0.88%\r\n2.79%\r\nMallaig to Armadale\r\n3.94%\r\n1.71%\r\n11.38%\r\n-1.60%\r\n0.86%\r\nUig to Tarbert/Lochmaddy\r\n0.27%\r\n-2.18%\r\n14.89%\r\n0.89%\r\n7.89%\r\nUllapool to Stornoway\r\n1.44%\r\n3.53%\r\n20.28%\r\n-1.45%\r\n2.41%\r\nFishnish to Lochaline\r\n1.28%\r\n-7.54%\r\n5.76%\r\n-9.11%\r\n-2.11%\r\nKennacraig to Islay/C'say/Oban\r\n36.04%\r\n-19.72%\r\n1.71%\r\n14.36%\r\n18.83%\r\nOban to Coll/Tiree/Castlebay\r\n23.25%\r\n-26.17%\r\n15.97%\r\n6.94%\r\n-0.79%\r\nMallaig to Eigg/Muck/Rum/Canna\r\n-4.21%\r\n2.29%\r\n9.20%\r\n2.09%\r\n9.17%\r\nOban to Coll/Tiree\r\n-3.65%\r\n-1.38%\r\n13.83%\r\n0.27%\r\n5.18%\r\nOban to Colonsay\r\n-10.28%\r\n0.79%\r\n3.81%\r\n-3.88%\r\n1.42%\r\nTobermory to Kilchoan\r\n-2.01%\r\n-8.61%\r\n0.55%\r\n-5.58%\r\n-0.72%\r\nOban to Lismore\r\n0.64%\r\n9.66%\r\n19.51%\r\n11.68%\r\n10.11%\r\nFionnphort to Iona\r\n-4.95%\r\n0.42%\r\n4.48%\r\n-9.95%\r\n-3.40%\r\nTayinloan to Gigha\r\n-12.95%\r\n2.79%\r\n12.05%\r\n-7.52%\r\n-2.46%\r\nSconser to Raasay\r\n-7.64%\r\n-5.77%\r\n-4.56%\r\n2.88%\r\n12.99%\r\nBerneray to Leverburgh\r\n0.12%\r\n-0.38%\r\n7.98%\r\n0.14%\r\n4.78%\r\nArdmhor (Barra) to Eriskay\r\n5.08%\r\n-5.52%\r\n22.83%\r\n2.66%\r\n3.63%\r\nSummary\r\n-3.41%\r\n-0.54%\r\n5.05%\r\n-4.21%\r\n0.24%\r\n\r\nCalMac Route\r\nCars % Difference 2011 v 2010\r\nCars % Difference 2010 v 2009\r\nCars % Difference 2009 v 2008\r\nCars % Difference 2008 v 2007\r\nCars % Difference 2007 v 2006\r\nWemyss Bay to Rothesay\r\n-1.82%\r\n-4.33%\r\n1.80%\r\n-2.65%\r\n3.81%\r\nArdrossan to Brodick\r\n-4.74%\r\n-1.32%\r\n3.76%\r\n-4.65%\r\n4.18%\r\nClaonaig to Lochranza\r\n-11.24%\r\n-6.14%\r\n5.78%\r\n-7.29%\r\n3.77%\r\nLargs to Cumbrae Slip\r\n-1.91%\r\n-0.81%\r\n-2.29%\r\n-5.43%\r\n8.52%\r\nColintraive to Rhubodach\r\n-4.32%\r\n-3.16%\r\n-1.00%\r\n-2.29%\r\n0.82%\r\nTarbert LF to Portavadie\r\n-7.37%\r\n-1.84%\r\n3.09%\r\n0.43%\r\n9.24%\r\nKennacraig to Islay\r\n3.39%\r\n-3.69%\r\n7.88%\r\n1.60%\r\n4.15%\r\nOban to Craignure\r\n0.38%\r\n-5.04%\r\n3.78%\r\n-4.01%\r\n-2.30%\r\nOban to Castlebay/Lochboisdale\r\n7.05%\r\n-1.81%\r\n34.85%\r\n-1.19%\r\n4.19%\r\nMallaig to Armadale\r\n1.13%\r\n-4.56%\r\n16.60%\r\n-0.73%\r\n6.13%\r\nUig to Tarbert/Lochmaddy\r\n-0.33%\r\n-2.81%\r\n22.43%\r\n3.03%\r\n13.04%\r\nUllapool to Stornoway\r\n0.29%\r\n1.32%\r\n36.61%\r\n-0.35%\r\n4.48%\r\nFishnish to Lochaline\r\n1.97%\r\n-5.48%\r\n5.91%\r\n-5.88%\r\n0.37%\r\nKennacraig to Islay/C'say/Oban\r\n36.76%\r\n-17.24%\r\n-0.39%\r\n18.25%\r\n28.95%\r\nOban to Coll/Tiree/Castlebay\r\n11.","AnswerDate":"2012-09-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-25T15:17:09.117","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275629,"EventID":"S4W-09277","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4086,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-08-28T15:17:09.35","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-08-27T12:14:11","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the operating deficit was on each Caledonian MacBrayne/CalMac Ferries Ltd route in (a) 2007, (b) 2008, (c) 2009, (d) 2010 and (e) 2011.\r\n","AnswerText":"Data on Scottish Government support for ferry services are not broken down by route.\r\nThe deficit grant payments made by the Scottish Government to CalMac Ferries Ltd for the Clyde and Hebrides ferry services in the financial years 2007-08 to 2010-11 are as follows:\r\n\r\n2007-08\r\n2008-09\r\n2009-10\r\n2010-11\r\nGrant (£000)\r\n£38,286\r\n£53,338\r\n£57,338\r\n£58,113\r\nSubsidy figures for CalMac Ferries Ltd for 2011-12 will be published in the Company’s annual accounts which will be available in October 2012. Copies of these accounts will be laid in the Parliament (SG/2012/155).\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-25T15:17:09.35","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275630,"EventID":"S4W-09278","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4086,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-08-28T15:17:09.587","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-08-27T12:14:11","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the revenue has been of the CalMac Ferries Ltd-operated services to the Western Isles in each year since 2008.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-09289 on 12 September 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s own website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx. \r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-25T15:17:09.587","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275631,"EventID":"S4W-09279","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4086,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-08-28T15:17:09.803","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-08-27T12:14:11","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much road equivalent tariff support there was for each route operated by (a) CalMac Ferries Ltd and (b) NorthLink Ferries in (i) 2007, (ii) 2008, (iii) 2009, (iv) 2010 and (v) 2011.\r\n","AnswerText":"Road equivalent tariff (RET) data for CalMac Ferries Ltd operated ferry services are not available by route. Information on Scottish Government support for RET for the Western Isles, Coll and Tiree is detailed in the undernoted table for the financial years 2007-08 to 2010-11.\r\n2007-08\r\n2008-09\r\n2009-10\r\n2010-11\r\n£0\r\n£1.9 million\r\n£6.5 million\r\n£6.5 million\r\nRET figures for 2011-12 will be published in Scottish Government accounts which will be available shortly.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-25T15:17:09.82","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275632,"EventID":"S4W-09280","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3763,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-08-28T15:17:10.07","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-08-27T13:59:06","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what are each NHS board's (a) procurement strategies for and (b) contract providers of office furniture.\r\n","AnswerText":"The management and procurement of office furniture is an operational matter for NHS boards.\r\nNHS National Services Scotland (National Procurement) has in place a national contract for furniture and which is available for all NHS boards to use. The scale and scope of the contract is based on engagement between NHS National Services Scotland and NHS boards regarding their requirements.\r\nSuch opportunities for suppliers and details contracts let are published on the Public Contracts Scotland Website. Details of the current contract can be accessed at: \r\nhttp://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/search/show/search_view.aspx?ID=SEP098738.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-25T15:17:10.083","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275633,"EventID":"S4W-09281","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3763,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-08-28T15:17:10.38","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-08-27T13:59:06","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what joint procurement strategies for office furniture NHS boards have.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-09280 on 21 September 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-25T15:17:10.38","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275634,"EventID":"S4W-09282","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3763,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-08-28T15:17:10.63","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-08-27T13:59:06","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what mechanism allows NHS boards to transfer surplus office furniture between each other.\r\n","AnswerText":"There is no formal mechanism for the transfer of surplus office furniture between NHS boards. NHS boards will generally seek to reuse surplus office furniture within their own board area. Where this is not possible, contacts and networks are often used where such an opportunity arises to ensure usable office furniture is not wasted.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-25T15:17:10.647","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275635,"EventID":"S4W-09283","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3763,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-08-28T15:17:10.88","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-08-27T13:59:06","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when the asset register of office furniture for each NHS board was last (a) updated and (b) published.\r\n","AnswerText":"Each NHS board is required to maintain an asset register, which is updated as additions and disposals take place. Details held in the boards' asset registers support the balance sheet disclosures in their annual accounts which are subject to external audit.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-25T15:17:10.88","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275636,"EventID":"S4W-09284","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3763,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-08-28T15:17:11.113","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-08-27T13:59:06","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what guidelines regarding surplus office furniture NHS boards have. \r\n","AnswerText":"Whilst there is no specific guidance relating to office furniture, NHS boards are required to apply best practice asset management in accordance with CEL (35) 2010 A Policy for Property and Asset Management in NHSScotland published on 27 September 2010. The treatment of surplus assets is regulated under the terms of the Scottish Public Finance Manual.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-25T15:17:11.13","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275637,"EventID":"S4W-09285","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3763,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-08-28T15:17:11.397","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-08-27T13:59:06","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much was spent on (a) new and (b) used office furniture by each NHS board in each of the last 10 years.\r\n","AnswerText":"The information as requested is not held centrally. The information in the following table is taken from NHS Board Annual Accounts and relates to total expenditure on office furniture and fittings. For consistency, information has been provided from 2004-05 as this is when the reconfiguration of NHS Trusts took place.\r\nNHS Board\r\n2004-05\r\n2005-06\r\n2006-07\r\n2007-08\r\n2008-09\r\n2009-10\r\n2010-11\r\n2011-12\r\n\r\n£000\r\n£000\r\n£000\r\n£000\r\n£000\r\n£000\r\n£000\r\n£000\r\nArgyll and Clyde\r\n23\r\n31\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\nAyrshire and Arran\r\n180\r\n667\r\n753\r\n752\r\n6\r\n1519\r\n2857\r\n51\r\nBorders\r\n0\r\n282\r\n53\r\n20\r\n100\r\n20\r\n146\r\n0\r\nDumfries and Galloway\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\nFife\r\n0\r\n13\r\n19\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\nForth Valley\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n82\r\n133\r\n0\r\n162\r\n507\r\nGrampian\r\n5\r\n30\r\n238\r\n70\r\n83\r\n153\r\n35\r\n87\r\nGreater Glasgow and Clyde\r\n9\r\n0\r\n497\r\n76\r\n0\r\n629\r\n0\r\n0\r\nHighland\r\n0\r\n27\r\n63\r\n24\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\nLanarkshire\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n1505\r\n41\r\n0\r\n25\r\n0\r\nLothian\r\n0\r\n0\r\n73\r\n2\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\nOrkney\r\n16\r\n12\r\n0\r\n14\r\n1\r\n5\r\n2\r\n5\r\nShetland\r\n0\r\n18\r\n0\r\n7\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\nTayside\r\n36\r\n0\r\n97\r\n40\r\n6\r\n0\r\n0\r\n9\r\nWestern Isles\r\n1\r\n0\r\n82\r\n214\r\n89\r\n0\r\n0\r\n22\r\nNational Services Scotland\r\n7,038\r\n2,455\r\n134\r\n384\r\n1,022\r\n1,313\r\n272\r\n79\r\nScottish Ambulance Service\r\n9\r\n0\r\n0\r\n62\r\n20\r\n51\r\n60\r\n377\r\nEducation\r\n0\r\n0\r\n7\r\n11\r\n0\r\n16\r\n27\r\n0\r\nNHS24\r\n26\r\n457\r\n26\r\n0\r\n154\r\n53\r\n12\r\n10\r\nGolden Jubilee\r\n0\r\n35\r\n0\r\n0\r\n11\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\nState Hospital\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n180\r\n12\r\n1,023\r\nHealth Scotland\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\nHealthcare Improvement Scotland\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n51\r\n0\r\n0\r\n49\r\nTotal\r\n7,343\r\n4,027\r\n2,042\r\n3,263\r\n1,717\r\n3,939\r\n3,610\r\n2219.00\r\nSource: NHS Board Annual Accounts.","AnswerDate":"2012-09-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-25T15:17:11.41","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275638,"EventID":"S4W-09287","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3763,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-08-28T15:17:11.69","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-08-27T13:59:06","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the value was of office furniture that has been (a) scrapped and (b) recycled by each NHS board in each of the last 10 years.\r\n","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally.\r\nZero Waste Scotland is currently taking forward a programme of support for NHSScotland and one of the tasks in relation to clarification of the NHS boards current policy for furniture and waste electrical equipment (WEE). This includes:\r\nundertaking a situational analysis to identify current disposal routes for furniture, WEE and IT;\r\ngathering available information on the weight of furniture, WEE and IT disposed;\r\nestimating the level of furniture, WEE and IT which could be available for recycling;\r\nundertaking research on good practice methods of disposal of furniture, WEE and IT, and\r\ninvestigating the potential for implementing a re-use tool which NHS boards would use to improve data capture and tracking of items available for reuse or redeployment.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-25T15:17:11.707","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275639,"EventID":"S4W-09288","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2633,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-08-28T15:17:11.94","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-08-27T16:08:59","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when the evaluation of directly elected NHS boards will be completed and made public.\r\n","AnswerText":"The London School of Economics in association with the University of St Andrews is conducting the independent evaluation of the pilot health board elections. Their report is due to be completed and laid before the Parliament during the autumn of 2012.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-25T15:17:11.957","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275640,"EventID":"S4W-09289","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4086,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-08-28T15:17:12.19","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-08-28T10:00:29.57","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the revenue was of each route operated by (a) CalMac Ferries Ltd and (b) NorthLink Ferries in (i) 2007, (ii) 2008, (iii) 2009, (iv) 2010 and (v) 2011.\r\n","AnswerText":"Revenue data for CalMac Ferries Ltd and NorthLink Ferries Ltd operated ferry services are not available by route. Revenue figures for the whole Clyde and Hebrides ferry services (CHFS) network and the Northern Isles ferry services are detailed in the undernoted tables for the financial years 2007-08 to 2010-11.\r\nCalMac Ferries Ltd\r\n2007-08\r\n2008-09\r\n2009-10\r\n2010-11\r\nRevenue (£000)\r\n£97,489\r\n£109,507\r\n£113,195\r\n£115,173\r\n\r\nNorthlink Ferries Ltd\r\n2007-08\r\n2008-09\r\n2009-10\r\n2010-11\r\nRevenue (£000)\r\n£36,756\r\n£48,832\r\n£56,109\r\n£58,275\r\nRevenue figures for CalMac Ferries Ltd and NorthLink Ferries Ltd for 2011-12 will be published in their annual accounts which will be available in October 2012. Copies of these accounts will be laid in the Parliament (SG/2012/155 and SG/2012/156).\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-25T15:17:12.207","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275643,"EventID":"S4O-01216","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":3771,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-08-29T13:49:11.957","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-27T13:51:18.117","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what it is doing to develop the infrastructure for, and encourage greater participation in, paddle sports.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-26T13:49:12.157","MeetingDate":"2012-09-05T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275644,"EventID":"S4O-01217","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":4939,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":78,"ApprovedDate":"2012-08-29T13:49:12.547","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-27T13:51:18.227","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government what progress Scottish Development International has made in fostering trade links with Turkey. (Direct from Angus MacDonald)","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what future plans Scottish Development International has to further develop trade links with Turkey.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-26T13:49:12.563","MeetingDate":"2012-09-05T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275645,"EventID":"S4O-01218","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":86,"ApprovedDate":"2012-08-29T13:49:12.83","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-27T13:51:18.243","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what progress it has made with the merger of the Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Scotland with Historic Scotland.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-26T13:49:12.843","MeetingDate":"2012-09-05T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275646,"EventID":"S4O-01219","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":4947,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-08-29T13:49:13.157","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-27T13:51:18.257","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the benefits are of the naloxone programme.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-26T13:49:13.173","MeetingDate":"2012-09-05T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275647,"EventID":"S4O-01220","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1845,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-08-29T13:49:13.407","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-27T13:51:18.273","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government what assessment it has made of the impact on the North East economy from any delay in delivering infrastructure projects in the region.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what assessment it has made of the impact of any delay in delivering infrastructure projects in the north east on the region's economy.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-26T13:49:13.42","MeetingDate":"2012-09-05T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275648,"EventID":"S4O-01221","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":4940,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-08-29T13:49:13.703","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-27T13:51:18.303","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what benefits it considers the International Culture Summit 2012 has brought to Scotland.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-26T13:49:13.717","MeetingDate":"2012-09-05T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275649,"EventID":"S4O-01222","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":4941,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-08-29T13:49:14","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-27T13:51:18.32","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what recent discussions it has had with the translation and interpreting services regarding their work in the justice system.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-26T13:49:14.013","MeetingDate":"2012-09-05T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275650,"EventID":"S4O-01223","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1892,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":134,"ApprovedDate":"2012-08-29T13:49:14.263","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-27T13:51:18.337","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what consultation was carried out prior to deciding that all refurbished and new-build hospitals would comprise single-room only accommodation for patients.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-26T13:49:14.28","MeetingDate":"2012-09-05T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275651,"EventID":"S4O-01224","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":5041,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-08-29T13:49:14.53","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-27T13:51:18.367","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what procedures there are to monitor the use of funds allocated through the CashBack for Communities programme.\r\n","AnswerText":"Since the inception of the highly successful CashBack Programme in 2007, over £46 million recovered from the proceeds of crime has been invested throughout Scotland, directly benefitting over 600,000 young people and generating over 11,000 young person volunteers who are now putting something back into their communities.\r\nThe use of funds is monitored through a robust project management framework using our delivery team partners who provide dedicated support to CashBack partners on accountability, monitoring, and reporting of their project grants.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-26T13:49:14.543","MeetingDate":"2012-09-05T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275652,"EventID":"S4O-01226","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":3758,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":76,"ApprovedDate":"2012-08-29T13:49:14.84","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-27T13:51:46.463","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what recent discussions it has had with North Lanarkshire Council regarding the condition and upkeep of schools.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-26T13:49:14.857","MeetingDate":"2012-09-05T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275653,"EventID":"S4O-01227","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":3896,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":97,"ApprovedDate":"2012-08-29T13:49:15.123","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-27T13:51:46.523","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what action it has taken to progress its plans for a management fee for non-UK EU students.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-26T13:49:15.137","MeetingDate":"2012-09-05T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275654,"EventID":"S4O-01228","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":5109,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":101,"ApprovedDate":"2012-08-29T13:49:15.45","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-27T13:51:46.587","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on NUS Scotland's report, Unlocking Scotland’s Potential. \r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-26T13:49:15.467","MeetingDate":"2012-09-05T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275655,"EventID":"S4O-01229","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-08-29T13:49:15.713","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-27T13:51:46.633","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether changes will be made to the arrangements for funding further education.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-26T13:49:15.73","MeetingDate":"2012-09-05T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275656,"EventID":"S4O-01230","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-08-29T13:49:15.997","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-27T13:51:46.667","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what funding it has allocated to West Dunbartonshire Council from its youth unemployment fund.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-26T13:49:16.01","MeetingDate":"2012-09-05T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275657,"EventID":"S4O-01231","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":1943,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-08-29T13:49:16.4","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-27T13:51:46.697","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much will be spent on IT systems by the college sector in 2012-13.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-26T13:49:16.4","MeetingDate":"2012-09-05T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275658,"EventID":"S4O-01232","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":3745,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":122,"ApprovedDate":"2012-08-29T13:49:16.667","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-27T13:51:46.727","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it considers that local authorities will adhere to the spirit of the moratorium on rural school closures.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-26T13:49:16.683","MeetingDate":"2012-09-05T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275659,"EventID":"S4O-01233","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":5108,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":139,"ApprovedDate":"2012-08-29T13:49:16.93","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-27T13:51:46.773","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what recent progress has been made regarding college mergers.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-26T13:49:16.947","MeetingDate":"2012-09-05T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275660,"EventID":"S4O-01234","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":3129,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":83,"ApprovedDate":"2012-08-29T13:49:17.197","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-27T13:51:46.79","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government what progress is being made on the programme of school building and refurbishment through the Scottish Futures Trust.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what progress is being made on the programme of school building and refurbishment using the Scottish Futures Trust.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-26T13:49:17.213","MeetingDate":"2012-09-05T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275661,"EventID":"S4O-01235","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":5074,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":104,"ApprovedDate":"2012-08-29T13:49:17.493","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-27T13:51:46.807","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what proportion of pupils left education in 2012 with standard grades at level 7 only.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-26T13:49:17.51","MeetingDate":"2012-09-05T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275662,"EventID":"S4O-01236","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":2029,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":145,"ApprovedDate":"2012-08-29T13:49:17.79","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-27T13:51:46.837","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much it will cost to meet the university fees of non-UK EU students in 2012-13. ","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-26T13:49:17.807","MeetingDate":"2012-09-05T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275663,"EventID":"S4O-01237","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":2876,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-08-29T13:49:18.07","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-27T13:51:46.867","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many Scotland-domiciled students have been accepted by Scotland's universities for 2012-13.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-26T13:49:18.087","MeetingDate":"2012-09-05T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275664,"EventID":"S4O-01238","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":4952,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-08-29T13:49:18.35","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-27T13:51:46.883","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what funding has been given to assist areas identified by the Scottish Funding Council as having low participation rates in further education.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-26T13:49:18.367","MeetingDate":"2012-09-05T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275665,"EventID":"S4O-01239","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":4955,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":105,"ApprovedDate":"2012-08-29T13:49:18.633","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-27T13:51:46.93","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government what discussions it has had with Napier University on the future of the Craighouse Campus.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what recent discussions it has had with Napier University regarding the future of the Craighouse Campus.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-26T13:49:18.647","MeetingDate":"2012-09-05T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275666,"EventID":"S4O-01240","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":5079,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-08-29T13:49:18.913","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-27T13:51:46.96","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what steps it is taking to ensure that postgraduate students are able to access the funding necessary for their studies.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-26T13:49:18.93","MeetingDate":"2012-09-05T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275667,"EventID":"S4O-01241","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":1759,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-08-29T13:49:19.223","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-27T13:51:47.023","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what it is doing to ensure that young carers are identified by schools at an early stage so that they can be given appropriate support.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-26T13:49:19.223","MeetingDate":"2012-09-05T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275668,"EventID":"S4O-01242","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":1866,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-08-29T13:49:19.473","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-27T13:51:47.103","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what proportion and number of students studying for a Diploma in Legal Practice in 2012-13 will receive the maximum Postgraduate Tuition Fee Loan.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-26T13:49:19.49","MeetingDate":"2012-09-05T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275669,"EventID":"S4O-01243","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":2487,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-08-29T13:49:19.77","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-27T13:51:47.15","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether the Commission on the Delivery of Rural Education has considered the issues regarding school transport and the current statutory limits for this.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-26T13:49:19.787","MeetingDate":"2012-09-05T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275670,"EventID":"S4O-01244","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":77,"ApprovedDate":"2012-08-29T13:49:20.05","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-27T13:51:47.21","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government how young people who are not in education can access careers’ advice. (direct from member)\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how young people who are not in education can access careers advice.\r\n","AnswerText":"Young people who are not in education can access all of Skills Development Scotland’s career services by visiting an SDS centre, by using the SDS telephone contact centre or by accessing online services through My World of Work.\r\nYoung people not in education are a priority group for SDS and their staff work closely with this vulnerable group in order to ensure they are provided with targeted support to progress their employment prospects.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-26T13:49:20.05","MeetingDate":"2012-09-05T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Angela Constance","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275671,"EventID":"S4O-01245","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":5080,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-08-29T13:49:20.393","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-06-27T13:51:47.273","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government what support it provides to the Roots to Empathy programme.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what support it gives to the Roots of Empathy programme.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government provided funding for the initial pilot in North Lanarkshire and has also provided funding through the Early Years Early Action Fund to support the further development of the programme in other local authority areas.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-26T13:49:20.41","MeetingDate":"2012-09-05T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Alasdair Allan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275681,"EventID":"S4W-09291","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-08-29T15:37:21.68","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-08-28T13:35:11.257","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when the benchmarking audit of pain services (a) was carried out and (b) will be published.\r\n","AnswerText":"Dr. Gilbert, our National Lead Clinician for Chronic Pain and the project management team in Healthcare Improvement Scotland conducted an audit of Pain Management Services and the numbers of patients seen by these services for the period 1 April 2010 to March 2011. It is anticipated that the report will be published by Healthcare Improvement Scotland by the end of September 2012.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-26T15:37:21.697","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275682,"EventID":"S4W-09292","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-08-29T15:37:22.18","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-08-28T13:35:11.257","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government for what reason the benchmarking audit of pain services, which was due to be published in June 2012, has been delayed.\r\n","AnswerText":"The change of publishing date is due to additional factual accuracy checks being undertaken. This is important to ensure the report is accurate and can be used to inform planning.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-26T15:37:22.197","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275683,"EventID":"S4W-09296","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-08-29T15:37:22.553","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-08-28T15:43:20","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-08596 by Michael Matheson on 6 August 2012, which senior medical officers have observational status and what powers this gives them.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Senior Medical Officer within the Scottish Government with responsibility for vaccination and immunisation routinely attends meetings of the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) as an observer. Dr Nicola Steedman is the current Senior Medical Officer with this portfolio. Other officials of the Scottish Government, or representatives of Health Protection Scotland, may also attend in an observer capacity, on occasion. The minutes of all JCVI meetings, including details of who attended each meeting, are available on the JCVI website.\r\nThe JCVI Code Of Practice sets out that observers from the UK Governments/Administrations will attend all JCVI meetings (and meetings of its sub-committees), be party to all communication between the secretariat and the whole committee and that they will receive committee papers as they are circulated to the committee itself.\r\nThe JCVI Terms of Reference sets out that the committee may provide advice to Scottish Ministers. Historically, the Scottish Government would seek any advice from the JCVI through its observers on the committee.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-26T15:37:22.57","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":true},{"UniqueID":275684,"EventID":"S4W-09298","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-08-29T15:37:23.053","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-08-28T15:43:20","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether legislation has been enacted to extend the remit of the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation Board to Scotland and, if so, when.\r\n","AnswerText":"The current Terms of Reference of the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation state that the committee may provide advice to Scottish ministers.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-26T15:37:23.07","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":true},{"UniqueID":275685,"EventID":"S4W-09299","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-08-29T15:37:23.333","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-08-28T15:43:20","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will introduce legislation placing an obligation on ministers to ensure that the recommendations of the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation are implemented.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government currently has no plans to introduce legislation placing an obligation on ministers to ensure that the recommendations of the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) are implemented.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-26T15:37:23.35","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":true},{"UniqueID":275686,"EventID":"S4W-09300","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-08-29T15:37:23.63","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-08-28T16:16:01","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many drug users who have come into contact with (a) the NHS and (b) law enforcement agencies in each year since 1999 had previously completed drug rehabilitation programmes and what percentage of drug users who had undergone rehabilitation this comprised.\r\n","AnswerText":"Prior to 2007-08, this information had not been collected. That is why the Scottish Government has invested in, and enhanced, the Scottish Drugs Misuse Database (SDMD) to include the collection of follow-up and outcomes based information from people as they progress through their drug treatment pathway. The Information Services Division (ISD) of NHS National Services Scotland will be publishing the first release of this follow-up information in December 2012, which will provide us with more information on people’s journey’s through treatment and the outcomes being achieved (e.g. around accommodation, family, employment/training, drug use and offending).\r\nFrom the SDMD, we know that between 1 April 2007 and 31 March 2011 that there have been 39,458 recorded entries into specialist drug treatment.\r\nThe Scottish Government introduced the Scottish Drug and Alcohol Treatment Waiting Times Database, which went live nationally from 1 April 2011. This provides quarterly information on the length of time people are waiting for treatment and the treatment interventions started. Between 1 April 2011 and 31 March 2012, 19,043 drug treatments were started in Scotland and the interventions started were as follows:\r\n(1) Structured Preparatory & Motivational Intervention\r\n8,085\r\n(2) Community based support and/or rehabilitation\r\n6,232\r\n(3) Residential detoxification and rehabilitation\r\n678\r\n(4) Prescribed Drug Treatment (including but not exclusively methadone)\r\n3,703\r\n(5) Community based Detoxification\r\n345\r\nInformation from the waiting times database is published online by ISD Scotland on a quarterly basis.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-26T15:37:23.647","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Roseanna Cunningham","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275687,"EventID":"S4W-09301","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-08-29T15:37:23.91","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-08-28T16:16:01","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how often the Scottish Drugs Strategy Delivery Commission has met and how many reports it has produced.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Drugs Strategy Delivery Commission has met 12 times since its first meeting in December 2009.\r\nThe commission produced its first year report and recommendations to minister in October 2011 which can be accessed at: \r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2011/10/10142851/0.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-26T15:37:23.927","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Roseanna Cunningham","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275688,"EventID":"S4W-09302","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-08-29T15:37:24.193","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-08-28T16:16:01","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what Scottish Drugs Strategy Delivery Commission advice (a) it and (b) the NHS has adopted.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Drugs Strategy Delivery Commission produced its first year report and recommendations to Minister in October 2011 which can be accessed at http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2011/10/10142851/0. \r\nThe report contained 23 recommendations focused on three key areas, Children Affected by Parental Substance Misuse; Care, Treatment and Recovery, and Governance and Accountability of the Delivery System. The report and its recommendations were sent to the 14 NHS Boards in Scotland and 30 Alcohol and Drug Partnerships and key stakeholders.\r\nThe Scottish Government is working in collaboration with NHS Boards and Alcohol and Drug Partnerships to address all the recommendations in the report.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-26T15:37:24.207","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Roseanna Cunningham","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275689,"EventID":"S4W-09303","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-08-29T15:37:24.457","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-08-28T16:16:01","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether the National Forum on Drug-Related Deaths, or its sub-groups, has (a) met or (b) produced reports since 2009-10.","AnswerText":"The National Forum on Drug-Related Deaths established in 2005 meets on a quarterly basis each year. Between 2006 and 2008 the Forum met 10 times. Since January 2009 the Forum has met 15 times and produced two reports.\r\nThe forum has four sub-groups:\r\nThe Pathology Sub-Group explores forensic pathology practice, including toxicology, in Scotland when dealing with a suspected drug-related death. Since January 2009 this sub-group has met six times.\r\nThe Data Collection Sub-Group gathers information on drug-related deaths and analyse the findings of the national Drug-Related Deaths Database reports. Since January 2009 this sub-group has met 12 times.\r\nThe Volunteer’s Forum discusses issues raised at the National Forum on Drug-Related Deaths meetings and feedback issues they feel are important from a service user’s perspective. Since January 2009 the Volunteer’s Forum has met 19 times.\r\nThe Short-Life Working Group for Family Support explored what support services are in place for families following a suspected drug related death and how this can be improved. This Short-Life Working Group met for the first time in March 2011 and has met twice since then.\r\nThe forum has published four annual reports in total since 2005. The two most recent reports were the 2009-10 annual report published in July 2010 and the 2010-11 Annual Report published in October 2011. The reports can be accessed on the following links:\r\n2009-10 Report: http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2010/07/30140320/0.\r\n2010-11 Report: http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2011/11/6842/0.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-26T15:37:24.473","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Roseanna Cunningham","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275690,"EventID":"S4W-09304","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2673,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":114,"ApprovedDate":"2012-08-29T15:37:24.753","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-08-28T16:51:11","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when it will publish the responses to Maintenance of land on private housing estates: Consultation, and what further action it will take on the issue.\r\n","AnswerText":"We are aiming to publish the consultation responses by the end of October. We will outline next steps at around the same time.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-26T15:37:24.753","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Roseanna Cunningham","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275691,"EventID":"S4W-09306","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3896,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":97,"ApprovedDate":"2012-08-29T15:37:25.02","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-08-29T09:03:48","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what progress it is making on formulating papers for the new National 4 and National 5 exams and when sample papers will be available.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Qualifications Agency (SQA) published the final course, unit and assessment specifications for the new National 2-5 and Higher qualifications on 30 April 2012. From October 2012 to April 2013, SQA will be publishing a package of assessment support covering  the Units for each Course at National 2,3, 4 and 5. Finalised National 5 specimen question papers and course work will be available by April 2013.\r\nEducation Scotland is also working closely in partnership with Directors of Education and others to provide a comprehensive package of course materials for every National 4 and National 5 course to help teachers move forward with confidence.  These will be available on-line by end of April 2013.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-26T15:37:25.033","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275692,"EventID":"S4W-09307","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5057,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-08-29T15:37:25.3","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-08-29T11:27:21.853","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how successful the Community Links Centre service has been and how this has been measured.\r\n","AnswerText":"I have asked Colin McConnell, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service, to respond. His response is as follows:\r\nThe SPS considers that the community links facilities provided in prisons to enable prisoners to get access to services to support them on release make a valuable contribution to helping reduce reoffending. This is only part of the multi-agency support that is needed to help prisoners’ transition back to their communities and as such cannot be meaningfully assessed as a standalone service.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-26T15:37:25.317","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275693,"EventID":"S4W-09308","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5057,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-08-29T15:37:25.567","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-08-29T11:27:21.853","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it has considered rolling out the Community Links Centre model of service to other locations.\r\n","AnswerText":"I have asked Colin McConnell, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service, to respond. His response is as follows:\r\nThere are links centres in all public sector prisons in Scotland. Private sector prisons also operate a links centre model that enables prisoners to access community provided services that can help them to make the transition back to their communities.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-26T15:37:25.567","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275694,"EventID":"S4W-09309","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5057,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-08-29T15:37:25.847","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-08-29T11:27:21.853","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it has considered creating a Community Links Centre-type service for long-term prisoners in preparation for their release back into the community.","AnswerText":"I have asked Colin McConnell, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service, to respond. His response is as follows:\r\nThe services provided in prisons through the links centre model are available to all sentenced prisoners. In addition, all long-term and life sentence prisoners have detailed management plans to support and manage their risk and needs whilst in custody and into the community on release. These offenders are also further supported through supervision by local authority social workers.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-26T15:37:25.86","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275695,"EventID":"S4W-09310","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5034,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-08-29T15:37:26.097","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-08-29T11:53:41","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when it will publish its sensory impairment strategy.","AnswerText":"The Government will publish the final Scottish sensory impairment strategy in the summer of 2013.\r\nThe draft Scottish sensory impairment strategy will be issued for consultation before the end of this year.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-26T15:37:26.11","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275696,"EventID":"S4W-09311","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5034,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-08-29T15:37:26.36","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-08-29T11:53:41","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether its sensory impairment strategy will include both paediatric and adult services.","AnswerText":"Yes.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-26T15:37:26.377","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275697,"EventID":"S4W-09312","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5034,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-08-29T15:37:26.627","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-08-29T11:53:41","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much funding it has allocated to its sensory impairment strategy in (a) 2012-13, (b) 2013-14 and (c) 2014-15.\r\n","AnswerText":"The funding available to implement the sensory impairment strategy has yet to be finalised.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-26T15:37:26.64","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275698,"EventID":"S4W-09313","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5034,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-08-29T15:37:26.89","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-08-29T12:46:28","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether there is an annual report on the performance of the Universal Newborn Hearing Screening Programme and, if so, where this can be accessed.\r\n","AnswerText":"Since the introduction of universal newborn hearing screening in 2005, one annual report covering 2008-09 has been published and can be found at http://www.nsd.scot.nhs.uk/services/screening/unhearingscreening/index.html.\r\nAs information on the diagnostic outcomes for babies can take some time to be established, annual data is not available immediately. A further annual report for 2009-10 has, however, been requested and will be published in due course.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-26T15:37:26.907","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275699,"EventID":"S4W-09314","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5034,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-08-29T15:37:27.14","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-08-29T12:46:28","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many children have been diagnosed with a hearing loss by the Universal Newborn Hearing Screening Programme.\r\n","AnswerText":"Universal Newborn Hearing Screening is delivered and managed locally by individual NHS boards.\r\nWhile NHS boards record and monitor the number of children diagnosed with hearing loss locally, this information is not routinely collated nationally and is therefore not held centrally.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-26T15:37:27.157","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275700,"EventID":"S4W-09315","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5034,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-08-29T15:37:27.407","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-08-29T12:46:28","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it monitors the impact of early diagnosis of hearing loss on (a) patients and (b) the (b) services that support both them and their families using the Universal Newborn Hearing Screening Programme. \r\n","AnswerText":"The impact of early diagnosis of hearing loss is different for every child. Support for each child is provided depending on need from a number different agencies including education, social work and speech and language therapy.\r\nIt is therefore not possible to centrally monitor the impact of diagnosis or support services for each individual patient and family.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-26T15:37:27.407","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275701,"EventID":"S4W-09317","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5034,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-08-29T15:37:27.657","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-08-29T12:46:28","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the annual cost is of delivering the Universal Newborn Hearing Screening Programme.\r\n","AnswerText":"As the Universal Newborn Hearing Screening Programme is delivered locally by NHS boards, annual costs for delivering the programme are not held centrally.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-26T15:37:27.67","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275711,"EventID":"S4W-09293","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1961,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-08-30T15:25:27.48","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-08-28T16:34:14.03","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether missives have been concluded for the sale of the surplus land at HMP Edinburgh, which was recently marketed for sale by the Scottish Prison Service.\r\n","AnswerText":"I have asked Colin McConnell, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service, to respond. His response is as follows:\r\nMissives have not yet been exchanged. Work is progressing to conclude the missives for the disposal of one plot on the site and the other plots remain open to offers.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-27T15:25:27.62","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275712,"EventID":"S4W-09294","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1961,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-08-30T15:25:27.963","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-08-28T16:34:14.03","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will disclose the consideration paid for each of the lots comprised in the surplus land at HMP Edinburgh, which was recently marketed for sale by the Scottish Prison Service and the identity in each case of the successful bidder.\r\n","AnswerText":"I have asked Colin McConnell, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service, to respond. His response is as follows:\r\nI refer the member to the answer to question S4W-09293 on 13 September 2012. As this matter is not concluded, the information regarding the identity of the preferred bidder and the offer remains commercially sensitive.\r\nAll answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-27T15:25:27.977","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275713,"EventID":"S4W-09295","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1961,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-08-30T15:25:28.353","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-08-28T16:34:14.03","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how the total consideration received for the sale of surplus land at HMP Edinburgh compares with previously published valuations of the land prior to its sale.","AnswerText":"I have asked Colin McConnell, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service, to respond. His response is as follows:\r\nI refer the member to the answer to question S4W-09293 and S4W-09294 on 13 September 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-27T15:25:28.367","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275714,"EventID":"S4W-09318","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5079,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-08-30T15:25:28.65","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-08-29T20:52:52.28","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what plans it has to review the legislation concerning rehabilitation of offenders.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government keeps criminal justice legislation under review, but we do not have formal plans for reform of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 at this time. However, we are happy to hear views from all those with an interest in the operation of this legislation to assess whether it could be modernised and reformed.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-27T15:25:28.663","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275715,"EventID":"S4W-09319","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5079,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-08-30T15:25:28.947","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-08-29T20:52:52.28","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what progress is being made toward making the platforms at Hyndland railway station fully accessible to passengers who are disabled.\r\n","AnswerText":"Network Rail is on site installing a new footbridge and three lifts that will significantly improve access to the station. These improvements will create step free access from the station to the Broomhill residential estate on one side and Gartnavel Hospital on the other. The work will be complete by the end of the year.\r\nNetwork Rail and Transport Scotland are currently considering the potential to create a third platform and associated improved access to the Queensborough Gardens station entrance.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-27T15:25:28.96","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275716,"EventID":"S4W-09320","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5079,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-08-30T15:25:29.227","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-08-29T20:52:52.28","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what information it has on how many people have been employed by the (a) television and (b) film production industry in (i) Scotland, (ii) Glasgow and (iii) Glasgow Kelvin in each year since 1999.\r\n","AnswerText":"Statistics on employment in the creative industries, as one of the seven growth sectors identified in the Government Economic Strategy, are being compiled from 2009 onwards and are available at: \r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Statistics/Browse/Business/Publications/GrowthSectors/Database. \r\nThe data are not broken down beyond Scotland level but are broken down by sector, including film & video and radio & television. The relevant data are:\r\n\r\n2009\r\n2010\r\nEmployment in film and video\r\n2,900\r\n3,400\r\nEmployment in radio and television\r\n3,300\r\n3,600\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-27T15:25:29.24","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275717,"EventID":"S4W-09321","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5079,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-08-30T15:25:29.49","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-08-29T20:52:52.28","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, in light of the potential economic impact, whether it has a strategy to help develop the (a) television and (b) film industry.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government and agencies such as Creative Scotland, Scottish Enterprise and Highlands and Islands Enterprise are doing much to help the television and film production sectors.\r\nEfforts to encourage television production in Scotland, following the 2008 report of the Scottish Broadcasting Commission Platform for Success, have seen Scottish produced content screened UK-wide by public service broadcasters increase from 2.6% in 2007 to 4.9% in 2011, with the BBC increasing from 3.3% to 8.6%. Television production activity in Scotland (independent and broadcasters) in 2010-11 was estimated to account for 1,577 jobs (both permanent and freelance) with a total (estimated) value of £131.2 million. The value of the sector increased by £38.7 million from £92.5 million in 2009-10.\r\nCreative Scotland’s Film and Broadcasting Programme has an allocation of £5 million for the year 2012-13. £1 million of the allocation is dedicated to the Television Production Investment route, which is a pilot project between Creative Scotland and Scottish Enterprise.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-27T15:25:29.507","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275718,"EventID":"S4W-09322","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5079,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-08-30T15:25:29.773","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-08-29T20:52:52.28","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it considers that local authorities should record reports they receive regarding nuisance from gulls.","AnswerText":"It is a matter for individual local authorities in Scotland to decide whether it is necessary to record nuisance incidents involving gulls, according to their particular circumstances.\r\nThere are no Scottish Government requirements for local authorities to record these reports.\r\nHowever, innovative approaches to the control of problems caused by gulls in urban areas have been explored throughout Scotland. In particular, the report Dumfries Gull Report - Use of Falcons to Displace Nesting Gulls from an Urban Area has been finalised and published on the Scottish Government's website. It is hoped that local authorities across Scotland will be able to help reduce this problem in Scotland by adopting the report's recommendations.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-27T15:25:29.787","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275719,"EventID":"S4W-09323","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5079,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-08-30T15:25:30.053","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-08-29T20:52:52.28","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government which part of its organisation is responsible for the protocol surrounding visits and events involving the First Minister and who heads this.\r\n","AnswerText":"Protocol surrounding events and visits involving the First Minister is the responsibility of the Scottish Government’s Visits and Events unit which reports to the Director General for Strategy and External Affairs.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-27T15:25:30.07","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275720,"EventID":"S4W-09325","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5009,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-08-30T15:25:30.63","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-08-30T10:43:02.633","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government which publicly-funded bodies are not covered by the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002 and what is the annual budget of each.\r\n","AnswerText":"The information is not centrally held.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-27T15:25:30.647","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275721,"EventID":"S4W-09326","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5009,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-08-30T15:25:31.16","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-08-30T10:43:02.633","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what impact human rights law and the human rights obligations in section 57 of the Scotland Act 1998 have on freedom of information rights.\r\n","AnswerText":"Section 57 of the Scotland Act 1998 requires members of the Scottish Government to act compatibly with the European Convention on Human Rights. They have no power to do otherwise.\r\nWhilst Article 10 of the Convention requires states to secure the effective recognition and observance of the right to freedom of expression, including the right to receive and impart information, it does not establish a general right of access to data or documents and does not constitute a free-standing freedom of information regime.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-27T15:25:31.177","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275722,"EventID":"S4W-09327","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5079,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-08-30T15:25:31.597","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-08-30T12:38:34","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the legal status is of additional fees charged by landlords and letting agencies.\r\n","AnswerText":"Section 82 of the Rent (Scotland) Act 1984 currently makes it an offence to charge or receive any premium or require the making of any loan, in addition to rent, as a condition of the grant, renewal or continuance of a tenancy (section 27 of the Housing (Scotland) Act 1988 applies this provision to assured tenancies).\r\nThe intention of this legislation is to prevent the making of any charge apart from rent and a refundable deposit (not exceeding two months’ rent), however confusion appears to exist about what this means in practice.\r\nTherefore, following a recent consultation, the Scottish Government intends to commence section 32 of the Private Rented Housing (Scotland) Act 2011 from 30 November 2012, to clarify the law on premiums. Section 32 amends the definition in the 1984 act to make clear that a premium also includes ‘any service or administration fee or charge’.\r\nSection 32 of the 2011 Act also inserts a new section into the 1984 Act, giving Scottish ministers the power to provide, in secondary legislation, for sums which may be charged in connection with the grant, renewal or continuance of a tenancy.\r\nDraft secondary legislation will shortly be laid before the Scottish Parliament to clarify that a payment under the UK Government Green Deal plan, attached to a privately rented property, is permissible. No other form of payment will be prescribed as a permissible premium.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-27T15:25:31.613","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Burgess","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275723,"EventID":"S4W-09328","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5079,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-08-30T15:25:31.877","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-08-30T12:38:34","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what powers there are to take action against the illegal charging of additional fees by landlords and letting agents.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Rent (Scotland) Act 1984 currently makes it an offence to charge or receive any premium or require the making of any loan, in addition to rent and a refundable deposit (not exceeding two months’ rent), as a condition of the grant, renewal or continuance of a protected tenancy (section 27 of the Housing (Scotland) Act 1988 applies this provision to assured tenancies).\r\nWhere criminal proceedings are brought, the court may order the amount of the premium to be repaid (s.82(4)) in addition to a fine. This route is dependent on a prosecution being brought. It is also possible for such sums to be recovered through an action in the civil courts; this is likely to be a small claims action (if the value of the claim is £3,000 or less). We are aware of some tenants who have already successfully claimed back fees through civil proceedings, using current provisions within the Rent (Scotland) Act 1984.\r\nSection 32 of the Private Rented Housing (Scotland) Act 2011 will clarify the law on premiums by amending the definition of the 1984 Act to make clear that a premium also includes “any service or administration fee or charge”. Section 32 will not change the procedure for recovering such sums. Please refer to my written response to your parliamentary question S4W-09327, answered on 28 September 2012, where I provide you with further information on the implementation of section 32 of the 2011 act.\r\nAll answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-27T15:25:31.893","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Burgess","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275736,"EventID":"S4W-09324","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5079,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-08-31T13:27:10.237","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-08-30T09:37:19.49","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what support it has given to Eden Springs Ltd hand for what reason it provided this.\r\n","AnswerText":"The financial assistance paid to Eden Springs UK from Scottish Enterprise since 2010 has totalled £173,397.59 of a maximum of £200,000 payable over three years.\r\nThis has encompassed a number of grants providing assistance towards: training needs analysis; director team development; sales training; HR systems support; market development; e-business development; mergers and acquisitions support and supply chain development.\r\nThis support is helping to safeguard jobs at the firm's Blantyre facility, and forms part of Scottish Development International and Scottish Enterprise's vital work to drive forward sustainable economic growth across Scotland's business community.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-14T13:27:10.437","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275737,"EventID":"S4W-09329","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5079,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-08-31T13:27:10.687","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-08-30T13:40:34","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, in light of his comments at the Edinburgh International Television Festival on 24 August 2012, whether the First Minister has had discussions with (a) the BBC (i) Trust, (ii) management and (iii) staff trades unions and (b) representatives from (1) non-BBC television companies and (2) the film industry on transferring BBC staff and assets to a separate Scotland-based broadcaster and, if so, what the outcome of these discussions were.\r\n","AnswerText":"The intention, under independence, to create “a national public service broadcaster (based initially on the existing staff and assets of BBC Scotland)” was set out in Your Scotland Your Voice: A National Conversation, published on 30 November 2009. \r\nIn the normal course of government business, officials and ministers meet with many people with an interest in the future of broadcasting in Scotland. Full details of the Scottish Government’s proposals for independence will be provided in the comprehensive White Paper to be published in November 2013. \r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-14T13:27:10.703","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275738,"EventID":"S4W-09330","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":89,"ApprovedDate":"2012-08-31T13:27:10.983","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-08-30T14:42:42","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many convictions have been secured using the Offensive Behaviour at Football and Threatening Communications (Scotland) Act 2012.\r\n","AnswerText":"According to figures provided by the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service on 4 September 2012 there have been 24 convictions from the 28 cases that have come to court so far. The act came into force on 1 March 2012 and of the cases completed 85.7% have resulted in a conviction.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-14T13:27:11","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Roseanna Cunningham","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275739,"EventID":"S4W-09332","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2892,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-08-31T13:27:11.56","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-08-30T16:06:16.527","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what discussion it has had with the UK Government regarding the implementation of the Gambling Act 2005 and its impact on problem gambling.","AnswerText":"Gambling is a reserved matter. The Scottish Government has corresponded with the UK Government regarding our concerns about the impact of the introduction of new technologies and the liberalisation of gambling laws upon problem gambling.\r\nIn particular we have noted the high levels of gambling prevalence in Scotland indicated by the Gambling Prevalence Survey of 2010.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-14T13:27:11.577","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275740,"EventID":"S4W-09333","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2892,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-08-31T13:27:12.013","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-08-30T16:06:16.527","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it has assessed the impact of the provision of fixed-odds betting terminals on the issue of problem gambling.\r\n","AnswerText":"Gambling is a reserved matter.\r\nThe Scottish Government is aware of some concerns in relation to fixed odds betting terminals as revealed by the Gambling Prevalence Survey 2010 and other studies.\r\nHowever, the causal link between problem gambling and fixed odds betting terminals is not well established. We would welcome further research conducted by bodies who conduct or sponsor research.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-14T13:27:12.03","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275741,"EventID":"S4W-09334","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2892,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-08-31T13:27:12.433","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-08-30T16:06:16.527","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether its powers under the Gambling Act 2005 allow it to set limits on the provision of fixed-odds betting terminals in premises licensed under the Act.\r\n","AnswerText":"Gambling is a reserved matter. The limited powers devolved would not allow the Scottish Government to set limits on the provision of category B2 gaming machines (which includes fixed-odds betting terminals) in premises licensed under the Gambling Act 2005.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-14T13:27:12.45","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275742,"EventID":"S4W-09335","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2892,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-08-31T13:27:12.92","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-08-30T16:06:16.527","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether limits could be set on the number of betting shops that can operate in certain areas, in a manner similar to the limits applied to sex shops under the Civic Government (Scotland) Act.\r\n","AnswerText":"Gambling is a reserved matter and the Scottish Government has no power to set limits on betting shop numbers.\r\nDecisions about premises licences for betting shops must be made in accordance with the criteria set out in the Gambling Act 2005 and with regard to statutory guidance. Whilst the Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982 offers the local authority the ability to designate an appropriate number of sex shops for a locality (and for that number to be zero), neither the Gambling Act 2005 or the Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982 allows the same in relation to betting shops.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-14T13:27:12.933","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275743,"EventID":"S4W-09336","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1961,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-08-31T13:27:13.277","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-08-31T10:22:24.58","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it plans to bring the income level at which Scotland-based students studying at universities in England and Wales are required to commence repayment of loans made to them by the Student Loans Company into line with the threshold that applies to England and Wales-based students.\r\n","AnswerText":"There are no plans to bring the repayment threshold for Scottish students studying in the rest of the UK (RUK) in line with English and Welsh based students.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-14T13:27:13.293","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275744,"EventID":"S4W-09337","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-08-31T13:27:13.59","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-08-31T10:28:52.453","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on the recent figures published by the Office of National Statistics recording that, since 2007, the number of children living in workless households in Scotland has increased by 21,000 and that this represents a higher proportion of such children than that for the rest of the UK, and what it considers are the reasons are for this.\r\n","AnswerText":"This government firmly believes that children in Scotland deserve the best possible start in life and we do not want to see any child being born into or condemned to live a life of poverty. It is simply morally unacceptable that 17% of our children still live in relative poverty.\r\nWe are doing all we can to tackle poverty and inequality in Scotland, within the limited powers and resources we have.  It is very difficult to make an impact on the headline figures while personal taxation and welfare benefits policy are reserved to the UK Government. \r\nWorkless households include those households who are both unemployed and inactive. Further analysis indicates that the increase in the number of children in workless households in Scotland has been driven by increases in unemployment. However, due to the underlying sample size of the data source it is not possible to look at this change in more detail.\r\nDue to the underlying sample size of the data source it is not possible to look at this change in more detail.\r\nThe Scottish Government is committed to better understanding, and addressing, the complex reasons behind parental worklessness. Our forthcoming women's employment summit will be a step towards that aim. At the same time, we are refreshing our employability framework to take account of the difficult economic conditions and the barriers that a range of people face to finding and sustaining employment. This includes consideration of how to better support people with health conditions and disabilities into work.\r\nSource: Labour Force Survey Households datasets April to June 2012, ONS.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-14T13:27:13.603","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Aileen Campbell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275745,"EventID":"S4T-00018","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":9,"MSPID":5041,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-03T12:38:58.877","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-03T11:46:56","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what action it will take to ensure that young people across Scotland have access to the relevant information regarding the legal and practical definition of rape.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-17T12:38:58.89","MeetingDate":"2012-09-04T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275746,"EventID":"S4T-00001","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":9,"MSPID":5106,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":118,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-03T12:38:54.337","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-08-31T15:59:27","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether Aberdeen City Council has submitted any new tax incremental financing applications since rejecting the business plan incorporating the City Garden Project.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-17T12:38:54.43","MeetingDate":"2012-09-04T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275747,"EventID":"S4F-00831","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-03T12:52:07.883","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-03T12:00:11.933","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what discussions the Scottish Government has had with CalMac regarding the future of ferry services.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-17T12:52:07.9","MeetingDate":"2012-09-06T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275748,"EventID":"S4F-00824","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":77,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-03T12:52:05.763","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-03T10:34:59.59","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what the Scottish Government's response is to the proposed closure of the Rolls Royce plant in East Kilbride.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-17T12:52:05.777","MeetingDate":"2012-09-06T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275749,"EventID":"S4F-00823","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":5009,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-03T12:52:05.48","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-03T10:10:44.713","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what issues will be discussed at the next meeting of the Cabinet.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-17T12:52:05.497","MeetingDate":"2012-09-06T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275750,"EventID":"S4F-00822","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":2080,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":87,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-03T12:52:05.2","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-03T10:09:20.053","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what engagements he has planned for the rest of the day.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-17T12:52:05.2","MeetingDate":"2012-09-06T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275751,"EventID":"S4F-00818","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":4976,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-03T12:52:04.013","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-08-31T10:14:29.18","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister when he will next meet the Secretary of State for Scotland.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-17T12:52:04.03","MeetingDate":"2012-09-06T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275752,"EventID":"S4F-00816","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":4947,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-03T12:52:02.843","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-08-29T14:41:53","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what representations the Scottish Government has made to BBC Scotland following the announcement that there will be job losses at BBC Highlands and Islands and a reduction to its Gaelic news service.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-17T12:52:02.923","MeetingDate":"2012-09-06T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275788,"EventID":"S4W-09331","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-04T16:31:46.413","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-08-30T13:05:50","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many prosecutions there have been for the illegal (a) production and (b) sale of alcohol in each year since 2007 and how many resulted in a conviction.","AnswerText":"There have been no prosecutions under the Alcoholic Liquor Duties 1979 Act, Section 12: Licence to manufacture spirits.\r\nThere have been no prosecutions for the sale of illegally produced alcohol.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-18T16:31:46.943","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275789,"EventID":"S4W-09340","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-04T16:31:47.273","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-08-31T12:19:23","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what bodies in the field of literature receive funding from Creative Scotland. \r\n","AnswerText":"I have asked Andrew Dixon, Chief Executive of Creative Scotland, the public body for Culture and Creative Industries, to write to the member. Further information about Creative Scotland’s activities is available at http://www.creativescotland.com/.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-18T16:31:47.287","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275790,"EventID":"S4W-09341","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-04T16:31:47.583","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-08-31T12:19:23","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what organisations have received funding from Creative Scotland in each of the last three years, also broken down by number of employees.\r\n","AnswerText":"I have asked Andrew Dixon, Chief Executive of Creative Scotland, the public body for Culture and Creative Industries to write to the member. Further information about Creative Scotland’s activities is available at http://www.creativescotland.com/.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-18T16:31:47.6","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275791,"EventID":"S4W-09343","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2678,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-04T16:31:47.913","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-08-31T13:26:11","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what assessment it has made of the rate of compliance of non-departmental public bodies and other quangos with the Public Services Reform (Scotland) Act 2010.\r\n","AnswerText":"Public bodies listed in the act have a duty to comply fully with responsibilities set out for them in the act. It is, first and foremost, the responsibility of these listed public bodies to demonstrate publicly how they have complied with the various sections of the act which apply to them. However, compliance with the act is monitored as appropriate, including through the ongoing performance management arrangements the Scottish Government and the Scottish Parliament have with the bodies they each sponsor or support.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-18T16:31:47.927","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275792,"EventID":"S4W-09344","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":131,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-04T16:31:48.443","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-08-31T15:56:00","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government under what circumstances an individual may declare themselves to be bankrupt.","AnswerText":"In Scotland, an individual may apply to the Accountant in Bankruptcy for an award of their bankruptcy if they: are Apparently Insolvent; or have signed a trust deed which failed to become protected; or have a Certificate for Sequestration. The individual must also owe a total debt of £1,500 or more, be living in Scotland or have lived in Scotland sometime during the last year, have not been made bankrupt in the last five years and pay the application fee of £200.\r\nIf these circumstances are met, the individual may then complete a debtor application form and submit along with their fee to the Accountant in Bankruptcy for an award decision to be made.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-18T16:31:48.457","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275793,"EventID":"S4W-09345","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":131,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-04T16:31:48.8","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-08-31T15:56:00","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether being in receipt of an income would prevent an individual from declaring themselves bankrupt.","AnswerText":"In Scotland all debtor applications for an award of bankruptcy are made by the Accountant in Bankruptcy. Section 5(2) of the Bankruptcy (Scotland) Act 1985 (as amended) prescribes the conditions and criteria that must be met in order for an individual to apply for an award of bankruptcy. The income of an individual is not a condition or criteria listed in this section of the act therefore an individual in receipt of an income is not prevented from applying for an award of bankruptcy.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-18T16:31:48.817","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275794,"EventID":"S4W-09346","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":131,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-04T16:31:49.113","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-08-31T15:56:00","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether a creditor has the right of appeal when an individual declares themselves bankrupt and, if so, how an appeal may be lodged.","AnswerText":"An individual cannot declare themselves bankrupt. A creditor has no right of appeal against a decision to award bankruptcy to an individual, irrespective of whether the award is made by a court following a creditor petition or by the Accountant in Bankruptcy following a debtor’s application for bankruptcy.\r\nShould any creditor believe that a debtor fails to meet the criteria for the award of bankruptcy or considers that due process has not been followed, he may present this information to the Accountant in Bankruptcy or to the court as appropriate.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-18T16:31:49.13","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275795,"EventID":"S4W-09347","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":131,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-04T16:31:49.44","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-08-31T15:56:00","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what legislation regulates the declaration of bankruptcy by individuals.","AnswerText":"In Scotland, the legislation that applies to the bankruptcy of an individual is the Bankruptcy (Scotland) Act 1985 (as amended) (the Act). The Act sets out the criteria by which creditors may petition for the bankruptcy of an individual, and those that an individual must meet in order to apply for bankruptcy in Scotland.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-18T16:31:49.457","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275796,"EventID":"S4W-09349","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5109,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":101,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-04T16:31:49.767","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-03T10:48:23.33","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what guidance it provides to local authorities on the provision of public toilets, disabled facilities and child changing spaces.","AnswerText":"The provision of public toilets, facilities for disabled people and child changing spaces is a matter for local authorities, and the Scottish Government does not issue guidance regarding their provision.\r\nHowever, the Scottish Government funds local Access Panels through the Scottish Disability Equality Forum, to work with local councils to address issues of access for disabled people to places where goods, services or facilities are provided.\r\nAdditionally, building standards require owners of certain buildings, to which the public have access, to provide sanitary facilities, including accessible facilities suitable for use by disabled people and baby changing facilities, when the buildings are being constructed, altered or converted.  Such buildings include large shops, public entertainment and assembly buildings, restaurants, cafes and public houses.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-18T16:31:49.767","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Derek Mackay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275797,"EventID":"S4W-09350","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5109,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":101,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-04T16:31:50.05","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-03T10:48:23.33","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether the provision of public toilet facilities, disabled facilities and child changing spaces in railway stations is included in (a) the rail franchise or (b) other regulations.\r\n","AnswerText":"ScotRail was obligated through the franchise to install or improve toilet facilities. This has delivered new toilets at 24 stations and existing facilities were refurbished at five stations since 2004. All of these are wheelchair accessible and contain child change facilities. These were focussed on a number of larger, busier stations.\r\nTrain companies must comply with the Equality Act 2010, which incorporates the former Disability Discrimination Act (1995, amended 2005 to include public transport). The legislation requires train companies to make reasonable adjustments to services and facilities to ensure disabled people can access the services and facilities without being discriminated against.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-18T16:31:50.063","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275798,"EventID":"S4W-09351","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5079,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-04T16:31:50.33","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-03T10:51:49.547","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what opportunity there is for the medical and life sciences industry to benefit from investment in the new South Glasgow Hospitals.","AnswerText":"The new South Glasgow Hospitals will create a range of opportunities for the medical and life sciences industries.\r\nFor example, the planned construction of Clinical Research Facilities will provide a focus on clinical and translational research making them suited to the placement of commercial clinical trials by the pharmaceutical industry and Clinical Research Organisations.\r\nTo maximise such opportunities, Scottish Enterprise, in support of the Glasgow Economic Leadership Group’s life sciences workstream, is undertaking an assessment of the wider life science infrastructure in the West of Scotland. As part of this work, there will be a specific focus on the opportunity for the life sciences industry that comes with the new South Glasgow Hospitals.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-18T16:31:50.347","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275799,"EventID":"S4W-09352","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2675,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":93,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-04T16:31:50.593","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-03T11:01:39.407","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what plans it has for the National Forest Land Scheme.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government will continue to operate the National Forest Land Scheme as one of the important mechanisms to help facilitate greater involvement of communities in the management and ownership of Scotland's forests. A total of seven approved applications covering a further 2,200 hectares are currently being processed towards sale or lease.  \r\nForestry Commission Scotland continuously reviews the scheme to ensure it remains fit for purpose. \r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-18T16:31:50.61","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275800,"EventID":"S4W-09353","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2675,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":93,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-04T16:31:50.923","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-03T11:01:39.407","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what land units have been conveyed to communities and groups under the National Forest Land Scheme, broken down by (a) size and (b) location.\r\n","AnswerText":"Since its launch in 2005 there have been 13 completed sales to community organisations under the National Forest Land Scheme. \r\nThe following table provides a summary of those sales:\r\nNational Forest Land Scheme Name\r\nSize (Hectares)\r\nLocation\r\nOrdnance Survey Grid reference\r\nApplicant\r\nAcharossan Forest\r\n125.5\r\nTighnabruaich, Argyll & Bute\r\nNR 969734\r\nKilfinan Community Forest Company\r\nArdentinny Wall Garden\r\n1.4\r\nArdentinny, Argyll & Bute\r\nNS 187855\r\nArdentinny Community Trust\r\nBadluarach and Durnamuck\r\n8.5\r\nGairloch, Highlands & Islands\r\nNH 002932\r\nBadluarach and Durnamuck Community Woodland\r\nBalfour Wood\r\n241.0\r\nFinzean, Aberdeenshire\r\nNO 544958\r\nBirse Community Trust\r\nBroadford Wood\r\n20.0\r\nBroadford, Isle of Skye\r\nNG 636243\r\nBroadford and Strath Community Company\r\nBurghead\r\n1.4\r\nBurghead, Moray\r\nNJ 116683\r\nBurghead Thistle Junior Football Club\r\nFord\r\n2.6\r\nFord, Argyll & Bute\r\nNM 868041\r\nFord Community Project Ltd\r\nGaudiedale strip\r\n0.1\r\nBennachie, Aberdeenshire\r\nNJ 692187\r\nBennachie Access Group\r\nGolticlay Forest\r\n39.1\r\nRumster, Highlands & Islands\r\nND 202392\r\nLatheron, Lybster & Clyth Community Development Company\r\nSlewdrum Forest\r\n167.2\r\nFinzean, Aberdeenshire\r\nNO 628954\r\nBirse Community Trust\r\nStrathmashie Forest\r\n18.1\r\nLaggan, Highlands & Islands\r\nNN 594923\r\nLaggan Forest Trust\r\nTormore Forest\r\n440.0\r\nSleat, Isle of Skye\r\nNG 611021\r\nSleat Community Trust\r\nWest Ardhu & Langamull Forest\r\n693.4\r\nDervaig, Isle of Mull\r\nNM 395517\r\nNorth West Mull Community Woodland Company\r\nTotal\r\n1,758\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-18T16:31:50.937","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275801,"EventID":"S4W-09354","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2675,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":93,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-04T16:31:51.203","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-03T11:01:39.407","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what land units have been refused to communities and groups under the National Forest Land Scheme, broken down by (a) size and (b) location.\r\n","AnswerText":"To date no National Forest Land Scheme (NFLS) applications have been refused. There have been three community applications that have been withdrawn. The land covered by those applications continues to be managed by Forestry Commission Scotland (FCS) and therefore, eligible community organisations still have the opportunity to apply under the Scheme to buy or lease them. In addition, one approved application for surplus land did not complete the purchase within the 18 month period. This land was then sold on the open market in accordance with FCS' property sales policy.\r\nThe following tables provide details on the four applications mentioned above:\r\nNFLS Applications Withdrawn\r\nNational Forest Land Scheme Name\r\nSize (Hectares)\r\nLocation\r\nOrdnance Survey Grid Reference\r\nApplicant\r\nFourpenny Wood\r\n158.0\r\nEmbo, Highlands & Islands\r\nNH 796931\r\nEmbo Trust\r\nSalachary Forest\r\n120.0\r\nCraignish, Argyll & Bute\r\nNM 847043\r\nCraignish Community Company\r\nAchinchanter\r\n1.7\r\nEmbo, Highlands & Islands\r\nNH 797918\r\nEmbo Trust\r\n\r\nNFLS Applications for Surplus Land Approved and Sale Not Completed - Land Sold on the Open Market\r\nNational Forest Land Scheme Name\r\nSize (Hectares)\r\nLocation\r\nOrdnance Survey Grid reference\r\nApplicant\r\nRasscarrel Moss\r\n167.0\r\nAuchencairn, Dumfries & Galloway\r\nNX 802491\r\nAuchencairn Community Company\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-18T16:31:51.22","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275802,"EventID":"S4W-09355","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2675,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":93,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-04T16:31:51.517","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-03T11:01:39.407","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what land units have been (a) sold and (b) leased under the National Forest Land Scheme, broken down by (i) size and (ii) location.\r\n","AnswerText":"Since the launch of the National Forest Land Scheme in 2005 there have been 24 completed sales of land amounting to a total of 2,814 hectares to community organisations, non-governmental organisations and housing bodies - the phased purchase of land to RSPB is counted as one sale. No land has been leased to date but there are currently five community organisations with approval to lease land; three of those organisations are seeking to lease land for forestry purposes and another two to lease areas for hydro renewable energy projects. \r\nThe following tables provides the details of the completed sales as at 31 August 2012: \r\nNational Forest Land Scheme Name\r\nSize (Hectares)\r\nLocation\r\nOrdnance Survey Grid reference\r\nApplicant\r\nAcharossan Forest\r\n125.5\r\nTighnabruaich, Argyll & Bute\r\nNR 969734\r\nKilfinan Community Forest Company\r\nArdentinny Wall Garden\r\n1.4\r\nArdentinny, Argyll & Bute\r\nNS 187855\r\nArdentinny Community Trust\r\nBadluarach and Durnamuck\r\n8.5\r\nGairloch, Highlands & Islands\r\nNH 002932\r\nBadluarach and Durnamuck Community Woodland\r\nBalfour Wood\r\n241.0\r\nFinzean, Aberdeenshire\r\nNO 544958\r\nBirse Community Trust\r\nBroadford Wood\r\n20.0\r\nBroadford, Isle of Skye\r\nNG 636243\r\nBroadford and Strath Community Company\r\nBurghead\r\n1.4\r\nBurghead, Moray\r\nNJ 116683\r\nBurghead Thistle Junior Football Club\r\nFord\r\n2.6\r\nFord, Argyll & Bute\r\nNM 868041\r\nFord Community Project Ltd\r\nGaudiedale strip\r\n0.1\r\nBennachie, Aberdeenshire\r\nNJ 692187\r\nBennachie Access Group\r\nGolticlay Forest\r\n39.1\r\nRumster, Highlands & Islands\r\nND 202392\r\nLatheron, Lybster & Clyth Community Development Company\r\nSlewdrum Forest\r\n167.2\r\nFinzean, Aberdeenshire\r\nNO 628954\r\nBirse Community Trust\r\nStrathmashie Forest\r\n18.1\r\nLaggan, Highlands & Islands\r\nNN 594923\r\nLaggan Forest Trust\r\nTormore Forest\r\n440.0\r\nSleat, Isle of Skye\r\nNG 611021\r\nSleat Community Trust\r\nWest Ardhu & Langamull Forest\r\n693.4\r\nDervaig, Isle of Mull\r\nNM 395517\r\nNorth West Mull Community Woodland Company\r\nAe village\r\n0.4\r\nDumfries, Dumfries & Galloway\r\nNX 986890\r\nLoreburn Housing Association\r\nBettyhill\r\n0.3\r\nBettyhill, Highlands & Islands\r\nNC 708623\r\nHighlands Small Communities Housing Trust\r\nCamustorsa\r\n2.5\r\nArdnamurchan, Highlands & Islands\r\nNM 672623\r\nHighlands Small Communities Housing Trust\r\nDalavich\r\n0.1\r\nDalavich, Argyll & Bute\r\nNM 965128\r\nWest Highland Housing Association\r\nDonich Park\r\n1.5\r\nLochgoilhead, Argyll & Bute\r\nNN 201016\r\nDunbritton Housing Association\r\nKilmun\r\n0.6\r\nDunoon, Argyll & Bute\r\nNS 165823\r\nFyne Homes\r\nMilehouse\r\n5.2\r\nKincraig, Highlands & Islands\r\nNH 840044\r\nHighlands Small Communities Housing Trust\r\nSalen\r\n0.5\r\nSunart, Argyll & Bute\r\nNM 690648\r\nHighlands Small Communities Housing Trust\r\nSmithton\r\n2.0\r\nInverness, Highlands & Islands\r\nNH 714459\r\nAlbyn Housing Association\r\nSuccoth\r\n2.2\r\nArrochar, Argyll & Bute\r\nNN 297655\r\nDunbritton Housing Association\r\nDyke Forest (Phase 1 & 2)\r\n1,040.0\r\nForsinain, Highlands & Islands\r\nNC 903513\r\nRSPB\r\nTotal\r\n2,814\r\n\r\n\r\nApplicant \r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-18T16:31:51.53","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275803,"EventID":"S4W-09356","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-04T16:31:51.937","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-03T11:09:57.667","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much each territorial and special NHS board has spent on legal fees in relation to compromise agreements and how many such agreements each board has reached.","AnswerText":"This is a matter for NHS boards. The information sought is not held centrally by the Scottish Government.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-18T16:31:51.953","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275804,"EventID":"S4W-09359","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5034,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-04T16:31:52.31","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-03T13:38:19","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many people who received (a) assistance by way of representation for the purposes of a criminal trial, (b) criminal legal aid in summary criminal cases and (c) criminal legal aid in solemn criminal cases in 2010-11 were receiving passported benefits.","AnswerText":"In 2010-11, the number of people who were in receipt of passported benefits and were granted legal aid under the following categories was:\r\n(a) Advice by Way of Representation for a criminal trial: 25,283, and\r\n(b) Criminal legal aid in summary criminal cases: 25,957.\r\n1,688 people in receipt of passported benefits were granted criminal legal aid in solemn criminal cases by the Scottish Legal Aid Board between November 2010 and April 2011. Until November 2010 the decision about whether to grant criminal legal aid in solemn cases rested with the courts. There is no data available prior to that date.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-18T16:31:52.327","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275805,"EventID":"S4W-09360","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5034,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-04T16:31:52.577","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-03T13:38:19","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many people who received (a) assistance by way of representation for the purposes of a criminal trial, (b) criminal legal aid in summary criminal cases and (c) criminal legal aid in solemn criminal cases in 2010-11 were acquitted.","AnswerText":"As Advice by Way of Representation (ABWOR) is used primarily for guilty pleas, few, if any, recipients will have cases which resulted in acquittal.\r\nHowever, in relation to criminal legal aid, records from the Scottish Legal Aid Board (the board) indicate that:\r\nFor solemn cases:\r\nFollowing a trial, 590 cases involving criminal legal aid are recorded as either not guilty or not proven. This figure represents 5.4% of solemn cases.\r\nFor summary cases:\r\nFollowing a trial, 3,221 cases involving criminal legal aid are recorded as either not guilty or not proven. That figure represents approximately 6.6% of summary legally aided cases, but does not include those who pleaded guilty at the outset and were awarded Advice by Way of Representation (ABWOR). If ABWOR is included in the base then the figure becomes 3.8% of all legally assisted summary cases.\r\nThese figures are based on the information provided by solicitors to the board, when submitting their accounts, and their accuracy cannot be fully verified. \r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-18T16:31:52.593","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275806,"EventID":"S4W-09361","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5034,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-04T16:31:52.873","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-03T13:38:19","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many (a) summary and (b) solemn trials led to a conviction in 2010-11 and how many resulted in a custodial sentence.\r\n","AnswerText":"The available information is given in the following table.\r\nPeople Convicted1 in Scottish Courts, 2010-11\r\n \r\nSolemn\r\nSummary\r\nTotal\r\nTotal convictions\r\n4,697\r\n110,701\r\n115,398\r\nTotal receiving custodial sentence\r\n3,356\r\n11,912\r\n15,268\r\nNote: 1. Where main offence.\r\nPeople are counted once for each occasion on which they are proceeded against. If more than one proceeding is disposed of on the same day, each occasion will be counted separately. Where a person is proceeded against for more than one crime or offence, only the main charge is counted. The main charge is the one receiving the severest penalty if one or more charges are proved. If more than one charge receives the same (or a combined) penalty, then the main charge is the one judged by the police (who provide the information) to be the most serious.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-18T16:31:52.887","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275807,"EventID":"S4W-09362","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5034,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-04T16:31:53.137","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-03T13:38:19","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many people convicted at (a) summary and (b) solemn trial in 2010-11 had been convicted of offences in the preceding two years and how many of these convictions resulted in a custodial sentence.\r\n","AnswerText":"The available information is contained in the following table.\r\nThe latest year for which this analysis is available is 2009-10. Analysis relating to 2010-11 will be published within the Reconviction Rates in Scotland statistical bulletin on 25 September 2012.\r\nIndividual Offenders with a Charge Proved for a Crime/Relevant Offence1 in 2009-10\r\n\r\nCourt and sentence for most recent conviction\r\nSolemn\r\nSummary\r\nCustodial\r\nNon\r\nCustodial\r\nCustodial\r\nNon\r\nCustodial\r\nTotal number of offenders2\r\n48,170\r\n2,747\r\n1,159\r\n4,756\r\n39,501\r\nNo previous convictions since 1 April 2007\r\n24,184\r\n1,103\r\n741\r\n692\r\n21,644\r\nAt least one previous conviction since 1 April 2007\r\n23,986\r\n1,644\r\n418\r\n4,064\r\n17,857\r\nNotes:\r\n1. Convictions for crimes or common assault, breach of the peace, racially aggravated conduct or harassment, firearms offences or social security offences. Excludes convictions outwith Scotland.\r\n2. Includes a small number of cases where the type of court is not known.\r\n3. These figures have been derived from administrative IT systems which, as with any large scale recording system, are subject to possible errors and time lags with data entry and processing. The data are quality assured as far as possible and regularly updated, so that further analysis at a later date will generate revised figures.","AnswerDate":"2012-09-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-18T16:31:53.153","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275808,"EventID":"S4W-09363","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5034,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-04T16:31:53.403","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-03T13:38:19","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much was collected in fees for first instance cases in the Court of Session in (a) 2008-09, (b) 2009-10 and (c) 2010-11.\r\n","AnswerText":"This question relates to operational matters that are the responsibility of the Scottish Court Service (SCS) corporate body. The question has been passed to the Chief Executive of the SCS who will reply in writing.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-18T16:31:53.42","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275809,"EventID":"S4W-09364","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-04T16:31:53.683","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-03T13:56:05","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, in light of the outcome of the government-funded trials on the use of Myrica gale (bog myrtle), what progress there has been in its development as a crop for industry.\r\n","AnswerText":"Public funding to support the developing of bog myrtle as a crop for industry has been provided by Highlands and Islands Enterprise and is an operational matter for the agency. I will ask its Chief Executive to write to you in this regard.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-18T16:31:53.683","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275810,"EventID":"S4W-09365","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2066,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-04T16:31:54.167","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-03T14:06:00","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the level of (a) car, (b) passenger and (c) freight use has been on CalMac services to Islay in each quarter of each of the last five years.\r\n","AnswerText":"The following table provides the level of (a) car, (b) passenger and (c) freight on CalMac services to Islay in each quarter of the last five years.\r\nCalendar\r\nYear\r\nPeriod\r\nPassengers\r\nCars\r\nCoaches\r\nCoaches\r\nMetres\r\nCommercial\r\nVehicles\r\nCommercial\r\nVehicle Metres\r\n2007\r\nPeriod 1\r\n21,227\r\n7,537\r\n14\r\n92.5\r\n2,240\r\n27,527.7\r\nPeriod 2\r\n47,923\r\n14,998\r\n66\r\n556.5\r\n2,475\r\n30,486.2\r\nPeriod 3\r\n58,697\r\n18,352\r\n77\r\n612.5\r\n2,226\r\n26,638.5\r\nPeriod 4\r\n29,561\r\n10,490\r\n44\r\n311\r\n2,399\r\n30,456.5\r\n2008\r\nPeriod 1\r\n24,006\r\n8,497\r\n25\r\n168.5\r\n2,463\r\n32,001.5\r\nPeriod 2\r\n47,469\r\n15,309\r\n69\r\n524\r\n2,456\r\n31,458\r\nPeriod 3\r\n58,725\r\n18,376\r\n59\r\n460.5\r\n2,485\r\n30,917.1\r\nPeriod 4\r\n29,143\r\n10,019\r\n31\r\n228.5\r\n2,393\r\n30,693.08\r\n2009\r\nPeriod 1\r\n23,410\r\n8,546\r\n24\r\n158\r\n2,265\r\n29,312.5\r\nPeriod 2\r\n52,831\r\n16,675\r\n77\r\n577.5\r\n2,374\r\n30,042\r\nPeriod 3\r\n63,778\r\n20,042\r\n88\r\n688.7\r\n2,182\r\n26,784.8\r\nPeriod 4\r\n31,361\r\n11,053\r\n24\r\n177.5\r\n2,638\r\n32,157.7\r\n2010\r\nPeriod 1\r\n23,116\r\n8,251\r\n25\r\n162.5\r\n2,296\r\n28,629\r\nPeriod 2\r\n55,839\r\n17,144\r\n99\r\n787.5\r\n2,247\r\n28,282.2\r\nPeriod 3\r\n61,887\r\n18,981\r\n117\r\n872.8\r\n2,442\r\n28,853\r\nPeriod 4\r\n28,438\r\n9,863\r\n46\r\n314\r\n2,528\r\n32,152\r\n2011\r\nPeriod 1\r\n23,216\r\n8,478\r\n12\r\n75\r\n2,455\r\n30,947.6\r\nPeriod 2\r\n56,955\r\n17,431\r\n165\r\n1,311.6\r\n2,574\r\n32,994.7\r\nPeriod 3\r\n63,894\r\n19,585\r\n129\r\n959.8\r\n2,816\r\n33,291.5\r\nPeriod 4\r\n30,118\r\n10,585\r\n38\r\n283\r\n2,674\r\n33,505\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-18T16:31:54.183","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275811,"EventID":"S4W-09366","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-04T16:31:54.48","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-03T15:07:31","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what is being done to address the lack of ICT specialist skills and experience highlighted in Audit Scotland's report, Managing ICT contracts: An audit of three public sector programmes.\r\n","AnswerText":"Scotland’s Digital Futures: Delivery of Public Services will be published on 20 September 2012 and will set out our actions to review the capacity and the capability of the ICT Workforce across the public sector. This will include refreshing the baseline since the McClelland Review of Public Sector ICT Infrastructure, and understanding the appropriate skills sets aligned to both Industry standards and the UK Government’s work on Capacity and Capability. This will provide the basis for a long term approach to the availability of the relevant skills. Skills issues in relation to specific projects are dealt with in S4W-09367 on 12 September 2012.\r\nAll answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-18T16:31:54.493","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275812,"EventID":"S4W-09367","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-04T16:31:55.167","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-03T15:07:31","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government for what reason it was \"unable to provide the three public bodies with all the advice and support they sought\", as noted in the Audit Scotland report, Managing ICT contracts: An audit of three public sector programmes.\r\n","AnswerText":"As noted in the Audit Scotland report the core Scottish Government is not responsible for providing advice on all ICT programmes in central government bodies. The report itself notes the areas on which the three public bodies approached the core Scottish Government for advice, the response and advice provided and the reasons why not all the assistance requested could be delivered. The Scottish Government’s ability to respond is often determined by the nature of the advice sought, its own workloads and priorities and the timescales within which the advice is required. We are considering ways of ensuring organisations are aware of alternative sources of expertise.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-18T16:31:55.18","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275813,"EventID":"S4W-09368","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-04T16:31:55.65","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-03T15:07:31","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it has carried out a strategic review of the ICT skills available in its organisation.\r\n","AnswerText":"The core Scottish Government and the Central Government sector’s ICT skills will be reviewed as part of the public sector wide actions set out in Scotland’s Digital Futures: Delivery of Public Services which will be published on 20 September 2012. This will include refreshing the baseline since the McClelland Review of Public Sector ICT Infrastructure, and understanding the appropriate skills sets aligned to both Industry standards and the UK Government’s work on Capacity and Capability that can deliver on our requirements.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-18T16:31:55.65","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275814,"EventID":"S4W-09369","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-04T16:31:56.117","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-03T15:07:31","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it has ensured that the findings of the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service, Disclosure Scotland and Registers of Scotland lessons learned exercises from their ICT programmes are made available across the public sector, as recommended in Audit Scotland's report, Managing ICT contracts: An audit of three public sector programmes.\r\n","AnswerText":"The governance arrangements put in place following the McClelland Review of Public Sector ICT Infrastructure include sectoral boards for central government, local government, health, further and higher education, police and fire. These boards come together through the National Digital Public Services Board. We will therefore disseminate the lessons learned and good practice through this governance.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-18T16:31:56.133","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275815,"EventID":"S4W-09370","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-04T16:31:56.6","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-03T15:07:31","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on the findings in the Audit Scotland report, Managing ICT contracts: An audit of three public sector programmes, that (a) the quality of business cases and options appraisals varied and the benefits were not clearly defined, (b) governance arrangements were not effective, (c) there were weaknesses in financial control and risk management was inadequate, and (d) the findings of independent assurance were not always acted on.\r\n","AnswerText":"We acknowledge the findings and welcome the recommendations, and the recognition in the report that the lessons learned by the individual bodies have been acted upon. The current position is we have taken steps by writing to all central government bodies on 31 August seeking information on their ICT investment plans to ensure we can assess how best to address the issues of sound governance, collaboration, managing risks and skills requirements to support the central government sector.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-18T16:31:56.617","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275816,"EventID":"S4W-09371","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5060,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-04T16:31:57.257","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-03T16:07:16","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many times restraint techniques have been used on (a) children and (b) young people in residential units in each of the last two years.\r\n","AnswerText":"We do not hold this information centrally, however, this information is collected in individual organisations for their own monitoring purposes. An annual return for each establishment is completed and returned to the Care Inspectorate for inspection purposes which includes numbers of physical restraint.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-18T16:31:57.273","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Aileen Campbell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275817,"EventID":"S4W-09372","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5060,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-04T16:31:57.553","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-03T16:07:16","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what (a) guidance and (b) training is given to care providers on restraining (i) children and (ii) young people in residential units.\r\n","AnswerText":"In 2005 the Scottish Government published extensive guidance “Holding Safely” (www.sircc.org.uk/library/practicepapers/holding_safely_complete), used across all residential child care services in Scotland. Holding Safely informs best practice and helps to ensure services and individual staff are aware of their responsibilities in understanding challenging behaviour and de-escalation techniques in advance of using physical restraint. This guidance is also referenced in the care standards and used to inform the inspection process.\r\nTraining for staff in physical restraint is typically delivered in a 4/5 day programme with annual or bi-annual reaccreditation depending on the particular restraint system that is used.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-18T16:31:57.567","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Aileen Campbell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275818,"EventID":"S4W-09374","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5060,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-04T16:31:57.817","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-03T16:07:16","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what type of restraint techniques should be used when restraining (a) children and (b) young people in residential units.\r\n","AnswerText":"Physical restraint should only be used when absolutely necessary and when in the best interests of the child or young person. \r\nRestraint techniques vary according to the system used. The national guidance Holding Safely (www.sircc.org.uk/library/practicepapers/holding_safely_complete) does not state any preferred system. The guidance does describe the circumstances in which physical restraint can be used and emphasises the need for proper risk assessments related to the child or the young person for instance age or size. While it does not describe the techniques, it does outline the necessary safety considerations and what staff must never do.\r\nResidential Units should provide young people and their families with information on the policy related to physical restraint and will also be able to provide details of the system used. \r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-18T16:31:57.833","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Aileen Campbell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275819,"EventID":"S4W-09377","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-04T16:31:58.083","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-04T10:58:25","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on the use of a traffic light system to categorize young people accessing careers guidance.","AnswerText":"Skills Development Scotland (SDS) has developed its needs assessment model in line with the Risk Matrix process used by a number of local authorities across Scotland to plan service delivery. This enables SDS to provide more targeted, intensive support to young people who need it most, while offering a flexible service to all young people.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-18T16:31:58.1","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angela Constance","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275820,"EventID":"S4W-09378","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-04T16:31:58.38","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-04T10:58:25","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many young people will be assigned a (a) red, (b) amber and (c) green code under Skills Development Scotland's new career guidance system.","AnswerText":"There are no expectations for how many young people should be assigned each status. This is about identifying the changing needs of specific young people and responding appropriately to those needs.  \r\nYoung people are not assigned a permanent status, rather partners will work together to identify the current support needs of all young people and look to tailor services offered to match these.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-18T16:31:58.393","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angela Constance","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275821,"EventID":"S4W-09379","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-04T16:31:58.927","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-04T10:58:25","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how school pupils will be grouped for the purposes of targeting careers guidance in 2013-14.","AnswerText":"All school pupils will be offered the support and tools they need to make the best possible career choices. Young people who need additional support to make a successful career choice will be offered concentrated coaching to support them towards and into work.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-18T16:31:58.94","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angela Constance","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275822,"EventID":"S4W-09380","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-04T16:31:59.19","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-04T10:58:25","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what careers guidance will be offered to school pupils in 2012-13 and how many pupils will use these services.","AnswerText":"Every young person will receive career guidance, which will focus on understanding the skills required to succeed in a modern labour market and an explanation of the tools provided by Skills Development Scotland to support the development of career management skills. Young people who require more support will then be offered as many sessions as required to help them to overcome the barriers to learning or work that they face.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-18T16:31:59.207","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angela Constance","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275823,"EventID":"S4W-09381","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-04T16:31:59.487","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-04T10:58:25","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether careers guidance will be available for school pupils in 2013-14 and, if so, what pupils will have to do to access it.","AnswerText":"Career Guidance, provided by Skills Development Scotland, will be available to all S4/5/6 pupils in Scotland who require support to help them make well informed career decisions. \r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-18T16:31:59.503","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angela Constance","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275824,"EventID":"S4W-09382","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-04T16:31:59.783","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-04T10:58:25","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many careers advisers were employed to work in schools in each of the last three years for which information is available.","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally. \r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-18T16:31:59.8","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angela Constance","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275825,"EventID":"S4W-09383","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-04T16:32:00.05","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-04T10:58:25","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many hours of careers guidance has been provided in schools in each of the last three years.","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-18T16:32:00.063","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angela Constance","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275826,"EventID":"S4W-09384","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-04T16:32:00.33","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-04T11:57:22.58","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many convictions for the illegal (a) production and (b) sale of alcohol in each year since 2007 have led to the confiscation of criminal assets and how much of this was recovered has been used to support tackling alcohol-related problems.\r\n","AnswerText":"We do not hold information on the number of convictions for the illegal production and sale of alcohol since 2007 that have led to the confiscation of criminal assets.\r\nHowever, since 2003, the use of the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 in Scotland has allowed over £60 million to be recovered from criminals. Since the inception of the CashBack for Communities programme in 2007, over £46 million of those monies recovered from that time, have been ploughed back into a wide range of sporting, cultural, educational and mentoring activities and facilities for children and young people and their communities. Over 600,000 young people across Scotland have benefited from CashBack activities and projects.\r\nA number of CashBack partners across the CashBack for Communities programme have educational elements to support tackling alcohol-related problems within their activities by increasing awareness of health, alcohol issues and drugs misuse. Most of the educational elements and programme content are informed by and agreed with Alcohol Focus Scotland, Community Health partnerships and other specialized organisations.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-18T16:32:00.343","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275827,"EventID":"S4W-09387","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1893,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-04T16:32:00.673","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-04T15:53:23.917","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what plans it has to allow housing charities that are not housing associations to access government subsidy for the construction of new homes.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has already supported a number of housing charities in the construction of new homes. The 2011 Innovation and Investment Fund allowed housing charities to submit proposals, under a competitive bidding process, for government subsidy. Housing charities can currently submit bids to the £4 million Empty Homes Loan Fund with bids to be with Scottish Government by 3 October 2012. In addition to that the £10 million Greener Homes Innovation Scheme, which will be launched imminently, will be open to bids from a number of housing organisations including housing charities.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-18T16:32:00.687","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Burgess","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275828,"EventID":"S4W-09388","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1961,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-04T16:32:00.97","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-04T16:24:35","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when it will (a) receive and (b) publish the findings of the Health and Safety Executive’s investigation into the 2012 outbreak of Legionella in Edinburgh.","AnswerText":"The investigation into the Legionella outbreak by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is ongoing.\r\nA joint investigation, by Lothian and Borders Police and the HSE, under the direction of Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS) Health and Safety Division, into the deaths of three men who died in June 2012 during the course of the outbreak, is also ongoing. Any reports submitted to COPFS in due course will be confidential and will not be the subject of publication.\r\nThe final report of NHS Lothian’s Incident Management Team will be published no later than three months after investigations have concluded.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-18T16:32:00.983","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275829,"EventID":"S4O-01246","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":4964,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-05T13:32:04.67","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-03T12:36:24.85","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what plans it has to review business rates.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-19T13:32:04.81","MeetingDate":"2012-09-12T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275830,"EventID":"S4O-01247","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":3815,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-05T13:32:05.34","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-03T12:36:25.27","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it includes the rates of pay of temporary and agency staff when considering public sector pay levels.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-19T13:32:05.357","MeetingDate":"2012-09-12T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275831,"EventID":"S4O-01248","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":2066,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-05T13:32:05.623","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-03T12:36:25.52","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how businesses can benefit from being part of business improvement districts.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-19T13:32:05.637","MeetingDate":"2012-09-12T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275832,"EventID":"S4O-01249","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":3763,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-05T13:32:05.917","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-03T12:36:25.737","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what recent action it has taken to promote tourism in West Scotland.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-19T13:32:05.933","MeetingDate":"2012-09-12T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275833,"EventID":"S4O-01250","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":4016,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":133,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-05T13:32:06.183","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-03T12:36:25.957","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on figures showing an 8.2% drop in retail sales on 2011 and an average 17% drop in high street footfall across eight towns in the Borders in the last four years.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-19T13:32:06.2","MeetingDate":"2012-09-12T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275834,"EventID":"S4O-01251","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":1775,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":146,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-05T13:32:06.45","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-03T12:36:26.16","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it will use the budget to address the reductions in the block grant from the UK Government.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-19T13:32:06.463","MeetingDate":"2012-09-12T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275835,"EventID":"S4O-01253","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":3751,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":108,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-05T13:32:06.73","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-03T12:36:26.597","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the impact on the economy would be if the shovel-ready projects proposed to the UK Government were approved.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-19T13:32:06.747","MeetingDate":"2012-09-12T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275836,"EventID":"S4O-01254","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":2134,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":82,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-05T13:32:06.993","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-05T11:53:07.787","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what measures it will put in place to stimulate the construction sector.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-19T13:32:07.01","MeetingDate":"2012-09-12T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275837,"EventID":"S4O-01255","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":3771,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-05T13:32:07.26","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-03T12:36:27.017","Title":"","ItemText":"To as the Scottish Government what recent discussions it has had with the UK Government regarding the future of Remploy factories in Scotland.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-19T13:32:07.277","MeetingDate":"2012-09-12T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275838,"EventID":"S4O-01256","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":5107,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":124,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-05T13:32:07.54","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-03T12:36:27.237","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it plans to work with local authorities to improve performance in relation to the planning system.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-19T13:32:07.557","MeetingDate":"2012-09-12T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275839,"EventID":"S4O-01257","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":5059,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-05T13:32:07.79","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-03T12:36:27.44","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide additional funding to local authorities in West Scotland to deal with unemployment, deprivation and poverty.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-19T13:32:07.807","MeetingDate":"2012-09-12T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275840,"EventID":"S4O-01258","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":3758,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":76,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-05T13:32:08.057","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-03T12:36:27.657","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it has received clear information from the UK Government regarding its plans for public sector pension reform.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-19T13:32:08.07","MeetingDate":"2012-09-12T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275841,"EventID":"S4O-01259","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":2033,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":132,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-05T13:32:08.353","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-03T12:36:27.907","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what it is doing to tackle long-term unemployment.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-19T13:32:08.367","MeetingDate":"2012-09-12T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275842,"EventID":"S4O-01260","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":2876,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-05T13:32:08.633","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-03T12:36:28.11","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it plans to improve the regulatory landscape for businesses.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-19T13:32:08.647","MeetingDate":"2012-09-12T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275843,"EventID":"S4O-01261","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":1943,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-05T13:32:08.913","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-03T12:36:28.343","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what recent discussions it has had with the UK Government regarding the regulatory regime in relation to pay day lending.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-19T13:32:08.93","MeetingDate":"2012-09-12T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275844,"EventID":"S4O-01262","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":5079,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-05T13:32:09.163","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-03T12:36:28.547","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what recent action it has taken to maintain employment and create new jobs.\r\n","AnswerText":"On Monday 10 September, we published a progress report on our Government Economic Strategy which sets out the actions that are being taken to accelerate the recovery, maintain employment and create new jobs. \r\nOur immediate priorities for supporting output and employment continue to be:\r\nBoosting public sector capital investment – such as our £105 million stimulus package, announced in June, which will support the construction industry and benefit key sectors such as renewables, tourism, transport and housing;\r\nDirect action to tackle unemployment, in particular youth unemployment – such as our commitment to delivering 25,000 Modern Apprenticeship opportunities in each year of the current parliament – with a record 26,427 Modern Apprenticeship starts in 2011-12, and \r\nAction to enhance economic confidence – we’re continuing to take action to build on Scotland’s strong inward investment record. The recent Ernst & Young UK Attractiveness Survey showed that Scotland was the leading location in the UK for inward investment in terms of jobs created.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-19T13:32:09.18","MeetingDate":"2012-09-12T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275845,"EventID":"S4O-01264","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":3901,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":127,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-05T13:32:09.427","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-03T12:36:28.95","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how the 30 shovel-ready projects it recently proposed to the UK Government could assist in creating and sustaining employment in Dundee.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-19T13:32:09.443","MeetingDate":"2012-09-12T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275846,"EventID":"S4O-01265","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":2674,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":99,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-05T13:32:09.74","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-03T12:36:29.437","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what action it has taken to help HEROtsc secure new work for its Aviemore workforce.\r\n","AnswerText":"Given HEROtsc’s range of contracts which are serviced from Scotland, Highlands and Islands Enterprise has been in discussion with the company to ascertain if any of its alternative contracts, either current or in its pipeline, might be a match for this site and the skills and experience of the workforce.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-19T13:32:09.757","MeetingDate":"2012-09-12T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275847,"EventID":"S4O-01266","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":5108,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":139,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-05T13:32:10.13","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-03T12:37:06.75","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what progress has been made with its fuel poverty programme as announced on 6 June 2012.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-19T13:32:10.147","MeetingDate":"2012-09-13T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275848,"EventID":"S4O-01267","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":4938,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-05T13:32:10.38","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-03T12:37:06.937","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its response is to Citizens Advice Scotland's report suggesting that the number of Scots receiving food parcels from charities has doubled in the last two years due to changes to the benefits system.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-19T13:32:10.397","MeetingDate":"2012-09-13T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275849,"EventID":"S4O-01268","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2159,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":88,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-05T13:32:10.677","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-03T12:37:07.123","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will support the building of a railway station in the Robroyston area of Glasgow.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-19T13:32:10.693","MeetingDate":"2012-09-13T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275850,"EventID":"S4O-01269","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":4951,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-05T13:32:11.02","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-03T12:37:07.343","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what key events are planned for the 2012-13 winter festivals programme.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-19T13:32:11.02","MeetingDate":"2012-09-13T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275851,"EventID":"S4O-01270","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":5080,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-05T13:32:11.27","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-03T12:37:07.53","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the reason is for the reported rise in the number of people arriving at accident and emergency units who were not admitted, discharged or transferred within eight hours.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-19T13:32:11.283","MeetingDate":"2012-09-13T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275852,"EventID":"S4O-01271","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":3101,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-05T13:32:11.55","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-03T12:37:07.733","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it will ensure that cities and towns beyond Glasgow benefit from the 2014 Commonwealth Games.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-19T13:32:11.567","MeetingDate":"2012-09-13T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275853,"EventID":"S4O-01272","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":77,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-05T13:32:11.817","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-03T12:37:07.95","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it assists local authorities ensure that childcare places are available for working parents.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-19T13:32:11.83","MeetingDate":"2012-09-13T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275854,"EventID":"S4O-01273","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":4955,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":105,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-05T13:32:12.127","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-03T12:37:08.187","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what impact the proposed job losses at the BBC will have on broadcasting in Scotland.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-19T13:32:12.143","MeetingDate":"2012-09-13T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275855,"EventID":"S4O-01274","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":5042,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-05T13:32:12.407","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-03T12:37:08.39","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether the claims made under the concessionary travel scheme in 2011-12 exceeded the scheme's budget and, if so, by how much.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-19T13:32:12.423","MeetingDate":"2012-09-13T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275856,"EventID":"S4O-01275","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":5034,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-05T13:32:12.673","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-03T12:37:08.59","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when it will publish the bidding criteria for the proposed national football academy.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-19T13:32:12.69","MeetingDate":"2012-09-13T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275857,"EventID":"S4W-09385","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5109,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":101,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-05T17:10:34.177","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-04T13:22:50","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether section 32 of the Private Rented Housing (Scotland) Act 2011 applies to fees charged on termination of a tenancy.","AnswerText":"At the current time, the Rent (Scotland) Act 1984 makes it an offence to charge or receive any premium or require the making of any loan in addition to rent and a refundable deposit (not exceeding two months’ rent), as a condition of the grant, renewal or continuance of a tenancy.\r\nSection 32 of the Private Rented Housing (Scotland) Act 2011 will amend the definition in the 1984 act to clarify that a premium includes any fine or other sum and any other pecuniary consideration, in addition to rent, and includes any service or administration fee or charge. The intention of this clarification of existing law is to make it clear that landlords and letting agents acting on their behalf should only charge tenants rent and a refundable deposit. The Scottish Government intends to commence the provisions contained within section 32 to come into effect on Monday 30 November 2012.\r\nLandlords, their agents, tenants or prospective tenants should seek independent legal advice if they have queries about the application of the new provisions in Section 32 of the Private Rented Housing (Scotland) Act 2011.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-19T17:10:34.207","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Burgess","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275858,"EventID":"S4W-09389","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-05T17:10:34.49","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-04T17:13:52","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it has assessed the impact of the increase in the number of pay day loans on its debt advice services.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has assessed the impact of the economic downturn and the impact on its advice service. The Scottish Government and the Money Advice Service have granted funding to go towards a programme managed by the Scottish Legal Aid Board to help Scots resolve their financial problems.\r\nThe Scottish Government is also providing funding for the National Debtline and for the training of advisers, who offer advice online, by telephone, and face to face at Citizens Advice Bureaux and local authorities. We have assessed the National Debtline’s increase in calls for help with payday loans, which has increased 61 per cent more than the previous six months.\r\nWe are also looking at plans for bankruptcy law reform which will deliver a ‘Financial Health Service’ for Scotland. This service would provide debt advice and education, debt management and debt relief for those struggling with debts, whatever their financial circumstances.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-19T17:10:34.503","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275859,"EventID":"S4W-09390","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2678,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-05T17:10:34.847","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-05T09:15:39","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide an update on the shortage of the Sanofi-Pasteur BCG treatment for bladder cancer.\r\n","AnswerText":"The manufacture of Immucyst has been stopped by the manufacturer, Sanofi Pasteur, and I understand that it is unlikely to resume before late 2013. This product is manufactured in Canada and this is a global problem.\r\nThe UK-wide medicines regulatory authority, the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) is working closely with other regulatory authorities in helping to resolve the ongoing manufacturing and quality problems at the Canadian site.\r\nIn the UK, there is an alternative licensed product, OncoTICE, manufactured by MSD. Limited supplies of OncoTICE are now available directly from the manufacturer.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-19T17:10:34.863","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275860,"EventID":"S4W-09391","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2678,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-05T17:10:35.143","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-05T09:15:39","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many people were treated with Sanofi-Pasteur intravesical BCG in 2011-12.\r\n","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally.\r\nIn the UK, there is an alternative licensed product, OncoTICE, manufactured by MSD. Limited supplies of OncoTICE are now available directly from the manufacturer.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-19T17:10:35.16","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275861,"EventID":"S4W-09392","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2678,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-05T17:10:35.457","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-05T09:15:39","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what stockpiles of Sanofi-Pasteur intravesical BCG were available prior to the current shortage.","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally.\r\nIn the UK, there is an alternative licensed product, OncoTICE, manufactured by MSD. Limited supplies of OncoTICE are now available directly from the manufacturer.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-19T17:10:35.457","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275862,"EventID":"S4W-09393","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2678,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-05T17:10:35.72","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-05T09:15:39","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what alternative medications have been made available during the shortage of Sanofi-Pasteur’s intravesical BCG and how many people previously treated with intravesical BCG have been treated with these alternatives.\r\n","AnswerText":"In the UK, an alternative licensed product, OncoTICE, manufactured by MSD, is available and the Department of Health has advised that some companies also imported unlicensed BCG from abroad during the shortage.\r\nIt is not known how many people previously treated with the Sanofi-Pasteur product have been treated with the alternative products.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-19T17:10:35.737","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275863,"EventID":"S4W-09394","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2678,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-05T17:10:36.017","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-05T09:15:39","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when the national abdominal aortic aneurysm screening programme for men over 65 is scheduled to begin and whether all NHS boards will take part.","AnswerText":"The Scottish abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) screening programme commenced a planned roll-out in July 2012. It is expected that all NHS boards will offer AAA screening by December 2013. Further information on the programme and roll-out is available at: \r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Health/health/screening/AAAscreening.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-19T17:10:36.017","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275864,"EventID":"S4W-09395","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2678,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-05T17:10:36.283","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-05T09:15:39","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many junior doctors have been taken on in each NHS board in each year since 2007.","AnswerText":"Scottish Medical trainees are recruited to a variety of training programmes including Foundation and GP training, entry to which is organised on a UK basis, and to specialty training which is organised in Scotland through NHS Education for Scotland (NES).\r\nTrainees express preferences for placement in specialties in four Deanery regions in Scotland, the west, north, east and south east. they are then allocated to health boards who employ them (with the exception of GP trainees, who are employed by NES). It is therefore the case that, although employed by health boards, trainee doctors are not taken on by them.\r\nThe numbers of doctors in training in Scotland since 2007 are as shown in ISD statistics - http://www.isdscotland.org/Health-Topics/Workforce/publications/2012-08-28/M_and_D_staffinpost_J2012.xls?95792133.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-19T17:10:36.3","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275865,"EventID":"S4W-09396","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2678,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-05T17:10:36.61","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-05T09:15:39","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many residential drug rehabilitation places have been available in each year since 2006-07.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government provides funding to the Scottish Drugs Forum to maintain the Scottish Drugs Services Directory, available online. It lists all Community based and Residential/In patient services across Scotland. \r\nhttp://www.scottishdrugservices.com/sdd/homepage.htm.\r\nThe number of residential/inpatient services on the Scottish Drugs Services Directory each year since 2006-07 is as follows:\r\n2006-07\r\n27\r\n2007-08\r\n27\r\n2008-09\r\n29\r\n2009-10\r\n26\r\n2010-11\r\n25\r\n2011-12\r\n23\r\nThe Scottish Drugs Services Directory holds information on the numbers of beds available for each service listed, the numbers of places available annually depends on individual occupancy rates and length of the treatment programme.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-19T17:10:36.627","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Roseanna Cunningham","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275866,"EventID":"S4W-09397","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2678,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-05T17:10:36.89","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-05T09:15:39","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much the NHS has spent on residential drug rehabilitation in each year since 2006-07.\r\n","AnswerText":"Prior to 2007 information on the number of drug rehabilitation places was not collected. We are now gathering information in the Scottish Drug and Alcohol Treatment Waiting Times Database, introduced in April 2011. This reports on the number of people entering drug and alcohol treatment and support, broken down by NHS Board and Alcohol and Drug Partnership (ADP). From this, we know that during 2011-12, approximately 15,600 people entered drug treatment to support their recovery. \r\nNineteen thousand and forty-three drug treatments started between 1 April 2011 and 31 March 2012 and of these, 678 were residential detoxification and rehabilitation. This is not directly equivalent to the number of rehabilitation (or drug treatment and support) places available.\r\nAll treatments started in 2011-12 were as follows:\r\n(1) Structured Preparatory & Motivational Intervention\r\n8,085\r\n(2) Community based support and/or rehabilitation\r\n6,232\r\n(3) Residential detoxification and rehabilitation\r\n678\r\n(4) Prescribed Drug Treatment (including but not exclusively methadone)\r\n3,703\r\n(5) Community based Detoxification\r\n345\r\nThis national information is not routinely published on an individual NHS board basis.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-19T17:10:36.907","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Roseanna Cunningham","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275867,"EventID":"S4W-09398","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2678,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-05T17:10:37.157","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-05T09:15:39","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the maximum waiting time has been for NHS residential drug rehabilitation in each year since 2006-07.","AnswerText":"Before 2007-08, information was not collected on the full length of time a person waited from their referral to starting drug treatment.\r\nPrior to the introduction of a new Drug and Alcohol Treatment Waiting Times Database in April 2011 by the Scottish Government, information was collected on two separate stages of a person’s wait for drug treatment through the Drug Treatment Waiting Times Information Framework.\r\nThe first stage collected information on how long people waited from the date they received their referral to the date when they were offered a date for an assessment; and the second stage collected information from the date their care plan was agreed to the date that they were offered an appointment for treatment.\r\nThe new Drug and Alcohol Treatment Waiting Times Database (managed by the Information Services Division of NHS National Services Scotland) went live on 1 April 2011 and provides data on five types of specialist treatment interventions, including residential rehabilitation. It does not distinguish between residential drug rehabilitation provided by the NHS, voluntary sector or the private sector. \r\nWhat we knew prior to April 2011 from the former Drug Treatment Waiting Times Information Framework is as follows:\r\nLongest Wait Recorded for Someone Offered an Appointment for Residential Treatment from their Care Plan Being Agreed*\r\nYear\r\n\r\n2006-07\r\n52+ weeks\r\n2007-08\r\n52+ weeks\r\n2008-09\r\n27-52 weeks\r\n2009-10\r\n27-52 weeks\r\n2010-11\r\n13-26 weeks\r\nNote: It is unknown how long these people waited for an assessment date prior to being offered an appointment for treatment and whether they actually entered treatment\r\nSource: Drug Treatment Waiting Times Information Framework, Information Services Division (ISD) of NHS National Services Scotland,\r\nWhat we know now since the introduction of the new Drug and Alcohol Treatment Waiting Times Database is as follows:\r\nLongest Wait Recorded between Referral Received and Treatment Starting\r\nYear\r\n\r\n2011-12\r\n9-12 weeks\r\nSource: Drug Treatment Waiting Times Information Framework, Information Services Division of NHS National Services Scotland.\r\nThe most recent statistics on drug treatment waiting times in Scotland showed that at the end of March 2012, three people were still waiting over three weeks to enter residential drug treatment and that nobody had been waiting over 12 weeks (Source: Drug and Alcohol Treatment Waiting Times, published by ISD Scotland in June 2012, Table 8).\r\nInformation on drug treatment waiting times is published quarterly by ISD Scotland and is available online:\r\nhttp://www.drugmisuse.isdscotland.org/wtpilot/reports.htm\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-19T17:10:37.173","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Roseanna Cunningham","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275868,"EventID":"S4W-09399","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2678,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-05T17:10:37.423","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-05T09:15:39","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many emergency arrivals have been not admitted, discharged or transferred for at least (a) 18 and (b) 24 hours in each (i) NHS board and (ii) accident and emergency unit in each year since 2007.\r\n","AnswerText":"Information on the number of attendances (new and unplanned returns) that were not admitted/transferred/discharged for at least 18 and 24 hours by NHS Board and by accident and emergency site has been placed in the Scottish Parliamentary Information Centre (Bib. number 54263). This information is shown by financial year, from 2008-09 to 2011-12. \r\nInformation for 2007-08 is not included as a full year's worth of data is not available (the accident and emergency data mart was established in June 2007 to monitor compliance against waiting times targets).\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-19T17:10:37.437","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275869,"EventID":"S4W-09401","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2678,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-05T17:10:37.703","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-05T09:15:39","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many beds for children and adolescents there have been in (a) child and adolescent and (b) adult psychiatric wards in each year since 2007.\r\n","AnswerText":"The number of specialist child and adolescent beds over the period 2007-11 is:\r\nYear\r\nChild\r\nAdolescent\r\n2007\r\n9\r\n36\r\n2008\r\n10\r\n36\r\n2009\r\n9\r\n36\r\n2010\r\n9\r\n45\r\n2011\r\n9\r\n44\r\nThere are no beds allocated for children or adolescents in adult psychiatric wards.\r\nHowever, there are times when it may not be possible for a young person to be admitted to a specialist child and adolescent bed – for example, a crisis admission out of hours where there are concerns for the young person’s safety, or where a specialist facility might be a considerable distance from family support that could help recovery.\r\nIf a young person has to be in an adult ward, we expect their care to be specially tailored to their needs with input from specialist Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) staff, taking into account education, social work advocacy and recreation. \r\nFurther information on Child and Adolescent beds can be obtained from the ISD website http://www.isdscotland.org/Health-Topics/Hospital-Care/Beds/.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-19T17:10:37.717","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275870,"EventID":"S4W-09402","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2678,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-05T17:10:37.983","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-05T09:16:09","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government which NHS boards experienced a shortfall between the number of junior doctors required and recruited in each year since 2007 and what the size of the shortfall was.\r\n","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-19T17:10:38","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275871,"EventID":"S4W-09403","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1860,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-05T17:10:38.25","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-05T10:49:11.523","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when it will announce the findings of the Renewables Obligation (Scotland) Banding Review.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government response was announced to the Parliament on 13 September 2012 .The details are available on the Scottish Government website.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-19T17:10:38.263","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275872,"EventID":"S4W-09404","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3815,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-05T17:10:38.547","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-05T11:18:38.873","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many people are being treated for inflammatory bowel disease and, in light of the recommendations of the Inflammatory Bowel Disease Standards Group, whether it will establish a register of these patients.\r\n","AnswerText":"Although the information requested is not centrally available the National Association for Colitis and Crohn's Disease (NACC) estimates that IBD affects about 250,000 people in the UK. Scotland is thought to have a higher incidence than the rest of the UK, possibly because there appears to be a genetic component: there is evidence to suggest that between 5% and 35% of people with IBD have a family member who is also affected.\r\nThe standards developed by the IBD Standards Group were informed by the UK wide audit conducted in 2006. They call upon support of the Government Health Departments and the NHS to provide funding for further audit and the establishment of a UK Wide registry. Healthcare Improvement Scotland contributed funding of £20,000 to the third round of the UK Audit carried out in 2010-11.\r\nThe results of the National audit are available on the Royal College of Physicians website at: http://www.rcplondon.ac.uk/sites/default/files/documents/national-adult-uk-ibd-inpatient-care-audit-report-round-3.pdf\r\nThe UK and the Scottish results are also available at:\r\nhttp://www.rcplondon.ac.uk/sites/default/files/documents/report_of_the_results_for_the_national_clinical_audit_of_ibd_inpatient_care_in_scotland.pdf.\r\nWhilst there are no current plans to establish a registry of IBD patients in Scotland, the Scottish Government is continuing to work closely with the IBD Standards Group to develop services in Scotland.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-19T17:10:38.56","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275873,"EventID":"S4W-09411","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1961,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-05T17:10:38.827","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-05T14:18:47","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when was the last occasion on which the law on defamation was the subject of an official published review by the Scottish Government, Scottish Law Commission or any other public body for which the Scottish Government is responsible.","AnswerText":"There has been no official published review of the law of defamation by the Scottish Government, Scottish Law Commission or any other public body for which the Scottish Government is responsible. However, the Scottish Government did consult on a specific aspect of defamation law in “Defamation and the Deceased: Death of a Good Name” between January and April 2011. In October 2011, I wrote to the Public Petitions Committee advising of the outcome of the consultation. The consultation and my response can be found at http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Justice/law/damages/damagesetc.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-19T17:10:38.84","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Roseanna Cunningham","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275874,"EventID":"S4W-09412","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-05T17:10:39.153","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-05T14:37:16","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S3W-21957 by Shona Robison on 27 March 2009, what progress it has made in its commitment to arrange a survey of the incidence of fetal alcohol syndrome.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-05475 on 22 February 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-19T17:10:39.153","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275875,"EventID":"S4W-09413","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1778,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":110,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-05T17:10:39.467","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-05T14:51:51","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-08312 by Keith Brown on 19 July 2012, whether it will ensure that the competitive position of the proposed Rosyth international container terminal will not be adversely impacted by the time taken to consider the inquiry report and the determination of the harbour revision order.\r\n","AnswerText":"We will consider the report of the inquiry, which is now expected by the end of October, and determine the harbour revision order application as quickly as possible.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-19T17:10:39.48","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275876,"EventID":"S4W-09414","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4016,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":133,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-05T17:10:39.763","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-05T15:47:54","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many accidents there have been on the (a) dualled and (b) undualled sections of the A1 between Dunbar and the border with England in each year since 2002, broken down by severity of accident.\r\n","AnswerText":"The accident data (personal injury accidents) for the period 1 January 2002 to 16 April 2012 is provided in the following tables divided into dual carriageway and single carriageway. Transport Scotland analyses the safety performance of the trunk road network using a database of injury accidents compiled by Scotland’s Police forces. This is the most reliable and consistent evidenced data available, and is collated and analysed on an annual basis for each full calendar year.\r\nA1 Trunk Road (Dunbar to Border) Accidents 1 January 2002 to 16 April 2012 Dual Carriageway\r\nYear\r\nFatal\r\nSerious\r\nSlight\r\nTotal\r\n2002\r\n1\r\n1\r\n2\r\n4\r\n2003\r\n0\r\n2\r\n0\r\n2\r\n2004\r\n0\r\n2\r\n5\r\n7\r\n2005\r\n1\r\n2\r\n8\r\n11\r\n2006\r\n0\r\n0\r\n1\r\n1\r\n2007\r\n0\r\n1\r\n3\r\n4\r\n2008\r\n0\r\n0\r\n2\r\n2\r\n2009\r\n0\r\n1\r\n6\r\n7\r\n2010\r\n0\r\n1\r\n2\r\n3\r\n2011\r\n0\r\n0\r\n2\r\n2\r\n2012*\r\n0\r\n0\r\n1\r\n1\r\nTotal\r\n2\r\n10\r\n32\r\n44\r\n\r\nA1 Trunk Road (Dunbar to Border) Accidents 1 January 2002 to 16 April 2012 Single Carriageway\r\nYear\r\nFatal\r\nSerious\r\nSlight\r\nTotal\r\n2002\r\n0\r\n3\r\n9\r\n12\r\n2003\r\n0\r\n2\r\n11\r\n13\r\n2004\r\n0\r\n2\r\n4\r\n6\r\n2005\r\n4\r\n5\r\n12\r\n21\r\n2006\r\n0\r\n2\r\n10\r\n12\r\n2007\r\n3\r\n2\r\n7\r\n12\r\n2008\r\n0\r\n1\r\n11\r\n12\r\n2009\r\n0\r\n4\r\n13\r\n17\r\n2010\r\n3\r\n1\r\n8\r\n12\r\n2011\r\n0\r\n2\r\n10\r\n12\r\n2012*\r\n0\r\n1\r\n0\r\n1\r\nTotal\r\n10\r\n25\r\n95\r\n130\r\nNote: *2012 stats are not fully complete to 16 April 2012 for the police force and are subject to change on submission of further datasets.\r\nThe figures quoted may differ slightly from those published elsewhere due to being extracted on a different date and the database may have changed between the two dates, e.g. due to late returns or corrections.\r\nThe accident rate for the single carriageway sections of the A1 between Dunbar and Border is 15.61 accidents per 100 million vehicle kilometres (100mvk) against the national average of 19.4 accidents per 100mvk. The accident rate for the dual carriageway sections of the A1 between Dunbar and Border is 11.99 accidents per 100 million vehicle kilometres (100mvk) against the national average of 7.8 accidents per 100mvk.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-19T17:10:39.777","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275900,"EventID":"S4W-09405","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1845,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-06T13:53:40.68","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-05T11:33:23","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will introduce managed clinical networks for people with inflammatory bowel disease. \r\n","AnswerText":"Our Healthcare Quality Strategy describes Managed Clinical Networks (MCNs) as a key element in the provision of high quality care and the Scottish Government continues to advocate the role that MCNs can have in developing a co-ordinated, multi-disciplinary approach to the provision of services.\r\nThe recently published Chief Executive's Letter, CEL 29 (2012) provides further advice and guidance to boards on the role of MCN’s and is available at: http://www.sehd.scot.nhs.uk/mels/CEL2012_29.pdf.\r\nDecisions on the most appropriate model for delivering safe, effective and sustainable services are a matter for NHS boards. Whilst it is the responsibility of NHS boards to plan services for its population the Scottish Government is continuing to work with stakeholders to explore ways of for improving healthcare services for people with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-20T13:53:40.787","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275901,"EventID":"S4W-09406","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1860,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-06T13:53:41.443","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-05T11:46:46.153","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what action can be taken regarding tracks for agriculture or forestry purposes located outwith designated sites.\r\n","AnswerText":"Planning permission is required for constructing hill tracks, including all tracks accessed by the public. At present certain private enterprises - such as agricultural and forestry operations - have permitted development rights, which enable hill tracks to be constructed without the need to apply for a formal grant of planning permission.\r\nIt is for planning authorities to determine whether or not a particular track is in breach of planning control and to take enforcement action if they consider it necessary.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-20T13:53:41.46","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Derek Mackay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275902,"EventID":"S4W-09407","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1860,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-06T13:53:41.753","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-05T11:46:46.153","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the maximum length and width is for tracks for agriculture or forestry purposes that can be laid without the need for planning consent.\r\n","AnswerText":"In order to benefit from permitted development rights tracks must meet the requirements set out in the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (Scotland) Order 1992. There is no maximum length or width set out in the Order.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-20T13:53:41.77","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Derek Mackay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275903,"EventID":"S4W-09408","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1860,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-06T13:53:42.05","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-05T11:46:46.153","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it considers that tracks laid for agriculture or forestry purposes could have adverse environmental impacts and, if so, what these are.\r\n","AnswerText":"Any inappropriately located development can potentially have an impact on the environment.\r\nThe Scottish Government is considering whether to amend permitted development rights for agricultural or forestry tracks. An analysis of responses to a public consultation on proposed amendments to permitted development rights has been published and the Scottish Government is considering options for change.\r\nThe analysis is published on the Scottish Government website and can be viewed at http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2012/09/3943. A summary of the key findings is also available at http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2012/09/2886/0.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-20T13:53:42.067","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Derek Mackay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275904,"EventID":"S4W-09409","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1860,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-06T13:53:42.347","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-05T11:46:46.153","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether tracks laid for renewable energy, recreation or tourism purposes can benefit from permitted development rights and, if not, what the reasons are for its position on this matter.\r\n","AnswerText":"Specific permitted development rights apply only to the construction of agricultural or forestry tracks which meet the criteria set out in the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (Scotland) Order 1992; there are no specific permitted development rights for the construction of tracks used for other purposes.\r\nThe Scottish Government is considering proposals to restrict the current permitted development rights in relation to agricultural and forestry tracks. Responses to public consultation on these, and other, proposed amendments to the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (Scotland) Order 1992 have now been analysed and we are considering how to proceed in this matter.\r\nThe analysis is published on the Scottish Government website and can be viewed at http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2012/09/3943. A summary of the key findings is also available at http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2012/09/2886/0.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-20T13:53:42.347","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Derek Mackay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275905,"EventID":"S4W-09410","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1860,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-06T13:53:42.66","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-05T11:46:46.153","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will remove permitted development rights for tracks laid for agriculture and forestry purposes.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government recently consulted publicly on a number of proposed amendments to the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (Scotland) Order 1992. The consultation included proposals to remove permitted development rights for new tracks and for widening or lengthening existing tracks. Permitted development rights for repairing existing tracks would be retained.\r\nResponses to the consultation have been analysed by an independent consultant. The analysis of responses has been published. The Scottish Government is considering the arguments put forward by respondents to the consultation.\r\nThe analysis is published on the Scottish Government website and can be viewed at http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2012/09/3943. A summary of the key findings is also available at http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2012/09/2886/0.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-20T13:53:42.677","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Derek Mackay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275906,"EventID":"S4W-09416","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5057,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-06T13:53:42.94","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-05T16:36:37.273","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much the National Naloxone Programme has cost.\r\n","AnswerText":"From 2010-11 to 2011-12 the Scottish Government has invested £600,000 in the National Naloxone Programme, with a further £400,000 committed in 2012-13.\r\nScottish Government investment continues to provide a comprehensive package of support to NHS boards and Alcohol and Drug Partnerships in the development of their local take home naloxone programmes, this includes:\r\na National Naloxone Co-ordinator and a National Training and Development Officer based at the Scottish Drugs Forum,\r\ninformation and training materials, including the national naloxone website http://naloxone.org.uk/\r\nreimbursement to NHS boards for the take home naloxone kits issued in their local area, \r\nan independent monitoring and evaluation programme led by Information Services Division of NHS National Services Scotland,\r\nspecific support for prisons in the roll out of the programme.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-20T13:53:42.957","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Roseanna Cunningham","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275907,"EventID":"S4W-09417","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5057,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-06T13:53:43.22","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-05T16:36:37.273","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many take home naloxone kits have been issued and what information it has on how many have been used.\r\n","AnswerText":"Information on the number of take home naloxone kits issued in Scotland in 2011-12, through the National Naloxone Programme, is available in the report National Naloxone Programme Scotland Monitoring Report – Naloxone kits issued in 2011-12, published by Information Services Division of NHS National Services Scotland on 31 July 2012: http://www.isdscotland.org/Health-Topics/Drugs-and-Alcohol-Misuse/Publications/index.asp#992.\r\nThe report includes data on whether kits were supplied as a first supply or as a repeat supply and, if repeat supply, the reason for repeat supply.\r\nThe report states that 3,445 “take home” naloxone kits were issued in Scotland in 2011-12. Of these, 2,966 kits were provided as a first supply and 384 kits were a repeat supply.\r\nOf the 384 kits which were issued as re-supplies, the reasons for these re-supplies were reported as follows:\r\n145 kits were issued due to the previous kit being used on someone at risk of opioid overdose;\r\n169 were issued due to the previous kit being lost;\r\n40 were issued due to the previous kit expiring (i.e. naloxone as a pharmaceutical product, had expired);\r\n12 were issued due to the previous kit being confiscated, and\r\nIn 18 cases the reason for the resupply was unknown. \r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-20T13:53:43.237","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Roseanna Cunningham","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275908,"EventID":"S4W-09418","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5057,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-06T13:53:43.503","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-05T16:36:37.273","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many lives it estimates have been saved by the National Naloxone Programme.\r\n","AnswerText":"The National Naloxone Programme, introduced by the Scottish Government, is supported by an independent national and evaluation monitoring programme led by Information Services Division (ISD) of NHS National Services Scotland.\r\n2011-12 was the first full year of the rollout of the national programme and the impact of the programme will be assessed against a baseline measure, which is defined as follows: \r\n“Of the total number of drug-related deaths (including suicides), as reported by National Records of Scotland (NRS):\r\n- What number and proportion of these were opioid related (as defined by presence of heroin/morphine and/or methadone and/or buprenorphine); \r\n- What number and proportion of these were opioid related and occurred within the first four weeks following release from prison custody. \r\nbroken down by gender and age groups (as per NRS drug related death reporting) for the calendar years 2007, 2008 and 2009.”\r\nInformation on how many take home naloxone kits were issued through the National Naloxone Programme and this baseline description were published by Information Services Division (ISD) of NHS National Services Scotland on 31 July 2012 (http://www.isdscotland.org/Health-Topics/Drugs-and-Alcohol-Misuse/Publications/index.asp#992) in their report National Naloxone Programme Scotland Monitoring Report – naloxone kits issued in 2011/12\r\nThis report states that during 2011-12 3,445 take home naloxone kits were issued. Of these 2,966 kits were provided as a first supply and 384 kits were a repeat supply.  \r\nOf the 384 kits which were issued as re-supplies, the reasons for these re-supplies were reported as follows:\r\n145 kits were issued due to the previous kit being used on someone at risk of opioid overdose;\r\n169 were issued due to the previous kit being lost;\r\n40 were issued due to the previous kit expiring (i.e. naloxone as a pharmaceutical product, had expired);\r\n12 were issued due to the previous kit being confiscated, and\r\nIn 18 cases the reason for the resupply was unknown. \r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-20T13:53:43.517","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Roseanna Cunningham","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275909,"EventID":"S4W-09419","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5057,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-06T13:53:43.783","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-05T16:39:20.653","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many home detention curfew agreements have been breached in each year since 2008.\r\n","AnswerText":"I have asked Colin McConnell, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service, to respond. His response is as follows:\r\nAs per calendar year the figures are as follows:\r\n2008 – 559\r\n2009 – 444\r\n2010 – 394\r\n2011 – 394\r\n2012 (at 31/08/12) – 251.","AnswerDate":"2012-09-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-20T13:53:43.8","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275910,"EventID":"S4W-09420","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5057,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-06T13:53:44.063","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-05T17:08:31.827","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether performance indicators for the Scottish Prison Service's learning, skills and employability contract will include the number of prisoners who complete educational classes to an agreed standard.","AnswerText":"I have asked Colin McConnell, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service, to respond. His response is as follows:\r\nThe Learning and Skills Services Contracts require providers to submit monthly performance data on the number of: SQA courses completed by prisoners; other educational qualifications achieved, and the number of certificates awarded by them to prisoners in recognition of their efforts.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-20T13:53:44.08","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275911,"EventID":"S4W-09421","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2066,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-06T13:53:44.36","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-06T09:05:51","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it has sought to quantify how much peat bog is in Scottish Natural Heritage’s search areas for wild land.","AnswerText":"It is estimated that peat bog as identified by the James Hutton Institute covers around 60% of Scottish Natural Heritage’s search areas for wild land.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-20T13:53:44.377","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275912,"EventID":"S4W-09422","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2066,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-06T13:53:44.673","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-06T09:05:51","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it plans to focus agri-environment schemes to reward land managers who preserve and maintain the health of their peat bogs.\r\n","AnswerText":"Work to develop the next Scotland Rural Development Programme (SRDP) is ongoing. However, proposals for agri-environment options will be consulted on next year, once the European Regulations have been finalised.\r\nAlthough proposals for agri-environment options have not yet been presented, peat bogs are known to have the ability to play a role in addressing the priorities identified as part of the May 2012 engagement exercise with stakeholders.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-20T13:53:44.687","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275913,"EventID":"S4W-09423","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2066,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-06T13:53:44.97","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-06T09:05:51","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what research it has carried out into whether techniques such as shelter wood or selection systems can help prevent the spread of diseases in forests.","AnswerText":"Research is being carried out by the Forestry Commission’s research agency (Forest Research) into alternative management approaches, including the use of shelter wood or selection systems (otherwise known as continuous cover forestry, or CCF). This research is examining ways to adapt forests to increase their resilience to climate change, pests and diseases. Emerging conclusions are consistent with an earlier review “The evidence supporting the use of CCF in adapting Scotland’s forests to the risks of climate change” (Forest Research, 2009: \r\nwww.forestry.gov.uk/pdf/CCF_and_Climate_Change_Report.pdf/$FILE/CCF_and_Climate_Change_Report.pdf) which noted that the development of more diverse forests is a sensible way to reduce risks and that this can be achieved using both even-aged management and CCF. However, in determining suitability for CCF, much depends upon the characteristics of individual sites and their management history. CCF can also have different impacts (positive and negative) on different pests and diseases. \r\nFurther evidence on the role of CCF in pest and disease management is being collated through long-term studies of a network of demonstration sites and at “research forests”, one of which (the Queen Elizabeth Forest Park) is in Scotland.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-20T13:53:44.983","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275914,"EventID":"S4W-09424","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2066,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-06T13:53:45.25","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-06T09:05:51","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it will promote Scotland’s reputation as a country with large, wild landscapes with rich and valuable flora and fauna.\r\n","AnswerText":"Scotland’s landscape, flora and fauna are valuable niche markets within the tourism industry in Scotland. The industry-led tourism strategy “Tourism Scotland 2020” identifies “nature, heritage and activities” as one of four groups of key assets that the industry will use in targeting the markets that offer Scotland the greatest growth potential.\r\nRecognising the importance of these assets, 2013 has been designated as our Year of Natural Scotland, a year in which we will celebrate Scotland's reputation as a place of outstanding natural beauty with a landscape and biodiversity to engage with and enjoy responsibly. \r\nIn the run up to, and during, the year we will focus on promoting the activities available in Scotland’s natural tourism attractions and will inspire the people of Scotland and our visitors to experience and participate in Scotland’s natural heritage at festivals and events, natural tourism attractions and outdoor locations.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-20T13:53:45.263","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275915,"EventID":"S4W-09425","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2066,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-06T13:53:45.56","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-06T09:05:51","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it will ensure that as much wild land as possible is preserved.","AnswerText":"Scottish Planning Policy states that the most sensitive landscapes may have little or no capacity to accept new development and that planning authorities should safeguard the character of wild land areas in development plans.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-20T13:53:45.577","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Derek Mackay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275922,"EventID":"S4W-09426","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2675,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":93,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-06T16:44:39.82","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-06T11:02:46.91","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what schemes (a) have been approved and (b) are being considered for renewable energy production on Forestry Commission land.\r\n","AnswerText":"The present position regarding renewable energy development on the National Forest Estate is that some 402MW of wind and hydro capacity is already generating electricity, 429MW is under construction, 156MW has obtained planning consent but construction has not commenced yet while some 215MW capacity is in the planning system. Additionally options have been agreed with developers to investigate the potential of sites amounting to a further 736MW.\r\nThis does not include sites under consideration where option agreements have not yet been entered into.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-20T16:44:39.85","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275923,"EventID":"S4W-09428","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2675,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":93,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-06T16:44:40.21","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-06T11:02:46.91","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what agreement has been made for community benefit to be paid out from the lease of Forestry Commission land.","AnswerText":"Forestry Commission Scotland (FCS) leases areas of the National Forest Estate for a number of purposes including: renewable energy development; for private sector companies to carry out commercial activities and; to communities directly. The level of direct community benefit is different in each circumstance. The land to be leased to renewable energy developers under the recent FCS development opportunities programme will provide a direct community benefit. This will be in the form of either a community benefit payment of £5,000 per Megawatt per year, or the opportunity for this to be transferred into a community equity share and also the chance for local communities to invest further if they would like to.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-20T16:44:40.223","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275924,"EventID":"S4W-09429","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4939,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":78,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-06T16:44:40.49","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-06T12:15:14","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4O-00288 by Alex Neil on 27 October 2011 (Official Report, c. 2857), what progress it has made in encouraging Falkirk pension fund to invest in affordable and social housing.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has provided information on options for pension fund investment to local authorities, including Falkirk, through the Local Government Pension Fund Convenors. The Cabinet Secretary for Infrastructure and Capital Investment, Alex Neil, met with the Convenors on 14 March 2012 to discuss the options available to local authorities and to encourage them to progress investment in social and affordable housing.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-20T16:44:40.507","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Burgess","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275925,"EventID":"S4W-09430","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4939,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":78,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-06T16:44:41.097","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-06T12:15:14","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it has made arrangements to implement an early warning system to detect Schmallenberg virus on farms.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-09162 on 14 September 2012. All answers to written Parliamentary Questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-20T16:44:41.113","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275926,"EventID":"S4W-09431","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4939,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":78,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-06T16:44:41.457","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-06T12:15:14","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many Blue Badge holders in the Falkirk Council area have (a) been referred to an independent mobility assessor following their renewal application and (b) withdrawn from the scheme and how many renewal applications have been refused since the coming into force of the Disabled Persons (Badges for Motor Vehicles) (Scotland) Amendment Regulations 2011 and the Disabled Persons (Badges for Motor Vehicles) (Scotland) Amendment (No 2) Regulations 2011.\r\n","AnswerText":"Scottish local authorities are responsible for collating an annual statistical return in relation to Blue Badges in circulation in their area as at 31 March of the reporting period (financial year). Transport Scotland publishes the data in the Scottish Transport Statistics annual publication.\r\nThe latest information, for 1 April 2010 to 31 March 2011, is available at: http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2010/12/17120002/37.\r\nStatistics for the year 1 April 2011 to 31 March 2012, which might reflect changes in consequence of the 2011 Amendment Regulations being implemented, are not yet available centrally.\r\nMandatory independent mobility assessments to determine eligibility for a Blue Badge came into force on 1 September 2012.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-20T16:44:41.473","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275927,"EventID":"S4W-09432","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4939,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":78,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-06T16:44:41.737","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-06T12:15:14","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the percentage increase in uptake of the education maintenance allowance has been in the Falkirk Council area since it was revised in 2009-10.\r\n","AnswerText":"The number of people in receipt of EMA in Falkirk decreased by 13.7% (a decrease of 125) from 910 in 2009-10 to 785 in 2010-11. \r\nTable 1: Young People in Receipt of EMA in Falkirk: 2009-10 to 2010-11\r\n\r\nFalkirk\r\n\r\nTotal\r\nSchools\r\nColleges\r\n2009-10\r\n910\r\n620\r\n290\r\n2010-11\r\n785\r\n575\r\n205\r\nAnnual % change\r\n-13.7%\r\n-7.3%\r\n-29.3%\r\nSource: Scottish Government.\r\nNote: Figures in this table have been rounded to the nearest 5. 0, 1, 2 have been rounded to 0.","AnswerDate":"2012-09-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-20T16:44:41.753","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275928,"EventID":"S4W-09433","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4939,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":78,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-06T16:44:41.987","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-06T12:15:14","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what progress it has made in discussions with EU officials on levels of tolerance in sheep electronic identification rules.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has obtained flexibilities on sheep electronic identification following discussions with the European Commission.  Information on this, along with further guidance on tagging, was sent to all sheep keepers on 30 September 2011.  This information is available on the Scottish Government website at:\r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/farmingrural/Agriculture/animal-welfare/IDtraceability/SheepandGoats/sheepandgoatskeeperguide.\r\nIt is also available on the ScotEID.com website.\r\nThis flexibility has resulted in no Scottish sheep farmer or crofter being penalised at inspection in 2011 for achieving less than a 100% sheep EID read rate at a critical control point.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-20T16:44:42.003","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275929,"EventID":"S4W-09434","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-06T16:44:42.253","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-06T13:11:23","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many (a) full- and (b) part-time inflammatory bowel disease specialist nurses there are, broken down by (i) hospital and (ii) NHS board.\r\n","AnswerText":"We do not hold data on Gastro-Intestinal Clinical Nurse Specialists for individual hospitals, but we do hold information on the number (whole-time equivalent and headcount) at NHS board level on the workforce statistics via the Information Services Division (ISD) website at: \r\nhttp://www.isdscotland.org/Health-Topics/Workforce/Nursing-and-Midwifery/.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-20T16:44:42.267","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275930,"EventID":"S4W-09435","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-06T16:44:42.61","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-06T13:11:23","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it plans to put in place a social fund commissioner for Scotland.","AnswerText":"We are still considering our options to provide review arrangements for the Social Fund successor scheme.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-20T16:44:42.627","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275931,"EventID":"S4W-09436","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-06T16:44:42.97","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-06T13:11:23","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will have an independent review mechanism for community care grants and crisis loans from April 2013.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-09435 on 19 September 2012. All answers to written Parliamentary Questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-20T16:44:42.987","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275932,"EventID":"S4W-09437","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":86,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-06T16:44:43.343","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-06T14:33:16","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on the issues highlighted by Audit Scotland in its report, Learning the lessons of public body mergers.\r\n","AnswerText":"We welcome the publication of the Audit Scotland report. In particular, the good practice guidance captures very useful lessons to be learnt. We have widely disseminated the guidance within the Scottish Government already and we are discussing the key messages with public bodies as part of our ongoing dialogue with them. This will help to inform the work of both Scottish Government project teams and public bodies themselves as the government pursues its continuing commitment to simplifying and streamlining the public bodies and public services delivery landscape. The Public Audit Committee will be taking evidence from the Scottish Government at its meeting on 26 September 2012. We will reflect on the way forward in light of the committee’s inquiry.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-20T16:44:43.36","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275933,"EventID":"S4W-09438","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":86,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-06T16:44:43.657","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-06T14:33:16","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will require primary legislation to facilitate the merger of Historic Scotland and the Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Scotland.","AnswerText":"As I alluded to in my response to Ms Ferguson’s earlier parliamentary question (S4O-01218 on 6 June 2012), our intention is to secure RCAHMS functions through primary legislation. This will allow for formal consultation and full parliamentary scrutiny of the proposals.\r\nThe answer to the oral question is available on the Parliaments website, the official report can be viewed at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28862.aspx?r=7338&i=66912&c=1358263&s=monuments.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-20T16:44:43.673","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275934,"EventID":"S4W-09439","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":86,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-06T16:44:43.953","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-06T14:33:16","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it will ensure that Scotland benefits from the legacy of the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.","AnswerText":"The London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games provide an ideal learning opportunity both for the delivery of the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games and for the legacy we aim to secure from the huge opportunity which both Games present. To this end, the Scottish Government has fully engaged the London Organising Committee for the Olympic and Paralympic Games and has been working closely with the UK Government, to ensure we maximise all opportunities available to Scotland from the 2012 games and learn any  lessons for our delivery of the 2014 games. These opportunities span sporting, social and economic strands and we have worked closely with our wide range of partners to deliver them across Scotland. \r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-20T16:44:43.953","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Shona Robison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275935,"EventID":"S4W-09440","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":86,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-06T16:44:44.233","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-06T14:33:16","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will ensure that those communities most blighted by crime benefit most from the CashBack for Communities scheme.","AnswerText":"Since the inception of the highly successful CashBack for Communities programme in 2007, over £46 million recovered from the proceeds of crime has been invested throughout Scotland, directly benefitting over 600,000 young people and generating over 11,000 young person volunteers who are now putting something back into their communities.\r\nCrime and antisocial behaviour afflict every community, but some are affected more than others which is why CashBack focuses on the areas that need it most. Of course, it is not just hard-hit communities that lack facilities and opportunities for our young people. The Scottish Government believes that all young people are entitled to have the opportunity to be all they can be and to have access to the benefits CashBack projects offer which is why we rightly ensure that money recovered from proceeds of crime is used to benefit children and young people, regardless of where they happen to live in Scotland.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-20T16:44:44.25","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275936,"EventID":"S4W-09442","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":77,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-07T15:53:59.59","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-06T15:48:45","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether a record is kept of how many victims of child abuse are also young carers and, if so, how many such cases there have been in each of the last five years.","AnswerText":"This information is not held by the Scottish Government. If the victim of child abuse is a young carer, then the usual local child protection procedures should apply. \r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-21T15:53:59.683","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Aileen Campbell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275937,"EventID":"S4W-09443","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2633,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-07T15:54:00.043","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-06T17:02:55","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-09018 by Richard Lochhead on 30 August 2012, whether arrangements for the meeting with retailers have been finalised and, if so, who has been invited.","AnswerText":"Unfortunately, discussions between the European Fisheries Commissioner Maria Damanaki and the Icelandic, Norwegian and Faroes Fisheries Ministers on the 3 September failed to secure agreement on mackerel quota sharing. Given this outcome we are seeking to convene a meeting, to include the main retailers in Scotland and the fishing industry, as soon as possible this autumn and hope to do so within the next month.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-21T15:54:00.057","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275938,"EventID":"S4W-09444","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2066,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-07T15:54:00.34","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-06T17:08:40","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what government-funded capital investment projects are underway in the Highlands and Islands and what the completion date is of each project.\r\n","AnswerText":"An outline of capital investment projects currently underway in the Highlands and Islands region which are funded or part funded by the Scottish Government are included in the following table. In addition there are a range of housing projects currently on site across the Highlands and Islands which are receiving Scottish Government funding.\r\nAll projects outlined are being funded by way of traditional capital or by revenue finance through non-profit distributing and hub.\r\nProject Name\r\nEstimated Completion\r\nInverness College \r\n2015\r\nWestern Isles Schools Project \r\n2013\r\nOrkney Islands Schools Investment Programme \r\n2013\r\nKessock Bridge upgrade\r\n2014\r\nStornoway-Ullapool Ferry\r\n2014\r\nWick High School 1\r\n2015\r\nEvie Primary School, Orkney 1\r\n2014\r\nHappy Hansel Primary School, Shetland 1\r\n2014\r\nMilnes Primary School, Moray 1\r\n2014\r\nCampbeltown Grammar School 1\r\n2015\r\nDunoon/Kirn/St. Mun’s Primary School 1\r\n2014\r\nDaliburgh Primary School, Western Isles 1\r\nCompleted 2012 \r\nTain Health Centre \r\n2014\r\nForres Health Centre \r\n2014\r\nOban Dental Facility\r\n2013\r\nMull and Iona Progressive Care Centre\r\n2012\r\nArnish Plant and Estate Improvements 2\r\n2013\r\nInverness Campus 2\r\n2013\r\nForres Enterprise Park – Extension of Roads 2\r\n2013\r\nForres Enterprise Park – Provide 2 Units 2\r\n2013\r\nBuilding Development within Forres Enterprise zone 2\r\n2013\r\nLews Castle development 2\r\n2014\r\nWest Highland College infrastructure expansion 2\r\n2013\r\nKennacraig, Kintyre, Phase 2 – causeway 2\r\n2013\r\nNotes:\r\n1. These schools form part of Phase 1 and 2 of the Scottish Government’s £1.25 billion Scotland’s Schools for the Future School Building Programme.\r\n2. These projects form part of the Scottish Government’s £105 million package of economic stimulus for this year which was announced on 27 June.","AnswerDate":"2012-09-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-21T15:54:00.353","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275939,"EventID":"S4W-09445","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2066,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-07T15:54:00.65","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-06T17:08:40","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what capital investment projects it is considering for the Highlands and Islands.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Infrastructure Investment Plan published in December 2011 outlines the following major infrastructure investment projects in the pipeline for the Highlands and Islands:\r\nAberdeen to Inverness Rail Improvements; \r\nHighland Main Line Improvements; \r\nDualling of the A9; \r\nA96 Upgrading;\r\nA82 Improvements;\r\nHMP Highland;\r\nDevelopment of Balfour Hospital and Kirkwall Dental Centre (NHS Orkney); \r\nDay Services Centre, Raigmore Hospital (NHS Highland);\r\nScalloway Health Centre (NHS Shetland), and\r\nSt Brendan’s Hospital (NHS Western Isles).\r\nFurther information on Scottish Government priorities for investment and long term strategy for development of public infrastructure is contained in the Infrastructure Investment Plan which can be found at the following link:\r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2011/12/05141922/0.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-21T15:54:00.667","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275940,"EventID":"S4W-09446","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5009,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-07T15:54:00.947","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-07T09:44:31.95","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government (a) how many civil servants and (b) what financial resources are being allocated to support the Deputy First Minister in her role on constitution policy and preparations for the referendum.\r\n","AnswerText":"There are currently 15.25 full-time equivalent staff employed in the Elections and Constitution Division. The Scottish Government has published annual figures for the number of full-time equivalent staff (FTE) by grade working on constitutional policy. These can be found at\r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/constitution/About/constitution-SG-staffing.\r\nAll officials are engaged in this Government’s purpose to focus on creating a more successful country, with opportunities for all of Scotland to flourish through increasing sustainable economic growth.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-21T15:54:00.963","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275941,"EventID":"S4W-09447","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5009,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-07T15:54:01.227","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-07T09:44:31.95","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government (a) how many civil servants and (b) what financial resources were allocated to constitution policy in (i) March 2011 and (ii) September 2011.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has published annual figures for the number of full-time equivalent staff (FTE), by grade, working on constitutional policy. These can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/constitution/About/constitution-SG-staffing.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-21T15:54:01.227","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275942,"EventID":"S4W-09448","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5041,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-07T15:54:01.493","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-07T13:44:33","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-08694 by Alex Neil on 9 August 2012, for what reason there was a reduction in the number of completions through the New Supply Shared Equity Housing Scheme in North Lanarkshire from 60 in 2009-10 to 6 in 2010-11.\r\n","AnswerText":"The reduction in the number of completions through the New Supply Shared Equity Scheme in North Lanarkshire from 2009-10 to 2010-11 was due to other higher strategic housing priorities being identified by the local authority in its Strategic Housing Investment Programme. \r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-21T15:54:01.51","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Burgess","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275943,"EventID":"S4W-09449","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5041,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-07T15:54:01.82","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-07T13:44:33","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-08694 by Alex Neil on 9 August 2012, for what reason there was a reduction in the number of completions through the New Supply Shared Equity Housing Scheme in South Lanarkshire from 56 in 2009-10 to 8 in 2010-11 and 0 in 2011-12.\r\n","AnswerText":"The reduction in the number of completions through the New Supply Shared Equity Scheme in South Lanarkshire from 2009-10 to 2011-12 was due to other higher strategic housing priorities being identified by the local authority in its Strategic Housing Investment Programme. \r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-21T15:54:01.837","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Burgess","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275944,"EventID":"S4W-09450","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5041,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-07T15:54:02.163","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-07T13:44:33","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-08694 by Alex Neil on 9 August 2012, for what reason there was a reduction in the number of completions through the Shared Equity Housing Scheme in Falkirk from 18 in 2009-10 to 0 in 2010-11 and 0 in 2011-12.\r\n","AnswerText":"The reduction in the number of completions through the New Supply Shared Equity Scheme in Falkirk from 2009-10 to 2011-12 was due to other higher strategic housing priorities being identified by the local authority in its Strategic Housing Investment Programme. \r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-21T15:54:02.18","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Burgess","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275945,"EventID":"S4W-09451","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5041,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-07T15:54:02.443","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-07T13:44:33","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-08694 by Alex Neil on 9 August 2012, for what reason there were no completions through the New Supply Shared Equity Scheme with Developers in (a) Falkirk, (b) North Lanarkshire and (c) South Lanarkshire in (i) 2010-11 and (ii) 2011-12.\r\n","AnswerText":"There were no completions in the Falkirk, North Lanarkshire or South Lanarkshire areas through the New Supply Shared Equity with Developers Scheme in either 2010-11 or 2011-12 as no developments were approved to participate in the scheme for those two financial years.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-21T15:54:02.46","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Burgess","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275946,"EventID":"S4W-09452","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5041,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-07T15:54:02.773","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-07T13:44:33","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-08694 by Alex Neil on 9 August 2012, for what reason there was a reduction in the number of completions through the Open Market Shared Equity Scheme in Falkirk from 21 in 2009-10 to 11 in 2010-11 and 2 in 2011-12.\r\n","AnswerText":"In 2009-10, the Open Market Shared Equity Pilot was extended across all of Scotland and available to all first time buyers. In 2010-11, the scheme was available to help waiting list applicants from the previous year and when there were no waiting list applicants remaining, the scheme was made available to priority group applicants only (which included social renters, service members of the armed forces, armed forces veterans and disabled people). In 2011-12, the Open Market Shared Equity Scheme was available to priority group applicants only. The scheme is demand led and the number of completions in each year will depend on the number of people in each area who apply to the scheme, how many of these people are eligible to participate in the scheme, and how many go on to successfully purchase a property.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-21T15:54:02.787","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Burgess","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275947,"EventID":"S4W-09453","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5041,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-07T15:54:03.037","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-07T13:44:33","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-8694 by Alex Neil on 9 August 2012, for what reason there was a reduction in the number of completions through the Open Market Shared Equity Scheme in North Lanarkshire from 45 in 2009-10 to 5 in 2010-11 and 1 in 2011-12.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-09452 on 21 September 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-21T15:54:03.053","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Burgess","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275948,"EventID":"S4W-09454","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5041,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-07T15:54:03.303","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-07T13:44:33","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-08694 by Alex Neil on 9 August 2012, for what reason there was a reduction in the number of completions through the Open Market Shared Equity Scheme in South Lanarkshire from 44 in 2009-10 to 3 in 2010-11 and 2 in 2011-12.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-09452 on 21 September 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-21T15:54:03.317","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Burgess","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275949,"EventID":"S4W-09455","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5041,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-07T15:54:03.567","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-07T13:44:33","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-08695 by Alex Neil on 9 August 2012, what progress has been made in implementing the MI New Home Scheme and when it will become operational.\r\n","AnswerText":"The scheme was launched by the Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Infrastructure, Investment and Cities on 12 September 2012. \r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-21T15:54:03.583","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Burgess","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275964,"EventID":"S4T-00029","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":9,"MSPID":1741,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-10T12:48:34.603","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-10T11:07:28.98","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what plans it has to revive town centres.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-24T12:48:34.603","MeetingDate":"2012-09-11T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275965,"EventID":"S4T-00035","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":9,"MSPID":4934,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-10T12:48:36.397","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-10T11:54:13","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it is ensuring equitable access to music tuition in schools.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-24T12:48:36.41","MeetingDate":"2012-09-11T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275966,"EventID":"S4F-00849","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":2080,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":87,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-10T12:19:10.74","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-10T11:49:10.623","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what engagements he has planned for the rest of the day.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-24T12:19:10.74","MeetingDate":"2012-09-13T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275967,"EventID":"S4F-00841","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-10T12:19:08.293","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-10T09:54:45","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister how the Scottish Government will ensure that colleges are in a position to respond to the rise in demand for student places.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-24T12:19:08.307","MeetingDate":"2012-09-13T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275968,"EventID":"S4F-00839","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":5009,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-10T12:19:07.637","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-10T09:38:54.55","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what issues will be discussed at the next meeting of the Cabinet.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-24T12:19:07.653","MeetingDate":"2012-09-13T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275969,"EventID":"S4F-00837","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":4976,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-10T12:19:07.013","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-07T10:46:01.943","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister when he will next meet the Prime Minister.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-24T12:19:07.03","MeetingDate":"2012-09-13T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275970,"EventID":"S4F-00845","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":4956,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":106,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-10T12:19:09.523","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-10T10:53:58","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what the Scottish Government's position is on the impact on business and tourism of having only one carrier between Scottish airports and Heathrow.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-24T12:19:09.54","MeetingDate":"2012-09-13T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275971,"EventID":"S4F-00851","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":5079,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-10T12:19:11.32","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-10T11:52:04.33","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what steps the Scottish Government is taking to address the growing demand for food banks. \r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-24T12:19:11.32","MeetingDate":"2012-09-13T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275972,"EventID":"S4W-09456","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5047,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-10T14:59:10.157","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-07T15:17:20.143","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what consultation it has conducted with each local authority regarding the Local Government Finance (Unoccupied Properties etc.) (Scotland) Bill.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has consulted, met and listened to a range of stakeholders in the public and private sectors and business organisations in developing the Local Government Finance (Unoccupied Properties etc.) (Scotland) Bill. That process will continue.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-24T14:59:10.377","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Derek Mackay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275973,"EventID":"S4W-09457","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5047,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-10T14:59:10.64","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-07T15:17:20.143","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what consultation it has undertaken with local government in England and Wales regarding the Local Government Finance (Unoccupied Properties etc.) (Scotland) Bill.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has not consulted local government in England and Wales directly regarding the Local Government Finance (Unoccupied Properties etc.) (Scotland) Bill as the bill only impacts on local government in Scotland.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-24T14:59:10.657","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Derek Mackay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275974,"EventID":"S4W-09458","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5047,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-10T14:59:10.907","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-07T15:17:20.143","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what consultation it has undertaken with each NHS board regarding the Local Government Finance (Unoccupied Properties etc.) (Scotland) Bill. \r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-09456 on 24 September 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-24T14:59:10.923","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Derek Mackay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275975,"EventID":"S4W-09459","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5047,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-10T14:59:11.187","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-07T15:17:20.143","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it will ensure the collection of non-domestic rates proposed in the Local Government Finance (Unoccupied Properties etc.) (Scotland) Bill.\r\n","AnswerText":"Non-domestic rates for all properties, including empty properties, will continue to be billed and collected by local authorities after the proposed reform of empty property rates relief.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-24T14:59:11.203","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Derek Mackay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275976,"EventID":"S4W-09460","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5047,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-10T14:59:11.453","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-07T15:17:20.143","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when it will publish details of the empty homes scheme that it announced on 27 March 2012.","AnswerText":"The Empty Homes Loan Fund was launched by the First Minister on 13 July, with £4 million being made available. This represents a doubling in value of the fund from the £2 million which had been allocated when it was announced back in March. The additional £2 million allocated will be used to prioritise bids to bring homes back into use in rural communities.\r\nFurther details on the Empty Homes Loan Fund can be found via the Scottish Government’s website at http://www.scotland.gov.uk/emptyhomes. Organisations have until 3 October to submit bids for the fund.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-24T14:59:11.467","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Burgess","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275977,"EventID":"S4W-09461","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5047,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-10T14:59:11.717","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-07T15:17:20.143","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what plans it has put in place to support local authorities with any additional staff and administration costs incurred by the implementation of the Local Government Finance (Unoccupied Properties etc.) (Scotland) Bill.","AnswerText":"Local authorities will be expected to meet any costs of implementation from existing budgets.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-24T14:59:11.733","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Derek Mackay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275978,"EventID":"S4W-09462","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5047,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-10T14:59:11.983","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-07T15:17:20.143","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what funding it has allocated for Scottish Women’s Aid beyond 2012.\r\n","AnswerText":"Scottish Women's Aid will receive a total of £1,110,000 of Scottish Government funding for the period 2012-15.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-24T14:59:12","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275979,"EventID":"S4W-09463","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5047,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-10T14:59:12.263","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-07T15:17:20.143","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what housing provision it has put in place for victims of domestic abuse.","AnswerText":"In May this year (2012), three-year resource planning assumptions (through to March 2015) were issued to local authorities. This will enable each council to take the lead in devising a locally led programme of social and affordable housing developments, based on the priorities identified within Local Housing Strategies (LHS) and Strategic Housing Investment Plans (SHIP). These priorities may include housing provision for victims of domestic abuse.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-24T14:59:12.28","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Burgess","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275980,"EventID":"S4W-09464","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5047,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-10T14:59:12.513","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-07T15:17:20.143","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what domestic abuse programmes it is funding from the £34.5 million that it has announced to tackle violence against women.\r\n","AnswerText":"A breakdown of the £34.5 million that we have committed for 2012-15 for work to tackle violence against women, including domestic abuse, is available at: \r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/People/Equality/violence-women/VAWFund2012-15.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-24T14:59:12.53","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275981,"EventID":"S4W-09465","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3806,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-10T14:59:12.78","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-07T15:53:16.257","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many of the 687 motorists caught by Northern Constabulary and Tayside Police on the A9 Inverness-Perth road in a recent 10-day enforcement period were also charged with (a) dangerous driving, (b) careless driving and (c) driving too slowly causing frustration to other road users.\r\n","AnswerText":"Northern Constabulary and Tayside Police have issued a statement indicating that during their joint 10 day enforcement campaign on the A9, which ended on 25 August 2012 and included support from VOSA and the Safety Camera Partnerships, a total number of 759 offences were detected as follows:\r\nSpeeding offences – 687\r\nMobile Phone offences – 33\r\nOverloaded Vehicles – 11\r\nNo Insurance/Driving Licence/MOT – 8\r\nDrivers Hours offences – 7\r\nCrossing Solid White Lines – 6\r\nDangerous/Careless Driving – 4\r\nDefective Tyres – 2\r\nSeatbelt offences – 1.","AnswerDate":"2012-09-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-24T14:59:12.793","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275982,"EventID":"S4W-09466","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3806,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-10T14:59:13.073","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-07T15:53:16.257","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many of the static speed checks during the recent 10-day enforcement period on the A9 Inverness-Perth road were conducted (a) on straight sections of the road, (b) at collision hot spots and (c) close to, or near the end of, dual carriageway sections.\r\n","AnswerText":"During August 2012 Northern Constabulary and Tayside Police conducted a joint 10 day enforcement initiative on the A9 between Inverness and Perth that included participation by VOSA and the Safety Camera Partnerships. In addition to speeding offences detected randomly by police patrols, mobile safety cameras were deployed as part of the Scottish Safety Camera Programme at various locations established either as sites that meet specific accident and casualty criteria, or as part of a route strategy to address accidents spread over longer sections of road.\r\nMobile cameras were deployed on the route every day during the campaign period on no less than 32 occasions. None of the camera locations was less than about 1.5m from the end of a dual carriageway and all vehicles from which the cameras were used, were marked to national livery standards and used on relatively straight sections of road to satisfy equipment and programme conspicuity requirements.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-24T14:59:13.09","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275983,"EventID":"S4W-09470","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1759,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-10T14:59:13.357","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-07T15:58:55","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what assessment it has made of the effects of marine protected areas on ecotourism.\r\n","AnswerText":"In 2010, a Scottish Government study, The Economic Impact of Wildlife Tourism in Scotland Research Findings No. 1/2010 (http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2010/05/12150843/3) estimated coastal and marine wildlife tourism have a respective net economic impact of £24 million and £15 million, together 59% of the total net economic impact of wildlife tourism. Respectively coastal wildlife and marine wildlife tourism are estimated to account for 995 and 633 additional full-time equivalent jobs.\r\nMarine Protected Areas (MPAs) are being identified to protect and safeguard our marine biodiversity and we anticipate that these can enhance the visitor experience for ecotourists to Scotland as well as contribute to the prosperity of rural coastal communities.\r\nSocio-economic assessments, as part of an overall Sustainability Appraisal, will identify what activities currently take place in potential MPAs, and estimate the potential economic and social consequences arising from any potential interactions. This will include a qualitative analysis of the potential benefits of MPAs, taking into account the possible effect on ecotourism in Scotland. This will be made available for the public consultation in 2013.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-24T14:59:13.37","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275984,"EventID":"S4W-09471","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1759,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-10T14:59:13.62","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-07T15:58:55","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it has noted the effects of marine protected areas (MPA) on ecotourism in countries where an MPA network exists.\r\n","AnswerText":"Tourism operators recently wrote to me to highlight the potential benefits of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) to marine tourism and my officials are aware of estimates of the benefits of MPAs to tourism in other countries.\r\nThe focus of the current work to identify Marine Protected Areas in Scotland has been on the scientific evidence base to support inclusion of locations as potential Marine Protected Areas. Currently, the remit of the Sustainability Appraisal which will accompany the 2013 consultation is concentrating on Scotland specific evidence. Should it be considered directly relevant, the effects of marine protected areas on ecotourism in countries where an MPA network exists may be included in this appraisal.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-24T14:59:13.637","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275985,"EventID":"S4W-09472","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1759,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-10T14:59:13.887","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-07T15:58:55","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it promotes marine ecotourism (a) to other parts of the United Kingdom and (b) abroad.\r\n","AnswerText":"Scotland’s marine and inland waters (and the activities they support such as sailing, fishing and water sports) together with the associated biodiversity are valuable niche markets within the tourism industry in Scotland. The industry-led tourism strategy “Tourism Scotland 2020” identified “nature, heritage and activities” as one of four groups of key assets that the industry will use in targeting the markets that offer Scotland the greatest growth potential.\r\nRecognising the importance of these assets, 2013 has been designated as our Year of Natural Scotland, a year in which we will celebrate Scotland’s reputation as a place of outstanding natural beauty with landscapes, littoral areas and biodiversity to engage with and enjoy responsibly.\r\nIn the run up to, and during, the year we will focus on promoting the activities available in Scotland’s natural tourism attractions and will inspire the people of Scotland to rediscover their own country and visitors to come and experience and participate in Scotland’s natural festivals and events, natural tourism attraction and outdoors locations.\r\nVisitScotland has specific areas on its website promoting marine activities such as water-sports, sailing and fishing. The Green Tourism Business Scheme also enables visitors to Scotland to choose accommodation which has had their ecological credentials independently verified.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-24T14:59:13.903","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275986,"EventID":"S4W-09474","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1759,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-10T14:59:14.15","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-07T15:58:55","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much marine ecotourism has contributed to the economy in each year since 2006.","AnswerText":"The term ecotourism can cover a very wide spectrum of tourism activities related to the appreciation of Scotland’s environment. At one end of that spectrum are carefully planned visits to view our superb flora and fauna. Many more visitors come to enjoy our breathtaking scenery at first hand, for example by engaging in water-borne or water-related activities.\r\nThere have been earlier reports which looked at the impact of broad industry activities - such as nature based tourism and wildlife tourism - across Scotland as a whole. In 2010, a Scottish Government study, The Economic Impact of Wildlife Tourism in Scotland Research Findings No. 1/2010 (http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2010/05/12150843/3) estimated coastal and marine wildlife tourism have a respective net economic impact of £24 million and £15 million, together 59% of the total net economic impact of wildlife tourism. Respectively coastal wildlife and marine wildlife tourism are estimated to account for 995 and 633 additional full-time equivalent jobs.\r\nThere are some specific studies which give an indication of the value of marine wildlife or natural tourism to an area – e.g. Scottish Natural Heritage estimate for example that whale watching in western Scotland is worth £7.8 million a year, supporting 115 jobs and over 60 boat operators.\r\nIt is difficult to gauge the value of ecotourism as a whole to the economy, and correspondingly even more difficult to gauge the value of marine ecotourism within that.\r\nHowever, VisitScotland’s Tourism Attitudes Survey for 2011 revealed that 58% of people surveyed said that they chose Scotland in order to see the scenery/landscape. Eleven per cent of people surveyed said that they deliberately chose Scotland because it has a good reputation in sustainable tourism, seven per cent chose to stay in accommodation with green credentials and two per cent made a point of choosing an environmentally responsible tour operator. Sixteen per cent of people surveyed said that watching wildlife was an activity which they had undertake whilst on holiday.\r\nIt is clear therefore that ecotourism, whether marine or terrestrial, is very important to the overall tourism economy, which contributes £2.9 billion in Gross Value Added every year to the Scottish economy.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-24T14:59:14.167","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275987,"EventID":"S4W-09475","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5109,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":101,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-10T14:59:14.417","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-08T00:23:44","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will restate its support for the computer games development sector in light of the report, Economic Contribution Study: An Approach to the Economic Assessment of the Arts & Creative Industries in Scotland: Final Report.\r\n","AnswerText":"Scotland is known the world over as a creative and innovative nation, with our computer games industry undoubtedly one of our global success stories. Indeed, the computer games, software and electronic publishing was worth over £1 billion to the Scottish economy in 2010 – a third of the value of our creative industries.\r\nThat is why the Scottish Government is working with a range of partners to ensure appropriate support is in place for our creative industries, to make the most of the talent, infrastructure and cutting-edge skills that Scotland has to offer in this fast-growing and competitive market.\r\nWe are aware of the need for more detailed and robust information about the value of the computer games sector to the Scottish economy. This is something we are currently working on, in collaboration with agency and industry partners including TIGA.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-24T14:59:14.433","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275988,"EventID":"S4W-09476","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5109,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":101,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-10T14:59:14.697","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-08T00:23:44","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many jobs there are in the computer games development sector and what the gross value added of the sector is.","AnswerText":"Scottish Annual Business Statistics 2010 published on 29 August 2012 are based on data from the Annual Business Survey conducted by the Office for National Statistics.\r\nThe two most relevant domains, audio/visual and digital industries, include a range of relevant Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) codes under the categories computer games and software/electronic publishing. These codes report a total contribution of over £1 billion GVA and 19,300 jobs.\r\nThe Scottish Government recognises that there may be overlap between these two domains and that the industry is keen to have a fairer representation of the number of jobs it secures. In light of this, we are working with our partners, and industry representatives, including TIGA whose recent research suggests that there may be around 600 jobs in Scotland’s computer games sector. It is our intention to widen the SABS framework to enable the measuring and monitoring of individual sub-sectors more closely. This will help to capture those businesses which may not be captured within the statistics due to standard accounting practices.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-24T14:59:14.697","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275989,"EventID":"S4W-09477","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":86,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-10T14:59:14.963","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-09T15:14:08","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on the law relating to codicils to a will.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government’s position on the law relating to codicils to a will is that The Requirements of Writing (Scotland) Act 1995 provides clear rules for the making of formally valid wills and codicils executed from 1 August 1995.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-24T14:59:14.977","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Roseanna Cunningham","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":275990,"EventID":"S4W-09478","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":86,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-10T14:59:15.307","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-09T15:14:08","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it considers that codicils to a will should be subject to scrutiny (a) in general, (b) where the witness is the main benefactor and (c) when not witnessed by a solicitor.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government is clear that all codicils to a will can be scrutinised and the subject of challenge if there are concerns that the requirements for formal validity are not met or about the intention or capacity of the person making the codicil, for instance, where there are concerns that the person making the codicil was not capable of understanding the effects of making it or was improperly influenced by another.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-24T14:59:15.32","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Roseanna Cunningham","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276000,"EventID":"S4W-09467","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1866,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-10T17:17:23.51","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-07T15:51:30","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government (a) how many and (b) which applications since September 2001 for the modification or discharge of planning obligations have related to obligations that (i) would safeguard or enhance the natural environment and (ii) were required as a result of the conclusions of environmental impact or habitats regulations assessment.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government does not hold this information.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-24T17:17:23.667","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Derek Mackay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276001,"EventID":"S4W-09469","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1866,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-10T17:17:24.07","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-07T15:51:30","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government (a) how many and (b) which applications since September 2001 for the modification or discharge of planning obligations have required further environmental impact or habitats regulations assessment.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government does not hold this information. \r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-24T17:17:24.087","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Derek Mackay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276002,"EventID":"S4W-09481","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5109,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":101,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-10T17:17:24.383","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-10T12:08:20","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how the tuition fee grant for part-time students of Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework courses for 2013-14 will be distributed.","AnswerText":"From academic year 2013-14, Scottish domiciled students studying a higher education part-time course with a personal income of less than £25,000 can receive full support for the relevant proportion of the full-time tuition fee. In order to qualify, students should be studying a higher education course, Professional Development Award or Continuing Professional Development at levels 7-10 of the Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF) and complete between 30 and 119 SCQF credits per year. They must also commence studying at a Scottish Institution. The tuition fee for full-time intensity courses at private institutions is capped.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-24T17:17:24.4","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276019,"EventID":"S4W-09482","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-11T17:17:07.887","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-10T15:20:23","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what terms of reference it set for the James Hutton Institute for the research that it is carrying out into how people feel about local wind energy developments.\r\n","AnswerText":"As part of the strategic research programmes commissioned by the Scottish Government the James Hutton Institute is investigating the issue of how communities might prefer to receive financial benefits from wind energy developments, and what they might like that funding to be used for.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-25T17:17:08.137","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276020,"EventID":"S4W-09483","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-11T17:17:08.433","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-10T15:20:23","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what companies other than the James Hutton Institute are carrying out research into wind energy on its behalf and with what terms of reference.\r\n","AnswerText":"The work of the James Hutton Institute is part of the “Water and Renewable Energy” research theme being conducted by the Scottish Government’s main research providers.\r\nIn addition, the Centre of Expertise for Climate Change (ClimateXChange) has been commissioned to undertake research on the socio-economic benefits of community and locally-owned renewables, including wind energy. ClimateXChange is a collaboration between 16 research and higher education institutions across Scotland and includes the James Hutton Institute (further information at http://www.climatexchange.org.uk/). The commissioned research will be undertaken by the James Hutton Institute and the Fraser of Allander Institute in the University of Strathclyde.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-25T17:17:08.45","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276021,"EventID":"S4W-09484","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-11T17:17:08.697","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-10T15:20:23","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much it is paying the James Hutton Institute to carry out research into wind energy developments.\r\n","AnswerText":"This work is part of a larger programme of research funded by the Scottish Government’s Rural and Environment Science and Analytical Services (RESAS) division. We estimate that the investment in wind energy research in the current financial year, 2012-13, will be around £90,000.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-25T17:17:08.713","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276022,"EventID":"S4W-09485","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-11T17:17:08.963","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-10T15:20:23","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many questionnaires the James Hutton Institute has distributed and to (a) whom and (b) what communities.\r\n","AnswerText":"The questionnaire has been conducted by postal survey of approximately 1,000 households in Alford (Aberdeenshire) and another 1,000 households in Shotts (Lanarkshire), all within a 10 km radius of proposed wind farm developments.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-25T17:17:08.98","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276023,"EventID":"S4W-09486","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-11T17:17:09.26","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-10T15:20:23","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it has asked the James Hutton Institute to focus its research on community benefit schemes.\r\n","AnswerText":"The broader programme of the James Hutton Institute research is positioned to deliver outputs that will assist the Scottish Government in developing sustainable approaches to various aspects of renewable energy, including community benefits.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-25T17:17:09.277","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276024,"EventID":"S4W-09487","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-11T17:17:09.523","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-10T15:20:23","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it will use the findings of the James Hutton Institute's research into how people feel about local wind energy developments. \r\n","AnswerText":"The findings will be analysed as part of a wider research programme on the provision and sustainability of land-based renewable energy.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-25T17:17:09.54","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276025,"EventID":"S4W-09488","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2673,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":114,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-11T17:17:09.79","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-10T16:44:50","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what it is doing to improve diagnosis of dementia in hospital inpatients, in light of the recent report by the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government’s National Dementia Strategy recognises that improving diagnosis of dementia is key to helping people access effective care, treatment and support. We met our diagnosis target nationally and, earlier this year, The Alzheimer Society published Mapping the Dementia Gap: Progress on improving diagnosis of dementia 2010-2011, detailing relative performance across the United Kingdom, which showed Scotland’s strong performance on diagnosis, especially in comparison to England and Wales.\r\nWe are addressing the challenges associated with improving the diagnosis of dementia in hospitals and The Chief Nursing Officer continues to work with NHS boards to improve service response in hospitals, including improving the identification and recording of dementia, which includes improving the sharing of information between primary and secondary care. This activity complements the programme of inspections of acute general hospitals by Healthcare Improvement Scotland (HIS), which have highlighted the identification and recording of dementia as an area for improvement. Action plans drawn up by boards to address areas for improvement identified by the HIS reports include attention to these issues, and we expect boards to be giving the action plans urgent attention.\r\nWe also continue our national action to help develop and upskill the dementia workforce, including training 300 Dementia Champions by 2013 from acute general hospital and associated care settings, to lead change at the frontline, and supporting Alzheimer Scotland in appointing a Specialist Dementia Nurse to every NHS board, with 11 in post to date. Supporting the identification and assessment of people with dementia in hospitals is an integral part of the work of both the champions and the specialists.\r\nThe Standards of Care for Dementia in Scotland (2011) states that hospitals are required to have systems in place so staff can easily identify someone with dementia and that hospitals should have access to specialist dementia advice.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-25T17:17:09.807","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276026,"EventID":"S4W-09489","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-11T17:17:10.163","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-10T16:46:41","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4O-01014 by Nicola Sturgeon on 17 May 2012 (Official Report, c. 9129), whether further progress has been made regarding the availability of transcatheter aortic valve implantation.","AnswerText":"TAVI has been available to Scottish patients since 2008 on a case-by-case basis, with patients who are considered suitable being referred by their local health board to an appropriate provider outwith Scotland. It was announced on 11 September 2012 that a Scottish TAVI centre would be set up at the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh. The first patients were assessed by the Edinburgh team this week and I understand that the first TAVI procedures are planned to be undertaken in October.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-25T17:17:10.18","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276027,"EventID":"S4W-09490","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-11T17:17:10.447","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-10T16:46:41","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when transcatheter aortic valve implantation treatment will be available in Scotland.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-09489 on 25 September 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-25T17:17:10.46","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276028,"EventID":"S4W-09494","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5079,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-11T17:17:10.727","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-10T16:58:55.517","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-09163 by Alasdair Allan on 4 September 2012, for what reason it stopped collating information on the cost of school meals.","AnswerText":"In autumn 2010, a consultation took place to ascertain what educational data collection continued to be necessary and what data could cease to be collected. Following the consultation a number of data collections, including information on the cost of a school meal to pupils, were deemed to be an unnecessary reporting burden on schools and local authorities and are now no longer collected centrally.\r\nFurther detail can be found through the following link.\r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Statistics/Browse/School-Education/scotstat/PastCons.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-25T17:17:10.743","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alasdair Allan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276029,"EventID":"S4W-09495","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5109,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":101,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-11T17:17:11.007","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-10T18:23:21","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what schemes Creative Scotland runs to fund start-up for-profit businesses; how much has been awarded to how many recipients in previous years for which information is available; how much the recipients secured in match funding from other sources and whether it will provide a breakdown of the sources by (a) type of organisation and (b) amount provided.\r\n","AnswerText":"I have asked Andrew Dixon, Chief Executive of Creative Scotland, the public body for Culture and Creative Industries to write to the member: Further information about Creative Scotland’s activities is available at http://www.creativescotland.com/.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-25T17:17:11.023","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276030,"EventID":"S4W-09496","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-11T17:17:11.273","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-10T18:57:37","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much has been spent by each NHS board on sub-contracting work to the private sector in each year since 2004.\r\n","AnswerText":"Information on NHS boards spend on the use independent sector activity is only available from 2008-09. I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-07376 on 3 August 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx. \r\nInformation obtained from NHS boards on the spend on the use of the independent healthcare sector in 2011-12 is provided in the following table.\r\nNHS Board\r\n2011-12\r\n£000\r\nAyrshire and Arran\r\n7\r\nBorders\r\n49\r\nDumfries and Galloway\r\n0\r\nFife\r\n605\r\nForth Valley\r\n718\r\nGrampian\r\n2,328\r\nGreater Glasgow and Clyde\r\n1,308\r\nHighland\r\n0\r\nLanarkshire\r\n2,992\r\nLothian\r\n3,046\r\nOrkney\r\n0\r\nShetland\r\n0\r\nTayside\r\n498\r\nWestern Isles\r\n0\r\nNHSScotland\r\n11,551\r\nThe Scottish Government’s policy is that NHS boards should use NHS Funding to build sustainable capacity. The use of the independent healthcare sector should only be used in the margins to deal with short-term capacity issues. This is reflected in the significant reduction in NHS spend to the independent sector from £23.9 million in 2008-09 to £11.6 million in 2011-12.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-25T17:17:11.287","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276031,"EventID":"S4W-09497","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1778,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":110,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-11T17:17:11.553","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-10T22:28:37","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether all NHS boards have implemented the NHS guidance on infertility services.","AnswerText":"National criteria were developed by the Expert Advisory Group on Infertility Services in Scotland (EAGISS) in 2000. These guidelines were subsequently reviewed and in 2007 further recommendations were made to raise the upper age limit for treatment and updated information on timings between treatments.\r\nAll NHS boards in Scotland use these guidelines, but variations on the number of cycles and age of treatment do exist.\r\nThe National Infertility Group was set up in April 2010 to address the inequity of access to IVF treatment across Scotland and will submit its report – which will include updated access criteria - to ministers by the end of December 2012.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-25T17:17:11.57","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276032,"EventID":"S4W-09498","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1778,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":110,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-11T17:17:11.833","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-10T22:28:37","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it has published the action plan on infertility services mentioned by the Minister for Public Health and Sport on 28 May 2009 (Official Report, c. 18057) and, if so, when.","AnswerText":"The National Infertility Group was set up in April 2010 and the action plan on infertility services mentioned by the Minister for Public Health and Sport on 28 May 2009 (Official Report, c. 18057) became the group’s remit and was published on the Maternity Services website during 2010 www.maternityservices.scot.nhs.uk.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-25T17:17:11.85","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276033,"EventID":"S4W-09499","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1778,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":110,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-11T17:17:12.113","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-10T22:28:37","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many reports the Expert Advisory Group on Infertility Services has produced since 2009.\r\n","AnswerText":"The National Infertility Group was set up in April 2010. Its report, with recommendations, is expected to be with ministers by the end of December 2012.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-25T17:17:12.13","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276034,"EventID":"S4W-09500","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1778,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":110,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-11T17:17:12.38","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-10T22:28:37","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many reports the Infertility Network Scotland has produced since 2009. \r\n","AnswerText":"Infertility Network Scotland has produced two reports for the Scottish Government since 2009.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-25T17:17:12.397","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276035,"EventID":"S4W-09501","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1778,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":110,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-11T17:17:12.77","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-10T22:28:37","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government which NHS boards highlighted as being the poorest performers in relation to infertility services in the Members' Business Debate on motion S3M-03741 (Official Report, c. 18048) have made the most progress.\r\n","AnswerText":"NHS Lothian has made the most progress since being highlighted as a poor performer in relation to infertility services in the Members' Business Debate on motion S3M-03741 (Official Report, c. 18048).\r\nWaiting times for IVF treatment in NHS Lothian were three years in May 2009 and, due to ongoing investment by the board and pathway change, waiting times are now at one year three months.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-25T17:17:12.77","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276036,"EventID":"S4W-09502","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1778,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":110,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-11T17:17:13.033","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-10T22:28:37","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what progress has been made since 2009 in assisting the Information Services Division in sharing data and collecting information from the four level 3 fertility clinics.\r\n","AnswerText":"As part of the National Infertility Group, NHS Information Services Division has been collecting selected data from the four level III fertility clinics on a standardised form. The data are aggregate rather than individual records. Funding to assist the centres in provision of these data was offered by the Scottish Government in 2011-12.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-25T17:17:13.05","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276037,"EventID":"S4W-09503","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1778,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":110,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-11T17:17:13.3","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-10T22:28:37","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on the waiting times for NHS Fife fertility services.","AnswerText":"Whilst waiting times in NHS Fife are, at three years, the joint longest in Scotland, NHS Fife has advised it is are now actively working to bring this service into line with other NHS providers, and is working towards a maximum waiting time of 12 months.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-25T17:17:13.317","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276038,"EventID":"S4W-09504","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1778,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":110,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-11T17:17:13.567","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-10T22:28:37","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what it defines as a \"timely\" wait for infertility services as referred to in the Members' Business Debate on motion S3M-03741 (Official Report, c. 18048).\r\n","AnswerText":"The government has recently advised NHS boards of its commitment to infertility services, and that all NHS boards across Scotland should ensure that waiting times for IVF are at a maximum of 12 months by March 2015. Five NHS boards already meet this target.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-25T17:17:13.58","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276039,"EventID":"S4W-09505","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1778,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":110,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-11T17:17:13.83","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-10T23:30:14","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it plans to give patients who have waited more than one year for infertility treatment prior authority to seek this in other countries in Europe.\r\n","AnswerText":"It is for NHS boards to decide whether to reimburse eligible patients who have had infertility treatment abroad.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-25T17:17:13.847","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276040,"EventID":"S4W-09506","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1778,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":110,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-11T17:17:14.11","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-10T23:30:14","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many cycles of IVF treatment are provided per million people and what information it has on how this compares to other countries in Europe.\r\n","AnswerText":"This information is not collected centrally in Scotland. The Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority collects this type of information for the whole of the UK. Further details can be found at http://www.hfea.gov.uk/104.html.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-25T17:17:14.127","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276041,"EventID":"S4W-09508","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1778,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":110,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-11T17:17:14.377","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-10T23:30:14","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what discussions it has had with the UK Government about the extent of so-called reproductive tourism across Europe.","AnswerText":"No discussions have taken place with the UK Government about the extent of so-called reproductive tourism across Europe.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-25T17:17:14.393","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276042,"EventID":"S4W-09511","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1778,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":110,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-11T17:17:14.69","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-10T23:30:14","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will consider organising regular stakeholder meetings to discuss issues regarding infertility treatment.\r\n","AnswerText":"The stakeholder group Infertility Network Scotland (INS) is a core member of the National Infertility Group, and officials in the Scottish Government have regular discussions and meetings with the charity.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-25T17:17:14.703","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276043,"EventID":"S4W-09514","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1778,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":110,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-11T17:17:14.953","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-10T23:31:58","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what discussions it has had with the (a) Swedish and (b) Danish health services regarding IVF treatment cycles and whether it will develop a similar approach to these countries.\r\n","AnswerText":"No discussions have taken place with (a) Swedish and (b) Danish health services regarding IVF treatment cycles.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-25T17:17:14.97","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276044,"EventID":"S4W-09515","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-11T17:17:15.233","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-11T10:05:37","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether the Police, Public Order and Criminal Justice (Scotland) Act 2006 prohibits (a) members or (b) former members of the Civil Nuclear Police Authority from taking on the role of Police Complaints Commissioner.\r\n","AnswerText":"It does not. Schedule 4 (2) (1) of the Police Public Order and Criminal Justice (Scotland) Act 2006, which covers “limitations on appointment” to the role of Police Complaints Commissioner for Scotland, does not disqualify a member or former member of the Civil Nuclear Police Authority from taking on this role.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-25T17:17:15.25","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276045,"EventID":"S4W-09516","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-11T17:17:15.593","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-11T10:05:37","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether the Police and Fire Reform (Scotland) Act 2012 prohibits (a) members or (b) former members of the Civil Nuclear Police Authority from taking on the role of Police Investigations and Review Commissioner.\r\n","AnswerText":"No. Limitations on appointment to the role of a Police Investigations and Review Commissioner are set out in Schedule 4 (2) (1) of the Police Public Order and Criminal Justice (Scotland) Act 2006 as amended by Schedule 7 (33) of the Police and Fire Reform (Scotland) Act 2012. Accordingly, members or former members of the Civil Nuclear Police Authority are not disqualified from taking on this role.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-25T17:17:15.61","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276046,"EventID":"S4W-09517","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-11T17:17:15.873","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-11T10:05:37","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many offenders convicted after June 2006 whose crimes could have warranted an Order for Lifelong Restriction (a) have been released from prison in each year since that date and (b) are in prison.","AnswerText":"The statutory criteria that govern the imposition of Orders for Lifelong Restriction can be found in sections 210B to 210G of the Criminal Procedure (Scotland) Act 1995. It is for the court to decide whether an offender may fit the criteria when deciding on an appropriate sentence following conviction. The court will be aided in this regard by a risk assessment order produced by an accredited risk management professional. We do not hold information relating to the number of offenders who could have potentially received an Order for Lifelong Restriction.\r\nInformation held by the Risk Management Authority shows that to date 89 Orders for Lifelong Restriction have been imposed since they were introduced. No offender receiving an Order for Lifelong Restriction has been released from prison with one offender dying while in custody and another successfully appealing the Orders for Lifelong Restriction sentence.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-25T17:17:15.89","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276047,"EventID":"S4W-09533","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-11T17:17:16.187","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-11T13:42:31","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what reductions in train journey times from Inverness to (a) Caithness and (b) Perth are planned in the next five years.","AnswerText":"We are working closely with Network Rail to deliver Phase two of the Highland Main Line Improvements Project in the next five years which aims to support an hourly service in both directions between Inverness and Perth extended to either Glasgow or Edinburgh with an average end-to-end journey time reduction of around 10 minutes in both directions.\r\nWe will expect bidders of the new ScotRail Franchise from 2014 to work with local stakeholders to identify opportunities for journey time reductions across the network, including services between Inverness and Caithness.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-25T17:17:16.203","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276048,"EventID":"S4W-09534","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-11T17:17:16.81","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-11T13:42:31","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what reductions in train journey times to Inverness have been achieved since 2007.","AnswerText":"Journey times for services operating between Glasgow/Edinburgh and Inverness will be reduced by up to 17 minutes. These reductions will be delivered from 9 December 2012 as part of Phase one of the Government’s Highland Main Line Improvements Project.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-25T17:17:16.827","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276049,"EventID":"S4W-09535","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-11T17:17:17.293","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-11T13:42:31","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much debt is held by each public sector organisation.\r\n","AnswerText":"None of the public sector organisations within the Scottish Government accounting boundary, nor any of the Scottish Government’s executive non-departmental public bodies, currently have any long-term borrowings. Details of local authority debt was provided in my response to question S4W-06643 answered on 3 May 2012. The indebtedness of other organisations within the devolved public sector (e.g. Scottish public corporations) may be ascertained from the annual accounts of the individual organisations concerned.\r\nAll answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-25T17:17:17.293","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276050,"EventID":"S4W-09536","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4939,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":78,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-11T17:17:17.763","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-11T14:35:48","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what recent discussions it has had with Forth Valley College regarding the proposed phase 1 of the Falkirk campus.\r\n","AnswerText":"We are aware of ambitious proposals by Forth Valley College for the redevelopment of its Falkirk campus, but have had no direct discussions with the College. We have recently seen over £46 million invested in Forth Valley College’s new campuses at Alloa and Stirling, both of which the First Minister was pleased to open in October 2011 and September 2012 respectively.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-25T17:17:17.777","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276051,"EventID":"S4W-09537","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4939,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":78,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-11T17:17:18.027","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-11T14:35:48","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what support it gives to promoting the Antonine Wall as a tourist attraction.\r\n","AnswerText":"Scotland’s “nature, heritage and culture” has been identified as one of the four key assets in the industry-led “Tourism Scotland 2020”.\r\nThe Antonine Wall is one of hundreds of locations all over Scotland to feature in VisitScotland’s Brave movie map. The map is available free of charge in over 100 VisitScotland information centres throughout the country, providing an at-a-glance map of locations all over Scotland that are reflected in the movie.\r\nMarketing and promotion is undertaken both collectively and individually by partners (Historic Scotland, East Dunbartonshire Council, West Dunbartonshire Council, Glasgow City Council, North Lanarkshire Council and Falkirk Council): a series of leaflets and pop up displays were created by Historic Scotland for all World Heritage Sites in Scotland and includes versions for the Antonine Wall which are also being produced in Gaelic and German. Local authorities will advertise the Wall in their local marketing brochures.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-25T17:17:18.043","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276052,"EventID":"S4W-09563","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1778,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":110,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-11T17:17:18.65","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-11T14:11:11","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether the NHS is required to enable couples in need of IVF to access two complete cycles of treatment.","AnswerText":"Current guidance with NHS boards on the recommended number of IVF cycles was published in 2000 by the Expert Advisory Group on Infertility Services in Scotland. These guidelines, which remain extant, recommend that eligible patients receive a maximum of three NHS funded cycles of IVF. This includes two transfers of fresh embryos and, where frozen embryos are available, the third NHS funded cycle should involve transfer of stored embryos.\r\nThe National Infertility Group will make recommendations to ministers, including an update on the number of IVF cycles for eligible patients, by the end of December 2012.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-25T17:17:18.683","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276053,"EventID":"S4W-09564","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1778,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":110,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-11T17:17:19.057","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-11T14:11:11","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it plans to extend the IVF treatment allowance to three cycles.","AnswerText":"Current guidance with NHS boards on the recommended number of IVF cycles was published in 2000 by the Expert Advisory Group on Infertility Services in Scotland. These guidelines, which remain extant, recommend that eligible patients receive a maximum of three NHS funded cycles of IVF. This includes two transfers of fresh embryos and, where frozen embryos are available, the third NHS funded cycle should involve transfer of stored embryos.\r\nThe National Infertility Group will make recommendations to ministers, including an update on the number, and definition, of IVF cycles for eligible patients, by the end of December 2012.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-25T17:17:19.073","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276054,"EventID":"S4W-09565","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1778,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":110,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-11T17:17:19.337","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-11T14:11:11","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many (a) couples and (b) individuals have received publicly funded (i) IVF and (ii) intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) fertility treatment in each of the last three years.\r\n","AnswerText":"This information is not collected centrally in Scotland. The Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority collects this type of information for the whole of the UK. Further details can be found at http://www.hfea.gov.uk/104.html.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-25T17:17:19.353","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276055,"EventID":"S4W-09566","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1778,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":110,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-11T17:17:19.603","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-11T14:11:11","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it plans to bring NHS IVF provision in line with the rest of the UK.","AnswerText":"Eligible patients in Scotland can receive up to two or three cycles of IVF treatment. Patients in Wales receive up to two cycles of IVF and patients in Northern Ireland have access to one cycle of treatment.\r\nIn England, the final decision on whether to provide patients with one, two, three or any cycles of IVF on the NHS is made locally by individual Primary Care Trusts.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-25T17:17:19.617","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276056,"EventID":"S4W-09567","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1778,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":110,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-11T17:17:19.867","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-11T14:11:11","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the (a) target and (b) actual time is for the commencement of IVF treatment from the date of referral by a GP.","AnswerText":"There is no target for the commencement of IVF treatment from the date of referral by a GP.\r\nThe Scottish Government’s new maximum waiting time of 12 months for IVF treatment will mean, for the first time ever in Scotland, all eligible patients will receive treatment within 12 months of being diagnosed as requiring IVF. Diagnosis will usually take place at a secondary centre.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-25T17:17:19.883","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276057,"EventID":"S4W-09568","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1778,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":110,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-11T17:17:20.15","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-11T14:11:11","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many women have been referred for treatment related to multiple births as a result of IVF treatment in each of the last 10 years.\r\n","AnswerText":"This information is not collected centrally in Scotland. The Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority collects this type of information for the whole of the UK, further details can be found at http://www.hfea.gov.uk/104.html.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-25T17:17:20.163","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276058,"EventID":"S4W-09569","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1778,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":110,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-11T17:17:20.413","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-11T14:11:11","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many multiple births of (a) two, (b) three or (c) four babies have occurred as a result of IVF treatment in each of the last 10 years.\r\n","AnswerText":"This information is not collected centrally in Scotland. The Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority collects this type of information for the whole of the UK, further details can be found at http://www.hfea.gov.uk/104.html.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-25T17:17:20.43","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276059,"EventID":"S4W-09570","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1778,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":110,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-11T17:17:20.693","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-11T14:11:11","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many women receiving IVF treatment were implanted with (a) one, (b) two, (c) three, (d) four, (e) five, (f) six, (g) seven, (h) eight and (i) more than eight embryos in the last 10 years.","AnswerText":"This information is not collected centrally in Scotland. The Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority collects this type of information for the whole of the UK, further details can be found at http://www.hfea.gov.uk/104.html.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-25T17:17:20.71","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276060,"EventID":"S4W-09571","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1778,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":110,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-11T17:17:20.96","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-11T14:11:11","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many embryos are in storage in IVF centres.","AnswerText":"This information is not collected centrally in Scotland. The Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority collects this type of information for the whole of the UK, further details can be found at http://www.hfea.gov.uk/104.html.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-25T17:17:20.977","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276061,"EventID":"S4W-09572","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1778,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":110,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-11T17:17:21.223","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-11T14:11:11","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many (a) embryos have been conceived and (b) live births there have been as a result of IVF treatment in each of the last five years.","AnswerText":"This information is not collected centrally in Scotland. The Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority collects this type of information for the whole of the UK, further details can be found at http://www.hfea.gov.uk/104.html.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-25T17:17:21.24","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276062,"EventID":"S4W-09573","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1778,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":110,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-11T17:17:21.49","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-11T14:11:11","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the (a) names and (b) identification numbers are of all licensed IVF centres and how many visits inspectors of the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority have made to each centre since 2007.","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally in Scotland. The Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority licenses and inspects all IVF clinics in the UK, further details can be found at http://www.hfea.gov.uk/104.html.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-25T17:17:21.507","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276063,"EventID":"S4W-09574","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1778,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":110,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-11T17:17:21.757","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-11T14:11:11","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many IVF embryos have been (a) implanted, (b) stored and (c) disposed of in each of the last five years.","AnswerText":"This information is not collected centrally in Scotland. The Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority collects this type of information for the whole of the UK, further details can be found at http://www.hfea.gov.uk/104.html.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-25T17:17:21.77","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276064,"EventID":"S4W-09575","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1778,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":110,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-11T17:17:22.053","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-11T14:11:11","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many couples have undergone IVF treatment; what average number of IVF cycles was undertaken by each couple, and how many cycles have been undertaken, in each of the last five years.","AnswerText":"This information is not collected centrally in Scotland. The Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority collects this type of information for the whole of the UK, further details can be found at http://www.hfea.gov.uk/104.html.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-25T17:17:22.067","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276087,"EventID":"S4W-09491","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-12T14:09:38.903","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-10T16:57:25","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what average time the Scottish Government Rural Payments and Inspections Directorate takes to respond to applications to the Croft House Grant Scheme.","AnswerText":"The average time for Rural Payments and Inspections Division (formerly Directorate) to respond to a Croft House Grant Scheme application with a decision, when all information has been received from the applicant, is seven working days.\r\nHowever, the average time to respond with a decision from receipt of application is 73 working days, indicating that there is often a delay in the applicants submitting all the required information necessary to come to a decision.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-26T14:09:39.027","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276088,"EventID":"S4W-09492","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-12T14:09:39.37","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-10T16:57:25","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how the administration of the Croft House Grant Scheme by the Scottish Government Rural Payments and Inspections Directorate compares with its administration by the Crofting Commission.","AnswerText":"The Croft House Grant Scheme (CHGS) is a Scottish Government scheme assisting crofters. The Rural Payments and Inspections Division (formerly Directorate) has, since 1 August 2011, administered this scheme on behalf of Scottish Ministers. Prior to that date, the Scottish Government staff administering this scheme were line managed by the Crofters Commission (now Crofting Commission) in Inverness.\r\nThe transfer of line management for these schemes was purely administrative, enabling the Crofting Commission to focus on its regulatory functions more effectively and the staff on Tiree, who administer the scheme, to benefit from closer line management support than could reasonably be provided from Inverness.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-26T14:09:39.387","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276089,"EventID":"S4W-09493","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-12T14:09:39.683","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-10T16:57:25","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government for what reason the administration of the Croft House Grant Scheme was transferred to the Scottish Government Rural Payments and Inspections Directorate.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-09492 on 24 September 2012. All answers to written Parliamentary Questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-26T14:09:39.7","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276090,"EventID":"S4W-09529","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-12T14:09:39.997","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-11T11:10:14","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what is being done to develop communication between the Scottish Wild Beaver Group and (a) farmers and (b) beaver interest groups. \r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-09531 on 21 September 2012. One of the aims of the Tay Beaver Study Group is to develop communication between a range of interests, including the Scottish Wild Beaver Group, other conservation interests and fisheries and land management representatives.\r\nAll answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-26T14:09:40.01","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276091,"EventID":"S4W-09530","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-12T14:09:40.293","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-11T11:10:14","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether the Tayside beaver is a protected species.    \r\n","AnswerText":"Beavers are not a protected species in Scotland. However, Scottish Ministers announced on 16 March 2012 that beavers could remain on Tayside for the duration of the Scottish Beaver Trial and their impact will be monitored over this period. The status of beavers will be reviewed in 2015, following the conclusion of the trial, when Scottish Ministers will decide on the future of all beavers living in the wild in Scotland.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-26T14:09:40.307","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276092,"EventID":"S4W-09531","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-12T14:09:40.587","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-11T11:10:14","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will establish an information source and point of contact with Scottish Natural Heritage for those with concerns about the impact of wild beavers.\r\n","AnswerText":"Scottish Natural Heritage has established a monitoring group to study the beavers in the Tay catchment, the Tay Beaver Study Group. The group will be setting up a website to provide information about the management of beavers on the Tay. There are already information sources and contact points in relation to the Scottish Beaver Trial at Knapdale. Scottish Beaver Trial field officers are available for help and advice when required (details at www.scottishbeavers.org.uk) and monitoring information is available via SNH (www.snh.gov.uk/scottishbeavertrial).\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-26T14:09:40.603","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276093,"EventID":"S4W-09588","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4016,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":133,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-12T14:09:40.883","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-11T15:28:28","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it considers that an independent Scotland would automatically be a member of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization.\r\n","AnswerText":"In the November 2009 White Paper Your Scotland, Your Voice: A National Conversation, the Scottish Government made clear that an independent Scotland would have choices regarding its membership of NATO.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-26T14:09:40.9","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276094,"EventID":"S4W-09589","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4016,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":133,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-12T14:09:41.18","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-11T15:28:28","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it considers that an independent Scotland would automatically be a member of the UN Security Council. \r\n","AnswerText":"Full details of the Scottish Government’s proposals for independence will be provided in the comprehensive white paper to be published in November 2013.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-26T14:09:41.197","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276105,"EventID":"S4W-09606","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":2,"MSPID":4947,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-12T15:03:07.807","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-12T14:37:05","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it will ensure that the proposals to improve arrangements for independent monitoring of prisons will meet the obligations under the Optional Protocol to the UN Convention against Torture (OPCAT).","AnswerText":"The Cabinet Secretary for Justice has asked Professor Andrew Coyle, Emeritus Professor of Prison Studies in the University of London and Visiting Professor in the University of Essex, to review the Scottish Government’s proposals to improve arrangements for independent monitoring of prisons.\r\nThe review will run from October 2012 until January 2013. Professor Coyle will produce a report with recommendations by the end of January 2013.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-26T15:03:07.853","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276106,"EventID":"S4O-01276","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1741,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-12T15:12:15.25","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-10T12:03:00.787","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what plans it has to deal with the reported increase in binge drinking at home.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-26T15:12:15.357","MeetingDate":"2012-09-20T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276107,"EventID":"S4O-01277","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":5109,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":101,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-12T15:12:15.64","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-10T12:03:02.377","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how the Procurement Reform Bill will incorporate and advance the principles of sustainability.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-26T15:12:15.653","MeetingDate":"2012-09-20T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276108,"EventID":"S4O-01278","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1793,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-12T15:12:15.937","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-11T15:09:15.597","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what assistance it can give to families with children where some family members are required to leave the country due to their immigration status.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-26T15:12:15.937","MeetingDate":"2012-09-20T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276109,"EventID":"S4O-01279","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":3907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":135,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-12T15:12:16.233","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-10T12:03:02.97","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what plans it has to encourage new business start-ups in Kilmarnock and Irvine Valley.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-26T15:12:16.247","MeetingDate":"2012-09-20T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276110,"EventID":"S4O-01280","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2134,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":82,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-12T15:12:16.513","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-10T12:03:03.25","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when it last met Strathclyde Partnership for Transport and what issues were discussed.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-26T15:12:16.527","MeetingDate":"2012-09-20T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276111,"EventID":"S4O-01281","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2345,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":128,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-12T15:12:16.81","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-10T12:03:03.517","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how the Minister for Public Health plans to help people who misuse drugs.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-26T15:12:16.81","MeetingDate":"2012-09-20T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276112,"EventID":"S4O-01282","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":5106,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":118,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-12T15:12:17.107","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-10T12:03:03.767","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, in light of the possible impact on its anti-poverty strategy, what discussions it has had with the UK Government regarding its contract with Atos for carrying out work capability assessments.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-26T15:12:17.12","MeetingDate":"2012-09-20T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276113,"EventID":"S4O-01283","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2108,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":141,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-12T15:12:17.463","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-10T12:03:04.077","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will publish its plans for broadcasting in an independent Scotland before the referendum.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-26T15:12:17.48","MeetingDate":"2012-09-20T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276114,"EventID":"S4O-01284","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":3806,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-12T15:12:17.76","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-10T12:03:04.42","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what recent discussions it has had with the business community about the air discount scheme.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-26T15:12:17.777","MeetingDate":"2012-09-20T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276115,"EventID":"S4O-01285","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1882,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":129,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-12T15:12:18.04","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-10T12:03:04.763","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the incidence has been of single-crewed ambulance deployment in the Carrick area of NHS Ayrshire and Arran in each of the last three years.\r\n","AnswerText":"I can advise the Member that across Scotland the total incidence of single-crewing for April to June 2012 (inclusive) was 1.0% of those shifts that were rostered to be double-crewed. The equivalent figure for the South-West Division, which includes NHS Ayrshire and Arran was 0.7%.\r\nOf that total, many of the instances of single-crewing occurred due to exceptional circumstances, such as short notice sickness absence. Excluding these, the figure was 0.7% across Scotland and 0.6% for the South West.\r\nI can assure the member that the current difficulties in the Girvan and South Carrick area are being actively resolved, a new recruit takes up post in November to fill a current vacancy. We are committed to ensuring that single-crewing does not become a recurring theme and so that Mr Ingram’s constituents, and indeed people across the country, can have confidence that the Scottish Ambulance Service will provide a high-quality and effective response when they are needed.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-26T15:12:18.057","MeetingDate":"2012-09-20T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276116,"EventID":"S4O-01286","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":2610,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-12T15:12:18.353","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-10T12:04:16.043","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when the Cabinet Secretary for Justice last met the Chief Constable of Strathclyde Police and what issues were discussed.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-26T15:12:18.37","MeetingDate":"2012-09-19T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276117,"EventID":"S4O-01287","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":4086,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-12T15:12:18.633","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-10T12:04:16.323","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what steps it is taking to improve administrative justice.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-26T15:12:18.65","MeetingDate":"2012-09-19T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276118,"EventID":"S4O-01288","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":4964,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-12T15:12:18.913","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-10T12:04:16.837","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it plans to address trends in drink driving among young drivers.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-26T15:12:18.93","MeetingDate":"2012-09-19T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276119,"EventID":"S4O-01289","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":85,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-12T15:12:19.227","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-10T12:04:17.167","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its priorities are for the next tranche of funding from the CashBack for Communities programme.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-26T15:12:19.243","MeetingDate":"2012-09-19T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276120,"EventID":"S4O-01290","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":4955,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":105,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-12T15:12:19.553","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-10T12:04:17.743","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on the introduction of legislation to allow for the prosecution of crimes of aggression under international law.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-26T15:12:19.57","MeetingDate":"2012-09-19T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276121,"EventID":"S4O-01291","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":1841,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":120,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-12T15:12:19.883","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-10T12:04:18.18","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what it is doing to tackle domestic abuse.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-26T15:12:19.883","MeetingDate":"2012-09-19T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276122,"EventID":"S4O-01292","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":4947,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-12T15:12:20.163","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-10T12:04:18.68","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, in light of the recent 10-day enforcement period on the A9 Inverness-Perth road where 687 motorists were charged with speeding offences, whether it plans to repeat the exercise.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-26T15:12:20.18","MeetingDate":"2012-09-19T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276123,"EventID":"S4O-01293","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":1742,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-12T15:12:20.443","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-10T12:04:19.32","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what undertakings it has received from the UK Government to meet any increased demand on the Scottish civil legal aid budget as a result of UK welfare reform.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-26T15:12:20.46","MeetingDate":"2012-09-19T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276124,"EventID":"S4O-01294","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":3129,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":83,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-12T15:12:20.723","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-10T12:04:19.897","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what action it is taking to ensure that court attendance by police officers does not affect frontline policing in their area.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-26T15:12:20.74","MeetingDate":"2012-09-19T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276125,"EventID":"S4O-01295","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":2892,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-12T15:12:21.02","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-12T10:35:56.167","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what actions it is taking to combat far right extremism.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government is committed to creating a society in which intolerance and prejudice have no place and in building trust, respect and understanding within Scotland’s multi-faith and multi-cultural society.\r\nPrejudice and intolerance can fracture communities and undermine community cohesion and at its extremes can give rise to serious criminal behaviour. That is why we give priority to work on community safety, support programmes to promote equality, tackle discrimination and hate crime. It is also why we work closely with police colleagues through, among other things, the Scottish Preventing Violent Extremism Unit, to create a safer Scotland within which there is no place for violent extremism of any kind.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-26T15:12:21.02","MeetingDate":"2012-09-19T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276126,"EventID":"S4O-01296","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":4951,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-12T15:12:21.333","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-10T12:04:35.56","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what support it is giving to egg producers.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-26T15:12:21.333","MeetingDate":"2012-09-19T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276127,"EventID":"S4O-01297","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":4940,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-12T15:12:21.583","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-10T12:04:36.573","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what discussions it has had with Falkirk Council and other agencies regarding the fly infestation at Abbotsinch, Grangemouth.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-26T15:12:21.597","MeetingDate":"2012-09-19T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276128,"EventID":"S4O-01298","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":2033,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":132,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-12T15:12:21.863","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-10T12:04:40.69","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what assessment it has made of the impact on the arable sector of recent weather conditions.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-26T15:12:21.863","MeetingDate":"2012-09-19T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276129,"EventID":"S4O-01299","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":5034,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-12T15:12:22.143","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-10T12:04:41.003","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it will use the findings of the Report on Proposals and Policies to implement its climate change policy.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-26T15:12:22.16","MeetingDate":"2012-09-19T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276130,"EventID":"S4O-01300","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":5057,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-12T15:12:22.41","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-11T09:47:38.993","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, in light of its not meeting its first climate change target, how it plans to ensure that subsequent targets are achieved.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-26T15:12:22.423","MeetingDate":"2012-09-19T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276131,"EventID":"S4O-01301","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":3815,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-12T15:12:22.673","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-10T12:04:45.247","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what recent engagement it has had with key organisations in the agricultural sector.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-26T15:12:22.673","MeetingDate":"2012-09-19T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276132,"EventID":"S4O-01302","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":2010,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":137,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-12T15:12:22.957","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-10T12:04:50.487","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what support it gives to local authorities to ensure that recycling targets are met.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-26T15:12:22.97","MeetingDate":"2012-09-19T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276133,"EventID":"S4O-01303","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":2123,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":103,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-12T15:12:23.237","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-10T12:04:50.847","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what action it and its agencies will take to address the environmental issues at the Seafield waste water treatment works.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-26T15:12:23.253","MeetingDate":"2012-09-19T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276134,"EventID":"S4O-01304","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":4939,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":78,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-12T15:12:23.547","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-10T12:04:51.737","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what enforcement action is available to the Scottish Environment Protection Agency when waste transfer stations fail to meet licence conditions.\r\n","AnswerText":"SEPA’s published Enforcement Policy sets out the range of enforcement tools which are available in pursuing compliance with environmental legislation.\r\nIf a waste operator fails to meet the conditions of his licence, SEPA can exercise enforcement powers in a variety of ways, both formal and informal, including discussion, the use of advisory and/or warning letters and the serving of formal notices requiring compliance with licence conditions.\r\nFailure to comply with a formal notice within the set timescale may constitute an offence and may result in a report being sent to the Procurators Fiscal recommending prosecution.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-26T15:12:23.563","MeetingDate":"2012-09-19T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276135,"EventID":"S4W-09518","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-12T17:00:29.317","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-11T09:40:12","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will fund the Scottish Empty Homes Partnership beyond March 2013.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government is currently considering options for the future of the Scottish Empty Homes Partnership and hopes to announce its decision later in the year.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-26T17:00:29.333","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Burgess","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276136,"EventID":"S4W-09519","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-12T17:00:29.817","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-11T09:40:12","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many houses have been brought back into use since the introduction of the Scottish Empty Homes Partnership.","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-26T17:00:29.833","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Burgess","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276137,"EventID":"S4W-09520","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-12T17:00:30.393","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-11T09:40:12","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much funding its Debt Arrangement Scheme has received in each year since its inception, broken down by local authority area.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Debt Arrangement Scheme (DAS) was introduced on 30 November 2004. Up until changes were introduced on 1 July 2011, the administration costs were funded from the budget allocated to the Accountant in Bankruptcy (AiB). \r\nSince 2006, AiB have been working towards full cost recovery for the services provided by them including DAS. \r\nIn 2011, there was a £250,000 investment by AiB which led to the re-launch of DAS on 1 July. At that time an application fee was introduced. This fee was set at 2% from every payment made to a Debt Payment Programme (DPP) under DAS. This fee is paid to the AiB and covers the annual running costs and the initial investment over a five year period. Full cost recovery is expected in 2016.\r\nThe funding that AiB receives each year from the Scottish Government from inception of DAS in 2004 until 2011 is detailed below. This funding was used to facilitate all of the services provided by AiB and does not detail the funds used for each of the services provided. \r\nFinancial Year \r\nBudget\r\n2004-05\r\n£4.4 million\r\n2005-06\r\n£6.4 million\r\n2006-07\r\n£6.9 million\r\n2007-08\r\n£6.5 million \r\n2008-09\r\n£4.8 million\r\n2009-10\r\n£4.3 million\r\n2010-11\r\n£1.8 million\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-26T17:00:30.41","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276138,"EventID":"S4W-09521","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-12T17:00:31.33","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-11T09:40:12","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many money advisers it funds in each local authority area.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government does not directly fund money advisers, however, we do provide funding of £167,000 per year which is used to fund second tier training in this sector.\r\nFunding for Citizens Advice Scotland’s money advisers is provided by the UK Government, funding for local authority money advisers is provided by local authorities from their budgets. We do not hold information regarding the amount of funding that is provided by local authorities.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-26T17:00:31.33","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276139,"EventID":"S4W-09522","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-12T17:00:31.703","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-11T09:40:12","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many people have been placed on a debt payment programme in each year since the Debt Arrangement Scheme was created, broken down by local authority area.\r\n","AnswerText":"Since the introduction of the Debt Arrangement Scheme (DAS) on 30 November 2004, to the end of the financial year 2011-12, a total of 8,223 individuals have entered into a Debt Payment Programme (DPP) under DAS.\r\nIndividuals who entered into a DPP under DAS \r\nFinancial Year\r\n \r\n2004-05\r\n1\r\n2005-06\r\n127\r\n2006-07\r\n99\r\n2007-08\r\n442\r\n2008-09\r\n908\r\n2009-10\r\n1,417\r\n2010-11\r\n1,910\r\n2011-12\r\n3,319*\r\nNote: *Since changes made to DAS in 2011, DPPs can now be entered into in joint names.\r\nStatistics relating to individual local authority areas are not held.","AnswerDate":"2012-09-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-26T17:00:31.72","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276140,"EventID":"S4W-09523","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-12T17:00:32.063","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-11T09:40:12","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much debt has been recovered through the Debt Arrangement Scheme in each of the last three years, broken down by local authority area, also expressed as a percentage of the debt absorbed.\r\n","AnswerText":"Statistics relating to payments received via a Debt Payment Programme (DPP) under Debt Arrangement Scheme (DAS) are not available for local authority areas.\r\nInformation on the amount of debt outstanding annually in DPPs is available in the Accountant in Bankruptcy’s Annual Report which is available on the AiB website.\r\nFinancial Year\r\nTotal Value of Debts\r\nIncluded in DPP\r\n2008-09\r\n£31,002,207\r\n2009-10\r\n£34,078,546\r\n2010-11\r\n£43,085,316\r\nHowever information on the amount of debt recovered by payments distributers and paid to creditors, through DPPs, was not available until changes were made to the DAS system on 1 July 2011. As of 18 September 2012, the total debt included in all live DPPs, which includes those DPPs which were approved prior to 1 July 2011, was £170 million. There has been almost £15 million paid to creditors since 1 July to date.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-26T17:00:32.077","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276141,"EventID":"S4W-09524","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-12T17:00:32.483","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-11T09:40:12","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the administration costs of the Debt Arrangement Scheme are, broken down by local authority area.\r\n","AnswerText":"Prior to the re-launch of the Debt Arrangement Scheme (DAS) on 1 July 2011, the administration costs of DAS were funded by the public purse. Since the re-launch of DAS, the costs of administration are recovered by the Accountant in Bankruptcy via an administration fee of 2% charged on all payments made via Debt Payment Programmes (DPP). Fees charged by payments distributers may be up to 8% of the payment made by the individual. On completion of a DPP under DAS, the creditor will receive at least 90% of the debt owed to them at the commencement of the DPP. Administration of DPPs under DAS are now cost neutral to the public purse.\r\nAdministration fees recovered are not broken down by individual local authority areas.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-26T17:00:32.5","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276142,"EventID":"S4W-09525","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-12T17:00:32.78","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-11T09:40:12","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many Debt Arrangement Scheme-approved money advisers there are in each local authority area.\r\n","AnswerText":"In 2010-11 there were a total of 90 Debt Arrangement Scheme (DAS) approved money advisers. The following table provides details of the number of approved advisers by local authority regions.\r\nLocal Authority Region \r\n\r\nAberdeen City \r\n4\r\nAberdeenshire\r\n2\r\nAngus \r\n0\r\nArgyll and Bute \r\n2\r\nClackmannanshire\r\n1\r\nDumfries and Galloway\r\n3\r\nDundee City \r\n2\r\nEast Ayrshire \r\n2\r\nEast Dunbartonshire \r\n2\r\nEast Lothian \r\n1\r\nEast Renfrewshire\r\n3\r\nEdinburgh City\r\n2\r\nFalkirk\r\n4\r\nFife\r\n15\r\nGlasgow City\r\n7\r\nHighland\r\n5\r\nInverclyde\r\n1\r\nMidlothian\r\n2\r\nMoray\r\n2\r\nNorth Ayrshire\r\n1\r\nNorth Lanarkshire \r\n10\r\nOrkney\r\n0\r\nPerth and Kinross\r\n1\r\nRenfrewshire\r\n0\r\nScottish Borders\r\n0\r\nShetland\r\n0\r\nSouth Ayrshire \r\n1\r\nSouth Lanarkshire\r\n5\r\nStirling\r\n3\r\nWest Dunbartonshire\r\n1\r\nWest Lothian\r\n0\r\nWestern Isles\r\n1\r\nAll regions\r\n7\r\n\r\nChanges made to DAS on 1 July 2011 allowed organisations as well as individuals to be approved under DAS. As there can now be a number of money advisers available to assist clients in these organisations, these changes have increased the total number of DAS approved advisers available throughout Scotland. The following table provides a list of approved money advisers and organisations as of 18 September 2012.\r\nDistribution of DAS Approved Money Advice Organisations by Local Authority\r\nLocal Authority\r\nPublic Sector\r\nPrivate Sector\r\nTotal Money Advisers\r\nAberdeen City\r\n3\r\n2\r\n5\r\nAberdeenshire\r\n3\r\n1\r\n4\r\nAngus\r\n4\r\n0\r\n4\r\nArgyll and Bute\r\n2\r\n0\r\n2\r\nCity of Edinburgh\r\n3\r\n2\r\n5\r\nClackmannanshire\r\n2\r\n0\r\n2\r\nDumfries and Galloway\r\n2\r\n0\r\n2\r\nDundee City\r\n2\r\n1\r\n3\r\nEast Ayrshire\r\n1\r\n0\r\n1\r\nEast Dunbartonshire\r\n1\r\n0\r\n1\r\nEast Lothian\r\n2\r\n0\r\n2\r\nEast Renfrewshire\r\n2\r\n1\r\n3\r\nEilean Siar\r\n1\r\n0\r\n1\r\nFalkirk\r\n5\r\n0\r\n5\r\nFife\r\n2\r\n1\r\n3\r\nGlasgow City\r\n10\r\n7\r\n17\r\nHighland\r\n8\r\n0\r\n8\r\nInverclyde\r\n1\r\n0\r\n1\r\nMidlothian\r\n3\r\n0\r\n3\r\nMoray\r\n1\r\n0\r\n1\r\nNorth Ayrshire\r\n2\r\n0\r\n2\r\nNorth Lanarkshire\r\n6\r\n1\r\n7\r\nOrkney Islands\r\n1\r\n0\r\n1\r\nPerth and Kinross\r\n2\r\n1\r\n3\r\nRenfrewshire\r\n2\r\n2\r\n4\r\nScottish Borders\r\n1\r\n0\r\n1\r\nShetland Islands\r\n1\r\n0\r\n1\r\nSouth Ayrshire\r\n1\r\n0\r\n1\r\nSouth Lanarkshire\r\n4\r\n0\r\n4\r\nStirling\r\n2\r\n0\r\n2\r\nWest Dunbartonshire\r\n1\r\n1\r\n2\r\nWest Lothian\r\n2\r\n0\r\n2\r\nOutside Scotland\r\n0\r\n2\r\n2\r\nTotal\r\n83\r\n22\r\n105\r\n\r\nAnyone seeking the assistance or services of a DAS approved money adviser can visit the DAS website at: http://www.dasscotland.gov.uk/help-centre/money-adviser-search and enter their postcode on the system to get contact details of DAS approved money advisers within a 10 mile radius of their address.","AnswerDate":"2012-09-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-26T17:00:32.797","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276143,"EventID":"S4W-09526","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-12T17:00:33.263","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-11T09:40:12","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the budget of the Accountant in Bankruptcy has been in each of the last three years.\r\n","AnswerText":"The following represents the budget allocated to and drawn down by the Accountant in Bankruptcy by the Scottish Government for the financial years 2009 to 2012.\r\nFinancial Year \r\nBudget Allocated\r\nDrawn Down\r\n2009-10\r\n£5.7 million\r\n £4.3 million\r\n2010-11\r\n£4.2 million\r\n£1.8 million\r\n2011-12\r\n£3.2 million\r\n£2.8 million\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-26T17:00:33.28","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276144,"EventID":"S4W-09527","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-12T17:00:34.043","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-11T09:40:12","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much it costs the Accountant in Bankruptcy to administer the Debt Arrangement Scheme.\r\n","AnswerText":"Prior to the re-launch of the Debt Arrangement Scheme (DAS) on 1 July 2011, the administration costs of Debt Payment Programmes (DPP) under DAS were funded by the public purse. A breakdown of the running costs since the re-launch of DAS in 2011 are detailed in the following table. An application fee of 2% from every payment made to a DPP under DAS, paid to the Accountant in Bankruptcy, covers the annual costs over a five year period with full cost recovery expected in 2016.\r\nBreakdown of DAS Running Costs\r\n\r\nYear\r\nSystem Depreciation (£250,000 over 5 years)\r\n£50,000\r\nTraining costs for AiB staff and Money Advisers\r\n£20,000\r\nAiB Staff Costs (5 * A3)\r\n£120,000\r\nAiB Staff Costs (1* B1)\r\n£35,000\r\nDAS Publications\r\n£45,000\r\nShare of AiB Fixed Costs\r\n£85,000\r\nTotal Annual Costs\r\n£355,000\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-26T17:00:34.06","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276145,"EventID":"S4W-09528","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-12T17:00:34.573","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-11T09:40:12","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the (a) total and (b) average debt per debt payment programme was for people using the Debt Arrangement Scheme in the last year for which information is available, broken down by local authority area.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Accountant in Bankruptcy produces annual reports which provide statistical information regarding the Debt Arrangement Scheme, Protected Trust Deeds and Bankruptcy. Their reports can be found at: \r\nhttp://www.aib.gov.uk/guidance/publications/corporate/annualreports.\r\nStatistics contained in these reports are not broken down into local authority areas.\r\nThe latest published report 2010-11, informs that the total value of debts included in Debt Payment Programmes (DPP) under the Debt Arrangement Scheme (DAS) in the financial year 2010-11 was £43,085,316. There were 1,910 individuals who entered a DPP under DAS that year therefore the average debt included in a single DPP under DAS during this period was £22,557.76. It is expected that the 2011-12 annual report will be published in October 2012.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-26T17:00:34.59","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276174,"EventID":"S4W-09538","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1778,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":110,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-13T14:53:35.387","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-11T14:11:11","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many IVF patients the NHS has treated in each of the last five years.","AnswerText":"This information is not collected centrally in Scotland. The Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority collects this type of information for the whole of the UK. Further details can be found at http://www.hfea.gov.uk/104.html.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-27T14:53:35.467","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276175,"EventID":"S4W-09539","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1778,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":110,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-13T14:53:35.747","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-11T14:11:11","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it has published revised guidance for NHS boards following the revised recommendations from the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) on raising the age threshold from 39 to 42 for women seeking IVF treatment.\r\n","AnswerText":"The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) Fertility Guideline was produced for the NHS in England and Wales.\r\nThe National Infertility Group will submit its report to ministers, with recommendations on eligibility criteria, by the end of December 2012.\r\nGuidance for NHS boards, replacing A National Service Framework for The Care of Infertile Couples in Scotland, will be produced in due course.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-27T14:53:35.763","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276176,"EventID":"S4W-09540","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1778,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":110,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-13T14:53:36.06","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-11T14:11:11","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will allow every couple access to at least one round of IVF treatment after two years of investigations.\r\n","AnswerText":"The National Infertility Group will make recommendations to ministers, including an update on eligibility criteria, by the end of December 2012.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-27T14:53:36.06","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276177,"EventID":"S4W-09542","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1778,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":110,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-13T14:53:36.357","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-11T14:11:11","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many IVF patients undergo private treatment due to the time taken to access NHS treatment.\r\n","AnswerText":"This information is not collected centrally in Scotland.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-27T14:53:36.37","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276178,"EventID":"S4W-09543","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1778,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":110,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-13T14:53:36.62","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-11T14:11:11","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when it last reviewed its guidance on IVF treatment for compliance with the Equality Act 2010.\r\n","AnswerText":"The National Infertility Group will submit its report to ministers by the end of December 2012. Prior to doing so, the report will be Equality Impact Assessed.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-27T14:53:36.637","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276179,"EventID":"S4W-09544","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1778,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":110,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-13T14:53:36.9","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-11T14:11:11","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it has undertaken research into how many patients consult a GP each year concerning fertility.\r\n","AnswerText":"No research has been undertaken by the Scottish Government into how many patients consult each GP each year concerning fertility.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-27T14:53:36.9","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276180,"EventID":"S4W-09545","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1778,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":110,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-13T14:53:37.183","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-11T14:11:11","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it measures annual demand and outcome regarding fertility assistance to patients.\r\n","AnswerText":"The National Infertility Group will submit its report to ministers by the end of December 2012. It is expected that the report will contain some information on annual demand and outcomes.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-27T14:53:37.197","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276181,"EventID":"S4W-09546","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1778,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":110,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-13T14:53:37.463","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-11T14:11:11","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what plans it has to bring together patients, scientists and the medical profession to consider the technological advances made in human reproductive health.","AnswerText":"The National Infertility Group, set up, in April 2010, has a broad range of infertility experts, including the patient stakeholder group, Infertility Network Scotland. The group will submit its report, with recommendations on many aspects of infertility treatment, to ministers by the end of December 2012.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-27T14:53:37.477","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276182,"EventID":"S4W-09547","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1778,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":110,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-13T14:53:37.743","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-11T14:11:11","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it is planning to hold conferences to assess and consider the needs of patients with reproductive conditions who are not receiving treatment.\r\n","AnswerText":"There are currently no plans to hold conferences to assess and consider the needs of patients with reproductive conditions who are not receiving treatment.\r\nThe National Infertility Group, set up, in April 2010, has a broad range of infertility experts, including the patient stakeholder group, Infertility Network Scotland. The Group will submit its report, with recommendations on many aspects of infertility treatment, to ministers by the end of December 2012.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-27T14:53:37.76","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276183,"EventID":"S4W-09548","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1778,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":110,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-13T14:53:38.023","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-11T14:11:11","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many specialist NHS clinics there are for people with reproductive conditions.\r\n","AnswerText":"This information can be found on the website of the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA) http://guide.hfea.gov.uk/guide/AdvancedSearch.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-27T14:53:38.04","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276184,"EventID":"S4W-09549","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1778,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":110,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-13T14:53:38.353","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-11T14:11:11","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many specialist psychological teams or individuals there are to support people with reproductive conditions.","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally in Scotland.\r\nAll human fertilisation and embryology authority licensed clinics have to offer counselling to patients about the implications of suggested treatments for reproductive conditions. More information is available at http://www.hfea.gov.uk/36.html.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-27T14:53:38.367","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276185,"EventID":"S4W-09550","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1778,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":110,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-13T14:53:38.743","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-11T14:11:11","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will publish an annual report on progress on preventing and treating infertility.\r\n","AnswerText":"The National Infertility Group will submit its report to Ministers by the end of December 2012.\r\nGuidance for NHS boards, replacing A National Service Framework for The Care of Infertile Couples in Scotland, will be produced in due course.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-27T14:53:38.757","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276186,"EventID":"S4W-09551","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1778,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":110,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-13T14:53:39.303","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-11T14:11:11","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what reports it receives from Infertility Scotland.\r\n","AnswerText":"Infertility Network Scotland has produced two reports for the Scottish Government since 2009.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-27T14:53:39.32","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276187,"EventID":"S4W-09552","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1778,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":110,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-13T14:53:39.693","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-11T14:11:11","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what recent discussions it has had with patients' groups about the provision of (a) treatment and (b) support for people with fertility problems.","AnswerText":"The stakeholder group Infertility Network Scotland (INS) is a core member of the National Infertility Group, and officials in the Scottish Government have regular discussions and meetings with the charity.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-27T14:53:39.71","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276188,"EventID":"S4W-09553","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1778,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":110,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-13T14:53:39.99","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-11T14:11:11","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will review the framework for supporting patients with fertility problems and their clinicians.\r\n","AnswerText":"The National Infertility Group will submit its report to ministers by the end of December 2012.\r\nGuidance for NHS boards, replacing A National Service Framework for The Care of Infertile Couples in Scotland, will be produced in due course.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-27T14:53:40.007","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276189,"EventID":"S4W-09554","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1778,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":110,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-13T14:53:40.567","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-11T14:11:11","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether there is a managed clinical network for medical teams that deal with fertility problems.\r\n","AnswerText":"There is no formal managed clinical network for medical teams that deal with fertility problems in NHSScotland.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-27T14:53:40.583","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276190,"EventID":"S4W-09555","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1778,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":110,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-13T14:53:40.847","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-11T14:11:11","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it ensures that GPs receive updates and training on advances in dealing with fertility problems.\r\n","AnswerText":"GPs receive updates and training on advances in dealing with fertility problems through medical journals, evidence based update courses provided by the Royal College of General Practitioners, and British Medical Journal learning courses. NHS boards provide GPs with information on what services are provided locally, based on national criteria developed by the Expert Advisory Group on Infertility Services in Scotland (EAGISS) in 2000, and the recommendations of the 2007 review.\r\nThe National Infertility Group will make recommendations to Ministers, including an update on eligibility criteria, by the end of December 2012.\r\nGuidance for NHS boards, replacing A National Service Framework for The Care of Infertile Couples in Scotland, will be produced in due course.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-27T14:53:40.863","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276191,"EventID":"S4W-09556","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1778,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":110,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-13T14:53:41.177","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-11T14:11:11","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it monitors the provision of infertility treatment in private clinics paid for by the NHS.\r\n","AnswerText":"Currently all 14 NHS boards in Scotland provide, or refer eligible patients to an NHS centre for, infertility treatment.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-27T14:53:41.19","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276192,"EventID":"S4W-09557","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1778,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":110,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-13T14:53:41.473","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-11T14:11:11","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether there is a register of every patient who has been refused treatment for fertility problems and, if so, whether this is broken down by NHS board.\r\n","AnswerText":"There is no centrally held register, broken down by NHS board, of every patient who has been refused treatment for fertility problems.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-27T14:53:41.487","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276193,"EventID":"S4W-09559","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1778,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":110,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-13T14:53:41.767","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-11T14:11:11","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether each NHS board has a register of services that have been withdrawn because of a reduction in funding. \r\n","AnswerText":"NHS boards have not received a reduction in funding from the Scottish Government.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-27T14:53:41.783","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276194,"EventID":"S4W-09560","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1778,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":110,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-13T14:53:42.063","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-11T14:11:11","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it ensures that there is no so-called postcode rationing of access to infertility support and treatment.\r\n","AnswerText":"The National Infertility Group was set up in April 2010 to address the inequity of access to IVF treatment across Scotland and will submit its report to ministers by the end of December 2012.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-27T14:53:42.08","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276195,"EventID":"S4W-09561","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1778,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":110,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-13T14:53:42.347","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-11T14:11:11","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it has approved any decision by an NHS board to end support for infertility treatment.\r\n","AnswerText":"All 14 NHS boards in Scotland currently provide, or refer eligible patients to an NHS centre for, infertility treatment.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-27T14:53:42.36","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276196,"EventID":"S4W-09562","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1778,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":110,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-13T14:53:42.69","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-11T14:11:11","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much will be spent in 2012-13 on addressing concerns about infertility treatment.\r\n","AnswerText":"This information is not currently held centrally.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-27T14:53:42.703","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276197,"EventID":"S4W-09576","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1778,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":110,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-13T14:53:42.987","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-11T14:11:11","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government on how many occasions legal action has been taken against the NHS as a result of errors made during IVF treatment and what the outcomes were, in each of the last five years.\r\n","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally.\r\nStaff at HFEA (Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority) licensed fertility clinics are required to report adverse incidents and near misses that happen at their clinic. Further information can be found at http://www.hfea.gov.uk/5685.html.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-27T14:53:43","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276198,"EventID":"S4W-09577","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1778,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":110,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-13T14:53:43.267","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-11T14:11:11","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government (a) how many and (b) what errors have been made during IVF treatment in each of the last five years.","AnswerText":"This information is not collected centrally.\r\nStaff at HFEA licensed fertility clinics are required to report adverse incidents and near misses that happen at their clinic. Further information can be found at http://www.hfea.gov.uk/5685.html.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-27T14:53:43.28","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276199,"EventID":"S4W-09578","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1778,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":110,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-13T14:53:43.547","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-11T14:11:11","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many people who received NHS IVF treatment have (a) conceived and (b) delivered a child, in each of the last three years.","AnswerText":"This information is not collected centrally in Scotland. The Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority collects this type of information for the whole of the UK. Further details can be found at http://www.hfea.gov.uk/104.html.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-27T14:53:43.563","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276200,"EventID":"S4W-09579","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1778,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":110,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-13T14:53:43.92","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-11T14:11:11","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many people have applied for NHS IVF treatment in each of the last three years.","AnswerText":"This information is not collected centrally in Scotland.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-27T14:53:43.937","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276201,"EventID":"S4W-09580","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1778,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":110,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-13T14:53:44.203","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-11T14:11:11","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when funding will be available to provide the full cycles of IVF or intracytoplasmic sperm injection treatment as recommended by the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) and when frozen embryo transfer treatment will be made available.","AnswerText":"The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) Fertility Guideline was produced for the NHS in England and Wales.\r\nThe National Infertility Group will make recommendations to ministers, including an update on the number and definition of IVF cycles for eligible patients in Scotland, by the end of December 2012.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-27T14:53:44.217","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276202,"EventID":"S4W-09581","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1778,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":110,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-13T14:53:44.483","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-11T14:11:11","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many people have applied for IVF treatment in the last 12 months, broken down by hospital.","AnswerText":"This information is not collected centrally in Scotland.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-27T14:53:44.5","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276203,"EventID":"S4W-09582","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1778,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":110,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-13T14:53:44.763","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-11T14:11:11","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many IVF treatments in the last five years have been successful on the (a) first, (b) second and (c) third attempt.","AnswerText":"This information is not collected centrally in Scotland. The Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA) collects this type of information for the whole of the UK. Further details can be found at http://www.hfea.gov.uk/104.html.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-27T14:53:44.78","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276204,"EventID":"S4W-09583","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1778,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":110,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-13T14:53:45.09","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-11T14:11:11","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many women were awaiting IVF treatment at 1 March 2012; what the age profile was, and what the waiting times were.\r\n","AnswerText":"This information is not collected centrally in Scotland.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-27T14:53:45.107","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276205,"EventID":"S4W-09584","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1778,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":110,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-13T14:53:45.45","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-11T14:11:11","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether comparative studies are being undertaken into waiting times for IVF treatment in Scotland and (a) primary care trusts in England, (b) Wales and (c) Northern Ireland.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has not undertaken any comparable studies into waiting times for IVF treatment in Scotland and (a) primary care trusts in England, (b) Wales and (c) Northern Ireland.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-27T14:53:45.467","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276206,"EventID":"S4W-09587","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1778,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":110,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-13T14:53:45.793","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-11T14:11:11","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether an IVF cycle includes up to three treatments.","AnswerText":"Current guidance with NHS boards on the recommended number of IVF cycles was published in 2000 by the Expert Advisory Group on Infertility Services in Scotland.\r\nThese guidelines, which remain extant, recommend that eligible patients receive a maximum of three NHS funded cycles of IVF. This includes two transfers of fresh embryos and, where frozen embryos are available, the third NHS funded cycle should involve transfer of stored embryos. \r\nThe National Infertility Group will make recommendations to ministers, including an update on the number and definition of IVF cycles for eligible patients, by the end of December 2012.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-27T14:53:45.81","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276207,"EventID":"S4W-09590","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3751,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":108,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-13T14:53:46.153","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-11T16:31:04","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it has considered banning the use of aspartame as a sweetener in diet soft drinks and foodstuffs.","AnswerText":"The Food Standards Agency (FSA) is responsible for the provision of advice to the government on matters relating to food safety.\r\nSweeteners such as aspartame are regulated under harmonised European Union (EU) legislation on food additives and may only be used once their safety has been rigorously assessed. Aspartame has been extensively tested and reviewed for safety by independent experts at national, EU and international level.\r\nThe FSA supports the conclusions of these reviews and considers aspartame can be safely consumed at current permitted levels. As with any approved food additive, there is an ongoing need to review any new relevant information as it becomes available.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-27T14:53:46.167","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276208,"EventID":"S4W-09595","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3896,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":97,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-13T14:53:46.527","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-11T16:50:58","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it plans to pilot an extension of free early education and childcare to deprived two-year-olds in addition to its plans to extend provision to looked-after two-year-olds.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has no current plans to pilot an extension of free early learning and childcare to deprived two-year-olds.\r\nWe intend to include proposals in the Children and Young People Bill to deliver a minimum of 600 hours per year of early learning and childcare for three and four-year-olds, and looked after two-year-olds. It is proposed that the entitlement for looked-after two-year-olds could include work with parents or carers where possible and appropriate.\r\nThese proposals are a vital step towards realising the Scottish Government’s longer term ambitions to deliver high quality, flexible, accessible, affordable early learning and childcare that meets the needs of all children, parents, families and employers. A sub-group of the Early Years Task Force is working to develop this longer term vision for Family Support, Family Centres and Integrated Early Learning and Childcare.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-27T14:53:46.543","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Aileen Campbell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276209,"EventID":"S4W-09596","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3896,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":97,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-13T14:53:46.84","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-11T16:50:58","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what consideration it has given to calls to explore the possibility of using the Early Years Change Fund, European Structural Funds or other funding to extend the provision of early years childcare for two-year-olds.\r\n","AnswerText":"Scottish Government officials are currently engaged in developing the key themes and priorities for European Structural Funds from 2014 onwards. Officials from the early learning and childcare team are actively involved in this process.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-27T14:53:46.853","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Aileen Campbell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276210,"EventID":"S4W-09597","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3896,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":97,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-13T14:53:47.18","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-11T16:50:58","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what consideration it has given to calls to pilot an extension of free early years education and childcare to two-year-olds in deprived areas.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to questions S4W-09595 and S4W-09596 on 24 September 2012. All answers to written Parliamentary Questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-27T14:53:47.18","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Aileen Campbell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276211,"EventID":"S4W-09598","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5080,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-13T14:53:47.477","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-12T10:18:33.98","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many (a) accident and emergency, (b) minor injury and (c) acute specialist units have been understaffed in each year since 2007, broken down by NHS board.\r\n","AnswerText":"The information requested is not centrally available. However, National Services Scotland, Information Services Division (ISD) Scotland publish data on the NHS Workforce which is available from the following website:\r\nhttp://www.isdscotland.org/Health-Topics/Workforce/Publications/data-tables.asp?id=872#872.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-27T14:53:47.493","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276212,"EventID":"S4W-09599","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5080,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-13T14:53:47.773","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-12T10:18:33.98","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether the new police service will support a traffic education programme. \r\n","AnswerText":"The Police Service in Scotland has supported a number of traffic education programmes over the years with a view to raising awareness and improving safety for road users, both at local and national levels. A prime example supported by all existing Scottish forces is the National Driver Improvement Scheme, which offers drivers charged with careless driving, and who meet agreed criteria, an opportunity to undertake training as an alternative to being prosecuted through the courts.\r\nA final decision on which education programmes are supported in the future, will be a matter for the Chief Constable of the Police Service of Scotland in consultation where appropriate with the Lord Advocate or others.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-27T14:53:47.79","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276213,"EventID":"S4W-09600","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4939,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":78,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-13T14:53:48.103","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-12T10:20:59.383","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much funding has been allocated through the Youth Music Initiative, broken down by local authority area.","AnswerText":"Youth Music Initiative funds are allocated and administered by Creative Scotland, our public body for culture and creative industries. I have asked Andrew Dixon, Creative Scotland’s Chief Executive, to write to the member with this information. Further details about Creative Scotland’s activities are available at http://www.creativescotland.com.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-27T14:53:48.117","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276214,"EventID":"S4W-09601","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1932,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":117,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-13T14:53:48.46","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-12T11:06:54","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what guidance regarding E.coli 0157 it gives to organisers of agricultural shows.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Animal Health and Veterinary Laboratory Agency (AHVLA), in conjunction with the Scottish Government Directorate for Agriculture, Food and Rural Communities, produces general guidance for organisers of agricultural shows “Showpack 2012: Guidance for Agricultural Show Secretaries”. This is available from local animal health offices.\r\nAn Industry Code of Practice Preventing or controlling ill health from animal contact at visitor attractions was published in June by Farming & Countryside Education. The Code was produced by various industry representatives including the Health and Safety Executive and is aimed to help ensure visitor health and safety by providing sensible, practical and proportionate guidance on preventing or controlling ill health including E.coli O157 at visitor attractions.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-27T14:53:48.477","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276215,"EventID":"S4W-09602","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1932,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":117,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-13T14:53:48.82","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-12T11:06:54","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what changes to building regulations will be introduced in 2013 and what discussions it (a) has had and (b) plans with the construction industry about these.\r\n","AnswerText":"Changes to the building regulations in 2013 will not be known before forthcoming public consultations are held, closed and analysed. Topics that are currently under consideration for change are - sustainability labelling for schools, carbon monoxide detection, water-efficient taps and WCs, “climb-ability” of protective barriers, exposure of external walls, refuse storage for houses, sprinklers in schools, fire safety information, reference to EU Construction Products Regulations and improvements to energy standards.\r\nThe construction industry and other stakeholders have been involved in the development of proposals at a total of 15 working group meetings which have been held over the last 10 months. Public consultations are currently programmed for September and October 2012 and will run for 12 weeks. Industry will have the opportunity to comment through that process. Consultation awareness raising events are also planned for the end of November/beginning of December 2012. The working groups will reconvene in early spring 2013.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-27T14:53:48.837","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Derek Mackay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276216,"EventID":"S4W-09603","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1932,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":117,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-13T14:53:49.227","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-12T11:06:54","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it can set conditions regarding wage rates when negotiating with contractors.\r\n","AnswerText":"Contractors are required to comply with their statutory obligations relating to employment. Public bodies cannot require contractors to pay their employees a wage set higher than the National Minimum Wage as a condition of contract performance.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-27T14:53:49.24","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276217,"EventID":"S4W-09604","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1932,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":117,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-13T14:53:49.693","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-12T11:06:54","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many contracts have been issued by each of the Scottish Futures Trust's hub programmes, broken down by (a) type of contract and (b) value.\r\n","AnswerText":"In relation to hub, the Scottish Futures Trust does not issue contracts for construction work. Of the four hubCos already established, the following contracts for the construction of new health, social care and schools facilities have already been signed and are outlined in the following table:\r\nTerritory\r\nParticipant Organisation\r\nSchemes Under Development/ Construction/Completed\r\nProject Type\r\nSouth East\r\nCity of Edinburgh Council\r\nDrumbrae Library & Daycare Centre\r\nCommunity\r\nSouth East\r\nNHS Lothian & CEC\r\nWester Hailes Health Living Centre\r\nHealth & Community\r\nSouth East\r\nCEC\r\nEast Neighbourhood Office & Library\r\nCommunity\r\nSouth East\r\nEast Lothian Council\r\nHaddington Joint Campus Primary School\r\nSchool\r\nNorth\r\nNHS Grampian\r\nAberdeen Healthcare Village Including Multi-storey Car Park\r\nHealth\r\nWest\r\nEast Dunbartonshire Council\r\nKirkintilloch Community hub\r\nCommunity\r\n\r\nTerritory\r\nCapital Value\r\nCapital/Revenue\r\nFinancial Close/Site Start\r\nHandover Date\r\nSouth East\r\n£4.39 million \r\nCapital\r\nStart on site – January 2011\r\nCompleted Nov 2011\r\nSouth East\r\n£12.1\r\nCapital\r\nStart on site – January 2012\r\nSeptember 2013\r\nSouth East\r\n£7.69\r\nCapital\r\nStart on site – August 2011\r\nOctober 2012\r\nSouth East\r\n£10.4\r\nCapital\r\nStarted in August 2011\r\nOctober 2012\r\nNorth\r\n£18.0 (£15.7 million Healthcare Village + £2.3 million for Car Park\r\nRevenue  for Healthcare Village and Capital for Car Park\r\nApril 2012\r\nDecember 2013\r\nWest\r\n£0.5\r\nCapital\r\nJune 2012\r\nCompleted August 2012\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-27T14:53:49.71","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276218,"EventID":"S4W-09605","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2876,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-13T14:53:50.007","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-12T11:38:40","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what support it offers to small businesses wishing to export.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government through its trade and investment arm, Scottish Development International (SDI), is committed to supporting and working with any Scottish business that wants to trade internationally. In doing so it provides a range of products and services that can be accessed by businesses at all stages of growth, development and international ambition.\r\nSDI provides direct advice and services to business for example, international strategy, preparedness and mentoring support through to market entry assistance and help for companies establishing overseas market presence.\r\nSDI also works closely with Business Gateway (and local authorities) to provide export support to their clients.\r\nCompanies at an early stage of development, who are yet to be in a position to engage in international markets, can access a comprehensive catalogue of services and information via both SDI and Business Gateway (which links direct to the SDI website).  This includes online self-help tools, practical guides to exporting, industry overviews, regulations and the Smart Exporter skills programme.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-27T14:53:50.02","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276219,"EventID":"S4W-09610","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-13T14:53:50.35","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-12T16:57:01","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what progress it is making in providing affordable housing in the north east.\r\n","AnswerText":"In May this year, three-year resource planning assumptions (through to March 2015) were issued to all local authorities. This will enable each council to take the lead in devising a locally led programme of social and affordable housing developments, based on the priorities identified within Local Housing Strategies (LHS) and Strategic Housing Investment Plans (SHIP).\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-27T14:53:50.363","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Burgess","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276220,"EventID":"S4W-09611","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-13T14:53:50.723","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-12T16:57:01","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many houses housing associations have built in Aberdeen city in each of the last four years.\r\n","AnswerText":"In the period from 2008 to 2011, 317 houses have been built by housing associations within Aberdeen City. \r\nHouses Built 2008-11\r\nYear\r\nNo. of Houses Built\r\n2008-09\r\n33\r\n2009-10\r\n60\r\n2010-11\r\n224\r\n2011-12\r\nNot Yet Published\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-27T14:53:50.74","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Burgess","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276221,"EventID":"S4W-09612","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-13T14:53:51.067","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-12T16:57:01","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what progress NHS Grampian is making in providing access to NHS dentistry services.\r\n","AnswerText":"Responsibility for the overall provision of NHS dental services in the area rests with NHS Grampian.\r\nSince 2008, NHS Grampian has attracted new dentists to the area to establish new NHS dental practices or to purchase or extend existing NHS dental practices under the Scottish Dental Access Initiative (SDAI).\r\nSDAI grants in the area have supported 17 new dental practices, including two new orthodontic practices, with a total of 59 new NHS dental surgeries being created within these practices. Around 106,000 new NHS patients have already been, or will be, registered with a dentist under NHS arrangements in the NHS Grampian area as a result of these grants.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-27T14:53:51.08","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276222,"EventID":"S4W-09613","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-13T14:53:51.47","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-12T16:57:01","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what percentage of the adult population in (a) Aberdeen and (b) Scotland has been registered with an NHS dentist in each of the last five years.","AnswerText":"Information on dental registrations is published on the ISD website and can be viewed by following the following links:\r\nNHS General Dental Service Registrations by Administrative Area and Age Group, quarters ending 30 June 2010-\r\nhttp://www.isdscotland.org/Health-Topics/Dental-Care/General-Dental-Service/dent_reg_table2_31mar07_30jun10_by_DentPC.xls\r\nNHS General Dental Service Registrations by Administrative Area and Age Group, as at 31 March 2012-\r\nhttp://www.isdscotland.org/Health-Topics/Dental-Care/Publications/2012-05-29/dent_reg_table2_mar2012.xls.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-27T14:53:51.487","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276223,"EventID":"S4W-09614","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5060,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-13T14:53:51.813","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-12T16:58:37","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the maximum bursary amount for students will be in the annual minimum income of £7,250 from 2013-14.","AnswerText":"The maximum bursary amount for young students will be £1750 and for independent students will be £750. The remainder of the £7,250 minimum income will be available through a student loan. Students will have the option to take some, all or none of the student loan for which they are eligible.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-27T14:53:51.83","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276224,"EventID":"S4W-09615","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5060,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-13T14:53:52.097","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-12T16:58:37","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what criteria will apply in deciding how much of the annual minimum income for students of £7,250 from 2013-14 will be provided in the form of a bursary. ","AnswerText":"The household income will be the criteria applied in deciding how much of the annual minimum income for students of £7,250 from 2013-14 will be provided in the form of a bursary. The maximum bursary will be payable to those students with a household income below £17,000.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-27T14:53:52.11","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276225,"EventID":"S4W-09616","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5060,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-13T14:53:52.377","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-12T16:58:37","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many of the 45,000 students it expects to receive a minimum income of £7,250 from 2012-13 will receive (a) the maximum bursary and (b) any amount other than the maximum bursary.","AnswerText":"The new funding package will be available from academic year 2013-14 and all of those receiving the minimum income of £7,250 will receive the maximum bursary available to them as either a young or an independent student.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-27T14:53:52.393","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276226,"EventID":"S4W-09617","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5060,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-13T14:53:52.69","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-12T16:58:37","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much money the Student Loans Company provided to students in Scotland in the form of loans in 2011-12.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Student Loans Company paid out £235.9 million in loans in financial year 2011-12 for Scottish domiciled students and a small number of EU students studying in Scotland.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-27T14:53:52.703","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276227,"EventID":"S4W-09618","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5060,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-13T14:53:53.03","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-12T16:58:37","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much money the Student Loans Company has allocated to students in Scotland in the form of loans for 2012-13.","AnswerText":"As the Student Award Agency for Scotland will continue to receive and process applications until 31 March 2013 we are unable to provide the actual cost at this stage of the academic year.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-27T14:53:53.047","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276228,"EventID":"S4W-09619","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5060,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-13T14:53:53.67","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-12T16:58:37","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the average student debt for university graduates has been in each year since 2007-08.\r\n","AnswerText":"The average student debt for university graduates each year has been:\r\n2007-08\r\n £6,930\r\n2008-09\r\n £7,090\r\n2009-10\r\n £7,020\r\n2010-11\r\n £6,990\r\n2011-12\r\n £6,480\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-27T14:53:53.687","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276229,"EventID":"S4W-09620","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2487,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-13T14:53:54.047","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-12T17:31:38","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what advice is given to patients requiring lengthy travel to cancer care appointments.\r\n","AnswerText":"Our Better Cancer Care: An Action Plan (October 2008), sets out our commitment to ensure that people with cancer have access to specialist services that are both safe and sustainable, and provided as locally as possible. Where radiotherapy is required as part of an individual’s treatment this can only be provided in one of Scotland’s five cancer centres. This is due to the stringent safety measures required to support the delivery of radiotherapy services. As such treatment can only be provided in specially designed and staffed facilities.\r\nWhere patients are required to travel for treatment we would expect advice to be provided tailored to their specific needs by the team responsible for their care.\r\nWe expect this to include relevant clinical advice, information on financial support, and signposting to travel services for those patients who need additional travel assistance.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-27T14:53:54.047","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276230,"EventID":"S4W-09621","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2487,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-13T14:53:54.373","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-12T17:31:38","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what training is given to GPs advising cancer care patients on travel arrangements for appointments.","AnswerText":"We expect General Practitioners to refer patients with cancer to relevant specialists according to locally agreed pathways in their health board areas. Each health board may have different referral pathways and associated requirements to suit their local circumstances, which the general practitioners should follow. It is therefore for individual health boards to train general practitioners on the referral pathways in their area, for conditions which require specialist investigations, opinions and management, including cancer.\r\nWhere this results in lengthy travel for the patient, we expect general practitioners as part of the team responsible for their care, to be aware of and able to provide relevant clinical advice, information on financial support, and where necessary signposting to travel services for those patients who need additional travel assistance when undertaking lengthy travel for treatment.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-27T14:53:54.39","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276231,"EventID":"S4W-09622","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2487,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-13T14:53:54.67","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-12T17:31:38","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what financial support is offered to cancer care patients for travel arrangements to appointments.","AnswerText":"The patients’ travelling expenses scheme allows for the reimbursement or partial reimbursement, of travel costs for eligible patients, and where medically necessary escorts, attending hospital for treatment.\r\nEligible patients are those who are in receipt of certain DWP benefits or credits such as income support, or are named on a valid NHS tax credit exemption certificate, can be eligible for reimbursement (or partial reimbursement) for the cost of their travel to the hospital.\r\nThose that are not in receipt of DWP benefits, but are otherwise assessed as being on low income by the NHS Business Services Authority, can also be eligible under the scheme.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-27T14:53:54.687","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276232,"EventID":"S4W-09623","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1778,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":110,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-13T14:53:54.967","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-12T17:40:17","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether a patient from NHS Grampian has secured prior authority for IVF treatment in Poland.","AnswerText":"NHS Grampian has confirmed that a patient sought prior approval for IVF treatment from another country in the European Economic Area.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-27T14:53:54.997","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276233,"EventID":"S4W-09625","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1893,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-13T14:53:55.263","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-13T11:34:05","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, in light of reports that sportscotland is withholding funding from it, what action it is taking to avoid redundancies at the Scottish Gymnastics Association.","AnswerText":"My understanding is that the Scottish Gymnastics Association has issued redundancy notices to seven of its sport development and high performance staff. In order to safeguard these posts, sportscotland has stepped in and will pay these staff members directly on exactly the same terms and conditions until the overall funding position is resolved. Sportscotland is able to do this as it currently manages the Scottish Gymnastics Association payroll function. These staff will remain as employees of the Scottish Gymnastics Association.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-27T14:53:55.293","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Shona Robison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276243,"EventID":"S4W-09591","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3751,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":108,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-13T16:50:34.767","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-11T16:31:52","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what research it has regarding health concerns in relation to the use of aspartame as a sweetener in diet soft drinks and foodstuffs.","AnswerText":"The Food Standards Agency (FSA) is responsible for the provision of advice to the government on matters relating to food safety.\r\nThe FSA considers aspartame can be safely consumed at current permitted levels.\r\nDespite extensive safety testing some people consider they experience adverse effects after consuming food and drink containing aspartame. The FSA considered it was important to increase its knowledge and to see whether these reports can be put onto a more scientific footing so it funded a double-blind study by the University of Hull. The FSA expects to receive the results of this research in December 2012.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-27T16:50:34.967","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276244,"EventID":"S4W-09607","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4947,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-13T16:50:35.297","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-12T15:20:50","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the purpose was of the recent census of users of the A9; what the purpose of each of the questions was, and whether the resulting information will be provided to commercial organisations.\r\n","AnswerText":"The purpose of the surveys is to provide some of the information required to undertake the design of the A9 Dualling from Perth to Inverness.\r\nQuestion\r\nPurpose\r\nBreaks from driving\r\nTo assist in decisions on the frequency and provision of lay-bys and rest areas\r\nBluetooth Technology\r\nThis was to assist with a research project on the potential usage of new technology\r\nFrequency of use and where are you going from and to\r\nTo assist in decisions on the location and design of the junctions\r\nPurpose of journey\r\nTo refine the business case for the project\r\nType of good and weight of vehicle (HGV only)\r\nTo provide data for freight and logistics planning\r\nData will not be supplied as a matter of course to commercial organisations, but it would not be withheld from any party asking for it. This would be in a format that ensures the requirements of data protection are met. \r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-27T16:50:35.31","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276245,"EventID":"S4W-09624","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-13T16:50:35.577","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-13T10:48:54.59","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether public sector staff are protected from disciplinary action at all times in talking to their MSP about issues of concern or whether they must have previously raised the matter with their manager.\r\n","AnswerText":"It is for individual public sector employers to set out the arrangements, appropriate to their particular circumstances, which their staff should follow if they wish to raise matters of concern. Staff with concerns about their own employment situation would normally be expected to raise these under their employer’s internal grievance procedures.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-27T16:50:35.577","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276247,"EventID":"S4W-09631","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1961,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-14T14:22:36.7","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-13T14:40:45","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it (a) has considered the recommendations of the report and comparative study commissioned by Scotland's Campaign against Irresponsible Drivers (SCID) from the University of Dundee School of Law into the information available to the bereaved families of victims of road collisions and (b) plans to implement any of these recommendations through the introduction of legislation or changes in operational practice.","AnswerText":"Officials in the Justice Directorate and in the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS) are presently considering the terms of the report commissioned by the Scottish Campaign against Irresponsible Driving (SCID) entitled Access in Europe by a bereaved family to information gathered during an investigation into a fatal road collision.\r\nThe investigation of road traffic fatalities and the provision of information to bereaved relatives is the responsibility of COPFS. Policies are already in place to ensure that the appropriate information is provided to bereaved relatives as quickly as possible.\r\nKeith Brown, the Minister for Transport and Veterans, met representatives from SCID to discuss the report on 19 September. COPFS have written to SCID about the content of the report and have invited them to meet officials to discuss it further.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-28T14:22:36.78","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Roseanna Cunningham","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276248,"EventID":"S4W-09632","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1961,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-14T14:22:37.683","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-13T14:40:45","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will publish the progress report on the Scottish Prison Service (SPS) Estate Strategy referred to in paragraph 10 of the minutes of the SPS board meeting held on 25 April 2012.","AnswerText":"I have asked Colin McConnell, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service, to respond. His response is as follows:\r\nThe Scottish Prison Service does not routinely publish these papers. However, on this occasion, I have sent a copy of the relevant document to the member.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-28T14:22:37.7","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276249,"EventID":"S4W-09633","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5079,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-14T14:22:38.48","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-13T15:15:21","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it considers that the payment of the living wage should be achieved by (a) raising the pay floor or (b) paying special supplements.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government is ensuring a Scottish living wage for employees covered by our pay policy. We encourage public, private and third sector employers to do likewise.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-28T14:22:38.497","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276250,"EventID":"S4W-09634","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5079,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-14T14:22:38.807","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-13T15:15:21","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what responsibility it will take for setting the level of the living wage in future.\r\n","AnswerText":"This government fully supports the principles of the living wage campaign and is committed to ensuring that all staff covered by its public sector pay policy is paid at least the Scottish Living Wage (currently set at £7.20 per hour, which is equivalent to an annual salary of £14,094) for the duration of this Parliament. The Living Wage is set by the Scottish Living Wage Campaign and is based on independent academic analysis.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-28T14:22:38.823","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276251,"EventID":"S4W-09635","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5079,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-14T14:22:39.073","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-13T15:40:56","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will include a clause in its proposed Sustainable Procurement Bill to prevent public contracts being awarded to firms that engage in illegal trade union blacklisting.","AnswerText":"We are currently consulting on the proposed content of the Procurement Reform Bill and dealing with inappropriate conduct and poor performing suppliers is an important aspect of the consultation. The public consultation was launched on 10 August and runs until 2 November 2012.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-28T14:22:39.087","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276252,"EventID":"S4W-09637","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":131,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-14T14:22:39.697","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-13T16:12:09","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether Scottish Water is prevented from offering compensation to residents who have been financially disadvantaged by road closures caused by projects that have taken longer than scheduled. \r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has directed Scottish Water to undertake numerous improvements to water and wastewater services during the current regulatory period which runs from 2010 to 2015. These are improvements that will benefit communities across Scotland.\r\nScottish Water strives to keep works periods as short as possible and to deliver on schedule so as to minimise the impact on the local community. However, due to unforeseen circumstances, it is inevitable that some projects will take longer than scheduled.\r\nScottish Water is not under any statutory duty to compensate residents for financial loss allegedly caused by project overruns where there is a road closure. As these works are being taken forward to deliver benefits to the local communities and are funded by the generality of customers it is not considered appropriate to compensate residents for the inconvenience that may arise in the course of the construction of the necessary infrastructure.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-28T14:22:39.713","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276253,"EventID":"S4W-09638","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5109,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":101,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-14T14:22:40.163","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-14T08:18:05","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what effects it considers the consumption of soft water has on health.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government maintains an open position on the health effects of water softness.\r\nThere is no regulatory standard for the hardness of drinking water in Scotland. The Scottish standards for drinking water are derived from the European Drinking Water Directive, which in turn are based upon World Health Organization guidelines. The WHO considers that water hardness is not of health concern at the levels found in drinking water, and the Scottish Government considers this to be the authoritative guidance on the matter.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-28T14:22:40.18","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276254,"EventID":"S4W-09639","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5109,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":101,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-14T14:22:40.477","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-14T08:18:05","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on reported findings that people living in hard water areas may have a lower incidence of liver disease caused by alcohol.\r\n","AnswerText":"Scottish Government is aware of recent research from England which looks at possible associations between water hardness and admissions for alcohol-related liver disease. This type of observational study can certainly be used to generate hypotheses. Such hypotheses then of course, require further research to help determine if the observation of water softness and higher alcoholic liver disease is merely an observed association or is in some way a contributory cause.\r\nThe average alcohol consumption in a population is directly linked to the amount of alcohol-related harm. Water hardness has remained essentially constant. Alcohol sales data for Scotland for 2011 show an increase of 10% since 1994. Since the 1980s alcohol-related hospital discharges have more than quadrupled and \r\nalcohol-related death rates have doubled since the early 1990s. Scots drink significantly more than their counterparts in England and Wales (20% in 2011), fuelling the much higher levels of alcohol-related harm.\r\nSetting a minimum price of alcohol is one of the most effective ways of reducing alcohol misuse and harm, and that is why we will be introducing a minimum unit price for alcohol.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-28T14:22:40.493","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276255,"EventID":"S4W-09640","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":86,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-14T14:22:41.117","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-14T09:23:03.333","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-00132 by John Swinney on 2 May 2011, how much it spent on legal fees relating to the freedom of information request regarding the advice that it received on its proposed local income tax.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-09642 on 28 September 2012. All answers to written Parliamentary Questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-28T14:22:41.133","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Derek Mackay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276256,"EventID":"S4W-09641","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":86,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-14T14:22:41.46","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-14T09:23:03.333","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much it has (a) spent and (b) budgeted to spend on legal fees relating to the freedom of information request from Catherine Stihler MEP regarding the advice that it received on European Union membership. \r\n","AnswerText":"The total legal fees to date incurred by the Scottish Government for the provision of legal advice in connection with the freedom of information request is £3,600, inclusive of VAT.\r\nFinal costs will not be available until the court process is complete.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-28T14:22:41.473","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276257,"EventID":"S4W-09642","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":86,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-14T14:22:42.067","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-14T09:23:03.333","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much it has spent on legal fees relating to each freedom of information request received since 2007.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government only incurs legal fees for external legal advice in relation to an FOI request when an appeal is made to the Court of Session against a Decision by the Scottish Information Commissioner. Apart from the ongoing appeal which is the subject of question S4W-09641, there have been only two such appeals since 2007. The total cost of both appeals, after VAT recovery was £50,060.\r\nAll answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-28T14:22:42.083","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276258,"EventID":"S4W-09643","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3815,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-14T14:22:42.473","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-14T10:43:07","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many permanent staff it employed in (a) 2007-08, (b) 2008-09, (c) 2009-10, (d) 2010-11 and (e) 2011-12.\r\n","AnswerText":"The following table shows the number of staff in different categories working in Scottish Government Core Directorates at the snapshot date of 31 March for each of the last five years.\r\n \r\n2007-08\r\n2008-09\r\n2009-10\r\n2010-11\r\n2011-12\r\nPermanent employees\r\n4,466\r\n4,998\r\n5,629\r\n5,397\r\n5,072\r\nNumbers of staff employed directly by the Scottish Government are published quarterly by Office of National Statistics as part of their Public Sector Employment Statistics. The table above follows the ONS definitions. \r\nChanges in headcount over the period are affected by the transfer of functions into the Core Scottish Government over this five year period as part of the Public Sector Simplification Programme. The Scottish Agricultural Science Agency, the Scottish Building Standards Agency and part of Communities Scotland were absorbed in 2008-09, adding some 530 staff to the total headcount. On 1 April 2009 Fisheries Research Services and the Scottish Fisheries Protection Agency joined the Core Scottish Government as part of Marine Scotland, after adding 710 employees in 2009-10. Headcount has been on a decreasing trend since 2010, with a latest quarterly figure (30 June 2012) of 4,940 permanent employees.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-28T14:22:42.49","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276259,"EventID":"S4W-09644","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3815,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-14T14:22:42.787","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-14T10:43:07","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many temporary and agency staff it employed in (a) 2007-08, (b) 2008-09, (c) 2009-10, (d) 2010-11 and (e) 2011-12.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-09647 on 9 October 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-28T14:22:42.8","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276260,"EventID":"S4W-09645","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3815,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-14T14:22:43.44","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-14T10:43:07","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will increase the earnings of temporary and agency staff in its employment who receive less than the living wage.\r\n","AnswerText":"All Scottish Government temporary staff and agency workers are paid at least the Scottish Living Wage in line with Public Sector Pay Policy.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-28T14:22:43.457","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276261,"EventID":"S4W-09646","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3815,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-14T14:22:43.813","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-14T10:43:07","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what requirements regarding terms and conditions it places on employment agencies that provide it with staff.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government does not impose specific requirements regarding the terms and conditions of individual agency workers.\r\nHowever, all suppliers on our framework agreements have confirmed their compliance with statutory obligations.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-28T14:22:43.83","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276262,"EventID":"S4W-09647","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3815,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-14T14:22:44.097","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-14T10:43:07","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many temporary and agency staff were taken on for periods of (a) up to a week, (b) between one and four weeks, (b) between four and eight weeks, (c) between eight and 12 weeks, (d) between 12 weeks and six months, (e) between six and 12 months, (f) over a year, (g) over two years in (i) 2007-08, (ii) 2008-09, (iii) 2009-10, (iv) 2010-11 and (v) 2011-12.\r\n","AnswerText":"The following table shows the lengths of service for temporary staff employed directly by the Scottish Government in core directorates over each of the last five years. Temporary employees are those engaged on fixed-term contracts through not fair and open competition, which includes modern apprenticeship and paid student placements, following definitions used in official statistics publications.\r\nNumbers of temporary staff fluctuate in response to business needs.\r\nThe same information is provided for temporary agency workers and interim managers taken on in the latest financial year. These categories were not previously distinguished on our HR system.\r\n \r\nTemporary Employees\r\nAgency staff\r\n2007-08\r\n2008-09\r\n2009-10\r\n2010-11\r\n2011-12\r\n2011-12\r\nUp to a week\r\n0\r\n6\r\n3\r\n8\r\n5\r\n4\r\n>1 to 4 weeks\r\n6\r\n19\r\n45\r\n41\r\n40\r\n26\r\n>4 to 8 weeks \r\n8\r\n36\r\n29\r\n12\r\n19\r\n21\r\n>8 to 12 weeks\r\n13\r\n15\r\n30\r\n15\r\n24\r\n26\r\n>12 to 26 weeks\r\n33\r\n39\r\n48\r\n36\r\n70\r\n60\r\n>26 weeks to one year\r\n36\r\n33\r\n51\r\n25\r\n61\r\n51\r\nOver one year to two years\r\n9\r\n9\r\n30\r\n19\r\nna\r\nna\r\nOver two years\r\n0\r\n1\r\n9\r\nna\r\nna\r\nna\r\nAll taken on in financial year\r\n105\r\n158\r\n245\r\n156\r\n219\r\n188\r\nNotes:\r\n1. Staff appear under the financial year in which their employment began.\r\n2. Those currently employed appear under the category showing their length of service to date at 31 March 2012.\r\n3. Individuals can have multiple periods of service and therefore will appear more than once in the table. \r\nThe net number of fixed-term employees as at 31 March in each year in question is as follows:\r\n2007-08\r\n2008-09\r\n2009-10\r\n2010-11\r\n2011-12\r\n82\r\n72\r\n115\r\n71\r\n140\r\n\r\nThe net number of agency staff in 2011-12 was 175, which is the first year for which we have separately recorded these numbers.","AnswerDate":"2012-10-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-28T14:22:44.11","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276263,"EventID":"S4W-09648","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3815,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-14T14:22:44.737","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-14T10:43:07","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many of its temporary and agency staff worked on rolling contracts in (a) 2007-08, (b) 2008-09, (c) 2009-10, (d) 2010-11 and (e) 2011-12.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government does not use rolling contracts.  \r\nTemporary staff are employed on a fixed term contract basis with agreed start and end dates.\r\nAgency workers are not employed by the Scottish Government but are hired through a procurement contract for a fixed period with agreed start and end dates.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-28T14:22:44.75","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276264,"EventID":"S4W-09649","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3815,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-14T14:22:45.11","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-14T10:43:07","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many of its temporary and agency staff worked on so-called zero-hours contracts in (a) 2007-08, (b) 2008-09, (c) 2009-10, (d) 2010-11 and (e) 2011-12.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government does not employ temporary staff on zero hours contracts.  \r\nAgency workers are not employed by the Scottish Government. They are hired through a procurement contract for a fixed period with agreed start and end dates to undertake time limited tasks or cover for periods such as maternity leave.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-28T14:22:45.11","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276265,"EventID":"S4W-09650","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3815,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-14T14:22:45.39","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-14T10:43:07","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it has considered implementing parity of terms and conditions for its temporary and agency staff from the outset of their employment, in light of the changes to temporary workers' rights after 12 weeks under the Agency Workers Regulations 2010.\r\n","AnswerText":"Temporary staff are employees of the Scottish Government and therefore do not fall within the scope of the Agency Worker Regulations (2010). These temporary workers are paid according to the pay band and grade of the post to which they are recruited.\r\nIn preparation for the introduction of the Agency Workers Regulations, the Scottish Government contacted each of its recruitment agency suppliers to discuss the options provided by the Regulations.\r\nThe Scottish Government uses both pay parity at week 12 and pay between assignments (Swedish Derogation). This approach varies between recruitment agencies. Demand and cost were major factors in determining the appropriate option in each case.\r\nThe Scottish Government uses the pay between assignments option with its major supplier of administrative workers.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-28T14:22:45.407","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276266,"EventID":"S4W-09651","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3815,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-14T14:22:45.967","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-14T10:43:07","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what impact the Agency Workers Regulations 2010 has had on its (a) recruitment and (b) retention of temporary and agency workers.\r\n","AnswerText":"The contracts for agency staff are managed centrally within the Scottish Government and there have been no issues reported by either recruiting managers or the employment agencies regarding the recruitment or retention of workers since the introduction of the Agency Workers Regulations.\r\nTemporary staff are employees of the Scottish Government and therefore do not fall within the scope of the Agency Worker Regulations (2010).\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-28T14:22:45.983","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276267,"EventID":"S4W-09652","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3815,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-14T14:22:46.403","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-14T10:43:07","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it has used the so-called Swedish derogation as an opt-out clause for its temporary and agency workers under the Agency Workers Regulations 2010.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-09650 on 9 October 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-28T14:22:46.42","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276268,"EventID":"S4W-09653","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3815,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-14T14:22:46.7","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-14T10:43:07","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it has discussed using the so-called Swedish derogation with its recruitment agencies for temporary and agency workers.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-09650 on 9 October 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-28T14:22:46.717","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276284,"EventID":"S4T-00043","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":9,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-17T12:55:27.84","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-17T10:28:43","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it plans to delay the tendering process for the Clyde and Hebrides ferry service.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-01T12:55:27.84","MeetingDate":"2012-09-18T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276285,"EventID":"S4T-00042","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":9,"MSPID":4956,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":106,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-17T12:55:27.557","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-17T09:56:12","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what progress has been made by the Hall's of Broxburn Taskforce in relation to the company's future.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-01T12:55:27.557","MeetingDate":"2012-09-18T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276286,"EventID":"S4F-00870","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":1741,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-17T12:50:42.173","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-17T11:55:31.5","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what safeguards exist to protect taxpayers against improper use of public funds by   government agencies.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-01T12:50:42.187","MeetingDate":"2012-09-20T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276287,"EventID":"S4F-00865","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-17T12:50:40.487","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-17T11:38:47.627","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister whether the Scottish Government supports the Royal College of Nursing's This is Nursing campaign celebrating the professionalism and compassion of nursing staff.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-01T12:50:40.503","MeetingDate":"2012-09-20T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276288,"EventID":"S4F-00863","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":4955,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":105,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-17T12:50:39.91","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-17T11:20:09","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister whether the Scottish Government will consider establishing a national tennis centre.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-01T12:50:39.927","MeetingDate":"2012-09-20T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276289,"EventID":"S4F-00859","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":4964,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-17T12:50:38.35","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-17T09:39:57","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what the Scottish Government’s position is on the study published by the New Economics Foundation relating to a halt to mackerel fishing.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-01T12:50:38.367","MeetingDate":"2012-09-20T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276290,"EventID":"S4F-00858","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":2080,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":87,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-17T12:50:37.71","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-17T09:43:06.703","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what engagements he has planned for the rest of the day.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-01T12:50:37.727","MeetingDate":"2012-09-20T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276291,"EventID":"S4F-00856","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":4976,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-17T13:21:45.7","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-13T15:34:51","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister when he will next meet the Secretary of State for Scotland.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-01T13:21:45.733","MeetingDate":"2012-09-20T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276292,"EventID":"S4W-09532","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2029,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":145,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-17T14:52:03.827","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-11T12:43:25","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how long it takes for divorce cases to be (a) heard and (b) concluded in each sheriff court.\r\n","AnswerText":"This question relates to operational matters that are the responsibility of the Scottish Court Service (SCS) corporate body. The question has been passed to the Chief Executive of the SCS who will reply in writing.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-01T14:52:03.967","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276293,"EventID":"S4W-09654","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2595,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-17T14:52:04.73","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-14T17:43:21","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-08911 by John Swinney on 27 July 2012, what specific \"regular monitoring\" takes place regarding non-domestic rates income projections.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government receives four non-domestic rate returns per year from local authorities which allow comparisons to be made between its projections and the actual position returned by each local authority. The Scottish Government also monitors the current economic climate, including movements in the Retail Price Index (RPI) as the UK Government poundage rate, which we have committed to match, is increased annually in line with the September RPI preceding the start of the new financial year. If any adjustments for future year estimates are necessary they will be brought to the attention of the Parliament and its committees as part of the Budget scrutiny process.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-01T14:52:04.747","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276294,"EventID":"S4W-09655","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2595,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-17T14:52:05.027","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-14T17:43:21","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-08911 by John Swinney on 27 July 2012, when the last \"regular monitoring\" of non-domestic rates income projections took place.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-09656 on 2 October 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-01T14:52:05.043","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276295,"EventID":"S4W-09656","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2595,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-17T14:52:05.293","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-14T17:43:21","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-08911 by John Swinney on 27 July 2012, what the outcome was of the last \"regular monitoring\" of non-domestic rates income projections.\r\n","AnswerText":"The estimates published in the Draft Budget are based on the most robust data available at that time. Local authorities are due to submit their data returns (the 2011-12 non-domestic rate notified amounts and the 2012-13 non-domestic rate mid-year estimates) in early October and the September Retail Price Index (RPI) figures will be released by the middle of October.\r\nFollowing a review of the information that will be available in October, any future adjustments necessary will be brought to the attention of the Parliament and its committees for scrutiny as part of the Budget process.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-01T14:52:05.31","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276296,"EventID":"S4W-09657","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2595,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-17T14:52:05.573","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-14T17:43:21","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-08911 by John Swinney on 27 July 2012, for what reason it has not published the data relating to the \"regular monitoring\"’ of non-domestic rates income projections.\r\n","AnswerText":"The latest estimates of non-domestic rate income were published in the Draft Budget 2013-14 document on 20 September 2012.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-01T14:52:05.59","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276297,"EventID":"S4W-09671","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2059,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":91,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-17T14:52:05.84","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-15T14:03:50","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many speech therapists have been employed by each NHS board in each year since 2005.\r\n","AnswerText":"The information requested is published on ISD’s website:\r\nSeptember 2007 to June 2012 data is available at:\r\nhttp://www.isdscotland.org/Health-Topics/Workforce/publications/2012-08-28/AHP_Staff_J2012.xls?67197162.\r\nData for September 2005 and 2006 (Qualified and assistant speech therapist numbers shown separately) is available at:\r\nhttp://www.isdscotland.org/Health-Topics/Workforce/Historic-Data/WFF01_HB_REG.xls.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-01T14:52:05.853","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276298,"EventID":"S4W-09672","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2059,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":91,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-17T14:52:06.137","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-15T14:03:50","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what (a) meetings and (b) correspondence there have been between (i) the First Minister, (ii) the Deputy First Minister, (iii) each cabinet secretary and (iv) the Minister for Youth Employment and the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions regarding welfare reform; on what dates and what substantive issues were raised.\r\n","AnswerText":"Scottish ministers have had ongoing dialogue and correspondence with the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions on a wide range of issues relating to the UK Government’s welfare reforms and the impact of these reforms on people and services in Scotland.\r\nThe Deputy First Minister last met with the Secretary of State on 15 March 2012 to discuss welfare reform and related matters. I was due to meet with the Secretary of State on 19 September, however, as I was attending the Joint Ministerial Committee with the First Minister, the new Minister for Housing and Welfare had a meeting with the Secretary of State in my place.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-01T14:52:06.15","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276299,"EventID":"S4W-09679","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2059,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":91,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-17T14:52:06.4","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-15T14:03:50","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what representations the (a) Cabinet Secretary for Education and Lifelong Learning and (b) Minister for Youth Employment has made to the (i) Welfare Reform Committee, (ii) Secretary of State for Work and Pensions and (iii) Department for Work and Pensions regarding recent graduates' eligibility for benefits through national insurance.\r\n","AnswerText":"There have been no representations made to the Welfare Reform Committee, the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions or the Department for Work and Pensions on this matter.\r\nWe hold regular discussions with the UK Government at ministerial and official level regarding welfare, however, eligibility for benefits remains a reserved matter.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-01T14:52:06.4","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276300,"EventID":"S4W-09681","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1742,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-17T14:52:06.65","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-16T11:43:20","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what action (a) businesses and (b) the Scottish Environment Protection Agency takes to ensure compliance with environmental regulations.\r\n","AnswerText":"It is the responsibility of businesses themselves to ensure that they comply with applicable environmental regulations, and the vast majority of businesses in Scotland do so. Wherever possible, SEPA seeks to work with regulated businesses to help them comply with regulations. When businesses wilfully or negligently harm the environment, however, SEPA has a range of enforcement powers which it uses to ensure that the environment is protected, with an increased emphasis on focussing inspections on higher risk permits and poor performances. \r\nSEPA needs, however, to have appropriate powers to do its job properly. Through our Better Environmental Regulation Programme and the Better Regulation Bill, SEPA will be given a range of more direct and proportionate enforcement measures to ensure it has the right range of interventions to tackle poor performance and better protect the environment.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-01T14:52:06.667","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276301,"EventID":"S4W-09682","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-17T14:52:06.917","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-17T08:18:08","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether clinicians must formally advise patients with pleural plaques of their diagnosis and, if so, whether it will issue formal guidance to clinicians on this.\r\n","AnswerText":"The regulatory body of the doctors, the General Medical Council (GMC) states that “for a relationship between a doctor and patient to be effective, it should be a partnership based on openness, trust and good communication.”\r\nThe Scottish Government is committed to ensuring that our healthcare services are truly person centred and, through our Quality Strategy, NHSScotland is also working towards delivering a high quality, safe and person-centred service. If a clinician withholds information from a patient, we would expect the doctor to follow the guidance of the GMC which says:\r\n“If you withhold information from the patient you must record your reason for doing so in the patient’s medical records, and you must be prepared to explain and justify your decision. You should regularly review your decision, and consider whether you could give information to the patient later, without causing them serious harm”.\r\nClinicians in NHS Scotland are expected to follow GMC recommendations.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-01T14:52:06.93","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276302,"EventID":"S4W-09683","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-17T14:52:07.29","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-17T08:18:08","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will introduce legislation to clarify time limits regarding cases involving asbestos-related diseases.\r\n","AnswerText":"The law requires that any action for damages arising from a personal injury – including asbestos-related diseases - should be made within a three-year period.\r\nThe Scottish Government is committed to modernising the law on damages for personal injury and intends to publish a consultation paper, by the end of the year, which will be informed by the Scottish Law Commission’s report and recommendations on Limitation and Prescribed Cases. This consultation paper will set out the Scottish Government’s policy position on principles relating to the Prescription and Limitation (Scotland) Act 1973 and invite views on how the law should be reformed. \r\nFollowing consultation, it would be our intention to legislate on these issues in the course of this Parliament. The terms of such legislation will of course take account of the outcome of the consultation.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-01T14:52:07.307","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Roseanna Cunningham","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276303,"EventID":"S4W-09684","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-17T14:52:07.65","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-17T08:18:08","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what action it is taking to remove asbestos from (a) schools and (b) hospitals.","AnswerText":"Occupational health and matters relating to health and safety at work, including the removal of asbestos from buildings, are reserved and subject to Health and Safety Regulations. The Control of Asbestos at Work Regulations 2012 (SI 2012/632) places a duty on the owners or leaseholders of all non-domestic buildings, including schools and hospitals, to manage the risk from asbestos. \r\nIn the case of publicly funded schools, this duty rests with local authorities; with regard to hospitals this is a matter for NHS boards. For independent schools, the duty rests with the proprietors for individual schools.\r\nIn September 2009, Scottish Government wrote to all local authorities to bring to their attention health and safety matters in schools, including asbestos management. The letter sought to raise the profile of this issue and to request that all authorities contact the Health and Safety Executive to confirm they were managing the risks appropriately.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-01T14:52:07.65","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276304,"EventID":"S4W-09685","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-17T14:52:08.007","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-17T08:18:08","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it measures asbestos levels in (a) schools and (b) hospitals and, if so, whether it will publish the results.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Control of Asbestos at Work Regulations 2012 places a duty on the relevant authorities, in this case local authorities and NHS boards, to keep up to date records on the location and condition of asbestos-containing materials in their premises. This information is not collated centrally by the Scottish Government.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-01T14:52:08.023","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276314,"EventID":"S4W-09686","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2633,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-17T17:14:49.09","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-17T11:55:14","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on the Scottish Environment Protection Agency's finding that (a) Heads of Ayr and (b) Stonehaven beaches did not achieve a mandatory pass rating for the 2012 summer season and what action it will take to help ensure that bathing waters do not breach safety limits or guidelines.\r\n","AnswerText":"SEPA investigates when pollution occurs at any of the 83 designated bathing waters in the bathing water season. The failure at Heads of Ayr appears to have been due to agricultural pollutants, such as livestock manure or slurry, that were mobilised by heavy rainfall; further tests are being carried out to determine the bacterial source. At Stonehaven the failure was primarily due to a problem in the sewerage system; this has now been remedied by Scottish Water and this should ensure compliance with the European standard in future years.\r\nThe Scottish Government requires SEPA at the end of each season to review the performance and progress of all bathing waters and ensure that specific improvement plans and pollution control measures are being implemented. We also continue to work with stakeholders, through Scotland’s Diffuse Pollution plan, on the pressures from rural diffuse sources, and with Scottish Water, which is carrying out studies at bathing waters where there is a risk of impact from waste water treatment works.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-01T17:14:49.103","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276315,"EventID":"S4W-09696","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":89,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-17T17:14:49.383","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-17T12:29:52","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the average (a) male and (b) female life expectancy in the Glasgow Shettleston constituency has been in each year since 2000.\r\n","AnswerText":"Life expectancy estimates by Scottish Parliamentary Constituency were first published by National Records of Scotland (NRS) on 2 October 2009 for the period 2005-07. These estimates have been updated annually to coincide with NRS publications on life expectancy. The figures quoted are a three-year average, produced by aggregating data zone population estimates and number of deaths registered over a three year period. Aggregation is necessary to provide numbers which are large enough to ensure that the life expectancy estimates are sufficiently robust.\r\nGlasgow Shettleston Scottish Parliamentary Constituency\r\nPeriod\r\nMale life expectancy\r\nat birth (years)\r\nFemale life expectancy\r\nat birth (years)\r\n2005-07\r\n67.2\r\n76.4\r\n2006-08\r\n67.2\r\n76.0\r\n2007-09\r\n68.2\r\n76.5\r\n2008-10\r\n71.3\r\n78.2\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-01T17:14:49.4","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276355,"EventID":"S4W-09592","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-18T15:13:19.127","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-11T16:37:11","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many fixed penalty notices have been issued under the Tobacco and Primary Medical Services (Scotland) Act 2010, broken down by type of violation.","AnswerText":"Information on the number of fixed penalty notices issued under the Tobacco and Primary Medical Services (Scotland) Act 2010 is not held centrally.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-02T15:13:19.25","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276356,"EventID":"S4W-09593","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-18T15:13:19.627","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-11T16:37:11","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many prosecutions there have been under the Tobacco and Primary Medical Services (Scotland) Act 2010 for proxy purchase of tobacco in each local authority area; how many resulted in fines, and how much.","AnswerText":"There were no prosecutions under the Tobacco and Primary Medical Services (Scotland) Act 2010 in the financial year 2010-11, the latest year for which data is available.\r\nThe Bill for this Act of the Scottish Parliament was passed by the Parliament on 27 January 2010 and received Royal Assent on 3 March 2010.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-02T15:13:19.64","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276357,"EventID":"S4W-09626","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3758,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":76,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-18T15:13:20.017","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-13T12:24:23","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what legal responsibilities social landlords have to people who own properties within stock otherwise owned by the landlords.\r\n","AnswerText":"There may be provisions in title deeds which lay down responsibilities and rights of owners of property in stock which is otherwise owned by social landlords. Social landlords acting as property factors need to comply with the provisions of the Property Factors (Scotland) Act 2011. More information on the 2011 act is at http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Built-Environment/Housing/privateowners/propertyfactors/2011Act.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-02T15:13:20.03","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Burgess","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276358,"EventID":"S4W-09627","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3758,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":76,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-18T15:13:20.313","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-13T12:24:23","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what legal responsibility social landlords have to consult the owners of properties within the stock owned by the landlord regarding potential changes to the properties.\r\n","AnswerText":"There may be provisions in title deeds on how decisions should be taken on repairs and maintenance of common space. If there is nothing in title deeds, or they are uncertain, the Tenement Management Scheme in the Tenements (Scotland) Act 2003 may be relevant. Under the Tenement Management Scheme, decisions on repairs and maintenance to common areas may be taken by a majority of the owners of the flats in a tenement. More information on managing common repairs is contained in Consumer Focus Scotland's guide \"Common Repair, Common Sense\" which can be found at http://www.consumerfocus.org.uk/scotland/news/consumer-guide-to-managing-common-repairs. Improvements to common areas of tenements generally require unanimous agreement of the owners of the flats, unless the improvements are reasonably incidental to the maintenance or there is provision in the title deeds on taking decisions in relation to improvements.\r\nSocial landlords acting as property factors need to comply with the provisions of the Property Factors (Scotland) Act 2011. More information on the 2011 act is at http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Built-Environment/Housing/privateowners/propertyfactors/2011Act. The Code of Conduct for Property Factors, which forms one of the main elements of the act, sets out certain requirements relating to how property factors should communicate and consult with homeowners.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-02T15:13:20.327","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Burgess","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276359,"EventID":"S4W-09628","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3758,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":76,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-18T15:13:20.593","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-13T12:24:23","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what legal entitlement owners of properties within social landlords' stock have to representation on groups set up by the landlords to review changes to the properties.\r\n","AnswerText":"We are not aware of any legal provisions in respect of groups of this nature. However, where decisions on repairs and maintenance are being taken under the Tenement Management Scheme, the scheme contains provisions on arranging meetings and consulting owners. Social landlords acting as property factors need to comply with the provisions of the Property Factors (Scotland) Act 2011. More information on the 2011 act is at http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Built-Environment/Housing/privateowners/propertyfactors/2011Act.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-02T15:13:20.61","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Burgess","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276360,"EventID":"S4W-09663","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2059,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":91,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-18T15:13:20.953","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-15T14:03:50","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the value is of each contract that (a) the First Minister, (b) the Deputy First Minister, (c) each cabinet secretary, (d) each directorate and (e) each agency has with Atos; when each of the contracts that are still in force were agreed, and what the dates were of any (i) renewal or (ii) extension of them.\r\n","AnswerText":"The First Minister, Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretaries do not have contracts with Atos.\r\nThe Scottish Procurement and Commercial Directorate within the Scottish Government currently have two national frameworks in place in which Atos is a supplier. They are the Business Management Consultancy Framework, which started on 1 September 2010 and will expire on 31 August 2013, unless the 12 month optional extension is utilised, and the IT Managed Services Framework which began on 1 April 2011 and will expire on 1 April 2014. This framework also has a 12 month optional extension.\r\nTo date, the only core Directorate or Executive Agency to use either of these frameworks is Historic Scotland. Their contract with Atos is a call-off from the IT Managed Services Framework and is valued at £2.6 million. The contract started on 27 March 2012 and will finish on 26 March 2015, unless the 12 month optional extension is taken. If utilised, the extension will be valued at £0.6 million.\r\nThe Scottish Public Pensions Agency has a contract for the Provision of Medical Advice, which has a value of £180,000 and started on 1 October 2008. The contract will end on 30 September 2013.\r\nTransport Scotland has a framework agreement for Consultancy Support on All Aspects of the Transport Application. The framework started on 1 October 2005 and will end on 1 March 2014. To date no services have been called-off from this agreement. \r\nBased on information gathered from the centralised contracts register within the Scottish Procurement Information Hub, no other Executive Agency or Scottish Government Directorate has a contract with Atos.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-02T15:13:20.967","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276361,"EventID":"S4W-09687","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4947,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-18T15:13:21.25","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-17T12:44:42","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, in light of the impact on employment, what approaches it has made to defence industries based in Scotland to encourage them to diversify into civilian areas of work.","AnswerText":"Scotland has a rich and diverse defence industry in Scotland, with many companies working across a broad range of other sectors, including in the growing renewables market.\r\nThe Scottish Government and our agencies are working to support companies, including defence companies, diversify into new markets through innovation support, research and development funding; skills and training, and to harness and exploit international opportunities through inward or outward investment. This includes exploring opportunities for joint working in key strategic areas with other Scottish key sectors such as digital markets & enabling technologies and textiles.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-02T15:13:21.263","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276362,"EventID":"S4W-09688","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4934,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-18T15:13:21.53","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-17T13:16:39.553","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many licences to kill ravens were granted by (a) it and (b) Scottish Natural Heritage in (i) 2011 and (ii) 2012 and what the grounds were for granting such licences, broken down by local authority.\r\n","AnswerText":"Licences were issued by the Scottish Government up until 30 June 2011. This licensing function was delegated to Scottish Natural Heritage with effect from 1 July 2012.\r\nLicences issued by the Scottish Government up to 30 June 2011, broken down by local authority:\r\nLocal Authority\r\nNumber of Licences Issued\r\nArgyll and Bute\r\n40\r\nComhairle nan Eilean Siar\r\n12\r\nGrampian\r\n3\r\nHighland\r\n25\r\nNorth Ayrshire\r\n15\r\nPerth and Kinross\r\n8\r\nTotal\r\n103  \r\n\r\nLicences issued by SNH from 1 July 2011, broken down by local authority (with some extending into 2012):\r\nLocal Authority\r\nNumber of Licences Issued\r\nArgyll and Bute\r\n2\r\nComhairle nan Eilean Siar\r\n1\r\nHighland\r\n1\r\nNorth Ayrshire\r\n4\r\nTotal\r\n8\r\n\r\nLicences issued by SNH for 2012, broken down by local authority (with a small number extending into 2013):\r\nLocal Authority\r\nNumber of Licences Issued\r\nAngus\r\n2\r\nArgyll and Bute\r\n41\r\nScottish Borders\r\n1\r\nComhairle nan Eilean Siar\r\n15\r\nHighland\r\n22\r\nNorth Ayrshire\r\n12\r\nPerth and Kinross\r\n2\r\nStirling\r\n1\r\nTotal\r\n96\r\nAll the licences above were granted for the purpose of preventing serious damage to livestock under Section 16(1)(k) of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. Licences can only be granted to prevent serious damage to livestock where there is no other satisfactory solution. \r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-02T15:13:21.543","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276363,"EventID":"S4W-09689","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4934,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-18T15:13:21.81","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-17T13:16:39.553","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many multi-annual licences to kill ravens have been granted since 2011, broken down by local authority.\r\n","AnswerText":"All licences issued were for 12 months or less. The period of the licence is set for when lambs are most vulnerable to attacks by ravens. In exceptional circumstances, the licence period can be extended for up to two years.\r\nLicences can only be granted to prevent serious damage to livestock and when there is no other satisfactory solution. This does not necessarily mean that serious damage has occurred, but that it is likely to occur. Numerous conditions are applied to licences including that lethal control can only be used as a last resort and when “scaring” has failed.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-02T15:13:21.827","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276364,"EventID":"S4W-09690","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4934,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-18T15:13:22.09","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-17T13:16:39.553","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what proportion of holders of licences to kill ravens indicated that they had made kills in 2011 and how many birds were killed.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government Rural Payments and Inspections Directorate (SGRPID) is currently processing the returns (i.e. number of ravens shot) for the 103 licences issued up to 30 June 2011 with a combined bag limit of 600 birds.\r\nScottish Natural Heritage (SNH) issued eight licences in 2011 after taking over responsibility for licensing on 1 July 2011. Licence returns received so far show a total of 31 birds shot. SNH is awaiting two returns as they are from licences extending into 2012.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-02T15:13:22.107","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276365,"EventID":"S4W-09691","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4934,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-18T15:13:22.34","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-17T13:16:39.553","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many licences to kill ravens have not been renewed by Scottish Natural Heritage because of non-compliance with conditions in each year since 2011.\r\n","AnswerText":"To date, no such cases have occurred.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-02T15:13:22.357","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276366,"EventID":"S4W-09692","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4934,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-18T15:13:22.607","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-17T13:16:39.553","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether Scottish Natural Heritage will publish details annually of the number of ravens killed under licence.\r\n","AnswerText":"Scottish Natural Heritage is considering how to publish statistics in the future.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-02T15:13:22.62","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276367,"EventID":"S4W-09693","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4934,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-18T15:13:22.857","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-17T13:16:39.553","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what factors are considered when considering granting a licence to kill ravens.\r\n","AnswerText":"For licences that are issued under Section 16(1)(k) of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, the following factors are considered: what damage to livestock has been experienced; what the likelihood of damage to livestock is; numbers of birds present; whether or not there are possible alternatives; and the conservation implications of any licensed control. In many cases Scottish Natural Heritage relies on expert advice from site visits made by Scottish Government Rural Payments and Inspections Directorate (SGRPID) staff to inform licensing decisions.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-02T15:13:22.87","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276368,"EventID":"S4W-09694","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4934,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-18T15:13:23.103","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-17T13:16:39.553","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether there are licensing restrictions to control the killing of ravens in nests during the breeding season.\r\n","AnswerText":"Conditions are included in licences; these state that shooting should only be carried out away from the nest.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-02T15:13:23.12","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276369,"EventID":"S4W-09695","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4934,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-18T15:13:23.37","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-17T13:16:39.553","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what checks are made to ensure that livestock protection licences to kill ravens are not used for game management.\r\n","AnswerText":"The conditions included in these licences state that they may only be used to prevent serious damage to livestock. Site visits are made to assess the situation on a case-by-case basis. Failure to comply with the terms or conditions of a licence could constitute an offence. If allegations were made in this respect, Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) would rely on the police to investigate. Additionally, SNH is able to monitor licences through information received by area staff, Rural Payments and Inspections Staff, or the public, and has the power to revoke them should it become apparent that a licence is being abused.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-02T15:13:23.387","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276370,"EventID":"S4W-09699","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3061,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-18T15:13:23.62","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-18T09:48:20","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-09088 by Keith Brown on 3 September 2012, how many speed cameras there are in Central Scotland, broken down by road.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Central Scotland Safety Camera Partnership operates mobile speed cameras at eleven sites and on two routes as part of the Scottish Safety Camera Programme. There are no fixed roadside speed cameras in Central Scotland. Mobile cameras can be deployed at any point along an approved route, but the number of regular enforcement points on each route is given in brackets in the following list.\r\nA706 - Linlithgow Road, Bo'ness near to Borrowstoun Road\r\nA82 - Crianlarich Village near to Rail Station\r\nA9 - Edinburgh/Perth Road, Dunblane (South), near to Allan Water\r\nA907 - Cambus near to Station Road\r\nA908 - Devonside, Alexandra Street near the Glen\r\nA908 - Main Street, Sauchie near to Craigview\r\nA993 - Dean Road, Bo'ness near to Gilburn Place\r\nM80 - River Carron (North) - Barnego Road overbridge\r\nM876 - Torwood (North) - A9 Overbridge\r\nM9 - Craigforth (North) at A84 Overbridge\r\nM9 - at M876 (North) - Falkirk and South Alloa overbridge\r\nM9 - Cadgers Brae (North) - Kirk entry overbridge, Polmont\r\nA811 Stirling - Dumbarton Road – 36 Km Route – (7)\r\nA84/A85/A82 Stirling –Tyndrum – 80 Km Route – (10).","AnswerDate":"2012-09-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-02T15:13:23.637","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276371,"EventID":"S4W-09700","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-18T15:13:23.98","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-18T11:10:33","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will have a role in implementing the proposals in the Infrastructure (Financial Assistance) Bill that has been introduced by the UK Government and, if so, what this will be.\r\n","AnswerText":"Yes. We discussed this with the UK Government at the Joint Ministerial Committee on 19 September. Although the process is still to be finalised, our expectation is that the Scottish Government will be consulted prior to any decisions being made on the provision of guarantees for projects in Scotland, and that any publicly funded projects are likely to have been included within our Infrastructure Investment Plan, published last December.\r\nThe Scottish Government is already using guarantees in a range of innovative ways, such as to provide affordable homes under the mortgage indemnity scheme and the National Housing Trust initiative.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-02T15:13:23.98","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276372,"EventID":"S4W-09701","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-18T15:13:24.307","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-18T12:59:17","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what assessment has been made of the impact of the 2008-13 Scotland Rural Development Programme (SRDP) on the rural economy in preparation for a new SRDP to begin on 1 January 2014.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has undertaken a First Stage Review, a Mid Term Evaluation, along with annual reports to assess the impact of the 2007-13 Scotland Rural Development Programme (SRDP). The evidence from these reports, alongside the feedback we have received through our on-going engagement with stakeholders, will aid the preparation for the 2014-20 SRDP.\r\nOnce the 2007-13 SRDP has been completed, the Scottish Government will undertake an Ex Post Evaluation which will further inform how future improvements can be made to the 2014-20 programme in order to maximise its impact on the rural economy.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-02T15:13:24.32","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276373,"EventID":"S4W-09702","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-18T15:13:24.617","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-18T12:59:17","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what percentage of agricultural businesses received funding from the 2008-13 Scotland Rural Development Programme, broken down by Rural Payments and Inspections Directorate area office.\r\n","AnswerText":"We do not hold details of the total number of agricultural businesses in Scotland. However as a proxy, we have used the total number of RPID customers, (counted as Single Application Form applications), in Scotland. This amounts to 21,747 organisations in 2012.\r\nThe following table sets out the total number of organisations receiving funding under each scheme within the Scotland Rural Development Programme, as a percentage of this total number of customers. These figures are broken down by Rural Payments and Inspection Directorate area office, where we hold the data in this way.\r\nRural Payments and Inspection Directorate Area Office\r\nRural Priorities (2009-11)\r\nLess Favoured Area Support Scheme\r\n(2009-11)\r\nCrofting Counties Agricultural Grant Scheme\r\n(01-12-09 to 21-09-12)\r\nLand Manager Options\r\n(2009-11)\r\nNo\r\n%\r\nNo\r\n%\r\nNo\r\n%\r\nNo\r\n%\r\nAyr\r\n1,123\r\n18%\r\n3,276\r\n53%\r\n0\r\n0%\r\n2,308\r\n37%\r\nBenbecula\r\n367\r\n17%\r\n1,615\r\n73%\r\n198\r\n14%\r\n252\r\n11%\r\nDumfries\r\n974\r\n20%\r\n2,578\r\n53%\r\n0\r\n0%\r\n1,289\r\n27%\r\nElgin\r\n525\r\n31%\r\n839\r\n49%\r\n0\r\n0%\r\n796\r\n46%\r\nGalashiels\r\n1,426\r\n25%\r\n2,356\r\n42%\r\n0\r\n0%\r\n2,169\r\n38%\r\nGolspie\r\n250\r\n16%\r\n1,132\r\n70%\r\n140\r\n13%\r\n168\r\n10%\r\nHamilton\r\n266\r\n10%\r\n1,621\r\n64%\r\n0\r\n0%\r\n1,063\r\n42%\r\nInverness\r\n971\r\n21%\r\n2,803\r\n60%\r\n174\r\n6%\r\n1,029\r\n22%\r\nInverurie\r\n2,800\r\n30%\r\n2,968\r\n31%\r\n0\r\n0%\r\n4,341\r\n46%\r\nKirkwall\r\n619\r\n26%\r\n1,855\r\n77%\r\n84\r\n5%\r\n546\r\n23%\r\nLerwick\r\n284\r\n9%\r\n2,646\r\n85%\r\n173\r\n8%\r\n165\r\n5%\r\nOban\r\n1,160\r\n34%\r\n2,438\r\n72%\r\n64\r\n3%\r\n985\r\n29%\r\nPerth\r\n1,626\r\n18%\r\n2,720\r\n31%\r\n0\r\n0%\r\n3,320\r\n37%\r\nPortree\r\n240\r\n14%\r\n1,368\r\n77%\r\n195\r\n16%\r\n310\r\n18%\r\nStornoway\r\n250\r\n7%\r\n2,810\r\n74%\r\n278\r\n11%\r\n163\r\n4%\r\nThurso\r\n477\r\n19%\r\n1,879\r\n75%\r\n141\r\n8%\r\n784\r\n31%\r\nTotal\r\n13,358\r\n21%\r\n34,904\r\n54%\r\n1,447\r\n3%\r\n19,688\r\n30%\r\n \r\nFor the following Scotland Rural Development Programme schemes the data is available only at a Scotland-wide level, as they are not directly administered by Rural Payments and Inspection Directorate area offices.\r\nScheme\r\nNo of Beneficiaries\r\n(2008-13)\r\nSkills Development Scheme (2008-13)\r\n40\r\nFood Processing, Marketing and Cooperation Grant Scheme (2008-13)\r\n159\r\nLEADER (2008-13)\r\n1722\r\nForestry Challenge Funds (2008-13)\r\n146\r\n\r\nAs the recipients of these schemes are outwith the RPID customer base, it is not appropriate to calculate as a percentage of total customers.","AnswerDate":"2012-10-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-02T15:13:24.633","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276374,"EventID":"S4W-09703","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-18T15:13:24.93","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-18T12:59:17","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what budget remains to be committed in the 2008-13 Scotland Rural Development Programme.","AnswerText":"The competitive element of the Scotland Rural Development Programme (SRDP) budget is forecast to be nearly fully committed following the Rural Priorities Regional Proposal Assessment Committee (RPAC) in October 2012 and taking account of expected future project approvals, allowing applicants to complete work before the end of December 2013.\r\nThe non-competitive element of the SRDP budget is currently forecast to be fully committed following receipt of the 2013 single application forms.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-02T15:13:24.947","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276375,"EventID":"S4W-09704","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-18T15:13:25.227","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-18T12:59:17","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide a breakdown of 2008-13 Scotland Rural Development Programme spend by Rural Payments and Inspections Directorate area office.\r\n","AnswerText":"We do not disaggregate Scotland Rural Development Programme (SRDP) spend at area office level, as each scheme is administered in its own way and not always linked directly to individual area offices. However, we can provide the following breakdown of gross expenditure by scheme from 2007-08 to 2011-12.\r\nSRDP Gross Expenditure by Scheme\r\nTotal Expenditure 2007-08 to 2011-12\r\nScheme\r\n\r\nCrofting Counties Agricultural Grants Scheme\r\n2,458,978\r\nForestry (legacy and other funding)\r\n31,498,751\r\nFood Processing and Marketing Grants\r\n14,255,391\r\nLeader \r\n24,068,544\r\nLFASS (Less Favoured Area Support Scheme)\r\n357,374,296\r\nLand Managers Options (including previous Land Management Contract Menu Scheme)\r\n68,152,320\r\nRural Priorities (including agri-legacy and new forestry funding)\r\n204,300,962\r\nMisc\r\n2,406,669\r\nTotal expenditure (millions)\r\n704,515,911\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-02T15:13:25.243","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276376,"EventID":"S4W-09705","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-18T15:13:25.523","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-18T13:27:01.093","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government which of the ministerial engagements and events listed on its website took place at Bute House in 2011-12.\r\n","AnswerText":"Information regarding events hosted by Scottish Government Ministers at Bute House in 2011 is proactively published on the Scottish Government website, detailing the date, host, location and guest list. It can be accessed at the following link: \r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/About/People/14944/Events-Engagements/hospitality/2010-11. \r\nThis information is published periodically and Events in the first quarter of 2012 are in the final stages of compilation prior to publication.\r\nInformation relating to engagements held at Bute House is as follows.\r\nAttendee Title\r\nDate\r\nName of Individual/Organisation\r\nFirst Minister\r\n10 May 2011\r\nSnr Ignacio Galan\r\nFirst Minister\r\n20 May 2011\r\nHenry McLeish\r\nFirst Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Finance, Employment and Sustainable Growth\r\n25 May 2011\r\nMoray Task Force\r\nCabinet Secretary for Justice\r\n25 May 2011\r\nSTV\r\nFirst Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Finance, Employment and Sustainable Growth\r\n26 May 2011\r\nReform Scotland and Independent Commission on Banking\r\nFirst Minister\r\n31 May 2011\r\nHeads of Devolved Administrations\r\nFirst Minister\r\n1 June 2011\r\nLouise Richardson, St Andrews University\r\nFirst Minister and Minister for Commonwealth Games and Sport\r\n2 June 2011\r\nCraig Whyte, Rangers FC\r\nFirst Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Culture and External Affairs\r\n2 June 2011\r\nMr. Li Ruiyou, Chinese Consul General\r\nFirst Minister\r\n7 June 2011\r\nScottish Energy Advisory Board\r\nFirst Minister\r\n3 June 2011\r\nGary Hoffman and Rt Hon Lord McFall of Alcluith, NBNK Investments\r\nFirst Minister\r\n7 June 2011\r\nScottish Energy Advisory Board\r\nFirst Minister\r\n10 June 2011\r\nJenny Murray, Woman's Hour - Radio 4\r\nFirst Minister\r\n14 June 2011\r\nJim Forbes, MeyGen\r\nCabinet Secretary for Infrastructure and Capital Investment\r\n15 June 2011\r\nJohn Smith Memorial Trust Reception\r\nFirst Minister and  Minister for Commonwealth Games and Sport\r\n15 June 2011\r\nDavid Longmuir, Scottish Football League\r\nFirst Minister\r\n15 June 2011\r\nJohn Smith Trust \r\nFirst Minister\r\n15 June 2011\r\nDavid Dinsmore, News International\r\nFirst Minister\r\n21 June 2011\r\nSnr Calvet, Gamesa\r\nLord Advocate\r\n21 June 2011\r\nPost reception - 65th Edinburgh International Film Festival\r\nCabinet Secretary for Infrastructure and Capital Investment\r\n1 July 2011\r\nBenny Higgins, Tesco Bank\r\nFirst Minister\r\n1 July 2011\r\nLunch following Official Opening of Parliament\r\nFirst Minister\r\n5 July 2011\r\nGleneagles Golf Book Interview with Ed Hodge\r\nFirst Minister\r\n5 July 2011\r\nMalcolm Webb, Oil and Gas UK\r\nFirst Minister\r\n5 July 2011\r\nMeeting with Peter Lawell\r\nFirst Minister\r\n5 July 2011\r\nRoyal Garden Party Dinner\r\nFirst Minister\r\n12 July 2011\r\nRenewable Energy Supply Chain CEOs\r\nFirst Minister\r\n12 July 2011\r\nInternational Children's Game Video Message recording\r\nFirst Minister\r\n12 July 2011\r\nChinese Ambassador Mr Liu Xiaoming\r\nFirst Minister\r\n12 July 2011\r\nBen Kacyra of CyArk\r\nFirst Minister\r\n12 July 2011\r\nQueen of Scots Interview\r\nMinister for Energy, Enterprise and Tourism\r\n12 July 2011\r\nMeygen\r\nFirst Minister\r\n13 July 2011\r\nJonathan Mills of Edinburgh International Festival\r\nFirst Minister\r\n13 July 2011\r\nChinese Press Corps\r\nFirst Minister\r\n13 July 2011\r\nWorld Water Forum Delegation\r\nFirst Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Finance, Employment and Sustainable Growth\r\n13 July 2011\r\nPress Conference on Labour Market Statistics\r\nMinister for Energy, Enterprise and Tourism\r\n28 July 2011\r\nBusiness Reception for Visiting Delegation from US\r\nFirst Minister\r\n6 August 2011\r\nPrime Minister of Baden-Wurttemberg\r\nFirst Minister\r\n6 August 2011\r\nTattoo Supper\r\nFirst Minister\r\n10 August 2011\r\nBBC and ITN \r\nFirst Minister\r\n13 August 2011\r\nThe Morning Line, Channel 4 Racing \r\nFirst Minister\r\n17 August 2011\r\nSource Magazine interview\r\nFirst Minister\r\n18 August 2011\r\nNick Wilson, MD of HP UK\r\nFirst Minister and Minister for Commonwealth Games and Sport\r\n18 August 2011\r\nMeeting with Scottish Rugby\r\nFirst Minister\r\n18 August 2011\r\nGerman Ambassador Boomgarden\r\nFirst Minister\r\n18 August","AnswerDate":"2012-10-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-02T15:13:25.54","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276377,"EventID":"S4W-09697","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2134,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":82,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-18T16:46:53.31","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-17T14:25:45","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on reports that the lead researcher on its consultation on civil partnership and same sex marriage \"insulted and belittled\" Christian views while preparing the report and \"directed obscenities\" at Cardinal Keith O’Brien in the presence of other members of the analysis team.","AnswerText":"We have received no evidence to suggest that the lead analyst in relation to this consultation \"insulted and belittled\" Christian views and \"directed obscenities\" at Cardinal O'Brien. The analysis, http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2012/07/5671/0, reflects the points made by Christians and others who responded to the consultation. The government is satisfied that the analysis of responses to the consultation reflects accurately and fairly the comments that were made by consultees responding to the consultation.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-02T16:46:53.483","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276378,"EventID":"S4W-09708","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-18T16:46:53.903","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-18T15:07:33","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many registered sex offenders have been managed at multi-agency public protection arrangements (MAPPA) level (a) one, (b) two and (c) three in each year since 2007.\r\n","AnswerText":"Information is provided in the following table.\r\nYear\r\nLevel 1\r\nLevel 2\r\nLevel 3\r\n2007-08\r\n2,330\r\n923\r\n56\r\n2008-09\r\n2,632\r\n941\r\n64\r\n2009-10\r\n2,853\r\n840\r\n43\r\n2010-11\r\n3,146\r\n735\r\n34\r\n2011-12\r\n3,454\r\n466\r\n26\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-02T16:46:53.92","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276379,"EventID":"S4W-09709","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-18T16:46:54.23","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-18T15:07:33","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the (a) average and (b) total cost has been of managing registered sex offenders under multi-agency public protection arrangements (MAPPA) level (i) one, (ii) two and (iii) three conditions in each year since 2007.\r\n","AnswerText":"There is no centrally held information about the standard costs involved in managing sex offenders under MAPPA as by their very nature, the arrangements are highly tailored to individual requirements, risks and circumstances.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-02T16:46:54.247","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276380,"EventID":"S4W-09710","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-18T16:46:54.607","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-18T15:07:33","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether there have been changes to the criteria for deciding the multi-agency public protection arrangements (MAPPA) level for managing registered sex offenders since 2007 and, if so, when.","AnswerText":"There has been no change to the criteria in relation to identifying the appropriate level at which an offender should be managed under MAPPA.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-02T16:46:54.62","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276381,"EventID":"S4W-09711","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-18T16:46:55.01","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-18T15:07:33","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it has issued guidance to organisations working under multi-agency public protection arrangements (MAPPA) concerning the (a) assessment and (b) management of registered sex offenders and, if so, when.\r\n","AnswerText":"MAPPA Guidance was first issued in 2006. Version 5 was published in January 2012. Part 7 of the guidance provides information relating to risk assessments, risk thresholds and risk management plans, and sign-posts further sources of information and guidance on this subject. The guidance is available on the Scottish Government website and a link is provided below.\r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2012/01/12094716/0.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-02T16:46:55.027","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276382,"EventID":"S4W-09712","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-18T16:46:55.387","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-18T15:07:33","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it is investigating whether there is a link between the reduction in the number of registered sex offenders managed under multi-agency public protection arrangements (MAPPA) levels two and three since 2010 and the rise in breaches of notification in the same period.","AnswerText":"There are no current plans. Since 2010 there has been a 0.7% rise in the number of offenders reported for breach of the notification requirements against a 3.6% increase in the number of registered sex offenders managed through MAPPA. Most offenders are managed at level 1. This is not unique to Scotland but applies to the arrangements in England and Wales where the majority of cases (94%) are managed at Level 1.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-02T16:46:55.4","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276383,"EventID":"S4W-09713","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-18T16:46:55.683","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-18T15:07:33","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-09302 by Roseanna Cunningham on 13 September 2012, what progress it has made on meeting the recommendations for action by it in the Scottish Drugs Strategy Delivery Commission first year report.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has taken forward key pieces of work following the Drugs Strategy Delivery Commission’s recommendations in its report published in October 2011.\r\nIn April 2012, the Scottish Government, COSLA (Convention of Scottish Local Authorities) and NHS Scotland issued the Alcohol and Drug Partnership (ADP) Planning and Reporting Guidance for 2012-15. The report aims to support the embedding of outcomes based planning and reporting at local level, help ADPs to self assess their performance and articulate their contribution to their local single outcome agreement (SOA), as well as contributing to the overall progress in supporting alcohol and drug prevention, support and treatment.\r\nThe Scottish Government has also started work to revise the 2006 National Quality Standards for Substance Misuse Services to align more closely with the aims of the Road to Recovery and connect clearly with the Quality Alcohol Treatment and Support (QATS) report and its associated recommendations. National Quality Standards for service delivery will set expectations for operation and management that are clear to all concerned – service providers, service users and their families - and can help to drive a culture of continuous evaluation and improvement for services across the country. \r\nThe Scottish Government has ensured that the commission is kept informed of the work activity of the Children Affected by Parental Substance (CAPSM) Steering Group.\r\nThe commission’s Chair and Executive Group has met with the Minister for Community Safety and Legal Affairs, Roseanna Cunningham to discuss the report and recommendations. Scottish Government officials attend the commission’s quarterly meetings and provide an update on specific pieces of work being taken forward as a result of the commission’s recommendations.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-02T16:46:55.697","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Roseanna Cunningham","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276384,"EventID":"S4W-09714","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-18T16:46:55.963","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-18T15:07:33","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-09302 by Roseanna Cunningham on 13 September 2012, what discussions it has had with the UK Government regarding the urgent updating of the national guidelines for healthcare professionals, as recommended in the Scottish Drugs Strategy Delivery Commission first year report.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has not held discussions with the UK Government regarding the updating of the national guidelines for healthcare professionals – Drug Misuse and Dependence UK Guidelines on Clinical Management (Orange Guidelines).\r\nThis is because the Scottish Government has started work to revise the 2006 National Quality Standards for Substance Misuse Services to align more closely with the aims of the Road to Recovery and connect clearly with the Quality Alcohol Treatment and Support (QATS) report and its associated recommendations. National Quality Standards for service delivery will set expectations for operation and management that are clear to all concerned – service providers, service users and their families - and can help to drive a culture of continuous evaluation and improvement for services across the country. \r\nWork on the national quality standards will inform what updates are required for the Orange Guidelines with the aim of starting this work in the spring of 2013.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-02T16:46:55.98","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Roseanna Cunningham","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276398,"EventID":"S4W-09707","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-19T14:05:06.717","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-18T14:39:50","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the (a) pension contribution rate for (i) employers and (ii) employees, (b) total paid in contributions, (c) pension payments and (d) the net cash flow was for the (A) local government, (B) NHS, (C) teachers, (D) civil service, (E) police and (F) firefighters pension scheme for 2011-12.\r\n","AnswerText":"(a) 2011-12 employee and employer contribution rates for the eight schemes referred to above (there are currently two police schemes and two fire-fighters schemes) are shown below.\r\nPension scheme\r\nEmployer\r\nContribution Rate\r\nEmployee\r\nContribution Rate\r\nLocal Government\r\n16.6% to 20.5%\r\nPensionable Pay\r\nRate\r\nOn earnings up to and including £18,500 \r\n5.5% \r\nOn earnings above £18,500 and up to £22,600 \r\n7.25% \r\nOn earnings above £22,600 and up to £30,900 \r\n8.5% \r\nOn earnings above £30,900 and up to £41,200 \r\n9.5% \r\nOn earnings above £41,200 \r\n12% \r\nNHS\r\n13.5%\r\n\r\nPay band\r\nRate\r\nUp to £21,175\r\n5%\r\n£21,176 to £69,931\r\n6.5%\r\n£69,932 to £110,273\r\n7.5%\r\n£110,274 to any higher amount\r\n8.5%\r\nTeachers\r\n14.9%\r\n\r\n6.4%\r\nPolice\r\n24.7%\r\nPre 2006 scheme                                             9.5%\r\nPost 2006 scheme                                            11%\r\nFirefighters’\r\nPre 2006 scheme   21.8%\r\nPost 2006 scheme  11.5%\r\nPre 2006 scheme                                             8.5%\r\nPost 2006 scheme                                            11%\r\nCivil Service\r\n18.9%\r\n                            1.5% to 3.5%\r\n(b), (c) and (d) \r\n2011-12 scheme accounts for the NHS, teachers’, police and fire-fighters’ pension scheme are not yet available. They will be published in due course.\r\n2011-12 accounts for the Local Government pension scheme are the responsibility of the eleven lead local authorities for that scheme. The Scottish Government has yet to receive the Local Financial Returns for 2011-12 containing the figures requested.\r\nThe Principal Civil Service Pension Scheme is the responsibility of the UK Cabinet Office. The Scottish Government does not have information to enable it to answer these questions.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-03T14:05:06.84","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276399,"EventID":"S4W-09727","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-19T14:05:07.543","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-19T09:39:35","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many ambulances have been single crewed in each month since September 2011.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government is clear that the single crewing of traditional double crewed emergency ambulances should only happen in exceptional circumstances, such as short notice sickness absence when cover cannot be secured. The Scottish Ambulance Service is working hard to try and deliver this.\r\nThe information requested is not held centrally for the period sought.\r\nHowever, across Scotland the Scottish Ambulance Service has advised that total incidence of single crewing for April to June 2012 (inclusive) was 469 shifts, representing 1.0% of those shifts that were rostered to be double crewed. Of that total, many of the instances of single crewing occurred due to exceptional circumstances. Excluding these, the figure for single crewed shifts under non-exceptional circumstances was 0.7% across Scotland.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-03T14:05:07.56","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276400,"EventID":"S4W-09728","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-19T14:05:08.213","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-19T09:39:35","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many ambulance shifts have been dropped in each month since September  2011.\r\n","AnswerText":"Information on the numbers of emergency ambulance rostered shifts which are not filled because of sickness or other absence is not held centrally. This is an operational matter for the Scottish Ambulance Service.\r\nWhen a potential gap on a roster appears Scottish Ambulance Service managers undertake a risk assessment of the situation, taking into account coverage elsewhere within the ambulance station or local area, availability of paramedic response units and predicted demand. In the vast majority of instances (over 80% in this financial year) these shifts will be offered to other staff on overtime.\r\nWhen they are not offered as overtime shifts, this is because managers consider that it is safe not to cover that shift, taking into account the factors mentioned above. Putting the safety of patients first is at the heart of this risk assessment process. The risk assessment procedure has been agreed as clinically safe and appropriate by the Scottish Ambulance Service Medical Director.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-03T14:05:08.23","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276401,"EventID":"S4W-09730","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-19T14:05:08.65","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-19T09:39:35","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what progress it has made on increasing the number of paramedics.","AnswerText":"It is for the Scottish Ambulance Service to recruit and train staff to meet service needs and to ensure that an appropriate mix of paramedics and ambulance technicians is in place to provide front line services. The Scottish Government has committed to providing funding to recruit and retain around 150 additional front line staff as part of the deal to move ambulance crews to a 37.5 hour week inclusive of rest breaks. A proportion of these will be paramedics. I understand 40 students finished their initial training in August and are now deployed, that a further 64 students started training in August, and that applications for the 80 places available on the training course which starts in December are presently being considered.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-03T14:05:08.667","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276402,"EventID":"S4W-09731","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-19T14:05:09.073","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-19T09:39:35","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many (a) urgent tier and (b) other ambulance shifts have been dropped in the Vale of Leven since 1 June 2012, and what this equates to in personnel hours.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-09728 on 3 October 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-03T14:05:09.087","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276403,"EventID":"S4W-09733","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-19T14:05:09.477","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-19T09:39:35","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many ambulance vehicles are on call on night shift serving the Vale of Leven Hospital.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally, this is an operational matter for the Scottish Ambulance Service.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-03T14:05:09.493","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276404,"EventID":"S4W-09734","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-19T14:05:09.9","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-19T09:39:35","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many complaints have been made to the Scottish Ambulance Service since September 2011 and how this compares with the previous 12-month period.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally.\r\nHowever, the latest annual national NHS complaints statistics (covering the period 1 April 2011 to 31 March 2012) were published last month by the Information Services Division (ISD) of NHS National Services Scotland, and are available at: \r\nhttp://www.isdscotland.org/Health-Topics/Quality-Improvement/Publications/2012-09-25/2012-09-25-Complaints-Report.pdf.\r\nISD published statistics show that for the second year in succession there has been a reduction in the number of complaints to the Scottish Ambulance Service.\r\nThe figures show that 214 complaints were recorded between 1 April 2011 and 31 March 2012 compared to 374 recorded between 1 April 2010 and 31 March 2011. This represents a 43% reduction in complaints.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-03T14:05:09.913","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276405,"EventID":"S4W-09735","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-19T14:05:10.32","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-19T09:39:35","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many private ambulances have been used by the Scottish Ambulance Service since September 2011 and at what cost.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Ambulance Service has advised that it does not use private ambulances in Scotland.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-03T14:05:10.337","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276406,"EventID":"S4W-09736","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-19T14:05:10.82","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-19T09:39:35","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much each NHS board has spent sending patients for chronic pain treatment in Bath and how many patients each has sent, in each year since 2007-08. ","AnswerText":"Tables setting out the number of patients and costs, by NHS board, who were referred to the pain management centre at the Royal National Hospital for Rheumatic Diseases, in Bath, in 2008-09, 2009-10, 2010-11 and in 2012-13 (up to 21 September 2012) are available from the Scottish Parliament Information Centre (Bib. number:54296). The information requested is not available for 2007-08.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-03T14:05:10.833","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276407,"EventID":"S4W-09737","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1882,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":129,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-19T14:05:11.257","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-19T10:41:01","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it plans to legislate to amend or replace the Mental Health (Care and Treatment) (Scotland) Act 2003 before the end of 2014.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government announced its Programme for Government on 4 September 2012 which covers the period 2012–13. In that, we said we would work towards issuing a draft Mental Health Bill for consultation by the end of 2013.\r\nAnnouncements about the legislative programme for 2013-14 will be made in due course.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-03T14:05:11.27","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276408,"EventID":"S4O-01307","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-19T15:10:59.173","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-17T12:03:21.633","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what recent discussions it has had with NHS Tayside regarding patient transport between Perth and Dundee.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-03T15:10:59.36","MeetingDate":"2012-09-26T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276409,"EventID":"S4O-01309","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":2615,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":143,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-19T15:10:59.97","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-17T12:03:22.133","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what research it has conducted on whether there is a relationship between obesity and mental health.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-03T15:10:59.983","MeetingDate":"2012-09-26T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276410,"EventID":"S4O-01310","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":3771,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-19T15:11:00.267","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-17T12:03:22.38","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it supports people living with epilepsy.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-03T15:11:00.267","MeetingDate":"2012-09-26T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276411,"EventID":"S4O-01311","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":4014,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-19T15:11:00.577","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-17T12:03:22.617","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what assessment it has made of emergency surgery provision for rural communities.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-03T15:11:00.593","MeetingDate":"2012-09-26T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276412,"EventID":"S4O-01312","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":2673,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":114,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-19T15:11:00.873","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-17T12:03:22.897","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what steps it is taking to promote the safe and effective prescription of psychotropic medication to care home residents. \r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-03T15:11:00.89","MeetingDate":"2012-09-26T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276413,"EventID":"S4O-01313","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":4938,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-19T15:11:01.153","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-17T12:03:23.16","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what improvement plans it has for Monklands Hospital.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-03T15:11:01.17","MeetingDate":"2012-09-26T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276414,"EventID":"S4O-01315","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":2826,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":84,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-19T15:11:01.467","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-17T12:03:23.66","Title":"","ItemText":" To ask the Scottish Government what recent progress the Detect Cancer Early Initiative has made.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-03T15:11:01.483","MeetingDate":"2012-09-26T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276415,"EventID":"S4O-01316","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":5075,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":112,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-19T15:11:01.747","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-17T12:03:23.91","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what recent progress has been made on achieving the HEAT target for accident and emergency treatment times.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-03T15:11:01.763","MeetingDate":"2012-09-26T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276416,"EventID":"S4O-01317","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":4940,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-19T15:11:02.043","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-17T12:03:24.143","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it ensures that older people receiving support in their own homes have regular access to community medical services.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-03T15:11:02.06","MeetingDate":"2012-09-26T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276417,"EventID":"S4O-01318","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":1943,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-19T15:11:02.387","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-17T12:03:24.363","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much NHS Ayrshire and Arran spent on drug prescriptions in 2011-12.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-03T15:11:02.403","MeetingDate":"2012-09-26T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276418,"EventID":"S4O-01319","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":2853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":81,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-19T15:11:02.713","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-17T12:03:24.597","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it ensures that NHS boards have a consistent approach when making decisions regarding individual patient treatment requests.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-03T15:11:02.73","MeetingDate":"2012-09-26T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276419,"EventID":"S4O-01320","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":5107,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":124,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-19T15:11:02.98","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-17T12:03:24.83","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when it last met representatives of the World Health Organization.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-03T15:11:02.997","MeetingDate":"2012-09-26T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276420,"EventID":"S4O-01321","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":1860,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-19T15:11:03.277","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-17T12:03:25.08","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what action it is taking to reduce waiting times for people who have been referrred for psychological therapies.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-03T15:11:03.293","MeetingDate":"2012-09-26T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276421,"EventID":"S4O-01322","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":3101,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-19T15:11:03.603","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-17T12:03:25.33","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what recent progress has been made with preparations for the 2014 Commonwealth Games.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-03T15:11:03.62","MeetingDate":"2012-09-26T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276422,"EventID":"S4O-01323","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":5047,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-19T15:11:03.883","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-17T12:03:25.597","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what steps it is taking to train medical professionals to identify signs of human trafficking.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government issued guidance to health boards in June 2012 for healthcare staff on human trafficking, which encompasses how to identify and respond to victims of trafficking. The guidance, and covering CEL letter 19(2012), can be accessed on the Scotland’s Health on the Web website.\r\nIt is for health boards, supported where appropriate by NHS Education for Scotland (NES), to provide the educational and training support to enable their staff to access relevant training and continuing professional development opportunities. NES has been asked to develop training resources to assist healthcare staff develop the knowledge and skills to respond sensitively on trafficking, and will align this with health boards’ ongoing work on gender-based violence.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-03T15:11:03.9","MeetingDate":"2012-09-26T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276423,"EventID":"S4O-01324","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":5060,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-19T15:11:04.167","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-17T12:03:25.83","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when the Cabinet Secretary for Health and Wellbeing last met NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde and what issues were discussed.\r\n","AnswerText":"Both ministers and government officials regularly meet with all NHS Boards, and a range of matters of local interest are discussed.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-03T15:11:04.18","MeetingDate":"2012-09-26T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276424,"EventID":"S4O-01325","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":1742,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-19T15:11:04.43","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-17T12:03:26.093","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when it last met representatives of the Royal College of Nursing.\r\n","AnswerText":"My predecessor, the Cabinet Secretary for Health, Wellbeing and Cities Strategy, met RCN representatives on 3 November 2011.\r\nSince then, Scottish Government officials have met regularly with RCN representatives to discuss a range of topical issues, most recently on 13 September 2012 when the Chief Nursing Officer met with the Director of RCN Scotland.\r\nI have recently accepted an invitation to the RCN conference on 21 November and look forward to meeting with RCN colleagues and members then.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-03T15:11:04.447","MeetingDate":"2012-09-26T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276425,"EventID":"S4O-01326","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":86,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-19T15:11:04.727","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-17T12:03:58.23","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide an update on the meeting of the Remploy stakeholder group of 19 September 2012.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-03T15:11:04.743","MeetingDate":"2012-09-27T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276426,"EventID":"S4O-01328","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2892,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-19T15:11:05.087","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-19T10:46:44.757","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, in light of its policy on nuclear weapons, whether it will participate in the spring 2013 conference in Norway on the humanitarian consequences of these.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-03T15:11:05.1","MeetingDate":"2012-09-27T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276427,"EventID":"S4O-01329","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":5059,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-19T15:11:05.443","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-17T12:03:59.337","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it plans to introduce rail links to towns in West Scotland that currently have none.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-03T15:11:05.443","MeetingDate":"2012-09-27T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276428,"EventID":"S4O-01330","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2675,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":93,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-19T15:11:05.71","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-17T12:03:59.62","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether marine and onshore energy producers in Scotland will have equitable access charges to the UK grid.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-03T15:11:05.727","MeetingDate":"2012-09-27T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276429,"EventID":"S4O-01331","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":5074,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":104,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-19T15:11:06.083","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-17T12:03:59.917","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what assessments are undertaken prior to placing people being monitored under the multi-agency public protection arrangements in unsupervised bed and breakfast accommodation.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-03T15:11:06.083","MeetingDate":"2012-09-27T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276430,"EventID":"S4O-01332","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-19T15:11:06.35","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-17T12:04:00.197","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how its forthcoming Bankruptcy Bill will support the growth and development of credit unions.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-03T15:11:06.35","MeetingDate":"2012-09-27T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276431,"EventID":"S4O-01333","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":4964,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-19T15:11:06.63","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-17T12:04:00.447","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on the UK Government’s rejection of the final offer from Remploy Aberdeen.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-03T15:11:06.647","MeetingDate":"2012-09-27T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276432,"EventID":"S4O-01334","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2674,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":99,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-19T15:11:06.91","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-17T12:04:00.65","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when the works to install the new barriers on the level crossings at Corpach, Brora, Kirkton and Dalchalm will be completed.","AnswerText":"Network Rail has advised that the works to install the new barriers on the level crossings at Corpach, Brora, Kirkton and Dalchalm will be completed within the two year timescale of the overall barrier fitment programme.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-03T15:11:06.927","MeetingDate":"2012-09-27T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276433,"EventID":"S4O-01335","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":4947,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-19T15:11:07.177","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-17T12:04:00.867","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what improvements it is making to the A82 between Fort William and Inverness. \r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government continues to invest in the A82 trunk road. Transport Scotland is progressing a programme of maintenance and minor safety improvements on the A82 for this financial year. Works are also ongoing at Glen Gloy (where work to repair the landslide will also incorporate road realignment) and Loch Lochy. In addition, the first three phases of a £600,000 A82 Route Accident Reduction Plan have been completed between Tyndrum and Inverness.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-03T15:11:07.193","MeetingDate":"2012-09-27T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276434,"EventID":"S4W-09738","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3806,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-19T16:47:17.497","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-19T13:20:31","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it considers that the ringfence element of Southern Isles' milk quota system is necessary for the Kintyre dairy industry.\r\n","AnswerText":"The purpose of the ring-fence provisions is to provide a degree of protection for the island creameries which fulfil an important economic role in their local community as well as effectively guaranteeing a market for raw milk produced by local farmers. \r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-03T16:47:17.53","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276435,"EventID":"S4W-09739","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3806,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-19T16:47:18.03","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-19T13:20:31","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what benefits the ringfence element of the Southern Isles' milk quota system has brought to the Kintyre dairy industry and how many dairies operating in the area have benefited.\r\n","AnswerText":"The ring-fence provisions continue to provide a degree of protection for the creameries of Arran and Campbeltown, which fulfil an important economic role in the local communities as well as effectively guaranteeing a market for all the raw milk produced by the local dairy farmers.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-03T16:47:18.043","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276436,"EventID":"S4W-09741","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3806,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-19T16:47:18.34","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-19T13:20:31","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when it will carry out a review of the ringfence arrangements that are part of the milk quota system.\r\n","AnswerText":"At my request, a review of the Scottish Milk Quota Ring Fences Provisions was carried out by the Scottish Agriculture College (SAC) in December 2011. The SAC review concluded that the ring fence provisions should continue until 2015 when the milk quota system is due to be removed by the EU Commission.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-03T16:47:18.357","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276437,"EventID":"S4W-09742","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2066,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-19T16:47:18.637","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-19T14:06:30","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-09444 by Nicola Sturgeon on 19 September 2012, what the costings are for each project listed.\r\n","AnswerText":"The estimated costs for each of the projects listed in the answer to S4W-09444 are included in the following table.\r\nProject Name\r\nEstimated Cost\r\n(£ Million)\r\nInverness College \r\n51\r\nWestern Isles Schools Project1\r\n40.6\r\nOrkney Islands Schools Investment Programme1\r\n40\r\nKessock Bridge upgrade\r\n18\r\nStornoway-Ullapool Ferry\r\n42\r\nWick High School2\r\nTo be confirmed\r\nEvie Primary School, Orkney2\r\nTo be confirmed\r\nHappy Hansel Primary School, Shetland2\r\nTo be confirmed\r\nMilnes Primary School, Moray2\r\nTo be confirmed\r\nCampbeltown Grammar School2\r\nTo be confirmed\r\nDunoon/Kirn/St. Mun's Primary School2\r\nTo be confirmed\r\nDaliburgh Primary School, Western Isles2\r\n8.7\r\nTain Health Centre \r\n5\r\nForres Health Centre \r\n5.5\r\nOban Dental Facility\r\n2.6\r\nMull and Iona Progressive Care Centre3\r\n4.8\r\nArnish Plant and Estate Improvements4\r\n2\r\nInverness Campus4\r\n6\r\nForres Enterprise Park – Extension of Roads4\r\n3\r\nForres Enterprise Park – Provide 2 Units4\r\n3\r\nBuilding Development within Forres Enterprise zone4\r\n3.5\r\nLews Castle development4\r\n1.6\r\nWest Highland College infrastructure expansion4\r\n1.5\r\nKennacraig,  Kintyre, Phase 2 – causeway4\r\n3.9\r\nNotes:\r\n1. These figures relate to the Scottish Government funding in support of the projects.\r\n2. These schools form part of Phase 1 and 2 of the Scottish Government’s £1.25 billion ‘Scotland’s Schools for the Future School Building Programme’. Cost figures have yet to be confirmed for those schools which are not in construction or operational.\r\n3. This is a joint project between NHS Highland, Argyll and Bute Council, the Scottish Government, West Highland Housing Association and the Mull and Iona Progressive Care Company. The cost figure relates to NHS Highland’s contribution.\r\n4. These projects form part of the Scottish Government’s £105 million package of economic stimulus for this year which was announced on 27 June and the cost figures relate to the Scottish Government funding in support.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-03T16:47:18.653","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276438,"EventID":"S4W-09743","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2066,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-19T16:47:19.34","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-19T14:06:30","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-09445 by Nicola Sturgeon on 19 September 2012, what the anticipated costings are for each project listed.\r\n","AnswerText":"The estimated costs for each of the projects listed in the answer to S4W-09445 are included in the following table.\r\nProject Name\r\nEstimated Cost\r\n(£ Million)\r\nAberdeen to Inverness Rail Improvements1\r\n250-500\r\nHighland Main Line Improvements1\r\n250-600\r\nDualling of the A91\r\n1500-3000\r\nA96 Upgrading1\r\n250-500\r\nA82 Improvements1\r\n200-250\r\nHMP Highland1\r\nTo be confirmed\r\nDevelopment of Balfour Hospital and Kirkwall Dental Centre (NHS Orkney)1\r\n60-70\r\nDay Services Centre, Raigmore Hospital (NHS Highland)1\r\n25\r\nScalloway Health Centre (NHS Shetland)2\r\nTo be confirmed\r\nSt Brendan’s Hospital (NHS Western Isles)\r\nTo be confirmed\r\nNotes:\r\n1. The estimated cost figures have been taken from The Infrastructure Investment Plan which can be found at the following link:\r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2011/12/05141922/0.\r\n2. NHS Shetland has been allocated £2.1 million hub enabling funds to take this project forward. Hub North is currently doing an option appraisal of the potential locations identified for the health centre to inform the process and provide a base for the full business case. The potential options are expected to have significantly different lead implementation times and costs.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-03T16:47:19.353","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276439,"EventID":"S4W-09744","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1961,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-19T16:47:19.667","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-19T15:34:22","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when it will publish the draft order relating to the reform of prison visiting committees.","AnswerText":"I announced on 13 December my decision to ask Professor Andrew Coyle (Emeritus Professor of Prison Studies in London University and Visiting Professor in the University of Essex) formally to review the Scottish Government’s proposals on independent monitoring of prisons. Professor Coyle will produce a report on his findings and recommendations by 31 January 2013. The remit of the review will be to consider specifically:\r\nthe extent to which the proposals meet the government’s obligations under the Optional Protocol to the UN Convention Against Torture (OPCAT)\r\nresponses of prisoners, prison staff and stakeholders to the new proposals\r\nindependent monitoring of legalised police cells.\r\nI informed the Parliament by responding to a parliamentary question, from John Finnie MSP on 13 September 2012 – (S4W-09606). All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-03T16:47:19.667","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276440,"EventID":"S4W-09745","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1775,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":146,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-19T16:47:19.993","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-19T16:00:08","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many (a) public and (b) school libraries provide wi-fi access for users.\r\n","AnswerText":"Information provided on the Scotland’s Information website shows that 28 local authorities provide wi-fi in approximately 185 public libraries in Scotland. Locations of wi-fi enabled library services can be checked on www.scotlandsinformation.com.\r\nProvision of wi-fi in schools, including school libraries, is the responsibility of individual local authorities. Whilst the Scottish Government does not hold details of this provision, it does encourage positive approaches to access and use of new technologies, including w-fi, in schools for the benefit of learning and teaching.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-03T16:47:19.993","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276441,"EventID":"S4W-09746","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1775,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":146,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-19T16:47:20.273","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-19T16:04:28","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many colleges in Glasgow offer courses in hard landscaping.","AnswerText":"Colleges continually adjust their programmes of courses to keep pace with employer and student demand.\r\nWhile the Scottish Government does not hold centrally details of all college courses being run at any given moment in time, I am aware that courses in the areas of landscaping and horticulture are delivered, in Glasgow, by Anniesland, Langside, Cardonald and City of Glasgow Colleges.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-03T16:47:20.29","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276462,"EventID":"S4W-09747","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2066,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-20T16:47:33.25","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-19T16:19:16","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government for what reason seabirds are not part of the selection criteria for marine protected areas.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Marine Protected Area (MPA) network will include designations under the Marine (Scotland) Act 2010, EU Habitats Directive, EU Wild Birds Directive, and marine components of Sites of Specific Scientific Interest (SSSI).\r\nThere are currently 47 Special Protection Areas (SPAs), under the EU Wild Birds Directive, and a further 17 SSSIs already providing protection of seabirds in the MPA network.\r\nWork is also progressing to identify further locations in the marine environment that meet the criteria for consideration as Special Protection Areas for seabirds and waterfowl for critical activities such as foraging.\r\nThe only species of seabird in Scotland not covered by SPA provisions of the EU Wild Birds Directive is the Black Guillemot. Consequently Nature Conservation MPA proposals are being identified, under the Marine (Scotland) Act 2010, for this species. There will also be proposals for protection of sandeels, a key prey species for seabirds.\r\nIt is envisaged that completion of all of these designations will provide a resilient MPA network for seabirds.  The periodic reviews of the network as required by the Marine (Scotland) Act 2010 will provide an opportunity to ensure that this is the case.\r\nI will report in detail to the Parliament on progress to create the MPA network in December 2012.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-04T16:47:33.407","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276463,"EventID":"S4W-09748","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2029,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":145,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-20T16:47:33.843","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-20T11:02:14","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the cost is of training a medical student and how much of that cost relates to tuition.","AnswerText":"The annual cost of a medicine place for a Scottish/EU student is £16,734. The tuition fee element, which from 2012-13 is £1,820, is paid by the Student Awards Agency for Scotland. The teaching grant element is paid by the Scottish Funding Council.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-04T16:47:33.86","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276464,"EventID":"S4W-09749","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":86,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-20T16:47:34.187","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-20T11:17:10","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what action is taken to control gull colonies in residential areas.\r\n","AnswerText":"Where gull colonies are causing a problem in urban areas there is a range of actions open to local authorities, including modifying buildings, removing food sources, clearing nests and eggs, and lethal control. Where necessary these actions are licensed under Scottish Natural Heritage General Licence No. 3/2012, which authorises the killing or taking of certain species of gulls for the purpose of preserving public health and safety and for the purpose of preventing the spread of disease. \r\nThe Scottish Government also draws the member’s attention to the \"Dumfries Gull Report – Use of Falcons to Displace Nesting Gulls from an Urban Area” which was a research report commissioned by the Scottish Government and was published on 18 May 2006. The report is available at http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2006/05/18113519/0. It is hoped that local authorities across Scotland will be able to implement the recommendations in the report, and learn from measures deployed in Dumfries, to help reduce this problem across Scotland.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-04T16:47:34.203","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276465,"EventID":"S4W-09750","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":86,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-20T16:47:34.483","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-20T11:17:10","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what action is taken to assist communities in eradicating fly infestations.\r\n","AnswerText":"Action would depend on the source of the infestation, but in the first instance affected communities should contact their local authority. The Scottish Government recognises that insect nuisance can sometimes be an issue and, in 2009, insect nuisance was added to the list of statutory nuisances defined in section 79 (1) of the Environmental Protection Act 1990, enabling local authorities to investigate such issues and determine whether a statutory nuisance exists.\r\nThere is no objective measure for what constitutes a statutory nuisance – each individual case is for investigation by an environmental health officer or equivalent who will decide whether the law is being breached according to the specific circumstances of the case. In determining whether a particular infestation amounts to a statutory nuisance it is necessary for a local authority to consider whether it is prejudicial to health or a nuisance. Procedural guidance on statutory nuisance is available on the Scottish Government website at: \r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2009/01/23142152/0\r\nWhere the infestation is caused by a facility regulated by the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA), SEPA will take the lead in attending to the issue. Any breach of the licence or permit conditions will result in the appropriate enforcement action being taken by SEPA against the operator.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-04T16:47:34.5","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276466,"EventID":"S4W-09751","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":86,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-20T16:47:34.78","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-20T11:17:10","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on waste transfer facilities being located adjacent to housing.\r\n","AnswerText":"Scottish Planning Policy states that “Planning authorities should consider the need for buffer zones between sensitive receptors (for example, houses) and some waste management facilities. A 250m buffer may be appropriate for operations such as outdoor composting, anaerobic digestion, mixed waste processing, thermal treatment or landfill gas plant. 100m may be appropriate for recycling facilities, small scale thermal treatment or leachate treatment plant. Greater separation distance may be appropriate for landfill sites. Appropriate buffer zones will depend on the specific characteristics of individual sites.”\r\nThe policy is a guide not a legal requirement.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-04T16:47:34.797","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Derek Mackay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276467,"EventID":"S4W-09752","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":86,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-20T16:47:35.093","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-20T11:17:10","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what monitoring is carried out on the long-term effects on health that might arise from living adjacent to waste transfer facilities.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government is not aware of any studies which look specifically at the health effects from living adjacent to waste transfer facilities. Monitoring of such facilities for emissions to air, water and land is routinely required by the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) as part of licence conditions. The primary purpose of this is to ensure emissions are identified in a timely manner and that any necessary action to mitigate those emissions is taken by the operator.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-04T16:47:35.107","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276468,"EventID":"S4W-09755","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":131,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-20T16:47:35.39","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-20T16:11:36","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether the revised Edinburgh Glasgow Improvement Programme announced on 4 July 2012 has been subject to a Scottish Transport Appraisal Guidance (STAG) appraisal.\r\n","AnswerText":"Jacobs UK presented their “Strategic Transport Projects Review. Edinburgh Glasgow Rail Improvements” report to Transport Scotland in October 2007.\r\nThe revised Edinburgh Glasgow Improvement Programme announced on 4 July 2012 is subject to the standard process for project development within Transport Scotland, including economic appraisal in accordance with STAG guidelines.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-04T16:47:35.403","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276469,"EventID":"S4W-09756","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":131,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-20T16:47:35.84","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-20T16:11:36","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether the Statement of Funds Available in The Scottish Ministers’ High Level Output Specification published on 21 June 2012 includes the estimates for the revised Edinburgh Glasgow Improvement Programme announced on 4 July 2012.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Statement of Funds Available (SoFA) published alongside the High Level Output Specification (HLOS) on 21 June 2012 set out the public financial resources that are, or are likely to become, available to support the overall programme of activity specified in the HLOS, including the Edinburgh Glasgow Improvement Programme (EGIP).\r\nThe SoFA is purely a planning assumption on the level of public subsidy that is available to support Network Rail's operation, maintenance, renewal and enhancement of the rail infrastructure for the five-year Control Period to 2019 in line with the requirements of the HLOS. It does not set out funding limits for EGIP or any other individual investments.\r\nIt is the responsibility of the Office of Rail Regulation to determine the overall funding required by Network Rail to deliver the Scottish Ministers' HLOS and this is expected by October 2013.\r\nThe prioritisation of EGIP phases announced on 4 July meant that a broad programme of rail investment could be specified within the HLOS.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-04T16:47:35.857","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276470,"EventID":"S4W-09757","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":131,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-20T16:47:36.183","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-20T16:11:36","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when the decision to reduce the budget for the Edinburgh Glasgow Improvement Programme from £1 billion to £350 million was signed off.\r\n","AnswerText":"We do not recognise the figure of £350 million.\r\nUp to £650 million capital investment has been budgeted for phase 1 of EGIP, delivering approximately 80% of the programme benefits for only 60% of the costs.\r\nMinisters set out the way forward for EGIP alongside Edinburgh and Glasgow Councils on 4 July 2012 and to the Scottish Parliament on 19 September 2012.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-04T16:47:36.183","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276471,"EventID":"S4W-09758","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":131,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-20T16:47:36.497","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-20T16:11:36","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when repayment of the loan from Network Rail for the construction of the revised Edinburgh Glasgow Improvement Programme will start.\r\n","AnswerText":"These payments commenced in Financial Year 2010-11.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-04T16:47:36.51","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276472,"EventID":"S4W-09759","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":131,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-20T16:47:36.823","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-20T16:11:36","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-08955 by Keith Brown on 21 August 2012, on what date (a) ScotRail and (b) Network Rail were advised of the findings of Transport Scotland's review of the Edinburgh Glasgow Improvement Programme. \r\n","AnswerText":"Whilst aware that a review of EGIP was being undertaken by Transport Scotland, the findings of the Jacobs report were advised to (a) First ScotRail on 28 June 2012 and (b) Network Rail on 27 June 2012.\r\nMinisters set out the way forward for EGIP alongside Edinburgh and Glasgow Councils on 4 July 2012.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-04T16:47:36.84","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276480,"EventID":"S4W-09760","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":131,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-21T14:02:46.263","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-20T16:14:18","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether the report by Jacobs Consultancy on the Edinburgh Glasgow Improvement Programme will be published in full and, if so, when.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Jacobs report was published on 19 September 2012 and is publicly available on the Transport Scotland website.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-05T14:02:46.42","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276481,"EventID":"S4W-09761","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-21T14:02:46.763","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-20T16:30:06","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what information it has on efforts to increase the supply of recycled glass for use in the drinks industry.","AnswerText":"Zero Waste Scotland (ZWS), the Scottish Government’s waste policy delivery programme, has been taking forward a range of work on this issue. It recently published the Glass Collection & Re-processing Options Appraisal in Scotland, available on the ZWS website (www.zerowastescotland.org.uk), that assesses current collections of household and commercial container glass for recycling in Scotland.  Based on this and related work, ZWS is planning a number of interventions and is able to make recommendations to local authorities and waste management companies to improve the quality of recycled glass available.\r\nFor example, the Cabinet Secretary announced at the Scottish Waste and Resources Conference on 3 October, ZWS will soon be able to provide extra funding to support to local authorities in increasing either kerbside or collection point capability for colour separated glass.\r\nIn addition, ZWS is launching a Priority Materials Fund to provide capital investment to stimulate growth in the resource management industry. Its aim is to capture and manage more of Scotland’s waste within Scotland, enabling local job creation and business growth. Funds can help businesses either to develop new market opportunities or to expand their existing operations for dealing where research has identified particular opportunities, including enhancements in processing to enable higher quantities of recycled glass to be suitable for \"closed loop\" or added value applications.\r\nThe Scottish Government is also consulting on a range of options that will seek to drive up the quality of recyclate flowing into and out of materials recycling facilities. If implemented these proposals should ensure that greater volumes of higher quality materials, including glass, are available.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-05T14:02:46.777","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276482,"EventID":"S4W-09763","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-21T14:02:47.307","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-20T17:21:46","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it will ensure that single outcome agreements have a focus on preventative spending.\r\n","AnswerText":"Community planning partnerships (CPPs) are already expected to ensure that a decisive shift to a preventative approach is embedded in the single outcome agreements (SOAs) that they agree with the Scottish Government. This expectation was reaffirmed and strengthened by the review of community planning and SOAs undertaken earlier this year in partnership between the Government and COSLA. The Scottish Government and COSLA have agreed that CPPs are to put new SOAs in place for 1 April 2013, and those new SOAs will be expected to include a strong focus on prevention.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-05T14:02:47.307","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Derek Mackay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276483,"EventID":"S4W-09764","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-21T14:02:47.683","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-20T17:21:46","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much preventative spending will be allocated to the voluntary sector.","AnswerText":"It is for each Partnership to decide how it wants to disburse Early Years and Reshaping Care for Older People Change Fund resources locally. Allocations from the Reducing Reoffending Change Fund are still to be made but it will provide funding for partnerships of third and public sector organisations. \r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-05T14:02:47.697","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276484,"EventID":"S4W-09765","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-21T14:02:48.057","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-20T17:21:46","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what assessment it has made of the impact of welfare reform on its plans for preventative spending.","AnswerText":"We continue to work with our stakeholders to pursue a distinctive approach to preventative spend, an approach recently reinforced in the draft budget for 2013-14 which I presented to the Parliament on 20 September. \r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-05T14:02:48.073","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276485,"EventID":"S4W-09766","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5106,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":118,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-21T14:02:48.417","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-20T19:22:10","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many people live in supported accommodation.\r\n","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally. We have been consulting with stakeholders on the information needed to assess the impact of possible changes in housing benefit for those in supported accommodation. Following these discussions we are now planning to gather comprehensive information from councils and service providers on the current provision of supported accommodation and the characteristics and needs of those being supported.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-05T14:02:48.417","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Burgess","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276486,"EventID":"S4W-09767","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5106,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":118,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-21T14:02:48.727","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-20T19:22:10","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many businesses in Aberdeen City have benefited from a reduction in rates under the small business bonus scheme.","AnswerText":"Official Statistics, published on 27 October 2011, showed that 2,010 business premises in Aberdeen City were paying reduced or zero business rates under the small business bonus scheme.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-05T14:02:48.743","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276487,"EventID":"S4W-09768","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5106,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":118,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-21T14:02:49.04","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-20T19:22:10","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the total saving to businesses in Aberdeen City has been under the small business bonus scheme.\r\n","AnswerText":"Since its introduction in 2008 by this government, the small business bonus scheme has saved businesses in Aberdeen City £12.7 million in business rates taxation.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-05T14:02:49.04","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276489,"EventID":"S4W-09773","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-21T15:35:24.82","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-21T13:28:20","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many times the joint ministerial group on public sector pensions has met; which (a) ministers and (b) trade unions attended each meeting and what issues have been (i) discussed and (ii) agreed.\r\n","AnswerText":"In August 2011, the Cabinet Secretary for Finance, Employment and Sustainable Growth convened a short-term, high-level group of Scottish ministers, trade union and employers’ representatives to consider the UK Government’s policy of increasing employee contributions to public service pensions by an average of 3.2% of pensionable pay. That group met three times during August and September 2011.\r\nTri-partite negotiations on public service pension reform in Scotland are being taken forward at individual scheme level. Cabinet Secretaries initiated these negotiations in March 2012. Representative trade unions and staff associations are involved in each negotiating group and a wide range of issues have been discussed. Negotiations are ongoing.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-05T15:35:25.01","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276490,"EventID":"S4F-00883","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":85,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-24T12:26:14.33","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-24T11:37:55.717","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what progress is being made with reducing waiting times for treatment for drug misuse.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-22T12:26:14.33","MeetingDate":"2012-09-27T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276491,"EventID":"S4F-00881","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-24T12:26:13.55","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-24T11:23:14","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister how the Scottish Government will ensure that patients in Scotland with heart conditions receive treatment that is comparable with that for those from the rest of the UK.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-22T12:26:13.563","MeetingDate":"2012-09-27T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276492,"EventID":"S4F-00879","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-24T12:26:12.893","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-24T11:17:56.257","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what support the Scottish Government provides to colleges that merge.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-22T12:26:12.91","MeetingDate":"2012-09-27T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276493,"EventID":"S4F-00876","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":2080,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":87,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-24T12:26:11.8","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-24T10:16:21.327","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what engagements he has planned for the rest of the day\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-22T12:26:11.8","MeetingDate":"2012-09-27T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276494,"EventID":"S4F-00872","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":5009,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-24T12:26:10.383","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-24T09:35:18.717","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what issues will be discussed at the next meeting of the Cabinet.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-22T12:26:10.383","MeetingDate":"2012-09-27T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276495,"EventID":"S4F-00871","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":4976,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-24T12:26:09.507","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-20T14:42:18","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister when he will next meet the Prime Minister.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-22T12:26:09.897","MeetingDate":"2012-09-27T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276496,"EventID":"S4T-00057","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":9,"MSPID":2033,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":132,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-24T12:44:35.447","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-24T11:40:16","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it supports the proposals that the Scottish Court Service is consulting on regarding court closures.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-22T12:44:35.447","MeetingDate":"2012-09-25T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276497,"EventID":"S4T-00054","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":9,"MSPID":2673,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":114,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-24T12:44:34.213","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-24T10:56:29","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on NHS Fife’s recent announcement regarding restrictions on the availability of IVF, in light of the imminent publication of a national fertility review.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-22T12:44:34.23","MeetingDate":"2012-09-25T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276498,"EventID":"S4W-09770","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2029,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":145,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-24T14:48:07.31","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-21T11:59:46.203","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether a student from overseas who has previously been resident in Scotland can qualify for free tuition and, if so, how long they would need to be resident in Scotland to do so.\r\n","AnswerText":"An overseas (Non EU) student who is settled in the UK and Islands within the meaning of the Immigration Act (1971), who has been ordinarily resident in the UK and Islands for the preceding three years and is ordinarily resident in Scotland on the relevant date will be eligible to be charged regulated fees and receive tuition fee support in respect of a course of higher education.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-22T14:48:07.433","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276499,"EventID":"S4W-09771","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2029,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":145,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-24T14:48:07.933","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-21T11:59:46.203","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4F-00841 by Alex Salmond on 13 September 2012 (Official Report, c.11417), how the figure suggesting a rise of 217 full-time equivalent staff was calculated.\r\n","AnswerText":"The First Minister was referring to the most recently published staffing statistics from the Scottish Funding Council (SFC) which show an increase of 217 full-time equivalent staff between 2006-07 and 2010-11.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-22T14:48:07.947","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276500,"EventID":"S4W-09772","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2029,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":145,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-24T14:48:08.26","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-21T11:59:46.203","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government for what reason the minimum time that students with dual nationality have to be resident in an EU state other that the UK to qualify for free tuition has been set at three months.\r\n","AnswerText":"References to three months derive from Article 7 of Directive 2004/38/EC which sets out which European Union citizens shall have a right of residence for greater than three months in another member state.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-22T14:48:08.277","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276501,"EventID":"S4W-09775","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-24T14:48:08.573","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-21T15:32:00","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it has established a defence policy unit and, if so, when it was established; how many civil servants are involved at what cost; to which minister it reports, and what its work programme is.","AnswerText":"Dedicated Scottish Government teams focussing on defence matters were established in 2008, to support armed forces personnel and veterans in Scotland; and in 2010, to co-ordinate Scotland's response to the impacts of the UK Strategic Defence and Security Review and the subsequent UK Basing Review. The Scottish Government Defence Policy Unit was established in June 2011, bringing those teams together. The unit, which forms part of Resilience Division, currently comprises seven officials, who report to the Deputy First Minister and to the Minister for Transport and Veterans. Defence Policy Unit staff costs for the last financial year were £288,423.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-22T14:48:08.587","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276502,"EventID":"S4W-09777","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5106,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":118,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-24T14:48:09.163","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-21T17:58:47","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what level of reserves is held by each (a) local authority and (b) NHS board.\r\n","AnswerText":"The following tables show the level of revenue and capital reserves held by each local authority as at 31 March 2011. NHS boards do not hold reserves.\r\n Revenue Reserves\r\nGeneral Fund\r\nHousing Revenue Account\r\nRenewal and Repairs\r\nInsurance Fund\r\nOther Statutory Funds\r\nTotal Revenue Reserves\r\nLocal Authority £000\r\n(a)\r\n(b)\r\n(c)\r\n(d)\r\n(e)\r\n(f)\r\nAberdeen City\r\n35,466\r\n6,877\r\n5\r\n1,429\r\n255\r\n44,032\r\nAberdeenshire\r\n29,163\r\n5,033\r\n980\r\n1,119\r\n0\r\n36,295\r\nAngus\r\n18,229\r\n1,957\r\n3,620\r\n459\r\n0\r\n24,265\r\nArgyll and Bute\r\n32,973\r\nNo HRA\r\n497\r\n0\r\n0\r\n33,470\r\nClackmannanshire\r\n9,129\r\n3,575\r\n0\r\n791\r\n0\r\n13,495\r\nDumfries and Galloway\r\n51,721\r\nNo HRA\r\n1,668\r\n2,791\r\n0\r\n56,180\r\nDundee City\r\n6,758\r\n0\r\n3,904\r\n386\r\n0\r\n11,048\r\nEast Ayrshire\r\n28,498\r\n1,397\r\n9,800\r\n0\r\n0\r\n39,695\r\nEast Dunbartonshire\r\n9,909\r\n1,081\r\n282\r\n0\r\n0\r\n11,272\r\nEast Lothian\r\n17,849\r\n4,743\r\n0\r\n1,006\r\n0\r\n23,598\r\nEast Renfrewshire\r\n12,588\r\n724\r\n6,824\r\n1,122\r\n0\r\n21,258\r\nEdinburgh, City of\r\n89,634\r\n0\r\n15,404\r\n0\r\n0\r\n105,038\r\nEilean Siar\r\n14,644\r\nNo HRA\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n14,644\r\nFalkirk\r\n30,324\r\n6,392\r\n1,905\r\n3,683\r\n0\r\n42,304\r\nFife\r\n45,537\r\n2,633\r\n0\r\n1,542\r\n0\r\n49,712\r\nGlasgow City\r\n53,911\r\nNo HRA\r\n48,106\r\n19,511\r\n0\r\n121,528\r\nHighland\r\n30,834\r\n7,524\r\n1,486\r\n1,678\r\n0\r\n41,522\r\nInverclyde\r\n29,198\r\nNo HRA\r\n671\r\n4,848\r\n0\r\n34,717\r\nMidlothian\r\n12,288\r\n11,680\r\n1,644\r\n0\r\n0\r\n25,612\r\nMoray\r\n17,529\r\n1,255\r\n2,507\r\n1,352\r\n0\r\n22,643\r\nNorth Ayrshire\r\n24,595\r\n7,811\r\n8,348\r\n3,339\r\n0\r\n44,093\r\nNorth Lanarkshire\r\n20,377\r\n3,541\r\n383\r\n9,930\r\n0\r\n34,231\r\nOrkney Islands\r\n22,569\r\n560\r\n8,691\r\n0\r\n189,013\r\n220,833\r\nPerth and Kinross\r\n31,293\r\n803\r\n543\r\n933\r\n0\r\n33,572\r\nRenfrewshire\r\n36,626\r\n10,700\r\n2,845\r\n0\r\n0\r\n50,171\r\nScottish Borders\r\n11,475\r\nNo HRA\r\n175\r\n1,507\r\n0\r\n13,157\r\nShetland Islands\r\n3,000\r\n0\r\n95,651\r\n222\r\n61,621\r\n160,494\r\nSouth Ayrshire\r\n15,302\r\n13,960\r\n4,280\r\n425\r\n0\r\n33,967\r\nSouth Lanarkshire\r\n8,476\r\n4,955\r\n20,698\r\n8,541\r\n0\r\n42,670\r\nStirling\r\n13,541\r\n28\r\n601\r\n930\r\n0\r\n15,100\r\nWest Dunbartonshire\r\n14,967\r\n2,668\r\n202\r\n0\r\n0\r\n17,837\r\nWest Lothian\r\n16,109\r\n926\r\n65\r\n8,648\r\n0\r\n25,748\r\nTotal\r\n794,512\r\n100,823\r\n241,785\r\n76,192\r\n250,889\r\n1,464,201\r\n\r\n Capital reserves\r\nCapital Fund\r\nCapital Receipts\r\nCapital Grants Unapplied\r\nTotal Capital Reserves\r\nLocal Authority £000\r\n(f)\r\n(g)\r\n(h)\r\n(f)\r\nAberdeen City\r\n11,927\r\n0\r\n252\r\n12,179\r\nAberdeenshire\r\n5,956\r\n696\r\n1,235\r\n7,887\r\nAngus\r\n1,753\r\n594\r\n596\r\n2,943\r\nArgyll and Bute\r\n2,972\r\n0\r\n0\r\n2,972\r\nClackmannanshire\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\nDumfries and Galloway\r\n3,836\r\n700\r\n0\r\n4,536\r\nDundee City\r\n4,901\r\n0\r\n0\r\n4,901\r\nEast Ayrshire\r\n16,299\r\n0\r\n294\r\n16,593\r\nEast Dunbartonshire\r\n8,240\r\n71\r\n0\r\n8,311\r\nEast Lothian\r\n5,399\r\n0\r\n0\r\n5,399\r\nEast Renfrewshire\r\n17,347\r\n0\r\n0\r\n17,347\r\nEdinburgh, City of\r\n16,390\r\n0\r\n1,541\r\n17,931\r\nEilean Siar\r\n1,306\r\n691\r\n371\r\n2,368\r\nFalkirk\r\n0\r\n5,342\r\n5,067\r\n10,409\r\nFife\r\n0\r\n386\r\n93\r\n479\r\nGlasgow City\r\n19,568\r\n0\r\n1,271\r\n20,839\r\nHighland\r\n30,026\r\n1,229\r\n0\r\n31,255\r\nInverclyde\r\n1,722\r\n0\r\n0\r\n1,722\r\nMidlothian\r\n9,955\r\n0\r\n0\r\n9,955\r\nMoray\r\n604\r\n1,060\r\n81\r\n1,745\r\nNorth Ayrshire\r\n8,619\r\n0\r\n0\r\n8,619\r\nNorth Lanarkshire\r\n865\r\n0\r\n1,453\r\n2,318\r\nOrkney Islands\r\n3,508\r\n1,530\r\n0\r\n5,038\r\nPerth and Kinross\r\n8,257\r\n2,680\r\n171\r\n11,108\r\nRenfrewshire\r\n40,023\r\n7,819\r\n0\r\n47,842\r\nScottish Borders\r\n6,070\r\n0\r\n0\r\n6,070\r\nShetland Islands\r\n108,404\r\n13\r\n171\r\n108,588\r\nSouth Ayrshire\r\n33\r\n133\r\n195\r\n361\r\nSouth Lanarkshire\r\n19,872\r\n32,470\r\n0\r\n52,342\r\nStirling\r\n0\r\n1,053\r\n296\r\n1,349\r\nWest Dunbartonshire\r\n4,156\r\n1,661\r\n0\r\n5,817\r\nWest Lothian\r\n60,557\r\n0\r\n0\r\n60,557\r\nTotal\r\n418,565\r\n58,128\r\n13,087\r\n489,780\r\nNote: these figures were extracted from individual local authority annual accounts for 2010-11 which is the most recent year available.","AnswerDate":"2012-10-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-22T14:48:09.18","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276503,"EventID":"S4W-09778","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-24T14:48:09.507","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-21T18:15:39","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether the Minister for Housing and Welfare will give evidence to the Welfare Reform Committee on the draft budget 2013-14.","AnswerText":"The Cabinet Secretary for Infrastructure, Investment and Cities will give evidence on the draft budget 2013-14 to the Welfare Reform Committee on 23 October.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-22T14:48:09.523","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276504,"EventID":"S4W-09779","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-24T14:48:09.913","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-22T23:17:07","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will extend the free concessionary travel scheme to include all demand-responsive community transport.","AnswerText":"Earlier this year, we extended the scope of demand-responsive community transport services included in the scheme. Those available to the general public and registered as local bus services were already eligible. This provision was extended from 1 April 2012 as a consequence of revised bus registration legislation allowing flexibly routed demand-responsive community transport services to be registered as local services. These typically are services where the route of each journey is determined according to passengers’ pre-booked travel requirements.\r\nIn light of the substantial and ongoing cuts to Scottish Government budgets, we have no plans to extend the National Concessionary Travel Scheme to include all demand-responsive community transport services.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-22T14:48:09.93","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276505,"EventID":"S4W-09780","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-24T14:48:10.273","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-22T23:17:07","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether the fall in the level of relative poverty for 2010-11 is as a result of the decline in median income.","AnswerText":"The reasons behind the fall in the level of relative poverty for 2010-11 are set out in Section 2.1 of the National Statistics publication “Poverty and Income Inequality in Scotland: 2010-11”.\r\nThe following extract is from Section 2.1 of the publication:\r\nThe following factors have influenced the reduction in relative poverty in 2010-11: \r\nMedian equivalised household income decreased in real terms (down from £439 to £416 in 2010-11), which in turn decreased the relative poverty thresholds. \r\nIndividual earnings fell in real terms in 2010-11 and this was one of the main factors in the reduction in median incomes. \r\nBenefit and tax credit income grew in cash terms and fell only slightly in real terms. This meant that low-income benefit-dependent households saw their income fall less in 2010-11 than households at the median, tending to decrease the overall rate of relative poverty, before and after housing costs.\r\nThe full publication can be accessed via the following link: http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Resource/0039/00394961.pdf.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-22T14:48:10.287","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276506,"EventID":"S4W-09781","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-24T14:48:10.63","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-22T23:47:01","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what percentage of the (a) Reshaping Care for Older People Change Fund, (b) Early Years Change Fund and (c) Reducing Reoffending Change Fund is spent on prevention.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Joint Improvement Team (JIT) is currently carrying out a mid-year review of 2012-13 Reshaping Care Change Plans, and will report its findings to the Delivery Group on Health and Community Care in due course. The purpose of the entire Early Years and Reducing Reoffending Change Funds is to support and deliver prevention and early intervention.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-22T14:48:10.647","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276507,"EventID":"S4W-09782","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-24T14:48:10.99","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-22T23:47:01","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the budget for the (a) Reshaping Care for Older People Change Fund, (b) Early Years Change Fund and (c) Reducing Reoffending Change Fund was for (i) 2011-12 and (ii) 2012-13 and is for 2013-14.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Draft Budget 2011-12 allocated £70 million to the Reshaping Care for Older People Change Fund. The Early Years Change Fund and the Reducing Reoffending Change Fund were introduced for 2012-13, and therefore did not have a budget for 2011-12.\r\nThe budgets for all three change funds for 2012-13 and 2013-14 are set out in the Scottish Spending Review 2011 and Draft Budget 2012-13, which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Resource/Doc/359651/0121519.pdf.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-22T14:48:11.007","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276508,"EventID":"S4W-09783","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-24T14:48:11.363","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-22T23:47:01","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the local authority contribution to the (a) Reshaping Care for Older People Change Fund, (b) Early Years Change Fund and (c) Reducing Reoffending Change Fund was for (i) 2011-12 and (ii) 2012-13 and is for 2013-14.\r\n","AnswerText":"Local government is fully committed to making an appropriate financial contribution to the Reshaping Care and Early Years Change Funds. The Scottish Government continues to work with local government to enable decisions on contributions from respective local authorities, but does not centrally hold definitive information for the total contribution from local government. Local government has made no financial contribution to the Reducing Reoffending Change Fund.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-22T14:48:11.38","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276509,"EventID":"S4W-09784","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-24T14:48:11.74","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-22T23:47:01","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what percentage of the Scottish budget is spent on the (a) Reshaping Care for Older People Change Fund, (b) Early Years Change Fund and (c) Reducing Reoffending Change Fund.\r\n","AnswerText":"The percentage of 2013-14 Scottish budget committed to the three change funds, including contributions from local government and NHS boards, is: (a) 0.352% (£100 million) to the Reshaping Care for Older People Fund; (b) 0.234% (£66.5 million) to the Early Years Change Fund; and (c) 0.007% (£2 million) to the Reducing Reoffending Change Fund. The change funds do not represent total spend on preventative activity.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-22T14:48:11.753","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276510,"EventID":"S4W-09785","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-24T14:48:12.393","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-22T23:47:01","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what percentage of the education budget is spent on the Early Years Change Fund.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government contribution to the Early Years Change Fund is set out in the following table.\r\n\r\n2012-13\r\n£ million\r\n2013-14\r\n£ million\r\n2014-15\r\n£ million\r\n2015-16\r\n£ million\r\nTotal\r\n£ million\r\nScottish Government\r\n10.5\r\n14.5\r\n16.5\r\n8.5\r\n50\r\nThe Education and Lifelong Learning portfolio budget in total for 2012-13 as published in the Budget Bill is £2,699.9 million. The percentage of this spent on the Early Years Change Fund for 2012-13 is therefore 0.39%.\r\nThe remainder of the £272 million Early Years Change Fund is made up of contributions from local government and NHS Scotland. This fund represents a good starting point for all partners to consider how we can begin to direct more of our overall resource away from treating our problems to funding the solutions. Under the Fund we expect all partners to consider how they can support universal services to deliver better outcomes for children in their early years and families and to bring the totality of their resources to discussions on how we can best deliver the aspirations of the Early Years Framework.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-22T14:48:12.41","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Aileen Campbell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276511,"EventID":"S4W-09786","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-24T14:48:12.83","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-22T23:47:01","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what percentage of the justice budget is spent on the Reducing Reoffending Change Fund.","AnswerText":"Details of the justice budget, including the amounts allocated to the Reducing Reoffending Change Fund, can be found in the Scottish Spending Review 2011 and Draft Budget 2012-13:\r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Resource/Doc/359651/0121519.pdf.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-22T14:48:12.847","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276512,"EventID":"S4W-09787","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-24T14:48:13.313","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-22T23:47:01","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what percentage of the health budget is spent on the Reshaping Care for Older People Change Fund.","AnswerText":"The 2012-13 Reshaping Care for Older People Change Fund of £80 million is 0.7% of the total Health and Social Care Budget.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-22T14:48:13.33","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276513,"EventID":"S4W-09788","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-24T14:48:13.907","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-22T23:59:45","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the \"Subsequent UK Budget consequentials and other agreed transfers prior to the 2011 Scottish Spending Review\" were, as set out in Table 1 of the draft budget 2013-14.\r\n","AnswerText":"Details of the UK Budget consequentials and other agreed transfers prior to, and post, the 2011 Scottish Spending Review follow:\r\n\r\n2011-12\r\n2012-13\r\n2013-14\r\n2014-15\r\n£ Million\r\n£ Million\r\n£ Million\r\n£ Million\r\nSR 2010 Outcome\r\n27,907\r\n28,262\r\n28,248\r\n28,484\r\nBudget Regime Change - Student Loans\r\n\r\n5\r\n5\r\n5\r\nWhitehall transfer for Animal Health\r\n\r\n14\r\n13\r\n12\r\nUK Budget 2011 - Barnett consequentials\r\n59\r\n23\r\n7\r\n6\r\nTotal at time of Scottish Spending Review\r\n27,966\r\n28,304\r\n28,273\r\n28,507\r\nBudget Regime Change - Scottish Housing Debt (AME to DEL)\r\n8\r\n8\r\n8\r\n8\r\nBudget Regime Change – Student Loans \r\n20\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nBudget Regime Change: Highlands & Islands Airports Ltd\r\n10\r\n10\r\n10\r\n11\r\nDEL Carry forward from 2010-11 as agreed\r\n130\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nCouncil Tax Freeze in 2012-13\r\n68\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nFree advice services\r\n2\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nOlympic allocation from UK Government\r\n16\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nFossil Fuel Levy allocation\r\n\r\n103\r\n\r\n\r\nGrowing Places Fund\r\n21\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nUK Autumn Statement 2011 Barnett Consequentials\r\n\r\n114\r\n151\r\n189\r\nCaledonian Sleeper funding\r\n50\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nUK Budget 2012 Barnett Consequentials\r\n\r\n9\r\n6\r\n-1\r\nForth Replacement Crossing Prepayment arrangement\r\n50\r\n50\r\n-22\r\n-52\r\nWhitehall transfer from Department for Energy & Climate Change\r\n\r\n1\r\n15\r\n\r\nCoastal Communities fund\r\n\r\n4\r\n\r\n\r\nTotal DEL\r\n28,341\r\n28,603\r\n28,441\r\n28,662\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-22T14:48:13.923","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276514,"EventID":"S4W-09789","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-24T14:48:14.283","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-22T23:59:45","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the \"UK Budget consequentials and other agreed transfers since the 2011 Scottish Spending Review\" were, as set out in Table 1 of the draft budget 2013-14.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-09788 on 25 October 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-22T14:48:14.297","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276515,"EventID":"S4W-09790","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-24T14:48:14.827","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-22T23:59:45","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will confirm that Table 3.02 on page 29 of the draft budget 2013-14 shows a real-terms reduction in the health budget lines of £189.3 million from 2012-13 to 2014-15.","AnswerText":"The health resource budget is increasing significantly in cash terms by over half a billion pounds, or 5.2 per cent, over the next two year period which means that spend on day-to-day health services has been protected in real terms.\r\nTerritorial health boards who provide frontline point of care services will receive above inflation increases in 2013-14 and 2014-15 of 3.3 per cent and 3.1 per cent which represents real terms increases of 0.8 per cent and 0.6 per cent respectively.\r\nIn addition, the short to medium-term outlook will see capital resources under severe pressure given the significant real terms reduction in capital resources available to the Scottish Government over the 2010 Comprehensive Spending Review period from 2011-12 to 2014-15. In response to this situation however, the Scottish Government has put in place arrangements to support a programme of £2.5 billion of revenue financed investment across Scotland to boost infrastructure investment. Of this total investment, £750 million is being directed towards projects within health as Non Profit Distributing (NPD) projects or via the hub initiative.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-22T14:48:14.843","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276516,"EventID":"S4W-09791","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-24T14:48:15.5","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-22T23:59:45","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide a breakdown of \"Miscellaneous Other Services\" in Table 3.03 on page 30 of the draft budget 2013-14.\r\n","AnswerText":"A breakdown of “Miscellaneous Other Services” as reported in Table 3.03 on page 30 of Draft Budget 2013-14 is provided in the following table.\r\n\r\n\r\n2013-14\r\n(£ million)\r\nMiscellaneous Board Allocations\r\n36.3\r\nOther services\r\n\r\nCarers Strategy Implementation\r\n5.4\r\nAberdeen Dental School\r\n4.5\r\nInvestment Programme Support\r\n4.0\r\nLong Term Conditions\r\n4.0\r\nCommunity Care Section 10 Grants\r\n3.2\r\nEmergency Medical Retrieval Services / Unscheduled Care\r\n3.1\r\nPatient Focus and Public Involvement\r\n2.9\r\nContaminated Blood Programme\r\n2.4\r\nQuality Strategy and Priority Groups\r\n2.1\r\nIntegrated Resource Framework – Health and Social Care Integration\r\n2.0\r\nWheelchair / Seating Services Improvement\r\n1.8\r\nEssential Medicines\r\n1.8\r\nNHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde – Lowmoss\r\n1.6\r\nElectronic Procurement Services\r\n1.5\r\nCentrally Managed Budgets\r\n1.6\r\nAlternative and Augmentative Communication\r\n1.5\r\nSensory Impairment Strategy\r\n1.5\r\nAccess to ECMO for residents of Scotland\r\n1.5\r\nHuman Papillomavirus Vaccine\r\n1.4\r\nPrimary Care Development Fund\r\n1.3\r\nManaged Clinical Networks\r\n1.3\r\nScottish Health Survey\r\n1.2\r\nCoronary Heart Disease / Stroke\r\n1.2\r\nJoint Improvement Team\r\n1.1\r\nAdult Survivors - National Confidential Forum\r\n1.0\r\nFlexible Access to Healthcare\r\n1.0\r\nUnpaid Carers - Short Breaks\r\n1.0\r\nScottish Diabetes Framework\r\n1.0\r\nPatient Rights (Scotland) Act 2011 – Treatment Time Guarantee.\r\n1.0\r\nProtection of Vulnerable Groups\r\n1.0\r\n\r\n59.9\r\nProvision for contracts and other services below £1 million\r\n30.7\r\nTotal\r\n126.9\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-22T14:48:15.5","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276517,"EventID":"S4W-09792","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-24T14:48:16.043","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-22T23:59:45","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when it will finalise the budget for general medical services.","AnswerText":"General medical services budget allocations are subject to the outcome of UK negotiations which are currently ongoing.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-22T14:48:16.043","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276518,"EventID":"S4W-09793","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-24T14:48:16.42","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-22T23:59:45","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the cost will be of a 1% pay rise across the NHS.","AnswerText":"With a total pay bill of circa £5.3 billion, it is estimated that a uniform 1% pay rise for all staff would cost in the region of £53 million.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-22T14:48:16.433","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276519,"EventID":"S4W-09794","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-24T14:48:16.777","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-23T00:05:05","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will consult on its draft Adult Health and Social Integration Bill.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government undertook a public consultation on proposals for integration of adult health and social care early this year, which included seeking views on new legislation. In addition, officials undertook a period of full and extensive engagement before and during the consultation process with health and social care professionals, carers, service users and their families. The Scottish Government will continue to work closely and constructively with all stakeholders throughout the development of the bill.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-22T14:48:16.81","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276520,"EventID":"S4W-09795","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-24T14:48:17.153","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-23T00:05:05","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many responses there were to its consultation on the proposed Adult Health and Social Integration Bill and when it will publish them.","AnswerText":"Three hundred and sixteen responses were received to the consultation on proposals on Integration of Adult Health and Social Care. The consultation ran from 8 May to 11 September 2012. The responses were published on the Scottish Government website on 12 October 2012: http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/Recent.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-22T14:48:17.167","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276521,"EventID":"S4W-09796","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-24T14:48:17.527","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-23T00:05:05","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will consult on its draft Marriage and Civil Partnership Bill.\r\n","AnswerText":"Yes.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-22T14:48:17.543","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276522,"EventID":"S4W-09797","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-24T14:48:17.887","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-23T00:11:21","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether there is third sector representation on each community planning partnership.\r\n","AnswerText":"A survey of community planning partnerships conducted in April this year found that the third sector is represented at the highest decision-making level in all 32 Community Planning Partnerships (CPPs). The results of the survey, which was carried out by the Improvement Service to inform the joint review of community planning carried out earlier this year by the Scottish Government and the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities, can be found at http://www.improvementservice.org.uk/news-2012/may-2012/community-planning-survey-results-published/.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-22T14:48:17.9","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Derek Mackay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276523,"EventID":"S4W-09798","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-24T14:48:18.277","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-23T00:11:21","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether single outcome agreements have a consistent set of measures to monitor (a) resources spent and (b) outcomes achieved in tackling poverty.","AnswerText":"Community Planning Partnerships choose the local outcomes to be delivered through their single outcome agreements, the resources to be allocated and the indicators by which progress in achieving those outcomes will be measured. However, in so doing they are expected to show clear alignment to the National Outcomes set out in Scotland Performs, which include tackling the significant inequalities in Scottish society; and to use performance indicators that are robust and measurable, drawing on the Menu of Local Outcome Indicators developed by the SOLACE-led Improving Local Outcome Indicators Project (ILOIP). The Menu is available on the Improvement Service website at http://www.improvementservice.org.uk/local-outcome-indicators/. \r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-22T14:48:18.277","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Derek Mackay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276524,"EventID":"S4W-09799","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-24T14:48:18.633","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-23T00:11:21","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether single outcome agreements measure the (a) resources spent and (b) outcomes achieved in tackling poverty.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-09798 on 12 October 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-22T14:48:18.65","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Derek Mackay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276525,"EventID":"S4W-09800","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-24T14:48:19.01","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-23T00:11:21","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it will help local authorities embed preventative approaches in single outcome agreements.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-09763 on 3 October 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/39875.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-22T14:48:19.01","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Derek Mackay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276526,"EventID":"S4W-09801","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":77,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-24T14:48:19.367","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-23T15:30:44","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S3W-33599 by Michael Russell on 27 May 2010, whether (a) detention of children in Dungavel Immigration Removal Centre, (b) the transfer of children of asylum seekers from Scotland to detention elsewhere in the UK and (c) dawn raids in Scotland has/have ended.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government does not hold the information requested due to this being a reserved matter and therefore for the UK Government to respond to.\r\nThe Scottish Government continues to be opposed to the detention of children for immigration purposes. My officials will continue to monitor how the new family returns process is affecting asylum seeking families in Scotland and I await the outcomes of the findings on the evaluation of this policy by the UK Government.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-22T14:48:19.383","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Aileen Campbell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276527,"EventID":"S4W-09802","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-24T14:48:20.257","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-23T17:05:23","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-05376 by Nicola Sturgeon on 7 February 2012, whether the investigation into the delivery of care at the Elsie Inglis nursing home is now complete.","AnswerText":"The police investigation is still ongoing.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-22T14:48:20.273","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276528,"EventID":"S4W-09803","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-24T14:48:20.617","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-23T17:10:18","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the reason is for the further delay in publication of the report of the public inquiry into the outbreak of Clostridium difficile at the Vale of Leven Hospital and when it will now be published.\r\n","AnswerText":"Lord MacLean, Chairman of the Vale of Leven Hospital Inquiry has been unwell and is improving. The inquiry team continues to make good progress whilst Lord MacLean recuperates and to date has not formally requested an extension. If there is a change of date to the publishing of the final report I will inform the members.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-22T14:48:20.63","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276529,"EventID":"S4W-09805","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-24T14:48:20.99","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-23T17:20:17","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the budget for defence would be in a Scotland separated from the rest of the UK.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government does not recognise the use of the term “separation” in the context of Scottish independence. Scottish independence would be based on new relationships to make our nation more successful and to improve the lives of the people who live in Scotland. Decisions on defence budgets in an independent Scotland would be subject to future consideration and approval by the Scottish Government and the Scottish Parliament.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-22T14:48:20.99","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276530,"EventID":"S4W-09806","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-24T14:48:21.35","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-23T17:20:17","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what percentage of GDP it would spend on defence in a Scotland separated from the rest of the UK.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-09805 on 22 October 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-22T14:48:21.363","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276531,"EventID":"S4W-09807","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-24T14:48:21.707","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-23T17:20:17","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it has made an assessment of defence start-up costs for military command and control structures, capabilities and intelligence establishments in a Scotland separated from the rest of the UK.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government does not recognise the use of the term “separation” in the context of Scottish independence. An independent Scotland will be based on new relationships to make our nation more successful and to improve the lives of the people who live in Scotland. Scotland already pays a proportionate share of defence costs. Decisions on the defence and security policies and establishment of an independent Scotland would be subject to future consideration and approval by an independent Scottish Government and Scottish Parliament.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-22T14:48:21.723","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276532,"EventID":"S4W-09808","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-24T14:48:22.067","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-23T17:20:17","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on the statement of Dr Michael Williams, Reader in International Relations at Royal Holloway College, University of London, that Trident would still be based in a Scotland separated from the rest of the UK and, if this were the case, whether there would be a lease arrangement and for how long.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government is opposed to the basing of nuclear weapons in Scotland. It is our clear position that an independent Scottish Government would work with the rest of the UK to secure the earliest safe withdrawal of Trident from Scotland.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-22T14:48:22.083","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276533,"EventID":"S4W-09809","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1866,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-24T14:48:22.44","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-24T09:31:02","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many patients have been referred to primary care units under the Violent Patients Scheme following aggressive behaviour towards their GP in each year since 2007, broken down by NHS board.\r\n","AnswerText":"This is a matter for NHS boards. The information requested is not held centrally.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-22T14:48:22.457","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276534,"EventID":"S4W-09810","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-24T14:48:22.847","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-24T10:08:40","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-09381 by Angela Constance on 18 September 2012, whether all S4, S5 and S6 pupils will be able to access careers guidance support on a one-to-one basis.","AnswerText":"Careers guidance provided to pupils in S4 to S6 is based on an assessment of need. For some pupils that will involve a programme of one-to-one coaching sessions. Others, who are more able to manage their career plans independently, will be offered services through other channels suited to their individual needs or preferences, such as online through My World of Work and by telephone.\r\nHowever, all pupils will still be able to seek one-to-one support from a careers professional in school if requested.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-22T14:48:22.863","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angela Constance","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276535,"EventID":"S4W-09813","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2066,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-24T14:48:23.143","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-24T12:03:14","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on the reported concerns of residents in the Western Isles regarding the cost of broadband there compared with other parts of the country.\r\n","AnswerText":"The majority of Western Isles premises (around 77%) are served by broadband-enabled exchanges and enjoy the same choice of Internet Service Providers (ISPs) and broadband packages as other rural areas. Broadband services to non-commercial areas are provided by the Connected Communities project, which is owned and managed by Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE).\r\nConnected Communities provides wholesale services to an ISP – Scotnet – which in turn provides retail services to end-users. Neither HIE nor the Scottish Government has a role in setting the retail price which Scotnet charges its customers. This is higher than the price for equivalent services delivered over BT’s network, reflecting the additional costs associated with delivering services to a relatively small number of customers.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-22T14:48:23.16","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276536,"EventID":"S4W-09814","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2066,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-24T14:48:23.533","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-24T12:03:14","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will bring forward its plans to improve broadband services in the Western Isles.\r\n","AnswerText":"As set out in Scotland’s Digital Future – Infrastructure Action Plan, the Scottish Government is committed to investing in infrastructure that will have the capacity to deliver next generation broadband to 85-90% of premises by 2015. In the Western Isles, this target is being delivered through the Highlands and Islands broadband project, currently in procurement and led by Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE).\r\nThis project will result in significant improvements in the availability of next generation broadband within every Local Authority area in the Highlands and Islands, including the Western Isles. HIE’s procurement negotiations have included discussion on improved backhaul to the Western Isles. Procurement is expected to conclude by the end of 2012, after which rollout plans will be confirmed.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-22T14:48:23.55","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276537,"EventID":"S4W-09815","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2066,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-24T14:48:23.843","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-24T12:03:14","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what recent discussions it has had with (a) BT and (b) Connected Communities regarding the costs charged by BT for the broadband link to the Western Isles and what the outcome was.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has had no recent discussions with either party on this issue. This reflects the fact that Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) has full responsibility for all operational matters relating to the Connected Communities network.\r\nHIE is currently discussing the issue of improved backhaul to the Western Isles with BT as part of the procurement process for the Highlands and Islands broadband project. The project aims to significantly enhance available bandwidth and should reduce costs associated with the broadband link to the Western Isles.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-22T14:48:23.86","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276550,"EventID":"S4W-09811","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2059,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":91,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-24T16:50:59.93","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-24T11:57:08","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many retail stores in each local authority are liable to pay the Public Health Supplement.\r\n","AnswerText":"It is for local authorities to interpret rating legislation, including determining which properties are liable for the public health supplement. However, the following table gives the number of properties in each Local Authority area estimated to be liable by the Scottish Government, as at March 2012.\r\nThe actual number of properties paying the public health supplement in each of the three years it will apply will depend on a number of factors. These include opening of new stores, changes in use of properties, changes in rateable value and changes to individual stores policies on sale of alcohol and tobacco.\r\nEstimated Number of Properties at March 2012\r\nCouncil\r\n\r\nAberdeen City \r\n8\r\nAberdeenshire\r\n13\r\nAngus \r\n6\r\nArgyll and Bute \r\n3\r\nClackmannanshire \r\n3\r\nDumfries and Galloway \r\n7\r\nDundee City \r\n8\r\nEast Ayrshire\r\n5\r\nEast Dunbartonshire \r\n6\r\nEast Lothian \r\n4\r\nEast Renfrewshire\r\n3\r\nEdinburgh, City of \r\n25\r\nEilean Siar \r\n1\r\nFalkirk \r\n10\r\nFife \r\n12\r\nGlasgow City \r\n22\r\nHighland \r\n10\r\nInverclyde \r\n4\r\nMidlothian \r\n3\r\nMoray\r\n5\r\nNorth Ayrshire\r\n7\r\nNorth Lanarkshire \r\n13\r\nOrkney Islands \r\n1\r\nPerth and Kinross \r\n6\r\nRenfrewshire \r\n8\r\nScottish Borders \r\n5\r\nSouth Ayrshire \r\n6\r\nSouth Lanarkshire \r\n15\r\nStirling \r\n4\r\nWest Dunbartonshire \r\n4\r\nWest Lothian \r\n7\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-22T16:51:00.023","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Derek Mackay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276551,"EventID":"S4W-09812","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2059,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":91,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-24T16:51:00.46","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-24T11:57:08","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much money will be raised by the Public Health Supplement in 2012-13.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government estimates that the Public Health Supplement will raise £25 million in 2012-13.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-22T16:51:00.473","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Derek Mackay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276552,"EventID":"S4W-09816","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":131,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-24T16:51:00.723","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-24T12:12:01","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government (a) when and (b) where the position of chair of NHS Dumfries and Galloway will be advertised.\r\n","AnswerText":"The post of chair at NHS Dumfries and Galloway will be advertised once the Parliament has had the opportunity to consider the Independent Evaluation into Health Board Elections.\r\nThe London School of Economics in association with the University of St Andrews is conducting the independent evaluation of the Pilot Health Board Elections. Their report is due to be completed and laid before the Parliament during the autumn of 2012.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-22T16:51:00.74","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276553,"EventID":"S4W-09817","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3751,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":108,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-24T16:51:01.317","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-24T13:58:44","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it will ensure that free university education will be sustained in the long term.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government is committed to provision of access to higher education based on the ability to learn and not the ability to pay.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-22T16:51:01.333","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276554,"EventID":"S4W-09818","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3751,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":108,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-24T16:51:01.753","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-24T13:58:44","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what action it is taking to help postgraduate students in Scotland with tuition fees.\r\n","AnswerText":"Under the Postgraduate Students’ Allowances Scheme the Scottish Government provides £3,400 towards the cost of tuition fees for all eligible Scottish domiciled and EU postgraduate students studying vocational one year postgraduate diplomas and the nine month taught element of some masters courses.\r\nA list of eligible courses can be found via the Student Awards Agency for Scotland website: http://www.saas.gov.uk/student_support/special_circumstances/postgrad_list.htm.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-22T16:51:01.77","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276555,"EventID":"S4W-09819","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3751,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":108,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-24T16:51:02.02","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-24T13:58:44","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what it is doing to tackle homelessness.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government is committed to preventing homelessness where it can and to tackling homelessness where it cannot. We are committed to the 2012 target that all those assessed as unintentionally homeless by local authorities will be entitled to settled accommodation by the end of this year.\r\nWe have been working with our local authority partners and other stakeholders through the Scottish Government/COSLA 2012 Steering Group to help achieve the target and to establish and support five local authority led housing options hubs with funding from the Scottish Government.\r\nWe believe the promotion of the housing options approach, which considers the specific and individual needs of those facing homelessness, is having a positive effect in this regard and we are continuing to work with partners to promote this approach to preventing homelessness across Scotland.\r\nWe are also committed to delivering 30,000 affordable homes during the lifetime of this Parliament. At least 20,000 of these will be for social rent including 5,000 council houses. Almost 6,900 affordable homes were completed in 2011-12, of which 5,652 of these were for social rent.\r\nThe latest homelessness statistics published by the Scottish Government on 2 October show continued progress to achieving the 2012 target along with further reductions in homelessness applications and assessments and in the use of temporary accommodation.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-22T16:51:02.033","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Burgess","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276556,"EventID":"S4W-09820","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3751,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":108,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-24T16:51:02.3","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-24T13:58:44","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what action it is taking regarding the teaching of Scottish history in schools.\r\n","AnswerText":"The place of learning about Scotland’s history, heritage and culture has been strengthened and will continue to be promoted and supported in the context of Curriculum for Excellence. New national qualifications in history build on the success of the introduction of a required unit on Scottish history in the existing Higher history course, with this element also being incorporated at National 4 and National 5 in the new courses.\r\nSpecific resources have been developed to support the teaching of Scottish history, including a Scottish Dimension Planning Tool, and an Education Scotland History Curriculum Group including practitioners, academics and other specialists, is overseeing the development of further history support materials. This builds on the work of the History Excellence Group and the earlier History in Curriculum for Excellence Group.\r\nWe are taking forward the recommendations of the Scottish Studies Working Group which has been supported by Education Scotland’s Studying Scotland resource, which includes the popular Scotland’s History website, guidance and professional learning opportunities.\r\nWe also continue to support the Heritage Education Travel Subsidy Scheme which improves access to learning about Scotland’s history, heritage and culture. Education Scotland’s recent Social Studies 3-18 Impact Report highlighted that children and young people are increasing their understanding of Scotland’s culture, past and place in the world.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-22T16:51:02.317","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alasdair Allan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276557,"EventID":"S4W-09821","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3751,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":108,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-24T16:51:02.567","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-24T13:58:44","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it is considering creating a definition for furnished and unfurnished flats and houses for the purposes of the Local Government Finance Act 1992 and the Council Tax (Exempt Dwellings) (Scotland) Order 1997.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government is not considering creating a definition for furnished and unfurnished homes for the purposes of the Local Government Finance Act 1992 and the Council Tax (Exempt Dwellings) (Scotland) Order 1997. It will continue to be for local authorities to determine what they consider to be a furnished or unfurnished home.\r\nUnder the proposals in the Local Government Finance (Unoccupied Properties etc.) (Scotland) Bill and subsequent regulations, councils could charge increased levels of council tax on certain homes after they have been unoccupied for a year or more. The government proposes these increases could be applied whether the property is furnished or not.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-22T16:51:02.58","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Derek Mackay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276574,"EventID":"S4W-09822","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-25T14:01:56.283","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-24T14:14:08","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what meetings (a) ministers and (b) officials have had with representatives of Wonga since May 2011; on what dates; who attended, and what was discussed.\r\n","AnswerText":"There have been no meetings between Scottish Government ministers or officials with representatives of Wonga in the period since May 2011.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-23T14:01:56.36","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276575,"EventID":"S4W-09824","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5106,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":118,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-25T14:01:56.64","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-24T15:28:25.86","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the (a) total value is and (b) cash balances are of local authority common good funds.\r\n","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally. All common good assets which are held by local authorities are accountable within the audited accounts of each local authority.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-23T14:01:56.657","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276576,"EventID":"S4W-09825","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1860,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-25T14:01:56.953","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-24T15:29:42.59","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much funding there will be for the National Retrofit Programme in 2013-14; when this will be announced, and what account will be taken of fuel poverty in the Highlands and Islands in determining this.\r\n","AnswerText":"In 2013-14, £65 million will be available from the Scottish Government to fund the National Retrofit Programme. We intend to use this money to lever in £120 million of energy company funding to tackle fuel poverty, reduce emissions and upgrade Scotland’s ageing housing stock. The details of funding distributions are still to be finalised and will be announced in due course.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-23T14:01:56.97","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Burgess","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276577,"EventID":"S4W-09828","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":86,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-25T14:01:57.25","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-25T09:08:43.963","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what evidence the First Minister has to substantiate his statement quoted in the Los Angeles Times on 22 September 2012 that “independence regularly is the most popular option of three options that are usually offered to people”.\r\n","AnswerText":"Amongst others, the First Minister was referring to polls by Panelbase for the Sunday Times and Real Radio.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-23T14:01:57.267","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276578,"EventID":"S4W-09829","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":86,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-25T14:01:57.513","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-25T09:08:43.963","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the First Minister's reasons are for informing an American newspaper that there would be a single question referendum on independence before (a) informing people in Scotland and (b) the publication of the results of the Your Scotland, Your Referendum consultation.\r\n","AnswerText":"In an interview published by the LA Times on 22 September 2012, the First Minister noted the UK Government’s strongly held public position that the referendum ballot paper should only contain one question. At no point during this interview did the First Minister state that there would be a single question in the referendum.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-23T14:01:57.53","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276579,"EventID":"S4W-09830","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":86,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-25T14:01:57.857","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-25T09:08:43.963","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it considers that the First Minister's comment quoted in the Los Angeles Times of 22 September 2012 that “The SNP policy was never to adopt the euro.” is compatible with his comment reported on the BBC News on 9 June 2003 that “The SNP believes that entry into the euro - subject to the people's approval in a referendum - would be in Scotland's economic interests.” and his comment on Spanish television in 2009 that euro membership is a \"strong argument\" for independence.\r\n","AnswerText":"The full published text of the Los Angeles Times quotes the First  Minister as saying any adoption of the Euro would only be ‘if economic conditions were right and subject to a referendum of the people of Scotland’. This is entirely consistent with the position laid out in previous and subsequent interviews and is consistent with the White Paper, Your Scotland, Your Voice published in November 2009.\r\nAs I set out in my speech to the David Hume Institute on 2 February 2012, Scottish Government policy is to retain sterling as part of a formal monetary zone with the UK and not to join the Euro.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-23T14:01:57.857","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276580,"EventID":"S4W-09831","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":86,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-25T14:01:58.153","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-25T09:08:43.963","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-06278 by Bruce Crawford on 29 March 2012, what the reason is for the delay in the publication of responses to the Your Scotland, Your Referendum consultation.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-10495 on 19 November 2012. All answers to written Parliamentary Questions are available on the Scottish Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-23T14:01:58.17","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276581,"EventID":"S4W-09832","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":86,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-25T14:01:58.45","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-25T09:08:43.963","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answers to questions S4W-08383 and S4W-06278 by Bruce Crawford on 1 August 2012 and 29 March 2012 respectively, on what date it will publish the responses to the Your Scotland, Your Referendum consultation.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-10495 on 19 November 2012. All answers to written Parliamentary Questions are available on the Scottish Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-23T14:01:58.467","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276582,"EventID":"S4W-09833","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":86,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-25T14:01:58.73","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-25T09:08:43.963","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it has taken longer to publish the responses to any consultation other than the Registration of Civil Partnerships, Same Sex Marriage consultation since May 2007.\r\n","AnswerText":"Information on the period of time between the closure of all Scottish Government consultations since May 2007 and the publication of responses to those consultations could only be obtained at disproportionate cost.\r\nThis consultation received the largest number of responses to a consultation since devolution.\r\nOn 25 July 2012, we published the non-confidential corporate responses to the consultation on the Registration of Civil Partnerships and Same Sex Marriage http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2012/07/9221.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-23T14:01:58.747","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276583,"EventID":"S4W-09836","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3806,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-25T14:01:59.013","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-25T12:43:49.883","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when Caledonian MacBrayne submitted its winter timetable for the Oban to Lochboisdale ferry for approval.\r\n","AnswerText":"This proposal was submitted by CalMac to Transport Scotland on 27 August 2012.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-23T14:01:59.027","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276584,"EventID":"S4W-09837","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1860,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-25T14:01:59.31","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-25T12:44:55.37","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many people are employed on zero-hours contracts, broken down by gender and expressed as a percentage.","AnswerText":"It is not possible to give an estimate for the number of people in Scotland who had a zero hours agreed work arrangement during April to June 2012, as the data is unreliable. This is due to the small sample size of this cohort in Scotland.\r\nNote:\r\n1. The question in the LFS on special working-hours arrangements is only asked during the April to June and October to December quarters on the Labour Force Survey. The information is, therefore, not available on the Annual Population Survey (as the question is not asked in every quarter).\r\n2. A zero hours contract is where a person is not contracted to work a set number of hours, and is only paid for the number of hours that they actually work.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-23T14:01:59.323","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276585,"EventID":"S4W-09838","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4938,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-25T14:01:59.607","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-25T12:45:50","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when the Cabinet Secretary for Health and Wellbeing last met NHS Lanarkshire and what was discussed.\r\n","AnswerText":"I last met the Chair of NHS Lanarkshire at the monthly meeting of Health Board Chairs on 1 October 2012 when a range of important health issues were discussed.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-23T14:01:59.62","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276586,"EventID":"S4W-09839","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4938,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-25T14:01:59.87","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-25T12:45:50","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it plans to establish a dedicated process to assess and provide access to medicines for rare diseases.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Parliament Health and Sport Committee have agreed to consider the evidence presented to it at its meeting on 18 September 2012 within the context of the three petitions (PE1398; PE1399 and PE1401) referred to it by the Scottish Parliament Public Petitions Committee in March 2012.\r\nThe Scottish Government will consider and respond to any recommendations from the Health and Sport Committee regarding improvements to extant arrangements for the introduction of newly licensed medicines in the NHS in Scotland.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-23T14:01:59.887","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276587,"EventID":"S4W-09840","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4938,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-25T14:02:00.137","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-25T12:45:50","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on a 16% success rate for individual patient treatment requests for cancer treatment.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government does not recognise the statistic of a 16% success rate for Individual Patient Treatment Requests (IPTRs) for Cancer.\r\nThe summary report of NHS board data on IPTRs for the period 1 April 2011 to 31 March 2012 which was provided as part of a written submission to the Scottish Parliament’s Health and Sport Committee clarified that a total of 291 IPTR requests were received during the period of which, 194 were approved – a 66% approval rate.\r\nThe IPTR data indicated that 123 of the IPTRs requested were for cancer medicines of which 78 were approved indicating a 63% approval rate.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-23T14:02:00.15","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276588,"EventID":"S4W-09841","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4938,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-25T14:02:00.417","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-25T12:45:50","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on the reported reluctance of cancer charities to apply for individual patient treatment requests due to the number of requests not granted.","AnswerText":"Scottish Government guidance issued under cover of SGHD/CMO(2011)3 on 18 March 2011 clarifies that the responsibility for an application to an NHS board for an Individual Patient Treatment Request (IPTR) rests with the clinician who supports prescribing the requested medicine. The guidance also clarifies that it is the clinician who is expected to demonstrate the clinical case to support the IPTR application.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-23T14:02:00.433","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276589,"EventID":"S4W-09823","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-25T15:28:47.89","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-24T14:14:08","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body whether it expects any Private Bills to be introduced in 2012-13.\r\n","AnswerText":"Officials are currently aware of three prospective Private Bills that are likely to be introduced before the end of the current Parliamentary year. The actual number introduced in this period may, of course, differ from this as it is possible that not all three prospective Bills will be proceeded with or the timetable for some may slip. In addition, other prospective promoters may also come forward before the end of the period. \r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-23T15:28:47.937","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Scanlon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276590,"EventID":"S4W-09856","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":2,"MSPID":4948,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-25T16:28:17.273","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-25T15:50:45.417","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its plans are for tendering the next Clyde and Hebrides ferry services contract.\r\n","AnswerText":"Tendering for the next Clyde and Hebrides ferry services contract will begin in the autumn of 2014. This will allow for the completion of the Ferries Plan and will ensure that the Scottish Government’s policy objectives are fully accounted for the in the tender exercise. In the meantime, we intend to put in place a new contract with the current provider, CalMac Ferries Ltd, ensuring continuity and certainty for the communities and staff.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-09-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-23T16:28:17.29","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276591,"EventID":"S4W-09630","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1742,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-13T16:50:35.967","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-13T14:03:36","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what progress is being made with developing a register of empty properties.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-09-27T16:50:35.967","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276603,"EventID":"S4W-09753","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-25T16:55:00.953","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-20T15:55:07","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what risk assessments have been carried out by each cabinet secretary on the possible impact of welfare reform on areas within their portfolio.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government continually considers risks from changes in reserved policy when carrying out its devolved responsibilities.\r\nWhile the UK Government has begun to provide a greater level of detail on its welfare reforms there are still significant gaps in our knowledge which hinder our ability to undertake robust analysis in this area. However, as more details are made available we are building up a better picture of the impact of the reforms on Scottish individuals and households. We hope that this work can inform how best the Scottish Government, with its partners, can respond to these changes within the current constitutional settlement.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-23T16:55:01.063","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276604,"EventID":"S4W-09754","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-25T16:55:01.687","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-20T15:55:07","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how the £20 million contingency budget dealing with welfare reform will be allocated.\r\n","AnswerText":"The £20 million contingency budget dealing with welfare reform has been allocated to local government in 2013-14.\r\nI refer the member to the answer to question S4W-06790 on 27 April 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-23T16:55:01.687","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276605,"EventID":"S4W-09835","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1860,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-25T16:55:02.11","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-25T12:40:38.3","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-08299 by Stewart Stevenson on 24 July 2012, whether it will provide an update as to when it will announce the appointment of the convener of the Crofting Commission.","AnswerText":"Scottish Ministers appointed Susan Walker as convener of the Crofting Commission on 25 September 2012. The full text of the Scottish Government news release on the appointment can be read at:\r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/News/Releases/2012/09/crofting25092012.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-23T16:55:02.123","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276606,"EventID":"S4W-09842","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5109,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":101,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-25T16:55:02.39","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-25T13:18:26","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it is meeting the 2011 SNP manifesto commitment to maintain student numbers in further education and at what level.","AnswerText":"In the current academic year (2012-13) we are meeting our commitment through funding the Scottish Funding Council (SFC) to secure the same volume of college learning as in 2011-12. The New College Learning Programme, delivered through Skills Development Scotland, is an important element of that provision.\r\nLooking ahead to the next academic year (2013-14), we shall maintain volume through a combination of SFC funding, and resource available in the recently announced Employability Fund, in which £24 million will be ring-fenced for college provision.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-23T16:55:02.407","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276607,"EventID":"S4W-09826","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5034,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-26T13:40:04.883","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-24T16:02:09","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many trained dementia champions there will be in 2013 and how many of them will carry out their duties in (a) the community and (b) hospitals. \r\n","AnswerText":"We expect a total of 300 Dementia Champions to be trained and to graduate by 2013, broken down by discipline in the following table. The first cohort of 100 were trained in 2011-12 and graduated in March 2012. The second cohort completed training in September 2012 and the third cohort training runs from October 2012 to February 2013.\r\nAll Dementia Champions drawn from the NHS work in acute general hospitals. The primary focus of the Dementia Champions programme in hospital settings reflects the prioritisation of this key care setting in Scotland’s first National Dementia Strategy, which runs to summer 2013. The 2012-13 cohorts also include social services staff working in a range of areas. \r\nNationally by Discipline (all cohorts 2011-13)\r\nNurses\r\n224\r\nOccupational Therapists \r\n28\r\nPhysiotherapists\r\n15\r\nSocial Workers \r\n14\r\nSocial Services – Unit Manager\r\n5\r\nDietician\r\n4\r\nSpeech and Language Therapist \r\n3\r\nSocial Services – Care Manager\r\n2\r\nSocial Services – Team Leader\r\n1\r\nChaplain \r\n1\r\nPharmacist\r\n1\r\nSheltered Housing Coordinator \r\n1\r\nDementia Support Coordinator \r\n1\r\nHead of Spiritual Care \r\n1\r\nThe Dementia Champions programme complements the improvement work with boards and others in respect of older people’s care, including those with dementia, being led by the Chief Nursing Officer, and the ongoing programme of inspections of older people’s care in hospitals by Healthcare Improvement Scotland.\r\nIn addition, the Scottish Government is providing substantial funding to support Alzheimer Scotland in the appointment in every NHS board of a Specialist Dementia Nurse for general hospitals. This appointment process is now complete.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-24T13:40:05.193","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276608,"EventID":"S4W-09827","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5034,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-26T13:40:05.537","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-24T16:02:09","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many dementia champions have graduated in NHS Tayside in 2012 and how many of them are carrying out their duties in (a) the community and (b) hospitals. \r\n","AnswerText":"Eighteen Dementia Champions graduated in NHS Tayside in March 2012. We expect a total of 42 Dementia Champions in NHS Tayside by 2013.\r\nThe majority of the Dementia Champions are drawn from nursing and all carry out their duties in hospitals in NHS Tayside. The primary focus of the Dementia Champions programme in hospital settings reflects the prioritisation of this key care setting in Scotland’s first National Dementia Strategy, which runs to summer 2013.\r\nThe Dementia Champions programme complements the improvement work with boards and others in respect of older people’s care, including those with dementia, being led by The Chief Nursing Officer, and the ongoing programme of inspections of older people’s care in hospitals by Healthcare Improvement Scotland.\r\nIn addition, the Scottish Government is providing substantial funding to support Alzheimer Scotland in the appointment in every NHS board of a Specialist Dementia Nurse for general hospitals. This appointment process is now complete.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-24T13:40:05.553","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276609,"EventID":"S4W-09843","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-26T13:40:05.82","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-25T13:40:34","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many (a) new and (b) continuing modern apprenticeships there were in west Dunbartonshire in (i) 2010-11 and (ii) 2011-12 with (A) public and (B) private sector employers.\r\n","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally. I will ask the Chief Executive of Skills Development Scotland to write to you with the information you have requested.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-24T13:40:05.833","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angela Constance ","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276610,"EventID":"S4W-09844","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-26T13:40:06.21","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-25T13:40:34","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many (a) new and (b) continuing modern apprenticeships there were in Argyll and Bute in (i) 2010-11 and (ii) 2011-12 with (A) public and (B) private sector employers.","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally. I will ask the Chief Executive of Skills Development Scotland to write to you with the information you have requested.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-24T13:40:06.223","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angela Constance","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276611,"EventID":"S4W-09845","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-26T13:40:06.647","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-25T13:40:34","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it has allocated the Youth Employment Strategy fund.\r\n","AnswerText":"The £30 million Youth Employment Strategy funding has been allocated as follows: \r\n£1.5 million over three years to support 1,000 of the most disadvantaged young people, including care leavers, young carers and young ex-offenders; \r\n£6 million to support Community Jobs Scotland in 2012-13; \r\n£2.5 million for a challenge fund to support social enterprises and the third sector provide opportunities to young unemployed people, and \r\n£9 million for six local authorities with particular youth unemployment challenges.\r\nThere is £11 million available for the period April 2013 to March 2015.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-24T13:40:06.677","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angela Constance","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276612,"EventID":"S4W-09846","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-26T13:40:07.083","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-25T13:40:34","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what outcomes (a) have been and (b) are expected to be achieved by the Youth Employment Strategy fund.","AnswerText":"Youth Employment Strategy funding allocated to date aims to support:\r\n1,000 of the most disadvantaged young people into work; \r\n1,100 young people into job opportunities in social enterprises and third sector organisations through Community Jobs Scotland; \r\n2,019 young people to progress towards and into jobs through projects funded by the Social Enterprise and Third Sector Challenge Fund, and\r\n3,371 young people through a range of employment and skills opportunities in six local authorities with particular youth unemployment challenges.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-24T13:40:07.097","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angela Constance","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276613,"EventID":"S4W-09847","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-26T13:40:07.503","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-25T13:40:34","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many young people have secured full-time, permanent employment as a result of the Youth Employment Strategy fund.\r\n","AnswerText":"Around 7,500 young people will be supported towards and into work as a result of the announcements made to date on the Youth Employment Strategy Fund.\r\nThese opportunities will be provided through interventions such as Community Jobs Scotland, The Third Sector Challenge Fund, Employment Recruitment Incentives and local authority delivered interventions.\r\nIn addition, we expect around 15,000 young people will benefit from other sources of Scottish Government or European funding.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-24T13:40:07.503","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angela Constance","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276614,"EventID":"S4W-09848","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-26T13:40:08.113","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-25T13:40:34","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many people attended the West of Scotland Action Forum on Youth Employment on 21 August 2012 and how many were private sector employers.","AnswerText":"Seventy-nine people attended the West of Scotland Action Forum on Youth Employment, 13 of whom were private sector employers.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-24T13:40:08.143","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angela Constance","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276615,"EventID":"S4W-09849","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-26T13:40:08.503","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-25T13:40:34","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many people are unemployed in each local authority area, also broken down by those unemployed for over (a) six and (b) 12 months, expressed as a percentage of the population.\r\n","AnswerText":"The official measure of unemployment based on the ILO (International Labour Organisation) definition is not reliable for these disaggregations at local authority level. However, an alternative measure of unemployment is the claimant count. This gives the number of people claiming unemployment-related benefits, and as it is based on administrative records collected by the Department of Work and Pensions, it is available for small areas. The latest claimant count data is for August 2012. \r\nThe claimant count level and rate (as a proportion of the resident population aged 16 to 64) in each local authority, broken down by those claiming for over (a) six months and (b) 12 months, is shown in the following table.\r\nClaimant Counts Levels and Rates by Duration of Claim for Scottish Local Authority Areas, August 2012\r\nLocal Authority\r\nAll Claimants\r\n(a) Claiming for over 6 Months\r\n(b) Claiming for over 12 Months\r\nLevel1\r\nPercentage2\r\nLevel1\r\nPercentage2\r\nLevel1\r\nPercentage2\r\nAberdeen City\r\n3,360\r\n2.2\r\n1,345\r\n0.9\r\n735\r\n0.5\r\nAberdeenshire\r\n2,125\r\n1.3\r\n790\r\n0.5\r\n425\r\n0.3\r\nAngus\r\n2,400\r\n3.5\r\n900\r\n1.3\r\n530\r\n0.8\r\nArgyll and Bute\r\n1,735\r\n3.1\r\n815\r\n1.5\r\n540\r\n1.0\r\nClackmannanshire\r\n1,795\r\n5.4\r\n890\r\n2.7\r\n570\r\n1.7\r\nDumfries and Galloway\r\n3,445\r\n3.8\r\n1,610\r\n1.8\r\n930\r\n1.0\r\nDundee City\r\n6,120\r\n6.5\r\n3,110\r\n3.3\r\n1,980\r\n2.1\r\nEast Ayrshire\r\n4,990\r\n6.4\r\n2,355\r\n3.0\r\n1,490\r\n1.9\r\nEast Dunbartonshire\r\n1,810\r\n2.7\r\n775\r\n1.2\r\n440\r\n0.7\r\nEast Lothian\r\n1,960\r\n3.2\r\n825\r\n1.3\r\n435\r\n0.7\r\nEast Renfrewshire\r\n1,400\r\n2.5\r\n530\r\n0.9\r\n300\r\n0.5\r\nEdinburgh, City of\r\n11,355\r\n3.3\r\n4,910\r\n1.4\r\n2,815\r\n0.8\r\nEilean Siar\r\n520\r\n3.2\r\n250\r\n1.6\r\n150\r\n0.9\r\nFalkirk\r\n4,545\r\n4.6\r\n2,195\r\n2.2\r\n1,285\r\n1.3\r\nFife\r\n11,140\r\n4.7\r\n5,155\r\n2.2\r\n3,115\r\n1.3\r\nGlasgow City\r\n25,255\r\n6.1\r\n11,660\r\n2.8\r\n7,095\r\n1.7\r\nHighland\r\n3,775\r\n2.7\r\n1,455\r\n1.0\r\n795\r\n0.6\r\nInverclyde\r\n3,010\r\n5.8\r\n1,310\r\n2.5\r\n735\r\n1.4\r\nMidlothian\r\n2,175\r\n4.2\r\n940\r\n1.8\r\n520\r\n1.0\r\nMoray\r\n1,385\r\n2.5\r\n550\r\n1.0\r\n305\r\n0.5\r\nNorth Ayrshire\r\n6,010\r\n7.0\r\n2,890\r\n3.4\r\n1,785\r\n2.1\r\nNorth Lanarkshire\r\n12,345\r\n5.8\r\n5,940\r\n2.8\r\n3,515\r\n1.6\r\nOrkney Islands\r\n180\r\n1.4\r\n70\r\n0.6\r\n45\r\n0.4\r\nPerth and Kinross\r\n2,210\r\n2.4\r\n775\r\n0.8\r\n425\r\n0.5\r\nRenfrewshire\r\n5,570\r\n5.0\r\n2,535\r\n2.3\r\n1,505\r\n1.4\r\nScottish Borders\r\n2,095\r\n3.0\r\n930\r\n1.3\r\n535\r\n0.8\r\nShetland Islands\r\n215\r\n1.5\r\n70\r\n0.5\r\n40\r\n0.3\r\nSouth Ayrshire\r\n3,160\r\n4.5\r\n1,400\r\n2.0\r\n735\r\n1.1\r\nSouth Lanarkshire\r\n9,425\r\n4.6\r\n4,355\r\n2.1\r\n2,575\r\n1.3\r\nStirling\r\n1,955\r\n3.4\r\n870\r\n1.5\r\n505\r\n0.9\r\nWest Dunbartonshire\r\n3,835\r\n6.4\r\n1,920\r\n3.2\r\n1,190\r\n2.0\r\nWest Lothian\r\n4,375\r\n3.8\r\n1,785\r\n1.6\r\n880\r\n0.8\r\nScotland\r\n145,680\r\n4.2\r\n65,900\r\n1.9\r\n38,910\r\n1.1\r\nSource: Claimant count, not seasonally adjusted, Office for National Statistics\r\nNotes:\r\n1. Levels rounded to nearest five.\r\n2. Rates (percentages) based on resident population aged 16 to 64 using mid-2010 population estimates.","AnswerDate":"2012-10-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-24T13:40:08.517","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276616,"EventID":"S4W-09850","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-26T13:40:08.877","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-25T13:40:34","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many young people are unemployed in each local authority area, also broken down by those unemployed for over (a) six and (b) 12 months, expressed as a percentage of the population.\r\n","AnswerText":"The official measure of unemployment based on the ILO (International Labour Organisation) definition is not reliable for these disaggregations at local authority level. However, an alternative measure of unemployment is the claimant count. This gives the number of people claiming unemployment-related benefits, and as it is based on administrative records collected by the Department of Work and Pensions, it is available for small areas and various disaggregations within these areas. The latest claimant count data is for August 2012.\r\nThe claimant count level and rate for 16 to 24-year-olds (as a proportion of the resident population aged 16 to 24) in each local authority, broken down by those claiming for more than (a) six and (b) twelve months, is shown in the following table.\r\nClaimant Counts Levels and Rates for Young People (aged 16 to 24) by Duration of Claim for Scottish Local Authority Areas, August 2012\r\nLocal Authority\r\nAll Claimants\r\n(a) Claiming for over 6 Months\r\n(b) Claiming for over 12 Months\r\nLevel1\r\nPercentage2\r\nLevel1\r\nPercentage2\r\nLevel1\r\nPercentage2\r\nAberdeen City\r\n855\r\n2.8\r\n250\r\n0.8\r\n100\r\n0.3\r\nAberdeenshire\r\n700\r\n2.8\r\n185\r\n0.7\r\n85\r\n0.3\r\nAngus\r\n845\r\n7.6\r\n245\r\n2.2\r\n115\r\n1.0\r\nArgyll and Bute\r\n475\r\n5.2\r\n150\r\n1.6\r\n75\r\n0.8\r\nClackmannanshire\r\n640\r\n11.1\r\n275\r\n4.7\r\n145\r\n2.5\r\nDumfries and Galloway\r\n1,115\r\n7.7\r\n430\r\n3.0\r\n210\r\n1.5\r\nDundee City\r\n1,935\r\n8.8\r\n795\r\n3.6\r\n405\r\n1.9\r\nEast Ayrshire\r\n1,650\r\n11.7\r\n560\r\n4.0\r\n275\r\n1.9\r\nEast Dunbartonshire\r\n610\r\n5.2\r\n190\r\n1.6\r\n85\r\n0.7\r\nEast Lothian\r\n640\r\n6.0\r\n230\r\n2.1\r\n100\r\n0.9\r\nEast Renfrewshire\r\n475\r\n4.7\r\n130\r\n1.3\r\n65\r\n0.7\r\nEdinburgh, City of\r\n2,960\r\n4.4\r\n895\r\n1.3\r\n405\r\n0.6\r\nEilean Siar\r\n105\r\n4.5\r\n25\r\n1.1\r\n10\r\n0.5\r\nFalkirk\r\n1,345\r\n7.9\r\n510\r\n3.0\r\n245\r\n1.4\r\nFife\r\n3,630\r\n8.0\r\n1,280\r\n2.8\r\n620\r\n1.4\r\nGlasgow City\r\n7,085\r\n8.6\r\n2,425\r\n2.9\r\n1,120\r\n1.4\r\nHighland\r\n1,015\r\n4.8\r\n290\r\n1.4\r\n125\r\n0.6\r\nInverclyde\r\n920\r\n10.0\r\n280\r\n3.0\r\n110\r\n1.2\r\nMidlothian\r\n745\r\n8.0\r\n285\r\n3.1\r\n135\r\n1.5\r\nMoray\r\n430\r\n4.5\r\n135\r\n1.4\r\n55\r\n0.6\r\nNorth Ayrshire\r\n1,960\r\n12.8\r\n710\r\n4.6\r\n360\r\n2.3\r\nNorth Lanarkshire\r\n3,955\r\n10.5\r\n1,500\r\n4.0\r\n735\r\n1.9\r\nOrkney Islands\r\n60\r\n3.2\r\n20\r\n0.9\r\n10\r\n0.5\r\nPerth and Kinross\r\n700\r\n4.2\r\n180\r\n1.1\r\n85\r\n0.5\r\nRenfrewshire\r\n1,670\r\n8.5\r\n620\r\n3.2\r\n285\r\n1.5\r\nScottish Borders\r\n745\r\n6.9\r\n290\r\n2.7\r\n140\r\n1.3\r\nShetland Islands\r\n60\r\n2.7\r\n20\r\n0.8\r\n5\r\n0.3\r\nSouth Ayrshire\r\n1,010\r\n8.5\r\n340\r\n2.9\r\n130\r\n1.1\r\nSouth Lanarkshire\r\n3,020\r\n8.7\r\n1,170\r\n3.4\r\n565\r\n1.6\r\nStirling\r\n655\r\n5.0\r\n250\r\n1.9\r\n120\r\n0.9\r\nWest Dunbartonshire\r\n1,125\r\n10.4\r\n440\r\n4.1\r\n245\r\n2.2\r\nWest Lothian\r\n1,500\r\n7.6\r\n535\r\n2.7\r\n215\r\n1.1\r\nScotland\r\n44,640\r\n7.1\r\n15,625\r\n2.5\r\n7,385\r\n1.2\r\nSource: Claimant count, not seasonally adjusted, Office for National Statistics.\r\nNotes:\r\n1. Levels rounded to nearest \r\n2. Rates (percentages) based on resident population aged 16 to 24 using mid-2010 population estimates.","AnswerDate":"2012-10-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-24T13:40:08.893","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276617,"EventID":"S4W-09851","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2633,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-26T13:40:09.25","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-25T14:44:21","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many jury trials have taken place at (a) Kirkcaldy and (b) Dunfermline Sheriff Court in each of the last five years.\r\n","AnswerText":"This question relates to operational matters that are the responsibility of the Scottish Court Service (SCS) corporate body. The question has been passed to the Chief Executive of the SCS who will reply in writing.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-24T13:40:09.267","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276618,"EventID":"S4W-09852","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2633,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-26T13:40:09.53","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-25T14:44:21","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government for how many days (a) Kirkcaldy and (b) Dunfermline Sheriff Court has sat in each of the last five years.\r\n","AnswerText":"This question relates to operational matters that are the responsibility of the Scottish Court Service (SCS) corporate body. The question has been passed to the Chief Executive of the SCS who will reply in writing.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-24T13:40:09.547","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276619,"EventID":"S4W-09853","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2633,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-26T13:40:09.813","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-25T14:44:21","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many indictments have been registered at (a) Kirkcaldy and (b) Dunfermline Sheriff Court in each of the last five years.\r\n","AnswerText":"This question relates to operational matters that are the responsibility of the Scottish Court Service (SCS) corporate body. The question has been passed to the Chief Executive of the SCS who will reply in writing.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-24T13:40:09.827","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276620,"EventID":"S4W-09854","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2633,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-26T13:40:10.093","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-25T14:44:21","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government for how many days Kirkcaldy Justice of the Peace Court has sat in each of the last five years.\r\n","AnswerText":"This question relates to operational matters that are the responsibility of the Scottish Court Service (SCS) corporate body. The question has been passed to the Chief Executive of the SCS who will reply in writing.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-24T13:40:10.11","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276621,"EventID":"S4W-09855","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2633,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-26T13:40:10.437","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-25T14:44:21","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many indictments have been registered at Kirkcaldy Justice of the Peace Court in each of the last five years.","AnswerText":"This question relates to operational matters that are the responsibility of the Scottish Court Service (SCS) corporate body. The question has been passed to the Chief Executive of the SCS who will reply in writing.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-24T13:40:10.453","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276622,"EventID":"S4W-09859","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4934,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-26T13:40:10.717","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-25T16:13:01.047","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it plans to increase the energy efficiency of the data centre at Saughton House.","AnswerText":"The energy efficiency of the data centre at Saughton House will be significantly increased in the next two years by a greater number of Scottish public bodies using the facilities. Negotiations continue with a number of Scottish public bodies to house their IT infrastructure in Saughton House data centre which is expected to reach capacity by the end of 2015.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-24T13:40:10.733","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276623,"EventID":"S4W-09860","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4934,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-26T13:40:11.03","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-25T16:13:01.047","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government (a) how it ensures high levels of energy efficiency in and (b) whether it has a target power usage effectiveness for new or refurbished data centres in its estate.","AnswerText":"The energy efficiency of the data centre at Saughton House will be significantly increased in the next two years by a greater number of Scottish public bodies using the facilities. Negotiations continue with a number of Scottish public bodies to house their IT infrastructure in Saughton House data centre which is expected to reach capacity by the end of 2015.\r\nFully occupied, Saughton House data centre is designed to reach a theoretical PUE of 1.4.\r\nThere are currently no plans to build new or refurbish existing data centres.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-24T13:40:11.043","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276624,"EventID":"S4W-09861","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5109,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":101,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-26T13:40:11.327","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-25T16:26:01","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it has chosen to exclude feeding areas for seabirds from the criteria for designating marine protected areas under the Marine (Scotland) Act 2010 and what the reasons are for its approach.","AnswerText":"The Marine Protected Area (MPA) network will include designations under the Marine (Scotland) Act 2010, EU Habitats Directive, EU Wild Birds Directive, and marine components of Sites of Specific Scientific Interest (SSSI).\r\nThere are currently 47 Special Protection Areas (SPAs), under the EU Wild Birds Directive, and a further 17 SSSIs already providing protection of seabirds in the MPA network.\r\nWork is also progressing to identify further locations in the marine environment that meet the criteria for consideration as Special Protection Areas for seabirds and waterfowl for critical activities such as foraging.\r\nThe only species of seabird in Scotland not covered by SPA provisions of the EU Wild Birds Directive is the Black Guillemot. Consequently Nature Conservation MPA proposals are being identified, under the Marine (Scotland) Act 2010, for this species. There will also be proposals for protection of sandeels, a key prey species for seabirds.\r\nIt is envisaged that completion of all of these designations will provide a resilient MPA network for seabirds. The periodic reviews of the network as required by the Marine (Scotland) Act 2010 will provide an opportunity to ensure that this is the case.\r\nI will report in detail to the Parliament on progress to create the MPA network in December 2012.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-24T13:40:11.34","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276625,"EventID":"S4W-09862","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5109,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":101,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-26T13:40:11.717","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-25T16:26:01","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what opportunities remain for public and stakeholder engagement in the development of marine protected areas under the Marine (Scotland) Act 2010.","AnswerText":"Scottish Ministers will receive advice on the development of a network of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) from Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) and Joint Nature Conservation Committee (JNCC) in November 2012, and will report to the Parliament in December 2012.\r\nThe public consultation, planned for summer 2013, will be a major opportunity for any interested party to present views on the development of the network as well as views on individual MPA proposals for designation under the Marine (Scotland) Act 2010.\r\nIn the intervening periods Marine Scotland will continue to have bilateral meetings with marine industry representatives, other marine stakeholder groups, and environmental NGOs on a regular basis to discuss the shape of the network and possible management implications. They will also consider requests from other interested parties for further engagement in the process.\r\nHistoric Scotland has developed proposals for Historic MPAs. There will be public consultation on these proposals beginning before the end of 2012, with a view to first designations during 2013.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-24T13:40:11.73","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276626,"EventID":"S4W-09863","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1866,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-26T13:40:11.98","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-25T16:39:39","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the birth rate has been in each year since 2007-08, broken down by NHS board.\r\n","AnswerText":"The birth rate for each year since 2007-08, broken down by NHS board is detailed in the following tables:\r\nNHS Board Areas\r\nEstimated Population\r\n30 June 2007\r\nLive Births 2007\r\n2007 Birth Rate1\r\nScotland\r\n5,144,200\r\n57,781\r\n11.2\r\nAyrshire and Arran\r\n367,020\r\n3,861\r\n10.5\r\nBorders\r\n111,430\r\n1,169\r\n10.5\r\nDumfries and Galloway\r\n148,300\r\n1,507\r\n10.2\r\nFife\r\n360,428\r\n4,076\r\n11.3\r\nForth Valley\r\n288,473\r\n3,405\r\n11.8\r\nGrampian\r\n535,290\r\n6,108\r\n11.4\r\nGreater Glasgow and Clyde\r\n1,192,419\r\n13,750\r\n11.5\r\nHighland \r\n308,790\r\n3,073\r\n10.0\r\nLanarkshire\r\n560,042\r\n6,548\r\n11.7\r\nLothian\r\n809,764\r\n9,378\r\n11.6\r\nOrkney\r\n19,860\r\n190\r\n9.6\r\nShetland\r\n21,950\r\n244\r\n11.1\r\nTayside\r\n394,134\r\n4,209\r\n10.7\r\nWestern Isles\r\n26,300\r\n263\r\n10.0\r\n\r\nNHS Board Areas\r\nEstimated Population\r\n30 June 2008\r\nLive Births 2008\r\n2008 Birth Rate1\r\nScotland\r\n5,168,500\r\n60,041\r\n11.6\r\nAyrshire and Arran\r\n367,510\r\n3,919\r\n10.7\r\nBorders\r\n112,430\r\n1,138\r\n10.1\r\nDumfries and Galloway\r\n148,580\r\n1,430\r\n9.6\r\nFife\r\n361,815\r\n4,349\r\n12.0\r\nForth Valley\r\n290,047\r\n3,454\r\n11.9\r\nGrampian\r\n539,630\r\n6,323\r\n11.7\r\nGreater Glasgow and Clyde\r\n1,194,675\r\n14,221\r\n11.9\r\nHighland \r\n309,900\r\n3,289\r\n10.6\r\nLanarkshire\r\n561,174\r\n6,848\r\n12.2\r\nLothian\r\n817,727\r\n9,886\r\n12.1\r\nOrkney\r\n19,890\r\n214\r\n10.8\r\nShetland\r\n21,980\r\n278\r\n12.6\r\nTayside\r\n396,942\r\n4,435\r\n11.2\r\nWestern Isles\r\n26,200\r\n257\r\n9.8\r\n\r\nNHS Board Areas\r\nEstimated Population\r\n30 June 2009\r\nLive Births 2009\r\n2009 Birth Rate1\r\nScotland\r\n5,194,000\r\n59,046\r\n11.4\r\nAyrshire and Arran\r\n367,160\r\n3,914\r\n10.7\r\nBorders\r\n112,680\r\n1,157\r\n10.3\r\nDumfries and Galloway\r\n148,510\r\n1,507\r\n10.1\r\nFife\r\n363,385\r\n4,135\r\n11.4\r\nForth Valley\r\n291,383\r\n3,345\r\n11.5\r\nGrampian\r\n544,980\r\n6,433\r\n11.8\r\nGreater Glasgow and Clyde\r\n1,199,026\r\n14,015\r\n11.7\r\nHighland \r\n310,530\r\n3,189\r\n10.3\r\nLanarkshire\r\n562,215\r\n6,575\r\n11.7\r\nLothian\r\n826,231\r\n9,719\r\n11.8\r\nOrkney\r\n19,960\r\n199\r\n10.0\r\nShetland\r\n22,210\r\n273\r\n12.3\r\nTayside\r\n399,550\r\n4,358\r\n10.9\r\nWestern Isles\r\n26,180\r\n227\r\n8.7\r\n\r\nNHS Board Areas\r\nEstimated Population\r\n30 June 2010\r\nLive Births 2010\r\n2010 Birth Rate1\r\nScotland\r\n5,222,100\r\n58,791\r\n11.3\r\nAyrshire and Arran\r\n366,860\r\n3,819\r\n10.4\r\nBorders\r\n112,870\r\n1,161\r\n10.3\r\nDumfries and Galloway\r\n148,190\r\n1,445\r\n9.8\r\nFife\r\n364,945\r\n4,172\r\n11.4\r\nForth Valley\r\n293,386\r\n3,330\r\n11.4\r\nGrampian\r\n550,620\r\n6,254\r\n11.4\r\nGreater Glasgow and Clyde\r\n1,203,870\r\n14,106\r\n11.7\r\nHighland \r\n310,830\r\n3,230\r\n10.4\r\nLanarkshire\r\n562,477\r\n6,445\r\n11.5\r\nLothian\r\n836,711\r\n9,824\r\n11.7\r\nOrkney\r\n20,110\r\n197\r\n9.8\r\nShetland\r\n22,400\r\n266\r\n11.9\r\nTayside\r\n402,641\r\n4,307\r\n10.7\r\nWestern Isles\r\n26,190\r\n235\r\n9.0\r\n\r\nNHS Board Areas\r\nEstimated Population\r\n30 June 2011\r\nLive Births 2011\r\n2011 Birth Rate1\r\nScotland\r\n5,254,800\r\n58,590\r\n11.1\r\nAyrshire and Arran\r\n366,890\r\n3,887\r\n10.6\r\nBorders\r\n113,150\r\n1,108\r\n9.8\r\nDumfries and Galloway\r\n148,060\r\n1,396\r\n9.4\r\nFife\r\n367,292\r\n4,268\r\n11.6\r\nForth Valley\r\n295,541\r\n3,154\r\n10.7\r\nGrampian\r\n555,280\r\n6,276\r\n11.3\r\nGreater Glasgow and Clyde\r\n1,210,254\r\n14,067\r\n11.6\r\nHighland \r\n311,960\r\n3,090\r\n9.9\r\nLanarkshire\r\n563,185\r\n6,502\r\n11.5\r\nLothian\r\n848,727\r\n9,794\r\n11.5\r\nOrkney\r\n20,160\r\n205\r\n10.2\r\nShetland\r\n22,500\r\n242\r\n10.8\r\nTayside\r\n405,721\r\n4,366\r\n10.8\r\nWestern Isles\r\n26,080\r\n235\r\n9.0\r\nSource: National Records of Scotland.\r\nNote: 1. Rate per 1,000 population.","AnswerDate":"2012-10-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-24T13:40:11.997","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276627,"EventID":"S4W-09864","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1866,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-26T13:40:12.31","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-25T16:39:39","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the birth rate for twin and multiple births has been in each year since 2007-08, broken down by NHS board.\r\n","AnswerText":"The birth rate for twin and multiple births in each year since 2007-08, broken down by NHS board, is detailed in the following tables:\r\nNHS Board Areas\r\nEstimated Population\r\n30 June 2007\r\nMultiple Births2 2007\r\n2007 Multiple Birth Rate1\r\nScotland\r\n5,144,200\r\n893\r\n0.2\r\nAyrshire and Arran\r\n367,020\r\n69\r\n0.2\r\nBorders\r\n111,430\r\n17\r\n0.2\r\nDumfries and Galloway\r\n148,300\r\n30\r\n0.2\r\nFife\r\n360,428\r\n54\r\n0.1\r\nForth Valley\r\n288,473\r\n42\r\n0.1\r\nGrampian\r\n535,290\r\n90\r\n0.2\r\nGreater Glasgow and Clyde\r\n1,192,419\r\n212\r\n0.2\r\nHighland \r\n308,790\r\n40\r\n0.1\r\nLanarkshire\r\n560,042\r\n110\r\n0.2\r\nLothian\r\n809,764\r\n154\r\n0.2\r\nOrkney\r\n19,860\r\n1\r\n0.1\r\nShetland\r\n21,950\r\n2\r\n0.1\r\nTayside\r\n394,134\r\n64\r\n0.2\r\nWestern Isles\r\n26,300\r\n8\r\n0.3\r\n\r\nNHS Board Areas\r\nEstimated Population\r\n30 June 2008\r\nMultiple Births2 2008\r\n2008 Multiple Birth Rate1\r\nScotland\r\n5,168,500\r\n962\r\n0.2\r\nAyrshire and Arran\r\n367,510\r\n52\r\n0.1\r\nBorders\r\n112,430\r\n13\r\n0.1\r\nDumfries and Galloway\r\n148,580\r\n15\r\n0.1\r\nFife\r\n361,815\r\n79\r\n0.2\r\nForth Valley\r\n290,047\r\n66\r\n0.2\r\nGrampian\r\n539,630\r\n102\r\n0.2\r\nGreater Glasgow and Clyde\r\n1,194,675\r\n213\r\n0.2\r\nHighland \r\n309,900\r\n56\r\n0.2\r\nLanarkshire\r\n561,174\r\n112\r\n0.2\r\nLothian\r\n817,727\r\n172\r\n0.2\r\nOrkney\r\n19,890\r\n4\r\n0.2\r\nShetland\r\n21,980\r\n8\r\n0.4\r\nTayside\r\n396,942\r\n68\r\n0.2\r\nWestern Isles\r\n26,200\r\n2\r\n0.1\r\n\r\nNHS Board Areas\r\nEstimated Population\r\n30 June 2009\r\nMultiple Births2 2009\r\n2009 Multiple Birth Rate1\r\nScotland\r\n5,194,000\r\n937\r\n0.2\r\nAyrshire and Arran\r\n367,160\r\n57\r\n0.2\r\nBorders\r\n112,680\r\n18\r\n0.2\r\nDumfries and Galloway\r\n148,510\r\n25\r\n0.2\r\nFife\r\n363,385\r\n69\r\n0.2\r\nForth Valley\r\n291,383\r\n75\r\n0.3\r\nGrampian\r\n544,980\r\n90\r\n0.2\r\nGreater Glasgow and Clyde\r\n1,199,026\r\n199\r\n0.2\r\nHighland \r\n310,530\r\n43\r\n0.1\r\nLanarkshire\r\n562,215\r\n98\r\n0.2\r\nLothian\r\n826,231\r\n166\r\n0.2\r\nOrkney\r\n19,960\r\n4\r\n0.2\r\nShetland\r\n22,210\r\n9\r\n0.4\r\nTayside\r\n399,550\r\n79\r\n0.2\r\nWestern Isles\r\n26,180\r\n5\r\n0.2\r\n\r\nNHS Board Areas\r\nEstimated Population\r\n30 June 2010\r\nMultiple Births2 2010\r\n2010 Multiple Birth Rate1\r\nScotland\r\n5,222,100\r\n931\r\n0.2\r\nAyrshire and Arran\r\n366,860\r\n70\r\n0.2\r\nBorders\r\n112,870\r\n19\r\n0.2\r\nDumfries and Galloway\r\n148,190\r\n18\r\n0.1\r\nFife\r\n364,945\r\n65\r\n0.2\r\nForth Valley\r\n293,386\r\n54\r\n0.2\r\nGrampian\r\n550,620\r\n77\r\n0.1\r\nGreater Glasgow and Clyde\r\n1,203,870\r\n239\r\n0.2\r\nHighland \r\n310,830\r\n51\r\n0.2\r\nLanarkshire\r\n562,477\r\n100\r\n0.2\r\nLothian\r\n836,711\r\n164\r\n0.2\r\nOrkney\r\n20,110\r\n5\r\n0.2\r\nShetland\r\n22,400\r\n2\r\n0.1\r\nTayside\r\n402,641\r\n62\r\n0.2\r\nWestern Isles\r\n26,190\r\n5\r\n0.2\r\n\r\nNHS Board Areas\r\nEstimated Population\r\n30 June 2011\r\nMultiple Births2 2011\r\n2011 Multiple Birth Rate1\r\nScotland\r\n5,254,800\r\n862\r\n0.2\r\nAyrshire and Arran\r\n366,890\r\n49\r\n0.1\r\nBorders\r\n113,150\r\n23\r\n0.2\r\nDumfries and Galloway\r\n148,060\r\n21\r\n0.1\r\nFife\r\n367,292\r\n52\r\n0.1\r\nForth Valley\r\n295,541\r\n47\r\n0.2\r\nGrampian\r\n555,280\r\n97\r\n0.2\r\nGreater Glasgow and Clyde\r\n1,210,254\r\n206\r\n0.2\r\nHighland \r\n311,960\r\n44\r\n0.1\r\nLanarkshire\r\n563,185\r\n107\r\n0.2\r\nLothian\r\n848,727\r\n153\r\n0.2\r\nOrkney\r\n20,160\r\n1\r\n0.0\r\nShetland\r\n22,500\r\n5\r\n0.2\r\nTayside\r\n405,721\r\n57\r\n0.1\r\nWestern Isles\r\n26,080\r\n0\r\n0.0\r\nSource - National Records of Scotland.\r\nNotes: \r\n1. Rate per 1,000 population.\r\n2. Multiple births figures for twins and triplets etc are the numbers of multiple birth events rather than the number of babies born. A multiple birth may involve both live births and stillbirths. For example, a “twin” birth could involve two live births, one live birth and one stillbirth, or two stillbirths. “Stillbirths”.","AnswerDate":"2012-10-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-24T13:40:12.323","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276628,"EventID":"S4W-09865","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1866,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-26T13:40:12.603","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-25T16:39:39","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what proportion of pregnant women has been identified as (a) smokers, (b) drug users and (c) alcohol users at the time of their first appointment in each year since 2007-08, broken down by NHS board.\r\n","AnswerText":"The proportion of pregnant women identified as (a) smokers, (b) drug users and (c) alcohol users at the time of their first appointment in each year since 2007-08, broken down by NHS board, is shown in the following tables:\r\n(a) Proportion of Women1 Smoking at Booking2 Recorded on SMR02 by NHS Board of Residence3; Year Ending 31 March\r\n\r\n2008\r\n2009\r\n2010P\r\n \r\n% smoking\r\n% not known\r\n% smoking\r\n% not known\r\n% smoking\r\n% not known\r\nNHS Ayrshire and Arran\r\n26.8\r\n1.6\r\n26.4\r\n1.3\r\n26.2\r\n1.9\r\nNHS Borders\r\n23.5\r\n2.2\r\n22.7\r\n5.2\r\n23.2\r\n5.9\r\nNHS Dumfries and Galloway\r\n24.2\r\n5.1\r\n24.7\r\n6.1\r\n22.3\r\n4.2\r\nNHS Fife\r\n24.3\r\n2.2\r\n25.4\r\n0.7\r\n24.8\r\n1.3\r\nNHS Forth Valley\r\n21.9\r\n8.4\r\n18.6\r\n19.0\r\n19.9\r\n2.6\r\nNHS Grampian\r\n20.3\r\n2.6\r\n17.7\r\n1.6\r\n17.5\r\n0.7\r\nNHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde\r\n15.5\r\n33.2\r\n16.6\r\n25.8\r\n18.0\r\n8.4\r\nNHS Highland\r\n23.0\r\n5.6\r\n21.8\r\n3.6\r\n22.2\r\n3.7\r\nNHS Lanarkshire\r\n18.3\r\n21.1\r\n18.9\r\n19.9\r\n19.4\r\n8.0\r\nNHS Lothian\r\n14.8\r\n4.7\r\n8.0\r\n23.0\r\n10.7\r\n41.8\r\nNHS Orkney\r\n18.0\r\n2.1\r\n9.9\r\n4.9\r\n9.0\r\n2.1\r\nNHS Shetland\r\n15.0\r\n7.5\r\n17.9\r\n3.6\r\n14.5\r\n7.8\r\nNHS Tayside\r\n22.0\r\n16.6\r\n24.9\r\n1.6\r\n23.0\r\n1.0\r\nNHS Western Isles\r\n5.3\r\n54.1\r\n15.7\r\n9.9\r\n15.6\r\n11.0\r\nOther4\r\n16.3\r\n18.6\r\n8.9\r\n32.2\r\n10.9\r\n28.1\r\nScotland\r\n19.2\r\n14.1\r\n18.1\r\n14.2\r\n18.8\r\n10.7\r\nPProvisional.\r\nNotes:\r\n1. Excludes home births and births at non-NHS hospitals.\r\n2. In recent years there have been concerns about the completeness and quality of the SMR02 data. There is considerable pressure on women not to smoke during pregnancy and it is anticipated that some women may not be completely truthful when describing their smoking behaviour at the booking clinic. \r\n3. Scotland data includes births where NHS board of residence is unknown or outside Scotland.\r\n4. Patients resident outwith Scotland or Scottish residents who cannot be assigned to a NHS board.\r\n(b) Proportion of Women1 with Drug Misuse During Pregnancy2 Recorded on SMR02 by NHS Board Of Residence3; Year Ending 31 March\r\n\r\n2008\r\n2009\r\n2010\r\n \r\n% using drugs\r\n% not known\r\n% using drugs\r\n% not known\r\n% using drugs\r\n% not known\r\nNHS Ayrshire and Arran\r\n2.4\r\n5.5\r\n2.2\r\n13.9\r\n2.0\r\n3.6\r\nNHS Borders\r\n*\r\n99.8\r\n*\r\n99.7\r\n0.6\r\n77.9\r\nNHS Dumfries and Galloway\r\n1.2\r\n23.3\r\n1.3\r\n7.7\r\n1.2\r\n6.9\r\nNHS Fife\r\n1.5\r\n55.8\r\n1.4\r\n36.9\r\n1.0\r\n4.9\r\nNHS Forth Valley\r\n1.1\r\n76.6\r\n1.1\r\n64.0\r\n0.0\r\n99.1\r\nNHS Grampian\r\n0.4\r\n76.8\r\n1.6\r\n4.6\r\n1.4\r\n4.8\r\nNHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde\r\n0.3\r\n96.7\r\n0.2\r\n96.1\r\n1.3\r\n79.8\r\nNHS Highland\r\n0.8\r\n87.8\r\n0.9\r\n87.1\r\n1.1\r\n57.2\r\nNHS Lanarkshire\r\n0.5\r\n99.1\r\n0.4\r\n98.8\r\n0.4\r\n96.1\r\nNHS Lothian\r\n0.4\r\n99.4\r\n0.2\r\n99.5\r\n3.3\r\n49.0\r\nNHS Tayside\r\n1.0\r\n65.5\r\n1.3\r\n57.8\r\n2.2\r\n34.5\r\nNHS Island boards4\r\n*\r\n55.5\r\n*\r\n61.8\r\n*\r\n71.8\r\nOther5\r\n0.0\r\n93.0\r\n0.0\r\n90.6\r\n1.8\r\n65.1\r\nScotland\r\n0.7\r\n80.0\r\n0.8\r\n69.8\r\n1.5\r\n52.6\r\nNotes:\r\n1. Excludes home births and births at non-NHS hospitals.\r\n2. Recording of Drug misuse during this pregnancy became mandatory in April 2011.\r\nDefinition\r\nDrug misuse at any time during the current pregnancy. Includes use of illegal drugs, solvents and gases, drugs prescribed for someone else’s use (i.e. “street use”). Also included are drugs which are prescribed to the woman by a doctor as a substitute for the drug(s) of addiction (e.g. prescribed methadone) or to alleviate the symptoms of withdrawal (e.g.prescribed diazepam). Excludes tobacco, alcohol or “over the counter” medicines.\r\n3. Scotland data includes births where NHS board of residence is unknown or outside Scotland.\r\n4. NHS Orkney, Shetland and Western Isles.\r\n5. Patients resident outwith Scotland or Scottish residents who cannot be assigned to a NHS board.\r\n*Indicates values that have been suppressed due to the potential risk of disclosure.\r\n(c) Proportion of Women1 Recorded as Consuming Alcohol2 on SMR02 by NHS Board of Residence3; Year Ending 31 March\r\n \r\n2008\r\n2009\r\n2010\r\n% using alcohol\r\n% not known\r\n% using alcohol\r\n% not known\r\n% using alcohol\r\n% not known\r\nNHS Ayrshire and Arran\r\n21.9\r\n6.9\r\n8.7\r\n11.2\r\n14.9\r\n7.1\r\nNHS Borders\r\n5.0\r\n50.6\r\n12.9\r\n46.1\r\n15.5\r\n28.6\r\nNHS Dumfries and Gallowa","AnswerDate":"2012-10-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-24T13:40:12.62","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276629,"EventID":"S4W-09866","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1866,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-26T13:40:12.933","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-25T16:39:39","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many full-time equivalent midwives have been employed by the NHS in each year since 2007-08, broken down by NHS board.","AnswerText":"The information requested is published on ISD’s website under:\r\nhttp://www.isdscotland.org/Health-Topics/Workforce/Publications/2012-08-28/Nursing_and_Midwifery_SIP_J2012.xls?18228657.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-24T13:40:12.947","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276630,"EventID":"S4W-09867","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1866,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-26T13:40:13.23","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-25T16:39:39","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many students have qualified as midwives in each year since 2007-08 and what proportion has gone on to find employment in the NHS.\r\n","AnswerText":"The number of students graduating as midwives in each year since 2007-08 is as detailed in the following table:\r\nYear\r\n36 Month\r\n18 Month\r\nTotal\r\n2007\r\n131\r\n30\r\n161\r\n2008\r\n124\r\n19\r\n143\r\n2009\r\n125\r\n19\r\n144\r\n2010\r\n139\r\n15\r\n154\r\n2011\r\n146\r\n11\r\n157\r\nTotal\r\n665\r\n94\r\n759\r\nStatistics from NHS Education from Scotland.\r\nData on the number of midwifery students joining NHSScotland is not available. \r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-24T13:40:13.243","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276631,"EventID":"S4W-09868","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-26T13:40:13.527","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-25T19:26:33","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much has been allocated to each NHS board for prescription costs in (a) 2012-13, (b) 2013-14 and (c) 2014-15.\r\n","AnswerText":"Prescribing costs are funded from NHS board baseline budget allocations provided by the Scottish Government.\r\nTerritorial NHS boards received a 2.9% increase in baseline funding in 2012-13. Subject to Scottish Parliament approval, territorial NHS boards will receive increases in baseline funding of 3.3% and 3.1% in 2013-14 and 2014-15 respectively. It is for NHS boards to determine how best to utilise baseline funding to meet the healthcare needs of their resident population.\r\nThe increase in baseline funding provided to territorial NHS boards in 2011-12 included £57 million to meet the projected cost of the abolition of prescription charges. This is a recurring source of funding for NHS boards and is thus included in their baseline budgets in future years.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-24T13:40:13.54","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276632,"EventID":"S4W-09869","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-26T13:40:14.103","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-25T20:33:23","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on the Public Audit Committee’s assessment that many people from deprived communities feel that it is inevitable that they will have health problems like heart disease, and what action it will take to change this perception.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government is committed to addressing the unfair and unjust health differences which disproportionately affect those living in Scotland’s most deprived communities. That is why the Keep Well anticipatory health checks are targeted at people over 40, living in Scotland’s poorest communities and most at risk of poor health.\r\nOur approach to tackling health inequalities was set out in Equally Well, the report of the Ministerial Task Force on Health Inequalities. A key feature being the shift in emphasis from dealing with the consequences of health inequalities to tackling the underlying causes such as poverty, employment, support for families and improving physical and social environments.\r\nThis has included the promotion of an assets-based approach, engaging with communities, to build on the resources that they have at their disposal, to promote self-esteem and the coping abilities of individuals and their communities. Examples of this work include the Equally Well test sites, which sought to promote collaboration amongst local public service providers with the aim of reducing inequalities in health and wellbeing. The Ministerial Task Force will meet on 29 November to examine progress.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-24T13:40:14.117","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276633,"EventID":"S4W-09870","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-26T13:40:14.493","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-25T20:33:23","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on Professor Keith Oldroyd’s assessment that cost is the reason for not providing heart patients with certain treatments.","AnswerText":"We are not aware of any systematic evidence to suggest that Scottish patients are being disadvantaged in terms of access to medicines or devices of proven effectiveness.\r\nTo help ensure that patients can gain appropriate access to new treatments, boards are supported by robust mechanisms on advice and guidance, including the Scottish Medicines Consortium, the Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network (SIGN) and the Scottish Health Technologies Group.\r\nThere has been substantial investment and redesign in cardiology services over the last 15 years. The Audit Scotland report (February 2012) shows that there has been significant progress in tackling heart disease and developing services. Premature mortality has dropped by 40 per cent in 10 years, more patients are getting better treatment and waiting times for treatment have fallen.\r\nThe Scottish Government’s policy on heart disease is set out in our “Better Heart Disease and Stroke Care Action Plan” which reaffirms the expectation that all NHS boards provide safe, effective and person-centred services. Implementation of the Action Plan will support further reductions in the number of deaths from heart disease.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-24T13:40:14.507","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276634,"EventID":"S4W-09871","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-26T13:40:14.85","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-25T20:33:23","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether staffing shortages are having an impact on cancer screening.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government is not aware of any staffing shortages impacting on cancer screening in Scotland.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-24T13:40:14.85","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276635,"EventID":"S4W-09872","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1932,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":117,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-26T13:40:15.227","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-26T09:08:43","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what grant funding is available to help private householders clean up contaminated land.","AnswerText":"Local authorities have the responsibility to inspect land for contamination and to secure remediation where there is a significant risk to human health. The former Contaminated Land Grant has been subsumed into annual Scottish Government grants to local authorities. Local authorities are expected to recover the costs of remediation, preferably from the persons or companies responsible for the contamination. There has not been any direct funding for private householders.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-24T13:40:15.24","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276636,"EventID":"S4W-09873","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1932,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":117,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-26T13:40:15.583","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-26T09:08:43","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide details of any funding that has previously been provided to private householders in order to assist them with cleaning up contaminated land.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-09872 on 22 October 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-24T13:40:15.6","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276641,"EventID":"S4O-01337","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":5060,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-26T14:23:21.69","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-24T12:04:33.853","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what consultation has taken place regarding changes to the timetable for rail services between Paisley Gilmour Street, Ayr and Glasgow Central.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-24T14:23:21.817","MeetingDate":"2012-10-03T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276642,"EventID":"S4O-01338","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":1986,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":142,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-26T14:23:22.127","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-24T12:04:34.087","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what action it is taking to assist in the regeneration of Inverclyde.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-24T14:23:22.143","MeetingDate":"2012-10-03T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276643,"EventID":"S4O-01339","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":4964,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-26T14:23:22.44","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-24T12:04:34.35","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what recent discussions it has had with Aberdeen City Council regarding improvements to the Haudagain roundabout.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-24T14:23:22.457","MeetingDate":"2012-10-03T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276644,"EventID":"S4O-01340","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":3907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":135,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-26T14:23:22.737","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-24T12:04:34.693","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its strategy is for the roll-out of 4G mobile services.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-24T14:23:22.753","MeetingDate":"2012-10-03T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276645,"EventID":"S4O-01341","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":5074,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":104,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-26T14:23:23.003","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-24T12:04:34.897","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many homes affected by external sewer flooding are listed on Scottish Water’s register of properties.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-24T14:23:23.017","MeetingDate":"2012-10-03T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276646,"EventID":"S4O-01342","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":1932,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":117,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-26T14:23:23.297","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-24T12:04:35.13","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it ensures that construction companies headquartered in Scotland are provided with the best possible opportunities of being successful in bidding for public sector contracts.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-24T14:23:23.297","MeetingDate":"2012-10-03T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276647,"EventID":"S4O-01345","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":5042,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-26T14:23:23.64","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-24T12:04:35.863","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the year-on-year revenue savings will be as a result of reduced borrowing associated with the Edinburgh Glasgow Improvement Programme.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government remains committed to the Edinburgh Glasgow Improvement Programme and the electrification of the Scottish network. The estimated cost for the initial phase that I announced on 4 July is £650 million. The timing, specification and cost of future phases are yet to be determined. The Office of Rail Regulation will confirm Network Rail’s funding requirements to deliver our overall High Level Output Specification for 2014 to 2019 in October 2013.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-24T14:23:23.657","MeetingDate":"2012-10-03T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276648,"EventID":"S4O-01346","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":2673,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":114,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-26T14:23:23.953","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-24T12:05:03.227","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its future budget plans are for international development.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-24T14:23:23.97","MeetingDate":"2012-10-03T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276649,"EventID":"S4O-01347","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":1882,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":129,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-26T14:23:24.233","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-24T12:05:03.523","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what plans are in place to appoint a national scrievar.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-24T14:23:24.25","MeetingDate":"2012-10-03T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276650,"EventID":"S4O-01348","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":5047,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-26T14:23:24.53","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-24T12:05:03.773","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what involvement the Cabinet Secretary for Culture and External Affairs will have with Glasgow City Council regarding the 2018 Youth Olympic Games under the major events strategy.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-24T14:23:24.547","MeetingDate":"2012-10-03T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276651,"EventID":"S4O-01349","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":2595,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-26T14:23:24.827","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-24T12:05:04.007","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what progress has been made with the Young Scots Fund in supporting emerging young talent.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-24T14:23:24.843","MeetingDate":"2012-10-03T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276652,"EventID":"S4O-01350","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":4014,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-26T14:23:25.14","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-24T12:05:04.287","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what progress it has made to increase digital participation across Scotland.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-24T14:23:25.14","MeetingDate":"2012-10-03T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276653,"EventID":"S4O-01351","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":2345,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":128,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-26T14:23:25.42","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-24T12:05:04.617","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what discussion it has had with interested parties regarding the proposed World Festival of Flight 2013 to be held in the Ayr constituency.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-24T14:23:25.437","MeetingDate":"2012-10-03T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276654,"EventID":"S4O-01352","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":4956,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":106,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-26T14:23:25.717","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-24T12:05:05.16","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what cultural exchanges it is pursuing with non-EU European nations.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-24T14:23:25.733","MeetingDate":"2012-10-03T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276655,"EventID":"S4O-01353","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":5041,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-26T14:23:25.997","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-24T12:05:05.457","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when it last met representatives of BBC Scotland and what issues were discussed.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-24T14:23:26.013","MeetingDate":"2012-10-03T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276656,"EventID":"S4O-01354","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":4948,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-26T14:23:26.323","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-24T12:05:06.02","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what plans it has to improve the historic built environment in the Highlands and Islands, given the increase in funding to Historic Scotland as set out in the draft budget 2013-14.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-24T14:23:26.34","MeetingDate":"2012-10-03T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276657,"EventID":"S4O-01355","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":5079,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-26T14:23:26.637","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-26T10:42:59.487","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what recent discussions it has had with trades unions regarding support for international projects in which they are both involved.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-24T14:23:26.637","MeetingDate":"2012-10-03T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276658,"EventID":"S4O-01356","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2059,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":91,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-26T14:46:50.047","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-24T12:05:57.283","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the priorities of the 2013-14 draft budget are.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-24T14:46:50.063","MeetingDate":"2012-10-04T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276659,"EventID":"S4O-01357","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1742,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-26T14:46:50.437","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-24T12:05:57.533","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what assessment it has made of the discharge by local authorities of their obligations under the Flood Risk Management (Scotland) Act 2009.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-24T14:46:50.453","MeetingDate":"2012-10-04T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276660,"EventID":"S4O-01358","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-26T14:46:50.733","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-24T12:05:57.78","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what progress it is making in establishing an energy academy.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-24T14:46:50.75","MeetingDate":"2012-10-04T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276661,"EventID":"S4O-01359","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":4955,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":105,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-26T14:46:51.047","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-24T12:05:58.123","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what progress is being made through the extended hours initiative to widen public access to out-of-hours GP services.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-24T14:46:51.077","MeetingDate":"2012-10-04T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276662,"EventID":"S4O-01360","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":4934,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-26T14:46:51.343","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-26T11:38:03.157","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what action it is taking to ensure that school outdoor environments promote physical activity and healthy lifestyles.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-24T14:46:51.36","MeetingDate":"2012-10-04T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276663,"EventID":"S4O-01362","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2674,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":99,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-26T14:46:51.61","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-24T12:05:59.17","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what plans the Cabinet Secretary for Justice has to reduce the number of speeding offences on trunk roads.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-24T14:46:51.623","MeetingDate":"2012-10-04T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276664,"EventID":"S4O-01363","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":3751,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":108,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-26T14:46:51.89","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-24T12:05:59.403","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when the economic benefits of minimum pricing of alcohol will be evident.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-24T14:46:51.907","MeetingDate":"2012-10-04T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276665,"EventID":"S4O-01364","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":3745,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":122,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-26T14:46:52.157","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-24T12:05:59.67","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on a \"future in energy\" programme being taught in secondary schools under the curriculum for excellence.","AnswerText":"We are aware of the “Your Future in Energy” programme which helps raise young people’s awareness of career options in the energy sector, and develop relevant skills. It is vital that we engage with young people at an early stage in their learning to ensure they are informed about the future career and other opportunities available to them.\r\nSubjects which support pathways into energy sector careers, including mathematics, sciences and technologies, have a strong place within Curriculum for Excellence. Education Authorities and schools will make their own judgments about which teaching resources are most appropriate for the effective delivery of the curriculum in their schools.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-24T14:46:52.17","MeetingDate":"2012-10-04T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Alasdair Allan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276666,"EventID":"S4O-01365","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":5057,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-26T14:46:52.797","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-24T12:05:59.967","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what actions it has taken to encourage local authorities to introduce cashless vending and catering in schools.","AnswerText":"The Schools (Health promotion and Nutrition) Act 2007 places a duty on education authorities to promote school lunches and protect the identity of free school lunch recipients. Cashless catering can support these duties but is not the only method and we encourage local authorities to make catering service decisions based on local needs and circumstances. In addition, our Education Scotland Health and Nutrition Inspectors offer support and guidance to local authorities and schools on meeting the duties set out in the act.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-24T14:46:52.813","MeetingDate":"2012-10-04T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Alasdair Allan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276674,"EventID":"S4W-08617","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5079,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-26T16:55:12.293","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-10T11:41:54.913","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government how much it has spent on pin badges since 2007 and from what budget.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much it has spent on pin badges since 2007 and from what budget.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government uses pin badges as mementoes for visiting dignitaries and interest groups. They are also used as gifts when ministers visit overseas. In addition, the Scottish Government receive adhoc requests to send mementoes to overseas school children working on Scottish projects or classes who are going on exchanges to other countries seeking items to take to their hosts.\r\nAs a result, the cost for pin badges is covered by different budgets and departments throughout the core Scottish Government and this would only be obtained at disproportionate cost.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-24T16:55:12.323","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276675,"EventID":"S4W-08618","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5079,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-26T16:55:12.79","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-10T11:41:54.913","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government how many full-time equivalent civil servants, including secondees, have been employed in each ministerial private office in each quarter since 2007.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many full-time equivalent civil servants, including secondees, have been employed in each ministerial private office in each quarter since 2007.\r\n","AnswerText":"Prior to the election in May 2007 the civil servants employed in each Ministerial Private Office is outlined below:\r\nPrivate Office\r\nFTE Staff\r\nFirst Minister\r\n10\r\nDeputy First Minister\r\n6\r\nEnterprise and Lifelong Learning\r\n3\r\nParliamentary Business\r\n5\r\nJustice\r\n6\r\nEducation and Young People\r\n6\r\nEnvironment and Rural Development\r\n6\r\nCommunities\r\n6\r\nHealth and Community Care\r\n6\r\nFinance and Public Service Reform\r\n6\r\nTourism Sport and Culture\r\n4\r\nTransport\r\n4\r\nLaw Officers\r\n4\r\nTotal\r\n72\r\nFollowing the election in 2007 the ministerial posts were reduced and since then Private Office structures have remained more or less consistent, allowing for a certain degree of ebb and flow to reflect changes in Ministerial responsibilities and new Ministerial appointments.\r\nWe do not hold the information requested by quarter, therefore the table below provides the number of full-time equivalent posts which existed in each portfolio area in each financial year since 2007. These posts have not at all times been occupied.\r\nThe standard structure which has existed throughout this period has been for each Cabinet Secretary to have four members of staff, and each Junior Minister to have \r\ntwo members of staff. There are some offices where this varies depending on the volume of workload generated by individual portfolios but in the main this structure has been applied across the board. The structure of the First Minister’s office is different given his over-arching role across all portfolios and additional responsibilities as First Minister.\r\nThe figures provided for financial year 2012-13 are the number of posts in each office as at the date of the request.\r\nPortfolio\r\n2007-08\r\n2008-09\r\n2009-10\r\n1010-11\r\n2011-12\r\n2012-13\r\nFirst Minister\r\n11\r\n12\r\n12\r\n12\r\n12\r\n13\r\nParliamentary Business\r\n4\r\n4\r\n4\r\n4\r\n6¹,²\r\n3³\r\nCulture and External Affairs\r\n2\r\n2.7\r\n3\r\n3\r\n4¹\r\n6²\r\nFinance\r\n11\r\n11\r\n11\r\n11\r\n10\r\n10\r\nEducation\r\n8.1\r\n8\r\n8\r\n8\r\n8\r\n10²\r\nHealth\r\n9\r\n9\r\n9\r\n9\r\n8\r\n8\r\nRural Affairs\r\n6\r\n6.5\r\n6.5\r\n6.5\r\n6\r\n6.8\r\nJustice\r\n6\r\n6\r\n6\r\n6\r\n6\r\n6\r\nInfrastructure\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n7\r\n9²\r\nLaw Officers\r\n4\r\n4\r\n4\r\n4\r\n4\r\n4\r\nTotal \r\n61.1\r\n63.2\r\n63.5\r\n63.5\r\n71\r\n75.8\r\n1. Became a Cabinet position\r\n2. Addition of a Junior Minister\r\n3. Became a Junior Minister position\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-24T16:55:12.807","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276676,"EventID":"S4W-08619","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5079,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-26T16:55:13.12","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-10T11:41:54.913","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government how many trainees have been (a) recruited to and (b) retained in its legal service in each year since 2007.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many trainees have been (a) recruited to and (b) retained in its legal service in each year since 2007.\r\n","AnswerText":"(a) The Government Legal Service for Scotland (GLSS) has recruited legal trainees each year since 2007, as set out below. The main offices of the GLSS which use these legal trainees are the SG Legal Directorate, the Office of the Advocate General and the Office of the Solicitor to the Scottish Parliament.\r\n2007 a total of six legal trainees\r\n2008 a total of six legal trainees\r\n2009 a total of six legal trainees\r\n2010 a total of six legal trainees\r\n2011 a total of six legal trainees\r\nWe intend to recruit six legal trainees in 2012, and this is in progress.\r\n(b) The number of legal trainees retained by the GLSS on completion of a successful traineeship from 2007 onwards is set out in the following table.\r\n2007\r\n5\r\n2008\r\n5\r\n2009\r\n6\r\n2010\r\n5\r\n2011\r\n0\r\n2012\r\n0\r\nAlthough no legal trainees were offered permanent legal posts within the GLSS in 2011 or 2012 on completion of their traineeship contracts, all those who wanted to pursue a civil service career and who met the requirements were able to secure posts within the Scottish Government or UK Government Departments.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-24T16:55:13.133","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276677,"EventID":"S4W-08620","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5079,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-26T16:55:13.4","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-10T11:41:54.913","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government how much it and its agencies have spent on paper or plastic flags in each year since 2007.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much it and its agencies have spent on paper or plastic flags in each year since 2007.\r\n","AnswerText":"The distribution of plastic flags to audiences has been a common practice during the current and previous administrations at events both at home and abroad. Most recently this has been the case at the Ryder Cup handover ceremony and the Olympics. \r\nSince the budget for this was consolidated in 2010, the Scottish Government has spent: 2010-2011, £4,500 and in 2011-2012, £8,300, with the final amount for 2012-2013 yet to be determined as activity is ongoing. Non Departmental Public Bodies are responsible for managing their own marketing budgets, and are expected to deliver maximum value for the taxpayer\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-24T16:55:13.417","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276678,"EventID":"S4W-08621","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5079,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-26T16:55:13.697","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-10T11:41:54.913","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government what guidance or instructions the First Minister's office issues regarding the display of flags at events where the First Minister is expected to speak.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what guidance or instructions the First Minister's office issues regarding the display of flags at events where the First Minister is expected to speak.\r\n","AnswerText":"There is no guidance regarding the displaying of flags at events where the First Minister is expected to speak.\r\nThe Scottish Government Flag Flying Guidance 2012 applies to SG buildings (including Agencies & Non Departmental Public Bodies) but is not based on the presence or otherwise of the First Minister at events taking place in these venues. The guidance can be found at: http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/People/royal-ceremonial/Flag-Flying-Guidance-2012.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-24T16:55:13.713","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276679,"EventID":"S4W-08622","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5079,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-26T16:55:13.977","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-10T11:41:54.913","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government what protocol it follows regarding the display of flags at events hosted by the First Minister.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what protocol it follows regarding the display of flags at events hosted by the First Minister.\r\n","AnswerText":"There are no specific protocols regarding the display of flags at events hosted by the First Minister.\r\nThe Scottish Government Flag Flying Guidance 2012 applies to SG buildings (including Agencies & Non Departmental Public Bodies) but is not based on the presence or otherwise of the First Minister at events taking place in these venues. The guidance can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/People/royal-ceremonial/Flag-Flying-Guidance-2012.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-24T16:55:13.993","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276680,"EventID":"S4W-08625","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5079,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-26T16:55:14.273","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-10T11:41:54.913","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government how many (a) civil servants and (b) special advisers have worked on its constitutional team in each quarter since 2007.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many (a) civil servants and (b) special advisers have worked on its constitutional team in each quarter since 2007.\r\n","AnswerText":"Staff across the Scottish Government support Ministers in work on constitutional policy, including preparing for the implementation of the Scotland Act 2012 and the independence referendum in relation to their own policy areas, as and when required. For details of the staff of the Election and Constitution Division as at \r\n31 March 2008, 2009 & 2010 and 30 September 2010, I refer the Member to the answer to question S3W-36766 on 17 November 2011.\r\nCurrent details of Scottish Government staff supporting constitutional reform have been published on the Scottish Government website\r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/constitution/About/constitution-SG-staffing\r\nSpecial advisers are not members of the Elections and Constitution Team. However, I refer the Member to the answers to questions S3W-05415 on 15 October 2007, S3W-15385 on 3 September 2008, S3W-26243 on 3 August 2009, S3W-31349 on 22 February 2010, S4W-00282 on 1 July 2011 and S4W-10032 on 4 October 2012 for a breakdown in special adviser duties since 2007.\r\nAll answers to written Parliamentary Questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-24T16:55:14.29","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276681,"EventID":"S4W-08626","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5079,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-26T16:55:14.54","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-10T11:41:54.913","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government on how many occasions the Deputy First Minister has met the UK Government concerning the Scottish Government's cities strategy and what issues were discussed.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government on how many occasions the Deputy First Minister has met the UK Government concerning the Scottish Government's cities strategy and what issues were discussed.","AnswerText":"I have not met the UK Government specifically to discuss the Scottish Government’s cities strategy.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-24T16:55:14.553","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276682,"EventID":"S4W-09858","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":131,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-26T16:55:14.803","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-25T16:05:39","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the annual saving will be as a result of the reductions to the Edinburgh Glasgow Improvement Project funding announced on 4 July 2012.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government remains committed to the Edinburgh Glasgow Improvement Programme and the electrification of the Scottish network. The estimated cost for the initial phase that was announced on 4 July is £650 million. The timing, specification and cost of future phases are yet to be determined. The Office of Rail Regulation will confirm Network Rail’s funding requirements to deliver our overall High Level Output Specification.\r\nAny reductions in costs for the delivery of passenger services will be determined by bids received through the competitive procurement process for the ScotRail franchise.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-24T16:55:14.82","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276683,"EventID":"S4W-09892","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-26T16:55:15.13","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-26T13:59:41","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on who will pay for the creation and distribution of new croft maps that crofters will use as part of the crofting register requirements.","AnswerText":"Costs in relation to the provision of a map to accompany an application to register a croft are expected to be low. Crofters may have existing maps which have been prepared for other purposes but which show the croft extent; such maps can, if they accord with the mapping criteria required by the Registers of Scotland (RoS), be used to support the croft application. Appropriate new maps on which a croft boundary may be identified are readily available from a number of sources and crofters can mark up the boundaries themselves. In addition, RoS has indicated that it can provide a copy of the Ordnance Survey map for the area in question which can be used by the crofter to plot boundaries. As RoS works on a cost-recovery basis, a small charge will be made to cover administrative and printing costs of these maps, which is expected to be around £16 plus VAT. RoS has also advised that where a group of crofts are being registered together, a single plan showing the boundaries of those crofts can be used.\r\nIt is for individual applicants to determine whether they incur additional costs for, for example, professional advice on mapping the boundaries of a croft or whether other less expensive options are used. Guidance on mapping requirements will be made available prior to the Crofting Register becoming available later this year.\r\nThe cost of creation and distribution of new croft maps by RoS as a result of croft registration on the new Crofting Register will be included in the croft registration fee. As indicated by the Minister for Environment and Climate Change to the Rural Affairs, Climate Change and Environment Committee on 3 October 2012, this fee is expected to be around £100. Fees relating to the Register will be set out in the Crofting Register (Fees)(Scotland) Order 2012, expected to be laid in the Parliament in late October 2012. This is subject to Parliamentary approval of the Crofting Reform (Scotland) Act 2010 (Commencement No.3, Transitory, Transitional and Savings Provisions) Order 2012, which is presently being considered by the Parliament.\r\nThe Scottish Government and the Registers of Scotland have considered carefully how the costs of registration can be kept to a minimum. A registration fee of around £100 is significantly lower than the £250 originally estimated by RoS and is towards the lower end of the estimated £80 to £130 in the Financial Memorandum which accompanied the Crofting Reform (Scotland) Bill in 2009.\r\nAs my predecessor, Stewart Stevenson indicated in his response to Parliamentary Question S4W-05563 on 5 March 2012, the Scottish Government is providing considerable investment for the registration of croft land, including the full costs of developing and introducing the Crofting Register, £100,000 towards reducing croft registration costs where more than 10 crofts are submitted in the same group, and a further £100,000 towards the registration of common grazings.\r\nAll answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-24T16:55:15.147","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276691,"EventID":"S4W-09879","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-27T14:50:10.517","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-26T10:47:34","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many cases of drug-resistant tuberculosis have been reported in each year since 2007, broken down by NHS board.\r\n","AnswerText":"The following table provides the number of drug-resistant tuberculosis cases since 2007:\r\nNHS Board\r\n2007\r\n2008\r\n2009\r\n2010\r\n2011\r\nAyrshire and Arran\r\n0\r\n0\r\n2\r\n0\r\n0\r\nBorders\r\n1\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\nDumfries and Galloway\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n1\r\nFife\r\n0\r\n0\r\n2\r\n2\r\n1\r\nForth Valley\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\nGrampian\r\n5\r\n3\r\n1\r\n2\r\n1\r\nGreater Glasgow and Clyde\r\n5\r\n7\r\n9\r\n6\r\n8\r\nHighland\r\n0\r\n0\r\n1\r\n1\r\n7\r\nLanarkshire\r\n1\r\n1\r\n0\r\n0\r\n2\r\nLothian \r\n2\r\n3\r\n5\r\n4\r\n7\r\nOrkney\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\nShetland\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\nTayside\r\n1\r\n2\r\n2\r\n1\r\n0\r\nWestern Isles\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\nTotal\r\n15\r\n16\r\n22\r\n16\r\n27\r\nNotes:\r\n*All data for 2011 is still provisional.\r\n**Excludes M bovis resistance to pyrazinamide.","AnswerDate":"2012-10-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-25T14:50:11.75","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276692,"EventID":"S4W-09880","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-27T14:50:12.497","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-26T10:47:34","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what action is being taken to reduce the incidence of tuberculosis.\r\n","AnswerText":"In March 2011, the Scottish Government published a TB Action Plan for Scotland which aims to reduce the incidence of tuberculosis. The Action Plan is primarily intended for those involved in the delivery of TB-related services in Scotland and sets out a range of actions on key themes such as laboratory services, clinical services, surveillance and public health services. The plan can be accessed at http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2011/03/18095603/0.\r\nWork is ongoing to take forward the recommendations, and an Action Plan Monitoring Group has been established by the Scottish Government with representatives from NHS boards, Health Protection Scotland and professional bodies involved in work across TB.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-25T14:50:12.513","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276693,"EventID":"S4W-09881","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-27T14:50:13.043","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-26T10:47:34","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when it will publish the annual report on tuberculosis.\r\n","AnswerText":"NHS boards recently reported to the Scottish Government on progress made in relation to the recommendations in the TB Action Plan for Scotland. This information will form the basis of the annual report which will be published by the end of this year.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-25T14:50:13.06","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276694,"EventID":"S4W-09882","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-27T14:50:13.713","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-26T10:47:34","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many people have died of silicosis or related diseases in each year since 2003.\r\n","AnswerText":"The information requested is given in the following table. For the purpose of producing statistics on causes of death, deaths registered in Scotland are classified using the International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems, Tenth Revision (ICD-10), and normally counted on the basis of the underlying cause of the death.\r\nThe table gives the numbers of deaths for which the ICD-10 code for the underlying cause of the death was one of the specified codes:\r\n(a) silicosis - code \"J62\" for \"pneumoconiosis due to dust containing silica\" and code \"J65\" for \"pneumoconiosis associated with tuberculosis\", in cases where \"silicosis\" was mentioned in the text of the cause of death given in the death certificate; \r\n(b) related diseases - all other deaths coded \"J60\" to \"J65\". These cover other forms of pneumoconiosis, such as aluminosis, asbestosis, anthracosilicosis and anthracosis.\r\nUnderlying cause of death\r\nYear of Registration of Death\r\n2003\r\n2004\r\n2005\r\n2006\r\n2007\r\n2008\r\n2009\r\n2010\r\n2011\r\nSilicosis1\r\n2\r\n1\r\n1\r\n2\r\n0\r\n3\r\n3\r\n2\r\n0\r\nRelated diseases2\r\n24\r\n15\r\n17\r\n20\r\n15\r\n12\r\n17\r\n18\r\n11\r\nTotal silicosis and related diseases\r\n26\r\n16\r\n18\r\n22\r\n15\r\n15\r\n20\r\n20\r\n11\r\nNotes:\r\n1. ICD-10 code J62, plus any deaths coded J65 for which “silicosis” was mentioned in the text of the cause of death given in the death certificate.\r\n2. ICD-10 codes J60, J61, J63 and J64, plus deaths coded J65 for which “silicosis” was not mentioned in the cause of death.","AnswerDate":"2012-10-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-25T14:50:13.73","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276695,"EventID":"S4W-09883","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-27T14:50:14.183","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-26T10:53:19","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what percentage uplift in prescriptions has been budgeted for in (a) 2012-13, (b) 2013-14 and (c) 2014-15.\r\n","AnswerText":"Prescribing costs are funded from NHS board baseline budget allocations provided by the Scottish Government.\r\nTerritorial NHS boards received a 2.9% increase in baseline funding in 2012-13. Subject to Scottish Parliament approval, territorial NHS boards will receive increases in baseline funding of 3.3% and 3.1% in 2013-14 and 2014-15 respectively. It is for NHS boards to determine how best to utilise baseline funding to meet the healthcare needs of their resident population.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-25T14:50:14.197","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276696,"EventID":"S4W-09885","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5034,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-27T14:50:14.667","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-26T11:41:21","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government for what reason the (a) Cross-party Group on Human Trafficking and (b) Human Trafficking Foundation has not been invited to attend its human trafficking summit.\r\n","AnswerText":"Only senior representatives of those organisations with a statutory or clear role in enforcing the law, raising awareness with frontline staff, or delivering care and support to victims have been invited to the summit. Following the summit I shall write to the cross-party group outlining the actions agreed.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-25T14:50:14.68","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276697,"EventID":"S4W-09886","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5034,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-27T14:50:15.04","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-26T11:41:21","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the agenda is for its human trafficking summit.\r\n","AnswerText":"The summit will discuss the common themes from reports on human trafficking, including raising awareness; training for frontline professionals; data collection and analysis of trends; victim care and support; and legislation, enforcement and prosecution.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-25T14:50:15.057","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276698,"EventID":"S4W-09887","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5034,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-27T14:50:15.54","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-26T11:41:21","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what progress has been made on implementing the recommendations of the Commission on Women Offenders.\r\n","AnswerText":"As set out in the Scottish Government’s response to the report by the Commission on Women Offenders (the Commission), I accepted the recommendation that I report progress on implementing the report’s findings to the Parliament this month and annually thereafter. I will be writing to the Justice Committee by the end of October and my letter will be made available to all members via the Scottish Parliament Information Centre (Bib. number 54390).\r\nI have also accepted an invitation to attend the sitting of the Justice Committee scheduled for Tuesday 6 November, where I look forward to discussing progress against the Commission’s recommendations further.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-25T14:50:15.557","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276699,"EventID":"S4W-09889","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5034,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-27T14:50:15.993","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-26T11:41:21","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what provision for the construction of new prisons has been made in the 2013-14 budget.\r\n","AnswerText":"I have asked Colin McConnell, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service, to respond. His response is as follows:\r\nThe Scottish Government Draft Budget 2013-14, which was published on 20 September 2012, provides the Scottish Prison Service with a budget of £22.4 million which will be used to:\r\ncomplete the construction of HMP Grampian and prepare for the new prison opening in winter 2013-14 as a replacement for the existing HMPs Aberdeen and Peterhead;\r\nimplement improvements to the management of women offenders in Scotland in line with the accepted recommendations from the work of the Angiolini Commission on Women Offenders. This work will be supported by the provision of additional capital funding of £20 million in 2014-15;\r\ntake forward the construction of HMP Inverclyde, and\r\nacquire a site for HMP Highland, the planned replacement of the existing HMP Inverness.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-25T14:50:16.007","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276700,"EventID":"S4W-09890","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5034,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-27T14:50:16.583","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-26T11:41:21","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when it will bring forward proposals to replace HMP Cornton Vale.\r\n","AnswerText":"I have asked Colin McConnell, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service, to respond. His response is as follows:\r\nThe Scottish Government’s response to the Commission on Women Offenders (the Commission) on 25 June 2012 advised that over the summer the Scottish Prison Service (SPS) would consult with stakeholders on the size, nature and location of a new national prison to replace Cornton Vale and that the SPS would bring forward proposals in the autumn for the development of a new national prison. In August 2012 I issued a consultation paper and held a series of seven stakeholder events across Scotland on the new national prison. I am now considering the consultation findings and will shortly put recommendations to the Cabinet Secretary for Justice. The Cabinet Secretary will update the Parliament on progress in October 2012, as recommended by the Commission.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-25T14:50:16.6","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276701,"EventID":"S4W-09891","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5034,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-27T14:50:16.927","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-26T11:41:21","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it will implement the recommendations of HM Chief Inspector of Prisons' annual report with regard to (a) access to purposeful activity, (b) female offenders, (c)  preparation for release and (d) family access.\r\n","AnswerText":"I have asked Colin McConnell, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service, to respond. His response is as follows:\r\nIn his annual report the Chief Inspector did not make specific recommendations in relation to these areas, describing them as main issues which SPS should review and address. I can confirm, however, the following in relation to these main issues:\r\n(a) Access to purposeful activity\r\nPrisoners are engaged in purposeful activity across all prisons and this includes work, education, vocational training and a range of interventions and approved activities. Commercial enterprises exist across various sites.\r\nThe amount of hours a prisoner is engaged in purposeful activity hours varies depending on facilities available, individual prisoner needs and therefore differs between sites and prisoners. Overcrowding can also be a significant influence. Remand and civil prisoners and those excluded on medical grounds are not legally obliged to undertake work.\r\nDuring HMIP’s reporting year 2011-2012 SPS delivered 6,655,985 purposeful activity hours which was over 500,000 more than the previous year. \r\nSPS will continue to develop a regime for prisoners that maximises the range of purposeful activities available to them such as work, education and offender programmes to address their offending behaviour. The new facilities at Low Moss offer the opportunity to provide a comprehensive package of employment and educational interventions and we are monitoring Low Moss with a view to sharing best practice across the rest of the prison estate where possible\r\n(b) Female Offenders\r\nThe Cabinet Secretary in his response to the report by the Commission on Women Offenders in June 2012 confirmed that the six recommendations that relate directly to women offenders in a custodial setting had been accepted by him.\r\nHe also confirmed that over the summer the Scottish Prison Service (SPS) would consult with stakeholders on the size, nature and location of a new national prison to replace Cornton Vale and that the SPS would bring forward proposals in the autumn for the development of a new national prison. This consultation took place during August/September and I am now considering the consultation findings. I will shortly put recommendations to the Cabinet Secretary for Justice as well as provide an update on all six of these recommendations and the Cabinet Secretary will update the Parliament on progress towards the end of October 2012, as recommended by the Commission.\r\n(c) Preparation for Release \r\nHMIP’s comments regarding preparation for release (for male and females) mirror to a large extent some of the recommendations by the Commission on Women Offenders around preparation for release and throughcare. SPS is committed to working with Scottish Government and local authorities in implementing the Commission’s recommendations around community integration for women and to exploring how this could be extended for male offenders. SPS is also currently working with justice partners on piloting new community reintegration practice as part of the Reducing Reoffending Programme. Pilots are being conducted at Perth Prison with local partners for male prisoners and at Cornton Vale with local partners for females.\r\nAlso, a pilot project in HMP Greenock is underway to recruit and implement two Throughcare Support Officers with a view of providing ‘through the gate’ support for male and female prisoners.\r\n(d) Family access\r\nMaintaining and encouraging links with families and communities can make a valuable contribution to better reintegration for offenders leaving custody. The SPS is adopting a strategic approach to building positive relationships, under a strategy known as ‘Promoting Positive Relationships’. This approach aims to build on and enhance the work already underway in supporting the children and families of offenders, as well as developing policies and programmes around the areas of child protection and parenting. \r\nFamily contact at integ","AnswerDate":"2012-10-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-25T14:50:16.96","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276702,"EventID":"S4W-09893","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4086,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-27T14:50:17.333","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-26T14:25:39","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it considers the Rosyth-Zeebrugge freight ferry service an important means of transport for hauliers in Scotland.","AnswerText":"The Rosyth-Zeebrugge freight ferry service remains important to Scotland and to Scottish business, providing a direct link to the Continent and offering an alternative to road transport, with consequent reductions in environmental impact.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-25T14:50:17.363","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276703,"EventID":"S4W-09894","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4086,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-27T14:50:17.77","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-26T14:25:39","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what support it will provide to the Rosyth-Zeebrugge freight ferry service following the expiry of its Waterborne Freight Grant.","AnswerText":"We awarded Norfolkline/DFDS a Waterborne Freight Grant of €2 million (payable over three years) in May 2009. The purpose of the grant is to encourage the transfer of freight from road to sea, and funds the additional freight costs of shipping over that of the road alternative. EU state aid regulations limit grant awards to €2 million.\r\nWe continue to work closely with the operator of the Rosyth-Zeebrugge route to discuss the future of the service and continuing efforts to increase freight traffic to help make the route sustainable.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-25T14:50:17.787","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276704,"EventID":"S4W-09895","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4086,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-27T14:50:18.317","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-26T14:25:39","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it has considered what impact the creation of a sulphur oxides emissions control area in the North Sea in 2014 will have on the Rosyth-Zeebrugge freight ferry service.","AnswerText":"Any potential impact on the freight ferry service by the changes to the EU Directive covering sulphur oxides content in marine fuels, which comes into force in 2015, is a commercial matter for the Rosyth-Zeebrugge ferry operator to consider. We will continue to work with the operator to encourage the long-term future of the service.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-25T14:50:18.333","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276705,"EventID":"S4W-09896","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-27T14:50:18.677","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-26T16:12:21","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what schools have dispensation for the two hours of PE a week target; what the reason is for the dispensation in each case, and how long it has been in place. \r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government launched a joint commitment with COSLA on 29 March 2012 to deliver at least two hours of PE in primary schools and at least two periods of PE in secondary schools for pupils in S1 to S4, by 2014. We expect all schools to deliver this target by 2014.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-25T14:50:18.69","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alasdair Allan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276706,"EventID":"S4W-09897","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-27T14:50:19.033","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-26T16:12:21","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it plans to review the law on common good.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government concluded a wide-ranging exploratory consultation on ideas for the proposed Community Empowerment and Renewal Bill on 26 September 2012. Questions were included in the consultation to explore whether the current rules applying to common good assets were potentially acting as a barrier to their effective use by local authorities and local communities. The responses to the consultation are currently being considered. The responses and input from a cross-sector Reference Group, jointly chaired by COSLA, will help inform those proposals taken forward in a draft bill. The Scottish Government will consult on the draft Bill next year.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-25T14:50:19.05","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Derek Mackay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276707,"EventID":"S4W-09898","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-27T14:50:19.41","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-26T16:24:35.39","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what savings there have been as a result of the implementation of the recommendations of the Review of ICT Infrastructure in the Public Sector in Scotland.","AnswerText":"The McClelland Review of ICT Infrastructure in the Public Sector in Scotland confirms that savings on external spend could begin in the year 2012-13. Scotland's Digital Future: Delivery of Public Services sets out our strategy for delivering on the review and the actions that will be taken at national level. In addition, sectoral strategies will be published in the coming months which will set out plans for sector level action. I will set out for the Scottish Parliament's Finance Committee at the end of the financial year 2012-13 progress in achieving the efficiencies and improvements in value for money as recommended in John McClelland's review.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-25T14:50:19.423","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276708,"EventID":"S4W-09899","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-27T14:50:19.94","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-26T16:24:35.39","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what savings are anticipated and over what timescale as a result of the implementation of the recommendations of the Review of ICT Infrastructure in the Public Sector in Scotland.","AnswerText":"Scotland's Digital Future: Delivery of Public Services sets out our early actions including the delivery of a measurements and benefits framework to evidence progress against Digital Public Service developments. We will update progress on at least an annual basis.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-25T14:50:19.953","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276709,"EventID":"S4W-09900","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-27T14:50:20.33","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-26T16:24:35.39","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what public sector ICT savings will be made through service redesign.","AnswerText":"Scotland's Digital Future: Delivery of Public Services sets out the public sector’s commitment to a “digital first” approach to service delivery and to a national project to establish a single point of services, i.e. information and transactions. We expect public sector organisations to identify priority services for digital delivery. Figures published by the Society of Information Technology Managers suggest the cost of a web visit – at 32 pence is about one tenth that of a telephone contact (£2.90), and one twenty-third that of face-to-face (£7.40). Some studies have suggested the average cost of an online transaction may be as low as eight pence.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-25T14:50:20.343","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276710,"EventID":"S4W-09901","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-27T14:50:20.72","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-26T16:24:35.39","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on the proportion of public sector ICT spend that should be awarded to external contractors.","AnswerText":"Scotland's Digital Future: Delivery of Public Services sets out our approach to workforce capacity and to procurement where we wish to maximise value from existing national procurement frameworks and explore opportunities for new national frameworks and contracts. Our overarching priority is to deliver value for money and we will not set national targets on proportion of spend between in house and external contractors.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-25T14:50:20.733","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276711,"EventID":"S4W-09902","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-27T14:50:21.063","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-26T16:24:35.39","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it has suspended or amended decisions on high-value ICT projects in light of the Review of ICT Infrastructure in the Public Sector in Scotland and, if so, how many.\r\n","AnswerText":"Where a project has been suspended or amended this can be expected to reflect a range of considerations that go beyond issues addressed in the Review of ICT Infrastructure in the Public Sector in Scotland. However, assurance sought of projects will include issues such as appropriate use of procurement frameworks, a presumption in favour of re-use and deployment of appropriate skills.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-25T14:50:21.063","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276712,"EventID":"S4W-09903","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-27T14:50:21.407","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-26T16:24:35.39","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it has commenced new technical and procurement plans as recommended by the Review of ICT Infrastructure in the Public Sector in Scotland and, if so, when.","AnswerText":"Scotland's Digital Future: Delivery of Public Services confirms that we have set up a cross public sector Technical and Design Board which is currently drafting the High Level Operating Framework for consultation in October/November 2012. A procurement action plan for development of new frameworks and stimulating uptake of national ICT frameworks is expected by December 2012.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-25T14:50:21.42","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276713,"EventID":"S4W-09904","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-27T14:50:21.78","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-26T16:24:35.39","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether there has been an impact on budget allocations for future and continuing ICT programmes as a result of the introduction of new strategies recommended by the Review of ICT Infrastructure in the Public Sector in Scotland.","AnswerText":"In setting out the government's spending plans, I confirmed my expectation that public sector organisations must demonstrate how they will contribute to the potential savings in the McClelland Review. Our national strategy, Scotland's Digital Future: Delivery of Public Services sets out our early actions that the public sector have signed up to at a national level. Our measurements and benefits framework will provide an insight into impact on budget allocations which we will report following the end of 2012-13.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-25T14:50:21.797","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276714,"EventID":"S4W-09905","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-27T14:50:22.107","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-26T16:24:35.39","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what public sector savings are scheduled for 2012-13 as a result of the implementation of the recommendations in the Review of ICT Infrastructure in the Public Sector in Scotland.","AnswerText":"I will set out for the Scottish Parliament's Finance Committee at the end of the financial year 2012-13 progress in achieving the efficiencies and improvements in value for money as recommended in John McClelland's review and taken forward in our action plan set out in Scotland’s Digital Future: Delivery of Public Services.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-25T14:50:22.123","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276715,"EventID":"S4W-09906","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1866,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-27T14:50:22.513","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-26T16:33:57","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what discussions it has had with the City of Edinburgh Council regarding the council's recently-launched investigation into the care of an older couple in the Bellevue area.\r\n","AnswerText":"Active dialogue with senior Social Work officials dealing with this case is on-going, and began in advance of the initial meeting of the adult protection investigation.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-25T14:50:22.53","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276716,"EventID":"S4W-09907","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1866,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-27T14:50:23.167","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-26T16:33:57","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what protections there are to safeguard employees of (a) private and (b) public sector care providers who want to highlight poor working practices or conditions.\r\n","AnswerText":"Active dialogue with senior Social Work officials dealing with this case is on-going, and began in advance of the initial meeting of the adult protection investigation.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-25T14:50:23.183","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276717,"EventID":"S4W-09908","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1866,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-27T14:50:23.48","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-26T16:33:57","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what sanctions Social Care and Social Work Improvement Scotland has to deal with care providers when complaints are upheld.\r\n","AnswerText":"Active dialogue with senior Social Work officials dealing with this case is on-going, and began in advance of the initial meeting of the adult protection investigation.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-25T14:50:23.497","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276718,"EventID":"S4W-09909","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1866,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-27T14:50:23.793","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-26T16:33:57","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what requirements Social Care and Social Work Improvement Scotland has to report complaints to the (a) relevant local authority and (b) the Scottish Government.\r\n","AnswerText":"There is no statutory requirement on the Care Inspectorate to report individual complaints to either individual local authorities or to the Scottish Government. The Care Inspectorate will bring matters to the attention of a local authority or the Scottish Government where they have significant concerns about quality or safety but they also have powers to take action themselves under the regulatory framework created by the Public Services Reform (Scotland) Act 2010.\r\nFurther, information regarding the nature of any upheld complaints is made publicly available on the Care Inspectorate website www.careinspectorate.com.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-25T14:50:23.807","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276719,"EventID":"S4W-09910","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1866,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-27T14:50:24.15","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-26T16:33:57","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what guidance is provided to local authorities regarding the tendering of social work provision to third party providers.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-02394 on 22 September 2011. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-25T14:50:24.167","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276720,"EventID":"S4W-09911","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-27T14:50:24.48","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-27T09:17:18","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many doctors who practise in Scotland have a sexual offence or child pornography conviction and of these how many are still deemed fit to practice.","AnswerText":"All NHSScotland health boards are expected to comply with the Safer Pre and Post Employment Checks Partnership Information Network (PIN) policy and take appropriate action based on any information received. This covers appointment checks that are either required by law or should be considered mandatory for all NHSScotland posts. The Safer Pre and Post Employment Checks PIN can be found at http://www.show.scot.nhs.uk/publications/j9227.pdf. It is the duty of the General Medical Council to regulate whether doctors are fit to practice.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-25T14:50:24.493","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276721,"EventID":"S4W-09912","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":86,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-27T14:50:24.93","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-27T10:18:46.27","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-08387 by Bruce Crawford on 1 August 2012, what action it has taken to monitor compliance with its good practice guidance on consultations and whether it considers that the guidance is being complied with.\r\n \r\n","AnswerText":"Good practice guidance on conducting consultations is available to all Scottish Government staff. As consultations vary in nature, it is for individual Directors and line managers to ensure every effort is made to ensure compliance where possible.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-25T14:50:24.947","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276722,"EventID":"S4W-09913","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":86,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-27T14:50:25.307","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-27T10:18:46.27","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-08387 by Bruce Crawford on 1 August 2012, for what reason, in relation to the Your Scotland, Your Referendum consultation, it did not “Make responses available to the public (in the SG library) 20 working days from the closing date” as stated in its consultation good practice guidance. \r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-10495 on 19 November 2012. All answers to written Parliamentary Questions are available on the Scottish Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-25T14:50:25.32","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276723,"EventID":"S4W-09914","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":86,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-27T14:50:25.697","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-27T10:18:46.27","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-08387 by Bruce Crawford on 1 August 2012, how many times it has (a) adhered and (b) not adhered to its consultation good practice guidance to “Make responses available to the public (in the SG library) 20 working days from the closing date” for consultations started since 1 January 2011, stating the reason in each case for not adhering to the guidance.\r\n","AnswerText":"The suggested timescales for making responses available to the public are good practice guidelines only, and are dependent on the volume of responses to individual consultations. Therefore the Scottish Government does not gather data on whether the suggested timescales are adhered to. \r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-25T14:50:25.71","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276724,"EventID":"S4W-09915","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":86,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-27T14:50:26.087","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-27T10:18:46.27","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it considers that the public should have access to responses to Scottish Government consultations within 20 working days of the closing date.\r\n","AnswerText":"Where possible, responses to Scottish Government consultations are made available to the public within 20 days of the closing date. However, this depends on the number of responses received and the amount of detail in the responses.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-25T14:50:26.1","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276725,"EventID":"S4W-09916","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":86,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-27T14:50:26.49","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-27T10:18:46.27","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it considers that delaying the publication of responses to its consultations is compatible with the principles of open, transparent and democratic government.\r\n","AnswerText":"Where possible, responses to Scottish Government consultations are made available to the public within 20 days of the closing date. However, this depends on the number of responses received and the amount of detail in the responses.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-25T14:50:26.507","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276735,"EventID":"S4W-09715","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-27T16:48:22.837","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-19T10:09:53.34","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what advance notice the Scottish Medicines Consortium gave to NHS boards on the possible introduction of ticagrelor and related budgetary implications and whether boards are expected to take account of this advice in resource allocation and budget planning once the product has been licensed.\r\n","AnswerText":"NHS boards maintain a watching brief on medicines due to be appraised by the SMC but they are not expected to take any action with regard to making preparations for protocol for the medicine until an SMC decision has been made.\r\nThe SMC advised NHS boards on 8 April 2011 that ticagrelor had been accepted for use within NHSScotland and it is at that point that NHS boards are expected to consider that medicine within the context of other available medicines to treat the condition in question. The SMC advice to NHS boards remains confidential until it is formally published, which for ticagrelor, was on 9 May 2011.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-25T16:48:23.913","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276736,"EventID":"S4W-09716","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-27T16:48:24.303","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-19T10:09:53.34","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, based on the number of monthly packs of ticagrelor being reimbursed, how many patients it estimates to be receiving ticagrelor and how this compares with the number of eligible patients estimated by the Scottish Medicines Consortium. \r\n","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-25T16:48:24.32","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276737,"EventID":"S4W-09717","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-27T16:48:24.617","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-19T10:09:53.34","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many patients have died as a result of NHS board area drug and therapeutics committees not making ticagrelor available for eligible patients.\r\n","AnswerText":"NHS boards have arrangements in place to facilitate access to medicines which have been accepted for use by the Scottish Medicines Consortium (SMC) but have not been included on the local formulary. The process by which such medicines can be made available are through the extant non-formulary processes.\r\nIt is for the local clinical community to determine which medicines should be made available for routine use in the NHS board. NHS boards make decisions about which medicines are on their formulary to reflect local clinical opinion regarding patient care.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-25T16:48:24.63","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276738,"EventID":"S4W-09718","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-27T16:48:24.943","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-19T10:09:53.34","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many (a) cardiovascular events and (b) myocardial infarctions could have been prevented if NHS board area drug and therapeutics committees had made ticagrelor available within the timescale recommended by the Scottish Medicines Consortium at the time of publication of its advice on the matter.\r\n","AnswerText":"The guidance published under cover of CEL 17 (2010) clarified that NHS boards were expected to have established local processes for non-formulary requests. This provides the facility for clinicians to access medicines which have been accepted for use by the Scottish Medicines Consortium (SMC) but have not been included on the local formulary through a non-formulary request. As ticagrelor was accepted for use by the SMC in May 2011, there is the facility for clinicians in Scotland to access this medicine via these arrangements.\r\nThe timescale for making and publishing formulary decisions was introduced from 1 April 2012 following publication of Scottish Government guidance SGHD/CMO(2012)1.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-25T16:48:24.957","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276739,"EventID":"S4W-09719","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-27T16:48:25.287","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-19T10:09:53.34","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government in which NHS boards ticagrelor (a) is listed on formulary for the use approved by the Scottish Medicines Consortium, (b) listed on formulary with restrictions placed on its use and what the restrictions are, (c) not yet approved and what the reason is and (d) not approved and what the reason is.","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-25T16:48:25.3","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276740,"EventID":"S4W-09720","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-27T16:48:25.63","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-19T10:09:53.34","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what evidence there is to support restricting the use of ticagrelor.","AnswerText":"It is for the clinical community within NHS boards to determine which medicines should be made available for routine use. NHS boards make decisions about which medicines are on their formulary to reflect local clinical opinion regarding patient care.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-25T16:48:25.643","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276741,"EventID":"S4W-09721","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-27T16:48:25.957","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-19T10:09:53.34","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what (a) guidance or (b) consensus there is to help area drug and therapeutics committees ensure that there is equity, fairness and transparency in reaching decisions on equivalence when deciding whether to add Scottish Medicines Consortium-approved medicines to a local formulary.","AnswerText":"NHS Board Area Drug and Therapeutic Committees (ADTCs) are the key clinical group who advise on, and ensure there are, safe systems for medicines use and the provision of formularies to support the cost-effective use of new medicines. When the SMC issues advice to accept a new medicine, the ADTC considers it within the context of existing medicines available to treat the condition in question.\r\nIt is for the local clinical community to determine which medicines should be available for routine use in the NHS board. Therefore, NHS boards make decisions about which medicines are on their formulary to reflect local clinical opinion regarding patient care.\r\nThe Scottish Government guidance published on 13 February 2012 under cover of SGHD/CMO(2012)1 clarified that NHS boards are expected to reach a decision on an SMC “accepted” medicine within 90 days of the issue of SMC advice to the NHS board (which is confidential for the first 30 days) and to publish on their website, the formulary decision within 14 days of the decision being reached.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-25T16:48:25.973","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276742,"EventID":"S4W-09722","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-27T16:48:26.363","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-19T10:09:53.34","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it ensures that the local processes for individual patient treatment requests are monitored and collated nationally.","AnswerText":"Scottish Government guidance published under cover of SGHD/CMO(2011)3 provided consensus-based good practice guidance for NHS board management of Individual Patient Treatment Requests (IPTRs).\r\nIPTRs allow clinicians to put forward a clinical case for an individual patient to receive a medicine within its licensed indication which has not been recommended for routine use by the Scottish Medicines Consortium (SMC). Such considerations are taken on a “case-by-case” basis reflecting the individual patient’s clinical circumstances and, as such, should not be generalised.\r\nAs part of the Scottish Government’s commitment to monitoring implementation of CEL 17 (2010) regarding the introduction and availability of newly licensed medicines in the NHS in Scotland, information on IPTR activity was collected from NHS boards for the period 1 April 2011 to 31 March 2012. The information provided by NHS boards indicates that 291 IPTR requests were received during the period, of which 194 (66%) were accepted.\r\nIPTR decisions are of an individualised nature, taking account of individual clinical circumstances. Therefore a central collection of data is of limited value and the Scottish Government has no current plans to instigate a regular IPTR data collection centrally. However, NHS boards are expected to maintain accurate and up to date information on IPTR requests and the outcomes, including the outcome of any appeals.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-25T16:48:26.393","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276743,"EventID":"S4W-09723","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-27T16:48:26.69","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-19T10:09:53.34","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what steps it has taken or will take to ensure that individual patient treatment requests panels always seek guidance from an expert in the disease in question for (a) rare conditions and (b) conditions other than rare conditions.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government guidance published on 13 February 2012 under cover of SGHD/CMO(2012)1 clarified that in establishing a panel to consider an Individual Patient Treatment Request (IPTR), NHS boards are expected to include a practising medical consultant with (or with access to) the specialist knowledge of the relevant clinical area.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-25T16:48:26.707","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276744,"EventID":"S4W-09724","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-27T16:48:27.003","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-19T10:09:53.34","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what guidance it has issued to assist individual patient treatment request panels in cases where patients fall into the group for whom the medicine is licensed but are also eligible for medicines licensed under the EU definition of orphan medicines.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government guidance published on 13 February 2012 under cover of SGHD/CMO(2012)1 clarified that in establishing a panel to consider an Individual Patient Treatment Request (IPTR) for any medicine, including an orphan medicine, NHS boards are expected to include a practising medical consultant with (or with access to) the specialist knowledge of the relevant clinical area.\r\nThis includes the facility for the panel’s practising medical consultant to seek advice from a specialist outwith NHSScotland if the expertise for a rare condition is to be found elsewhere in the UK.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-25T16:48:27.017","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276745,"EventID":"S4W-09725","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-27T16:48:27.69","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-19T10:09:53.34","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it encourages pharmaceutical companies with newly licensed medicines that have not submitted an application to the Scottish Medicines Consortium to do so.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Medicines Consortium (SMC) proactively seeks submissions from manufacturers of medicines near to the time that licensing is expected in order that they can appraise the medicine quickly following licensing. The Scottish Medicines Consortium (SMC) undertakes its processes independently of the Scottish Government and there is no role for the Scottish Government in this regard.\r\nThe SMC Secretariat engages with the company about the reasons for non-submission and will enter into a dialogue about what might be an acceptable submission timeline before the decision to issue “not recommended” advice as a result of non-submission is taken. In addition, the SMC Secretariat will also direct the company to the Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry (ABPI) members of the SMC for further discussion on submission requirements where the company has identified challenges in making a submission.\r\nWhere a pharmaceutical company is unable to make a submission for a product that is within remit in an acceptable timeframe, the SMC will consider the need to issue advice to NHSScotland indicating that the medicine is not recommended for use. If the company indicates that it does not intend to make a submission to the SMC, the SMC will publish advice to confirm that the medicine is \"not recommended due to non-submission\".\r\nWhen \"not recommended\" advice has been published by the SMC due to a non-submission, this does not prevent the pharmaceutical company from making a submission at any point in the future. SMC advice based on a subsequent submission will supersede the initial \"not recommended\" advice.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-25T16:48:27.703","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276746,"EventID":"S4W-09726","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-27T16:48:28.08","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-19T10:09:53.34","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what risk assessment it has undertaken of how the reported decreasing uptake of new medicines relative to the other UK countries will affect Scotland's opportunities for future clinical research.","AnswerText":"Each year in the UK, approximately 60 newly licensed medicines, new formulations of existing medicines and major new indications for established products receive a marketing authorisation. There is no accurate or reliable published information on the uptake of these products across the four UK countries. Therefore there is no evidence to suggest that Scotland’s current arrangements for the introduction and availability of newly licensed medicines will impact on its opportunities for future clinical research.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-25T16:48:28.093","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276747,"EventID":"S4W-09917","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3751,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":108,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-27T16:48:28.42","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-27T13:36:01","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it plans to reduce or increase funds for the Coalfields Regeneration Trust in 2013-14.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has agreed indicative funding with the Coalfields Regeneration Trust (CRT) of £422,977 for 2013-14. This is broadly in line with the initial £430,070 that was agreed for this year.\r\nWe have also provided a further £80,000 in 2012-13 to extend the CRTs Community Futures Programme and agreed with acknowledgement to consider a similar extension to this programme in 2013-14, depending on the outcomes and other budget demands.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-25T16:48:28.437","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Burgess","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276748,"EventID":"S4W-09918","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":86,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-27T16:48:28.873","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-27T15:27:06.447","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what plans it has for the digital recording of Scotland’s cultural archive.\r\n","AnswerText":"A significant number of Scottish bodies have plans for producing digital content which will capture the national cultural record and ensure greater public access. The Scottish Library and Information Council, Museums Galleries Scotland, the Scottish Council for Archives and the National Collections have signed a memorandum with the common vision of maximising digital access to resources held in Scotland’s libraries, museums and archives. The National Records of Scotland continues to digitally record its registers and records with 79 million images online. The National Library of Scotland will soon surpass over two million pages of digital content. The National Galleries of Scotland continues to add to its 3,300 online works. The Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Scotland’s has 680,000 images online with more being added daily. Historic Scotland has embarked on the Rae project, which will see all properties in the care of Scottish Ministers digitally recorded over the next ten years.  Scotland is the first country in the world to deliver this. Further details of plans were debated in the debate: Heritage (Digital Technology) – S4M-01023 - in Parliament on 6 October 2011: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28862.aspx?r=6740&mode=html#iob_61235.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-25T16:48:28.89","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276749,"EventID":"S4W-09919","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":86,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-27T16:48:29.17","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-27T15:27:06.447","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what it considers to be the correct balance between funding artists and commissioning work.\r\n","AnswerText":"Creative Scotland’s board is considering the correct balance between funding artists and commissioning work as I asked in my letter to Sir Sandy Crombie, Chair of the board, on 12 September. A copy is available at:\r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/News/Releases/2012/10/creative-scotland10102012.\r\nThe majority of Creative Scotland’s budget is spent on cultural organisations and in funding artists, film makers and others who want to realise their creative ideas for the benefit of Scotland.\r\nCreative Scotland will also commission programmes of work strategically such as the Cultural Olympiad and the Commonwealth Games.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-25T16:48:29.187","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276750,"EventID":"S4W-09920","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":86,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-27T16:48:29.497","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-27T15:27:06.447","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what action it is taking to encourage Creative Scotland to be more transparent in its dealings with artists and with arts organisations.\r\n","AnswerText":"I have asked Creative Scotland to be more transparent in its dealings with artists and with arts organisations on the following occasions.\r\nIn my Letter of Guidance of 6 July to the chair of the board of Creative Scotland I said “Creative Scotland is crucially important in securing and maintaining an environment which enables artists and creators to flourish” and “Creative Scotland needs to give even greater emphasis to listening to and, wherever appropriate, acting upon the concerns of the sector.”\r\nFull letter available at:\r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/News/Releases/2012/10/creative-scotland10102012.\r\nIn a further letter to Sir Sandy Crombie on 12 September I said it is “crucial that Creative Scotland is seen to be knowledgeable about, listening and responsive to the concerns of the creative sector. It would be helpful to have more transparency about the use of Creative Scotland’s extensive in-house expertise in analysing and evaluating evidence and making decisions in each sector.”\r\nAlso available at:\r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/News/Releases/2012/10/creative-scotland10102012.\r\nIn my public statement on 10 October I stated:\r\n “I am taking very seriously the criticism of Creative Scotland. That is why I have asked the Board to engage directly with the sector, to address the points raised and communicate what action is already being taken. This process is already under way including a review of operations by the Board.”\r\nAlso available at:\r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/News/Releases/2012/10/creative-scotland10102012.\r\nOn 22 October Sir Sandy Crombie issued a statement in which he outlined the work which the board is currently undertaking to address the criticisms which he acknowledged to be serious. He said:\r\n“It’s important that we acknowledge a lot of these concerns are valid and we welcome the chance to air the issues through honest and open dialogue with organisations, representative agencies and individuals.”\r\nA copy of this statement is available at:\r\nhttp://www.creativescotland.com/news/statement-from-sir-sandy-crombie-22102012.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-25T16:48:29.513","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276751,"EventID":"S4W-09921","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":86,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-27T16:48:29.793","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-27T15:27:06.447","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the £3 million set aside by Creative Scotland for strategic commissioning will be used to deliver.\r\n","AnswerText":"I have asked Andrew Dixon, chief executive of Creative Scotland, the public body for culture and creative industries, to write to the member. Further information about Creative Scotland’s activities is available at:\r\nhttp://www.creativescotland.com/.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-25T16:48:29.81","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276752,"EventID":"S4W-09922","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":86,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-27T16:48:30.107","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-27T15:27:06.447","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what action can be taken to assist people who discover mine workings on their properties.","AnswerText":"The Coal Authority is responsible for public safety relating to land subsidence caused by coal mining operations.\r\nThe Coal Authority provides an emergency response service to incidents which pose a risk to public safety. An emergency call out service deals with incidents on a 24-hour basis, every day of the year.\r\nThe Coal Mining Subsidence Act 1991 is used to administer any claims for damage to land, buildings and structures resulting from subsidence damage. Depending on where an individual lives, responsibility for dealing with any claim will rest either with a mining company or the Coal Authority. The responsible party has a duty to take remedial action by either undertaking repairs or making compensation or depreciation payments in respect of the damaged caused.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-25T16:48:30.123","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Derek Mackay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276753,"EventID":"S4W-09923","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":86,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-27T16:48:30.403","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-27T15:27:06.447","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what responsibilities conveyancing solicitors have to ensure that property searches identify any disused mine workings.","AnswerText":"The Law Society of Scotland has guidance notes on coal mining searches http://www.lawscot.org.uk/rules-and-guidance/section-f/division-c-conveyancing/guidance/coal-mining-searches.\r\nSolicitors are advised to consider whether a coal mining search should be made in any particular transaction dealing with land in coal mining areas.\r\nThe details of service to be provided by a solicitor to the purchaser of a property are a matter to be settled between the solicitor and the purchaser.\r\nIf a client has concerns about the service provided by their solicitor, they should first raise this with the solicitor concerned. If the matter remains unresolved the person can then raise a complaint with the Scottish Legal Complaints Commission http://www.scottishlegalcomplaints.org.uk/how-to-complain.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-25T16:48:30.42","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Roseanna Cunningham","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276754,"EventID":"S4W-09924","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5109,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":101,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-27T16:48:30.7","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-27T15:43:14.753","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when the recently-announced consultation on how renewable obligation certificates are to be granted for biomass will commence.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Renewables Obligation supplementary consultation was published on Friday 5 October 2012. The consultation, seeking views on our proposed 10 MW cap for biomass generation, changes to the solar PV ROC band and on new biomass sustainability criteria, is available at http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Business-Industry/Energy/Obligation-12-13/ROConsultationOct2010.\r\nWe are requesting views by Friday 16 November on these issues, with the exception of the proposals on biomass sustainability criteria, where the deadline for response is Friday 11 January 2013.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-25T16:48:30.713","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276755,"EventID":"S4W-09925","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5079,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-27T16:48:30.98","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-27T16:08:59","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what use it is making of information held by local authority housing or revenue departments to model the likely impact of welfare reform, for example the numbers of tenants who are entitled to disability premiums.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government does not hold this data centrally. However, we are engaged in a range of analytical work, including work which draws on the experiences of Scottish councils as they deal with the reforms, as well as providing our own analysis of the impacts of the changes across Scotland.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-25T16:48:30.997","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Burgess","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276767,"EventID":"S4W-09926","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2678,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-28T13:52:58.07","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-27T16:29:24.333","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-09343 by John Swinney on 12 September 2012, what the conclusions are of the ongoing performance management arrangements that it undertakes in relation to the public bodies that it sponsors or supports with regard to their compliance with the Public Services Reform (Scotland) Act 2010.","AnswerText":"This government has a sustained focus on improving the quality of public services and continuous improvement in the performance of our public bodies.\r\nThere are a wide range of provisions in the Public Services Reform (Scotland) Act 2010 which apply to both individual and to groups of public bodies. We do not compile information on the compliance of public bodies across all the provisions in the act.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-26T13:52:58.787","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276768,"EventID":"S4W-09927","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-28T13:52:59.053","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-27T16:29:16","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it conducted impact assessments on the increase in payday lending on consumers prior to its draft budget 2013-14.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government did not conduct impact assessments on the increase in payday lending on consumers prior to its draft budget 2013-14.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-26T13:52:59.07","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276769,"EventID":"S4W-09928","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-28T13:52:59.333","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-27T16:29:16","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it plans to assess the impact of payday lending on consumers based on (a) gender or (b) age.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Household Survey 2011 annual report, at table 6.10, shows whether respondents had a loan, including from a payday lender. However, as there was such a small proportion of respondents who had taken a payday loan, they did not appear on the final table due to rounding of figures. The Scottish Household Survey 2011 report is available at http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Resource/0040/00403747.pdf\r\nThrough its agency, the Accountant in Bankruptcy, the Scottish Government can profile those who have accessed statutory debt management or debt relief products, such as the Debt Arrangement Scheme, to assess borrowing trends including payday loans.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-26T13:52:59.35","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276770,"EventID":"S4W-09929","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-28T13:52:59.63","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-27T16:29:16","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what advice its National Debtline service offers to callers who mention payday loans.","AnswerText":"The National Debtline advisers provide specialist advice to callers, which is backed up with written self-help materials. Payday loans will be considered as part of a holistic approach, which would take into account all factors relevant to the caller’s circumstances.\r\nWhere National Debtline advisors identify the caller requires some form of debt management or debt relief they would refer the caller to a local money adviser for face to face advice.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-26T13:52:59.63","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276771,"EventID":"S4W-09930","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-28T13:52:59.88","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-27T16:29:16","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it plans to mention short-term high-interest loans in the debt information and advice package given to debtors petitioned for diligence or sequestration.","AnswerText":"The Debt Advice and Information Package (DAIP) booklet produced by the Scottish Government provides important information to individuals who may be subject to diligence or bankruptcy.\r\nThe DAIP booklet is designed to provide individuals with information about various types of enforcement, and the consequences of non-payment of debt. It also indicates where the individual may receive local, free money advice.\r\nThe DAIP was developed to encourage individuals to seek advice as early as possible, and is pertinent to all types of credit and debt. Therefore, there are no plans to include a specific reference to payday loans.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-26T13:52:59.897","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276772,"EventID":"S4W-09931","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-28T13:53:00.147","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-27T16:29:16","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether its advice triage system developed by the Accountant in Bankruptcy and Money Advice Service will provide advice to consumers specifically about short-term high-interest loans.","AnswerText":"The triage system developed by Accountant in Bankruptcy and the Money Advice Service will be used by experienced money advisers to advise individuals of the range of options open to anyone struggling with debt, including consumer credit such as short term loans.\r\nThe triage tool is currently being tested by advisers, which is the first step in trying to achieve consistency and transparency in money advice across Scotland. The long term goal is to ensure that those who seek guidance on a debt solution have information on which debt solution best fits their circumstances.\r\nAdvisers will provide advice on priority debts and where appropriate specific advice on short-term, high-interest loans.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-26T13:53:00.16","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276773,"EventID":"S4W-09933","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5109,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":101,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-28T13:53:00.41","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-27T17:22:15","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what action it is taking to ensure that the 30 new schools announced in the draft budget meet the (a) principles set out in the Building Better Schools strategy and (b) highest energy efficiency standards.\r\n","AnswerText":"The 30 new schools will be built under the Scotland’s Schools for the Future (SSF) programme. In submitting bids for SSF funding authorities were required to confirm that their project would support the delivery of key national and local policies, one of which was that it should meet the principles set out in the joint Scottish Government/COSLA school estate strategy document Building Better Schools. Another requirement is that a project must deliver a sustainable and environmentally efficient building which will contribute to meeting the government’s climate change and zero waste targets.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-26T13:53:00.427","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276774,"EventID":"S4W-09934","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5109,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":101,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-28T13:53:00.643","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-27T17:22:15","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what action it is taking to ensure that the designs of the 30 new schools announced in the draft budget will be integrated with the delivery of sustainable development and global citizenship education.\r\n","AnswerText":"The design of new schools is quite rightly for individual local authorities to determine. That said, in order to qualify for funding under the Scotland’s Schools for the Future programme local authorities must demonstrate that they meet the programme goals.\r\nOne of which is that the new school must be greener, more sustainable and environmentally efficient than the one it is replacing. This is made evident by the requirement to achieve a BREEAM (BRE Environmental Assessment Method) excellent rating and an Energy Performance Certificate of B+ before renewables.\r\nAnother programme goal sets out that the local authority must outline how they will ensure that the school enables successful implementation of Curriculum for Excellence. Sustainable development, citizenship and international education are important themes that run through all stages of Curriculum for Excellence. These themes are embedded across the experiences and outcomes and have been promoted as global citizenship education.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-26T13:53:00.66","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276775,"EventID":"S4W-09935","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5109,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":101,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-28T13:53:00.927","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-27T17:22:15","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what action it is taking to ensure that the designs of the 30 new schools announced in the draft budget provide high quality spaces to support outdoor learning and outdoor play.","AnswerText":"The design of new schools is quite rightly for individual local authorities to determine. That said, in order to qualify for funding under the Scotland’s Schools for the Future programme local authorities must demonstrate that they meet the programme goals.\r\nOne of which is that the project must show that an integrated, holistic and long term approach has been considered. This involves consideration of all of the potential functions of a school not just as a place of learning but also the recreational, social and cultural needs of pupils and the local community. In order to demonstrate that commitment, a local authority must provide evidence that consideration has been given to making the best use of school grounds and outdoor spaces when designing the school.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-26T13:53:00.94","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276776,"EventID":"S4W-09936","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-28T13:53:01.16","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-27T17:44:29","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much the NHS spends on pension contributions and what information it has on NHS employer contributions in (a) England and (b) Wales.\r\n","AnswerText":"NHS Scotland pays 13.5% of an employee’s pensionable pay into the NHS pension scheme. The total amount paid in the financial year 2010-11 was £595 million. The Scottish Government does not hold detailed information on the NHS England and Wales pension scheme.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-26T13:53:01.173","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276777,"EventID":"S4W-09937","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-28T13:53:01.597","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-27T17:44:29","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether the NHS pension scheme is in surplus and, if so, by how much.","AnswerText":"Currently the annual scheme income from contributions exceeds annual expenditure on pension benefits in payment, which generates an in-year cash flow surplus. In 2010-11 that figure was £161 million. That in-year cash flow surplus is forecast to begin to reverse for the NHS scheme from 2013-14.\r\nIt is important to recognise that in-year cash-flow is not considered to be an appropriate measure of scheme sustainability because contributions made today effectively ‘buy’ future pension benefits, which must be honoured when those benefits fall due in the future.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-26T13:53:01.61","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276778,"EventID":"S4W-09938","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-28T13:53:02.047","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-27T17:44:29","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when the joint ministerial and trade union working group on pensions will reach agreement on any changes to pensions.","AnswerText":"Tri-partite negotiations involving trades unions, employers and the Scottish Government are being taken forward at individual scheme level. Negotiations for reform of public service pensions began in March 2012 and these are ongoing. Regrettably, these negotiations have been hampered by a number of emerging constraints from the UK Government. I continue to seek clarification from the Chief Secretary to the Treasury of the scope available to the Scottish Government to negotiate pensions arrangements in line with Scottish circumstances.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-26T13:53:02.063","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276779,"EventID":"S4W-09939","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-28T13:53:02.563","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-27T17:44:29","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether any changes to pension arrangements will be the subject of a legislative consent motion or made by regulation and when it would introduce any such motion or order to the Parliament.\r\n","AnswerText":"The UK Government's Public Service Pensions Bill places new and significant constraints on the Scottish Government’s ability to ensure a fair agreement which reflects Scottish circumstances. The UK Government has given the Scottish Government recent and late notice that it believes that a LCM is required for a narrow subset of bill provisions. We are considering this issue.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-26T13:53:02.563","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276780,"EventID":"S4W-09940","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2066,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-28T13:53:03","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-28T10:36:57","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-09425 by Derek Mackay on 20 September 2012, how much land it considers currently to be sensitive landscape that has little or no capacity to accept new development.","AnswerText":"It is for planning authorities to consider which, if any, are the sensitive landscapes in their area which have little or no capacity to accept new development.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-26T13:53:03.017","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Derek Mackay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276781,"EventID":"S4W-09941","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2066,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-28T13:53:03.28","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-28T10:36:57","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-09425 by Derek Mackay on 20 September 2012, how it monitors whether the character of wild land areas is being properly protected in development plans.","AnswerText":"It is for planning authorities to consider the need to monitor the effectiveness of their development plans in safeguarding the character of wild land areas.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-26T13:53:03.28","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Derek Mackay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276782,"EventID":"S4W-09942","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3806,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-28T13:53:03.56","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-28T12:44:44.063","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what action is being carried out by (a) Highlands and Islands Enterprise, (b) Skills Development Scotland and (c) Partnership Action for Continuing Employment (PACE) in response to the closure of the HEROtsc call centre in Aviemore.\r\n","AnswerText":"Delivery of the Partnership Action for Continuing Employment (PACE) is led by Skills Development Scotland with partners including Highlands and Islands Enterprise.\r\nDuring August 2012, representatives from the local PACE team met with employees of HEROtsc to outline the range of support available through PACE. This was followed by individual face to face interventions to provide initial support and an assessment of ongoing support.\r\nOn 5 September 2012, the local PACE Team and representatives from HEROtsc organised a jobs fair. All employees were given the opportunity to be released from work to meet with PACE Partners, employers who were known to be actively recruiting and several recruitment organisations.\r\nFeedback from employees was very positive and we understand that so far at least 50% of employees have secured employment or training.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-26T13:53:03.577","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276783,"EventID":"S4W-09953","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-28T15:49:01.043","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-28T15:05:25","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what assistance it is providing to (a) Aberdeen City Council and (b) Aberdeenshire Council to improve flood prevention measures.\r\n","AnswerText":"Flood protection schemes are primarily a matter for local authorities, however the Scottish Government is committed to supporting work that helps protect the people of Scotland from the effects of flooding.\r\nTo that end, the Scottish Government introduced the Flood Risk Management (Scotland) Act 2009 which is the most substantive change to flooding legislation in 50 years. It ensures that communities and businesses across Scotland benefit from a modern and sustainable approach to flood management that is suited to the needs of the 21st century and to the impact of climate change.\r\nThe publication in December 2011 of Scotland’s first National Flood Risk Assessment was a significant milestone in the implementation of the Flood Risk Management (Scotland) Act 2009. For the first time, we have a national picture of flood risk across Scotland, which will help us to target future efforts to plan and invest in reducing impacts in areas most vulnerable to flooding.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-26T15:49:01.23","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276784,"EventID":"S4W-09954","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-28T15:49:01.527","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-28T15:05:25","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what funding has been provided to (a) Aberdeen City Council and (b) Aberdeenshire Council to tackle flooding problems in each of the last five years.\r\n","AnswerText":"From 2007, a number of previous specific grants, including specific flood funding, were rolled up into the capital grant which is now payable to authorities as a General Capital Grant. The funding commitment made by the Scottish Government, for projects which had commenced prior to 2007, is reflected in the grant allocation in each Spending Review period. This includes the Aberdeen Bay project. Local authorities are free to allocate the General Capital Grant to reflect their capital investment needs.\r\nReflecting the significant funding needs of major flood projects the Scottish Government agreed with COSLA that for the current Spending Review period (2012 to 2015) a sum should be made available from within the General Capital Grant to fund major new flood protection projects (£73 million). Local authorities applied for funding against agreed criteria circulated to all local authorities on 5 December 2011. Neither Aberdeen City nor Aberdeenshire Council made an application for funding in the first round. An announcement regarding the next round of applications is likely to be made early in 2013.\r\nAllowance is also made within the General Revenue Grant for funding flood prevention but it is the responsibility of each local authority to allocate the total financial resources available to it on the basis of local needs and priorities having first fulfilled its statutory obligations and the jointly agreed set of national and local priorities.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-26T15:49:01.543","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276785,"EventID":"S4W-09955","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-28T15:49:01.81","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-28T15:05:25","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what measures it is taking to prevent road accidents in Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire.\r\n","AnswerText":"Scotland’s Road Safety Framework to 2020 provides strategic direction at a national level through eight national priorities for road safety in Scotland, which are being delivered through 96 commitments. This is supported through our Road Safety Strategic Partnership Board and our Road Safety Operational Partnership Group. It allows local partners to address specific local issues in conjunction with national action to make an optimum contribution to reducing fatalities and casualties on Scotland’s roads.\r\nSafer road design, improved speed management, continued maintenance and a better provision for vulnerable road users are amongst the steps being taken to reduce numbers of injuries and fatalities on Scotland’s roads.\r\nTransport Scotland assesses the safety performance of the trunk road network on an annual basis by screening all locations where three or more accidents have occurred in a three year period. Further investigations are carried out and where appropriate, mitigation measures are installed. This ensures that the limited funding available can be targeted at those locations that provide the greatest accident savings.\r\nAberdeen / Aberdeenshire / North East Scotland\r\nRoad Safety Grampian is a partnership with the local authorities of Aberdeen City, Aberdeenshire and Moray as well as Grampian Fire and Rescue Service and Grampian Police. The Road Safety Unit actively visits schools, colleges, universities and a substantial number of local businesses to deliver a wide spectrum of effective and innovative Road Safety presentations.\r\nThere are a wide range of road safety inputs and initiatives delivered in both local authority areas. This starts with support for school inputs from nurseries to secondary schools, colleges, universities and local organisations/companies. In 2011, Road Safety Grampian delivered 562 road safety inputs, to over 17,000 people, in Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire. Some of this was through initiatives such as Safe Team, Safe Drive Stay Alive (SDSA), Driving Ambition, Young Driver Roadshows, Bikesafe and Operation Zenith. SDSA, Young Driver Roadshows and Operation Zenith are in partnership with the local authorities. There is also a range of engineering projects delivered by the respective local authority roads departments.\r\nThe partnership also issues press releases on a variety of road safety issues from seat belt use to alcohol and pedestrians. It takes part in national Association of Chief Police Officers in Scotland campaigns and promotes those to the local media. There is also input to student teachers promoting road safety in schools and highlighting the resources available to them. Head Teachers are encouraged to deliver cycling training in their schools and to cover road safety in the curriculum. Work includes involvement in the local Drink Drive Rehabilitations courses, and using a “Seat Belt Sled” (funded from Transport Scotland’s Road Safety Framework budget) to promote seat belt wearing, as well as using “Beer goggles” to simulate the effect of alcohol when walking or driving. In addition, sessions using a Brake Reaction Timer are also run, to demonstrate the amount distance required to stop a vehicle at a variety of speeds.\r\nThis local work is supported by Road Safety Scotland’s fully-integrated media campaigns including television, radio and online platforms.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-26T15:49:01.823","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276786,"EventID":"S4W-09956","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-09-28T15:49:02.137","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-28T15:05:25","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what measures it is taking to promote road safety in the north east.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-09955 on 24 October 2010. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-26T15:49:02.153","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276796,"EventID":"S4F-00906","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":4964,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-01T12:46:52.8","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-01T11:59:26","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister whether the Scottish Government will fulfil its commitment to deliver free prescriptions.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-29T12:46:52.817","MeetingDate":"2012-10-04T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276797,"EventID":"S4F-00903","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":5034,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-01T12:46:51.943","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-01T11:45:20.287","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister whether police officers will have to perform more administrative duties to cover proposed reductions in police staff.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-29T12:46:51.96","MeetingDate":"2012-10-04T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276798,"EventID":"S4F-00895","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":1742,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-01T12:46:49.447","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-01T10:25:35","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what the benefits will be of Scotland staging the Ryder Cup at Gleneagles in 2014.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-29T12:46:49.463","MeetingDate":"2012-10-04T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276799,"EventID":"S4F-00891","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":2080,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":87,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-01T12:46:48.013","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-01T10:06:42.15","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what engagements he has planned for the rest of the day.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-29T12:46:48.027","MeetingDate":"2012-10-04T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276800,"EventID":"S4F-00890","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":5009,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-01T12:46:47.73","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-01T09:59:29.393","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what issues will be discussed at the next meeting of the Cabinet.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-29T12:46:47.747","MeetingDate":"2012-10-04T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276801,"EventID":"S4F-00888","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":4976,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-01T12:46:46.39","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-27T13:39:53","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister when he will next meet the Secretary of State for Scotland.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-29T12:46:46.78","MeetingDate":"2012-10-04T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276802,"EventID":"S4T-00066","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":9,"MSPID":1893,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-01T12:58:58.26","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-01T11:16:02","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when its proposed smart travel card scheme will be able to provide integrated public transport ticketing throughout Scotland.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-29T12:58:58.26","MeetingDate":"2012-10-02T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276803,"EventID":"S4T-00063","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":9,"MSPID":2487,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-01T12:58:56.997","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-01T10:39:21.02","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what representations it has received from the European Commission regarding minimum unit pricing for alcohol. \r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-29T12:58:57.013","MeetingDate":"2012-10-02T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276804,"EventID":"S4W-09932","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4014,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-01T15:17:08.383","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-27T17:02:44","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much additional funding would be required to support students from the rest of the UK studying in Scotland if the country became an independent member of the EU and what discussions it has had regarding this.\r\n","AnswerText":"There are approximately 20,000 students from the rest of the UK studying for a first degree at Scottish universities. If all of these students were to qualify for regulated places as EU students then the cost of providing these places would be approximately £150 million.\r\nTo date, there have been no substantive discussions on this matter.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-29T15:17:08.4","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276805,"EventID":"S4W-09959","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-01T15:17:09.04","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-28T16:18:55","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-09712 by Kenny MacAskill on 27 September 2012, whether it can confirm that the number of registered sex offenders reported for a breach of notification under multi-agency public protection arrangements (MAPPA) rose from 178 in 2010 to 209 in 2012, representing a 17.4% increase.\r\n","AnswerText":"Yes. The figures relate to breaches of the sexual offender registration requirements and not new sexual offences. The increase reflects both the increase in the number of offenders subject to registration, but also action taken by agencies to enforce the notification requirements and intervene in cases before any serious further offending occurs.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-29T15:17:09.053","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276806,"EventID":"S4W-09960","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-01T15:17:09.507","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-28T16:18:55","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-09712 by Kenny MacAskill on 27 September 2012, whether it can confirm that the number of registered sex offenders managed at multi-agency public protection arrangements (MAPPA) level 2 fell from 840 in 2010 to 466 in 2012, representing a 44.5% decrease.\r\n","AnswerText":"Yes. The number of registered sex offenders managed at level 2 has also decreased in the last 12 months, from 735 in 2011 to 466 in 2012. One of the primary principles of MAPPA is that an offender should be managed at the lowest level commensurate with their risk and this decrease indicates that the agencies have developed a better understanding of the nature of risk and a more sophisticated approach to risk management.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-29T15:17:09.523","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276807,"EventID":"S4W-09961","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-01T15:17:09.913","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-28T16:18:55","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-09712 by Kenny MacAskill on 27 September 2012, whether it can confirm that the number of registered sex offenders managed at multi-agency public protection arrangements (MAPPA) level 3 fell from 43 in 2010 to 26 in 2012, representing a 39.5% decrease.","AnswerText":"Yes. The number of registered sex offenders managed at level 3 has decreased in the last 12 months from 34 to 26. There is no risk to the public in a case being downgraded from level 3 to level 2 if that is what the risk management requires. Levels are dynamic and the case can be re-listed at level 3 if things change.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-29T15:17:09.93","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276808,"EventID":"S4W-09962","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-01T15:17:10.223","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-28T16:18:55","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-09709 by Kenny MacAskill on 27 September 2012, what the cost to the Scottish Government has been of managing all registered sex offenders under multi-agency public protection arrangements (MAPPA) in each year since 2007, also broken down by management level.","AnswerText":"There is no centrally held information about the costs to the Scottish Government in managing sex offenders under MAPPA in each year since 2007. The provisions in the legislation require the responsible authorities to jointly establish arrangements for the assessment and management of risk posed by these offenders. As such the arrangements are funded from the existing budgets of the Community Justice Authorities (CJA) and the collective responsible authorities. However, in 2007 to facilitate the initial set-up of the arrangements in Scotland, financial support was provided by the Scottish Government to the CJAs of £835,000. This funded 11 MAPPA coordinators posts and an additional eight administration posts. The funding of these posts since 2008 has been met through local budgetary arrangements.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-29T15:17:10.24","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276809,"EventID":"S4W-09963","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2059,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":91,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-01T15:17:10.553","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-29T08:38:07","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-03648 by Kenny MacAskill on 3 November 2011, how much (a) of each amount listed has been allocated and (b) each organisation has received since November 2011.\r\n","AnswerText":"Since the inception of the highly successful Cashback Programme in 2007, over £46 million recovered from the proceeds of crime has been invested throughout Scotland, directly benefitting over 600,000 young people and generating over 11,000 young person volunteers who are now putting something back into their communities.\r\nThe Scottish Government allocates available funds to partner organisations, which are responsible for running projects across Scotland. The following table shows the list of funding to all of our national partner organisations from 2007 until March 2015, showing the amount of the award received and allocated.\r\nRecipient Organisation\r\nDate From\r\nDate To\r\nReceived (£)\r\nAllocated (£)\r\nSporting Activities \r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nScottish Football Association (SFA)\r\n2008\r\n2014\r\n4,174,717 \r\n5,436,000\r\nScottish Rugby Union (SRU)\r\n2008\r\n2014\r\n2,841,200 \r\n3,691,200\r\nScottish Sports Futures\r\n2008\r\n2014\r\n2,471,919\r\n3,237,169\r\nBasketball Scotland\r\n2008\r\n2014\r\n756,300\r\n1,101,300\r\nClubGolf\r\n2012\r\n2015\r\n125,000\r\n375,000\r\nAmateur Boxing Scotland Limited \r\n2011\r\n2013\r\n180,000\r\n359,717\r\nBadminton Scotland\r\n2009\r\n2012\r\n336,000\r\n336,000\r\nScottish Hockey\r\n2009\r\n2012\r\n316,000\r\n316,000\r\nScottish Athletics Limited\r\n2009\r\n2012\r\n229,000\r\n229,000\r\nScottish Squash\r\n2009\r\n2012\r\n228,000\r\n228,000\r\nTennis Scotland\r\n2009\r\n2012\r\n149,000\r\n149,000\r\nSports Facilities\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nSportScotland Sports facilities\r\n2011\r\n2014\r\n7,870,622\r\n8,846,208\r\nCultural Activities\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nCreative Scotland\r\n2008\r\n2014\r\n2,843,000\r\n3,593,000\r\nYouth Organisations\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nYouthLink Scotland\r\n2008\r\n2014\r\n7,694,052\r\n8,194,052\r\nYouth Scotland \r\n2009\r\n2013\r\n1,000,000\r\n1,000,000\r\nMentoring and Youth Employability (Personal Development Partnership)\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nPrinces Trust/Fairbridge\r\n2009\r\n2013\r\n1,063,136\r\n1,063,136\r\nVenture Trust\r\n2009\r\n2013\r\n533,492\r\n533,492\r\nVenture Scotland\r\n2012\r\n2013\r\n17,500\r\n17,500\r\nScottish Power \r\n2011\r\n2013\r\n76,852\r\n76,852\r\nEarly Years\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nAngus Council/Tayside Police\r\n2011\r\n2014\r\n210,000\r\n350,000\r\nWorking on wheels/playbus\r\n2011\r\n2014\r\n103,200\r\n150,000\r\nCommunity Assets/Capacity Building\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nInspiring Scotland\r\n2011\r\n2014\r\n1,141,600\r\n2,250,000\r\nOther Community Commitments and ongoing support\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nProgramme support\r\n2007\r\n2014\r\n1,890,106\r\n1,890,106\r\nCommunities Cup\r\n2011\r\n2012\r\n1,000,000\r\n1,500,000\r\nPrincess Trust Development Award\r\n2011\r\n2014\r\n200,000\r\n300,000\r\nNo Knives Better Lives\r\n2010\r\n2012\r\n500,000\r\n500,000\r\nSTV Appeal/child Poverty\r\n2011\r\n2012\r\n631,542\r\n631,542\r\n\r\n\r\nTotal\r\n38,581,738\r\n46,354,305\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-29T15:17:10.567","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276810,"EventID":"S4W-09964","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2059,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":91,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-01T15:17:10.973","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-29T08:38:07","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-03648 by Kenny MacAskill on 3 November 2011, what projects the money has been used for, broken down by organisation.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-9963 on 17 October 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at: \r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-29T15:17:10.99","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276811,"EventID":"S4W-09965","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2059,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":91,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-01T15:17:11.27","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-29T08:38:07","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-03648 by Kenny MacAskill on 3 November 2011, what facilities the money has been used for, broken down by organisation.\r\n","AnswerText":"Between 2007 and 2011, sportscotland managed CashBack facilities funding for football projects across Scotland, the details of which are shown in the following table.\r\nDetails of further football facilities funded through CashBack can be found at: http://www.scotland.gov.uk/News/Releases/2011/03/16134101 and details of the rugby facilities funded by CashBack can be found at: \r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/News/Releases/2011/08/30120717.\r\nOther additional investment has been awarded to develop facilities at:\r\nDundee Gymnastics Centre - £300,000\r\nMidlothian Ski Centre, Hillend - £400,000\r\nClub\r\nProject\r\nAward (up to)\r\nBreadalbane Strathtay Youth Football Club & Amateur Football Club\r\nDevelopment of training/7 a-side area, new 2-team modular changing facility\r\n£65,990.00\r\nBressay Sports Club\r\nConstruction of a full-size natural grass sports pitch (120m x 60m).\r\n£75,000.00\r\nBroxburn United Sports Club\r\nConstruction of a full size 3G synthetic grass pitch (100x60m) at Albyn Park\r\n£150,000.00\r\nCaledonian Youth Club\r\nConstruction of a synthetic grass 5 a-side area with portable goals and nets.\r\n£53,000.00\r\nCulter Youth Football Club\r\nConstruction of a natural grass pitch at Crombie Park with floodlights. New 2-team modular changing facility.\r\n£89,000.00\r\nDumfries Girls Football Club\r\nPlaying fields improvements (incorporating new drainage; storage; training facility; floodlights for training pitch).\r\n£35,000.00\r\nDundee East Community Sports Club\r\nNew 4-team modular changing facility with showers, toilets and referee changing.\r\n£40,000.00\r\nDundee United Sports Club\r\nNew 4-team modular changing facility with showers, toilets and referee changing.\r\n£50,000.00\r\nDunoon Youth Football League\r\nNew 8-team changing facility adjacent to existing facility with lockers, showers, toilets and reception area\r\n£100,000.00\r\nEast Dunbartonshire Council in Partnership with Rossvale F.C\r\nHuntershill Pitch Development. Upgrade of existing full sized blaes pitch to 3G Pitch.\r\n£100,000.00\r\nEast Lothian Council - Haddington Athletic\r\nNew 2-team modular changing facility with showers and toilets, to service the 7a-side pitches.\r\n£100,000.00\r\nEastfield A.F.C / Balloch Eastfield B.C / Carbrain B.C\r\nUpgrade of Pavilion and Pitch at Earls Hills Football Pitch\r\n£95,000.00\r\nGleniffer Thistle Boys Club\r\nUpgrade and redevelopment of Abbotsinch Football Park. Provision of security fencing and drainage of the grass area.\r\n£35,250.00\r\nKennoway Sports Association\r\nNew 10-team modular changing facility at Cotlands Park with showers, toilets, kitchen, small general purpose hall and kit storage.\r\n£100,000.00\r\nKilwinning Community Sports Club\r\nNew 4-team modular changing facility with showers, toilets and referee changing.\r\n£100,000.00\r\nLanglands Park Recreation Association\r\nNew 2-team changing pavilion with showers, toilets and referee changing\r\n£124,000.00\r\nLoanhead Miners Youth F.C\r\nRenovation of Bayne Memorial Hall to create a modern community sports facility incorporating an indoor 5 a-side area, changing rooms, storage and office space.\r\n£63,083.00\r\nLochend Youth F.C\r\nNew 3G synthetic grass pitch (60x40m) and changing accommodation.\r\n£50,000.00\r\nLochs Sports & Recreation Club\r\nNew 2-team modular changing facility with referees room, and sports development container\r\n£40,000.00\r\nLybster Junior F.C.\r\nProvision of two modular units to provide male & female changing and storage facilities.\r\n£25,056.00\r\nMilton Rovers Youth F.C.\r\nExpansion and upgrading of existing synthetic grass 5 a-side area to two soccer 7's sized areas in a 3G surface.\r\n£95,940.00\r\nPrincess Royal Sports & Community Trust\r\nUpgrade of existing sand-filled synthetic pitch to 3G surface, and upgrade of fencing.\r\n£100,000.00\r\nSymington Tinto AFC\r\nRefurbishment of existing clubhouse; new floodlighting for astrograss and grass pitch; extension of dressing room.\r\n£25,496.00\r\nWest Dunbartonshire Council - Antonine FC\r\nUpgrade of existing drainage to natural grass pitch\r\n£21,955.00\r\nWest Lothian Council in Partner","AnswerDate":"2012-10-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-29T15:17:11.287","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276812,"EventID":"S4W-09966","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2059,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":91,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-01T15:17:11.583","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-29T08:38:07","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-03648 by Kenny MacAskill on 3 November 2011, what projects the money has been used for by the Scottish Football Association's football facilities stream.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-09965 on 29 October 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\nFurthermore, no funding has gone directly to the Scottish FA for Cashback Facilities projects. This funding was directed through sportscotland and the Scottish Football Association was involved in identifying projects to be supported. \r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-29T15:17:11.583","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276813,"EventID":"S4W-09967","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-01T15:17:11.893","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-29T12:42:30","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will fully fund the council tax benefit grant beyond 2013-14 and, if so, at what level.\r\n","AnswerText":"The UK Government’s introduction of Universal Credit in October 2013 will have fundamental implications for how future Council Tax support might be provided. However, more detail on the operation of Universal Credit is required from the UK Department for Work and Pensions before a robust means of delivering council tax support beyond 2014 can be determined and consequently no decisions have been made.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-29T15:17:11.91","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276814,"EventID":"S4W-09968","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-01T15:17:12.283","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-30T22:59:15","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether kinship care payments made by a local authority should cease if a residency order is granted and, if so, for what reason.\r\n","AnswerText":"For children whose long-term wellbeing is best served by living with kinship carers and who do not need compulsory supervision by a local authority, a kinship carer can be granted a section 11, Residence Order, of the Children (Scotland) Act 1995.\r\nWhether the local authority continues to pay an allowance after a residency order is granted is a matter for them to decide. Under section 22 of the Children (Scotland) Act 1995 local authorities have a duty to safeguard and promote the welfare of children in need by providing a range and level of services appropriate to the children’s needs; and under section 50 of the Children Act 1975 local authorities have the power to make payments for or towards maintenance of a child being cared for by a person other than a parent.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-29T15:17:12.3","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Aileen Campbell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276837,"EventID":"S4W-09943","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4939,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":78,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-01T17:09:31.943","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-28T14:15:55.943","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the implications will be for the continued viability of the Grangemouth freight hub if consent is granted for the proposed Rosyth international container terminal.\r\n","AnswerText":"We await the report of the recent public local inquiry into the objections to the Rosyth International Container Terminal proposal. Only once that report is received will consideration be given to whether or not the proposal should be consented and any implications would be taken into account in that consideration.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-29T17:09:31.99","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276838,"EventID":"S4W-09944","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4939,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":78,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-01T17:09:32.41","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-28T14:15:55.943","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what discussions it has had with the (a) UK Government and (b) European Commission regarding the potential of the proposed Rosyth international container development to have an adverse impact on a European wildlife site.","AnswerText":"None.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-29T17:09:32.427","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276839,"EventID":"S4W-09945","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4939,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":78,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-01T17:09:32.69","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-28T14:15:55.943","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how the national development status of additional container freight capacity on the Forth in the national planning framework will influence the decision-making process regarding the application for the Rosyth international container terminal.","AnswerText":"The Annex to the second National Planning Framework (NPF2) contains a statement of Scottish Ministers' reasons for considering that there is a need for additional container freight capacity on the Forth. Section 25 of the Town and Country Planning (Scotland) Act 1997 makes provision as to how such statements are to be applied when determining a planning application. In relation to other consent procedures, such as the current Harbour Order application, there is no similar statutory provision, however, ministers' reasons for considering that there is such a need will be given equivalent status in reaching a decision on the proposal for an international container terminal at Rosyth.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-29T17:09:32.707","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276840,"EventID":"S4W-09946","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4939,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":78,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-01T17:09:33.207","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-28T14:15:55.943","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what birds and habitats could be affected by the proposed Rosyth international container terminal.","AnswerText":"The Environmental Statement submitted with the application and additional reports submitted to the public local inquiry detail the species and habitats that could be affected by this proposal. These are publicly available on the website of the Scottish Government Directorate for Planning and Environmental Appeals as documents considered by the reporters whose report is still awaited.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-29T17:09:33.223","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276841,"EventID":"S4W-09947","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4939,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":78,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-01T17:09:33.55","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-28T14:15:55.943","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, if consent is granted for the proposed Rosyth international container terminal and an adverse impact on a European designated site cannot be ruled out, what action will be required.\r\n","AnswerText":"We still await the report of the public inquiry into this proposal and until that report is received and the application is determined it is not considered appropriate to speculate on possible outcomes.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-29T17:09:33.563","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276842,"EventID":"S4W-09948","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4939,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":78,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-01T17:09:33.877","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-28T14:15:55.943","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what compensatory measures might be required if consent is granted for the proposed Rosyth international container terminal and an adverse impact on a European designated site cannot be ruled out.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-09947 on 24 October 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-29T17:09:33.893","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276843,"EventID":"S4W-09949","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4939,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":78,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-01T17:09:34.19","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-28T14:15:55.943","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what countries are visited on their annual migration by birds that might be affected by the proposed Rosyth international container terminal and what discussions the Scottish Government has had with such countries on the matter.\r\n","AnswerText":"Relevant details of species potentially affected by the proposal are contained in the Report to Inform an Appropriate Assessment prepared by the applicant and publicly available on the website of the Scottish Government Directorate for Planning and Environmental Appeals in connection with the current public inquiry. We have had no discussions with other countries in this regard.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-29T17:09:34.203","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276844,"EventID":"S4W-09951","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4939,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":78,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-01T17:09:34.453","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-28T14:15:55.943","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when it will receive a report and recommendation regarding the proposed Rosyth international container terminal from the Directorate for Planning and Environmental Appeals.","AnswerText":"We currently expect to receive the report later in the autumn.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-29T17:09:34.47","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276845,"EventID":"S4W-09952","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4939,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":78,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-01T17:09:34.733","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-28T14:15:55.943","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will receive advice from Scottish Natural Heritage on the implications of the proposed Rosyth international container terminal for European wildlife sites and Scotland's natural heritage following the receipt of the report and recommendation from the Directorate for Planning and Environmental Appeals and before deciding whether to grant consent.\r\n","AnswerText":"If, following receipt of the report of the public inquiry, it is considered that the order should be made and that the proposal will be likely to have a significant effect on a European site, Scottish Natural Heritage will be consulted for the purposes of completing an appropriate assessment in accordance with the requirements of the Conservation (Natural Habitats, &c.) Regulations 1994 (as amended).\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-29T17:09:34.75","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276855,"EventID":"S4W-09994","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":2,"MSPID":2010,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":137,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-02T11:44:05.903","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-02T11:02:38","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will report on the recent activities of the Joint Ministerial Committee.\r\n","AnswerText":"On 19 September 2012, the First Minister and I attended a meeting of the Joint Ministerial Committee (Plenary) (JMC(P))in London. The JMC(P) was also attended by the UK Government, the Welsh Government and the Northern Ireland Executive. It was chaired by the Prime Minister. We discussed the current economic situation and the UK Government’s draft aviation policy.\r\nWe also agreed revisions to the Memorandum of Understanding between the UK Government and the Devolved Administrations.\r\nI am placing a copy of the 2011-12 annual report agreed by the Joint Ministerial Committee in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre (Bib. number 54343).\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-30T11:44:06.213","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276874,"EventID":"S4W-09986","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-02T15:11:39.953","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-01T17:07:26","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what steps it is taking to encourage a gender balance on nursing courses in the north east, in light of the report in The Press and Journal of 1 October 2012 that only one in 10 Scottish student nurses are male.\r\n","AnswerText":"Under the wider recruitment and retention project hosted by NHS Education for Scotland (NES), work has been undertaken with a broad range of NHS boards and universities to develop resources that promote positive messages of nursing for both female and male nurses. We continue to monitor equality and diversity nationally for all students on nursing programmes and this monitoring includes gender.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-30T15:11:40.453","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276875,"EventID":"S4W-09987","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-02T15:11:40.75","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-01T17:07:26","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what plans it has to address the reported decreasing number of hospital beds in NHS Grampian.","AnswerText":"It is for NHS boards to plan the bed configuration they require to meet local needs, following relevant national policies.\r\nISD Acute Activity statistics published in September 2012 show the changing pattern of care nationally continues with shorter hospital stays, more same day surgery and a subsequent requirement for fewer acute hospital beds. Both the quality of care and efficiency continue to improve.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-30T15:11:40.763","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276876,"EventID":"S4W-09988","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-02T15:11:41.06","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-01T17:07:26","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what progress has been made in 2012 on the Aberdeen Crossrail project.","AnswerText":"Elements of Aberdeen Crossrail will be delivered through the Aberdeen to Inverness Rail Improvements Project. Phase one, which I announced on 21 June 2012, will provide enhanced commuter services into each city and new railway stations at Dalcross (near Inverness Airport) and Kintore in Aberdeenshire between 2014 and 2019.\r\nWe will look to develop further cross Aberdeen services through future phases of both the Aberdeen to Inverness rail improvements project and the Aberdeen to Central Belt rail enhancement scheme.\r\nThe improved rail service timetable from December 2012 delivers significant improvements to services between Dundee and Aberdeen. From 9 December 2012, five more trains will call at Portlethen Station and two extra services will be introduced on Sundays between Aberdeen and Edinburgh.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-30T15:11:41.077","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276877,"EventID":"S4W-09989","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-02T15:11:41.387","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-02T09:52:46.037","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether ministers have met the chief executive or other senior representatives of the Health and Safety Executive since 2007 to discuss matters affecting public health in Scotland, when the last meeting took place; what issues were discussed, and whether ministers will hold regular such meetings.","AnswerText":"Since 2007, Scottish Ministers have met with the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) on a number of occasions to discuss public health matters.\r\nAs Minister for Public Health, Shona Robison met Danny Carrigan, Health and Safety Commissioner, on 12 December 2007. The discussion was around the liaison between reserved and devolved areas of competence relating to health and safety in the workplace.\r\nIn the same capacity, Shona Robison met Judith Hackett CBE, Chair of the Health and Safety Board, and Dr Paul Stollard, Director of the Health and Safety Executive in Scotland on 11 March 2009. The discussion was about how the HSE Strategy would be delivered in co-operation with other partners in the Scottish Health and Safety System, including the Scottish Government.\r\nShona Robison also met with Geoffrey Podger, Chief Executive of the HSE in September 2009 to discuss the UV tubing of sunbeds.\r\nAdditionally, Scottish Ministers have responded to a number of issues arising from the UK Government's review of health and safety.\r\nThere are no current plans for future meetings between Scottish Ministers and the Health and Safety Executive.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-30T15:11:41.403","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276878,"EventID":"S4W-09990","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-02T15:11:41.717","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-02T09:52:46.037","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether ministers have met the chief executive or other senior representatives of the Health and Safety Executive since 2007 to discuss matters relating to fatal accident inquiries for workplace fatalities in Scotland, when the last meeting took place; what issues were discussed, and whether ministers will hold regular such meetings.\r\n","AnswerText":"Health and safety at work legislation is reserved with legislation relating to the operation of the Health and Safety Executive being the responsibility of the UK Government.\r\nFrom the period 2008 onwards, details of Scottish Government ministerial engagements, including any meetings with the Health and Safety Executive, can be found at the following web address:\r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/About/People/14944/Events-Engagements/MinisterialEngagements.\r\nMinisters are always happy to meet with key stakeholders on matters of mutual interest, but there are no regular ministerial meetings planned with the Health and Safety Executive at this time.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-30T15:11:41.73","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lesley Thomson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276879,"EventID":"S4W-09991","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-02T15:11:42.013","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-02T09:52:46.037","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether ministers have met the chief executive or other senior representatives of the Health and Safety Executive since 2007 to discuss matters affecting criminal responsibility for corporate negligence in Scotland, when the last meeting took place; what issues were discussed, and whether ministers will hold regular such meetings.","AnswerText":"Health and safety at work legislation is reserved, with legislation relating to the operation of the Health and Safety Executive being the responsibility of the UK Government.\r\nWe have not identified any record of Scottish ministers meeting with the Health and Safety Executive about this specific matter during 2007. From the period 2008 onwards, details of Scottish Government ministerial engagements can be found at the following web address:\r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/About/People/14944/Events-Engagements/MinisterialEngagements.\r\nMinisters are always happy to meet with key stakeholders on matters of mutual interest, but there are no regular ministerial meetings planned with the Health and Safety Executive at this time.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-30T15:11:42.027","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276880,"EventID":"S4W-09992","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-02T15:11:42.31","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-02T09:52:46.037","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether ministers have met the chief executive or other senior representatives of the Health and Safety Executive since 2007 to discuss matters affecting the offshore oil and gas industry, given the potential impact on costs and employment in Scotland-based companies supplying the industry, when the last meeting took place; what issues were discussed, and whether ministers will hold regular such meetings.\r\n","AnswerText":"Contact between Scottish Ministers and the HSE is maintained through the membership of different industry groups. \r\nSenior Scottish Government officials meet with senior representatives of the HSE in relation to gas industry matters as part of the Energy Emergencies Executive Committee (E3C) and as part of the NEPLG, Scottish Nuclear Emergency Group and the local site liaison groups. The HSE are also represented on the Carbon Capture and Storage programme board chaired by the Scottish Government. \r\nIn the oil and gas sector Scottish Government liaise with HSE as necessary in reaction to incidents. This includes Scottish Government representation along with HSE, and other government interests, on the Government Interest Group established in response to the Elgin incident earlier this. \r\nIn addition to membership of industry groups the HSE are also embedded as consultees in the processes, operation and planning of offshore oil and gas industry and in the energy sector.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-30T15:11:42.323","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276881,"EventID":"S4W-09993","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-02T15:11:42.603","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-02T09:52:46.037","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether ministers have met the chief executive or other senior representatives of the Health and Safety Executive since 2007 to discuss matters affecting the energy industry in Scotland, given the potential impact on costs and employment, when the last meeting took place; what issues were discussed, and whether ministers will hold regular such meetings.\r\n","AnswerText":"Contact between Scottish Ministers and the HSE is maintained through the membership of different industry groups.\r\nSenior Scottish Government officials meet with senior representatives of the HSE in relation to gas industry matters as part of the Energy Emergencies Executive Committee (E3C) and as part of the NEPLG, Scottish Nuclear Emergency Group and the local site liaison groups. The HSE are also represented on the Carbon Capture and Storage programme board chaired by the Scottish Government. \r\nIn the oil and gas sector Scottish Government liaise with HSE as necessary in reaction to incidents. This includes Scottish Government representation along with HSE, and other government interests, on the Government Interest Group established in response to the Elgin incident earlier this. \r\nIn addition to membership of industry groups the HSE are also embedded as consultees in the processes, operation and planning of offshore oil and gas industry and in the wider energy sector.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-30T15:11:42.62","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276882,"EventID":"S4W-09995","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3758,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":76,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-02T16:58:18.503","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-02T13:37:49","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the estimated asset value is of buildings built under each PFI/PPP project from 1999 to 2007, broken down by local authority.\r\n","AnswerText":"This information is available from the Scottish Government website under “Project List - Done Deals” by way of the following link www.scotland.gov.uk.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-30T16:58:18.537","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276883,"EventID":"S4W-09996","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3758,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":76,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-02T16:58:18.863","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-02T13:37:49","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the cost of repayments will be over the lifetime of each PFI/PPP project initiated from 1999 to 2007, broken down by local authority.\r\n","AnswerText":"This information is available from the Scottish Government website under “Unitary Payment Charges” by way of the following link www.scotland.gov.uk.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-30T16:58:18.88","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276884,"EventID":"S4W-09997","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3758,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":76,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-02T16:58:19.16","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-02T13:37:49","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the cost of repayments would be over the lifetime of each PFI/PPP project initiated from 1999 to 2007 if the contracts had been procured under the non-profit distributing model.\r\n","AnswerText":"As the rates applicable to any project reflect the market conditions when the actual contract is signed, it is not possible to assess how the costs of previous PFI projects would differ if those projects had been procured via the Non-Profit Distributing (NPD) model.\r\nThe NPD model is the Scottish Government’s preferred option for revenue financed projects as it creates a better balance between risk and reward to the private sector and avoids the kind of excessive returns and poor taxpayer value associated with past PFI projects.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-30T16:58:19.177","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276902,"EventID":"S4W-09975","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5079,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-03T14:03:47.33","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-01T14:26:51","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what guidance is given to the (a) police and (b) Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service regarding making public material gathered as part of a criminal investigation.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S3W-38760 on 24 January 2011. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-31T14:03:48.577","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276903,"EventID":"S4W-09976","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5079,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-03T14:03:50.247","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-01T14:26:51","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many police officers have been disciplined in each year since 2007 for the inappropriate sharing of information with the media.\r\n","AnswerText":"The discipline of Police Officers is a matter for the relevant Deputy Chief Constable to consider.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-31T14:03:50.28","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276904,"EventID":"S4W-09985","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2892,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-03T14:03:51.277","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-01T16:18:55.82","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether there is legislation in force that could achieve the same effect as the US law, the Animal Crush Video Prohibition Act of 2010 and, if not, whether it will consider introducing measures to do so.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Animal Crush Video Prohibition Act 2010 outlaws the creation, sale, marketing, advertising, exchange or distribution of “animal crush” videos. An “animal crush” video is defined as any photograph, film, video or digital recording which (a) is obscene and (b) depicts conduct in which one or more non-human mammals, birds, reptiles or amphibians is intentionally crushed, burned, drowned, suffocated, impaled or otherwise subject to serious bodily injury.\r\nIn Scotland, the publication, sale, distribution or supply of such videos would be an offence under section 51 of the Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982 concerning obscene material.\r\nThe acts of crushing an animal or of allowing an animal to be crushed would inevitably lead to significant distress and injury for any animal concerned and both are offences under section 19 of the Animal Health and Welfare (Scotland) Act 2006.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-31T14:03:51.307","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276905,"EventID":"S4W-09998","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4938,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-03T14:03:51.697","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-02T13:51:54.37","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what action it is taking to assist in the regeneration of Central Scotland.\r\n","AnswerText":"Achieving a Sustainable Future: The Regeneration Strategy articulates the vision of a Scotland where our most disadvantaged communities are supported and where all places are sustainable and promote wellbeing.\r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2011/12/09110320/0.\r\nThe government is putting in place an overarching flexible framework for delivery and the right conditions to implement the vision, and to drive forward and evaluate change so as to make a lasting difference. This includes an emphasis on community-led regeneration and on focussed funding mechanisms.\r\nLocal authorities have responsibility for delivering local economic development and local regeneration. They are well placed to link economic opportunity and need across Central Scotland by developing the right working relationships so that opportunities can be exploited to respond to local conditions in an effective way.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-31T14:03:51.713","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Burgess","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276906,"EventID":"S4W-09999","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4938,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-03T14:03:52.01","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-02T13:51:54.37","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what recent discussions it has had with North Lanarkshire Council regarding the council tax freeze.","AnswerText":"I have not had any recent direct discussions with North Lanarkshire Council about the council tax freeze but I wrote to the COSLA President, copied to all local authority leaders, on 20 September 2012 setting out the terms of the 2013-14 local government finance settlement. In that letter I made it clear that in return for this agreed level of funding I will expect all local authorities, including North Lanarkshire Council, to maintain the council tax freeze in 2013-14 which will be the sixth consecutive year of the freeze.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-31T14:03:52.027","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276907,"EventID":"S4W-10000","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4938,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-03T14:03:52.307","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-02T13:51:54.37","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what progress is being made in rolling out 4G mobile services in Central Scotland.\r\n","AnswerText":"As set out in Scotland’s Digital Future – Infrastructure Action Plan, enhanced mobile coverage across the whole of Scotland is a priority for the Scottish Government; and we continue to have discussions with mobile operators about improving coverage across Scotland.\r\nEE (formerly Everything Everywhere) will launch the first 4G network in the UK on 30 October 2012. This will initially cover ten cities, including Glasgow and Edinburgh, with six more to be added by the end of the year. Other operators’ roll out plans will be confirmed once the 4G spectrum auction has taken place early next year.\r\nOfcom, the UK telecoms regulator, has responsibility for the auction and for setting licence conditions. The Scottish Government has successfully lobbied for a high 4G coverage obligation in Scotland. This has resulted in a 95% indoor coverage level target being set in all four UK nations – a considerable improvement on the targets originally proposed by Ofcom in 2011 and one that will extend 4G services across the whole of Scotland.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-31T14:03:52.323","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276908,"EventID":"S4W-10001","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4938,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-03T14:03:52.633","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-02T13:51:54.37","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the annual cost of PFI contracts is to each local authority in Central Scotland.","AnswerText":"This information is available from the Scottish Government website under “Unitary Payment Charges” by way of the following link www.scotland.gov.uk.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-31T14:03:52.65","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276909,"EventID":"S4W-10002","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4938,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-03T14:03:52.913","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-02T13:51:54.37","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much it is providing to local authorities in Central Scotland to renew school buildings.\r\n","AnswerText":"The total amount of indicative funding which the Scottish Government will provide to authorities in Central Scotland under the Scotland’s Schools for the Future programme is £61.46 million. Central Scotland has been defined for the purpose of this parliamentary question as the local authorities which fall under the Central Scotland Parliamentary area. These include Falkirk, North Lanarkshire and South Lanarkshire.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-31T14:03:52.93","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276910,"EventID":"S4W-10003","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4938,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-03T14:03:53.18","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-02T13:51:54.37","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much funding is being provided to farmers in Central Scotland under the common agricultural policy.\r\n","AnswerText":"The amount of Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) funding in the Central Scotland constituency since 2005 to 2011 was £77.309 million distributed through the various funding streams (support measures) shown in the following table, broken down by scheme year. To note, for some of the support measures shown (Food Processing and Marketing Grants, LEADER and forestry), beneficiaries of CAP funding are not necessarily solely involved in farming. The beneficiaries will include farmers and non-farmers alike.\r\nCAP Funding In the Central Scotland Constituency - 2005 to 2011 (Expressed in £ Millions)\r\nFunding Streams / Schemes\r\n2005\r\n2006\r\n2007\r\n2008\r\nDirect Payments Funding\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nSingle Farm Payment Scheme\r\n£6.454\r\n£6.942\r\n£7.027\r\n£7.504\r\nScottish Beef Calf Scheme\r\n£0.371\r\n£0.351\r\n£0.357\r\n£0.385\r\nRural Development Funding\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nCrofting Counties Agricultural Grants Scheme\r\nN/A\r\nN/A\r\nN/A\r\nN/A\r\nForestry (legacy and other funding)\r\n£1.178\r\n£2.773\r\n£2.074\r\n£0.525\r\nFood Processing and Marketing Grants\r\n£0.000\r\n£0.000\r\n£0.000\r\n£0.000\r\nLEADER \r\n£0.000\r\n£0.000\r\n£0.000\r\n£0.001\r\nLFASS\r\n£0.816\r\n£1.318\r\n£0.752\r\n£0.749\r\nLand Managers Options (including previous Land Management Contract Menu Scheme)\r\n£0.239\r\n£0.333\r\n£0.309\r\n£0.350\r\nRural Priorities (including agri legacy and new forestry funding)\r\n£0.164\r\n£0.255\r\n£0.225\r\n£0.206\r\n\r\nFunding Streams / Schemes\r\n2009\r\n2010\r\n2011\r\nTotal Funding (millions)\r\nDirect Payments Funding\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nSingle Farm Payment Scheme\r\n£8.604\r\n£7.942\r\n£7.997\r\n£52.470\r\nScottish Beef Calf Scheme\r\n£0.438\r\n£0.416\r\n£0.421\r\n£2.739\r\nRural Development Funding\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nCrofting Counties Agricultural Grants Scheme\r\nN/A\r\nN/A\r\nN/A\r\nN/A\r\nForestry (legacy and other funding)\r\n£1.469\r\n£0.295\r\n£0.256\r\n£8.570\r\nFood Processing and Marketing Grants\r\n£0.551\r\n£0.328\r\n£0.080\r\n£0.959\r\nLEADER \r\n£0.081\r\n£0.079\r\n£0.296\r\n£0.457\r\nLFASS\r\n£0.750\r\n£0.716\r\n£0.751\r\n£5.852\r\nLand Managers Options (including previous Land Management Contract Menu Scheme)\r\n£0.357\r\n£0.276\r\n£0.100\r\n£1.964\r\nRural Priorities (including agri legacy and new forestry funding)\r\n£1.073\r\n£0.930\r\n£1.445\r\n£4.298\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nTotal Funding (millions)\r\n£77.309\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-31T14:03:53.197","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276911,"EventID":"S4W-10004","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4938,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-03T14:03:53.46","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-02T13:51:54.37","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much funding it allocated to North Lanarkshire Council in the last financial year.","AnswerText":"North Lanarkshire Council was allocated £656.2 million in revenue and £28.5 million in capital funding as part of the 2011-12 local government finance settlement. Following the announcement of additional sums of money during 2011-12, North Lanarkshire Council received a further £3.6 million in revenue funding.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-31T14:03:53.477","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276912,"EventID":"S4W-10005","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4938,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-03T14:03:53.727","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-02T13:51:54.37","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it has allocated funding to (a) North Lanarkshire Council, (b) South Lanarkshire Council and (c) Falkirk Council in addition to their original 2011-12 funding.\r\n","AnswerText":"As a result of the announcement of additional sums of money during 2011-12, North Lanarkshire Council received an extra £3.6 million; South Lanarkshire Council £3.2 million and Falkirk Council £2.1 million. These sums were in addition to their original allocations contained in the 2011-12 local government finance settlements.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-31T14:03:53.74","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276913,"EventID":"S4W-10006","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2066,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-03T14:03:54.023","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-02T14:13:53","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether the National Goose Management Review Group has considered reducing goose numbers on Islay and finding additional funding streams to assist farmers and crofters on the island deal with the birds' impact.\r\n","AnswerText":"The National Goose Management Review Group (NGMRG) has approved in principle an adaptive management trial designed to maintain or reduce populations of resident greylag geese on Islay. This trial work is the subject of ongoing discussion to agree target populations. A similar trial is underway in Orkney and two further trials are being developed on other Scottish islands. Scottish ministers are now turning to consider whether the principles of adaptive management can be applied to the larger migratory goose populations on Islay in a manner consistent with our international conservation obligations.\r\nThe Scottish Government is also considering the suitability of options within the next Scottish Rural Development Programme for supporting goose management in Scotland.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-31T14:03:54.037","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276914,"EventID":"S4W-10007","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2066,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-03T14:03:54.32","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-02T14:13:53","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what applications have been made by Scottish Natural Heritage to the EU’s LIFE+ programme in order to control the goose numbers on Islay.\r\n","AnswerText":"SNH has not made any applications to the EU's LIFE+ programme in order to control the goose numbers on Islay.\r\nThe purpose of the EU LIFE+ programme is to protect and enhance the features recognised as important under the Birds and Habitats Directives. The Machair LIFE+ Project, led by RSPB, does undertake certain management actions to limit the impacts of resident greylag geese on machair habitats. However, a project focused specifically on controlling goose numbers would be highly unlikely to meet the eligibility criteria for EU LIFE+ funding.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-31T14:03:54.35","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276915,"EventID":"S4W-10008","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2066,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-03T14:03:54.88","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-02T14:13:53","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether Scottish Natural Heritage has requested funding assistance from the (a) UK Government and (b) EU to meet its international obligations to protect geese.","AnswerText":"SNH has not requested funding assistance from the UK Government or the EU in order to assist Scottish ministers in meeting their international obligations to protect geese.\r\nAs biodiversity is a devolved responsibility it is for the Scottish government and not the UK government to fund conservation management issues within Scotland.\r\nThe mainstream EU funding which helps member states meet such obligations is through the co-financing of the Scottish Rural Development Programme or via the LIFE+ programme.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-31T14:03:54.897","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276916,"EventID":"S4W-10009","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2595,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-03T14:03:55.193","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-02T14:20:33","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-09656 by John Swinney on 2 October 2012, whether it will provide the information requested and confirm what the outcome was of the last regular monitoring exercise.\r\n","AnswerText":"The latest monitoring returns (October 2012) from local authorities confirm they are on course to deliver the non domestic rate income projections, taking into account estimating changes from prior year adjustments, contained in the draft budget for 2012-13 and 2013-14 and this demonstrates that the Scottish Government has taken a prudent approach to forecasting income levels.\r\nAll income projections across the spending review period are subject to regular monitoring and any changes to the estimates as a result are presented to the Parliament for approval as part of the normal budget cycle process.\r\nThe established process for accounting and estimating rates income is fully open and transparent. Details of the rates collected and distributed are subject to audit by Audit Scotland and are published annually in the Non-Domestic Rating Account and full details of the calculation of the annual distributable amount, including the monitoring returns from local authorities on which it is based, is published annually in the Scottish Local Government Financial Statistics.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-31T14:03:55.207","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276917,"EventID":"S4W-10010","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2595,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-03T14:03:55.55","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-02T14:20:33","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-09656  by John Swinney on 2 October 2012, when the data returns for the 2011-12 non-domestic rate notified amounts from local authorities will be published.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-10009 on 25 October 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-31T14:03:55.567","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276918,"EventID":"S4W-10011","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2595,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-03T14:03:55.863","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-02T14:20:33","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-09656 by John Swinney on 2 October 2012, when the data returns for the 2012-13 non-domestic rate mid-year estimates from local authorities will be published.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-10009 on 25 October 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-31T14:03:55.88","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276919,"EventID":"S4W-10012","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2059,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":91,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-03T14:03:56.177","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-02T14:30:15","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many practising GPs there are, broken down by (a) parliamentary constituency and (b) NHS board.","AnswerText":"Information on the number of GPs broken down by parliamentary constituency is not available.\r\nInformation Services Division (ISD) of National Services Scotland publishes statistics annually and the latest information and historical information on GPs practicing in Scotland is available from the ISD website at http://www.isdscotland.scot.nhs.uk/Health-Topics/General-Practice/GPs-and-Other-Practice-Workforce/. \r\nThe List of GPs in post and their practice contact details shows all GPs practising in Scotland as at 1 July 2012 including the NHS board they are practicing in.\r\nhttp://www.isdscotland.scot.nhs.uk/Health-Topics/General-Practice/GPs-and-Other-Practice-Workforce/GP_ContactDetails_Jul12_final.xls?1.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-31T14:03:56.19","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276920,"EventID":"S4W-10014","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5057,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-03T14:03:56.597","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-02T16:14:34.52","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when it will publish the outcome data of the Road to Recovery programme and what period this will cover.\r\n","AnswerText":"Since the introduction of the Road to Recovery Strategy in 2008, the Scottish Government has invested in the enhancement of the Scottish Drug Misuse Database (SDMD) so that it includes the collection of follow-up and outcomes based information from people as they progress through specialist drug treatment. Prior to 2007 and the Road to Recovery, this information was not available.\r\nIn December 2012, the Information Services Division (ISD) of NHS National Services Scotland will publish the following report - Scottish Drug Misuse Database (SDMD) report on treatment outcomes – 2010-11 and 2011-12.\r\nThis will be the first report of follow-up information from the SDMD based on SMR25a and SMR25b data submitted by specialist drug treatment services in Scotland. The report will present data on individuals entering specialist drug treatment services in Scotland during 2010-11 and 2011-12. Using person level ‘follow-up’ data, an exploration of three and 12 month treatment outcomes for the cohort groups will be presented.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-31T14:03:56.613","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Roseanna Cunningham","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276921,"EventID":"S4W-10015","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5057,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-03T14:03:56.923","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-02T16:14:34.52","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what dosages of methadone are dispensed under the Road to Recovery programme, broken down by percentage of patients who receive each dose.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Road to Recovery does not have a methadone programme. Decisions on the most appropriate treatment for an individual are for clinicians, in discussion with their patients, and in line with guidance set out in Drug Misuse and Dependence: UK Guidelines on Clinical Management (2007).\r\nIndividual patient level data on methadone prescribing, including dosage by patient, is not currently held centrally. Dosage and frequency are tailored to the individual patient based on the clinical assessment of the prescriber and dispensed and supervised accordingly by the dispensing pharmacist.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-31T14:03:56.94","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276922,"EventID":"S4W-10016","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5057,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-03T14:03:57.22","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-02T16:14:34.52","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many pharmacists have both a methadone dispensary and a sterile needle exchange and how many provide each service separately.\r\n","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally for individual pharmacists. However, methadone dispensing and sterile needle exchange by community pharmacy can be derived from remuneration and reimbursement paid to community pharmacy contractors for providing these services.\r\nThe following table sets out the number of community pharmacies that received remuneration and reimbursement for the above services during the financial year 2011-12.\r\nNumber of Community Pharmacies\r\nRemuneration and reimbursement for both sterile needle exchange and methadone dispensing. \r\n224\r\nRemuneration and reimbursement for methadone dispensing, but not sterile needle exchange.\r\n925\r\nRemuneration and reimbursement for sterile needle exchange, but not methadone dispensing.\r\n4\r\nSource: Prescribing Information System, ISD Scotland (extracted 12 Oct 2012).\r\nNote: Sterile needle exchange is provided for a range of pharmacological interventions, including drug misuse.","AnswerDate":"2012-10-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-31T14:03:57.237","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276923,"EventID":"S4W-10017","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5057,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-03T14:03:57.533","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-02T16:14:34.52","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what (a) guidance and (b) support it provides to pharmacists with a methadone dispensary and a sterile needle exchange regarding patients suspected of using both services.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Drug Misuse and Dependence: UK Guidelines on Clinical Management (2007) is the leading guidance in the UK on the treatment of drug misuse. The guidelines are endorsed and recommended by all four UK Health Departments for use by clinicians and practitioners providing substance misuse services and include guidance on opiate replacement therapy and needle exchange.\r\nIn addition, the Scottish Government Guidelines for Services Providing Injecting Equipment were published in May 2010 encompassing all aspects of injecting equipment provision. Support is also available to clinicians and practitioners through local Blood Borne Virus Prevention Leads appointed jointly by each NHS board and Alcohol and Drug Partnership under the Framework.\r\nNHS Education for Scotland pharmacy team has produced a distance learning education resource pack, Pharmaceutical Care in Substance Misuse, aimed at supporting pharmacists providing pharmaceutical care to substance misusers. It covers methadone and needle exchange services. The pack gives an insight into the background to substance misuse and in particular drug misuse, with the associated problems such as blood-borne viruses that this causes for patients.\r\nIn addition, a number of pharmacists have completed the Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP) Certificate in the Management of Drug Users in Primary Care. This is open to GPs, nurses and pharmacists.\r\nNHS boards are responsible for establishing local service specifications for methadone dispensing and needle exchange.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-31T14:03:57.547","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276924,"EventID":"S4W-10019","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5057,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-03T14:03:57.843","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-02T16:14:34.52","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what action pharmacists can take if they suspect that a patient on a court-ordered methadone treatment plan is continuing to use illegal narcotics.","AnswerText":"Pharmacists can report to the prescriber and the patient’s key worker at the local substance misuse clinic or drug problem service where there is reason to believe that the patient is continuing to use illicit drugs. This would be a clinical decision of the pharmacist where it is in the best interest of the patient’s recovery or where their overall health and wellbeing is at risk.\r\nPharmacists can take action to report their concerns about a patient whether or not treatment is covered by a court order.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-31T14:03:57.86","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276925,"EventID":"S4W-10020","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-03T14:03:58.127","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-02T17:46:38","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W–09702 by Richard Lochhead on 2 October 2012, how many Rural Payments and Inspections Directorate customers there were in 2011-12, broken down by area office, and what its definition of customer is.\r\n","AnswerText":"Further to my answer to S4W-09702, we have determined the number of Rural Payments and Inspections Division (RPID) customers in terms of the number of Single Application Forms (SAF) submitted across Scotland. This amounted to 21,747 applications in 2012. Applications are made by an individual, business or organisation who is the beneficiary of a scheme or schemes administered by RPID and is eligible for the relevant scheme/s as applied for through the SAF.\r\nThe following table provides a breakdown of SAFs by area office for 2012:\r\nAyr\r\n2,061\r\nBenbecula\r\n732\r\nDumfries\r\n1,628\r\nElgin\r\n580\r\nGalashiels\r\n1,930\r\nGolspie\r\n537\r\nHamilton\r\n862\r\nInverness\r\n1,595\r\nInverurie\r\n3,162\r\nKirkwall\r\n795\r\nLerwick\r\n1,015\r\nOban\r\n1,141\r\nPerth\r\n3,004\r\nPortree\r\n598\r\nStornoway\r\n1,279\r\nThurso\r\n828\r\nTotal\r\n21,747\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-31T14:03:58.14","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276926,"EventID":"S4W-10021","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-03T14:03:58.453","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-02T17:46:38","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W–09704 by Richard Lochhead on 2 October 2012, what the Less Favoured Area Support Scheme expenditure was in (a) 2007-08, (b) 2008-09, (c) 2009-10, (d) 2010-11 and (e) 2011-12, also broken down by (i) Rural Payments and Inspections Directorate area office and (ii) number of customers.\r\n","AnswerText":"Further to the answer to question S4W-09704, the Less Favoured Area Support Scheme (LFASS) is one of the Scotland Rural Development Programme (SRDP) schemes where we can break down the expenditure by Rural Payments and Inspections Division (RPID) area office. This information is presented in terms of SRDP scheme years 2007–2011 in the following table, where we have shown the total LFASS expenditure by area office and the number of LFASS applicants, with valid Single Application Forms.\r\nRPID Area Office\r\nTotal LFASS Expenditure by Area Office and Scheme Year (£000s)\r\nand Number of Successful Applicants (No.)\r\n2007\r\n2008\r\n2009\r\n2010\r\n2011\r\n \r\n£000s\r\nNo.\r\n£000s\r\nNo.\r\n£000s\r\nNo.\r\n£000s\r\nNo.\r\n£000s\r\nNo.\r\nAyr\r\n6956\r\n1160\r\n6922\r\n1194\r\n7171\r\n1186\r\n7017\r\n1064\r\n7350\r\n1043\r\nBenbecula\r\n703\r\n552\r\n729\r\n610\r\n820\r\n590\r\n859\r\n525\r\n835\r\n513\r\nDumfries\r\n6666\r\n889\r\n6711\r\n924\r\n6692\r\n914\r\n6436\r\n851\r\n6782\r\n834\r\nElgin\r\n1926\r\n285\r\n1941\r\n295\r\n2257\r\n287\r\n2574\r\n281\r\n2467\r\n273\r\nGalashiels\r\n7521\r\n806\r\n7481\r\n816\r\n7465\r\n806\r\n7136\r\n782\r\n7752\r\n781\r\nGolspie\r\n1042\r\n389\r\n1042\r\n412\r\n1202\r\n401\r\n1181\r\n367\r\n1306\r\n366\r\nHamilton\r\n2817\r\n573\r\n2753\r\n585\r\n2731\r\n572\r\n2670\r\n529\r\n2805\r\n525\r\nInverness\r\n4400\r\n969\r\n4362\r\n1004\r\n5040\r\n977\r\n5020\r\n926\r\n5207\r\n913\r\nInverurie\r\n4124\r\n1037\r\n3944\r\n1066\r\n4028\r\n1037\r\n3904\r\n977\r\n4106\r\n965\r\nKirkwall\r\n3321\r\n651\r\n3299\r\n652\r\n3830\r\n637\r\n4358\r\n613\r\n4267\r\n605\r\nLerwick\r\n2175\r\n935\r\n2177\r\n947\r\n2495\r\n932\r\n2759\r\n871\r\n2578\r\n844\r\nOban\r\n5716\r\n822\r\n5720\r\n850\r\n6652\r\n838\r\n7036\r\n807\r\n7023\r\n803\r\nPerth\r\n6675\r\n957\r\n6696\r\n970\r\n6655\r\n946\r\n6039\r\n904\r\n7298\r\n884\r\nPortree\r\n1383\r\n483\r\n1407\r\n492\r\n1616\r\n474\r\n1770\r\n456\r\n1783\r\n460\r\nStornoway\r\n926\r\n998\r\n927\r\n1016\r\n1046\r\n992\r\n979\r\n929\r\n1001\r\n910\r\nThurso\r\n2870\r\n634\r\n2848\r\n675\r\n3331\r\n648\r\n3592\r\n620\r\n3614\r\n614\r\n\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-31T14:03:58.47","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276927,"EventID":"S4W-10022","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-03T14:03:58.78","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-02T17:46:38","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W–09701 by Richard Lochhead on 2 October 2012, when it will publish the Scotland Rural Development Programme review, annual and evaluation reports.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government published the First Stage Review and Mid-term Evaluation of the 2007-2013 Scotland Rural Development Programme back in May 2009 and December 2010 respectively.\r\nThe Scottish Government is required to submit to the European Commission every year an Annual Progress Report to inform the Commission of the progress of the programme. The European Commission then publishes a synthesis of the progress reports received from member states.\r\nThe Ex-post Evaluation of the 2007-2013 Scotland Rural Development Programme is scheduled to be completed in 2015, in accordance with the guidelines from the European Commission. This evaluation will be published on the Scottish Government’s website.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-31T14:03:58.797","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276928,"EventID":"S4W-10023","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4016,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":133,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-03T14:03:59.093","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-03T11:54:12.563","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many crimes have been recorded in each of the last 10 years, broken down by type of offence.\r\n","AnswerText":"Information on the number and type of crimes recorded in each of the last 10 years is published by the Scottish Government in the Recorded Crime in Scotland, 2011-12 statistical bulletin. The publication can be found at http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2012/06/1698.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-31T14:03:59.107","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276929,"EventID":"S4W-10024","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4016,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":133,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-03T14:03:59.39","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-03T11:54:12.563","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many drug finds there were in each prison in each of the last 10 years, broken down by type of drug.\r\n","AnswerText":"I have asked Colin McConnell, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service, to respond. His response is as follows: \r\nThe following table illustrates the number of drug finds recorded in each year since 2002 broken down by establishment. SPS does not carry out analysis on substances found, and is not always advised of the outcomes of such analysis.\r\nEstablishment\r\n2012\r\n2011\r\n2010\r\n2009\r\n2008\r\n2007\r\n2006\r\n2005\r\n2004\r\n2003\r\n2002\r\nAberdeen\r\n49\r\n98\r\n108\r\n139\r\n89\r\n53\r\n49\r\n41\r\n36\r\n49\r\n68\r\nAddiewell\r\n339\r\n297\r\n275\r\n233\r\n0\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nBarlinnie\r\n146\r\n225\r\n208\r\n272\r\n303\r\n396\r\n335\r\n320\r\n223\r\n169\r\n146\r\nCornton Vale\r\n30\r\n81\r\n119\r\n121\r\n117\r\n110\r\n86\r\n94\r\n47\r\n40\r\n54\r\nDumfries\r\n19\r\n26\r\n20\r\n14\r\n36\r\n34\r\n23\r\n20\r\n25\r\n31\r\n11\r\nEdinburgh\r\n151\r\n213\r\n255\r\n250\r\n316\r\n226\r\n211\r\n261\r\n238\r\n287\r\n213\r\nGlenochil\r\n63\r\n117\r\n134\r\n132\r\n133\r\n148\r\n117\r\n118\r\n101\r\n81\r\n124\r\nGreenock\r\n26\r\n77\r\n91\r\n64\r\n83\r\n79\r\n80\r\n84\r\n92\r\n50\r\n52\r\nInverness\r\n20\r\n6\r\n12\r\n21\r\n14\r\n13\r\n16\r\n2\r\n0\r\n0\r\n1\r\nKilmarnock\r\n160\r\n225\r\n194\r\n195\r\n298\r\n253\r\n307\r\n218\r\n175\r\n132\r\n86\r\nLow Moss\r\n53\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n26\r\n64\r\n114\r\n90\r\n63\r\n71\r\nSPS Open Estate\r\n8\r\n26\r\n38\r\n54\r\n64\r\n72\r\n93\r\n59\r\n41\r\n17\r\n7\r\nPerth\r\n92\r\n106\r\n122\r\n137\r\n145\r\n147\r\n181\r\n223\r\n201\r\n108\r\n94\r\nPeterhead\r\n17\r\n0\r\n1\r\n0\r\n2\r\n6\r\n12\r\n1\r\n3\r\n2\r\n2\r\nPolmont\r\n46\r\n116\r\n89\r\n124\r\n135\r\n120\r\n113\r\n161\r\n167\r\n55\r\n71\r\nShotts\r\n103\r\n95\r\n121\r\n109\r\n113\r\n96\r\n132\r\n128\r\n72\r\n52\r\n31\r\nTotals\r\n1322\r\n1708\r\n1787\r\n1865\r\n1848\r\n1779\r\n1819\r\n1844\r\n1511\r\n1134\r\n1031\r\nNotes:\r\nHMP Addiewell opened December 2008\r\nHMP Low Moss Closed April 2007 – re-opening March 2012\r\n2012 figures recorded up to 30 September 2012.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-31T14:03:59.403","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276930,"EventID":"S4W-10025","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5041,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-03T14:03:59.747","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-03T11:57:14","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many local planning decisions have been referred on appeal to its reporters in each of the last five years, broken down by (a) local authority area and (b) type of application.","AnswerText":"The information requested is given in the table entitled “Planning appeals broken down by planning authority area and type of development”, a copy of which has been placed in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre (Bib. number 54384).\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-31T14:03:59.763","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Derek Mackay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276931,"EventID":"S4W-10026","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5041,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-03T14:04:00.06","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-03T11:57:14","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many local planning decisions it has called in in each of the last five years after they were (a) rejected and (b) approved by a local authority, broken down by (i) type of application and (ii) local authority.  \r\n","AnswerText":"Scottish ministers have no power to call in a planning application after the written notice of refusal or approval has been issued by a planning authority.\r\nPlanning applications that were notified where the planning authority was minded to approve and subsequently called in were as follows:\r\nPlanning Application Area\r\n2008\r\n2009\r\n2010\r\n2011\r\n2012\r\nAberdeenshire\r\n1\r\n \r\n \r\n2\r\n1\r\nArgyll and Bute\r\n1\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nCity of Edinburgh\r\n1\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nComhairle nan Eilean Siar\r\n1\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n1\r\nEast Lothian\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n1\r\nFalkirk\r\n \r\n1\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nMidlothian\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n1\r\n \r\nHighland\r\n4\r\n1\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nNorth Lanarkshire\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n1\r\n \r\nScottish Borders\r\n \r\n \r\n2\r\n \r\n \r\nSouth Ayrshire\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n1\r\n \r\nSouth Lanarkshire\r\n1\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-31T14:04:00.077","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Derek Mackay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276932,"EventID":"S4W-10027","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-03T14:04:00.527","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-02T17:46:38","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W–09704 by Richard Lochhead on 2 October 2012, what the average Less Favoured Area Support Scheme expenditure was in (a) 2007-08, (b) 2008-09, (c) 2009-10, (d) 2010-11 and (e) 2011-12, broken down by (i) Rural Payments and Inspections Directorate area office and (ii) customer.\r\n","AnswerText":"Further to the answer to question S4W-09704, the Less Favoured Area Support Scheme (LFASS) is one of the Scotland Rural Development Programme (SRDP) schemes where we can break down the expenditure by Rural Payments and Inspections Division (RPID) area office. This information is presented in terms of SRDP scheme years 2007–2011 in the following table, where we have shown the average LFASS expenditure by the number of LFASS applicants, with valid single application forms for each area office.\r\nRPID Area Office\r\nAverage LFASS Expenditure by Number of Successful Applicants and Scheme Year\r\n2007\r\n2008\r\n2009\r\n2010\r\n2011\r\n \r\n£\r\n£\r\n£\r\n£\r\n£\r\nAyr\r\n5996\r\n5797\r\n6046\r\n6595\r\n7047\r\nBenbecula\r\n1273\r\n1194\r\n1389\r\n1635\r\n1625\r\nDumfries\r\n7499\r\n7263\r\n7322\r\n7562\r\n8132\r\nElgin\r\n6758\r\n6579\r\n7865\r\n9161\r\n9037\r\nGalashiels\r\n9331\r\n9168\r\n9262\r\n9125\r\n9926\r\nGolspie\r\n2678\r\n2528\r\n2997\r\n3219\r\n3568\r\nHamilton\r\n4916\r\n4706\r\n4775\r\n5046\r\n5344\r\nInverness\r\n4541\r\n4345\r\n5159\r\n5421\r\n5703\r\nInverurie\r\n3977\r\n3699\r\n3881\r\n3996\r\n4255\r\nKirkwall\r\n5101\r\n5060\r\n6012\r\n7109\r\n7052\r\nLerwick\r\n2326\r\n2299\r\n2677\r\n3167\r\n3055\r\nOban\r\n6954\r\n6729\r\n7938\r\n8719\r\n8746\r\nPerth\r\n6975\r\n6903\r\n7035\r\n6680\r\n8255\r\nPortree\r\n2863\r\n2859\r\n3410\r\n3882\r\n3876\r\nStornoway\r\n928\r\n913\r\n1055\r\n1054\r\n1099\r\nThurso\r\n4527\r\n4220\r\n5140\r\n5793\r\n5886\r\n\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-31T14:04:00.543","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276933,"EventID":"S4W-10028","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5041,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-03T14:04:00.963","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-03T11:57:14","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many local planning applications its reporters have approved in each of the last five years after they were (a) called in by the Scottish Government and (b) referred on appeal by an applicant, broken down by (i) local authority and (ii) type of application.","AnswerText":"The information requested is given in the table entitled “Approvals broken down by planning authority area and type of development”, a copy of which has been placed in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre (Bib. number 54385).\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-31T14:04:00.98","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Derek Mackay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276934,"EventID":"S4W-10032","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":2,"MSPID":3129,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":83,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-03T16:01:29.063","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-03T15:52:55","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether there have been changes to the number of its special advisers and their responsibilities since July 2012 and what the costs are of employing the special adviser team.\r\n","AnswerText":"The estimated costs of employing special advisers for the current financial year is £933,522 – a real terms decrease of £54,846 from the 12-month cost of the 2006-07 special adviser team which, when up-rated to 2012-13 prices, cost £987,368.\r\nTwo senior special advisers, Kevin Pringle and Colin Pyle, have recently left the Scottish Government on 31 August 2012 and 28 September 2012 respectively. Colin McAllister was appointed on 3 October 2012 as Deputy Head of Policy. On 8 October, Alexander Anderson joins as Deputy Head of Communications and Political Spokesperson, Delancy Johansson joins as a Policy Special Adviser. \r\nThe cost of employing special advisers in financial years since 2006-07 is as follows:\r\nSPAD Numbers and Costs Since 2006-07 \r\nYear\r\nNumber\r\nSalary\r\nSalary Uprated to 2012-13 Prices***\r\nERNIC**\r\nPension**\r\nTotal Cost\r\nTotal Cost Uprated to 2012-13 Prices***\r\n2006-07\r\n12\r\n£684,520\r\n£791,072\r\n£90,874\r\n£105,422\r\n£854,376\r\n£987,368\r\n2007-08\r\n9\r\n£358,281\r\n£403,982\r\n£39,093\r\n£98,434\r\n£480,251\r\n£541,510\r\n2008-09\r\n11\r\n£466,783\r\n£512,340\r\n£44,888\r\n£120,830\r\n£617,766\r\n£678,058\r\n2009-10 \r\n10\r\n£535,331\r\n£578,873\r\n£54,103\r\n£125,720\r\n£701,627\r\n£758,695\r\n2010-11\r\n11\r\n£542,068\r\n£569,973\r\n£51,364\r\n£108,550\r\n£694,153\r\n£729,887\r\n2011-12\r\n12\r\n£528,869\r\n£543,148\r\n£64,930\r\n£128,671\r\n£717,380\r\n£736,749\r\n2012-13*\r\n12\r\n£704,288\r\n-\r\n£70,094\r\n£158,140\r\n£932,522\r\n-\r\nNotes:\r\nTotal Costs include salary, ERNIC and employer pension contributions.\r\n*Estimate based on current team of 13 special advisers being in post for the remainder of 2012-13\r\n**The level of the employer ERNIC and pension contributions is not a matter for the Scottish Government. \r\n***All total costs figures have been converted into real terms (2012-13 prices) to adjust for inflation using HM Treasury deflators, published in June 2012. These were the latest available deflators at the time of calculation on 12 September 2012. It should be noted that the 2012-13 deflator is based on OBR (Office for Budget Responsibility) forecast data from the UK Government March 2012 Budget Report.\r\nIn total, there are 13 special advisers. They are appointed in accordance with Part 1 of the Constitutional Reform and Governance Act 2010 by the First Minister as a special adviser for the purpose of providing assistance to the Scottish ministers. Their specific responsibilities are as follows:\r\nName\r\nRole\r\nAppointed\r\nGeoff Aberdein\r\nChief of Staff\r\nResponsible for the First Minister's strategic programme in Government\r\nFirst Minister’s senior intermediary with key internal & external stakeholders\r\nCoordination of the Special Adviser team \r\nPolicy support on Commonwealth Games & Sport portfolio\r\n26 May 2011\r\nStuart Nicolson\r\nHead of Communications \r\nSenior Political Spokesperson\r\n26 May 2011\r\nLiz Lloyd\r\nDeputy Head of Communications & Political Spokesperson\r\nLead on online and new media\r\n30 January 2012\r\nAlexander Anderson\r\nDeputy Head of Communications & Political Spokesperson\r\n8 October 2012\r\nMalcolm Fleming\r\nSupport to the First Minister’s Private Office\r\nContributing to FM’s keynote speeches and new media\r\nPolicy advice on International Development portfolio\r\n25 July 2011\r\nJohn MacInnes\r\nLead on political research \r\nSupport for First Minister’s Questions \r\nSupport to the Communications Special Advisers\r\n3 June 2011\r\nNoel Dolan\r\nSenior Special Adviser to the Deputy First Minister\r\nSupport on Government Strategy & Constitution \r\nPolicy advice on Infrastructure & Investment portfolio\r\n26 May 2011\r\nAlex Bell\r\nHead of Policy Development including Constitution \r\nPolicy advice on Culture & External Affairs portfolio\r\n26 May 2011\r\nColin McAllister\r\nDeputy Head of Policy Development\r\nEducation & Lifelong Learning portfolio overview\r\nFinance, Employment and Sustainable Growth portfolio overview\r\n3 October 2012\r\nStephen Gethins\r\nPolicy advice on Energy, Rural Affairs and the Environment portfolios\r\nSupport on EU relations\r\n26 May 2011\r\nDavid Hutchison\r\nPolicy advice on the Health & Wellbeing portfolio\r","AnswerDate":"2012-10-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-31T16:01:29.11","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276943,"EventID":"S4W-09874","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-03T17:03:31.963","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-26T10:05:17","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what discussions it has had with universities and colleges in Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire regarding the creation of an energy skills academy in Aberdeen.\r\n","AnswerText":"Aberdeen College, Banff and Buchan College, the Robert Gordon University and the University of Aberdeen have indicated an interest in developing energy skills in the north-east through aligning the curriculum they each offer to support the training needs of the Oil and Gas industry through the provision of a one-stop shop. The Scottish Funding Council (SFC) and Skills Development Scotland (SDS) are fully supporting of this approach, given the importance of these institutions to that industry.\r\nJohn McClelland, Chair of the SFC and SDS, and the SFC have held discussions with Robert Gordon University and Aberdeen College recently, and as a result the four institutions in Aberdeen have been invited to submit a more detailed proposal to the SFC and SDS setting out what they consider the future training needs of the industry will be, and the potential impact that this may have in terms of changing or increasing the collective capacity across the four institutions.\r\nIn addition my officials are due to meet with representatives from the four institutions in early November, along with the SFC, SDS, Scottish Enterprise and the Energy Technology Partnership to discuss this proposal and alignment of this with development of the Scottish Energy Skills Academy announced in the budget on 20 September.\r\nI also intend to engage with them, and other relevant stakeholders, as plans for the Scottish Energy Skills Academy progress. \r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-31T17:03:32.087","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276944,"EventID":"S4W-09875","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-03T17:03:32.803","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-26T10:05:17","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether the energy skills academy highlighted in the budget by the Cabinet Secretary for Finance, Employment and Sustainable Growth on 20 September 2012 (Official Report, c. 11744) will be located in Aberdeen.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Energy Skills Academy will be developed as a Scotland wide academy based around the national frameworks which already exist through the Energy Technology Partnership and Scotland’s Colleges Energy Skills Partnership.\r\nIt will build on good practice that exists in Aberdeen and will be anchored in the north east of Scotland.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-31T17:03:32.803","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276945,"EventID":"S4W-09876","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-03T17:03:33.1","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-26T10:05:17","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what organisations will receive funding from the £3.25 million allocated to the creation of an energy skills academy and how much each organisation will receive.\r\n","AnswerText":"Allocation of funding for the Scottish Energy Skills Academy will be finalised in due course following consultation with industry representatives, colleges, universities, the enterprise and skills agencies and other relevant stakeholders.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-31T17:03:33.117","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276946,"EventID":"S4W-09877","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-03T17:03:33.397","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-09-26T10:05:17","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the main performance indicators of the energy skills academy will be.","AnswerText":"The main performance indicators for the Scottish Energy Skills Academy will be finalised in due course following consultation with industry, colleges, universities, the enterprise and skills agencies and other relevant stakeholders.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-31T17:03:33.413","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276947,"EventID":"S4W-10013","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1866,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-03T17:03:33.71","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-02T15:30:03","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government who will be responsible for any shortfall in funding for projects funded by tax incremental financing.","AnswerText":"The Executive Note for the Non-Domestic Rating Contributions (Scotland) Amendment Regulations 2010 (SSI 2010/391) outlines that:\r\nThe local authority undertakes the borrowing and is therefore liable for the repayments. The local authority takes any risk associated with the additional non-domestic rate revenue generated by the project not materialising in the way that is expected and the local authority keeps nothing if receipts are below the amount required to generate an amount for it to retain.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-31T17:03:33.727","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276948,"EventID":"S4W-10029","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":81,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-03T17:03:34.21","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-03T14:07:30","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4O-01319 by Alex Neil on 26 September 2012 (Official Report, c. 11901), when it will publish the results of its monitoring of progress on implementing its chief executive letter guidance on the introduction of new medicines, which took effect on 1 April 2011.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government monitoring of implementation of CEL 17 (2010) is ongoing and information on the various strands of monitoring will be published in due course.\r\nTo date, the Scottish Government has undertaken a data collection from NHS boards on Individual Patient Treatment Requests (IPTRs) for the period 1 April 2011 to 31 March 2012 and produced a summary report which was sent to NHS boards on 22 August 2012.\r\nA copy of the report was sent to the Scottish Parliament as part of the evidence to be considered by the Health and Sport Committee at its meeting on 18 September 2012 in relation to access to new medicines. The report can be viewed via the attached link:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/CurrentCommittees/54436.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-31T17:03:34.223","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276949,"EventID":"S4W-10030","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":81,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-03T17:03:34.473","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-03T14:07:30","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4O-01319 by Alex Neil on 26 September 2012 (Official Report, c. 11901), which NHS boards have not submitted and agreed their strategies within three months after the Scottish Medicines Consortium has approved a drug for use.\r\n","AnswerText":"Information on NHS board formulary decisions regarding SMC accepted medicines is not held centrally.\r\nThe guidance issued under cover of SGHD/CMO(2012)1 published on 13 February 2012 clarified that NHS boards are expected to reach decisions on SMC accepted medicines within 90 days of being advised of the SMC decision; and to publish on their websites formulary decisions within 14 days of the decision being made. NHS boards were asked to confirm that their policies would be updated to reflect this additional guidance by 1 April 2012.\r\nWhilst NHS boards are expected to adhere to the timeframes set out in the guidance, the Scottish Government accepts that there may be situations whereby this is not possible – for example if the medicine requires a protocol to be developed it may not be possible to do so within the set timeframe.\r\nHowever, where an SMC accepted medicine is not (or not yet) on an NHS board formulary, there is the facility for clinicians to prescribe the medicine via a non-formulary request.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-31T17:03:34.49","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276950,"EventID":"S4W-10031","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":81,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-03T17:03:34.8","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-03T14:07:30","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4O-01319 by Alex Neil on 26 September 2012 (Official Report, c. 11901), how it will address the issue of achieving greater consistency across the country when making decisions regarding individual patient treatment requests.\r\n","AnswerText":"The guidance issued to NHS boards on 18 March 2011 under cover of CEL 17 (2010) provided a framework within which NHS boards should, as a matter of good practice, operate when dealing with requests for medicine which have been appraised within their licensed indication but have not been recommended for use within NHSScotland. The key purpose of the guidance was to achieve consistency of approach across all NHS boards in Scotland in relation to management of IPTRs for such medicines for individual patients.\r\nThe Scottish Government recognises that NHS boards may make different decisions on IPTRs for medicines as these are considered locally on a “case-by-case” basis depending on the individual clinical circumstances of the patient which will vary from patient to patient.\r\nThe guidance issued to NHS boards on 13 February 2012 under cover of SGHD/CMO(2012)1 which took effect on 1 April 2012, recognised the benefits of NHS boards meeting at least annually to share good practice in relation to IPTR management. As part of the Scottish Government’s ongoing commitment to monitoring implementation of CEL 17 (2010) and subsequent guidance, NHS boards will be encouraged to meet to share good practice.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-10-31T17:03:34.817","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276951,"EventID":"S4W-09978","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4086,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-04T14:44:54.45","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-01T16:02:36.15","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government under what circumstances the (a) planning authority, (b) Scottish Government and (c) Forestry Commission Scotland would be the competent authority for consenting woodland removal or planting proposals associated with wind farm developments on the national forest estate.","AnswerText":"The planning authority is the competent authority for consenting woodland removal associated with wind farm developments of 50 megawatts or less on the national forest estate.\r\nThe Scottish Government is the competent authority for consenting woodland removal or planting proposals associated with wind farm developments in excess of 50 megawatts on the national forest estate.\r\nForestry Commission Scotland is normally the competent authority for consents that may be necessary for planting proposals subject to the Environmental Impact Assessment (Forestry) (Scotland) Regulations 1999, as amended. However, where these planting proposals are associated with a wind farm development and have been considered as part of the environmental impact assessment of that development, then (depending on the size of the development) the competent authority will be the local authority or the Scottish Government.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-01T14:44:54.59","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276952,"EventID":"S4W-09979","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4086,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-04T14:44:54.9","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-01T16:02:36.15","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether its control of woodland removal policy is applicable to wind farm developments on the national forest estate and, if so, how it will ensure that this is implemented.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government’s control of woodland removal policy is applicable to wind farm developments on the national forest estate, all of which are subject to normal planning/consent procedures. Paragraph 148 of Scottish Planning Policy states that:\r\n“The Scottish Government's control of woodland removal policy includes a presumption in favour of protecting woodland resources. Woodland removal should only be allowed where it would achieve significant and clearly defined additional public benefits. In appropriate cases compensatory planting may form part of the balance. The criteria for determining the acceptability of woodland removal and further information on the implementation of the policy is explained in the Control of Woodland Removal Policy and this should be taken into account when preparing development plans and deciding planning applications.”\r\nFurthermore, the lease conditions for wind farm developments on the national forest estate will require compliance with planning/consent conditions and the control of woodland policy.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-01T14:44:54.917","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276953,"EventID":"S4W-09980","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4086,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-04T14:44:55.277","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-01T16:02:36.15","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it considers its programme for wind energy developments on the national forest estate to be a \"plan or project not directly connected with or necessary to the management of [a Natura 2000] site but likely to have a significant effect thereon, either individually or in combination with other plans or projects\", and what the reasons are for its position on this matter.\r\n","AnswerText":"There is no single programme for wind energy developments on the national forest estate and (for example) plans for the wind farm in Whitelee Forest were submitted over ten years ago. However, all projects are subject to the normal planning/consent process, including any necessary assessments under the EU legislation relating to Natura 2000 sites.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-01T14:44:55.29","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276954,"EventID":"S4W-09981","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4086,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-04T14:44:55.54","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-01T16:02:36.15","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it considers that the strategic environmental assessment for the 2020 Routemap for Renewable Energy in Scotland provides a sufficiently detailed assessment of the likely environmental effects of the programme of wind energy development on the national forest estate, and what the reasons are for its position on this matter.","AnswerText":"The strategic environmental assessment for the 2020 Routemap for Renewable Energy in Scotland included consideration of the environmental implications of increasing renewable electricity generation from onshore wind in Scotland. The Environmental Report noted that environmental effects will depend on local factors including the location, siting, design, layout and construction processes, and cannot therefore be fully predicted at this stage; and that, notwithstanding this uncertainty, it is anticipated that most effects can be mitigated through appropriate planning, assessment design and construction of developments.\r\nAdditionally, the National Forest Estate Strategic Plan 2009-13 was subject to strategic environmental assessment. The plan states that the installation of renewable energy infrastructure on the national forest estate will have to comply with planning legislation, and that Forest Enterprise Scotland will seek to ensure that best practice is followed as regards the design, construction and operation of any wind farms and their associated infrastructure on the national forest estate.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-01T14:44:55.557","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276955,"EventID":"S4W-09982","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4086,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-04T14:44:55.82","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-01T16:02:36.15","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether the programme of wind energy developments on the national forest estate could be a material consideration in the determination of applications for planning or other regulatory consent, and what the reasons are for its position on this matter.","AnswerText":"There is no single programme for wind energy developments on the national forest estate and each application will be considered in accordance with the policies of the development plan for the area unless material considerations indicate otherwise.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-01T14:44:55.837","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276956,"EventID":"S4W-09983","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4086,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-04T14:44:56.087","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-01T16:02:36.15","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it considers that the identification of potential wind farm sites in areas of the national forest estate that are designated for their conservation value is compatible with the estate's statutory duties to further biodiversity, and what the reasons are for its position on this matter.","AnswerText":"All developers considering potential wind farm sites on the national forest estate are informed that they will be subject to normal planning/consent procedures. This includes the need to comply with statutory protection for designated sites and other statutory duties.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-01T14:44:56.103","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276957,"EventID":"S4W-09984","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4086,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-04T14:44:56.367","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-01T16:02:36.15","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it ensures that potential community wind farm sites on the national forest estate do not include sites designated for their conservation value and areas identified by Scottish Natural Heritage as highly sensitive for natural heritage.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-09983 on 22 October 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-01T14:44:56.383","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276958,"EventID":"S4W-10033","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2876,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-04T14:44:56.663","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-04T09:42:50","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government (a) how many and (b) what percentage of eligible (i) men and (ii) women have taken part in the Scottish Bowel Screening Programme in each year, broken down by NHS board.\r\n","AnswerText":"The number and percentage of eligible men and women taking part in the Scottish Bowel Screening Programme is provided in the following tables.\r\nThe Scottish Bowel Screening Programme commenced a phased roll out in June 2007, with all NHS Boards participating by December 2009. All eligible men and women in Scotland received at least one invitation to participate in the programme by December 2011.\r\nNumber and Percentage of Individuals Participating in the Scottish Bowel Screening Programme by Year, Sex and NHS Board\r\nMales\r\n2007\r\n2008\r\n2009\r\n2010\r\n2011*\r\nArgyll and Clyde\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\ncompleted kits\r\nX\r\nX\r\n13,346\r\n17,284\r\n15,183\r\n% uptake\r\nX\r\nX\r\n51.5\r\n53.0\r\n52.1\r\nAyrshire and Arran\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\ncompleted kits\r\n4,378\r\n13,978\r\n14,798\r\n16,280\r\n13,022\r\n% uptake\r\n45.5\r\n46.0\r\n49.6\r\n52.3\r\n50.7\r\nBorders\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\ncompleted kits\r\nX\r\nX\r\n911\r\n5737\r\n4,685\r\n% uptake\r\nX\r\nX\r\n51.6\r\n55.0\r\n55.7\r\nDumfries and Galloway\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\ncompleted kits\r\nX\r\n519\r\n7,153\r\n6,958\r\n6,458\r\n% uptake\r\nX\r\n44.9\r\n51.2\r\n53.6\r\n53.6\r\nFife\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\ncompleted kits\r\n7,638\r\n14,865\r\n13,939\r\n15,963\r\n11,811\r\n% uptake\r\n51.4\r\n50.6\r\n53.0\r\n52.8\r\n53.2\r\nForth Valley\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\ncompleted kits\r\n871\r\n10,632\r\n10,663\r\n11,622\r\n9,388\r\n% uptake\r\n49.0\r\n48.2\r\n50.6\r\n51.0\r\n50.7\r\nGrampian\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\ncompleted kits\r\n12,729\r\n21,535\r\n24,575\r\n23,339\r\n21,108\r\n% uptake\r\n55.8\r\n53.1\r\n56.5\r\n55.7\r\n57.0\r\nGreater Glasgow\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\ncompleted kits\r\nX\r\nX\r\n22,492\r\n29,158\r\n26,138\r\n% uptake\r\nX\r\nX\r\n46.0\r\n47.3\r\n47.5\r\nHighland\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\ncompleted kits\r\nX\r\nX\r\n939\r\n11,265\r\n9,224\r\n% uptake\r\nX\r\nX\r\n52.0\r\n56.2\r\n56.5\r\nLanarkshire\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\ncompleted kits\r\nX\r\nX\r\n7,448\r\n19,088\r\n16,228\r\n% uptake\r\nX\r\nX\r\n42.3\r\n44.0\r\n44.6\r\nLothian\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\ncompleted kits\r\nX\r\n16,461\r\n26,229\r\n27,886\r\n24,142\r\n% uptake\r\nX\r\n44.1\r\n47.1\r\n48.8\r\n49.1\r\nOrkney\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\ncompleted kits\r\n245\r\n997\r\n1,000\r\n1,034\r\n917\r\n% uptake\r\n54.2\r\n57.1\r\n54.9\r\n57.3\r\n58.3\r\nShetland\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\ncompleted kits\r\nX\r\nX\r\n233\r\n1,073\r\n924\r\n% uptake\r\nX\r\nX\r\n51.9\r\n56.4\r\n59.1\r\nTayside\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\ncompleted kits\r\n10,146\r\n16,470\r\n17,705\r\n18,284\r\n15,024\r\n% uptake\r\n53.5\r\n54.1\r\n53.5\r\n57.5\r\n54.6\r\nWestern Isles\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\ncompleted kits\r\nX\r\n548\r\n1,263\r\n1,233\r\n1,147\r\n% uptake\r\nX\r\n46.6\r\n51.1\r\n51.1\r\n52.9\r\nScotland Males\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\ncompleted kits\r\n36,146\r\n96,222\r\n162,694\r\n206,204\r\n175,399\r\n% uptake\r\n52.5\r\n49.4\r\n50.2\r\n51.3\r\n51.2\r\n\r\nNumber and Percentage of Individuals Participating in the Scottish Bowel Screening Programme by Year, Sex and NHS Board\r\nFemales\r\n2007\r\n2008\r\n2009\r\n2010\r\n2011*\r\nArgyll and Clyde\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\ncompleted kits\r\nX\r\nX\r\n15,791\r\n20,742\r\n17,996\r\n% uptake\r\nX\r\nX\r\n57.9\r\n59.5\r\n57.8\r\nAyrshire and Arran\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\ncompleted kits\r\n5,523\r\n17,384\r\n17,943\r\n19,381\r\n15,592\r\n% uptake\r\n52.5\r\n53.8\r\n55.8\r\n58.8\r\n56.9\r\nBorders\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\ncompleted kits\r\nX\r\nX\r\n1,160\r\n7,002\r\n5,422\r\n% uptake\r\nX\r\nX\r\n61.7\r\n64.1\r\n63.3\r\nDumfries and Galloway\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\ncompleted kits\r\nX\r\n561\r\n8,668\r\n8,394\r\n7,594\r\n% uptake\r\nX\r\n51.0\r\n59.9\r\n61.4\r\n61.1\r\nFife\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\ncompleted kits\r\n9,188\r\n17,556\r\n16,308\r\n18,624\r\n13,747\r\n% uptake\r\n56.1\r\n56.3\r\n56.3\r\n58.0\r\n56.5\r\nForth Valley\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\ncompleted kits\r\n981\r\n13,152\r\n12,713\r\n13,796\r\n11,146\r\n% uptake\r\n53.1\r\n55.7\r\n56.6\r\n56.5\r\n56.7\r\nGrampian\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\ncompleted kits\r\n14,767\r\n25,028\r\n28,263\r\n26,605\r\n24,309\r\n% uptake\r\n63.3\r\n61.0\r\n64.2\r\n63.1\r\n65.1\r\nGreater Glasgow\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\ncompleted kits\r\nX\r\nX\r\n26,992\r\n35,054\r\n30,942\r\n% uptake\r\nX\r\nX\r\n53.4\r\n54.5\r\n54.3\r\nHighland\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\ncompleted kits\r\nX\r\nX\r\n1,135\r\n13,209\r\n10,925\r\n% uptake\r\nX\r\nX\r\n61.8\r\n64.0\r\n65.7\r\nLanarkshire\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\ncompleted kits\r\nX\r\nX\r\n9,120\r\n23,647\r\n19,628\r\n% uptake\r\nX\r\nX\r\n48.1\r\n51.1\r\n50.8\r\nLothian\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\ncompleted kits\r\nX\r\n20,429\r\n32,428\r\n33,440\r\n28,975\r\n% uptake\r\nX\r\n52.4\r\n55.0\r\n55.9\r\n55.8\r\nOrkney\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\ncompleted kits\r\n284\r\n1,157\r\n1,226\r\n1,217\r\n1,040\r\n% uptake\r\n67.0\r\n65.5\r\n67.5\r\n66.6\r\n67.0\r\nShetland\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\ncompleted kits\r\nX\r\nX\r\n294\r\n1,189\r\n1,053\r\n% uptake\r\nX\r\nX\r\n65.0\r\n6","AnswerDate":"2012-10-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-01T14:44:56.663","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276959,"EventID":"S4W-10034","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2876,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-04T14:44:56.943","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-04T09:42:50","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many cases of (a) scarlet fever, (b) mumps and (c) whooping cough there have been in each of the last five years, broken down by NHS board.\r\n","AnswerText":"Scarlet Fever\r\nSurveillance of Scarlet Fever in Scotland\r\nIn Scotland, surveillance of cases of scarlet fever is based on clinical notifications. Clinical notifications are based on the clinical diagnosis of scarlet fever by a GP or other doctor and do not require the infection to be laboratory confirmed. Since Part 2 (Notifiable Diseases, Organisms and Health Risk States) of the Public Health etc.(Scotland) Act 2008 came into effect on 1 January 2010, registered medical practitioners are no longer required to notify clinical cases of scarlet fever. There is therefore no surveillance data on clinical cases of scarlet fever available for 2010 and 2011. \r\nTable 5: Clinical Notifications of Scarlet Fever 2007-09 in Scotland by NHS Board. \r\nNHS Board\r\nYear\r\n2007\r\n2008\r\n2009\r\nAyrshire and Arran\r\n18\r\n75\r\n32\r\nBorders\r\n3\r\n5\r\n5\r\nDumfries and Galloway\r\n2\r\n8\r\n14\r\nFife\r\n23\r\n59\r\n68\r\nForth Valley\r\n22\r\n173\r\n96\r\nGrampian\r\n22\r\n19\r\n28\r\nGreater Glasgow\r\n65\r\n375\r\n148\r\nHighland\r\n33\r\n29\r\n57\r\nLanarkshire\r\n24\r\n63\r\n44\r\nLothian\r\n60\r\n49\r\n45\r\nOrkney\r\n1\r\n0\r\n1\r\nShetland\r\n1\r\n0\r\n2\r\nTayside\r\n40\r\n34\r\n85\r\nWestern Isles\r\n1\r\n1\r\n4\r\nScotland\r\n315\r\n890\r\n629\r\nMumps\r\nSurveillance of Mumps in Scotland \r\nMumps cases are reported to Health Protection Scotland (HPS) by one of two method:\r\n1. Notification of disease by clinicians – this is based on clinical suspicion of disease and does not require laboratory confirmation. As a general trend, notification rates have fallen over the last few years. \r\n2. Laboratory confirmed cases of disease – these are cases for which there is a positive laboratory test, these are now identified automatically from the ECOSS system and in the case of mumps is augments by oral fluid testing done at the Health Protection Agency (HPA).\r\nTable 3: Notified Case of Mumps \r\nNHS Board\r\n2007\r\n2008\r\n2009\r\n2010\r\n2011\r\nAyrshire and Arran\r\n325\r\n43\r\n24\r\n16\r\n25\r\nBorders\r\n61\r\n20\r\n34\r\n11\r\n0\r\nDumfries and Galloway\r\n7\r\n4\r\n7\r\n69\r\n4\r\nFife\r\n58\r\n14\r\n44\r\n73\r\n16\r\nForth Valley\r\n287\r\n74\r\n100\r\n49\r\n84\r\nGrampian\r\n1,085\r\n229\r\n204\r\n202\r\n110\r\nGreater Glasgow\r\n145\r\n37\r\n79\r\n29\r\n31\r\nHighland\r\n70\r\n31\r\n49\r\n37\r\n148\r\nLanarkshire\r\n342\r\n109\r\n63\r\n60\r\n47\r\nLothian\r\n215\r\n84\r\n326\r\n132\r\n94\r\nOrkney\r\n0\r\n0\r\n4\r\n1\r\n0\r\nShetland\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n1\r\n3\r\nTayside\r\n139\r\n74\r\n191\r\n44\r\n41\r\nWestern Isles\r\n7\r\n1\r\n4\r\n2\r\n1\r\nGrand Total\r\n2,741\r\n720\r\n1,129\r\n726\r\n604\r\n\r\nTable 4: Laboratory Confirmed Cases of Mumps \r\nNHS Board\r\n2007\r\n2008\r\n2009\r\n2010\r\n2011\r\nAyrshire and Arran\r\n167\r\n15\r\n9\r\n6\r\n7\r\nBorders\r\n27\r\n0\r\n15\r\n4\r\n0\r\nDumfries and Galloway\r\n8\r\n4\r\n8\r\n48\r\n10\r\nFife\r\n17\r\n3\r\n34\r\n60\r\n9\r\nForth Valley\r\n110\r\n4\r\n18\r\n21\r\n29\r\nGrampian\r\n416\r\n9\r\n70\r\n70\r\n5\r\nGreater Glasgow\r\n75\r\n18\r\n90\r\n19\r\n19\r\nHighland\r\n15\r\n6\r\n18\r\n19\r\n5\r\nLanarkshire\r\n126\r\n20\r\n28\r\n28\r\n4\r\nLothian\r\n92\r\n43\r\n297\r\n157\r\n85\r\nOrkney\r\n0\r\n0\r\n2\r\n0\r\n0\r\nShetland\r\n1\r\n0\r\n0\r\n1\r\n0\r\nTayside\r\n109\r\n49\r\n117\r\n46\r\n39\r\nWestern Isles\r\n3\r\n0\r\n1\r\n1\r\n0\r\nNot known\r\n39\r\n2\r\n4\r\n4\r\n23\r\nGrand Total\r\n1,205\r\n173\r\n711\r\n484\r\n235\r\n\r\nWhooping Cough (Pertussis)\r\nSurveillance of Whooping Cough (Pertussis) in Scotland \r\nIn Scotland there are two means by which the number of cases of whooping cough (pertussis) are counted:\r\n1. Clinical notifications based on the clinical diagnosis of pertussis by a GP or other doctor and do not require the infection to be laboratory confirmed.\r\n2. Laboratory reports based on the laboratory isolation of the bacteria, its detection by molecular methods or the detection of an immune response in a blood sample from the patient. \r\nA patient can be either clinical notified or laboratory confirmed or both. \r\nTable 1: Clinical Notifications of Pertussis 2007-11 by NHS Board \r\nNHS Board\r\nYear\r\n2007\r\n2008\r\n2009\r\n2010\r\n2011\r\nAyrshire and Arran\r\n2\r\n7\r\n2\r\n1\r\n2\r\nBorders\r\n2\r\n1\r\n6\r\n1\r\n3\r\nDumfries and Galloway\r\n1\r\n1\r\n3\r\n0\r\n5\r\nFife\r\n1\r\n2\r\n3\r\n3\r\n0\r\nForth Valley\r\n8\r\n5\r\n5\r\n0\r\n0\r\nGrampian\r\n16\r\n20\r\n23\r\n8\r\n7\r\nGreater Glasgow\r\n24\r\n38\r\n15\r\n11\r\n14\r\nHighland\r\n12\r\n10\r\n11\r\n9\r\n15\r\nLanarkshire\r\n17\r\n18\r\n13\r\n5\r\n6\r\nLothian\r\n8\r\n20\r\n15\r\n5\r\n28\r\nOrkney\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\nShetland\r\n1\r\n0\r\n1\r\n0\r\n4\r\nTayside\r\n6\r\n12\r\n5\r\n7\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-01T14:44:56.977","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276960,"EventID":"S4W-10036","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1866,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-04T14:44:57.273","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-04T10:25:37.707","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government who will be responsible for any shortfalls in funding for projects funded by tax incremental financing if anticipated additional business rates revenue is not realised.","AnswerText":"The Executive Note for the Non-Domestic Rating Contributions (Scotland) Amendment Regulations 2010 (SSI 2010/391) outlines that:\r\nThe local authority undertakes the borrowing and is therefore liable for the repayments. The local authority takes any risk associated with the additional non-domestic rate revenue generated by the project not materialising in the way that is expected and the local authority keeps nothing if receipts are below the amount required to generate an amount for it to retain.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-01T14:44:57.287","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276961,"EventID":"S4W-10037","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-04T14:44:57.6","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-04T10:47:36","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it provides public funds to support seaside destinations.","AnswerText":"As I indicated in my earlier answer to S4W-05902 on 12 March 2012, the Scottish Government does not provide specific funding to support seaside destinations for tourism purposes.\r\nThe Scottish Government works closely with a wide range of organisations including Scottish Enterprise, Highlands and Islands Enterprise, Scottish Development International, Skills Development Scotland, VisitScotland, local authorities, the third sector, financial institutions and other specialist sectoral advisory bodies to promote sustainable economic growth throughout Scotland.\r\nThe Coastal Communities Fund aims to support projects in Scotland’s coastal communities that promote sustainable economic growth and jobs in tourism. In addition to this, VisitScotland supports local initiatives through its growth fund and provides business support for individual tourism businesses and tourism groups.\r\nThe economic development agencies of Scottish Enterprise, Highlands and Islands Enterprise and VisitScotland continue to contribute to economic intelligence and growth opportunities and actively engage, via local authority partners, to ensure that opportunities are identified and supported wherever possible. In addition, VisitScotland, Scottish Enterprise and Highlands and Islands Enterprise collaborate to provide a range of tourism specific resources which may be accessed http://www.tourism-intelligence.co.uk/.\r\nAll answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-01T14:44:57.6","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276962,"EventID":"S4W-10038","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-04T14:44:57.897","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-04T10:47:36","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it can support the (a) development and (b) people's enjoyment of Edinburgh's seaside as a destination.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government supports the development, and people’s enjoyment of, Edinburgh’s seaside in a number of ways. [Working with public bodies these include, but are not restricted to outcomes, set out in the National Performance Framework. Relevant indicators in the National Performance Framework include: ensuring that Edinburgh’s seaside is clean through improving the state of Scotland’s marine environment; increase people’s use of Scotland’s outdoors; improve people’s perception of their neighbourhood; reduce waste generated; reduce Scotland’s carbon footprint; increase the abundance of terrestrial breeding birds; increase cultural engagement; improve people’s perceptions about the crime rate in their area; increase physical activity; improve people’s perceptions of the quality of public services.]\r\nIn terms of support for development and enjoyment of Edinburgh’s seaside as a tourism destination, Scottish Enterprise supports the tourism sector in Edinburgh across the city. Scottish Enterprise also provides support to Edinburgh, as a whole, through Edinburgh Tourism Action Group (ETAG). ETAG, with support from Scottish Enterprise, aims to improve business performance, enhance the visitor experience and strengthen Edinburgh’s position as a world class visitor destination. VisitScotland is able to provide support to any eligible business within Edinburgh and Scotland.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-01T14:44:57.913","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276963,"EventID":"S4W-10039","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-04T14:44:58.207","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-04T10:47:36","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it plans to promote intra-Scottish tourism and how important this is to the economy.","AnswerText":"Tourism is a key sector of the Scottish economy and tourism related industries are estimated to have contributed around £2.9 billion to Scottish GVA in 2010.\r\nThere was a 3 per cent increase in domestic (GB) tourism visits to Scotland, involving an overnight stay, in the year to June 2012 compared to the previous 12 months and a 13 per cent increase in domestic expenditure in the corresponding period in Scotland.\r\nThe Great Britain Tourism Survey 2011 estimates that around 60 per cent of trips involving an overnight stay within Great Britain by Scottish residents are within Scotland (7 million out of 11 million GB visits by Scottish residents). \r\nVisitScotland continues to build upon its domestic marketing campaigns to maintain and increase these markets. In particular 2013 has been designated as our Year of Natural Scotland, a year in which we will celebrate Scotland’s reputation as a place of outstanding natural beauty. In the run up to, and during, the year we will focus on promoting the activities available in Scotland’s natural tourism attractions and will inspire the people of Scotland to rediscover their own country and visitors to come and experience and participate in Scotland’s natural festivals and events, natural tourism attraction and outdoors locations.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-01T14:44:58.223","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276964,"EventID":"S4W-10040","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-04T14:44:58.537","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-04T10:47:36","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it supports the economic development of seaside destinations.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-10037 on 30 October 2012. All answers to written Parliamentary Questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-01T14:44:58.55","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276965,"EventID":"S4W-10041","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-04T14:44:58.817","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-04T10:47:36","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it (a) encourages and (b) supports young people to become self-employed sports coaches.","AnswerText":"This government believes that good quality coaching will help to increase participation, motivate our young people to improve performance and keep physically active. This is why we are investing £2,124,000 into coaching this year alone.\r\nTo demonstrate our commitment we last year launched a coaching strategy, through sportscotland, which will take us through to 2015 and is based on five strategic areas. Sportscotland already provides a range of education and development pathways for young people as they progress through each stage of the coaching framework and therefore allow the individuals to make their own career path choices.\r\nSports governing bodies also play a vital role. Badminton Scotland for example is exploring innovative programmes by offering apprentice coaching positions to former international athletes. This will not only help Scottish sport progress but would also form part of the legacy for the 2014 Glasgow Commonwealth Games.\r\nThis government has also committed funding to various other programmes / initiatives to ensure young people are provided with opportunities to make coaching their chosen career path. For example, our sponsorship of the Scottish Communities League Cup will help Skills Development Scotland (SDS) with the development of a range of youth employment initiatives.\r\nOur £5 million youth employment initiative is aimed at providing opportunities for young people to gain employment in and around Scotland’s hosting of major events and SDS will also deliver the Employment Recruitment Initiative, which is aimed at the modern apprentice framework for sports and events.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-01T14:44:58.833","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Shona Robison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276966,"EventID":"S4W-10042","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-04T14:44:59.097","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-04T10:47:36","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what recent discussions the Cabinet Secretary for Health and Wellbeing has had with NHS boards regarding the provision of money advice (a) information and (b) referral training for (i) GPs, (ii) health visitors and (iii) nurses.\r\n","AnswerText":"NHS boards are responsible for ensuring that adequate information is available to patients on “money advice” and for the provision of training to its staff within their board areas.\r\nThe Scottish Government provides funding and support for initiatives which help deliver “money advice” and support to patients. We have provided £1 million to NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde to develop the Healthier Wealthier Children (HWC) project which is designed to deliver money and welfare advice to pregnant women and families with children at risk of, or experiencing poverty.\r\nWe also fund a number of projects that help to ensure the most vulnerable people are able to maximise their income through accessing benefits to which they are entitled.\r\nWe also provide funding to third sector organisations to support the capacity of frontline agencies across Scotland to deliver advice on welfare and benefits.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-01T14:44:59.113","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276967,"EventID":"S4W-10043","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-04T14:44:59.377","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-04T10:47:36","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on the link between mental health and debt problems and what action it takes regarding this.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government’s new Mental Health Strategy, published in August 2012, recognises there is evidence of a link between debt and mental health problems, and research shows that suicide risk is raised for virtually all mental health problems and substance abuse. We know that some of those who experience debt will also exhibit signs of stress and anxiety.\r\nThe Scottish Government has funded Samaritans to undertake joint work with Citizens Advice Bureau Scotland to produce two e-learning modules to develop the service which clients with mental health problems receive from the Citizens Advice Bureau. They are designed to train bureau staff on mental health awareness and suicide awareness. The first module will help staff and volunteers recognise suicidal intent, and provide first level support to their clients. The second module is for use by line managers and supervisors to support staff, after they have handled a distressing contact.\r\nThe new Mental Health Strategy sets out a range of key commitments to 2015 which demonstrates our desire to increase the pace of change and deliver further improvement across the full spectrum of mental health improvement, prevention, care, services and recovery.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-01T14:44:59.393","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276968,"EventID":"S4W-10044","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-04T14:44:59.66","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-04T10:47:36","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will set up a credit union for its staff.\r\n","AnswerText":"Scottish Government staff already have access to a credit union. \r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-01T14:44:59.673","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276969,"EventID":"S4W-10045","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-04T14:44:59.97","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-04T10:47:36","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what support it provides to universities and colleges that want to establish credit unions.\r\n","AnswerText":"There are already over 100 established credit unions in Scotland. Students and staff of universities and colleges may join any credit union that serves the area they live or work in. Several established credit unions already have partnerships with universities and colleges. First Scottish University Credit Union serves employees of Heriot-Watt, Napier, Edinburgh and Queen Margaret Universities. Colleges in and around Glasgow are partner employers with Scotwest Credit Union. Glasgow Caledonian University encourages staff to join Glasgow Credit Union.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-01T14:44:59.987","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276970,"EventID":"S4W-10046","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-04T14:45:00.3","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-04T10:47:36","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government which ministers have visited schools in the City of Edinburgh since 2011, broken down by (a) school and (b) reason.\r\n","AnswerText":"All ministerial engagements are published proactively on the Scottish Government website. Information on Ministerial engagements from 2008 can be found here:\r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/About/People/14944/Events-Engagements/MinisterialEngagements\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-01T14:45:00.313","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276971,"EventID":"S4W-10047","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-04T14:45:00.61","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-04T10:56:38","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many Scots have died abroad in each year since 2007 and how many of them were members of the armed forces.\r\n","AnswerText":"Deaths of Scots abroad are registered in the local jurisdiction according to local law. There is no additional duty in Scots law on the next of kin to register in Scotland, so no information is available on the total number of such deaths. It is possible, but not obligatory, to register the death of a British citizen abroad at the local British Consulate. The numbers of such registrations is small – 45 in 2007; 47 in 2008; 56 in 2009; 47 in 2010 and 52 in 2011.\r\nDeaths abroad of members of the armed forces are registered by the Ministry of Defence. If the deceased was born in Scotland, a copy of the death registration is passed to the Registrar General for Scotland. The Registrar General received 6 such death records in 2007; 8 in 2008; 5 in 2009; 7 in 2010 and 6 in 2011.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-01T14:45:00.627","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276972,"EventID":"S4W-10048","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-04T14:45:00.953","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-04T10:56:38","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many additional fatal accident inquiries it expects will arise each year as a result of proposed legislation relating to Scottish deaths abroad.\r\n","AnswerText":"Deaths of Scots abroad are registered in the local jurisdiction according to local law. There is no additional duty in Scots law on the next of kin to register in Scotland as well, so there is no information available on the total number of such deaths.\r\nIt is not therefore possible to estimate how many deaths of persons domiciled in Scotland who die abroad each year will result in additional fatal accident inquiries, though numbers are expected to be very low.\r\nLord Cullen, in his Review of the Fatal Accident Inquiry Legislation, expressed the view that it would be unjustifiable to hold mandatory fatal accident inquiries in such cases and that such inquiries should only be held at the discretion of the Lord Advocate. He went on to say that the Lord Advocate would require to consider “whether there had been circumstances which called for investigation, whether there had been a satisfactory investigation and whether there was a prospect of an FAI yielding significant findings.” He went on: “I envisage that, out of respect for the investigating authorities in the foreign jurisdiction, such discretion might be exercised rarely”.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-01T14:45:00.97","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276973,"EventID":"S4W-10049","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-04T14:45:01.267","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-04T10:56:38","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether a resource impact analysis has been carried out or is planned to assess what additional (a) resources and (b) staffing will be needed by the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service as a result of proposed legislation relating to Scottish deaths abroad and, if so, when the Scottish Government will publish the results of its evaluation.","AnswerText":"No formal resource impact analysis has as yet been carried out in relation to additional resources or staff which might be needed by the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service in relation to the proposal that fatal accident inquiries should be held on a discretionary basis into the deaths of Scots abroad. The question of resources and staffing will be fully considered when a business and regulatory impact assessment is carried out for the necessary primary legislation when it is brought forward.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-01T14:45:01.28","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276974,"EventID":"S4W-10050","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-04T14:45:01.563","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-04T10:56:38","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what discussions it has had with the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service regarding the provision of additional resources as a result of proposed legislation relating to Scottish deaths abroad.","AnswerText":"Preliminary discussions were held with the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS) regarding the proposal that fatal accident inquiries should be held into deaths of persons domiciled in Scotland who die abroad at the time when the Scottish Government was considering its response to Lord Cullen’s Review of the Fatal Accident Inquiry Legislation. This may be viewed at: \r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2011/03/18150120/0.\r\nFurther discussions will be held with COPFS when a Partial Business and Regulatory Impact Assessment is carried out during consultation on the legislative proposals which will implement the Cullen recommendations, so far as these require primary legislation. A full Business and Regulatory Impact Assessment will be carried out when legislation is brought forward to the Parliament and COPFS will obviously be further consulted at that point.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-01T14:45:01.577","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276975,"EventID":"S4W-10051","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-04T14:45:01.86","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-04T10:56:38","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government on what date the Section 14 order under the Public Services Reform (Scotland) Act 2010 relating to the abolition of prison visiting committees will be laid.\r\n","AnswerText":"I announced on 13 December his decision to ask Professor Andrew Coyle (Emeritus Professor of Prison Studies in London University and Visiting Professor in the University of Essex) formally to review the Scottish Government’s proposals on independent monitoring of prisons. Professor Coyle will produce a report on his findings and recommendations by 31 January 2013. The remit of the review will be to consider specifically:\r\nthe extent to which the proposals meet the Government’s obligations under the Optional Protocol to the UN Convention Against Torture (OPCAT)\r\nresponses of prisoners, prison staff and stakeholders to the new proposals\r\nindependent monitoring of legalised police cells.\r\nI informed Parliament by responding to a parliamentary question, from John Finnie MSP on 13 September 2012 – (S4W-09606). All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-01T14:45:01.873","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276976,"EventID":"S4W-10052","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-04T14:45:02.157","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-04T10:56:38","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the remit is of Professor Andrew Coyle's review of the proposals on the independent monitoring of prisons and what other guidance or direction it has given Professor Coyle regarding this.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-10056 on 30 October 2012. All answers to written Parliamentary Questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-01T14:45:02.17","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276977,"EventID":"S4W-10054","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-04T14:45:02.483","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-04T10:56:38","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether Professor Andrew Coyle's review of the proposals on the independent monitoring of prisons will examine all of its proposals or the most recent proposal only. \r\n","AnswerText":"Professor Andrew Coyle will be carrying out an independent review of the Scottish Government’s proposals, as announced to stakeholders in August, to replace the Prison Visiting Committees with a new monitoring service. The new service, under the auspice of Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Prisons for Scotland, will be made up of four Senior Monitors supported by lay monitors.\r\nI refer the member to the answer to question S4W-10056 on 30 October 2012 for the remit of the review. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-01T14:45:02.497","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276978,"EventID":"S4W-10055","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-04T14:45:02.793","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-04T10:56:38","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether Professor Andrew Coyle's review of the proposals on the independent monitoring of prisons has (a) been asked or (b) will be permitted to consider alternative models.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-10056 on 30 October 2012. All answers to written Parliamentary Questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-01T14:45:02.81","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276979,"EventID":"S4W-10056","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-04T14:45:03.137","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-04T10:56:38","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether Professor Andrew Coyle's review of the proposals on the independent monitoring of prisons will consider views previously expressed by stakeholders regarding (a) alternative models and (b) all of its proposals or its most recent proposal only.\r\n","AnswerText":"The remit for Professor Andrew Coyle’s independent review of the Scottish Government’s proposals on the independent monitoring of prisons will be to consider specifically:\r\nthe extent to which the proposals meet the government’s obligations under the Optional Protocol to the UN Convention Against Torture (OPCAT)\r\nresponses of prisoners, prison staff and stakeholders to the new proposals\r\nindependent monitoring of legalised police cells.\r\nIt is for Professor Andrew Coyle to decide how he conducts the independent review.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-01T14:45:03.153","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276980,"EventID":"S4W-10057","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-04T14:45:03.48","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-04T10:56:38","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how Professor Andrew Coyle's review of the proposals on the independent monitoring of prisons will take into account the views of (a) stakeholders and (b) prisoners.\r\n","AnswerText":"It is for Professor Andrew Coyle to decide how he conducts the independent review on the Scottish Government’s proposals on independent monitoring of prisons. Professor Coyle has been provided with written evidence of prisoner focus groups facilitated by the Scottish Government and Positive Prisons, Positive Futures in August 2012.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-01T14:45:03.497","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276981,"EventID":"S4W-10058","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-04T14:45:03.84","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-04T10:56:38","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether Professor Andrew Coyle's review of the proposals on the independent monitoring of prisons will be independent of (a) it, (b) the Scottish Prison Service and (c) Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Prisons Scotland.\r\n","AnswerText":"Professor Andrew Coyle is carrying out an independent review of the Scottish Government’s proposals on independent monitoring of prisons.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-01T14:45:03.857","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276992,"EventID":"S4W-10088","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1866,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-04T16:29:19.853","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-04T15:32:45.533","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what funding allocations it has made to local authorities to improve the cycle route (a) along the A90 between Edinburgh and Fife and (b) from the Barnton roundabout to the Forth Road Bridge.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has allocated a total of £600,000 for the City of Edinburgh Council to work in partnership with Sustrans to upgrade the A90 cycle route between Edinburgh and Fife. The council will match that amount for works to the sections of the route between Edinburgh and Fife, including from the Barnton roundabout to the Forth Road Bridge.\r\nAll councils are welcome to submit match funded bids to Sustrans for cycle paths and community links in their areas.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-01T16:29:20.197","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":276999,"EventID":"S4W-09971","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5042,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-05T14:27:54.007","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-01T14:03:04.32","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government which (a) ministers, (b) special advisers, (c) officials and (d) representatives of its agencies attended the 2012 Ryder Cup in an official capacity and what their role was.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-11204 on 27 November 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-02T14:27:54.083","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Shona Robison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277000,"EventID":"S4W-09973","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5042,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-05T14:27:54.63","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-01T14:03:04.32","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much (a) it and (b) its agencies spent in relation to the 2012 Ryder Cup and what the purpose of this expenditure was.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-11204 on 27 November 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-02T14:27:54.643","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Shona Robison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277001,"EventID":"S4W-09974","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5042,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-05T14:27:54.91","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-01T14:03:04.32","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the First Minister’s itinerary was for his trip to the 2012 Ryder Cup.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-11204 on 27 November 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-02T14:27:54.91","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Shona Robison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277002,"EventID":"S4W-10059","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2123,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":103,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-05T14:27:55.19","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-04T11:26:30","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what steps the NHS has taken since May 2007 to facilitate patient feedback and what consideration it has given to the use of social media, including interactive websites.","AnswerText":"On 1 October 2012, NHSScotland published its Charter of Patient Rights and Responsibilities, which tells people what they can expect of the NHS and what the NHS expects of them. The right for people to have a say in their healthcare, to offer feedback or raise comments or complaints is amongst the rights it explains. One of a number of new provisions introduced by the Patient Rights (Scotland) Act 2011, it marks another important milestone reached in our ambition to put the person at the centre of NHS decision-making in Scotland.\r\nWe are supporting patients to exercise their right to give feedback about the health care they have received. Good practice guidance for handling and learning from feedback issued to NHS boards in March, following a review of existing complaints procedures dating back to 2005. The 2011 act also established the Patient Advice and Support Service, to provide independent advice and to offer additional sources of advice and support where required. These include advocacy and dispute resolution services and communications support.\r\nAs well as the more traditional participation tools and approaches, like feedback forms, surveys and suggestion boxes, I agree there is a place for online or e-participation and social media tools. These have the potential to reach a wider audience and encourage greater participation, particularly from people who would not normally choose to get involved. A focus on using e-participation and social media tools is starting to emerge within NHSScotland and the Scottish Health Council hosted an event to bring together NHS boards and others trialling different approaches as part of Social Media Week. The findings from these pilots are actively being considered.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-02T14:27:55.207","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277003,"EventID":"S4W-10066","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-05T14:27:55.503","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-04T15:04:59","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on the assertion made in Grasping the Thistle: How Scotland Must React to the Three Key Challenges of the Twenty First Century that (a) \"profound differences in the economies of Scotland and England and the unsustainability of the prevailing UK monetary policy and currency mean an independent Scotland should have its own currency\", (b) “public spending, which was once the oil that lubricated Scottish governance, has steadily become more viscous with every increasing dose, and has slowed the nations development to a standstill\", (c) \"the problems of Scotland’s NHS are but one symptom of a much wider disease – the disease of oversized government\", (d) \"Barnett, far from starving Scotland to death, as is often asserted, is actually fattening us to the point of dangerous obesity….. and that it may be the UK is actually killing us with kindness”, (e) \"the Tories' problem is that their unionist ideology is overcoming their free market common sense\", (f) the private sector in Scotland should be encouraged \"to compete with the established NHS hospitals, clinics and other services”, (g) NHS management should be encouraged \"to buy out existing NHS facilities and services under favourable terms and join the private sector\"; (h) Scotland should “develop a voucher scheme for the NHS\", (i) Scotland should \"introduce compulsory health insurance\", (j) “universality, as presently practised, robs the poor of resources which would be best in their hands...takes away from those who most need help and who most deserve support and rewards those who need neither...is unjust and indefensible\", (k) Scotland should \"develop a voucher scheme for schooling\", (l) Scotland should be “freezing and cutting government expenditures, including the freezing of recruitment by government and quangos”, (m) Scotland should boost business growth \"by reducing corporate and personal taxation\", (n) government efficiency would be improved \"by exposure to the free market economy”, (o) Scotland should facilitate \"the transfer of civil servants to the private sector\"; what its position is on the book's concept of a \"new Union\", and what it considers the economic impact would be of the book's suggestion that income tax rates should be reduced by 25%.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government’s position on public spending, monetary policy, public services and a range of other issues is a matter of public record. The Programme for Government is a recent statement of the Government’s position on these and a range of other issues, and can be found at http://www.scotland.gov.uk/About/Performance/programme-for-government.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-02T14:27:55.52","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277004,"EventID":"S4W-10072","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-05T14:27:55.863","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-04T15:04:59","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether a Scotland separate from the rest of the UK would keep (a) inheritance tax, (b) capital gains tax, (c) air passenger duty and (d) the aggregates levy.\r\n","AnswerText":"This government believes that Scotland’s interests will best be served by all decisions affecting Scotland being made in Scotland. We therefore support taking full fiscal responsibility which would allow this Parliament to legislate for and set all taxes in the interests of stimulating economic growth, supporting the public services of Scotland and building social cohesion. Decisions about what taxes to apply in an independent Scotland, and at what level, would therefore be taken by the Scottish Parliament and government of the day.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-02T14:27:55.877","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277005,"EventID":"S4W-10089","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-05T14:27:56.143","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-04T16:32:01","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what health and development checks are provided for children up to the age of five.\r\n","AnswerText":"The routine health and development checks which are provided for children up to the age of five are set out in the Health for All Children (Hall 4) Guidance.\r\nThe guidance recommends that all children should have contact with Health professionals within the first 24 hours for a full physical health check; within the first 10 days of life for a blood spot test for particular illnesses and a general check to ensure there is no cause for concern; within the first 28 days of life for a hearing test; at six to eight weeks for a full physical health and development check, including weight; at two, three, four and 12 to 13 months for immunisation and to check weight; between the ages of three to five years for immunisation and to check weight; between four and five years for an eye sight test, usually at pre-school; and between the ages of four to six, usually in school year Primary 1, for a full physical health check including height, weight and dental check.\r\nA Childsmile dental assessment should take place between 10 days and three months.\r\nA New Look at Hall 4, The Early Years, Good Health for Every Child introduced a 24-30 month review to pick up a range of development issues including speech, language and communication skills, personal, social and emotional development (including behavioural issues), and registration with a dentist. The aim is for NHS boards to roll this out from 1 April 2013. Guidance on the review will be issued later this year.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-02T14:27:56.157","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277006,"EventID":"S4W-10090","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-05T14:27:56.643","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-04T16:32:01","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how the Care Inspectorate supports, promotes and reports on good mental health and wellbeing in nursery schools.\r\n","AnswerText":"The National Care Standards for Early Education and Child-care underpin the work undertaken by the Care Inspectorate in this sector. These standards reflect the aspiration of ensuring that all children are in receipt of a positive experience which meets their own individual needs. Therefore, the notion of “good mental health and well-being” is one which underpins many of the standards rather than featuring in it. In particular, Standard 3 looks at “Health and Well-being” where issues such as continuity of care, anti-bullying, healthy lifestyles etc are looked at. Similarly, Standard 6 “Support and Development” considers how well services are doing in meeting children's emotional, educational and physical needs. Through inspection and other regulatory functions there is often a resulting dialogue as to how services can perform better as well as identifying the many examples of good practice in this area. One of the Quality Themes reported on in each inspection report is “Quality of Experience” and this offers an opportunity to focus on how respective services are working to meet the needs of children attending. \r\nAs well as at individual service level the Care Inspectorate has systems for meeting with large providers (including local authorities) to discuss overarching care issues. So there are a number of routes through which this discussion can be progressed.\r\nAlthough the term “good mental health” is not one commonly used in relation to very young children it is certainly the case that the Care Inspectorate is very much involved in the aim of ensuring services are meeting the needs of all Scotland's children.\r\nIn addition to the Care Inspectorate methodology the work we do jointly with Education Scotland also covers the Health and Wellbeing strands in curriculum for excellence.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-02T14:27:56.643","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277007,"EventID":"S4W-10091","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-05T14:27:57.127","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-04T16:32:01","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what is being done to improve the mental health and wellbeing of children and adolescents.\r\n","AnswerText":"Caring for people of all ages with mental health problems is a national priority for the Scottish Government and we continue to work with our partners to advance this important agenda.\r\nThis commitment to mental health has resulted in a new mental health strategy being launched (http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2012/08/9714/0) Child and Adolescent Mental Health is one of its four Key Change Areas. This work builds on our previous mental health policies and action plans.\r\nThrough the strategy we have made commitments that:\r\nWe will work with NHS boards to ensure that the CAMHS HEAT target that by March 2013 no one will wait longer than 26 weeks from referral to treatment for specialist CAMHS services, or longer than 18 weeks by December 2014.\r\nWe will make basic infant mental health training more widely available to professionals in the children’s services workforce.\r\nWe will work with stakeholders to develop the current Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) Balanced scorecard.\r\nWe will work with clinicians in Scotland to identify good models of Learning Disability service delivery in use in Scotland or other parts of the UK which could lead to prototypes for future testing and evaluation\r\nWe will focus on reducing admissions of under 18s to adult wards across Scotland.\r\nWe have committed to supporting the development of The Psychology of Parenting Programme (PoPP). The programme aims to improve the availability of high quality evidence based parenting programmes for families with young children who have elevated levels of problem behaviour.\r\nWe have put in place a set of national health indicators for children and young people in Scotland. The indicators provide for the first time a means of assessing and monitoring the mental health of Scotland’s children and young people over a time and will enable the development of the first national health profile for children and young people (from pre-birth to 17 years). Updated every four years, the profile will result in a greater understanding of the current changing picture of mental health within this population and the factors that influence it.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-02T14:27:57.14","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277008,"EventID":"S4W-10092","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-05T14:27:57.61","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-04T16:32:01","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether pay gaps between its male and female employees have been eliminated.\r\n","AnswerText":"Over the last five years the gender pay gap in the Scottish Government main bargaining unit and Senior Civil Service has not exceeded 3%. This is within the limits as suggested by the Equality and Human Rights Commission.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-02T14:27:57.623","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277009,"EventID":"S4W-10094","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2059,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":91,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-05T14:27:58.093","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-04T16:41:27","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many applications the Student Awards Agency for Scotland has processed each year since 2007, broken down by applications for (a) tuition fees, (b) student loan, (c) Young Students' Bursary, (d) Independent Students' Bursary, (e) additional loan, (f) supplementary grant and (g) other sources of funding for (i) higher education and (ii) further education.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Student Awards Agency for Scotland (SAAS) only supports higher education students, at HNC level or above, studying at college or university.\r\nOfficial statistics are published each year which give accurate numbers for students supported by SAAS. The most recently available statistics Higher Education Student Support in Scotland, 2011-12 was published on 24 October 2012 and are available at http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2012/10/1895. \r\nSome students will not be eligible for all categories of support that they apply for each year. In addition, SAAS also receives and processes applications that do not meet any eligibility criteria and are rejected completely. There are approximately 9,000 such cases each year.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-02T14:27:58.107","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277010,"EventID":"S4W-10096","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2059,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":91,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-05T14:27:58.343","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-04T16:41:27","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much funding the Student Awards Agency for Scotland has received each year since 2007.\r\n","AnswerText":"A statement of accounts is prepared by the Student Awards Agency for Scotland (SAAS) each year and laid before the Scottish Parliament by Scottish Ministers. These are published in the Annual Report and Accounts and available at www.saas.gov.uk. \r\nFrom the Annual Accounts, the amount of operating budget and administration costs for SAAS since 2007 (£ million) are:\r\n\r\n2007-08\r\n2008-09\r\n2009-10\r\n2010-11\r\n2011-12\r\nFees, Grants & Bursaries\r\n280\r\n284.1\r\n305.5\r\n344.5\r\n320.5\r\nStudent Loans (net new lending)\r\n170.1\r\n187\r\n119.8\r\n123\r\n148\r\nSAAS Administration costs (Revenue and Capital)\r\n7.1\r\n7.4\r\n7.5\r\n7.1\r\n7.4\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-02T14:27:58.357","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277011,"EventID":"S4W-10097","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2059,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":91,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-05T14:27:58.623","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-04T16:41:27","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many staff have been employed by the Students Awards Agency for Scotland in each year since 2007.\r\n","AnswerText":"The number of staff employed by the Student Awards Agency for Scotland (SAAS) is included in the statement of accounts prepared by SAAS each year and laid before the Scottish Parliament by Scottish Ministers. These are also published in the Annual Report and Accounts and available at www.saas.gov.uk. \r\nFrom the Notes to the Accounts, the average number of full-time equivalent staff employed by SAAS since 2007 is:\r\n\r\n2007-08\r\n2008-09\r\n2009-10\r\n2010-11\r\n2011-12\r\nFull-time Equivalent staff \r\n147\r\n154.5\r\n168\r\n158\r\n162\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-02T14:27:58.64","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277012,"EventID":"S4W-10098","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-05T14:27:58.887","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-04T16:46:40","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many college places have been available in science, technologies, engineering and maths (STEM) subjects in the last five years, broken down by institution. \r\n","AnswerText":"The latest figures on students studying science, technologies, engineering and maths (STEM) subjects at colleges are for 2010-11.\r\nTable 1a: The Total Number of Students Studying Information Technology in Scotland’s Colleges by Institution: 2006-07 to 2010-11 (Headcount).\r\n\r\nHeadcount\r\nCollege\r\n2010-11\r\n2009-10\r\n2008-09\r\n2007-08\r\n2006-07\r\nAberdeen College\r\n2,772\r\n3,704\r\n4,351\r\n4,430\r\n4,377\r\nAdam Smith College\r\n3,662\r\n3,707\r\n5,667\r\n5,758\r\n5,788\r\nAngus College\r\n1,129\r\n1,237\r\n1,401\r\n1,718\r\n1,543\r\nAnniesland College\r\n564\r\n700\r\n890\r\n1,241\r\n1,219\r\nAyr College\r\n566\r\n690\r\n1,051\r\n1,194\r\n1,481\r\nBanff and Buchan College of Further Education\r\n459\r\n512\r\n803\r\n918\r\n970\r\nBorders College\r\n368\r\n363\r\n551\r\n481\r\n587\r\nCardonald College\r\n569\r\n667\r\n746\r\n759\r\n701\r\nCarnegie College\r\n552\r\n1,013\r\n966\r\n962\r\n1,010\r\nCentral College Glasgow\r\n1,185\r\n1,210\r\n1,517\r\n1,488\r\n1,533\r\nClydebank College\r\n791\r\n1,033\r\n1,218\r\n1,402\r\n1,446\r\nCoatbridge College\r\n202\r\n238\r\n317\r\n445\r\n435\r\nCumbernauld College\r\n857\r\n1,471\r\n1,433\r\n1,367\r\n1,555\r\nDumfries and Galloway College\r\n1,134\r\n1,438\r\n1,322\r\n1,569\r\n1,359\r\nDundee College\r\n986\r\n1,655\r\n1,323\r\n2,131\r\n2,180\r\nEdinburgh’s Telford College\r\n312\r\n382\r\n412\r\n644\r\n707\r\nElmwood College\r\n330\r\n591\r\n734\r\n809\r\n863\r\nForth Valley College\r\n1,693\r\n1,902\r\n2,071\r\n2,018\r\n2,295\r\nGlasgow College of Nautical Studies\r\n120\r\n121\r\n141\r\n162\r\n217\r\nGlasgow Metropolitan\r\n1,391\r\n1,384\r\n1,275\r\n1,200\r\n1,271\r\nInverness College\r\n541\r\n423\r\n268\r\n346\r\n369\r\nJames Watt College of Further & Higher Education\r\n963\r\n1,013\r\n1,037\r\n1,459\r\n1,783\r\nJewel and Esk College\r\n971\r\n1,071\r\n984\r\n968\r\n1,157\r\nJohn Wheatley College\r\n4,353\r\n4,275\r\n5,276\r\n4,184\r\n3,569\r\nKilmarnock College\r\n306\r\n589\r\n808\r\n1,173\r\n1,051\r\nLangside College\r\n391\r\n532\r\n610\r\n575\r\n623\r\nLews Castle College\r\n171\r\n127\r\n145\r\n164\r\n224\r\nMoray College\r\n1,064\r\n945\r\n887\r\n872\r\n962\r\nMotherwell College\r\n1,004\r\n1,567\r\n1,389\r\n1,362\r\n1,497\r\nNorth Glasgow College\r\n141\r\n239\r\n175\r\n178\r\n380\r\nNorth Highland College\r\n1,099\r\n1,319\r\n1,806\r\n1,469\r\n1,583\r\nOrkney College\r\n127\r\n68\r\n111\r\n220\r\n229\r\nPerth College\r\n591\r\n719\r\n1,005\r\n930\r\n1,002\r\nReid Kerr College\r\n2,928\r\n2,187\r\n2,595\r\n2,772\r\n3,240\r\nShetland College of Further Education\r\n563\r\n612\r\n589\r\n590\r\n672\r\nSouth Lanarkshire College\r\n284\r\n451\r\n940\r\n560\r\n1,182\r\nStevenson College Edinburgh\r\n509\r\n377\r\n537\r\n450\r\n679\r\nStow College\r\n743\r\n633\r\n1,157\r\n1,096\r\n1,073\r\nWest Lothian College\r\n355\r\n543\r\n632\r\n769\r\n625\r\nTotal\r\n36,746\r\n41,708\r\n49,140\r\n50,833\r\n53,437\r\nSource: Scottish Funding Council.\r\nTable 1b: The Total Number of Students Studying Information Technology in Scotland’s Colleges by Institution: 2006-07 to 2010-11 (FTE).\r\n\r\nFTEs\r\nCollege\r\n2010-11\r\n2009-10\r\n2008-09\r\n2007-08\r\n2006-07\r\nAberdeen College\r\n964\r\n1,002\r\n1,004\r\n1,053\r\n1,081\r\nAdam Smith College\r\n868\r\n822\r\n906\r\n843\r\n837\r\nAngus College\r\n265\r\n271\r\n264\r\n252\r\n227\r\nAnniesland College\r\n208\r\n235\r\n233\r\n262\r\n279\r\nAyr College\r\n152\r\n183\r\n395\r\n403\r\n334\r\nBanff and Buchan College of Further Education\r\n113\r\n115\r\n143\r\n188\r\n167\r\nBorders College\r\n54\r\n24\r\n84\r\n36\r\n36\r\nCardonald College\r\n329\r\n434\r\n324\r\n325\r\n298\r\nCarnegie College\r\n191\r\n322\r\n328\r\n311\r\n333\r\nCentral College Glasgow\r\n479\r\n460\r\n526\r\n556\r\n530\r\nClydebank College\r\n120\r\n155\r\n155\r\n190\r\n222\r\nCoatbridge College\r\n103\r\n117\r\n136\r\n165\r\n95\r\nCumbernauld College\r\n173\r\n214\r\n216\r\n223\r\n191\r\nDumfries and Galloway College\r\n158\r\n166\r\n147\r\n163\r\n124\r\nDundee College\r\n412\r\n432\r\n489\r\n621\r\n714\r\nEdinburgh’s Telford College\r\n218\r\n226\r\n216\r\n325\r\n304\r\nElmwood College\r\n36\r\n63\r\n81\r\n98\r\n94\r\nForth Valley College\r\n499\r\n514\r\n525\r\n505\r\n536\r\nGlasgow College of Nautical Studies\r\n9\r\n10\r\n12\r\n29\r\n57\r\nGlasgow Metropolitan\r\n448\r\n476\r\n419\r\n437\r\n439\r\nInverness College\r\n118\r\n100\r\n77\r\n87\r\n91\r\nJames Watt College of Further & Higher Education\r\n625\r\n559\r\n464\r\n552\r\n616\r\nJewel and Esk College\r\n364\r\n392\r\n360\r\n400\r\n442\r\nJohn Wheatley College\r\n447\r\n327\r\n442\r\n352\r\n200\r\nKilmarnock College\r\n114\r\n144\r\n160\r\n212\r\n192\r\nLangside College\r\n256\r\n286\r\n243\r\n199\r\n217\r\nLews Castle College\r\n21\r\n16\r\n15\r\n28\r\n20\r\nMoray College\r\n224\r\n156\r\n146\r\n138\r\n163\r\nMotherwell College\r\n459\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-02T14:27:58.903","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277013,"EventID":"S4W-10099","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-05T14:27:59.183","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-04T16:46:40","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many college places were available in welding in the current academic year compared to the previous four academic years. \r\n","AnswerText":"The latest figures on students studying welding at colleges are for 2010-11. \r\nTable 1a: The Total Number of Students Studying Welding in Scotland’s Colleges by Institution: 2006-07 to 2010-11 (Headcount).\r\nCollege\r\nHeadcount\r\n2010-11\r\n2009-10\r\n2008-09\r\n2007-08\r\n2006-07\r\nAberdeen College \r\n32\r\n35\r\n14\r\n12\r\n26\r\nAdam Smith College \r\n156\r\n146\r\n126\r\n130\r\n99\r\nAngus College \r\n83\r\n84\r\n72\r\n87\r\n73\r\nAnniesland College \r\n140\r\n105\r\n47\r\n40\r\n57\r\nBanff and Buchan College of Further Education\r\n196\r\n159\r\n121\r\n206\r\n177\r\nBarony College \r\n18\r\n11\r\n2\r\n8\r\n0\r\nBorders College \r\n0\r\n0\r\n5\r\n2\r\n9\r\nCarnegie College \r\n224\r\n205\r\n105\r\n92\r\n61\r\nClydebank College \r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n43\r\n101\r\nCumbernauld College \r\n31\r\n47\r\n39\r\n14\r\n18\r\nDumfries and Galloway College\r\n0\r\n0\r\n9\r\n43\r\n26\r\nDundee College \r\n132\r\n112\r\n163\r\n164\r\n88\r\nEdinburgh's Telford College\r\n42\r\n24\r\n26\r\n22\r\n34\r\nElmwood College \r\n0\r\n18\r\n36\r\n59\r\n31\r\nForth Valley College \r\n21\r\n24\r\n61\r\n67\r\n62\r\nInverness College \r\n63\r\n113\r\n127\r\n120\r\n93\r\nJames Watt College of Further & Higher Education\r\n0\r\n10\r\n12\r\n0\r\n0\r\nJewel and Esk College\r\n24\r\n44\r\n46\r\n60\r\n81\r\nKilmarnock College \r\n49\r\n42\r\n61\r\n99\r\n123\r\nLangside College \r\n0\r\n0\r\n14\r\n0\r\n0\r\nLews Castle College \r\n22\r\n31\r\n17\r\n20\r\n58\r\nMotherwell College \r\n162\r\n138\r\n269\r\n231\r\n175\r\nNorth Glasgow College \r\n28\r\n58\r\n68\r\n96\r\n108\r\nNorth Highland College \r\n13\r\n7\r\n18\r\n25\r\n42\r\nOatridge College \r\n0\r\n0\r\n30\r\n33\r\n0\r\nOrkney College \r\n0\r\n2\r\n5\r\n0\r\n0\r\nPerth College \r\n0\r\n0\r\n16\r\n24\r\n20\r\nReid Kerr College \r\n36\r\n55\r\n58\r\n31\r\n57\r\nStevenson College Edinburgh\r\n3\r\n18\r\n10\r\n10\r\n11\r\nTotal\r\n1,475\r\n1,488\r\n1,577\r\n1,738\r\n1,630\r\nSource: Scottish Funding Council.\r\nTable 1b: The Total Number of Students Studying Welding in Scotland’s Colleges by Institution: 2006-07 to 2010-11 (Full Time Equivalent).\r\nCollege\r\nFTEs\r\n2010-11\r\n2009-10\r\n2008-09\r\n2007-08\r\n2006-07\r\nAberdeen College\r\n7\r\n6\r\n5\r\n4\r\n5\r\nAdam Smith College\r\n78\r\n80\r\n66\r\n81\r\n60\r\nAngus College\r\n22\r\n15\r\n19\r\n19\r\n14\r\nAnniesland College\r\n72\r\n34\r\n15\r\n17\r\n21\r\nBanff and Buchan College of Further Education\r\n43\r\n34\r\n24\r\n29\r\n37\r\nBarony College\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\nBorders College\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\nCarnegie College\r\n103\r\n124\r\n64\r\n56\r\n39\r\nClydebank College\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n9\r\n27\r\nCumbernauld College\r\n28\r\n31\r\n32\r\n6\r\n11\r\nDumfries and Galloway College\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n1\r\n1\r\nDundee College\r\n41\r\n52\r\n42\r\n40\r\n20\r\nEdinburgh's Telford College\r\n20\r\n7\r\n18\r\n14\r\n27\r\nElmwood College\r\n0\r\n1\r\n2\r\n2\r\n1\r\nForth Valley College\r\n11\r\n12\r\n28\r\n32\r\n33\r\nInverness College\r\n39\r\n52\r\n84\r\n88\r\n78\r\nJames Watt College of Further & Higher Education\r\n0\r\n1\r\n1\r\n0\r\n0\r\nJewel and Esk College\r\n1\r\n4\r\n14\r\n23\r\n12\r\nKilmarnock College\r\n15\r\n8\r\n11\r\n12\r\n16\r\nLangside College\r\n0\r\n0\r\n7\r\n0\r\n0\r\nLews Castle College\r\n15\r\n9\r\n15\r\n6\r\n19\r\nMotherwell College\r\n59\r\n56\r\n96\r\n84\r\n73\r\nNorth Glasgow College\r\n8\r\n20\r\n27\r\n29\r\n20\r\nNorth Highland College\r\n1\r\n0\r\n1\r\n1\r\n3\r\nOatridge College\r\n0\r\n0\r\n1\r\n1\r\n0\r\nOrkney College\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\nPerth College\r\n0\r\n0\r\n1\r\n1\r\n1\r\nReid Kerr College\r\n8\r\n11\r\n11\r\n13\r\n28\r\nStevenson College Edinburgh\r\n0\r\n1\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\nTotal\r\n570\r\n556\r\n585\r\n571\r\n545\r\nSource: Scottish Funding Council.\r\nNote: Places for welding are not set in advance by the Scottish Government or the Scottish Funding Council; this is a decision for individual colleges.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-02T14:27:59.2","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277014,"EventID":"S4W-10100","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-05T14:27:59.48","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-04T16:46:40","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what it is doing to improve discipline in schools.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government takes seriously the need constantly to improve behaviour in schools. Curriculum for Excellence has encouraged schools to focus on creating a positive school ethos as the starting point for learning and the Scottish Government has supported schools and local authorities in implementing a range of strategies and programmes which promote positive behaviour. The Behaviour in Scottish Schools Research 2012 found that the vast majority of staff see pupils as generally well behaved and this has been consistent over the last three surveys in 2006, 2009, and 2012. Over the same period school exclusions have dropped by 40%.\r\nThe research identified areas where there is room for further improvement. The Scottish Government, in partnership with the Scottish Advisory Group on Behaviour in Schools, is developing an action plan which will address these areas. The plan will be published in the new year.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-02T14:27:59.48","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alasdair Allan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277015,"EventID":"S4W-10101","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-05T14:27:59.793","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-04T16:51:09","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what action it will take in response to the Scottish Snowsports Strategic Review 2011.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government recognises the valuable economic benefits and employment opportunities snowsports bring to Scotland. The Scottish Snowsports Strategic Review recommended greater collaborative working among the Scottish centres to develop the sector as a whole, along with further development of non-snowsports activities.  High priority recommendations included:\r\nCollective working on strategic issues through the established snowsports sector working group, including all five centres, Highlands and Islands Enterprise and Scottish Enterprise.\r\nCampaign to address high UK taxation, in comparison with other countries.\r\nImprove marketing and promotion to generate additional revenue. \r\nIdentify further opportunities for diversification.\r\nWe are working closely and collectively with the centres, our enterprise agencies, sportscotland and VisitScotland to ensure that the recommendations are progressed, enabling this important sector of our tourism industry to benefit from a more focussed and strategic support structure. That process has included a series of meetings with the centres, including a post 2011-12 season meeting held at the Lecht Snowsports Centre on 24 May, which I chaired. The most recent engagement took place on 3 October when I met with representatives from the BBC, STV and the centres to explore how information on winter sports is publicised in the broadcast media, how information could be shared between the centres and broadcasters and the potential for improving information on snow conditions to allow snowsports enthusiasts to plan excursions more effectively, thereby increasing participation.\r\nThe competitive disadvantage high UK taxation placed on the centres had been raised with the UK Government over a number of years and the announcement in March 2012 that VAT would be reduced to 5 per cent was therefore welcomed. The Scottish Government made representation to HM Treasury on 18 June and 11 September seeking introduction of the reduced VAT rate in January 2013, slightly earlier than is currently proposed, to allow the centres to benefit from the change during the 2012-13 season. We are currently awaiting HM Treasury’s decision, following the closure of its consultation on 17 October, on how the changes should be implemented.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-02T14:27:59.81","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277016,"EventID":"S4W-10111","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":89,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-05T14:28:00.307","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-04T17:24:58","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it considers that there should be a limit to the height of trees in urban settings.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government does not consider there should be a limit to the height of trees in urban settings.\r\nThe Scottish Government supports the High Hedges (Scotland) Bill, the objective of which is to provide a solution to the problem of high hedges which interfere with the reasonable enjoyment of domestic property.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-02T14:28:00.307","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Derek Mackay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277033,"EventID":"S4W-10102","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":131,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-05T15:56:11.357","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-04T17:09:15","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether the £40 million of additional funding for housing, announced in the 2013-14 draft budget, includes any Barnett consequentials and, if so, how much.\r\n","AnswerText":"Barnett consequentials accrue to the Scottish Block as a whole, and it is for Scottish Ministers to decide how to allocate the total resources available to them across devolved spending programmes.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-02T15:56:11.37","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277034,"EventID":"S4W-10103","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":131,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-05T15:56:11.683","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-04T17:09:15","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether the £35 million of additional funding for housing, announced in June 2012, includes any Barnett consequentials and, if so, how much.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-10102 on 30 October 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx \r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-02T15:56:11.7","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277035,"EventID":"S4W-10104","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":131,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-05T15:56:12.073","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-04T17:09:15","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much of the £40 million of additional funding for housing, announced in the 2013-14 draft budget, has been allocated to the financial year 2012-13; which Level 4 budget lines will benefit from this, and by how much.\r\n","AnswerText":"£30 million of the additional £40 million announced in the 2013-14 draft budget statement has been allocated to financial year 2012-13. All of this money will be allocated to the Housing Supply Level 4 budget line.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-02T15:56:12.09","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277036,"EventID":"S4W-10106","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":131,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-05T15:56:12.417","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-04T17:09:15","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how the additional funding for housing that arose from Barnett consequentials, announced in February 2012, was allocated; which Level 4 budget lines benefitted from this, and by how much.\r\n","AnswerText":"An additional £87 million was added to the Affordable Housing Supply Programme (AHSP) budget in February 2012 as a result of Barnett consequentials. All of the additional money was added to the Housing Supply Level 4 budget line across the three years of the Spending Review period.\r\n£45 million of the additional funding was added to the resources which were made available to councils for their three year Resource Planning Assumptions over the period 2012-13 to 2014-15, to support affordable housing supply across Scotland.\r\nThe remainder is being deployed to a range of initiatives as follows:-\r\nNew Supply Shared Equity with Developers\r\nOpen Market Shared Equity Scheme\r\nHousing Infrastructure Loan Fund\r\nEmpty Homes Loans Fund\r\nLoans for extensions to the gas grid\r\nGreener Homes Innovation Scheme.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-02T15:56:12.417","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277037,"EventID":"S4W-10107","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":131,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-05T15:56:12.777","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-04T17:09:15","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when it will publish the findings of its consultation on the future of right to buy.\r\n","AnswerText":"We expect to publish the consultation analysis report early in November.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-02T15:56:12.79","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Burgess","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277038,"EventID":"S4W-10108","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":131,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-05T15:56:13.133","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-04T17:09:15","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much funding it provided to housing associations for the construction of new homes for social rent in (a) 2009-10, (b) 2010-11 and (c) 2011-12, broken down by local authority area.\r\n","AnswerText":"The following table shows grant payments to housing associations for the construction of new homes for social rent in (a) 2009-10, (b) 2010-11 and (c) 2011-12. These figures include expenditure on a small number of rehabilitation projects, as expenditure information for new build only is not held centrally:\r\nHousing Association Outturn Expenditure (£ Million)\r\nLocal Authority\r\n2009-10\r\n2010-11\r\n2011-12\r\nAberdeenshire\r\n12.370\r\n5.711\r\n0.170\r\nAngus\r\n5.944\r\n2.836\r\n1.176\r\nArgyll and Bute\r\n11.595\r\n7.551\r\n8.707\r\nCity of Aberdeen\r\n10.587\r\n10.147\r\n4.218\r\nCity of Dundee\r\n12.174\r\n7.715\r\n5.448\r\nCity of Edinburgh\r\n36.775\r\n27.536\r\n23.912\r\nCity of Glasgow \r\n84.740\r\n86.154\r\n61.671\r\nClackmannanshire \r\n4.553\r\n2.486\r\n1.307\r\nDumfries and Galloway\r\n15.033\r\n8.510\r\n5.410\r\nEast Ayrshire\r\n9.002\r\n5.347\r\n3.455\r\nEast Dunbartonshire\r\n7.844\r\n4.870\r\n3.922\r\nEast Lothian\r\n6.671\r\n3.836\r\n0.824\r\nEast Renfrewshire\r\n6.176\r\n4.044\r\n0.900\r\nFalkirk\r\n7.658\r\n5.844\r\n0.834\r\nFife\r\n18.836\r\n12.993\r\n10.495\r\nHighland\r\n28.285\r\n18.882\r\n14.754\r\nInverclyde\r\n23.144\r\n18.081\r\n9.049\r\nMidlothian\r\n5.280\r\n3.381\r\n3.329\r\nMoray\r\n12.105\r\n9.647\r\n2.951\r\nNorth Ayrshire\r\n7.435\r\n5.545\r\n3.461\r\nNorth Lanarkshire\r\n16.283\r\n9.253\r\n6.233\r\nOrkney\r\n3.917\r\n4.200\r\n2.574\r\nPerth and Kinross\r\n12.987\r\n9.054\r\n1.017\r\nRenfrewshire\r\n16.966\r\n7.627\r\n6.648\r\nShetland\r\n4.520\r\n2.784\r\n0.820\r\nSouth Ayrshire\r\n8.138\r\n5.281\r\n3.378\r\nSouth Lanarkshire\r\n17.261\r\n12.097\r\n9.440\r\nStirling\r\n7.428\r\n5.269\r\n0.767\r\nThe Scottish Borders\r\n8.611\r\n4.739\r\n2.758\r\nWest Dunbartonshire\r\n10.343\r\n7.012\r\n4.711\r\nWest Lothian\r\n9.277\r\n5.882\r\n2.897\r\nWestern Isles\r\n4.958\r\n3.236\r\n3.410\r\nTotal\r\n446.896\r\n327.550\r\n210.646\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-02T15:56:13.15","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Burgess","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277039,"EventID":"S4W-10109","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":131,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-05T15:56:13.477","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-04T17:09:15","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much funding it provided to councils for the construction of new homes for social rent in (a) 2009-10, (b) 2010-11 and (c) 2011-12, broken down by local authority.\r\n","AnswerText":"The following table shows grant payments to councils for the construction of new homes for social rent in (a) 2009-10, (b) 2012-11 and (c) 2011-12 under the Council House Build programme. Grant was payable on completion of the homes.\r\nCouncil House Build Programme\r\nExpenditure\r\nLocal Authority\r\n2009-10\r\n2010-11\r\n2011-12\r\nAberdeenshire\r\n\r\n\r\n2.250\r\nAngus\r\n\r\n\r\n1.105\r\nCity of Aberdeen\r\n\r\n\r\n3.082\r\nCity of Dundee\r\n\r\n\r\n0.800\r\nCity of Edinburgh\r\n\r\n\r\n2.925\r\nEast Ayrshire\r\n\r\n0.250\r\n1.050\r\nEast Dunbartonshire\r\n\r\n\r\n0.480\r\nEast Lothian\r\n\r\n2.925\r\n3.030\r\nFalkirk\r\n\r\n\r\n2.400\r\nFife\r\n1.025\r\n\r\n3.285\r\nHighland\r\n\r\n\r\n2.189\r\nMidlothian\r\n\r\n\r\n2.900\r\nMoray\r\n\r\n1.200\r\n2.552\r\nNorth Ayrshire\r\n\r\n0.575\r\n1.070\r\nNorth Lanarkshire\r\n\r\n\r\n2.875\r\nOrkney\r\n\r\n0.750\r\n0.950\r\nPerth and Kinross\r\n\r\n\r\n2.070\r\nSouth Ayrshire\r\n\r\n\r\n1.830\r\nSouth Lanarkshire\r\n\r\n\r\n1.975\r\nStirling\r\n\r\n\r\n1.325\r\nWest Lothian\r\n\r\n\r\n9.110\r\nTotal\r\n1.025\r\n5.700\r\n49.253\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-02T15:56:13.493","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Burgess","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277040,"EventID":"S4W-10110","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":131,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-05T15:56:13.803","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-04T17:09:15","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many housing starts were recorded for homes for social rent in (a) 2009-10, (b) 2010-11 and (c) 2011-12.\r\n","AnswerText":"The following table shows the number of housing starts recorded for social rent in (a) 2009-10, (b) 2010-11 and (c) 2011-12:\r\nYear\r\nNumber of Starts\r\n2009-10\r\n7,677\r\n2010-11\r\n6,063\r\n2011-12\r\n3,025\r\nTiming issues affected the number of site starts in 2011-12. Most social housing approvals were made towards the end of that year following the Innovation and Investment Fund processes. In many cases these developments did not start on site until the early months of 2012-13.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-02T15:56:13.82","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Burgess","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277041,"EventID":"S4W-10114","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-05T15:56:14.18","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-05T10:25:42.35","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what definition of (a) unbundling and (b) sub-contracting it uses in relation to the provision of domestic ferry services.\r\n","AnswerText":"Unbundling refers to the practice of tendering ferry routes individually, instead of or as well as a main group or package of routes. Sub-contracting refers to the common practice whereby a contracted operator contracts out part of their work (e.g. one or more ferry routes from a bundle) to another supplier.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-02T15:56:14.193","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277042,"EventID":"S4W-10115","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-05T15:56:14.663","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-05T10:25:42.35","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what steps it will take to ensure that any contractual provision for sub-contracting Clyde and Hebrides ferry services from 2016 does not lead to the unbundling of (a) profitable or (b) unprofitable routes.\r\n","AnswerText":"Once work begins on the preparation of tender documents for the procurement of the Clyde and Hebrides ferry services, Transport Scotland will consider whether bidders can be encouraged to include small, community operators in their tender, possibly as sub-contractors. All of the ferry services supported by the Scottish Government require public subsidy to sustain them because none are currently profitable.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-02T15:56:14.68","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277043,"EventID":"S4W-10116","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-05T15:56:15.083","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-05T10:25:42.35","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many meetings (a) ministers and (b) officials have scheduled with private ferry companies and what the topics for discussion will be.\r\n","AnswerText":"I have no future meetings currently scheduled with representatives of private ferry operators. My officials have regular contract management meetings with Serco, the private company contracted by Transport Scotland to operate Northern Isles ferry services. Officials also have occasional contact with representatives of private ferry companies operating (or considering operating) in Scotland.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-02T15:56:15.083","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277052,"EventID":"S4W-10117","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2610,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-08T14:04:04.82","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-05T10:28:00.807","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when it will make a statement on the (a) tendering process for the contract to run Clyde and Hebrides ferry services from 2016 and (b) procurement process for new vessels for domestic ferry routes.","AnswerText":"On 26 September 2012 I announced to the Parliament in the answer to S4W-09856 the Scottish Government's plans for the tendering of the Clyde and Hebrides ferry services. Details of the procurement process will be made available in due course. Replacement vessels for the Clyde and Hebrides ferry services network are procured by Caledonian Maritime Assets Ltd, a company which is wholly owned by Scottish Ministers. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-05T14:04:05.117","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277053,"EventID":"S4W-10118","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2610,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-08T14:04:05.617","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-05T10:28:00.807","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what recent discussions it has had with the European Commission regarding the tendering of contracts for ferry services and whether any such discussions are scheduled for the future.","AnswerText":"Earlier this year I had discussions with European Commission representatives to explore the potential for raising the six year maximum contract length. I had a further meeting in Brussels on 9 October where I again pressed the European Commission to relax the restrictions currently in place on the length of ferry service contracts. I took the opportunity at that meeting to brief the Commission on our recent decisions in relation to the timing for the tender for the next Clyde and Hebrides ferry services contract. I confirmed our plans to begin the new tender exercise in the autumn of 2014, with the new service beginning in 2016.\r\nI will continue to pursue this matter with the Commission in the coming months.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-05T14:04:05.633","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277054,"EventID":"S4W-10119","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3806,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-08T14:04:06.24","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-05T10:43:25.957","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what steps it is taking to ensure that it is no longer required to put contracts out to tender for (a) Northern Isles and (b) Clyde and Hebrides ferry services every six years.\r\n","AnswerText":"Tendering for the Northern Isles and Clyde and Hebrides ferry service contracts is a requirement under European law. The case for lengthening the six year maximum contract length for ferry services is an issue which I am continuing to raise with the European Commission.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-05T14:04:06.257","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277055,"EventID":"S4W-10121","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3806,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-08T14:04:06.567","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-05T10:43:25.957","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what assessment it has made of developing seaplane operations in the Highlands and Islands.","AnswerText":"There has been no Scottish Government assessment of developing seaplane operations in the Highlands and Islands.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-05T14:04:06.583","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277056,"EventID":"S4W-10122","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3806,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-08T14:04:06.88","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-05T10:43:25.957","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what discussions it has had with the Department of Transport about the use of single-engine seaplanes in instrument meteorological conditions.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has had no discussions with the Department for Transport about the use of single-engine seaplanes in instrument meteorological conditions.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-05T14:04:06.897","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277057,"EventID":"S4W-10123","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4947,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-08T14:04:07.503","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-05T11:22:03","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what it is doing to help NHS boards encourage greater awareness of obstructive sleep apnoea among GPs and other health professionals.","AnswerText":"A Sleep Studies Working Group has been formed, with the aim of ensuring that people with obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome (OSAS) are appropriately referred to specialist sleep services. The group, (consisting of NHS clinicians, managers, members of the Scottish Government’s Access Support Team and a patient representative) is in the process of piloting sleep studies referral guidance within a number of NHS boards, including Dumfries and Galloway, Highland and Lothian for GP referrals.\r\nGPs are being encouraged to complete this referral guidance as it will give secondary care clinicians valuable information prior to the out-patient-review.\r\nNHS boards are also encouraged to capture data for all patients undergoing investigation in the out-patient setting. In addition, the working group is developing GP guidance for management of OSAS to help raise awareness in primary care. It is expected that the group’s report will be cascaded via NHS board chief executives in the New Year.\r\nSleep disorders, including OSAS have also been discussed at meetings of the National Advisory Group for Respiratory Managed Clinical Networks (MCNs), which comprises representatives from the local respiratory MCN in each NHS board. The group has set up a sleep sub-group, which includes representation from the Scottish Sleep Forum, to identify issues in sleep services and potential solutions. The Scottish Government will be kept informed of its findings.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-05T14:04:07.52","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277058,"EventID":"S4W-10128","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1775,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":146,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-08T14:04:07.847","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-05T12:33:25","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many people there are in Scotland with facial palsy.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not centrally available.\r\nThere are many different causes of facial palsy including, for example, a stroke. Routine national data returns tend to record the cause rather than the facial palsy. \r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-05T14:04:07.863","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277059,"EventID":"S4W-10129","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1775,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":146,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-08T14:04:08.173","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-05T12:33:25","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what rehabilitation treatment is available for people with facial palsy.\r\n","AnswerText":"For people who present with un-resolving facial palsy, referral into Allied Health Professional (AHP) services can be offered. The most common intervention is physiotherapy, in some cases speech and language therapy may be appropriate.\r\nSome patients do not require intervention as the palsy resolves after a short time. \r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-05T14:04:08.19","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277060,"EventID":"S4W-10130","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2892,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-08T14:04:08.487","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-07T10:42:33.363","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what action it is taking to ensure that all abortion and other sexual and reproductive health services are fully supportive of women's reproductive rights.\r\n","AnswerText":"In 2011 the Scottish Government launched the Sexual Health and Blood Borne Virus Framework which sets out five high level outcomes for the NHS and others to deliver in Scotland. These outcomes include that we wish to see fewer sexually transmitted infections and fewer unintended pregnancies in Scotland; that there should be a reduction in health inequalities in sexual health; and that sexual relationships should be free from coercion and harm.\r\nThe Scottish Government is investing £29 million per year into Framework activities and is working with local authorities and NHS boards to increase access to sexual health services, including specialist services for young people and those most at risk of poor sexual health; to increase the provision of longer acting reversible contraception; and to reduce the numbers of unintended and teenage pregnancies.\r\nAll NHS boards in Scotland provide abortion, and almost all abortions carried out in Scotland are provided by the NHS, unlike in other parts of the UK. The framework specifically states that women who attend for termination should be made aware of the availability of sexual health services and where appropriate that Longer Acting Reversible Contraception (LARC) should be provided as well as advice about other methods of contraception. This is supported by NHS Quality Improvement Scotland Sexual Health Standards which set targets for the prescription of intrauterine and implantable contraceptives.\r\nThe Sexual Health and Blood Borne Virus Framework also identifies that high quality, integrated sexual health services should be available throughout Scotland. The government has promoted the integration of sexual health and family planning services in NHS boards, to ensure that specialist services are set up in such a way that they can provide holistic care based on the needs of the individual.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-05T14:04:08.503","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277061,"EventID":"S4W-10131","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1882,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":129,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-08T14:04:08.83","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-08T11:06:32","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many people diagnosed with an autistic spectrum disorder were prescribed (a) hypnotics and anxiolytics and (b) antidepressants for (i) psychoses and related disorders and (ii) attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in 2011-12, broken down by age.\r\n","AnswerText":"This information is not centrally held by the Scottish Government.\r\nNHS National Services Scotland (NSS) Information Services Division (ISD) published a report, Prescribing & Medicines: Medicines for Mental Health, Financial Years 2002-03 to 2011-12, on 25 September 2012, which is a National Statistics Publication for Scotland. It contains statistics for the prescription of the above drugs, also broken down into age-groups, but these are not specific to people diagnosed with autism.\r\nThe report is available at: http://www.isdscotland.org/Health-Topics/Prescribing-and-Medicines/Publications/index.asp#868.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-05T14:04:08.847","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277062,"EventID":"S4W-10132","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-08T14:04:09.19","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-08T12:25:14","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government on what date the First Minister’s office asked Donald Trump to put his name to a statement supporting the release of Abdelbaset Ali Mohmed Al Megrahi and what response it received.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-10134 on 10 December 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-05T14:04:09.203","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277063,"EventID":"S4W-10133","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-08T14:04:09.487","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-08T12:25:14","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what emails and other correspondence it has sent to the office of Donald Trump concerning the release of Abdelbaset Ali Mohmed Al Megrahi; on what dates, and what responses it received.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-10134 on 10 December 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-05T14:04:09.5","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277064,"EventID":"S4W-10134","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-08T14:04:09.813","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-08T12:25:14","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it sent emails to individuals or organisations other than Donald Trump asking for support following the release of Abdelbaset Ali Mohmed Al Megrahi and, if so, who or what organisations; on what dates, and what replies it received.\r\n","AnswerText":"On 20 August 2009 I announced my decision to release Mr Al-Megrahi on license from prison on compassionate grounds. In my statement to Parliament on 24 August 2009, I set out the process that I followed in reaching that decision. This included meetings either in person or by video conference with the families of the victims of the bombing and also dialogue with the then UK Labour Government and US and Libyan Governments.\r\nOn the day on which the announcement was made, emails were sent informing families of victims about the decision.\r\nNo correspondence was issued prior to 20 August 2009. In the days immediately following the announcement, views were received or sought from a range of individuals with an interest in this matter. This correspondence reflected the recognition of the international interest in this decision at that time.\r\nAn e-mail was sent to Mr Trump’s office by a special adviser. The content of this email was widely reported in the public domain. The Scottish Government does not hold a record of a response having been received. Emails were also issued to and received from other international figures, including former President Nelson Mandela; Archbishop Desmond Tutu and former President Mary Robinson. Internationally respected individuals such as Mr Mandela and Archbishop Tutu expressed support for the decision. Copies of the relevant email correspondence held by the Scottish Government are being placed today on the Scottish Government web site:\r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Justice/legal/lockerbie/FOI.\r\nA wide range of other views and opinions were expressed at the time, both in support of and against the decision. Where they are held sincerely, I respect those views, in particular from the families of those who died.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-05T14:04:09.83","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277065,"EventID":"S4W-10135","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-08T14:04:10.11","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-08T12:25:14","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it sent emails to individuals or organisations to ask for support regarding the release of Abdelbaset Ali Mohmed Al Megrahi before 20 August 2009 and, if so, who or what organisations; on what dates, and what replies it received.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-10134 on 10 December 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-05T14:04:10.123","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277066,"EventID":"S4W-10124","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":131,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-09T13:44:13.273","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-05T12:19:39","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government who, other than Robin Crawford and Ken Lewandowski, will be involved in its review of public sector construction contracts.","AnswerText":"Robin Crawford and Ken Lewandowski will be supported by a small secretariat team within the Scottish Government, although it will remain for Mr Crawford and Mr Lewandowski to determine how the review should proceed.\r\nMr Crawford and Mr Lewandowski have indicated that they are seeking the views of a wide range of stakeholders as part of the review. These stakeholders will primarily drawn from across he construction industry, the public sector and social housing sector.\r\nA small consultative group will be established to provide Mr Crawford and Mr Lewandowski with feedback as the review progresses, although it will have no formal role in the development of final recommendations. We anticipate that this group will meet three times over the course of the review, with the first of these to take place in January.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-06T13:44:13.43","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277067,"EventID":"S4W-10125","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":131,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-09T13:44:13.85","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-05T12:19:39","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government on what date the first meeting of the group reviewing public construction contracts will be held; how regularly the group will meet, and what future dates have been agreed.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-10124 on 5 November 2012. All answers to written Parliamentary are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-06T13:44:13.867","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277068,"EventID":"S4W-10126","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":131,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-09T13:44:14.193","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-05T12:19:39","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether the work and findings of its review of public sector construction contracts will be taken into account in the consultation on the proposed Procurement Reform Bill.","AnswerText":"Evidence relevant to the Procurement Reform Bill, which is gathered as part of the review of procurement in construction, will be considered as part of the development of the Bill. Equally, evidence submitted as part of the consultation on the Bill, which is relevant to the review of procurement in construction, will be considered as part of the review.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-06T13:44:14.21","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277069,"EventID":"S4W-10127","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":131,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-09T13:44:14.553","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-05T12:19:39","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government which stakeholders will be consulted in its review of public sector construction contracts.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-10124 on 5 November 2012. All answers to written Parliamentary are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at: \r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-06T13:44:14.57","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277070,"EventID":"S4W-10136","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3896,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":97,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-09T13:44:14.88","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-08T16:41:55.447","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much the Early Years Change Fund will amount to over the current spending review period and from what sources, also broken down by year.\r\n","AnswerText":"The breakdown of the Early Years Change Fund is as follows:\r\n\r\n2012-13\r\n£m\r\n2013-14\r\n£m\r\n2014-15\r\n£m\r\n2015-16\r\n£m\r\nTotal\r\n£m\r\nScottish Government\r\n10.5\r\n14.5\r\n16.5\r\n8.5\r\n50\r\nHealth\r\n36\r\n39\r\n42\r\n-\r\n117\r\nLocal Government\r\n20\r\n35\r\n50\r\n-\r\n105\r\nTotal\r\n272\r\nPlease note 2015-16 is beyond the period of the current Spending Review.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-06T13:44:14.897","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Aileen Campbell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277071,"EventID":"S4W-10138","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3896,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":97,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-09T13:44:15.177","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-08T16:41:55.447","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much new money it will allocate to the Early Years Change Fund in (a) 2012-13, (b) 2013-14 and (c) 2014-15 and from what budget line.","AnswerText":"New monies allocated by Scottish Government, held in the Positive Futures (Early Years) are as follows:\r\n2012-13\r\n£m\r\n2013-14\r\n£m\r\n2014-15\r\n£m\r\n2015-16\r\n£m\r\nTotal\r\n£m\r\n10.5\r\n14.5\r\n16.5\r\n8.5\r\n50\r\nPlease note, 2015-16 is beyond the period of the current spending review. In addition, future years’ figures are subject to parliamentary approval.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-06T13:44:15.193","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Aileen Campbell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277072,"EventID":"S4W-10139","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3896,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":97,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-09T13:44:15.473","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-08T16:41:55.447","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much of the Early Years Change Fund (a) has been allocated and (b) is available.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Early Years Change Fund consists of contributions from Scottish Government, Local Government and Health.\r\nThe Scottish Government, NHS Scotland and COSLA have agreed minimum contributions to the Scottish Government Early Years Change Fund as set out in the following table:\r\n\r\n2012-13\r\n£m\r\n2013-14\r\n£m\r\n2014-15\r\n£m\r\n2015-16\r\n£m\r\nTotal\r\n£m\r\nScottish Government\r\n10.5\r\n14.5\r\n16.5\r\n8.5\r\n50\r\nHealth\r\n36\r\n39\r\n42\r\n-\r\n117\r\nLocal Government\r\n20\r\n35\r\n50\r\n-\r\n105\r\nTotal\r\n272\r\n\r\nThe Scottish Government contributions will be supplemented by a small amount from Positive Futures (Early Years) core funding over the current Spending Review period (2012-13-2013-14-2014-15) to ensure maximum flexibility and synergy. This gives the following totals:\r\n2012-13\r\n£m\r\n2013-14\r\n£m\r\n2014-15\r\n£m\r\n2015-16\r\n£m\r\n\r\nTotal\r\n£m\r\n11.25\r\n15.25\r\n17.25\r\n8.5\r\n52.25\r\n\r\nThe following Scottish Government funding is committed:\r\n\r\n2012-13\r\n£m\r\n\r\n2013-14\r\n£m\r\n2014-15\r\n£m\r\n2015-16\r\n£m\r\nTotal\r\nPlayTalkRead\r\n1\r\n1\r\n1\r\n-\r\n3\r\nBookbug\r\n1.5\r\n1.5\r\n1.5\r\n-\r\n4.5\r\nParenting Strategy\r\n0.05\r\n0.05\r\n0.05\r\n-\r\n0.15\r\nPlay\r\n1.0\r\n1.0\r\n1.0\r\n-\r\n3\r\nFamilies and Communities Fund\r\n1.5\r\n1.5\r\n1.5\r\n-\r\n4.5\r\nEarly learning and childcare\r\n1.5\r\n1.5\r\n1.5\r\n-\r\n4.5\r\nFamily Support (LA)\r\n3\r\n3\r\n3\r\n\r\n9\r\nFamily support unallocated \r\n\r\n3\r\n6\r\n\r\n9\r\nPsychology of Parenting \r\n0.672\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n0.672\r\nLocal support \r\n0.6\r\n0.8\r\n0.85\r\n\r\n2.25\r\nTotal\r\n10.822\r\n13.35\r\n16.4\r\n0\r\n40.572\r\n\r\nThis leaves uncommitted funding of:\r\n2012-13\r\n£m\r\n2013-14\r\n£m\r\n2014-15\r\n£m\r\n2015-16\r\n£m\r\n\r\nTotal\r\n£m\r\n0.428\r\n1.9\r\n0.85\r\n8.5\r\n11.678\r\n\r\nThis uncommitted funding includes a portion of Scottish Government core budget in addition to Early Years Change Fund monies. \r\nThe following table shows the breakdown of the Early Years Change Fund across NHS boards, including Special Health Boards for 2012-13. The figures represent indicative allocations issued to NHS Boards in respect of Child Healthy Weight Interventions, Childsmile, Infant Nutrition and Maternity Services, Family Nurse Partnerships and the demand led budget for Healthy Start, managed centrally by the Health and Social Care Directorate. For some of this funding e.g. programmes such as Childsmile, the monies for this are already set out and how it will be spent. Other funding streams such as those on infant nutrition allow a level of flexibility for delivery.\r\nHealth contribution to EYCF\r\n2012-13\r\nNHS Ayrshire and Arran\r\n1,223,000\r\nNHS Borders\r\n413,000\r\nNHS Dumfries and Galloway\r\n525,000\r\nNHS Fife\r\n2,015,000\r\nNHS Forth Valley\r\n1,114,000\r\nNHS Grampian\r\n1,892,000\r\nNHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde\r\n4,075,000\r\nNHS Highland\r\n1,085,000\r\nNHS Lanarkshire\r\n2,018,000\r\nNHS Lothian\r\n2,947,000\r\nNHS Orkney\r\n226,000\r\nNHS Shetland\r\n257,000\r\nNHS Tayside\r\n2,037,000\r\nNHS Western Isles\r\n269,000\r\nSub-Total\r\n20,096,000\r\nNHS National Services Scotland *\r\n71,000\r\nNHS Education for Scotland**\r\n655,000\r\nScottish Government Central Budget***\r\n14,851,000\r\nAllocations to be confirmed\r\n250,000\r\nSub total\r\n15,827,000\r\nTotal\r\n35,922,000\r\nNotes:\r\n*Contribution by NSS to Infant Nutrition and Maternity Services programme\r\n**Contribution by NES to Childsmile, Infant Nutrition and Maternity Services programme\r\n***includes £11,880,000 for demand led Healthy Start programme and £500,000 for Early Years Action Fund\r\nThe allocations for 2013-14 and 2014-15 have still to be finalised subject to Parliamentary approval of the budgets for these respective years but the amounts are likely to be similar to the above. \r\nThe 2012-13 allocations have been made to local authorities and the 2013-14 and 2014-15 allocations will be made in the subsequent years subject to parliamentary approval of the respective budgets. Information on spend allocated and available is not held centrally.\r\n\r\n\r\n2012-13\r\n2013-14\r\n2014-15\r\nAberdeen City\r\n746,637\r\n1,312,972\r\n1,881,610\r\nAberdeenshire\r\n887,999\r\n1,549,683\r\n2,207,393\r\nAngus\r\n403,696\r\n704,442\r\n1,000,260\r\nArgyll and Bute\r\n269,747\r\n463,044\r\n655,169\r\nClackmannanshire\r\n220,070\r\n385,905\r\n557,503\r\nDumfries and Gallowa","AnswerDate":"2012-11-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-06T13:44:15.49","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Aileen Campbell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277073,"EventID":"S4W-10140","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-09T13:44:15.753","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-08T16:08:35","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government for what reason the First Minister asked Donald Trump to put his name to a statement supporting the release of Abdelbaset Ali Mohmed Al Megrahi.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-10134 on 10 December 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-06T13:44:15.77","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277074,"EventID":"S4W-10141","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3824,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-09T13:44:16.067","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-09T10:46:28","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will remove the presumption in favour of carbon capture and storage power generation at Hunterston from the National Planning Framework 2 and replace it with a presumption in favour of nuclear power generation.\r\n","AnswerText":"There is no provision within planning legislation for the amendment of the National Planning Framework (NPF) between the cycles of formal review. Work has started on the third NPF (NPF3) and Scottish Ministers are currently engaging stakeholders and the public on the main issues. More information on NPF3 can be obtained from the Scottish Government website: \r\nwww.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Built-Environment/planning/National-Planning-Policy/npf/NPF3.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-06T13:44:16.083","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Derek Mackay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277092,"EventID":"S4W-10142","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-09T15:20:06.503","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-09T13:04:33","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many staff are employed at Lothian and Borders Police Force Communications Centre and how many there have been in each year since the centre opened.\r\n","AnswerText":"Staffing, resourcing, and performance of the Lothian and Borders Police Force Communication Centre are the responsibility of Lothian and Borders Joint Police Board and the Chief Constable of Lothian and Borders Police. From 1 April 2013 this responsibility will pass to the Scottish Police Authority and the Chief Constable of the Police Service of Scotland.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-06T15:20:07.11","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277093,"EventID":"S4W-10143","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-09T15:20:07.733","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-09T13:04:33","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many staff are required to operate Lothian and Borders Police Force Communications Centre effectively.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-10142 on 2 November 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-06T15:20:07.75","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277094,"EventID":"S4W-10144","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-09T15:20:08.017","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-09T13:04:33","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many staff at Lothian and Borders Police Force Communications Centre are (a) trained police officers and (b) civilian staff.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-10142 on 2 November 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-06T15:20:08.03","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277095,"EventID":"S4W-10145","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-09T15:20:08.28","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-09T13:04:33","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many staff at Lothian and Borders Police Force Communications Centre have been (a) trained police officers and (b) civilian staff in each year since the centre opened.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-10142 on 2 November 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-06T15:20:08.297","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277096,"EventID":"S4W-10146","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-09T15:20:08.607","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-09T13:04:33","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many average hours of overtime per month each member of staff at Lothian and Borders Police Force Communications Centre has worked in the last year.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-10142 on 2 November 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-06T15:20:08.623","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277097,"EventID":"S4W-10148","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-09T15:20:08.89","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-09T13:04:33","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the average rate of sickness absence has been for staff at Lothian and Borders Police Force Communications Centre in each year since it opened.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-10142 on 2 November 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-06T15:20:08.903","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277098,"EventID":"S4W-10149","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-09T15:20:09.153","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-09T13:04:33","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what percentage of sickness absence at Lothian and Borders Police Force Communications Centre has been stress related in each year since it opened.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-10142 on 2 November 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-06T15:20:09.17","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277099,"EventID":"S4W-10150","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-09T15:20:09.45","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-09T13:04:33","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how (a) performance and (b) targets are measured at Lothian and Borders Police Force Communications Centre.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-10142 on 2 November 2012 All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-06T15:20:09.467","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277100,"EventID":"S4W-10151","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-09T15:20:09.717","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-09T13:04:33","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what (a) monthly and (b) annual performance levels Lothian and Borders Police Force Communications Centre has achieved in each year since it opened.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-10142 on 2 November 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-06T15:20:09.73","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277101,"EventID":"S4W-10152","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-09T15:20:10.043","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-09T13:04:33","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether plans have been put in place to change the services provided by Lothian and Borders Police Force Communications Centre.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-10142 on 2 November 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-06T15:20:10.06","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277102,"EventID":"S4W-10153","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-09T15:20:10.31","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-09T13:04:33","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether there are plans to reduce the number of staff required to effectively operate Lothian and Borders Police Force Communications Centre.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-10142 on 2 November 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-06T15:20:10.323","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277103,"EventID":"S4W-10154","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-09T15:20:10.607","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-09T13:04:33","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether there are plans for the Lothian and Borders Police Force Communications Centre to work with other police force communications centres.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-10142 on 2 November 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-06T15:20:10.637","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277104,"EventID":"S4W-10155","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":86,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-09T15:20:10.887","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-09T13:51:35","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many CashBack for Communities-funded projects provide an anti-sectarianism element in their activities.\r\n","AnswerText":"We are providing all our young people, no matter what their background is, with a variety of free, readily accessible and sustainable opportunities to allow them to become all they can be and to be effective contributors and responsible citizens in Scottish society. Since the inception of the highly successful Cashback Programme in 2007, over £46 million recovered from the proceeds of crime has been invested throughout Scotland, through our partner organisations, directly benefitting over 600,000 young people and generating over 11,000 young person volunteers from different backgrounds who are now putting something back into their communities across Scotland.\r\nAnti-sectarianism is not a specific funded strand of work for CashBack for Communities programme. However, a wide range of CashBack partner organisations including the Scottish Football Association (SFA), Scottish Rugby Union (SRU), Amateur Boxing Scotland (ABS), Scottish Sports Futures (SSF) and Youthlink Scotland promote positive inclusive behaviours including anti-sectarianism, anti-territorialism, respect, alcohol misuse and healthy lifestyles through educational, role model activity and development workshops with young people participating in CashBack activities.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-06T15:20:10.9","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277105,"EventID":"S4W-10156","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":86,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-09T15:20:11.23","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-09T13:51:35","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what provision the Scottish Football Association has made for delivering anti-sectarianism workshops, events and messages through the CashBack for Communities funding that it receives.\r\n","AnswerText":"For 2007-14, the Scottish FA has been awarded £5.436 million in CashBack for Communities funding to run a series of six projects including Schools of Football, Girls’ and Women’s Football Development, the Football Equity Project and the Diversionary Football project. The Scottish FA is currently looking at including anti-sectarianism work as part of the theory sessions in the Schools of Football project.\r\nThe Scottish Government is committed to removing sectarianism from our communities and is investing some £9 million over the current three year spending period to tackle sectarianism, and all forms of bigoted behaviour across Scottish society. The government is also undertaking a longer term programme of work to tackle violence, alcohol misuse and bigotry associated with football and is working in partnership with interested parties to develop wide ranging recommendations to help improve the game and to contribute positively to wider efforts to tackle these social issues.\r\nYou may wish to contact Donald Gillies, Football Development Manager at the Scottish FA for further details of the work that the association is doing in this area. Donald’s contact details are: Telephone: 0141 616 6180, e-mail: Donald.Gillies@scottishfa.co.uk.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-06T15:20:11.243","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Shona Robison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277106,"EventID":"S4W-10157","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3824,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-09T15:20:11.527","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-09T14:12:19","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it plans to introduce dog welfare legislation. \r\n","AnswerText":"The welfare of dogs is covered by the Animal Health and Welfare (Scotland) Act 2006. Other relevant legislation includes the Breeding and Sale of Dogs (Welfare) Act 1999, the Breeding of Dogs Act 1991 and the Licensing of Animal Dealers (Young Cats and Young Dogs) Regulations 2009. The Scottish Government intends to review the legislation relevant to the sale and breeding of dogs, although it is not possible to give a timetable for this at present.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-06T15:20:11.54","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277107,"EventID":"S4W-10158","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3824,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-09T15:20:11.79","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-09T14:12:19","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4O-00789 by Richard Lochhead on 15 March 2012 (Official Report, c. 7344) what further consideration it has given to the compulsory microchipping of dogs.\r\n","AnswerText":"In answer to S4O-00789, the Scottish Government replied that: “The Scottish Government recognises the benefits of microchipping in helping to re-unite dogs with owners where dogs have been lost or stolen, which is why it is recommended as best practice in the Code of Practice for the Welfare of Dogs (published in 2010). In addition, we have ensured that the owners of dangerous or out of control dogs can be required to microchip their dogs by the issue of a Dog Control Notice under the Control of Dogs (Scotland) Acts 2010. However, there are currently no plans to introduce compulsory microchipping more widely.” This position has not changed although we continue to monitor the development of proposals for compulsory microchipping in England and Wales with interest.\r\nThe Official Report can be viewed at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28862.aspx?r=7173&i=65264&c=1334363&s=microchipping%20in%20helping%20to%20reunite%20dogs\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-06T15:20:11.807","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277108,"EventID":"S4W-10159","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3824,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-09T15:20:12.07","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-09T14:12:19","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what it would cost to establish and maintain a national database of dogs.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government does not have this information. There are currently no plans to establish such a database.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-06T15:20:12.087","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277109,"EventID":"S4W-10160","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3824,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-09T15:20:12.477","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-09T14:12:19","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the cost of a dog licence would be under a system requiring the compulsory microchipping of dogs. \r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government does not have this information. There are currently no plans to require compulsory microchipping of all dogs in Scotland. \r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-06T15:20:12.493","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277110,"EventID":"S4W-10161","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3824,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-09T15:20:12.773","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-09T14:12:19","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it has investigated working with other organisations to reduce the cost for owners of the cost of microchipping dogs and, if so, what effect this would have on the cost of introducing compulsory microchipping.\r\n","AnswerText":"Dogs are only required to be microchipped in Scotland if they are the subject of a notice issued under the Control of Dogs (Scotland) Act 2010 or under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991. If the Scottish Government were to bring forward proposals on the introduction of compulsory microchipping for all dogs, the need to ensure this was as cost effective for owners as possible would be considered further.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-06T15:20:12.79","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277111,"EventID":"S4W-10162","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3824,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-09T15:20:13.04","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-09T14:12:19","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what meetings it has had with stakeholders regarding the compulsory microchipping of dogs and when these took place.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government holds regular meetings with welfare organisations including Onekind, the Dogs Trust and the SSPCA. Although the issue of microchipping of dogs would have been raised during these meetings, no meetings have been held specifically to discuss compulsory microchipping.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-06T15:20:13.053","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277112,"EventID":"S4W-10163","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2159,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":88,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-10T13:27:43.047","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-09T15:04:54.313","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many foreign trips it has (a) fully and (b) part-funded for external organisations and individuals since 1 January 2011, broken down by the (i) name of organisation or individual, (ii) purpose of the trip, (iii) destination, (iv) names of any ministers attending, (v) nature of expenses incurred and (vi) total cost incurred.","AnswerText":"The information requested could only be obtained at disproportionate cost.\r\nThe Scottish Government proactively publishes information on Overseas Visits carried out by Scottish Government Ministers on the Scottish Government website which is updated on a quarterly basis and I attach a link: \r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/About/People/14944/travel/visitsoverseas.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-07T13:27:43.403","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277113,"EventID":"S4W-10164","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2159,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":88,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-10T13:27:44.06","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-09T15:04:54.313","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many foreign trips ministers have attended in each year since May 2007, broken down by (a) minister, (b) purpose of trip, (c) destination and (d) total cost incurred.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government proactively publishes this information onto the website and it can be accessed through the following link.\r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/About/People/14944/travel/visitsoverseas.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-07T13:27:44.077","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277114,"EventID":"S4W-10166","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1793,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-10T13:27:44.59","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-09T15:42:00.59","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what communication it has had with the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority regarding the transportation of waste materials from Dounreay to Sellafield.\r\n","AnswerText":"The transportation of nuclear material and fuel is a reserved matter. However, the Scottish Government has regular discussions with the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA) with regards to its performance and activities in Scotland. Through these discussions, the Scottish Government has urged the NDA to take all necessary steps to ensure that any movements of Dounreay Fast Reactor breeder fuels or other exotic nuclear materials from Dounreay to Sellafield are managed in a safe, secure and responsible manner, fully in line with regulatory requirements.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-07T13:27:44.607","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277115,"EventID":"S4W-10167","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4934,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-10T13:27:44.98","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-09T16:09:23.46","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what representations or contributions it has made to the UK National Ecosystem Assessment.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has made the following financial contributions to the UK National Ecosystems Assessment (UKNEA):\r\nContribution toward the UKNEA project - £243,936\r\nContribution towards the cost of UKNEA co-chair - £35,475\r\nContribution towards costs for steering group membership - £2,500 + travel expenses.\r\nThe Scottish Government has also been represented through the UK NEA Client Group and Stakeholder’s Group.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-07T13:27:44.997","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277116,"EventID":"S4W-10168","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4934,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-10T13:27:45.557","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-09T16:09:23.46","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether national development designations proposed to be carried forward from the National Planning Framework 2 to the National Planning Framework 3 will be subject to public consultation.","AnswerText":"Yes.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-07T13:27:45.573","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Derek Mackay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277117,"EventID":"S4W-10169","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":77,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-10T13:27:45.993","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-09T16:23:28","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether the terms of employment for police officers comply with human rights legislation.","AnswerText":"Police officers are “office holders” not employees. Their terms and conditions are set out primarily in the Police (Scotland) Regulations 2004 and those Regulations were scrutinised by the Scottish Parliament's Subordinate Legislation Committee which, in accordance with Standing Order Rule 10.3.1(e) and (f), considers compliance with the Human Rights Act.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-07T13:27:46.01","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277118,"EventID":"S4W-10170","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":77,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-10T13:27:46.82","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-09T16:23:28","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether the terms of employment for police officers are uniform across forces.","AnswerText":"Police officers are “office holders” not employees and their terms and conditions are set out primarily in the Police (Scotland) Regulations 2004 that apply equally to all police officers in Scotland.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-07T13:27:46.853","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277119,"EventID":"S4W-10171","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":77,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-10T13:27:47.257","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-09T16:23:28","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what changes there will be to the terms of employment for police officers who are transferred to the single police force.","AnswerText":"We do not intend to make changes to police officers terms and conditions when they transfer to the Police Service of Scotland.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-07T13:27:47.273","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277120,"EventID":"S4W-10172","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-10T13:27:47.99","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-09T16:23:37","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether the National Police Reform Team is assessing the administration of the statutory independent custody visiting scheme under the Police and Fire Reform (Scotland) Act 2012.","AnswerText":"This is not part of the National Police Reform Team’s remit. Justice officials are, however, working with administrators of the current custody visiting schemes to consider options for a new statutory scheme, and to make recommendations to the Scottish Police Authority.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-07T13:27:48.007","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277121,"EventID":"S4W-10173","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-10T13:27:48.473","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-09T16:23:37","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when the handover will take place between the current independent custody visiting schemes and the statutory scheme under the Police and Fire Reform (Scotland) Act 2012.\r\n","AnswerText":"Officials are currently working with custody visiting scheme administrators to consider options and recommendations for a new statutory scheme under the reform agenda. Decisions on the detailed operation of the new scheme have not yet been taken.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-07T13:27:48.507","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277122,"EventID":"S4W-10174","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-10T13:27:49.02","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-09T16:23:37","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it has had meetings with (a) administrators or (b) representatives of independent custody visiting schemes and, if so, how often these meetings have taken place since May 2007.\r\n","AnswerText":"Yes, officials have regular meetings with the administrators of the present custody visiting schemes, and work closely with them on a number of issues. No central count of such meetings since 2007 is held.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-07T13:27:49.053","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277123,"EventID":"S4W-10175","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-10T13:27:49.347","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-09T16:23:37","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether the statutory independent custody visiting scheme under the Police and Fire Reform (Scotland) Act 2012 will be a Scotland-wide organisation or whether the administration will be split into geographical areas and, if so, what geographical areas.\r\n","AnswerText":"Officials are currently working with custody visiting scheme administrators to consider options and recommendations for a new statutory scheme under the reform agenda. The scheme will be Scotland-wide.  Decisions on the administration and operation of the scheme will be a matter for the Scottish Police Authority.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-07T13:27:49.363","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277124,"EventID":"S4W-10176","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-10T13:27:50.08","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-09T16:23:37","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what guidance has been issued to independent custody visiting schemes ahead of the change to the statutory system under the Police and Fire Reform (Scotland) Act 2012.\r\n","AnswerText":"Officials are currently working with custody visiting scheme administrators to consider options and recommendations for a new statutory scheme under the reform agenda. No new guidance has been issued to administrators or visitors to date.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-07T13:27:50.113","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277125,"EventID":"S4W-10177","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1860,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-10T13:27:50.55","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-10T09:10:03.543","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the criteria are for awards from the Renewable Energy Investment Fund.","AnswerText":"Following the launch of the Renewable Energy Investment Fund by the First Minister on 10 October 2012, the REIF criteria are published and available for inspection on the REIF page of the Scottish Enterprise website: \r\nwww.scottish-enterprise.com/reif.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-07T13:27:50.567","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277126,"EventID":"S4W-10178","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2033,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":132,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-10T13:27:51.203","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-10T10:45:15","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when the outline business case for the new Royal Hospital for Sick Children in Edinburgh will be published.","AnswerText":"NHS Lothian has published a redacted version of the Outline Business Case for the re-provision of the Royal Hospital for Sick Children and Department of Clinical Neurosciences on its website at: \r\nhttp://www.nhslothian.scot.nhs.uk/GoingToHospital/Locations/Reprovision/Documents/RHSC DCN OBC.pdf.\r\nFollowing the completion of the procurement of the project we would expect an unredacted version of the Outline Business Case to be made available.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-07T13:27:51.22","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277127,"EventID":"S4W-10179","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2033,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":132,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-10T13:27:51.72","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-10T10:45:15","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the estimated lifetime costs are for the new Royal Hospital for Sick Children in Edinburgh and what the costs would be using traditional public sector procurement.\r\n","AnswerText":"NHS Lothian plans to advertise the project through the Official Journal of the European Community (OJEU) in November 2012 and the competitive dialogue process will conclude with the appointment of a preferred bidder in 2014. Financial elements of the outline business case relating to the non-profit distributing (NPD) contract remain commercially confidential so as not to undermine NHS Lothian's position in securing the most financially advantageous contract for the project.\r\nAs the project forms part of the NPD programme announced in the November 2010 draft budget, it has already been determined that the project is suitable for and is to be procured under a revenue financial model. In terms of the value for money guidance published by the Scottish Government and being followed by NHS Lothian, there was no calculation of the costs which would be incurred if it were to be procured by a capitally funded route. The guidance referred to can be accessed via the following link to the Scottish Futures Trust’s website: \r\nhttp://www.scottishfuturestrust.org.uk/publications/value-for-money-assessment-guidance-capital-programmes-and-projects-october/.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-07T13:27:51.737","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277128,"EventID":"S4W-10180","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2033,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":132,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-10T13:27:52.297","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-10T10:45:15","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what requirements for training and sustainability will be specified in the procurement of construction and maintenance of the new Royal Hospital for Sick Children, Edinburgh.","AnswerText":"Sustainability is a core objective of the project to re-provide services from the Royal Hospital for Sick Children and Department for Clinical Neurosciences at Little France; this includes financial sustainability, energy efficiency and the wider community benefits.\r\nAs the procuring body, NHS Lothian is committed to adopting best practice and sustainability across all aspects of the project.\r\nExamples of this include:\r\nThe appointment of a community benefits champion within the core evaluation team;\r\nEngagement with the construction skills council and exploring the application of their training model for long term facilities management as well as during the construction phase;\r\nEngagement with the local council’s economic development officer, and\r\nCommitment to achieving a “very good” BREEAM (Building Research Establishment, Environmental Assessment Method) rating.\r\nThe advertisement to be placed in the Official Journal of the European Union (OJEU) will also make clear that the successful contractor and its supply chain will be required to participate in the achievement of social objectives relating to skills development and the employment and training programme in accordance with the Authority’s Employment and Skills Strategy.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-07T13:27:52.327","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277129,"EventID":"S4W-10181","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2033,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":132,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-10T13:27:52.81","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-10T10:45:15","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it will ensure that Scottish (a) companies and (b) small and medium-sized enterprises (SME) will be able to compete for contracts in the procurement of construction and maintenance of the new Royal Hospital for Sick Children in Edinburgh.","AnswerText":"The procurement for the re-provision of Edinburgh’s Royal Hospital for Sick Children (RHSC) and Department of Clinical Neurosciences (DCN) at Little France will be openly advertised in line with best practice for public contracts.\r\nThe NHS Lothian Procurement team is working with the Scottish Futures Trust to ensure the “most Economically Advantageous Tender” is achieved.  Part of this approach is to understand the potential supply chain and opportunities for the enterprises listed, within the confines of an open procurement.\r\nThe advertisement to be placed in the Official Journal of the European Union (OJEU) will also stipulate that the procurement and contract documentation will contain community benefit provisions.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-07T13:27:52.827","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277145,"EventID":"S4W-10182","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-10T15:03:43.327","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-10T13:25:33","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it will invest in broadband improvements and connectivity in Midlothian.\r\n","AnswerText":"As set out in Scotland’s Digital Future: Infrastructure Action Plan, published on 31 January 2012, the Scottish Government is committed to delivering a world-class digital infrastructure for Scotland by 2020. We have also set an interim milestone of investing in infrastructure that will have the capacity to deliver broadband at a speed of 40-80 Megabits per second (Mbps) to 85-90% of premises by 2015. These commitments apply to all parts of Scotland, regardless of how urban or rural they may be, and include areas where there is currently no level of service at all.\r\nOur 2015 targets will be achieved through two procurement programmes: one covering the Highlands and Islands, and a second covering the rest of Scotland. Midlothian falls within the scope of the latter procurement, which formally commenced at the end of September. We expect to award a contract in the first half of 2013.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-07T15:03:43.357","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":" Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277146,"EventID":"S4W-10183","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-10T15:03:43.873","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-10T13:25:33","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it has made representations to broadband providers regarding broadband speeds in (a) Bonnyrigg and (b) Rosewell.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has not made any representations to broadband service providers regarding speeds in either Bonnyrigg or Rosewell specifically.\r\nOur understanding of BT’s commercial roll out plans is that residents of Bonnyrigg, served by Dalkeith exchange, may benefit from BT’s planned upgrade of Dalkeith exchange to provide next generation broadband services; and, that residents of Rosewell, served by Loanhead exchange, may benefit from BT’s planned upgrade of Loanhead exchange to provide broadband services of up to 20 Megabits per second (Mbps).\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-07T15:03:43.89","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277147,"EventID":"S4W-10184","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2033,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":132,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-10T15:03:44.73","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-10T14:13:55","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government for what reason East Lothian has had no more that 1.2% of modern apprenticeship starts in the last three years, given that it has an estimated 1.9% of the country's population.\r\n","AnswerText":"In Scotland, all apprentices must be employed. This means that the uptake of Modern Apprenticeship places in any geographic area is dependent upon employers in that area recruiting apprentices.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-07T15:03:44.747","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angela Constance","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277148,"EventID":"S4W-10185","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2033,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":132,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-10T15:03:45.403","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-10T14:13:55","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what steps it is taking to increase the number of modern apprenticeship starts in East Lothian.\r\n","AnswerText":"The following table shows that the number of apprentices in East Lothian has increased significantly over the last three financial years. This is as a result of Scottish Government’s ongoing policy around the promotion of apprenticeships to employers.\r\nModern Apprenticeship Starts\r\n\r\n2009-10\r\n2010-11\r\n2011-12\r\nEast Lothian\r\n201\r\n271\r\n364\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-07T15:03:45.433","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angela Constance","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277159,"EventID":"S4W-10061","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1932,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":117,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-11T14:24:29.333","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-04T11:42:17.023","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what independent research has been carried out on activities taking place in communities that have received awards from the Climate Challenge Fund.\r\n","AnswerText":"An independent review of the Climate Challenge Fund undertaken by Brook Lyndhurst and Ecometrica was published in June 2011. The aim of this review was to identify the impact of projects and the factors that were key to a project’s success. The review also looked at the potential of community projects to deliver behaviour change, emission reduction and wider sustainability action.\r\nA copy of this review can be found on the Scottish Government website using the following link: http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2011/06/28142552/0.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-08T14:24:29.427","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277160,"EventID":"S4W-10062","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1932,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":117,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-11T14:24:30.097","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-04T11:42:17.023","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it measures the impact of the Climate Change Fund on households and the environment that they operate in and what action it takes to deal with any barriers that are identified.\r\n","AnswerText":"When a community project comes to the end of their Climate Challenge Fund (CCF) award, the project is required to submit a final report with accompanying data collection sheet before a final claim is processed. Information collated has evolved since the fund launched in 2008, taking on board comments from community groups while ensuring appropriate monitoring and evaluation of projects. Information gathered allows common themes/barriers to be identified. This information is then used to develop further training and support, and learning and good practice is shared amongst CCF groups.\r\nWithin the current financial year, the Scottish Government has also agreed to fund a group of active volunteers from various CCF and other community projects to form the Scottish Communities Climate Action Network (SCCAN). This group exists specifically to tackle the barriers that have been identified in relation to the set up and operation of community-run climate change/low carbon projects, and they are working closely with key partners in the low carbon field to ensure these barriers are addressed.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-08T14:24:30.113","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277161,"EventID":"S4W-10064","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1932,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":117,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-11T14:24:30.753","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-04T11:42:17.023","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what independent analysis is carried out on the effectiveness of the administration of Climate Challenge Fund awards and whether it matches the needs of communities.\r\n","AnswerText":"The administration of the Climate Challenge Fund was scrutinized by Scottish Government’s Internal Audit Division in 2010 and a follow up report was undertaken in 2011. The follow up report concluded that all recommended actions, including moving to a formal competitive tender for this work, were underway.\r\nThe administration of the fund is now delivered under contract and is therefore subject to appropriate contract monitoring and evaluation.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-08T14:24:30.767","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277162,"EventID":"S4W-10065","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1932,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":117,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-11T14:24:31.127","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-04T11:42:17.023","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what analysis it makes regarding the skills-base in communities that have received support from the Climate Challenge Fund and whether they need to outsource functions.\r\n","AnswerText":"Insight into the skills base in CCF communities is obtained through the CCF Community Action and Support Programme (CASP).\r\nThe CASP programme is open to any Scottish community tackling climate change.  The agenda is developed in close cooperation with communities to ensure it meets their needs and currently offers a range of support and training covering aspects such as improving project performance, monitoring and evaluation, working with young people, understanding social enterprise, governance and reporting. The aim of the CASP programme is to improve the skills base in communities, and build capacity for the long term. The programme is delivered by the CCF administrator (currently Keep Scotland Beautiful) with additional resource contracted in where relevant expertise is not available in house. Outsourcing some aspects of CASP ensures that the programme taps into specialist expertise as required.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-08T14:24:31.143","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277163,"EventID":"S4W-10186","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3763,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-11T14:24:31.47","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-10T16:25:43","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what provisions are there to help people wanting to take a civil case forward but unable to obtain legal representation.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government provides funding through the legal aid scheme to assist people who might not otherwise be able to afford legal representation in civil litigation. The Scottish Legal Aid Board (“the Board”) has a statutory responsibility to monitor the availability and accessibility of legal services in Scotland, and the first monitoring report can be found at the following link. http://www.slab.org.uk/export/sites/default/common/documents/about_us/whatwedo/2012_Final_Monitoring_Report.pdf.\r\nThe Board found no general evidence of lack of access to legal services. The Board also provides four Civil Legal Assistance Offices in Scotland, which offer legal services in targeted geographical and subject areas.\r\nThe Law Society of Scotland offers a comprehensive online search facility on its website (www.lawscot.org.uk) to help members of the public find a solicitor. Other sources of information and support include independent advice agencies, such as Citizens Advice Bureaux or Shelter, and local authority advice services.\r\nUltimately, though, the Government cannot direct solicitors to provide legal representation in individual cases, and nor is legal representation formally required in order to bring forward a civil case.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-08T14:24:31.487","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277164,"EventID":"S4W-10187","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-11T14:24:31.843","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-10T21:23:04","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether the March 2013 Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network (SIGN) guideline on head injury will refer to post-traumatic hypopituitarism (PTHP).\r\n","AnswerText":"While recognising that post-traumatic hypopituitarism is an important topic, SIGN is unable to include it in the remit of this guideline. A proposal to develop a separate guideline on this topic has been received and it is currently being assessed for inclusion in the future Healthcare Improvement Scotland work programme.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-08T14:24:31.86","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277165,"EventID":"S4W-10188","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4939,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":78,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-11T14:24:32.657","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-11T10:45:02","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask The Scottish Government what criteria are used to determine the (a) schools and (b) nurseries in the NHS Forth Valley area that participate in the  Childsmile (i) core,  (ii) nursery and school and (iii) practice schemes.\r\n","AnswerText":"Childsmile is aimed at children in the most deprived communities as measured by the Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation (SMID).\r\nChildsmile core is available to all three and four year olds attending nursery and to P1 and P2 children in the 20% of areas which are most deprived. NHS Forth Valley has extended this service to P3 and P4.\r\nChildsmile nursery and school is available in the 20% of areas which are most deprived.\r\nNurseries and schools do not participate in Childsmile Practice.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-08T14:24:32.67","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277166,"EventID":"S4W-10192","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-11T14:24:33.077","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-11T10:51:10","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether the Scottish Court Service has ceased to work to targets for the time between commencement and conclusion of (a) summary and (b)  solemn trials and, if so, (i) when these were discontinued and (ii) for what reason.\r\n","AnswerText":"This question relates to operational matters that are the responsibility of the Scottish Court Service (SCS) corporate body. The question has been passed to the Chief Executive of the SCS who will reply in writing.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-08T14:24:33.093","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277167,"EventID":"S4W-10194","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-11T14:24:33.497","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-11T10:51:10","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many (a) re-employed retired and (b) part-time sheriffs have been employed in each month since April 2007, broken down by sheriffdom.\r\n","AnswerText":"This question relates to operational matters that are the responsibility of the Scottish Court Service (SCS) corporate body. The question has been passed to the Chief Executive of the SCS who will reply in writing.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-08T14:24:33.53","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277168,"EventID":"S4W-10196","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-11T14:24:34.06","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-11T12:49:42","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it plans to take forward the recommendations of the One Planet Schools Working Group.\r\n","AnswerText":"The One Planet Schools Working Group is concluding its report and recommendations, which are expected before the end of the year. The Scottish Government will consider the recommendations and take forward arrangements with partners to help build on the substantial progress that has been made in Scotland in embedding sustainability, global citizenship and outdoor learning in education.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-08T14:24:34.073","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alasdair Allan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277169,"EventID":"S4W-10197","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1741,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-11T14:24:34.637","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-11T13:28:37","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much has been spent on the Year of Creative Scotland; what the purpose of this expenditure has been, and what financial and other returns this has generated.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Year of Creative Scotland has been allocated core Scottish Government funding of £0.5 million. This has been provided to VisitScotland to boost the marketing and promotion of the Year, complementing the highly successful £4 million “Surprise Yourself” campaign. VisitScotland’s marketing activity aims to generate a return of 20:1.\r\nKey to the success of the first year of Homecoming and the Focus Years has been collaboration with partners. In addition to VisitScotland activity, Creative Scotland has invested over £6.7 million of National Lottery funds into making the Year of Creative Scotland an outstanding experience for audiences, artists and communities. 78 projects, 16 festivals and five Creative Places have been funded. In addition, over 5,000 events and activities supported by businesses and organisations across the country have joined the Year’s partner programme. \r\nThere is no specific economic impact study in relation to the Year of Creative Scotland, rather a series of measures and targets have been developed for the Year which capture impact using existing data. For example, the total reach of all Year of Creative Scotland marketing activity to 30 June 2012 is 68.9 million, already exceeding the year end target of 50 million.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-08T14:24:34.653","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277170,"EventID":"S4W-10198","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1741,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-11T14:24:35.197","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-11T13:28:37","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how the major events and themed years' budget for 2013-14 will be allocated; what the money will be spent on, and for what reason it holds themed years annually.","AnswerText":"The Major Events and Themed Years’ budget for 2013-14 is £1,615,000. This budget includes support for the MoBO Awards, the Year of Natural Scotland and Homecoming Scotland 2014.\r\nSince 2010, Focus Years have been held to sustain the momentum created by Homecoming Scotland 2009 by showcasing some of Scotland’s great tourism assets as we progress towards the next year of Homecoming in 2014.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-08T14:24:35.213","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277171,"EventID":"S4W-10199","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1741,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-11T14:24:35.51","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-11T13:28:37","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much will be spent on “support[ing] a programme of seminars to promote links with the Nordic countries” as noted in the 2013-14 draft budget; what the (a) format and (b) focus of these will be, and what financial and other returns it anticipates the programme will generate.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government and its predecessors have recognised that the exchange of information and best practice with other countries is an effective tool in improving the delivery of policies. The Scottish Government has been working with the informal think tank Nordic Horizons to promote the discussion of Nordic approaches to policy and how policy makers and practitioners in the Scottish Government might learn from them, to facilitate networking between Scottish Government policy makers and practitioners and their counterparts in the Nordic countries, and enabling invited speakers from the Nordic countries to address Scottish Government policy makers about policy areas of interest to the Scottish Government.\r\nA grant of £6,960 in 2013-14 will contribute to meeting the costs of Nordic Horizons bringing experts and eminent policy formers from the Nordic countries to Scotland to address Scottish policy makers across a range of institutions involved in shaping policy in Scotland, including the Scottish Government, Scottish Parliament, local authorities, academia and civic society. For the Scottish Government, we intend that seminars with Scottish Government officials will result in a workforce better informed about the policies of Nordic countries in order to bring lessons from the Nordic social model into policy making in Scotland. We remain open to learning from the exchange of information and best practice with other countries.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-08T14:24:35.527","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277172,"EventID":"S4W-10200","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1741,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-11T14:24:35.807","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-11T13:28:37","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government for what reason the funding allocation to the Young Scots Fund has varied between 2012-13 and 2014-15 and whether it considers the fund having a (a) stable and (b) regular budget allocation will provide more certainty for funding projects.\r\n","AnswerText":"The funding allocation for the Young Scots Fund varies between years because it includes specific capital projects which are not evenly spread over each year and the funding allocation is geared to the project needs.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-08T14:24:35.823","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277178,"EventID":"S4W-10201","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2108,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":141,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-12T13:29:07.98","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-11T14:03:30","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the (a) NHS and (b) National Services Division's budget has been for orthodontic treatment in each year since 2007.\r\n","AnswerText":"There is no separate budget for the provision of NHS orthodontic treatment.\r\nFunding in Scotland under the NHS is available for all cases where the treatment is necessary to secure and maintain oral health.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-09T13:29:08.243","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277179,"EventID":"S4W-10203","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2108,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":141,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-12T13:29:08.603","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-11T14:03:30","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the criteria are for approving orthodontic treatment; when these were agreed and what changes were made to previous criteria as a result.\r\n","AnswerText":"The purpose of NHS General Dental Service (GDS) provision, including orthodontics, is to secure and maintain the oral health of the patient. Orthodontic cases have always been assessed on this basis. Orthodontic Treatment Need gives an evidence based framework to the system (IOTN) and brings clarity to the system.\r\nThe use of IOTN was first proposed in the Dental Action Plan (DAP) in 2005, and was introduced with effect from 1 October 2011 as an assessment method to ensure that NHS orthodontic resources are focussed clearly on those children who have a clinical need for treatment and who will have an oral health benefit at completion of treatment.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-09T13:29:08.62","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277180,"EventID":"S4W-10204","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2108,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":141,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-12T13:29:08.87","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-11T14:03:30","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many (a) children and (b) adults have received orthodontic treatment in each year since 2007.\r\n","AnswerText":"The number of people who have received NHS orthodontic treatment under the General Dental Services (GDS) and the number who have attended an outpatient orthodontic specialty are shown in the following tables.\r\nGeneral Dental Services Orthodontic Treatment\r\n\r\nFinancial Year\r\n2007-08\r\n2008-09\r\n2009-10\r\n2010-11*\r\n2011-12*\r\nAll ages\r\n93,217\r\n96,488\r\n99,178\r\n98,815\r\n101,214\r\neChildren (ages 0-17)\r\n89,403\r\n92,321\r\n94,251\r\n93,373\r\n94,278\r\nAdults (ages 18 and over)\r\n3,814\r\n4,167\r\n4,927\r\n5,442\r\n6,936\r\n\r\nSMR00 Orthodontic Outpatient Attendance\r\n\r\nFinancial Year\r\n2007-08\r\n2008-09\r\n2009-10\r\n2010-11*\r\n2011-12*\r\nAll ages\r\n10,091\r\n10,481\r\n10,937\r\n10,235\r\n9,464\r\nChildren (ages 0-17)\r\n7,993\r\n8,030\r\n7,941\r\n7,453\r\n6,985\r\nAdults (ages 18 and over)\r\n2,098\r\n2,451\r\n2,996\r\n2,782\r\n2,479\r\nNote: *Data for 2010-11 and 2011-12 are provisional.","AnswerDate":"2012-11-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-09T13:29:08.883","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277181,"EventID":"S4W-10205","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2108,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":141,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-12T13:29:09.167","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-11T14:03:30","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much in fees has been paid out for orthodontic treatment in each year since 2007.\r\n","AnswerText":"The amount in fees that has been paid out for orthodontic treatment in each year since 2007 is shown in the following tables.\r\nPractitioner Services Division Total Fees Paid to Orthodontic Specialists Item of Service Treatments During Period\r\nOrthodontic Fee Spend (£)\r\nScotland \r\n2006-07\r\n2007-08\r\n2008-09\r\n2009-10\r\n2010-11\r\n2011-12\r\n\r\n14,902,355\r\n16,220,017\r\n17,973,315\r\n18,246,379\r\n18,957,211\r\n20,547,355\r\nThe figures above do not include fees paid to non-orthodontic General Dental Practitioners who undertake orthodontic treatment as these figures are not held. \r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-09T13:29:09.18","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277182,"EventID":"S4W-10206","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2108,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":141,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-12T13:29:09.46","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-11T14:03:30","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-06212 by Nicola Sturgeon on 26 March 2012, whether all NHS boards now have a practising medical consultant on all individual patient treatment request (IPTR) panels.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government guidance published on 13 February 2012 under cover of SGHD/CMO(2012)1, clarified that from 1 April 2012, NHS Board Individual Patient Treatment Request (IPTR) panels are expected to include a practising medical consultant with (or with access to) specialist medical knowledge of the relevant clinical area.\r\nAll NHS boards have confirmed that they have updated their IPTR management to reflect this additional guidance.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-09T13:29:09.477","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277183,"EventID":"S4W-10207","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2108,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":141,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-12T13:29:09.993","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-11T14:03:30","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many individual patient treatment requests (IPTR) were made for patients with colon cancer in 2011-12.\r\n","AnswerText":"NHS board data for the period 1 April 2011 to 31 March 2012 provided to the Scottish Government, indicates that 22 IPTRs were made for medicines to treat colon cancer and colorectal cancer, of which 13 were approved (59%).\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-09T13:29:10.007","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277184,"EventID":"S4W-10208","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2108,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":141,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-12T13:29:10.303","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-11T14:03:30","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on making monoclonal antibodies available.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Medicines Consortium (SMC) appraises all newly licensed medicines (including licensed therapeutic monoclonal antibodies) and provides advice to NHS boards on their clinical and cost-effectiveness. Where SMC accepts a newly licensed medicine, NHS boards are expected to consider incorporating it into their local formularies.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-09T13:29:10.32","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277185,"EventID":"S4W-10209","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2108,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":141,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-12T13:29:10.583","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-11T14:03:30","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it monitors the work of the Scottish Medicines Consortium.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Medicines Consortium (SMC) is a consortium of NHS Board Area Drug and Therapeutics Committees and produces advice for NHSScotland on the clinical and cost-effectiveness of newly licensed medicines.\r\nNHS boards operate within the accountability framework of NHSScotland and are performance managed by the Scottish Government, which includes annual review and local delivery plans.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-09T13:29:10.6","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277186,"EventID":"S4W-10210","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2108,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":141,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-12T13:29:10.88","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-11T14:03:30","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-06515 by Nicola Sturgeon on 26 April 2012, what monitoring is carried out of the effectiveness medicines introduced via individual patient treatment requests (IPTR) and whether this informs decisions made by the Scottish Medicines Consortium.\r\n","AnswerText":"Information on the effectiveness of medicines introduced via Individual Patient Treatment Requests (IPTRs) on a “case by case” basis for individual patients is not held centrally.\r\nThe Scottish Medicines Consortium (SMC) appraises the clinical and cost-effectiveness of newly licensed medicines for which a pharmaceutical company has made a submission. The SMC will only re-appraise medicines where the pharmaceutical company makes a resubmission.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-09T13:29:10.88","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277187,"EventID":"S4W-10211","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2108,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":141,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-12T13:29:11.21","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-11T14:03:30","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether NHS boards can access national contingency funding to meet the cost of dealing with individual patient treatment requests (IPTR).\r\n","AnswerText":"NHS boards are expected to meet the cost of medicines which have been approved for use locally for individual patients via the Individual Patient Treatment Request (IPTR) process from their funding allocation.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-09T13:29:11.21","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277188,"EventID":"S4W-10212","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4964,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-12T13:29:11.507","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-11T14:31:14","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what training there is for health professionals working with patients with autistic spectrum disorder.\r\n","AnswerText":"Patients with an autistic spectrum disorder will be seen by a range of healthcare professionals working in a variety of care settings, and such professionals will have undergone undergraduate and pre-registration teaching, and postgraduate education and training to the curricula requirements of their respective Regulatory bodies. In order to progress through training to qualification, such professionals need to have demonstrated evidence of how they have acquired the necessary competencies specified within the relevant curriculum.\r\n\r\nOnce qualified, such professionals are expected to maintain and develop their skills and knowledge through continuous professional development activities, and support for study leave is available for such purposes.\r\n\r\nThe Scottish Government has been proactive in responding to the needs of those with an autistic spectrum disorder. The Scottish Strategy for Autism recognises the importance of training of all professionals and on 4 October 2012, I announced a spend of £100,000 to offer free training places on autism awareness-raising courses being run by the Open University and the University of Strathclyde, to professionals, individuals with autism and their families/carers. We are in the early stages of active discussion with NHS Education for Scotland regarding autism training for health practitioners, with a view to further improving health professionals' understanding of autism.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-09T13:29:11.52","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277189,"EventID":"S4W-10217","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-12T13:29:11.77","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-11T17:47:52","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many school pupils are engaged on activity agreement programmes.\r\n","AnswerText":"Activity Agreements are a post school option for young people requiring flexible tailored support to engage in learning. Therefore no school pupils would be engaged on them.\r\nAs part of schools offering a wide and varied range of support under Curriculum for Excellence, some local authorities offer similar type options for school pupils, in particular those young people who are able to leave school at Christmas. However, this is not classed as an Activity Agreement.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-09T13:29:11.77","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angela Constance","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277190,"EventID":"S4W-10218","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-12T13:29:12.037","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-11T17:47:52","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many young people are engaged on activity agreement programmes.\r\n","AnswerText":"As of the 30 September 2012, there were 1,309 young people engaged in an Activity Agreement.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-09T13:29:12.05","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angela Constance ","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277191,"EventID":"S4W-10219","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-12T13:29:12.3","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-11T17:47:52","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many activity agreement programmes consist of no more than than two hours activity per week.\r\n","AnswerText":"Of 1,309 young people on an Activity Agreement, there were approximately 25 young people undertaking it for no more than two hours a week.\r\nIn these cases, this is an initial pattern of activity designed to engage those young people facing particularly severe barriers in learning. This approach is designed to quickly extend and build upon that initial engagement.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-09T13:29:12.333","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angela Constance","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277196,"EventID":"S4W-10213","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-12T15:21:34.617","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-11T16:44:58","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on the opinion of the Inner House of the Court of Session dated 12 September 2012 on the motion by Portobello Park Action Group against proposed plans by the City of Edinburgh Council to build a new Potobello High School that it \"is far from self-evident, the construction of a significant High School in a public park could be deemed a matter of 'well-being'\" as defined by section 20 (1) of the Local Government in Scotland Act 2003.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Inner House of the Court of Session concluded that the City of Edinburgh Council could not use the Power to Advance Well-Being in order to build a new Portobello High School in Portobello Park. Its fundamental reason was that, regardless of how broadly \"well-being\" is defined, this Power does not give local authorities a general right to usurp third party rights, title deeds and other contractual agreements, or the general statutory and common law. It is for the City of Edinburgh Council to decide whether it intends to appeal against this judgement.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-09T15:21:34.663","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Derek Mackay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277197,"EventID":"S4W-10214","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-12T15:21:34.943","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-11T16:44:58","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will undertake an urgent review of section 20 (1) of the Local Government in Scotland Act 2003 in light of the opinion of the Inner House of the Court Session dated 12 September 2012 in relation to Edinburgh City Council's proposal to build a new Portobello High School.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government is concerned about the difficulty which the City of Edinburgh Council is facing in securing a suitable site for a new Portobello High School. I have agreed to meet with the council on 13 November 2012 to discuss what appropriate support the Scottish Government can offer to help it exercise its responsibilities.\r\nThe City of Edinburgh Council has not asked the Scottish Government to take action in respect of section 20 of the Local Government in Scotland Act 2003 and we have no plans of our own to do this. While the definition of \"well-being\" for the purposes of the Power to Advance Well-Being in section 20 can be extended by affirmative Order, we do not consider an Order-making power could be used in a way which would overcome fundamental concerns held by the Inner House of the Court of Session. These concerns related to conditions over how the Power to Advance Well-Being is used, regardless of how widely \"well-being\" is defined.\r\nWe consider this case highlights a broader issue beyond this particular case, about how common good assets are used and managed in future. Our recent exploratory consultation on the proposed Community Empowerment and Renewal Bill included questions about common good assets and how they might be dealt with in future. Responses to the consultation are presently being analysed and we intend to publish a draft bill for consultation in summer 2013.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-09T15:21:34.96","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Derek Mackay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277198,"EventID":"S4W-10215","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-12T15:21:35.24","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-11T16:44:58","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, whether it plans to lay an affirmative order to clarify section 20 (1) of the Local Government in Scotland Act 2003 in light of the opinion of the Inner House of the Court of Session dated 12 September 2012 on the motion by Portobello Park Action Group that it \"is far from self-evident, the construction of a significant High School in a public park could be deemed a matter of 'well-being'\". \r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to S4W-10214 on 2 November 2012. All answers to written Parliamentary Questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-09T15:21:35.257","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Derek Mackay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277199,"EventID":"S4W-10216","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-12T15:21:35.52","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-11T16:44:58","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will use all possible routes to clarify the intentions in section 20 (1) of the Local Government Act 2003 and related provisions, which enable a local authority to promote or improve the wellbeing of all or part of its area and/or some or all of the persons within it, in light of the opinion of the Inner House of the Court of Session Court dated 12 September 2012 on the motion by Portobello Park Action Group.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to S4W-10214 on 2 November 2012. All answers to written Parliamentary Questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-09T15:21:35.537","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Derek Mackay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277200,"EventID":"S4W-10220","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2059,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":91,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-12T15:21:35.85","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-11T18:05:05","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what percentage of contracts for the Forth Replacement Crossing have been allocated to (a) Scottish and (b) non-Scottish companies and how much these contracts are worth.\r\n","AnswerText":"As of 31 July 2012 60.5% (156) subcontracts issued by the main contractors noted above have been to Scottish companies and 39.5% (102) to non-Scottish companies. The total value of Scottish subcontracts is about £31 million of the total of  about £174 million. \r\nIn addition, of the 3,640 supply orders awarded by the principal contractor (FCBC), 86.5% (3,150) have been to Scottish companies with a value of about £41 million out of a total value of about £56 million.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-09T15:21:35.863","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277201,"EventID":"S4W-10222","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1778,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":110,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-12T15:21:36.177","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-12T10:47:06","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on cardiac rehabilitation being available to all those who have experienced heart failure or have angina.","AnswerText":"As indicated in Healthcare Improvement Scotland’s Clinical Standards for Heart Disease, people with chronic stable heart failure, and patients attending chest pain assessment services with new onset or worsening angina, should be identified for assessment for their eligibility for cardiac rehabilitation.\r\nA significant proportion of people with heart failure are over the age of 80 and will have a number of co-mobidities which may mean that they may not necessarily benefit from a traditional secondary care based cardiac rehabilitation programme. We are working with the British Heart Foundation and Chest Heart and Stroke Scotland to explore how we can support these groups more effectively.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-09T15:21:36.177","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277202,"EventID":"S4W-10224","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1778,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":110,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-12T15:21:36.49","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-12T10:47:06","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what steps it is taking to increase the provision of cardiac rehabilitation for people who have experienced heart failure or have angina.\r\n","AnswerText":"We are working closely with the British Heart Foundation and Chest Heart and Stroke Scotland in exploring the different kinds of support which can and should be provided to people with long term conditions, including those with heart failure and angina. \r\nIn addition the National Advisory Committee on Heart Disease agreed on 1 October to establish a Heart Failure subgroup, which will be well placed to advise on how we can ensure people with heart failure get appropriate access to rehabilitation and support. We expect this subgroup will be in place in early spring 2013.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-09T15:21:36.503","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277203,"EventID":"S4W-10225","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1778,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":110,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-12T15:21:36.817","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-12T10:47:06","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what steps it is taking to assist NHS boards to increase the provision of cardiac rehabilitation for people who have experienced heart failure or have angina.\r\n","AnswerText":"A 2007 audit suggested that 45% of people who had suffered a heart attack, undergone a coronary artery bypass or percutanous coronary intervention had access to cardiac rehabilitation. The interim results of the latest audit published on 13 March 2012 by Information Services Division, show that NHSScotland has substantially increased access to cardiac rehabilitation services for people within the clinical priority group. The report suggests the level of provision has now risen to almost 70%.\r\nWe accept however that there is more to do, particularly to ensure that people with heart failure are getting access to the care they need. We are also committed to continuing to monitor the provision of cardiac rehabilitation.\r\nThe National Advisory Committee on Heart Disease will review the outcomes from these audits, and agree with NHS boards’ cardiac MCNs, any action that needs to be taken to help ensure people who need access, can access cardiac rehabilitation services.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-09T15:21:36.817","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277204,"EventID":"S4W-10226","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1778,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":110,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-12T15:21:37.097","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-12T10:47:06","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on whether NHS boards should regard the provision of cardiac rehabilitation for people who have experienced heart failure or have angina as a clinical priority.\r\n","AnswerText":"The importance of ensuring that people with heart failure or angina have appropriate access to support and care after diagnosis is highlighted within Healthcare Improvement Scotland’s Clinical Standards for Heart Disease.\r\nThe standards state that people with chronic stable heart failure, and patients attending chest pain assessment services with new onset or worsening angina, should be identified for assessment by the cardiac rehabilitation service.\r\nFollowing this they should be assessed by the cardiac rehabilitation team for a menu-based programme as specified in current national guidelines and that assessed patients should be offered a menu-based programme according to their needs.\r\nWe expect NHS boards to work towards these clinical standards.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-09T15:21:37.113","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277205,"EventID":"S4W-10227","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1778,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":110,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-12T15:21:37.363","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-12T10:47:06","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on the goal of the British Association for Cardiovascular Prevention and Rehabilitation that \"ensuring referral of all eligible patients by cardiologists and/or specialist cardiovascular health care  physicians to a prevention and rehabilitation programme as a standard (not optional) policy that is held in the same regard as the prescribing of cardioprotective medications\" and what plans it has to meet this goal.\r\n","AnswerText":"Our Better Heart Disease and Stroke Care Action Plan makes clear the importance of ensuring that cardiac rehabilitation is made available for all those people with heart disease who are found to be eligible. Earlier this year Information Services Division published an audit on cardiac rehabilitation services which found that provision had substantially increased for the priority groups.\r\nThe Scottish Government’s Chief Nursing Officer welcomed the publication of the British Association for Cardiovascular Prevention and Rehabilitation’s (BACPR) new standards at their launch in Glasgow on 4 October. We would expect that the revised BACPR Standards will help to inform clinical practice in relation to the delivery of cardiac rehabilitation.\r\nWhile excellent progress has been made, we recognise that there is still much more to do to help improve the quality of care, particularly for people living with heart failure. Our National Advisory Committee on Heart Disease will continue to work closely with cardiac services and the voluntary sector to take this forward.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-09T15:21:37.377","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277206,"EventID":"S4W-10228","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":86,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-12T15:21:37.643","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-12T12:06:06","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government which ministerial portfolio has responsibility for the housing of registered sex offenders.\r\n","AnswerText":"I am responsible for Scottish Government policy on the housing of registered sex offenders.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-09T15:21:37.66","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Burgess","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277207,"EventID":"S4W-10229","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":86,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-12T15:21:37.97","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-12T12:06:06","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what recent discussions have taken place between the Cabinet Secretary for Justice and the Cabinet Secretary for Infrastructure, Investment and Cities concerning the housing of registered sex offenders on release from prison.\r\n","AnswerText":"Justice and Housing officials discuss the matter regularly as part of their responsibilities for policy on housing registered sex offenders.\r\nWhen a registered sex offender is released from prison, the Scottish Prison Service and the relevant local authorities and health boards, or Special Health Boards, undertake an environmental risk assessment to identify housing-related risks and inform decisions on manageable housing for each offender that will minimise the risks to the community.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-09T15:21:37.97","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Burgess","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277208,"EventID":"S4W-10230","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":86,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-12T15:21:38.267","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-12T12:06:06","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many registered sex offenders released from prison in each of the last five years have been housed in multi-storey flats.\r\n","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-09T15:21:38.283","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Burgess","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277209,"EventID":"S4W-10231","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":86,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-12T15:21:38.58","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-12T12:06:06","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what work has been carried out on the suitability of the different types of accommodation available for the re-housing of registered sex offenders and the possible effect that these types of accommodation might have on their behaviour.\r\n","AnswerText":"In 2001, the Expert Panel on Sex Offending, chaired by Lady Cosgrove, produced a report Reducing the Risk: Improving the response to sex offending, which contained recommendations to strengthen the measures for protecting communities from sex offenders. The Scottish Government is not aware of any other work that has been undertaken since then on the general suitability of the different types of accommodation available for re-housing of registered sex offenders.\r\nWork, in the form of an environmental risk assessment, is carried out in the case of individual registered sex offenders, where the Responsible Authorities (i.e. local authorities, the police, the Scottish Prison Service and health boards or Special Health Boards) identify a need for it. This work brings together information on the offender, proposed property and nearby households and helps to minimise the risks to the community of housing the offender.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-09T15:21:38.593","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Burgess","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277210,"EventID":"S4W-10233","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":86,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-12T15:21:38.89","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-12T12:06:06","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it considers that referrals under section 5 of the Housing (Scotland) Act 2001 are appropriate for the rehousing of registered sex offenders.\r\n","AnswerText":"Local authorities have the power, under section 5 of the 2001 Act, to refer a homeless person to a Registered Social Landlord (RSL) for the RSL to house that person. Where a registered sex offender is homeless, the circumstances of their case might mean that it is appropriate for the local authority to refer them to a RSL for housing. \r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-09T15:21:38.89","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Burgess","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277211,"EventID":"S4W-10234","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":86,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-12T15:21:39.187","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-12T12:06:06","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many registered sex offenders released from prison in each of the last 5 years have been allocated social-rented housing.\r\n","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-09T15:21:39.203","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Burgess","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277215,"EventID":"S4W-10248","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4086,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-15T13:39:54.14","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-15T11:58:26.203","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its carbon footprint has been in each of the last five financial years, broken down by (a) directorate and (b) agency.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government’s carbon footprint for the last five financial years can be found in the following published Annual Environmental Reports and Sustainability Report:\r\n2009-10 to 2011-12: http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2012/09/2732\r\n2008-09: http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2010/05/14145517/0\r\n2007-08: http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2009/06/03115447/0.\r\nWe do not hold information broken down by individual Directorate level.\r\nInformation regarding agencies is not held centrally. Agencies are excluded from Scottish Government reporting, except where they are a tenant of a core Scottish Government building for energy use. Agencies have their own reporting obligations in line with the Scottish Sustainability Reporting Framework which was published on 5 January 2011 http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2012/01/051534/3/0.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-12T13:39:54.31","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277216,"EventID":"S4W-10249","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":86,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-15T13:39:54.623","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-15T12:50:52.843","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government on what date it received the analysis of the Your Scotland, Your Referendum consultation from Craigforth Consultancy and Research.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-10495 on 19 November 2012. All answers to written Parliamentary Questions are available on the Scottish Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-12T13:39:54.64","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277217,"EventID":"S4W-10250","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":86,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-15T13:39:54.95","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-15T12:50:52.843","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it received the analysis of the Your Scotland, Your Referendum consultation on time and, if not, whether the consultants will pay a penalty. \r\n","AnswerText":" I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-10495 on 19 November 2012. All answers to written Parliamentary Questions are available on the Scottish Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-12T13:39:54.967","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277218,"EventID":"S4W-10251","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":86,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-15T13:39:55.247","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-15T12:50:52.843","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the terms of the contract agreed with Craigforth Consultancy and Research were for analysis of the Your Scotland, Your Referendum consultation responses.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-10495 on 19 November 2012. All answers to written Parliamentary Questions are available on the Scottish Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx. \r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-12T13:39:55.263","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":" Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277219,"EventID":"S4W-10252","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":86,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-15T13:39:55.56","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-15T12:50:52.843","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what deadline Craigforth Consultancy and Research was given to complete the analysis of the Your Scotland, Your Referendum consultation responses.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-10495 on 19 November 2012. All answers to written Parliamentary Questions are available on the Scottish Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-12T13:39:55.573","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277220,"EventID":"S4W-10253","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":86,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-15T13:39:55.87","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-15T12:50:52.843","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government on how many occasions the analysis of responses to its consultations has been carried out (a) internally and (b) externally, in each year since 2007.\r\n","AnswerText":"A list of the consultation analyses that have been externally commissioned since 2002-03 is available on the Scottish Government’s website: http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Research/About/Social-Research/SR-Contracts.\r\nThis includes the organisation that carried out the analysis and the cost.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-12T13:39:55.887","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277221,"EventID":"S4W-10254","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":86,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-15T13:39:56.167","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-15T12:50:52.843","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what criteria it uses to decide whether to have consultation responses analysed internally or externally.\r\n","AnswerText":"The decision whether to undertake consultation analysis internally or externally is made on a case by case basis depending on factors including the volume of responses and the staff resources required. \r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-12T13:39:56.183","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277224,"EventID":"S4W-10255","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4086,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-15T15:05:27.2","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-15T13:01:58.577","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the size of the national forest estate (a) is and (b) has been in each year since 2007-08.\r\n","AnswerText":"The current size of the national forest estate as at 31 March 2012 is 651,000 hectares.\r\nThe size of the national forest estate in previous years is shown in the following table:\r\nYear (as at 31 March)\r\nSize of national forest estate\r\n2011\r\n654,000 hectares\r\n2010\r\n660,000 hectares\r\n2009\r\n665,000 hectares\r\n2008\r\n667,000 hectares\r\n\r\nThe above figures are for the total area of Scotland's national forest estate and includes non-planted land (i.e. agricultural land, moorland, mountain, etc).\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-12T15:05:27.73","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277225,"EventID":"S4W-10256","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4086,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-15T15:05:28.027","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-15T13:01:58.577","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many trees were or have been planted in the national forest estate in (a) 2011-12 and (b) 2012-13, also broken down by area in hectares. \r\n","AnswerText":"The following tables show the area of trees planted on the national forest estate in 2011-12 and a forecast of the area planted in 2012-13. The tables include restocking and new planting. Numbers of trees are estimated on the basis of 2,000 trees per hectare.\r\n2011-12 (1 April 2011 to 31st March 2012): \r\n2011-12\r\nRestocking\r\nNew Planting\r\nTotal (Restocking and New Planting)\r\nConifer (Hectares)\r\n4,100\r\n800\r\n4,900\r\nBroadleaves (Hectares)\r\n600\r\n500\r\n1,100\r\nTotal\r\n4,700\r\n1,300\r\n6,000\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nConifer trees\r\n8,200,000\r\n1,600,000\r\n9,800,000\r\nBroadleaved trees\r\n1,200,000\r\n1,000,000\r\n2,200,000\r\nTotal\r\n9,400,000\r\n2,600,000\r\n12,000,000\r\n\r\n2012 -13 (1st April 2012 to 31st March 2013):\r\n2012-13 (forecast)\r\nRestocking\r\nNew Planting\r\nTotal (Restocking and Broadleaves)\r\nConifer (Hectares)\r\n5,100\r\n500\r\n5,600\r\nBroadleaves (Hectares)\r\n600\r\n600\r\n1,200\r\nTotal\r\n5,700\r\n1,100\r\n6,800\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nConifer trees\r\n10,200,000\r\n1,000,000\r\n11,200,000\r\nBroadleaved trees\r\n1,200,000\r\n1,200,000\r\n2,400,000\r\nTotal\r\n11,400,000\r\n2,200,000\r\n13,600,000\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-12T15:05:28.04","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277226,"EventID":"S4W-10257","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4086,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-15T15:05:28.523","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-15T13:01:58.577","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what size the national forest estate will be by 2015 including the 100 million trees as per the SNP manifesto commitment.\r\n","AnswerText":"The national forest estate will probably be slightly smaller in 2015 than it is now. This is because the total area of land with relatively low public benefits that is sold under the repositioning programme is likely to be larger than the area of land acquired to create new woodlands (for example, on sites in and around towns). New planting on the national forest estate is expected to contribute around 10% of the 100 million tree target; the remaining 90% is expected to consist of new planting on land in other ownership.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-12T15:05:28.54","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277227,"EventID":"S4W-10259","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4086,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-15T15:05:28.79","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-15T14:10:46.837","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the size of national forest estate (a) acquisitions and (b) disposals has been in each year since 2007-08.\r\n","AnswerText":"The size of national forest estate acquisitions and disposals in each year since 2007-08 is shown in the following tables:\r\nForestry Commission Scotland Acquisitions\r\nYear \r\nHectares\r\n2007-08\r\n2,879\r\n2008-09\r\n2,112\r\n2009-10\r\n423\r\n2010-11\r\n3,099\r\n2011-12\r\n2,045\r\n\r\nForestry Commission Scotland Disposals\r\nYear\r\nHectares\r\n2007-08\r\n3,062\r\n2008-09\r\n2,954\r\n2009-10\r\n5,481\r\n2010-11\r\n6,991\r\n2011-12\r\n5,955\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-12T15:05:28.82","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277228,"EventID":"S4W-10235","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5079,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-16T10:00:46.083","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-15T10:26:15.28","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what impact the changes concerning trade union facility time announced by the Minister for the Cabinet Office will have on its workforce.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government Partnership agreement with the Council of Scottish Government Unions will continue much as at present as the Scottish Government has decided not to pursue a similar course to the UK Government.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-13T10:00:46.223","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277230,"EventID":"S4W-10258","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5034,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-16T10:00:47.143","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-15T14:03:57.56","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what progress is being made on the implementation of a regulatory scheme for non-lawyer will writers under the Legal Services (Scotland) Act 2010.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government is committed to enhancing consumer protection in this area as soon as practicable. The 2010 Act is being implemented in stages, beginning with the provisions relating to alternative business structures for the legal profession. We anticipate commencing the will-writing provisions in 2013.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-13T10:00:47.173","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277231,"EventID":"S4W-10265","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":4016,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":133,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-16T11:19:52.353","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-15T17:05:35.603","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body how the Business Information Technology (BIT) office processes its customer feedback emails.\r\n","AnswerText":"The customer feedback emails are manually collated to provide monthly customer satisfaction information and to aid continuous improvement of BIT service and services.  The information is then reviewed by the BIT management team and negative feedback is assigned to the appropriate manager for action.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-13T11:19:52.433","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Stewart ","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277233,"EventID":"S4W-10236","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5079,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-16T14:12:39.27","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-15T10:32:59.377","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will introduce a national filtering policy in relation to internet use in schools.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has no current plans to introduce a national filtering policy in relation to internet use in schools. It will review its approach following receipt of the report of the ICT in Education Excellence Group.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-13T14:12:39.317","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277234,"EventID":"S4W-10237","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5079,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-16T14:12:39.707","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-15T10:32:59.377","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what guidance it provides to local authorities regarding internet filtering in schools.","AnswerText":"Guidance is provided by Education Scotland to local authorities on filtering requirements for the use of Glow. In addition, Education Scotland provides information to teachers, parents and young people on all aspects of internet safety and responsible use.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-13T14:12:39.723","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277235,"EventID":"S4W-10238","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5079,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-16T14:12:40.33","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-15T10:32:59.377","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what evaluation it has made of the approaches being taken by local authorities to internet filtering in schools.","AnswerText":"There has been no evaluation carried out by the Scottish Government or Education Scotland of the approaches being taken by local authorities to internet filtering in schools.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-13T14:12:40.347","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277236,"EventID":"S4W-10239","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5079,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-16T14:12:40.673","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-15T10:32:59.377","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much it has spent on the replacement of the schools network, Glow.","AnswerText":"The contract with RM Education plc for the existing GLOW services was extended from 15 September 2012 to 15 December 2013 at a value of £5.5m ex VAT. Monthly payments of approximately £367,000 ex VAT are made. During the period of the contract extension, core services are being migrated to Microsoft Office 365. Microsoft are providing Office 365 for free.\r\nThe ICT in Education Excellence Group has been tasked with scoping the long-term user-centred future of Glow. To date £670 has been spent to support the work of the group.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-13T14:12:40.69","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277237,"EventID":"S4W-10240","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5079,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-16T14:12:41.003","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-15T10:32:59.377","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when a replacement for the schools network, Glow, will be operational.\r\n","AnswerText":"The migration to Microsoft Office 365 will be completed by December 2013.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-13T14:12:41.017","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277238,"EventID":"S4W-10241","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5079,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-16T14:12:41.313","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-15T10:32:59.377","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much it (a) has spent in each of the last three years and (b) will spend in 2013-14 on extending high speed broadband access to schools.\r\n","AnswerText":"Local authorities are responsible for the connections to schools within their boundaries. However, Education Scotland funds Interconnect, the high speed education broadband network connecting all Scottish Local Authorities and key education sites. Investment made on the Interconnect is as follows: \r\nYear\r\nAmount (ex VAT)\r\n2009-2010\r\n £2,563,924 \r\n2010-2011\r\n £1,949,457 \r\n2011-2012\r\n £2,187,122 \r\n2012-2013\r\n £2,505,069\r\n2013-2014 (predicted)\r\n£2,344,010 \r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-13T14:12:41.33","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277239,"EventID":"S4W-10242","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5079,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-16T14:12:41.64","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-15T10:32:59.377","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many schools no longer use the Glow network.","AnswerText":"Monthly statistics on Glow availability, benefits, services and usage can be found here http://j.mp/PufDxV.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-13T14:12:41.657","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277240,"EventID":"S4W-10243","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5079,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-16T14:12:41.953","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-15T10:32:59.377","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether its replacement for the schools network, Glow, will include social network functionality or access to websites such as YouTube.","AnswerText":"No decisions have been taken about the functionality of the Glow replacement service. The ICT in Education Excellence Group has been tasked with scoping the long-term user-centred future of Glow and will report in December 2012.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-13T14:12:41.97","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277241,"EventID":"S4W-10244","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5079,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-16T14:12:42.267","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-15T10:32:59.377","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what information it has on the proportion of school pupils who have access to super fast broadband (a) in school and (b) at home.\r\n","AnswerText":"During late 2011, a bandwidth survey was conducted by Education Scotland. Summary of findings can be obtained from:\r\nhttps://wikis.glowscotland.org.uk/0000250/Interconnect_Utilisation/Schools_Bandwidth_Survey/2011.\r\nInformation on proportion of school pupils who have access to superfast broadband at home is not held centrally. General information on household access to the internet can be obtained from the 2011 Scottish Household Survey:\r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Resource/0040/00403747.pdf.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-13T14:12:42.28","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277242,"EventID":"S4W-10245","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5079,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-16T14:12:42.577","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-15T10:32:59.377","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what information it has on the proportion of school pupils who have access to (a) tablet, (b) laptop and (c) desktop devices (i) in school and (ii) at home.","AnswerText":"As part of a bandwidth survey conducted by Education Scotland during late 2011, local authorities were asked to provide details of the number of devices that were available in schools. Not all responded with this information. Information obtained from those that did is summarised at:\r\nhttps://wikis.glowscotland.org.uk/0000250/Interconnect_Utilisation/Schools_Bandwidth_Survey/2011.\r\nInformation on the proportion of school pupils who have access to devices at home is not held centrally. The Scottish Household Survey (2011) shows that 98% of internet users used a personal computer or a laptop to access the internet.\r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Resource/0040/00403747.pdf.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-13T14:12:42.61","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277243,"EventID":"S4W-10246","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5079,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-16T14:12:42.953","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-15T10:32:59.377","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will list the (a) recipients and (b) amounts of payments made in relation to the schools network, Glow, since 2007.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government contract for Glow is with RM Education plc. Since 2007 the value of payments to RM has been £29,078 million (excluding VAT). In addition, between Education Scotland and the Scottish Government, £11.59 million (excluding VAT) has been paid to Janet (UK) / Thus for the provision of the Interconnect – the high speed education broadband network. Over the same period, Education Scotland has received £25.21 million for the management, development and support of the overall ICT in Education programme of work. This includes the management and development of Glow, provision of an online service and digital content, and since 2009, ownership of the Interconnect contract.\r\nIn each of the financial years 2007-2008 and 2008-2009, £1.2 million has been allocated across local authorities to support the implementation of Glow. A further £670 has been paid to members of the ICT in Education Excellence Group to cover their travel and subsistence expense claims.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-13T14:12:42.953","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277244,"EventID":"S4W-10247","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5079,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-16T14:12:43.403","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-15T10:37:56.913","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will review its decision not to support an application from Renfrewshire Council and Glasgow Airport for tax incremental financing.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government is supportive of a limited number of pilot projects to test applicability of TIF to Scottish circumstances and has brought forward regulations to allow Ministers to agree up to six TIF pilot projects.\r\nWhen Scottish Futures Trust, at the request of Ministers, wrote to local authorities last year, the Scottish Government was looking to identify the remaining TIF pilots (three TIF projects were already under development at that stage). As sixteen applications were received from fifteen local authorities, we were unfortunately unable to take forward every proposal we received.\r\nThe three highest ranking local authorities – Falkirk, Fife and Argyll and Bute – were invited to join the TIF pilot process. Ministers also invited Aberdeen City Council to prepare a TIF business case for the City Garden Project, if public support for the project could be demonstrated, to ensure good geographical spread of projects and to lever in £55 million of guaranteed public funding.\r\nAs there are currently six pilots in progress, with three TIF business cases now having been approved, the Scottish Government will not at this stage review its decision not to take forward Renfrewshire Council’s application.\r\nDepending on progress with the TIF pilots, the Scottish Government will consider bringing forward primary legislation to roll out TIF more widely across Scotland. Renfrewshire along with other councils will have an opportunity to submit new or revised proposals then. In the mean time, Renfrewshire Council will be kept informed of any future opportunities to take forward a TIF project.\r\nMore generally, the Scottish Government recognises that Glasgow Airport is a valuable piece of national infrastructure, as well as a substantial employer, and Scottish Enterprise is working with the team at Glasgow Airport to ensure that they are assisted to reach the company’s full economic potential.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-13T14:12:43.42","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277245,"EventID":"S4W-10260","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4014,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-16T14:12:43.78","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-15T14:35:14.88","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what instructions the Cabinet Secretary for Education and Lifelong Learning and his officials have issued to the Scottish Qualifications Authority regarding the subject content to be included in the new National 5 and higher English examinations.\r\n","AnswerText":"As announced on 25 January 2012, Ministers accepted the recommendation of the Scottish Studies Working Group that a specific element on Scottish texts should be included in the external course assessment for the new Higher English courses. This was later extended to National 5, and officials advised SQA of this decision.\r\nDecisions on how this recommendation was implemented remained with SQA through their established qualifications development processes working within the Curriculum for Excellence Framework.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-13T14:12:43.793","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alasdair Allan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277246,"EventID":"S4W-10261","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4014,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-16T14:12:44.17","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-15T14:35:14.88","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what instructions the Cabinet Secretary for Education and Lifelong Learning and his officials have issued to the Scottish Qualifications Authority regarding which topics in the new National 5 and higher English examinations will be mandatory rather than optional.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-10260 on 12 November 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-13T14:12:44.183","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alasdair Allan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277247,"EventID":"S4W-10263","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1759,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-16T14:12:44.543","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-15T15:04:04","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-07280 by Richard Lochhead on 31 May 2012, whether the cabinet secretary will make a statement on the publication of the National Marine Plan.","AnswerText":"As set out in the revised Statement of Public Participation, it’s expected that the National Marine Plan will be adopted towards the end of 2014. We will formally consult on a draft Plan next Summer - this timing allows for an integrated consultation with marine renewable sectoral plans and proposals for marine protected areas.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-13T14:12:44.56","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277248,"EventID":"S4W-10267","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1759,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-16T14:12:44.823","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-15T17:40:42.9","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how the National Marine Plan will manage the use of marine resources and the potential impacts on the health of the marine environment.","AnswerText":"The National Marine Plan will adopt objectives and policies which respond to the economic assessment and summary of pressures and human impacts identified in Scotland’s Marine Atlas: Information for the National Marine Plan. The National Marine Plan will set the national framework within which regional planning and marine authorisation and enforcement decisions will be taken forward.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-13T14:12:44.84","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277249,"EventID":"S4W-10268","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1759,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-16T14:12:45.103","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-15T17:40:42.9","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the (a) procedural or (b) resource reasons are for the changes to the timetable for the National Marine Plan.","AnswerText":"The revised timetable for the National Marine Plan will enable the marine renewable sectoral plans and the proposals for marine protected areas to be fully integrated into the National Marine Plan. The revised timetable will allow the consultation on the Draft National Marine Plan, renewable sectoral plans and marine protected areas to be undertaken together in summer 2013. This will both benefit stakeholders and allow for a full integration of these issues into the plan.\r\nThe changes to the timetable also reflect the time necessary to consult with the UK Government in accordance with the UK Marine and Coastal Access Act, and the time required to respond appropriately to comments on the pre-consultation draft and to complete accompanying sustainability assessments.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-13T14:12:45.12","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277250,"EventID":"S4W-10269","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1759,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-16T14:12:45.387","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-15T17:40:42.9","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it will ensure that the sustainable development of the marine environment will be a plan-led rather than development-led process under the revised timetable for the National Marine Plan.","AnswerText":"The publication of the pre-consultation draft national marine plan demonstrates the government’s commitment to a plan-led process. In addition, the sectoral planning process already underway for offshore wind, wave and tidal energy developments further represents the plan-led approach. Until the National Marine Plan is adopted, decisions regarding marine activities and developments will continue to be made under existing frameworks and the marine licensing regime. These take account of social and environmental impacts, promoting a sustainable approach to development and activities.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-13T14:12:45.387","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277251,"EventID":"S4W-10270","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1759,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-16T14:12:45.65","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-15T17:40:42.9","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what level of priority it attaches to marine planning.","AnswerText":"Marine planning is an essential component of the sustainable management of Scotland’s seas. The Scottish Government attaches a high level of priority to marine planning.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-13T14:12:45.667","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277252,"EventID":"S4W-10271","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1759,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-16T14:12:45.963","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-15T17:40:42.9","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what proportion of its resources Marine Scotland has allocated to completing the National Marine Plan.\r\n","AnswerText":"Expertise used in the development of the National Maine Plan is drawn from a wide range of Government departments including Marine Scotland Science and policy divisions both within Marine Scotland and the wider Government. Marine Scotland therefore has not specifically quantified the resource allocated to the development of the National Marine Plan.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-13T14:12:45.98","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277253,"EventID":"S4W-10272","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1759,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-16T14:12:46.243","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-15T17:40:42.9","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how the National Marine Plan will direct and guide sectoral plans that are published before it.","AnswerText":"The revised timetable for the National Marine Plan will enable the marine renewable sectoral plans and the proposals for marine protected areas to be fully integrated into the National Marine Plan. The revised timetable will also allow the consultation on the Draft National Marine Plan, renewable sectoral plans and marine protected areas to be undertaken together. This will both benefit stakeholders and allow for a full integration of these issues into the plan.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-13T14:12:46.26","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277254,"EventID":"S4W-10273","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1759,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-16T14:12:46.557","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-15T17:40:42.9","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it will sustainably manage the demands of marine activities ahead of publishing the National Marine Plan.","AnswerText":"The publication of the pre-consultation draft national marine plan demonstrates the government’s current approach to managing the demands of marine activities. Until the National Marine Plan is adopted, decisions regarding marine activities and developments will continue to be made under existing frameworks and the marine licensing regime. These take account of social and environmental impacts, promoting a sustainable approach to development and activities.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-13T14:12:46.57","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277255,"EventID":"S4W-10274","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1759,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-16T14:12:46.837","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-15T17:40:42.9","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how renewables sectoral plans will incorporate the marine ecosystem objectives that are a requirement of the National Marine Plan.","AnswerText":"The spatial output of marine renewable sectoral plans will be integrated into the National Marine Plan. This will give the outputs of the sectoral plans statutory weight and also ensure that the wider set of marine objectives clearly apply to this and all other sectors. In addition, sectoral planning actively incorporates consideration of environmental impacts at all levels and includes sustainability appraisal and environmental impact assessment.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-13T14:12:46.853","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277256,"EventID":"S4W-10275","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1759,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-16T14:12:47.15","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-15T17:40:42.9","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how the National Marine Plan will help deliver the ministerial duty to protect and, where appropriate, enhance the health of the marine area.","AnswerText":"The National Marine Plan will contain marine ecosystem objectives including Good Environmental Status descriptors, and environmental and conservation policies, which will ensure that consideration of the health of the marine area is integrated into marine planning and decision making.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-13T14:12:47.163","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277257,"EventID":"S4W-10276","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-16T14:12:47.46","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-15T17:45:39.213","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether the Force Disclosure Units will be centralised into a country-wide department in the single Scottish police service.","AnswerText":"The organisation of departments within the Police Service of Scotland is an operational matter for the chief constable. Disclosure Scotland will liaise with the existing Force Disclosure Units until such time as the chief constable has made a decision about the future arrangements.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-13T14:12:47.477","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277258,"EventID":"S4W-10277","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-16T14:12:47.82","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-15T17:45:39.213","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether all Disclosure Scotland applications requiring police checks will be handled by one centralised office under the single Scottish police service and, if so, where this office will be based.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given for S4W-10276 on 2 November 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-13T14:12:47.833","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277259,"EventID":"S4W-10278","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-16T14:12:48.13","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-15T17:45:39.213","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many enhanced disclosure certificates are expected to require retrospective checks after 29 October 2012.","AnswerText":"Eligibility criteria for the PVG Scheme differ from those for enhanced disclosures, so it is not possible to give a precise figure about the number of people with enhanced disclosure certificates who will apply to join the PVG Scheme during the retrospective checking period, though Disclosure Scotland anticipates there will be such movement. It is also the case that the enhanced disclosure has been retained for a number of other purposes, for example, prospective adoptive parents and applicants for certain gaming and lottery licences.\r\nAt 23 October 2012, 267,700 people had joined the PVG Scheme. By the end of retrospective checking, Disclosure Scotland anticipates that there will be between 750,000 and 800,000 PVG scheme members.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-13T14:12:48.147","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Aileen Campbell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277260,"EventID":"S4W-10279","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-16T14:12:48.443","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-15T17:45:39.213","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether Disclosure Scotland has set a target date for the completion of all retrospective checks on enhanced disclosure certificates and, if so, what date.\r\n","AnswerText":"Retrospective checking started on 29 October 2012. Following consultation, Ministers indicated that their intention was that retrospective checking should end three years after its start date. The intended completion date is 28 October 2015.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-13T14:12:48.46","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Aileen Campbell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277261,"EventID":"S4W-10280","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-16T14:12:48.787","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-15T17:45:39.213","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether (a) Disclosure Scotland or (b) police forces has/have requested additional resources for Force Disclosure Units ahead of the introduction of retrospective checks on enhanced disclosure certificates on 29 October 2012.","AnswerText":"Six of the nine relevant police forces have requested and been granted additional funding by Disclosure Scotland ahead of the introduction of retrospective checking.\r\nThe following table shows the amount of additional funding provided. The figures show annual costs and will be pro-rata for the financial year 2012-13.\r\nTable\r\nRelevant Police Force\r\nAdditional Funding\r\nRequested\r\nAdditional Funding Granted\r\nCentral Scotland Police\r\nNil\r\nNil\r\nDumfries and Galloway Constabulary\r\n£14,903\r\n£14,903\r\nFife Constabulary\r\n£25,847\r\n£25,847\r\nGrampian Police\r\n£39,381\r\n£23,791\r\nLothian and Borders Police\r\n£146,860\r\n£72,000\r\nNorthern Constabulary\r\nNil\r\nNil\r\nScottish Crime and Drug Enforcement Agency\r\nNil\r\nNil\r\nStrathclyde Police\r\n£228,867\r\n£133,980\r\nTayside Police\r\n£186,000\r\n£55,232\r\nTotal\r\n£641,858\r\n£325,753\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-13T14:12:48.803","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Aileen Campbell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277262,"EventID":"S4W-10281","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-16T14:12:49.083","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-15T17:45:39.213","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what discussions it has had with (a) police forces, (b) Disclosure Scotland and (c) representatives of the Scottish police service regarding whether additional resources will be needed once retrospective checks on enhanced disclosure certificates start on 29 October 2012.","AnswerText":"Discussions have taken place between Disclosure Scotland officials representing Scottish Ministers, the Scottish police forces and the ACPOS strategic lead for this area of work.\r\nI refer the member to the answer to question S4W-10280 on 7 November 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-13T14:12:49.1","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Aileen Campbell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277263,"EventID":"S4W-10282","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-16T14:12:49.38","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-15T17:45:39.213","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it has prioritised retrospective checks on enhanced disclosure certificates of staff from certain organisations and, if so, what organisations.","AnswerText":"Disclosure Scotland has not prioritised retrospective checking for any organisation. It has worked with major users to put in place monthly maximum allocations of retrospective applications they may submit. The allocations are not inflexible and will be reviewed regularly by Disclosure Scotland in consultation with the organisations.\r\nThe decision about which staff and when they should be asked to apply to join the PVG Scheme under retrospective checking has been left to employers and organisations as they are best placed to make that decision.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-13T14:12:49.393","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Aileen Campbell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277264,"EventID":"S4W-10283","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-16T14:12:49.69","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-15T17:45:39.213","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it (a) plans to recommence publishing monthly performance indicators on the Disclosure Scotland website and (b) has discussed publishing police response times on a monthly basis.","AnswerText":"On a weekly basis, Disclosure Scotland publishes information on its website about its performance against its service level target. In the near future, Disclosure Scotland will begin publishing monthly performance indicators about the PVG Scheme.\r\nPolice response times for force enquiries have not been published by Disclosure Scotland. This remains under consideration.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-13T14:12:49.707","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Aileen Campbell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277265,"EventID":"S4W-10284","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-16T14:12:49.987","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-15T17:45:39.213","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether there is a legal reason for witnesses not being informed of the result of a pleading diet until they receive a citation to appear in court.\r\n","AnswerText":"There is no legal reason to prevent witnesses being informed of the result of a pleading diet prior to the receipt of their citation to appear in court and the information can be provided to victims and witnesses from the Scottish Court Service or Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS). COPFS (through its Victim Information and Advice service) is pro-active in providing information to victims about the dates of court hearings prior to the issue of a citation, where the case involves solemn proceedings, domestic abuse, hate crime or a sexual offence and in cases involving children and vulnerable victims and witnesses or in any case involving a death.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-13T14:12:50.003","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277266,"EventID":"S4W-10285","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-16T14:12:50.3","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-15T17:45:39.213","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it plans to include provisions in its proposed Victims and Witnesses Bill for witnesses to access information about the result of pleading diets in their cases before receiving a citation to appear in court.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government recognises that more needs to be done to ensure that victims and witnesses get better information and support. The recent consultation paper Making Justice Work for Victims and Witnesses contained proposals on a comprehensive package of both legislative and non-legislative measures designed to provide better support to victims and witnesses and improve their experience of the criminal justice system. This included proposals on the provision of information and a commitment to commission a feasibility study into developing an online data hub to provide case specific information to victims and witnesses.\r\nWork in this area is ongoing, and details of provisions to be included in the Victims and Witnesses Bill will be announced in due course.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-13T14:12:50.317","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277267,"EventID":"S4W-10288","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4086,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-16T15:12:12.107","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-15T17:52:13.347","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many miles of rail track are in use in Scotland.","AnswerText":"There are approximately 1,724 miles (2,776 kilometres) of rail track in Scotland.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-13T15:12:12.137","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277268,"EventID":"S4W-10289","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4086,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-16T15:12:12.497","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-15T17:52:13.347","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many miles of the rail network are electrified and how many miles and what areas have been electrified since May 2007.","AnswerText":"There are approximately 1,724 miles of rail track in Scotland, of which 25% is electrified. In terms of miles this equates to 431 miles of the rail network. These figures are the route length which includes multiple tracks where they exist. The single track length will therefore be greater.\r\nSince May 2007, 66 track miles of the rail network in Scotland has been electrified. This took place on the Airdrie-Bathgate rail link where 15 miles of new double track electrified railway was laid between Airdrie and Bathgate. Also between Bathgate and Edinburgh Waverley, 18 miles of double track railway was upgraded.\r\nFurthermore, 5.5 miles of track is being electrified between Corkerhill and Paisley Canal.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-13T15:12:12.513","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277279,"EventID":"S4W-10290","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-17T13:52:13.13","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-16T11:52:04.677","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what discussions it has had about the location of transcatheter aortic valve implantation treatment centres in the last four years.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has worked together with NHS Scotland, through the National Planning Forum (NPF), to gather expert advice and evidence from clinicians, health professionals and planners from Scotland and elsewhere in the UK on the potential provision and location of a transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) service in Scotland.\r\nOn 11 September, I announced the decision to introduce TAVI in Scotland, based on the advice of the TAVI Short Life Group, who recommended that there should be a single centre providing TAVI, and that centre should be in Edinburgh.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-14T13:52:13.253","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277280,"EventID":"S4W-10291","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-17T13:52:13.753","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-16T11:52:04.677","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when transcatheter aortic valve implantation treatment will be available at the Golden Jubilee National Hospital.\r\n","AnswerText":"As I announced on 11 September, I have taken the decision to introduce a Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation (TAVI) service in Scotland. This decision was based on the advice of the TAVI Short Life Group, who recommended that there should be a single centre providing TAVI for patients across Scotland, and that centre should be in Edinburgh.\r\nThe new service will be closely monitored over the next six to 12 months, and consideration will be given to expanding the provision of TAVI elsewhere in Scotland, as required.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-14T13:52:13.767","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277281,"EventID":"S4W-10292","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-17T13:52:14.11","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-16T11:52:04.677","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether transcatheter aortic valve implantation treatment is available routinely on the basis of clinical decision or whether it is subject to an individual patient treatment request.","AnswerText":"As the national Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation (TAVI) service is now operational, NHS boards are able to routinely refer patients to the national service in Edinburgh. All new referrals should therefore be directed to the national TAVI service at the Royal Infirmary Edinburgh.\r\nHowever, there may be some patients who have been assessed as requiring TAVI who had an existing individual patient treatment request approved prior to the launch of the national TAVI service. For these patients, it will be a matter for the patient, their clinician and the national TAVI service to make a judgement on whether it is appropriate for the individual to have the procedure in Edinburgh, or whether this should be carried out in another UK TAVI centre as previously planned.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-14T13:52:14.127","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277282,"EventID":"S4W-10293","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-17T13:52:14.517","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-16T11:52:04.677","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many transcatheter aortic valve implantation operations have been carried out in Edinburgh since the Cabinet Secretary for Health and Wellbeing's announcement on 11 September 2012 and in which NHS board areas the patients have been resident.","AnswerText":"I am advised that, as at 7 November, four patients have been treated by the national transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) service in Edinburgh. Patients have been referred by three NHS boards.\r\nThe national TAVI service expects to carry out around 50 TAVI procedures each year, and will continue to consider referrals from across Scotland.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-14T13:52:14.533","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277283,"EventID":"S4W-10294","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-17T13:52:15.017","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-16T11:53:58.857","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-09291 by Michael Matheson on 11 September 2012, for what reason the report of the audit of pain management services anticipated by the end of September 2012 has not been published and when it will be published.","AnswerText":"As explained in my previous response of 11 September, to the question S4W-09291, raised by Jackie Baillie MSP on behalf of the Cross Party Group, the change of publishing date was due to additional factual accuracy checks being undertaken.\r\nI am pleased to advise that the Update Report on Scottish Pain Management Services was published by Healthcare Improvement Scotland on 26 October 2012 and is available on their website at the following link:\r\nhttp://www.healthcareimprovementscotland.org/programmes/long_term_conditions/chronic_pain/chronic_pain_update_report.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-14T13:52:15.033","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277284,"EventID":"S4W-10295","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-17T13:52:15.437","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-16T11:53:58.857","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-09736 by Michael Matheson on 27 September 2012, whether it will provide specialist services for chronic pain treatment in Scotland rather than sending patients to Bath at a cost in excess of £1.1 million since 2008-09.\r\n","AnswerText":"National Services Division (NSD) is reviewing the current provision of chronic pain and is exploring options for the provision of specialist residential pain management services in the future, which includes consideration of the potential of a service based in Scotland.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-14T13:52:15.437","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277285,"EventID":"S4W-10296","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-17T13:52:15.813","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-16T11:53:58.857","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what specific treatment is provided for chronic pain patients at the Royal National Hospital for Rheumatic Diseases in Bath.","AnswerText":"Information on the services provided at the centre in Bath is available on their website at the following link:\r\nhttp://www.bathcentreforpainservices.nhs.uk/Index.aspx\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-14T13:52:15.827","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277286,"EventID":"S4W-10297","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":89,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-17T13:52:16.203","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-16T11:57:50.947","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many people are known to have fetal alcohol syndrome.","AnswerText":"National information derived from routine data collection relating to Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) is considered to be incomplete at present. Information is collected from systems which capture data relating to the health of babies shortly after they are born. Data are also available from inpatient or day-case admissions and also from the Child Health Surveillance Programme.\r\nHowever, a diagnosis of FAS may not be obvious at the time of birth, and the only definitive diagnosis may be made as an outpatient and hence not available nationally.\r\nA national surveillance programme for FAS has been in place since January 2010, funded by the Chief Scientist Office and Scottish Government for four years. In the first two full years of operation, this surveillance programme has identified \r\n40 children under the age of six with FAS.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-14T13:52:16.217","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277287,"EventID":"S4W-10298","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":89,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-17T13:52:16.5","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-16T11:57:50.947","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what action it takes to discourage mothers from drinking alcohol during pregnancy.","AnswerText":"The Chief Medical Officer for Scotland's advice is that alcohol should be avoided when pregnant or contemplating pregnancy as there is no known safe time, type or amount of alcohol during pregnancy.\r\nThis advice is incorporated into all relevant Scottish Government and Health Scotland publications and is included in Ready Steady Baby, a publication given to all expectant mothers.\r\nIn addition, the Scottish Woman-Held Maternity Record (SWHMR) includes a mandatory question on alcohol use, which midwives ask as part of the routine first midwifery or ‘booking’ assessment.\r\nThrough funding provided to the Alcohol and Drug Partnerships, work has been undertaken in maternity services to embed alcohol brief interventions (ABI) as part of routine clinical care at booking for those pregnant women who have been screened as requiring advice and support on stopping alcohol consumption during pregnancy. For women whose alcohol use during pregnancy is deemed as unsuitable for an ABI, care pathways into treatment services and additional support are available.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-14T13:52:16.513","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277288,"EventID":"S4W-10299","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":89,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-17T13:52:16.78","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-16T11:57:50.947","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many mothers have been identified as drinking alcohol during pregnancy in each year since 1999, broken down by parliamentary constituency.\r\n","AnswerText":"Data on the numbers of mothers identified as drinking alcohol during pregnancy have been collected on the Scottish Morbidity Record 02 (SMR02) form by Information Services Division Scotland from April 2003. Recording of this information has improved year on year but was not made mandatory until April 2011. It is anticipated that the figures for 2011-12 onwards will be more robust.\r\nCopies of tables holding the requested data have been placed in the Parliament’s Reference Centre (Bib. number 54455).\r\nThey show the numbers recorded for each component of this variable, the total number of mothers giving birth and the percentage of records that were not completed in each Parliamentary Constituency for years ending 31 March 2004 - 2011. Please note that data for year ending 31 March 2011 is provisional.\r\nFigures for 2011 provisionally show that 3.7% of women reported drinking alcohol during their pregnancy.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-14T13:52:16.793","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277289,"EventID":"S4W-10300","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4086,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-17T13:52:17.2","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-16T11:59:46.833","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many people have been employed as trawlermen on fishing vessels registered in Scotland in each year since 2007-08.","AnswerText":"The available information on those employed on fishing vessels does not distinguish the fishing method used. Information on the number of trawlermen is therefore not available. Information on the total numbers of sea fishermen employed between 2007 and 2011, the latest year for which the information is available, is published in Table 2.8 in the Statistical Bulletin Scottish Sea Fisheries Statistics 2011, copies of which are available in the Parliament’s Reference Centre (Bib. Number 54279).\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-14T13:52:17.217","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277290,"EventID":"S4W-10301","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4086,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-17T13:52:17.573","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-16T11:59:46.833","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many people have been employed in the fishing industry in each year since 2007-08.","AnswerText":"Information on the numbers of sea fishermen employed between 2007 and 2011, the latest year for which the information is available, is published in Table 2.8 in the Statistical Bulletin Scottish Sea Fisheries Statistics 2011, copies of which are available in the Parliament’s Reference Centre (Bib. Number 54279).\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-14T13:52:17.59","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277291,"EventID":"S4W-10302","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3806,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-17T13:52:17.857","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-16T12:32:04","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government on how many occasions in the last 12 months the MV Isle of Lewis has been out of action due to technical failure.","AnswerText":"During the last contract year, 1 October 2011 to 30 September 2012, out of a total of 1,309 scheduled sailings of the MV Isle of Lewis, 11 sailings were cancelled due to technical issues.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-14T13:52:17.87","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277292,"EventID":"S4W-10303","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":131,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-17T13:52:18.277","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-16T12:33:59","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what companies can supply smart-ticketing equipment to organisations providing community transport.\r\n","AnswerText":"Any bus operator wishing to participate in Scotland-Wide Free Bus Travel for Older and Disabled People is required to use ITSO compliant smart-enabled Electronic Ticket Machines (ETMs) and Related Infrastructure approved by Scottish Ministers.\r\nThere are three approved suppliers of ETMs originating from the original Framework Agreement:\r\nAlmex (trading name of Hoeft & Wessel, a German company)\r\nParkeon (a French company who acquired Wayfarer)\r\nVIX Technology (formerly ERG)\r\nThere is also another ITSO-accredited supplier, Ticketer, but as yet no formal testing has taken place in respect of its compatibility with the Scotland-wide free bus travel scheme.\r\nIn addition there might be agents or “re-sellers” of some approved equipment. Transport Scotland has not engaged directly with these agents and is not aware of their arrangements with the manufacturers. It would be the operator’s responsibility to satisfy themselves as to the appropriateness of such arrangements.\r\nTransport Scotland has guidance for bus operators who wish to purchase ITSO smart-enabled ETMs and related infrastructure. This information has been placed in the Parliament’s Information Centre (Bib. number 54432).\r\nWhere a community transport operator does not wish to participate in the concessionary travel scheme, there is no requirement for them to purchase ITSO smart-enabled ETMs.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-14T13:52:18.293","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277293,"EventID":"S4W-10304","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-17T13:52:18.603","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-16T14:07:46","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what criteria the Scottish Futures Trust used to assess the applications for tax incremental financing pilot projects.","AnswerText":"The details of the assessment criteria for Tax Incremental Financing (TIF) applications are contained within the TIF Chief Executive Process letter that was sent to Local Authorities in June 2011. This is available on the Scottish Futures Trust’s website at: www.scottishfuturestrust.org.uk/publications/tif-chief-exec-process-letter/. This makes clear that the role of the assessment panel comprising Scottish Futures Trust and Scottish Government officials was to make recommendations to Ministers, and that “final approval for TIF pilots rests with Scottish Ministers”.\r\nThe assessment panel’s scores and comments on the applications can be found at: http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Government/Finance/18232/FOI.\r\nScottish Futures Trust recommended to Ministers that the three highest scoring Councils (Falkirk, Fife and Argyll & Bute) should be invited to prepare full TIF business cases for Ministers’ consideration.\r\nWhilst Ministers took account of the recommendations of the assessment panel and, indeed, chose to invite the three highest ranking local authorities to submit full TIF business cases, they also considered wider factors that were not addressed by the panel.\r\nMinisters invited Aberdeen City Council to submit a full TIF business case, provided that public support for the Union Terrace Gardens project could be demonstrated. Aberdeen’s project was chosen to ensure good geographical spread of TIF pilots. It was also selected because of the potential of the scheme to lever in £55 million of private funding immediately, representing 40% of the estimated total cost of the City Garden Project (£140 million). The potential to lever in such levels of guaranteed private funding for the creation of the assets made this project unique amongst those for which bids had been received.\r\nMinisters wrote to Aberdeen City Council on 1 November 2011 inviting the Council to develop further its plans to use TIF for the Union Terrace Gardens project if public support for the project could be demonstrated. Aberdeen City Council was advised to contact Scottish Futures Trust if they required any further information or assistance in relation to the business case.\r\nScottish Futures Trust was informed about the proposals that Ministers wished to take forward shortly before the announcement of the successful applications in November 2011. The progress of the TIF pilot scheme, including Aberdeen City Council’s project, has been discussed during routine meetings between Ministers and the Chairman and Chief Executive of Scottish Futures Trust.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-14T13:52:18.62","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277294,"EventID":"S4W-10305","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-17T13:52:18.9","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-16T14:07:46","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether ministers set a requirement for the Scottish Futures Trust to have a geographical spread of tax incremental financing pilot projects and, if so, what that spread was.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-10304 on 14 November 2012. All answers to written Parliamentary Questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-14T13:52:18.917","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277295,"EventID":"S4W-10306","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-17T13:52:19.183","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-16T14:07:46","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether the Scottish Futures Trust used geographic location as part of the assessment criteria for tax incremental financing pilot projects.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-10304 on 14 November 2012. All answers to written Parliamentary Questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-14T13:52:19.197","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277296,"EventID":"S4W-10307","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-17T13:52:19.477","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-16T14:07:46","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what score the Scottish Futures Trust gave each tax incremental financing pilot project application.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-10304 on 14 November 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-14T13:52:19.493","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277297,"EventID":"S4W-10308","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-17T13:52:19.773","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-16T14:07:46","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government which tax incremental financing applications the Scottish Futures Trust recommended to ministers for selection as pilot projects following the scoring exercise.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-10304 on 14 November 2012. All answers to written Parliamentary Questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-14T13:52:19.79","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277298,"EventID":"S4W-10309","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-17T13:52:20.07","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-16T14:07:46","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what discussions it has had with the (a) chairman and (b) chief executive of the Scottish Futures Trust regarding Aberdeen City Council's tax incremental financing application and when.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-10304 on 14 November 2012. All answers to written Parliamentary Questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-14T13:52:20.087","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277299,"EventID":"S4W-10311","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-17T13:52:20.367","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-16T14:07:46","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether ministers considered Aberdeen City Council's proposal for a tax incremental financing pilot project ahead of higher ranked proposals and, if so, on what grounds.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-10304 on 14 November 2012. All answers to written Parliamentary Questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-14T13:52:20.383","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277300,"EventID":"S4W-10312","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-17T13:52:20.663","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-16T14:07:46","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what discussions it had with the administration of Aberdeen City Council prior to May 2012 regarding the council's tax incremental financing application.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-10304 on 14 November 2012. All the answers to written Parliamentary Questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-14T13:52:20.68","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":" John Swinney ","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277301,"EventID":"S4W-10313","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-17T13:52:20.96","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-16T14:07:46","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what feedback each local authority received regarding the criteria used to select the  tax incremental financing pilot projects.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-10304 on 14 November 2012. All answers to written Parliamentary Questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-14T13:52:20.977","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277302,"EventID":"S4W-10314","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-17T13:52:21.257","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-16T14:07:46","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether the Scottish Futures Trust grouped the applications for tax incremental financing pilot projects according to scale or content and how the shortlisted applications were grouped.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-10304 on 14 November 2012. All the answers to written Parliamentary Questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-14T13:52:21.273","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277303,"EventID":"S4W-10315","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4086,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-17T13:52:21.553","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-16T14:54:43.567","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the shortest possible journey time was on the (a) Glasgow–Aberdeen, (b) Edinburgh–Aberdeen, (c) Aberdeen–Inverness, (d) Glasgow Queen Street–Edinburgh, (e) Glasgow–Inverness and (f) Edinburgh–Inverness ScotRail interurban services in (i) 2007 and (ii) 2012.","AnswerText":"Itemised below are the comparisons for the shortest possible journey times in both directions for the routes mentioned.\r\nRoute\r\n2007 Journey Time (mins)\r\n2012 Journey Time (mins)\r\nGlasgow to Aberdeen\r\n148\r\n151\r\nAberdeen to Glasgow \r\n153\r\n152\r\nEdinburgh to Aberdeen\r\n148\r\n140\r\nAberdeen to Edinburgh\r\n148\r\n140\r\nAberdeen to Inverness\r\n128\r\n131\r\nInverness to Aberdeen\r\n131\r\n132\r\nGlasgow Queen St. to Edinburgh\r\n49\r\n47\r\nEdinburgh to Glasgow Queen St.\r\n50\r\n48\r\nGlasgow to Inverness\r\n199\r\n195\r\nInverness to Glasgow\r\n202\r\n201\r\nEdinburgh to Inverness\r\n213\r\n200\r\nInverness to Edinburgh\r\n197\r\n193\r\nGlasgow – Aberdeen There is an overall net improvement in journey times however, due to a number of factors, including the interaction with the other services using the route, there has been a small increase in the shortest possible journey time. Additionally, the industry continues to alter timetables in order to deliver resilient and robust performance for passengers. \r\nThere has also been an interaction with freight on the route which has had a negative effect.\r\nAberdeen – Inverness has been subject to timetable adjustments in order to deliver resilient and robust performance for passengers. In addition some minor tweaks were made to improve connections at Aberdeen and Inverness from and to the South.\r\nA program of enhancements for the Aberdeen - Inverness route is currently being developed by Network Rail for delivery between 2014 and 2019 and will provide enhanced commuter services into each city and new stations at Dalcross (near Inverness Airport) and Kintore in Aberdeenshire. Detailed development work is underway to determine the track and signalling improvements required to deliver the extra services and new stations by 2019.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-14T13:52:21.57","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277304,"EventID":"S4W-10316","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5079,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-17T13:52:21.817","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-16T16:46:04.17","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what income it has received as a result of the UK Government's digital strategy; what Barnett consequentials it has received arising from UK Government digital expenditure, and what use it has made of these resources.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has secured over £240 million to deliver next generation broadband across Scotland. Of this, £100.8 million has been committed from Broadband Delivery UK, the UK Government’s broadband delivery arm; and £68.2 million has been allocated from the £380 million of capital consequentials accruing to Scotland for the period 2012-2015.\r\nThis funding will primarily be used to deliver our Step Change 2015 programme, which is being taken forward via two procurement exercises – one covering the Highlands and Islands, which is led by Highlands and Islands Enterprise, and the other covering the rest of Scotland, led by Scottish Government.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-14T13:52:21.833","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277305,"EventID":"S4O-01366","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":1943,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-17T13:59:52.43","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-01T12:03:34.637","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how the outcomes for the new regional colleges will be established, standardised and measured, and who will have responsibility for this.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-14T13:59:52.54","MeetingDate":"2012-10-24T17:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277306,"EventID":"S4O-01367","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":5060,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-17T13:59:52.897","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-01T12:03:38.94","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many people are on waiting lists for college places.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-14T13:59:52.913","MeetingDate":"2012-10-24T17:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277307,"EventID":"S4O-01368","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":5041,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-17T13:59:53.35","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-01T12:03:39.16","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it supports access to further education for mature female students, disabled people and those from low-income backgrounds.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-14T13:59:53.367","MeetingDate":"2012-10-24T17:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277308,"EventID":"S4O-01369","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":5079,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-17T13:59:53.647","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-15T17:00:04.397","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what importance it places on quality career guidance for young people.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-14T13:59:53.663","MeetingDate":"2012-10-24T17:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277309,"EventID":"S4O-01370","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-17T13:59:53.927","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-01T12:03:39.707","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what provision has been made in the schools building programme for artificial full-sized sports pitches.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-14T13:59:53.943","MeetingDate":"2012-10-24T17:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277310,"EventID":"S4O-01371","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":131,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-17T13:59:54.24","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-01T12:03:39.957","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what impact its recent announcement regarding the Schools for the Future programme will have on Dumfries and Galloway Council's learning town initiative consultation.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-14T13:59:54.253","MeetingDate":"2012-10-24T17:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277311,"EventID":"S4O-01372","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":5106,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":118,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-17T13:59:54.787","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-01T12:03:40.5","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what analysis it carries out of literacy initiatives such as the Reading Bus in Aberdeen.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-14T13:59:54.8","MeetingDate":"2012-10-24T17:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277312,"EventID":"S4O-01373","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":1742,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-17T13:59:55.113","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-01T12:03:40.86","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what assessment it has made of the responses to the consultation on the Rights of Children and Young People Bill.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-14T13:59:55.127","MeetingDate":"2012-10-24T17:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277313,"EventID":"S4O-01374","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":1986,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":142,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-17T13:59:55.423","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-01T12:03:41.093","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it ensures that people can access opportunities in further education.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-14T13:59:55.44","MeetingDate":"2012-10-24T17:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277314,"EventID":"S4O-01376","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":86,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-17T13:59:55.737","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-01T12:03:45.057","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the priorities will be for the proposed employability fund in 2013-14.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-14T13:59:55.753","MeetingDate":"2012-10-24T17:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277315,"EventID":"S4O-01377","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":1860,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-17T13:59:56.063","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-10T10:11:33.98","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it works with further and higher education institutions to develop skills relevant to the renewable energy sector.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-14T13:59:56.08","MeetingDate":"2012-10-24T17:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277316,"EventID":"S4O-01378","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":125,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-17T13:59:56.377","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-01T12:03:45.557","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it assesses school pupils' mental arithmetic skills.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-14T13:59:56.393","MeetingDate":"2012-10-24T17:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277317,"EventID":"S4O-01379","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":4080,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-17T13:59:56.703","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-01T12:03:45.837","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what guidance it issues to local authorities on the provision of education services for children in hospital.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-14T13:59:56.72","MeetingDate":"2012-10-24T17:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277318,"EventID":"S4O-01380","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":3745,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":122,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-17T13:59:57.077","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-01T12:03:46.087","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how the education system encourages girls to study subjects relevant to the energy sector.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-14T13:59:57.11","MeetingDate":"2012-10-24T17:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277319,"EventID":"S4O-01381","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":4955,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":105,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-17T13:59:57.373","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-01T12:03:46.383","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what recent discussions it has had with NUS Scotland on widening access to universities. \r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-14T13:59:57.39","MeetingDate":"2012-10-24T17:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277320,"EventID":"S4O-01382","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":2059,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":91,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-17T13:59:57.657","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-01T12:03:46.647","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it promotes access to college places.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-14T13:59:57.67","MeetingDate":"2012-10-24T17:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277321,"EventID":"S4O-01383","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-17T13:59:57.983","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-04T16:38:00.88","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the average cost is of educating a medical school student.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-14T13:59:57.983","MeetingDate":"2012-10-24T17:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277322,"EventID":"S4O-01384","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-17T13:59:58.357","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-01T12:03:47.707","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it plans to expand Gaelic-medium education in secondary schools in cities.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government is keen to see the urgent expansion of GME at all levels throughout Scotland. This is principally a matter for local authorities but the Scottish Government and Bòrd na Gàidhlig are taking important steps to support local authorities with this wherever possible.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-14T13:59:58.373","MeetingDate":"2012-10-24T17:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Alasdair Allan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277323,"EventID":"S4O-01385","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":2033,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":132,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-17T13:59:58.67","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-01T12:03:47.99","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what assessment it has made of the impact of local authority budget constraints on the provision of services for pupils with additional support needs.\r\n","AnswerText":"Decisions about prioritisation and budgets, including those for the provision of services for pupils with additional support needs, are a matter for individual councils, balancing their need to meet a wide range of statutory duties, local priorities and local circumstances.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-14T13:59:58.687","MeetingDate":"2012-10-24T17:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Alasdair Allan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277324,"EventID":"S4O-01386","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2159,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":88,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-17T13:59:58.967","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-01T12:04:37.987","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what value of assets has been recovered from criminals as a result of crimes in Glasgow Provan under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 in each of the last five years.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-14T13:59:58.967","MeetingDate":"2012-10-25T17:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277325,"EventID":"S4O-01387","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1793,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-17T13:59:59.277","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-02T16:23:24.043","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what action it is taking on breaches of fish farm regulations in relation to the overuse of chemical treatments for sea lice infestations.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-14T13:59:59.277","MeetingDate":"2012-10-25T17:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277326,"EventID":"S4O-01388","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":3759,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":80,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-17T13:59:59.56","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-01T12:04:47.923","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what powers the Scottish Environment Protection Agency has to ensure full compliance with laws on emissions by waste incineration plants and what enforcement actions are available to it.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-14T13:59:59.573","MeetingDate":"2012-10-25T17:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277327,"EventID":"S4O-01389","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-17T13:59:59.857","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-01T12:04:48.233","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what recent discussions it has had with NHS Tayside regarding patient transport between Perth and Dundee.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-14T13:59:59.87","MeetingDate":"2012-10-25T17:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277328,"EventID":"S4O-01390","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2066,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-17T14:00:00.23","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-01T12:04:48.53","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it assesses whether the provision of ferry services is adequate for the residents of Islay.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-14T14:00:00.23","MeetingDate":"2012-10-25T17:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277329,"EventID":"S4O-01391","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":3771,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-17T14:00:01.027","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-01T12:04:51.887","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what it is doing to promote healthy eating.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-14T14:00:01.027","MeetingDate":"2012-10-25T17:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277330,"EventID":"S4O-01392","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":4947,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-17T14:00:01.383","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-01T12:04:52.103","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what implications have arisen for the Scottish rail franchise as a result of the recent UK Government decision on the west coast mainline.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-14T14:00:01.4","MeetingDate":"2012-10-25T17:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277331,"EventID":"S4O-01393","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":4956,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":106,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-17T14:00:02.15","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-01T12:04:52.383","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many criminals have been brought back to Scotland through a European Arrest Warrant.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-14T14:00:02.163","MeetingDate":"2012-10-25T17:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277332,"EventID":"S4O-01394","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1741,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-17T14:00:02.803","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-01T12:04:52.743","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what steps have been taken since the introduction of the Road to Recovery programme to monitor the number of patients on methadone who have either had their prescription reduced or have ceased taking it.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-14T14:00:02.82","MeetingDate":"2012-10-25T17:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277333,"EventID":"S4O-01395","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-17T14:00:03.13","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-01T12:04:53.897","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what steps the Cabinet Secretary for Health and Wellbeing is taking to tackle the poor care of older patients in hospital highlighted in recent hospital inspections.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government, Healthcare Improvement Scotland and NHS boards are taking forward a number of actions in order to deliver safe, effective, person-centred care every time for older people in acute hospitals.\r\nWe are working with NHS boards and clinical experts to improve care for people with cognitive impairment, to reduce and manage falls and to improve pressure area care, nutritional care and care co-ordination.\r\nWe are training 300 NHS staff as Dementia Champions and have supported Alzheimer Scotland to appoint a Dementia Nurse Consultant to each NHS board. Other work focuses on personal information documentation, environmental improvements, capacity and consent issues and staff training.\r\nI expect boards to implement their post-inspection action plans as a matter of urgency.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-14T14:00:03.147","MeetingDate":"2012-10-25T17:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277334,"EventID":"S4W-10320","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-18T15:14:18.767","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-17T15:44:56","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when construction on the Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route will (a) commence and (b) be completed.\r\n","AnswerText":"An indicative timetable for construction of the Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route was published on Transport Scotland’s website on 17 October 2012. This timetable indicates construction commencing in Autumn 2014 with construction completion in Spring 2018. Further details are available at:\r\nhttp://www.transportscotland.gov.uk/news/AWPR-decision-just-ruling\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-15T15:14:18.907","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277335,"EventID":"S4W-10322","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-18T15:14:19.267","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-17T15:44:56","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when it will publish the timetable for the construction of the Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route.\r\n","AnswerText":"An indicative timetable for construction of the Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route was published on Transport Scotland’s website on 17 October 2012. Further details are available at:\r\nhttp://www.transportscotland.gov.uk/news/AWPR-decision-just-ruling.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-15T15:14:19.28","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277336,"EventID":"S4W-10323","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-18T15:14:19.607","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-17T15:44:56","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when work on improvements to the Haudagain roundabout will (a) commence and (b) be completed.\r\n","AnswerText":"The commitment to start improvements to Haudagain following completion of the Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route remains firmly in place. The Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route is due to be completed in Spring 2018 and the current estimated construction duration for the Haudagain improvements preferred option is nine months.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-15T15:14:19.607","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277337,"EventID":"S4W-10324","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-18T15:14:20.39","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-17T15:44:56","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when it will publish details of the procurement process for the Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route and award contracts in relation to this.\r\n","AnswerText":"A Prior Information Notice was published on 19 October 2012 which signalled the start of the procurement process.\r\nAs published on Transport Scotland’s Website, the indicative timetable in relation to the procurement process is:\r\nEarly 2013 - Hold industry day to discuss tenders\r\nEarly 2013 - Publish Official Journal of the European Union (OJEU) contract notice\r\nSpring 2013 - Issue invitation to tender\r\nAutumn 2014 - Award contract/commence works\r\nFurther details are available at:\r\nhttp://www.transportscotland.gov.uk/news/AWPR-decision-just-ruling.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-15T15:14:20.403","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277338,"EventID":"S4W-10325","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5057,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-18T15:14:20.7","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-17T16:37:56.237","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many patients have been treated outwith Scotland in each year since 2005, broken down by the (a) NHS board funding this, (b) country in which it took place and (c) condition being treated.\r\n","AnswerText":"Information on the number of residents of Scotland who received medical treatment as an inpatient or day case (elective and emergency admissions) in England, Wales and Northern Ireland is provided by NHS Board of residence and by main condition for the financial years 2005-06 to 2011-12.\r\nThe data across the UK is not directly comparable due to differences in data definitions. The tables are available from the Scottish Parliament Information Centre (Bib. Number 54427). Information on residents of Scotland who have been treated outwith the UK is not available centrally.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-15T15:14:20.717","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":" Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277339,"EventID":"S4W-10327","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4086,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-18T15:14:20.967","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-17T17:40:37.357","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what planning regulations ensure that new housing developments include a variety of house types and sizes.\r\n","AnswerText":"Scottish Planning Policy (SPP) aims to create places with a distinct character and identity, promoting a well-integrated mix of land used including well-designed homes of different types and characters. Development plans should encourage and enable the creation of successful places which contribute to the identity of an area, through identifying sites for the provision of a range of housing in the right places. SPP is currently under review, with a draft due to be published for consultation in spring 2013.\r\nThe Scottish Government’s policy statement on design, Designing Places supports the creation of frameworks, such as supplementary planning guidance, to set out how this should be implemented in specific areas and sites.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-15T15:14:20.98","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Derek Mackay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277340,"EventID":"S4W-10328","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4086,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-18T15:14:22.027","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-17T17:40:37.357","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what review it has carried out of whether building and design standards meet the needs of (a) older and (b) disabled people and what conclusion was reached.\r\n","AnswerText":"We are undertaking work to compare Scottish Building Standards, Housing for Varying Needs Standards and Lifetime Homes Standards to establish where the differences lie, and whether any changes might be needed to meet the needs of older people and disabled people. Further work will be undertaken with stakeholders in 2013.\r\nScottish Building Standards apply to all new housing built in Scotland. In 2007 a range of new inclusive design measures was introduced to facilitate the provision of new buildings that are accessible, safe and convenient to use by as wide a range of people as possible, regardless of age, disability or circumstance. An exercise to review the effectiveness of these measures is underway and is due to be completed in mid-2013. \r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-15T15:14:22.027","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Burgess","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277341,"EventID":"S4W-10329","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2059,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":91,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-18T15:14:22.34","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-18T12:18:21","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what savings the Scottish Futures Trust has made from its Property Asset Management Programme; what the estimated savings are for each of the next five years and how these will be achieved.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Futures Trust (SFT) is working in partnership with public sector bodies and is in the first year of a five year programme to deliver £500m total savings across the Local Civil Estate and £28m annual savings across the Scottish Government Civil Estate.\r\nThe asset management programme has a number of work streams at various stages of development. SFT helps secure savings by working in partnership with Scotland’s public bodies across three main areas: surplus property; property efficiency in the central estate; and property efficiency in the local estate.\r\nSurplus Property\r\nAs an example, SFT is working collaboratively with NHS Tayside, Angus Council and Historic Scotland on a pilot exercise to develop for sale the Sunnyside Hospital in Montrose. SFT is working to remove the uncertainty for developers and investors in order to increase the site value and bring it to market for sale during 2013.\r\nProperty Efficiency in the Central Estate\r\nSFT is working with Scottish Government, agencies and non departmental public  bodies to help reduce their office floor plate. Currently occupying some 7 million square feet, the target is to reduce it by at least 25%, with the opportunity to do more.\r\nProperty Efficiency in the Local Estate\r\nAcross Scotland, many public sector organisations are already improving their use of existing property resource and it is SFT’s task to help build on that success. For example, Fife Council purchased the vacated Amazon distribution warehouse at Bankhead in Fife as a ‘super depot’ to bring as many of their services together under one roof, including: building and property services; catering and cleaning; transportation and environmental services; and grounds maintenance. It is projected that this move will save the Council £3-4m a year in revenue costs. Information such as this is shared with other Local Authorities that are considering similar approaches to shared services.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-15T15:14:22.353","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277348,"EventID":"S4W-10331","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-19T14:09:21.69","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-19T11:16:18","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether body armour is routinely issued to (a) frontline, (b) special operations and (c) other ambulance staff and what the reasons are for its position on this matter.\r\n","AnswerText":"Body armour is not routinely issued to ambulance personnel.\r\nHowever, the Scottish Government has worked with the Scottish Ambulance Service to enhance the equipment for their specialist operations teams to deal with a specific major incident.\r\nThe Special Operations Response Teams (SORT) are specially trained and equipped, including body armour, to deliver life-saving clinical interventions to patients, including members of the other emergency services, who may be injured during certain types of major incident such as firearms attacks.\r\nIn any other circumstance where a staff member makes a request for body armour, a risk assessment is carried out in line with Scottish Ambulance Service policy.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-02T14:09:21.797","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277349,"EventID":"S4W-10332","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-19T14:09:22.203","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-19T11:16:18","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the criteria are for issuing  body armour to ambulance staff.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-10331 on 1 November 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-02T14:09:22.203","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277350,"EventID":"S4W-10334","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-19T14:09:22.623","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-19T11:16:18","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when a risk assessment on the use of body armour by ambulance staff was last conducted.\r\n","AnswerText":"Risk assessments were carried out in March this year and covered the Scottish Ambulance Service’s response to gunshot and stabbing incidents; prison incidents, and civil disturbances.\r\nThe risk assessment did not result in a recommendation for the issue of body armour to front line staff.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-02T14:09:22.64","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277351,"EventID":"S4W-10335","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-19T14:09:22.983","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-19T11:16:18","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many assaults there have been on ambulance staff in each year since 2007-08.\r\n","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally. This is a matter for the Scottish Ambulance Service.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-02T14:09:23","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277352,"EventID":"S4W-10336","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-19T14:09:23.357","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-19T11:16:18","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether body armour will be issued to ambulance staff who have been previously assaulted on duty.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Ambulance Service has no plans to introduce body armour for ambulance personnel. The only exception is the body armour available to the Scottish Ambulance Service’s Special Operations Response Team to respond to specific major incidents.\r\nIn any other circumstance where a staff member makes a request for body armour, a risk assessment is carried out in line with Scottish Ambulance Service policy.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-02T14:09:23.373","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277356,"EventID":"S4F-00907","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":4976,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-22T12:57:56.537","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-19T09:10:46","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister when he will next meet the Prime Minister.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-05T12:57:56.567","MeetingDate":"2012-10-25T17:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277357,"EventID":"S4F-00909","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":4014,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-22T12:57:57.27","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-22T09:39:02","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister whether the Scottish Government considers that wind farms do not have a negative impact on the landscape.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-05T12:57:57.283","MeetingDate":"2012-10-25T17:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277358,"EventID":"S4F-00911","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":2080,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":87,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-22T12:57:57.847","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-22T09:55:34.263","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what engagements he has planned for the rest of the day\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-05T12:57:57.86","MeetingDate":"2012-10-25T17:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277359,"EventID":"S4F-00913","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":5079,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-22T12:57:58.517","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-22T10:35:08.59","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what steps the Scottish Government is taking to address poverty.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-05T12:57:58.517","MeetingDate":"2012-10-25T17:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277360,"EventID":"S4F-00915","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":2108,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":141,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-22T12:57:59.11","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-22T11:01:28.627","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what the Scottish Government's response is to the latest labour market statistics suggesting that there has been a quarterly increase in unemployment in Scotland compared with a fall across the rest of the UK.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-05T12:57:59.127","MeetingDate":"2012-10-25T17:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277361,"EventID":"S4F-00927","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":4956,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":106,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-22T12:58:02.62","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-22T12:00:09","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what recent progress has been made with the Forth Replacement Crossing.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-05T12:58:02.637","MeetingDate":"2012-10-25T17:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277362,"EventID":"S4T-00071","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":9,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-22T12:42:14.387","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-16T14:26:02","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what support it will provide to the West Lothian area following the announcement of the closure of the Hall’s meat processing plant.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-05T12:42:14.463","MeetingDate":"2012-10-23T17:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277363,"EventID":"S4T-00078","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":9,"MSPID":1841,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":120,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-22T12:42:16.82","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-22T10:31:43","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what steps it is taking to expedite the building of the Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route following the Supreme Court’s rejection of the appeal.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-05T12:42:16.837","MeetingDate":"2012-10-23T17:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277364,"EventID":"S4W-10352","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":2,"MSPID":4940,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-22T14:40:53.08","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-22T14:23:24.227","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when it plans to publish its International Framework.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has today published its refreshed International Framework. This is available from the Scottish Parliament Information Centre (Bib. number 54392).\r\nScotland’s International Framework builds on the sense of outward-looking optimism currently developing in Scotland. It sets out our renewed commitment to supporting a focused and collaborative approach to our overseas engagement so that Scotland can develop relationships on the international stage and increase sustainable economic growth.\r\nWorking closely with our partners (such as Scottish Development International, VisitScotland, EventScotland and Creative Scotland) and engaging with our priority countries and regions, we will ensure that Scotland is the first choice when people are thinking about where to invest, live, study and visit.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-05T14:40:53.207","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277365,"EventID":"S4W-10317","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2066,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-22T15:52:31.23","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-17T14:35:48","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many (a) scheduled sailings, (b) actual sailings and (c) sailings cancelled due to adverse weather conditions there were on the (i) Gourock to Dunoon and (ii) Wemyss Bay to Rothesay route in each month between July 2011 and September 2012.\r\n","AnswerText":"The information requested is set out in the following tables.\r\nRoute\r\nMonth\r\nTotal\r\nScheduled Sailings\r\nOperated\r\nSailings\r\nCancelled\r\nsailings weather\r\nGourock to Dunoon\r\nJuly 2011\r\n1,750\r\n1,698\r\n0\r\nAugust 2011\r\n1,793\r\n1,753\r\n0\r\nSeptember 2011\r\n1,711\r\n1,655\r\n44\r\nOctober 2011\r\n1,699\r\n1,585\r\n19\r\nNovember 2011\r\n1,216\r\n1,121\r\n86\r\nDecember 2011\r\n1,648\r\n1,498\r\n142\r\nJanuary 2012\r\n1,632\r\n1,563\r\n34\r\nFebruary 2012\r\n1,600\r\n1,598\r\n0\r\nMarch 2012\r\n1,723\r\n1,711\r\n10\r\nApril 2012\r\n1,635\r\n1,536\r\n91\r\nMay 2012\r\n1,621\r\n1,617\r\n4\r\nJune 2012\r\n1,613\r\n1,531\r\n82\r\nJuly 2012\r\n1,693\r\n1,689\r\n4\r\nAugust 2012\r\n1,735\r\n1,695\r\n33\r\nSeptember 2012\r\n1,639\r\n1,541\r\n98\r\n Total\r\n \r\n24,708\r\n23,791\r\n647\r\nWemyss Bay to Rothesay\r\nJuly 2011\r\n992\r\n992\r\n0\r\nAugust 2011\r\n990\r\n996\r\n0\r\nSeptember 2011\r\n954\r\n888\r\n61\r\nOctober 2011\r\n962\r\n948\r\n0\r\nNovember 2011\r\n904\r\n838\r\n60\r\nDecember 2011\r\n901\r\n794\r\n105\r\nJanuary 2012\r\n900\r\n836\r\n58\r\nFebruary 2012\r\n870\r\n862\r\n8\r\nMarch 2012\r\n938\r\n928\r\n10\r\nApril 2012\r\n948\r\n940\r\n8\r\nMay 2012\r\n984\r\n976\r\n8\r\nJune 2012\r\n964\r\n962\r\n0\r\nJuly 2012\r\n988\r\n988\r\n0\r\nAugust 2012\r\n992\r\n992\r\n0\r\nSeptember 2012\r\n948\r\n772\r\n3\r\nTotal\r\n \r\n14,235\r\n13,712\r\n321\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-05T15:52:31.26","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277366,"EventID":"S4W-10318","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2066,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-22T15:52:31.54","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-17T14:35:48","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-08559 by Keith Brown on 19 July 2012, what the reason is for the difference between the figures provided in the answer and those in David MacBrayne Limited’s financial statements to March 2012 for subsidy payments between July 2011 and March 2012.","AnswerText":"The answer to question S4W-08559 provided, by contract year, the provisional outturn for contract year 1 (for the 12 month period July 2011 to June 2012) and contracted levels of grant subsidy payable for the remaining contract years. Fuel costs and the start up costs were also provided for contract year 1 in the response to that question.\r\nArgyll Ferries Ltd’s published accounts for 2011-12 detail the subsidy payments received during the financial year which relates only to the nine month period between 30 June 2011 and 31 March 2012. The figures in the Argyll Ferries Ltd published accounts for 2011-12 includes the subsidy (i.e. operating grant), fuel grant, start-up costs and redundancy payments, under the terms of their contract with the Scottish ministers.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-05T15:52:31.557","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277367,"EventID":"S4W-10319","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2066,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-22T15:52:31.837","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-17T14:35:48","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-04044 by Keith Brown on 28 November 2011, what the reason is for the difference between the figures in the answer and those in David MacBrayne Limited’s financial statements to March 2012.","AnswerText":"The total capital cost to David MacBrayne Ltd, as set out in their financial statements to March 2012, included the cost of works on the two vessels as well as their purchase price.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-05T15:52:31.853","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277368,"EventID":"S4W-10346","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-22T15:52:32.133","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-21T19:14:15","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-08193 by Nicola Sturgeon on 11 July 2012, when the evaluation of the second year of the grant for thalidomide survivors will be (a) completed and (b) published.\r\n","AnswerText":"Officials from the four administrations have considered the second Firefly report and are now discussing options for future funding.\r\nWe are also awaiting completion of a further evaluation by Firefly which is looking in more detail at the impact of the health grant on Thalidomiders in Scotland. The results of this further evaluation will help to fully inform our thinking.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-05T15:52:32.15","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277369,"EventID":"S4W-10347","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-22T15:52:32.897","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-21T19:14:15","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-08193 by Nicola Sturgeon on 11 July 2012, what issues were discussed at the meeting with the Thalidomide Trust and National Advisory Council on 17 July 2012.\r\n","AnswerText":"The meeting with the Thalidomide Trust was held in London on 17 July and was attended by a Scottish Government official. Members of the trust and National Advisory Council, along with a Scottish Thalidomider highlighted the benefits the grant had brought to Thalidomiders across the UK and how many were relying on its continuation to meet their long term healthcare needs and financial commitments.\r\nThe trust and advisory council agreed at that meeting to provide further evidence to strengthen their case, particularly in relation to the devolved administrations where health and social care systems differ from England. This report is due to be published in December.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-05T15:52:32.913","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277370,"EventID":"S4W-10348","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-22T15:52:33.35","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-21T19:14:15","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-08193 by Nicola Sturgeon on 11 July 2012, whether it has reached a decision to provide thalidomide survivors with a permanent financial contribution.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government is working in partnership with the three neighbouring administrations to jointly agree the level of funding that will be provided to Thalidomiders across the UK.\r\nWe hope to make an announcement regarding future funding in the coming months.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-05T15:52:33.367","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277371,"EventID":"S4W-10349","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1769,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":75,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-22T15:52:33.727","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-22T12:29:13","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its plans are for promoting breastfeeding in the next two financial years, following publication of the UNICEF report, Preventing disease and saving resources: the potential contribution of increasing breastfeeding rates in the UK.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-10351 on 1 November 2012. All answers to written Parliamentary Questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-05T15:52:33.74","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277372,"EventID":"S4W-10350","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1769,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":75,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-22T15:52:34.083","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-22T12:29:13","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what additional support it could give to breastfeeding mothers, following publication of the UNICEF report, Preventing disease and saving resources: the potential contribution of increasing breastfeeding rates in the UK.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-10351 on 1 November 2012. All answers to written Parliamentary Questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-05T15:52:34.1","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277373,"EventID":"S4W-10351","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1769,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":75,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-22T15:52:34.35","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-22T12:29:13","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what additional (a) support and (b) funding it will provide for the (i) promotion and (ii) support of breastfeeding, following findings in the UNICEF report, Preventing disease and saving resources: the potential contribution of increasing breastfeeding rates in the UK that failure to breastfeed can have serious health implications as well as costing taxpayers millions of pounds.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government is working with NHS boards, local authorities and the community and voluntary sector to implement Improving Maternal and Infant Nutrition: A Framework for Action, which was published in January 2011.\r\nIt is a framework for action which can be taken by NHS boards, local authorities and others to improve the nutrition of pregnant women, babies and young children. It is the first framework which looks at the nutrition of mothers before and during pregnancy, supports and promotes the benefits of breastfeeding and the importance of a healthy diet throughout early childhood.\r\nSpecific action points within the framework include work around antenatal education, postnatal breastfeeding support, accredited breastfeeding peer support and UNICEF UK Baby Friendly Accreditation.\r\nWe want to strengthen the contribution the NHS makes by improving access to NHS care during the antenatal period for those women least likely to consider breastfeeding and most in need of encouragement and support. That is why an underpinning quality indicator for the antenatal access HEAT target will seek to improve exclusive breastfeeding rates at 10 days and six weeks after birth in each NHS board deprivation quintile. The evidence is that the provision of encouragement and support to breastfeed in the antenatal period is an important influencing factor in the decision to breastfeed and consequently dependant on early access to high quality antenatal care.\r\nNHS boards have been allocated £4,546,850 to support organisations, in the past two financial years to implement the framework, funding as detailed in the following table.\r\nFinancial Year\r\nAmount\r\n2011-12 \r\n£1,779,850\r\n2012-13\r\n£2,767,000\r\nNote: *The funding in financial year 2011-12 was issued in October 2011 and therefore covers part of the financial year.\r\nThe use of this funding is being monitored at both local and national level, including action to encourage and support breastfeeding. We expect funding at a similar level to be made available to boards next financial year.\r\nThe Scottish Government strongly supports the work of the UNICEF UK Baby Friendly Initiative and has therefore made a commitment to continue funding the role of the Professional Officer for Scotland for the UNICEF UK Baby Friendly Initiative for 2013-14. This provides dedicated support to Scottish NHS boards in gaining and maintaining Baby Friendly Accreditation, building on the good work already done by NHS boards.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-05T15:52:34.363","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277374,"EventID":"S4W-10353","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2673,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":114,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-22T15:52:34.613","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-22T14:41:36","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what support it can provide to rural communities affected by localised flooding.","AnswerText":"Flood protection measures and schemes to protect communities from the threat of flooding are primarily a matter for local authorities. However, the Scottish Government is committed to supporting work that helps protect the people of Scotland from the effects of flooding.\r\nTo that end, the Scottish Government introduced the Flood Risk Management (Scotland) Act 2009 which is the most substantive change to flooding legislation in 50 years. It ensures that communities and businesses across Scotland benefit from a modern and sustainable approach to flood management that is suited to the needs of the 21st century and to the impact of climate change.\r\nThe Scottish Flood Forum is an independent voice and a community based organisation funded by the Scottish Government, supporting and representing those affected by, or “at risk” of flooding. The Scottish Flood Forum offers impartial advice, practical help and has recently organised weekly surgeries with communities affected by recent flooding in Dura Den, Fife. Their website can be found at http://www.scottishfloodforum.org/.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-05T15:52:34.63","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277375,"EventID":"S4W-10354","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2673,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":114,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-22T15:52:34.897","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-22T14:41:36","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what action can be taken against owners of weirs and sluice gates that are faulty or broken as a result of a lack of maintenance.","AnswerText":"Many weirs and impoundments serve a particular purpose such as storing water or facilitating abstractions for purposes such as electricity generation, public water supply or drinks manufacture. These assets require authorisation by means of a Controlled Activities Regulation (CAR) licence under the Water Environment (Controlled Activities) (Scotland) Regulations 2011. The licences are issued by the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA), and through the licence conditions owners are required to maintain these assets in order to ensure the water environment and its ecology is protected. These licences however do not set controls to reduce flood risk.\r\nMany other weirs are not in use, and these are not subject to a CAR licence. SEPA currently estimates there could be as many as 1800 unlicensed dams and weirs in Scotland. The Scottish Government is considering the introduction of new powers to support SEPA in ensuring any necessary improvement action is taken, with the focus to protect or improve the water environment and its ecology. However, there is no legislative mechanism for addressing unlicensed weir and sluice gates that have the potential to exacerbate flood risk. The Scottish Government takes this matter seriously and is considering how to best address this issue.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-05T15:52:34.91","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277376,"EventID":"S4W-10355","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2673,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":114,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-22T15:52:35.16","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-22T14:41:36","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will consider creating a database of ownership for weirs and sluice gates.","AnswerText":"Scottish Environment Protection Agency has a record of those weirs and sluice gates that require a Controlled Activities Regulation licence.\r\nThose weir and sluice gates that have the potential to contribute to flood risk will be identified as part of the flood risk management planning process established under the Flood Risk Management (Scotland) Act 2009.\r\nLast year SEPA completed a National Flood Risk Assessment in a move towards a more sustainable approach to flood risk management in Scotland.  This assessment will help target funds at areas where the impact of flooding is greatest. Under the Act, SEPA has also been tasked with developing a national strategic framework for flood risk management, working together with all responsible authorities including local authorities. Flood hazard and flood risk maps for areas at significant risk are to be prepared by December 2013, with flood risk plans for such areas to be put in place by December 2015, in line with EU requirements. The measures identified to reduce flood risk may include the identification, modification and/or maintenance of weirs and sluice gates in specific local areas, if they are deemed to be contributing to flood risk.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-05T15:52:35.177","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277377,"EventID":"S4W-10356","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2673,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":114,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-22T15:52:35.427","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-22T14:41:36","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what discussions it has had with Fife Council regarding the ownership and maintenance of weirs and sluice gates to help prevent future flooding.","AnswerText":"While discussions have been held between Scottish Environment Protection Agency officers and Fife Council regarding the recent flood incidents in Dura Den, to date the Scottish Government has had no specific discussion with Fife Council regarding the ownership and maintenance of weirs and sluice gates to help prevent future flooding.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-05T15:52:35.44","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277378,"EventID":"S4W-10357","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-22T15:52:35.69","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-22T15:02:35","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what 30 organisations will benefit from its Autism Development Fund and how much each will receive. \r\n","AnswerText":"A table providing full details of the organisations and the amounts of funding they will receive from the Autism Development Fund can be found at SPICe (Bib. number 54416).\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-05T15:52:35.707","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277379,"EventID":"S4W-10358","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-22T15:52:35.987","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-22T15:02:35","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what action has been taken under the Muntjac Keeping (Scotland) Order 2011 to limit the spread of muntjac deer.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Muntjac Keeping (Scotland) Order 2011 was revoked when the non-native species parts of the Wildlife and Natural Environment (Scotland) Act 2011 were commenced on 2 July 2012. However, the effect of the Order is maintained under the new legislation.\r\nThe requirement for anyone keeping Muntjac to do so under licence is maintained, as is the requirement for anyone who becomes aware of Muntjac deer to report them. Scottish Natural Heritage is both the licensing authority for this purpose and the body to which sightings should be reported.\r\nOne collection of Muntjac deer is currently kept under licence in Scotland, under a licence that was issued under the old legislation. Scottish Natural Heritage have not, so far, issued any licences under the new legislation.\r\nIn addition, Scottish Natural Heritage investigated a report of Muntjac deer in Dumfries and Galloway this summer. The answer to question S4W-10359 on 1 November 2012 provides more details.\r\nAll answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-05T15:52:36.003","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277380,"EventID":"S4W-10359","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-22T15:52:36.283","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-22T15:02:35","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what recent communication it has had with Scottish Natural Heritage regarding the spread of muntjac deer.  \r\n","AnswerText":"Scottish Natural Heritage was in communication with the Scottish Government in relation to a report from a member of the public on the sighting of Muntjac deer in Dumfries and Galloway in May 2012. Scottish Natural Heritage investigated this report but did not find any evidence of Muntjac in the vicinity. Scottish Natural Heritage also advised the Scottish Government in October 2012 that they had made enquiries concerning the licensing of a private collection reportedly containing Muntjac.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-05T15:52:36.3","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277381,"EventID":"S4W-10360","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-22T15:52:36.58","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-22T15:02:35","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what criteria it uses to determine whether a capital spending project is \"shovel-ready\". \r\n","AnswerText":"A “shovel ready” project is defined as a project which is in a position to commence construction in the next twelve months, and which is either currently not funded or only partly funded and could therefore benefit from additional capital allocations.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-05T15:52:36.597","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277382,"EventID":"S4W-10361","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2066,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-22T15:52:36.877","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-22T15:16:20","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide an update on plans to provide a diversionary route to be used in the event of the closure of the A83 at the Rest and Be Thankful.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government is committed to delivering a safe diversion route at the Rest and Be Thankful, along the Old Military Road, in as short a timescale as possible. Works are continuing on the upgrading of this road within the Forestry Commission land. Good progress has been made and Transport Scotland has agreed accommodation works and the terms of compensation with the landowner. The final detail of the agreement with the landowner is currently being finalised by the respective solicitors.\r\nUpdates are provided on the Transport Scotland website at: \r\nhttp://www.transportscotland.gov.uk/road/maintenance/landslides/A83-rest-and-be-thankful.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-05T15:52:36.893","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277383,"EventID":"S4W-10362","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2066,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-22T15:52:37.237","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-22T15:16:20","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much it plans to invest in the A83 to prevent or minimise the risk of landslides at the Rest and Be Thankful.","AnswerText":"We cannot stop landslides occurring, but we can manage the consequences more effectively. Following previous landslides at the Rest and Be Thankful, the Scottish Government invested £700,000 on mitigation measures, including protective netting, a new culvert and drainage system at the site of a previous landslide and geotechnical monitoring equipment.\r\nTo date this year we have spent a further £600,000 installing Phase 2 debris flow netting. We are also progressing works to establish an emergency diversion route along the Old Military Road at a current estimate of £2.4 million. The design and procurement of Phases 3 and 4 of landslide protection works are also underway and the £700,000 work is expected to start shortly.\r\nIn addition, we are currently undertaking a £100,000 study of the A83 to look at longer term options. It is envisaged that the draft report will be available for discussion at the next A83 Task Force Meeting in November. The finalised report will be made available on the Transport Scotland website.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-05T15:52:37.25","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277395,"EventID":"S4W-10339","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-22T16:45:26.587","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-21T17:44:33","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what guidance it has issued to NHS boards on developing an access policy as required by the Patient Rights (Scotland) Act 2011.\r\n","AnswerText":"NHSScotland National Access Policy to acute hospital care was issued by the Scottish Government to NHS boards in August 2012. This guidance asks boards to develop their own local access policy. A link to the Scottish Government guidance is provided www.sehd.scot.nhs.uk/mels/CEL2012_33.pdf.\r\nThe National Access Policy clearly sets out the key principles we expect NHS boards to follow in setting out their own local access policy. These should include the principles in such areas as suitable alternative providers and reasonable offers of appointments.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-05T16:45:26.6","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277396,"EventID":"S4W-10340","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-22T16:45:27.117","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-21T17:44:33","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what minimum requirements were set out in guidance it issued to NHS boards on developing an access policy as required by the Patient Rights (Scotland) Act 2011.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-10339 on 1 November 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility can be found at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx \r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-05T16:45:27.117","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277397,"EventID":"S4W-10341","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-22T16:45:27.473","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-21T17:44:33","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what discussions took place with NHS boards on the acceptability of the use of private providers in access policies developed by NHS boards as required by the Patient Rights (Scotland) Act 2011.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government undertook a full consultation on the Patient Rights Bill before it was introduced to the Parliament in March 2010.\r\nWe expect most patients to be treated locally in the NHS, however, we recognise that, to address any short-term capacity issues which may arise, NHS boards may need to make use of the independent healthcare sector. The Scottish Government has made clear to boards that use of the independent healthcare sector will only be at the margins where it is demonstrably of benefit to NHS patients and represents value for money.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-05T16:45:27.49","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277398,"EventID":"S4W-10342","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-22T16:45:27.833","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-21T17:44:33","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what discussions took place with NHS boards to ensure that a consistent approach is taken to patient treatment and is set out in access policies as required by the Patient Rights (Scotland) Act 2011.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-10339 on 1 November 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility can be found at: \r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx.\r\nA number of meetings were held with the Management Task & Finishing Group on the development of the NHSScotland National Access Policy. This should have ensured that all boards across Scotland were taking a consistent approach in developing their local access policies.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-05T16:45:27.85","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277399,"EventID":"S4W-10343","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-22T16:45:28.193","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-21T17:44:33","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it will ensure the consistent treatment of patients with the 12-week waiting time guarantee set out in the Patient Rights (Scotland) Act 2011.\r\n","AnswerText":"The operation of the treatment time guarantee is contained in the Patient Rights (Scotland) Act 2011, in the Treatment Time Guarantee Regulations and Directions as well as the guidance issued by the Scottish Government in August 2012. Links to the Regulations and Directions are: \r\nwww.sehd.scot.nhs.uk/mels/CEL2012_17.pdf.\r\nThe guidance on the treatment time guarantee can be found at: \r\nhttp://www.sehd.scot.nhs.uk/mels/CEL2012_32.pdf.\r\nThe Scottish Government expects NHS boards to ensure they comply with the law for each individual patient.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-05T16:45:28.207","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277400,"EventID":"S4W-10344","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-22T16:45:28.567","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-21T17:44:33","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what guidance it has issued to NHS boards about communicating with patients who have English as a second language in the context of access policies required by the Patient Rights (Scotland) Act 2011.\r\n","AnswerText":"A Charter of Patient Rights and Responsibilities containing guidance on communicating with patients was issued by the Scottish Government and is available at the following link: http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2012/09/8540.\r\nAlso as part of the charter a leaflet has been published on Communications and Participation. This leaflet clearly states that in communicating with patients, staff should ensure that any information provided to patients meets their needs.\r\nThis would include the need for boards to provide communications in another language other than English and/or by an interpreter. We would therefore expect boards to include in their local access policy access to interpreters and communication policy in relation to other languages. The leaflet is available at http://www.hris.org.uk/patient-information/information-about-health- rights/charter/communication-and-participation/what-can-i-expect-from-the-nhs/.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-05T16:45:28.583","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277401,"EventID":"S4W-10345","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-22T16:45:28.94","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-21T17:44:33","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether access policies required by the Patient Rights (Scotland) Act 2011 will be subject to an equalities impact assessment.\r\n","AnswerText":"An Equalities Impact Assessment (EQIA) was undertaken prior to the Patient Rights draft Bill being introduced to the Scottish Parliament in March 2010. A separate EQIA was also undertaken for the treatment time guarantee contained in the bill to ensure it complied with equality law.\r\nIn taking forward their own local access policy on acute hospital waiting times standards and targets including the legal guarantee we would expect boards to undertake their own equalities impact assessment.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-05T16:45:28.957","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277402,"EventID":"S4W-10363","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-22T16:45:29.3","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-22T15:37:02","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many boilers have been replaced each year under the boiler scrappage scheme and how many it expects to be replaced in each of the next four years.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Boiler Scrappage Scheme was launched in 2010. Figures for actual and expected installations are in the following table:\r\nNumber of Boilers Replaced Under the Boiler Scrappage Scheme\r\nFinancial Year\r\n\r\nNotes\r\n2010-11\r\n7,044 \r\nActual\r\n2011-12\r\n12,078 \r\n\r\nEstimated outturn as published in the Home Energy Programmes Detailed Report 2009-2012 on 6 June 2012.\r\n2012-13\r\n18,000\r\nNumber required to reach the target of 30,000 boilers replaced under the Scheme in this Parliament.\r\nThe Home Energy Programmes Detailed Report 2009-2012 can be found at:\r\nwww.energysavingtrust.org.uk/scotland/Take-action/Home-Energy-Scotland/Energy-Assistance-Package/Programme-statistics.\r\nIn 2013, there will be significant changes to the UK framework for domestic energy efficiency programmes, with the introduction of the Green Deal and ECO (Energy Company Obligation).. As a result, current Scottish Government home energy programmes will also change, to be superseded by the new National Retrofit Programme (NRP) as announced on 6 June 2012.\r\nThe Boiler Scrappage Scheme is being accelerated in 2012-13 in order to meet the commitment made in the 2011 manifesto three years early, so that the much larger National Retrofit Programme can roll out next year. We are currently working with local authorities on the detail of the NRP, which is intended to achieve overall investment of around £200 million in per annum in Scotland.\r\nOn 29 October we launched a new cashback voucher scheme for householders who install energy efficiency measures as recommended by an EPC (energy performance certificate) or Green Deal Assessment. This scheme will continue into 2013-14 and could help households access a range of measures including heating systems. £5.4 million is available in 2012-13 and £14 million in 2013-14.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-05T16:45:29.317","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277403,"EventID":"S4W-10364","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-22T16:45:29.613","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-22T15:37:02","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what steps it is taking to tackle fuel poverty in (a) Aberdeen and (b) Aberdeenshire.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Energy Assistance Package (EAP), Universal Home Insulation Scheme (UHIS) and Boiler Scrappage Scheme (BSS) are currently available in Aberdeen City and Aberdeenshire to reduce fuel poverty by assisting households to increase their energy efficiency and reduce their fuel bills.\r\nThe number of households helped in both local authorities in the last two financial years is as follows:\r\nAberdeen City\r\nFinancial Year\r\nEAP\r\nUHIS\r\nBSS\r\nHouseholds\r\nAssisted\r\nHouseholds\r\nAssisted\r\nBudget\r\nBoilers replaced\r\n2010-11\r\n2,011\r\n2,033\r\n£500,000\r\n424\r\n2011-12\r\n983\r\nNot avail\r\n£550,000\r\n Projected 578\r\n\r\nAberdeenshire\r\nFinancial Year\r\nEAP\r\nUHIS\r\nBSS\r\nHouseholds\r\nAssisted\r\nHouseholds\r\nAssisted\r\nBudget\r\nBoilers replaced\r\n2010-11\r\n6,032\r\n1,341\r\n£650,000\r\n381\r\n2011-12\r\n2,208\r\n1,347\r\n£670,000\r\n Projected 516\r\nA record £65 million has been made available for these three programmes in 2012-13 and Aberdeen City and Aberdeenshire have every opportunity to benefit from this.\r\nMore information on previous years can be found in the Home Energy Programmes Detailed Report 2009-2012, available from the Energy Saving Trust website:\r\nwww.energysavingtrust.org.uk/scotland/Take-action/Home-Energy-Scotland/Energy-Assistance-Package/Programme-statistics.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-05T16:45:29.627","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277404,"EventID":"S4W-10365","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-22T16:45:29.91","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-22T15:37:02","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many homes were considered to be in fuel poverty in (a) Aberdeen and (b) Aberdeenshire in each of the last five years.\r\n","AnswerText":"Local authority level fuel poverty analysis is performed on three years of data to include enough cases to be statistically significant. As such fuel poverty figures are not available for each calendar year. These figures represent the mid point of the data collection period based on calendar years.\r\nYear\r\nLocal Authority\r\nFuel Poor Households\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n000\r\n%age of LA\r\nSample\r\n2008-10\r\nAberdeen City\r\n25,000\r\n24%\r\n354\r\n\r\nAberdeenshire\r\n32,000\r\n31%\r\n248\r\n2007-09\r\nAberdeen City\r\n22,000\r\n22%\r\n288\r\n\r\nAberdeenshire\r\n32,000\r\n32%\r\n259\r\nFull details are available from the Scottish House Condition Survey website.\r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Statistics/SHCS/keyanalyses.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-05T16:45:29.923","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277405,"EventID":"S4W-10366","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3815,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-23T13:49:48.467","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-22T15:50:14.87","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-08459 by Stewart Stevenson on 16 July 2012, how its directorates coordinate their assessments when a number of them have to provide consent and what role ministers have in overseeing this process.\r\n","AnswerText":"Where a project requires consent under different regulatory regimes officials work closely together to seek to avoid duplication.\r\nCo-ordination is undertaken by directorates to ensure that consistent advice is given prior to any decisions being taken. However it is for individual ministers to take decisions in line with the requirements of the consenting regime for which they are responsible.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-06T13:49:48.577","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277406,"EventID":"S4W-10367","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3815,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-23T13:49:49.45","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-22T15:50:14.87","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-08458 by Stewart Stevenson on 16 July 2012, what discussions it has had with the UK Government regarding its guidance on (a) regulation 65(3) of the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2010 (Habitats Regulations) and (b) regulation 29(3) of the Offshore Marine Conservation (Natural Habitats, &c) Regulations 2007 (Offshore Regulations) and whether it will introduce guidance similar to the UK Government's.\r\n","AnswerText":"No discussion has taken place with the UK government regarding its guidance on (a) regulation 65(3) of the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2010 (Habitats Regulations) and (b) regulation 29(3) of the Offshore Marine Conservation (Natural Habitats, &c) Regulations 2007 (Offshore Regulations) beyond Defra officials notifying their colleagues in Scotland of the intention to produce such guidance. There are no current plans to introduce similar guidance for Scotland.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-06T13:49:49.463","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277407,"EventID":"S4W-10368","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3815,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-23T13:49:50.057","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-22T15:50:14.87","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-08455 by Richard Lochhead on 1 August 2012, whether a harbour authority applying for a licence under the Marine (Scotland) Act 2010 to authorise specific dredging activities must have the power to dredge under the Harbours Act 1964.\r\n","AnswerText":"It is the responsibility of the harbour authority to ensure that all relevant permissions are in place before any dredging activities are undertaken. There is no requirement that a marine licence for dredging activities can only be granted to a harbour authority if those activities are already empowered under the 1964 act.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-06T13:49:50.073","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277408,"EventID":"S4W-10369","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3815,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-23T13:49:50.447","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-22T15:50:14.87","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-08452 by Keith Brown on 23 July 2012, what power it has to amend the Harbours Act 1964.\r\n","AnswerText":"Since the 1964 Act is UK primary legislation, the Scottish Government does not generally have any power to amend it. However, as Ports policy is largely devolved it follows that it would generally be within the competence of the Scottish Parliament to amend the Harbours Act 1964 as it relates to ports and procedures in Scotland.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-06T13:49:50.463","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277409,"EventID":"S4W-10371","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3815,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-23T13:49:51.227","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-22T15:50:14.87","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-08450 by Derek Mackay on 25 July 2012, whether it considers that the Rosyth International Container Terminal meets all of the requirements of national project 6 of the National Planning Framework for Scotland 2.\r\n","AnswerText":"A Harbour Revision Order for port development at Rosyth is currently subject to Public Local Inquiry. \r\nThe relationship of Babcock’s proposal with relevant policy is one of the matters which will be addressed in the inquiry report.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-06T13:49:51.26","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Derek Mackay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277410,"EventID":"S4W-10372","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3815,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-23T13:49:51.697","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-22T15:50:14.87","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-08450 by Derek Mackay on 25 July 2012, who determines whether a proposal requiring consent from more than one body meets the conditions set out in the National Planning Framework for Scotland 2.\r\n","AnswerText":"It will be for the individual consenting bodies to determine whether the aspects of development they are responsible for consenting fall within national developments described in the second National Planning Framework for Scotland.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-06T13:49:51.727","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Derek Mackay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277411,"EventID":"S4W-10373","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3815,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-23T13:49:52.49","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-22T15:50:14.87","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what guidance it issues to proposers of marine environment projects that require environmental impact assessment and multiple consents.\r\n","AnswerText":"We have no formal guidance covering multiple consents. \r\nHowever, developers are encouraged to approach all relevant consenting bodies at an early stage, including local planning authorities, to discuss their proposals. This can include issues around timing of consents and co-ordination of the scoping opinion in relation to environmental impact assessment where appropriate.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-06T13:49:52.507","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277412,"EventID":"S4W-10387","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5079,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-23T13:49:53.083","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-22T18:40:40.04","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what use the NHS makes of scalp coolers to treat patients undergoing chemotherapy.\r\n","AnswerText":"Information is not collected or held centrally on the use of scalp coolers. Decisions about the use of appropriate treatment(s) is a matter for individuals in discussion with the clinician responsible for their care. For patients undergoing chemotherapy this discussion may include the use of a scalp cooler.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-06T13:49:53.117","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277413,"EventID":"S4W-10388","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-23T13:49:53.49","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-23T11:14:58","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-09794 by Alex Neil on 22 October 2012, when it will consult on the draft Adult Health and Social Integration Bill.\r\n","AnswerText":"Following the public consultation on proposals to integrate adult health and social care, Scottish Government officials have continued to engage with stakeholders. Health and social care professionals, carers, service users and their families have been involved at every stage of policy development. In addition, the Scottish Government has established a Bill Advisory Group whose broad membership represents a range of statutory, third and independent sector partners and whose remit is to provide advice and support to inform the development of the legislation.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-06T13:49:53.507","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277414,"EventID":"S4W-10389","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-23T13:49:54.1","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-23T11:14:58","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-09794 by Alex Neil on 22 October 2012, when the Adult Health and Social Integration Bill will be introduced.\r\n","AnswerText":"The First Minster announced to Parliament the Scottish Government’s Programme for Government for 2012 -2013 on 4 September 2012. The Adult Health and Social Care Integration Bill was announced as part of the 2012 -2013 programme.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-06T13:49:54.113","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277435,"EventID":"S4W-10390","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":2,"MSPID":4964,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-23T14:35:43.143","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-23T13:54:20.257","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many properties recieve support from the small business bonus scheme as part of its rates relief package, broken down by local authority area.\r\n","AnswerText":"Official statistics published on 24 October 2012 show that in total 89,087 properties benefit from the Small Business Bonus Scheme, an increase of 3,888 from 2011-12 statistics.\r\nThe following table shows the total number of properties in receipt of relief by local authority.\r\nNumber of Non-Domestic Properties in Receipt of Relief\r\n \r\nTotal number of recipients\r\nas at: September 2012\r\nAberdeen City\r\n1,975\r\nAberdeenshire\r\n5,170\r\nAngus\r\n2,190\r\nArgyll and Bute\r\n4,220\r\nClackmannanshire\r\n741\r\nDumfries and Galloway\r\n4,079\r\nDundee City\r\n1,952\r\nEast Ayrshire\r\n1,534\r\nEast Dunbartonshire\r\n1,068\r\nEast Lothian\r\n1,556\r\nEast Renfrewshire\r\n737\r\nEdinburgh, City of\r\n6,691\r\nEilean Siar\r\n821\r\nFalkirk\r\n1,879\r\nFife\r\n5,516\r\nGlasgow City\r\n7,962\r\nHighland\r\n8,383\r\nInverclyde\r\n921\r\nMidlothian\r\n1,127\r\nMoray\r\n1,863\r\nNorth Ayrshire\r\n2,477\r\nNorth Lanarkshire\r\n3,576\r\nOrkney Islands\r\n1,132\r\nPerth and Kinross\r\n3,991\r\nRenfrewshire\r\n2,503\r\nScottish Borders\r\n3,489\r\nShetland Islands\r\n671\r\nSouth Ayrshire\r\n2,063\r\nSouth Lanarkshire\r\n3,597\r\nStirling\r\n2,155\r\nWest Dunbartonshire\r\n1,111\r\nWest Lothian\r\n1,937\r\nScotland\r\n89,087\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-06T14:35:43.177","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Derek Mackay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277436,"EventID":"S4W-10391","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":2,"MSPID":3907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":135,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-23T14:35:43.957","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-23T13:56:25","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when it will respond to HM Chief Inspector of Fire and Rescue Authorities' report of the inquiry on the 2008 Galston mine incident.\r\n","AnswerText":"I have today published a response to the Inquiry, which will be placed in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre (Bib. number 54234) and is also being published on the Scottish Government website. I would like to thank Mr Torrie and his team again for their work on the inquiry.\r\nMinisters instructed this Inquiry under section 44 of the Fire (Scotland) Act 2005 to ensure lessons are learned from the tragic death of Mrs Hume. We are encouraged by progress made to date by the fire and rescue services acting on those lessons, and will further take account of Mr Torrie’s recommendations when formulating the new Fire and Rescue Framework. We are confident that the new single Scottish Fire and Rescue Service will be able to provide more equitable access to specialist resources, as well as consistent training and application of guidance, across the whole of Scotland.\r\nOur sympathies remain with Mrs Hume’s family and friends at this time.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-06T14:35:43.97","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Roseanna Cunningham","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277437,"EventID":"S4W-10392","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-23T17:07:28.19","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-23T14:36:50","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what support package it offered Vion Food UK to retain the Hall's meat processing plant in Broxburn.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government and Scottish Enterprise offered to buy the plant and lease it back to Vion Food Group along with a commercial loan in return for a long-term commitment from the company to provide employment at Hall’s of Broxburn.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-06T17:07:28.22","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277438,"EventID":"S4W-10393","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-23T17:07:28.657","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-23T14:36:50","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what discussions it has had with West Lothian Council regarding the decision to close the Hall's meat processing plant in Broxburn.\r\n","AnswerText":"West Lothian Council has been an integral part of the Hall’s of Broxburn Task Force from its first meeting on 5 July when the company announced the consultation on closure.\r\nWe are working with West Lothian Council and Task Force members to provide the Partnership Action for Continuing Employment (PACE) initiative for staff affected. Representatives from PACE, led by Skills Development Scotland and comprising key partners including the Department of Work and Pensions, have been onsite 5 days per week since 24 August 2012 and have delivered 92 presentations to around 800 employees. PACE representatives have continued to liaise closely with the trade unions during delivery of PACE support for employees.\r\nSupport provided includes:\r\nPACE Guides translated into Polish and Romanian, and a Polish-speaking adviser available to support staff; \r\nspecific CV support for Halls of Broxburn employees;\r\nonsite and offsite resource centres offering one to one support for employees; \r\nthree jobs fairs organised for staff - the first of these will take place on \r\n10 November with PACE Partners and local and national employers who have expressed an interest in recruiting Halls employees in attendance; and \r\nthe local colleges collaborating to develop a programme of learning that can be tailored to individual needs with the primary aim of boosting employment potential and earnings.\r\nIn addition we are in discussion with West Lothian Council and Task Force members on a recovery plan for the area to support those affected by the closure. All options will be explored in this process. The resulting plan will be agreed by the Task Force at its next meeting.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-06T17:07:28.673","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277439,"EventID":"S4W-10394","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-23T17:07:29.063","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-23T14:36:50","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government which of its agencies are providing support to the employees of Hall's meat processing plant in Broxburn and what the nature of this support is.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-10393 on 5 November 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/Apps2/Business/PQA/Ddefault.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-06T17:07:29.077","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277440,"EventID":"S4W-10395","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-23T17:07:29.453","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-23T14:36:50","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it will support employees of Hall's meat processing plant in Broxburn in finding new employment.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-10393 on 5 November 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/Apps2/Business/PQA/Ddefault.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-06T17:07:29.467","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277441,"EventID":"S4W-10396","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-23T17:07:29.797","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-23T14:36:50","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what resources it will give to (a) West Lothian Council, (b) charities, (c) the third sector, (d) social enterprises and (e) other agencies to deal with the impact of the closure of the Hall's meat processing plant in Broxburn.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-10393 on 5 November 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/Apps2/Business/PQA/Ddefault.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-06T17:07:29.81","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277442,"EventID":"S4W-10398","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-23T17:07:30.403","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-23T14:36:50","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what support it will give to trade unions seeking to assist their members at the Hall's meat processing plant in Broxburn who are facing unemployment .\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-10393 on 5 November 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/Apps2/Business/PQA/Ddefault.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-06T17:07:30.42","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277443,"EventID":"S4W-10399","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-23T17:07:31.183","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-23T14:36:50","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, in light of the potential economic impact of the closure of the Hall's meat processing plant in Broxburn, whether it will provide funding for developing the Dalmeny chord.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-10393 on 5 November 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/Apps2/Business/PQA/Ddefault.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-06T17:07:31.217","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277444,"EventID":"S4W-10400","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-23T17:07:31.777","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-23T14:36:50","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what infrastructure projects in West Lothian it will support to help boost employment.\r\n","AnswerText":"An overview of the infrastructure projects which the Scottish Government is currently supporting in the West Lothian area is included in the following table.\r\nProject/Investment\r\nDetails\r\nForth Replacement Crossing\r\nThis major project which is currently in construction will bring both direct and indirect benefits to West Lothian through investment and access to opportunities.\r\nEdinburgh to Glasgow Rail Improvements\r\nThis major project which is currently being prepared will bring both direct and indirect benefits to West Lothian through investment and access to opportunities.\r\nWest Calder High School\r\nIn September 2012 the refurbishment of West Calder High School was announced as part of the third and final phase of the £1.25 billion ‘Scotland’s Schools for the Future Programme’. This is the second school in West Lothian to be taken forward as part of this investment programme (the first one - Pumpherston and Uphall Station Community Primary School - opened earlier this year).\r\nBlackburn Partnership Centre\r\nThis community project is currently being explored for delivery through the hub initiative by way of the South East Territory.\r\nAffordable Housing Provision\r\nIn the period 2012-13 to 2014-15, the Scottish Government has set aside almost £10 million for a range of affordable housing provision in West Lothian. \r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-06T17:07:31.807","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277445,"EventID":"S4W-10401","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-23T17:07:32.26","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-23T14:36:50","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what infrastructure projects it has supported in West Lothian in each year since May 2007.\r\n","AnswerText":"Since May 2007 the Scottish Government has provided funding for major projects within the West Lothian area, such as the Airdrie-Bathgate Rail Link (£375 million), which opened to passengers in December 2010, and the West Lothian Schools Public Private Partnership (£61 million) which became fully operational in August 2009. In addition, the Scottish Government allocated almost £86 million of capital funding to West Lothian Council between 2008-09 and 2012-13 through the local government finance settlement.\r\nAn overview of other projects and investments for which the Scottish Government has provided funding for in the West Lothian area is included in the following table.\r\nProject/Investment\r\nDetails\r\nPumpherston and Uphall Station Community Primary School\r\nIn February 2012 this became the first school to be completed under the Scottish Government’s £1.25 billion “Scotland’s Schools for the Future Programme”.\r\nShort Stay Elective Surgical Centre \r\nThe £8.2 million state-of-the-art Surgical Centre at St Johns Hospital in Livingston opened in January 2011.\r\nWest Calder Health Centre\r\nThe multi million pound facility which has a range of healthcare professionals and services under one roof officially opened in September 2009.\r\nAffordable Housing Provision\r\nIn the period 2007-08 to 2011-12, the Scottish Government spent £43.4 million on a range of affordable housing provision in West Lothian.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-06T17:07:32.277","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277446,"EventID":"S4W-10402","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-23T17:07:32.667","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-23T14:36:50","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, in light of the impending closure of Hall's meat processing plant, what additional support it will provide to the (a) Calderwood core development area (CDA), (b) Winchburgh CDA, (c) Armadale CDA and (d) Heartlands project at Whitburn.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-10393 on 5 November 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/Apps2/Business/PQA/Ddefault.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-06T17:07:32.68","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277447,"EventID":"S4W-10403","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-23T17:07:33.15","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-23T14:36:50","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, in light of the impending closure of Hall's meat processing plant, whether it will provide additional resources to (a) West Lothian College, (b) Oatridge College and (c) other local training providers to provide additional places and courses for people who need to retrain.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-10393 on 5 November 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/Apps2/Business/PQA/Ddefault.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-06T17:07:33.18","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277448,"EventID":"S4W-10404","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-23T17:07:34.35","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-23T14:36:50","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it has made contact with foreign governments regarding assistance that can be provided to foreign nationals affected by the closure of Hall's meat processing plant.","AnswerText":"The Cabinet Secretary for Culture and External Affairs, Fiona Hyslop, wrote to the Consul General of Poland on 27 August 2012 to advise him that, through our Partnership Action for Continuing Employment (PACE) initiative, we would do everything possible to support employees of Hall’s, with specific reference to the number of Polish workers employed there.\r\nRepresentatives from our PACE initiative, led by Skills Development Scotland and comprising key partners including the Department of Work and Pensions, have been onsite five days per week since 24 August 2012 and have delivered 92 presentations to around 800 employees.\r\nAll employees have had access to information and guidance. For employees who are made redundant, the Department of Work and Pensions will be handling all individual claims via the Jobcentre Plus centre in Livingston to assess eligibility for support in line with UK Government legislation. Additional DWP staff will be made available to help process claims and appointments will be issued to employees in advance.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-06T17:07:34.383","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277449,"EventID":"S4W-10405","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-23T17:07:35.287","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-23T14:36:50","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what additional support to find new employment it will provide to those workers affected by the closure of Hall's meat processing plant whose first language is not English. \r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-10393 on 5 November 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/Apps2/Business/PQA/Ddefault.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-06T17:07:35.287","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277450,"EventID":"S4W-10406","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-23T17:07:35.85","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-23T14:36:50","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what incentives and support it will provide to businesses in West Lothian prepared to take on staff from Hall's meat processing plant.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-10393 on 5 November 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/Apps2/Business/PQA/Ddefault.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-06T17:07:35.88","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277451,"EventID":"S4W-10407","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-23T17:07:36.393","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-23T14:36:50","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what support it will provide to businesses in West Lothian to help them deal with the impact of the closure of Hall's meat processing plant.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-10393 on 5 November 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/Apps2/Business/PQA/Ddefault.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-06T17:07:36.41","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277452,"EventID":"S4W-10408","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-23T17:07:36.783","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-23T14:36:50","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide support to ensure that the Winchburgh railway station development goes ahead as a matter of priority.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-10393 on 5 November 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/Apps2/Business/PQA/Ddefault.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-06T17:07:36.783","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277453,"EventID":"S4W-10409","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-23T17:07:37.16","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-23T14:36:50","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will bring forward the construction of the motorway junction at Winchburgh as a matter of priority.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-10393 on 5 November 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/Apps2/Business/PQA/Ddefault.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-06T17:07:37.19","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277454,"EventID":"S4W-10410","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-23T17:07:37.69","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-23T14:36:50","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what support it will give to Armadale’s bid for the national tennis centre.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government and sportscotland have had discussions with Judy Murray and her team over their plans for a national tennis academy. These are ongoing and possible locations for the academy will feature in these discussions. I am aware of the developments in Armadale but it will be ultimately for Judy Murray and her team to determine the location of their academy.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-06T17:07:37.72","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277455,"EventID":"S4W-10417","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4934,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-23T17:07:38.203","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-23T16:15:20.827","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when it will publish its national walking strategy and what (a) leisure, (b) transport and (c) health stakeholders will be involved in its development.\r\n","AnswerText":"No date has yet been set for the publication of the national walking strategy, however work is underway and a wide range of leisure, transport and health stakeholders will be involved in its development. These will include as a minimum the Mountaineering Council of Scotland; Ramblers Scotland; NHS Health Scotland; sportscotland; Forestry Commission; and Paths for all.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-06T17:07:38.22","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Shona Robison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277472,"EventID":"S4W-10411","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-24T14:00:22.007","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-23T15:58:26","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what action it is taking to encourage NHS boards to adhere to the Expert Advisory Group on Infertility in Scotland guidelines.","AnswerText":"National criteria were developed by the Expert Advisory Group on Infertility Services in Scotland (EAGISS) in 2000. These guidelines were subsequently reviewed and in 2007 further recommendations were made to raise the upper age limit for treatment and updated information was produced on timings between treatments.\r\nAll NHS boards in Scotland use these guidelines, but variations in provision do exist. The National Infertility Group was set up, in April 2010, to address this inequity of access to IVF treatment across Scotland, and will submit its final report to Ministers by the end of December 2012.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-07T14:00:22.133","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277473,"EventID":"S4W-10412","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-24T14:00:23.88","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-23T15:58:26","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what assessment it has made of the future of fertility services.\r\n","AnswerText":"The National Infertility Group was set up, in April 2010, to address the inequity of access to IVF treatment across Scotland and will submit its final report to Ministers by the end of December 2012. Ministers will then consider the report and its recommendations in order to meet the Scottish Government commitment to a 12 month maximum waiting time for IVF treatment, for eligible patients.\r\nIn addition, the Scottish Government has recently announced investment of £12 million over the next three years to help NHS boards meet the waiting time by 31 March 2015.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-07T14:00:23.893","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277474,"EventID":"S4W-10413","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-24T14:00:25.16","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-23T15:58:26","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many cycles of IVF treatment it anticipates NHS boards will provide to eligible couples between October 2012 and the introduction of a new policy on IVF.\r\n","AnswerText":"This information is not currently held centrally.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-07T14:00:25.19","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277475,"EventID":"S4W-10414","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-24T14:00:26.39","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-23T15:58:26","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government by what process it will consider and implement the National Infertility Group’s recommendations on IVF.","AnswerText":"The National Infertility Group will submit its report, with recommendations, to Ministers by the end of December 2012. Ministers will consider these recommendations and any proposals for implementation, to ensure equity of access to IVF treatment for eligible patients across Scotland.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-07T14:00:26.407","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277476,"EventID":"S4W-10415","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-24T14:00:27.403","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-23T15:58:26","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it measures the provision of fertility services across NHS boards with regard to (a) waiting times for treatment, (b) the number of cycles of treatment provided and (c) the number of couples seeking treatment.","AnswerText":"The National Infertility Group, set up in April 2010, is considering the provision of infertility services across NHS Boards in Scotland. The Group will submit its report, with recommendations, to Ministers by the end of December 2012.\r\nMethods for measuring (a) waiting times for treatment, (b) the number of cycles of treatment provided and (c) the number of couples seeking treatment, will be considered as part of the implementation planning in order to meet the Scottish Government commitment to a 12 month maximum waiting time for IVF treatment, for eligible patients, by 31 March 2015.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-07T14:00:27.437","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277477,"EventID":"S4W-10416","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-24T14:00:28.06","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-23T15:58:26","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its policy is on ensuring that NHS boards carry out patient consultations before making changes to the provision of treatments or services.\r\n","AnswerText":"NHS boards must involve the communities they serve in planning and developing the health and care services they provide. Involving patients, carers and the public is an important aspect of the Government’s ambitions for improving the quality of service provided by NHSScotland.\r\nScottish Government guidance introduced in February 2010 sets out NHS boards’ responsibilities to inform, engage and consult with their patients and the wider public and how that process should work. The guidance applies to all NHS boards, who are supported in their involving people practices by the Scottish Health Council. The Council has been working to ensure that patient focus and public involvement is embedded in the culture of the NHS. boards’ practices, which are assessed against the National Participation Standard.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-07T14:00:28.077","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277478,"EventID":"S4W-10418","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2108,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":141,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-24T14:00:28.653","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-23T16:18:10","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much it will spend on its Green Investment Package in (a) 2012-13, (b) 2013-14 and (c) 2014-15.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has committed £1,145million climate change funding over three years of the spending review period.\r\n2012-13\r\n2013-14\r\n2014-15\r\nTotal over 3 years\r\n£ 364.6m\r\n£411.3m\r\n£387.1m\r\n£1145.0m\r\nThe details of this funding is published on the Scottish Government’s website and can be found at the following link:\r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Environment/climatechange/climatechangefundingdocument\r\nWithin that there will be over £400m spent on supporting renewable energy and low carbon activity over the three year spending review period.\r\nIn the Draft Budget 2013-14 a package of £180 million investment in construction, skills and the green economy was also announced. Within this, the Government will invest the following in energy efficiency, cycling and other measures that will contribute to its environmental and climate change objectives amounting to £97.55m green investment package over two years 2012-13 and 2013-14\r\n2012-13\r\n2013-14\r\nTotal\r\n£21.86m\r\n£75.69m\r\n£97.55m\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-07T14:00:28.67","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277479,"EventID":"S4W-10419","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2108,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":141,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-24T14:00:29.37","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-23T16:18:10","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what proportion of the expenditure on its Green Investment Package in 2013-14 will arise from Barnett consequentials.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has committed £1145.0 million climate change funding over three years of the current spending review period. These details of the funding are published on the Scottish Government’s website and can be found at the following link:\r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Environment/climatechange/climatechangefundingdocument\r\nThe Scottish Government also announced in the Draft Budget 2013-14 a package of £180 million investment in construction, skills and the green economy. Within this, the Government will invest in energy efficiency, cycling and other measures that will contribute to its environmental and climate change objectives. In 2013-14 this Green Investment package amounts to £75.69 million. None of this will arise through Barnett consequentials.\r\nIn 2013-14 a pro-rata share, amounting to £14.7million, of a GB wide scheme, will transfer to Scottish Government to be used to fund the Green Homes Cashback Scheme.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-07T14:00:29.387","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277480,"EventID":"S4W-10421","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-24T14:00:30.243","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-23T16:24:21","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it ensures that people in rural areas have access to local GP surgeries. \r\n","AnswerText":"Under the legal framework for service provision, NHS boards are responsible for ensuring the provision of primary medical services for their areas. In discharging these statutory obligations NHS boards are required to put in place those services which they consider necessary to meet all reasonable requirements for their areas.\r\nNHS boards have more than one service option at their disposal. As well as securing the provision of services through independent contractors under the nationally negotiated General Medical Services contract; or through contractual agreements under Section 17C of the NHS (Scotland) Act 1978, NHS boards can choose to provide services directly themselves under Section 2C of the 1978 Act.\r\nNHS boards are accountable for all service provision as part of the annual review process.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-07T14:00:30.26","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277481,"EventID":"S4W-10422","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-24T14:00:31.18","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-23T16:24:21","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its role is in improving physical health across the country.\r\n","AnswerText":"The government is taking action in a number of areas which seek to change behaviours and develop supportive environments to improve physical health including those set out in the Prevention of Obesity Route Map, the Smoking and Prevention Action Plan, the Physical Activity Strategy and the Alcohol Framework for Action.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-07T14:00:31.227","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277482,"EventID":"S4W-10423","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-24T14:00:32.227","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-23T16:24:21","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-05558 by Shona Robison on 9 February 2012, whether the national performance centre will be developed along similar lines to the St George's Park National Football Centre in England.\r\n","AnswerText":"The National Performance Centre for Sport will be developed in line with the requirements of Scottish sport as set out in the bid documentation that is currently being developed and is due to be issued in December 2012.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-07T14:00:32.257","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Shona Robison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277483,"EventID":"S4W-10424","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2108,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":141,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-24T14:00:33.677","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-23T18:25:30","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on complaints from small and medium-sized enterprises that they are being shut out of government projects because contracts are bundled together or by the requirement of a minimum size of business turnover.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government is committed to ensuring that small and medium sized businesses have fair and equal access to public sector contracts in Scotland.\r\nWhen developing collaborative procurement strategies, we actively engage with suppliers of all sizes. Strategies are tailored to the individual characteristics of the market concerned and we expect public sector buyers to take the impact on SMEs and the local economy into account – for example by splitting requirements into specialist or geographical lots where appropriate and supporting SME consortia and wider supply chain opportunities wherever possible.\r\nSMEs have been successful in winning places on several government-led collaborative frameworks across a range of commodity areas, and also play a vital role in the supply chains of larger prime contractors. It is also important to note that the share of procurement spend won by SMEs has remained relatively constant at around 46% since collaborative procurement centres of expertise were established, and of the businesses winning contracts through Public Contracts Scotland last financial year 79% were registered as SMEs and 64% were registered as SMEs with a Scottish address.\r\nWith regards to turnover, in May this year, following examples brought to the then Cabinet Secretary for Infrastructure and Capital Investment’s attention relating to turnover requirements, Alex Neil asked officials to issue guidance which underlined the need for public bodies to ensure that requirements at the selection stage of a procurement exercise are proportionate to the subject matter of the contract and do not act as a barrier to participation by SMEs or recent start-ups. The guidance recommended that annual turnover is only used as a minimum standard in exceptional circumstances and asks public bodies to consider whether other information could, in the case in question, provide a better indication of bidders’ ability to deliver the contract requirements. The guidance can be accessed at the following link:\r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/resource/0039/00394311.pdf.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-07T14:00:33.693","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277484,"EventID":"S4W-10425","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5059,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-24T14:00:34.317","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-23T16:46:46","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what plans it has to improve awareness of obstructive sleep apnoea.\r\n","AnswerText":"A Sleep Studies Working Group has been formed by the Scottish Government, with the aim of ensuring that people with obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome (OSAS) are appropriately referred to specialist sleep services. The group (consisting of NHS clinicians, managers, members of the Scottish Government’s Access Support Team and a patient representative) is in the process of piloting sleep studies referral guidance within a number of NHS boards, including Dumfries and Galloway, Highland and Lothian for GP referrals.\r\nGPs are being encouraged to complete this referral guidance as it will give secondary care clinicians valuable information prior to the out-patient review.\r\nNHS boards are also encouraged to capture data for all patients undergoing investigation in the out-patient setting. In addition, the working group is developing GP guidance for management of OSAS to help raise awareness in primary care. It is expected that the group’s report will be cascaded via NHS board chief executives in early 2013.\r\nSleep disorders, including OSAS have also been discussed at meetings of the National Advisory Group for Respiratory Managed Clinical Networks (MCNs), which comprises representatives from the local respiratory MCN in each NHS board. The group has set up a sleep sub-group, which includes representation from the Scottish Sleep Forum, to identify issues and potential solutions for sleep services. The Scottish Government will be kept informed of its findings.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-07T14:00:34.33","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277485,"EventID":"S4W-10426","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5059,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-24T14:00:35.003","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-23T16:46:46","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what plans it has to improve the treatment of obstructive sleep apnoea.\r\n","AnswerText":"A key way of delivering safe, effective and person centred services is by NHS Boards implementing clinical standards. The Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network (SIGN) Guideline 73 on the Management of Sleep Apnoea in Adults provides clinicians in NHSScotland with evidence based recommendations for the diagnosis and management of obstructive sleep apnoea. NHS boards are expected to implement clinical guidelines.\r\nIn addition a Sleep Studies Working Group has been formed by the Scottish Government with the aim of ensuring that people with obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome (OSAS) are appropriately referred to specialist sleep services. The group is in the process of piloting sleep studies referral guidance within a number of NHS boards, including NHS Dumfries and Galloway, NHS Highland and NHS Lothian for GP referrals.\r\nGPs are being encouraged to complete this referral guidance as it will give secondary care clinicians valuable information prior to the out-patient review.\r\nNHS boards are also encouraged to capture data for all patients undergoing investigation in the out-patient setting. In addition, the working group is developing GP guidance for management of OSAS to help raise awareness in primary care. It is expected that the group’s report will be cascaded via NHS Board Chief Executive’s in early 2013.\r\nThe National Advisory Group for Respiratory Managed Clinical Networks (MCNs), has set up a sleep sub-group, which includes representation from the Scottish Sleep Forum, to identify issues and potential solutions for sleep services. The Scottish Government will be kept informed of its findings.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-07T14:00:35.017","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277486,"EventID":"S4W-10427","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5059,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-24T14:00:36.687","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-23T16:46:46","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much it spent on (a) raising awareness of and (b) dealing with obstructive sleep apnoea in 2011-12.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government provides baseline funding to NHS boards and it is for the boards to determine how best to utilise this funding to meet the healthcare needs of their resident population. No specific funding is ring-fenced for sleep apnoea and it is not therefore possible to identify any spend for this condition in 2011-12.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-07T14:00:36.733","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277487,"EventID":"S4W-10428","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5059,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-24T14:00:38.153","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-23T16:46:46","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many people have obstructive sleep apnoea.\r\n","AnswerText":"The information requested is not centrally available.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-07T14:00:38.183","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277488,"EventID":"S4O-01396","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":5080,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-24T14:17:44.603","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-22T12:11:49.333","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what budget lines will be affected by the transfer of £250 million from DEL resource to DEL capital as announced in the 2013-14 draft budget. \r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-07T14:17:44.743","MeetingDate":"2012-10-31T17:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277489,"EventID":"S4O-01397","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":5042,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-24T14:17:45.603","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-22T12:11:49.57","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what combined savings local authorities are expected to make in 2013-14.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-07T14:17:45.617","MeetingDate":"2012-10-31T17:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277490,"EventID":"S4O-01398","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":4951,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-24T14:17:45.977","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-22T12:11:49.913","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how universal benefits contribute to its preventative spending agenda.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-07T14:17:45.993","MeetingDate":"2012-10-31T17:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277491,"EventID":"S4O-01399","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":3896,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":97,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-24T14:17:46.32","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-22T12:11:50.1","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what discussions it has had with Orkney Islands Council since May 2012 about how the shortfall in local government funding for Orkney, compared to Shetland and the Western Isles, might be addressed.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-07T14:17:46.35","MeetingDate":"2012-10-31T17:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277492,"EventID":"S4O-01400","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":131,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-24T14:17:46.757","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-22T12:11:50.363","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when the budget lines will be identified in relation to the transfer of £250 million from DEL resource to DEL capital as announced in the 2013-14 draft budget.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-07T14:17:46.773","MeetingDate":"2012-10-31T17:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277493,"EventID":"S4O-01401","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-24T14:17:47.303","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-22T12:11:50.643","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what plans it has to support an independent Scottish office of budget responsibility.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-07T14:17:47.333","MeetingDate":"2012-10-31T17:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277494,"EventID":"S4O-01402","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":2615,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":143,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-24T14:17:47.85","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-22T12:11:50.88","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many business improvement districts have been established and are in development.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-07T14:17:47.88","MeetingDate":"2012-10-31T17:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277495,"EventID":"S4O-01403","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":3759,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":80,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-24T14:17:48.27","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-22T12:11:51.083","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many businesses in the Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse constituency have received support from its direct interventions, such as the small business bonus scheme.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-07T14:17:48.3","MeetingDate":"2012-10-31T17:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277496,"EventID":"S4O-01404","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":4955,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":105,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-24T14:17:48.74","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-22T12:11:51.317","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what recent representations the Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Sustainable Growth has received on the need for investment in cycling infrastructure.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-07T14:17:48.753","MeetingDate":"2012-10-31T17:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277497,"EventID":"S4O-01405","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-24T14:17:49.067","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-22T12:11:51.533","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what discussions the Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Sustainable Growth has had with the Cabinet Secretary for Infrastructure and Capital Investment to ensure that the 2012-13 budget for housing supports its ambition for new affordable and socially rented homes.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-07T14:17:49.08","MeetingDate":"2012-10-31T17:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277498,"EventID":"S4O-01406","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":136,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-24T14:17:49.533","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-22T12:11:51.767","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what funding it provides for research and development.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-07T14:17:49.55","MeetingDate":"2012-10-31T17:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277499,"EventID":"S4O-01407","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":1866,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-24T14:17:50.173","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-22T12:11:52.05","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when it will set the non-domestic rates poundage for 2013-14.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-07T14:17:50.19","MeetingDate":"2012-10-31T17:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277500,"EventID":"S4O-01408","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":4934,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-24T14:17:50.64","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-24T11:08:16.037","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when the Tax Consultation Forum will next meet and what issues will be on the agenda.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-07T14:17:50.657","MeetingDate":"2012-10-31T17:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277501,"EventID":"S4O-01409","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":125,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-24T14:17:51.22","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-22T12:11:52.487","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what benefits arise from investment in entrepreneurial businesses.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-07T14:17:51.233","MeetingDate":"2012-10-31T17:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277502,"EventID":"S4O-01410","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":85,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-24T14:17:51.717","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-22T12:11:52.75","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on the model of microfinance proposed by the Grameen Scotland Foundation for tackling poverty. \r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-07T14:17:51.733","MeetingDate":"2012-10-31T17:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277503,"EventID":"S4O-01411","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":5107,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":124,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-24T14:17:52.2","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-22T12:11:53.017","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what it is doing to assist small business in Angus.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-07T14:17:52.217","MeetingDate":"2012-10-31T17:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277504,"EventID":"S4O-01412","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-24T14:17:52.543","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-22T12:11:53.22","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government for what reason unemployment in Scotland rose by 0.3% in the three months to August 2012, compared with a fall of nearly 0.2% across the UK.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-07T14:17:52.56","MeetingDate":"2012-10-31T17:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277505,"EventID":"S4O-01413","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":4948,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-24T14:17:53.107","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-22T12:11:53.67","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what measures in the 2013-14 draft budget will help support the construction sector.\r\n","AnswerText":"To support the construction industry and inject growth into the economy we will provide an immediate stimulus to the construction industry of £40 million through investment in affordable housing. We have increased the number of schools being built through Scotland’s schools for the future programme from 55 to 67, and we will build them sooner by bringing forward £80 million of planned investment from future years into this spending review by financing through the NPD model. Over three years our Green Investment Package, worth £30 million, will also provide opportunities for small and medium sized construction firms.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-07T14:17:53.123","MeetingDate":"2012-10-31T17:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277506,"EventID":"S4O-01414","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":5047,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-24T14:17:53.747","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-22T12:11:53.967","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it will support and develop the voluntary sector in light of local authority budget reductions.\r\n","AnswerText":"Despite the financial pressures faced by this government, the Scottish Government is committed to supporting the development of a capable, sustainable and enterprising third sector. We are therefore maintaining levels of investment in the third sector and will invest £73.5 million over the period 2012-15, reflecting the importance of the third sector to the success of Scotland.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-07T14:17:53.76","MeetingDate":"2012-10-31T17:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277507,"EventID":"S4O-01415","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":5075,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":112,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-24T14:17:54.323","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-22T12:11:54.203","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what action it will take to raise energy productivity in order to ease the energy cost burdens on individual households and create a more competitive marketplace for small businesses.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-07T14:17:54.34","MeetingDate":"2012-10-31T17:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277508,"EventID":"S4O-01416","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2345,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":128,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-24T14:17:54.837","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-22T12:12:53.73","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what it is doing to reduce drug use in prisons, in light of recent statistics suggesting that the number of recorded drug finds is set to rise this year.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-07T14:17:54.87","MeetingDate":"2012-11-01T17:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277509,"EventID":"S4O-01417","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":3907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":135,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-24T14:17:55.417","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-22T12:12:53.95","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it plans to encourage more undergraduates to study computer science and software engineering.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-07T14:17:55.43","MeetingDate":"2012-11-01T17:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277510,"EventID":"S4O-01418","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-24T14:17:55.773","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-22T12:12:54.153","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it has had discussions with the City of Edinburgh Council regarding the future of Portobello High School.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-07T14:17:55.79","MeetingDate":"2012-11-01T17:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277511,"EventID":"S4O-01419","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2033,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":132,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-24T14:17:56.18","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-22T12:12:54.403","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what steps it is taking to encourage the take-up of science subjects in secondary schools.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-07T14:17:56.197","MeetingDate":"2012-11-01T17:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277512,"EventID":"S4O-01420","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":4086,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-24T14:17:56.617","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-22T12:12:54.653","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when an agreement will be in place appointing Network Rail as the authorised undertaker of the Edinburgh to Tweedbank railway project.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-07T14:17:56.633","MeetingDate":"2012-11-01T17:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277513,"EventID":"S4O-01421","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2487,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-24T14:17:57.007","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-22T12:12:54.87","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what steps it is taking to improve the energy efficiency of the NHS estate.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-07T14:17:57.023","MeetingDate":"2012-11-01T17:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277514,"EventID":"S4O-01422","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1828,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-24T14:17:57.35","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-22T12:12:55.103","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will discuss with the further education sector the feasibility of establishing short courses on the setting-up and management of community businesses and credit unions.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-07T14:17:57.367","MeetingDate":"2012-11-01T17:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277515,"EventID":"S4O-01423","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":5106,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":118,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-24T14:17:57.787","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-22T12:12:55.307","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what obligations Scottish Water has to deal with persistent flooding from its sewerage network.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-07T14:17:57.803","MeetingDate":"2012-11-01T17:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277516,"EventID":"S4O-01424","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":5109,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":101,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-24T14:17:58.223","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-22T12:12:55.54","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many deposits have been lodged with approved schemes under the Tenancy Deposit Schemes (Scotland) Regulations 2011 since their introduction in July 2012.\r\n","AnswerText":"A total of 35,000 deposits have been lodged with the three approved providers in Scotland within the first four months of operation.\r\nThis is in advance of the first legal obligation for landlords to submit deposits to one of the schemes, by 13 November.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-07T14:17:58.24","MeetingDate":"2012-11-01T17:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Burgess","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277524,"EventID":"S4W-10429","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5059,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-24T17:21:12.033","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-23T16:46:46","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it will ensure that NHS boards adhere to the Gender Reassignment Protocol, CEL 26.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government Health Directorate are in the process of undertaking an Audit of the progress made by NHS boards in implementing the gender reassignment protocol.\r\nThis will not only include an audit of the boards implementation plans but will also include patient experience feedback.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-07T17:21:12.063","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277525,"EventID":"S4W-10430","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5059,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-24T17:21:12.813","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-23T16:46:46","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what guidelines there are regarding the length of time between receiving funding for gender reassignment and having the surgery.\r\n","AnswerText":"Patients going through the gender reassignment pathway contained in the protocol should experience no delay due to funding if they go on to full genital surgery.\r\nHowever, there is currently no clinical expertise in Scotland to undertake this surgery and boards will need to seek treatment in England for patients going on to full genital surgery.\r\nAs this surgery would be undertaken in England, patients would not be covered by the legal treatment time guarantee contained in the Patient Rights (Scotland) Act 2011.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-07T17:21:12.843","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277526,"EventID":"S4W-10431","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5059,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-24T17:21:13.25","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-23T16:46:46","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government which NHS boards use private hospitals for gender reassignment surgery.\r\n","AnswerText":"The information requested is not centrally held.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-07T17:21:13.263","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277527,"EventID":"S4W-10432","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5059,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-24T17:21:13.67","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-23T16:46:46","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much it spent on gender reassignment surgery in 2011-12.\r\n","AnswerText":"The information requested is not available centrally.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-07T17:21:13.687","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277528,"EventID":"S4W-10433","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5059,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-24T17:21:13.997","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-23T16:46:46","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether NHS boards have a consistent approach to dealing with gender reassignment and, if not, what variations there are.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W–10429 on 6 November 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-07T17:21:14.013","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277529,"EventID":"S4W-10434","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5059,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-24T17:21:14.34","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-23T16:46:46","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many people have attended accident and emergency units because of a mental health issue in each year since 2002 and how many of them were accompanied by a police officer.\r\n","AnswerText":"This information is not currently held.\r\nInformation Services Division is working with NHS boards to develop Accident and Emergency data so diagnostic information can be provided at a national level.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-07T17:21:14.373","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277530,"EventID":"S4W-10440","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1778,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":110,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-24T17:21:14.81","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-24T01:49:29","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what plans it has to conduct a formal evaluation of NHS self-management programmes for patients with rheumatoid arthritis.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has no plans to conduct a formal evaluation of NHS self-management programmes for patients with rheumatoid arthritis.\r\nIt is for NHS boards to plan and provide services in accordance with national and local priorities and in line with the health needs of their resident populations. NHS boards are expected to review services and facilities regularly to ensure that they continue to reflect local needs and provide the best quality healthcare services. This would include any self management programmes they provide.\r\nThe voluntary sector has an important role to play in supporting NHS boards to deliver high quality services. In delivering services NHS boards can make use of self management programmes for a wide range of conditions.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-07T17:21:14.823","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277531,"EventID":"S4W-10441","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1778,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":110,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-24T17:21:15.137","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-24T01:49:29","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many rheumatoid arthritis specialist nurses work in the NHS and how many there will be in 2013.","AnswerText":"The information requested on how many rheumatology Clinical Nurse Specialists work in NHSScotland is published on the NHS Information Service Division’s website: \r\nhttp://www.isdscotland.org/Health-Topics/Workforce/Publications/2011-11-29/Clinical_Nurse_Specialist_S2011.xls?92532856.\r\nIt is for each NHS board to decide how best to meet the needs of their population. This includes how best to utilise funding, facilities and staff, while taking account of national and local priorities, to meet local needs. This of course applies to how many rheumatology clinical nurse specialists the NHS boards employ in 2013.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-07T17:21:15.153","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277532,"EventID":"S4W-10442","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1778,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":110,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-24T17:21:15.463","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-24T01:49:29","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what steps it (a) is taking and (b) plans to take to provide nurses in primary care settings with training to (i) identify, (ii) diagnose and (iii) assess the care requirements of patients with rheumatoid arthritis and what recent representations it has received on these matters.","AnswerText":"The identification and diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis would normally be the role of a doctor. The assessment of care requirements and planning care with people and their families are core skills of nurses working in all settings. The majority of community nurses who have caseload management responsibility have completed post registration specialist community nurse qualifications which further enhance skills of assessment and care planning in primary care settings.\r\nThese programmes are not condition specific as they prepare nurses for a generalist role in the community. However, they develop the nurse’s ability to work effectively in multidisciplinary teams and access appropriate specialist resources to enhance the care they provide.\r\nThe Scottish Government continues to fully fund nurses to undertake non-medical prescribing training (nurse independent/supplementary prescribing). This has enabled both specialist nurses, for example clinical nurse specialists in rheumatology who work across primary and secondary care, and community nurses to use knowledge and skills and be more responsive to people’s needs. We will continue to support NHS boards develop community nursing care.\r\nNo recent representations have been received regarding the training of nurses in the care and management of rheumatoid arthritis in primary care.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-07T17:21:15.48","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277533,"EventID":"S4W-10443","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1778,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":110,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-24T17:21:15.807","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-24T01:49:29","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many finished episodes of care there have been for patients with rheumatoid arthritis of each (a) sex and (b) age group in each year since 2007.\r\n","AnswerText":"Figures for hospital stays for rheumatoid arthritis are shown in table 1 and for “juvenile arthritis” in table 2. \r\nTable 1 - Number of Rheumatoid Arthritis Hospital Stays by Financial Years 2007-08 to 2011-12, by Gender and Age Group, based on ICD10 Codes M05 and M06\r\n  \r\n2007-08\r\n2008-09\r\n2009-10\r\n2010-11\r\n2011-12P\r\nAge Group\r\nFemale\r\nMale\r\nFemale\r\nMale\r\nFemale\r\nMale\r\nFemale\r\nMale\r\nFemale\r\nMale\r\n0 - 20\r\n22\r\n6\r\n17\r\n22\r\n9\r\n4\r\n24\r\n13\r\n18\r\n13\r\n21 - 40\r\n529\r\n117\r\n425\r\n96\r\n367\r\n109\r\n718\r\n140\r\n727\r\n172\r\n41 - 60\r\n2,643\r\n765\r\n2,439\r\n781\r\n2,289\r\n828\r\n3,089\r\n1,037\r\n3,385\r\n1,000\r\n61 - 80\r\n3,872\r\n1,327\r\n3,680\r\n1,336\r\n3,731\r\n1,270\r\n4,158\r\n1,655\r\n4,443\r\n1,537\r\n81+\r\n804\r\n203\r\n804\r\n166\r\n805\r\n201\r\n900\r\n226\r\n899\r\n297\r\nAll Ages\r\n7,870\r\n2,418\r\n7,365\r\n2,401\r\n7,201\r\n2,412\r\n8,889\r\n3,071\r\n9,472\r\n3,019\r\nSource: ISD Scotland SMR01.\r\nPProvisional - Due to the implementation of new Patient Management Systems by some NHS boards there is known data incompleteness for NHS Grampian in the most recent year. Figures may increase in future revisions.\r\nTable 2 - Number of “Juvenile Arthritis” Hospital Stays by Financial Years 2007-08 to 2011-12, by Gender and Age Group, based on ICD10 Codes M08 Excluding M08.1\r\n\r\n2007-08\r\n2008-09\r\n2009-10\r\n2010-11\r\n2011-12P\r\nAge Group\r\nFemale\r\nMale\r\nFemale\r\nMale\r\nFemale\r\nMale\r\nFemale\r\nMale\r\nFemale\r\nMale\r\n0 - 20\r\n392\r\n148\r\n440\r\n185\r\n555\r\n157\r\n546\r\n214\r\n711\r\n279\r\n21 - 40\r\n48\r\n9\r\n53\r\n9\r\n49\r\n14\r\n141\r\n20\r\n130\r\n16\r\n41 - 60\r\n16\r\n5\r\n22\r\n5\r\n23\r\n6\r\n15\r\n3\r\n13\r\n9\r\n61 - 80\r\n1\r\n2\r\n1\r\n1\r\n4\r\n2\r\n2\r\n.\r\n9\r\n1\r\n81+\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\nAll Ages\r\n457\r\n164\r\n516\r\n200\r\n631\r\n179\r\n704\r\n237\r\n863\r\n305\r\nSource: ISD Scotland SMR01.\r\nPProvisional - Due to the implementation of new Patient Management Systems by some NHS boards there is known data incompleteness for NHS Grampian in the most recent year. Figures may increase in future revisions.\r\nNote that the terms used in the World Health Organization International Classification of Diseases (ICD) to code hospital diagnosis do not fully reflect current clinical terminology for arthritis starting in early life. The term “Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis” has been replaced in clinical practice by “Juvenile Inflammatory Arthropathy” although no exact code is available for the latter term. Because of these terminological issues the figures provided in table 2 should be treated with caution.","AnswerDate":"2012-11-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-07T17:21:15.823","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277534,"EventID":"S4W-10444","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1778,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":110,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-24T17:21:16.243","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-24T01:49:29","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will (a) make it policy to ensure that GPs receive (i) pre-registration training and (ii) continuing professional development in the diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis and (b) take steps to encourage the Royal College of General Practitioners to offer additional support to GPs on the diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis.\r\n","AnswerText":"GP training is competency based and guided by the learning outcomes described in the Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP) UK curriculum for GP training, which includes a section on the care of people with Musculoskeletal problems, and encompasses inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis. Delivery of the curriculum is by the relevant Postgraduate Deanery, and is overseen by the General Medical Council (GMC). The pre-registration training element is at Foundation Year 1 (FY1), where graduate doctors will not yet have chosen a particular medical specialty. FY1 enables medical graduates to begin to take supervised responsibility for patient care and consolidate the skills that they have learnt at medical school. Satisfactory completion of FY1 allows the relevant Postgraduate Deanery to recommend to the GMC that the foundation doctor is granted full registration.\r\nThe learning outcomes include management of the condition, within teams in primary and specialist care settings, following timely diagnosis. A GP in postgraduate training will need to have maintained a portfolio of evidence which demonstrates achievement of competencies, which is assessed annually by the relevant Deanery.\r\nUpon completion of training, GPs have a professional obligation to participate in Continuous Professional Development (CPD) activities. A successful GP is considered to be one who masters the skills required to become a self-directed and needs-based learner, which involves learning whatever is required to competently perform the role of a GP. It is Scottish Government policy for GPs to participate in an annual appraisal process, which helps GPs to indentify their learning needs to address the healthcare needs of their patients. GPs are supported by Health Boards and other organisations such as the Postgraduate Deaneries, NHS Education for Scotland, the Medical Royal Colleges and others, who provide opportunities for GPs to undertake CPD activities.\r\nGPs, who are Members or Fellows of the RCGP, can access the learning materials and guidelines developed and supported by the RCGP. The Scottish Government will ensure the report of the Health Care Needs Assessment on Rheumatoid Arthritis is brought to the attention of key stakeholders, including the RCGP.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-07T17:21:16.26","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277535,"EventID":"S4W-10445","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1778,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":110,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-24T17:21:17.913","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-24T01:49:29","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what research and development expenditure there has been by (a) it and (b) universities on rheumatoid arthritis in each year since 2007.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has, through the Chief Scientist Office (CSO), supported research studies investigating rheumatoid arthritis to a value of £597,000 since 2007. Details of this funding is given in the following table.\r\nWe are unable to give the detail of expenditure for universities in this period as this is not held centrally.\r\n2007\r\n2008\r\n2009\r\n2010\r\n2011\r\n2012\r\ntotal\r\n£41,338\r\n£72,174\r\n£100,781\r\n£97,889\r\n£122,529\r\n£162,000\r\n£596,711\r\nWe have also recently committed funding to establish, in collaboration with Arthritis UK, an Experimental Arthritis Treatment Centre to facilitate and support the testing and early development of novel interventions in the treatment of arthritis and related conditions. CSO has committed £188,000 over five years for this initiative.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-07T17:21:17.93","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277536,"EventID":"S4W-10446","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1778,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":110,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-24T17:21:18.6","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-24T01:49:29","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many prescriptions have been issued for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis in each year since 2007 and at what cost.","AnswerText":"Information specific to the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis is not available. However, the following table sets out available prescribing data based on Section 1 of Part 10 of the British National Formulary, and may include prescriptions for related conditions, such as arthritis and osteoarthritis, as well as rheumatoid arthritis.\r\nYear\r\nNumber of Dispensed Items\r\nGross Ingredient Cost (£)\r\n2007\r\n2,458,295\r\n20,218,844\r\n2008\r\n2,511,135\r\n17,104,690\r\n2009\r\n2,618,315\r\n16,864,702\r\n2010\r\n2,709,770\r\n17,530,052\r\n2011\r\n2,838,762\r\n17,349,963\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-07T17:21:18.617","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277537,"EventID":"S4W-10447","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1778,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":110,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-24T17:21:19.1","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-24T01:49:29","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many people with rheumatoid arthritis are receiving the newest anti-tumour necrosis factor (anti-TNF) drugs.\r\n","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-07T17:21:19.113","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277538,"EventID":"S4W-10448","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1778,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":110,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-24T17:21:19.427","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-24T01:49:29","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many people with rheumatoid arthritis are waiting to start anti-tumour necrosis factor (anti-TNF) medication.\r\n","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-07T17:21:19.443","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277539,"EventID":"S4W-10449","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1778,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":110,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-24T17:21:19.8","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-24T01:49:29","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what it has done to identify the reasons for women being up to three times more likely than men to develop rheumatoid arthritis and what plans it has to prioritise research and development funding for the condition.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Chief Scientist Office (CSO) has responsibility for encouraging and supporting research into health and healthcare needs in Scotland, they primarily respond to requests for funding by the research community in Scotland.\r\nCSO would welcome research investigational project proposals which seek to identify why there is a higher incidence of RA in women. These would be subject to CSO’s standard peer and committee review processes.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-07T17:21:19.817","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277540,"EventID":"S4W-10450","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1778,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":110,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-24T17:21:20.27","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-24T01:49:29","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government which NHS boards do not fund anti-tumour necrosis factor (anti-TNF) therapy for people with rheumatoid arthritis in cases where that treatment is clinically indicated and what (a) national and (b) local targets relate to the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.\r\n","AnswerText":"Information is not held centrally on which NHS boards fund anti-TNF therapy for people with rheumatoid arthritis.\r\nThe Scottish Government would expect patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) to be treated in line with SIGN guideline 123, published in February 2011. This guideline provides clear evidence-based clinical guidance for rheumatologists, GPs, rheumatology nurse specialists, physiotherapists and other health care professionals.\r\nThe final decision on which indicators will be added to the QOF will be made by the BMA's General Practitioners Committee (GPC) and NHS Employers, and will be announced winter 2012-13.\r\nDrugs costs are funded from NHS boards’ baseline funding provided by the Scottish Government. It is for NHS boards to determine how best to utilise baseline funding to meet the healthcare needs of their resident population.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-07T17:21:20.3","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277541,"EventID":"S4W-10451","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1778,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":110,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-24T17:21:20.77","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-24T01:49:29","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what funding has been allocated in 2012-13 for new drug treatment for people with severe rheumatoid arthritis and how much of this has been spent.","AnswerText":"Drug costs are funded from NHS board’s baseline funding provided by the Scottish Government. It is for NHS boards to determine how best to utilise baseline funding to met the healthcare needs of their resident population. No specific funding is ring-fenced for specific therapeutic areas and therefore it is not possible to identify the funding allocated for new drug treatments for people with severe rheumatoid arthritis.\r\nThe Scottish Government’s Information Services Division (ISD) hold information on costs of specific drugs but as the majority of the drugs prescribed to treat rheumatoid arthritis (RA), are also indicated for other types of arthritis and other conditions and the information cannot be attributed to RA only.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-07T17:21:20.783","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277542,"EventID":"S4W-10452","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1778,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":110,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-24T17:21:21.19","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-24T01:49:29","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many deaths of (a) males and (b) females aged (i) 10 to 16, (ii) 17 to 24, (iii) 25 to 30, (iv) 31 to 35, (v) 36 to 40 and (vi) over 40 in each NHS board area have been attributed to rheumatoid arthritis in each year since 2007.\r\n","AnswerText":"The information requested is available from the Scottish Parliament Information Centre (Bib. number 54426). The table covers all deaths, registered in Scotland, for which the underlying cause was classified as adult rheumatoid arthritis.\r\nThe figures in the table do not include deaths for which the underlying cause was classified as juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (which is recognised as a separate clinical condition, clearly distinct from adult rheumatoid arthritis). One such death was registered in those five years: a female, aged over 40, in Dumfries and Galloway, in 2009.\r\nIt is important to note that the number of deaths for which the underlying cause was classified as rheumatoid arthritis is believed to underestimate substantially the true number of deaths which result from rheumatoid arthritis. This underestimation arises because having rheumatoid arthritis substantially increases the risk of cardiovascular disease and infection. However, when people die from those causes, rheumatoid arthritis may not be mentioned on their death certificates (for example, because the doctors who certify their deaths may be unaware that they had rheumatoid arthritis). As a result, it is not possible to provide comprehensive figures of the total number of deaths to which rheumatoid arthritis may have contributed.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-07T17:21:21.207","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277543,"EventID":"S4W-10453","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1778,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":110,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-24T17:21:21.517","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-24T01:49:29","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what recent assessment it has made of the effectiveness of the management by multidisciplinary teams of (a) rheumatoid arthritis, (b) ankylosing spondylitis and (c) psoriatic arthritis.","AnswerText":"The role of the Scottish Government is to provide policies frameworks and resources to NHS boards in order that they can deliver services that meet the needs of their local population.\r\nIt is for NHS boards to plan and provide services in accordance with national and local priorities and in line with the health needs of their resident populations. NHS boards are expected to review services and facilities regularly to ensure that they continue to reflect local needs and provide quality healthcare services.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-07T17:21:21.533","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277544,"EventID":"S4W-10468","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1778,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":110,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-25T14:32:31.253","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-24T01:49:29","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what assessment it has made of the need for coordination between local authorities, the NHS and social care services to ensure that services for people diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis are fully integrated. \r\n","AnswerText":"The recently published Health Care Needs Assessment (HCNA) on Rheumatoid Arthritis was conducted by the Scottish Public Health Network at the request of Scottish Government. The HCNA outlines current RA service provision across Scotland and makes a number of recommendations that aim to assist NHS boards to plan and develop services for people living with RA and support them to become more person centred, safe and effective.\r\nThe report highlights the role of the multidisciplinary team (MDT) in the management of RA in both the early and chronic disease stages and provides a recommendation for NHS boards that all patients should have access to assessment by a full MDT.\r\nIt is for NHS boards to plan and provide services in accordance with national and local priorities, in line with the health needs of their resident populations. NHS boards will need to consider how they will take the recommendations in the HCNA forward.\r\nIn addition the consultation on proposals for the integration of adult health and social care in Scotland was launched on 8 May 2012 and concluded on 11 September 2012 .\r\nThe objectives of the intended changes to legislation are:\r\nThat Health and social care services are firmly integrated around the needs of individuals, their carers and other family members;\r\nThat they are characterised by strong and consistent clinical and care professional leadership;\r\nThat the providers of services are held to account jointly and effectively for improved delivery; and\r\nThat services are underpinned by flexible, sustainable financial mechanisms that give priority to the needs of the people they serve – rather than the organisations through which they are delivered.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-08T14:32:31.27","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277545,"EventID":"S4W-10483","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2876,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-24T17:21:22.517","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-24T12:00:28","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the average student debt has been of university students in their final year of study whose parental income was less than £17,000, in each year since 2001-02.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Student Loans Company does not hold information on student loan debt broken down by parental income. The Student Loans Company’s publication Income Contingent Repayments by Repayment Cohort and Tax Year 2000-01 to 2010-11 shows that average debt was £5,980 for borrowers who started to repay in 2011. Please see Table 3(iii) in the report which is available here: http://www.slc.co.uk/media/333195/slcosp052012.pdf\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-07T17:21:22.53","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277546,"EventID":"S4W-10484","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2876,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-24T17:21:22.953","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-24T12:00:28","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many students paid back their graduate endowment on graduating or added it to their student loan debt in (a) 2001-02, (b) 2002-03, (c) 2004-05, (d) 2005-06 and (e) 2006-07.\r\n","AnswerText":"The following table shows the number of graduate endowment customers who have repaid or added the amount of their graduate endowment to their student loan debt, from 2003 to 2007. The Student Loans Company (SLC) do not hold any data for 2001-02 or 2002-03.\r\nLast Academic year prior to repayment [1]\r\nCount of Customers who took out a loan to cover the graduate endowment.[2]\r\n2003-04\r\n1,080\r\n2004-05\r\n5,660\r\n2005-06\r\n7,330\r\n2006-07\r\n410\r\nSource: Student Loans Company\r\n[1] This is the academic year on which the loan is taken out. Not necessarily the last academic year prior to graduation. SLC does not know if the customer graduated or not. \r\n[2] Figures are rounded to the nearest 10.\r\n\r\nAs at 31 March 2012, there have been 7,220 individuals who have paid their graduate endowment amount in full to the Student Awards Agency Scotland.do not hold information on when these students made the payments so it is not possible to break down this information by year.\r\n\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-07T17:21:22.967","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277547,"EventID":"S4W-10485","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2876,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-24T17:21:23.373","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-24T12:00:28","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many students have paid back their graduate endowment in full or have a balance remaining.\r\n","AnswerText":"As at 31 March 2012, 22,238 graduates had paid the graduate endowment fee in full. This includes 7,220 who made a cash payment and 15,018 who have chosen to either pay through a student loan or a combination of part cash payment part student loan. 669 have an outstanding balance on their graduate endowment fee.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-07T17:21:23.39","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277548,"EventID":"S4W-10486","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5079,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-24T17:21:23.843","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-24T12:08:06","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on the documentary film, You’ve Been Trumped.\r\n","AnswerText":"In terms of planning issues, the enforcement of planning conditions is a matter for the planning authority. Policing issues are a matter for the appropriate Chief Constable.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-07T17:21:23.857","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277549,"EventID":"S4W-10494","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-24T17:21:24.187","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-24T13:14:04.487","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many drafts of the Your Scotland, Your Referendum consultation analysis by Craigforth Consultancy it received; on what dates; who received each draft, and who subsequently had access to it.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-10495 on 19 November 2012. All answers to written Parliamentary Questions are available on the Scottish Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx. \r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-07T17:21:24.2","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":" Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277550,"EventID":"S4W-10495","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-24T17:21:24.527","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-24T13:14:04.487","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether any minister had access to more than one draft of the Your Scotland, Your Referendum consultation analysis by Craigforth Consultancy before or after publication.\r\n","AnswerText":"The 26,219 consultation responses, along with the independent analysis, were published on 23 October 2012. This response was the third highest to a consultation since devolution. Responses needed to be checked before being published and given the scale of the response, this process took time.\r\nThe analysis of the referendum consultation was carried out by Griesbach and Associates in collaboration with Craigforth HCAS Ltd. The terms and conditions of the contract are as set out in the Scottish Government Social Research Standard Conditions of Contract SR/SC 17/04/2012 (available at: http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Research/About/Social-Research/Guidance-for-Contractors/Standard-Conditions).\r\nThe contract letter stated that a final report should be submitted by 12 September 2012. The Scottish Government agreed a revised timescale with the researchers and this was met.\r\nThe Scottish Government’s project manager for the research contract based in the Strategic Research Team, received draft sections of the report from mid-August 2012 onwards and a draft final report on 12 October 2012. These were shared with policy officials in the Referendum Bill Team.\r\nThe Deputy First Minister was sent the draft final report on 20 October 2012. The First Minister was not sent a draft copy of the consultation analysis report.\r\nIn line with normal practice, research and policy officials discussed the contents and format of the report with the contractors prior to publication.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-07T17:21:24.543","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277551,"EventID":"S4W-10496","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-24T17:21:24.903","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-24T13:14:04.487","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government which minister was the first to see the final draft of the Your Scotland, Your Referendum consultation analysis by Craigforth Consultancy and on what date.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-10495 on 19 November 2012. All answers to written Parliamentary Questions are available on the Scottish Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-07T17:21:24.917","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277552,"EventID":"S4W-10497","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-24T17:21:25.247","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-24T13:14:04.487","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether any (a) official, (b) special adviser or (c) minister discussed the contents of the final draft of the Your Scotland, Your Referendum consultation analysis prior to 12 October 2012.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-10495 on 19 November 2012. All answers to written Parliamentary Questions are available on the Scottish Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-07T17:21:25.277","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277553,"EventID":"S4W-10498","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-24T17:21:25.807","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-24T13:14:04.487","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what deadline it gave Craigforth Consultancy to produce the analysis of the Your Scotland, Your Referendum consultation responses.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-10495 on 19 November 2012. All answers to written Parliamentary Questions are available on the Scottish Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-07T17:21:25.823","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277554,"EventID":"S4W-10499","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-24T17:21:27.087","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-24T13:14:04.487","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether the First Minister received or had access to a draft copy of the Your Scotland, Your Referendum consultation analysis by Craigforth Consultancy and, if so, on what date.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-10495 on 19 November 2012. All answers to written Parliamentary Questions are available on the Scottish Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-07T17:21:27.103","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277555,"EventID":"S4W-10500","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-24T17:21:27.757","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-24T13:14:04.487","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether the Deputy First Minister received or had access to a draft copy of the Your Scotland, Your Referendum consultation analysis by Craigforth Consultancy and, if so, on what date.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-10495 on 19 November 2012. All answers to written Parliamentary Questions are available on the Scottish Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-07T17:21:27.773","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277556,"EventID":"S4W-10501","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-24T17:21:28.24","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-24T13:50:02","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many people will receive support from the Reach Project, broken down by profession.\r\n","AnswerText":"The aim of the Reach Scotland project is to increase the proportion of students from the lowest 40% deprived neighbourhoods participating in the high demand subjects of medicine, veterinary medicine, law and dentistry. The project targets schools with a below national average progression rate to higher education and works with pupils in S4 – S6 who have the potential to progress.\r\n\r\nThe five partner universities who collaborate on the project: University of Aberdeen, University of Dundee, University of Edinburgh, University of Glasgow and University of St Andrews work with pupils in over 176 schools across Scotland.\r\n\r\nThe 5 institutions are due to provide an update report to the Scottish Funding Council by January 2013 on the progress made against targets for increasing the number of pupils from the lowest 40% deprived neighbourhoods who enter higher education in the target subjects as a result of the project.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-07T17:21:28.257","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277569,"EventID":"S4W-10374","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":86,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-25T14:32:21.38","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-22T18:46:18.237","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much it and its agencies have (a) spent and (b) budgeted to spend on marketing and communications to promote Homecoming 2014, broken down by (i) expenditure and (ii) country of spend.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has allocated a core budget of £5.5m to VisitScotland to deliver Homecoming Scotland 2014. £1.75m of these funds will support UK and international marketing and communications activity which will begin early in 2013. Most activity will focus on the UK and our core international markets including the USA, Canada, Germany, France, Spain, the Netherlands and Australia and New Zealand as evidence suggests that these countries offer good prospects to maintain and grow Scotland’s share of their outbound holiday taking. However, travel trade and PR activity will additionally see the Homecoming message communicated much more widely across the globe. Decisions on how overall marketing and communication funding is spent across all markets and countries are operational matters for VisitScotland and I have asked the Chief Executive of VisitScotland to provide you with more information on this aspect of your question.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-08T14:32:21.44","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277570,"EventID":"S4W-10375","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":86,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-25T14:32:22.143","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-22T18:46:18.237","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much it plans to spend in Scotland on marketing and communications activity relating to Homecoming 2014 and what proportion of all Homecoming 2014 marketing and communications spend this represents.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has allocated a core budget of £5.5m to VisitScotland to deliver Homecoming Scotland 2014. £1.75m of these funds will support UK and international marketing and communications activity which will begin early in 2013. Decisions on how these funds are spent across all markets, including Scotland, are operational matters for VisitScotland and I have asked the Chief Executive of VisitScotland to provide you with more information on this aspect of your question.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-08T14:32:22.16","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277571,"EventID":"S4W-10376","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":86,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-25T14:32:22.487","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-22T18:46:18.237","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much it plans to spend on marketing and communications activity relating to Homecoming 2014 in the rest of the United Kingdom, and what proportion of all marketing and communications spending this represents.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has allocated a core budget of £5.5m to VisitScotland to deliver Homecoming Scotland 2014. VisitScotland has allocated £1.75m of these funds for UK and international marketing and communications activity which will begin early in 2013. Decisions on how these funds are spent across all markets, including the rest of the United Kingdom, are operational matters for VisitScotland and I have asked the Chief Executive of VisitScotland to provide you with more information on this aspect of your question.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-08T14:32:22.503","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277572,"EventID":"S4W-10377","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":86,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-25T14:32:22.813","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-22T18:46:18.237","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its target markets are for Homecoming 2014, broken down by (a) country, (b) demographics, (c) socioeconomic segmentation and (d) psychographic segmentation.","AnswerText":"In addition to the UK, VisitScotland’s core markets include the USA, Canada, Germany, France, Spain, the Netherlands and Australia and New Zealand. These countries offer good prospects to maintain and grow Scotland’s share of their outbound holiday taking. VisitScotland also targets a number of emerging markets, which currently provide a small share of our visitors, but show considerable potential for growth. These are China, India, Russia, the Middle East and Brazil. These core and emerging markets will also be a general focus for the Homecoming Scotland 2014 marketing activity, led by VisitScotland. Details of the demographics and segmentation which under-pin each marketing drive are operational matters for VisitScotland and I have asked the Chief Executive of VisitScotland to provide you with more information on this aspect of your question.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-08T14:32:22.83","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277573,"EventID":"S4W-10378","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":86,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-25T14:32:23.173","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-22T18:46:18.237","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government on what basis it will allocate funding in different countries for marketing and communications activity relating to Homecoming 2014.","AnswerText":"VisitScotland will use the most up to date information available on domestic and international visitors to focus its marketing and communication activity for Homecoming Scotland 2014. The allocation of funding to individual campaigns is an operational matter for VisitScotland and I have asked the Chief Executive of VisitScotland to provide you with more background on this aspect of your question.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-08T14:32:23.187","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277574,"EventID":"S4W-10379","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":86,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-25T14:32:23.563","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-22T18:46:18.237","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what evaluation it has made of the efficiency of marketing and communications spending relating to Homecoming 2009 and what lessons can be learnt for Homecoming 2014.","AnswerText":"The EKOS Ltd report Homecoming Scotland 2009- Economic Impact (March 2010) provided an assessment of events coverage and marketing aspects. The key lessons for Homecoming 2014 are that coverage is most common in countries with a strong tourism or Diaspora link with Scotland and that the development of themes provide broad “hooks” for wider participation in the celebration. This is one of the reasons that Homecoming 2014 is under-pinned by the themes of Food and Drink, an Active, Creative, Natural Scotland and Ancestry. \r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-08T14:32:23.58","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277575,"EventID":"S4W-10380","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":86,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-25T14:32:23.89","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-22T18:46:18.237","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much funding it has budgeted for (a) external organisations and (b) its agencies in relation to Homecoming 2014, broken down by (i) financial year, (ii) purpose of funding, (iii) name of organisation and (iv) how spending will be evaluated in each case.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has allocated a core budget of £5.5m to VisitScotland to deliver Homecoming Scotland 2014. £3m of funding will support the signature and funded events programme, £1.75m for the related marketing and communications activity and £0.75m will be used for operational costs. This amount will be provided over the following financial years:\r\n11-12\r\n12-13\r\n13-14\r\n14-15\r\nTOTAL\r\n£200,000\r\n£300,000\r\n£2,000,000\r\n£3,000,000\r\n£5,500,000\r\nSpending on marketing and events will be evaluated using the standard models employed extensively by the national and international tourism industries.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-08T14:32:23.907","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277576,"EventID":"S4W-10381","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":86,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-25T14:32:24.217","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-22T18:46:18.237","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much it and its agencies have spent on Homecoming 2014, also broken down by (a) nature of expense and (b) receiving organisation.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has allocated a core budget of £5.5m to VisitScotland to deliver Homecoming Scotland 2014. £3m of funding will support the signature and funded events programme for Homecoming Scotland 2014, which recently closed to applications on 30 September. £1.75m will provide the related marketing and communications activity which will begin early in 2013. In addition, £0.75m will be used for operational costs.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-08T14:32:24.233","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277577,"EventID":"S4W-10382","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":86,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-25T14:32:24.56","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-22T18:46:18.237","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-03289 by Fiona Hyslop on 3 November 2011, what plans it has to commemorate the anniversary of the Battle of Bannockburn in 2014.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-10384 on 8 November 2012. All answers to written Parliamentary Questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-08T14:32:24.577","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277578,"EventID":"S4W-10383","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":86,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-25T14:32:24.873","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-22T18:46:18.237","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-01551 by Fiona Hyslop on 3 August 2011, what meetings (a) ministers and (b) officials have had relating to plans to commemorate the anniversary of the Battle of Bannockburn in 2014.","AnswerText":"Ministers and officials met with representatives from Stirling Council on 15 March 2011, 18 September 2012 and 11 October 2012 to discuss plans for Stirling 2014, including commemorating the 700th anniversary of the Battle of Bannockburn. Officials from the Scottish Government attend the Stirling 2014 Partners Group which has met regularly since June 2011 and has also discussed the anniversary. Officials from the Scottish Government and VisitScotand have also had meetings with the National Trust for Scotland, the Standing Council of Scottish Chiefs, Historic Scotland and Creative Scotland in relation to plans.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-08T14:32:24.89","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277579,"EventID":"S4W-10385","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":86,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-25T14:32:25.217","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-22T18:46:18.237","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much it has (a) spent and (b) budgeted to spend on events planned to commemorate the anniversary of the Battle of Bannockburn in 2014, broken down by (i) value and (ii) nature of expense.","AnswerText":"An application for funding from Homecoming has been received for the re-enactment event on 28 to 30 June. This is currently being assessed by the Homecoming Scotland team at VisitScotland along with the 164 other applications received. The request is to support marketing activity for the event.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-08T14:32:25.233","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277580,"EventID":"S4W-10386","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":86,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-25T14:32:25.53","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-22T18:46:18.237","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-03289 by Fiona Hyslop on 3 November 2011, what plans it has to commemorate the anniversary of other wars or battles.","AnswerText":"In addition to marking the 700th anniversary of the Battle of Bannockburn in 2014, Scotland will commemorate the centenary of World War One during 2014-18. The Scottish Government will recognise our nation's significant contribution to the war and the impact it had on all our communities. The Scottish Government is working with a range of military and veterans' organisations, cultural bodies, education groups and the UK Government on proposals to commemorate the centenary of this conflict and to ensure Scotland plays its full part in the World War One commemorations being planned across the UK.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-08T14:32:25.543","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277581,"EventID":"S4W-10436","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-25T14:32:25.857","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-23T20:34:52","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to S4W-09790 by Alex Neil on 22 October 2012, whether it will provide the information that was requested and confirm that table 3.02 on page 29 of the Draft Budget 2013-14 is wrong to show a real-terms reduction in the health budget lines of £189.3 million from 2012-13 to 2013-15.\r\n","AnswerText":"As table 3.01 on page 29 shows the resource budget is increasing in the Health portfolio from £11,128.4 million in 2012-13 to £11,841.4 million in 2014-15 – a significant cash terms increase of £713m, or 6.4 per cent. In real terms, as shown in Table 3.02, this is a rise from £11,128.4 million in 2012-13 to £11,270.8 million in 2014-15 in the resource budget.\r\nTerritorial Health Boards, who provide frontline point of care services will receive above inflation increases in resource in 2013-14 and 2014-15 of 3.3 per cent and 3.1 per cent which represents real terms increases of 0.8 per cent and 0.6 per cent respectively.\r\nIn addition, the short to medium term outlook will see capital resources under severe pressure given the significant real terms reduction in capital resources available to the Scottish Government over the 2010 Comprehensive Spending Review period from 2011-12 to 2014-15. In response to this situation however, the Scottish Government has put in place arrangements to support a programme of £2,500m of revenue financed investment across Scotland to boost infrastructure investment. Of this total investment, £750m is being directed towards projects within Health as Non Profit Distributing (NPD) projects or via the hub initiative.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-08T14:32:25.87","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277582,"EventID":"S4W-10437","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-25T14:32:26.247","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-23T20:38:12","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-09775 by Nicola Sturgeon on 22 October 2012, what the (a) grades and (b) responsibilities are of each of the officials in the Scottish Government Defence Policy Unit. \r\n","AnswerText":"The Defence Policy Unit, which forms part of Resilience Division, currently comprises seven officials whose respective grades are C2, C1, 3 B3s, B2 and B1. The work of any one official will contribute to a number of strands of the Unit’s work. For details of the work programme of the Defence Policy Unit, I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-10439 on 7 November 2012. All answers to written Parliamentary Questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-08T14:32:26.26","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277583,"EventID":"S4W-10439","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-25T14:32:26.637","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-23T20:38:12","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answers to questions S4W-09775, S4W-09805, S4W-09806, and S4W-09807 by Nicola Sturgeon on 22 October 2012, whether the Scottish Government Defence Policy Unit has a work programme and, if so, (a) what this is, (b) what work it is doing and (c) what its justification is for this in light of the cabinet secretary's response that \"decisions on defence budgets in an independent Scotland are subject to future consideration and approval by the Scottish Government and Scottish Parliament\".\r\n","AnswerText":"The work programme of the Defence Policy Unit, which is a part of Resilience Division, provides support to Ministers, to our Armed Forces and Veterans and to our communities across a range of defence activity in Scotland. This includes: ensuring that Scotland’s personnel, their families and veterans can access inclusive, quality services as outlined in the Scottish Government’s “Our Commitments” paper; supporting the relationship between defence bases and the communities that host them; supporting Scottish Ministers in developing defence policies for the constitutional options open to the people of Scotland; and liaising with the UK Government and the armed forces on defence issues and impacts in Scotland.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-08T14:32:26.65","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277584,"EventID":"S4W-10454","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1778,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":110,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-25T14:32:27.01","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-24T01:49:29","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what percentage of patients with rheumatoid arthritis is being managed by multidisciplinary teams; in what percentage of NHS boards rheumatoid arthritis patients are managed by multidisciplinary teams throughout their care; which NHS boards do not review new patients with rheumatoid arthritis using a multidisciplinary team, and what proportion of hospitals is able to provide patients suspected of having rheumatoid arthritis with access to a multidisciplinary assessment on (a) first referral, (b) subsequent admission and (c) throughout their care.\r\n","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally.\r\nThe recently published Health Care Needs Assessment (HCNA) on Rheumatoid Arthritis was conducted by the Scottish Public Health Network at the request of Scottish Government. The HCNA outlines current RA service provision across Scotland and makes a number of recommendations that aim to assist NHS Boards to plan and develop services for people living with RA and support them to become more person centred, safe and effective.\r\nThe report highlights the role of the multidisciplinary team (MDT) in the management of RA in both the early and chronic disease stages and provides a recommendation for NHS boards that all patients should have access to assessment by a full MDT. The report notes that most rheumatology departments in Scotland now have at least some elements of a multidisciplinary team.\r\nIt is for NHS boards to plan and provide services in accordance with national and local priorities, in line with the health needs of their resident populations. NHS boards will need to consider how they will take the recommendations in the HCNA forward.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-08T14:32:27.027","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277585,"EventID":"S4W-10455","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1778,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":110,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-25T14:32:27.337","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-24T01:49:29","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many numbered training places have been available for trainee consultants specialising in rheumatoid arthritis in each of the last five years.\r\n","AnswerText":"The information for those in rheumatology specialty training is in the following table, by NHS Education for Scotland Deanery:\r\nRheumatology WTE Training Grade Establishment\r\n\r\n2008-09\r\n2009-10\r\n2010-11\r\n2011-12\r\n2012-13\r\nWest\r\n11\r\n11\r\n13\r\n13\r\n13\r\nSouth East\r\n4\r\n4\r\n5\r\n5\r\n5\r\nEast\r\n3\r\n3\r\n3\r\n2\r\n2\r\nNorth\r\n4\r\n4\r\n3\r\n3\r\n2\r\nTotal\r\n22\r\n22\r\n24\r\n23\r\n22\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-08T14:32:27.337","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277586,"EventID":"S4W-10456","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1778,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":110,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-25T14:32:27.62","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-24T01:49:29","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many nurses with specialist qualifications in rheumatoid arthritis work in the NHS, also expressed per head of population.\r\n","AnswerText":"The number (headcount) of Clinical Nurse Specialists within the specialty of Rheumatology as at 30 September 2011 is detailed in the following table:\r\nClinical Nurse Specialty\r\nHeadcount\r\nPopulation\r\nRate (per 100,000)\r\nRheumatology\r\n33.0\r\n5,254,800\r\n0.6\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-08T14:32:27.633","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277587,"EventID":"S4W-10457","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1778,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":110,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-25T14:32:27.917","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-24T01:49:29","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many finished episodes of care there have been for patients with a (a) primary and (b) secondary diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis in each year since 2007.","AnswerText":"Figures for hospital stays for rheumatoid arthritis are shown in Table 1 and for “juvenile arthritis” in Table 2, as follows:\r\nTable 1 - Number of rheumatoid arthritis hospital stays by financial years 2007-08 –2011-12, by (a) primary and (b) secondary diagnosis based on ICD10 codes M05 and M06\r\n\r\n2007-08\r\n2008-09\r\n2009-10\r\n2010-11\r\n2011-12p\r\nPrimary diagnosis\r\n5,152\r\n4,483\r\n4,448\r\n6,505\r\n6,902\r\nSecondary diagnosis\r\n5,136\r\n5,281\r\n5,162\r\n5,452\r\n5,589\r\nSource: ISD Scotland SMR01.\r\np - provisional - Due to the implementation of new Patient Management Systems by some NHS boards there is known data incompleteness for NHS Grampian in the most recent year. Figures may increase in future revisions.\r\nTable 2 - Number of “juvenile arthritis” hospital stays by financial years 2007-08 – 2011-12, by (a) primary and (b) secondary diagnosis, based on ICD10 code M08 excluding M08.1.\r\n\r\n2007-08\r\n2008-09\r\n2009-10\r\n2010-11\r\n2011-12p\r\nPrimary diagnosis\r\n481\r\n573\r\n639\r\n767\r\n973\r\nSecondary diagnosis\r\n140\r\n142\r\n171\r\n173\r\n194\r\nSource: ISD Scotland SMR01.\r\np - provisional - Due to the implementation of new Patient Management Systems by some NHS boards there is known data incompleteness for NHS Grampian in the most recent year. Figures may increase in future revisions.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-08T14:32:27.917","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277588,"EventID":"S4W-10458","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1778,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":110,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-25T14:32:28.29","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-24T01:49:29","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it tackles non-compliance with National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) guidelines on the treatment of severe rheumatoid arthritis.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government is fully committed to ensuring that the NHS in Scotland delivers high quality, safe and effective person centred care. The Scottish Government has overall responsibility for healthcare policy; however, it is for healthcare providers and professionals to implement that policy at local level, adhering to the legislation, regulations and guidance that are in place.\r\nThe National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence provide guidelines for use in England and Wales, however these guidelines have no formal standing in Scotland.\r\nScottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network (SIGN) guidelines are recommended to NHSScotland and should be taken into account when services are being developed. Implementation of SIGN guidelines is the responsibility of NHS Boards and their operating divisions, reinforced by the twin “levers” of clinical governance and Healthcare Improvement Scotland.\r\nThe SIGN guideline 123 on the Management of Early Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) was published in February 2011 and covers the diagnosis and management of early RA.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-08T14:32:28.307","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277589,"EventID":"S4W-10459","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1778,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":110,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-25T14:32:28.697","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-24T01:49:29","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government which NHS boards have not yet made treatment approved by the Scottish Medicines Consortium or the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) for use in rheumatoid arthritis available to people with a clinical need and what assessment it has made of the potential impact of any NHS deficits on the uptake of treatment approved by NICE for use in rheumatoid arthritis.","AnswerText":"NHS boards and clinicians are expected to take full account of advice from the Scottish Medicines Consortium and Healthcare Improvement Scotland in the planning and provision of NHS services.\r\nInformation on which NHS boards have not yet made treatment approved by the Scottish Medicines Consortium or the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) for use in rheumatoid arthritis available to people with a clinical need is not held centrally.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-08T14:32:28.697","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277590,"EventID":"S4W-10460","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1778,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":110,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-25T14:32:29.053","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-24T01:49:29","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what discussions it has had with the European Commission about the level of priority given to rheumatoid arthritis under EU framework programmes and the expected impact on NHS Scotland; whether it will list the EU funding areas for medical research that affect (a) Scotland and (b) rheumatoid arthritis; how much EU funding is allocated for research into (i) autoimmune diseases and (ii) rheumatoid arthritis in Scotland, and whether it will make representations for priority to be given to autoimmune diseases as a funding area under further EU framework programmes and for rheumatoid arthritis to be included as one of the key autoimmune diseases.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has fed into the discussion at the UK level on the future framework programmes and the shape that these will take. These discussions are led by the Department of Health and do not generally extend to the level of particular diseases. The finalised programmes have yet to be announced and we are unable to give any detail of the programmes.\r\nUnder the current EU framework programme [FP7], medical research is supported in the following areas; brain research, human development and ageing, cancer, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes and obesity, rare diseases, and severe chronic diseases. It is under this final category that RA research has been funded.\r\nScottish research institutes bid competitively for FP7 funding, most commonly in collaboration with other researchers across the EU.\r\nAs of 29 June 2012, Scottish researchers have been awarded FP7 funding of €52,914,890 under the Health element of the programme.\r\nThe breakdown of this funding into particular therapeutic areas is not centrally held.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-08T14:32:29.07","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277591,"EventID":"S4W-10461","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1778,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":110,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-25T14:32:29.413","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-24T01:49:29","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it will ensure that GPs have greater awareness of rheumatoid arthritis to enable earlier identification of the disease.\r\n","AnswerText":"A Health Care Needs Assessment (HCNA) on Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) has recently been published. This was conducted by the Scottish Public Health Network at the request of Scottish Government and outlines current RA service provision across Scotland. It also made a number of recommendations that aim to assist NHS boards to plan and develop services for people living with RA.\r\nIn addition, the Scottish Intercollegiate Guideline (SIGN) 123 on the Management of Early Rheumatoid Arthritis, provides clinicians in NHSScotland with evidence based recommendations for the diagnosis and management of early rheumatoid arthritis. Implementation of the guideline is a key way of supporting delivering safe, effective and person centred services and raising awareness of this condition.\r\nThe Scottish Government has good working relationships with stakeholders who care for and support people living with RA, including voluntary sector organisations. We will continue to work with stakeholders to help raise awareness of RA in Scotland.\r\nThe Scottish Government has also provided 16B funding of £81,000 over three years to Arthritis Care Scotland to help establish its website 'Connect Scotland'. The site is has been written by and for people living with arthritis, and aims to help them, and health professionals, to access information, share experiences and build community networks.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-08T14:32:29.43","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277592,"EventID":"S4W-10462","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1778,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":110,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-25T14:32:29.757","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-24T01:49:29","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it will ensure that GPs make information on rheumatoid arthritis available to the public.","AnswerText":"A Health Care Needs Assessment (HCNA) on Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) has recently been published. This was conducted by the Scottish Public Health Network at the request of Scottish Government and outlines current RA service provision across Scotland. It makes a number of recommendations that aim to assist NHS boards to plan and develop services for people living with RA.\r\nThe HCNA highlights the role of primary care and the need for clear referral pathways, as well as the importance of informed self management in the management of RA.\r\nIt is for NHS boards to plan and provide services in accordance with national and local priorities, in line with the health needs of their resident populations. NHS boards will need to consider how they will take the recommendations in the HCNA forward.\r\nNHS Inform website already provides a range of information on RA and links to voluntary organisations who can provide advice and support on living with the condition. Further information is available at:\r\nhttp://www.nhsinform.co.uk/health-library/articles/r/rheumatoid-arthritis/introduction.\r\nThe Scottish Government has provided funding to Arthritis Care Scotland to help establish its website “Connect Scotland”. The site has been written by and is for people living with arthritis. It aims to help them and health professionals to access information, share experiences and build community networks.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-08T14:32:29.77","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277593,"EventID":"S4W-10463","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1778,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":110,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-25T14:32:30.053","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-24T01:49:29","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government (a) how much it cost (i) the NHS and (ii) social services to provide services to people diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis, (b) how many new cases of rheumatoid arthritis were diagnosed and (c) how many people were recorded as having rheumatoid arthritis in each NHS board area, in the most recent year for which figures are available. \r\n","AnswerText":"The information is not collected or held centrally to the level of detail requested.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-08T14:32:30.067","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277594,"EventID":"S4W-10464","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1778,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":110,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-25T14:32:30.333","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-24T01:49:29","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the average waiting time was for people with rheumatoid arthritis for follow-up consultations with a rheumatology specialist in (a) NHS Fife and (b) Scotland in the last year for which information is available.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not available centrally. The timing of any second or subsequent outpatient appointment would be a matter for the consultant to determine based on the individual patient’s clinical need.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-08T14:32:30.35","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277595,"EventID":"S4W-10465","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1778,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":110,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-25T14:32:30.647","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-24T01:49:29","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what assessment it has made of (a) regional variations in the availability of treatment for rheumatoid arthritis approved by the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) and (b) the implementation of NICE clinical guideline 79 in each NHS board area.","AnswerText":"A Health Care Needs Assessment (HCNA) on Rheumatoid Arthritis has recently been published. This was conducted by the Scottish Public Health Network at the request of Scottish Government and outlines current RA service provision across Scotland. It also makes a number of recommendations that aim to assist NHS boards to plan and develop services for people living with RA.\r\nThe Scottish Government has overall responsibility for healthcare policy; however, it is for healthcare providers and professionals to implement that policy at local level, adhering to the legislation, regulations and guidance that are in place.\r\nThe National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence provide guidelines for use in England and Wales and these guidelines have no formal standing in Scotland. \r\nScottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network (SIGN) guidelines are recommended to NHSScotland and should be taken into account when services are being planned and developed. Implementation of SIGN guidelines is the responsibility of NHS boards and their operating divisions, reinforced by the twin “levers” of clinical governance and Healthcare Improvement Scotland.\r\nThe SIGN guideline 123 on the Management of Early Rheumatoid Arthritis was published in February 2011 and covers the diagnosis and management of early RA.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-08T14:32:30.66","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277596,"EventID":"S4W-10466","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1778,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":110,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-25T14:32:30.94","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-24T01:49:29","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will ensure that people diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis are referred to a specialist at an appropriate time in respect of diagnosis and follow-up appointments and during flare-ups.","AnswerText":"A Health Care Needs Assessment (HCNA) on Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) has recently been published. This was conducted by the Scottish Public Health Network at the request of Scottish Government and outlines current RA service provision across Scotland. It also makes a number of recommendations that aim to assist NHS boards to plan and develop services for people living with RA.\r\nThe HCNA highlights the following aspects which will all help to improve outcomes:\r\nthe importance of early recognition of possible RA symptoms\r\nseeking medical advice as soon as possible and\r\nspeedy referral to specialist rheumatology services to ensure early diagnosis and enable treatment to commence at the earliest opportunity.\r\nThe report also highlights the role of the multidisciplinary team (MDT) in the management of RA in both the early and chronic disease stages. It provides recommendations to NHS Boards that all patients should have access to assessment by a full MDT and that patients and primary care teams have easy access to the rheumatology team for rapid assessment in the event of a flare up. \r\nThe role of the Scottish Government is to provide policies, frameworks and resources to NHS Boards in order that they can deliver services that meet the needs of their local population. NHS Boards will therefore need to consider how they will take the recommendations in the HCNA forward.\r\nA key way to support NHS boards to deliver safe, effective and person centred services is by implementing clinical standards. The Scottish Intercollegiate Guideline (SIGN) 123 on the Management of Early Rheumatoid Arthritis, provides clinicians in NHSScotland with evidence based recommendations for the diagnosis and management of early rheumatoid arthritis. NHS boards are expected to implement SIGN guidelines.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-08T14:32:30.957","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277597,"EventID":"S4W-10469","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1778,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":110,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-25T14:32:31.77","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-24T01:49:29","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what plans it has to encourage the sharing of good practice among health professionals in treating rheumatoid arthritis.\r\n","AnswerText":"A Health Care Needs Assessment (HCNA) on Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) has recently been published. It was conducted by the Scottish Public Health Network at the request of Scottish Government and outlines current RA service provision across Scotland.It makes a number of recommendations that aim to assist NHS boards to plan and develop services for people living with RA.\r\nThe role of the Scottish Government is to provide policies frameworks and resources to NHS boards in order that they can deliver services that meet the needs of their local population.\r\nIt is for NHS boards to plan and provide services in accordance with national and local priorities, in line with the health needs of their resident populations. NHS boards will need to consider how they will take the recommendations in the HCNA forward. A number of the recommendations within the HCNA are applicable nationally and we are considering the implications of these and how we can support NHS Boards to take them forward.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-08T14:32:31.8","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277598,"EventID":"S4W-10470","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1778,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":110,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-25T14:32:32.097","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-24T01:49:29","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will host a summit on rheumatoid arthritis involving key stakeholders in the NHS and local authorities to highlight the importance that it gives to tackling this condition.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has no plans to hold a summit on rheumatoid arthritis at this time.\r\nWe have good working relationships with key stakeholders and are in regular contact with them to discuss any concerns regarding care and support for people living with all forms of arthritis.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-08T14:32:32.11","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277599,"EventID":"S4W-10471","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1778,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":110,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-25T14:32:32.423","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-24T01:49:29","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what steps it is taking to ensure that GPs have the appropriate skills and knowledge to develop the ability of people diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis to self-care and manage pain.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government is taking a range of work forward to ensure GPs have appropriate knowledge and skills in supporting self management across all conditions. This agenda has been taken forward through the appointment of the Scottish Government’s Clinical Lead for Self Management and Health Literacy, who is a GP. The training curriculum for GPs is under the stewardship of the Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP), the clinical lead is working closely with RCGP on this agenda - not just regarding rheumatoid arthritis, but for those living with any Long Term Condition.\r\nIn addition, Community Health Partnerships (CHPs) around Scotland have incorporated learning events for GPs on self management, raising awareness of self management programmes particularly around arthritis and pain.\r\nFor example, Angus CHP have been proactive in raising awareness amongst GPs of courses and support for people with arthritis and pain including Arthritis Forum and pain management courses run by Pain Association Scotland.\r\nIn addition the implementation of Scottish Service Model for Chronic Pain is being taken forward by the Scottish Government’s Lead Clinician on Chronic Pain. The model has a strong focus on improving supported self management in primary care for people living with pain.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-08T14:32:32.44","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277600,"EventID":"S4W-10472","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1778,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":110,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-25T14:32:32.72","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-24T01:49:29","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what assessment it has made of the effects of (a) surgery and (b) medicinal drugs on the life expectancy of people who have rheumatoid arthritis. \r\n","AnswerText":"(a) A Health Care Needs Assessment (HCNA) on Rheumatoid Arthritis has recently been published. This was requested by the Scottish Government and undertaken by the Scottish Public Health Network (SPHN). The SPHN’s HCNA identified the role of orthopaedic surgery in relation to rheumatoid arthritis (RA) as follows:\r\nRA may lead to a requirement for orthopaedic surgery, in particular joint replacement surgery, synovectomy (removal of the inflamed joint lining), tendon repair and carpal tunnel release. The main aims of surgery are to relieve pain, restore function and correct deformity.\r\nThe report also highlights the need for good relationships between rheumatology and orthopaedics to ensure optimum management of those requiring surgery.\r\n(b) The Scottish Government has not made an assessment of the effects of medicinal drugs on the life expectancy of people who have rheumatoid arthritis.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-08T14:32:32.737","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277601,"EventID":"S4W-10473","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1778,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":110,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-25T14:32:33","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-24T01:49:29","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what (a) recent assessment it has made of the effectiveness of rheumatoid arthritis services and (b) steps it (i) is taking and (ii) plans to take to encourage NHS boards to deliver services in line with this assessment in the next six months.\r\n","AnswerText":"The recently published Health Care Needs Assessment (HCNA) on Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) was conducted by the Scottish Public Health Network at the request of Scottish Government. The HCNA outlines current RA service provision across Scotland and makes a number of recommendations that aim to assist NHS boards to plan and develop services for people living with RA.\r\nThe role of the Scottish Government is to provide policies, frameworks and resources to NHS boards in order that they can deliver services that meet the needs of their local population.\r\nIt is for NHS boards to plan and provide services in accordance with national and local priorities, in line with the health needs of their resident populations. NHS boards will need to consider how they will take the recommendations in the HCNA forward. A number of the recommendations within the HCNA are applicable nationally and we are considering these and how we can support NHS boards to take them forward.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-08T14:32:33.017","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277602,"EventID":"S4W-10474","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1778,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":110,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-25T14:32:33.297","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-24T01:49:29","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what steps it is taking to improve the training provided to GPs in respect of rheumatoid arthritis; what funding it provides to support this training, and when educational material that supports this will be provided.\r\n","AnswerText":"A Health Care Needs Assessment (HCNA) on Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) was recently published. It was conducted by the Scottish Public Health Network at the request of Scottish Government and makes a number of recommendations that aim to assist NHS boards to plan and develop services for people living with RA.\r\nNHS boards will need to consider how they will take the recommendations in the HCNA forward. A number of the recommendations within the HCNA are applicable nationally and we are considering these and how we can support NHS Boards to take them forward. This will be done through discussions with NHS Boards and stakeholders including NHS Education for Scotland for any training and educational needs that may be identified as a result of the HCNA.\r\nThe training provided to GP trainees is guided by the learning outcomes described in the Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP) UK curriculum for GP training. The curriculum has a section on the care of people with Musculoskeletal problems, which includes inflammatory arthritis such RA. The outcomes include management of the condition, with the teams in primary and specialist care, following timely diagnosis. The training delivers competencies in holistic and comprehensive approach.\r\nThe policy of annual appraisal process, which contributes to the revalidation of GPs, helps GPs to identify their learning needs to address the healthcare needs of their patients. GPs are supported by health boards (e.g. Protected Learning Time), and other organisations such as the post graduate deaneries, NHS Education for Scotland, the Medical Royal Colleges and others, who provide the opportunities for GPs to undertake relevant and high quality Continuous Professional Development activities.\r\nThese can be accessed in several different ways such as through medical journals, national and local guidelines, courses, electronically through the Knowledge Network, and others. GPs as Members or Fellows of the RCGP can access the learning materials and guidelines developed and supported by the RCGP, and delivered in various accessible formats e.g. lectures, journals, research articles, e-learning.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-08T14:32:33.313","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277603,"EventID":"S4W-10475","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1778,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":110,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-25T14:32:33.577","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-24T01:49:29","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what (a) its most recent assessment is of progress made toward meeting the 18-week waiting time target for access to rheumatoid arthritis services and (b) assessment it has made of the effect of the waiting time target on the provision of rheumatology services.\r\n","AnswerText":"Waiting time information is not available centrally for access to rheumatoid arthritis services, as data is collected at specialty level.\r\nPublished waiting times information for the specialty of rheumatology showed that in June 2012, 95.7% of patients were seen and treated within 18 weeks from their initial referral. This performance exceeds the Scottish Government’s delivery target of \r\n90% of patients being seen and treated within 18 weeks.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-08T14:32:33.593","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277604,"EventID":"S4W-10476","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1778,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":110,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-25T14:32:33.86","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-24T01:49:29","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what proportion of patients with rheumatoid arthritis is expected in the next two years to receive a second anti-tumour necrosis factor (anti-TNF) treatment used sequentially after the failure of a first anti-TNF treatment; how many patients with rheumatoid arthritis will not be provided with sequential treatments with anti-TNF drugs over the next five years as a result of rulings made by the Scottish Medicines Consortium or the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE); what records it holds for benchmarking purposes on the use of anti-TNF treatments in other EU countries, and what assessment it has made of how patterns of use of anti-TNF treatments in Scotland differ from that in (a) the rest of the UK and (b) other EU countries.\r\n","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-08T14:32:33.873","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277605,"EventID":"S4W-10477","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1778,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":110,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-25T14:32:34.157","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-24T01:49:29","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what information it has on how many people under the age of 16 in (a) the Cowdenbeath constituency, (b) NHS Fife area, (c) Scotland and (d) the UK have died from the juvenile form of rheumatoid arthritis in each year since 2007.\r\n","AnswerText":"In the years from 2007 to 2011, inclusive, no such deaths were registered anywhere in Scotland. \r\nStatistics of deaths in other parts of the United Kingdom are produced by the Office for National Statistics (England and Wales) and the Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency. Both organisations make a range of published tables available on their web sites, and both have enquiry points which can be approached for breakdowns that are more detailed than their standard published figures.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-08T14:32:34.17","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277606,"EventID":"S4W-10478","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1778,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":110,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-25T14:32:34.453","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-24T01:49:29","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what (a) steps it is taking to increase arthritis awareness in the workplace and (b) representations it has received on (i) rheumatoid arthritis and (ii) osteo-arthritis in the workplace.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Centre for Healthy Working Lives is funded to provide advice to employers to promote health, safety and wellbeing in the workplace. The Centre is able to advise employers on the measures they can take to support employees with a range of health conditions or disabilities including arthritis.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-08T14:32:34.467","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277607,"EventID":"S4W-10479","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1778,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":110,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-25T14:32:34.763","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-24T01:49:29","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what progress it has made in reviewing evidence on the need for better access to flare-up and pain management services for people with rheumatoid arthritis and when it will produce an action plan.\r\n","AnswerText":"A Health Care Needs Assessment (HCNA) on Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) has recently been published. This was conducted by the Scottish Public Health Network at the request of Scottish Government and outlines current RA service provision across Scotland. It also makes a number of recommendations that aim to assist NHS boards to plan and develop services for people living with RA.\r\nThe HCNA highlights the role of the multidisciplinary team (MDT) in the management of RA in both the early and chronic disease stages and provides a recommendation for NHS boards that all patients should have access to assessment by a full MDT. The report also recommends that patients and primary care teams have easy access to the rheumatology team for rapid assessment in the event of a flare up.\r\nThe role of the Scottish Government is to provide policies, frameworks and resources to NHS boards in order that they can deliver services that meet the needs of their local population. \r\nIt is for NHS boards to plan and provide services in accordance with national and local priorities, in line with the health needs of their resident populations. NHS boards will need to consider how they will take the recommendations in the HCNA forward.\r\nThe Scottish Government are working with Healthcare Improvement Scotland to improve services for people living with chronic pain. The National Lead Clinician and Steering Group for Chronic Pain to implement the Scottish Service Model for Chronic Pain. The Scottish Government has made funding of £100,000 available over two years to assist with the establishment service improvement groups/managed clinical networks. This will benefit people living with a range of long term conditions including arthritis.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-08T14:32:34.78","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277608,"EventID":"S4W-10480","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1778,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":110,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-25T14:32:35.043","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-24T01:49:29","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what guidance it has issued to NHS boards on assessing what services are required for people with rheumatoid arthritis.  \r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has not issued any specific guidance to NHS boards regarding the assessment of services required for people living with rheumatoid arthritis.\r\nThe role of the Scottish Government is to provide policies, frameworks and resources to NHS boards in order that they can deliver services that meet the needs of their local population. It is for NHS boards to plan and provide services in accordance with national and local priorities and in line with the health needs of their resident populations. NHS boards are expected to review services and facilities regularly to ensure that they continue to reflect local needs and provide the best quality healthcare services.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-08T14:32:35.06","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277609,"EventID":"S4W-10481","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1778,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":110,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-25T14:32:35.34","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-24T01:49:29","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will run a campaign in the next 12 months to raise people's awareness of the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, with particular reference to the seeking of prompt medical attention. \r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has good working relationships with stakeholders involved in the care and support of people living with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). In collaboration with stakeholders we were able to contribute to the recent public awareness campaign lead by NHS inform with an article published on their website.\r\n\r\nThe article was published to coincide with World Arthritis Day (12 October) and was circulated using social media. The article focussed on the benefits of physical activity and highlighted the importance of early consultation with GPs regarding any of the signs or symptoms of RA.\r\nThe Scottish Government has also provided Section 16B health grant funding of £81k over three years, to Arthritis Care Scotland to help establish its website “Connect Scotland”. The site is has been written by and is for people living with arthritis. It aims to help individuals and health professionals to access information, share experiences and build community networks.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-08T14:32:35.357","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277610,"EventID":"S4W-10482","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1778,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":110,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-25T14:32:35.637","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-24T01:49:29","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how NHS boards (a) have provided information on inflammatory arthritis to GPs in the last year and (b) plan to provide such information in the next year.\r\n","AnswerText":"The specific information requested in relation to points (a) and (b) is not held centrally.\r\nHowever, a Health Care Needs Assessment (HCNA) on Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) has recently been published. It was conducted by the Scottish Public Health Network at the request of Scottish Government and makes a number of recommendations that aim to assist NHS boards to plan and develop services for people living with RA. It also highlights the role of primary care and the importance of informed self management for people living with RA. \r\nIt is for NHS boards to plan and provide services to meet the needs of their resident populations, in accordance with national and local priorities and guidelines. NHS boards will need to consider how they will take the recommendations in the HCNA forward.\r\nThe Scottish Government has provided funding to Arthritis Care Scotland to help establish its website “Connect Scotland”. The site is has been written by and is for people living with arthritis. It aims to help them, and health professionals to access information, share experiences and build community networks.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-08T14:32:35.653","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277611,"EventID":"S4W-10503","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1778,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":110,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-25T14:32:35.933","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-24T01:49:29","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many people with severe rheumatoid arthritis who would benefit from anti-tumour necrosis factor (anti-TNF) therapy do not receive it, and whether it will ensure that anti-TNF treatment will be made available on prescription to all patients where the clinical diagnosis supports such treatment. \r\n","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally.\r\nThe Scottish Government is committed to patients in Scotland receiving medicines of established cost-effectiveness and therapeutic value.\r\nNHS boards and clinicians are expected to take full account of advice from the Scottish Medicines Consortium and Healthcare Improvement Scotland in the planning and provision of NHS services.\r\nThe decisions of individual clinicians in relation to patient care are a matter of professional judgement. However, all NHS staff operate within the management framework of their employing organisations.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-08T14:32:35.933","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277612,"EventID":"S4W-10504","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1778,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":110,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-25T14:32:36.247","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-24T15:59:14.213","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many adults in (a) the Cowdenbeath constituency, (b) NHS Fife area, (c) Scotland and (d) the UK have died from rheumatoid arthritis in each year since 2007.\r\n","AnswerText":"The information that is available is given in the following table.\r\nStatistics of deaths in other parts of the United Kingdom are produced by the Office for National Statistics (for England and Wales) and the Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency. Both organisations make a range of published tables available on their web sites, and both have enquiry points which you can approach if you are seeking breakdowns that are more detailed than their standard published figures.\r\nDeaths, registered in Scotland, of people aged 16 and over, for which the underlying cause of death was adult rheumatoid arthritis*\r\n\r\nYear of registration of death\r\nArea of residence**\r\n2007\r\n2008\r\n2009\r\n2011\r\n2012\r\nCowdenbeath constituency\r\n3\r\n1\r\n0\r\n1\r\n1\r\nNHS Fife\r\n8\r\n3\r\n3\r\n9\r\n11\r\nScotland\r\n139\r\n107\r\n104\r\n106\r\n98\r\n*the underlying cause of the death was given one of the following codes from the International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems, 10th Revision (ICD-10):\r\n(i) M05 - seropositive rheumatoid arthritis\r\nor (ii) M06 - other rheumatoid arthritis\r\nor (iii) M45 - ankylosing spondylitis and the cause of death mentioned \"rheumatoid\"\r\n**deaths of people who lived outwith Scotland are counted on the basis of where they died.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-08T14:32:36.26","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277613,"EventID":"S4W-10505","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4940,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-25T14:32:36.543","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-24T16:03:43","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how the minimum income guarantee for Scottish full-time higher education students will benefit students living and studying in Scotland.","AnswerText":"The minimum income guarantee, for students from lowest income households is part of a package of changes to student support that, together with our commitment to free tuition fees, will provide the best overall package of support.\r\nStudents from lowest income households will be able to access a combination of loans and bursaries amounting to £7,250.\r\nThe simplification of the system will allow all prospective students to understand the funds available to them to assist their studies.\r\nAll Scottish domiciled students, irrespective of circumstances, will be able to access at least £4,500 in student living cost loans if they wish to do so. This recognises the financial pressures on middle income families as a result of difficult economic conditions, the need articulated by the NUS for students to have more cash, and the expense of alternative finance through credit cards and exorbitant pay day loans.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-08T14:32:36.557","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277614,"EventID":"S4W-10506","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-25T14:32:36.84","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-24T16:13:37","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, in light of paragraph 41 of Audit Scotland’s report, Scotland’s colleges: Current finances, future challenges, whether it plans to instruct the Scottish Funding Council to collect data on the number of potential students to colleges who apply but do not obtain a place.","AnswerText":"We are working with the Scottish Funding Council to examine college procedures for gathering data on the number and circumstances of people who are unsuccessful in obtaining a college place. This work will also address our concerns about waiting lists as an accurate measure of demand.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-08T14:32:36.853","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277615,"EventID":"S4W-10519","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-25T14:32:37.197","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-24T17:24:56.56","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when it will provide a substantive answer to question S4W-09705, which received a holding response from John Swinney on 2 October 2012, and what the reason is for the delay.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-09705 on 29 October 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-08T14:32:37.213","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277631,"EventID":"S4W-10384","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":86,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-25T17:14:29.877","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-22T18:46:18.237","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its plans are to commemorate the anniversary of the Battle of Bannockburn in 2014.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government and the Homecoming Scotland team at VisitScotland are working in close partnership with the National Trust for Scotland as it develops its plans for the 700th anniversary of the Battle of Bannockburn in 2014. The anniversary will be a key event in the Homecoming Scotland programme and a centrepiece of the Stirling 2014 celebrations for the Year. The event will include (i) a battle re-enactment, the largest ever hosted at the memorial battlefield; (ii) a tented clan village; (iii) weaponry and falconry displays; and an authentic campsite.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-08T17:14:29.97","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277632,"EventID":"S4W-10507","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-25T17:14:30.97","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-24T17:17:15.183","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the position of NHS Education for Scotland is on the Royal College of General Practitioners' educational case for extending and enhancing GP training.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Medical Training Board (SMTB), which is chaired by the Chief Medical Officer for Scotland, provides strategic leadership to the management and development of postgraduate medical education and training in Scotland, and reports to the Cabinet Secretary for Health and Wellbeing. \r\nNHS Education for Scotland (NES) is a member of the SMTB and has been party to discussions on the RCGP proposals, which would require UK-wide agreement before proceeding. The SMTB has acknowledged the strength of the educational case but has agreed that further work is necessary to fully explore the implications of implementation.\r\nNES, at the request of the SMTB, is presently assessing the likely impact of these proposals for Scotland's current GP training programmes, which will help inform further discussion and consideration by the SMTB and, ultimately, the Board's advice to Scottish Ministers.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-08T17:14:31","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277633,"EventID":"S4W-10508","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-25T17:14:31.593","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-24T17:17:15.183","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what discussions it has had with the General Medical Council on the curriculum and assessment changes that might result from the introduction of the Royal College of General Practitioners' programme for extending and enhancing GP training.\r\n","AnswerText":"Officials of the Scottish Government and the General Medical Council have participated in a number of meetings on developments impacting on medical education and training across the UK, which have included discussion on the curriculum and assessment changes that might result from the introduction of the RCGP’s programme for extending and enhancing GP training.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-08T17:14:31.61","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277634,"EventID":"S4W-10509","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-25T17:14:31.983","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-24T17:17:15.183","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what IT systems the NHS has procured since 2006 that (a) have and (b) have not met the recommendations on procurement of information technology in Review of Public Procurement in Scotland: Report & Recommendations.\r\n","AnswerText":"IT systems procured on behalf of NHS Scotland since 2006 meet the recommendations on procurement of information technology contained in the review of Public Procurement in Scotland.\r\nThese include the Patient Management System, Picture Archiving & Communications system, Sexual Health, GP IT, Chemotherapy prescribing, Single Sign On and Audit Log Analysis.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-08T17:14:32.013","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277635,"EventID":"S4W-10510","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-25T17:14:32.39","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-24T17:17:15.183","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what steps it will take to improve communication between NHS 24 and patients who wish to communicate through another designated person or where there is a welfare power of attorney under the Adults with Incapacity (Scotland) Act 2000.","AnswerText":"NHS 24 frequently support patients where a third party calls on their behalf, for example from callers who are parents, carers, family members, neighbours or friends. There will be a variety of reasons for this, generally because the patient is unable to speak to NHS 24 themselves.\r\nAs part of the Emergency Care Summary, NHS 24 have access to any special notes that have been added by the patients GP, this might include information about communication needs. NHS 24 also have access to information about previous contacts to their unscheduled care service so will have notes on the previous circumstances and any special requests made by a patient or someone acting on their behalf.\r\nNHS 24 are committed to ensuring that they communicate effectively with all patients, or those who call on their behalf. They would welcome feedback if this has not been achieved in order that lessons can be applied for the future.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-08T17:14:32.42","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277636,"EventID":"S4W-10511","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-25T17:14:32.84","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-24T17:17:15.183","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether the emergency summary medical record has the scope to register persons other than an adult patient where (a) the patient wishes to designate such a person or persons and (b) a person has a welfare power of attorney under the Adults with Incapacity (Scotland) Act 2000.","AnswerText":"As part of the Key Information Summary (KIS) project, the scope of the Emergency Care Summary (ECS) record is being changed to enable optional further detail to be recorded. The patients for whom a KIS will be most appropriate are those with complex care needs, and the record will be co-created with the patient/carer.\r\nElements of the record include any carers or advocates for the patient, and details of welfare power of attorney under the Adults with Incapacity Act 2000. The Emergency Care Summary does not currently have this capacity and the KIS project will make this available across Scotland during 2013.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-08T17:14:32.873","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277637,"EventID":"S4W-10512","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-25T17:14:33.31","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-24T17:17:15.183","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what steps Education Scotland has taken to engage experts in sport and physical activity in its schools inspection teams.","AnswerText":"In a sample number of inspections Health and Nutrition Inspectors (HNIs) are part of the inspection team and have a focus on all aspects of Health and Wellbeing, including physical activity. Where they are not part of the team, this responsibility is undertaken by another member of the inspection team.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-08T17:14:33.34","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alasdair Allan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277638,"EventID":"S4W-10513","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-25T17:14:33.777","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-24T17:17:15.183","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether every parent receives a report on their child's physical literacy at least once during primary school.","AnswerText":"Physical education is part of the health and wellbeing (HWB) curricular area within Curriculum for Excellence. Schools report on children and young people’s progress and achievement within HWB each school year as part of their annual reporting procedures to parents. Physical education is the most common aspect of children’s progress referred to within HWB. In addition, all pupils will now complete a profile by the end of P7, and by the end of S3 from June 2013, so there are further opportunities for young people to comment on their own strengths and progress within all curricular areas, including HWB and therefore physical education.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-08T17:14:33.81","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alasdair Allan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277639,"EventID":"S4W-10514","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-25T17:14:34.26","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-24T17:17:15.183","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many GP practices have a patient participation group.","AnswerText":"NHS boards must involve the communities they serve in planning and developing the health and care services they provide and are supported in that role by the Scottish Health Council. Although, contractual arrangements mean that different approaches to patient or lay involvement exist for general practices, the principles of public involvement do extend to primary care settings.\r\nRecognising this as an important area for development, the Scottish Health Council has been promoting the benefits of involving patients and the public in primary care. Over the past year, it has been working with primary care practioners across Scotland to produce tools to help them develop their existing Patient Partnership Groups (PPGs) or set-up new Groups in areas where they do not yet exist.\r\nA report on the impact of this work is expected in January. This will include an up-to-date position on the numbers of PPGs and offer an up-date on the position reflected in the recent report by P3 and the Royal College of General Practitioners – “Patient Participation in General Practice” - which was based on a survey issued in late 2009.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-08T17:14:34.277","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277640,"EventID":"S4W-10515","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-25T17:14:34.87","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-24T17:17:15.183","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much funding it was required to contribute for the recent £30 million upgrade to the UK Janet network, which connects education institutions.","AnswerText":"Of the £25.8 million UK capital budget for JANET6, the Scottish Government, through the Scottish Funding Council is contributing £1.9 million.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-08T17:14:34.9","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277641,"EventID":"S4W-10516","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-25T17:14:35.4","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-24T17:17:15.183","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether an independent Scotland would continue to be connected to the UK Janet network, which connects education institutions.","AnswerText":"The core Janet network across the UK, including Scotland, is currently being upgraded. Scottish schools connect via local authority networks to the internet using the Education Scotland Interconnect 2.0 network that currently provides access to the internet via the Janet core network. This arrangement will continue until April 2014 when the Scottish Wide Area Network (SWAN) will replace the Interconnect 2.0. The OJEU notice for SWAN was published on the 19 October 2012.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-08T17:14:35.43","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277642,"EventID":"S4W-10517","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-25T17:14:35.977","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-24T17:17:15.183","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much further and higher education institutions received from students from England in (a) 2010-11 and (b) 2011-12 and will receive in 2012-13.","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-08T17:14:35.993","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277643,"EventID":"S4W-10518","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-25T17:14:36.93","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-24T17:17:15.183","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what company has been given the contract to merge the HR systems of police forces and what the cost is of the (a) initial and (b) annual contract.","AnswerText":"No company has been retained or contracted to merge the HR systems of the current police forces or agencies. \r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-08T17:14:36.96","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277644,"EventID":"S4W-10531","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1778,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":110,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-25T17:14:38.52","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-24T17:29:55.023","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what estimate it has made of the average reduction in life expectancy due to exposure to fine particulate matter arising from biomass plants.\r\n","AnswerText":"It is difficult to attribute reductions in life expectancy directly to air pollution as, in practice, there will be a number of interacting factors influencing premature death including underlying medical conditions not directly related to air quality and lifestyle choices. To undertake such an assessment in relation to a specific pollutant source, such as biomass, would be even more complex and there is a high risk it would fail to generate any meaningful results.\r\nThe planning and permitting processes in Scotland are designed to ensure that emissions from biomass installations are minimised as far as is practically possible and that emissions remain within safe limits in relation to health. Ongoing compliance is also monitored by regulatory bodies such as SEPA.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-08T17:14:38.537","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277645,"EventID":"S4W-10533","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1778,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":110,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-25T17:14:39.127","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-24T17:30:58.033","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it has used enforcement action in relation to the illegal importation of eggs from countries not compliant with the European Welfare of Laying Hens Directive introduced on 1 January 2012.\r\n","AnswerText":"No enforcement action has been required as no eggs from illegal systems have been identified.\r\nScottish Government inspectors are remaining vigilant and maintaining proportionate checks on the wholesale and import markets.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-08T17:14:39.177","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277646,"EventID":"S4W-10534","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1778,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":110,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-25T17:14:39.957","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-24T17:30:58.033","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether the new code of practice for milk processors and dairy farmers will be enforced through the proposed Groceries Code Adjudicator.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Voluntary Code of Practice between milk processors and dairy farmers was agreed in September this year. The Voluntary Code does not have a Statutory basis, therefore the Groceries Code Adjudicator which is reserved to the UK Government will not have a role in enforcing its provisions. The Voluntary Code of Practice will be reviewed after the first year to assess its effectiveness and compliance. An independent Chair/Arbitrator will be appointed if agreed by both parties.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-08T17:14:39.987","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277647,"EventID":"S4W-10535","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1778,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":110,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-25T17:14:40.44","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-24T17:30:58.033","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what information it has on what the average income of hill farmers was in each of the last three years.\r\n","AnswerText":"The specific information requested is not held centrally. However, The Scottish Government produces estimates of Farm Business Income (FBI) which are derived from the Farm Accounts Survey (FAS); an annual survey of approximately 500 farm businesses in Scotland. The FAS does not specifically record a designation of “hill farms” within the land of the farm business.\r\nHowever, if we assume that hill areas are generally designated as Less Favoured Areas (LFA) and these tend to be beef cattle and/or sheep rearing businesses; rows 1, 2 and 3 of Table 1 provides the average FBI for farm businesses that have LFA as their predominant activity type. The final column shows the 2010-11 FBI adjusted to account for the full time equivalent (FTE) of unpaid labour contributing to the farm business.\r\nFBI is a management accounting measure of profit which is equivalent to financial Net Profit. FBI excludes small farm businesses and also pig, poultry and horticulture units. It represents the return to all unpaid labour and their capital invested in the farm business. \r\nTable 1. Average FBI (£’s) of farm businesses in Scotland by farm type and year: 2008-09 to 2010-11\r\nFarm Type\r\n2008-09\r\n2009-10\r\n2010-11\r\n2010-11 FBI/FTE\r\n Specialist sheep (LFA)\r\n16,268\r\n29,024\r\n29,235\r\n23,577\r\n Specialist beef  (LFA)\r\n26,923\r\n37,885\r\n32,528\r\n23,110\r\n Cattle and sheep (LFA)\r\n27,896\r\n44,544\r\n42,942\r\n28,664\r\n Cereals\r\n41,817\r\n16,295\r\n50,866\r\n41,738\r\n General cropping\r\n60,862\r\n18,428\r\n59,674\r\n40,130\r\n Dairy\r\n78,446\r\n58,853\r\n73,632\r\n37,935\r\n Lowland cattle and sheep\r\n23,969\r\n32,125\r\n34,325\r\n23,663\r\n Mixed\r\n45,317\r\n39,678\r\n47,812\r\n28,759\r\n\r\nMore information on FBI and the incomes of farm businesses in Scotland can be found in Section B of the Economic Report on Scottish Agriculture (ERSA), last published in June 2012 at the following internet address:\r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Statistics/Browse/Agriculture-Fisheries/PubEconomicReport. \r\nThis year, for the first time, the Scottish Government has released Enterprise Gross Margin (EGM) data for Scottish farms (for 2010-11) – this shows the individual components of farm businesses including; upland and hill herd beef enterprises and hard hill sheep enterprises. However, EGM data only gives a rough indication of gross profit to the business, and is not a measure of farm income. \r\nThe EGM report was released on 30 October 2012 and can be accessed at the following internet address:\r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Statistics/Browse/Agriculture-Fisheries/Publications/EnterpriseAnalysis. \r\nScotland's hill farming sector is of great importance to the rural sector and the Scottish Government has been working hard to ensure it remains sustainable for future generations. Payment rates under the Less Favoured Area Support Scheme were increased for fragile and very fragile areas in 2009 and 2010 (total 38% increase) and the scheme was further modified in 2011. Support for LFA is a priority through any transition period between the current and upcoming Scottish Rural Development Programmes, and we are seeking flexibility in the new ANC scheme under the new Programme to allow us to take account of regional requirements.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-08T17:14:40.453","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277648,"EventID":"S4W-10536","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1778,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":110,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-25T17:14:40.953","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-24T17:30:58.033","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what assessment it has made of the effect of changes in food prices on families.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government supports access to affordable and healthy food for all. We acknowledge that with increasing food prices this is becoming a greater concern. In order to assess the impact we monitor the percentage of Scottish household expenditure on food and non-alcoholic beverages by income decile. This is included in our 'Food and Drink in Scotland Key Facts 2012' publication which can be accessed here http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2012/03/3347.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-08T17:14:40.983","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277649,"EventID":"S4W-10537","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1778,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":110,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-25T17:14:41.42","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-24T17:30:58.033","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government for what reason butchers are required to register with organic control bodies in order to sell organic meat and which bodies they are required to register with to sell non-organic meat.\r\n","AnswerText":"For any butcher handling (cutting, repacking, labelling, relabelling, or making) any organic meat or meat product they must be registered with one of the UK organic certification bodies. This requirement derives from the rigorous regulatory EU framework that covers all aspects of the organic food and drink supply chain (Council Regulation [EC] No's 834/2007 and 889/2008).\r\nFor non-organic meat all butcher shops are required to be approved by the local food authority to ensure compliance with the relevant statutory public health controls. Membership of a quality assurance or marketing scheme is entirely voluntary and any registration requirements will be stipulated by that organisation’s governing body.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-08T17:14:41.453","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277650,"EventID":"S4W-10541","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-25T17:14:42.233","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-24T18:12:46","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the underspend in its 2011-12 budget was, broken down by directorate.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government Consolidated Accounts for the year ended 31 March 2012 were laid in the Scottish Parliament and published on the Scottish Government website on 27 September 2012.\r\nwww.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2012/09/1505.\r\nThese accounts report the financial performance for 2011-12 in terms of the budget approved by the Scottish Parliament and demonstrate the effectiveness stewardship of resources in limiting underspend to less than one per cent of the budget.\r\nWithin the accounts, individual Outturn statements for each portfolio report the variances of programme expenditure against the operating budgets which were approved at the 2011-12 Spring Budget Revision. Detailed analysis and explanation of these variances is provided in the Analysis of Major Variances statement. The capital expenditure and associated receipts, along with explanations of variances, are reported in note 5.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-08T17:14:42.263","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277651,"EventID":"S4W-10542","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2059,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":91,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-25T17:14:43.153","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-24T18:31:31","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much funding is given to (a) EDF, (b) Eon, (c) Npower, (d) Scottish Gas, (e) Scottish Power and (f) Scottish and Southern Energy through the (i) Energy Assistance Package and (ii) any other relevant energy schemes.\r\n","AnswerText":"(i) The Scottish Government pays Scottish Gas under contract to manage and deliver central heating and insulation installations under stage 4 of the Energy Assistance Package. Scottish Gas has received the following amounts to deliver the corresponding number of installations, most of which were new central heating systems:\r\nFinancial Year\r\nPayment to Scottish Gas\r\nNumber of installations\r\n2009-10*\r\n£28.8 million \r\n  7,532\r\n2010-11\r\n£34.2 million \r\n10,289\r\n2011-12**\r\n£29.7 million \r\n  9,608\r\n*2009-10 figures exclude Central Heating Programme installations, the predecessor to EAP.\r\n**2011-12 figures are provisional.\r\nThis data is taken from the Home Energy Programmes Detailed Report 2009-2012 published in June 2012, available from the Energy Saving Trust website:\r\nwww.energysavingtrust.org.uk/scotland/Take-action/Home-Energy-Scotland/Energy-Assistance-Package/Programme-statistics\r\nNo other energy company receives any funding from the Scottish Government under the Energy Assistance Package.\r\n(ii) No energy company receives funding directly from the Scottish Government for any of the other fuel poverty and energy efficiency programmes.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-08T17:14:43.17","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277652,"EventID":"S4W-10543","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5057,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-25T17:14:43.653","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-25T11:00:56.217","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what steps it has taken to implement the Aarhus Convention and what guidance it has given to local authorities to ensure that they meet their obligations under the convention in relation to planning issues.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government considers that current arrangements ensure compliance with the terms of the Aarhus Convention in respect of the dissemination of environmental information, public participation and access to justice in environmental decision making. There are statutory frameworks in place to ensure that local authorities comply with the terms of the Aarhus Convention.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-08T17:14:43.667","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Derek Mackay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277653,"EventID":"S4W-10544","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":5057,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-08T14:02:05.563","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-25T11:00:56.217","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body whether and, if so, when a new ad-hoc committee will be established to examine issues relating to the new Police Service of Scotland.\r\n","AnswerText":"The SPCB considers and makes decisions on a range of issues to do with the running of the Parliament, however, the establishment of committees is not a matter for the SPCB. Rule 5.1.2 of the Standing Orders of the Parliament states that this is a matter for the Parliamentary Bureau.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-22T14:02:05.61","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Scanlon ","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277654,"EventID":"S4W-10545","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":5057,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-08T14:02:07.777","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-25T11:00:56.217","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body whether the Parliamentary Bureau has discussed the establishment of an ad-hoc committee to examine issues in relation to the new Police Service of Scotland.\r\n","AnswerText":"The SPCB considers and makes decisions on a range of issues to do with the running of the Parliament, however, the establishment of committees is not a matter for the SPCB. Rule 5.1.2 of the Standing Orders of the Parliament states that this is a matter for the Parliamentary Bureau.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-22T14:02:07.793","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Scanlon ","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277655,"EventID":"S4W-10520","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1778,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":110,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-26T14:05:53.7","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-24T17:25:22.77","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what assessment it has made of the research article, Estimating the Hidden Burden of Bovine Tuberculosis in Great Britain.","AnswerText":"In recognition of the efforts of the Scottish Government and livestock industry to control and eradicate bovine tuberculosis Scotland has been accorded Officially Tuberculosis Free (OTF) status by the European Union.\r\nTo help maintain that status, the Scottish Government works jointly with the other UK administrations to consider all the latest developments and research relating to bovine tuberculosis. That collaboration includes membership of the Tuberculosis Liaison Group (which brings together the Chief Veterinary Officer from each administration), the Diagnostic Programme Advisory Group and the Vaccines Programme Advisory Group.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-09T14:05:53.797","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277656,"EventID":"S4W-10521","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1778,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":110,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-26T14:05:54.233","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-24T17:25:22.77","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what consideration it is giving to recent developments in the Differentiating Infected from Vaccinated Animals (DIVA) test in formulating its plans to control bovine tuberculosis.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-10520 on 9 November 2012. All answers to written Parliamentary Questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-09T14:05:54.247","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277657,"EventID":"S4W-10522","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1778,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":110,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-26T14:05:54.527","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-24T17:25:22.77","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what plans it has to discuss the development of bovine tuberculosis diagnostic tools with the UK Government and other administrations.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-10520 on 9 November 2012. All answers to written Parliamentary Questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-09T14:05:54.543","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277658,"EventID":"S4W-10523","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1778,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":110,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-26T14:05:54.81","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-24T17:25:22.77","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what international comparisons it has undertaken that have found examples of successful programmes for the eradication of tuberculosis in wildlife without culling.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-10520 on 9 November 2012. All answers to written Parliamentary Questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-09T14:05:54.823","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277659,"EventID":"S4W-10524","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1778,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":110,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-26T14:05:55.09","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-24T17:25:22.77","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what recent discussions it has had with the UK Government on the case for EU-level legislation to exclude bank holidays from the seven day requirement for notification of cattle deaths.","AnswerText":"There has been no discussions with the UK Government to exclude bank holidays from the seven day requirement for the notification of cattle deaths. The British Cattle Movement Service, who operate the Cattle Tracing System on behalf of Ministers in Scotland, England and Wales adopts a pragmatic approach to such matters.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-09T14:05:55.107","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277660,"EventID":"S4W-10525","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1778,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":110,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-26T14:05:55.37","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-24T17:25:22.77","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what impact the closure of the National Equine Database will have on its management and control of equine disease and abandoned horses.","AnswerText":"The National Equine Database (NED) does not support equine disease control strategies. It does not contain horse location data, nor does it record animal movement data, and is therefore of very limited use in the event of disease incursion. NED is also of limited value in dealing with abandoned horses as these animals are frequently not identified.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-09T14:05:55.387","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277661,"EventID":"S4W-10526","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1778,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":110,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-26T14:05:55.667","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-24T17:25:22.77","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many bovine tuberculosis tests have resulted in false (a) positives and (b) negatives in each of the last three years.","AnswerText":"The information is not available.\r\nAnimals that test positive are slaughtered and usually subjected to a post mortem, samples may also be taken to see if Mycobacterium bovis can be grown in a laboratory. However, neither of those approaches can conclusively prove that an animal was free of bovine tuberculosis (that is, is a false positive). Nonetheless, evidence suggests that in Great Britain when cattle without bTB are tested there is a 1 in 1,000 chance that an animal will be wrongly classified.\r\nAnimals that test negative are not slaughtered to prevent disease spread and therefore not subject to post mortem examination, it is not therefore possible to identify false negatives.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-09T14:05:55.683","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277662,"EventID":"S4W-10527","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1778,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":110,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-26T14:05:55.963","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-24T17:25:22.77","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what progress has been made on the (a) development and (b) deployment of a vaccination for Schmallenberg virus.","AnswerText":"Veterinary medicines are normally developed by commercial enterprises, which must (as the licensing of veterinary medicines is a reserved matter) seek a licence from the UK Government. No vaccine for the Schmallenberg virus has yet been approved for use in the UK.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-09T14:05:55.963","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277663,"EventID":"S4W-10532","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1778,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":110,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-26T14:05:56.26","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-24T17:29:55.023","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what estimate it has made of the likely increase in emissions of isoprene were there to be an increase in short rotation coppice willow for use in biomass boilers or biomass power plants of (a) 5%, (b) 10%, (c) 25% and (d) 50%.\r\n","AnswerText":"The planning and permitting processes in Scotland are designed to ensure that emissions from biomass installations are minimised as far as is practically possible and that emissions remain within safe limits in relation to health. On-going compliance is also monitored by regulatory bodies such as SEPA.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-09T14:05:56.277","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277664,"EventID":"S4W-10538","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1778,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":110,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-26T14:05:56.557","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-24T17:33:47.033","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many anaerobic digesters have been (a) given planning approval and (b) built since May 2010.\r\n","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-09T14:05:56.573","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Derek Mackay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277665,"EventID":"S4W-10539","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1778,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":110,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-26T14:05:56.837","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-24T17:33:47.033","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it has made a submission to the European Commission's review of the air quality directive.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government submitted a response to the European Commission’s Committee of the Regions questionnaire on the review of the air quality directive in November 2011.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-09T14:05:56.853","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277666,"EventID":"S4W-10540","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1778,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":110,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-26T14:05:57.227","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-24T17:33:47.033","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it plans to review the Scottish Outdoor Access Code.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Outdoor Access Code was prepared by Scottish Natural Heritage and agreed by Parliament in 2004. Scottish Natural Heritage continues to keep the Code under review, but there are no proposals to modify it.\r\nWhere topics covered by the Code have required more detailed guidance, Scottish Natural Heritage has worked with the National Access Forum to produce supplementary guidance, for example on informal camping, stalking, dogs and ground-nesting birds, and large outdoor events.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-09T14:05:57.243","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277667,"EventID":"S4W-10547","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":86,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-26T14:05:57.523","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-25T12:43:11.593","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the statement by Nicola Sturgeon on 23 October 2012 (Official Report c. 12408), who commissioned the “specific legal advice from [its] Law Officers on the position of Scotland within the European Union if independence is achieved” and on what date.\r\n","AnswerText":"As set out in my statement on 23 October 2012 (at Column 12408), I commissioned specific legal advice from the Law Officers on 23 October 2012.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-09T14:05:57.54","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277668,"EventID":"S4W-10548","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":86,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-26T14:05:57.897","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-25T12:43:11.593","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the statement by Nicola Sturgeon on 23 October 2012 (Official Report, c. 12408), what “specific legal advice” it has requested from the Law Officers and what the scope of this is. \r\n","AnswerText":"As set out in my statement on 23 October 2012 (at Column 12408), the Government has commissioned specific legal advice from the Law Officers on the position of Scotland within the European Union if independence is achieved through the process set out in the Edinburgh agreement.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-09T14:05:57.913","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":" Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277669,"EventID":"S4W-10549","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":86,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-26T14:05:58.227","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-25T12:43:11.593","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the statement by Nicola Sturgeon on 23 October 2012 (Official Report, c. 12408), whether it considers the contents of the “specific legal advice” that it has requested on the EU membership of an independent Scotland to be in the public interest and, if so, for what reason. \r\n","AnswerText":"Paragraphs 2.30 – 2.35 of the Ministerial Code set out the public interest in the Government ensuring that decisions are taken in a fully informed legal context, and taking account of the public interest in maintaining the right of confidentiality of communications between legal advisers.\r\nIn his letter to Ruth Davidson MSP of 30 October 2012 and his oral answer on \r\n7 November 2012, the Lord Advocate set out the public interest reasons for the longstanding convention, embodied in the Ministerial Code, against disclosure of the fact or content of Law Officers’ legal advice, and his view that it is not appropriate to place and debate legal advice in public. A copy of the letter to Ruth Davidson was placed in the Scottish Parliaments Information Centre – Bib number 54425.\r\nThe First Minister has made clear that the government’s white paper on independence will be based on and consistent with the advice that it receives.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-09T14:05:58.24","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277670,"EventID":"S4W-10550","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":86,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-26T14:05:58.88","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-25T12:43:11.593","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the statement by Nicola Sturgeon on 23 October 2012 (Official Report, c. 12408), whether it will publish the “specific legal advice” and what the reasons are for its position on this matter.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-10549 on 12 December 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-09T14:05:58.897","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277671,"EventID":"S4W-10551","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":86,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-26T14:05:59.193","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-25T12:43:11.593","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the statement by Nicola Sturgeon on 23 October 2012 (Official Report, c. 12408), on what date the Deputy First Minister (a) sought and (b) received the prior agreement of the Lord Advocate to state that the Scottish Government had not sought specific legal advice on the EU membership of an independent Scotland.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the Lord Advocate’s oral answer on 7 November 2012 (at Column 13130 – 13131; see:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28862.aspx?r=7541&mode=html#iob_68820).\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-09T14:05:59.207","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277672,"EventID":"S4W-10553","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":86,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-26T14:05:59.833","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-25T12:43:11.593","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the statement by Alex Salmond on 23 October 2012 (Official Report, c. 12472), that Choosing Scotland’s Future, Your Scotland, Your Voice and Your Scotland, Your Referendum “are underpinned by legal advice”, on what date legal advice was sought; which Law Officer provided it and in what format; which (a) ministers, (b) special advisers and (c) officials had access to it, and whether it will publish the advice.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-10549 on 12 December 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-09T14:05:59.847","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277673,"EventID":"S4W-10555","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":86,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-26T14:06:00.16","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-25T12:43:11.593","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the statement by Alex Salmond on 23 October 2012 (Official Report, c. 12472), on what date it sent (a) Choosing Scotland’s Future, (b) Your Scotland, Your Voice and (c) Your Scotland, Your Referendum to the (i) Lord Advocate and (ii) Solicitor General in order to seek their legal advice and whether the documents were sent in full and, if not, which sections were sent.\r\n","AnswerText":"The documents were sent to the Law Officers in full prior to publication.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-09T14:06:00.16","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277674,"EventID":"S4W-10556","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":86,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-26T14:06:00.487","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-25T12:43:11.593","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether the legal advice that it sought regarding an independent Scotland's position in the EU for Choosing Scotland’s Future, Your Scotland, Your Voice and Your Scotland, Your Referendum was sought from the (a) Law Officers or (b) Scottish Government Legal Directorate.\r\n","AnswerText":"These documents were underpinned by legal advice from both the Scottish Government Legal Directorate and the Law Officers.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-09T14:06:00.503","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277675,"EventID":"S4W-10557","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":86,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-26T14:06:00.83","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-25T12:48:02.073","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to Alex Salmond’s statement on 23 October 2012 (Official Report, c. 12472), whether the legal advice provided in relation to Choosing Scotland’s Future, Your Scotland, Your Voice and Your Scotland, Your Referendum was in a fully informed legal context and ensured that the legal implications of any course of action were fully considered.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the Lord Advocate’s letter of 30 October 2012 to Ruth Davidson MSP and the First Minister’s’ answer at First Minister’s questions on 25 October 2012 (at Column 12607-12608).\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-09T14:06:00.847","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277676,"EventID":"S4W-10558","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":86,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-26T14:06:01.143","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-25T12:48:02.073","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether legal advice was sought to substantiate the assertion in Choosing Scotland’s Future that “An independent Scotland would continue in the European Union and bear the burdens and fulfil the responsibilities of membership” and, if so, (a) on what date, (b) who requested it, (c) who provided it, (d) to whom it was provided, (e) what it stated and (f) whether any concerns were raised.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to answer to questions S4W-10549, S4W-10556 and S4W-10557 on 12 December 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-09T14:06:01.157","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277677,"EventID":"S4W-10559","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":86,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-26T14:06:01.453","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-25T12:48:02.073","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether legal advice was sought to substantiate the assertion in Your Scotland, Your Voice that “Scotland would assume all the responsibilities and rights of a normal European state, including membership of the European Union and other international bodies, the ability to determine economic policy, including currency, and full responsibility for defence and security” and, if so, (a) on what date, (b) who requested it, (c) who provided it, (d) to whom it was provided, (e) what it stated and (f) whether any concerns were raised.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to answer to questions S4W-10549, S4W-10556 and S4W-10557 on 12 December 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-09T14:06:01.47","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277678,"EventID":"S4W-10560","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":86,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-26T14:06:01.767","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-25T12:48:02.073","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether legal advice was sought to substantiate the assertion in Your Scotland, Your Referendum that “Under independence, Scotland would have the rights and responsibilities of a normal, sovereign state and continue its membership in the European Union” and, if so, (a) on what date, (b) who requested it, (c) who provided it, (d) to whom it was provided, (e) what it stated and (f) whether any concerns were raised.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to answer to questions S4W-10549, S4W-10556 and S4W-10557 on 12 December 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-09T14:06:01.783","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277679,"EventID":"S4W-10561","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":86,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-26T14:06:02.093","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-25T12:48:02.073","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the difference is between the legal advice of the Law Officers referred to by Alex Salmond in an interview with Andrew Neil on 4 March 2012 and the legal advice of the Law Officers commissioned by Nicola Sturgeon and referred to in her statement on 23 October 2012.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to answer to question S4W-10557 on 12 December 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-09T14:06:02.11","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277680,"EventID":"S4W-10562","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":86,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-26T14:06:02.39","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-25T12:48:02.073","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its definition of legal advice is.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to paragraphs 2.30 – 2.35 of the Scottish Ministerial Code and the answer to question S4W-10557 on 12 December 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-09T14:06:02.407","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277681,"EventID":"S4W-10563","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":86,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-26T14:06:02.703","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-25T12:48:02.073","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government from whom it would usually seek advice on a matter of EU law.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-10562 on 12 December 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-09T14:06:02.717","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277682,"EventID":"S4W-10564","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":86,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-26T14:06:03","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-25T12:48:02.073","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what legal barriers existed prior to the signing of the so-called Edinburgh agreement that prevented the commissioning of legal advice from the Law Officers on the position of an independent Scotland in the EU.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to my statement of 23 October 2012 (at Column 12408) and speech in Parliament on 30 October 2012 (at Column 12708). I also refer the member to the Lord Advocate’s oral answer on 7 November 2012 (at Column 13130 – 13131; see:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28862.aspx?r=7541&mode=html#iob_68820).\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-09T14:06:03.013","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277683,"EventID":"S4W-10565","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":86,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-26T14:06:03.31","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-25T12:48:02.073","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it could legally have commissioned legal advice from the Law Officers on the position of an independent Scotland in the EU prior to the signing of the so-called Edinburgh agreement.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-10564 on 12 December 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-09T14:06:03.31","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277684,"EventID":"S4W-10566","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":86,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-26T14:06:03.623","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-25T12:48:02.073","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government further to Nicola Sturgeon’s statement on 23 October 2012 (Official Report, c. 12406) regarding the commissioning of specific legal advice from the Law Officers on the position of an independent Scotland in the EU, on what other issues relating to independence it plans to commission such advice.\r\n","AnswerText":"Paragraphs 2.30 – 2.35 of the Scottish Ministerial Code set out guidance on seeking specific legal advice from the Law Officers. I also refer the member to the answer to question S4W-10549 on 12 December 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-09T14:06:03.623","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277685,"EventID":"S4W-10583","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5057,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-26T14:06:03.92","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-25T13:37:25.76","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, in light of its response to the National Forum on Drugs Death Annual Report 2010/11, what discussions have taken place to review the (a) capacity and (b) suitability of the Enhanced Service Contact as the main mechanism for supporting GPs in taking drug treatment work forward.  \r\n","AnswerText":"Discussions are ongoing between Scottish Government officials and relevant stakeholders, including GPs, to discuss the management of patients with substance misuse.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-09T14:06:03.937","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Roseanna Cunningham","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277686,"EventID":"S4W-10584","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5057,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-26T14:06:04.2","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-25T13:37:25.76","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, in light of its response to the National Forum on Drugs Death Annual Report 2010/11, what discussions there have been to encourage all GPs to consider treatment of drug users as essential work.","AnswerText":"Drug Misuse and Dependence: UK Guidelines on Clinical Management (2007), endorsed and recommended by all four UK administrations, provide guidance to clinicians and practitioners on the treatment of drug misuse in the UK.\r\nThe Scottish Government acknowledges and promotes the important role of GPs in the delivery of the national drugs strategy, the Road to Recovery. Both the independent National Forum on Drug Related Deaths (established in 2005) and the Drugs Strategy Delivery Commission (established in 2009) have a wide-range of expert and professional representation from across Scotland, including from GPs.\r\n\r\nIn addition, the Scottish Government has also committed to revise the 2006 National Quality Standards for Substance Misuse Services:\r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2006/09/25092710/0\r\nto ensure that they are aligned more closely with the aims of the Road to Recovery and to make sure that people have access to the highest quality services to enable and support their recovery. At operational level, National Quality Standards for service delivery set expectations for operation and management that are clear to all concerned – service providers (including GPs), service users and their families - and can help to drive a culture of continuous evaluation and improvement for services across the country.\r\nThe Scottish Government also provides funding to the Scottish Recovery Consortium, whose latest recovery campaign in the West of Scotland involved a workshop for treatment providers and the production of a learning tool entitled ‘An Invitation to Talk about Recovery’. This has been used to develop the recovery practice of the drug workforce and those commissioning services. The goal of the Consortium is to help local treatment agencies, including GPs, to take the next step in their recovery practice.\r\nThe national take home naloxone programme, funded by the Scottish Government, has included work to support and train GPs in offering this life saving intervention. NHS Health Scotland (in collaboration with the Scottish Drugs Forum) is currently leading a GP engagement project to support the delivery of the national naloxone programme. As part of this, a needs assessment is currently underway which will be used to inform the development of a GP resource and support package to expand access to take-home naloxone among those at-risk of opioid overdose in Scotland.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-09T14:06:04.217","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Roseanna Cunningham","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277687,"EventID":"S4W-10585","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":86,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-26T14:06:04.48","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-25T13:41:09.423","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether the Lord Advocate considers that he was asked to provide legal advice on (a) the whole of or (b) any part of (i) Choosing Scotland’s Future, (ii) Your Scotland, Your Voice and (iii) Your Scotland, Your Referendum.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to questions S4W-10549 and S4W-10557 on 12 December 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-09T14:06:04.497","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277688,"EventID":"S4W-10586","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":86,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-26T14:06:04.793","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-25T13:41:09.423","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether the Solicitor General considers that she was asked to provide legal advice on (a) the whole of or (b) any part of (i) Choosing Scotland’s Future, (ii) Your Scotland, Your Voice and (iii) Your Scotland, Your Referendum.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to questions S4W-10549 and S4W-10557 on 12 December 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-09T14:06:04.81","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277689,"EventID":"S4W-10589","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":86,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-26T14:06:05.107","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-25T13:41:09.423","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether the Lord Advocate considers that he provided legal advice on (a) the whole of or (b) any part of (i) Choosing Scotland’s Future, (ii) Your Scotland, Your Voice and (iii) Your Scotland, Your Referendum and, if so, what external advice he sought and on what before proving such advice.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to questions S4W-10549 and S4W-10557 on 12 December 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-09T14:06:05.12","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277690,"EventID":"S4W-10590","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":86,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-26T14:06:05.417","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-25T13:41:09.423","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether the Solicitor General considers that she provided legal advice on (a) the whole of or (b) any part of (i) Choosing Scotland’s Future, (ii) Your Scotland, Your Voice and (iii) Your Scotland, Your Referendum and, if so, what external advice she sought and on what before proving such advice.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to questions S4W-10549 and S4W-10557 on 12 December 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found:\r\nat: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-09T14:06:05.417","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277691,"EventID":"S4W-10591","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":86,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-26T14:06:05.743","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-25T13:41:09.423","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government on what legal precedents the Lord Advocate based his legal advice on statements on page (a) 24 of Choosing Scotland’s Future, (b) 107 of Your Scotland, Your Voice and (c) 4 of Your Scotland, Your Referendum, relating to an independent Scotland’s membership of the EU.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to questions S4W-10549 and S4W-10557 on 12 December 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found:\r\nat: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-09T14:06:05.76","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277692,"EventID":"S4W-10592","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":86,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-26T14:06:06.04","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-25T13:41:09.423","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government on what legal precedents the Solicitor General based her legal advice on statements on page (a) 24 of Choosing Scotland’s Future, (b) 107 of Your Scotland, Your Voice and (c) 4 of Your Scotland, Your Referendum, relating to an independent Scotland’s membership of the EU.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to questions S4W-10549 and S4W-10557 on 12 December 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found:\r\nat http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-09T14:06:06.057","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277693,"EventID":"S4W-10593","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":86,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-26T14:06:06.353","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-25T13:41:09.423","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether the Law Officers discussed with ministers giving permission for the release of information about the legal advice prior to the decision to appeal Catherine Stihler MEP’s recent freedom of information request in court.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-10568 on 12 December 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-09T14:06:06.37","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277694,"EventID":"S4W-10594","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":86,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-26T14:06:06.727","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-25T13:41:09.423","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government on what dates since May 2007 the Law Officers have had discussions with (a) ministers, (b) special advisers or (c) officials regarding a minister seeking the Law Officers' permission under section 2.35 of the Scottish Ministerial Code to publicly state whether legal advice exists and any contents of legal advice, broken down by (i) date, (ii) the individual who requested permission and (iii) the subject matter of the legal advice.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-10568 on 12 December 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-09T14:06:06.727","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277695,"EventID":"S4W-10595","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":86,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-26T14:06:07.023","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-25T13:41:09.423","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether under section 2.35 of the Scottish Ministerial Code it is possible for ministers to both state whether legal advice exists and the contents of that advice with the Law Officers' consent.\r\n","AnswerText":"Under paragraph 2.35, “the fact that legal advice has or has not been given to the Scottish Government by the Law Officers and the content of any legal advice given by them or anyone else must not be revealed outwith the Scottish Government without the Law Officers' prior consent.”\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-09T14:06:07.04","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277696,"EventID":"S4W-10596","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":86,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-26T14:06:07.337","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-25T13:41:09.423","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether the Law Officers' consent was sought to release information on whether legal advice had been sought regarding an independent Scotland's membership of the EU prior to the consent granted to the Deputy First Minister to allow her to make her statement on 23 October 2012.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-10551 on 12 December 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-09T14:06:07.35","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277697,"EventID":"S4W-10597","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":86,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-26T14:06:07.647","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-25T13:41:09.423","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government on what date consent was sought by Nicola Sturgeon to allow her to announce in her statement on 23 October 2012 that there was no legal advice; on what date it was granted, and for what reason.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the Lord Advocate’s letter of 30 October 2012 (bib number 54425) to Ruth Davidson MSP and his oral answer on 7 November 2012 (at Column 13130 – 13131; see:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28862.aspx?r=7541&mode=html#iob_68820).\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-09T14:06:07.663","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277698,"EventID":"S4W-10598","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2876,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-26T14:06:07.96","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-25T13:36:36","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many emergency admissions to hospital for asthma in (a) 2006-07, (b) 2007-08, (c) 2008-09, (d) 2009-10, (e) 2010-11 and (f) 2011-12 could have been avoided if preventative medication had been taken properly.","AnswerText":"This information is not collected centrally.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-09T14:06:07.977","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277699,"EventID":"S4W-10600","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3896,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":97,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-26T14:06:08.333","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-25T15:10:13","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many people are using the New College Learning Programme and at which colleges.\r\n","AnswerText":"This question relates to operational matters for Skills Development Scotland. I will ask the Chief Executive to respond.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-09T14:06:08.35","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell ","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277700,"EventID":"S4W-10601","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3896,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":97,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-26T14:06:08.677","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-25T15:10:13","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much of the £13.1 million set aside by Skills Development Scotland for the New College Learning Programme has been allocated to colleges.\r\n","AnswerText":"This question relates to operational matters for Skills Development Scotland. I will ask the Chief Executive to respond.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-09T14:06:08.693","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277701,"EventID":"S4W-10603","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3896,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":97,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-26T14:06:08.973","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-25T15:10:13","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much of the £8 million brought forward by the Scottish Funding Council to 2012-13 from 2013-14 and 2014-15 has been allocated, broken down by college and by weighted student units of measurements.\r\n","AnswerText":"Decisions on the allocation of funding to individual colleges are the responsibility of the Scottish Further and Higher Education Funding Council. I have asked the Chief Executive of the Funding Council to write to the Member.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-09T14:06:08.99","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277702,"EventID":"S4W-10604","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3896,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":97,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-26T14:06:09.27","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-25T15:10:13","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much funding has been provided to colleges from the 2012-13 College Transformation Fund; to which colleges, and for what projects.\r\n","AnswerText":"To date, some £4.2 million has been provided to colleges from the 2012-13 College Transformation Fund (CTF).\r\nMy response to the Convenor of the Education and Culture Committee, issued on 30 October, and published as part of the Committee’s papers for its meeting on \r\n6 November 2012, provides details of awards made from the CTF and SFC strategic merger funds to that date.\r\nA breakdown of CTF funding is provided in the following table: \r\nRegion\r\nCTF\r\nProject\r\nSRUC\r\n0\r\nLand based merger funding\r\nEdinburgh\r\n3,500,000\r\nVoluntary Severance \r\nAyrshire\r\n180,000\r\nVoluntary Severance \r\nFife \r\n342,000\r\nPre-merger facilitation costs\r\nDumfries and Galloway \r\n197,000\r\nInnovation Learner Journey project\r\nTotal \r\n4,219,000\r\n\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-09T14:06:09.287","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277703,"EventID":"S4W-10605","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-26T14:06:09.597","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-25T15:40:14.12","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will amend the Dog Fouling (Scotland) Act 2003 to give local authorities powers to order a ban on the walking of dogs on school and other playing fields, where dog faeces, even if collected, could transmit infection to children.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has no current plans to amend the Dog Fouling (Scotland) Act 2003.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-09T14:06:09.613","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Roseanna Cunningham","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277704,"EventID":"S4W-10609","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4955,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":105,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-26T14:06:10.003","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-25T16:04:42","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many disabled people receive discounted travel under the national concessionary travel scheme.","AnswerText":"At the end of October 2012, the number of people with disabilities holding National Entitlement Cards for free bus travel was 187,645. This figure is taken from the Local Authority card management system and supplied by the National Entitlement Card Programme Office.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-09T14:06:10.02","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277705,"EventID":"S4W-10610","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4955,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":105,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-26T14:06:10.317","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-25T16:04:42","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what proportion of people eligible for a concessionary bus pass has one.","AnswerText":"The proportion of people holding a National Entitlement Card for free bus travel through the National Older and Disabled Persons Concessionary Travel Scheme is 87% of those eligible on age grounds (over 60 years old). Information is not held centrally for those people under 60 years old who may meet disability eligibility criteria, but do not hold NEC passes.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-09T14:06:10.33","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277706,"EventID":"S4W-10611","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4955,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":105,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-26T14:06:10.627","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-25T16:04:42","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much on average the national concessionary travel scheme saves people who use it each year.","AnswerText":"Through the National Older and Disabled Persons Concessionary Travel Scheme, the average saving per year is approximately £230 to each of the 1.23 million people holding a National Entitlement Card. This may be estimated from figures for 2011-12, in which the total number of journeys made were 148m and the average fare per journey was £1.92.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-09T14:06:10.643","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277707,"EventID":"S4W-10612","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4955,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":105,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-26T14:06:10.923","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-25T16:04:42","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will carry out an assessment of the physical and mental health benefits of the national concessionary travel scheme for (a) disabled people, (b) older people and (c) veterans.","AnswerText":"In 2009, we published an independent review entitled Evaluation of the National Concessionary Travel Scheme in Scotland. This assessed the overall benefits of the scheme, including the promotion of social inclusion and better health. The report can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2009/05/13144419/0.\r\nWe have no plans at present for a further assessment of associated health benefits.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-09T14:06:10.94","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277708,"EventID":"S4W-10613","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5078,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":111,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-26T14:06:11.22","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-25T16:29:05.29","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what information it holds regarding the recent lack of aviation fuel at Edinburgh Airport, which caused the unscheduled diversion of fuel of several outgoing flights, and what steps it will take to prevent delays for passengers caused by refuelling diversions.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government facilitated meetings between airport operators, refinery operator and fuel suppliers/distributors to explore their mitigation measures following a problem with aviation fuel production at the Grangemouth refinery which resulted in temporary disruption to supplies to airports, including Edinburgh. Ultimately, these are issues for the privately owned airports to deal with in partnership with their fuel suppliers/distributors. \r\nThe Scottish Government will facilitate a further meeting with all parties to ensure that lessons are learned to reduce the likelihood of disruption to aviation fuel in the future.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-09T14:06:11.237","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277709,"EventID":"S4W-10614","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2059,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":91,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-26T14:06:11.547","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-25T18:24:59","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many homes in each local authority area are defined as empty or uninhabited, broken down by (a) social and (b) privately owned housing.\r\n","AnswerText":"The following table shows the numbers of dwellings receiving a discount for being long term empty or an exemption for being unoccupied:\r\nAs at 3 September 2012\r\n\r\nLong Term Empty Discounts\r\nUnoccupied Exemptions\r\nScotland\r\n25,454\r\n45,833\r\nAberdeen City\r\n849\r\n1,455\r\nAberdeenshire\r\n2,364\r\n1,691\r\nAngus\r\n1,035\r\n1,036\r\nArgyll & Bute\r\n759\r\n960\r\nClackmannanshire1\r\n0\r\n362\r\nDumfries & Galloway\r\n904\r\n1,489\r\nDundee City\r\n568\r\n2,208\r\nEast Ayrshire\r\n640\r\n902\r\nEast Dunbartonshire\r\n119\r\n461\r\nEast Lothian\r\n286\r\n587\r\nEast Renfrewshire\r\n72\r\n361\r\nEdinburgh, City of\r\n2,141\r\n2,159\r\nEilean Siar\r\n258\r\n600\r\nFalkirk\r\n384\r\n840\r\nFife\r\n1,657\r\n2,563\r\nGlasgow\r\n2,535\r\n9,294\r\nHighland\r\n1,512\r\n1,953\r\nInverclyde\r\n597\r\n1,992\r\nMidlothian\r\n361\r\n517\r\nMoray\r\n1,141\r\n878\r\nNorth Ayrshire\r\n1,285\r\n1,090\r\nNorth Lanarkshire\r\n543\r\n1,559\r\nOrkney Islands\r\n162\r\n426\r\nPerth & Kinross\r\n898\r\n1,256\r\nRenfrewshire1\r\n0\r\n1,385\r\nScottish Borders\r\n1,488\r\n1,409\r\nShetland Islands\r\n385\r\n223\r\nSouth Ayrshire\r\n562\r\n731\r\nSouth Lanarkshire\r\n755\r\n2,567\r\nStirling\r\n550\r\n697\r\nWest Dunbartonshire\r\n363\r\n1,165\r\nWest Lothian\r\n281\r\n1,017\r\n1. Clackmannanshire Council and Renfrewshire Council are unable to separately identify long term empty properties from those that are second homes.\r\nSource: Council Tax Base (CTAXBASE) 2012 statistical return provided by councils to the Scottish Government.\r\nA breakdown of these data into social and privately owned housing is not held centrally.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-09T14:06:11.563","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Burgess","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277710,"EventID":"S4W-10617","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":86,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-26T14:06:11.83","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-26T12:34:03.827","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its grounds were for not pursuing the appeal against the ruling of the Scottish Information Commissioner regarding an independent Scotland's position in the EU.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to my statement of 23 October 2012 (at Columns 12408 - 12409).\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-09T14:06:11.843","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277711,"EventID":"S4W-10618","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":86,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-26T14:06:12.14","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-26T12:34:03.827","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government who was involved in making the decision not to pursue the appeal against the ruling of the Scottish Information Commissioner regarding an independent Scotland's position in the EU.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-10568 on 12 December 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-09T14:06:12.157","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277712,"EventID":"S4W-10619","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":86,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-26T14:06:12.453","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-26T12:34:03.827","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what meetings were held regarding its decision not to pursue the appeal against the ruling of the Scottish Information Commissioner regarding an independent Scotland's position in the EU and on (a) what dates and (b) who attended.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-10568 on 12 December 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-09T14:06:12.467","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277713,"EventID":"S4W-10620","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":86,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-26T14:06:12.763","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-26T12:34:03.827","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government who recommended that it should not pursue the appeal against the ruling of the Scottish Information Commissioner regarding an independent Scotland's position in the EU and on what date.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-10568 on 12 December 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-09T14:06:12.78","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277714,"EventID":"S4W-10621","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":86,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-26T14:06:13.077","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-26T12:34:03.827","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government who approved the decision not to pursue the appeal against the ruling of the Scottish Information Commissioner regarding an independent Scotland's position in the EU and on what date.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-10568 on 12 December 2012. .All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-09T14:06:13.093","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277715,"EventID":"S4W-10615","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":2,"MSPID":5106,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":118,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-26T15:17:36.077","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-26T12:18:27.703","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the estimated cost is of the combined Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route and A90 Balmedie to Tipperty project.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route (AWPR) is vital for jobs, the economy and improving the transport infrastructure of Aberdeen and the north east. Over the next three decades, the project is expected to bring in an additional £6 billion to the north east economy and create around 14,000 new jobs.\r\nThe unwanted delays caused by the protracted public local inquiry and legal challenges have resulted in a substantial increase in the overall cost of the project.\r\nIn 2008 the AWPR scheme was costed at £347 million at 2003 prices.\r\nThe revised cost of the AWPR following scope changes, the inclusion of standard risk costs and rebasing to 2012 prices totals £653 million.\r\nCost increases due to inflation total £230 million.\r\nThe estimated total cost of the combined AWPR and Balmedie to Tipperty project is £745 million at 2012 prices (excluding VAT) and is made up of a total scheme cost estimate of £653 million for the AWPR and £92 million for Balmedie to Tipperty.\r\nThe Scottish Government is meeting 81% of the costs of the Northern and Southern Leg elements of the AWPR with Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire councils contributing 9.5% each. The cost of the Fastlink section of the AWPR and the Balmedie to Tipperty project will be met entirely by the Scottish Government.\r\nThe Scottish Government and Transport Scotland have a strong record of delivering transport projects on time and on budget. This has included the successful delivery of the M80 Stepps to Haggs, the M74 Completion, the Clackmannanshire Bridge and the A96 Fochabers and Mosstodloch Bypass. Transport Scotland are committed to maintaining this record in delivering the AWPR and Balmedie to Tipperty project.\r\nThe AWPR and Balmedie to Tipperty project form a core part of our commitment to improving transport in the north east along with a new Inveramsay Bridge on the A96, improvements to the Haudagain roundabout and proposals to dual the A96 between Aberdeen and Inverness by 2030, which along with the action currently being taken to dual the A9 between Perth and Inverness will ensure that all Scotland’s cities are connected with a high-quality transport system that will generate economic growth.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-10-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-09T15:17:36.123","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277716,"EventID":"S4W-10567","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":86,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-26T15:34:20.513","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-25T13:05:29.637","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to Nicola Sturgeon's statement on 23 October 2012 (Official Report, c. 12408), whether the commissioning of legal advice from the Law Officers on the position of an independent Scotland in the EU would have been ultra vires prior to the signing of the so-called Edinburgh agreement and, if so, for what reason.     \r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-10564 on 12 December 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx. \r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-09T15:34:20.543","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277717,"EventID":"S4W-10568","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":86,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-26T15:34:21.557","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-25T13:05:29.637","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to Nicola Sturgeon’s statement on 23 October 2012 (Official Report, c. 12408) and its decision not to pursue the appeal against the ruling of the Scottish Information Commissioner on the freedom of information request, whether it (a) will publish all correspondence between (i) ministers, (ii) Law Officers, (iii) special advisers and (iv) officials relating to its decision and (b) on what dates meetings relating to this were held, who was present and what was discussed.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to paragraphs 2.4 - 2.9 of the Scottish Ministerial Code and the answer to question S4W-10549 on 12 December 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-09T15:34:21.573","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277718,"EventID":"S4W-10569","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":86,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-26T15:34:21.993","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-25T13:05:29.637","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what meetings ministers have held with the Law Officers since May 2007 to discuss the position of an independent Scotland in the EU, broken down by (a) date of meeting, (b) attendees and (c) what matters were discussed.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-10568 on 12 December 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-09T15:34:22.01","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277719,"EventID":"S4W-10570","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":86,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-26T15:34:22.51","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-25T13:05:29.637","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will publish all correspondence between (a) ministers, (b) Law Officers, (c) special advisers and (d) officials relating to Nicola Sturgeon’s statement on 23 October 2012.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-10568 on 12 December 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at: \r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-09T15:34:22.523","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277720,"EventID":"S4W-10571","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":86,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-26T15:34:22.93","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-25T13:05:29.637","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will publish all correspondence between (a) ministers, (b) Law Officers, (c) special advisers and (d) officials relating to Alex Salmond’s statement on 23 October 2012.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-10568 on 12 December 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-09T15:34:22.947","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277721,"EventID":"S4W-10572","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":86,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-26T15:34:23.413","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-25T13:05:29.637","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will publish all correspondence between (a) ministers, (b) Law Officers, (c) special advisers and (d) officials relating to Alex Salmond’s interview with Andrew Neil on 4 March 2012.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-10568 on 12 December 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at: \r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-09T15:34:23.43","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277722,"EventID":"S4W-10573","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":86,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-26T15:34:23.977","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-25T13:05:29.637","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government on what dates the Cabinet discussed the position of an independent Scotland in the EU.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-10568 on 12 December 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-09T15:34:23.99","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277723,"EventID":"S4W-10574","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":86,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-26T15:34:24.63","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-25T13:05:29.637","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government on what dates Alex Salmond held meetings on the position of an independent Scotland in the EU, who attended and what matters were discussed.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-10568 on 12 December 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-09T15:34:24.647","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277724,"EventID":"S4W-10575","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":86,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-26T15:34:25.193","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-25T13:05:29.637","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many times ministers have sought the Law Officers' permission to either (a) acknowledge whether legal advice exists or (b) publish part or all of legal advice, broken down by (i) date, (ii) topic, (iii) who requested it and (iv) whether approval was given. \r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-10549 on 12 December 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at: \r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-09T15:34:25.21","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277725,"EventID":"S4W-10576","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":86,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-26T15:34:25.723","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-25T13:05:29.637","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government for what reason it considers that the legal advice provided by the Law Officers, referred to in Alex Salmond's interview with Andrew Neil on 4 March 2012, is not covered under the scope of Catherine Stihler MEP's recent freedom of information request.\r\n","AnswerText":" I refer the member to my statement on 23 October (at Column 12408). I also refer the member to the answer to question S4W-10557 on 12 December 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-09T15:34:25.74","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277726,"EventID":"S4T-00093","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":9,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":136,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-29T13:34:15.63","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-29T08:49:00","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when the Borders Railway will be operational.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-12T13:34:15.647","MeetingDate":"2012-10-30T17:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277727,"EventID":"S4T-00090","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":9,"MSPID":2345,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":128,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-29T13:34:14.443","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-26T16:24:51.503","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what action it is taking to reduce the threat to forests from ash dieback.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-12T13:34:14.46","MeetingDate":"2012-10-30T17:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277728,"EventID":"S4F-00929","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":4976,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-29T13:33:47.667","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-25T13:25:11","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister when he will next meet the Secretary of State for Scotland.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-12T13:33:47.727","MeetingDate":"2012-11-01T17:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277729,"EventID":"S4F-00930","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":5009,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-29T13:33:48.413","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-26T10:24:38.53","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what issues will be discussed at the next meeting of the Cabinet.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-12T13:33:48.43","MeetingDate":"2012-11-01T17:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277730,"EventID":"S4F-00932","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":2080,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":87,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-29T13:33:49.413","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-29T09:01:54.043","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what engagements he has planned for the rest of the day.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-12T13:33:49.427","MeetingDate":"2012-11-01T17:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277731,"EventID":"S4F-00935","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-29T13:33:50.693","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-29T10:31:13.493","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what the Scottish Government's response is to the Audit Scotland report, NHS financial performance 2011/12, which suggests real-terms budget reductions and growing financial pressures on the NHS.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-12T13:33:50.707","MeetingDate":"2012-11-01T17:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277732,"EventID":"S4F-00940","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":3743,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":123,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-29T13:33:53.36","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-29T11:00:13","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what progress is being made to ensure equal pay by employers subject to its public sector pay policy.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-12T13:33:53.377","MeetingDate":"2012-11-01T17:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277733,"EventID":"S4F-00945","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":3759,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":80,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-29T13:33:54.7","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-29T11:22:25","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what the economic benefits for Scotland are of replacing Trident.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-12T13:33:54.717","MeetingDate":"2012-11-01T17:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277748,"EventID":"S4W-10489","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3824,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-29T15:08:11.28","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-24T12:45:56","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what provisions have been made to deal with any extra financial demand that may arise from additional student travel requirements as a result of college mergers.\r\n","AnswerText":"Decisions on individual mergers are a matter for the colleges involved. Colleges will of course consult on their merger proposals and I expect them to consider the views of stakeholders and the public in taking forward merger.\r\nThat said we are maintaining further education (FE) student support at the record level of over £95 million despite very significant financial pressures. Students aged 18 and over can apply for a maintenance bursary of up to £89.07 per week. All FE students who live more than 2 miles from the college are also eligible for consideration for a travel allowance. Students studying higher education courses are eligible to apply for financial support from the Student Awards Agency for Scotland.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-12T15:08:11.39","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277749,"EventID":"S4W-10490","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3824,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-29T15:08:11.67","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-24T12:45:56","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government at what stage during its consultation on college mergers it considered a possible increase in student travel costs.\r\n","AnswerText":"In our joint consultation with the SFC “College regionalisation: Proposals for implementing Putting Learners at the Centre” we made clear we expected the major campuses that currently exist to remain. The consultation also made clear the importance, in defining the new college regions, of reflecting distances students have to travel.\r\nRespondees strongly welcomed the Government’s intention to protect local access-level provision within the college regions proposed in the consultation, recognising that college regionalisation offered a number of opportunities to improve and enhance the learner experience.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-12T15:08:11.687","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277750,"EventID":"S4W-10491","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3824,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-29T15:08:11.98","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-24T12:45:56","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what consultations it had with stakeholders regarding the impact on student travel of college mergers.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-10490 on 7 November 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-12T15:08:12","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277751,"EventID":"S4W-10492","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3824,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-29T15:08:12.25","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-24T12:45:56","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it considered a possible increase in the number of college drop-outs when deciding on college mergers.","AnswerText":"Students’ experience are an important factor in any merger proposal. Moreover, improving colleges’ retention rates is an important aim of our Post 16 reforms, and is a key indicator in college outcome agreements for 2012-13.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-12T15:08:12.26","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277752,"EventID":"S4W-10493","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3824,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-29T15:08:12.52","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-24T12:45:56","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will monitor whether additional travel costs are making it impossible for students to continue their studies following college mergers.\r\n","AnswerText":"While the current configuration of college campuses is expected to remain the same, we would expect colleges to monitor the implication of any merger on students through a post merger evaluation process, including the SFC.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-12T15:08:12.54","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277753,"EventID":"S4W-10528","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1778,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":110,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-29T15:08:12.82","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-24T17:28:19.55","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will offer guaranteed insurance for properties at risk of flooding.\r\n","AnswerText":"Financial service matters such as insurance are reserved to the UK Government, and the provision of insurance is a matter for the commercial market.\r\nThe Scottish Government is working with the UK Government, the other devolved administrations and the Association of British Insurers to agree a way forward and find a practical solution to flood insurance availability for those at risk of flooding post June 2013 when the current statement of principles between the Government and the insurance industry runs out.\r\nThe Scottish Government is committed to safeguarding the communities of Scotland from flooding. We are working to reduce flood risk across the whole of Scotland through the implementation of the Flood Risk Management (Scotland) Act 2009 and the continued funding of large-scale flood protection schemes.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-12T15:08:12.83","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277754,"EventID":"S4W-10529","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1778,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":110,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-29T15:08:13.14","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-24T17:28:19.55","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what recent assessment it has made of the adequacy of flood defences in Fife.\r\n","AnswerText":"In 2007, all the existing flood defences in Scotland were assessed as part of the establishment of the Scottish Government’s Flood Defence Asset Database. Since then, a new National Flood Risk Assessment has been undertaken by the Scottish Environment Protection Agency, the outputs from which were approved by Ministers on 22 December 2011.\r\nThe assessment has identified areas where significant flood risk exists (“Potentially Vulnerable Areas”) – and for the first time we have a national picture of flood risk across Scotland.  This represents a key milestone towards Scotland being able to target efforts to plan and invest in reducing impacts in areas most vulnerable to flooding, which will help Scotland become more resilient to the impacts of flooding.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-12T15:08:13.15","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277755,"EventID":"S4W-10530","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1778,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":110,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-29T15:08:13.45","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-24T17:28:19.55","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it, the Scottish Environment Protection Agency, Scottish Water and the emergency planning services are jointly reviewing (a) their responses and (b) the lessons learned from the October 2012 flooding in Fife.","AnswerText":"The response to the October 2012 flooding in Fife was managed effectively by the local authority and other local responders. The Scottish Government monitored the situation and was ready to provide support if requested. However, given the localised nature of the incident there was no need to activate the Strategic Co-ordinating Group or the Government’s Resilience Room. SEPA, through the Scottish Flood Forecasting Service, provided regular advice to responders in Fife allowing them to take appropriate action. SEPA regularly review their services with responders.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-12T15:08:13.467","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277756,"EventID":"S4W-10546","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2678,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-29T15:08:13.747","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-25T11:34:09","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-09926 by John Swinney on 25 October 2012, for which provisions of the Public Services Reform (Scotland) Act 2010 does it compile information on the compliance of public bodies.","AnswerText":"Most of the provisions of the Public Services Reform (Scotland) Act 2010 relate to the exercise of functions of a particular body. Some of the provisions of the Act apply to more than one body. These include the requirements to provide information on certain expenditure (section 31) and the exercise of functions (section 32) and the duties imposed on scrutiny bodies in relation to user focus (section 112) and co-operation (section 114). Where the Act imposes a requirement on a public body (whether specifically in relation to that body or more generally) it is the responsibility of the body itself to comply with the provisions.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-12T15:08:13.763","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277757,"EventID":"S4W-10587","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":86,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-29T15:08:14.057","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-25T13:41:09.423","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether the Lord Advocate considers that he read (a) the whole of or (b) any part of (i) Choosing Scotland’s Future, (ii) Your Scotland, Your Voice and (iii) Your Scotland, Your Referendum before publication and, if so, on what date and what was asked of him.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to questions S4W-10549 and S4W-10557 on 12 December 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-12T15:08:14.073","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277758,"EventID":"S4W-10588","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":86,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-29T15:08:14.4","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-25T13:41:09.423","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether the Solicitor General considers that she read (a) the whole of or (b) any part of (i) Choosing Scotland’s Future, (ii) Your Scotland, Your Voice and (iii) Your Scotland, Your Referendum before publication and, if so, on what date and what was asked of her. \r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to questions S4W-10549 and S4W-10557 on 12 December 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-12T15:08:14.417","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277759,"EventID":"S4W-10606","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":86,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-29T15:08:14.73","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-25T15:52:04.887","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-09922 by Derek Mackay on 24 October 2012, what advice it offers homeowners whose property values might fall because of the likelihood of mine workings on or near their property.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government does not offer advice on this matter. I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-09922 on 24 October 2012, which sets out the responsibilities of the Coal Authority. All answers to written Parliamentary Questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-12T15:08:14.743","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Derek Mackay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277760,"EventID":"S4W-10608","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":86,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-29T15:08:15.057","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-25T15:52:04.887","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-09922 by Derek Mackay on 24 October 2012, what recent discussions it has had with the Coal Authority regarding homeowners who have been advised that there are mine workings on or near their property.\r\n","AnswerText":"There have been no recent discussions with the Coal Authority on this matter.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-12T15:08:15.073","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Derek Mackay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277761,"EventID":"S4W-10616","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3771,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-29T15:08:15.383","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-26T12:26:04.817","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many diagnoses there were of (a) diabetes, (b) cancer or tumours, (c) hypertension, (d) stroke or (e) multiple sclerosis as a result of an eye check in the last year for which information is available.\r\n","AnswerText":"The information requested is not collected.\r\nThe Eyecare Integration Project, which was announced in September 2010, aims to deliver 95% of patient referrals from optometrists to hospital eye services electronically by April 2014. The project’s success factors include reduced waiting times from referral to treatment, and more effective use of hospital eye service resources.\r\nOnce the Eyecare Integration Project is fully rolled-out and in place it may be possible to collect this type of data.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-12T15:08:15.4","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277762,"EventID":"S4W-10622","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2633,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-29T15:08:15.837","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-26T13:31:50","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what economic analysis underpins the statement of the Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and the Environment reported in the Farmers Guardian on 23 October 2012 that every farm in Scotland would receive £6,000 extra from the common agricultural policy if Scotland separated from the rest of the United Kingdom.","AnswerText":"The European Commission’s draft Direct Payment Regulation includes a convergence proposal that would see Member States with average per hectare payment rates below 90% of the EU-27 average rate per hectare have one third of the gap between their current level and 90% of the EU-27 average rate closed between 2014 and 2020.\r\nBased on this proposal, Scottish Government analysts have estimated the impact of the convergence mechanism for Scotland as an independent Member State. This indicates that approximately £150 million extra would be needed to close one third of the gap between Scotland’s current average rate per hectare and 90% of the EU average rate per hectare. Dividing this £150 million by the typical annual number of Single Application Forms (SAF) submitted is equivalent to around £6,000 each.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-12T15:08:15.853","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277763,"EventID":"S4W-10623","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2633,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-29T15:08:16.117","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-26T13:31:50","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it has received assurances from the (a) European Commission or (b) Law Officers that Scottish farmers would automatically qualify for acceptance to the common agricultural policy if Scotland separated from the rest of the United Kingdom. \r\n","AnswerText":"It is the clear view of the Scottish Government that on independence Scotland would remain part of the EU as it is at present, fulfilling the responsibilities which membership brings, and maintaining its political, economic and social links to Europe. A Scotland at the heart of European activity enables us to benefit from the opportunities membership brings and ensure Scotland has a full role in the development of EU affairs including its terms under the Common Agricultural policy.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-12T15:08:16.133","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277764,"EventID":"S4W-10632","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2487,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-29T15:08:16.397","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-26T21:14:17","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government which long-term conditions did not provide exemption from prescription fees prior to their abolition in April 2011 and how many people had such conditions at that time.","AnswerText":"Prior to abolition of prescription charges in 2011, the list of conditions which entitled people to free prescriptions were:\r\nHypoparathyroidism\r\nHypoadrenalism (for which specific substitution therapy is essential)\r\nDiabetes insipidus and other forms of hypopituitarism\r\nDiabetes Mellitus (except where treatment is by diet alone)\r\nMyasthenia Gravis\r\nMyxoedema ( that is, Hypothyroidism requiring thyroid hormone replacement)\r\nEpilepsy (requiring continuous anti-convulsive therapy)\r\nA permanent Fistula requiring continuous surgical dressing or requiring an appliance ( also referred to as a stoma)\r\nA continuing physical disability which prevents the patient from leaving a residence without the help of another person.\r\nWe do not have an exhaustive list of those long-term conditions which did not entitle people to free prescriptions, and therefore cannot determine the number of people with these conditions. However, such a list would be extensive, and would include conditions such as Parkinson’s Disease, Asthma, Cancer, Multiple Sclerosis, HIV, and COPD, amongst others.\r\nSimply extending the list of conditions would have been likely to leave groups of patients frustrated, either due to omissions or as the result of the emergence of new conditions. The fairest solution was to abolish prescription charges for all people in Scotland, whatever their condition.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-12T15:08:16.413","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277765,"EventID":"S4W-10633","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5078,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":111,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-29T15:08:16.663","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-26T16:25:14","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it plans to formally evaluate the NHS self-management programmes available for people with osteoarthritis.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has no plans to conduct a formal evaluation of NHS self-management programmes for patients with osteoarthritis.\r\nIt is for NHS boards to plan and provide services in accordance with national and local priorities and in line with the health needs of their resident populations. NHS boards are expected to review services and facilities regularly to ensure that they continue to reflect local needs and provide the best quality healthcare services. This would include any self management programmes they provide.\r\nThe voluntary sector has an important role to play in supporting NHS boards to deliver high quality services. In delivering services NHS boards can make use of self management programmes for a wide range of conditions.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-12T15:08:16.68","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277766,"EventID":"S4W-10634","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5078,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":111,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-29T15:08:16.977","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-26T16:28:17","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it ensures that people in rural areas have access to local pharmacies.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government believes that people in all areas should have access to a local community pharmacy where that is possible. This is, however, a matter for NHS boards. Provisions for applications to NHS boards to open a community pharmacy are set out in the NHS (Pharmaceutical Services) (Scotland) Regulations 2009, as amended.\r\nAll NHS boards are required to prepare a Pharmaceutical Care Services Plan (PCSP) for their area. A PCSP should provide a comprehensive picture of the range, nature and quality of pharmaceutical care provided in an NHS board’s area, and identify where it believes there is a lack of adequate provision of pharmaceutical services, or where it believes there is over provision. NHS boards should have reference to their PCSP when considering the need for pharmaceutical services in the context of an application.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-12T15:08:16.99","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277767,"EventID":"S4W-10638","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3758,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":76,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-29T17:21:50.17","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-29T09:57:16","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4F-00858 by Alex Salmond on 20 September 2012, (Official Report, c. 11704), how much it has spent in dealing with the freedom of information (FOI) requests by the anonymous submitter referred to by the First Minister and what the average cost of dealing with FOI requests has been since 2007.\r\n","AnswerText":"The report of the Scottish Government’s FOI Costing Exercise 2012, which was published on 14 November, shows that the average cost to the Scottish Government of responding an FOI request is £231, the cost of an internal review is £417, and an appeal to the Scottish Information Commissioner costs £1,250. The previous cost exercise, carried out by this Government in 2010, is published on the Scottish Government website at: http://www.scotland.gov.uk/About/Information/FOI/FOICostReport. \r\nOur records show that the anonymous requester referred to by the First Minister has submitted 13.5 per cent of all of the requests received by the Scottish Government between the start of the summer recess on 29 June and 6 November 2012. Based on the results of the costing exercise, the costs to the government are:\r\n85 Requests £ 19,635\r\n6 Requests for internal review £ 2,502\r\n1 Appeal to the Commissioner £ 1,250\r\nTotal £ 23,387\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-12T17:21:50.2","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":" Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277768,"EventID":"S4W-10641","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4016,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":133,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-29T17:21:50.857","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-29T13:22:31","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many wind farm development applications it has (a) approved and (b) rejected since 2007, broken down by local authority.","AnswerText":"Under s36 of The Electricity Act, Scottish Ministers have determined 35 wind farm applications since 2007. Of these, 29 applications were consented and six were rejected.\r\nThis list, by planning authority, is as a follows.\r\nName of Development\r\nTech\r\nMW\r\nDecision Made\r\nPLI?\r\nDecison\r\nPA\r\nClashindarroch\r\nOnshore Wind\r\n129\r\n10-09-2007\r\nY\r\nRejected\r\nAberdeenshire\r\nMid Hill\r\nOnshore Wind\r\n75\r\n10-01-2008\r\nN\r\nConsented\r\nAberdeenshire\r\nCarraig Gheal\r\nOnshore Wind\r\n60\r\n13-06-2008\r\nN\r\nConsented\r\nArgyll and Bute\r\nBlack Craig\r\nOnshore Wind\r\n69\r\n22-03-2011\r\nY\r\nConsented\r\nDumfries & Galloway\r\nHarestanes\r\nOnshore Wind\r\n213\r\n10-09-2007\r\nY\r\nConsented\r\nDumfries and Galloway\r\nKyle\r\nOnshore Wind\r\n255\r\n24-10-2008\r\nN\r\nRejected\r\nEast Ayrshire\r\nWhitelee Extension Phase 1\r\nOnshore Wind\r\n130\r\n20-05-2009\r\nN\r\nConsented\r\nEast Ayrshire\r\nWhitelee Extension Phase 2\r\nOnshore Wind\r\n141\r\n11-12-2009\r\nN\r\nConsented\r\nEast Ayrshire\r\nCrystal Rig Phase II(a)\r\nOnshore Wind\r\n27\r\n29-07-2008\r\nN\r\nConsented\r\nEast Lothian\r\nGalawhistle\r\nOnshore Wind\r\n55\r\n08-08-2012\r\nN\r\nConsented\r\nEasyAyshire-South Lanarkshire\r\nGordonbush\r\nOnshore Wind\r\n87.5\r\n09-04-2008\r\nN\r\nConsented\r\nHighland\r\nMillennium\r\nOnshore Wind\r\n15\r\n07-08-2009\r\nN\r\nConsented\r\nHighland\r\nKilbraur Extension\r\nOnshore Wind\r\n20\r\n14-09-2009\r\nN\r\nConsented\r\nHighland\r\nBaillie\r\nOnshore Wind\r\n52.5\r\n12-01-2010\r\nY\r\nConsented\r\nHighland\r\nDunmaglass\r\nOnshore Wind\r\n99\r\n29-12-2010\r\nN\r\nConsented\r\nHighland\r\nStrathy North\r\nOnshore Wind\r\n80.5\r\n22-11-2011\r\nN\r\nConsented\r\nHighland\r\nLochluichart\r\nOnshore Wind\r\n51\r\n22-12-2008\r\nN\r\nConsented\r\nHighland \r\nSpittal Hill\r\nOnshore Wind\r\n77.5\r\n13-06-2012\r\nY\r\nRejected\r\nHighland Council\r\nLochluichart Extension\r\nOnshore Wind\r\n18\r\n02-10-2012\r\nN\r\nConsented\r\nHighland Council\r\nGreenock\r\nOnshore Wind\r\n59\r\n03-08-2007\r\nY\r\nRejected\r\nInverclyde\r\nBerry Burn\r\nOnshore Wind\r\n78.3\r\n07-08-2009\r\nN\r\nConsented\r\nMoray\r\nRothes Extension\r\nOnshore Wind\r\n45\r\n12-01-2010\r\nN\r\nConsented\r\nMoray\r\nDoronell\r\nOnshore Wind\r\n177\r\n28-12-2011\r\nY\r\nConsented\r\nMoray\r\nBlack Law\r\nOnshore Wind\r\n69\r\n22-03-2011\r\nN\r\nConsented\r\nN.Lanarkshire & W. Lothian\r\nCalliacher\r\nOnshore Wind\r\n62.1\r\n10-09-2007\r\nY\r\nRejected\r\nPerth and Kinross\r\nGriffin\r\nOnshore Wind\r\n204\r\n31-01-2008\r\nY\r\nConsented\r\nPerth and Kinross\r\nFallago Rig\r\nOnshore Wind\r\n144\r\n09-11-2010\r\nY\r\nConsented\r\nScottish Borders Council\r\nViking\r\nOnshore Wind\r\n457\r\n04-04-2012\r\nN\r\nConsented\r\nShetland Islands\r\nStornoway\r\nOnshore Wind\r\n126\r\n07-09-2012\r\nN\r\nConsented\r\nShetland Islands\r\nMark Hill\r\nOnshore Wind\r\n84\r\n25-06-2008\r\nN\r\nConsented\r\nSouth Ayrshire\r\nArecleoch\r\nOnshore Wind\r\n180\r\n25-06-2008\r\nN\r\nConsented\r\nSouth Ayrshire-Dumfries and Galloway\r\nClyde\r\nOnshore Wind\r\n548\r\n21-07-2008\r\nY\r\nConsented\r\nSouth Lanarkshire\r\nLewis\r\nOnshore Wind\r\n652\r\n21-04-2008\r\nN\r\nRejected\r\nWestern Isles\r\nMuaitheabhal\r\nOnshore Wind\r\n118.8\r\n14-01-2010\r\nY\r\nConsented\r\nWestern Isles\r\nMuaitheabhal East Extension\r\nOnshore Wind\r\n21.6\r\n28-12-2011\r\nN\r\nConsented\r\nWestern Isles\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-12T17:21:50.87","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277769,"EventID":"S4W-10642","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4016,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":133,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-29T17:21:51.26","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-29T13:22:31","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much legal aid was paid to lawyers to represent asylum seekers in each year since April 2008.\r\n","AnswerText":"The figures given are for advice and assistance and legal aid. They include payments for legal fees to solicitors, advocates and solicitor advocates and for other expenditure such as translators and expert witnesses. The separation into immigration cases and asylum cases is not entirely reliable, since there is an element of overlap between the categories and the figures depend on reporting by solicitors. Asylum was only introduced as a separate category in 2008, so the increase in that number may be affected by increased familiarity by solicitors with the categorisation.\r\nFin Year\r\nDescription\r\nTotal Paid (inc vat)\r\n \r\nImmigration\r\n£3,346,023\r\n \r\nAsylum seekers\r\n£447,350\r\nTotal \r\n2008-09\r\n \r\n£3,793,372\r\n \r\nImmigration\r\n£3,317,381\r\n \r\nAsylum seekers\r\n£1,086,045\r\nTotal \r\n2009-10\r\n \r\n£4,403,426\r\n \r\nImmigration\r\n£3,308,238\r\n \r\nAsylum seekers\r\n£1,787,614\r\nTotal \r\n2010-11\r\n \r\n£5,095,851\r\n \r\nImmigration\r\n£2,946,542\r\n \r\nAsylum seekers\r\n£2,177,800\r\nTotal \r\n2011-12\r\n \r\n£5,124,342\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-12T17:21:51.277","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277770,"EventID":"S4W-10645","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2029,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":145,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-29T17:21:51.62","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-29T13:56:24","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what information it has on how many firms with a workforce of 50 or over closed down in (a) 2010, (b) 2011 and (c) 2012.  \r\n","AnswerText":"Information on the number of firms with a workforce of 50 or over which have closed down is not centrally held.\r\nInformation on the business death rate for firms of all sizes can be found at the following link:\r\nhttp://www.ons.gov.uk/ons/rel/bus-register/business-demography/2010/stb---business-demography-2010.html. \r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-12T17:21:51.65","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277771,"EventID":"S4W-10646","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2029,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":145,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-29T17:21:52.04","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-29T13:56:24","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what information it has on how many firms with a workforce of 50 or over relocated to elsewhere in Europe in (a) 2010 and (b) 2011.\r\n","AnswerText":"Information on the number of firms with a workforce of 50 or over which have relocated to elsewhere in Europe is not centrally held.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-12T17:21:52.057","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277772,"EventID":"S4W-10647","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2029,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":145,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-29T17:21:52.417","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-29T13:56:24","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what information it has on how many firms with a workforce of 50 or over relocated to England in (a) 2010 and (b) 2011.\r\n","AnswerText":"Information on the number of firms with a workforce of 50 or over which have relocated to England is not centrally held.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-12T17:21:52.43","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277773,"EventID":"S4W-10648","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3758,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":76,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-29T17:21:52.82","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-29T15:29:50","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the criteria are for determining whether or not a school is classified as rural under the terms of the Schools (Consultation) (Scotland) Act 2010.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Schools (Consultation) (Scotland) Act 2010 requires Scottish Ministers to maintain a list of rural schools. Section 14 of the 2010 Act states that in determining the question of rurality when considering whether a school falls to be included in or excluded from the list of rural schools, the Scottish Ministers are to have regard (in particular) to—\r\n(a) the population of the community (or settlement) in which the school is located,\r\n(b) the geographical circumstances of that community (or settlement) including its\r\nrelative remoteness or inaccessibility.\r\nThe Scottish Government Urban Rural Classification, provides a standard definition of rural areas in Scotland. The rural school list is prepared using this classification system with 3 different classifications for rural school (Accessible Rural, Remote Rural and Very Remote Rural). These classifications are based on the settlement size where the school is located and also by the drive time to another settlement. The detail of the classification criteria is set out in the following table.\r\nAccessible Rural\r\nSettlements of fewer than 3,000 people and within 30 minutes drive of a settlement of 10,000 or more.\r\nRemote Rural\r\nSettlements of fewer than 3,000 people and with a drive time of between 30 and 60 minutes to a settlement of 10,000 or more.\r\nVery Remote Rural\r\nSettlements of fewer than 3,000 people and with a drive time of over 60 minutes to a settlement of 10,000 or more.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-12T17:21:52.853","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277774,"EventID":"S4W-10649","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3758,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":76,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-29T17:21:53.257","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-29T15:29:50","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the process is for reclassifying a school as rural under the terms of the Schools (Consultation) (Scotland) Act 2010.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government Urban Rural Classification, on which the Rural School List is based, is updated every two years, and the most recent version was published in August 2012. Following the update of the Classification, the Rural Schools List is them amended to take account of the revisions. This review also takes place every two years with the next review planned for Spring 2013. As the classification of schools as rural is based on the population density of their postcode area, this classification may change over time as settlements expand or contract.\r\nThe Scottish Government is aware that some local authorities have indicated that current rural school list may include a small number of anomalies.\r\nIt is open to an education authority to raise a concern they might have about the post code allocation for a school with the Post Office and enquire whether the post code could be changed to that of an adjacent post code area.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-12T17:21:53.273","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277775,"EventID":"S4W-10650","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3758,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":76,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-29T17:21:53.663","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-29T15:29:50","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how long a tenant of a (a) local authority and (b) registered social landlord is entitled to retain their tenancy while in residential care for a limited period.\r\n","AnswerText":"There is no set period that a tenant of a local authority or registered social landlord is entitled to retain their Scottish Secure Tenancy while in residential care. There are limited grounds under the Housing Scotland Act 2001 when a local authority or a registered social landlord can seek to recover possession of a tenancy. One ground is if the tenant and their spouse or partner have been absent from the property without reasonable cause for a continuous period exceeding 6 months or have ceased to occupy the property as their principal home. The court can make such an order only if it is reasonable to do so.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-12T17:21:53.68","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Burgess","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277794,"EventID":"S4W-10599","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1882,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":129,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-30T13:49:11.97","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-25T14:31:39","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many people with a diagnosis or co-diagnosis of autistic spectrum disorder were prescribed drugs in each of the following categories (a) hypnotics and anxiolytics, (b) psychoses and related disorders, (c) antidepressants and (d) attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in (i) 2009-10 and (ii) 2010-11, broken down by age.\r\n","AnswerText":"This information is not centrally held by the Scottish Government.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-13T13:49:12.063","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277795,"EventID":"S4W-10624","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-30T13:49:12.75","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-26T14:46:51","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what action it is taking to address any gaps in the medical profession's awareness, knowledge and understanding of foetal alcohol spectrum disorder.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government recognises that there are gaps in the knowledge and awareness of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) amongst health professionals in Scotland. We are addressing this situation by taking forward work on FASD in a phased way. This approach is being taken in order that we are able to understand the scale of the problem in Scotland and to ensure that appropriate services will be in place for children who are diagnosed with the disorder as awareness grows.\r\nThe Scottish Government is developing an action plan to prioritise a range of prevention and awareness raising strategies with the intention of reducing the number of alcohol exposed pregnancies and improve the outcomes for affected children.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-13T13:49:12.763","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277796,"EventID":"S4W-10625","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-30T13:49:13.233","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-26T14:46:51","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what action it is taking to ensure that each NHS board has adequate funding to support a consultant post specialising in foetal alcohol spectrum disorder.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government is taking forward work on FASD (Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder) in a phased way. This approach is being taken in order that we are able to understand the scale of the problem in Scotland and to ensure that appropriate services will be in place for children who are diagnosed with the disorder.\r\nWithin that context, decisions on the provision of local healthcare services are the responsibility of local NHS boards, taking into account national guidance, local service needs and priorities for investment.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-13T13:49:13.247","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277797,"EventID":"S4W-10626","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-30T13:49:13.717","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-26T14:46:51","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what action it is taking to ensure that patients with foetal alcohol spectrum disorder can be diagnosed locally rather than have to travel to Surrey to be diagnosed.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government recognises that diagnosis of fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD) can be complex and difficult, especially as children grow older and become adults. As part of the paediatric surveillance programme currently underway, all paediatricians were offered the opportunity to learn what FASD is, how to recognise the symptoms and diagnose the condition as well as use the surveillance programme. These training sessions were well attended and in addition to this, there has since been two training days at the ‘FASD Champions’ events.\r\nNevertheless, recognition of FASD is more difficult as patients age and the skills required to make a diagnosis of FASD in adulthood are less widespread. The highly specialised service available at Surrey and Borders NHS Foundation Trust is available to support more complex cases where diagnosis is less clear.\r\nHowever, the neurobehavioral elements that contribute to a diagnosis of FASD can be assessed e.g. within psychology services, and appropriate interventions recommended, regardless of a diagnosis of FASD.\r\nAs part of the Scottish Government’s work on FASD, we are currently exploring a range of options around improving service provision within Scotland for people with FASD.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-13T13:49:13.747","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277798,"EventID":"S4W-10628","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-30T13:49:14.123","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-26T14:46:51","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it plans to direct NHS boards to establish local centres to diagnose and treat patients with foetal alcohol spectrum disorder.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-10626 on 8 November 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-13T13:49:14.137","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277799,"EventID":"S4W-10639","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5042,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-30T13:49:14.543","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-29T12:53:37","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what services the Scottish Qualifications Authority has provided to foreign companies and governments in each year since 2007.\r\n","AnswerText":"Services provided by the SQA to foreign companies and governments come under two broad categories – consultancy and awarding. international services/activities make a significant contribution to Scotland’s international engagement strategy and plans and also provide income for the SQA.\r\nConsultancy\r\nThe SQA’s international consultancy services assist countries and governments in the development of their education, skills and training systems and processes, helping to build capacity and benefiting individual learners, communities and the wider economy. Services include, among others, the development of: national qualifications frameworks, qualifications and assessment, quality assurance systems, and vocational/occupational standards.\r\nConsultancy services are provided to foreign companies and governments mainly through a process of bidding for projects through a competitive tendering process. The SQA submits bids as a sole organisation; as lead in a consortium; or as a partner in a consortium. Projects are funded by foreign governments, their agencies or through worldwide agencies such as the World Bank. The SQA has dedicated team of Project Managers and a works in-country with a wide range of experts and consultants.\r\nA list of countries with which the SQA has worked each year since 2007, and whether that work was with foreign governments/government agencies or foreign companies, is in the following table.\r\n\r\nYear\r\nCountry\r\nGovernment/ Government Agencies\r\nPrivate/ Company\r\nStart Date\r\nEnd Date\r\n2007\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nBotswana\r\nü\r\n \r\n2003\r\n2011\r\nBotswana\r\nü\r\n \r\nFeb-2006\r\nDec-2008\r\nLithuania\r\nü\r\n \r\nJan-2007\r\nFeb-2007\r\nSouth Africa\r\nü\r\n \r\nAug-2007\r\nDec-2007\r\nRomania\r\nü\r\n \r\nNov-2007\r\nDec-2008\r\nMozambique\r\nü\r\n \r\nDec-2007\r\nDec-2009\r\n2008\r\nBotswana\r\nü\r\n \r\nMar-2008\r\nMar-2013\r\nTurkey\r\nü\r\n \r\nApr-2008\r\nDec-2008\r\nEgypt\r\nü\r\n \r\nApr-2008\r\nSep-2012\r\nEgypt\r\nü\r\n \r\nJun-2008\r\nJun-2009\r\nRomania\r\nü\r\n \r\nJun-2008\r\nJun-2009\r\n2009\r\n\r\nKosovo\r\nü\r\n \r\nSep-2009\r\nAug-2011\r\nAbu Dhabi\r\n \r\nü\r\nOct-2009\r\nSep-2011\r\nRomania\r\nü\r\n \r\nOct-2009\r\nSep-2012\r\n2010\r\nBahrain\r\nü\r\n \r\nJan-2010\r\nDec-2011\r\nCroatia\r\nü\r\n \r\nJan-2010\r\nJan-2012\r\nEgypt\r\nü\r\n \r\nApr-2010\r\nOct-2011\r\nEritrea\r\nü\r\n \r\nApr-2010\r\nMar-2013\r\nRomania\r\nü\r\n \r\nApr-2010\r\nMar-2013\r\nRomania\r\nü\r\n \r\nApr-2010\r\nMar-2013\r\nCroatia\r\nü\r\n \r\nMay-2010\r\nMar-2012\r\nRwanda\r\nü\r\n \r\nAug-2010\r\nAug-2012\r\nEgypt\r\nü\r\n \r\nNov-2010\r\nApr-2012\r\n2011\r\nMozambique\r\nü\r\n \r\nFeb-2011\r\nFeb-2013\r\nNB. 2011 and 2012 are also covered by projects that started in earlier years and continue into 2011, 2012 and 2013 (see final column in table).\r\nAwarding\r\nThrough its international awarding activities, the SQA provides students in a wide range of countries with internationally recognised and valued qualifications. These qualifications assist in building skilled workforces within countries; enhance international mobility; and provide opportunities to articulate to higher education in a number of UK and overseas universities.\r\nAwarding activities include: the approval of centres to offer SQA qualifications; provision of qualifications; quality assurance of qualifications; and certification of qualifications. A list of countries in which the SQA has carried out awarding activities since 2007, and whether those activities were with foreign governments/government agencies or foreign companies, is in the following table.\r\nYear\r\nCountry\r\nGovernment/ Government Agencies*\r\nPrivate/ Company**\r\n2007 \r\nBahrain\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nChina\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nEgypt\r\n\r\nx 1\r\n \r\nOman\r\n\r\n \r\n \r\nQatar\r\n\r\nx 3\r\n\r\nUAE\r\n\r\nx 5\r\n2008\r\nBahrain\r\n\r\n \r\n \r\nChina\r\n\r\n \r\n \r\nEgypt\r\n\r\nx 1\r\n \r\nOman\r\n\r\n \r\n \r\nQatar\r\n\r\nx 3\r\n \r\nTurkey\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nUAE\r\n\r\nx 5\r\n2009\r\nBahrain\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nCayman Islands\r\n\r\n \r\n \r\nChina\r\n\r\n \r\n \r\nEgypt\r\n\r\nx 1\r\n \r\nOman\r\n\r\n \r\n \r\nQatar\r\n\r\nx 3\r\n \r\nTurkey\r\n\r\n \r\n \r\nUAE\r\n\r\nx 6\r\n \r\nUSA\r\n\r\n \r\n2010\r\nBahrain\r\n\r\n \r\n \r\nCayman Islands\r\n\r\n \r\n \r\nChina\r\n\r\n \r\n \r\nEgypt\r\n\r\nx 1\r\n\r\nIndia\r\n\r\nx2\r\n \r\nOman\r\n\r\n \r\n \r\nQatar\r\n\r\nx 3\r\n\r\nSri Lanka\r\n\r\n \r\n \r\nTurkey\r\n\r\n \r\n \r\nUAE\r\n\r\nx 6\r\n \r\nUSA\r\n\r\n \r\n2011\r\nBahrain\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nBangladesh\r\n\r\nx1\r\n \r\nCayman Island","AnswerDate":"2012-11-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-13T13:49:14.56","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277800,"EventID":"S4W-10640","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5042,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-30T13:49:14.87","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-29T12:53:37","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what income the Scottish Qualifications Authority has received from foreign companies or governments in each year since 2007 and how much it is owed.\r\n","AnswerText":"The income received by the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) from foreign companies or governments from its consultancy and awarding activities in each year since 2007 is in the following table.\r\nThe value of all invoices raised by the SQA up to 31st October 2012 which have not yet paid by overseas customers is £1,540,840\r\nFinancial Year\r\nIncome from foreign companies or governments\r\n \r\n£\r\n2007-08\r\n1,037,942\r\n2008-09\r\n2,161,851\r\n2009-10\r\n3,726,280\r\n2010-11\r\n2,462,027\r\n2011-12\r\n3,201,610\r\n2012-13 (To 31 October)\r\n619,530\r\n\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-13T13:49:14.903","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277801,"EventID":"S4W-10662","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3745,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":122,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-30T13:49:15.247","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-30T09:50:52","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many people who receive prescriptions for antihypertensive drugs and statins in relation to heart conditions would not have been eligible for free prescriptions prior to April 2011.","AnswerText":"This information is not centrally held by the Scottish Government. \r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-13T13:49:15.293","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277802,"EventID":"S4W-10663","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-30T13:49:15.743","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-30T10:31:26","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how effective it considers the Fireworks (Scotland) Regulations 2004 have been in preventing antisocial behaviour involving fireworks.","AnswerText":"The regulations have had a significant impact, demonstrated by a marked reduction in incidents reported to the police. Regulations cannot eradicate all fireworks related incidents but they have reduced them significantly.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-13T13:49:15.76","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Roseanna Cunningham","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277812,"EventID":"S4W-10651","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4016,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":133,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-30T17:18:27.303","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-29T16:17:41","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-03885 by Fiona Hyslop on 7 November 2011, what evidence the cabinet secretary used to support the assertions that an independent Scotland would (a) not be forced into adopting the euro and (b) continue to be a member of the EU on the same basis as the rest of the UK.\r\n","AnswerText":"Since the publication in November 2009 of Your Scotland, Your Voice - which clearly sets out Scottish Ministers’ views on an independent Scotland’s position within the EU and on the Euro - we have repeatedly referred to the views of a range of legal, constitutional and European experts in support of our views. In addition I would refer the member to the comments of the Deputy First Minister on 23 October 2012 which categorically states the Scottish Government position on these issues.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-13T17:18:27.447","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277813,"EventID":"S4W-10652","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3824,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-30T17:18:28.757","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-30T09:41:41","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether the proposals in the Water Resources (Scotland) Bill will allow (a) Scottish Water's services to be privatised and (b) the water sector to be organised on a regional basis.\r\n","AnswerText":"No. The Water Resources (Scotland) Bill is not intended to restructure or privatise Scottish Water. Scottish Water is performing well and will remain in the public sector. The Bill and its accompanying documents can be viewed at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/Bills/52620.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-13T17:18:28.77","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277814,"EventID":"S4W-10653","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3824,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-30T17:18:29.287","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-30T09:41:41","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether the proposals in the Water Resources (Scotland) Bill will allow private water companies to supply households.\r\n","AnswerText":"No. The Bill does not change the existing position that Scottish Water is the sole supplier of water and wastewater services to the Scottish household sector.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-13T17:18:29.3","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277815,"EventID":"S4W-10654","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3824,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-30T17:18:29.677","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-30T09:41:41","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what safeguards there are in the Water Resources (Scotland) Bill regarding (a) the  promotion of sustainability and biodiversity and (b) protecting supplies in order to prevent shortages.\r\n","AnswerText":"Section 1 of the Bill specifically requires Ministers to exercise the duty to develop the value of Scotland’s water resources in ways that will contribute to the sustainable use of those resources. The Water (Scotland) Act 1980 tasks Scottish Water with maintaining a supply of wholesome water, and Scottish Water undertakes water resource planning to ensure it meets this commitment. The Water Industry (Scotland) Act 2002 places duties on Scottish Water to use its resources economically, efficiently and effectively. It also charges Scottish Water to act in the way best calculated to contribute to the achievement of sustainable development as well as protecting the environment and natural heritage. Where extraordinary climatic conditions render Scottish Water’s normal resource planning insufficient, Part 7 of the Bill gives Scottish Water a range of tools that can be deployed as part of a water shortage order to ensure that supplies are protected. Such orders can be used proactively to address threatened shortages, without waiting for an actual shortage to occur.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-13T17:18:29.707","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277816,"EventID":"S4W-10655","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3824,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-30T17:18:30.113","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-30T09:41:41","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government for what reason the Water Resources (Scotland) Bill proposes certain qualifying abstractions to be exempt from approval.\r\n","AnswerText":"The exemptions from the regime cover activities which are for the most part non-consumptive of the water abstracted and confer wider public benefit.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-13T17:18:30.13","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277817,"EventID":"S4W-10656","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3824,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-30T17:18:30.47","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-30T09:41:41","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government for what reason the Water Resources (Scotland) Bill proposes a 10 megalitres-per-day threshold to apply for a qualifying abstraction.\r\n","AnswerText":"The threshold was chosen following a review of the abstractions currently in place, and will ensure that only the largest and most significant new proposals are required to gain approval.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-13T17:18:30.487","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277818,"EventID":"S4W-10657","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3824,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-30T17:18:31.063","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-30T09:41:41","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government for what reason the Water Resources (Scotland) Bill proposes that Scottish Water be given responsibility for monitoring raw water.\r\n","AnswerText":"Scottish Water is responsible for supplying wholesome drinking water and treats raw water in order to do this. Part 4 of the Bill will enable Scottish Water to enter premises for the purposes of monitoring raw water quality or finding the source of pollution, so that action can be taken. If raw water quality is being affected illegally (i.e. in breach of the applicable environmental protection legislation) Scottish Water can alert SEPA, who will take action as the environmental regulator in Scotland. If raw water quality is being affected by lawful activities, the Bill gives Scottish Water the option of entering into a voluntary agreement with the relevant landowner or occupier to protect or improve raw water quality. The purpose of the provisions on monitoring raw water quality is accordingly to allow Scottish Water to gather information so that it can address quality issues in the most cost effective manner.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-13T17:18:31.08","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277819,"EventID":"S4W-10658","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3824,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-30T17:18:31.393","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-30T09:41:41","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how the Water Resources (Scotland) Bill will ensure that consumers are protected when Scottish Water carries out its non-core functions.\r\n","AnswerText":"The regulatory frameworks as established by the Water Industry (Scotland) Act 2002 stipulate that customers covered by a charges scheme may only be charged by Scottish Water for the provision of core functions. Customers are therefore protected from the costs arising from non-core functions and section 24 of the Bill clarifies this as regards the new duties imposed on Scottish Water. The Bill also sets out that the duties on Scottish Water to develop the value of its assets and promote the use of its assets for renewable energy generation are imposed only so far as is not inconsistent with the economic, efficient and effective exercise of Scottish Water’s core functions.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-13T17:18:31.423","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277820,"EventID":"S4W-10659","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3824,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-30T17:18:31.767","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-30T09:41:41","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether the proposals in the Water Resources (Scotland) Bill will ensure that there are safeguards so that the impact of water shortage orders affect domestic and non-domestic users equally.\r\n","AnswerText":"Part 7 of the Bill aims to modernise procedures to be followed when there is a shortage in the public supply. Both domestic and non-domestic users may be asked to co-operate to reduce their demand on the network. There are consultation procedures to allow comments on the proposals and their impact on users, both domestic and non-domestic.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-13T17:18:31.797","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277821,"EventID":"S4W-10660","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3824,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-30T17:18:32.11","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-30T09:41:41","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what input private water companies have to Scottish Water’s infrastructure plan.\r\n","AnswerText":"Private water companies are not involved in the setting and approval of Scottish Water’s infrastructure plan. Ministers are required by Section 56A of the Water Industry (Scotland)Act 2002 to direct Scottish Water as to the standards of services and investment activities that Scottish Water must undertake in any regulatory period. Ministers also approve Scottish Water’s Delivery Plan which sets out the timeframe for delivering the investment necessary to meet the requirements set out in the Directions. A copy of the Ministerial Directions covering the current regulatory period 2010-15 is available on the Scottish Government website:\r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Business-Industry/waterindustryscot/improvingservices/currentimprovement.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-13T17:18:32.127","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277822,"EventID":"S4W-10661","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3824,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-30T17:18:32.47","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-30T09:41:41","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much Scottish Water has made from private companies that have used its networks in each year since 2008.\r\n","AnswerText":"Section 4 of the Water Services (Scotland) Act 2005 prohibits the use of the public networks by anyone other than Scottish Water or Scottish Water’s agents. It is therefore not possible for Scottish Water to generate any income from private companies for such activity.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-13T17:18:32.483","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277823,"EventID":"S4W-10690","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-30T17:18:32.89","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-30T11:57:54","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what steps it is taking to protect the red squirrel in 2013, one of the 10 iconic species selected in the Year of Natural Scotland.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government works with Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH), NGOs and landowners to protect red squirrels in Scotland. The Scottish Rural Development Programme (SRDP) provides funding for red squirrel conservation such as habitat management and grey squirrel control. The value of the 5 year SRDP contracts, which run from 2009-2014, is expected to exceed £1.5 million.\r\nSNH is contributing £1 million to the Saving Scotland’s Red Squirrels (SSRS) project, which now incorporates the Red Squirrels in South Scotland (RSSS) project.\r\nThe SSRS project includes raising awareness and encouraging appropriate habitat management in Grampian, Loch Lomond and the Trossachs and Tayside.\r\nThe RSSS is focused on the containment of the squirrel pox virus through the control of grey squirrels in the south of Scotland. Forestry Commission Scotland (FCS) is contributing £100,000 and also provides three full time grey squirrel control officers in the south of Scotland.\r\nA further area of current conservation action is to promote forest management for red squirrels. FCS has identified red squirrel stronghold areas and is working with forest managers to make red squirrel conservation a high priority in these forests.\r\nRecognising the importance of red squirrels to the Scottish public, they are one of the species to be highlighted as part of the Year of Natural Scotland in 2013. This will help raise further public awareness of this native species and of what is being done to protect them and, in particular, will advertise where there are opportunities to view red squirrels.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-13T17:18:32.907","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277824,"EventID":"S4W-10691","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-30T17:18:33.39","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-30T11:57:54","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the incidence rate is of squirrel pox virus.\r\n","AnswerText":"Between 2007 and 2012, there have been 53 confirmed cases of squirrelpox in red squirrels.\r\nBetween the same dates, of 5,282 grey squirrels tested, 831 were sero-positive for exposure to squirrelpox virus.\r\nThis data was collated by the Saving Scotland’s Red Squirrels Project based on work by the Moredun Research Institute, the University of Edinburgh and the Veterinary Laboratory Agency.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-13T17:18:33.403","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277825,"EventID":"S4W-10627","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5041,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-31T14:12:55.9","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-26T14:50:38.72","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it has made representations to (a) Glasgow City Council, (b) Serco or its sub-contractor, Orchard and Shipman, and (c) the Scottish Refugee Council regarding the transfer of properties during the changeover of the contract from Y People to Serco to provide accommodation and transport services to asylum seekers and, if so, what representations.\r\n","AnswerText":"Asylum and Immigration are matters reserved to the UK Government, the United Kingdom Borders Agency (UKBA) and its delivery partners. However, the Scottish Government remains clear that whilst asylum seekers are in Scotland they are to be welcomed and supported, and to that end has regular discussions with UKBA and its delivery partners about the myriad issues relating to asylum seekers living here.\r\nThe Scottish Government has engaged with Glasgow City Council on the potential impact of the contract transfer, however, as the contract between Serco/Orchard & Shipman is with the UK Government, neither Scottish Ministers or officials have engaged directly with them. Officials meet regularly with the Scottish Refugee Council and discuss the range of issues relating to asylum seekers and refugees, including the transfer of contract for accommodation and transport services.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-14T14:12:55.977","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277826,"EventID":"S4W-10629","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5041,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-31T14:12:56.993","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-26T14:50:38.72","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it received representations from or made representations to the UK  (a) Government or (b) Border Agency during the transfer of the contract to provide accommodation and transport services to asylum seekers in Scotland and, if so, what representations.","AnswerText":"Asylum and Immigration are matters reserved to the UK Government, the United Kingdom Borders Agency (UKBA) and its delivery partners. However, the Scottish Government remains clear that whilst asylum seekers are in Scotland they are to be welcomed and supported, and to that end has regular discussions with UKBA and its delivery partners about the myriad issues relating to asylum seekers living here.\r\nIn December 2011, the Cabinet Secretary for Culture and External Affairs, Fiona Hyslop MSP wrote to Home Office Minister Damian Green MP stating that asylum seekers in Scotland should not be adversely affected by the change in contractor and there will be minimum disruption to their lives. She also wished to be kept fully informed during the roll out of the contract in Scotland. Scottish Government officials met with UKBA and their delivery partners on 3 occasions during the summer months, in the lead up to the transfer of the contract.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-14T14:12:57.007","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277827,"EventID":"S4W-10630","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5041,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-31T14:12:57.6","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-26T14:50:38.72","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what information it has on the reason for it not being possible to transfer some properties during the changeover of the contract to provide accommodation and transport services to asylum seekers in Scotland.\r\n","AnswerText":"Asylum and Immigration are matters reserved to the UK Government, the United Kingdom Borders Agency (UKBA) and its delivery partners. However, the Scottish Government remains clear that whilst asylum seekers are in Scotland they are to be welcomed and supported, and to that end has regular discussions with UKBA and its delivery partners about the myriad issues relating to asylum seekers living here.\r\nThe Scottish Government, where informed by UKBA and the contractors, understands that there was a delay of approximately two weeks in transferring some of the properties, due to it taking longer than originally anticipated to finalise some aspects of the contract. However, as this is a reserved matter and not the responsibility of the Scottish Government, I would refer the member to UKBA.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-14T14:12:57.617","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277828,"EventID":"S4W-10631","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5041,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-31T14:12:58.163","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-26T14:50:38.72","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what information it has on how the reported 143 asylum seekers living in the properties that could not be transferred during the changeover of the contract to Serco to provide accommodation and transport services have been relocated and whether they were relocated (a) in or (b) outwith Scotland.\r\n","AnswerText":"Asylum and Immigration are matters reserved to the UK Government, the United Kingdom Borders Agency (UKBA) and its delivery partners. However, the Scottish Government remains clear that whilst asylum seekers are in Scotland they are to be welcomed and supported, and to that end has regular discussions with UKBA and its delivery partners about the myriad issues relating to asylum seekers living here.\r\nAs responsibility for asylum seekers is reserved it would be for the UKBA to provide this information.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-14T14:12:58.193","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277829,"EventID":"S4W-10643","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1892,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":134,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-31T14:12:58.707","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-29T13:29:51","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will publish its cost-benefit analysis of wind energy.\r\n","AnswerText":"Support for wind generation and all other eligible renewable technologies are delivered through the Renewables Obligation (RO) legislation. The support levels vary between those technologies, and are based on detailed assessments of their costs and deployment potential. We estimate that the RO currently adds between £15-20 per annum to domestic electricity bills.\r\nFollowing our recent review, our analysis of the consultation responses led us to conclude that a reduction of 10% in the rate of support for onshore wind under the Renewables Obligation was appropriate. This decision was also reached by the UK Government after we announced our intention to reduce the level of support for onshore wind by 10% with effect from April 2013.\r\nIndustry surveys suggest that the renewables sector, comprising onshore wind development as well as a host of other technologies, currently supports around 11,000 jobs across Scotland.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-14T14:12:58.723","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277830,"EventID":"S4W-10644","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1892,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":134,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-31T14:12:59.237","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-29T13:29:51","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the costs of wind energy development will be over the lifetime of the contracts that have been issued, including costs related to transmission and paid by consumers.\r\n","AnswerText":"Contracts between renewable generators and the purchasers of their output are a commercial matter. Forecasts accompanying the recent review of the Renewables Obligation (RO) mechanism suggest that the annual cost of the RO to domestic consumers is currently around £20, and that this will rise to £53 by 2017.\r\nThe Committee for Climate Change has estimated that increases in transmission and distribution costs – attributable to all electricity generators, not just wind – will add £15 to household bills by 2020.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-14T14:12:59.253","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277831,"EventID":"S4W-10692","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-31T14:12:59.613","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-30T12:12:18","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it has met or plans to meet officials from Glasgow City Council to learn from their experiences of promoting and building credit union membership through their credit union development programme.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Minister for Enterprise, Energy and Tourism met with credit union representatives on Monday 18 June 2012 to discuss ways in which the Scottish Government might assist credit unions in Scotland. The meeting was attended by an official from Glasgow City Council’s Department of Development and Regeneration Services, who shared information about the Council’s support for Glasgow’s credit unions.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-14T14:12:59.627","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277832,"EventID":"S4W-10693","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-31T14:13:00.097","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-30T12:12:18","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-04207 by Michael Russell on 6 December 2011, what evaluation it has made of Cheers for Credit Unions and what plans it has to roll-out the scheme.\r\n","AnswerText":"Cheers for Credit Unions is one of a number of on-line financial education resources available from Education Scotland. While there are currently no plans to formally evaluate this resource, Education Scotland, through the Scottish Financial Education Forum, assesses the effectiveness of the support materials they provide for learners and teachers. Forum membership is drawn from local authorities and the financial services sector.\r\n\r\nResponsibility for the provision and roll-out of teaching materials to support Curriculum for Excellence rests with local authorities. They are best placed to decide what should be made available in their own areas.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-14T14:13:00.113","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277833,"EventID":"S4W-10694","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-31T14:13:00.533","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-30T12:12:18","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-04207 by Michael Russell on 6 December 2011, which (a) schools and (b) local authorities delivered Cheers for Credit Unions as part of their financial education initiatives.\r\n","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally.\r\nResponsibility for the provision and roll-out of teaching materials to support Curriculum for Excellence rests with local authorities. They are best placed to decide what should be made available in their own areas.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-14T14:13:00.55","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277834,"EventID":"S4W-10695","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-31T14:13:01.093","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-30T12:12:18","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it plans to introduce a credit union development fund.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government recognises the valuable role played by credit unions in providing financial services and products to a wide range of customers, including those facing financial exclusion. We continue to engage with credit union representatives to ensure we are doing as much as possible to support and promote them.\r\nCredit Union’s have benefited from funding through the Third Sector Enterprise Fund and will be eligible to apply for any future Scottish Government third sector organisational development funds.\r\nThe Minister is meeting with stakeholders, including the Association of British Credit Unions, on 9 November 2012. We shall explore then whether the Scottish Government should provide additional resources to credit unions to support their development.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-14T14:13:01.127","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277835,"EventID":"S4W-10696","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-31T14:13:01.517","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-30T12:12:18","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it plans to establish a guaranteed loan fund for credit unions.\r\n","AnswerText":"Currently, there are no plans to establish a guaranteed loan fund for credit unions.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-14T14:13:01.53","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277836,"EventID":"S4W-10697","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-31T14:13:01.89","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-30T12:12:18","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what support it offers credit unions regarding their development and the role that they can play in providing alternatives to high-interest short-term lenders.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government recognises that credit unions can offer affordable alternatives to high-interest short-term lenders, and will do all that it can to promote them.\r\nThe Minister for Enterprise, Energy and Tourism is due to meet with stakeholders, including the Association of British Credit Unions, on 9 November 2012, to discuss what action can be taken by the Scottish Government to assist those who are suffering from financial difficulty due in particular to borrowing from high-interest short-term lenders.\r\nWe shall explore at that meeting whether the Scottish Government should provide additional resources to credit unions to develop alternative ethical and affordable products and services.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-14T14:13:01.907","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277837,"EventID":"S4W-10698","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-31T14:13:02.357","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-30T12:12:18","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what financial support has been given to credit unions, broken down by (a) provider and (b) the credit union in receipt of the support, in each of the last three years.","AnswerText":"Between 2008 and 2010 the Scottish Government invested £12m in the Third Sector Enterprise Fund. 32 awards were made to credit unions as follows:-\r\nOrganisation\r\nAward\r\nLocal Authority Area\r\nGrampian Credit Union \r\n£66,704\r\nAberdeen\r\nNorth East Credit Union \r\n£60,000\r\nAberdeen\r\nCumnock & Doon Valley Credit Union\r\n£70,300\r\nEast Ayrshire\r\nCapital Credit Union\r\n£69,000\r\nEdinburgh\r\nCraigmillar Credit Union\r\n£25,000\r\nEdinburgh\r\nFirst University Credit Union\r\n£25,000\r\nEdinburgh\r\nSCVO Credit Union\r\n£19,308\r\nEdinburgh\r\nKingdom Credit Union\r\n£7,500\r\nFife\r\nNorth East Fife Credit Union\r\n£2,560\r\nFife\r\nBaillieston Credit Union\r\n£3,105\r\nGlasgow\r\nDrumchapel Credit Union\r\n£20,100\r\nGlasgow\r\nGlasgow South Credit Union\r\n£24,700\r\nGlasgow\r\nGlasgow West Credit Union\r\n£18,990\r\nGlasgow\r\nGreater Govan Credit Union\r\n£73,245\r\nGlasgow\r\nGreater Govan Credit Union\r\n£100,000\r\nGlasgow\r\nParkhead Credit Union\r\n£25,000\r\nGlasgow\r\nPenilee Credit Union\r\n£13,644\r\nGlasgow\r\nPollok Credit Union\r\n£53,675\r\nGlasgow\r\nRuchill Credit Union\r\n£8,899\r\nGlasgow\r\nScottish Police Credit Union\r\n£12,525\r\nGlasgow\r\nScottish Transport Credit Union\r\n£95,200\r\nGlasgow\r\n1st Alliance (Ayrshire) Credit Union\r\n£49,025\r\nNorth Ayrshire\r\nCumbernauld South Credit Union\r\n£10,000\r\nNorth Lanarkshire\r\nRenfrewshire-wide Credit Union\r\n£6,000\r\nRenfrewshire\r\nRenfrewshire-wide Credit Union\r\n£57,000\r\nRenfrewshire\r\nBlantyre Credit Union\r\n£68,500\r\nSouth Lanarkshire\r\nEast Kilbride Credit Union\r\n£20,650\r\nSouth Lanarkshire\r\nML9 Credit Union\r\n£22,000\r\nSouth Lanarkshire\r\nScotcentral Credit Union\r\n£79,803\r\nStirling\r\nDumbarton Credit Union\r\n£10,000\r\nWest Dunbartonshire\r\nLivingston Credit Union\r\n£32,029\r\nWest Lothian\r\nWestern Isles Credit Union\r\n£64,650\r\nWestern Isles\r\nIn 2011, two of Scotland’s largest credit unions, Scotwest and Capital, received a joint investment of £1m from the Scottish Investment Fund. The award is enabling the two credit unions to develop and implement a new operating and account management system.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-14T14:13:02.373","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277838,"EventID":"S4W-10699","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-31T14:13:02.763","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-30T12:12:18","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what grant-based funding streams are open to credit unions for funds appropriate to their development.\r\n","AnswerText":"As they are part of the third sector, credit unions are encouraged to apply for support from Scottish Government organisational support programmes, including Just Enterprise. Credit unions will be able to apply to any future third sector organisational development funds when these become available.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-14T14:13:02.78","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277839,"EventID":"S4W-10700","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4014,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-31T14:13:03.187","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-30T12:45:39","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what research it has undertaken into the Chalara fraxinea fungus.\r\n","AnswerText":"Research into Chalara fraxinea fungus is undertaken by the Forestry Commission research agency. As part of the devolution process it was agreed that the research agency, Forest Research, would primarily be funded by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. Forestry Commission Scotland works closely with the research agency which has sites in Roslin, Midlothian and Hampshire, England.\r\nThe Scottish Government has increased its own funding in recent years in the  resourcing of Forestry Commission Scotland's response to plant health issues.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-14T14:13:03.217","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277840,"EventID":"S4W-10701","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4014,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-31T14:13:03.653","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-30T12:45:39","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what discussions Forestry Commission Scotland has had with partner organisations across the UK on the Chalara fraxinea fungus.\r\n","AnswerText":"Forestry Commission Scotland and the Scottish Government have worked closely with other parts of the Forestry Commission and Defra regarding the Chalara fraxinea fungus and through them have maintained close contact with the Welsh Government and the Department of the Environment Northern Ireland and data has been shared with colleagues in the republic of Ireland. Scottish Ministers have participated in recent COBR meetings held to co-ordinate a pan British Isles response to the disease.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-14T14:13:03.67","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277841,"EventID":"S4W-10702","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4014,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-31T14:13:04.027","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-30T12:45:39","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what communications it has sent to farmers regarding the Chalara fraxinea fungus.\r\n","AnswerText":"Forestry Commission Scotland has sent out two briefing notes (8 and 30 October 2012) on Chalara to its stakeholders and these are also published on its website. These briefing notes are aimed at raising awareness of the threat posed by the Chalara fraxinea fungus and what actions to take. The briefings provide details on the recently introduced UK Government legislation restricting the import and movement of ash plants and seeds and advice on alternative species for planting in native woodlands. Scottish Government has also written to importers, producers and traders of ash to inform them of this new requirement.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-14T14:13:04.043","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277842,"EventID":"S4W-10703","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4014,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-31T14:13:04.45","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-30T12:45:39","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what communications it has sent to the forestry industry regarding the Chalara fraxinea fungus.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-10702 on 13 November 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-14T14:13:04.463","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277843,"EventID":"S4W-10718","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":125,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-31T14:13:04.84","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-30T15:20:10","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much it paid to hire (a) consultants and (b) contractors in (i) 2009-10, (ii) 2010-11 and (iii) 2011-12.\r\n","AnswerText":"(A) The Core Scottish Government consultancy spend recorded on the accountancy system in accordance with internal procedures was:\r\n1.£14,048,084 in 2009 -10 \r\n2.£5,240,237 in 2010 -11 and\r\n3.£3,747,396 in 2011 -12\r\nThis means consultancy spending between 2009 and 2012 has reduced by more than 73%.\r\n(B) Within these total figures for consultancy spend are included, the Core Scottish Government spend on contractors recorded on the accountancy system in accordance with internal procedures, excluding any contractor with whom the Scottish Government spend was less than £1000 within the financial year, was as follows:\r\n1.£230,874,210 in 2009 -10 \r\n2.£180,657,639 in 2010 -11 and\r\n3.£204,025,713 in 2011 -12\r\nThis means contractor spending between 2009 and 2012 has reduced by more than 11%.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-14T14:13:04.853","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277844,"EventID":"S4W-10719","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3896,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":97,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-31T14:13:05.353","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-30T16:25:48.58","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government for what reason Annex 1 of ‘Your Scotland, Your Referendum': An Analysis of Consultation Responses does not include (a) quantitative analysis and (b) tables for all of the consultation questions.\r\n","AnswerText":"The approach to the Your Scotland, Your Referendum consultation analysis is explained in chapter 3 of the analysis report, available at: \r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2012/10/3849/downloads.\r\nThe main purpose of the consultation was to gather the range and depth of respondents’ views on the set of issues presented in the consultation paper. It asked open questions and therefore, the analysis was primarily qualitative in nature. To provide context for some key issues, an analysis of the broad weight of opinion was undertaken. In addition, the technical nature of some issues meant that they were less likely to elicit comments that could be quantitatively classified.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-14T14:13:05.37","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277858,"EventID":"S4O-01426","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":5107,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":124,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-31T14:33:34.453","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-29T12:41:48.99","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what it is doing to realise the potential of peatland restoration for emissions reduction purposes.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-14T14:33:34.593","MeetingDate":"2012-11-07T17:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277859,"EventID":"S4O-01427","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":1866,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-31T14:33:35.407","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-29T12:41:49.91","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government on what date it will publish its National Marine Plan.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-14T14:33:35.437","MeetingDate":"2012-11-07T17:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277860,"EventID":"S4O-01428","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":5106,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":118,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-31T14:33:36.123","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-29T12:41:50.317","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what it is doing to improve recycling rates.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-14T14:33:36.153","MeetingDate":"2012-11-07T17:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277861,"EventID":"S4O-01429","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":2892,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-31T14:33:36.67","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-31T09:58:49.837","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on the aims of Land Action Scotland.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-14T14:33:36.683","MeetingDate":"2012-11-07T17:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277862,"EventID":"S4O-01430","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":4939,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":78,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-31T14:33:37.073","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-29T12:41:50.91","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what action it has taken to minimise the impact on agriculture of the Schmallenberg virus.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-14T14:33:37.107","MeetingDate":"2012-11-07T17:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277863,"EventID":"S4O-01431","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":2123,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":103,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-31T14:33:37.557","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-29T12:41:51.143","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when it will publish the second Report on Proposals and Policies.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-14T14:33:37.573","MeetingDate":"2012-11-07T17:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277864,"EventID":"S4O-01432","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":4956,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":106,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-31T14:33:37.98","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-29T12:41:51.453","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what progress is being made on improving air quality in cities.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-14T14:33:37.997","MeetingDate":"2012-11-07T17:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277865,"EventID":"S4O-01433","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":2876,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-31T14:33:38.37","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-29T12:41:51.72","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the take-up rate of grants for improving the quality of private drinking water supplies has been in the last three years.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-14T14:33:38.387","MeetingDate":"2012-11-07T17:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277866,"EventID":"S4O-01434","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":2674,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":99,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-31T14:33:38.9","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-29T12:41:52","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what progress it has made on implementing the provisions of the Crofting Reform (Scotland) Act 2010.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-14T14:33:38.93","MeetingDate":"2012-11-07T17:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277867,"EventID":"S4O-01435","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":3771,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-31T14:33:39.353","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-29T12:41:52.267","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what measures it has introduced to discourage fly-tipping.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-14T14:33:39.383","MeetingDate":"2012-11-07T17:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277868,"EventID":"S4O-01436","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":138,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-31T14:33:39.773","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-29T12:42:54.633","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the level of crime in North Ayrshire was in 2007 and what it is now.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-14T14:33:39.79","MeetingDate":"2012-11-07T17:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277869,"EventID":"S4O-01437","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":2673,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":114,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-31T14:33:40.273","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-29T12:42:55.213","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when Sheriff Principal Taylor’s report on the Review of Expenses and Funding of Civil Litigation in Scotland will be published.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-14T14:33:40.287","MeetingDate":"2012-11-07T17:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277870,"EventID":"S4O-01438","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":3763,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-31T14:33:40.727","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-29T12:42:55.477","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what plans it has to improve the prison estate in the west of Scotland.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-14T14:33:40.74","MeetingDate":"2012-11-07T17:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277871,"EventID":"S4O-01439","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":3759,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":80,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-31T14:33:41.163","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-29T12:42:55.79","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the average timescale is in which a European Arrest Warrant issued in Scotland results in an arrest.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-14T14:33:41.177","MeetingDate":"2012-11-07T17:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277872,"EventID":"S4O-01440","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":1882,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":129,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-31T14:33:41.693","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-29T12:42:56.1","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what further measures it will take to prevent the sexual exploitation of children, to support its victims and bring the perpetrators to justice.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-14T14:33:41.723","MeetingDate":"2012-11-07T17:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277873,"EventID":"S4O-01441","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":5042,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-31T14:33:42.237","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-31T11:14:30.217","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government on what date the “exceptional circumstances” arose that the Lord Advocate refers to in his letter to Ruth Davidson of 30 October 2012 relating to legal advice on an independent Scotland's membership of the European Union.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-14T14:33:42.253","MeetingDate":"2012-11-07T17:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277874,"EventID":"S4O-01442","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":3101,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-31T14:33:42.69","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-29T12:42:57.317","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the Lord Advocate’s priorities are for the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service for the next two years. ","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-14T14:33:42.707","MeetingDate":"2012-11-07T17:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277875,"EventID":"S4O-01443","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":5059,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-31T14:33:43.05","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-31T11:15:11.92","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the Lord Advocate’s interpretation of the Scottish Ministerial Code is in relation to the legal advice provided to ministers on an independent Scotland's membership of the European Union.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Ministerial Code reflects the long-standing convention against disclosure of the fact or content of Law Officers’ legal advice. I refer the member to my letter of 30 October 2012 to Ruth Davidson MSP, which was published in SPICe.\r\nAs I set out in that letter, it is extremely important that this convention should be maintained for its value to the proper functioning of Government.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-14T14:33:43.067","MeetingDate":"2012-11-07T17:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Frank Mulholland","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277876,"EventID":"S4O-01444","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-31T14:33:43.517","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-31T11:16:02.703","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether the Lord Advocate or Solicitor General read the whole or any part of the three government documents referred to by Alex Salmond in his statement on 23 October 2012 before their publication and, if so, on what date; what was asked of them, and what their advice was.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-14T14:33:43.533","MeetingDate":"2012-11-07T17:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277877,"EventID":"S4O-01445","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":2675,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":93,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-31T14:33:43.893","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-29T12:42:58.19","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how wildlife crime officers will be deployed in the new single police force.","AnswerText":"There are 109 wildlife crime officers currently in Scottish police forces and they play a critical role in the fight against wildlife crime in Scotland, bringing knowledge of the countryside and passion for their work in addition to their professional policing skills. Their deployment in the Police Service of Scotland will be a matter for the Chief Constable.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-14T14:33:43.923","MeetingDate":"2012-11-07T17:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277878,"EventID":"S4O-01447","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":5075,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":112,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-31T14:33:44.33","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-29T12:44:01.873","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what actions it will take to raise energy productivity in Scotland in order to ease the energy-cost burdens on individual households as well as to create a more competitive marketplace for small businesses.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-14T14:33:44.343","MeetingDate":"2012-11-08T17:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277879,"EventID":"S4O-01448","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1841,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":120,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-31T14:33:44.75","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-29T12:44:02.183","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it plans to change the guidelines on breast screening for 50 to 70-year-olds.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-14T14:33:44.767","MeetingDate":"2012-11-08T17:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277880,"EventID":"S4O-01449","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":5047,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-31T14:33:45.157","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-29T12:44:02.48","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it plans to offer access to training and education to the 21,280 people reported in The Herald on 27 October 2012 as being on college waiting lists.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-14T14:33:45.17","MeetingDate":"2012-11-08T17:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277881,"EventID":"S4O-01450","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":4938,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-31T14:33:45.607","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-29T12:44:02.73","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it considers that separate street traders licences should be obtained for food stalls that operate within the confines of funfairs that have been granted a public entertainment licence.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-14T14:33:45.64","MeetingDate":"2012-11-08T17:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277882,"EventID":"S4O-01451","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":5109,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":101,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-31T14:33:46.03","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-29T12:44:03.01","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it will ensure high sustainability standards in future biomass energy generation.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-14T14:33:46.043","MeetingDate":"2012-11-08T17:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277883,"EventID":"S4O-01452","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":4951,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-31T14:33:46.497","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-29T12:44:03.387","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what recent discussions it has had with stakeholders regarding the economic and employment benefits of the national grid upgrade in South Scotland.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-14T14:33:46.513","MeetingDate":"2012-11-08T17:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277884,"EventID":"S4O-01453","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":4014,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-31T14:33:47.073","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-29T12:44:03.667","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it plans to commemorate the centenary of the outbreak of the First World War.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-14T14:33:47.09","MeetingDate":"2012-11-08T17:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277885,"EventID":"S4O-01454","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":3129,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":83,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-31T14:33:47.45","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-29T12:44:03.93","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what plans it has to support the take-up of apprenticeships in journalism.\r\n","AnswerText":"SCOTTISH PARLIAMENT\r\nORAL ANSWER\r\n8 November 2012\r\nIndex Heading: Learning and Justice\r\nBill Kidd (Glasgow Anniesland) (Scottish National Party): To ask the Scottish Government what plans it has to support the take-up of apprenticeships in journalism.\r\n(S4O-01454)\r\nAngela Constance: The Modern Apprenticeship (MA) programme in Scotland is led by demand from employers.\r\nI understand that the current Modern Apprenticeship Framework in Creative and Digital Media covers apprenticeships in Journalism. It is the role of Sector Skills Councils, in this case Creative Skillset, to promote this framework to employers.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-14T14:33:47.463","MeetingDate":"2012-11-08T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Angela Constance","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277886,"EventID":"S4O-01455","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1778,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":110,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-31T14:33:47.87","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-29T12:44:04.18","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what support it offers children with Meares-Irlen syndrome.","AnswerText":"As a visual perception disorder affecting reading and writing, Meares-Irlen syndrome can act as a barrier to a pupil accessing learning. Under the Additional Support for Learning Act, it is the responsibility of local authorities to identify this barrier and provide the support necessary to overcome it.\r\nSince the 1 September 2012, schools have also been under a duty to make reasonable adjustments for disabled pupils under the Equality Act. This includes the provision of auxiliary aids and services.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-14T14:33:47.887","MeetingDate":"2012-11-08T17:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277887,"EventID":"S4O-01446","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2134,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":82,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-31T15:53:16.883","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-29T12:44:01.013","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it expects to receive Barnett consequentials as a result of the UK Government’s recently-announced advice services transition fund and, if so, whether it will allocate these to advice services in Scotland.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-14T15:53:16.897","MeetingDate":"2012-11-08T17:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277901,"EventID":"S4W-10577","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-31T17:23:26.64","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-25T13:28:11.367","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-09036 by Roseanna Cunningham on 5 September 2012, for what reason no more than 94 out of 400 general practices that receive payments for drug services submitted SMR25a paper forms to NHS Information Services Division in 2010-11.\r\n","AnswerText":"I have asked Information Services Division (ISD) Scotland of NHS National Services Scotland to provide an update on SMR25a submissions by GPs and they have reported the following:\r\nSince September 2011, all SMR25a submissions from statutory and voluntary drug treatment services are completed electronically. Paper SMR25a forms are no longer accepted from statutory drug treatment services unless they are in the process of transitioning to electronic submissions. Currently, no electronic SMR25a submissions are received from primary care providers and paper SMR25a forms are submitted from a limited number of primary care providers (94 general practices in 2010-11 and 81 general practices in 2011-12).\r\nThere is currently no requirement for GPs to submit SMR25a forms in order to receive a fee. Any fees associated with providing drug and alcohol treatment services are managed locally by NHS boards.\r\nInformation Services Division (ISD) of NHS National Services Scotland continue to work with data providers from all sectors, including GPs, to provide training and encourage progress with the submission of SMR25a forms.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-14T17:23:26.7","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Roseanna Cunningham","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277902,"EventID":"S4W-10578","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-31T17:23:27.373","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-25T13:28:11.367","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-09036 by Roseanna Cunningham on 5 September 2012, whether it  plans to require primary care providers in the 400 practices receiving payments for providing drug treatment services, to submit SMR25 forms electronically.\r\n","AnswerText":"At present there are no plans to require primary care providers to submit SMR25 forms electronically in order to receive a fee. Any fees associated with providing drug and alcohol treatment services are managed locally by NHS boards.\r\nThe Information Services Division (ISD) of NHS National Services Scotland has reported that they continue to work with data providers from all sectors, including GPs, to provide training and encourage progress with the submission of SMR25a forms.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-14T17:23:27.387","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Roseanna Cunningham","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277903,"EventID":"S4W-10579","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-31T17:23:27.7","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-25T13:28:11.367","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-09036 by Roseanna Cunningham on 5 September 2012, what consideration it has given to requiring the collection and collation of data related to this form of prescribing in light of the fines handed down in the United States for the promotion of medicines for off-licence uses. \r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-14T17:23:27.717","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277904,"EventID":"S4W-10580","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-31T17:23:28.027","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-25T13:28:11.367","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-09129 by Michael Matheson on 10 September 2012, what review it is carrying out of the epidemiology of the misuse of Gabapentin and what discussions it has had with the Scottish Advisory Committee on Drug Misuse on the matter.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Advisory Committee on Drug Misuse (SACDM) met for the last time in May 2008 when it signed off Scotland’s drug strategy The Road to Recovery. In May 2009, the Scottish Government established the Drugs Strategy Delivery Commission (DSDC) to independently assess the Scottish Government’s progress in delivering this strategy.\r\nDrug safety is a reserved matter for which the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has responsibility on a UK basis. The MHRA has been actively monitoring the potential risk of gabapentin abuse, misuse and dependence since the time of licensing. These monitoring arrangements are continuing and the Scottish Government remains in close contact with the MHRA over such matters.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-14T17:23:28.043","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277905,"EventID":"S4W-10725","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2892,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-31T17:23:28.353","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-30T16:54:15.98","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much funding has been allocated in the draft budget 2013-14 to support work on the Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route.","AnswerText":"The 2013-14 Draft Budget allocates £104.9 million to the Motorway and Trunk Roads programme, which includes the Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route. Now that the project is clear of legal challenge officials from Transport Scotland, Aberdeen City Council and Aberdeenshire Council are working together to manage the timing of the budget requirements of the project going forward.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-14T17:23:28.37","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277906,"EventID":"S4W-10726","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2892,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-31T17:23:28.683","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-30T16:54:15.98","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it will ensure that the National Planning Framework for Scotland 3 and the reviewed Scottish Planning Policy are aligned with the National Performance Framework.\r\n","AnswerText":"The National Planning Framework and Scottish Planning Policy play key roles in delivering economic growth in a balanced and sustainable way. The Scottish Government is currently at an early stage of developing both documents. Alignment with the National Performance Framework will be a consideration in their development.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-14T17:23:28.683","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":" Derek Mackay ","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277907,"EventID":"S4W-10727","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2892,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-31T17:23:28.98","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-30T16:54:15.98","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it will ensure that the National Planning Framework for Scotland 3 and the reviewed Scottish Planning Policy contribute to achieving the targets set out in the Climate Change (Scotland) Act 2009.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government is undertaking a Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) of National Planning Framework 3 (NPF3) and the Scottish Planning Policy (SPP), as required by the Environmental Assessment (Scotland) Act 2005. SEA is undertaken to ensure that the environmental effects of plans, programmes and strategies, and reasonable alternatives to them, are identified and taken into account. The findings of the assessment will be set out in an Environmental Report, which will be published for public consultation alongside the Main Issues Report for NPF3 and the Draft SPP in March 2013.\r\nDevelopment of NPF3 will also include use of the Scottish Government’s Spatial Planning Assessment of Climate Emissions tool, to inform understanding of the likely relative greenhouse gas emissions arising from alternative policy options.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-14T17:23:28.993","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Derek Mackay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277908,"EventID":"S4W-10728","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2892,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-31T17:23:29.277","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-30T16:54:15.98","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it will ensure that the National Planning Framework for Scotland 3 and the reviewed Scottish Planning Policy contribute to delivering the duty to further the conservation of biodiversity as required by the Nature Conservation (Scotland) Act 2004.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government is undertaking a Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) of National Planning Framework 3 (NPF3) and the Scottish Planning Policy (SPP), as required by the Environmental Assessment (Scotland) Act 2005. SEA is undertaken to ensure that the environmental effects of plans, programmes and strategies, and reasonable alternatives to them, are identified and taken into account. The findings of the assessment will be set out in an Environmental Report, which will be published for public consultation alongside the Main Issues Report for NPF3 and the Draft SPP in March 2013.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-14T17:23:29.29","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Derek Mackay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277909,"EventID":"S4W-10729","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2892,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-31T17:23:29.557","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-30T16:54:15.98","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it will ensure that the National Planning Framework for Scotland 3 and the reviewed Scottish Planning Policy help deliver the requirements of the Planning etc. (Scotland) Act 2006 that functions relating to preparation of (a) the National Planning Framework for Scotland by ministers and (b) development plans by planning authorities must be exercised with the objective of contributing to sustainable development.\r\n","AnswerText":"Planning legislation requires Ministers to exercise their functions in relation to the preparation of the National Planning Framework with the objective of contributing to sustainable development. Similar requirements are placed upon planning authorities in exercising their functions with regard to development planning. guidance on the five guiding principles of sustainable development is set out in the existing Scottish Planning Policy.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-14T17:23:29.57","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":" Derek Mackay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277910,"EventID":"S4W-10730","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2892,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-31T17:23:29.853","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-30T16:54:15.98","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it will ensure that the National Planning Framework for Scotland 3 and the reviewed Scottish Planning Policy support the UK shared framework for sustainable development.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-10727 on 14 November 2012. All answers to written Parliamentary Questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-14T17:23:29.853","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Derek Mackay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277911,"EventID":"S4W-10731","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2892,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-31T17:23:30.133","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-30T16:54:15.98","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it considers sustainable development to differ from sustainable economic growth.\r\n","AnswerText":"As set out in the Government Economic Strategy, the Scottish Government’s desired characteristics of sustainable economic growth cover social and regional equity (Solidarity and Cohesion) alongside inter-generational equity (Sustainability). Growth that promotes equity and sustainable development therefore underpins the delivery of the Scottish Government’s Purpose and the National Outcomes.\r\nOur focus on sustainability is explicit within the National Outcomes and associated National Indicators, incorporating all of the aspects of sustainable development, from reducing Greenhouse Gas emissions and improving resource efficiency to preserving Scotland’s natural environment. As our Government Economic Strategy highlights, as well as being a desired characteristic of growth, Sustainability is also an important long-term driver of sustainable economic growth and will be key if we are to maximise Scotland’s economic potential.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-14T17:23:30.163","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277912,"EventID":"S4W-10732","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2892,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-31T17:23:30.447","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-30T16:54:15.98","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it will ensure that the National Planning Framework for Scotland 3 and the reviewed Scottish Planning Policy contribute to the whole of its stated central purpose rather than solely to increasing sustainable economic growth.","AnswerText":"Creating a more successful country, with opportunities for all of Scotland to flourish, through increasing sustainable economic growth remains the Scottish Government’s central Purpose. The Scottish Government is clear that National Planning Framework 3 will provide a long-term strategy for development to ensure all parts of Scotland can realise their potential, with the revised Scottish Planning Policy also providing a focus on placemaking across urban and rural Scotland.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-14T17:23:30.46","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Derek Mackay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277913,"EventID":"S4W-10733","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2892,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-31T17:23:30.727","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-30T16:54:15.98","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it ensures that its policies contribute to achieving the whole of its stated purpose rather than solely to increasing sustainable economic growth.","AnswerText":"The central Purpose of the Scottish Government is to focus the Government and public services on creating a more successful country, with opportunities for all of Scotland to flourish, through increasing sustainable economic growth.\r\nThe Government Economic Strategy identifies six Strategic Priorities – including Equity - that together will deliver sustainable economic growth, provide opportunities for all to flourish, and deliver the Scottish Government’s important social, regional and inter-generational equity objectives. These priorities continue to inform all policy and spending decisions, including the fundamental shift towards preventative spend.\r\nA progress report was published on 10 September 2012 which provides an update on the series of actions which are being taken forward across the public sector in order to deliver the ambitions of the Government Economic Strategy. More information can be found at: \r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Resource/0040/00401529.pdf.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-14T17:23:30.74","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277914,"EventID":"S4W-10734","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2892,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-31T17:23:31.007","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-30T16:54:15.98","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it will ensure that the National Planning Framework for Scotland 3 and the reviewed Scottish Planning Policy contribute to achieving increased sustainable economic growth without damaging the natural or cultural environment.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-10727 on 14 November 2102. All answers to written Parliamentary Questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-14T17:23:31.023","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Derek Mackay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277915,"EventID":"S4W-10735","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2892,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-31T17:23:31.287","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-30T16:54:15.98","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether the purpose of planning will continue to include the protection and enhancement of the natural and built environment and what the reasons are for its position on this matter.","AnswerText":"Scottish Planning Policy (2010) identifies the protection and enhancement of the natural and built environment as part of the purpose of planning. The current engagement on a review of Scottish Planning Policy seeks views on what should change and what should remain. A form on which views can be submitted is available from the Scottish Government’s website.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-14T17:23:31.303","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Derek Mackay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277916,"EventID":"S4W-10736","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2892,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-31T17:23:31.567","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-30T16:54:15.98","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it monitors the success of the planning system in protecting and enhancing the (a) natural and (b) built environment.\r\n","AnswerText":"Development plans require Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) under the Environmental Assessment (Scotland) Act 2005. Schedule 3 of the 2005 Act requires provision of a statement on proposed monitoring of environmental impacts within the Environmental Report. At the national level, monitoring of the National Planning Framework is undertaken on an ongoing basis. Monitoring findings, including those arising from the SEA, are set out in the NPF2 Monitoring Report, published in March 2012.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-14T17:23:31.583","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Derek Mackay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277917,"EventID":"S4W-10737","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4964,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-31T17:23:31.863","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-30T19:31:20","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the PFI liabilities for each (a) local authority and (b) NHS board have been in each of the last five years, also broken down by project.\r\n","AnswerText":"This information is available from the Scottish Government website under ‘Unitary Payment Charges’ by way of the following link:\r\nwww.scotland.gov.uk.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-14T17:23:31.88","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277918,"EventID":"S4W-10738","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4964,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-31T17:23:32.13","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-30T19:31:20","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the PFI liabilities for each (a) local authority and (b) NHS board will be in each of the next five years, also broken down by PFI project.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-10737 on 7 November 2012. All answers to written Parliamentary Questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-14T17:23:32.147","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277919,"EventID":"S4W-10739","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4964,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-31T17:23:32.41","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-30T19:31:20","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the initial reported cost was of each PFI project pursued between 1999 and 2007 and what the total cost of repayments will be for each project.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-10737 on 7 November 2012. All answers to written Parliamentary Questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-14T17:23:32.427","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277920,"EventID":"S4W-10740","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-31T17:23:32.707","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-31T09:10:20","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what action it has taken in response to the recommendations in the Review of Alcohol Sponsorship Guidelines for Scotland of March 2012.\r\n","AnswerText":"Alcohol Sponsorship Guidelines for Scotland were published in 2009 to ensure that sponsorship was carried out in a responsible way. In March 2012, the Scottish Government Alcohol Industry Partnership commissioned a review which concluded that the Guidelines, in their current form, are seen as being necessary, worthwhile and effective.\r\nThe Alcohol Sponsorship Guidelines for Scotland, along with the review and its recommendations, are now being used to inform the Portman Group’s development of a UK-wide alcohol sponsorship guide.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-14T17:23:32.723","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277921,"EventID":"S4W-10741","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-31T17:23:33.02","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-31T09:10:20","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it plans to implement any of the recommendations of the Scottish Youth Commission on Alcohol and, if so, which recommendations.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government welcomed the Youth Commissioner's report at the time it was published. There has been progress around a number of the recommendations such as an evaluation of the effectiveness of test purchasing, and other measures to enforce underage alcohol sales regulation. The Scottish Government agrees about the importance of ensuring young people are involved in the licensing process, and they can do this through their local licensing forums.\r\nYouth Commissioners have also presented to a number of influential organisations and networks, and fed into the development of the Quality Alcohol Treatment and Support report, published in March 2011. The views of the Commission, along with other key stakeholders, informed the report recommendations which support improved service delivery at local level.\r\nThese are just some of the ways that the Youth Commission report has helped inform our policy and practice, as well as setting a positive example for the future involvement of young people at both local and national level.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-14T17:23:33.033","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277922,"EventID":"S4W-10742","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-31T17:23:33.377","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-31T09:10:20","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what programmes relating to the link between alcohol and mental health it has implemented in response to findings in the report, Societal Cost of Alcohol Misuse in Scotland for 2007, that the cost of alcohol on psychiatric health services in the city of Edinburgh is nearly £4 million, and over £42 million in Scotland.\r\n","AnswerText":"Excessive alcohol consumption is estimated to cost Scots £3.6 billion each year, which equates to £900 for every adult in Scotland. The estimate of £3.6 billion includes around £870 million in lost productivity, around £730 million in crime costs and around £270 million to the NHS including psychiatric health services.\r\nThe Scottish Government published the Mental Health Strategy for Scotland 2012-15 in August 2012. In it we recognise that there are strong links between depression and drinking above recommended guidelines, and make a commitment to work with NHS boards and partners to more effectively link the work on alcohol and depression and other common mental health problems to improve identification and treatment, with a particular focus on primary care.\r\nThe Scottish Government provides funding to NHS boards and Alcohol and Drugs Partnerships (ADPs) in order that they can deliver the range of services required meeting the needs of their local population including alcohol misuse and psychiatric health services. The Scottish Government has made a record investment of £196 million to tackle alcohol use since 2008. The bulk of the funding - £173 million has been to ADPs for investment in local prevention, treatment and support services.\r\nWe believe that a minimum price per unit of alcohol is an effective and efficient way to tackle alcohol misuse in Scotland.\r\nHowever we recognise that no single action will bring about the change which is required, which is why we have outlined a package of over 40 measures in our Framework for Action document which seek to reduce consumption, to support families and communities, encourage more positive attitudes and positive choices and to improve treatment and support services.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-14T17:23:33.393","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277923,"EventID":"S4W-10746","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3896,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":97,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-31T17:23:33.69","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-31T10:53:36","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what steps it is taking to ensure that all students receive their support payments in a timely manner.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has asked Student Awards Agency for Scotland (SAAS) to process all applications as quickly as possible. \r\n\r\nSAAS are working extended hours, have postponed activities and re-allocated staff. Payments are released following confirmation from the institution, to SAAS and the Student Loans Company, that the student is in attendance.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-14T17:23:33.707","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277924,"EventID":"S4W-10747","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3896,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":97,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-31T17:23:34.017","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-31T10:53:36","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what guidance it has given to the Students Awards Agency for Scotland on acceptable waiting times for students phoning its enquiry lines.","AnswerText":"The operational management of SAAS is responsible for balancing processing of applications with customer contact.\r\n\r\nThe primary customer service commitment is to meet, annually, the SAAS ‘Guarantee Date’. SAAS guarantee to process all applications received by the Guarantee Date, usually 30 June, in time for the start of the student’s course.\r\n\r\nThis year SAAS received 105,405 applications by the Guarantee Date. All these applications were processed in line with the guarantee.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-14T17:23:34.033","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277925,"EventID":"S4W-10748","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3896,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":97,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-31T17:23:34.347","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-31T10:53:36","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what provisions are in place to ensure that students who have not yet received living expenses payments from the Students Awards Agency for Scotland do not incur commercial debts to cover their costs.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government provides 18m in Discretionary Funds to institutions which can be used for students in hardship. Students who feel they have financial difficulties should always speak to their institutions about access to these funds.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-14T17:23:34.36","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277926,"EventID":"S4W-10749","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3896,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":97,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-31T17:23:34.64","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-31T10:53:36","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how long it expects the Students Awards Agency for Scotland to take to process a claim for living expenses.\r\n","AnswerText":"The primary customer service commitment is the SAAS ‘Guarantee Date’. The Guarantee Date, introduced in 2010, guarantees to process all applications received by the Guarantee Date in time for the start of a student’s course; the point at which funds are required.\r\n\r\nThis year SAAS received 105,405 applications by the Guarantee Date. All these applications were processed in line with the guarantee.\r\n\r\nThe current average waiting time to process an application this session is 25 days\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-14T17:23:34.657","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277927,"EventID":"S4W-10750","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3896,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":97,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-31T17:23:34.953","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-31T10:53:36","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what guidance it has given to the Students Awards Agency for Scotland regarding the opening hours of phone lines for students seeking support.","AnswerText":"The opening hours for the phone lines at the Student Awards Agency for Scotland is an operational matter. SAAS advertise their opening times on their website and through the phone system.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-14T17:23:34.97","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277928,"EventID":"S4W-10751","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3896,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":97,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-31T17:23:35.267","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-31T10:53:36","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many students have applied for Students Awards Agency for Scotland funding for each of the last five years.","AnswerText":"This information is published each year in SAAS’s annual report each year, which is available at: http://www.saas.gov.uk/about_saas.htm.\r\nAcademic session\r\nNumber of applications\r\n2007-08\r\n136,727\r\n2008-09\r\n142,677\r\n2009-10\r\n150,366\r\n2010-11\r\n155,364\r\n2011-12\r\n158,534\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-14T17:23:35.28","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277929,"EventID":"S4W-10752","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2108,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":141,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-31T17:23:35.577","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-31T11:01:47","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-09939 by John Swinney on 30 October 2012,  when it was first informed that a legislative consent motion might be required.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government received formal notification from the UK Government on 4 September that the UK Government believed that a LCM would be required for a narrow subset of provisions in the UK Government’s 2012 Public Service Pensions Bill.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-14T17:23:35.593","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277930,"EventID":"S4W-10753","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2108,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":141,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-31T17:23:35.873","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-31T11:01:47","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-09939 by John Swinney on 30 October 2012, when it will inform the Parliament of whether it plans to lodge a legislative consent motion regarding changes to pension arrangements and what the deadline is for lodging such a motion.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government is currently considering the UK Government’s request to support a Legislative Consent Motion in relation to certain provisions within the Public Sector Pensions Bill. It will lodge a Legislative Consent Memorandum in Parliament and inform Parliament about this issue shortly.\r\nWhilst the Scottish Parliament’s Standing Orders require that an LCM should normally be lodged within two weeks of a relevant Bill’s introduction at Westminster, that is not a mandatory requirement. Late notification from the UK Government around the need for an LCM in advance of the Bill has meant that the Scottish Government was unable to meet that timescale.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-14T17:23:35.89","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277931,"EventID":"S4W-10757","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2633,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-31T17:23:36.17","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-31T11:57:05.073","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when (a) it and (b) the Forestry Commission Scotland first became aware of the potential threat of the Chalara fraxinea fungus.","AnswerText":"Forestry Commission scientists have been aware of ash dieback as one of a number of potential threats to tree health for a number of years. Ash dieback symptoms were first observed in Poland in 1992 and since then the disease has spread to other parts of Europe.\r\nThere was significant uncertainty regarding the identity of the causal agent of the disease until 2010. In 2010 European scientists identified a new species, Hymenoscyphus pseudoalbidus, as the correct fungus causing the damage. Until then it was thought that the causal agent was a fungus that was already widespread throughout Great Britain.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-14T17:23:36.187","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277932,"EventID":"S4W-10758","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2633,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-31T17:23:36.483","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-31T11:57:05.073","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what action (a) it and (b) the Forestry Commission Scotland took between first learning about the threat of the Chalara fraxinea fungus and the first confirmed case in Scotland.\r\n","AnswerText":"Chalara fraxinea fungus is one of a number of new tree and plant health threats which have emerged as significant risks over recent years.\r\nIn 2011 Forestry Commission and the Department for Environment, Food and Rural affairs published an Action Plan for Tree Health and Biosecurity which focuses on four key areas: protecting the UK; practical actions; public and stakeholder engagement and research opportunities and evidence priorities.\r\nForestry Commission Scotland and the Scottish Government were closely involved in developing this action plan and have taken forward a number of specific actions including increasing the resources allocated to tree health work, improving awareness and understanding on biosecurity measures and running seminars and tree health days to alert woodland managers to the potential threats. \r\n \r\nIn addition Scottish Government horticultural inspectors have been checking ash trees during plant inspections at Scottish nurseries and garden centres since May 2012 and in established gardens as part of the wider plant health inspection programme.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-14T17:23:36.483","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277933,"EventID":"S4W-10759","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2633,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-31T17:23:36.747","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-31T11:57:05.073","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what action (a) it and (b) the Forestry Commission Scotland took on becoming aware of the confirmed cases of the Chalara fraxinea fungus in England in light of its potential to be transmitted via wind and birds.","AnswerText":"Chalara fraxinea fungus was first identified in England in February 2012 and confirmed in March 2012 and the first signs of the disease were picked up in Scotland on 9 July 2012. Between March and the beginning of July, Forestry Commission Scotland undertook awareness raising work with staff and stakeholders to increase vigilance and to encourage the reporting of any potential tree health issues. Scottish Government horticultural inspectors have also been checking ash trees during plant inspections at Scottish nurseries and garden centres since May and in established gardens as part of the wider plant health inspection programme.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-14T17:23:36.763","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277934,"EventID":"S4W-10760","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2633,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-31T17:23:37.06","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-31T11:57:05.073","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether the cases of the Chalara fraxinea fungus found in Scotland are related to imported ash trees or native species.","AnswerText":"As at 9 November the majority of the confirmed cases in Scotland related to new planting sites, mostly likely related to imported ash trees. However there were two sites in the wider environment; for one of these sites the cause is unclear while in the other the cause may be wind born transmission.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-14T17:23:37.06","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277935,"EventID":"S4W-10761","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-10-31T17:23:37.323","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-31T12:01:10.563","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it plans to bring together the various teams involved in criminal justice drug treatment, including Drug Treatment and Testing Orders teams, for a conference to share experiences about practice.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has no current plans to hold such a conference, but dialogue with local criminal justice service providers, including those responsible for Drug Treatment and Testing Orders, continues on a regular basis.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-14T17:23:37.34","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Roseanna Cunningham","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277943,"EventID":"S4W-10664","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1778,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":110,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-01T14:22:32.567","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-30T11:25:03.217","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what information it has on whether Chilean salmon is being dumped on fish markets and any impact of this on the economy.\r\n","AnswerText":"While Chilean production of farmed salmon would appear to have returned to levels seen prior to its near collapse 2-3 years ago, and production costs are lower than in Scotland and Norway, at this time the Scottish Government has no information on whether salmon from Chile is being dumped on fish markets and any impact of this on the economy.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-15T14:22:32.723","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277944,"EventID":"S4W-10665","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1778,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":110,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-01T14:22:33.393","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-30T11:25:03.217","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it has received advice that synchronised sea-lice treatments by fish farms might lead to resistance and what scientific investigations it has carried out on the impact of the practice.\r\n","AnswerText":"Scottish Government has not received advice that synchronisation of sea-lice treatments by fish farms might lead to resistance, and has not carried out scientific investigations on the impact of the practice.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-15T14:22:33.41","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277945,"EventID":"S4W-10666","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1778,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":110,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-01T14:22:33.833","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-30T11:25:03.217","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether the Scottish Environment Protection Agency will act as an arms-length independent regulator of the proposed farm management areas.\r\n","AnswerText":"Scottish Government has no plans for the Scottish Environment Protection Agency to act as an arms-length regulator of farm management areas.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-15T14:22:33.847","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277946,"EventID":"S4W-10667","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1778,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":110,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-01T14:22:34.27","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-30T11:25:03.217","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much income has been generated by aquaculture and (a) salmon and (b) freshwater fisheries in each of the last eight years, also broken down by exports.\r\n","AnswerText":"The estimated farm gate value for Scottish aquaculture since 2000 is shown in the following table. Scottish Government does not collect data on sale of freshwater fisheries, beyond that contained in the following table:\r\nScottish aquaculture, farmgate production value, £m (2011 prices)\r\n\r\nAtlantic Salmon\r\nRainbow Trout\r\nMussels\r\nOther Finfish\r\nOther Shellfish\r\nTotal Aquaculture\r\n2000\r\n405\r\n12\r\n3\r\n.3\r\n1.2\r\n421\r\n2001\r\n346\r\n10\r\n4\r\n.6\r\n1.2\r\n362\r\n2002\r\n341\r\n14\r\n4\r\n1.2\r\n1.1\r\n361\r\n2003\r\n390\r\n14\r\n5\r\n1.6\r\n1.1\r\n411\r\n2004\r\n340\r\n12\r\n5\r\n1.3\r\n1.0\r\n359\r\n2005\r\n350\r\n13\r\n5\r\n1.8\r\n.9\r\n370\r\n2006\r\n431\r\n14\r\n4\r\n3.1\r\n1.1\r\n453\r\n2007\r\n356\r\n14\r\n5\r\n3.7\r\n.9\r\n380\r\n2008\r\n359\r\n16\r\n6\r\n9.3\r\n1.8\r\n392\r\n2009\r\n435\r\n16\r\n7\r\n1.8\r\n1.4\r\n461\r\n2010\r\n554\r\n12\r\n7\r\n1.1\r\n1.2\r\n576\r\n2011\r\n588\r\n10\r\n12\r\n.9\r\n1.5\r\n612\r\nSource: based on Scottish Government production data and price estimates provided by industry\r\nHMRC figures on exports of fresh Scottish salmon from the UK are estimated at:\r\nExports of fresh Scottish salmon from the UK, £m, 2011 prices, source HMRC\r\n2008\r\n115\r\n2009\r\n170\r\n2010\r\n245\r\n2011\r\n331\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-15T14:22:34.283","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277947,"EventID":"S4W-10669","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1778,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":110,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-01T14:22:34.83","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-30T11:25:03.217","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what independent research it has commissioned since 2004 on the environmental impact of finfish farms.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government have commissioned the following independent research projects since 2004 relating either directly or indirectly to aquaculture. \r\nProject Title\r\nDate Project Start\r\nDate Project End\r\nDevelopment of high level indicators to assess deliverability of a sustainable Scottish aquaculture industry through a desk top study\r\n01-11-2005\r\n10-03-2006\r\nAn investigation of the cost structure and international competitiveness of the salmon growing industry in Scotland - Stage one.\r\n01-06-2005\r\n31-08-2005\r\nDetailed investigation of a range of issues to assess the cost structure & competitiveness of salmon growing industry in Scotland - stage 2\r\n18-02-2008\r\n19-05-2008\r\nImpact assessment of the proposed extension of 31 special protection areas into the marine environment in Scottish territorial waters\r\n01-07-2008\r\n31-10-2008\r\nAn economic evaluation of the impact of the salmon parasite Gyrodactylus (gs) should it be introduced into Scotland\r\n03-10-2005\r\n30-09-2006\r\nPassive monitoring of sea lice\r\n01-11-2005\r\n30-04-2007\r\nEntanglement of minke whales in Scottish waters: an investigation into occurrance causes and mitigation\r\n31-10-2007\r\n31-07-2009\r\nA study of the prospects and opportunities for shellfish farming in Scotland\r\n12-10-2009\r\n11-02-2010\r\nImpact assessment of the proposed designation of two inshore special areas of conservation (SACS) in the Sound of Barra and East Mingulay\r\n30-04-2010\r\n30-07-2010\r\nAquaculture - better marketing and improved image consumer, retail and non government officials research/scoping study\r\n18-10-2010\r\n17-01-2011\r\nAn assessment of the options available for dealing with didemnum vexillum (carpet sea squirt)\r\n22-08-2011\r\n31-10-2011\r\nA study of the prospects and opportunities for trout farming in Scotland\r\n01-09-2011\r\n30-04-2012\r\nImpacts of open pen freshwater aquaculture production on wild fisheries\r\n01-09-2011\r\n30-04-2012\r\nComputational fluid dynamic modelling of fish (and birds) passing through tidal turbines\r\n09-01-2012\r\n03-03-2012\r\nHydrodynamic modelling of Scottish Shelf waters\r\n27-08-2012\r\n31-03-2014\r\nLiterature and data review: evaluating and assessing the relative effectiveness of acoustic deterrent devices on marine mammals\r\n30-10-2012\r\n28-02-2013\r\n\r\nIn addition, the Scottish Government sponsor a number of projects progressed through The Scottish Aquaculture Research Forum. Details of these projects can be found on their website at:\r\nhttp://www.sarf.org.uk/projects/.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-15T14:22:34.847","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277948,"EventID":"S4W-10671","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1778,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":110,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-01T14:22:35.203","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-30T11:25:03.217","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many salmon have returned to Scottish waters in each year since 1999; what information it has on returns from 1952 to 1998 and whether there has been a reduction since 1952.\r\n","AnswerText":"Returns of salmon to Scottish waters are estimated annually by the International Council for the Exploration of the Seas (ICES) as part of its assessment of salmon stocks in the North Atlantic. Returns are estimated from reported catch, adjusted to take account of non-reported catch and exploitation rate.\r\nICES figures are available from 1971 and the estimated annual returns from 1971 to 2011 are provided in a graph and table lodged with SPICe (bib. No 544820). The graph illustrates annual fluctuations and an overall downward trend until 1999, and a more stable trend since then of around 546,000.\r\nThe Scottish Government has collected salmon and sea trout catch statistics since 1952. Statistics for the 2011 salmon fishing season together with an assessment of the status of stocks as inferred from these data are available on the Scottish Government website at: http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Resource/0040/00402122.pdf.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-15T14:22:35.22","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277949,"EventID":"S4W-10672","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1778,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":110,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-01T14:22:35.563","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-30T11:25:03.217","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what information it has on how many salmon have escaped from fish farms and bred with wild salmon since 1999.\r\n","AnswerText":"Reported escapes from fish farms in Scotland are published on the Scottish Government website at:\r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/marine/Fish-Shellfish/18364/18692/escapeStatistics.\r\nThe Scottish Government holds no information on how many escaped farm fish have bred with wild salmon since 1999.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-15T14:22:35.58","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277950,"EventID":"S4W-10673","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1778,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":110,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-01T14:22:35.953","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-30T11:25:03.217","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it considers that there is a link between an increase of sea-lice in wild fish stock and fish farms and the decline of wild salmon and, if so, what evidence it has to support this.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government considers the evidence of a link between sea-lice in wild fish stocks and fish farms and the decline of wild salmon is not proven.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-15T14:22:35.97","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277951,"EventID":"S4W-10675","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1778,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":110,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-01T14:22:36.313","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-30T11:25:03.217","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what support it gives to production initiatives in salmon farming that offer environmental benefits.\r\n","AnswerText":"Support is available under the European Fisheries Fund (EFF) to production initiatives in salmon farming that offer environmental benefits.\r\nThe European Fisheries Fund is a 7 year programme which provides support to the sea fishers, processing and aquaculture sector, as well as wider collective actions and support to coastal communities. Awards are made against identified criteria, including environmental benefits at all stages of the catching, production and processing chain. The Scottish element of the UK EFF operational programme (2007–2013) at present exchange rates is worth £80 million including match funding consisting of £45 million of European money matched by £35 million Scottish Government funding over the total programme period.\r\nA list of projects awarded EFF funding is available on the Scottish Government website at: http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/marine/grants-subsidies.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-15T14:22:36.343","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277952,"EventID":"S4W-10677","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1778,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":110,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-01T14:22:36.78","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-30T11:25:03.217","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it is developing protected sites for eel and implementing eel management plans.\r\n","AnswerText":"Historically, Scotland had limited commercial eel fisheries and some low-level recreational fisheries. As a measure to conserve the species, Scotland’s Eel Management Plan includes the prohibition of eel fishing throughout Scotland except under licence; this was delivered through the Freshwater Fish Conservation (Prohibition on Fishing for Eels)(Scotland) Regulations 2008.\r\nAll European eels belong to a single panmictic population, with those living in Scottish freshwaters having arrived here from their oceanic spawning areas by chance. The designation of protected areas is not therefore generally considered an effective conservation measure. However, the Scottish Government does continue to explore site specific conservation measures in inland waters.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-15T14:22:36.797","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277953,"EventID":"S4W-10678","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1778,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":110,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-01T14:22:37.28","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-30T11:25:03.217","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what economic impact assessment has been made of the proposals in the Aquaculture and Fisheries (Scotland) Bill.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Business and Regulatory Impact Assessment for the Aquaculture and Fisheries (Scotland) Bill is published on the Scottish Government website at http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2012/11/6007.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-15T14:22:37.297","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277954,"EventID":"S4W-10680","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1778,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":110,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-01T14:22:37.607","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-30T11:25:03.217","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what sites have been given planning permission to be developed under the Town and Country Planning (Marine Fish Farms Development) Order 2011, broken down by local authority.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Town and Country Planning (Marine Fish Farms Permitted Development) (Scotland) Order 2011 does not give sites planning permission to be developed. It grants planning permission for the operation of existing marine fish farms in the areas specified in the Order, providing they meet the criteria set out in the Order. It is for each individual farm to determine whether they meet these criteria.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-15T14:22:37.623","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277955,"EventID":"S4W-10681","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1778,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":110,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-01T14:22:37.95","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-30T11:25:03.217","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what body is responsible for granting fish farms that are located at least three nautical miles off-shore the authority to discharge waste and chemicals.\r\n","AnswerText":"Under Part IV of The Marine (Scotland) Act 2010, Marine Scotland is the body responsible for granting fish farms that are located at least three nautical miles off-shore the authority to discharge waste and chemicals.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-15T14:22:37.967","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277956,"EventID":"S4W-10743","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1845,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-01T14:22:38.373","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-31T11:00:42","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what research (a) it and (b) Health Protection Scotland is carrying out on Lyme disease in ticks and who is responsible for the overall strategy.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government is not carrying out research on Lyme disease. We are not aware of any research currently being carried out by Health Protection Scotland.\r\n\r\nLyme disease is an unusually complex disease with many factors that limit the extent of knowledge and understanding. No single body has overall responsibility for Lyme disease as there are a number of agencies who have an interest in this disease, primarily from a public health perspective but also animal health, environmental and forestry interests.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-15T14:22:38.387","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277957,"EventID":"S4W-10745","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1845,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-01T14:22:38.763","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-31T11:00:42","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what recent discussions it has had with the forestry sector regarding Lyme disease in ticks.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has had no recent discussions with the forestry sector.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-15T14:22:38.777","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277958,"EventID":"S4W-10754","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-01T14:22:39.12","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-31T11:31:33.327","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what costs it incurred as a result of the public local inquiry on the Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route project and what information it has on the costs incurred by other parties.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S3W-26029 on 13 August 2009. All answers to written Parliamentary Questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\nThe Scottish Government has no information on the costs incurred by other parties in relation to the Public Local Inquiry.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-15T14:22:39.137","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277959,"EventID":"S4W-10756","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-01T14:22:39.527","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-31T11:31:33.327","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-10615 by Keith Brown on 29 October 2012, whether it will provide a breakdown of what led to the increased costs of the Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route project.\r\n","AnswerText":"As detailed in the answer S4W-10615, the revised costs of the Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route following scope changes, the inclusion of standard risk costs and rebasing to 2012 prices totals £653 million.\r\nCost increases due to inflation total £230 million. There is also an additional £21million associated with scope changes to the scheme and £54 million allocated for risk.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-15T14:22:39.543","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277960,"EventID":"S4W-10762","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5078,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":111,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-01T14:22:39.917","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-31T12:37:21.657","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the prospects are for the advancement of clean coal technology at Longannet Power Station.\r\n","AnswerText":"The decision to fit Longannet Power Station with clean coal technology would be a commercial decision for the station operator. The Scottish Government has set out its approach to the development of clean electricity generation in its draft Electricity Generation Policy Statement. This sets out the pathway to deliver the equivalent of at least 100% of gross electricity consumption from renewables by 2020 as part of a wider, balanced electricity mix, supported by a minimum of 2.5GW of thermal generation fitted progressively with Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS). We are in discussion with the key parties including Scottish Power about their plans for the upgrade of existing thermal generation sites, which are identified as national developments in the National Planning Framework.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-15T14:22:39.933","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":" Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277961,"EventID":"S4W-10763","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5078,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":111,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-01T14:22:40.307","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-31T12:37:21.657","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on the first UN International Day of the Girl Child, which took place on 11 October 2012.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government is supportive of any activity which raises awareness and understanding of children’s rights. Scottish Ministers are committed to ensuring the well-being of each and every child in Scotland. This means keeping children safe from all forms of harm and exploitation and supporting them to be healthy, active, respected and responsible members of our society. The National Guidance for Child Protection in Scotland, published in 2010, includes information to support professionals in identifying and addressing concerns, including where forced marriage is an issue.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-15T14:22:40.323","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Aileen Campbell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277962,"EventID":"S4W-10765","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5078,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":111,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-01T14:22:40.697","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-31T12:37:21.657","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government for what reason there have been no prosecutions for female genital mutilation in Scotland.\r\n","AnswerText":"There have been no prosecutions because no FGM (female genital mutilation) related incidents have been reported to relevant authorities. This is because it is a hidden problem which affects some women and girls from some minority ethnic communities who are very reluctant to disclose or report it. Some of them have said that they would not disclose FGM for fear of stigma from society and exclusion from their own community. FGM is a harmful traditional practice which involves force, coercion and sometime violence. \r\nThere is no evidence that the practice is widespread in Scotland but the Government is not complacent and work is being done to prevent FGM by:\r\nWorking closely with minority ethnic community groups and organisations that support victims of FGM and girls at risk, raising awareness, empowering women and increasing confidence to report. The Scottish Government has funded Saheliya, a minority ethnic women’s organisation in Edinburgh, £225,000 over the three years 2012–2015 to work with women from communities affected by FGM.\r\nRaising awareness that FGM is a harmful traditional practice which has serious implications on health and wellbeing of women and girls\r\nPublicising and disseminating information, training presentations and sponsoring of a screening of a film about FGM\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-15T14:22:40.713","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277963,"EventID":"S4W-10766","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5078,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":111,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-01T14:22:41.04","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-31T12:37:21.657","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it protects girls at risk of female genital mutilation, in light of the Home Office’s estimation that over 20,000 children under 15 in the UK are at risk each year.\r\n","AnswerText":"Scottish Government takes the issue of female genital mutilation (FGM) very seriously and sees it as a form of physical abuse of women and girls and a violation of their human rights. The Prohibition of Female Genital Mutilation (Scotland) Act 2005 made it illegal to perform or arrange to have female genital mutilation carried out in Scotland or abroad, and carries a maximum penalty of 14 years’ imprisonment and fine. Dedicated guidance to aid practitioners in the identification, assessment and co-ordinated management of females at risk is provided in the National Guidance for Child Protection in Scotland 2010.\r\nThe Government considers prevention as the most effective way of protecting girls at risk of FGM. A number of methods are used to prevent it:\r\nWorking closely with minority ethnic community groups and organisations that support victims of FGM and girls at risk, raising awareness, empowering women and increasing confidence to report. The Scottish Government has funded Saheliya, a minority ethnic women’s organisation in Edinburgh, £225,000 over the three years 2012–2015 to work with women from communities affected by FGM.\r\nRaising awareness that FGM is a harmful traditional practice which has serious implications on health and wellbeing of women and girls\r\nPublicising and disseminating information, training presentations and sponsoring of a screening of a film about FGM \r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-15T14:22:41.057","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":" Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277964,"EventID":"S4W-10767","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-01T14:22:41.493","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-31T13:40:48","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many NHS boards employ applied psychologists to assist in changing people’s behaviour to improve health and wellbeing.\r\n","AnswerText":"Information about the number of psychologists is held in the public domain, and can be found on the NHS Education for Scotland–Information Services Division Psychology Services Workforce data webpage at:\r\nhttp://www.isdscotland.org/Health-Topics/Workforce/Psychology/ \r\n\r\nHowever it is not possible to state how many of these psychologists assist with changing peoples’ behaviour to improve their health and wellbeing.\r\n\r\nIn addition to applied psychologists, a range of other professionals including nurses, allied health professionals and voluntary sector workers, are involved in delivering psychological interventions, which may be aimed at changing people’s behaviour or thinking, and improving their health and wellbeing.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-15T14:22:41.523","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277965,"EventID":"S4W-10768","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-01T14:22:42.133","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-31T13:39:10","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many psychologists have been employed in the NHS in each year since 2007.\r\n","AnswerText":"This information is held in the public domain, and can be found on the NHS Education for Scotland–Information Services Division Psychology Services Workforce data webpage at:\r\nhttp://www.isdscotland.org/Health-Topics/Workforce/Psychology/ \r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-15T14:22:42.147","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277966,"EventID":"S4W-10769","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-01T14:22:42.85","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-31T13:42:45","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many psychologists are employed in the NHS to support early interventions that promote positive mental health and wellbeing.\r\n","AnswerText":"Information on the number of psychologists employed is held in the public domain, and can be found on the NHS Education for Scotland–Information Services Division Psychology Services Workforce data webpage at:\r\nhttp://www.isdscotland.org/Health-Topics/Workforce/Psychology/.\r\n\r\nIn addition to interventions delivered by psychologists, a range of other work is being undertaken through the NHS, local authorities and the voluntary sector, in delivering information and advice, self help approaches, counselling and other low intensity treatments including exercise to support early interventions, which may be aimed at promoting positive mental health and wellbeing.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-15T14:22:42.867","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277967,"EventID":"S4W-10770","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-01T14:22:43.473","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-31T13:44:23","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many additional psychologists will be employed in the NHS so that waiting time targets for psychological therapies are achieved.\r\n","AnswerText":"Psychological therapies are delivered by a variety of professionals, including nurses, allied health professionals and voluntary sector staff, as well as psychologists.\r\n\r\nThe Scottish Government has national supports in place to assist Boards in meeting the psychological therapies HEAT access target. We have already seen improvements in service performance across Scotland since the HEAT target was set.\r\n\r\nWe are also committed to a health promoting and preventative approach whereby we increase support for access to self-management, self help, information and advice and low level interventions such as referral to exercise or bibliotherapy which may prevent people from experiencing more serious psychological distress. \r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-15T14:22:43.49","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277968,"EventID":"S4W-10771","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-01T14:22:44.113","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-31T13:14:21","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-09794 by Alex Neil on 22 October 2012, whether the response indicates that the Scottish Government is not planning to consult on a draft bill.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has no plans to run a separate consultation on the Draft Bill. We are moving the existing Bill Advisory Group onto a ministerial basis where I will chair future relevant meetings. COSLA have been invited to nominate a Vice Chair. The group will meet regularly throughout the lifecycle of the Bill, before and during its parliamentary stages.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-15T14:22:44.13","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277969,"EventID":"S4W-10772","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-01T14:22:44.627","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-31T13:14:21","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-03874 by Nicola Sturgeon on 15 November 2011, whether there is a central surplus asset register for all NHS boards.","AnswerText":"This is a matter for NHS boards to manage and, accordingly, a central surplus asset register is not kept.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-15T14:22:44.66","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277970,"EventID":"S4W-10773","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-01T14:22:45.113","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-31T13:14:21","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many patients resident in Scotland were treated in hospitals in England in each month from April 2010 to September 2012 and at what cost.\r\n","AnswerText":"Information on patients resident in Scotland who were treated in hospitals in England for each month from April 2010 to June 2012 has been provided. This information is for all inpatients and day cases (elective and emergency admissions).\r\nInformation on the cost is not collected centrally.\r\nCount of Finished Admission Episodes 1,2,3 carried out in an English NHS hospital for patients whose NHS Board of Residence is in Scotland; April 2010 to June 2012\r\nMonth\r\nFinancial Year\r\n2010-11\r\n2011-12\r\n2012-13p\r\nApr\r\n667\r\n629\r\n624\r\nMay\r\n622\r\n616\r\n635\r\nJun\r\n654\r\n680\r\n643\r\nJul\r\n809\r\n855\r\n \r\nAug\r\n710\r\n734\r\n \r\nSep\r\n680\r\n637\r\n \r\nOct\r\n749\r\n692\r\n \r\nNov\r\n631\r\n544\r\n \r\nDec\r\n555\r\n570\r\n \r\nJan\r\n594\r\n517\r\n \r\nFeb\r\n514\r\n524\r\n \r\nMar\r\n626\r\n576\r\n \r\nTotal\r\n7,811\r\n7,574\r\n1,902\r\nSource: Hospital Episode Statistics (HES), Health and Social Care Information Centre \r\np Data for 2012-13 is provisional and may be subject to change. Data is currently only available to June 2012.\r\n1.All inpatient and day case admissions are included, elective and emergency.\r\n2.Activity in English NHS Hospitals and English NHS commissioned activity in the independent sector is included.\r\n3.A finished admission episode (FAE) is the first period of inpatient care under one consultant within one healthcare provider. FAEs are counted against the year in which the admission episode finishes. Admissions do not represent the number of inpatients, as a person may have more than one admission within the year.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-15T14:22:45.127","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":" Alex Neil ","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277971,"EventID":"S4W-10774","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-01T14:22:45.597","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-31T13:14:21","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many patients resident in England were treated in hospitals in Scotland in each month from April 2010 to September 2012 and at what cost.\r\n","AnswerText":"Information on patients resident in England who were treated in hospitals in Scotland cannot be identified from national Scottish data. Information on patients resident in England/Wales/Northern Ireland combined is available and is provided below for the months April 2010 to June 2012. The information is for all inpatients and day cases (elective and emergency admissions).\r\nInformation on the cost is not available centrally.\r\nNumbers of discharges1 from Scottish hospitals for patients recorded as being resident in England/Wales/Northern Ireland; April 2010 to June 2012\r\nMonth of discharge\r\nNumber of discharges\r\nApr-10\r\n402\r\nMay-10\r\n490\r\nJun-10\r\n551\r\nJul-10\r\n521\r\nAug-10\r\n716\r\nSep-10\r\n487\r\nOct-10\r\n438\r\nNov-10\r\n375\r\nDec-10\r\n341\r\nJan-11\r\n369\r\nFeb-11\r\n338\r\nMar-11\r\n367\r\nApr-11p\r\n432\r\nMay-11 p\r\n473\r\nJun-11 p\r\n527\r\nJul-11 p\r\n488\r\nAug-11 p\r\n671\r\nSep-11 p\r\n497\r\nOct-11 p\r\n402\r\nNov-11 p\r\n321\r\nDec-11 p\r\n352\r\nJan-12 p\r\n344\r\nFeb-12 p\r\n328\r\nMar-12 p\r\n321\r\nApr-12 p\r\n412\r\nMay-12 p\r\n457\r\nJun-12 p\r\n476\r\nSource: ISD SMR01 linked catalogue\r\np – provisional. Data is currently only available to June 2012.\r\nThe basic unit of analysis for these figures is an individual patient. Patients who have more than one discharge will be counted once in each time period their discharges occur.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-15T14:22:45.61","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":" Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277972,"EventID":"S4W-10775","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-01T14:22:46.047","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-31T13:14:21","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many patients resident in (a) mainland Europe and (b) the rest of the world were treated in hospitals in Scotland in each month from April 2010 to September 2012 and at what cost.","AnswerText":"Information on patients resident in mainland Europe and the rest of the world who were treated in hospitals in Scotland cannot be identified from national Scottish data. Information on patients resident Outside UK is available and is provided below for the months April 2010 to June 2012. The information is for all inpatients and day cases (elective and emergency admissions).\r\nInformation on the cost is not available centrally.\r\nNumbers of discharges1 from Scottish hospitals for patients recorded as being resident Outside UK; April 2010 to June 2012\r\nMonth of discharge\r\nNumber of discharges\r\nApr-10\r\n59\r\nMay-10\r\n66\r\nJun-10\r\n117\r\nJul-10\r\n166\r\nAug-10\r\n175\r\nSep-10\r\n127\r\nOct-10\r\n101\r\nNov-10\r\n56\r\nDec-10\r\n60\r\nJan-11\r\n49\r\nFeb-11\r\n27\r\nMar-11\r\n45\r\nApr-11p\r\n84\r\nMay-11 p\r\n84\r\nJun-11 p\r\n133\r\nJul-11 p\r\n154\r\nAug-11 p\r\n170\r\nSep-11 p\r\n109\r\nOct-11 p\r\n72\r\nNov-11 p\r\n39\r\nDec-11 p\r\n37\r\nJan-12 p\r\n31\r\nFeb-12 p\r\n20\r\nMar-12 p\r\n31\r\nApr-12 p\r\n66\r\nMay-12 p\r\n96\r\nJun-12 p\r\n103\r\nSource: ISD SMR01 linked catalogue\r\np - provisional\r\nThe basic unit of analysis for these figures is an individual patient. Patients who have more than one discharge will be counted once in each time period their discharges occur.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-15T14:22:46.063","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277973,"EventID":"S4W-10776","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-01T14:22:46.517","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-31T13:14:21","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many care homes for older people are registered with the Care Inspectorate.","AnswerText":"The latest National Statistics published by Information Services Division show that there were 916 Care Homes for Older People at 31 March 2012.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-15T14:22:46.53","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277974,"EventID":"S4W-10777","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-01T14:22:47.17","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-31T13:14:21","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many care homes for older people that have completed annual returns employ registered nurses.","AnswerText":"In the latest annual return to the Care Inspectorate (at December 2011), there were 916 registered Care Homes for Older People. 853 Care Homes provided workforce information in their annual return and of these 471 (55%) employed registered nurses.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-15T14:22:47.203","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277975,"EventID":"S4W-10778","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-01T14:22:47.827","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-31T13:14:21","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-05200 by Nicola Sturgeon on 7 February 2012, for what reason the publication of the audit of pain management services was delayed by seven months.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-09292 on 11 September 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-15T14:22:47.843","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277976,"EventID":"S4W-10779","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-01T14:22:48.31","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-31T13:14:21","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-05186 by Nicola Sturgeon on 7 February 2012, whether the Chronic Pain Steering Group has reviewed the option to establish a residential pain management centre in Scotland and, if so, what the outcome was.","AnswerText":"Our Lead Clinician, on Chronic Pain and the National Chronic Pain Steering Group have been working with NHS National Services Division (NSD) to review the current provision of specialist residential pain management services. Options for the future provision of these services, including the potential for a service based in Scotland, will be considered at a meeting scheduled with NSD in early December.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-15T14:22:48.327","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277977,"EventID":"S4W-10780","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-01T14:22:48.763","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-31T13:14:21","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-09791 by Alex Neil on 22 October 2012, whether it will provide a  breakdown of the (a) miscellaneous board allocations and (b) provision for contracts and other services below £1 million.\r\n","AnswerText":"A breakdown of the Miscellaneous Board Allocations is provided in the following table. This budget line primarily covers support to NHS Boards long-term financial planning developments recognising explicit future commitments within specific Boards e.g. NHS Dumfries and Galloway £4 million for anticipated double running costs for the Dumfries and Galloway Royal Infirmary replacement. Other expenditure within this line includes specific smaller values where final amounts are not yet confirmed e.g. support to the Thalidomide Trust, digital mammography developments.\r\n\r\n£\r\nmillion\r\nNHS Boards Financial Planning Support\r\n20.2\r\nHighlands & Islands Travel Scheme\r\n11.0\r\nIsland Boards Partnership\r\n1.9\r\nDirection Bodies – Superannuation Contributions\r\n1.2\r\nPET/CT\r\n1.0\r\nCombat Stress / Support to Veterans\r\n1.0\r\n\r\n36.3\r\nThe Provision for contracts and other services budget line contains provision for primary care contractors pay awards, contracts for new and extended vaccine programmes and other contracts; the budgets relating to contracts are not disclosed within the budget document as contractual negotiations are not yet completed.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-15T14:22:48.777","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277978,"EventID":"S4W-10782","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-01T14:22:49.37","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-31T13:14:21","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-09802 by Alex Neil on 22 October 2012, when it expects the investigation into the delivery of care at the Elsie Inglis Nursing Home to be complete.\r\n","AnswerText":"Lothian and Borders Police have confirmed that they are in the final stages of completing their report for the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service in relation to the Elsie Inglis Care Home Inquiry. It is anticipated that this will be complete within the next fortnight.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-15T14:22:49.387","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277979,"EventID":"S4W-10783","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-01T14:22:50.043","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-31T13:14:21","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-09435 by Nicola Sturgeon on 19 September 2012, what options it is considering to provide review arrangements for the Social Fund successor scheme.\r\n","AnswerText":"Draft guidance for the social fund successor scheme, the Scottish Welfare Fund, was published on the Scottish Government’s website in August 2012 for comment – http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/People/welfarereform/socialfund\r\nThe draft guidance outlines proposals for first tier of review within Local Authorities, and some of the options being considered for second tier reviews.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-15T14:22:50.057","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277980,"EventID":"S4W-10784","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-01T14:22:50.667","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-31T13:14:21","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-05614 by Nicola Sturgeon on 9 March 2012, what the (a) current salary and (b) cost of secondment is for the chief executive of Healthcare Improvement Scotland.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-05614 on 9 March 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-15T14:22:50.68","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277981,"EventID":"S4W-10785","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-01T14:22:51.243","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-31T13:14:21","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-05615 by Nicola Sturgeon on 9 March 2012, whether the post of chief executive of Healthcare Improvement Scotland is still filled on an interim basis through the secondment of the former medical director of NHS Fife. \r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-05615 on 9 March 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-15T14:22:51.273","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277982,"EventID":"S4W-10786","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-01T14:22:51.883","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-31T13:14:21","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-09796 by Alex Neil on 2 October 2012, when it (a) will consult on the draft Marriage and Civil Partnership Bill and (b) anticipates the Bill being introduced. \r\n","AnswerText":"We intend to consult on the draft Bill in the coming months and anticipate introducing it next year.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-15T14:22:51.9","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277983,"EventID":"S4W-10787","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-01T14:22:52.43","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-31T13:14:21","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-09764 by John Swinney on 12 October 2012, how much each partnership has allocated to the voluntary sector to date from the Early Years and Reshaping Care for Older People Change Fund.\r\n","AnswerText":"It is for each Partnership to decide how to disburse Early Years and Reshaping Care Change Fund resources locally. \r\nThe Scottish Government is providing £900k over the period 2012-2015 to support the third sector to play a key role in the Reshaping care Change Fund programme. The Joint Improvement Team (JIT) has undertaken a mid-year review of 2012-13 Reshaping Care Change Plans, and will report its findings to the Delivery Group on Health and Community Care in due course.\r\nThe third sector is also a key partner in the Early Years and Early Intervention Change Fund - providing £272m over the period of the spending review. They are members of the Early Years Taskforce and partners in the Early Years Collaborative, launched on the 1 October, a multi-agency, local, quality improvement programme at a national scale.\r\nWhilst all allocations of Early Years Change Fund resources will have some impact on the third sector, £15m for PlayTalkRead, Bookbug, Play and Communities and Families Fund between 2012-2015 will be allocated solely to the third sector.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-15T14:22:52.443","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277984,"EventID":"S4W-10797","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1845,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-01T14:22:53.007","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-31T15:15:54.493","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what plans it has to introduce the compulsory microchipping of dogs. \r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-10158 on 12 November 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-15T14:22:53.02","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277985,"EventID":"S4W-10798","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1845,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-01T14:22:53.397","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-31T15:15:54.493","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what assessment it has made of (a) the merits of and (b) the obstacles to introducing the compulsory microchipping of dogs. \r\n","AnswerText":"No in-depth assessment has been made as other work within the Agriculture, food and rural affairs Directorate is currently of a higher priority. However, the Scottish Government has to date received no evidence that making microchipping compulsory would effectively tackle welfare issues such as abandonment, puppy farming or dog fighting. In addition there are significant concerns surrounding the enforcement and cost (both to Local authorities and to owners) of compulsory microchipping that would require proper consideration. We are watching developments elsewhere in the UK with interest, however, and we may consider the matter further in future should those developments appear to merit it.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-15T14:22:53.413","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277986,"EventID":"S4W-10799","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3763,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-01T14:22:53.74","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-31T15:22:55","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what action it is taking to tackle antisocial behaviour in West Scotland. \r\n","AnswerText":"Tackling antisocial behaviour and making communities safer and stronger remains a top priority for this Government. Recorded crime in Scotland is at it a 37 year low and has fallen by 25% since 2006-7. There are also 17,373 Police officers (full-time equivalent) working in our communities.\r\nIn March 2009 the Scottish Government and COSLA jointly published their Framework for tackling antisocial behaviour, Promoting Positive Outcomes. It followed a thorough review of national antisocial behaviour policy, recognising that prevention; early and effective intervention; and diversion, should be at its heart.\r\nSince 2007, over £1.6 million has been invested through CashBack for Communities across local authorities in the West Scotland region through a wide range of CashBack partner organisations including the Scottish Football Association (SFA), Scottish Rugby Union (SRU), Youth Scotland and Youthlink Scotland promoting positive inclusive behaviours through their activities.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-15T14:22:53.753","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277987,"EventID":"S4W-10800","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3763,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-01T14:22:54.143","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-31T15:22:55","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what assistance it provides to victims of crime in West Scotland. \r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government provides funding for a number of organisations which offer support and assistance to victims throughout Scotland, such as Victim Support Scotland, People Experiencing Trauma and Loss (PETAL) and Rape Crisis Scotland.\r\nIn addition, around £25m is made available each year to fund Scottish cases within the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme.\r\nThe Scottish Government offers a range of information which may be of assistance to victims. This includes the Victims of Crime website which can be found at; www.victimsofcrimeinscotland.org.uk; tailored information aimed at victims of serious crime, such as rape and sexual assault; and for bereaved families following murder, culpable homicide or a road death.\r\nThe Scottish Government is committed to introducing a Victims and Witnesses Bill in this Parliamentary session to further improve the support available to victims and witnesses across Scotland.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-15T14:22:54.16","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277988,"EventID":"S4W-10801","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3763,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-01T14:22:54.487","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-31T15:22:55","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what assistance it provides to members of the public who have difficulty obtaining legal aid.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government provides funding through the legal aid scheme to assist people who might not otherwise be able to afford legal representation in civil litigation or criminal cases. Applications for legal aid are considered by the Scottish Legal Aid Board, who applies the following statutory tests: probable cause, reasonableness and financial eligibility.\r\nCriminal legal aid is automatically available in some circumstances, and may be granted by the court in other circumstances. Otherwise the test for criminal legal aid for solemn proceedings is undue hardship, and for summary and appeal proceedings undue hardship and the interests of justice.\r\nMinisters cannot interfere in the operation of these tests in individual cases by the Scottish Legal Aid Board. Section 4 (2)(c) of the Legal Aid (Scotland) Act 1986 provides a power for Ministers to direct that payments be made from the legal aid fund outwith the usual statutory parameters, but this is only done in limited and unusual circumstances.\r\nIn order for legal aid to be granted, the applicant will require a solicitor who is prepared to represent them. For details of the position of people who may have difficulty finding a solicitor, I refer the member to the answer to S4W-10186 on \r\n8 November 2012. All answers to written Parliamentary Questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-15T14:22:54.503","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277989,"EventID":"S4W-10802","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2633,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-01T14:22:54.863","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-31T15:32:37","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what financial assistance (a) it and (b) Forestry Commission Scotland will provide to landowners who have to destroy ash trees affected by Chalara fraxinea. \r\n","AnswerText":"In line with the policy of successive Governments, the Scottish Government does not currently plan to pay compensation for plants and trees lost through pest and diseases or the measure required to eradicate them. Nursery owners are advised of the need to ensure all stock is disease free prior to importation to the UK.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-15T14:22:54.877","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277990,"EventID":"S4W-10804","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2633,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-01T14:22:55.253","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-31T15:32:37","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the cost will be of testing ash trees for Chalara fraxinea and who will be responsible for meeting this.\r\n","AnswerText":"Testing for Chalara fraxinea is currently being carried out by Forest Research and the Food and Environmental Research Agency. Both are primarily funded by the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. Until the likely scale of testing requirements is known it is not possible to identify what the cost will be. Samples taken as part of the Scottish horticultural inspections are progressed by Science and Advice for Scottish Agriculture (SASA, a Division of the Scottish Government’s Agriculture, Food and Rural Communities Directorate) as part of existing arrangements.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-15T14:22:55.267","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277991,"EventID":"S4W-10806","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-01T14:22:55.61","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-31T15:47:22","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what work is being done in Scotland to develop and adopt electricity storage technologies as a means of providing power system support.\r\n","AnswerText":"Electricity storage already plays an important role in optimising Scotland’s power network system, with the pumped hydro storage facilities at Ben Cruachan and Ben Foyers. An application for a new hydro pumped storage scheme near Loch Lochy has been received by Scottish Ministers, and is under consideration. \r\nOur draft Electricity Generation Policy Statement highlighted the increasingly important role electricity storage could play in Scotland’s future power network. As stated in the recently published update to our 2020 Renewable Routemap for Scotland, the Scottish Government is working with engineering institutions and other expert stakeholders to assess the potential for emerging storage technologies to contribute to our energy objectives for Scotland. \r\nIn the meantime, the Scottish Government and Scottish Enterprise are supporting an innovative hydrogen project in Aberdeen, which will include the production and storage of hydrogen for use as a transport fuel and other energy uses.\r\nIn addition, the UK-wide Electricity Market Reform proposals represent an opportunity to encourage the cost-effective potential of demand-side management and electricity storage to contribute to security of supply. We are working with the Department of Energy & Climate Change in this area and will review our position on electricity storage technologies as part of the final Electricity Generation Policy Statement.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-15T14:22:55.627","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277992,"EventID":"S4W-10835","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1860,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-01T14:22:56.19","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-01T10:24:42.157","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it has considered the recommendation by the Transport, Infrastructure and Climate Change Committee in 2010 that \"should funds from the UK policies for reducing emissions from the homes and communities sector prove inadequate, the Scottish Government should provide additional alternative funding to ensure that energy efficiency targets in this sector are achievable\"’ in its consideration of the 2013-14 draft budget, and what the reasons are for its position on this matter.\r\n","AnswerText":"In considering the 2013-14 draft budget, the Scottish Government has sought to maximise the funds available to meet its fuel poverty, energy efficiency and emission reduction targets, within the limited powers it currently holds. The Scottish Government is investing £250 million over the Spending Review to tackle fuel poverty, reduce carbon emissions and support jobs. This includes £65m per annum to support a National Retrofit Programme which will lever in significant additional funding from energy companies’ regulatory obligations, yielding around £200m per annum to improve the energy efficiency of Scotland’s homes and tackle fuel poverty. This is also in line with the recommendations of the Energy, Enterprise and Tourism Committee report into fuel poverty in February 2012 and can be contrasted with the UK Government which will cease direct funding to tackle fuel poverty in England altogether from 2013-14.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-15T14:22:56.203","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277993,"EventID":"S4W-10705","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1893,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-01T17:17:29.947","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-30T14:23:25.087","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many summary criminal trials at (a) Aberdeen and (b) Stonehaven Sheriff Court were called but adjourned for lack of court time in 2011.\r\n","AnswerText":"This question relates to operational matters that are the responsibility of the Scottish Court Service (SCS) corporate body. The question has been passed to the Chief Executive of the SCS who will reply in writing\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-15T17:17:30.383","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277994,"EventID":"S4W-10707","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1893,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-01T17:17:31.083","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-30T14:23:25.087","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many (a) summary and (b) solemn criminal trials at sheriff courts were called but adjourned for lack of court time in 2011. \r\n","AnswerText":"This question relates to operational matters that are the responsibility of the Scottish Court Service (SCS) corporate body. The question has been passed to the Chief Executive of the SCS who will reply in writing.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-15T17:17:31.1","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277995,"EventID":"S4W-10708","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1893,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-01T17:17:31.63","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-30T14:23:25.087","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many solemn criminal trials at (a) Aberdeen and (b) Stonehaven Sheriff Court were called but adjourned for lack of court time in 2011.\r\n","AnswerText":"This question relates to operational matters that are the responsibility of the Scottish Court Service (SCS) corporate body. The question has been passed to the Chief Executive of the SCS who will reply in writing\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-15T17:17:31.647","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277996,"EventID":"S4W-10711","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1893,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-01T17:17:32.113","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-30T14:23:25.087","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many civil proofs, including ordinary, family, summary cause or small claim, at (a) Aberdeen and (b) Stonehaven Sheriff Court were called but adjourned for lack of court time in 2011. \r\n","AnswerText":"This question relates to operational matters that are the responsibility of the Scottish Court Service (SCS) corporate body. The question has been passed to the Chief Executive of the SCS who will reply in writing\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-15T17:17:32.13","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277997,"EventID":"S4W-10713","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1893,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-01T17:17:32.537","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-30T14:23:25.087","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many civil proofs, including ordinary, family, summary cause and small claim, at sheriff courts were called but adjourned for lack of court time in 2011. \r\n","AnswerText":"This question relates to operational matters that are the responsibility of the Scottish Court Service (SCS) corporate body. The question has been passed to the Chief Executive of the SCS who will reply in writing.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-15T17:17:32.567","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277998,"EventID":"S4W-10714","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1893,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-01T17:17:32.91","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-30T14:23:25.087","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many civil debates at (a) Aberdeen and (b) Stonehaven Sheriff Court were called but adjourned for lack of court time in 2011. \r\n","AnswerText":"This question relates to operational matters that are the responsibility of the Scottish Court Service (SCS) corporate body. The question has been passed to the Chief Executive of the SCS who will reply in writing\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-15T17:17:32.927","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":277999,"EventID":"S4W-10716","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1893,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-01T17:17:33.567","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-30T14:23:25.087","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many civil debates at sheriff courts were called but adjourned for lack of court time in 2011.\r\n","AnswerText":"This question relates to operational matters that are the responsibility of the Scottish Court Service (SCS) corporate body. The question has been passed to the Chief Executive of the SCS who will reply in writing\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-15T17:17:33.58","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278000,"EventID":"S4W-10717","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1893,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-01T17:17:33.957","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-30T14:23:25.087","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many solemn criminal trials are expected to be transferred from Aberdeen Sheriff Court to Stonehaven Sheriff Court in 2013.\r\n","AnswerText":"This question relates to operational matters that are the responsibility of the Scottish Court Service (SCS) corporate body. The question has been passed to the Chief Executive of the SCS who will reply in writing\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-15T17:17:33.97","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278001,"EventID":"S4W-10836","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5106,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":118,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-01T17:17:34.423","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-01T13:47:16","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how the rail network is funded.","AnswerText":"The rail network is managed by Network Rail. For financial planning purposes Network Rail works within five-year 'Control Periods' each one beginning on 1 April and ending on 31 March to coincide with the financial year. The next control period starts on 1 April 2014 and under current UK railways’ legislation, the Scottish Ministers are responsible for funding the rail network in Scotland. The responsibility for conducting a periodic review of Network Rail’s revenue requirements and regulatory outputs lies with the Office of Rail Regulation.\r\nThe rail infrastructure budget supports the costs of Network Rail maintenance and safe operation of the Scottish rail network and investment in infrastructure enhancement and is payable directly to Network Rail. The rail franchise budget includes funds which are paid by the franchisee to Network Rail to fund track access charges.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-15T17:17:34.44","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278002,"EventID":"S4W-10837","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5106,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":118,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-01T17:17:34.86","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-01T13:47:16","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what rail operating companies it provides funding to and how much each company receives.","AnswerText":"Scottish Ministers have responsibility for procuring rail passenger services which operate wholly in Scotland. There is currently one main contract, the rail franchise operated by First ScotRail, and this is due to end in November 2014. The cost of this rail franchise in financial year 2011-12 was £305.3 million.\r\nThere is also a further minor contract with Arriva for £70k per year to operate one early morning weekday service from Dunbar to Edinburgh. \r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-15T17:17:34.877","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278003,"EventID":"S4W-10838","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5106,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":118,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-01T17:17:35.61","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-01T13:47:16","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what input it has into the tendering of cross-border rail services.","AnswerText":"Cross border passenger rail services are specified by the Department for Transport.\r\nThe Scottish Government currently provides ‘non-binding’ advice to the Department on its expectation of the level of service provision specified for cross border rail franchises.\r\nThere is no legal or contractual relationship with either the Department or train operating companies in this regard.\r\nEarlier this year I agreed with UK Ministers a closer role for the Scottish Government in the specification of the forthcoming InterCity East Coast franchise, and a role assisting in the evaluation of bids for this franchise as they affect Scottish services.\r\nHowever, the terms of this arrangement are yet to be put in place by the Department, and it is unclear whether the timescale for this refranchising will be delayed following cancellation of the InterCity West Coast franchise procurement.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-15T17:17:35.623","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278004,"EventID":"S4W-10839","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5106,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":118,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-01T17:17:36.093","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-01T13:47:16","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many Network Rail staff are based in Scotland.\r\n","AnswerText":"This is an operational matter for the company and the Scottish Government has no direct responsibility in this area.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-15T17:17:36.123","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown ","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278005,"EventID":"S4W-10840","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5106,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":118,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-01T17:17:36.53","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-01T13:47:16","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many staff are employed by Network Rail to deal with the rail network in Scotland.","AnswerText":"This is an operational matter for the company and the Scottish Government has no direct responsibility in this area.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-15T17:17:36.547","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278006,"EventID":"S4W-10858","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-01T17:17:36.967","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-01T14:37:12","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what capital investment projects, that it has funded, are underway in Mid Scotland and Fife and what the (a) completion date and (b) cost is of each project.\r\n","AnswerText":"An outline of capital investment projects currently underway in the Mid Scotland and Fife region which, are funded or part funded by the Scottish Government is included in the following table.\r\nProject Name\r\nCapital Value (£m)\r\nEstimated Completion\r\nForth Replacement Crossing\r\n1450-1600\r\nDecember 2016  \r\nA9 Dualling Perth to Inverness\r\n1500-3000\r\nDecember 2025\r\nHalbeath Park & Ride, Fife\r\n10\r\nOctober 2013\r\nAuchmuty High School, Fife 1\r\n30\r\nAugust 2013\r\nSt. John's / Claremont Primary School,  Clackmannanshire 1\r\n8.5\r\nAugust 2014\r\nInvergowrie Primary, Perth & Kinross 1\r\n6.5\r\nSeptember 2013\r\nRiverside Primary, Stirling 1\r\n3.5\r\nAugust 2013\r\nCraigbank Primary School, Clackmannanshire 2\r\nTo be confirmed\r\nTo be confirmed\r\nNew Secondary School to replace Buckhaven and Kirkland High Schools, Fife 2\r\nTo be confirmed\r\nTo be confirmed\r\nNew Secondary School, Perth & Kinross 2\r\nTo be confirmed\r\nTo be confirmed\r\nSt Ninian’s Primary School, Stirling 2\r\nTo be confirmed\r\nTo be confirmed\r\nGlenwood Health Centre, Fife \r\n6\r\nJanuary 2014\r\nTayside Child and Adolescent Mental Health Unit, Perth\r\n9\r\nApril 2014\r\nAffordable Housing Provision 3\r\n15\r\n2013-14\r\nNotes\r\n1.\tThese schools form part of Phase 1 and 2 of the Scottish Government’s \r\n£1.25 billion ‘Scotland’s Schools for the Future School Building Programme’.\r\n2.\tThese schools form part of Phase 3 of the Scottish Government’s £1.25 billion ‘Scotland’s Schools for the Future School Building Programme’ which was announced on 26 September 2012. Detailed planning and design is still to be undertaken for each school and the capital value and completion dates are still subject to confirmation.\r\n3.\t The £15m relates to current Scottish Government investment in affordable housing through the Affordable Housing Supply Programme (AHSP) within the Mid Scotland and Fife area which has been approved and which is underway.\r\nNote also that the Scottish Government has given Fife Council approval to develop proposals for its Energy Park Project (£17m) by way of Tax Incremental Financing and the council is currently working with the Scottish Futures Trust to develop a full business case for Ministers’ consideration.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-15T17:17:36.983","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278007,"EventID":"S4W-10863","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1932,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":117,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-01T17:17:37.327","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-01T15:10:48","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how funding in the 2013-14 draft budget will be allocated to (a) rural development and (b) rural paths. \r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government’s spending plans include investment in a range of measures across the 2013-14 draft budget which will support rural development. Empowering communities is an important theme of both the Spending Review 2011 and the draft budget. The Rural Affairs and Environment portfolio has a particular focus on rural Scotland and ensures that all those living and working in rural areas contribute to and benefit from a strong, cohesive Scottish economy. A key element of our investment in rural Scotland is about new business growth and delivering and sustaining jobs in rural communities, in particular investing in Scotland’s food and drink industry, and in supporting primary sector industries (agriculture, forestry and fishing) and empowering rural communities.\r\nThe 2013-14 Budget includes a range of support mechanisms for rural paths including support from the Scotland Rural Development Programme Rural Priorities, Land Manager Options and LEADER programme and support from other public bodies.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-15T17:17:37.34","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278008,"EventID":"S4W-10864","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4086,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-01T17:17:37.747","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-01T15:17:55","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when it will publish (a) the results of its consultation on The Action Programme for Nitrate Vulnerable Zones (Scotland) Regulations 2008: Proposed Amendments and (b) its plans for any amendments to the existing action programme that regulates these zones.\r\n","AnswerText":"The summary of the consultation responses and the changes to the current Nitrates Action Programme will be published this month.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-15T17:17:37.763","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278009,"EventID":"S4W-10874","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-01T17:17:38.137","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-01T15:33:09","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many homes were considered to be in fuel poverty in (a) Perth and Kinross, (b) Stirling and (c) Fife in each of the last five years.\r\n","AnswerText":"Local Authority level fuel poverty analysis is performed on three years of data to include enough cases to be statistically robust. As such fuel poverty figures are not available for each calendar year. These figures represent the mid point of the data collection period based on calendar years.\r\nYear \r\nLocal Authority\r\nFuel Poor Households\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nNumber\r\nPercent of LA \r\nSample\r\n2008-2010\r\nPerth and Kinross\r\n24,000\r\n36\r\n245\r\n\r\nStirling\r\n11,000\r\n29\r\n229\r\n\r\nFife\r\n49,000\r\n31\r\n426\r\n2007-2009\r\nPerth and Kinross\r\n24,000\r\n37\r\n254\r\n\r\nStirling\r\n9,000\r\n25\r\n239\r\n\r\nFife\r\n50,000\r\n32\r\n408\r\nFull details are available from the Scottish House Condition Survey website.\r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Statistics/SHCS/keyanalyses\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-15T17:17:38.153","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278010,"EventID":"S4W-10876","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4086,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-01T17:17:38.543","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-01T15:41:48","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the target date is for the delivery of single farm payments to claimants in 2012-13 and what percentage of claimants in receipt of payments it aims to achieve by that date.\r\n","AnswerText":"We aim to make the first payment under the 2012 Single Farm Payment Scheme on 3 December. This is the earliest possible date given that EC regulations require payments to be contained in a “window” that opens on 1 December and closes on 30 June in the following year. Monday 3 December is the first banking day in that window. Our aim this year, as in all previous years, is to pay as many claims, as early as we can in the payment window. The validation of applications, likely to total some 18,900 claims, is still in progress as is the testing of the computer system to process those claims. It is, therefore, not possible to say at this point precisely what percentage of farmers will be paid on the first day of the payment window, but we are on track to deliver the majority of payments in December.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-15T17:17:38.557","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278029,"EventID":"S4W-10668","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1778,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":110,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-02T13:39:37.793","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-30T10:38:31","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what impact assessment there has been of any increased costs to the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) arising from proposed changes to the legislation on aquaculture and fisheries and whether SEPA will be awarded increased financial support.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Financial Memorandum accompanying the Aquaculture and Fisheries (Scotland) Bill sets out the anticipated costs associated with the measures in the Bill, including any anticipated costs to the Scottish Environment Protection Agency.\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/S4_Bills/Aquaculture%20and%20Fisheries/b17s4-introd-en.pdf\r\nIn certain circumstances, it is possible that SEPA’s costs might increase by a de minimis amount.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-16T13:39:37.89","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278030,"EventID":"S4W-10670","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1778,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":110,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-02T13:39:38.917","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-30T10:38:31","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether the retail value of the Scottish salmon industry is over £1 billion.\r\n","AnswerText":"Information published in 2012 by the Scottish Salmon Producer’s Organisation (SSPO) states that the worldwide retail value of Scottish farmed salmon is over £1 billion.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-16T13:39:38.933","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278031,"EventID":"S4W-10674","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1778,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":110,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-02T13:39:39.48","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-30T10:38:31","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it plans to continue monitoring the use of chemicals in salmon farming and whether it is required by legislation to do so.","AnswerText":"SEPA is responsible for monitoring the discharge of chemicals in salmon farming under the controlled activities regulation (CAR) licensing regime in order to meet the requirements of the Water Framework Directive.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-16T13:39:39.497","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278032,"EventID":"S4W-10676","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1778,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":110,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-02T13:39:40.133","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-30T10:38:31","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what information it has on whether salmon production has recently been at, or near, record highs in the North Pacific.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government does not hold information on recent salmon production levels in the North Pacific.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-16T13:39:40.15","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278033,"EventID":"S4W-10679","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1778,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":110,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-02T13:39:40.603","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-30T10:38:31","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what impact the returns of sockeye salmon to the Fraser River in Canada have on the Scottish salmon industry.","AnswerText":"While Scottish Ministers are aware of the Justice Bruce Cohen's investigation of British Columbia's Fraser river Sockeye salmon and its 75 recommendations, The Scottish Government has undertaken no analysis on the impact of the returns of sockeye salmon to the Fraser River in Canada on the Scottish salmon industry.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-16T13:39:40.62","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278034,"EventID":"S4W-10682","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1778,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":110,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-02T13:39:41.117","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-30T10:38:31","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether Marine Scotland carries out acoustic tagging of salmon and, if so, for how many years it has done so.\r\n","AnswerText":"Marine Scotland does not carry out routine acoustic tagging of salmon in Scottish waters. As part of our research programmes in the Cromarty Firth acoustic tags were implanted into: adult salmon during the summer in 2004 and 2005; salmon smolts during the spring of 2010 and 2011. Marine Scotland also undertake a range of other tagging activities.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-16T13:39:41.15","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":" Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278035,"EventID":"S4W-10683","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1778,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":110,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-02T13:39:41.743","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-30T10:38:31","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what evaluation it has made of the SALSEA-Merge Project.\r\n","AnswerText":"The SALSEA-Merge Project represents the European contribution to the wider international SALSEA project and was funded by the North Atlantic Conservation Organisation (NASCO). The outputs from the project will support both our work in the rivers within Scotland and inform future participation in NASCO.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-16T13:39:41.757","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":" Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278036,"EventID":"S4W-10684","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1778,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":110,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-02T13:39:42.227","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-30T10:38:31","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it attended the summit, Salmon at Sea: Scientific Advances and their Implications for Management, in October 2011 and, if so, whether it will place in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre any report that it received from the summit.\r\n","AnswerText":"Yes. The Scottish Government, through representation by Marine Scotland, was in attendance at the International Symposium on Salmon at Sea. The report of the summit was published in November 2012 as part of the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES) Journal of Marine Science series and is available online at: http://icesjms.oxfordjournals.org/content/69/9.toc.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-16T13:39:42.257","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278037,"EventID":"S4W-10685","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1778,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":110,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-02T13:39:42.74","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-30T10:38:31","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will work with all stakeholders to address the concern that salmon stocks are far below their conservation levels and to develop stock rebuilding programmes.","AnswerText":"In Scotland we do not currently have established conservation limits, nor corresponding estimates of spawning escapement, to manage salmon stocks. We currently do, and will continue to work with appropriate stakeholders to address concerns across a broad range of topics concerning the status of salmon stocks and to improve our understanding of those factors which are influencing the health of our marine environment and freshwater fisheries.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-16T13:39:42.757","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278038,"EventID":"S4W-10686","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1778,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":110,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-02T13:39:43.253","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-30T10:38:31","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what plans it has to negotiate an international treaty on salmon fishing with specific product quality and environmental mandates.","AnswerText":"Scotland, as part of the European Union, is already a signatory to the Convention for the Conservation of Salmon in the North Atlantic and is an active member of its implementation through the North Atlantic Salmon Conservation Organisation (NASCO).\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-16T13:39:43.27","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278039,"EventID":"S4W-10687","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1778,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":110,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-02T13:39:43.74","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-30T10:38:31","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what discussions it has had regarding salmon production with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has not held discussions with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations regarding salmon production.\r\nThe Scottish Government is aware that the FAO has stated the importance of aquaculture in feeding a growing world population which now accounts for nearly 50% of the world’s supply of fish for human consumption.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-16T13:39:43.753","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278040,"EventID":"S4W-10688","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1778,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":110,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-02T13:39:44.083","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-30T10:38:31","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what support it has given to the salmon industry since 2007.\r\n","AnswerText":"Scottish Government has a policy and regulatory framework in place to support the sustainable economic growth of the Scottish aquaculture industry including farmed Atlantic salmon. This was set out in A Fresh Start - the renewed Strategic Framework for Scottish Aquaculture which was published in May 2009 and implemented by the Ministerial Group on Aquaculture (MGA). The industry is also specifically mentioned in the Government’s Economic Strategy and has sustainable growth targets of 50% by 2020, embedded in the Draft National Marine Plan.\r\nIn addition to the Aquaculture and Fisheries (Scotland) Bill introduced in October, which is in part about supporting sustainable economic growth, we are also refocusing the MGA towards delivery of the 2020 targets contained in the Draft National Marine Plan and implementation of the Aquaculture and fisheries (Scotland) Bill.\r\nI would also refer you to my answer to question S4W-10675 on 12 November 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-16T13:39:44.097","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278041,"EventID":"S4W-10689","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1778,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":110,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-02T13:39:44.567","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-30T10:38:31","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will convene a summit of salmon producers to exchange information on the challenges and opportunities for the industry.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government’s Ministerial Group on Aquaculture (MGA) meets regularly to discuss the challenges and opportunities facing the aquaculture industry, and to undertake programmes of work to overcome these challenges and deliver these opportunities. This last met on 31 October at which time a refocused model of delivery of the MGA was discussed. The salmon producers are well represented on the MGA.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-16T13:39:44.58","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278042,"EventID":"S4W-10794","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-02T13:39:45.143","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-31T13:14:21","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-09911 by Alex Neil on 25 October 2012, whether there are practising doctors who have a (a) sexual offence or (b) child pornography conviction and, if so, how many.\r\n","AnswerText":"Protecting patients is always our top priority, and NHS boards, as employers, have a duty to ensure that staff working with patients do not pose a risk to their patients.\r\nNHSScotland health boards, as employers, have full delegated powers relating to recruitment, including ensuring the appropriate employment checks are carried out prior to, and where appropriate during, employment.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-16T13:39:45.157","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278043,"EventID":"S4W-10795","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-02T13:39:45.797","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-31T13:14:21","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether the position of NHS Health Scotland's Head of People and Performance replaces that of Head of Human Resources and what (a) the starting salaries are for each post and (b) differences there are in responsibility.\r\n","AnswerText":"Earlier this year, NHS Health Scotland merged five posts into two resulting in annual savings of £126,311.\r\n\r\nThe Head of People and Performance is a new post. It has a far wider ranging remit than the previous post of Head of HR, and now encompasses HR responsibility, organisational staff development, and organisational planning and performance.\r\n\r\nThe starting salary for Head of People and Performance is £54,454. The former position of Head of HR had a starting salary of £45,254.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-16T13:39:45.813","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278044,"EventID":"S4W-10796","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-02T13:39:46.563","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-31T13:14:21","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the most recent level is of bullying and harassment reported by staff at NHS Health Scotland and how it is addressing this.\r\n","AnswerText":"The 2010 NHSScotland Staff Survey results reveal that, of the 273 NHS Health Scotland members of staff who responded to the survey (91% response rate), 19% reported experiencing bullying and harassment in the workplace during the previous 12 months. Of that figure, 58% indicated that they had experienced bullying and harassment from a manager or team leader and 64% indicated that that they had experienced bullying and harassment from colleagues. The staff survey respondents indicate that 40% of these incidences were reported.\r\nThe bullying and harassment of any member of staff is unacceptable. The Scottish Government is encouraging a performance culture in which NHS employees in Scotland are clear about the need to deliver results and where managers are clear about the boundaries between effective management and inappropriate behaviour.\r\nWe have provided advice and guidance to NHS boards on dealing effectively with bullying and harassment in the NHS in the form of the Preventing & Dealing with Bullying and Harassment in NHSScotland PIN Policy, which was published in November 2011.\r\nI have been assured by NHS Health Scotland the bullying and harassment issues highlighted in the 2010 staff survey are being addressed. The focus of their activity has been to ensure that the policy of zero tolerance is explicit within the culture of NHS Health Scotland and they will be conducting a staff survey in December 2012 to measure improvement.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-16T13:39:46.577","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278045,"EventID":"S4W-10841","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-02T13:39:47.153","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-01T14:03:33.457","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what funding it provides to NHS boards in relation to chronic pain.\r\n","AnswerText":"The information is not collected or held centrally to the level of detail requested. The Scottish Government provides policies, frameworks and resources to NHS Boards so that they can deliver services that meet the needs of their local population, including in relation to chronic pain. All NHS Boards are expected to ensure that resources are spent in a way that improves the health and wellbeing of the community and that delivers best value for taxpayers.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-16T13:39:47.17","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":" Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278046,"EventID":"S4W-10842","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-02T13:39:47.793","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-01T14:03:33.457","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it will implement the Getting Relevant Information on Pain Services (GRIPS) report and when.\r\n","AnswerText":"The GRIPS report (2007) published by Healthcare Improvement Scotland and revised in 2008, set out six priority actions aimed at improving service provision. The previous Cabinet Secretary addressed the first priority action by recognising chronic pain as a condition in its own right in May 2008.\r\nFollowing the publication of the GRIPs report the Scottish Government appointed a Lead Clinician for Chronic Pain and established the National Chronic Pain Steering Group. The Scottish Government has proactively promoted the need to develop chronic pain services and implementation of the GRIPs actions will be achieved through the implementation of the Scottish Service Model for Chronic Pain in addition to the range of work being progressed by the National Steering Group.\r\nIn addition to funding the lead clinician the Scottish Government has also provided funding for three part time facilitator posts. The facilitators are employed by Healthcare Improvement Scotland and support the Lead Clinician to co-ordinate the various work streams within the National Chronic Pain Steering Group’s work plan for 2012-13.\r\nThe Scottish Government continues to advocate the role of managed clinical networks in improving the provision of services, including those for chronic pain. We are encouraging NHS boards who have not already done so to establish these.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-16T13:39:47.81","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278047,"EventID":"S4W-10843","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-02T13:39:48.403","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-01T14:03:33.457","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what progress has been made on implementing the Scottish Service Model for Chronic Pain.","AnswerText":"The National Chronic Pain Steering Group continues to make steady progress in taking forward an extensive work plan and is working with NHS boards to provide support in implementing the service model.\r\nAs part of the group’s work plan Healthcare Improvement Scotland recently published a benchmarking report on chronic pain services in Scotland. The purpose of the report was to provide an update on the provision of chronic pain services since the publication of the GRIPs report and provide recommendations to assist NHS Board in the planning of services. Findings from the audit show that there has been improvement in service provision since the GRIPS report of 2007.\r\nThe report is available on the Healthcare Improvement website at:\r\nhttp://www.healthcareimprovementscotland.org/programmes/long_term_conditions/chronic_pain/chronic_pain_update_report.aspx.\r\nThe establishment of service improvement groups/Managed Clinical Networks are seen as a key way of implementing the Scottish Service Model for Chronic Pain. The National Chronic Pain Steering Group has been working with boards to support them to develop improvement plans. This has resulted in a number of successful bids to establish service improvement groups/managed clinical networks, most of which are in the early stages of development.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-16T13:39:48.42","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278048,"EventID":"S4W-10844","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-02T13:39:49.027","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-01T14:03:33.457","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many NHS boards have chronic pain managed clinical networks.\r\n","AnswerText":"A chronic pain Managed Clinical Network has been running effectively in NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde for some time.\r\nIn addition the Scottish Government has recently provided pump priming funding for the establishment of service improvement groups/Managed Clinical Networks to NHS Ayrshire and Arran, NHS Dumfries and Galloway, NHS Lanarkshire and NHS Lothian.\r\nThe National Steering Group are working closely with a number of boards to develop similar approaches.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-16T13:39:49.043","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278049,"EventID":"S4W-10845","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-02T13:39:49.65","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-01T14:03:33.457","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on establishing a managed clinical network for children with chronic pain.\r\n","AnswerText":"The recently published benchmarking report on chronic pain services recognised there are gaps in the provision of children’s services for chronic pain. The Scottish Service Model for Chronic Pain applies to everyone living with chronic pain.\r\nThe National Chronic Pain Steering Group will continue to work with Boards to take forward implementation of the Scottish Service Model for Chronic Pain ensuring that plans reflect the needs of both adults and children. It is anticipated that any service improvement groups/Managed Clinical Networks established for Chronic Pain will work to improve services for all regardless of age.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-16T13:39:49.683","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278050,"EventID":"S4W-10846","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-02T13:39:50.477","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-01T14:03:33.457","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it is improving pain services in primary care settings.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Service Model for Chronic Pain has a strong focus on improving the care and management of chronic pain in primary care settings. The model aims to improve awareness and education for people living with chronic pain and healthcare professionals to ensure people receive safe and effective treatment and that their medication is appropriately managed. Another key part of the model is providing people with the necessary information and advice to support self management techniques.\r\nThe National Chronic Pain Steering Group continue to make steady progress in taking forward their extensive work plan and are working with NHS Boards to provide support in implementing the service model. \r\nA further key way of improving treatment and care is through the implementation of clinical guidelines. Healthcare Improvement Scotland is contributing to the development of a Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network (SIGN) guideline on non malignant chronic pain. The guideline is expected to be published in 2014 and will aim to improve patient management in both primary and secondary care.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-16T13:39:50.51","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278051,"EventID":"S4W-10847","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-02T13:39:51.15","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-01T14:03:33.457","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many pain consultants there are in multidisciplinary chronic pain teams in each NHS board area for (a) adult and (b) children's services.","AnswerText":"Information on how many pain consultants there are in multidisciplinary chronic pain teams in each NHS board area for (a) adult and (b) children services, is not held centrally. However, I would like to refer the member to the Benchmarking Report published by Healthcare Improvement Scotland on 26 October 2012:\r\nhttp://www.healthcareimprovementscotland.org/programmes/long_term_conditions/chronic_pain/chronic_pain_update_report.aspx.\r\nThe audit has identified the current resources available in relation to NHS Board populations and provides up to date information on the provision of pain management services in each NHS Board area. This information will assist NHS Boards to identify any gaps and variation in local services and provides recommendations to inform planning and assist in the implementation of the Scottish Service Model for Chronic Pain.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-16T13:39:51.163","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278052,"EventID":"S4W-10848","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-02T13:39:51.883","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-01T14:03:33.457","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many nurses there are in multidisciplinary chronic pain teams in each NHS board area for (a) adult and (b) children's services.","AnswerText":"Information on how many nurses there are in multidisciplinary chronic pain teams in each NHS board area for (a) adult and (b) children services, is not held centrally. However, information on the number of Clinical Nurse Specialists with a specialty of pain can be found at the following link:\r\nhttp://www.isdscotland.org/Health-Topics/Workforce/Publications/2011-11-29/Clinical_Nurse_Specialist_S2011.xls?62532551\r\nIt should be noted that the table contains data at the NHS board level and not at the (a) adult and (b) children services level.\r\nI would also like to refer the member to the Benchmarking Report published by Healthcare Improvement Scotland on 26 October 2012. http://www.healthcareimprovementscotland.org/programmes/long_term_conditions/chronic_pain/chronic_pain_update_report.aspx \r\nThe audit has identified the current resources available in relation to NHS Board populations and provides up to date information on the provision of pain management services in each NHS Board area. This information will assist NHS Boards to identify any gaps and variation in local services and provides recommendations to inform planning and assist in the implementation of the Scottish Service Model for Chronic Pain.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-16T13:39:51.897","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278053,"EventID":"S4W-10849","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-02T13:39:52.693","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-01T14:03:33.457","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many physiotherapists there are in multidisciplinary chronic pain teams in each NHS board area for (a) adult and (b) children’s services.","AnswerText":"Information on how many pain consultants there are in multidisciplinary chronic pain teams in each NHS board area for (a) adult and (b) children services, is not held centrally. However I would like to refer the member to the Benchmarking Report published by Healthcare Improvement Scotland on 26 October 2012:\r\nhttp://www.healthcareimprovementscotland.org/programmes/long_term_conditions/chronic_pain/chronic_pain_update_report.aspx.\r\nThe audit has identified the current resources available in relation to NHS Board populations and provides up to date information on the provision of pain management services in each NHS Board area. This information will assist NHS Boards to identify any gaps and variation in local services and provides recommendations to inform planning and assist in the implementation of the Scottish Service Model for Chronic Pain.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-16T13:39:52.71","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278054,"EventID":"S4W-10850","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-02T13:39:53.597","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-01T14:03:33.457","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many psychologists there are in multidisciplinary chronic pain teams in each NHS board area for (a) adult and (b) children’s services.\r\n","AnswerText":"Information on how many pain consultants there are in multidisciplinary chronic pain teams in each NHS board area for (a) adult and (b) children services, is not held centrally. However, I would like to refer the member to the Benchmarking Report published by Healthcare Improvement Scotland on 26 October 2012:\r\nhttp://www.healthcareimprovementscotland.org/programmes/long_term_conditions/chronic_pain/chronic_pain_update_report.aspx.\r\nThe audit has identified the current resources available in relation to NHS Board populations and provides up to date information on the provision of pain management services in each NHS Board area. This information will assist NHS boards to identify any gaps and variation in local services and provides recommendations to inform planning and assist in the implementation of the Scottish Service Model for Chronic Pain.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-16T13:39:53.63","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":" Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278055,"EventID":"S4W-10851","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-02T13:39:54.597","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-01T14:03:33.457","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many occupational therapists there are in multidisciplinary chronic pain teams in each NHS board area for (a) adult and (b) children’s services.","AnswerText":"Information on how many pain consultants there are in multidisciplinary chronic pain teams in each NHS board area for (a) adult and (b) children services, is not held centrally. However, I would like to refer the member to the Benchmarking Report published by Healthcare Improvement Scotland on 26 October 2012:\r\nhttp://www.healthcareimprovementscotland.org/programmes/long_term_conditions/chronic_pain/chronic_pain_update_report.aspx.\r\nThe audit has identified the current resources available in relation to NHS Board populations and provides up to date information on the provision of pain management services in each NHS Board area. This information will assist NHS Boards to identify any gaps and variation in local services and provides recommendations to inform planning and assist in the implementation of the Scottish Service Model for Chronic Pain.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-16T13:39:54.613","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278056,"EventID":"S4W-10852","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-02T13:39:55.767","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-01T14:03:33.457","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many pharmacists there are in multidisciplinary chronic pain teams in each NHS board area for (a) adult and (b) children’s services.\r\n","AnswerText":"Information on how many pain consultants there are in multidisciplinary chronic pain teams in each NHS board area for (a) adult and (b) children services, is not held centrally. However, I would like to refer the member to the Benchmarking Report published by Healthcare Improvement Scotland on 26 October2012. http://www.healthcareimprovementscotland.org/programmes/long_term_conditions/chronic_pain/chronic_pain_update_report.aspx.\r\nThe audit has identified the current resources available in relation to NHS Board populations and provides up to date information on the provision of pain management services in each NHS Board area. This information will assist NHS Boards to identify any gaps and variation in local services and provides recommendations to inform planning and assist in the implementation of the Scottish Service Model for Chronic Pain.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-16T13:39:55.797","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278057,"EventID":"S4W-10853","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-02T13:39:56.577","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-01T14:03:33.457","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether pain management programmes are available in every NHS board area.","AnswerText":"The recently published Benchmarking report on the provision of chronic pain services shows that 75% of the adult population now have access to pain management programmes. There are a small number of boards which do not currently have PMP’s in place.\r\nThe National Chronic Pain Steering Group is working with Boards to assist in the planning and development of services and encouraging Boards to work with stakeholders to provide services that meet the needs of their resident populations. This includes consideration of services provided by voluntary organisations, such as the self management courses run by the Pain Association Scotland.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-16T13:39:56.593","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278058,"EventID":"S4W-10854","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-02T13:39:57.343","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-01T14:03:33.457","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many (a) adults and (b) children are served by each territorial NHS board.","AnswerText":"Estimates of the numbers of adults and children usually resident in each Scottish health board area at 30 June 2011 are given in the following table.\r\nEstimated Population of Scotland, mid-2011\r\nNHS Board areas\r\nAdults (18+)\r\nChildren (0-17)\r\nAll Ages\r\nAyrshire and Arran\r\n294,878\r\n72,012\r\n366,890\r\nBorders\r\n90,739\r\n22,411\r\n113,150\r\nDumfries and Galloway\r\n120,169\r\n27,891\r\n148,060\r\nFife\r\n293,388\r\n73,904\r\n367,292\r\nForth Valley\r\n234,237\r\n61,304\r\n295,541\r\nGrampian\r\n445,630\r\n109,650\r\n555,280\r\nGreater Glasgow and Clyde\r\n974,040\r\n236,214\r\n1,210,254\r\nHighland\r\n251,544\r\n60,416\r\n311,960\r\nLanarkshire\r\n443,821\r\n119,364\r\n563,185\r\nLothian\r\n687,059\r\n161,668\r\n848,727\r\nOrkney\r\n16,243\r\n3,917\r\n20,160\r\nShetland\r\n17,677\r\n4,823\r\n22,500\r\nTayside\r\n327,852\r\n77,869\r\n405,721\r\nWestern Isles\r\n21,114\r\n4,966\r\n26,080\r\nScotland total\r\n4,218,391\r\n1,036,409\r\n5,254,800\r\nEstimates of the population by sex and single year of age are published annually by National Records of Scotland and are available for NHS boards and other geographies on their website at:\r\nhttp://www.gro-scotland.gov.uk/statistics/theme/population/estimates/index.html.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-16T13:39:57.357","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278059,"EventID":"S4W-10855","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-02T13:39:58.2","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-01T14:03:33.457","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what monitoring framework is in place to track progress in chronic pain services in (a) primary and (b) acute care.","AnswerText":"The National Chronic Pain Steering Group continues to work closely with NHS Boards to seek updates on the progress in implementing the Scottish Service Model for Chronic Pain. NHS Boards that have or are establishing service improvement groups/Managed Clinical Networks for Chronic Pain will report regularly to the National Steering Group on their progress.\r\nHowever, it is also for NHS Boards to ensure that the work of these groups/networks do deliver improvements and that their work feeds into local reporting and governance arrangements.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-16T13:39:58.217","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278060,"EventID":"S4W-10856","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-02T13:39:58.823","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-01T14:03:33.457","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will develop a HEAT target in relation to chronic pain services.\r\n","AnswerText":"There are no plans to introduce a HEAT target in relation to chronic pain services this year. The Scottish Government reviews HEAT targets on an annual basis with decisions on new targets based on evidence and impact.\r\nThe Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network (SIGN) are currently developing a guideline for the management of chronic pain, with a public consultation event scheduled in December 2012. Following publication of the SIGN guideline consideration can be given as to whether HEAT can support improvement / delivery.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-16T13:39:58.84","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278061,"EventID":"S4W-10857","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-02T13:39:59.433","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-01T14:03:33.457","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when it will publish the data underpinning the Healthcare Improvement Scotland report, Update Report on Scottish Pain Management Services.\r\n","AnswerText":"There are currently no plans for Scottish Government to publish the data underpinning Healthcare Improvement Scotlands’ update report on Scottish Pain Management Services.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-16T13:39:59.463","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":" Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278062,"EventID":"S4W-10875","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2066,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-02T13:40:00.087","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-01T15:33:40","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what plans it has for clan gathering events in the Year of Homecoming.\r\n","AnswerText":"Ancestry is one of five key themes underpinning the Year of Homecoming in 2014.  The Scottish Government and the Homecoming Team at VisitScotland are working to engage with the domestic and international clan audience in the year and particularly in relation to the ancestry theme. Of particular note is work the Scottish Government and the Homecoming Team are doing with partners including Stirling Council and the National Trust for Scotland in relation to the 700th anniversary of the Battle of Bannockburn in 2014. This will be a key event in the Homecoming Scotland programme and a centrepiece of Stirling Council's 'Stirling 2014' celebrations. The event will include (i) a battle re-enactment, the largest ever hosted at the memorial battlefield; (ii) a tented clan village; and (iii) weaponry and falconry displays; and an authentic campsite. In addition to the Bannockburn re-enactment weekend, the Homecoming Team is also working with the Scottish Highland Games Association to help them use 2014 to support and extend the appeal of Highland Games to reach and engage clan homelands across the whole of Scotland.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-16T13:40:00.12","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278063,"EventID":"S4W-10877","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-02T13:40:00.9","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-01T16:04:47.097","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what information it has on whether companies awarded contracts by (a) it and (b) its agencies since 2007 have been named by the Information Commissioner's Office as using construction sector blacklists.\r\n","AnswerText":"A number of companies that have been awarded contracts by the Scottish Government and its agencies since 2007 have been named by the ICO as companies which subscribed to the Consulting Association. The Scottish Government is totally opposed to blacklisting or the compiling of a blacklist. We have no evidence that blacklisting has been used in connection with the performance of any contracts awarded by the Scottish Government or its agencies. Companies which are awarded public contracts are expected to maintain high standards of business and professional conduct. Companies' suitability and their compliance with all relevant legal obligations are considered on a case by case basis prior to the award of every high value public contract.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-16T13:40:00.93","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278064,"EventID":"S4W-10878","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-02T13:40:01.443","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-01T16:04:47.097","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what action it has taken since 2007 to determine (a) whether companies in the construction sector use blacklists and (b) the extent of their use.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government is aware of the investigation carried out by the Information Commissioner’s Office into practices of the Consulting Association which has now ceased trading, and the subsequent penalty imposed on them for a breach of the Data Protection Act in 2009. Companies which are awarded public contracts are expected to maintain high standards of business and professional conduct. Companies' suitability and their compliance with all relevant legal obligations are considered on a case by case basis prior to the award of every high value public contract.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-16T13:40:01.46","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278065,"EventID":"S4W-10879","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-02T13:40:01.787","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-01T16:04:47.097","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what discussions it has had since 2007 with (a) employers and (b) trade unions about the use of blacklists in the construction sector.\r\n","AnswerText":"Whilst the Scottish Government has not had discussions with employers and/or trade unions about the use of blacklists in the construction sector, we are totally opposed to blacklisting or the compiling of a blacklist on such a basis. We welcome the current inquiry into blacklisting by the House of Commons Scottish Affairs Committee and the investigation carried out by the Information Commissioners Officer (ICO) into the Consulting Association. We also commend subsequent actions taken by the ICO, including assuming control of the company’s database. \r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-16T13:40:01.803","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278066,"EventID":"S4W-10880","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-02T13:40:02.13","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-01T16:04:47.097","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-09635 by Nicola Sturgeon on 25 September 2012, how many of the consultation responses referred to blacklisting and whether the proposed Sustainable Procurement Bill will address the issue. ","AnswerText":"The issue of blacklisting has been raised in at least one response. This will be considered alongside other issues raised which are currently being analysed. The analysis will be published no later than 25 January 2013.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-16T13:40:02.163","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278067,"EventID":"S4W-10881","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-02T13:40:02.583","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-01T16:04:47.097","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what information it has on how many people might have been on blacklists operated by the construction sector in Scotland since 2007.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government does not hold this information. The Information Commissioners Office (ICO) published details of construction companies which subscribed to the Consulting Association. This list can be found at the ICO website. The ICO assumed control of the Consulting Association’s database and are operating a telephone service for people to check whether information about them was held on it.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-16T13:40:02.613","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278068,"EventID":"S4W-10882","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-02T13:40:02.957","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-01T16:04:47.097","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it plans to launch an inquiry into whether companies in Scotland use blacklists.\r\n","AnswerText":"The House of Commons Scottish Affairs Committee is currently conducting an inquiry into the use of blacklists and the findings from this will facilitate further areas of investigation.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-16T13:40:02.973","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278069,"EventID":"S4W-10888","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5109,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":101,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-02T13:40:03.317","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-01T16:32:04","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many funded undergraduate places it has provided in each year since 1999 and how many it plans to provide in the future.\r\n","AnswerText":"The number of funded undergraduate places has increased by almost 900 since 2010-11. A further increase is planned for AY 2013-14 but the final number has yet to be confirmed.\r\nFunded undergraduate student places - 1999-2000 to 2012-13\r\nAcademic session\r\nTotal\r\nFTE\r\n2012-13   \r\n123,419  \r\n2011-12*    \r\n117,607  \r\n2010-11\r\n122,520  \r\n2009-10\r\n122,054  \r\n2008-09   \r\n121,365  \r\n2007-08  \r\n119,139  \r\n2006-07  \r\n115,307  \r\n2005-06\r\n111,901  \r\n2004-05  \r\n111,943  \r\n2003-04\r\n108,166  \r\n2002-03  \r\n108,699  \r\n2001-02\r\n96,962  \r\n2000-01\r\n96,094  \r\n1999-2000\r\n95,541  \r\n* In 2011-12 the number of undergraduate places for UK and EU students at Scottish universities was maintained at 2010-11 levels as a result of the universities agreeing to accept “fees only” students. The table shows only those places that were funded by the SFC.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-16T13:40:03.333","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278070,"EventID":"S4W-10900","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-02T13:40:03.677","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-01T17:01:00","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when the national lead clinician for chronic pain will complete and publish the review of specialist services that are delivered by the Royal National Hospital for Rheumatic Diseases in Bath.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Lead Clinician and the National Chronic Pain Steering Group are currently exploring a range of options for the provision of specialist chronic pain services. These will be discussed at a meeting scheduled with National Services Division of NHS National Services Scotland in early December 2012.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-16T13:40:03.707","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278071,"EventID":"S4W-10901","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3896,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":97,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-02T13:40:04.22","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-01T18:07:40","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many claims for student funding from the Student Awards Agency for Scotland still to be processed as at 1 November 2012 were received (a) before 30 June 2012 and (b) between 30 June and 1 September 2012.\r\n","AnswerText":"(a) SAAS received 105,405 applications for funding by the 30 June 2012 and successfully delivered the Guarantee. All these applications were processed as submitted by the end of August 2012.\r\n\r\n(b) SAAS received 41,343 applications between 1 July and 1 September 2012. Of these, 358 were still to be processed on 1 November 2012 but all had been processed by 7th November 2012.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-16T13:40:04.253","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278072,"EventID":"S4W-10902","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4939,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":78,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-02T13:40:04.673","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-02T11:12:02","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many organisations that promote or support the Gaelic language have had funding reduced or withdrawn since the establishment of Creative Scotland.\r\n","AnswerText":"I have asked Andrew Dixon, Chief Executive of Creative Scotland, The National Agency for the arts, screen and creative industries, to write to the member. Further information about Creative Scotland’s activities is available at: http://www.creativescotland.com/.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-16T13:40:04.69","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278078,"EventID":"S4W-10788","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-02T15:44:28.743","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-31T13:14:21","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many improvement notices the Care Inspectorate issued (a) in 2011-12 and (b) from April to end September 2012.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Care Inspectorate has responsibility for inspecting, regulating and supporting improvement of care and social work and child protection services across Scotland.\r\nThe Care Inspectorate has powers under section 62 of the Public Services Reform (Scotland) Act 2010 to serve an improvement notice on a care service, specifying the improvements required to bring a care service up to the standards required and the timescale for meeting these standards.\r\nThe total number of improvement notices issued by the Care Inspectorate in the period (a) between 1 April 2011 and 31 March 2012 was 74 and (b) between 1 April and 30 September 2012 was 31.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-16T15:44:28.933","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278079,"EventID":"S4W-10789","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-02T15:44:30.197","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-31T13:14:21","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many inspections the Care Inspectorate carried out (a) in 2011-12 and (b) from April to end September 2012.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Care Inspectorate carried out 7,489 inspections in 2011-12 and 3,451 between 1 April and 30 September 2012, across the range of services for which it has responsibility.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-16T15:44:30.21","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278080,"EventID":"S4W-10790","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-02T15:44:30.837","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-31T13:14:21","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many improvement notices were not complied with in 2011-12.","AnswerText":"The Care Inspectorate has confirmed that in 2011-12, 1 quality of care related improvement notice was not complied with. As a result, registration of the care service was cancelled.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-16T15:44:30.867","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278081,"EventID":"S4W-10791","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-02T15:44:31.443","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-31T13:14:21","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what percentage of patients referred to chronic pain clinics in (a) 2009-10, (b) 2010-11 and (c) 2011-12 met the 18-week referral to treatment target.\r\n","AnswerText":"Waiting time information is not available centrally for access to chronic pain clinics, as data is collected at specialty level.\r\nThe 18 weeks referral to treatment time target was due for delivery from \r\n31 December 2011 and has a compliance rate of 90%. Since 31 December 2011 NHSScotland has delivered this target.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-16T15:44:31.473","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278082,"EventID":"S4W-10792","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-02T15:44:32.067","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-31T13:14:21","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many times the Care Inspectorate has cancelled registration of a care service as a result of failure to comply with an improvement notice since 1 April 2011.","AnswerText":"The Care Inspectorate can cancel registration of a care service in a number of scenarios. It has the power to withdraw registration from care homes where it has served an Improvement Notice and this has not been complied with within the period specified in the Notice. It can also cancel registration of a service where the person providing the registered care service ceases to provide the service. Since1 April 2011, 1 registration of a care service was cancelled during the period 2011-12.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-16T15:44:32.083","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278083,"EventID":"S4W-10793","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-02T15:44:32.63","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-31T13:14:21","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many times the Care Inspectorate has applied to the sheriff under section 65 of the Public Services Reform (Scotland) Act 2010 for cancellation of the registration of a care service and what the outcome was on each occasion.","AnswerText":"The Public Services Reform (Scotland) Act 2010, which established the Care Inspectorate, came into force on 1 April 2011.\r\nThe Care Inspectorate has expedited powers, to apply to the sheriff, under s65 of the  2010 Act for cancellation of the registration of a care service (including care homes) on the basis that unless the order is made “there will be a serious risk to the life, health or wellbeing of persons”. An order to cancel a service would have the effect of closing the service.\r\nThe sheriff has the power to make an interim order, which may include an order suspending registration pending a full hearing. If necessary, the Care Inspectorate can also impose an emergency condition of registration, which becomes effective immediately and remains in place until removed or successfully challenged on appeal.\r\nThe Care Inspectorate has made one application to the sheriff under section 65. In this case interim suspension was sought by the Care Inspectorate but this was refused. A date for a full hearing was fixed by the court, however by the time the case called, the action was no longer necessary as the service had improved and the action was therefore dismissed.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-16T15:44:32.66","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278084,"EventID":"S4W-10889","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-02T15:44:33.177","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-01T16:52:26","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many people it estimates do not have a bank account.","AnswerText":"This information is published in the Scottish Household Survey Annual Report, Table 6.11 and can be accessed via the following link: \r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2012/08/5277/6\r\nThe latest available data shows that in 2011 an estimated 4% of the Scottish population did not have a bank account.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-16T15:44:33.19","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278085,"EventID":"S4W-10890","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-02T15:44:33.533","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-01T16:52:26","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what meetings it has had with representatives of retail and high street banks since May 2011; on what date; which minister was involved; what issues were discussed, and who attended.\r\n","AnswerText":"Details of all ministerial engagements are published on the Scottish Government website. The details from 1 May 2011 until 31 May 2012 can be accessed using the following link:\r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/About/People/14944/Events-Engagements/MinisterialEngagements. Information from 1 June 2012 onwards is being collated and compiled with a view to being published mid December.\r\n\r\nThe database includes 35 references to ministerial engagements with representatives of retail and high street banks from 1 May 2011 until 31 May 2012.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-16T15:44:33.55","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278086,"EventID":"S4W-10891","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-02T15:44:33.893","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-01T16:52:26","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what work it or its agencies is undertaking with the retail and banking sectors to ensure that everyone who needs it has access to a bank account, ahead of the introduction of universal credit.","AnswerText":"The UK Department of Work and Pensions will require universal credit claimants to have a bank account, and is working with a range of banking and financial product providers to make financial services accessible to potential universal credit recipients.\r\nThe Scottish Government has established a stakeholder group to provide input, advice and expertise on the related subjects of financial inclusion, financial capability, personal budgeting support, financial product development, payment exceptions, digital access and digital participation in relation to welfare reform. The broad-based group met for the first time on 26 October 2012 in Glasgow.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-16T15:44:33.91","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278087,"EventID":"S4W-10892","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-02T15:44:34.25","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-01T16:52:26","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what it has done to encourage high street and retail banks operating in Scotland to offer a free, basic bank account service.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-10891 on 15 November 2012. All answers to written Parliamentary Questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-16T15:44:34.267","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278088,"EventID":"S4W-10912","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-02T15:44:34.58","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-02T12:16:10","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what flexibility local authorities have in making housing benefit payments for foster and kinship carers and what discussions the Scottish Government has had with the Department of Work and Pensions on this matter.","AnswerText":"Housing benefit policy is reserved to the UK Government. Our position is that only independence will provide the Scottish Government with effective control over welfare matters. However we have made our concerns about the impact of the UK Government’s under occupancy restrictions on fostering clear to the Department for Work and Pensions. We have also asked that kinship carers be recognised as a distinct group within the UK benefits system.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-16T15:44:34.593","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Burgess","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278089,"EventID":"S4W-10930","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4016,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":133,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-02T15:44:35.297","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-02T14:43:33.437","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether and, if so, from which (a) individuals, (b) organisations or (c) bodies it has sought legal advice regarding a non-nuclear, independent Scotland’s membership of NATO.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the Lord Advocate’s letter to Ruth Davidson MSP of 30 October in which he set out his view regarding the consideration of legal advice. A copy of the letter to Ruth Davidson was placed in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre (Bib. number 54425).\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-16T15:44:35.313","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278090,"EventID":"S4W-10931","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4016,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":133,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-02T15:44:35.657","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-02T14:43:33.437","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether and, if so, from which (a) individuals, (b) organisations or (c) bodies it has sought legal advice regarding an independent Scotland’s membership of the United Nations.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the Lord Advocate’s letter to Ruth Davidson MSP of 30 October in which he set out his view regarding the consideration of legal advice. A copy of the letter to Ruth Davidson was placed in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre (Bib. number 54425).\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-16T15:44:35.67","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278091,"EventID":"S4W-10932","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4016,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":133,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-02T15:44:36.013","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-02T14:43:33.437","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether and, if so, from which (a) individuals, (b) organisations or (c) bodies it has sought legal advice regarding an independent Scotland’s membership of the Bank of England’s Monetary Policy Committee.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the Lord Advocate’s letter to Ruth Davidson MSP of 30 October in which he set out his view regarding the consideration of legal advice. A copy of the letter to Ruth Davidson was placed in the Scottish Parliaments Information Centre (Bib. number 54425).\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-16T15:44:36.03","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278092,"EventID":"S4W-10859","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2066,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-05T14:20:09.743","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-01T14:49:58","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many (a) scheduled sailings, (b) actual sailings and (c) sailings cancelled due to adverse weather conditions there were on each route operated by CalMac Ferries in each month between July 2011 and September 2012.\r\n","AnswerText":"The information requested has been lodged with SPICE under Bib. number 54483.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-19T14:20:09.913","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278093,"EventID":"S4W-10860","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2066,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-05T14:20:11.38","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-01T14:49:58","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-10318 by Keith Brown on 31 October 2012, whether it will provide a breakdown of the amounts payable for the (a) operating grant, (b) fuel grant, (c) start-up costs and (d) redundancy payments.\r\n","AnswerText":"Within the Argyll Ferries Ltd accounts for 30 June 2011 to 31 March 2012 the grant subsidy provided by the Scottish Government was £2,709,629 which included redundancy payments of £1,400,182. The balance covers the operating subsidy including fuel grant and start-up costs. Any further breakdown of this information is considered to be commercially confidential to Argyll Ferries Ltd.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-19T14:20:11.397","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278094,"EventID":"S4W-10861","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2066,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-05T14:20:11.973","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-01T14:49:58","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-10318 by Keith Brown on 31 October 2012, how much the work on the vessels cost.\r\n","AnswerText":"Works undertaken on the MV AliCat and the MV Argyll Flyer were around £45,000 and £479,000 respectively.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-19T14:20:11.99","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278095,"EventID":"S4W-10862","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2066,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-05T14:20:12.69","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-01T14:49:58","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-10318 by Keith Brown on 31 October 2012, whether the additional costs of works have been factored into the lease payments from Argyll Ferries Limited to David MacBrayne Limited. \r\n","AnswerText":"The leasing charge to Argyll Ferries Ltd has been set at a rate to provide a commercial return to David MacBrayne Ltd, taking into account the purchase price of the vessels and additional works.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-19T14:20:12.707","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278096,"EventID":"S4W-10886","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-05T14:20:13.69","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-01T16:41:57","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much in constraint payments will be given to coal and gas generators in each of the next eight years.\r\n","AnswerText":"It is not possible to predict the amount of constraint payments into the future. National Grid balances demand and supply of electricity in the GB market on a minute by minute basis in order to maintain supplies within strictly defined standards. Payments are made to generators of all fuel types to either start or halt generation, in order to manage constraints and keep the electricity system in balance.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-19T14:20:13.707","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278097,"EventID":"S4W-10887","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-05T14:20:14.407","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-01T16:41:57","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much in constraint payments will be given to wind turbine generators in each of the next eight years.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-10886 on 16 November 2012. All answers to written Parliamentary Questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-19T14:20:14.423","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278098,"EventID":"S4W-10893","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-05T14:20:15.313","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-01T16:52:26","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the (a) financial and (b) other benefit is to Scotland of the new EU funding programmes.\r\n","AnswerText":"Scotland will receive approximately £1.5 bn between 2007 and 2013 directly for the Structural, Rural Development and Fisheries Funds. In addition it will receive direct support for farmers to the value of £500 million per annum. These funds support economic development and sustainability in Scotland, through funding for example improved skills and training, biodiversity, research and development activity and community development. Whilst we expect the EU budget to decrease, the funds will still provide a significant source of discretionary spending between 2014 and 2020.\r\nRanges of numbers in the 2014-20 Multi-annual Financial Framework were published by the Cypriot Presidency on 30 October 2012. Until these ranges are refined, actual budgets cannot be identified. However, we continue to make clear representations on Scotland’s priorities for economic development, rural areas, fisheries policies and research and innovation.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-19T14:20:15.327","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278099,"EventID":"S4W-10894","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-05T14:20:15.843","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-01T16:52:26","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what work it has done to secure match funding partners for the new EU funding programmes.\r\n","AnswerText":"In line with the Partnership approach required by new EU Regulations for 2014, discussions have started with stakeholders on the shape of the proposals and the opportunities these present. It is too early to identify the size of the match funding required and discussion will continue as the programmes firm up.\r\nThe Scottish Government is aware that match funding will be a concern for many organisations who access EU Funds. We are considering a range of options, including matching with funds from core budgets, local authorities and enterprise agencies where possible. However, it is inevitable that with falling budgets in Europe and at home, this will continue to be an issue.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-19T14:20:15.857","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278100,"EventID":"S4W-10895","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-05T14:20:16.327","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-01T16:52:26","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what discussions (a) it and (b) officials have had with the European Commission about the new EU funding programmes.","AnswerText":"Scottish Government officials have regular discussions with the European Commission on a range of issues, including European funding, and will continue to do so.\r\nNegotiations are underway in Europe about both budgets for the various Funds, and the precise regulations which will govern them from 2014 onwards. All of these negotiations should reach conclusions over the next year, and we are making clear representations on Scotland’s priorities for economic development, rural areas, fisheries policies and research and innovation at both political and official levels. Cabinet Secretaries and Ministers continue to attend European Council for discussions.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-19T14:20:16.343","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278101,"EventID":"S4W-10896","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-05T14:20:17.123","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-01T16:52:26","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what (a) discussions and (b) consultation it has had with statutory or voluntary organisations about the new EU funding programmes.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has been consulting with a range of stakeholders as part of developing our approach to the new funding programmes, this has included local government, enterprise agencies, statutory bodies, the private sector and voluntary bodies.\r\nDifferent funds have in addition made specific arrangements, for example working groups, on-line surveys and consultations, and stakeholder events. We will consult further on those Funds which the Scottish government will have responsibility for dispersing over the course of 2013.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-19T14:20:17.137","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney ","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278102,"EventID":"S4W-10897","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-05T14:20:17.95","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-01T16:52:26","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it plans to involve community planning partnerships and the voluntary sector in the governance of funds arising from the new EU funding programmes.","AnswerText":"We will be considering how to ensure robust and proportionate governance of the programmes involving a range of key stakeholders and will consult on our plans in due course. COSLA, individual local authorities and other CPP partners, and the third sector, are already being engaged in evaluations of current arrangements, and plans for 2014 onwards.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-19T14:20:17.963","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278103,"EventID":"S4W-10898","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-05T14:20:18.62","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-01T16:52:26","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it will ensure that new EU funding will provide additional benefit to communities in most need.\r\n","AnswerText":"The European Commission’s proposals for the 2014-20 period are strongly focused on achieving Europe 2020 targets for smart, sustainable and inclusive growth. This is strongly aligned with the Government’s Economic Strategy, including a focus on low carbon economy, research and development, better skills and social inclusion and equity.\r\nThe Structural, Rural Development and Fisheries Funds already contribute to community development and social inclusion in both deprived urban and remote and peripheral rural areas. We are working with stakeholders to identify ways of improving the outcomes we get in communities in need, including local approaches to identifying spending priorities.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-19T14:20:18.637","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278104,"EventID":"S4W-10904","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2066,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-05T14:20:19.29","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-02T11:14:58","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-06585 by Stewart Stevenson on 24 April 2012, what further progress has been made on meeting the recommendations of the UK Committee on Climate Change with regard to devolved policy areas.","AnswerText":"The answer to S4W-06585 on 30 April 2012 contains details about the emissions mitigation measures that the Scottish Government has brought forward since the publication of the first climate change Report on Proposals and Policies in March 2011.\r\nThe Scottish Government is determined to continue this progress. The draft 2013-14 Budget and 2014-15 spending plans support the delivery of measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.\r\nThis will ensure that we will continue to make progress delivering the policy framework set out in Low Carbon Scotland: meeting the Emissions Reductions Targets 2010 - 2022, our first climate change Report on Proposals and Policies (RPP).\r\nA draft budget summary document detailing spending supporting the delivery of measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions is available online here: http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Environment/climatechange/climatechangefundingdocument. Copies have also been placed in the Parliament’s Reference Centre (Bib number 54423).\r\nAll answers to written Parliamentary Questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-19T14:20:19.32","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278105,"EventID":"S4W-10905","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2066,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-05T14:20:20.117","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-02T11:14:58","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what progress it is making on developing  policies to reduce emissions in the transport sector.\r\n","AnswerText":"A wide range of Scottish measures are currently in place to encourage the sought after transformation to a low carbon transport system, with investment both in existing networks and transport modes and in developing new and alternative transport options. Policy development and delivery work covers decarbonising vehicles, promoting sustainable communities, engaging with businesses and organisations, and improving road network efficiencies. Further detail will be set out in the second Report on Proposals & Policies.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-19T14:20:20.133","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278106,"EventID":"S4W-10906","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2066,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-05T14:20:20.727","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-02T11:14:58","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many of the proposals in the Report on Proposals and Policies will be adopted.\r\n","AnswerText":"The draft Second Report on Proposals and Policies will provide an update on the proposals and policies set out in Low Carbon Scotland: Meeting the Emission Reduction Targets 2010-2022 published in March 2011 taking into account an 8.4% real terms reduction in the Scottish Government’s resource budget and a 33% real terms reduction in the capital budget between 2010-11 and 2014-15.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-19T14:20:20.74","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278107,"EventID":"S4W-10908","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2066,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-05T14:20:21.52","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-02T11:14:58","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what contingency measures there are to deal with increases in emissions arising from extreme cold weather.\r\n","AnswerText":"Annual fluctuations in emissions are to be expected. Our second report on proposals and policies for reducing Scotland’s greenhouse gas emissions will focus on ways in which the second batch of annual emissions reduction targets for 2023-27 can be achieved. This will include assessing progress towards implementing the proposals and policies set out in Low Carbon Scotland: meeting the Emissions Reduction Targets 2010-2022, our first climate change report on proposals and policies.\r\nIncreases in emissions arising from extreme cold weather may occur in future years. Measures such as our investment in the National Retrofit Programme and improving the energy efficiency of our buildings are vital components of the Sustainable Housing Strategy launched for consultation earlier this year which will help to mitigate the effect of colder winters.\r\nIn addition to these provisions Scottish building regulations set challenging standards for the energy performance of both new buildings and work carried out to existing buildings, resulting in lower energy demand and emissions where work takes place. These standards continue to be reviewed and improved to ensure that the impact of any periods of extreme cold weather on emissions from new homes is minimal.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-19T14:20:21.537","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278108,"EventID":"S4T-00097","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":9,"MSPID":5110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":89,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-05T14:25:51.293","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-02T12:08:01","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what support will be provided to staff at the Freshlink factory in Shettleston, who have been told that the factory is closing and moving its business to England.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-19T14:25:51.387","MeetingDate":"2012-11-06T17:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278109,"EventID":"S4W-10909","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2066,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-05T14:20:22.333","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-02T11:14:58","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to Paul Wheelhouse's statement on 23 October 2012 (Official Report, c 12411), and in light of the 25% reduction in domestic gas consumption, what evidence it has that an increased household consumption of heating fuels has led to a rise in emissions.\r\n","AnswerText":"Figures from the UK Department for Energy and Climate Change report Digest of United Kingdom Energy Statistics 2012 indicate that domestic gas consumption in the UK as a whole rose by 17% between 2009 and 2010 before falling by 25% between 2010 and 2011.\r\nBetween 2009 and 2010 there was an increase in Scottish greenhouse gas emissions in the residential sector of 1.1 MtCO2e (15 per cent) which was primarily due to the rise in the use of fossil fuel heating in the residential sector. It is possible that the reduction in gas consumption observed at a UK level in 2011 may also be reflected in Scotland’s residential sector’s greenhouse gas emissions data for 2011.\r\nFurther details on the 2010 greenhouse gas emissions can be found in the Official Statistics publication: Scottish Greenhouse Gas Emissions 2010.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-19T14:20:22.347","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278110,"EventID":"S4W-10910","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2066,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-05T14:20:23.3","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-02T11:14:58","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-10363 by Nicola Sturgeon on 30 October 2012,  when the National Retrofit Programme will be in place.\r\n","AnswerText":"Our aim is for the National Retrofit Programme to begin in April 2013 and cover Scotland in 10 years. In 2013-14 £65million will be available from the Scottish Government to Fund the National Retrofit Programme. We intend to use this money to lever in £120million of energy company funding to tackle fuel poverty, reduce emissions and upgrade Scotland’s ageing housing stock.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-19T14:20:23.33","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278111,"EventID":"S4W-10911","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2066,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-05T14:20:24.343","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-02T11:14:58","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what contingency measures are being developed should the 2020 emissions reduction not be met.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government remains absolutely committed to meeting our climate change targets. The Climate Change (Scotland) Act 2009 has set a legally binding target to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 42 per cent by 2020. It also establishes a system of binding successive annual targets in order to set out a trajectory towards these long term targets.\r\nWhere a target has not been met the Climate Change (Scotland) Act 2009 requires that Scottish Ministers must lay a report before the Parliament, as soon as is reasonably practicable. To ensure that we continue to make progress delivering the policy framework we will set out our second climate change Report on Proposals and Policies (RPP) to meet the emissions reductions targets 2013 – 2027.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-19T14:20:24.39","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse ","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278112,"EventID":"S4W-10913","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5034,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-05T14:20:24.953","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-02T13:54:15","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many victims of (a) ritual child abuse, (b) child abuse linked to religion and (c) child sexual exploitation have been identified in each of the last five years.\r\n","AnswerText":"The following table shows the number of sexual offences against children recorded by the police in Scotland for the past 5 years.\r\n2007-08\r\n2008-09\r\n2009-10\r\n2010-11\r\n2011-12\r\n2250\r\n2049\r\n2219\r\n2173\r\n2233\r\nPolice forces in Scotland do not record instances of child abuse by means of the sub-categories referred to.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-19T14:20:24.97","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Aileen Campbell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278113,"EventID":"S4W-10914","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5034,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-05T14:20:25.453","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-02T13:54:15","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many police investigations related to (a) ritual child abuse, (b) child abuse linked to religion and (c) child sexual exploitation have been carried out in each of the last five years.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to answer to question S4W-10913 on 15 November 2012. Police investigations are not formally categorised or recorded other than by reference to the crime type under investigation. All answers to written Parliamentary Questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-19T14:20:25.467","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Aileen Campbell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278114,"EventID":"S4W-10915","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5034,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-05T14:20:25.983","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-02T13:54:15","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many prosecutions related to (a) ritual child abuse, (b) child abuse linked to religion and (c) child sexual exploitation there have been in each of the last five years and how many have led to a conviction.\r\n","AnswerText":"Aileen Campbell:The Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS) have an operational database which can identify specific criminal offences. However, any offences which could constitute \"child abuse\" and \"child sexual exploitation\" could be charged under a number of different criminal offences, both at common law and under statute.\r\nIt is therefore, not possible to identify the number of prosecutions there have been which relate to child abuse and child sexual exploitation. Similarly, it is not possible to determine whether an offence was committed as part of ritual abuse or whether there is any link to religion without checking the specific details of an individual case.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-19T14:20:25.997","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Aileen Campbell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278115,"EventID":"S4W-10917","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5034,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-05T14:20:26.437","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-02T13:54:15","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what training is given to police on how to investigate (a) ritual child abuse, (b) child abuse linked to religion and (c) child sexual exploitation.\r\n","AnswerText":"Training on the above categories is incorporated into other training and appropriately tailored to the needs of the students on any particular course. Probationer training at the Scottish Police College will encompass inputs on child protection and sex offenders. This training will touch on various types of offending such as child sexual exploitation or ritual child abuse and will take place within the training delivered to specialist officers deployed to deal with the victims of serious sexual offences, or the training delivered on specific child protection courses.\r\nInitial detective training also encompass these areas and there are inputs on supervisory training courses.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-19T14:20:26.45","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Aileen Campbell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278116,"EventID":"S4W-10923","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5034,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-05T14:20:26.98","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-02T13:54:15","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it tackles (a) ritual child abuse, (b) child abuse linked to religion and (c) child sexual exploitation.\r\n","AnswerText":"We have introduced measures to improve standards and ensure practitioners have the necessary skills and knowledge to protect children from neglect and abuse. The National Guidance for Child Protection in Scotland, published in 2010, sets a national framework to help shape local practices and procedures. It highlights that all agencies and services have a shared responsibility for protecting children and safeguarding their welfare.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-19T14:20:26.997","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Aileen Campbell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278117,"EventID":"S4W-10925","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5034,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-05T14:20:27.653","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-02T13:54:15","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it has set up advisory groups to deal with (a) ritual child abuse, (b) child abuse linked to religion and (c) child sexual exploitation and, if so, how often they have provided advice.\r\n","AnswerText":"We have set up a group to oversee the refresh of the National Guidance for Child Protection which will examine how well the Guidance continues to address all aspects of abuse. In addition, a working group has been set up to develop multi-agency local protocols on a number of child protection issues for all parts of Scotland.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-19T14:20:27.683","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":" Aileen Campbell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278118,"EventID":"S4W-10926","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5034,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-05T14:20:28.4","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-02T13:54:15","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much it has spent on improving its response to (a) ritual child abuse, (b) child abuse linked to religion and (c) child sexual exploitation in each of the last five years.\r\n","AnswerText":"Since 2007 we have invested £4.25 million in services for survivors of sexual abuse, awareness raising and training for staff in statutory and voluntary organisations. Further funding of £1.65 million has been allocated for 2012-2014.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-19T14:20:28.417","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Aileen Campbell ","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278119,"EventID":"S4W-10928","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5034,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-05T14:20:29.04","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-02T13:54:15","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what support is available to victims of (a) ritual child abuse, (b) child abuse linked to religion and (c) child sexual exploitation. \r\n","AnswerText":"Local authorities have a general duty under the Children (Scotland) Act 1995 to safeguard and promote the welfare of children and young people in need in their area and provide services appropriate to the child’s needs. Police officers also have a responsibility to ensure that victims of any crime are offered appropriate support.\r\nAny child abuse investigation will typically be in close consultation with partners from health and social work for a number of reasons, but particularly to ensure that the welfare of any victim is at its centre. Local Public Protection Units are aware of what local support services are available and what special services can be obtained nationally if required. A number of third sector partners are recognised for their specialist work in areas such as abuse and trauma recovery.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-19T14:20:29.07","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Aileen Campbell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278120,"EventID":"S4W-10940","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2059,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":91,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-05T14:20:29.587","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-02T18:37:51","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide details of all private companies involved in the (a) marketing, (b) sale and (c) execution of work and repairs, maintenance and upgrades relating to the Energy Assistance Package.\r\n","AnswerText":"The following private companies are involved in the Energy Assistance Package:\r\n(a) Marketing. Private companies which support the Scottish Government’s marketing campaigns include:\r\n(i) Marketing agencies:\r\nStory UK Ltd \r\nTangible\r\nWhitespace Ltd\r\nStripe Communications \r\nCarat\r\n(ii) Commercial campaign partners (providing space for events within their stores):\r\nDobbies Garden Centres\r\nMorrison’s Supermarkets\r\nASDA Supermarkets\r\nThe Energy Saving Trust and Energy Saving Scotland Advice Centres also engage with private companies to promote the energy assistance package but the Scottish Government does not hold information about this.\r\n(b) Sale. The Energy Assistance Package covers the provision of energy advice (stage 1), tariff and benefits checks (stage 2), referrals for vulnerable individuals to energy companies for insulation measures (stage 3) and enhanced energy efficiency measures (insulation and /or repairs to or replacement heating systems) for those most vulnerable to fuel poverty (stage 4). Although some households may be asked for a contribution towards the cost of a new heating system, the Energy Assistance Package does not involve direct sales.\r\n(c) Execution. Private companies involved in the execution of work and repairs, maintenance and upgrades relating to the Energy Assistance Package include:\r\n(i) Insulation contractors subcontracted by the six major energy suppliers (EDF, Eon, Npower, Scottish Gas, Scottish Power and Scottish and Southern Energy) to deliver insulation to vulnerable individuals (under the Stage 3 / CERT offer). The Scottish Government does not hold information about these subcontractors.\r\n(ii) Scottish Gas (the managing agent for stage 4) has advised that they have arrangements with the following private companies for delivery of various elements of the service they provide:\r\nA and R Hepburn\r\nAlba Gas\r\nBaxi Heat team\r\nBCA Insulation\r\nBRB Electrical \r\nBSS Gas \r\nBuilding Insulation Services (BIS)\r\nCarillion Energy Services (EAGA)\r\nCity Technical Services (UK) \r\nComplete Heat Scotland \r\nCool Planet\r\nDalex Systems \r\nDevine Electrics \r\nDimplex\r\nDyno Rod Plumbing And Drains\r\nEMC Gas, Heating & Plumbing\r\nESP Pipelines\r\nFyrebrite Heating & Building Service\r\nGas Call Services \r\nGas Services Direct\r\nHeating 4 U Fife\r\nILM Highland\r\nMains Gas Services \r\nMcTear Electrical Services\r\nMitie Property Services (UK) \r\nMitsubishi Electric\r\nOmega Electrical Contractors\r\nPH Jones\r\nQuality Gas Services \r\nRDI Solutions\r\nRobertson And Peterson\r\nSaltire\r\nScotia Gas Networks\r\nScottish Power\r\nShetland Heatwise\r\nSIG Energy Management (Millar Patterson)\r\nSouth East Heating Services \r\nScottish and Southern Energy\r\nTighean Innse Gall\r\nTK Murray Electrical \r\nTurriff Smart Services \r\nWilliam Wilson Plc\r\nWiseman (Plumbing & Heating)\r\nWorcester Bosch\r\n(iii) Additionally, the Scottish Government has a contract with Bierce Technical Services Ltd to quality assure and audit work done under stage 4.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-19T14:20:29.603","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278121,"EventID":"S4T-00104","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":9,"MSPID":2615,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":143,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-05T13:06:58.333","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-05T11:25:09","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what steps it is taking to resolve any backlog in student loan applications.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-19T13:06:58.35","MeetingDate":"2012-11-06T17:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278122,"EventID":"S4T-00109","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":9,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-05T13:07:00.877","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-05T11:59:46","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether the uptake for flu vaccinations in 2012 is on target.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-19T13:07:00.907","MeetingDate":"2012-11-06T17:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278123,"EventID":"S4F-00949","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":4976,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-05T13:04:15.737","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-01T13:24:15","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister when he will next meet the Prime Minister.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-19T13:04:15.893","MeetingDate":"2012-11-08T17:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278124,"EventID":"S4F-00950","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":5009,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-05T13:04:21.073","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-05T09:05:31.277","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what issues will be discussed at the next meeting of the Cabinet.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-19T13:04:21.087","MeetingDate":"2012-11-08T17:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278125,"EventID":"S4F-00952","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":4014,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-05T13:04:22.087","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-05T09:22:06","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what support the Scottish Government is providing to female college students.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-19T13:04:22.117","MeetingDate":"2012-11-08T17:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278126,"EventID":"S4F-00953","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":2080,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":87,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-05T13:04:22.523","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-05T09:38:09.667","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what engagements he has planned for the rest of the day.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-19T13:04:22.537","MeetingDate":"2012-11-08T17:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278127,"EventID":"S4F-00956","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-05T13:04:23.833","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-05T10:31:51.713","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what steps it is taking to improve treatment for people with dementia.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-19T13:04:23.85","MeetingDate":"2012-11-08T17:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278128,"EventID":"S4F-00960","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":1841,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":120,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-05T13:04:25.987","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-05T10:40:40","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what impact fungal diseases will have on trees in Scotland.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-19T13:04:26","MeetingDate":"2012-11-08T17:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278139,"EventID":"S4W-10933","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2134,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":82,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-05T17:06:01.983","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-02T16:00:35","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will review its funding of Stonewall in light of Stonewall giving the Bigot of the Year award to Cardinal O'Brien and nominating Archbishop Tartaglia.\r\n","AnswerText":"Stonewall UK’s awards are not funded by the Scottish Government. \r\nWe provide funding for Stonewall Scotland for its work to tackle inequality in relation to sexual orientation. In the period 2012-15 this has been awarded to Stonewall Scotland to implement its Good Practice Programme. This programme works with public sector organisations to assist them in reducing the discrimination and inequalities experienced by lesbian, gay and bisexual staff and service users in line with the requirements of the Equality Act 2010 and the Public Sector Equality Duty.\r\nWe have no plans to review this funding.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-19T17:06:02.017","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278140,"EventID":"S4W-10934","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2134,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":82,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-05T17:06:02.547","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-02T16:00:35","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on the impact on social cohesion of Stonewall giving Cardinal O'Brien the Bigot of the Year Award.\r\n","AnswerText":"As we said when we issued our consultation on same sex marriage last year, we hope that everyone will treat those with different or opposing views with courtesy and respect, in accordance with the very highest standards of democratic discourse. The Scottish Government remains committed to sexual orientation equality and to ensuring religious freedom.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-19T17:06:02.563","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278141,"EventID":"S4W-10942","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-05T17:06:02.907","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-05T11:07:47","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what support has been given to homeowners to install solar panels in (a) Aberdeen and (b) Aberdeenshire in each of the last five years.","AnswerText":"Over the last 5 years, the Scottish Government has sponsored the Energy Saving Trust Scotland (EST) to deliver a number of programmes to support domestic microgeneration, including managing the Energy Saving Scotland advice centre (ESSac) networks. SCARF run the north east ESSac, which provides expert, free and impartial advice on microgeneration, including solar photovoltaic (PV), in the Grampian and Tayside areas.\r\nThe EST has also managed a number of grant and loan schemes which provide financial support for a range of renewable technologies, including solar PV and solar hot water systems. Grant support was available through the Scottish Community & Households Renewable Initiative and subsequently Energy Saving Scotland home renewables grants until 2011. This was replaced in 2011 by Energy Saving Scotland Home Renewables Loans, to comply with eligibility requirements for the Feed in Tariff and proposed requirements for the Renewable Heat Incentive.\r\nIn Aberdeen City, since 2007-08, 10 loans or grants totalling £33,336 have been paid or have a current live offer for solar PV installations and 24 loans or grant totalling £53,158 have been paid or have a current live offer for solar hot water installations. An annual breakdown is show in Table 1.\r\nTable 1: Support for solar photovoltaic (PV) and solar hot water (SHW) installations in Aberdeen City for the financial years 2007-08 to 2012-13\r\nFY\r\nPV number\r\nPV value\r\nSHW number\r\nSHW value\r\n2012-13\r\n2 \r\n£8,000 \r\n2 \r\n£14,274 \r\n2011-12\r\n4 \r\n£10,000 \r\n0 \r\n£0 \r\n2010-11\r\n2 \r\n£8,000 \r\n10 \r\n£21,077 \r\n2009-10\r\n2 \r\n£7,336 \r\n4 \r\n£7,223 \r\n2008-09\r\n0 \r\n0 \r\n4 \r\n£5,420 \r\n2007-08\r\n0 \r\n0 \r\n4 \r\n£5,164 \r\nTotal\r\n10 \r\n£33,336 \r\n24 \r\n£53,158 \r\nIn Aberdeenshire, since 2007-08, 39 loans or grants totalling £116,228 have been paid or have a current live offer for solar PV installations and 248 loans or grant totalling £471,085 have been paid or have a current live offer for solar hot water installations. An annual breakdown is show in Table 2\r\nTable 2: Support for solar photovoltaic (PV) and solar hot water (SHW) installations in Aberdeenshire for the financial years 2007-08 to 2012-13\r\nFY\r\nPV number\r\nPV value\r\nSHW number\r\nSHW value\r\n2012-13\r\n8 \r\n£26,000 \r\n1 \r\n£3,283 \r\n2011-12\r\n18 \r\n£39,767 \r\n2 \r\n£11,421 \r\n2010-11\r\n11 \r\n£42,521 \r\n105 \r\n£233,863 \r\n2009-10\r\n1 \r\n£4,000 \r\n61 \r\n£113,670 \r\n2008-09\r\n1 \r\n£4,000 \r\n38 \r\n£57,515 \r\n2007-08\r\n0 \r\n£0 \r\n41 \r\n£51,332 \r\nTotal\r\n39 \r\n£116,288 \r\n248 \r\n£471,085 \r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-19T17:06:02.92","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278142,"EventID":"S4W-10943","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-05T17:06:03.31","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-05T11:07:47","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what progress it is making on clarifying the law relating to letting fees.","AnswerText":"The Private Rented Housing (Scotland) Act 2011 (Commencement Order No.4) Order 2012 and the Rent (Scotland) Act 1984 (Premiums) Regulations 2012 were laid before Parliament on 2 October 2012.\r\nThe Commencement Order brings section 32 of the Private Rented Housing (Scotland) Act 2011 into force and clarifies that a non-permissible ‘premium’ payment is any fine, sum or pecuniary consideration, other than rent and a refundable deposit, and includes any service or administration fee or charge. \r\nThe regulations have been drafted to specify that any payments towards energy efficiency improvements under the UK Government’s Green Deal should not be considered a premium payment. This will be the only form of payment prescribed as a permissible premium. Subject to approval by the Scottish Parliament, the commencement order and regulations are expected to come into force on 30 November 2012.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-19T17:06:03.327","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Burgess","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278143,"EventID":"S4W-10944","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-05T17:06:03.78","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-05T11:07:47","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what discussions it has had with Aberdeen and Banff and Buchan colleges regarding the possible merger and subsequent creation of a regional college.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has had no discussions with either college on possible merger. We do however keep in close touch with the many discussions currently taking place between the Scottish Funding Council and colleges throughout Scotland who are exploring restructuring. A key element of our plans to reform post-16 education is the reform of a college sector which was neglected for far too long by previous administrations.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-19T17:06:03.793","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278144,"EventID":"S4W-10946","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":86,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-05T17:06:04.247","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-05T15:25:04","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what guidance it has issued to NHS boards regarding the management of waiting times for infertility treatment.\r\n","AnswerText":"National guidelines were developed by the Expert Advisory Group on Infertility Services in Scotland (EAGISS) in 2000. These guidelines were subsequently reviewed, and in 2007, further recommendations were made on age and time between treatments.\r\nAll NHS Boards in Scotland use these guidelines, but variations in provision and waiting times do exist. The National Infertility Group was set up, in April 2010, to address this inequity of access to IVF treatment across Scotland, and will submit its final report to Ministers by the end of December 2012.\r\nThe Scottish Government is committed to a maximum 12 month waiting for IVF by 31 March 2015. Funding of £12 million over the next 3 years has been identified to help NHS Boards meet this waiting time.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-19T17:06:04.263","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":" Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278145,"EventID":"S4W-10947","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":86,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-05T17:06:04.747","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-05T15:25:04","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the average waiting time for infertility treatment is, broken down by NHS board.\r\n","AnswerText":"This information is not currently collected centrally by Information Services Division.\r\nThe National Infertility Group was set up, in April 2010, to address the inequity of access to IVF treatment across Scotland. The Group will consider current waiting times in NHS Boards for IVF treatment, and will submit its report to Ministers by the end of December 2012.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-19T17:06:04.763","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":" Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278146,"EventID":"S4W-10948","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1892,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":134,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-05T17:06:05.62","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-05T15:36:46","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many shared equity purchases have been made through its Open Market Shared Equity Scheme in (a) remote and (b) accessible rural areas, broken down by local authority area.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government does not hold this data centrally. However, I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-08694 on 9 August 2012, as it contains the number of completions for the Scottish Government’s shared equity schemes by local authority area over the past three years. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-19T17:06:05.637","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Burgess","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278158,"EventID":"S4W-10950","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":131,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-06T14:16:08.31","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-06T09:55:21.043","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when the rules regarding standard charges for stage 4 of the Energy Assistance Package were changed and what the reasons are for this.\r\n","AnswerText":"The process for calculating customer contributions for stage 4 of the Energy Assistance Package was changed on 1 May 2012 for all customers surveyed on or after that date. The reason for making the changes was to improve the process so that it is more transparent - there had been no standard price list, so customers had not always known the cost upfront; fairer – removing any variability depending on the contractor allocated to do the work; and easier for the customer to understand, which assists them in knowing they have been charged the right amount.\r\n\r\nThe previous customer contribution calculation was very complicated as it depended on the details of the work to be done in each case. The customer contribution for customers surveyed on or after 1 May 2012 depends only on the fuel type of the heating system, the relative performance of an electric heating system and whether a gas connection or electric load upgrade is required.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-20T14:16:08.817","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278159,"EventID":"S4W-10951","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1793,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-06T14:16:09.577","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-06T10:50:26.437","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it plans to introduce an islands strategy and, if so, what (a) powers it is considering devolving to local authorities under this and (b) models of island autonomy in other countries it has considered.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government currently has no plans to introduce a specific Islands Strategy. We continue to work closely with the relevant local authorities, HIE and other key partners to build economic, social and environmental capital in our islands.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-20T14:16:09.597","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278160,"EventID":"S4W-10954","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1793,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-06T14:16:09.97","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-06T10:50:26.437","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much Shetland Islands Council will receive in lieu of Housing Support Grant in (a) 2013-14, (b) 2014-15 and (c) 2015-16. \r\n","AnswerText":"Shetland Islands Council will receive approximately £840,000 in lieu of Housing Support Grant. The timing of this payment, or payments, has yet to be finalised with the council.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-20T14:16:09.987","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Burgess","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278161,"EventID":"S4W-10955","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1793,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-06T14:16:10.353","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-06T10:50:26.437","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much Housing Support Grant Shetland Islands Council (a) received in (i) 2010-11 and (ii) 2011-12 and (b) will receive in 2012-13.","AnswerText":"Shetland Islands Council received £1,216,809 of Housing Support Grant in 2010-11, and £991,693 in 2011-12. It has been awarded £760,950 of HSG for 2012-13 and will receive this amount in monthly instalments until March 2013.\r\nThis information was published in the following Statutory Instruments – \r\n(a) (i) http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ssi/2010/116/contents/made\r\n(a) (ii) http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ssi/2011/239/contents/made\r\n(b) http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ssi/2012/113/contents/made\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-20T14:16:10.373","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Burgess","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278162,"EventID":"S4W-10956","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1932,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":117,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-06T14:16:10.687","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-06T11:34:50.583","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much support it has given to CBI Scotland in each year since 1999 and will give in 2012-13.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-20T14:16:10.703","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278163,"EventID":"S4W-10957","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1932,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":117,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-06T14:16:11.083","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-06T11:34:50.583","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much support for CBI Scotland it has proposed in its 2013-14 draft budget and what the expected outcome from this expenditure will be.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-20T14:16:11.103","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278181,"EventID":"S4W-10807","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5109,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":101,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-06T17:14:23.443","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-31T15:52:11","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what steps it will take to meet the recommendation of the Transport, Infrastructure and Climate Change Committee in its 9th Report, 2010 (Session 3), Report on Low Carbon Scotland: The Draft Report on Proposals and Policies, that \"the Scottish Government policy direction should match the transport objectives set out in the Report on Proposals and Policies [RPP] if emissions targets are to be met\" and what steps it is taking to ensure that transport policy is in line with the objectives set out in the RPP.","AnswerText":"The National Transport Strategy (2006) includes reducing emissions as one of its three key objectives. A wide range of Scottish Government transport policy initiatives are currently underway in line with the objectives set out in the RPP. The sought-after transformation to a low carbon transport system is being encouraged through investment both in existing networks and transport modes and in developing new and alternative transport options. The Draft Budget includes spend of £134.2 million over two years to reduce the impact of transport on our carbon emissions. This includes a range of things, such as active travel, promotion of low-carbon vehicles, car clubs, hybrid buses, new rail investment, congestion management, hybrid ferries and freight support. Policy development and delivery work covers decarbonising vehicles, promoting sustainable communities, engaging with businesses and organisations, and improving road network efficiencies. We are providing leadership in a number of areas to help deliver the behaviour change that is necessary to move Scotland towards more sustainable forms of transport. Further detail will be set out in the second report on proposals and policies due to be published in draft soon.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-20T17:14:23.537","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278182,"EventID":"S4W-10808","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5109,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":101,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-06T17:14:24.27","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-31T15:52:11","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what emphasis it places on the recommendation by the Transport, Infrastructure and Climate Change Committee in its 9th Report, 2010 (Session 3), Report on Low Carbon Scotland: The Draft Report on Proposals and Policies, that \"the final version of the Report on Proposals and Policies should include reference to a need to reduce the need to travel\" and what measures it will introduce to achieve an overall reduction in journeys made.","AnswerText":"Reducing the need to travel is one of the three themes of the transport chapter of the final report on Proposals & Policies (RPP) published in March 2011. Work is underway to develop the evidence base on interventions that might encourage alternatives to travel, such as the worksmart initiative underway in several local authorities in Scotland. Transport Scotland is also working with members of the 2020 Climate Group's transport sub-group on the scope to reduce business travel through Information Communications Technology (ICT) developments such as virtual meetings and the role of such developments in workplace travel-planning. This builds on the role that access to broadband can play linking clearly to the SG's Digital Strategy set out in Scotland's Digital Future: A Strategy for Scotland.\r\nCommunity-based travel-planning can also promote alternatives to travel. The SG's flagship demonstration project in relation to this, Smarter Places Smarter Choices, is currently under-going a full evaluation, and future initiatives will be developed in the wake of the results of this.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-20T17:14:24.283","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278183,"EventID":"S4W-10809","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-06T17:14:24.767","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-31T16:37:19.933","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what plans it has to provide mitigation for properties on the Stirling-Alloa-Kincardine railway line affected by overnight noise above the World Health Organization limit known to cause sleep disturbance.\r\n","AnswerText":"The World Health Organisation Guidelines on Community Noise advised noise levels which exceeded recommended thresholds should not occur more than 10-15 times per night. To avoid the situation where all 10-15 occurrences happen within the same hour, it was advisable to assume not more than two events in any one hour during the night time duration. This was applied to the Stirling Alloa Kincardine project in assessment of night time noise mitigation.\r\nIn addition, the mitigation criteria of 82dB max, was adopted to provide consistency with Parliamentary Acts for other Railway projects, including the Edinburgh Tram (Line One) Act 2006 and Edinburgh Airport Rail Link Act 2007.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-20T17:14:24.783","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278184,"EventID":"S4W-10810","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-06T17:14:25.343","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-31T16:37:19.933","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what action has been taken to mitigate overnight noise for residents on the Stirling-Alloa-Kincardine railway line and what the reasons are for (a) undertaking and (b) not undertaking mitigation measures.\r\n","AnswerText":"When night time freight operations commenced in December 2008, the Stirling Alloa Kincardine project adopted the noise principles set by other projects approved by Parliament and set a night time noise mitigation criteria at 82dB, twice per hour. The application of these principles on SAK did not result in any properties qualifying for noise mitigation.\r\nThere has not been any action undertaken specifically to mitigate overnight noise along the Stirling Alloa Kincardine route.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-20T17:14:25.36","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278185,"EventID":"S4W-10811","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-06T17:14:25.877","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-31T16:37:19.933","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it plans to restrict overnight freight services on the Stirling-Alloa-Kincardine railway line to reduce noise and vibration disturbance for residents.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has no powers to restrict overnight freight services on the Stirling Alloa Kincardine Railway.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-20T17:14:25.89","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278186,"EventID":"S4W-10812","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-06T17:14:26.327","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-31T16:37:19.933","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it plans to carry out health impact studies to assess the impact of overnight freight services on households on the Stirling-Alloa-Kincardine railway line and between Hunterston and Kincardine.\r\n","AnswerText":"There are no plans to carry out health impact studies to assess the impact of overnight freight services on the Stirling-Alloa-Kincardine railway line and between Hunterston and Kincardine.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-20T17:14:26.343","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278187,"EventID":"S4W-10813","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-06T17:14:26.827","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-31T16:37:19.933","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it plans to carry out environmental impact studies of overnight services on the the Stirling-Alloa-Kincardine railway line and between Hunterston and Kincardine.","AnswerText":"There no plans to carry out environmental impact studies of overnight services on the Stirling-Alloa-Kincardine railway line and between Hunterston and Kincardine.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-20T17:14:26.843","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278188,"EventID":"S4W-10814","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-06T17:14:27.263","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-31T16:37:19.933","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what measures have been carried out to notify the public of the impact on health of noise and vibration caused by freight trains.\r\n","AnswerText":"There have been no measures carried out to notify the public of the impact on health of noise and vibration caused by freight trains specific to the Stirling-Alloa-Kincardine railway line. The latest UK research on noise and health effects is included within the Health and Safety Laboratory Report (Quantifying the links between environmental noise related hypertension and health effects, July 2011), available on the DEFRA website.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-20T17:14:27.28","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278189,"EventID":"S4W-10815","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-06T17:14:27.67","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-31T16:37:19.933","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what compensation is available to residents along the Stirling-Alloa-Kincardine railway line whose homes have been devalued as a result of noise and vibration disturbance caused by overnight freight trains.","AnswerText":"Residents who consider the value of their property has been devalued as a result of the Stirling Alloa Kincardine Railway works may be eligible for compensation. Compensation may be payable under Part 1 of the Land Compensation (Scotland) Act 1973, provided qualifying property owners along the new railway line can demonstrate that they have suffered financial loss due to devaluation of a property as a result of the re-opening of the Stirling – Alloa – Kincardine Railway.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-20T17:14:27.683","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278190,"EventID":"S4W-10816","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-06T17:14:28.073","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-31T16:37:19.933","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what effect the introduction of freight trains has had on property prices along the Stirling-Alloa-Kincardine railway line.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government does not hold this information.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-20T17:14:28.107","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278191,"EventID":"S4W-10817","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-06T17:14:28.463","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-31T16:37:19.933","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what requirements local authorities have to record and publish any measurements carried out on noise and vibration levels in response to complaints made by residents.\r\n","AnswerText":"Local authorities have a duty under regulation 4 of the Environmental Information (Scotland) Regulations 2004 to take reasonable steps to achieve the active and systematic dissemination of information to the public and to make that information progressively available to the public by electronic means.\r\nLocal authorities are able to publish noise monitoring data on that basis.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-20T17:14:28.48","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278192,"EventID":"S4W-10818","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-06T17:14:28.903","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-31T16:37:19.933","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether the standards being used to allocate nighttime noise mitigation in relation to the Stirling-Alloa-Kincardine railway line are those included in volumes 2 and 3 of the Stirling-Alloa-Kincardine Railway (Route Re-opening) and Linked Improvements (Scotland) Bill Environmental Statement.\r\n","AnswerText":"Volumes two or three of the Stirling-Alloa-Kincardine Railway (Route Re-opening) and Linked Improvements (Scotland) Bill Environmental Statement (2003) does not include standards for the allocation of night time noise mitigation.\r\nThe criteria for night time noise mitigation being applied to the \r\nStirling-Alloa-Kincardine Railway line were adopted after the commencement of night time freight trains in 2008, consistent with parliamentary consideration of Acts for other Railway projects, including the Edinburgh Tram (Line One) Act 2006 and Edinburgh Airport Rail Link Act 2007.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-20T17:14:28.917","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278193,"EventID":"S4W-10819","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-06T17:14:29.307","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-31T16:37:19.933","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many properties on the Stirling-Alloa-Kincardine railway line have qualified for noise mitigation since the introduction of overnight freight services on the line.\r\n","AnswerText":"Since introduction of train services, 44 properties have qualified for noise barriers, and to ensure the most effective mitigation continuous barriers were installed in some locations. This resulted in a total of 68 properties receiving mitigation.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-20T17:14:29.323","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278194,"EventID":"S4W-10820","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-06T17:14:29.73","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-31T16:37:19.933","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the evidential basis is for the standards being used to allocate residents on the Stirling-Kincardine-Alloa line protection from nighttime noise.\r\n","AnswerText":"The guidance and research detailed in The Mitchell Committee Report into Railway Noise and Insulation of Dwellings (1991) is the evidential basis for the standards being applied for protection from night time noise in the form of mitigation (noise barriers).\r\nInformation provided in support of parliamentary consideration of The Noise Insulation (Railways and Other Guided Transport Systems) Regulations 1996 is the evidential basis for the standards being applied for protection from night time noise in the form of secondary glazing.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-20T17:14:29.743","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278195,"EventID":"S4W-10821","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-06T17:14:30.227","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-31T16:37:19.933","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it considers that its environmental statement or consultation on the Stirling-Alloa-Kincardine Railway (Route Re-opening) and Linked Improvements (Scotland) Bill were in breach of EU regulations or the European Convention on Human Rights.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government does not consider that the Stirling-Alloa- Kincardine Railway (Route Re-opening) and Linked Improvements (Scotland) Bill Environmental Statement (2003) or consultation on the Stirling-Alloa-Kincardine Railway (Route Re-opening) and Linked Improvements (Scotland) Bill were in breach of EU regulations or the European Convention on Human Rights.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-20T17:14:30.243","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278196,"EventID":"S4W-10822","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-06T17:14:30.663","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-31T16:37:19.933","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government at what point it became aware of the need for 24-hour running of coal trains to Longannet Power Station.","AnswerText":"In early 2008 during the final stages of the construction of the railway English, Welsh and Scottish (EWS now DB Schenker) advised its industry partners that its operational requirements had changed and that it had made a commercial decision to run its trains through the night. Transport Scotland was consulted on the implementation of these proposals. Transport Scotland first became aware through the normal industry timetable setting process in July 2008 that the Alloa route would accommodate 24 hour six days a week pathing of coal trains. Neither the Scottish Government nor Network Rail has legal powers to deny access to the railway by any railway company which meets the required standards.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-20T17:14:30.697","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278197,"EventID":"S4W-10823","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-06T17:14:31.147","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-31T16:37:19.933","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government for what reason mitigation recommended by the environmental impact report on the Stirling-Alloa-Kincardine railway line in respect of noise from freight trains to operate only between 0700 and 1100 was not implemented before the trains began to operate.","AnswerText":"During the design phase of the project, the decision was taken by the project board to delay the assessment of noise until freight trains were running, in order that the full effect of train operations on the route could be taken into account.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-20T17:14:31.163","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278198,"EventID":"S4W-10824","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-06T17:14:31.633","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-31T16:37:19.933","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what information was given to households along the stretches of the Stirling-Alloa-Kincardine railway line identified in the Scott Wilson impact study as likely to be affected to advise them that there might be noise pollution until testing had been carried out and mitigation put in place.\r\n","AnswerText":"Between the completion of the Scott Wilson impact study and the provision of noise mitigation, no information was given to households along the Stirling-Alloa-Kincardine railway line to advise that there might be noise pollution.\r\nAt the time the Scott Wilson impact study was completed in 2003, there were no coal freight trains operating in Scotland during the night. Neither the Scottish Government nor Network Rail has legal powers to deny access to the railway by any railway company which meets the required standards. However, in 2008 when it became clear that freight trains would commence on the SAK route at night, an assessment of night time noise was completed in accordance with the Environmental Statement.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-20T17:14:31.647","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278199,"EventID":"S4W-10825","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-06T17:14:32.023","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-31T16:37:19.933","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what compensation has been offered to households on the Stirling-Alloa-Kincardine railway line where mitigation has now been put in place for the period during which no mitigation was in place.","AnswerText":"There has been no compensation offered to households on the Stirling Alloa Kincardine Railway for the period where no mitigation was in place.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-20T17:14:32.037","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278200,"EventID":"S4W-10826","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-06T17:14:32.413","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-31T16:37:19.933","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many households were offered testing for (a) daytime and (b) nighttime noise and vibration levels from freight trains on the Stirling-Alloa-Kincardine railway line.\r\n","AnswerText":"Measurements for both day and night time noise levels were offered at twelve sample properties, considered to be representative of other properties along the Stirling Alloa Kincardine route.\r\nFour properties in total were offered testing for vibration levels.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-20T17:14:32.427","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278201,"EventID":"S4W-10827","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-06T17:14:32.833","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-31T16:37:19.933","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many households on the Stirling-Alloa-Kincardine railway line were offered testing for (a) daytime and (b) nighttime (i) noise and (ii) vibration following the installation of mitigation.","AnswerText":"Following the installation of the acoustic barriers, eleven properties representative of each section of track, were monitored to test the effectiveness of the barriers.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-20T17:14:32.85","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278202,"EventID":"S4W-10828","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-06T17:14:33.223","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-31T16:37:19.933","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many households on the Stirling-Alloa-Kincardine railway line that are immediate neighbours of properties that have been provided with mitigation have now been offered testing for noise and vibration for the first time.\r\n","AnswerText":"Vibration measurements have been concluded on the Stirling Alloa Kincardine railway. Noise monitoring has been carried out repeatedly on the route, a noise model developed, and mitigation installed and tested, therefore there are no additional properties that will be offered testing for noise or vibration for the first time. \r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-20T17:14:33.24","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278203,"EventID":"S4W-10829","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-06T17:14:33.723","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-31T16:37:19.933","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether households equidistant from the Stirling-Alloa-Kincardine railway line have been treated differently in relation to mitigation and, if so, for what reason.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government does not keep records of the distance between households and the Stirling-Alloa-Kincardine Railway Line where mitigation has been provided.\r\nThe criteria for mitigation are based on noise levels and not the distance between households and the Stirling-Alloa-Kincardine Railway Line.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-20T17:14:33.737","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278204,"EventID":"S4W-10830","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-06T17:14:34.143","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-31T16:37:19.933","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government on what basis properties along the Stirling-Alloa-Kincardine railway line were selected for testing for noise.","AnswerText":"Properties selected for monitoring were considered to be most likely to experience noise from train operations and deemed to be representative of other properties along the length of the reopened section of track with a similar relationship to the track in terms of both vertical and horizontal displacement. \r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-20T17:14:34.16","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278205,"EventID":"S4W-10831","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-06T17:14:34.533","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-31T16:37:19.933","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many properties along the Stirling-Alloa-Kincardine railway line have had (a) daytime, (b) nighttime testing for (i) noise and (ii) vibration.","AnswerText":"Noise testing, both day and night, was undertaken at eleven sample properties, considered to be representative of other properties along the Stirling Alloa Kincardine route.\r\nFour properties in total were tested for vibration levels.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-20T17:14:34.55","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278206,"EventID":"S4W-10832","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-06T17:14:34.987","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-31T16:37:19.933","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what mitigation measures have been offered to households deemed to have been affected by noise or vibration from freight train traffic on the Stirling-Alloa-Kincardine railway line.\r\n","AnswerText":"Acoustic barriers have been provided at properties which have met the trigger levels for noise disturbance.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-20T17:14:35","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278207,"EventID":"S4W-10833","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-06T17:14:35.533","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-31T16:37:19.933","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many households deemed to have been affected by noise or vibration from freight train traffic on the Stirling-Alloa-Kincardine railway line have been offered mitigation measures.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Stirling Alloa Kincardine Environmental Statement (2003) sets out guidelines for assessing properties affected by noise and vibration with a view to providing mitigation. Transport Scotland and Clackmannanshire Council have followed those principles, and have identified 44 properties that meet the noise trigger level for mitigation.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-20T17:14:35.547","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278208,"EventID":"S4W-10834","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-06T17:14:35.953","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-31T16:37:19.933","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what compensation has been offered to households deemed to have been affected by noise or vibration from freight train traffic on the Stirling-Alloa-Kincardine railway line.","AnswerText":"As the operator of the railway, Network Rail manages the process of compensation via the Land Compensation (Scotland) Act 1973. To date Network Rail has assessed that five households are eligible for acoustic barriers in lieu of compensation.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-20T17:14:35.97","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278209,"EventID":"S4W-10949","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-06T17:14:36.313","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-06T09:53:18.203","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what plans there are to take forward the revalidation of doctors. \r\n","AnswerText":"Medical Revalidation is overseen by the General Medical Council (GMC), with commencement of the regulatory aspects reserved to the Secretary of State for Health. The Scottish Government has worked in partnership with a range of stakeholders to ensure Scotland’s health boards are ready to meet their obligations, and have put in place guidance and appropriate governance structures for the commencement of revalidation from December 2012. The Scottish Government has agreed a roll out plan with the GMC and will continue to work with partners and provide appropriate support to develop and modify guidance and products necessary to satisfy the GMC’s requirements for revalidation during the implementation period.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-20T17:14:36.327","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278210,"EventID":"S4W-10958","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2610,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-06T17:14:36.89","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-06T14:54:25.633","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what progress it has made in delivering 25% social housing provision as part of new build housing developments.","AnswerText":"Information on the delivery of social housing as part of new build housing is not held centrally. The most recently published figures on affordable housing securing planning consent in Scotland however may prove helpful - http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2012/09/2844/downloads The statistics show that across Scotland developers have contributed to approximately 34% (11,170) of all affordable housing consents between the period 2007-2012. For the same period, over 25,000 social housing completions have been delivered through the Affordable Housing Supply Programme.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-20T17:14:36.903","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Burgess","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278211,"EventID":"S4W-10959","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4934,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-06T17:14:37.34","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-06T15:36:51.143","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what resources are allocated to research on novel pathogens affecting (a) native and (b) commercial conifer tree species.","AnswerText":"Research into pathogens affecting native and commercial conifer tree species is undertaken by the Forestry Commission research agency. As part of the devolution process it was agreed that the research agency, Forest Research, would primarily be funded by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. Forestry Commission Scotland works closely with the research agency.\r\nThe Scottish Government has funded a comprehensive study on the epidemiology of Phytophthora ramorum (and P. kernoviae), which also includes information on distribution of larch and infected larch plantations in its risk model. The aim of the project is to increase our understanding of the factors affecting the spread of these organisms in the wider environment, and ultimately to help to target our plant health monitoring and surveillance activities. This 3-year study is a collaborative project involving the James Hutton Institute, Science and Advice for Scottish Agriculture (SASA), the Food and Environment Research Agency (FERA), St. Andrews University and Cambridge University.\r\nThe Scottish Government has also increased its own funding in recent years in the resourcing of Forestry Commission Scotland's response to plant health issues. This has seen Scottish Government funding for plant health response measures increase from £50,000 in 2010-11 to £600,000 in 2012-13.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-20T17:14:37.357","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278226,"EventID":"S4W-10865","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-07T13:51:15.477","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-01T15:22:25","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether all NHS boards have in place a link between the child and family and the primary healthcare team for all children in pre-school education, as recommended in A New Look at Hall 4: The Early Years: Good Health for Every Child.","AnswerText":"The Public Health Nurse-Health Visitor provides the link between the child and family and the primary healthcare team for all children until the child reaches school entry. Ministers have recently consulted on formalising the role for health being responsible for providing the named person until school entry.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-21T13:51:15.6","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278227,"EventID":"S4W-10866","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-07T13:51:16.6","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-01T15:22:25","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many NHS boards have a health plan indicator in place in response to the assessed level of support required by the child and family, as recommended in A New Look at Hall 4: The Early Years: Good Health for Every Child.\r\n","AnswerText":"Information recorded on the child health pre-school information system as at August 2012 shows that all NHS Boards use the health plan indicator.\r\nNHS Boards have introduced, or are working towards introducing, 2 categories of HPI as set out in A New Look at Hall 4: The Early Years: Good Health for Every Child.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-21T13:51:16.63","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278228,"EventID":"S4W-10867","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-07T13:51:17.333","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-01T15:22:25","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the implementation date is for the recommendations in A New Look at Hall 4: The Early Years: Good Health for Every Child.\r\n","AnswerText":"No date was set for implementation of the recommendations in A New Look at Hall 4: The Early Years: Good Health for Every Child.\r\nAll NHS Boards are currently in the process of implementing the role of the Named Person.\r\nNHS Boards have introduced, or are working towards introducing, 2 categories of HPI as set out in A New Look at Hall 4: The Early Years: Good Health for Every Child.\r\nA short-life working group was set up to determine the core issues to be addressed and recorded at the 24-30 month review, and recommended the review be carried out between 27 and 30 months. Guidance on the 27-30 month review will be issued shortly, requiring NHS Boards to introduce the review from 1 April 2013.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-21T13:51:17.363","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278229,"EventID":"S4W-10868","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-07T13:51:18.08","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-01T15:22:25","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many children have a health plan indicator in place by age six months, as recommended in A New Look at Hall 4: The Early Years: Good Health for Every Child.\r\n","AnswerText":"Data derived from the child health pre-school information system show that there were 58,413 children born in 2011 who were registered on the system as at August 2012. A total of 55,338 of these children (95%) had a health plan indicator (HPI) recorded by six months of age.\r\nAs there may be a delay in recording the updated health plan indicator status of children on the system, the actual number and percentage of children with a health plan indicator in place by six months of age may be slightly higher than this.\r\nNHS Boards have introduced, or are working towards introducing, 2 categories of HPI as set out in A New Look at Hall 4: The Early Years: Good Health for Every Child.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-21T13:51:18.097","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278230,"EventID":"S4W-10869","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-07T13:51:18.72","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-01T15:22:25","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many 24 to 30 month reviews for all children have been carried out by each NHS board, as recommended in A New Look at Hall 4: The Early Years: Good Health for Every Child.","AnswerText":"A short-life working group was set up to determine the core issues to be addressed and recorded at the 24-30 month review, and recommended the review be carried out between 27 and 30 months. Guidance on the 27-30 month review will be issued shortly, requiring NHS Boards to introduce the review from 1 April 2013.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-21T13:51:18.737","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278231,"EventID":"S4W-10870","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-07T13:51:19.517","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-01T15:22:25","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether protocols are in place in each NHS board to deal with non-responders to the 24 to 30 month review for all children, as recommended in A New Look at Hall 4: The Early Years: Good Health for Every Child.","AnswerText":"The review has not yet been implemented. A short-life working group was set up to determine the core issues to be addressed and recorded at the 24-30 month review, and recommended the review be carried out between 27 and 30 months. Guidance on the 27-30 month review will be issued shortly, requiring NHS Boards to introduce the review from 1 April 2013.\r\nThe guidance recommends active follow up of families who fail to attend after their first invitation. The child health pre-school system will issue up to 3 invitations to each child and will notify Public Health Nurses-Health Visitors of children who haven’t attended. NHS Boards should have clear pathways in place, congruent with national and local guidance on the unseen child.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-21T13:51:19.533","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278232,"EventID":"S4W-10871","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-07T13:51:20.157","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-01T15:22:25","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many children have had needs identified in the 24 to 30 month review addressed using evidence-based interventions to achieve agreed outcomes, as recommended in A New Look at Hall 4: The Early Years: Good Health for Every Child.\r\n","AnswerText":"The review has not yet been implemented. A short-life working group was set up to determine the core issues to be addressed and recorded at the 24-30 month review, and recommended the review be carried out between 27 and 30 months. Guidance on the 27-30 month review will be issued shortly, requiring NHS Boards to introduce the review from 1 April 2013.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-21T13:51:20.173","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278233,"EventID":"S4W-10872","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-07T13:51:20.843","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-01T15:22:25","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether public health nurses and health visitors ensure that information, resources and support provided are accessible and tailored to meet the needs of individual families, as recommended in A New Look at Hall 4: The Early Years: Good Health for Every Child.\r\n","AnswerText":"Public Health Nurses-Health Visitors promote a range of information and resources, for example Bookbug, and NHS Health Scotland’s publications including Ready Steady Baby! and Ready Steady Toddler!. They provide further additional information to meet the needs of individual families as appropriate.\r\nGuidance on the 27-30 month review as it is now known, to be distributed to NHS Boards shortly, includes health promotion resources for Public Health Nurses-Health Visitors to share with families as part of the review, tailored to meet their individual needs.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-21T13:51:20.86","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278234,"EventID":"S4W-10873","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-07T13:51:21.56","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-01T15:22:25","Title":"","ItemText":"To as the Scottish Government whether public health nurses and health visitors use the 24 to 30 month review as a key point for the provision of health improvement information and support, as recommended in A New Look at Hall 4: The Early Years: Good Health for Every Child.","AnswerText":"A short-life working group was set up to agree the core issues to be addressed and recorded at the 24-30 month review, and recommended  that the review be carried out between 27 and 30 months. Guidance on the 27-30 month review will be issued shortly, requiring NHS Boards to introduce the review from 1 April 2013.\r\nThe guidance recommends health improvement topics for Public Health \r\nNurses-Health Visitors to consider at all 27-30 month reviews and includes health promotion resources to share with families.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-21T13:51:21.577","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278235,"EventID":"S4W-10883","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-07T13:51:22.31","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-01T16:23:40.71","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many people will start training in child psychotherapy in 2013.","AnswerText":"There will be 4 places available for the child psychotherapy training starting in October 2013, with NHS Education Scotland (NES) currently out to tender to select an education provider.\r\nThe child psychotherapy workforce is currently small and an integral part of training child psychotherapists is ongoing supervision. We have set a limit of 4 to ensure there is sufficient supervision to provide high quality training and ongoing supervision thought the training period.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-21T13:51:22.323","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278236,"EventID":"S4W-10884","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-07T13:51:23.027","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-01T16:23:40.71","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many people under 18 have been admitted to adult psychiatric wards in each of the last five years.","AnswerText":"The number of people under the age of 18 admitted to adult psychiatric wards in each of the last 5 years is:\r\n2007 - 2208\r\n142\r\n2008 - 2009\r\n149\r\n2009 – 2010\r\n184\r\n2010 – 2011\r\n151\r\n2011 – 2012\r\n141\r\nData supplied by Mental Welfare Commission.\r\nThere are some reasons why it may not always be possible for a young person to be admitted to a specialist child and adolescent bed – for example, a crisis admission out of hours where there are concerns for the young person’s safety, or where a specialist facility might be a considerable distance from family support that could help recovery.\r\nMost of these admissions are among young people aged 16 or 17 where an adult facility might in certain cases be clinically judged to be the more appropriate setting, but we nevertheless expect almost all children and young people admitted to adult wards to be discharged quickly or transferred to Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS).\r\nIf a young person has to be in an adult ward, we expect their care to be specially tailored to their needs with input from specialist CAMHS staff, taking into account education, social work advocacy and recreation. \r\nWe have introduced a new approach to addressing capacity issues with the development of CAMHS intensive ‘hospital at home’ type service delivery in a number of NHS Board areas. This approach emphasises the child’s strength and uses the expertise within the family and the local community to maximise the support available.\r\nThe benefits of this system as a whole is that a new capacity is created. In the areas where the new approaches are most advanced this has been demonstrated to have had the effect of significantly reducing the need for unscheduled and temporary admissions of under 18s to adult psychiatric hospital beds.\r\nWe have made a commitment in the mental health strategy to reduce the number of admissions to adult wards across Scotland to the levels of performance achieved in the south of Scotland which has implemented this approach successfully.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-21T13:51:23.043","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278237,"EventID":"S4W-10885","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-07T13:51:23.62","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-01T16:23:40.71","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what is being done to better understand and treat mental health problems in conjunction with alcohol addiction issues.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government published the Mental Health Strategy for Scotland 2012-15 in August 2012. In it we recognise that there are strong links between depression and drinking above recommended guidelines, and make a commitment to work with NHS Boards and partners to more effectively link the work on alcohol and depression and other common mental health problems to improve identification and treatment, with a particular focus on primary care.\r\nThe Scottish Government provides funding to NHS Boards and Alcohol and Drugs Partnerships (via NHS Boards) in order that they can deliver the range of services required to meet the needs of their local population including alcohol misuse and psychiatric health services.\r\nThe Scottish Government is committed to ensuring that people with a mental illness or disorder, including those with an alcohol or drug problem, have access to the right help at the right time to support their recovery. The Scottish Government is already committed to delivering faster access to psychological therapies for those with mental illness or disorder.\r\nThe Scottish Government has set a HEAT Target to improve access to psychological therapies. This states that by December 2014 the standard for referral to the commencement of treatment will be a maximum of 18 weeks, irrespective of age, illness or therapy. This complements the HEAT target that by March 2013, 90% of clients will wait no longer than 3 weeks from referral received to appropriate drug or alcohol treatment that supports their recovery. NHS Boards are making good progress towards meeting both these targets.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-21T13:51:23.65","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278238,"EventID":"S4W-10960","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4947,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-07T13:51:24.18","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-06T16:12:21","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what information it has on whether anyone working in the public sector in Scotland has been the subject of national insurance and tax avoidance arrangements such as reported by the BBC News on 4 November 2012.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government expects those who work on public sector business to do so within the tax system. We are not aware of offshore companies employing teachers in this way in Scotland. Here supply teachers are employed by local authorities and as such should be paid through the local authority’s payroll. Since February 2006 Caledonian MacBrayne Ltd has engaged in off-shore crewing but this practice is adopted widely throughout the UK shipping industry and was formalised by the UK Government in 2003.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-21T13:51:24.197","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278239,"EventID":"S4W-10961","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4947,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-07T13:51:24.587","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-06T16:12:21","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it has procurement contracts with firms that have recently been the subject of news stories regarding tax evasion.\r\n","AnswerText":"Information on Scottish Government contracts and guidance on how to access a list of Scottish Government contractors is available on the Contracts Directory page on the Scottish Procurement website at: \r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Government/Procurement/directory \r\nThe Scottish Government does not hold a list of the companies being referred to in the question.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-21T13:51:24.603","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278240,"EventID":"S4W-10962","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4947,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-07T13:51:24.947","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-06T16:12:21","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what shrieval specialisms are available in the Highlands and Islands, broken down by (a) category and (b) location.","AnswerText":"This question relates to matters that are the responsibility of the Lord President, under his powers within Part 2 of the Judiciary & Courts (Scotland) Act 2008, and for which Scottish Ministers are not accountable.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-21T13:51:24.96","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278241,"EventID":"S4W-10963","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-22T10:49:04.98","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-06T16:48:00","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, in light of the fines issued in the United States to pharmaceutical companies for promoting medicines for uses or age groups not in the licence granted in the EU, what consideration it has given to requiring the collection and collation of data related to off-licence prescribing.","AnswerText":"The advertising and promotion of medicines in the UK, as well as medicine safety issues, are subject matters of the Human Medicines Regulations 2012 and are currently reserved issues.\r\nThe promotion of a medicine for use outside the terms of its marketing authorisation is prohibited. Details are available in the UK Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) guidance, The Blue Guide which is available at: http://www.mhra.gov.uk/home/groups/pl-a/documents/publication/con2022589.pdf\r\nThe MHRA is also the UK wide licensing authority responsible for ensuring the safety, quality and efficacy of all UK licensed medicines. Side effects to medicines, including those relating to off-licence use, are monitored by the MHRA via the yellow card scheme.\r\nDecisions on whether or not to prescribe a licensed medicinal product for use outside the terms of the marketing authorisation are for the clinical judgement of the prescriber concerned involving full consultation with the patient. There are currently no plans to introduce the routine collection and collation of data related to off licence prescribing.","AnswerDate":"2012-11-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278242,"EventID":"S4W-10964","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-07T13:51:25.647","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-06T17:16:05.147","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, in light of the Cochrane review, General health checks in adults for reducing morbidity and mortality from disease, what the evidential basis is for general health checks.","AnswerText":"The Cochrane Collaboration concluded that the evidence reviewed suggested that general health checks did not reduce morbidity or mortality, neither overall nor for cardiovascular or cancer causes.\r\nThe Scottish Government will continue to support interventions which are targeted, aimed at identifying and engaging those at increased risk of poorer health outcomes, including individuals living in socio-economically deprived areas.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-21T13:51:25.68","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278243,"EventID":"S4W-10965","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-07T13:51:26.037","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-06T17:16:05.147","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many health visitors have transferred into family nurse partnership posts and how many are expected to transfer in the next three years.","AnswerText":"A total of 26 public health nurses/health visitors, from generic caseload holding posts have transferred into Family Nurse Partnership posts since the programme began in Scotland. This equates to around 55% of the overall family nurses in Scotland. Based on this level of trend continuing, and the current expansion plans being met we would anticipate around 140 public health nurses/health visitors will have transferred to the Family Nurse Partnership programme in the next three years. All public health nurse/health visitor posts which were vacated have either been filled or are in the process of being filled with no posts left vacant beyond the recruitment period. This ensured that there was no impact in terms of the level of service provided.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-21T13:51:26.053","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278244,"EventID":"S4W-10966","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-22T10:52:29.76","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-06T17:16:05.147","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what assessment it has undertaken in relation to university nursing departments of risks arising from the decisions to close three midwifery sections and reduce student nurse intake by 19% in the last two years.","AnswerText":"Nursing and midwifery student intake numbers are informed by workforce projections provided by NHS boards and the views of a number of stakeholders, including those universities from whom we commission nursing and midwifery education.\r\nThe criteria used to determine which institutions should provide pre-registration midwifery education were agreed by all those involved, including the relevant universities.","AnswerDate":"2012-11-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278245,"EventID":"S4W-10967","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-22T10:49:35.603","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-06T17:16:05.147","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many qualified Scottish nursing and midwifery applicants have not been awarded places on a Scottish nursing or midwifery course in each of the last five years.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not centrally held. \r\nThe universities are responsible for managing the recruitment of nursing and midwifery students to their pre-registration programmes.","AnswerDate":"2012-11-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278246,"EventID":"S4W-10968","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-07T13:51:27.69","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-06T17:16:05.147","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many (a) nurses, (b) health visitors and (c) midwives it estimates will leave the NHS in each of the next four years.","AnswerText":"To ensure there is a sufficient supply of registered nurses and midwives to meet NHS board’s future workforce requirements, trend information on the number of leavers over the last six years and the age profile of the nursing and midwifery establishment is factored into national modelling.\r\nThat model takes into account the workforce characteristics of the current nursing and midwifery supply and factors in the age profile, with a particular focus on the aged 55 years plus, and other trends in respect of currently employed staff. \r\nNHS Scotland - Nursing and Midwifery Net Turnover Rates1\r\n \r\n2006-07\r\n2007-08\r\n2008-09\r\n2009-10\r\n2010-11\r\n2011-12\r\nNursing and Midwifery\r\n6.5\r\n7.0\r\n6.2\r\n5.4\r\n5.4\r\n5.4\r\nSource: ISD Scotland National Statistics.\r\n1. Net turnover is a measure of the rate at which staff are leaving NHS Scotland.\r\n\r\nNHS Scotland – Nursing and Midwifery Staff percentage by age group as at 30 June 2012\r\n\r\nUnder 55\r\n55 - 59\r\n60 - 64\r\n65 +\r\nAll Nursing and Midwifery Staff\r\n85.2\r\n10.7\r\n3.6\r\n0.5\r\nMidwifery\r\n85.4\r\n11.0\r\n3.1\r\n0.5\r\nNursing\r\n85.1\r\n10.7\r\n3.6\r\n0.5\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-21T13:51:27.707","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278247,"EventID":"S4W-10969","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-07T13:51:28.08","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-07T10:10:23","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when it will open applications for a further round of Scotland Rural Development Programme (SRDP) funding for farmers and crofters; whether any funds remain in individual SRDP budget lines in the existing programme, and what advice it is giving to potential applicants and the agencies responsible for the programme.","AnswerText":"As I set out to the Rural Affairs, Climate Change and Environment Committee on 19 September 2012, we are in the final stages of the Scotland Rural Development Programme (SRDP) with limited budget remaining. As such any future rounds must be focused on key spending priorities, including continuing less favoured area support scheme payments, support for new entrants, some continuous approval for agri-environment and forestry projects and continuity of other priority areas. I will announce further detail in due course.\r\nMy assessment of the remaining funds available within the existing SRDP was set out in response to S4W-09703 on 2 October 2012. We will not have a clear position on SRDP resources remaining in the current programme until we know the full detail of claims made within this financial year and those which will carry forward to 2014. We will continue to engage with delivery partners, stakeholders and potential applicants to offer information as it becomes available as we end the current SRDP and work on developing the future programme. All answers to written Parliamentary Questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-21T13:51:28.097","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278248,"EventID":"S4W-10972","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":77,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-07T13:51:28.503","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-06T18:27:24","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S3W-33599 by Michael Russell on 27 May 2010, what information it has received from the UK Government regarding the ending of detention of children and dawn raids following its letters to the Home Secretary and the Minister of State for Immigration dated 18 May 2010 and 20 May 2010 respectively.\r\n","AnswerText":"Responses were received on 26 May 2010 and 9 June 2010 in response to the letters sent to Theresa May and Damian Green. One of these responses sets out that the UK Government ended the overnight detention of families with children at Dungavel House on 19 May 2010.\r\nThe current position, however, is that children from across the UK are detained at a secure facility in West Sussex pending deportation. The Scottish Government, remains opposed to detaining any children of asylum seekers anywhere in the UK, including those who may be transferred from Scotland, and urge the UK Government to end this practice immediately.\r\nI would like to also take this opportunity to reassure you that my officials will be monitoring the position and will continue to reaffirm our opposition to the forcible removal of children and dawn raids.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-21T13:51:28.517","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Aileen Campbell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278249,"EventID":"S4W-10973","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":77,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-07T13:51:28.907","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-06T18:27:24","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S3W-33599 by Michael Russell on 27 May 2010, what information it has received from the UK Government regarding its comprehensive review of detention of children.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government was notified of the publication of Review into ending the detention of children for immigration purposes on 16 December 2010. A copy of the report has been added to the Scottish Parliament’s Reference Centre under (Bib. number 54476).\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-21T13:51:28.923","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Aileen Campbell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278250,"EventID":"S4W-10974","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":77,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-07T13:51:29.593","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-06T18:27:24","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether any Scottish police force personnel have been involved in the forcible removal of asylum-seeking families with children from domestic addresses in Scotland and, if so, on how many occasions and on what dates, since 1 May 2010.\r\n","AnswerText":"\r\nLinda Fabiani (East Kilbride) (Scottish National Party): To ask the Scottish Government whether any Scottish police force personnel have been involved in the forcible removal of asylum-seeking families with children from domestic addresses in Scotland and if so, on how many occasions and on what dates since 1 May 2010.\r\n \r\n(S4W-10974)\r\nKenny MacAskill: The removal of immigration offenders is a matter for the UK Border Agency. As such the Scottish Government does not hold information on whether any Scottish police personnel have been involved in any such removal.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-21T13:51:29.61","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278251,"EventID":"S4W-10975","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":77,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-07T13:51:30.467","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-06T18:27:24","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether personnel from the social work or education departments of any local authority have been involved in work with families with children who have been held at the Dungavel Immigration Removal Centre since 1 May 2010 and, if so, on how many occasions and on what dates.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government does not hold this information centrally, however, we are seeking to establish the position and, if possible, will share this information with the member at the first opportunity.\r\nThe Scottish Government, remains opposed to detaining any children of asylum seekers anywhere in the UK, including those who may be transferred from Scotland, and urge the UK Government to end this practice immediately.\r\nI would like to also take this opportunity to reassure you that my officials will be monitoring the position and will continue to reaffirm our opposition to the forcible removal of children and dawn raids.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-21T13:51:30.5","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Aileen Campbell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278252,"EventID":"S4W-10976","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":77,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-07T13:51:31.123","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-06T18:27:24","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether Scottish police force personnel have been involved in the transfer of asylum-seeking families with children to or from the Dungavel Immigration Removal Centre since 1 May 2010 and, if so, on how many occasions and on what dates.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government does not hold this management information centrally, however, the Scottish Government remains opposed to detaining any children of asylum seekers anywhere in the UK, including those who may be transferred from Scotland, and urge the UK Government to end this practice immediately.\r\nI would like to also take this opportunity to reassure you that my officials will continue to reaffirm our opposition to the forcible removal of children and dawn raids.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-21T13:51:31.14","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Aileen Campbell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278253,"EventID":"S4W-10977","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":77,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-07T13:51:31.59","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-06T18:27:24","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether personnel from the social work department of any local authority have been involved in the transfer of asylum-seeking families with children to or from the Dungavel Immigration Removal Centre since 1 May 2010 and, if so, on how many occasions and on what dates.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government does not hold this information centrally, however, we are seeking to establish the position and, if possible, will share this information with the member at the first opportunity.\r\nThe Scottish Government, remains opposed to detaining any children of asylum seekers anywhere in the UK, including those who may be transferred from Scotland, and urge the UK Government to end this practice immediately.\r\nI would like to also take this opportunity to reassure you that my officials will be monitoring the position and will continue to reaffirm our opposition to the forcible removal of children and dawn raids.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-21T13:51:31.607","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Aileen Campbell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278254,"EventID":"S4W-10978","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":77,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-07T13:51:32.027","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-06T18:27:24","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether personnel from any NHS board have been involved in work with families with children who have been held at the Dungavel Immigration Removal Centre since 1 May 2010 and, if so, on how many occasions and on what dates.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government does not hold this information centrally, however, we are seeking to establish the position and, if possible, will share this information with the member at the first opportunity.\r\nThe Scottish Government, remains opposed to detaining any children of asylum seekers anywhere in the UK, including those who may be transferred from Scotland, and urge the UK Government to end this practice immediately.\r\nI would like to also take this opportunity to reassure you that my officials will be monitoring the position and will continue to reaffirm our opposition to the forcible removal of children and dawn raids.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-21T13:51:32.043","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Aileen Campbell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278255,"EventID":"S4W-10979","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":77,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-07T13:51:32.45","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-06T18:27:24","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-09801 by Aileen Campbell on 18 October 2012, when it expects the findings of the UK Government's evaluation of the policy to be available.\r\n","AnswerText":"We have been advised by the UK Border Agency that the report will be publicly made available around March 2013.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-21T13:51:32.467","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Aileen Campbell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278256,"EventID":"S4W-10980","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4016,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":133,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-07T13:51:32.857","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-06T20:03:49","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what evidence it has received that suggests that wind turbines adversely affect tourism or health.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government is yet to receive any credible, peer reviewed evidence that wind turbines adversely impact health. We will continue to monitor and review all evidence presented to us. Similarly, the Scottish Government has not received any evidence that the tourism sector in Scotland is being impacted by the deployment of onshore wind.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-21T13:51:32.87","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278257,"EventID":"S4W-10981","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4016,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":133,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-07T13:51:33.197","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-06T20:03:49","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what plans it has to commission independent studies into the impact of wind farms on tourism and health.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government considers that health impacts are important considerations in all development types. At present, there is no peer reviewed study that establishes a direct causal link between the deployment of onshore wind and negative impacts on human health. We will continue to monitor any new credible evidence presented to us.\r\nWith regards to tourism, the Moffat Report of 2008 concluded that onshore wind farms did not adversely impact tourism. Surveys that have taken place repeatedly show that a majority of visitors are not put off by wind farms. However, the Scottish Government is committed to ensuring that the renewable energy sector and the tourism industry continue to flourish side by side. Therefore, we have already committed to examining the need for further research into the impact of wind farms on tourism. We will be liaising with all interested parties and stakeholders in the coming weeks and months.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-21T13:51:33.213","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278258,"EventID":"S4W-10982","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":136,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-07T13:51:33.557","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-07T10:08:36","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, in relation to the proposals to integrate social work and healthcare, what processes will be in place to include the third sector.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government made a commitment in its proposals for Adult Health and Social Care Integration to ensure a clear role for representatives from the third Sector within Health and Social Care Partnership arrangements. The detail of the legislation is currently being developed, taking into account the views expressed within consultation responses.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-21T13:51:33.573","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278259,"EventID":"S4W-10983","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":77,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-07T13:51:33.977","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-07T11:49:04","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether the single police force will take over liabilities in relation to tribunals that are current at the time of transfer of responsibility from regional police authorities.","AnswerText":"Yes.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-21T13:51:33.993","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278260,"EventID":"S4W-10990","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5041,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-07T13:51:34.383","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-07T11:01:46","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-09455 by Margaret Burgess on 21 September 2012, when Bank Of Scotland mortgages will become available through the MI New Home Scheme.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Bank of Scotland requires changes to its systems in order to launch mortgages through the MI new home scheme. These are planned for completion in December 2012.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-21T13:51:34.4","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Burgess","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278261,"EventID":"S4W-10991","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5041,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-07T13:51:34.71","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-07T11:01:46","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-09451 by Margaret Burgess on 21 September 2012, for what reason no developments were approved in 2010-11 or 2011-12 in the (a) Falkirk, (b) North Lanarkshire and (c) South Lanarkshire areas.\r\n","AnswerText":"The new supply shared equity with developers scheme is a competitive fund under which the Scottish Government invites bids from developers who wish their developments to participate in the scheme. All bids are assessed by Scottish Government housing supply division officials against certain core criteria and the views of local authorities are taken on board.\r\nFor 2010-11, no bids were received for developments in Falkirk, North Lanarkshire or South Lanarkshire.\r\nFor 2011-12, no bids were received for developments in Falkirk or South Lanarkshire. Two bids were received from developers in North Lanarkshire. These were assessed, after consultation with local authorities, but neither of them was approved because the proposed sale prices were considered too high to be affordable to first time buyers.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-21T13:51:34.727","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Burgess","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278262,"EventID":"S4W-10992","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5041,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-07T13:51:35.053","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-07T11:01:46","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government on what development sites homes are being built under the MI New Home Scheme.\r\n","AnswerText":"Homes are not built specifically for sale through MI new home. However the initiative is available on all properties with a value of up to £250,000 offered by participating home builders on all of their sites throughout Scotland. Whilst we do not hold information on those sites centrally, the range of builders involved means that MI new home is widely available throughout the country. \r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-21T13:51:35.07","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Burgess","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278263,"EventID":"S4W-10993","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5041,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-07T13:51:35.383","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-07T11:01:46","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many new homes will be built in 2012 under the MI New Home Scheme.\r\n","AnswerText":"This Scheme, which is led by Homes for Scotland and is supported by a government guarantee, will help credit worthy borrowers previously locked out of the market due to large deposit requirements to access 90 to 95% loan to value mortgages for new build homes with a value up to £250,000. Whilst homes are not built specifically for sale through MI new home, the scheme should increase the effective demand for new build housing, giving participating house-builders greater confidence to build additional housing for sale in the future.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-21T13:51:35.413","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Burgess","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278264,"EventID":"S4O-01479","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":4964,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-07T15:08:07.963","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-05T12:09:02.357","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the implications would be for the Scottish budget if income tax was reduced in Scotland.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-21T15:08:08.167","MeetingDate":"2012-11-15T17:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278265,"EventID":"S4O-01480","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":3907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":135,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-07T15:08:08.54","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-05T12:09:04.62","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it supports students with dyslexia, particularly in written examinations.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-21T15:08:08.54","MeetingDate":"2012-11-15T17:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278266,"EventID":"S4O-01481","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-07T15:08:08.837","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-05T12:09:04.9","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it protects the environment.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-21T15:08:08.85","MeetingDate":"2012-11-15T17:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278267,"EventID":"S4O-01482","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":3815,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-07T15:08:09.18","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-05T12:09:05.383","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what assistance is available for people with additional accessibility requirements seeking to undertake training or a modern apprenticeship. \r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-21T15:08:09.193","MeetingDate":"2012-11-15T17:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278268,"EventID":"S4O-01483","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2610,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-07T15:08:09.507","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-05T12:09:13.853","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what progress has been made in promoting community asset transfers in urban locations.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-21T15:08:09.523","MeetingDate":"2012-11-15T17:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278269,"EventID":"S4O-01484","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":85,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-07T15:08:09.85","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-07T09:46:29.36","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its international development strategy is in relation to the occupied Palestinian territories.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-21T15:08:09.867","MeetingDate":"2012-11-15T17:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278270,"EventID":"S4O-01485","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2059,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":91,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-07T15:08:10.193","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-05T12:09:15.15","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what consideration it has given to reviewing sentencing policy.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-21T15:08:10.21","MeetingDate":"2012-11-15T17:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278271,"EventID":"S4O-01486","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":138,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-07T15:08:10.66","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-05T12:09:15.46","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what it is doing to encourage the renewables industry to invest in North Ayrshire.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-21T15:08:10.677","MeetingDate":"2012-11-15T17:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278272,"EventID":"S4O-01487","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":3758,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":76,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-07T15:08:11.02","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-05T12:09:15.96","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what benefits it expects to arise from the shift from the PFI/PPP to the non-profit distributing financing model.\r\n","AnswerText":"The NPD model seeks to transfer risk and exert private sector discipline both during the construction phase of a project and throughout its lifetime, but without the excessive profits to the private sector and financing costs to the public sector associated with past PFI projects.\r\nThe key benefits of the NPD model are:\r\nreturns to the private sector are capped;\r\nNPD does not contain dividend-bearing equity;\r\nsurpluses from NPD projects can be directed in favour of the public sector; and\r\nenhanced stakeholder involvement in the management of projects.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-21T15:08:11.037","MeetingDate":"2012-11-15T17:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":" Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278273,"EventID":"S4O-01460","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":4955,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":105,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-07T15:19:44.26","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-05T12:07:04.78","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what action it will take to provide care and support for people with bronchiectasis.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-21T15:19:44.323","MeetingDate":"2012-11-14T17:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278274,"EventID":"S4O-01461","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":2010,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":137,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-07T15:19:45.493","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-05T12:07:05.17","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it promotes telehealth across the country.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-21T15:19:45.51","MeetingDate":"2012-11-14T17:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278275,"EventID":"S4O-01462","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":4938,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-07T15:19:45.977","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-05T12:07:05.45","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when it expects to appoint the new chair of NHS Lanarkshire. ","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-21T15:19:45.993","MeetingDate":"2012-11-14T17:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278276,"EventID":"S4O-01463","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":1741,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-07T15:19:46.493","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-05T12:07:05.7","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on the choice of drugs available to cancer patients.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-21T15:19:46.507","MeetingDate":"2012-11-14T17:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278277,"EventID":"S4O-01464","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":3896,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":97,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-07T15:19:47.053","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-05T12:07:05.997","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what discussions it has had with the Scottish Ambulance Service regarding the adequacy of emergency response cover on the smaller Orkney isles.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-21T15:19:47.07","MeetingDate":"2012-11-14T17:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278278,"EventID":"S4O-01466","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-07T15:19:47.57","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-05T12:07:06.637","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many transcatheter aortic valve implantation procedures have been performed in Scotland since the Cabinet Secretary for Health and Wellbeing announced that these would be made routinely available.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-21T15:19:47.6","MeetingDate":"2012-11-14T17:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278279,"EventID":"S4O-01467","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":5109,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":101,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-07T15:19:48.257","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-05T12:07:07.167","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many people with long-term health conditions who formerly did not receive free prescriptions now do so.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-21T15:19:48.287","MeetingDate":"2012-11-14T17:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278280,"EventID":"S4O-01468","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-07T15:19:48.63","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-05T12:07:07.603","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what action it is taking to address any health inequalities between manual and non-manual workers.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-21T15:19:48.647","MeetingDate":"2012-11-14T17:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278281,"EventID":"S4O-01469","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":2673,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":114,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-07T15:19:49.037","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-05T12:07:07.917","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it ensures that families and carers are involved in the policy development and service delivery of mental health services. \r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-21T15:19:49.05","MeetingDate":"2012-11-14T17:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278282,"EventID":"S4O-01470","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":3759,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":80,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-07T15:19:49.44","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-05T12:07:08.18","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when it will next meet NHS Lanarkshire and what will be discussed.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-21T15:19:49.457","MeetingDate":"2012-11-14T17:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278283,"EventID":"S4O-01471","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":1742,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-07T15:19:50.063","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-05T12:07:08.773","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what research is being conducted on the health benefits of vitamin D.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-21T15:19:50.08","MeetingDate":"2012-11-14T17:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278284,"EventID":"S4O-01472","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":2345,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":128,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-07T15:19:50.55","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-05T12:07:09.227","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what recent discussions it has had with NHS Ayrshire and Arran regarding patient care.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-21T15:19:50.563","MeetingDate":"2012-11-14T17:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278285,"EventID":"S4O-01473","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":3751,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":108,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-07T15:19:50.987","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-05T12:07:09.803","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what is being done to prevent outbreaks of Norovirus in care homes. \r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-21T15:19:51","MeetingDate":"2012-11-14T17:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278286,"EventID":"S4O-01474","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":4014,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-07T15:19:51.61","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-05T12:07:10.55","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what recent assessment it has made of the impact of the closure of rural GP surgeries.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-21T15:19:51.623","MeetingDate":"2012-11-14T17:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278287,"EventID":"S4O-01476","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":5079,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-07T15:19:52.14","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-07T11:22:27.373","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what value it places on high-quality, well-supported nursing care.\r\n","AnswerText":"The highest value. Whatever the setting, care should be provided to the highest standards of quality and safety, with the person at the centre of all decisions. The dedicated health and care professionals of the NHS, not least our nurses, are key to achieving this and achieving sustainable quality in Scotland’s healthcare through the 20:20 Vision and the Healthcare Quality Strategy.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-21T15:19:52.17","MeetingDate":"2012-11-14T17:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil ","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278288,"EventID":"S4O-01478","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":5074,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":104,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-07T15:19:52.747","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-05T12:07:11.627","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many AccuVein kits there are in hospitals in NHS Lothian.","AnswerText":"There are no AccuVein kits in any of the hospitals across NHS Lothian.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-21T15:19:52.78","MeetingDate":"2012-11-14T17:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278289,"EventID":"S4O-01475","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":1932,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":117,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-07T16:58:23.333","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-05T12:07:10.863","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what discussions it has had with NHS Forth Valley regarding waiting times for IVF treatment.    \r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-21T16:58:23.35","MeetingDate":"2012-11-14T17:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278290,"EventID":"S4O-01477","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":5034,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-07T16:58:24.053","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-05T12:07:11.377","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it plans to introduce flexible sigmoidoscopy bowel screening.\r\n","AnswerText":"In March 2011, the UK National Screening Committee agreed that flexible sigmoidoscopy technology met the Committee’s criteria for a screening test, within national bowel screening programmes.\r\nWhilst bowel screening in England is offered from age 60, in Scotland bowel screening is offered earlier, from age 50.\r\nSince the Committee’s recommendation, the Scottish Government has been working closely with experts to consider the benefits of flexible sigmoidoscopy technology within an already screened population and has set aside £2 million over the next two years to undertake a feasibility pilot.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-21T16:58:24.067","MeetingDate":"2012-11-14T17:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":" Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278291,"EventID":"S4W-10970","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-07T17:11:37.013","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-07T08:29:49","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government which NHS boards have involved Jimmy Savile in fundraising or promotional activity and whether this is now subject to an investigation by the police.\r\n","AnswerText":"NHS Dumfries and Galloway has confirmed that Jimmy Savile attended a public fund raising event in 1977. Whilst the responsibility for assessing and investigating allegations of criminal activity in Scotland rests with the relevant police force, NHS Dumfries and Galloway are unaware of any investigation by police.\r\nNo other territorial NHS boards within Scotland have involved Jimmy Savile in fundraising or promotional activity. However NHS Lanarkshire has confirmed that Jimmy Savile performed the opening of the renal unit and garden area at Monklands Hospital in August 2000.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-21T17:11:37.047","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278292,"EventID":"S4W-10971","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-07T17:11:37.747","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-07T08:29:49","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it has had discussions with the UK Government in relation to the activities of Jimmy Savile in Scotland.\r\n","AnswerText":"Responsibility for assessing and investigating allegations of criminal activity in Scotland rests with the relevant police force. The Scottish Government maintains close liaison with the police, local authorities, child protection committees, health boards and voluntary organisations about child protection issues in general, and is monitoring the situation in relation to reports about Jimmy Savile’s activities in Scotland. It has not had discussions with the UK Government on this issue.\r\nIf anyone has evidence of, or has, suffered criminal activity or sexual abuse, they should contact the police so that an investigation can be made. Anyone who is looking for support should visit www.survivorscotland.org.uk which gives details of a range of support services which can help.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-21T17:11:37.763","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Aileen Campbell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278293,"EventID":"S4W-10984","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2633,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-07T17:11:38.277","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-07T11:44:39","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what money has been made available to it from the UK Government to help meet its (a) climate change and (b) fuel poverty targets; whether it considers that this is sufficient  and, if not, whether it plans to raise money from the private sector.\r\n","AnswerText":"At present, all funding for climate change activity and almost all for fuel poverty activity in 2012-13 and 2013-14 is funded by the Scottish Government through the funding settlement, with the exception of a £16 million transfer from the Department of Energy & Climate Change for the Green Homes Cash Back Scheme and £5 million for the Gas Infill Fund which is loan funding repayable to HM Treasury.\r\nThe financial costs of measures in the Reports on Proposals and Policies (RPP) to meet Scotland’s climate change targets will fall across government, business and consumers. The Scottish Spending Review 2011 set out plans for more than £700 million to help deliver emissions cuts. This will ensure that we will continue to make progress delivering the policy framework set out in Low Carbon Scotland: Meeting the Emissions Reductions Targets 2010 – 2022, our first climate change RPP.\r\nThe Energy, Enterprise and Tourism Committee report into fuel poverty in February 2012 recommended a budget of at least £200 million a year from both Government and energy company obligation funding was required to tackle fuel poverty. The Scottish Government is therefore working closely with utility companies to ensure that Scotland receives an appropriate share of Energy Company Obligation funding, being around £120 million. Combined with Scottish Government funding, this should provide a funding pot of at least £200 million per annum from 2013-14.\r\nA draft budget summary document detailing spending supporting the delivery of measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and tackle fuel poverty is available online http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Environment/climatechange/climatechangefundingdocument Copies have also been placed in the Scottish Parliament’s Reference Centre (Bib number 54423).\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-21T17:11:38.293","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278294,"EventID":"S4W-10985","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2633,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-07T17:11:38.59","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-07T11:44:39","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what plans it has to introduce financial incentives that (a) promote and (b) reward energy efficiency.\r\n","AnswerText":"\r\n\r\nThe Scottish Government is committed to the promotion of energy efficiency throughout its activities. Most recently the Scottish Government announced £30 million of financial incentives for energy efficiency measures in the recent budget. This is made up of £20 million for a Green Homes cash back scheme over a two year period and £10 million for public sector energy efficiency over a two year period.\r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/News/Releases/2012/09/household-energy-bills24092012.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-21T17:11:38.607","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278295,"EventID":"S4W-11000","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3751,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":108,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-07T17:11:38.903","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-07T14:58:52","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask Scottish Government what assessment it has made of the correlation between increased expenditure for the personal care of older people in their own homes and quality of care provision.\r\n","AnswerText":"Following the implementation of The Public Services Reform (Social Services Inspections) (Scotland) Amendment Regulations 2012 earlier this year the Care Inspectorate now inspect care at home services for the elderly on an annual basis.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-21T17:11:38.917","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278308,"EventID":"S4O-01491","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":3,"MSPID":1828,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-07T17:12:33.273","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-07T11:37:16","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body whether it will consider providing a dedicated HR specialist for members' staff.\r\n","AnswerText":"Members’ staff are employed by individual Members not the Corporate Body.  Human Resource Advisers provide an advisory service to Members in order to assist Members in their role as employers.  It would confuse the employment relationship between the Member and his or her staff if the Corporate Body were to provide this type of dedicated HR service for Members’ staff. Accordingly, the Corporate Body has no plans to introduce such a service.","AnswerDate":"2012-11-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-21T17:12:33.43","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Stewart","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278312,"EventID":"S4O-01456","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":3,"MSPID":5109,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":101,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-08T12:58:40.46","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-01T11:18:51","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body how the Parliament’s facilities and services meet the needs of members and staff with special dietary requirements.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-22T12:58:40.553","MeetingDate":"2012-11-15T17:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278313,"EventID":"S4O-01457","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":3,"MSPID":1742,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-16T12:38:22.1","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-01T14:24:00","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body what progress is being made on the Parliament’s zero waste policy.","AnswerText":"The SPCB is making excellent progress towards its zero waste policy. During 2011/12 an estimated 50 tonnes of waste was sent to landfill - a reduction of 4 tonnes on the previous year. This represents a reduction in landfill waste of 67% compared to 2005-2006. \r\nIn addition, at the end of September of this year recycling rates of 80% had been achieved and landfill waste had been reduced slightly compared to last year. \r\nA number of actions are planned to help achieve this year’s target to reduce landfill waste by 70% of the 2005-2006 total. These include:\r\nworking with contractors to reduce waste at source;\r\ninstalling additional hand-driers to reduce the use of paper towels;\r\nre-labelling recycling bins in public areas;\r\nreducing the frequency desk bins in the MSP Building are emptied.","AnswerDate":"2012-11-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":"2012-11-15T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Linda Fabiani","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278314,"EventID":"S4O-01458","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":3,"MSPID":2059,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":91,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-08T12:58:41.413","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-04T11:19:52","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body what work is being undertaken to address IT performance issues in the Parliament and in constituency offices.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-22T12:58:41.427","MeetingDate":"2012-11-08T17:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278315,"EventID":"S4O-01489","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":3,"MSPID":2610,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-08T12:58:41.79","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-06T11:35:00","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body what procurement policy provisions it has made since May 2011.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":"2012-11-15T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278316,"EventID":"S4O-01490","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":3,"MSPID":5057,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-16T12:37:22.16","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-07T10:00:00","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body what developments there are regarding the external screening facility.","AnswerText":"The project timetable is on track. The construction site has been established and downtakings such as parts of the glass roof over the concourse and wall panels have been completed. Excavations are now underway as a first step towards building foundations.","AnswerDate":"2012-11-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":"2012-11-15T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"David Stewart","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278317,"EventID":"S4O-01492","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":3,"MSPID":2892,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-08T12:58:42.48","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-07T11:56:00","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body what its position is on recognising an employee forum for members' staff and engaging with it on corporate body decisions that will impact on its members.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":"2012-11-15T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278318,"EventID":"S4O-01493","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":3,"MSPID":2675,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":93,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-16T12:34:36.217","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-07T15:02:00","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body what progress it has been made on varying the species of apple trees in the Parliament garden.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body can confirm that we have planted two Scottish apple trees, one each of two varieties “James Grieve” and “Scotch Bridget”. Both these varieties of apple trees allow cross-pollination with our existing Malus “Bramley’s Seedling” apple trees.","AnswerDate":"2012-11-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":"2012-11-15T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Linda Fabiani","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278319,"EventID":"S4O-01494","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":3,"MSPID":5060,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-08T12:58:43.137","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-07T15:49:00","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body what progress there has been on the development of the e-petitions system.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":"2012-11-15T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278320,"EventID":"S4O-01495","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":3,"MSPID":3907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":135,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-08T12:58:43.48","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-07T16:33:00","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body whether it will review the performance of IT systems in constituency offices.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":"2012-11-15T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278321,"EventID":"S4W-10941","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4939,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":78,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-08T14:46:03.817","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-05T09:34:00","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what emphasis its revision of the Report on Proposals and Policies (RPP) will place on the recommendation by the Rural Affairs, Climate Change and Environment Committee in its report on the Scottish Government's Draft Budget 2012-13 and Spending Review 2011 that it \"ensures that all proposals and policies in the RPP, and any future revisions of the RPP, are fully funded, in order to meet the targets set out in the Climate Change (Scotland) Act 2009\".\r\n","AnswerText":"The second Report on Proposals and Policies, for the period to 2027 and currently under development, will draw attention to the wide range of public and private funding and financing mechanisms available for climate change mitigation activities.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-22T14:46:03.94","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278322,"EventID":"S4W-10987","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5041,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-08T14:46:04.253","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-07T11:01:46","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government for what reason Barnardo’s Scotland represents the views of the NSPCC, Save the Children, Action for Children and the Children’s Society on the National Steering Group on Advocacy Support for Children and Young People.","AnswerText":"The membership of the National Steering Group on Advocacy Support for Children and Young People reflects the range of stakeholders with experience and expertise in delivering support to children and young people, including advocacy support. At the inception of the group it was agreed that Barnardo’s would, in their capacity as members of the group, represent the views of Quarriers, Children 1st, Action for Children and Aberlour Childcare Trust.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-22T14:46:04.27","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Aileen Campbell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278323,"EventID":"S4W-10988","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5041,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-08T14:46:04.567","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-07T11:01:46","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what charities act as representatives for other organisations in dealings with its directorates or agencies.","AnswerText":"There are a range of charities who will act as representatives for other organisations from time in time in their dealings with the Scottish Government directorates and its agencies. However, we do not collect or hold information centrally.\r\nScottish Ministers and Scottish Government officials regularly and routinely engage with Third Sector organisations and their representatives because we recognise the important role which they have in contributing to civic life, to the economic well being of Scotland, and to policy design and service delivery, all of which serve to improve the quality life of Scotland’s citizens.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-22T14:46:04.58","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278324,"EventID":"S4W-10989","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5041,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-08T14:46:04.847","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-07T11:01:46","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on whether the views and opinions of the NSPCC, Save the Children, NCH and the Children’s Society are being adequately represented on the National Steering Group on Advocacy Support for Children and Young People.\r\n","AnswerText":"NSPCC, Save the Children and the Children’s Society do not send representatives to the National Steering Group for Advocacy Support for Children and Young People. Barnardo’s represent the views and opinions of Action for Children (formerly NCH Scotland) and other third sector organisations on the Group. All Stakeholders have had, and continue to have, the opportunity to engage in the Scottish Government’s work to improve advocacy support for children and young people, including through the national consultation on proposed principles and minimum standards for children’s advocacy which closed earlier this year.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-22T14:46:04.863","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Aileen Campbell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278325,"EventID":"S4W-10994","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2633,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-08T14:46:05.127","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-07T12:34:39","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it defines sustainable economic growth and where it publishes this definition.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government defines sustainable economic growth as building a dynamic and growing economy that will provide prosperity and opportunities for all, while ensuring that future generations can enjoy a better quality of life too. This definition was set out in the Government Economic Strategy which was first published in 2007 and refreshed in 2011.\r\nThis is supported by our Purpose Framework presented in the Government Economic Strategy, which identifies the key drivers of sustainable economic growth – Productivity, Participation, and Population – alongside our desired characteristics of growth – Solidarity, Cohesion, and Sustainability. This Framework demonstrates how these drivers and characteristics of growth are linked to deliver balanced sustainable growth alongside important social, regional and inter-generational equity objectives.\r\nMore information can be found at: http://www.scotland.gov.uk/ges.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-22T14:46:05.143","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278326,"EventID":"S4W-10995","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2633,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-08T14:46:05.453","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-07T12:34:39","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government who it has consulted on its definition of sustainable economic growth and how it has taken responses into account.","AnswerText":"The Government Economic Strategy sets out our approach to supporting sustainable economic growth in Scotland, with an update of the strategy published in September 2011. We engaged widely in the development of the update of strategy with key partners from across the business, public and third sectors and continue to work with all of Scottish society to deliver on these ambitions.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-22T14:46:05.453","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278327,"EventID":"S4W-10996","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2633,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-08T14:46:05.767","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-07T12:34:39","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S3W-38670 by Richard Lochhead on 21 January 2011, whether it remains committed to the UK shared framework for sustainable development.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government remains committed to sustainable development as defined in the 2005 UK shared framework, One future, different paths. The key principles identified in the framework are reflected in our Government Economic Strategy and other key policy documents, including the Energy Efficiency Action Plan and Zero Waste Plan. These principles also form a key part of the National Performance Framework which includes indicators on waste, transport, energy and Scotland’s carbon footprint to support the national outcomes and our strategic objectives. The fundamental principle of sustainable development is that it integrates economic, social and environmental objectives. This principle is reflected in both the Scottish Government’s definition of sustainable economic growth and in the five guiding principles set out in the UK shared framework for sustainable development.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-22T14:46:05.783","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278328,"EventID":"S4W-10998","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2633,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-08T14:46:06.11","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-07T12:34:39","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government in what ways its definition of sustainable economic growth differs from a measure of aggregate GDP growth.","AnswerText":"Our definition of sustainable economic growth is wider than just aggregate GDP growth. The Government economic strategy identifies the key drivers of sustainable economic growth – Productivity, Participation, and Population, alongside our desired characteristics of growth – Solidarity, Cohesion, and Sustainability. We continue to monitor performance against these drivers and characteristics of growth through the Purpose Targets on Scotland Performs. These provide a much broader measure of economic growth, incorporating important social, regional and inter-generational equity objectives alongside measures of aggregate GDP. More information can be found at: www.scotlandperforms.com.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-22T14:46:06.11","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278329,"EventID":"S4W-10999","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3751,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":108,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-08T17:16:58.927","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-07T14:58:52","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, in light of its policy on fuel poverty, what its position is on claims by Ignacio Galan of Iberdrola that Scottish Power is the only energy utility company in the UK losing money.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government is working to tackle fuel poverty and protect Scottish consumers. We are tackling fuel poverty through a range of initiatives, including working with each of the big six energy supply companies, and a range of other key interests, to maximise support for Scottish households, particularly those who are vulnerable. In addition, the Scottish Government is committing £65million per year to the National Retrofit Programme to ensure maximum support to hard-pressed households to install energy efficiency measures and help them manage their energy consumption more efficiently. The scheme aims to make Scotland as attractive as possible for energy companies to meet their environmental obligations and help vulnerable households.\r\nOfgem, the independent UK energy regulator, is responsible for regulation of the energy markets in England, Scotland and Wales. To ensure Scottish consumers can get the best possible energy deal, the Scottish Government is pressing Ofgem and energy companies to deliver a simpler, clearer, fairer and more competitive energy market for all consumers. In doing so, we believe energy companies must strike the right balance between profit, investment in improving Scotland’s grid network infrastructure, ensuring Scottish consumers get the best deal and helping to tackle fuel poverty. We are also pressing the UK Government to deliver its recent commitment to legislate to ensure companies move customers onto the lowest tariff.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-22T17:16:59.037","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278330,"EventID":"S4W-11001","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4080,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-08T14:46:06.717","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-07T16:43:43.303","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what plans it has to pilot the use of social impact bonds as an approach to prison rehabilitation and reducing reoffending.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government is engaging with a range of partners and stakeholders including funders, investors, third sector providers and service commissioners to explore options for developing and testing innovative social investment models. This collaborative approach is looking at how resources, including funding, might be better aligned and targeted towards supporting preventative measures that deliver positive and long-term changes to people’s lives.\r\nWe have already committed £7.5million to the Reducing Reoffending Change Fund which is supporting innovative approaches to planning, designing and delivering effective services to offenders improving their lives, and reducing offending.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-22T14:46:06.733","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney ","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278331,"EventID":"S4W-11002","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4080,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-08T14:46:07.047","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-07T16:43:43.303","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when it will announce the three projects that will pilot social impact bonds.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government is engaging with a range of partners and stakeholders, including funders, investors, third sector providers and service commissioners to explore options for developing and testing innovative social investment models. This collaborative approach is looking at how resources including funding might be better aligned and targeted towards supporting preventative measures that deliver positive and long-term changes to people’s lives.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-22T14:46:07.06","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278332,"EventID":"S4W-11003","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4080,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-08T14:46:07.343","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-07T16:43:43.303","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-00906 by John Swinney on 16 June 2011, what progress it has made on identifying, developing, delivering and resourcing three pilot social impact bond projects.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-11002 on 20 November 2012. All answers to written Parliamentary Questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-22T14:46:07.357","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278333,"EventID":"S4W-11014","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2892,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-08T14:46:07.653","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-08T09:49:45.353","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-03713 by Roseanna Cunningham on 1 November 2011, what steps it has taken toward the publication of an options paper on an environmental court for Scotland.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has been engaging with stakeholders on a range of issues in relation to environmental justice, including in relation to proposals for court rules for Protective Expenses Orders and civil courts reform. These discussions will be taken into account in developing an options paper on an environmental court.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-22T14:46:07.67","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Roseanna Cunningham","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278334,"EventID":"S4W-10997","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2633,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-08T14:47:19.69","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-07T12:34:39","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how its definition of sustainable economic growth takes account of the five principles of sustainable development as set out in the UK shared framework for sustainable development.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-10996 on 20 November 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-22T14:47:19.707","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278353,"EventID":"S4W-11005","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":86,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-08T17:16:59.3","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-08T09:40:33.693","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether the Law Officers consider that they were consulted on whether an independence referendum without a section 30 order would be legal and, if so, when; by whom, and what advice they provided. \r\n","AnswerText":"In his letter of 30 October to Ruth Davidson MSP which has been placed in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre (Bib. number 54425) the Lord Advocate confirmed the importance of maintaining the long-standing convention against disclosure of the fact or content of Law Officers’ legal advice.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-22T17:16:59.317","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278354,"EventID":"S4W-11006","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":86,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-08T17:16:59.627","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-08T09:40:33.693","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government at what time on 23 October 2012 the Deputy First Minister (a) requested and (b) received permission to state the non-existence of legal advice relating to whether an independent Scotland would be a member of the EU.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-10551 on 12 December 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-22T17:16:59.643","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278355,"EventID":"S4W-11007","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":86,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-08T17:16:59.923","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-08T09:40:33.693","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will publish all correspondence relating to the Deputy First Minister's request for permission to state the non-existence of legal advice on whether an independent Scotland would be a member of the EU. \r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-10568 on 12 December 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-22T17:16:59.94","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278356,"EventID":"S4W-11008","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":86,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-08T17:17:00.3","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-08T09:40:33.693","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether the Lord Advocate considers that the exceptional circumstances outlined in his letter to Ruth Davidson of 30 October 2012 existed on 4 March 2012.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-10551 on 12 December 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-22T17:17:00.313","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278357,"EventID":"S4W-11009","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":86,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-08T17:17:00.627","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-08T09:40:33.693","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether the Lord Advocate considers that the comments in his letter to Ruth Davidson dated 30 October 2012 that the three government documents that state that an independent Scotland would continue to be a member of the EU were \"underpinned by legal advice\" are compatible with the Deputy First Minister's comments on 23 October 2012 that the Scottish Government had \"not sought specific legal advice\" on the same issue and, if so, for what reason.  \r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to answer to question S4W-10557 on 12 December 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-22T17:17:00.643","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278358,"EventID":"S4W-11010","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":86,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-08T17:17:00.94","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-08T09:40:33.693","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the report in the Sunday Herald on 4 November 2012, whether the Lord Advocate or the Solicitor General were consulted on the reported changes made to the Scottish Ministerial Code in December 2011 and, if so, when; by whom, and what advice they gave.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-10568 on 12 December 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-22T17:17:00.953","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278359,"EventID":"S4W-11011","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":86,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-08T17:17:01.267","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-08T09:40:33.693","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether the Lord Advocate considers that he gave advice to ministers on whether to appeal Catherine Stihler MEP’s recent freedom of information request and, if so, what that advice was; when, and to whom he gave it.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-10549 on 12 December 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-22T17:17:01.28","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278360,"EventID":"S4W-11012","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":86,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-08T17:17:01.577","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-08T09:40:33.693","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the Lord Advocate’s statement “As a general principle, paragraph 2.31 of the ministerial code provides that law officers should be “consulted in good time before the Government is committed to significant decisions involving legal considerations.”” (Official Report, c. 13131), whether the Lord Advocate considers that the Law Officers were consulted in good time on 23 October 2012 when the Deputy First Minister asked for permission to reveal the non-existence of legal advice relating to an independent Scotland's membership of the EU.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-10568 on 12 December 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-22T17:17:01.593","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278361,"EventID":"S4W-11013","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":86,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-08T17:17:01.907","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-08T09:40:33.693","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether the Lord Advocate considers that the section 30 order being considered by the Parliament details an \"agreed route to independence\" (Official Report, c.13131).\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the Lord Advocate’s oral answer on 7 November 2012 (at Column 13130 – 13131; see:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28862.aspx?r=7541&mode=html#iob_68820).\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-22T17:17:01.92","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278362,"EventID":"S4W-11015","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-08T17:17:02.217","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-08T10:58:32.15","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what action is planned in response to the recommendations in the Scottish Public Health Network's report, Health Care Needs Assessment of Services for Adults with Rheumatoid Arthritis.\r\n","AnswerText":"The recently published Health Care Needs Assessment (HCNA) on Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) was conducted by the Scottish Public Health Network at the request of the Scottish Government. It outlines current RA service provisions across Scotland and makes a number of recommendations that aim to assist NHS Boards to plan and develop services for people living with RA.\r\nA number of the recommendations within the HCNA are applicable nationally and we are currently considering these.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-22T17:17:02.233","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278363,"EventID":"S4W-11016","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-08T17:17:02.717","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-08T10:58:32.15","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what discussions it has had with NHS boards regarding the implementation of the recommendations in the Scottish Public Health Network's report, Health Care Needs Assessment of Services for Adults with Rheumatoid Arthritis. ","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government circulated the Health Care Needs Assessment to NHS boards to afford them the opportunity to consider and comment on its content and recommendations. Once views have been gathered we consider any actions that may be required to support boards to take forward the recommendations.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-22T17:17:02.733","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278364,"EventID":"S4W-11017","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-08T17:17:03.2","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-08T10:58:32.15","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what assessment it has made of NHS boards’ ability to meet the recommendations in the Scottish Public Health Network's report, Health Care Needs Assessment of Services for Adults with Rheumatoid Arthritis.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-11016 on 21 November 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility can be found at: \r\n http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-22T17:17:03.217","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278365,"EventID":"S4W-11018","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-08T17:17:03.7","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-08T10:58:32.15","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what assessment it has made of variations across (a) clinical care teams, (b) hospitals and (c) NHS boards in the provision of care for people with rheumatoid arthritis.","AnswerText":"As the member will be aware the report entitled Health Care Needs Assessment of Services for Adults with Rheumatoid Arthritis (HCNA) was conducted by the Scottish Public Health Network (SPHN) at the Scottish Government’s request, to provide an update to a previous report published in 2002 by the Public Health Institute for Scotland (PHIS). The report outlines Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) service provisions across Scotland and takes account of recent advances in understanding, treatment and care of people living with RA.\r\nThe purpose of the HCNA was to identify gaps in service provision, highlight priority areas for change and make recommendations that aim to assist NHS boards to plan and develop services for people living with RA.\r\nThe role of the Scottish Government is to provide policies, frameworks and resources to NHS boards in order that they can deliver services that meet the needs of their local population. It is for NHS boards to plan and provide services in line with the health needs of their resident populations. NHS boards will need to consider how they will take the recommendations in the HCNA forward. \r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-22T17:17:03.717","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278366,"EventID":"S4W-11019","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-08T17:17:04.2","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-08T10:58:32.15","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what steps are being taken to raise public awareness regarding the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis and the importance of consulting a GP as early as possible.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the question S4W-10481 answered on 6 November 2012. All answers to written Parliamentary Questions are available on the Parliament’s website the search facility for which can be found at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-22T17:17:04.213","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278367,"EventID":"S4W-11020","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-08T17:17:04.697","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-08T10:58:32.15","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what is being done to monitor (a) NHS boards' implementation and (b) the effectiveness of Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network (SIGN) guideline 123 in relation to the diagnosis and treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.","AnswerText":"The recently published Health Care Needs Assessment for Adults with Rheumatoid Arthritis (HCNA) was conducted by the Scottish Public Health Network (SPHN) at the Scottish Government’s request to obtain an update on the provision of services, taking account of recent advances in understanding, treatment and care of people living with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in Scotland. The purpose of the report was to identify gaps in service provision, highlight priority areas for change and make recommendations to assist NHS boards to plan and develop services.\r\nIt is for NHS boards to plan and develop services in line with the needs of their resident populations taking account of local and national guidelines. Scottish Intercollegiate Guideline’s Network (SIGN) produce guidelines for use in NHS Scotland and are developed through a very robust process drawing on a wide evidence base and also significant clinical expertise. The HCNA report highlights the need for the early diagnosis and treatment of rheumatoid arthritis in keeping with the recommendations of SIGN guideline 123.\r\nThe Scottish Government is currently gathering views from NHS boards in relation to the HCNA and will consider what action may be required to assist boards in taking forward the recommendations within the report.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-22T17:17:04.713","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278368,"EventID":"S4W-11021","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-08T17:17:05.18","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-08T10:58:32.15","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what mechanisms are in place to review care provided against the recommendations of Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network (SIGN) guideline 123.\r\n","AnswerText":"Implementation of national clinical guidelines is the responsibility of each NHS board and is an essential part of clinical governance. Local mechanisms should therefore be in place to review care provided against guideline recommendations. The reasons for any differences should be assessed and addressed where appropriate. Local arrangements should then be made to implement the guideline in individual hospitals, units and practices.\r\nNHS boards are expected to review services and facilities regularly to ensure they continue to reflect local needs and provide the best quality healthcare services.\r\nThe Scottish Society for Rheumatology’s web-based audit programme has also undertaken audit work which will inform the improvement of rheumatoid arthritis services. The final report from this work is expected to be published by April 2013.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-22T17:17:05.197","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278369,"EventID":"S4W-11022","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-08T17:17:05.68","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-08T10:58:32.15","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how NHS boards are supported and encouraged to implement Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network (SIGN) guideline 123.","AnswerText":"Implementation of national clinical guidelines is the responsibility of each NHS board and is an essential part of clinical governance. Local mechanisms should therefore be in place to review care provided against guideline recommendations. The reasons for any differences should be assessed and addressed where appropriate. Local arrangements should then be made to implement the guideline in individual hospitals, units and practices.\r\nSIGN has also made tools, including a quick reference guide, an iPhone and android compatible smartphone application and widely disseminated audit criteria available to support NHS boards with implementation.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-22T17:17:05.697","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278370,"EventID":"S4W-11023","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-08T17:17:06.18","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-08T10:58:32.15","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government where ultimate responsibility lies for the implementation of the recommendations in Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network (SIGN) guideline 123.\r\n","AnswerText":"Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network (SIGN) guidelines are recommended to NHS Scotland and should be taken into account when services are being developed. Implementation of SIGN guidelines is the responsibility of NHS boards and their operating divisions which are reinforced and supported by their clinical governance arrangements.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-22T17:17:06.197","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278371,"EventID":"S4W-11024","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-08T17:17:06.68","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-08T10:58:32.15","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many referrals to rheumatologists have come from (a) community pharmacists and (b) physiotherapists in each year since 2007, broken down by NHS board.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not available centrally. Information is only available on the number of referrals from all sources. \r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-22T17:17:06.693","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278372,"EventID":"S4W-11025","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-08T17:17:07.163","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-08T10:58:32.15","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what plans there are to conduct a cost analysis of the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis and the potential cost savings of early and targeted treatment of the condition.","AnswerText":"We have shared the Health Care Needs Assessment of Services for Adults with Rheumatoid Arthritis, conducted by the Scottish Public Health Network at our request, with NHS boards and have invited comments on the report and its recommendations. This includes Part D of the report: Cost Implications for Rheumatoid Arthritis Services in Scotland. We are currently gathering responses and will consider these and how we can support boards to take forward the recommendations in due course.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-22T17:17:07.18","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278373,"EventID":"S4W-11026","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-08T17:17:07.647","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-08T10:58:32.15","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what discussions it has had with the Department of Work and Pensions regarding how many adults are claiming employment and support allowance in Scotland as a result of rheumatoid arthritis.","AnswerText":"We hold regular discussions with the UK Government at Ministerial and official level on welfare matters. There have been no discussions with the Department for Work and Pensions in relation to how many adults are claiming Employment and Support Allowance in Scotland as a result of rheumatoid arthritis.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-22T17:17:07.663","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278374,"EventID":"S4W-11027","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-08T17:17:08.13","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-08T10:58:32.15","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what plans there are to introduce a national register of patients with rheumatoid arthritis.","AnswerText":"There are no plans to establish a registry of rheumatoid arthritis patients in Scotland.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-22T17:17:08.147","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278375,"EventID":"S4W-11028","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-08T17:17:08.613","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-08T10:58:32.15","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much each NHS board has spent on patients with rheumatoid arthritis who (a) self-manage and (b) do not self-manage their condition in each year since 2007.\r\n","AnswerText":"The information is not collected or held centrally to the level of detail requested.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-22T17:17:08.63","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278376,"EventID":"S4W-11029","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-08T17:17:09.13","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-08T10:58:32.15","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what assessment it has made of the cost to the economy from lost working days as a result of rheumatoid arthritis.","AnswerText":"The information that would inform a comprehensive assessment is not held centrally. The Scottish Government wishes to minimise the impact of long-term conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis on the economy; firstly by appropriate prevention and treatment and secondly by supporting employers and employees to maintain work and employment. This is a key focus of our health works strategy and the Scottish Centre for Healthy Working Lives offers a range of support to employers to help people with long term health conditions to continue to work while managing their condition.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-22T17:17:09.143","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278377,"EventID":"S4W-11030","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1845,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-08T17:17:09.627","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-08T11:04:34.773","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether any NHS boards use the Liverpool Care Pathway and, if so, (a) which boards and (b) what targets have been set for the number of patients.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government is aware that some NHS boards in Scotland use the Liverpool Care Pathway (LCP). Information as to which NHS boards use the LCP is not collated centrally.\r\nThe LCP is recognised as one tool which can be used to support delivery of good end of life care, but hospitals in Scotland are not required to adopt it. The Scottish Government does not have targets for Scotland in relation to their use of the LCP, nor would we support doing so.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-22T17:17:09.643","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278378,"EventID":"S4W-11033","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1845,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-08T17:17:10.003","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-08T11:04:34.773","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it offers NHS boards financial incentives to adopt the Liverpool Care Pathway and, if so, what these are.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government does not offer NHS boards financial incentives in relation to their use of the Liverpool Care Pathway and has no intention of doing so.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-22T17:17:10.017","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278379,"EventID":"S4W-11034","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-08T17:17:10.33","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-08T11:12:13.557","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what steps it will take to ensure that the recall of certain batches of Infanrix Hexa has no impact on children in Scotland.\r\n","AnswerText":"The vaccine Infanrix Hexa is not currently marketed in the UK. The recall of batches of the vaccine will therefore have no impact on the children in Scotland.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-22T17:17:10.347","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278380,"EventID":"S4W-11035","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-08T17:17:10.69","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-08T11:12:13.557","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many batches of Infanrix Hexa have been withdrawn in Scotland and what information it has about the rest of UK. \r\n","AnswerText":"The Infanrix Hexa vaccine is not marketed in Scotland or the rest of the UK.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-22T17:17:10.703","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278381,"EventID":"S4W-11036","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-08T17:17:11.033","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-08T11:12:13.557","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it ensures vaccine safety.","AnswerText":"The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency, with independent expert advice from the Commission on Human Medicines is responsible for ensuring that the quality, efficacy and safety of a vaccine is positive at the time of licensing. Post licensure systems are in place to closely monitor the safety of vaccines, using a variety of available data sources, and to ensure that the overall balance of risks and benefits remains positive throughout the product lifecycle. Regulatory action is taken to minimise risk if supported by new data.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-22T17:17:11.047","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278382,"EventID":"S4W-11037","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-08T17:17:11.407","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-08T11:12:13.557","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what arrangements there are for the independent monitoring of (a) quality control and (b) hygiene regulation in vaccine manufacturing establishments.","AnswerText":"There is a legal requirement for National Competent Authorities (NCAs) to supervise all manufacturers of pharmaceutical products, which includes vaccines, for human and veterinary use. This supervision is achieved by the initial and periodic re-inspection (and where necessary, unannounced inspections) of all manufacturing sites to determine whether they meet the required standards (good manufacturing practice.\r\nWhere this standard is met an authorisation to manufacture is granted. For human medicinal products manufactured in the UK, the NCA is the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency which has put in place robust procedures to ensure that it discharges its responsibilities in an independent manner.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-22T17:17:11.423","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278383,"EventID":"S4W-11038","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-08T17:17:11.907","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-08T11:21:42.507","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-09936 by John Swinney on 25 October 2012, for what reason the NHS employer pension contribution is 13.5% in Scotland when it is 14% in England and Wales.","AnswerText":"The employer contribution rate for the NHS pension scheme in Scotland was set at 13.5% based upon the last actuarial investigation report, published by the Government Actuary Department (GAD) in July 2008. This report was based upon data, methodology and assumptions set specifically for the Scottish NHS workforce and a separate similar process is conducted for the England & Wales NHS pension scheme.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-22T17:17:11.92","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278384,"EventID":"S4W-11039","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-08T17:17:12.497","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-08T11:21:42.507","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-09936 by John Swinney on 25 October 2012, what the annual cost would be of an increase in NHS employer pension contributions from 13.5% to 14%. \r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has estimated that the annual cost would be approximately £21 million.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-22T17:17:12.513","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278385,"EventID":"S4W-11040","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-08T17:17:13.03","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-08T11:21:42.507","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what assessment it has made of the scale of risk of the NHS maintenance backlog of over £1 billion as outlined in the Audit Scotland report, NHS financial performance 2011/12.","AnswerText":"The NHS maintenance backlog figure of over £1 billion outlined in the Audit Scotland report covers properties that are to be retained and those designated as surplus for disposal. Around 20% of the current backlog maintenance expenditure requirement is in buildings which are classified as “non-clinical” and will thus have little impact on patient healthcare experience.\r\nMy officials are working with NHS boards to reduce the reported backlog maintenance through refurbishment, replacement, rationalisation and disposal of properties.\r\nThe scale of risk and associated backlog costs outlined in the Audit Scotland Report, NHS financial performance 2011-12 has been assessed as £194.8 million low risk, £272.3 million medium risk, £289.3 million Significant Risk, £252.5 million high risk.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-22T17:17:13.06","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278386,"EventID":"S4W-11041","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-08T17:17:13.513","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-08T11:21:42.507","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it will address the NHS maintenance backlog of over £1 billion as outlined in the Audit Scotland report, NHS financial performance 2011/12.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W–11040 on 22 November 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-22T17:17:13.527","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278387,"EventID":"S4W-11042","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-08T17:17:14.01","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-08T11:21:42.507","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether the Audit Scotland report, NHS financial performance 2011/12, is correct in stating that the overall health budget \"has been decreasing in real terms since 2009/10 and is projected to decrease further in real terms for the next three years”.","AnswerText":"Despite the significant budget reductions for Scotland arising from the 2010 UK Comprehensive Spending Review, the Scottish Government has fully delivered on its promise to pass on all of the resource Barnett consequentials to Health over the period 2011-12 to 2014-15; this positive action has protected the health resource budget in real terms.\r\nThe health resource budget is increasing significantly in cash terms by over half a billion pounds, or 5.2%, over the next two year period which means that spend on day to day health services has been protected in real terms.\r\nTerritorial health boards who provide frontline point of care services will receive above inflation increases in 2013-14 and 2014-15 of 3.3% and 3.1% which represents real terms increases of 0.8% and 0.6% respectively.\r\nIn addition, the short to medium term outlook will see capital resources under severe pressure given the significant real terms reduction in capital resources available to the Scottish Government over the 2010 Comprehensive Spending Review period from 2011-12 to 2014-15. In response to this situation however, the Scottish Government has put in place arrangements to support a programme of £2.5 billion of revenue financed investment across Scotland to boost infrastructure investment. Of this total investment, £750 million is being directed towards projects within health as non profit distributing projects or via the hub initiative.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-22T17:17:14.027","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278388,"EventID":"S4W-11043","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-08T17:17:14.527","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-08T11:21:42.507","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what action it will take to ensure transparency of NHS board budgets following the Audit Scotland report, NHS financial performance 2011/12.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government recognises the importance not only of transparency, but also of consistency of reporting and will provide guidance to NHS boards to further improve the consistency of board reporting in this area.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-22T17:17:14.543","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278389,"EventID":"S4W-11044","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-08T17:17:15.01","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-08T11:21:42.507","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether any NHS board has reported an underlying recurring deficit for 2012-13.\r\n","AnswerText":"For the fiscal period 2011-12, nine NHS boards reported an underlying recurring deficit. For the same period, the combined underlying recurring deficit for NHS Scotland was £31.29million. For 2012-13 the number of boards reporting an underlying recurring deficit has reduced to seven; with the current combined forecast for NHS Scotland reduced to £16.68million.\r\nThe following table details the recurring surplus/deficit reported by NHS boards to Audit Scotland for 2011-12 (actual position) and projected for 2012-13. This information is contained within the Audit Scotland NHS financial performance 2011-12 report. For 2011-12 boards reported a combined underlying recurring deficit of £31.29million. The projection for 2012-13 previously reported to Audit Scotland is for the combined underlying recurring deficit to reduce to £15.04million.\r\nThe latest combined information reported by NHS boards to the Scottish Government Health and Social Care Directorates (SGHSCD) from the financial returns covering the period to 30 September 2012 is a forecast for 2012-13 of a recurring deficit of £16.68million (c0.17%).\r\nNHS Fife has an agreed financial plan to achieve recurring financial balance by the end of 2013-14. In the context of an £11.6 billion health budget this is not considered to be a high risk area particularly when the forecast for 2012-13 is that the recurring deficit will substantially reduce from the previous year.\r\n\r\nNHS Board\r\nAudit Scotland\r\nSGHSCD to 30 September 2012\r\nActual Underlying Recurring surplus/(deficit) 2011-12\r\nProjected Underlying Recurring surplus/(deficit) 2012-13\r\nForecast Underlying Recurring surplus/(deficit) 2012-13\r\n \r\n£m\r\n£m\r\n£m\r\nNHS Ayrshire & Arran\r\n0.60\r\n0.00\r\n0.00\r\nNHS Borders\r\n(0.19)\r\n0.00\r\n0.00\r\nNHS Dumfries & Galloway\r\n0.00\r\n0.00\r\n0.00\r\nNHS Fife\r\n(4.02)\r\n(7.37)\r\n(7.37)\r\nNHS Forth Valley\r\n(11.24)\r\n0.00\r\n0.00\r\nNHS Grampian\r\n2.62\r\n(0.07)\r\n0.00\r\nNHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde\r\n0.00\r\n0.00\r\n0.00\r\nNHS Highland\r\n(8.83)\r\n(5.87)\r\n(5.87)\r\nNHS Lanarkshire\r\n0.07\r\n0.25\r\n0.25\r\nNHS Lothian\r\n(7.00)\r\n0.00\r\n(2.41)\r\nNHS Orkney\r\n(1.19)\r\n0.03\r\n0.00\r\nNHS Shetland\r\n(1.56)\r\n(1.38)\r\n(1.03)\r\nNHS Tayside\r\n(2.80)\r\n(3.10)\r\n(3.00)\r\nNHS Western Isles\r\n(0.50)\r\n(0.40)\r\n(0.31)\r\n \r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nTerritorial Boards \r\n(34.04)\r\n(17.91)\r\n(19.74)\r\n \r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nNHS National Services Scotland\r\n0.00\r\n0.00\r\n0.00\r\nScottish Ambulance Service\r\n0.00\r\n0.00\r\n0.00\r\nNHS Education for Scotland\r\n1.50\r\n2.70\r\n2.77\r\nNHS 24\r\n0.20\r\n0.00\r\n0.00\r\nNHS National Waiting Times Centre Board\r\n0.00\r\n0.00\r\n0.00\r\nThe State Hospital\r\n0.25\r\n(0.25)\r\n(0.13)\r\nNHS Health Scotland\r\n0.61\r\n0.42\r\n0.42\r\nHealthcare Improvement Scotland\r\n0.13\r\n0.00\r\n0.00\r\nMental Welfare Commission\r\n0.06\r\n0.00\r\n0.00\r\n \r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nSpecial Boards\r\n2.75\r\n2.87\r\n3.06\r\n \r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nNHS Scotland\r\n(31.29)\r\n(15.04)\r\n(16.68)\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-22T17:17:15.027","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278390,"EventID":"S4W-11045","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-08T17:17:15.493","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-08T11:21:42.507","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it has agreed or anticipates having to agree to provide additional financial support for any NHS board for 2012-13 to enable it to stay within its revenue resource limit.\r\n","AnswerText":"In addition to the answer provided in S4W-11046 relating to brokerage, the Scottish Government Health and Social Care Directorates (SGHSCD) have the following arrangements in place:\r\nFinancial Support\r\nNHS 24\r\nFinancial Support\r\nRepayment Profile\r\n2011-12\r\n2012-13\r\n2013-14\r\nTotal\r\n2014-15\r\n2015-16\r\n2016-17\r\n2017-18\r\nTotal\r\n£m\r\n£m\r\n£m\r\n£m\r\n£m\r\n£m\r\n£m\r\n£m\r\n£m\r\n0.320\r\n16.577\r\n1.660\r\n18.557\r\n5.275\r\n5.492\r\n5.700\r\n2.090\r\n18.557\r\nNHS 24 is in the process of implementing a new information and telephony system required to further enhance its frontline services. The Scottish Government has agreed to provide transitional support to NHS 24 over the period 2011-12 to 2013-14 to enable upfront payment of implementation costs due under the contracts. This transitional support ensures that NHS 24 and NHS Scotland avoids financing charges which would be payable if these implementation costs were phased over the life of the contract and accelerates the realisation of contractual and service redesign savings arising from the new arrangements in a more cost effective way.\r\nA repayment profile for this transitional support has been agreed with NHS 24 to reflect the realisation of savings arising from the new contracts. This profile is incorporated into the boards’ approved financial plan.\r\nReprofiling of NRAC Funding:NHS Lothian has estimated the total cost of delivering additional waiting times activity during 2012-13 at £20million. The funding source has been secured with £10million being provided internally by NHS Lothian and the remaining £10million being provided by the Scottish Government Health and Social Care Directorates with this requiring to be repaid and off-set against future NRAC (NHS Scotland Resource Allocation Committee) allocations over the next two financial years (2013-14 and 2014-15).\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-22T17:17:15.51","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278391,"EventID":"S4W-11046","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-08T17:17:15.993","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-08T11:21:42.507","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many and which NHS boards are repaying financial support and what the repayment profile is in each case.","AnswerText":"There are four NHS boards that have a brokerage arrangement and associated repayment schedule in place. These are summarised as follows:\r\nNHS Western Isles\r\nBrokerage\r\nRepayment Profile\r\n2008-09\r\nTotal\r\n2011-12\r\n2012-13\r\n2013-14\r\n2014-15\r\n2015-16\r\n2016-17\r\n2017-18\r\nTotal\r\n£m\r\n£m\r\n£m\r\n£m\r\n£m\r\n£m\r\n£m\r\n£m\r\n£m\r\n£m\r\n3.097\r\n3.097\r\n0.631\r\n0.085\r\n0.540\r\n0.540\r\n0.540\r\n0.540\r\n0.221\r\n3.097\r\nNHS Western Isles received brokerage in 2008-09 to enable the cumulative deficit built up over a four year period between 2003-04 and 2006-07 (inclusive) to be cleared following section 22 reports from the Auditor General for Scotland and the work of the Parliament’s Public Audit Committee. The Scottish Governments Health & Social Care Directorates (SGHSCD) provided brokerage after agreeing a financial recovery plan with the board. Following an intended payment holiday of three years, NHS Western Isles commenced repayment a year early in 2011-12 with an accelerated payment of £0.631million. This positive action has reduced the boards’ liability in future years.\r\nNHS Orkney\r\nBrokerage\r\nRepayment Profile\r\n2009-10\r\n2010-11\r\n2011-12\r\nTotal\r\n2011-12\r\n2012-13\r\n2013-14\r\n2014-15\r\n2015-16\r\n2016-17\r\n2017-18\r\nTotal\r\n£m\r\n£m\r\n£m\r\n£m\r\n£m\r\n£m\r\n£m\r\n£m\r\n£m\r\n£m\r\n£m\r\n£m\r\n1.110\r\n1.011\r\n2.259\r\n4.380\r\n0.323\r\n0.370\r\n0.738\r\n0.738\r\n0.738\r\n0.738\r\n0.735\r\n4.380\r\nThe provision of financial support is offered as an enabler to deliver financial balance and allows NHS Orkney to move forward with plans for the future, including a strengthened health and social care model and redesigned acute services.\r\nNHS Forth Valley\r\nBrokerage\r\nRepayment Profile\r\n2010-11\r\n2011-12\r\nTotal\r\n2011-12\r\n2012-13\r\n2013-14\r\n2014-15\r\n2015-16\r\nTotal\r\n£m\r\n£m\r\n£m\r\n£m\r\n£m\r\n£m\r\n£m\r\n£m\r\n£m\r\n2.100\r\n10.000\r\n12.100\r\n1.548\r\n3.634\r\n3.853\r\n2.482\r\n0.583\r\n12.100\r\nNHS Forth Valley has a specific set of circumstances which have led to the provision of brokerage to support achievement of a balanced financial position. SGHSCD engaged with the board to deliver a package of tailored support during 2011-12.  SGHSCD received robust assurances in the form of an agreed financial recovery plan from the board that the provision of funding in advance would deliver in-year financial balance in 2011-12 and recurring balance from 2012-13 onwards. In 2011-12 the board was required to implement significant operational and strategic change, including completion and transfer of services to the new Forth Valley Royal Hospital at Larbert and continuation of multi-site working. The brokerage repayment arrangement has been agreed based upon future capital receipts.\r\nNHS Fife\r\nBrokerage\r\nRepayment Profile\r\n2011-12\r\nTotal\r\n2012-13\r\nTotal\r\n£m\r\n£m\r\n£m\r\n£m\r\n1.110\r\n1.110\r\n1.110\r\n1.110\r\nNHS Fife has a specific set of circumstances including transitional costs associated with the transfer of services to the new Victoria Hospital which opened in October 2011. Following a period of tailored support, NHS Fife delivered a balanced financial position in 2011-12 and has an agreed financial plan to achieve recurring financial balance by the end of 2013-14. In terms of financial support arrangements in place not defined as brokerage, I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-11045 on 22 November 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\n http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-22T17:17:16.007","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278392,"EventID":"S4W-11047","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-08T17:17:16.493","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-08T11:21:42.507","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much each NHS board (a) returned as a capital receipt and (b) retained as a profit from the sale of assets (i) in 2011-12 and (ii) to 1 October 2012.","AnswerText":"Guidance contained within the NHS Chief Executive Letter (CEL) 32 (2010) dated 19 August 2010: Arrangements for the Management of NHSScotland Capital Resources after 2010-11 sets out the recommendations developed by NHS Scotland via the Capital Strategy Group, agreed to by NHS board chief executives, on the future handling of capital resources across NHS Scotland. With particular regard to capital receipts, CEL 32 (2010) notifies boards that for those capital receipts not already identified as supporting projects with approved outline business cases the capital element of receipts will accrue to SGHSCD and be used to support the overall capital programme. Any element of an asset disposal that scores as revenue income (profit on disposal) will be left with the health board where the capital receipt arose.\r\nReturn of capital receipts for 2011-12 and to 30 September 2012 broken down by NHS board is as follows:\r\nNHS Board\r\nTotal Capital Receipts 2011-12\r\n2012-13 Capital Receipts to 30 September 2012\r\n\r\n£000\r\n£000\r\nNHS Ayrshire & Arran\r\n50\r\n435\r\nNHS Borders\r\n229\r\n468\r\nNHS Dumfries & Galloway\r\n50\r\n0\r\nNHS Fife\r\n18\r\n0\r\nNHS Forth Valley\r\n1,548\r\n150\r\nNHS Grampian\r\n432\r\n183\r\nNHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde\r\n2,267\r\n258\r\nNHS Highland\r\n299\r\n112\r\nNHS Lanarkshire\r\n10\r\n0\r\nNHS Lothian\r\n2,605\r\n0\r\nNHS Orkney\r\n188\r\n5\r\nNHS Shetland\r\n23\r\n0\r\nNHS Tayside\r\n201\r\n0\r\nNHS Western Isles\r\n199\r\n0\r\nTerritorial Boards \r\n8,119\r\n1,611\r\nNHS National Services Scotland\r\n24\r\n0\r\nScottish Ambulance Service\r\n861\r\n0\r\nNHS Education for Scotland\r\n35\r\n0\r\nNHS 24\r\n0\r\n0\r\nNHS National Waiting Times Centre Board\r\n0\r\n0\r\nThe State Hospital\r\n141\r\n0\r\nNHS Health Scotland\r\n0\r\n0\r\nHealthcare Improvement Scotland\r\n0\r\n0\r\nSpecial Boards\r\n1,061\r\n0\r\nNHS Scotland\r\n9,180\r\n1,611\r\nSource – 2011-12 Annual Accounts & Board Financial Returns to SGHSCD for the period to 30 September 2012.\r\nThe profit on disposal retained by boards for 2011-12 is provided in the following table. The only board to return this funding directly to SGHSCD during 2011-12 was NHS Orkney, a total of £0.151million as part of a agreed brokerage repayment arrangement.\r\nProfit on disposal is not monitored by SGHSCD during the year, this is managed locally by boards as part of managing their overall financial position; therefore information is not available to 30 September 2012. The full year position for 2012-13 will be available from the audited annual accounts.\r\nNHS Board\r\n2011-12 Profit on Disposal Retained By Board\r\n \r\n£000\r\nNHS Ayrshire & Arran\r\n3\r\nNHS Borders\r\n14\r\nNHS Dumfries & Galloway\r\n0\r\nNHS Fife\r\n0\r\nNHS Forth Valley\r\n0\r\nNHS Grampian\r\n0\r\nNHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde\r\n35\r\nNHS Highland\r\n426\r\nNHS Lanarkshire\r\n0\r\nNHS Lothian\r\n1,677\r\nNHS Orkney\r\n0\r\nNHS Shetland\r\n28\r\nNHS Tayside\r\n186\r\nNHS Western Isles\r\n25\r\nTerritorial Boards \r\n2,394\r\nNHS National Services Scotland\r\n1\r\nScottish Ambulance Service\r\n211\r\nNHS Education for Scotland\r\n0\r\nNHS 24\r\n0\r\nNHS National Waiting Times Centre Board\r\n0\r\nThe State Hospital\r\n0\r\nNHS Health Scotland\r\n0\r\nHealthcare Improvement Scotland\r\n0\r\nSpecial Boards\r\n212\r\nNHS Scotland\r\n2,606\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-22T17:17:16.507","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278393,"EventID":"S4W-11057","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-08T17:17:17.07","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-08T11:33:56.333","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the criteria are for receiving funding from the Scottish Investment Bank.\r\n","AnswerText":"Information on the criteria for funding from the Scottish Investment Bank is available on the Scottish Enterprise website and this can be accessed at http://www.scottish-enterprise.com/fund-your-business/scottish-investment-bank.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-22T17:17:17.083","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278394,"EventID":"S4W-11058","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-08T17:17:17.397","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-08T11:33:56.333","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what companies received funding from the Scottish Investment Bank in 2011-12, broken down by (a) region and (b) amount provided.\r\n","AnswerText":"This is an operational matter for Scottish Enterprise. I will ask its chief executive to reply to you.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-22T17:17:17.413","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278395,"EventID":"S4W-11059","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-08T17:17:17.723","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-08T12:30:30","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will respond to the recommendations in the Scottish Diabetes Think Tank report, Diabetes in Scotland: A Transition to Better Care.","AnswerText":"Many of the areas highlighted within the Diabetes in Scotland: A Transition to Better Care report are being addressed through the implementation of our Diabetes Action Plan (2010).\r\nWe will ask the Scottish Diabetes Group, which is responsible for overseeing implementation of the Diabetes Action Plan, to consider the findings of the report at their next meeting on the 29 November 2012.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-22T17:17:17.74","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278396,"EventID":"S4W-11060","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-08T17:17:18.207","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-08T12:30:30","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how the transition for young people with diabetes from paediatric to adult services is delivered.","AnswerText":"We expect that every NHS boards should ensure that appropriate local transitional arrangements are in place which meet the needs of their local population.\r\nTransitional arrangements exist in every NHS board area and every NHS board area, where appropriate, now has joint clinics with representation from both adult and paediatric services.\r\nSIGN Guideline 116 on the management of diabetes, published in 2010, noted the limited evidence on the different adolescent transition models.\r\nThe Scottish Diabetes Group has appointed an adolescent and paediatric subgroup, supported by national paediatric coordinator for diabetes services. This group and post will help to support an improved and standardised approach to the care of all children and young adults with diabetes in Scotland.\r\nThe paediatric subgroup and coordinator now plan to work with NHS boards to build on and strengthen these transitional services.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-22T17:17:18.223","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278397,"EventID":"S4W-11061","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-08T17:17:18.707","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-08T12:30:30","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what psychosocial support is provided to young people and their families following a diagnosis of diabetes.","AnswerText":"NHS boards’ diabetes services are responsible for ensuring young people with diabetes get access to the emotional and psychological support they need.\r\nOur Diabetes Action Plan 2010 fully recognises the importance of improving the capacity and quality of emotional and psychological support available to people with diabetes of all ages. It states:\r\nWe want to improve the full spectrum of emotional and psychological support for people living with diabetes in Scotland through enhancing the skills of clinical staff and valuing the contribution of voluntary sector support, including peer support.\r\nWe are currently supporting a range of projects including the Psychology in Diabetes, Psychology and Diabetes project, which is running within six NHS boards. The project aims to implant psychological care within diabetes services, including two paediatric services, through training NHS staff to improve their skills in behaviour change and psychological support. This initiative provides the opportunity for\r\nincreased psychological support to people with diabetes; \r\nintegrated care across medical and psychological issues; and \r\nbuilding a skill base in diabetes within the psychology professions.\r\nWe are also working with Diabetes UK Scotland in the delivery of a national buddy coordinator project, which will help people with diabetes to access peer support.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-22T17:17:18.707","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278398,"EventID":"S4W-11062","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-08T17:17:19.19","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-08T12:30:30","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it will ensure that NHS boards take a consistent approach to the use of new technology in the management of diabetes.","AnswerText":"We fully recognise the important role that technology can play in supporting the care of people with diabetes. This is reflected in our investment of £2.5 million in insulin pump technology earlier this year. We have also invested £115,000 in the “MyDiabetesMyWay” online tool which connects people with diabetes to their clinical data online.\r\nWe expect local NHS boards diabetes to take full advantage of new health technologies to benefit people with diabetes once they have demonstrated that they are clinically and cost effective.\r\nNHS boards are supported by well established, robust advice mechanisms, including the Scottish Health Technologies Group, to help ensure that people with diabetes get appropriate access to new treatments.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-22T17:17:19.207","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278399,"EventID":"S4W-11063","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-08T17:17:19.69","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-08T12:30:30","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how diabetes in older people is managed, including for people in residential care.","AnswerText":"We want to ensure that all people with diabetes, irrespective of age get access to the best possible care - appropriately tailored to their individual needs.\r\nOur Diabetes Action Plan 2010 notes that:\r\nOver the lifetime of this Action Plan, diabetes care services should become more flexible and effective in their capacity to reach people in all care settings and to provide training and mentoring for non-specialist community care partners.\r\nDiabetes Managed Clinical Networks are currently reviewing the diabetes education available to staff working in residential homes, we expect this work will help strengthen staff’s ability to deliver person-centred care.\r\nFrom 1 October 2012, the Government implemented the ban on age discrimination enshrined in the Equality Act 2010, giving protection against age discrimination in services provided by the public, private and third sectors.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-22T17:17:19.707","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278400,"EventID":"S4W-11064","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-08T17:17:20.173","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-08T12:30:30","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on the cost-effectiveness of screening for diabetes.","AnswerText":"Recommendations on whether to screen for a particular condition or disease are made at a UK level, by the UK National Screening Committee. Before making a recommendation, the UK National Screening Committee reviews evidence against a set of criteria, including cost effectiveness criteria.\r\nThe most recent review of evidence for diabetes in 2006 found that existing \r\ncost-effectiveness modelling was not conclusive on whether screening should be undertaken, or on which sub-groups of the population could potentially benefit from screening. Further information on this review can be found at: http://www.screening.nhs.uk/diabetes. In light of the review findings, the UK National Screening Committee recommended that general population screening for diabetes should not be offered. This recommendation is due to be reviewed shortly.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-22T17:17:20.19","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278401,"EventID":"S4W-11065","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-08T17:17:20.657","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-08T12:30:30","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether transitional diabetes services are provided in every NHS board area.","AnswerText":"Our Diabetes Action Plan, published in 2010, highlights the importance of transitional care in supporting young people with diabetes to effectively manage their condition, and we expect every board to ensure that children are appropriately managed in the transition from paediatric to adult diabetes services.\r\nThe Scottish Diabetes Group has appointed an adolescent and paediatric subgroup, supported by national paediatric coordinator for diabetes services. This group and post will help to support an improved and standardised approach to the care of all children and young adults with diabetes in Scotland.\r\nThe coordinator visited each NHS board area in 2012 and has confirmed, with services, that transitional arrangement exist in every board area. In addition every NHS board area, where appropriate, now has joint clinics with representation from both adult and paediatric services.\r\nThe paediatric subgroup and coordinator now plan to work with NHS boards to build on and strengthen these transitional services.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-22T17:17:20.673","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278402,"EventID":"S4W-11066","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-08T17:17:21.53","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-08T12:30:30","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it has undertaken an audit of diabetes services in each NHS board area.","AnswerText":"The annual Scottish Diabetes Survey produced by the Scottish Diabetes Survey Monitoring Group, provides a comprehensive account of the quality of diabetes care across the whole of Scotland. This year, the Survey includes charts that will enable each NHS board and diabetes managed clinical networks to quickly review and compare their local information. The latest published edition of the survey can be found at the following link:\r\nhttp://www.diabetesinscotland.org.uk/Publications/SDS%202011.pdf\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-22T17:17:21.547","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278403,"EventID":"S4W-11067","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-08T17:17:22.107","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-08T12:30:30","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what diabetes services (a) there are at the Royal Hospital for Sick Children (Yorkhill) and (b) are planned for the new South Glasgow Children's Hospital.","AnswerText":"The paediatric diabetes team in NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHSGGC) provide an integrated service supported by a group of consultant paediatricians from both the Royal Alexandra Hospital (RAH) in Paisley and the Royal Hospital for Sick Children (RHSC), Yorkhill. The team is also supported by a cohort of specialist nurses, dieticians and clinical psychology. At both the RHSC and RAH there are strong links with complementary specialist services, including endocrinology.\r\nEducation is a key feature of the service with strong links in place to schools, nurseries and community child health services. Education sessions are also provided at the RHSC for patients and families.\r\nThe paediatric diabetes team has good links with the adult services and is currently developing transition plans for the move to the new South Glasgow Children’s Hospital. The new Children’s Hospital will be delivered to the same clinical high standard of the RHSC.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-22T17:17:22.107","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278404,"EventID":"S4W-11068","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1932,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":117,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-08T17:17:22.607","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-08T14:58:30.837","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what power it has to ensure that the promotion of sustainable economic development  is a priority in all of the work that local authorities undertake.\r\n","AnswerText":"Councils are autonomous bodies whose powers are set out in statute and are entirely separate from the Scottish Government. It is up to each local authority how it prioritises its activities. \r\nResponsibility for local economic development and local regeneration transferred to local authorities as part of the 2007 Enterprise Network Reforms ensuring better integration with other services delivered by local authorities that affect economic development such as planning, environmental health, consumer and trading standards. This gives local authorities a significant role in supporting their local economies. The Scottish Local Authorities Economic Development Group estimated in 2010 that local authorities had an annual spend of around £214 million on economic development activities. Community planning partnerships of which there is one for each local authority area, are expected to include in their single outcome agreements (SOAs) with the Scottish Government a focus on economic development. The National Group on community planning that was established after the review of community planning by the Scottish Government and COSLA earlier this year has agreed that new SOAs to be put in place in 2013 should include a clear strategic focus on key national priorities, including economic recovery and growth.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-22T17:17:22.623","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278405,"EventID":"S4W-11069","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1932,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":117,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-08T17:17:22.933","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-08T14:58:30.837","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will place a statutory duty on local authorities to promote sustainable economic development.","AnswerText":"Local authorities are empowered to promote economic development, under the power to advance well being (Part Three of The Local Government in Scotland Act 2003 – Power to Advance Well Being) which is a discretionary power enabling local authorities to do anything they consider is likely to promote or improve the well-being of their area and/or persons in it.\r\nThe Power to Advance Well Being guidance set out some key factors which could contribute to well-being.\r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2004/04/19276/36158#b15.\r\nThese key factors included economic factors.\r\nThe Scottish Government and COSLA agreed a set of actions to strengthen community planning following a joint review they conducted earlier this year. Those include creating a new statutory duty on individual community planning partners to work together to improve outcomes for local communities through participation in community planning partnerships and the provision of resources to deliver single outcome agreements (SOAs). SOAs are expected to include a focus on economic development, which should thus fall within the scope of this new duty. Community Planning partners include local authorities as well as a range of other players, such as the Enterprise Networks and Health Boards.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-22T17:17:22.95","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278406,"EventID":"S4W-11070","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1932,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":117,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-08T17:17:23.23","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-08T14:58:30.837","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what steps it is taking to ensure that planning authorities improve their performance in terms of the speed of consideration of planning applications.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government is committed to a high performing planning service that contributes to sustainable economic growth. In March, I announced the publication of the Planning Performance Framework, drawn up by Heads of Planning Scotland and the Scottish Government. The framework was devised to assess planning authority performance against a wide range of performance and service quality criteria including the speed in which authorities process planning applications. We are currently assessing the first set of annual performance reports under the framework and the most recently published statistics to examine where barriers to decision making occur. \r\nIn addition to the performance framework, we are taking forward a package of planning reform measures that aim to streamline the planning system, helping to speed up decision making, ensure applicants receive a better service and help deliver development. We have already made significant progress – we have permanently increased permitted development rights for householders reducing regulation, and are now taking forward more changes for non-householders; and we are improving handling of major development through the promotion of processing agreements and initiatives such as our planning protocol within Enterprise Areas. I am committed to maintaining momentum on planning reform and ensuring the system is proportionate and assists authorities to improve performance and improve service standards. A record of the progress made on these reforms can be found at the following link http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Built-Environment/planning/reform/Monitoring.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-22T17:17:23.247","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Derek Mackay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278414,"EventID":"S4W-11071","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4938,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-09T14:33:55.537","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-08T15:01:07.65","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much (a) revenue and (b) capital funding has been allocated to North Lanarkshire Council for 2012–13.","AnswerText":"North Lanarkshire Council has been allocated revenue funding of £658,396,000 and capital funding of £23,249,000 for 2012-13.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-23T14:33:55.74","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278415,"EventID":"S4W-11072","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2066,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-09T14:34:03.4","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-08T15:15:44","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what action it is taking to improve the safety of the crossings on the A83 at (a) Tarbert and (b) Ardrishaig.","AnswerText":"Safety at the crossings at Tarbert and Ardrishaig will be looked at as part of the current A83 Study which is looking closely at what more can be done in managing the effects of landslides at the Rest and Be Thankful and also looking at removing pinch points along the route. The A83 Taskforce will oversee delivery of any longer-term measures.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-23T14:34:03.417","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278416,"EventID":"S4W-11073","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2066,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-09T14:34:03.727","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-08T15:15:44","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much it will invest in improving the safety of the crossings on the A83 at (a) Tarbert and (b) Ardrishaig.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-11072 on 21 November 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/Apps2/MAQASearch/QAndMSearch.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-23T14:34:03.743","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278417,"EventID":"S4W-11074","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-09T14:34:04.04","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-08T16:17:13","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will review the ETSU-R-97 spatial regulation on wind farm deployments and housing, in light of recently published studies on the effects of wind farms on health.\r\n","AnswerText":"ETSU-R-97 is a UK Government publication and has become an industry standard, the Scottish Government is not currently reviewing it. However we are working with the UK Government and the Institute of Acoustics on the production of good practice guidance for the application of ETSU-R-97.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-23T14:34:04.057","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Derek Mackay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278418,"EventID":"S4W-11075","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-09T14:34:04.353","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-08T16:17:13","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what scientific evidence it has considered in relation to setting minimum distances of wind farms from housing.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has not set a minimum distance between housing and wind farms. Paragraph 190 of Scottish Planning Policy states ‘A separation distance of up to 2km between areas of search and the edge of cities, towns and villages is recommended to guide developments to the most appropriate sites and to reduce visual impact, but decisions on individual developments should take into account specific local circumstances and geography.’\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-23T14:34:04.367","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Derek Mackay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278419,"EventID":"S4W-11076","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-09T14:34:04.663","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-08T16:17:13","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it has a duty of care to residents who have poor health as a result of inappropriately situated wind farms. \r\n","AnswerText":"We consider that the provisions currently in place in respect of planning and operational noise control provide an appropriate and practical level of public protection from noise concerns arising from the development and operation of wind farms in Scotland.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-23T14:34:04.68","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278420,"EventID":"S4W-11077","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-09T14:34:04.977","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-08T16:30:08","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, in relation to an independent Scotland's membership of the EU, what its position is on the statement by Catalonia's regional leader, Artur Mas, on 7 November 2012 that \"The European treaties do not say Catalonia can stay in the EU, but they don't say the opposite either.”\r\n","AnswerText":"I would refer the member to the Deputy First Minister’s statement on 23 October 2012 and her speech in the debate on the Future of Scotland on 30 October 2012.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-23T14:34:04.99","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278421,"EventID":"S4W-11097","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":131,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-09T14:34:05.303","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-09T10:27:00.527","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-10110 by Margaret Burgess on 31 October 2012, how the table provided in that answer can be reconciled with the data in its online publication, Housing Statistics for Scotland – Social Sector new build.\r\n","AnswerText":"The answer to question S4W-10110 also includes housing association rehabilitation starts, off the shelf purchase starts and the home owners’ support fund. This information is not included within the Social Sector new build table referred to. The information provided within S4W-10110 was derived from the Affordable Housing Supply Programme tables from the Housing Statistics for Scotland at:\r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Statistics/Browse/Housing-Regeneration/HSfS/NB-AHIP.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-23T14:34:05.32","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Burgess","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278422,"EventID":"S4W-11126","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":131,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-09T14:34:05.647","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-08T16:39:23","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it will achieve a saving of £12.7 million in the rail infrastructure budget between 2012-13 and 2013-14 as indicated in its 2013-14 draft budget .\r\n","AnswerText":"The reduction in the 2013-14 spending plan for rail infrastructure reflects a number of factors. \r\nNetwork Rail receive their funding via two routes – a proportion as a direct grant from the Scottish Government (Rail Infrastructure) and the balance through track access charges paid by First ScotRail and subsidised by the Scottish Government (Rail Franchise). The split between the two is determined by the Office of Rail Regulation (ORR) and changes over time. Compared to 2012-13, a higher proportion is due to be paid as track access charges through the ScotRail franchise in 2013-14 thereby increasing the Rail Franchise spending plan and reducing the Rail Infrastructure spending plan by an equivalent amount. Total funding for Network Rail’s operation, maintenance, renewal and enhancement of the rail infrastructure in Scotland is planned to increase by around £30 million between 2012-13 and 2013-14 based on current inflation expectations.\r\nThe ORR’s determination of Network Rail’s funding requirement in Scotland for Control Period 4 (2009-10 to 2013-14) also assumed that the company would improve on the efficiency of its controllable operating, maintenance, and renewal costs by at least 21% over the five-year control period. In addition, Network Rail expects to deliver efficiencies over and above the ORR’s original determination and these are reflected in future spending plans.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-23T14:34:05.663","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278423,"EventID":"S4W-11127","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":131,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-09T14:34:05.973","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-08T16:39:23","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much of the £53 million allocated to major public transport projects in the 2011-12 Scottish Budget was spent on (a) the Edinburgh Glasgow Improvement Programme and (b) the Borders railway project.\r\n","AnswerText":"The budget for Major Public Transport Projects funds specific commitments including the Borders Railway project, the Paisley Corridor Improvement project, the Waverley Station Redevelopment, the Edinburgh-Glasgow Improvement Programme and our contribution to the Edinburgh Trams project. It is managed on a programme basis and is therefore not allocated to specific projects.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-23T14:34:06.007","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278424,"EventID":"S4W-11128","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":131,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-09T14:34:06.303","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-08T16:39:23","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much of the £39.8 million that was allocated to major public transport projects in the 2012-13 Scottish Budget will be spent on (a) the Edinburgh Glasgow Improvement Programme and (b) the Borders railway project.\r\n","AnswerText":"The budget for Major Public Transport Projects funds specific commitments including the Borders Railway project, the Paisley Corridor Improvement project, The Waverley Station Redevelopment, The Edinburgh Glasgow Improvement Programme and our contribution to the Edinburgh Trams project. It is managed on a programme basis and is therefore not allocated to specific projects.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-23T14:34:06.317","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278425,"EventID":"S4W-11129","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":131,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-09T14:34:06.647","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-08T16:39:23","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what proportion of the £44.4 million allocated to major public transport projects in the 2013-14 draft budget will be spent on (a) the Edinburgh Glasgow Improvement Programme and (b) the Borders railway project.\r\n","AnswerText":"The budget for Major Public Transport Projects funds specific commitments including The Borders Railway project, The Paisley Corridor Improvement project, The Waverley Station Redevelopment, The Edinburgh Glasgow Improvement Programme and our contribution to the Edinburgh Trams project. It is managed on a programme basis and is therefore not allocated to specific projects.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-23T14:34:06.647","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown ","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278426,"EventID":"S4W-11130","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":131,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-09T14:34:07.003","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-08T16:39:23","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much of the £35 million allocated to support for sustainable and active travel in the 2013-14 draft budget will be allocated to investing in infrastructure that will allow the use of electric and low-carbon vehicles.\r\n","AnswerText":"At this level of budget detail, final spending decisions will not always have been taken and individual allocations may therefore change.\r\nIn 2013-14, we currently envisage spending around £2.5 million on procurement of low carbon buses through the Scottish Green Bus Fund; and around £1.75 million on other low carbon vehicles and/ or associated infrastructure, such as electric charging posts.\r\nAdditional funding of £2.75 million for low carbon buses has been brought forward from 2013-14 to 2012-13, as part of the acceleration of expenditure to support economic growth announced on 27 June 2012.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-23T14:34:07.02","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278427,"EventID":"S4W-11131","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":131,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-09T14:34:07.33","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-08T16:39:23","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much of the £35 million allocated to support for sustainable and active travel in the 2013-14 draft budget will be allocated to delivering the actions in the Cycling Action Plan for Scotland.\r\n","AnswerText":"In 2013-14 Sustrans will receive £9.66 million for community links and safe routes to school infrastructure projects. Cycling Scotland will receive £2 million for softer measures such as the “Give Me Cycle Space” road safety campaign and cycle training, all of which are contained in the Cycling Action Plan for Scotland\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-23T14:34:07.347","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278428,"EventID":"S4W-11132","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":131,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-09T14:34:07.66","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-08T16:39:23","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much of the £35 million allocated to support for sustainable and active travel in the 2013-14 draft budget will be allocated to funding for the next phase of the Low Carbon Vehicle Procurement Scheme.\r\n","AnswerText":"At this level of budget detail, final spending decisions will not always have been taken and individual allocations may therefore change.\r\nIn 2013-14, we currently envisage spending around £2.5 million on procurement of low carbon buses through the Scottish Green Bus Fund; and around £1.75 million on other low carbon vehicles and/ or associated infrastructure, such as electric charging posts.\r\nAdditional funding of £2.75 million for low carbon buses has been brought forward from 2013-14 to 2012-13, as part of the acceleration of expenditure to support economic growth announced on 27 June 2012.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-23T14:34:07.673","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278429,"EventID":"S4W-11147","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2876,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-09T14:34:08.003","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-08T16:37:05","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many (a) deaths and (b) hospitalisations have been caused by so-called legal highs in each of the last three years, broken down by (i) NHS board and (ii) drug.","AnswerText":"Information on the number of deaths caused by so-called legal highs is not held centrally. There is no standard definition of legal highs, therefore it is not possible to produce comprehensive statistics for deaths in Scotland where legal highs were implicated in, or potentially contributed to, the cause of death.\r\nNational Records of Scotland (NRS) collect data on drug related deaths registered in Scotland, providing data on:\r\nDrugs (where reported) which were implicated in or potentially contributed to, the cause of death.\r\nDrugs (where reported) which were found to be present in the body.\r\nData are published annually by NRS and their most recent report, Drug Related Deaths in Scotland 2011 was published on 17 August 2012 and available via:\r\nhttp://www.gro-scotland.gov.uk/statistics/theme/vital-events/deaths/drug-related/2011/index.html\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-23T14:34:08.017","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278430,"EventID":"S4W-11148","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2876,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-09T14:34:08.313","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-08T16:37:05","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government (a) how many and (b) what percentage of people have had (i) an eye test and (ii) two dental examinations in each of the last three years, broken down by (A) NHS board, (B) gender and (C) age.\r\n","AnswerText":"The information requested will be available from the Scottish Parliament Information Centre (Bib. number 54501).\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-23T14:34:08.33","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278431,"EventID":"S4W-11149","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2876,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-09T14:34:08.643","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-08T16:37:05","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many properties VisitScotland has classified under its quality assurance scheme, broken down by (a) star rating and (b) type of accommodation.\r\n","AnswerText":"At present 8,818 businesses take part in the VisitScotland Quality Assurance(QA) scheme. This covers restaurants, attractions, pubs, bars and restaurants as well as accommodation providers. It includes a further 1,280 self-catering properties which are now being assessed to the VisitScotland QA standard, as part of the recent partnership agreement with Hoseasons in Scotland. The table also shows the 262 businesses which have properties with a range of gradings. This includes businesses which, for example, operate multiple self-catering units which are individually graded.\r\nThe number of businesses broken down by star rating is shown in the following table.\r\nStar rating\r\nNumbers\r\n1 star\r\n40\r\n2 star\r\n370\r\n3 star\r\n2,827\r\n4 star\r\n2,908\r\n5 star\r\n389\r\n1 – 5 stars\r\n262\r\nEatScotland Gold\r\n17\r\nEatScotland Silver\r\n77\r\nEatScotland Award\r\n212\r\nEatScotland – Below Award\r\n4\r\nAwaiting grading\r\n124\r\nOn hold \r\n150\r\nPass\r\n158\r\nRunning total\r\n7,538\r\nHoseasons\r\n1,280\r\nTotal \r\n8,818\r\n\r\nThe number of businesses broken down by their classification is shown in the following table.\r\nClassification\r\nNumbers\r\nHotel\r\n827\r\nSmall serviced accommodation\r\n2,051\r\nSelf-catering\r\n2,573\r\nServiced apartment\r\n38\r\nHostel\r\n209\r\nCamping and caravan parks\r\n251\r\nIndividual caravan holiday home\r\n39\r\nVisitor attraction\r\n1,218\r\nEatScotland\r\n332\r\nRunning total\r\n7,538\r\nHoseasons\r\n1,280\r\nTotal\r\n8,818\r\nFull details of the VisitScotland Quality Assurance scheme can be found using the url:\r\nhttp://www.visitscotland.org/business_support/quality_assurance.aspx\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-23T14:34:08.657","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278432,"EventID":"S4W-11150","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2876,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-09T14:34:08.97","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-08T16:37:05","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how often a property classified by VisitScotland under its quality assurance scheme is reinspected.\r\n","AnswerText":"All accommodation scheme and EatScotland participants are visited annually. Participants in the visitor attraction scheme are visited every two years. VisitScotland are currently undertaking a pilot with the Association of Scottish Self Caterers regarding scheduling visits every two years for their members\r\nFull details of the VisitScotland quality assurance scheme are available using the url: http://www.visitscotland.org/business_support/quality_assurance.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-23T14:34:08.987","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":" Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278447,"EventID":"S4W-11110","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1778,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":110,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-09T16:04:41.793","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-09T10:34:21.813","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government with which regions of the EU that receive structural funding it has partnership agreements for sharing knowledge and experience and how the per capita income of these regions compares with that of Scotland.\r\n","AnswerText":"Scottish Government has no such formal bi-lateral partnership agreements. Scotland does however actively participate in a number of European Territorial Cooperation Innovation and Environment Regions of Europe Sharing Solutions (INTERREG) Programmes which give Scottish stakeholders the opportunity to share knowledge and experience with other Member States. INTERREG Programmes are geographically defined: those relevant to Scotland are Northern Periphery, North Sea, Atlantic Area, North West Europe and Individual Voluntary Arrangements (IVA) Cross-Border (West of Scotland, Northern Ireland and the Border Counties of Ireland). Eligibility to participate is on a Member State regional area basis and these differ between each programme. Gross Domestic Product (GDP) data 2009 (latest available) is available on a Nomenclature of Territorial Units for Statistics (NUTS 2) and NUTS 3 regional basis in line with the eligible areas defined for each individual INTERREG Programme. The GDP data requested has been prepared on this basis and made available in Scottish Parliaments Reference Centre (SPICe) – Bib number 54485.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-23T16:04:41.917","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278448,"EventID":"S4W-11111","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1778,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":110,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-09T16:04:42.403","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-09T10:34:21.813","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many (a) EU and (b) non-EU students started studying at Scottish universities, colleges and language schools in (a) 2011, (b) 2012 and are expected to start in 2013.\r\n","AnswerText":"Data on entrants to Scottish Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) and Colleges is not yet available for academic years 2011-12, 2012-13 and 2013-14. The latest data for entrants to Scottish Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) and Colleges is for the academic year 2010-11.\r\nA breakdown of these data by domicile is provided in Tables 1 and 2. Data for the academic year 2011-12 will be available in the first quarter of 2013.\r\nData on entrants to language schools is not held centrally.\r\nTable 1: Entrants to study Higher Education2 at Scottish Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) by domicile\r\nYear\r\nEU1\r\nnon-EU\r\n2010-11\r\n7850\r\n15730\r\nSource: Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) (data rounded to nearest 5)\r\n1 EU : non-UK EU students\r\n2 Includes entrants at all levels of Higher Education i.e. undergraduate, post-graduate taught and post-graduate research\r\nTable 2: Entrants to study Further or Higher Education at Scottish Colleges by domicile\r\nYear\r\nEU1\r\nnon-EU\r\n2010-11\r\n934\r\n2447\r\nSource: Scottish Funding Council (SFC)\r\n1 EU : non-UK EU students\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-23T16:04:42.417","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278449,"EventID":"S4W-11112","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1778,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":110,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-09T16:04:42.697","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-09T10:34:21.813","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much funding from the (a) European Social Fund and (b) European Regional Development Fund was (i) available to and (ii) drawn down in Scotland in each of the last 10 years, and how much will be available to Scotland in (A) 2013-14 and (B) 2014-15.\r\n","AnswerText":"European Funding is allocated to Scotland on a programme basis. These programmes have an eight year timescale and as such there is no annual allocation and no analysis is available for yearly allocation and draw down.\r\nDuring the last 10 years there were two programmes operating the 2000-06 programme and the 2007-13 programme. For the 2000-2006 programme the overall amount available to Scotland for both the European Social Fund and the European Regional Development Fund was £997m of which Scotland expects to draw down £992m. For the 2007-13 programme the overall amount available to Scotland for both the European Social Fund and the European Development Fund is £740m of which Scotland has to date drawn down £368m. These funds are available to be drawn down up until the 31 December 2015. The remaining balance of the funds has been committed and is expected to be drawn down during the remainder of the programming period. The 2014-20 programmes are currently being developed and will be the subject of negotiation with the European Commission. At this stage in the process we have no indication of the amount which ultimately will be available to Scotland. \r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-23T16:04:42.713","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278450,"EventID":"S4W-11113","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1778,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":110,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-09T16:04:43.057","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-09T10:34:21.813","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what assessment it has made of the proposals by the European Commission to harmonise EU roadworthiness regulations and their effect on owners of classic and vintage cars in an independent Scotland.\r\n","AnswerText":"Our assessment is that this European Commission proposal would place substantial cost burdens on industry and drivers, including owners of vintage and classic cars. We would advocate a more balanced approach.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-23T16:04:43.073","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278451,"EventID":"S4W-11114","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1778,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":110,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-09T16:04:43.337","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-09T10:34:21.813","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, in relation to an independent Scotland, whether it has made representations to the European Commission on lifting the restrictions on purchasing credit default swaps on securities issued by European governments and whether it has made an estimate of the cost of this restriction on gilt issuance and liquidity in the gilt market.","AnswerText":"The EU short selling regulation was introduced to increase transparency and reduce risks to financial stability and market confidence. The regulation allows a National Competent Authority to choose temporarily to suspend restrictions on purchasing credit default swaps under certain circumstances. Under the regulation covered sovereign credit default swaps may still legitimately be taken out to hedge exposures to certain assets or liabilities.\r\nThe regulation of financial markets is currently reserved to the UK. I have received no representations on this matter, nor has the Scottish Government made any to the UK Government or to the European Commission. Were representations to be made to me I would consider them carefully.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-23T16:04:43.353","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278452,"EventID":"S4W-11115","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1778,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":110,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-09T16:04:43.633","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-09T10:34:21.813","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what discussions it has had with other administrations regarding transparency in economic matters.","AnswerText":"The primary aim of official economic statistics in Scotland is to provide an accurate up-to-date, comprehensive and meaningful picture of the economy and society to support the formulation and monitoring of economic and social policies by government and others. Transparency therefore in the way the statistics are produced, communicated and used to inform policy is vital.\r\nMost of the economic statistics produced and published by the Scottish Government are National Statistics. This is the name for official statistics which have been, or are scheduled to be, assessed for compliance with the UK Statistics Authority's Code of Practice for Official Statistics. Scottish Government statisticians – who are members of the Government Statistical Service, the professional community spread across UK government departments and devolved administrations – are in regular contact with the Office for National Statistics (ONS), and the UK Statistics Authority to ensure that statistics produced by the Scottish Government comply with this Code of Practice. \r\nThis also ensures that international best practise is accounted for as the UK Statistics Authority’s Code of Practice for Official Statistics is aligned with the European Statistical System.\r\nScottish Ministers also meet regularly with their counterparts in the other administrations to discuss economic matters through forums such as the Joint Ministerial Committee, the British Irish Council, and the Finance Ministers Quadrilateral.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-23T16:04:43.65","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278453,"EventID":"S4W-11116","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1778,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":110,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-09T16:04:43.93","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-09T10:34:21.813","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many victims of human trafficking returned from Scotland to their country of origin were (a) EU, (b) European non-EU and (c) non-European nationals and what the cost was in each of the last five years.","AnswerText":"This information is not held by the Scottish Government. The enforced return of migrants and the assisted return of non-EEA nationals are reserved matters for the UK Government.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-23T16:04:43.947","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278454,"EventID":"S4W-11118","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1778,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":110,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-09T16:04:44.243","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-09T10:34:21.813","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government which agricultural estates in Scotland received the 10 largest amounts of funding from the EU common agricultural policy in the last year for which information is available.","AnswerText":"The Common Agricultural Policy classifies all types of business as “holdings”. Consequently, the following table shows the information available for the 10 largest amounts paid in respect of the Single Farm Payment Scheme, the largest single support measure, to agricultural holdings. The amounts are for the 2011 period, the most recent period for which information is available.\r\nFrank A Smart & Son Ltd\r\n£2,525,540.94\r\nStrathdee Properties Ltd\r\n£1,302,237.02\r\nWilliam Hamilton And Son (No 2)\r\n£1,070,291.26\r\nRoyal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB)\r\n£1,045,516.65\r\nRoss Bros\r\n£961,808.88\r\nG Barbour & Co\r\n£820,194.23\r\nMoray Estates Development Co.\r\n£681,149.00\r\nJ & T F Macfarlane Ltd\r\n£663,927.04\r\nKevan Forsyth\r\n£598,714.39\r\nJ R Graham Ltd\r\n£596,052.30\r\nTotal\r\n£10,265,431.71\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-23T16:04:44.257","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278455,"EventID":"S4W-11122","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-09T16:04:44.523","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-08T16:40:38","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the cost was of bringing the Land Register in line with the terms of the Abolition of Feudal Tenure etc. (Scotland) Act 2000.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Land Register is maintained by the Keeper of the Registers of Scotland. The Keeper does not have a figure for the specific costs of implementing the Abolition of Feudal Tenure (Scotland) Act 2000. This is because the 2000 Act was commenced at the same time as the Title Conditions (Scotland) Act 2003 and both impacted on existing Land Register title sheets. The strong inter-relationship between both Acts meant that they were implemented in tandem.\r\nThe costs of implementing both Acts was as follows:\r\nStaff costs\r\n2003-04\r\n2004-05\r\n2005-06\r\n2006-07\r\n2007-08\r\n2008-09\r\nTotal\r\n£22,560\r\n£267,663\r\n£599,008\r\n£722,199\r\n£343,742\r\n£148,707\r\n£2,103,879\r\nNotes:\r\nICT costs - £183,141.\r\nTotal overall cost - £2,287,020.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-23T16:04:44.54","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278456,"EventID":"S4W-11123","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-09T16:04:45.087","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-08T16:40:38","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what timescale the Registers of Scotland has been given to ensure that the Land Register is cleansed of all appropriate historical burdens.\r\n","AnswerText":"Registers of Scotland is under no statutory or other obligation to cleanse the Land Register of spent real burdens.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-23T16:04:45.1","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278457,"EventID":"S4W-11124","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-09T16:04:45.583","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-08T16:40:38","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether the abolition of feudal tenure reforms arising from the Abolition of Feudal Tenure (Scotland) Act 2000 have been completed.\r\n","AnswerText":"Information on the 2000 Act can be found on the Scottish Government’s website at:\r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Justice/law/17975/Abolition. As the website indicates, the feudal system of land tenure was brought to an end on 28 November 2004 when the 2000 Act was substantively brought into force. The right of feudal superiors to enforce conditions ended, subject to certain saving provisions.\r\nSection 46(1) of the 2000 Act provides that it will not be competent to request or order the Keeper of the Registers to remove real burdens extinguished by section 17(1)(a) (extinction of superior’s rights) within a period of years prescribed by the Scottish Ministers. Article 3 of the Abolition of Feudal Tenure etc. (Scotland) Act (Prescribed Periods) Order 2004 (SSI 2004/478) prescribed a period of 10 years, which runs from 28 November 2004 until 27 November 2014.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-23T16:04:45.6","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Roseanna Cunningham","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278458,"EventID":"S4W-11125","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-09T16:04:46.13","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-08T16:40:38","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when the Crofting Register will be (a) operational and (b) considered fit for purpose.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Crofting Reform (Scotland) Act 2010 (Commencement No. 3, Transitory, Transitional and Savings Provisions) Order 2012 (SSI 2012 No. 288 (C.31) appoints 30 November 2012 for the coming into force of certain provisions relating to registration of croft land. The Scottish Government expects the Crofting Register to be both operational and fit for purpose from that date.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-23T16:04:46.147","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278459,"EventID":"S4W-11133","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":131,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-09T16:04:46.613","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-08T16:39:23","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether the affordable housing supply budget for 2013-14 will include the former Home Owners' Support Fund.\r\n","AnswerText":"The affordable housing supply budget for 2013-14 will include the home owners’ support fund.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-23T16:04:46.63","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Burgess","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278460,"EventID":"S4W-11134","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":131,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-09T16:04:46.957","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-08T16:39:23","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many social housing approvals there were in (a) 2009-10, (b) 2010-11 and (c) 2011-12.\r\n","AnswerText":"The following table shows the number of social housing approvals in (a) 2009-10, (b) 2010-11 and (c) 2011-12:\r\nYear\r\nNumber of social\r\nhousing approvals\r\n2009-10\r\n6247\r\n2010-11\r\n5461\r\n2011-12\r\n4044\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-23T16:04:46.973","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Burgess","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278461,"EventID":"S4W-11135","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":131,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-09T16:04:47.3","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-08T16:39:23","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much was allocated from the Innovation and Investment Fund to (a) new council house building, (b) registered social landlord building and (c) the Innovation Fund.\r\n","AnswerText":"In September 2011 the Scottish Government announced two tranches of government investment totalling over £111 million through the innovation and investment fund. The fund was allocated as follows:-\r\n£35 million to Scottish local authorities to help build a new generation of council houses.\r\n£64.5 million to housing associations to build affordable houses, mainly for social rent; and\r\n£11.9 million for innovative development schemes by a variety of bidders.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-23T16:04:47.317","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Burgess","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278462,"EventID":"S4W-11136","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":131,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-09T16:04:47.627","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-08T16:39:23","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-10110 by Margaret Burgess on 31 October 2012, whether it was a condition of bids to the Innovation and Investment Fund for (a) new council house building and (b) the registered social landlord programme that work must have started on site by the end of March 2012.\r\n","AnswerText":"It was originally a condition of bids to the fund that the new council house building work must have started on site by the end of March 2012. Similarly for registered social landlord projects it was stated within our published guidelines that work on all approved projects should start on site by the end of March 2012.\r\nIt was later recognised that this date may not be achievable for a number of projects and the site start target was extended by two months to May 2012.\r\nFurthermore flexibility has been offered on the revised date where necessary, on an individual basis.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-23T16:04:47.643","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Burgess","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278463,"EventID":"S4W-11138","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":131,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-09T16:04:47.957","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-08T16:39:23","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-10110 by Margaret Burgess on 31 October 2012, whether the core criteria for bids to the Innovation Fund required that, by 31 March 2012, (a) projects should be able to achieve detailed planning consent and (b) housing should be capable of starting on site.\r\n","AnswerText":"The original core criteria for bids to the innovation fund stated that projects that require planning consent should have detailed planning consent in place, or be able to achieve this by 31 March 2012. In relation to site start it was stated that “housing should be capable of starting on site by 31 March 2012”\r\nIt was later recognised that this date may not be achievable for a number of projects and the site start target was extended by two months to May 2012.\r\nFurthermore flexibility has been offered on this revised date where necessary on an individual basis.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-23T16:04:47.97","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Burgess","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278464,"EventID":"S4W-11139","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":131,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-09T16:04:48.283","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-08T16:39:23","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many housing starts were recorded for homes for social rent in each (a) of the first two quarters of 2012 and (b) quarter of each year since 2007.\r\n","AnswerText":"The following table shows the number of housing starts recorded for homes for social rent in (a) the first quarter of 2012 and (b) quarter of each year since 2009. The second quarter figures for 2012 are not scheduled to be published until 28 November 2012. Housing starts under the affordable housing supply programme did not form part of official housing statistics until April 2009.\r\nHousing Starts:\r\nYear\r\nQ1\r\nQ2\r\nQ3\r\nQ4\r\nTotal\r\n2012-13\r\n1413\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n1413\r\n2011-12\r\n720\r\n1107\r\n258\r\n940\r\n3025\r\n2010-11\r\n1079\r\n1055\r\n1777\r\n2152\r\n6063\r\n2009-10\r\n1914\r\n2243\r\n1916\r\n1604\r\n7677\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-23T16:04:48.3","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Burgess","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278465,"EventID":"S4W-11140","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2633,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-09T16:04:48.627","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-09T11:39:14.607","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on Scottish Natural Heritage's new Trend Note, Seabirds in Scotland, indicating a continuing decline in Scotland’s seabird numbers and what action it plans to take to prevent further decline.","AnswerText":"The overall trend outlined in the SNH report is very concerning even if some colonies in Scotland are not experiencing the general declines observed in this report.\r\nThe factors that are causing seabird declines are complex and may be a result of changes in food availability, climate change and the effects of non-native species.\r\nWe are taking action to increase protection for our important seabird populations.\r\nA significant programme is underway to develop a network of marine protected areas (MPAs) that includes seabirds. MPA proposals being developed that directly help seabirds include areas for black guillemot and for the protection of the sandeel, a key food source that supports many seabird species.\r\nForty seven special protection areas (SPAs) and a further 17 Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs) also provide protection for seabirds. Thirty one seabird colony SPAs have marine extensions. These extensions encompass areas used for maintenance activities by seabirds nesting at the colonies and include some areas used space for foraging.\r\nSNH and JNCC are also currently assessing if data on the concentration of other seabird species meet the selection guidelines for SPAs.\r\nOther measures being taken that assist in the conservation of seabirds include the control of non-native species, surveys of seabirds at sea and continued monitoring of sites. (seabirds are long-lived and we are only beginning to understand what drives their population numbers) and seaward extensions to SPAs.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-23T16:04:48.627","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278466,"EventID":"S4W-11141","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2633,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-09T16:04:48.94","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-09T11:39:14.607","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what (a) policy and (b) management tools it has available to help stop the decline in Scotland’s seabird numbers.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-11140 on 20 November 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-23T16:04:48.953","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278467,"EventID":"S4W-11142","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2633,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-09T16:04:49.233","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-09T11:39:14.607","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many marine protected sites are designated for the protection of foraging seabirds.","AnswerText":"47 Special Protection Areas (SPAs) and a further 17 Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs) provide protection for seabirds. 31 seabird colony Special Protection Areas (SPAs) have marine extensions. These extensions encompass areas used for maintenance activities by seabirds nesting at the colonies and include some areas used for foraging.\r\nScottish Natural Heritage (SNH) and Joint Nature Conservation Committee (JNCC) are currently assessing if additional foraging areas meet the selection guidelines for SPAs. SNH and JNCC have also been identifying MPA proposals for black guillemot and for the protection of sandeels as the sandeel is a prey species for several species of seabirds.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-23T16:04:49.233","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278468,"EventID":"S4W-11143","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2633,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-09T16:04:49.517","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-09T11:39:14.607","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what correspondence it has received from members of the public regarding the inclusion of seabirds in the marine protected area process.","AnswerText":"Between 1 September 2012 and 14 November 2012 the Scottish Government has received 737 emails and letters from members of the public regarding the inclusion of seabirds in the marine protected area network.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-23T16:04:49.53","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278469,"EventID":"S4W-11144","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2633,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-09T16:04:49.813","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-09T11:39:14.607","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether Scotland is a globally important location for seabirds.\r\n","AnswerText":"Yes. Scotland supports a number of very large seabird breeding colonies and a large proportion of the international breeding populations of several species, notably gannet, Manx shearwater and great skua.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-23T16:04:49.827","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278470,"EventID":"S4W-11145","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2633,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-09T16:04:50.157","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-09T11:39:14.607","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-09470 by Fergus Ewing on 24 September 2012, what it is doing to develop quantitative analyses of the benefits of marine protected areas.","AnswerText":"Socio-economic assessments as part of an overall sustainability appraisal will identify what activities currently take place in potential nature conservation MPAs, and estimate the potential economic and social consequences arising from any potential interactions. This will include a qualitative assessment of the potential benefits of those proposed MPAs taking into account the possible effect on ecotourism in Scotland. This will be made available for the public consultation in 2013.\r\nThe Scottish Government does not currently intend to undertake new primary quantitative research into the monetary valuation of benefits of MPAs in advance of the public consultation. Instead the socio-economic assessments will be based on the existing evidence base. Quantified analysis of benefits of hypothetical networks of MPAs was undertaken as part of gathering the evidence base for the UK Marine Bill. Evidence from studies such as these will form part of the wider evidence base that will be considered as part of the socio-economic assessments for the sustainability appraisal.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-23T16:04:50.17","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278471,"EventID":"S4W-11146","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2633,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-09T16:04:50.467","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-09T11:39:14.607","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-09471 by Fergus Ewing on 24 September 2012, whether it will consider evidence from the rest of the UK or other temperate marine ecosystems in the sustainability appraisal.","AnswerText":"The sustainability appraisal is concerned with the broader environmental, social and economic impacts on Scotland of the proposals for designating new nature conservation MPAs. This Appraisal will draw on a wide and varied evidence base. In cases where existing evidence from the rest of the UK or further afield is relevant to the Scottish context, it may form part of the wider evidence base considered as part of the sustainability appraisal.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-23T16:04:50.483","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278472,"EventID":"S4W-11151","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4947,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-09T16:04:50.78","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-09T13:31:10.603","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the implications for the Scottish budget would be if income tax was increased in Scotland.","AnswerText":"As I made clear in my answer to Mark McDonald at General Questions (S4O-01479), 15 November, the Scottish rate of income tax will be introduced in April 2016. The Office for Budget Responsibility produced forecasts in March 2012 indicating that a 1p change in the Scottish rate of income tax would equate to around £560 million.\r\nConsequently, were the Scottish rate of income tax to be set at a level above the UK rate, each 1p would provide an increase of around £560 million in the Scottish budget from 2016.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-23T16:04:50.793","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278473,"EventID":"S4W-11152","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4947,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-09T16:04:51.06","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-09T13:31:10.603","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the average time is between the conclusion of a public local inquiry and a ministerial decision.\r\n","AnswerText":"Since 1 January 2008, the average time taken from the conclusion of a public inquiry/inquiry session to issuing a ministerial decision is 37 weeks.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-23T16:04:51.077","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Derek Mackay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278474,"EventID":"S4W-11153","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4947,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-09T16:04:51.34","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-09T13:31:10.603","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what assistance it gives to community councils to ensure that any representations that they make as statutory consultees in the planning process are informed, relevant, democratically agreed and reflective of the views of the communities that they represent.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government recognises that many community councils take a proactive role in planning matters. Following a review of community councils in 2006, a working group, which included the Scottish Government and COSLA, developed a package of measures to support community councils, this included Good Practice Guidance which contains guidance on planning matters. Last year a short life working group was established by the Scottish Government to consider what could be done to further build the resilience and capacity of community councils in order to strengthen their role and relevance as voices for their communities. The group recently reported its recommendations. The Scottish Government and COSLA will respond early next year following wider engagement to seek a range of broader views from those with an interest in the sector.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-23T16:04:51.357","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Derek Mackay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278475,"EventID":"S4W-11154","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2892,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-09T16:04:51.62","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-09T15:03:00.48","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it has requested an extension for Glasgow in the UK’s application to the European Commission for a time extension to meet air quality targets for nitrogen dioxide in the UK.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has not requested an extension, as full compliance with the nitrogen dioxide limit value in the Glasgow Urban Area zone is not expected until 2017, after the maximum extension deadline for 2015 is allowed under the ambient air quality directive. A further 15 zones across the UK are not expected to comply until after 2015. Most other member states also have zones which fall into this category. Modelling data suggests that compliance will be secured by completion of the upgrade to motorway standard of the missing link on the M8, between Baillieston and Newhouse.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-23T16:04:51.637","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278476,"EventID":"S4W-11155","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2892,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-09T16:04:51.917","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-09T15:03:00.48","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when Scotland will be compliant with the European air quality targets for nitrogen dioxide for 2010.\r\n","AnswerText":"The whole of Scotland is expected to be compliant with the targets by 2015 with the exception of the A8 between Newhouse and Baillieston. As set out in S4W-11154, on 22 November 2012, this road is to be upgraded to motorway standard and as a consequence modelling predicts this section of the network will become compliant following completion of the project in 2017.\r\nAll answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-23T16:04:51.933","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278477,"EventID":"S4W-11156","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2892,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-09T16:04:52.213","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-09T15:03:00.48","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when it expects to be told whether the application to the European Commission to extend the deadline for meeting nitrogen dioxide pollution levels in Glasgow has been successful.","AnswerText":"An extension application has not been submitted for the Glasgow Urban Area zone. However, an action plan outlining how compliance will be secured by 2017 was submitted to the Commission for information and a response to this is expected shortly.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-23T16:04:52.23","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278479,"EventID":"S4F-00970","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":4976,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-12T12:55:02.77","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-08T14:13:42","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister when he will next meet the Secretary of State for Scotland.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-26T12:55:02.99","MeetingDate":"2012-11-15T17:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278480,"EventID":"S4F-00971","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":136,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-12T12:55:03.877","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-12T08:41:13","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what the Scottish Government's position is on reports of a so-called turf war between the chief executive of the Scottish Police Authority and the chief constable for Scotland.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-26T12:55:03.893","MeetingDate":"2012-11-15T17:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278481,"EventID":"S4F-00972","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":3763,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-12T12:55:04.69","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-12T09:57:29","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what the Scottish Government's assessment is of the economic impact on Scotland of the planned three pence increase in fuel duty.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-26T12:55:04.703","MeetingDate":"2012-11-15T17:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278482,"EventID":"S4F-00974","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":2080,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":87,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-12T12:55:06.077","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-12T10:46:11.71","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what engagements he has planned for the rest of the day.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-26T12:55:06.093","MeetingDate":"2012-11-15T17:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278483,"EventID":"S4F-00980","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":2876,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-12T12:55:09.37","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-12T10:30:13","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what the Scottish Government’s position is on the likely impact of the proposed job losses at BBC Scotland.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-26T12:55:09.4","MeetingDate":"2012-11-15T17:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278484,"EventID":"S4F-00986","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-12T12:55:11.99","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-12T11:41:07.63","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what the purpose is of the Scottish Government's proposed changes to criminal legal aid.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-26T12:55:12.007","MeetingDate":"2012-11-15T17:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278485,"EventID":"S4T-00116","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":9,"MSPID":2029,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":145,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-12T12:56:59.877","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-12T11:15:57.47","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on the appropriateness of the comments by the Cabinet Secretary for Education and Lifelong Learning in relation to the chair of Stow College.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-26T12:56:59.893","MeetingDate":"2012-11-13T17:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278486,"EventID":"S4T-00120","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":9,"MSPID":5074,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":104,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-12T12:57:01.267","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-12T11:58:38.097","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what plans are being made to introduce a high speed rail link between Edinburgh and Glasgow.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-26T12:57:01.283","MeetingDate":"2012-11-13T17:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278498,"EventID":"S4W-11048","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-12T15:19:18.707","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-08T11:29:13.35","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on NHS Health Scotland spending £3.5 million, or 16% of its total revenue resource limit, \"in the last few days\" of 2011-12, as outlined in the Audit Scotland report, NHS financial performance 2011/12.\r\n","AnswerText":"Firstly NHS Health Scotland, along with all NHS Scotland Health bodies met their financial targets for 2011-12 and they are on track to deliver their financial targets for 2012-13. In addition to successfully achieving their statutory targets, all NHS Scotland boards received unqualified opinions on the true and fair view of their financial statements, the regularity of income and expenditure and the parts of their remuneration reports subject to audit.\r\nThe NHS Health Scotland Auditors have also included the following statement in the 2011-12 Audit Report (para 15):\r\n“We have issued an unqualified opinion on the regularity of transactions in the boards financial statements.”\r\nStaff salaries and pay related costs are routinely made towards the end of the month for all NHS Scotland boards. Pay and pay related costs for NHS Health Scotland were in excess of £1.9million during March 2012. This was the main component of the £3.5million referred to in the question. In addition, payments to suppliers were made during March 2012 totalling £1.3million, the value of these was also weighted towards the end of the month.\r\nThe resource expenditure pattern of NHS Health Scotland is not even throughout the year. Historically the board has utilised a greater than average proportion of its expenditure in the last quarter of the financial year and particularly during the final month. This pattern of expenditure reflects, in part, the nature of the boards activities and the delivery of a wide range of project initiatives, many of which are developed in year, culminating towards the end of the financial year. Furthermore, to continue to improve performance in relation to meeting Scottish Government prompt payment guidelines, payments also increased, whilst ensuring no payments were made in advance of need.\r\nNotwithstanding the above NHS Health Scotland recognises the need to continually assess and improve its financial performance and a number of improvement actions have been agreed and implemented during the current fiscal year (2012-13). These actions are intended to address budget phasing issues and reduce year end expenditure by delivering earlier in the year.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-26T15:19:18.767","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278499,"EventID":"S4W-11049","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-12T15:19:19.33","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-08T11:29:13.35","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, in light of the external review, which the Audit Scotland report, NHS financial performance 2011/12, said highlighted significant concerns about a lack of ownership and accountability for financial management, what action Healthcare Improvement Scotland has taken to meet the requirements of its action plan and whether it considers that these are now being met.\r\n","AnswerText":"The external review was conducted by the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy (CIPFA) who made a number of recommendations to improve accountability for financial management within Healthcare Improvement Scotland (HIS). Key areas identified for action included: budgetary control procedures, financial management training for budget holders, clarifying senior management financial responsibilities and management focus on financial management. Progress with implementing the recommendations has been reported to the HIS Finance & Performance Committee (22 August 2012) and to the HIS Audit Committee (14 September 2012). The implementation of the revised financial procedures has been scrutinised by Internal Audit and found to be effective, albeit some operating adjustments have been recommended. A mid-year financial review and year end forecast was undertaken during October and the outcome is a forecast of financial balance for 2012-13. HIS continue to work closely with budget holders to improve budget management and to consider improvements to processes as necessary. Indications are that the action plan has improved awareness and accountability of financial management within the organisation and on this basis it is considered that the requirements of the action plan are being met.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-26T15:19:19.347","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278500,"EventID":"S4W-11050","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-12T15:19:19.813","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-08T11:29:13.35","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on the ability of NHS boards to meet savings plans for 2012-13, in light of the Audit Scotland report, NHS financial performance 2011/12, suggesting that eight had categorised 25% of their [2011-12] savings plans as high risk.\r\n","AnswerText":"Based upon information provided by NHS Scotland boards, there is confidence that boards will once again deliver planned efficiency savings for 2012-13. NHS boards have agreed financial plans to deliver efficiency savings of £271.701million in the current year. At month 6 to 30 September 2012 (the mid year point), Boards remain on target to deliver the required level of savings.\r\nCurrently over 82% of savings are classed as either medium or low risk in terms of them being delivered. Efficiency savings do not reduce the overall budget of the NHS. All savings are retained locally by territorial Boards to allow them to reinvest in front-line services which directly benefit patients.\r\nSGHSCD\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nHealth Finance Division\r\nLocal Delivery Plan - Planned Efficiency Savings\r\nNHS Territorial Boards\r\nValue\r\nUnidentified\r\nHigh\r\nMedium\r\nLow\r\n\r\n£m\r\n%\r\n%\r\n%\r\n%\r\nAyrshire & Arran \r\n13.094\r\n0.00%\r\n0.00%\r\n13.98%\r\n86.02%\r\nBorders \r\n5.904\r\n0.00%\r\n27.93%\r\n30.05%\r\n42.02%\r\nDumfries & Galloway \r\n7.500\r\n0.00%\r\n11.27%\r\n46.41%\r\n42.32%\r\nFife \r\n17.524\r\n0.00%\r\n32.01%\r\n31.81%\r\n36.17%\r\nForth Valley \r\n11.944\r\n5.86%\r\n16.74%\r\n28.69%\r\n48.71%\r\nGrampian \r\n12.006\r\n0.00%\r\n0.00%\r\n27.54%\r\n72.46%\r\nGreater Glasgow & Clyde\r\n59.049\r\n0.00%\r\n7.79%\r\n39.28%\r\n52.94%\r\nHighland \r\n23.736\r\n7.88%\r\n12.43%\r\n55.36%\r\n24.33%\r\nLanarkshire \r\n19.211\r\n9.44%\r\n2.95%\r\n39.29%\r\n48.32%\r\nLothian \r\n37.540\r\n12.89%\r\n47.68%\r\n15.82%\r\n23.61%\r\nOrkney \r\n1.418\r\n0.00%\r\n8.82%\r\n38.43%\r\n52.75%\r\nShetland \r\n2.671\r\n20.97%\r\n22.50%\r\n20.52%\r\n36.02%\r\nTayside \r\n24.543\r\n0.00%\r\n32.80%\r\n58.12%\r\n9.09%\r\nWestern Isles \r\n2.485\r\n10.26%\r\n17.67%\r\n60.56%\r\n11.51%\r\nNHS Territorial Boards Total\r\n238.625\r\n4.21%\r\n19.00%\r\n36.07%\r\n40.73%\r\nNHS Special Health Boards\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nNational Services Scotland\r\n10.340\r\n0.00%\r\n0.00%\r\n100.00%\r\n0.00%\r\nScottish Ambulance Service\r\n7.318\r\n24.60%\r\n0.00%\r\n37.36%\r\n38.04%\r\nEducation for Scotland\r\n7.295\r\n0.00%\r\n0.00%\r\n17.30%\r\n82.70%\r\nNHS 24\r\n1.720\r\n45.23%\r\n0.00%\r\n0.00%\r\n54.77%\r\nNational Waiting Times Centre Board\r\n2.305\r\n0.00%\r\n12.58%\r\n43.21%\r\n44.21%\r\nThe State Hospital\r\n1.389\r\n0.00%\r\n0.00%\r\n20.95%\r\n79.05%\r\nNHS Health Scotland\r\n1.009\r\n0.00%\r\n0.00%\r\n10.51%\r\n89.49%\r\nHealthcare Improvement Scotland\r\n1.700\r\n0.00%\r\n15.47%\r\n21.76%\r\n62.76%\r\nNHS Special Health Boards Total\r\n33.076\r\n7.79%\r\n1.67%\r\n48.67%\r\n41.86%\r\nGrand Total\r\n271.701\r\n4.64%\r\n16.89%\r\n37.61%\r\n40.86%\r\n\r\nSGHSCD\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nHealth Finance Division\r\nPosition At Period 6 - Forecast Efficiency Savings\r\nNHS Territorial Boards\r\nValue\r\nUnidentified\r\nHigh\r\nMedium\r\nLow\r\n\r\n£m\r\n%\r\n%\r\n%\r\n%\r\nAyrshire & Arran \r\n13.094\r\n0.00%\r\n1.15%\r\n9.98%\r\n88.87%\r\nBorders \r\n5.904\r\n0.00%\r\n8.53%\r\n26.58%\r\n64.89%\r\nDumfries & Galloway \r\n7.500\r\n0.00%\r\n2.32%\r\n33.03%\r\n64.66%\r\nFife \r\n17.524\r\n0.00%\r\n31.48%\r\n32.71%\r\n35.81%\r\nForth Valley \r\n11.944\r\n5.86%\r\n16.73%\r\n12.12%\r\n65.29%\r\nGrampian \r\n12.006\r\n0.00%\r\n0.00%\r\n88.70%\r\n11.30%\r\nGreater Glasgow & Clyde\r\n59.049\r\n0.17%\r\n7.02%\r\n28.52%\r\n64.29%\r\nHighland \r\n23.736\r\n3.50%\r\n12.10%\r\n56.95%\r\n27.46%\r\nLanarkshire \r\n19.211\r\n0.00%\r\n2.59%\r\n37.06%\r\n60.35%\r\nLothian \r\n37.540\r\n12.89%\r\n45.27%\r\n20.02%\r\n21.82%\r\nOrkney \r\n1.418\r\n0.00%\r\n8.82%\r\n30.78%\r\n60.40%\r\nShetland \r\n2.671\r\n13.37%\r\n29.94%\r\n38.90%\r\n17.80%\r\nTayside \r\n24.543\r\n0.00%\r\n21.14%\r\n42.65%\r\n36.21%\r\nWestern Isles \r\n2.340\r\n0.00%\r\n10.44%\r\n11.24%\r\n78.32%\r\nNHS Territorial Boards Total\r\n238.480\r\n2.86%\r\n16.44%\r\n33.71%\r\n46.99%\r\nNHS Special Health Boards\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nNational Services Scotland\r\n10.181\r\n0.00%\r\n0.00%\r\n31.38%\r\n68.62%\r\nScottish Ambulance Service\r\n7.318\r\n1.37%\r\n12.47%\r\n12.88%\r\n73.29%\r\nEducation for Scotland\r\n7.295\r\n0.00%\r\n0.00%\r\n0.00%\r\n100.00%\r\nNHS 24\r\n1.720\r\n13.02%\r\n0.00%\r\n0.00%\r\n86.98%\r\nNational Waiting Times Centre Board\r\n2.305\r\n0.00%\r\n12.60%\r\n43.24%\r\n44.16%\r\nThe State Hospital\r\n1.389\r\n0.00%\r\n0.00%\r\n0.00%\r\n100.00%\r\nNHS Health Scotland\r\n1.009\r\n0.00%\r\n0.00%\r\n0.00%\r\n100.00%\r\nHealthcare Improvement Scotland\r\n1.700\r\n0.00%\r\n13.68%\r\n9.12%\r\n77.21%\r\nNHS Special Health Boards Total\r\n32.917\r\n0.98%\r\n4.36%\r\n16.07%\r\n78.59%\r\nGrand Total\r\n271.397\r\n2.63%\r\n14.98%\r\n31.57%\r\n50.82%\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-26T15:19:19.83","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278501,"EventID":"S4W-11051","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-12T15:19:20.297","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-08T11:29:13.35","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what level of future pension contributions will need to be made by (a) the NHS and (b) each NHS board and what its position is on the suggestion in the Audit Scotland report, NHS financial performance 2011/12, that the level of such contributions is uncertain.\r\n","AnswerText":"Scheme valuations establish the level of contributions needed to meet the pension commitments for the NHS workforce. These valuations are currently suspended at the direction of HM Treasury.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-26T15:19:20.313","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278502,"EventID":"S4W-11052","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-12T15:19:20.78","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-08T11:29:13.35","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what assessment it has made of the number of outstanding equal pay claims in the NHS and the cost of settling these.\r\n","AnswerText":"There are currently approximately 10,300 claims. The NHS Scotland Central Legal Office and Equal Pay Unit are continuing to monitor the progress of all equal pay claims in NHS Scotland as well as developments relating to NHS equal pay claims elsewhere that may further inform the position.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-26T15:19:20.797","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278503,"EventID":"S4W-11053","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-12T15:19:21.28","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-08T11:29:13.35","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much the increased volume of prescribing outlined in the Audit Scotland report, NHS financial performance 2011/12, will cost each NHS board and what action is being taken to address the issue.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government collects anticipated percentage uplifts applied to GP prescribing and hospital drugs from NHS boards as part of the annual financial planning process. These percentage uplifts are not broken down between price and volume increases. The information requested is thus not held centrally by the Scottish Government. The Audit Scotland report NHS financial performance 2011-12 refers to prescribing volume assumptions collected by the Health and Sport Committee as part of the Committee’s review of NHS boards budget scrutiny (June 2012). A summary of the information provided by NHS boards is available on the Scottish Parliament website at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/S4_HealthandSportCommittee/Inquiries/Dr_Andrew_Walker_NHS_Board_survey_responses.pdf \r\nPrescribing costs are funded from NHS board baseline budget allocations provided by the Scottish Government. It is for NHS boards to determine how best to utilise baseline funding to meet the healthcare needs of their resident population. The NHS Scotland Efficiency and Productivity Framework for SR10, published in February 2011, sets out a programme of activities to improve quality and efficiency across NHS Scotland. The prescribing workstream supports NHS boards in identifying opportunities to improve the clinical quality of prescribing and to improve cost effectiveness of prescribing. Current activities of the workstream include a review of polypharmacy (the use of multiple medications by a patient) and a review of repeat prescriptions; these reviews aim to reduce the risk of harm to patients and further reduce wastage from medicines being dispensed to patients when they are not required.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-26T15:19:21.28","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278504,"EventID":"S4W-11054","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-12T15:19:21.81","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-08T11:29:13.35","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many of the 475 voluntary severance packages reported in the Audit Scotland report, NHS financial performance 2011/12, were subject to compromise agreements.\r\n","AnswerText":"All staff who choose the option of voluntary severance will sign a compromise agreement as part of this process.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-26T15:19:21.827","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278505,"EventID":"S4W-11055","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-12T15:19:22.293","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-08T11:29:13.35","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether the 475 voluntary severance packages reported in the Audit Scotland report, NHS financial performance 2011/12, represent all staff reductions for that year and, if not, what the reasons were for the others.\r\n","AnswerText":"No, the voluntary severance packages do not represent all staff reductions for 2011-12. The reason for staff leaving is not held centrally.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-26T15:19:22.31","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278506,"EventID":"S4W-11056","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-12T15:19:22.84","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-08T11:29:13.35","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many voluntary severance packages have been agreed by the NHS for 2012-13 and how much these will cost.\r\n","AnswerText":"NHS boards determine their voluntary severance packages and arrangements, within the policy framework for voluntary severance in NHS Scotland set by the Scottish Government. The use of these provisions therefore remains a matter for NHS boards as employers.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-26T15:19:22.857","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278507,"EventID":"S4W-11078","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1778,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":110,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-12T15:19:23.37","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-09T10:14:18.57","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many people convicted of murder in each year since 1990 had received specialist mental health care services in the 12 months prior to their conviction.\r\n","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-26T15:19:23.387","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278508,"EventID":"S4W-11079","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1778,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":110,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-12T15:19:23.683","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-09T10:14:18.57","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what steps it is taking to increase public awareness of ovarian cancer.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government is using a number of methods to raise the public’s awareness of screening programmes (for bowel, breast and cervical) and the early signs and symptoms of cancer to encourage people to seek help earlier. The early detection of cancers is crucial because the earlier cancer is diagnosed the better the chance of a positive outcome for the patient. As part of the Scottish Government’s focus to improve cancer outcomes, the Detect Cancer Early Programme was launched in February 2012, backed by £30 million of investment.\r\nThe programme will also work with GPs to promote earlier referral or investigation of patients who may show a suspicion of cancer. This initiative is expected to raise awareness of all cancers amongst the public and health practitioners, which will lead to earlier cancer diagnosis, and crucially, save more lives every year. During 2008 to 2011 the Scottish Government provided £17,750 in health grant to Ovarian Cancer Action, to develop awareness materials to inform and highlight ovarian cancer symptoms to women and health professionals. In February 2010, 1017 GP practices in Scotland received an updated ovarian cancer symptom awareness pack.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-26T15:19:23.697","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278509,"EventID":"S4W-11080","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1778,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":110,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-12T15:19:23.98","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-09T10:14:18.57","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether EU nationals resident in Scotland who are in receipt of a pension and whose healthcare costs could be paid for by their home country under regulation (EC)883/2004 are required to show a European Health Insurance Card and have the information recorded when registering with a GP.\r\n","AnswerText":"The European Health Insurance Card entitles people who are ordinarily resident in the European Economic Area and Switzerland to access state provided healthcare that is necessary in the event of illness or accident during short term visits to Scotland, for example on holiday or on a business trip. This arrangement has no bearing on EU state pensioners who choose to retire to Scotland.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-26T15:19:23.993","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278510,"EventID":"S4W-11082","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1778,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":110,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-12T15:19:24.277","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-09T10:14:18.57","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many cochlear implant procedures have been carried out for (a) adults and (b) children in each year since 2000.\r\n","AnswerText":"The following table shows the number of cochlear implant procedures that have been carried out for (a) adults and (b) children in each financial year since 2000-01.\r\nNumber of cochlear implant procedures performed in Scottish hospitals. Adults and Children - Years ending 31 March 2001 to 2012.\r\nYear\r\nAdults\r\n(16 years\r\nand older)\r\nChildren\r\n(0-15 years)\r\nTotal\r\n2000-01\r\n24\r\n20\r\n44\r\n2001-02\r\n24\r\n17\r\n41\r\n2002-03\r\n24\r\n19\r\n43\r\n2003-04\r\n24\r\n19\r\n43\r\n2004-05\r\n23\r\n25\r\n48\r\n2005-06\r\n21\r\n23\r\n44\r\n2006-07\r\n30\r\n32\r\n62\r\n2007-08\r\n32\r\n32\r\n64\r\n2008-09\r\n51\r\n42\r\n93\r\n2009-10\r\n56\r\n55\r\n111\r\n2010-11\r\n47\r\n78\r\n125\r\n2011-12\r\n77\r\n67\r\n144\r\nSource: Cochlear Implant Service Annual Reports 2000-01 to 2011-12.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-26T15:19:24.29","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278511,"EventID":"S4W-11083","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1778,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":110,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-12T15:19:24.557","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-09T10:14:18.57","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the NHS expenditure was per person in (a) Fife and (b) Scotland in 2010-11.\r\n","AnswerText":"NHS expenditure per person by the Fife Health Board in 2010-11 was £1,635. The average spend by territorial health boards across Scotland was £1,759 per person.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-26T15:19:24.57","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278512,"EventID":"S4W-11084","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1778,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":110,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-12T15:19:24.853","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-09T10:14:18.57","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the average waiting time is in Fife for treatment for ovarian cancer.\r\n","AnswerText":"The latest official statistics published by NHS Information Services Division (ISD) for Quarter 2 (April - June) of 2012, show that the median waiting time to treatment for patients with ovarian cancer included in the 62 day cancer access standard, is 45 days. The median waiting time for patients included in the 31 day cancer access standard is 27 days. Official Statistics relating to cancer waiting times can be found on the NHS ISD website:  http://www.isdscotland.org/Publications/\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-26T15:19:24.867","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278513,"EventID":"S4W-11085","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1778,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":110,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-12T15:19:25.133","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-09T10:14:18.57","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what steps it is taking to reduce methadone abuse and how many deaths have been attributed to methadone overdose in (a) Edinburgh and (b) Scotland in each year since 2000.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government’s national drugs strategy The Road to Recovery is clear that methadone is only one component in a package of care, treatment and recovery that can be offered to individuals to help them recover from problem drug use.\r\nTo prevent abuses when methadone is prescribed, it is essential that it is carefully dispensed and appropriately supervised to ensure patient safety and also to reduce the risk as far as practically possible of it being used illicitly. The level of supervision required for each person is determined by the prescriber following clinical and risk assessment of an individual’s drug use. This is in line with the UK clinical guidelines Drug Misuse and Dependence, UK Guidelines on Clinical Management. Chapter 5 of these guidelines covers in detail best practice on pharmacological interventions such as opioid maintenance prescribing, individual patient risk assessment, supervision and opioid detoxification. To gather more information on opiate replacement therapies such as methadone, the Scottish Government has commissioned an independent expert group, to objectively consider the evidence supporting the role of opiate replacement therapy in the treatment of substance misuse. Following this process of evidence gathering, the group will make recommendations to the Scottish Government, for consideration in Parliament, to ensure that such medical interventions are being used appropriately and in line with the international evidence base. This group will report in the spring of 2013.\r\nInformation on the numbers of drug related deaths in Scotland is published annually by the National Records of Scotland and is available via:\r\nhttp://www.gro-scotland.gov.uk/statistics/theme/vital-events/deaths/drug-related/index.html\r\nInformation about the numbers of deaths that have been attributed to methadone is complex because many deaths are of people who used methadone and also other substances, some of which were believed to be implicated in, or to have potentially contributed to, the cause of death. Therefore information on how many deaths have been attributed to methadone in (a) Edinburgh and (b) Scotland in each year since 2000 is presented in three sets of figures in the following table.\r\n \r\nDeaths where methadone was the only substance (except perhaps alcohol) reported being present in the body.\r\nAll deaths for which methadone was implicated in, or potentially contributed to the cause of death. Other substances e.g. heroin, diazepam, alcohol may also have been present and (if so) may also have been implicated in the death.\r\nYear\r\nEdinburgh\r\nScotland\r\nEdinburgh\r\nScotland\r\nEdinburgh\r\nScotland\r\n2000\r\n1\r\n8\r\n1\r\n8\r\n6\r\n55\r\n2001\r\n2\r\n12\r\n2\r\n12\r\n9\r\n69\r\n2002\r\n6\r\n17\r\n6\r\n17\r\n14\r\n98\r\n2003\r\n1\r\n15\r\n1\r\n15\r\n12\r\n87\r\n2004\r\n1\r\n14\r\n1\r\n14\r\n2\r\n80\r\n2005\r\n4\r\n24\r\n4\r\n24\r\n13\r\n72\r\n2006\r\n0\r\n43\r\n0\r\n43\r\n8\r\n97\r\n2007\r\n6\r\n40\r\n6\r\n40\r\n18\r\n114\r\n2008\r\n4\r\n24\r\n6\r\n70\r\n24\r\n169\r\n2009\r\n2\r\n10\r\n6\r\n54\r\n20\r\n173\r\n2010\r\n3\r\n20\r\n8\r\n69\r\n22\r\n174\r\n2011\r\n2\r\n14\r\n15\r\n112\r\n29\r\n275\r\nNote: Up to 2007, some pathologists reported only those drugs which they thought caused, or contributed to the drug-related death. From 2008, they reported separately: (a) drugs which were implicated in, or which potentially contributed to the cause of death; and (b) other drugs which were present but which were not considered to have had any direct contribution to the death. The figures for 2008 onwards are on the first basis - i.e. basis (a) - which is now the standard basis for figures for individual drugs.\r\nReference: National Records of Scotland Drug-Related Deaths in Scotland in 2011 Report, Footnote, page 34.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-26T15:19:25.15","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":" Roseanna Cunningham","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278514,"EventID":"S4W-11086","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1778,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":110,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-12T15:19:25.413","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-09T10:14:18.57","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much funding it has provided for research into myasthenia gravis in each year since 1999 and what information it has about funding by the UK Government in (a) 1997 and (b) 1998.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government funds medical research through the Chief Scientist Office (CSO) which has responsibility for encouraging and supporting research into health and healthcare needs in Scotland. CSO has not directly funded any research into myasthenia gravis, but would welcome research project proposals which seek to investigate the condition. These would be subject to CSO’s standard peer and committee review processes. The Scottish Government does not hold information relating to funding provided by the UK Government for medical research. This information is readily available to view on the National Research Register Archive website, which can be found at:\r\n http://www.nihr.ac.uk/Pages/NRRArchiveSearch.aspx  \r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-26T15:19:25.43","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278515,"EventID":"S4W-11087","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1778,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":110,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-12T15:19:25.693","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-09T10:14:18.57","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the average caseload is for health visitors dealing with under-fives.\r\n","AnswerText":"This information is not collected by the Scottish Government at this time, however the community nursing workload measurement tool will be able to supply indicative information by spring 2013.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-26T15:19:25.71","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278516,"EventID":"S4W-11088","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1778,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":110,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-12T15:19:25.99","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-09T10:14:18.57","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what statistics it collects on (a) demographic, (b) diagnosis and (c) treatment information held at prosthetics service centres.","AnswerText":"This information is not collected centrally.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-26T15:19:25.99","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278517,"EventID":"S4W-11090","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1778,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":110,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-12T15:19:26.273","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-09T10:14:18.57","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many accident and emergency departments have had their status changed to minor injuries centres since 2007 and what assessment it has made of this.\r\n","AnswerText":"Since 2007, there have been three changes in designation which have been part of service modernisation and improvement initiatives to improve services for patients. Each change has been part of wider strategies which have involved extensive public consultation and detailed assessment.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-26T15:19:26.287","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278518,"EventID":"S4W-11091","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1778,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":110,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-12T15:19:26.567","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-09T10:24:39.577","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will ensure that, under Project Surveillance 2014, the Animal Health Veterinary Laboratory Agency will assess the usefulness of new tests in relation to both (a) quality and (b) value for money and how it will work with vets and incineration centres to ensure the (i) long-term viability of agricultural production and (ii) welfare of animals.","AnswerText":"The Animal Health and Veterinary Laboratories Agency (AHVLA) is responsible for veterinary surveillance in England and Wales only. In Scotland, veterinary surveillance services are mostly provided by Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC), with some services supplied by the Moredun Research Institute.\r\nAHVLA must be informed where there is suspicion of a notifiable disease (such as foot and mouth or avian influenza) in Scotland. The Surveillance 2014 project will not impact on this work as it is focussed solely on the provision of surveillance services in England and Wales.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-26T15:19:26.583","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278519,"EventID":"S4W-11092","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1778,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":110,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-12T15:19:26.863","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-09T10:24:39.577","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how the system of reporting incidents of Schmallenberg disease in cattle and sheep by (a) farmers to vets, (b) vets to the Animal Health and Veterinary Laboratories Agency (AHVLA) and (c) the AHVLA to the Scottish Government is recorded and resourced.","AnswerText":"There is no requirement for either producers or veterinary practitioners to report suspected cases of Schmallenberg disease. However, Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC) has written to all Scottish veterinary practices inviting them to identify and report potential incidents of Schmallenberg infection in sheep and cattle.\r\nScottish Agricultural College Consulting Veterinary Services (a division of SRUC) and Moredun will investigate clinical cases of disease in livestock at a subsidised price; investigations into cases where Schmallenberg disease is a possible diagnosis incur no additional cost. SRUC can also offer free testing of cattle when acute clinical cases of Schmallenberg are suspected. Information from those investigations is shared with Scottish Government and the AHVLA.\r\nThe Scottish Government’s budget for animal disease surveillance in 2012-13 is £5.18 million, that budget includes surveillance for new and emerging diseases.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-26T15:19:26.88","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278520,"EventID":"S4W-11093","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1778,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":110,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-12T15:19:27.147","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-09T10:24:39.577","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what recent steps it has taken to protect (a) woodland and (b) wildlife in Fife.\r\n","AnswerText":"26 November 2012\r\n(S4W-11093)\r\nPaul Wheelhouse: The Scottish Government works with a wide range of partners to deliver the protection of woodlands and wildlife, and enables land managers to deliver environmental improvements through measures in the Scotland Rural Development Programme. We also maintain the law to ensure protection of the natural environment through the Wildlife and Natural Environment (Scotland) Act 2011.\r\nForestry Commission Scotland (FCS) promotes the sustainable management of woodlands in Fife, in accordance with the Scottish Forestry Strategy. FCS has recently worked closely with Fife Council, Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) and other partners in developing the Council’s FIFE Forestry & Woodland Strategy 2012-17, which is currently in final draft form. This strategy aims to maximise the potential benefits of forests and woodlands in Fife. As part of its Woods for Nature biodiversity programme FCS aims to halt the loss of biodiversity in Fife through targeted action for specific species (such as the red squirrel) and habitats, and through broader action at a landscape scale. FCS has also been engaged in a range of other partnership projects in Fife, including the control of invasive non-native plants (such as rhododendron) and work aimed at achieving good ecological status of watercourses.\r\nSNH is working to improve the condition of designated sites in Fife, and chairs the Fife Local Biodiversity Action Partnership (LBAP). SNH is a partner in the Sea Eagle Release programme in north east Fife, which helps meet international obligations. The Fife LBAP is working with NHS Fife on a long term project to enhance the grounds of nine hospitals for biodiversity and for the well-being of patients, visitors and staff.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-26T15:19:27.16","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278521,"EventID":"S4W-11095","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1778,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":110,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-12T15:19:27.427","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-09T10:24:39.577","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what recent steps it has taken to encourage recycling in Fife.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government is supporting local authorities across Scotland to further increase recycling performance. On funding, for example, we are making £5 million available to local authorities over the 2012-13 period to help establish household food waste collections and we also recently announced that a further £1.2 million is now available to support improvements at household waste recycling centres and to increase collections of glass. Zero Waste Scotland (ZWS) also provide funding to help councils roll out recycling services to tenements for recycling on the go, communication and engagement work, service improvements and staff training. Additional, comprehensive non financial support is also available from ZWS.\r\nRegarding direct support to Fife Council, ZWS has provided support to undertake a nappies collection trial and provided technical support to procure the Anaerobic Digestion facility in Dunfermline. Funding has also been provided for new wheeled bins to help extend the council’s plastic recycling system, introduce Recycle for Scotland branding and for the development of a sorting facility to recover additional recyclables from black bag waste.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-26T15:19:27.443","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278522,"EventID":"S4W-11096","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1778,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":110,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-12T15:19:27.707","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-09T10:24:39.577","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what recent assessment it has made of the quality standards of food to be imported into Scotland.\r\n","AnswerText":"Assessment of imported food (where imported food is food that originates outside of the European Union) (EU) takes place on an ongoing basis. A proportion of imported food is subject to documentary, identity and physical checks on entry to the EU with additional checks and sampling carried out on products of animal origin and particular products from certain countries where there is a known human or animal health risk. Once imported food has passed import controls, it may be moved freely around the EU.\r\nEU food safety law requires that food is safe when it leaves the establishment of production and is placed on the market. The Food and Veterinary Office of the EU audits standards both within member states and countries outside of the EU.\r\nThe Food Standards Agency (FSA) provides annual sampling grants to local food authorities for imported food analysis. In addition, food authorities carry out imported food checks at food business establishments as part of their routine inspection programme.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-26T15:19:27.723","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278523,"EventID":"S4W-11098","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1778,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":110,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-12T15:19:27.987","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-09T10:28:13.18","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what it has done since May 2011 to promote the salmon industry and what role Marine Scotland has played in this.\r\n","AnswerText":"Scottish Development International (SDI), as the trade and investment arm of Scottish Government, has played a major role in promoting Scottish salmon in key international markets. This includes supporting and promoting the Scottish salmon industry at annual international events such as the European Seafood Exposition (Brussels), the world's largest seafood show, Gulfoods (Dubai) and at the International Boston Seafood Show (Boston).\r\nMore specifically SDI, in conjunction with Seafood Scotland and Scottish salmon producers' organisation, is currently co-funding a two year project to support and promote Scottish salmon and seafood in key emerging markets, including initially China and Japan. This project is match funded by the European Fisheries Fund. Part of this project is a sponsorship agreement with the World Association of Chefs Societies, which will see the 10 million member body commit exclusively to using Scottish langoustine and salmon in its global cooking competitions.\r\nI recently led a trade delegation to Japan and China which had a strong representation from the Scottish salmon industry. Part of the marketing activity was launching an in-store promotion in the Ole retail store in Shanghai which opened with a traditional fish opening ceremony where Scottish salmon took centre stage.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-26T15:19:28.003","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278524,"EventID":"S4W-11099","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1778,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":110,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-12T15:19:28.27","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-09T10:28:13.18","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what marketing initiatives it has organised for the salmon industry in each of the last five years and what role Marine Scotland has played in this.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Council Regulation (EC) No. 1198/2006 on the European Fisheries Fund (EFF) defines the framework for community support for the sustainable development of the fisheries sector, fisheries areas and inland fishing (this includes all activities of production, processing and marketing of fisheries and aquaculture products). Under the EFF Marine Scotland has supported the activities identified in the table below. Additionally, since 2010 the EFF has funded Seafood Scotland to the tune of £0.5m to support the sustainable growth of the Scottish seafood sector. (NB the figures provided include both Marine Scotland funding and co-financing from the European Commission.)\r\nYear\r\nOrganisation\r\nActivity\r\nLevel of Support\r\n2009\r\nScottish Quality Salmon (now Scottish Salmon Producers Organisation - SSPO)\r\nTargeted promotional campaign of label rouge Scottish farmed salmon across France; launch Label Rouge in Belgium, Switzerland and Germany.\r\n£214,000\r\n\r\nScottish Quality Salmon\r\nSeek accreditation of code of good practice under EN45011; communications exercise with trade press; revise website; develop additional standards regarding environmental.\r\n£36,000\r\n\r\nSeafood Scotland\r\nEuropean Seafood Exposition seafood bar which includes aquaculture and is direct marketing.  Support those Salmon companies at the show.\r\n£214,000\r\n2010\r\nScottish Quality Trout (Carried out by Levercliff)\r\nReview of marketing opportunities for aquaculture (including salmon SME’s).\r\n£70,000\r\n\r\nScottish Quality Trout (Carried out by Levercliff)\r\nDevelopment of sustainable routes to market for aquaculture products.\r\n£180,000\r\n\r\nSeafood Scotland\r\nESE seafood bar which includes aquaculture and is direct marketing.  Support those Salmon companies at the show.\r\n£177,000\r\n2011\r\nBarony College\r\n\r\nPromote entry into the aquaculture sector as a career. \r\n£80,000\r\n\r\nSeafood Scotland\r\nESE seafood bar which includes aquaculture and is direct marketing.  \r\nSupport those Salmon companies at the show.\r\n£178,000\r\n2012\r\nSeafood Scotland\r\nEmerging markets.\r\n£240,000\r\n\r\nSeafood Scotland \r\nFood service sector opportunities.\r\n£80,000\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-26T15:19:28.283","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278525,"EventID":"S4W-11102","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1778,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":110,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-12T15:19:28.567","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-09T10:28:13.18","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its definition is of sustainable fishing resources.","AnswerText":"Sustainable fishing resources is defined as fish stocks being fished according to long term management plans leading to year-on-year fishing effort which exploits stocks at maximum sustainable yield, Fishing mortality sustainable yield (Fmsy), taking into account the fact that eco-system interactions may not allow Fmsy to be sustained simultaneously across all stocks in a mixed fishery.\r\nMaximum sustainable yield is defined as the highest average yield of fish that can be taken from a stock indefinitely while maintaining the stock in a sustainable condition. From year to year the yield will fluctuate in response to natural fluctuations in the numbers of young fish recruiting to the population and it is not possible to control this process. However, by consistently applying a fishing rate (proportion of fish population removed each year) which is calculated to result in maximum sustainable yield (i.e. Fmsy), managers can ensure fishery conditions for generating the highest sustainable yield on average and over the long term.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-26T15:19:28.58","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278526,"EventID":"S4W-11103","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1778,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":110,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-12T15:19:28.847","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-09T10:28:13.18","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what recent assessment Scottish Canals has made of the (a) waterways network infrastructure and (b) elements of the waterways network infrastructure not categorised as principal assets.","AnswerText":"Scottish Canals categorises the condition of its principal and most significant non-principal assets using a five-point condition grading system of A (very good) through to E (bad) in order to establish priorities for maintenance work. The latest information available as at 1 November 2012 is as follows:\r\n\r\nGrade description (Percentage)\r\n\r\n\r\nA : Very good\r\nB : Good\r\nC : Fair\r\nD : Poor\r\nE : Bad\r\nNumber of assets assessed\r\nPrincipal assets (including locks, reservoirs, boat-lifts and moving bridges)\r\n9\r\n31.5\r\n48.5\r\n10.4\r\n0.6\r\n676\r\nSignificant non-principal assets\r\n\r\nTowpath\r\n14.3\r\n25\r\n34\r\n23.2\r\n3.5\r\n118.5 km\r\nBank protection\r\n4.4\r\n17.7\r\n51.3\r\n18\r\n8.6\r\n221.8 km\r\nLock gates\r\n10.2\r\n64.8\r\n23.9\r\n1.1\r\n0\r\n88\r\nScottish Canals take a risk-based approach in using the funding available to maintain the network. They concentrate on those assets in the poorest condition and that have the highest consequence of failure e.g. in terms of safety or the impact on the wider network.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-26T15:19:28.86","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278527,"EventID":"S4W-11104","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1778,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":110,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-12T15:19:29.143","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-09T10:28:13.18","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide funds to Scottish Canals to restore to good condition its assets assessed as (a) defective and (b) at risk of becoming defective.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has allocated grant-in-aid support to Scottish Canals of £10 million per year during the current Spending Review Period. The grant to Scottish Canals supports the maintenance of Scotland’s canals and their contribution to economic regeneration. Decisions on the allocation of funds to support maintenance of the canals are an operational matter for Scottish Canals. Spending on maintenance of the network is a priority for Scottish Canals who take a risk-based approach in using the funding available to maintain the network. They concentrate on those assets in the poorest condition and that have the highest consequence of failure e.g. in terms of safety or the impact on the wider network.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-26T15:19:29.157","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278528,"EventID":"S4W-11105","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1778,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":110,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-12T15:19:29.423","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-09T10:28:13.18","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what information it has on how many non-European Economic Area citizens have been employed on fishing vessels registered in Scotland in each of the last five years and on what type of employment visa.","AnswerText":"We do not hold the information requested. As a matter reserved to the UK Government, the UK Border Agency are responsible for the handling of visa applications.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-26T15:19:29.44","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278529,"EventID":"S4W-11107","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1778,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":110,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-12T15:19:29.703","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-09T10:28:13.18","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what carbon dioxide emissions were produced by the fishing fleet in (a) 2004, (b) 2005, (c) 2006, (d) 2007, (e) 2008, (f) 2009, (g) 2010 and (h) 2011.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government does not hold information on the carbon dioxide emissions of the Scottish fishing fleet.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-26T15:19:29.72","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278530,"EventID":"S4W-11108","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1778,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":110,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-12T15:19:30","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-09T10:28:13.18","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it has made an assessment of the effects on the economy of a ban on fishmeal in organic animal feeds.","AnswerText":"In 2001, the feed ban was tightened by EU legislation preventing fishmeal use in ruminant animal feed. However, it was still allowed to be used in animal feed for non-ruminants under certain conditions. The feed ban is viewed as a key control in preventing new cases of BSE in cattle. Under the feed ban, it is illegal to feed potentially infectious material to ruminant animals.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-26T15:19:30.017","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278531,"EventID":"S4W-11109","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1778,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":110,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-12T15:19:30.28","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-09T10:28:13.18","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what assessment it has made of the possibility of increased fishmeal usage in organic animal feeds as a result of the reclassification of fish as a non-agricultural ingredient.","AnswerText":"Fishmeal is a restricted protein which can only be fed to non-ruminants such as pigs, poultry and farmed fish. It can also be included in milk replacers for feeding to unweaned ruminants.\r\nThere are strict separation requirements to prevent contamination with ruminant feed or allowing ruminants access to restricted protein feed.\r\nAnimal Health and Veterinary Laboratories Agency are responsible for the authorisation of premises producing feed containing restricted proteins, registering farms using feed containing restricted proteins where ruminants are kept and registering hauliers transporting bulk restricted proteins.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-26T15:19:30.297","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278532,"EventID":"S4W-11157","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-12T15:19:31.077","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-09T15:29:34","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what evidence it has that free prescriptions are making people healthier.","AnswerText":"The phasing out of prescription charges benefits all individuals in Scotland, but in particular those who are the most vulnerable. Those with low incomes and those with long-term conditions will clearly benefit most each and every time they have their prescribed medicines dispensed. Enabling access to necessary prescribed medicines is an essential component in ensuring patients’ compliance with the management of their health without reference to their income. Patients no longer face making choices between which medicines to take based on affordability.\r\nThe Scottish Government is clear that the extension of free prescriptions to all removed the inequalities embedded in the previous charges regime caused by the existence of an income threshold and approved list of conditions.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-26T15:19:31.077","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278533,"EventID":"S4W-11158","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-12T15:19:31.577","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-09T15:29:34","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether a regular assessment is undertaken to establish whether free prescriptions are having a positive impact on people’s health.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-11157 on 22 November 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\n http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-26T15:19:31.59","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278534,"EventID":"S4W-11159","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-12T15:19:32.183","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-09T15:29:34","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it has undertaken an equality impact assessment of its free prescriptions policy.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-11157 on 22 November 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\n http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-26T15:19:32.2","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278535,"EventID":"S4W-11160","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-12T15:19:32.667","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-09T15:29:34","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it has carried out an assessment of who benefits most from free prescriptions and by how much.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-11157 on 22 November 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\n http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-26T15:19:32.683","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278536,"EventID":"S4W-11161","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-12T15:19:33.2","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-09T16:30:38","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much has been spent on Aberdeen roads in each of the last five years.\r\n","AnswerText":"The following table shows the gross revenue expenditure by Aberdeen City Council on roads for the last five available years.\r\n\r\n2006-07\r\n2007-08\r\n2008-09\r\n2009-10\r\n2010-11\r\n\r\n£m\r\n£m\r\n£m\r\n£m\r\n£m\r\nAberdeen City\r\n20.742\r\n21.424\r\n21.745\r\n22.070\r\n21.449\r\nSource: Local Financial Returns – Roads and Transport (LFR 5) statistical return provided by councils to the Scottish Government.\r\nNote – 2011-12 data will become available in February 2013.\r\nThe following table shows the gross capital expenditure by Aberdeen City Council on roads for the last five available years.\r\n\r\n2006-07\r\n2007-08\r\n2008-09\r\n2009-10\r\n2010-11\r\n\r\n£m\r\n£m\r\n£m\r\n£m\r\n£m\r\nAberdeen City\r\n16.129\r\n8.573\r\n9.065\r\n8.916\r\n5.655\r\nSource: Capital statistical return (CR Final) provided by councils to the Scottish Government.\r\nNote – 2011-12 data will become available in February 2013.\r\nNote – 2006-07 capital expenditure figure is not directly comparable to later years due to changes in the data collection categories [2006-07 uses a wider definition of roads expenditure].\r\nThe following table shows expenditure by Transport Scotland on trunk road maintenance in Aberdeen for the last four available years.\r\n\r\n2008-09\r\n2009-10\r\n2010-11\r\n2011-12\r\n\r\n£m\r\n£m\r\n£m\r\n£m\r\nAberdeen City\r\n0.276\r\n0.720\r\n0.706\r\n1.310\r\nSource: Transport Scotland\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-26T15:19:33.213","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278537,"EventID":"S4W-11162","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-12T15:19:33.557","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-09T16:30:38","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much in pence per mile the bus fares have been in (a) Aberdeen and (b) Aberdeenshire in each of the last five years.","AnswerText":"Statistics on bus fare trends nationally are published (Bus and Coach Statistics) but they are not broken down by local authority area and the Scottish Government has not carried out an assessment of fares in Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-26T15:19:33.573","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278538,"EventID":"S4W-11163","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-12T15:19:33.87","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-09T16:30:38","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what assessment it has made of bus fares in (a) Aberdeen and (b) Aberdeenshire since 2007.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government is not involved in the setting of fares for local bus services and fare information is not held centrally. Statistics on fare trends nationally are published (Bus and Coach Statistics) but they are not broken down by local authority area and the Scottish Government has not carried out an assessment of fares in Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-26T15:19:33.883","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278539,"EventID":"S4W-11164","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":86,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-12T15:19:34.18","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-11T15:20:06","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many fatal accidents involving emergency service vehicles there have been in each of the last five years.","AnswerText":"The information is provided in the following table.\r\nYear\r\nCentral\r\nD&G\r\nFife\r\nGramp\r\nL&B\r\nNorthern\r\nS/clyde b\r\nTayside\r\nScotland\r\n2007-08\r\n1\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n1\r\n0\r\n2\r\n2008-09\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n1\r\n1\r\n0\r\n2\r\n2009-10\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n2010-11\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n1\r\n0\r\n1\r\n2011-12\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n1 a\r\n0\r\n0\r\n1\r\n0\r\n2\r\n2012-\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n1 c\r\n1\r\nNotes:\r\na. Ambulance transporting 84 yr old female left carriageway on Riverview Drive, Aberdeen on 16.12.11. Female died in hospital on 18.1.12. Vehicle NOT under blue light conditions and no other vehicle involved.\r\nb. These figures represent police vehicles only, Strathclyde Police are unable to provide any figures on other emergency service vehicles.\r\nc. This involved a patient transport vehicle (not an emergency response vehicle) that was not fitted with blue lights.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-26T15:19:34.197","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278540,"EventID":"S4W-11165","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":86,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-12T15:19:34.493","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-11T15:20:06","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many fatal accidents involving police officers responding to blue light incidents there have been in each police force area in each of the last five years.\r\n","AnswerText":"The information is provided in the following table.\r\nYear\r\nCentral\r\nD&G\r\nFife\r\nGrampian\r\nL&B\r\nNorthern\r\nS/clyde\r\nTayside\r\nScotland\r\n2007-08\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n1\r\n0\r\n1\r\n2008-09\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n2009-10\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n2010-11\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n1 a \r\n1\r\n2011-12\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n1\r\n0\r\n1\r\n2012-\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\nNote:\r\na. This was a police vehicle which was stopped on the carriage way, protecting a locus, with emergency lights activated. A vehicle collided with the rear of the police vehicle and the driver died as a result of his injuries. It was not responding but had already responded to the incident.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-26T15:19:34.51","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278541,"EventID":"S4W-11166","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-12T17:04:10.33","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-12T11:36:35","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much funding has been provided to colleges in (a) Aberdeen and (b) Aberdeenshire in each of the last five years.\r\n","AnswerText":"Decisions on the allocation of funding to individual colleges are the responsibility of the Scottish Further and Higher Education Funding Council. I have asked the chief executive of the Funding Council to write to the Member.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-26T17:04:10.377","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278542,"EventID":"S4W-11167","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-12T17:04:22.093","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-12T11:36:35","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what assessment it has made of traffic congestion in Aberdeen in each year since 2007.\r\n","AnswerText":"Transport Scotland collects information on traffic flows across the trunk road and motorway network and this is held in the Scottish Roads Traffic Database and is available on the Transport Scotland website: http://www.transportscotland.gov.uk/road/traffic-count.\r\nIn addition to this from 2007 and until 2010 annual assessments of congestion were also carried out on 44 specific sections of the trunk road and motorway network which included 3 routes in Aberdeen; the A96, A90 north and A90 south of A96. The sections of the trunk road assessed were those which experienced congestion or were thought likely to experience congestion. Sections of the network which were operating freely within current capacity were not specifically monitored. There have been no such specific annual assessments of congestion carried out on the trunk road and motorway network since 2010.\r\nThe congestion monitoring undertaken on the trunk road network in the Aberdeen area during 2007 - 2010 was one element used to track changes in congestion over the years on the trunk road network as a whole. It was not established as a direct assessment of congestion in Aberdeen itself.\r\nThe statistical bulletin Scottish Household Survey: Travel Diary 2011 summarises a range of annual transport statistics at a national level, including congestion. This is available at: http://www.transportscotland.gov.uk/strategy-and-research/publications-and-consultations/j240090-00.htm.\r\nScottish Household Survey Statistics relating to congestion in local authorities are published biennially in the Scottish Household Survey: Local Area Analysis publication. The most recent edition covers 2009-10. This is available at: \r\nhttp://www.transportscotland.gov.uk/analysis/statistics/publications/shs-local-area-analysis-previous-editions.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-26T17:04:22.107","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278543,"EventID":"S4W-11168","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-12T17:04:23.137","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-12T11:36:35","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what assessment it has made of the average travel time for commuting in Aberdeen in each year since 2007.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government does not annually assess data on average travel times for commuting in Aberdeen. The statistical bulletin Scottish Household Survey: Travel Diary 2009-10 summarises a range of transport statistics at a national level, including journey times. This is available at:\r\nhttp://www.transportscotland.gov.uk/files/documents/reports/j205156/j205156.pdf\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-26T17:04:23.153","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278544,"EventID":"S4W-11173","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3806,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-12T17:04:24.01","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-12T15:45:01.82","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-05556  by Keith Brown on 5 March 2012, how many repayment orders have been issued under the Housing (Scotland) Act 2006.\r\n","AnswerText":"Repayment charges are made by local authorities under section 172 of the Housing (Scotland) Act 2006 and should be registered in the appropriate property register. Information on the number of charges made is not held centrally. However, I have asked Sheenagh Adams, Keeper of the Registers of Scotland, how many repayment charges have been registered since the provision came into force on 1 April 2009. Her response is as follows:\r\n“Since 1 April 2009, 38 repayment charges have been registered in the Land Register and 12 recorded in the Register of Sasines. As at 14 November 2012, a further 23 repayment charges are the subject of pending applications for registration in the Land Register.”\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-26T17:04:24.027","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Burgess","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278554,"EventID":"S4W-11177","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2059,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":91,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-13T13:49:29.863","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-12T16:24:40.67","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many teachers with physical education as their primary subject are employed in (a) primary and (b) secondary schools and how many there were in (i) 2011, (ii) 2010, (iii) 2009, (iv) 2008 and (v) 2007.\r\n","AnswerText":"Information on the number of teachers (full time equivalent) whose main subject is physical education is published on the Scottish Government website as supplementary data to the Summary Statistics for Schools in Scotland publication. Primary school teacher information is available in table 2.8 and secondary school teacher information in table 3.9 of the following links:\r\n2008-2011:\r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Statistics/Browse/School-Education/teachcensus2011\r\nand 2007:\r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Statistics/Browse/School-Education/teachersupplementarydata\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-27T13:49:29.987","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alasdair Allan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278555,"EventID":"S4W-11185","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-13T13:49:30.313","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-13T11:57:50.897","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many meetings have taken place between its officials and (a) Transport Scotland, (b) the Department for Transport, (c) industry bodies and (d) local authorities regarding the plans for a high speed rail link between Edinburgh and Glasgow announced on 12 November 2012, and on what date.\r\n","AnswerText":"Since I announced the formation the Scottish Partnership Group for High Speed Rail on 21 June 2011 officials have worked in partnership with those organisations referred to in your question.\r\nIn the context of this question it is officials from Transport Scotland (an agency of the Scottish Government) who have led discussion with external partners.\r\nWe have attempted to capture the full scope of officials’ engagement on this issue in the period between 21 June 2011, and the announcement referred to on \r\n12 November 2012. However, there may be additional meetings which have not been captured by this analysis or meetings where high speed rail has been discussed as an agenda item, but where it was not the main issue of business.\r\nWe have had not less than 13 meetings with the Department for Transport, including direct meetings between Scottish and UK Ministers. These were held on: 21 June 2011, 27 July 2011, 06 September 2011, 28 October 2011, 26 January 2012, 01 March 2012, 26 April 2012, 30 April 2012, 28 June 2012, 05 July 2012, 06 September 2012, 21 September 2012, and 08 November 2012.\r\nOfficials have had not less than 28 meetings with rail industry bodies.  These were held on: 21 June 2011 (two meetings on this date), 15 August 2011, 18 August 2011, 06 October 2011, 28 October 2011, 26 January 2012, 14 February 2012, 07 March 2012, 22 March 2012, 26 March 2012, 02 April 2012, 26 April 2012, 09 May 2012, 29 May 2012, 13 June 2012, 20 June 2012, 21 June 2012, 05 July 2012, 20 July 2012, 14 August 2012, 23 August 2012, 21 September 2012, 21 September 2012, 10 October 2012, 15 October 2012, 18 October 2012, and 31 October 2012.\r\nOfficials have had not less than 37 meetings with Local Authorities. In this we include direct meetings with Regional Transport Partnerships, as accountable to elected Local Authority boards. These were held on: 21 June 2011 (two meetings on this date), 28 June 2011, 7 July 2011, 7 August 2011, 18 August 2011, 19 August 2011, 23 August 2011, 26 August 2011, 08 September 2011, 13 September 2011, 16 September 2011, 29 September 2011, 04 October 2011, 14 October 2011, 20 October 2011, 25 October 2011, 28 October 2011, 28 October 2011, 31 October 2011, 29 November 2011, 14 December 2011, 15 December 2011, 18 January 2012, 26 January 2012, 01 March 2012, 06 March 2012, 29 March 2012, 18 April 2012, 26 April 2012, 20 June 2012, 05 July 2012, 27 July 2012, 20 August 2012, 14 September 2012, 17 September 2012, and 15 October 2012.\r\nOfficials have had not less than 26 meetings with Network Rail.  These were held on:\r\n21 June 2011, 7 August 2011, 19 August 2011, 23 August 2011, 26 August 2011, 08 September 2011, 13 September 2011, 16 September 2011, 29 September 2011, 04 October 2011, 14 October 2011, 20 October 2011, 25 October 2011, 28 October 2011 (two meetings on this date), 31 October 2011, 14 December 2011, 15 December 2011, 18 January 2012, 26 January 2012, 21 February 2012, 26 April 2012, 05 July 2012, 29 August 2012, 17 September 2012, and 15 October 2012.\r\nIn addition, we have had not less than 30 meetings with business representative groups. These were held on: 21 June 2011, 12 August 2011, 17 August 2011, 19 August 2011, 23 August 2011, 26 August 2011, 08 September 2011, 13 September 2011, 16 September 2011, 27 September 2011, 29 September 2011, 04 October 2011, 14 October 2011, 20 October 2011, 25 October 2011, 28 October 2011 (two meetings on this date), 31 October 2011, 05 December 2011, 14 December 2011, 15 December 2011, 18 January 2012, 26 January 2012, 09 February 2012, 26 April 2012, 22 June 2012, 05 July 2012, 17 September 2012, 12 October 2012, and 15 October 2012.\r\nAlso, Transport Scotland officials have presented to a number of wider meetings, such as those of the West Coast Rail 250 group, where the issue of high speed rail has been discussed with officials and elected members of Local Authorities from Scotland, England and Wales. Officials attended West Coast Rail 250 group meetings on 2","AnswerDate":"2012-11-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-27T13:49:30.33","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278575,"EventID":"S4W-11120","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-13T16:54:34.133","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-08T16:46:39","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what action it has taken in response to the Civil Service People Survey 2011, which stated that 2% of its staff strongly agreed and 22% agreed that change was managed well in the Scottish Government, with 76% of staff either disagreeing or not commenting on how well change is managed.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Civil Service People Survey provides valuable annual feedback from employees on the experience of working across the UK Civil Service. The Scottish Government report helps identify where, as an employer, we are doing well and where we can improve.\r\nThe results of the 2011 survey showed that 81% of our people were clear about their role, with 80% confirming that they understood how they contribute towards the achievement of the Scottish Government’s objectives. These results came at a time when we are reducing our administration costs by around 20% and taking forward subsequent changes.\r\nTo address the issues raised in the 2011 Survey, the Executive Team led action to set out a clear vision and plan for organisational change in the Scottish civil service. The Business Strategy sets out the organisational vision and this is delivered through three corporate priorities: the People Strategy, Workforce 2015 and the Improvement Framework.\r\nTo embed this throughout the organisation, senior managers have led roadshows and Q&A sessions with staff to explain the direction and vision for the organisation.  Support for local team leaders helped them to lead discussions clarifying the role staff can play in changing the way they work and contributing their ideas for service improvement. Individual employees and their line manager are required to have monthly conversations to provide a regular opportunity to support business planning and to ensure resources are focused on priorities.\r\nThe results of the 2012 Civil Service People Survey will be published externally in January 2013. This will provide feedback on the impact of actions taken to date.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-27T16:54:34.273","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278576,"EventID":"S4W-11169","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4955,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":105,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-13T16:54:34.85","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-12T13:55:02.713","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many bronchiectasis specialist nurses were employed by each NHS board in the last three years for which information is available.\r\n","AnswerText":"Information on how many bronchiectasis specialist nurses were employed in each NHS board in the last three years is not held centrally. Within the clinical nurse specialist table on the NHS Information Services Division (ISD) web site there is a specialty of respiratory, part of their job would be to care for patients with bronchiectasis. However, as this is quite a rare condition there is no clinical nurse specialist with a specific specialty for the treatment of bronchiectasis. Information is provided in the link to the clinical nurse specialist table on the ISD website: http://www.isdscotland.org/Health-Topics/Workforce/Publications/2011-11-29/Clinical_Nurse_Specialist_S2011.xls?8444721\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-27T16:54:34.867","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278577,"EventID":"S4W-11170","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4955,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":105,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-13T16:54:35.27","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-12T13:55:02.713","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many people were registered with (a) bronchiectasis and (b) clinically significant bronchiectasis in each NHS board area in the last three years for which information is available.\r\n","AnswerText":"The information requested is not centrally available.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-27T16:54:35.287","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278578,"EventID":"S4W-11171","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4955,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":105,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-13T16:54:35.647","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-12T13:55:02.713","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many people received home intravenous antibiotic therapy for clinically significant bronchiectasis in each NHS board area in the last three years for which information is available.\r\n","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-27T16:54:35.677","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278579,"EventID":"S4W-11172","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4955,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":105,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-13T16:54:35.973","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-12T13:55:02.713","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on the British Thoracic Society's Quality Standards for Clinically Significant Bronchiectasis in Adults.","AnswerText":"The British Thoracic Society (BTS) develops guidelines as a professional body, which are widely disseminated throughout the medical community. Although these guidelines have no formal standing in NHSScotland the Scottish Government expect clinicians to be aware of them through their ongoing professional development.\r\nOur National Advisory Group for Respiratory Managed Clinical Networks is aware of the BTS standards for clinically significant bronchiectasis in adults and has circulated them to the members of the group.\r\nHealthcare Improvement Scotland published Clinical Standards in March 2010 for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) Services, which includes services for people living with bronchiectasis. The standards were launched with supporting materials to help NHS boards to review and evaluate their COPD services in relation to each of the criteria within the clinical standards.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-27T16:54:35.99","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278580,"EventID":"S4W-11182","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1866,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-13T16:54:36.283","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-13T09:45:07.437","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what planning and policy framework will be in place until the first National Marine Plan is introduced in 2014.\r\n","AnswerText":"Until the National Marine Plan is adopted, decisions regarding marine activities and developments will continue to be made under existing frameworks which include: Scotland’s marine licensing regime and terrestrial planning policy, in addition to sectoral plans and policy such as aquaculture planning and fisheries management policy. These existing frameworks take account of social and environmental impacts, promoting a sustainable approach to planning and licensing decisions for Scotland’s seas.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-27T16:54:36.3","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278581,"EventID":"S4W-11183","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1866,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-13T16:54:36.69","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-13T09:45:07.437","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what status draft marine sectoral plans will have in guiding development.","AnswerText":"Draft sectoral marine plans and the related reports and documents issued to build the plans are non statutory. The published sectoral marine plans will be a statement of ministers policy, including ministers spatial policies for the sector being covered. Sectoral planning actively incorporates consideration of environmental impacts at all levels and includes strategic environmental appraisal (SEA) and habitats regulations assessment (HRA) to guide development. The SEA and HRA are both required under legislation and statutory consultation is required under SEA legislation to guide development of sectoral plans. These plans and assessments would be relevant considerations in guiding development.\r\nThe spatial output of marine renewable sectoral plans will be integrated into the National Marine Plan. This will give the outputs of the sectoral plans full statutory weight.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-27T16:54:36.707","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278582,"EventID":"S4W-11184","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-13T16:54:37.08","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-08T16:46:39","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what action has been taken in response to the Civil Service People Survey 2011, which stated that 14% of Registers of Scotland staff agreed that the organisation was managed well.\r\n","AnswerText":"This is an operational matter for the Keeper of the Registers of Scotland. The Keeper has advised me that the issue will be covered in her response to a request for similar information from the Public Audit Committee.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-27T16:54:37.097","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278583,"EventID":"S4W-11190","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-13T16:54:37.597","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-13T13:26:09.973","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what action is being taken in response to the Civil Service People Survey 2011, which stated that 1% of its staff strongly agreed and 18% agreed that when changes in the Scottish Government are made, they are usually for the better, with 81% of staff having no opinion or disagreeing.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-11120 on 22 November 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-27T16:54:37.61","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278584,"EventID":"S4W-11191","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-13T16:54:38.127","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-13T13:03:07","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-10772 by Alex Neil on 12 November 2012, whether it monitors the surplus asset registers for each NHS board.\r\n","AnswerText":"NHS boards manage their surplus assets, within the terms of the NHS Scotland property transactions handbook.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-27T16:54:38.127","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278585,"EventID":"S4W-11192","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5042,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-13T16:54:38.623","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-13T15:03:28.453","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-10640 by Michael Russell on 13 November 2012, how many invoices to overseas companies or governments remain outstanding; what the value of each invoice is; when payment was requested, and from what companies or governments.\r\n","AnswerText":"This is a matter for the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA). Since the information is not held centrally I have asked the chief executive of the SQA to write to you.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-27T16:54:38.64","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278586,"EventID":"S4W-11204","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":2,"MSPID":4940,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-14T13:26:36.633","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-14T10:25:17.89","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the outcomes were of the First Minister's visit to Chicago in September 2012.\r\n","AnswerText":"The 2012 Ryder Cup at Medinah outside Chicago provided a unique opportunity to promote Scotland to a worldwide audience at one of the biggest global sporting events; and to develop new and existing business relationships through an extensive programme of wrap-around activity.\r\nThe next Ryder Cup will take place at Gleneagles in 2014 and has the potential to generate £100 million for the Scottish economy with tens of thousands of spectators attending from all over the world and millions more watching the tournament on television in more than 180 countries. Over 200,000 people attended the 2012 tournament at Medinah and over 500 million watched it on television.\r\nThe Ryder Cup 2014 Host Nation Agreement obliged a Scottish delegation to be present at Medinah for the handover (Wales were under a similar obligation as hosts of the 2010 Ryder Cup to attend in Kentucky in 2008). Alongside representatives from The Gleneagles Hotel, Perth & Kinross Council, Tayside Police and Ryder Cup Europe, representatives of Team Scotland partners (the Scottish Government, VisitScotland, EventScotland and Scottish Development International) were able to observe and learn from the hosting of this year’s event to help inform preparations for the 2014 Ryder Cup at Gleneagles.\r\nThe Scottish delegation was led by the First Minister accompanied by the Minister for Commonwealth Games and Sport. The First Minister visited the State of Illinois from  25 September 2012 to 1 October 2012 and the Minister visited from 24 to 29 September 2012. As well as attending the opening ceremony of the 2012 Ryder Cup at Medinah, the First Minister accepted, at the invitation of Ryder Cup Europe, the official ‘Silver Putter’ at the closing ceremony, symbolising the handover of the tournament to Scotland as the host nation for the 2014 tournament. Ministers also carried out an extensive programme of targeted engagement with high-level business, media, tourism and civic leaders, to develop relationships, support potential and existing inward investment in Scotland, and to promote Scotland, as the Home of Golf, and the host of the 2014 Ryder Cup. Ministers were supported by a team of 12 officials from the Scottish Government with a policy, logistical support and media engagement remit. In addition 22 officials from VisitScotland and Scottish Development International attended with a specific tourism, events and business remit.\r\nScotland’s strong presence at Medinah not only helped build and strengthen relationships with the world’s media ahead of Ryder Cup 2014 but resulted in significant press, broadcast and online coverage throughout the globe, particularly following the official handover ceremony. On the Monday morning following the Medinah event more than 9,000 online articles mentioned the 2014 Ryder Cup and Gleneagles or Scotland. In addition, our Gleneagles 2014 stand was seen by tens of thousands of spectators on the ground and millions watching at home.\r\nThe First Minister also helped to encourage the expansion of Scottish companies into the North American market. He joined Airdrie-based company Albert Bartlett - which currently employs 700 full-time staff in Scotland – to announce details of the company’s launch into the US market. By partnering with supermarket giant Walmart, Albert Bartlett’s brand Rooster potatoes will be sold in Colorado and Georgia, before a wider roll-out to stores in multiple US states during 2013. The First Minister then hosted a reception to welcome to Chicago a Scottish development international trade mission of 13 Scottish food and drink and golf related companies seeking to do business in the United States. Also present at that reception were around 20 US companies from the aerospace, financial services, life sciences, automotive and chemicals industries who are exploring opportunities to invest and grow their businesses in Scotland.\r\nThe First Minister’s work in Chicago also included a number of business meetings which secured over 140 ","AnswerDate":"2012-11-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-28T13:26:36.837","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278595,"EventID":"S4O-01496","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-14T14:09:50.733","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-12T12:05:15.68","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its estimate is of the value to the Edinburgh economy of the winter festival season.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-28T14:09:50.78","MeetingDate":"2012-11-21T17:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278596,"EventID":"S4O-01497","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":1892,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":134,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-14T14:09:51.123","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-12T12:05:16.833","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on whether the National Museums Scotland should make its collection available throughout the country.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-28T14:09:51.137","MeetingDate":"2012-11-21T17:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278597,"EventID":"S4O-01498","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":2108,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":141,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-14T14:09:51.433","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-12T12:05:17.193","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what contact the Cabinet Secretary for Culture and External Affairs has had with Creative Scotland in the last month.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-28T14:09:51.45","MeetingDate":"2012-11-21T17:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278598,"EventID":"S4O-01499","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":4939,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":78,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-14T14:09:51.917","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-12T12:05:17.537","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it measures the impact of the Youth Music Initiative.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-28T14:09:51.933","MeetingDate":"2012-11-21T17:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278599,"EventID":"S4O-01500","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":5047,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-14T14:09:52.277","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-12T12:05:18.317","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the First Minister's meeting with the Chinese Ambassador to the UK in June 2012, what representations it has made to China regarding the treatment of the Tibetan people.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-28T14:09:52.293","MeetingDate":"2012-11-21T17:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278600,"EventID":"S4O-01501","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":2066,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-14T14:09:54.07","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-12T12:05:18.753","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what assistance Historic Scotland provides to support and regenerate conservation areas.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-28T14:09:54.087","MeetingDate":"2012-11-21T17:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278601,"EventID":"S4O-01502","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":3907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":135,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-14T14:09:54.413","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-12T12:05:19.063","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when the Scottish Catholic Archives will be made available to genealogy centres in Kilmarnock and Glasgow in addition to the Edinburgh centre.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-28T14:09:54.43","MeetingDate":"2012-11-21T17:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278602,"EventID":"S4O-01504","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":3061,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-14T14:09:54.71","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-12T12:05:19.733","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what action it is taking to protect sites of historical and archaeological interest.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-28T14:09:54.727","MeetingDate":"2012-11-21T17:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278603,"EventID":"S4O-01505","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":2853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":81,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-14T14:09:55.053","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-12T12:05:20","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what assessment it has made of the impact of the reduction in Historic Scotland’s budget between 2011-12 and 2014-15.\r\n","AnswerText":"Historic Scotland has been growing its income from other sources than  the Scottish Government for example commercial income from sites and this is replacing the planned reduction in Scottish Government so the overall income levels for Historic Scotland can be maintained. They like other sectors have experienced a poor summer due to weather and down turn in the travel trade and we will continue to monitor levels closely. Historic Scotland like other public bodies are facing challenges but I am confident that by looking at every possible opportunity to save money and generate new income they will continue to deliver their commitments.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-28T14:09:55.07","MeetingDate":"2012-11-21T17:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278604,"EventID":"S4O-01506","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":4016,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":133,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-14T14:09:55.413","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-12T12:06:05.66","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what plans it has to improve the A1, A7 and the A68 roads in the Scottish Borders.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-28T14:09:55.427","MeetingDate":"2012-11-21T17:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278605,"EventID":"S4O-01507","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":1893,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-14T14:09:55.757","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-12T12:06:06.067","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what impact it expects the average of 77 weeks for a decision on major housing applications to have on the house construction industry.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-28T14:09:55.77","MeetingDate":"2012-11-21T17:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278606,"EventID":"S4O-01508","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":5080,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-14T14:09:56.067","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-12T12:06:06.38","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what impact the Affordable Housing Supply Programme will have on levels of poverty.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-28T14:09:56.083","MeetingDate":"2012-11-21T17:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278607,"EventID":"S4O-01509","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":1741,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-14T14:09:56.38","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-12T12:06:06.58","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when it will publish the cost and cost-benefit analysis of the high-speed rail project between Glasgow and Edinburgh. \r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-28T14:09:56.393","MeetingDate":"2012-11-21T17:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278608,"EventID":"S4O-01510","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":2134,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":82,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-14T14:09:56.69","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-12T12:06:06.817","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what progress has been made toward the commencement of construction of the Newhouse to Baillieston M8 upgrade.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-28T14:09:56.707","MeetingDate":"2012-11-21T17:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278609,"EventID":"S4O-01511","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":1759,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-14T14:09:57.003","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-12T12:06:07.113","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what steps it will take to improve cycling infrastructure.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-28T14:09:57.02","MeetingDate":"2012-11-21T17:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278610,"EventID":"S4O-01512","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":4934,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-14T14:09:57.3","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-14T11:38:52.267","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the Cabinet Secretary for Infrastructure, Investment and Cities is doing to ensure a modal shift toward active travel.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-28T14:09:57.317","MeetingDate":"2012-11-21T17:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278611,"EventID":"S4O-01513","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":4940,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-14T14:09:57.627","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-12T12:06:07.503","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what steps it is taking to encourage the building of new council housing.","AnswerText":"The aim of the Council House Building Programme which was introduced in April 2009 was to incentivise local authorities to begin building new homes, the first such central government support to councils in a generation. Since 2009 we have committed almost £115 million of funding which will deliver over 4,400 [4,470] council homes across Scotland. We have also brought into one budget council and registered social landlord (RSL) funding streams. This will enable each council to exercise its strategic role more flexibly and to put forward to government a programme of social and affordable housing developments based on their local housing strategy.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-28T14:09:57.643","MeetingDate":"2012-11-21T17:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Burgess","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278612,"EventID":"S4O-01514","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":3743,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":123,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-14T14:09:57.94","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-12T12:06:07.75","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what effect the recent UK Government financial stimulus has had on the house-building industry in Scotland.\r\n","AnswerText":"The UK Government’s plan to enable new homes projects through the provision of guarantees is not yet operational and therefore has had no effect on the house building industry in Scotland.\r\nLet's not forget the Scottish Government pioneered the use of guarantees to deliver new affordable housing through the National Housing Trust initiative (NHT). NHT has already delivered 95 completed homes with hundreds more under construction and a second procurement round on-going. NHT was launched in quick response to the pressures facing the house building industry and was developed jointly with the sector.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-28T14:09:57.953","MeetingDate":"2012-11-21T17:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Burgess","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278613,"EventID":"S4O-01515","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":2010,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":137,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-14T14:09:58.25","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-12T12:06:07.987","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when it last met the UK Government to discuss the impact of proposed welfare reforms in Scotland.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Minister for Housing and Welfare had an introductory meeting with the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions on 19 September 2012. Scottish Ministers continue to have ongoing dialogue and correspondence with the UK Government on a wide range of issues relating to the UK Government’s welfare reforms and the impact of these reforms on people and services in Scotland. Scottish Government officials also continue to meet regularly with their UK counterparts to discuss a wide range of welfare matters.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-28T14:09:58.25","MeetingDate":"2012-11-21T17:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278614,"EventID":"S4O-01516","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":3759,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":80,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-14T14:09:58.58","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-12T12:06:25.817","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what measures it takes to raise awareness of household dangers to young children.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-28T14:09:58.593","MeetingDate":"2012-11-22T17:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278615,"EventID":"S4O-01517","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2159,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":88,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-14T14:09:58.877","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-12T12:06:26.067","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many of the 33 recommendations in the Justice 2 Sub-committee’s report, Justice System (Child-Sex Offenders), on managing registered sex offenders have been delivered since 10 May 2007.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-28T14:09:58.89","MeetingDate":"2012-11-22T17:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278616,"EventID":"S4O-01518","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":138,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-14T14:09:59.233","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-12T12:06:26.3","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it plans to review beta blocker prescribing recommendations following a study recently published in The Journal of the American Medical Association suggesting that beta blockers did not prolong the lives of patients.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-28T14:09:59.25","MeetingDate":"2012-11-22T17:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278617,"EventID":"S4O-01519","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":4951,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-14T14:09:59.577","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-12T12:06:26.55","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what steps it is taking to explore the role of liquid air energy storage in developing Scotland's low-carbon economy.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-28T14:09:59.593","MeetingDate":"2012-11-22T17:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278618,"EventID":"S4O-01520","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":5042,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-14T14:09:59.873","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-12T12:06:26.753","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what progress the Scottish Studies Working Group has made in promoting opportunities to learn British Sign Language in schools.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-28T14:09:59.89","MeetingDate":"2012-11-22T17:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278619,"EventID":"S4O-01521","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":3771,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-14T14:10:00.17","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-12T12:06:26.97","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when it last had discussions with NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde and what matters were discussed.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-28T14:10:00.187","MeetingDate":"2012-11-22T17:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278620,"EventID":"S4O-01523","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-14T14:10:00.483","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-12T12:06:27.423","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it plans that the Scottish Energy Skills Academy, as stated by the Minister for Energy, Enterprise and Tourism, will be anchored in the north east of Scotland.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-28T14:10:00.497","MeetingDate":"2012-11-22T17:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278621,"EventID":"S4O-01524","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1845,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-14T14:10:00.793","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-12T12:06:27.657","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what progress is being made in opening up the school estate for community use.","AnswerText":"Our expectation is that local authorities make every effort to ensure that their school estate is available for appropriate community use in a way that addresses the needs of both pupils and the wider community. For example, 356 school building projects were completed in the last parliament, many of which are providing fantastic sporting and other facilities for use by the local community. In addition, the £1.25 billion Scotland’s Schools for the Future programme will fund 67 school building projects across Scotland. These will include improved facilities for community use.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-28T14:10:00.81","MeetingDate":"2012-11-22T17:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Alasdair Allan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278622,"EventID":"S4O-01525","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1793,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-14T14:10:01.137","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-13T17:30:53.77","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what policies it has in place to support micro-businesses in rural and remote areas with recruitment and employment.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government is committed to helping businesses in all parts of Scotland to grow and recruit additional staff.\r\nFor example, Scottish Enterprise account manages 422 rural companies and has supported over 100 rural businesses with organisational development and support. Meanwhile, Highlands and Islands Enterprise assists micro businesses with capital costs for projects that support job creation and provide recruitment advice.\r\nAt the national level, we have recently launched Our Skillsforce, which makes it easier for businesses of all descriptions to access information on recruitment and workforce development. As announced in the budget, the Scottish Government will also invest £15 million to support up to 10,000 young people into employment in small businesses across Scotland. This will help both to stimulate growth and tackle unemployment amongst young people.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-28T14:10:01.137","MeetingDate":"2012-11-22T17:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278623,"EventID":"S4W-11195","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":81,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-14T14:11:53.357","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-13T16:21:17.673","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answers to questions S4W-06649 and S4W-08254 by Keith Brown on 8 May 2012 and 4 July 2012 respectively, what discussions have taken place with (a) industry, (b) communities and (c) stakeholders regarding the (i) criteria for, (ii) governance of and (iii) application process for the fund.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Stations Fund was announced in June 2012 and since then Transport Scotland officials have worked with rail industry stakeholders to determine the process to secure funds for new stations and station improvements. The fund will be operational from April 2014.\r\nPromoters of new stations or station improvement proposals need not wait until the fund is operational in 2014 to bring these forward. They should speak to Regional Transport partnerships in the first instance for advice on the proposal’s fit with current local and regional priorities.\r\nMy officials are writing to all of Scotland’s local authorities and regional transport partnerships to explain the Scottish Stations Fund process in more detail. This information is also available from the Scottish Parliament information centre (SPICe) (Bib. number 54522).\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-28T14:11:53.37","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278624,"EventID":"S4W-11196","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":81,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-14T14:11:53.887","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-13T16:21:17.673","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answers to questions S4W-06649 and S4W-08254 by Keith Brown on 8 May 2012 and 4 July 2012 respectively, when the (a) criteria for, (b) governance of and (c) application process for the fund will be announced.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-11195 on 28 November 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-28T14:11:53.903","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278625,"EventID":"S4W-11197","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":81,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-14T14:11:54.37","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-13T16:21:17.673","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answers to questions S4W-06649 and S4W-08254 by Keith Brown on 8 May 2012 and 4 July 2012 respectively, when the first grants from the fund will be announced.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Stations Fund was announced as part of the high level output specification for control period 5 (2014-2019). As such, the fund will be operational from the start of the control period, in April 2014.\r\nPromoters of new stations or station improvement proposals need not wait until the fund is operational in 2014 to bring these forward. They should speak to regional transport partnership in the first instance for advice on the proposal’s fit with current local and regional priorities. \r\nMore information on the Scottish Stations Fund process is available from the Scottish Parliament information centre (SPICe) (Bib. number 54522).\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-28T14:11:54.37","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278626,"EventID":"S4W-11193","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-14T17:09:34.86","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-13T16:07:29.92","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4O-01449 by Michael Russell on 8 November 2012 (Official Report, c. 13218), who will carry out the audit of college waiting lists and whether this will be on an independent basis.\r\n","AnswerText":"Officials from the Scottish Funding Council, Scottish Government analysts and the colleges concerned will work in partnership to undertake this work.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-28T17:09:35.173","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278627,"EventID":"S4W-11194","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-14T17:09:35.5","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-13T16:07:29.92","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4O-01449 by Michael Russell on 8 November 2012 (Official Report, c. 13218), what the timescale for the audit of college waiting lists will be and when the final report will be published.\r\n","AnswerText":"Our aim is to conclude this work as soon as possible; and we shall make available its conclusions. We cannot be precise about timescales until we have a better understanding of the data that is available.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-28T17:09:35.517","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278628,"EventID":"S4W-11198","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-14T17:09:35.86","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-13T17:23:17.863","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4T-00120 by Keith Brown on 13 November 2012 (Official Report, c. 13318), whether all of (a) the papers of the partnership group for high-speed rail and (b) the (i) information and (ii) reports that it has on the economic benefits of the proposals will be placed in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has already placed the Partnership Group’s report [Fast Track Scotland, ISBN 978-1-908181-21-3] in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre (Bib. number 54510). Copies were also sent to all MSPs directly in December 2011.\r\nI will be happy to share additional supporting information such as can be made publicly available and ensure this is also placed in SPICe. I have also requested that officials make this information available on the Transport Scotland website.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-28T17:09:35.873","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278629,"EventID":"S4W-11199","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-14T17:09:36.17","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-13T17:23:17.863","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4T-00120 by Keith Brown on 13 November 2012 (Official Report, c. 13318), what plans the minister has seen in relation to the high-speed rail project and the planned technology and whether these will be placed in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Partnership Group for High Speed Rail delivered a pre-appraisal planning report to me in January 2012. I will ensure that this is placed in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre.\r\nI am keen that Parliament is kept apprised of the detail of this project and we will publish further plans once they are developed through Scottish Transport Appraisal Guidance processes. You will understand that the detail of some of the plans where this relates to potential impacts on individual interests cannot be shared.\r\nThe Partnership Group’s pre-appraisal report also presented a number of planning criteria for the development of new high speed lines in Scotland. Amongst these were the technical criteria that any new line and infrastructure should be built with capacity for European Loading Gauge, offer enhanced line resilience, and be designed with the capability of accommodating 400 metre trains, and for speeds up to 400 kilometres per hour. This is necessary to ensure full technical interoperability with the HS2 line being developed in England.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-28T17:09:36.187","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278630,"EventID":"S4W-11201","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-14T17:09:36.513","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-13T17:23:17.863","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government for what reasons the proposed high-speed rail link from Edinburgh to Glasgow will use trains with a maximum speed of 140 mph instead of 225 mph.","AnswerText":"It is intended that we plan lines with the capability for 400 kilometre per hour (kph) operation. This is to future proof the new line and ensure technical interoperability with the HS2 line being developed in England.\r\nTransport Scotland has modelled the probable journey times across the route using a variety of available train types, including a modelled type for 400 kph operation. That analysis suggests that over the route distance between Edinburgh and Glasgow a 225kph/140mph capable train type similar to those delivering current high speed commuting services between Kent and London would be most suitable for delivering a consistent sub 30 minute service. Our proposed design for the line means that it could accommodate faster trains such as those eventually travelling between Scotland and London. However, the analysis suggests that over the shorter Edinburgh to Glasgow distance, the marginal journey time benefits would be outweighed by higher procurement cost and energy consumption considerations.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-28T17:09:36.53","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278631,"EventID":"S4W-11205","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5060,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-14T17:09:36.857","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-14T10:34:29","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, in light of the report on BBC Newsnight Scotland on 13 November 2012, whether it has sought legal advice in relation to the former chair of Stow College.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has taken legal advice in relation to this matter. The Government does not consider it appropriate to place and debate legal advice in public.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-28T17:09:36.873","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278632,"EventID":"S4W-11206","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":131,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-14T17:09:37.17","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-14T12:48:42","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its estimate is of the cost of constructing the proposed high-speed rail link between Edinburgh and Glasgow.","AnswerText":"The estimate of the cost of construction will be determined by route appraisal and final design decisions.\r\nHowever, I have made clear that we must challenge the per kilometre cost assumptions of delivery of high speed rail elsewhere in the UK. A first stage development of high speed rail in Scotland will only be required to accommodate standard UK gauge trains and this will avoid the need for expensive station redevelopment and build planned for elsewhere in Britain.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-28T17:09:37.183","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278633,"EventID":"S4W-11207","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":131,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-14T17:09:37.527","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-14T12:48:42","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what funding mechanism it will use to construct the proposed high-speed rail link between Edinburgh and Glasgow.\r\n","AnswerText":"That will be determined as part of the project development process. We will continue to draw on the advice of the Scottish Future Trust (SFT). SFT is one of our development partners in the Scottish Partnership Group for High Speed Rail which delivered “Fast Track Scotland - Making the Case for High Speed Rail Connections with Scotland” in December 2011.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-28T17:09:37.543","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278634,"EventID":"S4W-11208","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":131,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-14T17:09:37.87","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-14T12:48:42","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what effect the proposed high-speed rail link between Edinburgh and Glasgow will have on the Edinburgh Glasgow Improvement Programme.","AnswerText":"The proposed high speed rail line between Edinburgh and Glasgow is intended to complement the interim completion of the Edinburgh to Glasgow Improvement Programme, and address future passenger demand.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-28T17:09:37.887","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278635,"EventID":"S4W-11209","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":131,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-14T17:09:38.2","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-14T12:48:42","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether a route has been identified for the proposed high-speed rail link between Edinburgh and Glasgow and, if so, when it will be published.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Partnership Group for High Speed Rail delivered a pre-appraisal planning report to me in January 2012. I will ensure that this is placed in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre.\r\nI am keen that Parliament is kept apprised of the detail of this project and we will publish further plans once they are developed through Scottish Transport Appraisal Guidance processes. You will understand that the detail of some of the plans where this relates to potential impacts on individual interests cannot be shared.\r\nThe Partnership Group’s pre-appraisal report also presented a number of planning criteria for the development of new high speed lines in Scotland. Amongst these were the technical criteria that any new line and infrastructure should be built with capacity for European Loading Gauge, offer enhanced line resilience, and be designed with the capability of accommodating 400 metre trains, and for speeds up to 400 kilometres per hour. This is necessary to ensure full technical interoperability with the HS2 line being developed in England.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-28T17:09:38.213","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278636,"EventID":"S4W-11210","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":131,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-14T17:09:38.527","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-14T12:48:42","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its estimate is of the financial benefit to Scotland of a high-speed rail link between Edinburgh and Glasgow that is not part of High Speed 2.\r\n","AnswerText":"It is our ambition that a high speed rail link between Edinburgh and Glasgow eventually forms part of a UK high speed rail network. The early construction of an Edinburgh to Glasgow link will bring early benefits to the Scottish network while also forming the first phase of a new line to England. Over the coming two years the Scottish Government will also work with the UK Government and the High Speed Two Company to consider detailed plans for linking Scotland to the proposed High Speed two network.\r\nEstimates of financial benefit will take that connection into account, together with the financial benefits arising from released rail capacity across the central Scotland’s rail network.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-28T17:09:38.543","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278637,"EventID":"S4W-11211","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":131,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-14T17:09:38.853","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-14T12:48:42","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether the proposed high-speed rail link between Edinburgh and Glasgow will necessitate the modification of stations in Edinburgh and Glasgow.","AnswerText":"As noted in my answer to S4W-11209, on 23 November 2012, the Scottish Partnership Group for High Speed Rail delivered a pre-appraisal planning report to me in January 2012.\r\nThat report presented a number of planning criteria for the development of new high speed lines in Scotland. Amongst these were the technical criteria that any new line and infrastructure should be built with capacity for European Loading Gauge, offer enhanced line resilience, and be designed with the capability of accommodating 400 metre trains, and for speeds up to 400 kilometres per hour. This is necessary to ensure full technical interoperability with the HS2 line being developed in England, and to future-proof new lines.\r\nHowever, it proposed that initial HS2 services to Scotland will be operated using UK gauge ‘classic compatible’ rolling stock, capable of operation on both newly built high speed lines, and onwards using the existing network. We consider that existing UK gauge rolling stock, similar to that used for commuter services between Kent and London, would be appropriate for use on a new Edinburgh to Glasgow line. The consequence of this is that there will be no requirement to consider the extensive modification of existing stations to accommodate high speed services as part of the proposed initial planning process.\r\nAll answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-28T17:09:38.87","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278638,"EventID":"S4W-11225","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4934,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-14T17:09:39.18","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-14T15:49:03","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will introduce secondary legislation under the Animal Health and Welfare (Scotland) Act 2006 to deal with the unregulated sale of pets over the internet.\r\n","AnswerText":"We are currently discussing the unregulated sale of pets on the internet with our stakeholders and once those discussions have been concluded we shall consider what action needs to be taken to address any specific issues, including the introduction of further legislation.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-28T17:09:39.197","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278652,"EventID":"S4W-11212","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4086,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-15T14:15:04.13","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-14T13:04:14","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, in light of the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government's decision to refuse consent for peat extraction at Chat Moss in England, what action the Scottish Government is taking to ensure that peat bogs in Scotland receive the same degree of protection from horticultural extraction.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government provides policy guidance to planning authorities to help them carry out an informed assessment of all submitted development proposals affecting peatland. This guidance is supported by advice and information supplied by a number of other key stakeholders.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-29T14:15:04.223","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Derek Mackay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278653,"EventID":"S4W-11214","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4086,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-15T14:15:04.723","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-14T13:04:14","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many hectares of peat bog have existing consents for horticultural peat extraction.","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-29T14:15:04.737","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278654,"EventID":"S4W-11215","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4086,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-15T14:15:04.987","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-14T13:04:14","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how the greenhouse gas emissions that would result from horticultural peat extraction are calculated and assessed in the planning process.\r\n","AnswerText":"The UK inventory report describes how GHG emissions are estimated. In the latest UK inventory report: \r\nhttp://naei.defra.gov.uk/report_link.php?report_id=693 Annex 3 at pages 568-570 describes the method used to estimate GHG emissions from peat extraction for use both as a fuel and for horticulture. Local authorities are required under the Climate Change (Scotland) Act 2009 to consider the climate change implications of their decisions, and they must consider whether an Environmental Impact Assessment will be required in connection with any planning application.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-29T14:15:05.003","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278655,"EventID":"S4W-11216","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4086,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-15T14:15:05.253","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-14T13:04:14","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the carbon implications are of the exploitation of existing planning consents for horticultural peat extraction and what the implications are for Scotland's greenhouse gas targets.","AnswerText":"The emissions associated with horticultural peat extraction in Scotland are estimated at 70,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent per year. There would thus be a carbon saving if peat were no longer to be extracted. However, if such quantities were sourced elsewhere, the emissions would be accounted for in other countries’ inventories. The carbon implications of peat-free alternatives would depend on the composition of the alternatives.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-29T14:15:05.267","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278656,"EventID":"S4W-11218","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4086,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-15T14:15:05.58","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-14T13:04:14","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what action it is taking to ensure that new applications for horticultural peat extraction are not approved.","AnswerText":"There is no blanket ban on horticultural peat extraction in Scotland. The acceptability of proposals will be dependent on a number of factors and will vary from site to site. The determination of such proposals is the responsibility of the relevant planning authority in the first instance.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-29T14:15:05.597","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Derek Mackay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278657,"EventID":"S4W-11219","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4086,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-15T14:15:05.86","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-14T13:04:14","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what action it is taking to discourage the exploitation of existing consents for horticultural peat extraction.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government is not taking action to discourage the implementation of extant consents for horticultural peat extraction. Planning authorities may have decided for a variety of case specific reasons that it was appropriate to approve horticultural peat extraction. Planning authorities do have the power to revoke planning permission in exceptional cases but this has to be in the public interest.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-29T14:15:05.877","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Derek Mackay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278658,"EventID":"S4W-11220","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4086,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-15T14:15:06.14","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-14T13:04:14","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on the sustainability of the horticultural use of peat.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Government wishes to see the extraction of peat for use in horticulture reduced and eventually phased out. We value our peatlands both for biodiversity and for their carbon storage, but we also recognise that there needs to be an adequate supply of suitable alternative products for gardeners and for the industry. The Scottish Government believes that a growth in composting can provide alternatives to the use of peat for horticultural purposes, which accounts for the overwhelming majority of peat extraction.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-29T14:15:06.157","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278659,"EventID":"S4W-11221","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4086,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-15T14:15:06.407","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-14T13:04:14","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what percentage of horticultural peat sold in Scotland has been displaced by more environmentally sustainable alternatives.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Department for Environment Food, and Rural Affairs estimate that products for growing plants (growing media other than soil improvers) used in UK horticulture are now 70% peat, indicating that about 30% has been replaced by peat-free alternatives. There are no separate figures for Scotland.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-29T14:15:06.423","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse ","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278660,"EventID":"S4W-11222","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4086,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-15T14:15:06.673","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-14T13:04:14","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what quantity of peat for horticultural purposes is produced in Scotland.","AnswerText":"The volume of peat extracted for horticultural purposes varies from year to year depending largely on summer weather. The latest figure (mineral extraction in Great Britain) for Scotland is 527,000 cubic metres in 2010.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-29T14:15:06.687","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278661,"EventID":"S4W-11223","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4086,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-15T14:15:06.97","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-14T13:04:14","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what quantity of sustainable peat alternative for horticultural purposes is produced in Scotland.","AnswerText":"This information is not collected centrally.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-29T14:15:06.983","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278662,"EventID":"S4W-11224","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4086,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-15T14:15:07.233","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-14T13:04:14","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the benefit for a zero waste Scotland would be of a greater use of alternatives to peat for horticultural purposes.","AnswerText":"A Zero Waste Scotland necessitates improved resource efficiency and a greater use of alternatives to peat for horticultural purposes obviously forms part of this solution. Zero waste Scotland has a role in promoting alternatives to peat through the production of compost and digestate made from recycled garden waste and food waste materials.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-29T14:15:07.233","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278663,"EventID":"S4W-11226","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2892,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-15T14:15:07.53","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-14T16:08:46.977","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when it will report on the results of its planning exercise for a high-speed rail link between Glasgow and Edinburgh.\r\n","AnswerText":"We will embark on detailed business case planning early in 2013. The detail of this will be shared with Parliament before any decision to give formal approval to the project.\r\nThe business case analysis will depend on evaluation of route alignment options. We anticipate being able to share the outcome of those processes in 2014.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-29T14:15:07.53","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278664,"EventID":"S4W-11227","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2892,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-15T14:15:08.09","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-14T16:08:46.977","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether its planning exercise for a high-speed rail link between Glasgow and Edinburgh will be conducted by Transport Scotland or by external consultants.","AnswerText":"It will be conducted by a project team led by Transport Scotland with support from consultants where necessary.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-29T14:15:08.107","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278665,"EventID":"S4W-11228","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2892,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-15T14:15:08.433","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-14T16:08:46.977","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether its planning exercise for a high-speed rail link between Glasgow and Edinburgh will consider all possible route options and, if not, what specific options will be considered.","AnswerText":"We will consider all feasible route options between Edinburgh and Glasgow which are consistent with the criteria that the line must provide opportunities to link to the proposed development of high speed rail lines in England.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-29T14:15:08.45","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278666,"EventID":"S4W-11229","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2892,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-15T14:15:08.793","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-14T16:08:46.977","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on whether any future high-speed rail route between Scotland and London should split at the Carstairs Junction and serve both Glasgow and Edinburgh.\r\n","AnswerText":"Any future high speed line between Scotland and London should serve both Edinburgh and Glasgow city centres. The alignment of routes to Scotland is yet to be determined.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-29T14:15:08.81","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278667,"EventID":"S4W-11230","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2892,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-15T14:15:09.137","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-14T16:08:46.977","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when it will produce a cost estimate for the proposed high-speed rail link between Glasgow and Edinburgh.\r\n","AnswerText":"A cost estimate will be developed as part of the programme of work referred to in my answer to question S4W-11226 on 28 November 2012. This will report in 2014. The estimate of the cost of construction will be determined by route appraisal and final design decisions.\r\nHowever, I have made clear that we must challenge the per kilometre cost assumptions of delivery of high speed rail elsewhere in the UK. A first stage development of high speed rail in Scotland will only be required to accommodate standard UK gauge trains and this will avoid the need for expensive station redevelopment and build planned for elsewhere in Britain.\r\nAll answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-29T14:15:09.137","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278668,"EventID":"S4W-11231","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2633,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-15T14:15:09.527","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-14T16:00:20","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many jury trials at (a) Kirkcaldy and (b) Dunfermline Sheriff Court were called but adjourned for lack of court time in the last five years.\r\n","AnswerText":"This question relates to operational matters that are the responsibility of the Scottish Court Service (SCS) corporate body. The question has been passed to the chief executive of the SCS who will reply in writing.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-29T14:15:09.543","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278669,"EventID":"S4W-11232","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2633,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-15T14:15:09.887","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-14T16:00:20","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many summary procedures without a jury at (a) Kirkcaldy and (b) Dunfermline Sheriff Court were called but adjourned for lack of court time in the last five years.\r\n","AnswerText":"This question relates to operational matters that are the responsibility of the Scottish Court Service (SCS) corporate body. The question has been passed to the chief executive of the SCS who will reply in writing.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-29T14:15:09.9","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278670,"EventID":"S4W-11236","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2633,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-15T14:15:10.183","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-14T16:15:28.407","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether the Fife Drugs Court in Kirkcaldy will be closed as a result of changes proposed in the Scottish Court Service's consultation on court structures. \r\n","AnswerText":"This question relates to operational matters that are the responsibility of the Scottish Court Service (SCS) corporate body. The question has been passed to the Chief Executive of the SCS who will reply in writing.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-29T14:15:10.197","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278671,"EventID":"S4W-11237","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2633,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-15T14:15:10.463","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-14T16:17:25.6","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many days the Fife Drug Court has sat at (a) Kirkcaldy and (b) Dunfermline Sheriff Court in the last five years. \r\n","AnswerText":"This question relates to operational matters that are the responsibility of the Scottish Court Service (SCS) corporate body. The question has been passed to the Chief Executive of the SCS who will reply in writing.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-29T14:15:10.48","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278672,"EventID":"S4W-11238","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2633,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-15T14:15:10.76","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-14T16:18:23.43","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many Fife Drug Court appearances at (a) Kirkcaldy and (b) Dunfermline Sheriff Court were called but adjourned for lack of court time in the last five years. \r\n","AnswerText":"This question relates to operational matters that are the responsibility of the Scottish Court Service (SCS) corporate body. The question has been passed to the Chief Executive of the SCS who will reply in writing.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-29T14:15:10.773","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278673,"EventID":"S4W-11249","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-15T14:15:11.057","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-15T09:29:18","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many cases of NDM-1 have been detected in Scotland and over what time period.","AnswerText":"In total five cases of NDM-1 have been detected in Scotland in the period 2003-2012. The first case was detected in 2009. Four subsequent cases were all detected in 2012.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-29T14:15:11.07","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278674,"EventID":"S4W-11251","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-15T14:15:11.553","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-15T09:29:18","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what surveillance is being undertaken to monitor the occurrence of NDM-1.","AnswerText":"Microbiology laboratories in Scotland routinely test all Enterobacteriaceae and non-fermenting gram-negative bacteria for susceptibility to carbapenems, and laboratory reports are automatically transferred to Health Protection Scotland (HPS), who monitor carbapenem resistance under the ‘Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) alert surveillance programme’, which monitors a range of microorganisms with particular resistance profiles that pose a threat to public health and/or patient safety (including NDM-1).\r\nHPS alert (on a weekly basis) the NHS boards to any ‘AMR alert organism’ detected through this surveillance programme. When particular resistance levels have been reached isolates are sent to the UK ‘Antimicrobial Resistance and Healthcare Associated Infections Reference Unit’ at Colindale, where further typing and characterisation is carried out (which is how NDM-1 producers eventually are confirmed).\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-29T14:15:11.57","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278675,"EventID":"S4W-11253","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-15T14:15:12.023","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-15T09:29:18","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what information is being provided to GPs and other healthcare professionals about NDM-1.","AnswerText":"Currently healthcare professionals in NHS boards are alerted to specific risks associated with NDM-1 (and other resistant or multidrug resistant organisms) via public Health alerts issued as soon as a risk has been identified or if a particular interest in the public is present. Current notes in ‘Health Protection Scotland Weekly’ are also used to communicate specific risks and public health threats to healthcare professionals.\r\nNational guidance on non-prescribing measures to prevent and control carbapenem resistant enterobacteriaceae in hospitals (which includes NDM-1) has been developed and distributed to all NHS boards for consultation in 2012.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-29T14:15:12.04","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278676,"EventID":"S4W-11262","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2066,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-15T14:15:12.537","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-15T11:08:01.393","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will publish the (a) details and (b) scope of Transport Scotland’s feasibility study into the viability of a vehicle and passenger ferry service on the Gourock-Dunoon ferry route.","AnswerText":"I can confirm that the terms of reference for this study will be published on the Transport Scotland website.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-29T14:15:12.553","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278677,"EventID":"S4W-11263","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2066,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-15T14:15:12.85","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-15T11:08:01.393","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-10862 by Keith Brown on 14 November 2012, what the additional annual cost in the leasing charge is as a result of the purchase price of the vessels and additional works.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-04045 on 28 November 2011. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-29T14:15:12.867","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278678,"EventID":"S4W-11264","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2066,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-15T14:15:13.147","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-15T11:08:01.393","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-09224 by Keith Brown on 20 September 2012, whether and, if so, when it will publish the amendments made to its public service contract with Argyll Ferries Ltd.\r\n","AnswerText":"Amendments to the public service contract with Argyll Ferries Ltd will be available on the Transport Scotland website before the end of the year.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-29T14:15:13.163","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278690,"EventID":"S4W-11202","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":131,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-15T17:00:08.567","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-13T18:15:35.37","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what contingency plans (a) are in place and (b) will cost for the trunk road maintenance contracts for the north west of Scotland, if a contractor is not in place before the handover date of 1 April 2013.\r\n","AnswerText":"On 28 November 2012, I announced that Bear Scotland Ltd had been awarded the trunk road maintenance contract for the north west unit. The commencement of service is 1 April 2013 \r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-29T17:00:08.74","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278691,"EventID":"S4W-11239","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-15T17:00:10.843","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-14T16:29:53","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answers to questions S4W-09911 and S4W-10794 by Alex Neil on 25 October 2012 and 13 November 2012 respectively, how many doctors have a conviction for (a) a sexual offence or (b) child pornography and for what reason it did not provide this information in the previous answers.\r\n","AnswerText":"As stated in the answers to the questions S4W-09911 and S4W-10794 it is the responsibility for individual NHS boards to carry out pre and post employment checks and to take any appropriate action based on any information received. The Scottish Government does not hold this information centrally.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-29T17:00:10.86","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278692,"EventID":"S4W-11244","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1866,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-15T17:00:12.047","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-14T20:44:32","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how marine (a) planning and (b) licensing decisions will manage competing demands for the use of the sea while protecting the marine environment until the National Marine Plan and its strategic environment assessment process are in place.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-11182 on 27 November 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-29T17:00:12.06","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278693,"EventID":"S4W-11266","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2610,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-15T17:00:13.123","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-15T14:12:30.457","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what procedures will be in place for investigations of the single police force in cases that would currently be investigated by a different police force.","AnswerText":"From 1 April 2013 the Police Investigations and Review Commissioner will be able to carry out investigations into incidents involving the police that would currently be undertaken by other forces.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-29T17:00:13.137","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278694,"EventID":"S4W-11267","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3896,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":97,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-15T17:00:14.683","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-15T14:05:27","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what requirement there is for NHS boards and local authorities to produce joint strategic advocacy plans.","AnswerText":"Section 259 of the Mental Health (Care and Treatment) (Scotland) Act 2003 places a legal duty on local authorities and health boards to work together to ensure that independent advocacy services are available and accessible to those with a mental health disorder.\r\nAs a matter of good practice the health board and corresponding local authorities are expected to develop and agree a minimum three-year joint strategic advocacy plan.\r\nIn 2010-11 funding was provided to allow health boards to fully assess the need and provision within their area and to build on their advocacy plans. This was in recognition of the potential impact on demand for advocacy services as a result of the Patient Rights (Scotland) Act 2011. From 2011-12 an additional £500,000 is being provided on a recurring basis through an uplift to health board allocations based on the National Resource Allocation formula.\r\nProgress on implementation of the plans is being monitored and health boards have been asked to provide an update report in March 2013.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-29T17:00:14.713","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278695,"EventID":"S4W-11268","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3896,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":97,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-15T17:00:15.837","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-15T14:05:27","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many and which NHS boards and local authority partners have submitted joint strategic advocacy plans for its agreement since May 2007 and when.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-11267 on 27 November 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/Apps2/MAQASearch/QAndMSearch.aspx:\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-29T17:00:15.977","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278696,"EventID":"S4W-11269","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3896,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":97,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-15T17:00:17.07","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-15T14:05:27","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it monitors the implementation of the joint strategic advocacy plans of NHS boards and local authority partners.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-11267 on 29 November 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/Apps2/MAQASearch/QAndMSearch.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-29T17:00:17.1","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278697,"EventID":"S4W-11270","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2610,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-15T17:00:17.973","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-15T14:12:30.457","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what procedures will be in place for investigations of the single fire and rescue service in cases that would currently be investigated by a different fire and rescue service.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Police and Fire Reform Act 2012 introduces independent investigation of the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service by inspectors appointed under the Act. Where necessary, inspectors may also provide advice to others carrying out investigations, such as the police, Crown Office Procurator Fiscal Service and the Health and Safety Executive. In addition to these arrangements, as is currently the case, investigations could also be carried out by fire services outwith Scotland if necessary.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-11-29T17:00:17.99","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278717,"EventID":"S4W-11271","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-16T14:28:55.95","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-15T15:23:46","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether the Scottish Police Authority will (a) administer and (b) distribute the budget of the Police Service of Scotland.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Police Authority has overall responsibility for administering the budget for the police service of Scotland. As set out at Section 17 (b) of the Police and Fire Reform (Scotland) Act 2012 the chief constable is responsible for the day to day administration of the police service, including the allocation and deployment of resources received from the authority.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-03T14:28:56.06","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278718,"EventID":"S4W-11272","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-16T14:28:56.433","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-15T15:23:46","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether the Scottish Police Authority will be the employer of the Police Service of Scotland’s officers.\r\n","AnswerText":"As office holders police constables are not employees. The Scottish Police Authority will pay police officers’ pay, allowances and expenses under Section 3 of the Police and Fire Reform (Scotland) Act 2012.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-03T14:28:56.45","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278719,"EventID":"S4W-11273","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-16T14:28:56.747","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-15T15:23:46","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether the Scottish Police Authority will have responsibility for how the Police Service of Scotland deploys civilian staff.\r\n","AnswerText":"As set out at Section 17 of the Police and Fire Reform (Scotland) Act 2012, the chief constable has direction and control of the Police service of Scotland and is responsible for its day to day administration.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-03T14:28:56.763","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278720,"EventID":"S4W-11274","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-16T14:28:57.06","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-15T15:23:46","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether the (a) Scottish Police Authority or (b) chief constable will be responsible for terms and conditions of the Police Service of Scotland’s (i) officers and (ii) civilian staff.\r\n","AnswerText":"The terms and conditions of police officers are set out in regulations made under Section 48 of the Police and Fire Reform (Scotland) Act 2012 and are subject to negotiation through the Police Negotiating Board (PNB). The Scottish Police Authority and the chief constable will be members of PNB from 1 April 2013.\r\nThe setting of terms and conditions for civilian police staff is a matter for the Scottish Police Authority.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-03T14:28:57.06","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278721,"EventID":"S4W-11276","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-16T14:28:57.37","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-15T15:23:46","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether the (a) Scottish Police Authority or (b) chief constable will determine the size of the Police Service of Scotland’s fleet of police cars.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Police Authority and the chief constable will determine such matters, taking into account the operational needs of the service and the resources available.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-03T14:28:57.387","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278722,"EventID":"S4W-11277","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-16T14:28:57.683","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-15T15:23:46","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what criteria will be used to assess the Police Service of Scotland’s performance.\r\n","AnswerText":"Scottish ministers will set strategic police priorities for the Scottish Police Authority (SPA), which will be reflected in the SPA’s strategic plan. Her majesty’s inspectorate of constabulary for Scotland has been reviewing the Scottish policing performance framework and we are working with them and other partners on the detailed arrangements for monitoring and reporting performance against priorities.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-03T14:28:57.683","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278723,"EventID":"S4W-11278","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-16T14:28:57.963","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-15T15:23:46","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what police roles are classified as operational and whether the classification for any of these roles will change when the Police Service of Scotland becomes operational.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government does not hold information on the classification of police roles. This would be a matter for chief constables. It will be for the chief constable of the Police Service of Scotland to decide on the deployment of constables and staff in the new service.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-03T14:28:57.98","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278724,"EventID":"S4W-11280","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-16T14:28:58.277","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-15T15:23:46","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what percentage of police officers has carried out operational roles for (a) 100%, (b) at least 50% and (c) under 50% of their working hours in each year since 2007.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government does not hold the information requested. This would be a matter for chief constables.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-03T14:28:58.29","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278725,"EventID":"S4W-11283","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-16T14:28:58.573","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-15T15:23:46","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the process will be for setting the Police Service of Scotland’s 2013-14 budget.\r\n","AnswerText":"As set out in Section 3 (c) of the Police and Fire Reform (Scotland) Act 2012 the Scottish Police Authority must before the beginning of the each financial year, provide to the chief constable details of how it intends to allocate the financial resources it expects to have available to it in respect of that financial year.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-03T14:28:58.587","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":" Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278726,"EventID":"S4W-11284","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-16T14:28:58.883","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-15T15:23:46","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many CCTV cameras have been in operation in each year since 2007 broken down by (a) local authority and (b) police force area.\r\n","AnswerText":"This information is not routinely gathered centrally. The references provided below apply to public space CCTV provision and not to all CCTV cameras in any given area. Cameras not included in these references might be in a variety of locations and operated by a range of organisations including retail outlets and shopping centres, public transport providers and many others.\r\nIn 2009 the Scottish Centre for Crime and Justice Research published Public Space CCTV in Scotland: Results of a National Survey of Scotland’s Local Authorities.  Based on a survey conducted between June 2007 and February 2008, this identified how many fixed public space CCTV cameras, redeployable cameras and CCTV vehicles were in Scotland. This report can be found at www.sccjr.ac.uk/pubs/Public-Space-CCTV-in-Scotland--Results-of-a-National-Survey-of-Scotlands-Local-Authorities/182. The National Strategy for Public Space CCTV in Scotland, published in 2011, provided a map of the provision of public space CCTV in Scotland. This report can be found at www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2011/03/18085554/1.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-03T14:28:58.9","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278727,"EventID":"S4W-11285","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1778,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":110,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-16T14:28:59.18","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-15T15:53:55","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will establish a review of coalfields regeneration to gauge progress and identify issues and priorities for the future.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government's Regeneration Strategy, Achieving a Sustainable Future, sets out our strategic approach to regeneration of all disadvantaged communities across Scotland and we will monitor progress and priorities through our work on implementing the Strategy.\r\nLocal authorities have responsibility for delivering local regeneration and they, and the community planning partnerships, are best placed to identify the priorities and issues in their communities.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-03T14:28:59.197","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Burgess","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278728,"EventID":"S4W-11286","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1778,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":110,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-16T14:28:59.507","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-15T15:53:55","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much financial support it has provided for the regeneration of derelict sites in the former Fife coalfield since 2005.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government does not hold this information. Whilst the Coalfield Regeneration Trust provides an annual report detailing the projects that they fund, this does not include whether the project is related to a derelict site.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-03T14:28:59.523","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Burgess","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278729,"EventID":"S4W-11287","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1778,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":110,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-16T14:28:59.803","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-15T15:53:55","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its strategy is to develop former coalfield sites in the next three years.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government's Regeneration Strategy, Achieving a Sustainable Future, sets out our strategic approach to regeneration for all disadvantaged communities across Scotland. Local authorities have responsibility for delivering local regeneration and they, and the community planning partnerships, are best placed to identify the priorities and issues in their communities.\r\nWe are continuing to fund the Coalfields Regeneration Trust (CRT) in 2012-13 to 2013-14 to become a self-sustaining organisation so that it can continue to support former coalfield communities. Also, we will continue to work with the CRT to look at funding opportunities including through our people and communities fund.\r\nIn addition, we have given priority status to former coalfield areas in our community ownership support service which is delivered through the development trusts association Scotland.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-03T14:28:59.82","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":" Margaret Burgess","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278730,"EventID":"S4W-11288","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1778,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":110,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-16T14:29:00.087","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-15T15:53:55","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its policy is on the future provision of development funding for former coalfield areas.\r\n","AnswerText":"We are continuing to fund the Coalfields Regeneration Trust in 2012-13 and 2013-14 to become a self-sustaining organisation so that it can continue to support coalfield communities. In addition, we have given priority status to former coalfield areas in our community ownership support service which is delivered through the development trusts association Scotland.\r\nThe Scottish Government's people and communities fund, along with funding through BIG Lottery and other organisations, will continue to support disadvantaged communities and coalfield communities will have the opportunity to access these funds. Support is also available through local authorities and community planning partnerships that have responsibility for regeneration in their areas.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-03T14:29:00.1","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Burgess","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278731,"EventID":"S4W-11289","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1778,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":110,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-16T14:29:00.383","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-15T15:53:55","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much money from the next round of the Coalfield Regeneration Trust Fund will be allocated to projects in Fife and what the criteria are for bodies that wish to apply for such funding.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Coalfields Regeneration Trust (CRT) is no longer funded to provide grant awards. We currently provide funding for the CRT to provide the following programmes: Coalfields capacity building programme; Coalfields community futures; and Coalfields community challenge.\r\nIt is for the CRT to determine which communities will benefit from these programmes next year. Any former coalfield communities that require support should contact the CRT if they feel they would benefit from one of their programmes.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-03T14:29:00.397","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Burgess","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278732,"EventID":"S4W-11290","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1778,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":110,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-16T14:29:00.693","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-15T15:53:55","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask Scottish Government what financial assistance will be available to aid the regeneration of former coalfield areas in each year from 2012-13 to 2015-16.\r\n","AnswerText":"Local authorities have responsibility for delivering local regeneration and they, and the community planning partnerships, are best placed to identify the priorities and issues in their communities. They also have a key role in identifying suitable local funding for regeneration.\r\nIn the main, the Scottish Government’s funding is not place specific and all organisations who meet the eligibility criteria can apply. We have a number of different funding streams, many of which will be available to former coalfield areas.\r\nIn addition to the specific support for the Coalfields Regeneration Trust which amounts to £510,070 in 2012-13 and £422,977 in 2013-14 (this has been indicatively agreed assuming appropriate progress is made this year), there is at least £6 million per year available to support community anchor organisations through the People and Community Fund. We also provide £300,000 each year to support the Community Ownership Support Service, delivered through the Development Trusts Association Scotland, and through which coalfield communities have been given priority status.\r\nPlans for a Regeneration Capital Grant Fund, worth £25 million, are being developed in partnership with COSLA. The aim is for this to be available from 2014-15.\r\nThere are also a number of other funds available through organisations like the BIG Lottery that play an important role in helping support communities.\r\nHowever, the solutions required to tackle regeneration must deliver across a wide range of economic, physical and social outcomes and will involve utilising available resources from across mainstream budgets including housing, health, justice and education.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-03T14:29:00.71","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Burgess","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278733,"EventID":"S4W-11291","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1778,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":110,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-16T14:29:00.99","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-15T15:53:55","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much funding (a) was received by the Coalfield Regeneration Trust in each year from 2003-04 to 2011-12 and (b) will be provided in each year from 2012-13 to 2015-16.\r\n","AnswerText":"(a) Our records management policy requires that our payment files are destroyed after three years and as such we do not have a record of the spend in 2003-04. The following are the payments recorded on our payment system for the years 2004-05 to 2011-12:\r\n2004-05\r\n£1,662,505\r\n2005-06\r\n£1,056,257\r\n2006-07\r\n£1,871,071\r\n2007-08\r\n£1,575,000\r\n2008-09\r\n£1,575,000\r\n2009-10\r\n£1,575,000\r\n2010-11\r\n£1,576,000\r\n2011-12\r\n£1,576,000\r\n\r\n(b) We have agreed to provide the following funding to the Coalfields Regeneration Trust from 2012-13 to 2014-15:\r\n2012\r\n13 \r\n £510,070*\r\n2013\r\n14 \r\n £422,977\r\n2015\r\n16 \r\n £0\r\nNote: *We have also agreed to fund a feasibility study into the acquisition of a new property.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-03T14:29:01.007","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Burgess","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278734,"EventID":"S4W-11293","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1778,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":110,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-16T14:29:01.303","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-15T15:53:55","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government which 20 parliamentary constituencies have received the highest level of funding from the Coalfield Regeneration Trust since its inception, and how much was provided in each case.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Coalfields Regeneration Trust has not been asked to provide information to this level. Figures used in their annual reports are provided for the 13 local authority areas that include coalfield areas.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-03T14:29:01.303","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Burgess","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278735,"EventID":"S4W-11295","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-16T14:29:01.6","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-15T16:35:24.747","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many criminal trials have been adjourned at Alloa Sheriff Court because of (a) a crown motion, (b) a defence motion, (c) failure to appear by an accused, (d) failure to appear by a witness, (e) lack of court time and (f) any other reason in the last three years.\r\n","AnswerText":"This question relates to operational matters that are the responsibility of the Scottish Court Service (SCS) corporate body. The question has been passed to the Chief Executive of the SCS who will reply in writing.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-03T14:29:01.6","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278736,"EventID":"S4W-11296","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-16T14:29:01.957","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-15T16:35:24.747","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what transport costs might be incurred by (a) the Scottish Court Service, (b) the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service, (c) the Scottish Legal Aid Board or (d) an individual travelling to the Stirling or Falkirk court if Alloa Sheriff Court is closed.\r\n","AnswerText":"This question relates to operational matters that are the responsibility of the Scottish Court Service (SCS) corporate body. The question has been passed to the Chief Executive of the SCS who will reply in writing.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-03T14:29:01.973","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278737,"EventID":"S4W-11297","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-16T14:29:02.287","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-15T16:35:24.747","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what analysis there has been of the people who might be affected by the closure of Alloa Sheriff Court and what information it has on the percentage of people attending the court in the last three years who were (a) receiving benefits and (b) in employment.\r\n","AnswerText":"This question relates to operational matters that are the responsibility of the Scottish Court Service (SCS) corporate body. The question has been passed to the Chief Executive of the SCS who will reply in writing.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-03T14:29:02.3","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278738,"EventID":"S4W-11298","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-16T14:29:02.707","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-15T16:35:24.747","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what estimate it has made of the (a) cost to the police of travelling to Stirling and Falkirk and (b) impact on police time if Alloa Sheriff Court is closed.\r\n","AnswerText":"This question relates to operational matters that are the responsibility of the Scottish Court Service (SCS) corporate body. The question has been passed to the Chief Executive of the SCS who will reply in writing.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-03T14:29:02.723","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278739,"EventID":"S4W-11299","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-16T14:29:03.033","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-15T16:35:24.747","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what costs the Scottish Court Service will be liable for in relation to the Alloa Sheriff Court building if the court is closed.","AnswerText":"This question relates to operational matters that are the responsibility of the Scottish Court Service (SCS) corporate body. The question has been passed to the Chief Executive of the SCS who will reply in writing.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-03T14:29:03.05","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278740,"EventID":"S4W-11300","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-16T14:29:03.377","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-15T16:35:24.747","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the potential alternative uses are for the Alloa Sheriff Court building; what the likelihood is of selling the building, and what its sale value is.","AnswerText":"This question relates to operational matters that are the responsibility of the Scottish Court Service (SCS) corporate body. The question has been passed to the Chief Executive of the SCS who will reply in writing.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-03T14:29:03.393","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278741,"EventID":"S4W-11301","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-16T14:29:03.72","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-15T16:35:24.747","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much money has been spent on upgrading and maintenance of the Alloa Sheriff Court building since 1990.","AnswerText":"This question relates to operational matters that are the responsibility of the Scottish Court Service (SCS) corporate body. The question has been passed to the Chief Executive of the SCS who will reply in writing.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-03T14:29:03.737","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278742,"EventID":"S4W-11302","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-16T14:29:04.063","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-15T16:35:24.747","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what costs have been incurred through property acquisitions to expand or increase facilities at Alloa Sheriff Court since 1990.\r\n","AnswerText":"This question relates to operational matters that are the responsibility of the Scottish Court Service (SCS) corporate body. The question has been passed to the Chief Executive of the SCS who will reply in writing.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-03T14:29:04.08","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278743,"EventID":"S4W-11303","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-16T14:29:04.407","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-15T16:35:24.747","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what assessment it has made of the risk to legal businesses in Clackmannanshire if Alloa Sheriff Court is closed.","AnswerText":"\tThis question relates to operational matters that are the responsibility of the Scottish Court Service (SCS) corporate body. The question has been passed to the chief executive of the SCS who will reply in writing.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-03T14:29:04.423","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278744,"EventID":"S4W-11304","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-16T14:29:04.75","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-15T16:35:24.747","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many jobs will be lost if Alloa Sheriff Court is closed.\r\n","AnswerText":"This question relates to operational matters that are the responsibility of the Scottish Court Service (SCS) corporate body. The question has been passed to the chief executive of the SCS who will reply in writing.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-03T14:29:04.767","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278745,"EventID":"S4W-11305","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-16T14:29:05.217","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-15T16:35:24.747","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the economic impact on Clackmannanshire will be if Alloa Sheriff Court is closed.","AnswerText":"This question relates to operational matters that are the responsibility of the Scottish Court Service (SCS) corporate body. The question has been passed to the chief executive of the SCS who will reply in writing.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-03T14:29:05.233","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278746,"EventID":"S4W-11306","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-16T14:29:05.593","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-15T16:35:24.747","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether Clackmannanshire Council will be the only mainland local authority that no longer has a court if Alloa Sheriff Court is closed.","AnswerText":"This question relates to operational matters that are the responsibility of the Scottish Court Service (SCS) corporate body. The question has been passed to the Chief Executive of the SCS who will reply in writing.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-03T14:29:05.607","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278747,"EventID":"S4W-11307","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-16T14:29:06.077","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-15T16:35:24.747","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many (a) children’s referrals, (b) appeals under section 51 of the Children (Scotland) Act 1995, (c) permanence applications, (d) adoptions, (e) cases under the Adults with Incapacity (Scotland) Act 1995 and (f) guardian applications involving children were heard in Alloa Sheriff Court in the last three years and how many sitting days this involved.","AnswerText":"This question relates to operational matters that are the responsibility of the Scottish Court Service (SCS) corporate body. The question has been passed to the Chief Executive of the SCS who will reply in writing.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-03T14:29:06.09","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278748,"EventID":"S4W-11308","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-16T14:29:06.67","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-15T16:35:24.747","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many sitting days at Alloa Sheriff Court have been taken up by (a) family and (b) non-family civil cases in the last three years.\r\n","AnswerText":"This question relates to operational matters that are the responsibility of the Scottish Court Service (SCS) corporate body. The question has been passed to the Chief Executive of the SCS who will reply in writing.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-03T14:29:06.683","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278749,"EventID":"S4W-11309","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-16T14:29:07.09","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-15T16:35:24.747","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the (a) average, (b) medium and (c) longest delay has been in Alloa Sheriff Court in relation to hearings involving children in the last three years.\r\n","AnswerText":"This question relates to operational matters that are the responsibility of the Scottish Court Service (SCS) corporate body. The question has been passed to the Chief Executive of the SCS who will reply in writing.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-03T14:29:07.107","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278750,"EventID":"S4W-11310","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-16T14:29:07.747","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-15T16:35:24.747","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what steps it has taken in the last three years to ensure that there is no smoking in the grounds of all hospitals other than psychiatric hospitals.","AnswerText":"Smoking is prohibited by law only in wholly or substantially enclosed public places. Areas in the open air, such as hospital grounds and car parks, are not covered by this legislation. The Scottish Government issued guidance on smoking policies for the NHS, local authorities, and care providers in December 2005 to support the implementation of the smoking ban.\r\nThis encouraged NHS boards and other service providers, to demonstrate leadership in implementing smoking policies and promoting smoke-free lifestyles. It also highlighted the benefits of going further than the strict parameters of the law and working towards completely smoke-free policies to maximise health gain. This was subsequently reinforced in the chief executive letter Health Promoting Health Service: HPHS CEL (01) 2012.\r\nWhile the decision to move to smoke-free hospital grounds is currently a matter for individual boards to determine the Scottish Government is currently developing a new tobacco control strategy, which we intend to publish early next year, and we will consider smoking within NHS grounds as part of that work.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-03T14:29:07.76","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278751,"EventID":"S4W-11311","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-16T14:29:08.09","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-15T16:35:24.747","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what steps it has taken in the last three years to introduce a ban on smoking in psychiatric hospitals.\r\n","AnswerText":"Smoking has been banned in public places in Scotland since 2006 by virtue of the Smoking, Health and Social Care (Scotland) Act 2005. However, the law includes an exemption for residential mental health institutions and permits smoking in designated indoor rooms in such settings.\r\nDuring 2009 the Scottish Government consulted with stakeholders, service users and the public on the best way to achieve smoke-free mental health services in Scotland. The smoke-free mental health services in Scotland implementation guidance was issued by NHS Health Scotland on behalf of the Scottish Government in March 2011.\r\nThe guidance clearly articulates the benefits behind the drive for a change to smoke-free and the expectation that NHS boards will implement smoke-free policies in mental health services at a pace which suits the services’ particular needs and circumstances. For example, with the support of the guidance, the state hospital, Carstairs has managed a successful transition to its current smoke-free status.\r\nThe Scottish Government is committed to developing a new tobacco control strategy for publication early next year. As part of that work we will consider whether there is a need to review progress in this area.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-03T14:29:08.103","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278752,"EventID":"S4W-11312","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-16T14:29:08.43","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-15T16:35:24.747","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what steps it has taken since 2006 to ensure that non-smoking prisoners are not exposed to second-hand smoke in (a) their cells, (b) communal areas and (c) workshops.\r\n","AnswerText":"I have asked Colin McConnell, chief executive of the Scottish prison service, to respond. His response is as follows:\r\n“Since 26 March 2006 prisoners have not been permitted to smoke in communal areas and workshops within Scottish prison service establishments. \r\nPrisoners are allowed to smoke in cells as long as the governor has not designated the cell as a non-smoking cell in accordance with the prison rules. On admission to custody and when moving cells prisoners are asked for their smoking preference to minimise, wherever practicable non-smokers sharing cells with smokers.”\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-03T14:29:08.447","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278753,"EventID":"S4W-11313","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-16T14:29:08.76","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-15T16:35:24.747","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many complaints the Scottish Prison Service has received from prisoners regarding passive smoking since 2006.\r\n","AnswerText":"I have asked Colin McConnell, chief executive of the Scottish prison service, to respond. His response is as follows: “The Scottish prison service does not centrally classify or record complaints specifically regarding passive smoking.”\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-03T14:29:08.773","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278754,"EventID":"S4W-11314","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-16T14:29:09.117","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-15T16:35:24.747","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how (a) many times and (b) much G4S has been fined for not transporting offenders to court in the allocated timescale in the last three years.","AnswerText":"I have asked Colin McConnell, chief executive of the Scottish prison service, to respond. His response is as follows: “G4S assumed responsibility for the provision of prisoner escorts from 10 January 2012.\r\nThe information requested is as follows:\r\nYear\r\nPeriod\r\nNumber of late Deliveries\r\nPerformance Related reduction\r\n2011-12\r\n10 Jan to 31 March\r\n9,327\r\n£160,520\r\n2012-13\r\nApril to September\r\n12,408\r\n£173,980\r\nThe prisoner escort and court custody contract is published on the Scottish parliaments web site http://www.sps.gov.uk/Publications.”\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-03T14:29:09.133","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278755,"EventID":"S4W-11315","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3763,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-16T14:29:09.837","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-15T17:54:39","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what assistance it provides to Scotland-based businesses seeking to export to China.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government through its international trade and investment arm, Scottish Development International (SDI), provides comprehensive and tailored support for Scottish businesses seeking to export to China.\r\nSupport is wide ranging and is aligned to customer need. Assistance spans market awareness events, export skills development, strategy development support and help to develop or expand in the Chinese market.\r\nServices include:\r\nExport assessment\r\nMarket awareness events\r\nSmart exporter preparing to export and preparing for international growth programmes \r\nExport technical support\r\nInternational strategy development\r\nOverseas market research and identification of business opportunities\r\nExhibition and missions \r\nIn-country support via SDI offices and representation overseas, including GlobalScots\r\nPartnering support and assistance to establish a presence in China\r\nSDI provides assistance directly in China through its offices in Beijing, Hong Kong and Shanghai and across Scotland via SDI trade advisers.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-03T14:29:09.85","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278756,"EventID":"S4W-11316","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3763,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-16T14:29:10.163","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-15T17:54:39","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what assistance it provides to educational institutions seeking to export their services to China.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government through its international trade and investment arm, Scottish Development International (SDI), provides comprehensive and tailored support for Scottish educational institutions seeking to export to China. SDI’s offices in Beijing, Shanghai and Hong Kong have supported a number of Scottish institutions in developing their ambitions for delivering their services to China.\r\nThrough SDI's dedicated education sector team, universities and colleges receive customised support to develop and enhance their international plans for China.\r\nChina remains a key market for Scottish institutions and education is an integral part of the priority areas identified in the Scottish Government's China plan. SDI’s aims in China are to: increase trade opportunities for Scottish institutions; expand and deepen Scotland's education links; and increase collaboration in research and development between China and Scotland.\r\nThe SDI led programme of activities for Scottish institutions interested in exporting internationally include:\r\nplanning (or reviewing) an international/export strategy - amongst the support available is funding for an international strategy review, bespoke market intelligence and expertise from industry specialists in China such as GlobalScots; \r\ngrowing an export market by developing routes to the Chinese market and through receiving support to attend international trade shows, trade missions and exhibitions;\r\nadvice on setting up in an overseas market by exploring partnering opportunities, developing overseas campus operations and working with the corporate sector.\r\nSDI has recently supported Scottish institutions with: market research into areas of new opportunity in China; developing new partnerships with Chinese universities; undertaking training with Chinese businesses; establishing office presences in China; and further developing research linkages through partnership and joint research centres.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-03T14:29:10.18","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278757,"EventID":"S4W-11317","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3763,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-16T14:29:10.477","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-15T17:54:39","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what assistance it provides in exporting Scottish culture to China.\r\n","AnswerText":"The First Minister signed a Cultural Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with China in December 2011 to strengthen Scotland’s cultural links with China. As part of the MOU the Scottish Government has provided networking opportunities to enable creative practitioners to develop cultural links and partnerships with the Chinese creative sector. Both Scottish Government and Creative Scotland have provided funding to support a number of Scottish performances in China this year including a tour by the Scottish Ensemble, a collaboration between Janis Claxton Dance and LDTX in Beijing, Scottish Opera educational project in Tianjin, National Theatre of Scotland tour of ‘Monster in the Hall’ and the forthcoming Royal Scottish National Orchestra tour.\r\nThe Scottish Government works with the British Council in China by supporting the ‘Connections through Culture’ initiative which provides support, information, advice, networking opportunities and development grants to cultural organisations in Scotland to build long lasting relationships and cultural collaborations between organisations in the two countries.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-03T14:29:10.49","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278758,"EventID":"S4W-11318","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3763,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-16T14:29:10.77","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-15T17:54:39","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what discussions it had with the (a) UK Government and (b) UK Border Agency on the new procedures affecting cruise ship passengers coming to Scotland (i) prior to and (b) since their introduction in 2012.\r\n","AnswerText":"Scottish Government Ministers have had no discussions with (a) the UK Government or (b) the UK Border Agency regarding procedures in respect of the embarkation and disembarkation of cruise ship passengers.\r\nThe Scottish Government is aware of some concerns being expressed on the application and operation of the procedures. We are obtaining evidence and will write to both the UK Border Agency and the UK Government setting out our concerns.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-03T14:29:10.787","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278759,"EventID":"S4W-11320","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4955,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":105,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-16T14:29:11.067","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-16T11:58:07","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many people were registered with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis in each NHS board area in the last three years for which information is available.","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-03T14:29:11.083","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278760,"EventID":"S4W-11321","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4955,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":105,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-16T14:29:11.41","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-16T11:58:07","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government in how many deaths idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis was cited as the cause in each NHS board area in the last three years for which information is available.\r\n","AnswerText":"The numbers of deaths for which idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis was believed to be the underlying cause are given in the following table.\r\nThe International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems, 10th Revision (ICD-10), which is used to produce statistics of deaths, does not have a code which is used solely for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. Instead, ICD-10 code \"J84.1\" (which is defined as \"other interstitial pulmonary diseases with fibrosis\") is used for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and also for a number of other medical terms or conditions, some (but not all) of which are regarded as synonymous with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. The figures in the table were produced using an approach which is explained in the footnote, so could exclude a small number of deaths which were caused by idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis but which were described in some other way in the death certificate.\r\nDeaths registered in Scotland for which the underlying cause was idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis*\r\nNHS board\r\n2009\r\n2010\r\n2011\r\nAyrshire and Arran\r\n9\r\n7\r\n8\r\nBorders\r\n3\r\n0\r\n1\r\nDumfries and Galloway\r\n1\r\n0\r\n1\r\nFife\r\n6\r\n12\r\n9\r\nForth Valley\r\n1\r\n5\r\n2\r\nGrampian\r\n13\r\n14\r\n16\r\nGreater Glasgow and Clyde\r\n9\r\n8\r\n17\r\nHighland\r\n4\r\n3\r\n5\r\nLanarkshire\r\n2\r\n5\r\n6\r\nLothian\r\n13\r\n13\r\n19\r\nOrkney\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\nShetland\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\nTayside\r\n3\r\n5\r\n6\r\nWestern Isles\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\nAll\r\n64\r\n72\r\n90\r\n* deaths for which ICD-10 code \"J84.1\" (\"other interstitial pulmonary diseases with fibrosis\") was used for the underlying cause of the death, and the description of the cause of death included one (or both) of the following terms\r\n(i) \"idiopathic\" - which selects, for example, cases where the cause of death included the terms \"idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis\", \"pulmonary fibrosis - idiopathic\" and \"idiopathic fibrosis alveolitis\";\r\n (ii) \"fibrosing alveolitis\" - which selects, for example, cases where the cause of death included the terms \"fibrosing alveolitis\" and \"cryptogenic fibrosing alveolitis\", which are considered synonymous with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-03T14:29:11.427","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278761,"EventID":"S4W-11322","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4955,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":105,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-16T14:29:11.74","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-16T11:58:07","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government in how many deaths (a) bronchiectasis and (b) clinically significant bronchiectasis was cited as the cause in each NHS board area in the last three years for which information is available.\r\n","AnswerText":"The numbers of deaths for which bronchiectasis was the underlying cause are given in the following table.\r\nFigures for \"clinically significant bronchiectasis\" cannot be produced because the term is not one that is identified in the International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems, 10th Revision (ICD-10), and does not appear to be used on death certificates.\r\nDeaths registered in Scotland for which the underlying cause was bronchiectasis*\r\nNHS board\r\n2009\r\n2010\r\n2011\r\nAyrshire and Arran\r\n12\r\n7\r\n4\r\nBorders\r\n3\r\n2\r\n4\r\nDumfries and Galloway\r\n0\r\n2\r\n3\r\nFife\r\n4\r\n2\r\n8\r\nForth Valley\r\n4\r\n4\r\n5\r\nGrampian\r\n10\r\n12\r\n10\r\nGreater Glasgow and Clyde\r\n18\r\n16\r\n27\r\nHighland\r\n5\r\n8\r\n4\r\nLanarkshire\r\n5\r\n13\r\n10\r\nLothian\r\n22\r\n21\r\n27\r\nOrkney\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\nShetland\r\n0\r\n1\r\n1\r\nTayside\r\n8\r\n5\r\n6\r\nWestern Isles\r\n0\r\n1\r\n0\r\nAll\r\n91\r\n94\r\n109\r\n* one of the following ICD-10 codes was used for the underlying cause of the death:\r\n(i) \"J47 - bronchiectasis\"\r\n(ii) \"Q33.4 - congenital bronchiectasis\"\r\n(iii) \"A15, A16 - respiratory tuberculosis\" and \"bronchiectasis\" was mentioned in the cause of death\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-03T14:29:11.753","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278762,"EventID":"S4W-11243","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5034,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-16T15:50:42.483","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-14T17:32:17","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many unmarked cases the Procurator Fiscal Service has.\r\n","AnswerText":"As at 18 November 2012, 13,100 cases were awaiting marking. This is within the normal parameters The Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS) would expect to have as work in progress. COPFS’s published targets require that a decision in respect of 75% of reported cases must be implemented within four weeks of receipt. During this financial year, COPFS is exceeding this target and has marked 83% of cases within four weeks.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-03T15:50:42.67","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lesley Thomson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278763,"EventID":"S4W-11325","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":131,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-16T15:50:43.187","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-16T14:26:51","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-10950 by Nicola Sturgeon on 14 November 2012, for what reason the customer contribution is assessed dependent on fuel type and what its position is on whether this discriminates against people in rural areas that are not on the gas grid.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Home Energy Assistance Scheme (Scotland) Regulations 2009 (as in force) provide that individuals meeting certain criteria may apply for works to be done to improve the energy efficiency of their home covered by a grant of £4000 or £6500.  Broadly speaking, the higher level of grant applies where it would cost more to reach the required energy efficiency rating. The actual costs of the works may be different in each case, depending on a variety of factors from the location of the dwelling, the fuel type of the heating system, the size of the dwelling and the contractor selected by Scottish Gas to do the works. Oil systems and rural locations are generally more expensive to install, whereas gas and electric system installations are generally cheaper.\r\nPrior to the change in the way that customer contributions were calculated, the customer contribution would be calculated using a complex process taking account of the actual cost of the installation, the available grant and whether or not a cheaper system could have been installed. As a result of the different factors influencing the actual installation cost, customers were being asked for unpredictable and different contributions for the same type of work, which was unfair and caused a lot of confusion.\r\nThe reasons for making adjustments were set out in the answer to PQ S4W-10950: namely, to ensure that customer contributions were simple, fair and transparent. The levels of customer contributions broadly reflect the relative costs of installing each fuel type; charges are required for new oil or solid fuel central heating systems or air source heat pumps as these are the most expensive to install. These systems required a customer contribution under the previous process but now every customer can be told exactly how much it will cost at survey and every customer is treated in the same way. It is now also clear that within-home installations of gas, electric dry or Liquid Petroleum Gas systems do not require a customer contribution. Households may face costs if they require significant changes to their electricity supply or a new connection to the gas grid.  The intention of this change is to ensure that all households, including those in rural areas, have clarity over which systems are free and which will require a customer contribution and what that will be.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-03T15:50:43.2","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278783,"EventID":"S4W-11245","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-19T14:33:37.967","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-15T10:01:31","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, in light of the comments of Dr Daniel Kenealy of the University of Edinburgh reported in The Scotsman of 15 November 2012, what intelligence sharing arrangements are planned in the event of Scotland separating from the rest of the United Kingdom.\r\n","AnswerText":"Under the Edinburgh Agreement, the Scottish and UK Governments are committed to continue to work together constructively in light of the outcome of the referendum, whatever it is, in the best interests of the people of Scotland and of the rest of the United Kingdom.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-04T14:33:38.123","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278784,"EventID":"S4W-11246","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-19T14:33:38.62","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-15T10:01:31","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on the comments of Dr Daniel Kenealy of the University of Edinburgh reported in The Scotsman of 15 November 2012, that MI6 should hold talks with the CIA and other United States security services in the event of Scotland separating from the rest of the United Kingdom.\r\n","AnswerText":"It is for the UK Government to determine the nature of any engagement they may wish to have with overseas governments or agencies.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-04T14:33:38.637","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278785,"EventID":"S4W-11323","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-19T14:33:39.137","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-16T14:58:26.587","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when the (a) Edinburgh Gateway and (b) Haymarket railway station improvements will be completed.\r\n","AnswerText":"The opening of Edinburgh gateway station will coincide with the introduction of a new tram stop in the Edinburgh gateway area. Commencement of works on the new station will be dependent on the completion of tram infrastructure works in the area. We continue to work with City of Edinburgh Council and the Edinburgh tram contractor to enable Network Rail to develop a programme for delivery of the station. The Edinburgh Glasgow Improvement Plan redevelopment of Haymarket Station is making good progress and is scheduled for completion in late 2013.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-04T14:33:39.15","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278786,"EventID":"S4W-11324","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-19T14:33:39.48","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-16T14:58:26.587","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what estimate it has made of what the economic impact would be of improved journey times by rail between (a) Inverness and (b) Aberdeen and (i) Edinburgh and (ii) Glasgow.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Strategic Transport Projects Review (STPR) appraisal, published in 2008, included a strategic assessment of economic impacts of its recommendations for upgrades to the Highland Main Line and the Aberdeen to Central Belt railways. The economic assessment identified a number of potential positive economic impacts from reduced journey times and increased frequency of services. These included:\r\nboosting the economy through improved connections between the north of Scotland and the Central Belt resulting in increased productivity and efficiency;\r\nassisting with the progression of development areas at locations on the route, particularly the development of tourism industries in the region and increasing the attractiveness of the region to inward investors;\r\nhelping to widen labour catchment areas for businesses along the route;\r\nincreasing productivity for business travellers;\r\nbenefiting regional economies by transferring goods from road to rail; and\r\nthe potential to create jobs at the freight hubs.\r\nThe first phase of the Highland Mainline improvements has been completed delivering two extra trains per day each way from December 2011 and journey time improvements of up to 17 minutes from December 2012. Network Rail is expected to deliver a report on proposals for phase two by summer 2013.\r\nWork developing options for the Aberdeen to Central Belt project has begun and Network Rail are expected to complete a summary report in the New Year.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-04T14:33:39.493","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278787,"EventID":"S4W-11329","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5059,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-19T14:33:39.79","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-16T14:44:16","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many rehabilitation programmes there are in prisons.","AnswerText":"I have asked Colin McConnell, chief executive of the Scottish prison service (SPS), to respond. His response is as follows: “SPS currently delivers seven offending behaviour programmes that focus on promoting change in the attitudes, thinking and behaviours that drive offending.”\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-04T14:33:39.807","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278788,"EventID":"S4W-11330","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5059,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-19T14:33:40.103","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-16T14:44:16","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many third sector organisations are involved in the criminal justice system.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally.\r\nThe scope of the criminal justice sector is broad, encompassing policing, courts, imprisonment, community justice, victims concerns and general public safety concerns. This is reflected in the wide range of third sector organisations that contribute to criminal justice issues, whether as their main focus, or in broader public services which can respond to the circumstances of victims, offenders, or others effected by crime (including housing, mental health, learning, employability, or disability focussed activities, for example).\r\nAs such it is difficult to quantify the exact numbers of third sector organisations who contribute to the criminal justice sector.\r\nHowever, informal discussion with third sector representative groups would suggest that there are over a hundred third sector organisations in Scotland which are active on criminal justice sector activities, whether at national or local levels.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-04T14:33:40.12","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278789,"EventID":"S4W-11331","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5059,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-19T14:33:40.383","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-16T14:44:16","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the reoffending rates are for each prison.","AnswerText":"I have asked Colin McConnell, chief executive of the Scottish prison service, to respond. His response is as follows:\r\n“It is not possible to accurately align reconviction rates with individual prisons as prisoners may transfer between prisons on a number of occasions during their sentence. However, reconviction rates for offenders released from a custodial sentence are published by the Scottish Government and can be accessed on-line at:\r\n http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Statistics/Browse/Crime-Justice/PubReconvictions.”\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-04T14:33:40.4","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278790,"EventID":"S4W-11332","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5059,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-19T14:33:40.663","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-16T14:44:16","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many prisoners are receiving treatment for mental health problems.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-04T14:33:40.68","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278791,"EventID":"S4W-11333","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5059,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-19T14:33:40.96","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-16T14:44:16","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many referrals there have been in prisons for mental health treatment in each year since 2008.","AnswerText":"I have asked Colin McConnell, chief executive of the Scottish prison service, to respond. His response is as follows:\r\n“This information is not held by the Scottish prison service (SPS). You will be aware that responsibility and accountability for the provision of health care services to prisoners transferred from the SPS to the national health service on 1 November 2011, and these services are now provided by the respective local health boards. As part of this transition, all prisoner health care records, including mental health records, transferred from SPS to the respective health boards.”\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-04T14:33:40.977","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278792,"EventID":"S4W-11334","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5059,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-19T14:33:41.257","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-16T14:44:16","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many hours per week a psychiatrist is on duty at each prison.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-04T14:33:41.273","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278793,"EventID":"S4W-11335","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5059,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-19T14:33:41.537","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-16T14:44:16","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many cases of self-harm have been reported in prisons in each year since 2008.","AnswerText":"I have asked Colin McConnell, chief executive of the Scottish prison service, to respond. His response is as follows: “The following table illustrates the total number of self-harm incidents recorded as such on the prisoner records system.”\r\n2012\r\n2011\r\n2010\r\n2009\r\n2008\r\n244\r\n217\r\n217\r\n184\r\n153\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-04T14:33:41.553","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278794,"EventID":"S4W-11336","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5059,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-19T14:33:41.833","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-16T14:44:16","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how schools support children with imprisoned parents.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Education (Additional Support for Learning) (Scotland) Act 2004 (as amended) places duties on education authorities and other agencies to provide support to children and young people who have an additional support need which is causing a barrier to their learning. Education authorities must identify, plan and make provision for the support to be provided and review that support to ensure it is appropriate. This would include support for those who have an imprisoned parent.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-04T14:33:41.85","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alasdair Allan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278795,"EventID":"S4W-11337","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5059,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-19T14:33:42.117","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-16T14:44:16","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what training is provided to teachers regarding giving support to children with imprisoned parents.\r\n","AnswerText":"The teaching standards set by the General Teaching Council for Scotland require teachers to be able to identify and respond appropriately to pupils with difficulties in or barriers to learning and recognise when to seek advice in relation to their additional support needs. A child with a parent in prison would be likely to fall into this category.\r\nOne and four year courses of initial teacher education in each of Scotland's eight teacher education universities address, to differing extents, children's family circumstances and contexts, including those of children whose parents are imprisoned. Beyond that, schools and local authorities are responsible for ensuring that continuing professional development is provided to meet teachers' agreed development needs both during their induction year and throughout their careers.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-04T14:33:42.13","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alasdair Allan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278796,"EventID":"S4W-11340","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-19T14:33:42.38","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-19T09:21:57","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-10885 by Michael Matheson on 14 November 2012, whether all drug and alcohol treatment services include mental health diagnosis and support.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-06820 on 8 May 2012.\r\nSince May, the Scottish Government published the Mental Health Strategy for Scotland 2012-15 in August 2012. In this strategy we recognise that there are strong links between depression and drinking above recommended guidelines, and make a commitment to work with NHS boards and partners to more effectively link the work on alcohol and depression and other common mental health problems to improve identification and treatment, with a particular focus on primary care.\r\nAll answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-04T14:33:42.397","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278797,"EventID":"S4W-11341","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2029,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":145,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-19T14:33:42.897","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-19T10:19:25.827","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government on what date the note lodged in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre (SPICe) by the First Minister (Official Report, c. 13591) was prepared.\r\n","AnswerText":"The note lodged with SPICe is an extract from a ministerial briefing created at the start of the Parliamentary term, and which is updated regularly.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-04T14:33:42.91","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278798,"EventID":"S4W-11342","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":86,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-19T14:33:43.287","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-19T10:20:50.777","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to its news release of 16 November 2012, Sistema Scotland Funding, whether it will allocate funds to other communities wishing to establish El Sistema/Big Noise music groups.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government cross-portfolio funding package was allocated to the charity Sistema Scotland, not to a specific community. We are delighted to be able to support this excellent organisation, and that this funding will be used in delivering their ongoing programme of activity and to support the establishment of a second orchestra in Govanhill. Sistema Scotland have secured significant buy-in and in-kind support from local delivery partners in Govanhill which was essential in order to deliver their programme of activity.\r\nThe Scottish Government is supportive of Sistema Scotland’s wishes to roll-out the programme in other areas to ensure as many people as possible can benefit. Sistema Scotland will be focussing their efforts on the establishment of the second orchestra in Govanhill to ensure that their expansion is successful and sustainable, making a real and positive difference to communities.\r\nUltimately our funding is determined by the UK government, which has slashed arts spend in England. We have chosen to protect budgets because of our commitment to artists and culture and their importance to Scotland.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-04T14:33:43.3","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278799,"EventID":"S4W-11347","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":131,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-19T14:33:43.597","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-19T11:02:00","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many businesses in Dumfries and Galloway were contracted to (a) survey properties, (b) install insulation and central heating systems and (c) supply materials under the Energy Assistance Package in 2011-12.","AnswerText":"Due to the size of the Energy Assistance Package (EAP) contract, Scottish Gas was required to procure subcontractors to carry out the heating and insulation work via the Official Journal of European Union tender process, giving businesses across Scotland an equal opportunity to compete. With regard to businesses in Dumfries and Galloway:\r\n2011-12\r\n(a) Survey properties\r\n(b) Install insulation and heating systems\r\n(c) Supply materials\r\nNo. of businesses in Dumfries and Galloway:\r\n1 directly-employed surveyor and 1 directly-employed contract manager\r\n0\r\n0 (see note)\r\nNote - Under the tender process, William Wilson Limited (based in Scotland) won sole contract to supply all EAP materials across Scotland.\r\n\r\nScottish Gas opened a Greenskills Academy in November 2010 in Dumfries to assist with the requirement to deliver community benefits under the EAP contract. This has been used to provide training and skills to local people and vulnerable groups. The academy has also supported local schools with raising awareness and career days in relation to renewable technology.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-04T14:33:43.613","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278800,"EventID":"S4W-11348","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4016,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":133,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-19T14:33:43.957","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-19T11:37:18","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what advice it has sought from the European Commission regarding the compatibility with existing EU directives and regulations of its policy of retaining current UK financial regulatory bodies in an independent Scotland.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has discussions with the Commission on a regular basis about matters of relevance to Scotland. The Scottish Government will outline its proposals for financial services regulation as part of its macroeconomic framework for an independent Scotland.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-04T14:33:43.973","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278801,"EventID":"S4W-11349","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4016,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":133,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-19T14:33:44.33","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-19T11:37:18","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what discussions it has had with the (a) UK Government and (b) current UK financial regulatory bodies regarding its policy of retaining the latter as regulators of an independent Scotland’s financial service industries.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government engages in discussions with the UK Government and current regulatory bodies on matters of importance to the Scottish economy. Under the Edinburgh Agreement, the Scottish and UK Governments are committed to continue to work together constructively in the light of the outcome of the referendum, whatever it is, in the best interests of the people of Scotland and of the rest of the United Kingdom. The Scottish Government will outline its proposals for financial services regulation as part of its macroeconomic framework for an independent Scotland.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-04T14:33:44.347","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278802,"EventID":"S4W-11350","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4016,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":133,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-19T14:33:44.643","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-19T11:37:18","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government on what basis it considers its policy of retaining UK financial regulatory bodies as the financial services regulators in an independent Scotland to be compatible with the obligations on member states’ competent authorities under Article 60 of Directive 2004/39.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government will outline its proposals for financial services regulation as part of its macroeconomic framework for an independent Scotland. It is aware of existing European legislation relating to financial regulation and the Scottish Government would ensure that it fulfils these legal requirements.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-04T14:33:44.657","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278803,"EventID":"S4F-00990","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":4976,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-19T12:56:27.903","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-16T11:40:37.723","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister when he will next meet the Prime Minister.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-04T12:56:28.12","MeetingDate":"2012-11-22T17:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278804,"EventID":"S4F-00991","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":2080,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":87,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-19T12:56:28.4","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-19T09:38:16.053","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what engagements he has planned for the rest of the day.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-04T12:56:28.417","MeetingDate":"2012-11-22T17:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278805,"EventID":"S4F-00992","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":5009,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-19T12:56:28.76","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-19T09:50:15.1","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what issues will be discussed at the next meeting of the Cabinet.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-04T12:56:28.777","MeetingDate":"2012-11-22T17:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278806,"EventID":"S4F-00999","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-19T12:56:31.507","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-19T11:17:53.103","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what action the Scottish Government will take in response to concerns that out-of-hours paediatric services at NHS Lothian, Fife and Borders are at risk due to a shortage of trainee doctors.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-04T12:56:31.507","MeetingDate":"2012-11-22T17:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278807,"EventID":"S4F-01000","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":3745,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":122,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-19T12:56:32.003","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-19T11:14:40","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what benefits there will be as a result of French firm, Areva, locating its UK turbine manufacturing site in Scotland.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-04T12:56:32.02","MeetingDate":"2012-11-22T17:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278808,"EventID":"S4F-01003","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-19T12:56:32.893","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-19T11:35:19.37","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what the Scottish Government is doing to ensure that the 2014 Year of Homecoming is a success.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-04T12:56:32.893","MeetingDate":"2012-11-22T17:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278809,"EventID":"S4T-00122","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":9,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":136,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-19T12:56:59.053","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-19T10:17:01.45","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide an update on its flood prevention programme.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-04T12:56:59.053","MeetingDate":"2012-11-20T17:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278810,"EventID":"S4T-00132","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":9,"MSPID":2029,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":145,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-19T12:57:03.81","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-19T11:56:23.81","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when the Cabinet Secretary for Education and Lifelong Learning first became aware that there would be a reduction in college budgets for 2012-13.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-04T12:57:03.827","MeetingDate":"2012-11-20T17:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278811,"EventID":"S4W-11174","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2029,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":145,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-19T17:07:08.42","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-12T15:55:03","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many staff previously employed to process applications for student loans have moved to a different post since 15 October 2012.\r\n","AnswerText":"Staff employed to process applications at the Student Awards Agency for Scotland (SAAS) process all elements of a student’s application for support including fees, loan or bursary. Since 15 October 2012, two members of staff have moved post, on either transfer or promotion, from SAAS business delivery teams to posts elsewhere in the Scottish Government.\r\nWithin SAAS, resource has been deployed flexibly across the agency to continue service delivery.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-04T17:07:08.527","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278812,"EventID":"S4W-11175","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2029,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":145,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-19T17:07:08.81","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-12T15:55:03","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it will ensure the independence of the person nominated to carry out the recently-announced student funding payment review.\r\n","AnswerText":"The recently commissioned review will be led by David Wallace, deputy chief executive of the Student Loans Company (SLC). \r\nDavid Wallace is an employee of SLC and chosen for his experience and expertise. He will remain independent of the Scottish Government and of the Student Awards Agency for Scotland.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-04T17:07:08.823","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278813,"EventID":"S4W-11176","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2029,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":145,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-19T17:07:09.167","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-12T15:55:03","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many staff are responsible for (a) processing and (b) managing applications for student loans and how much staff time will be being spent on the recently-announced student funding payment review.\r\n","AnswerText":"There are currently 163 staff (153.9 full-time equivalent) working within the Student Awards Agency for Scotland. All are Scottish Government civil servants.\r\nOf these, 115 staff (108.4 full-time equivalent) are responsible for processing applications and dealing with customers.\r\nNo front-line staff time is currently being spent on the recently commissioned student funding review. Front-line staff will input to the review during their preparations for the 2013-14 session.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-04T17:07:09.183","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278814,"EventID":"S4W-11265","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2029,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":145,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-19T17:07:09.527","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-15T12:47:58.827","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether staff responsible for (a) managing and (b) processing student awards have been allocated any tasks associated with the recently-announced student funding payment review.\r\n","AnswerText":"Staff at the Student Awards Agency for Scotland responsible for managing and processing student awards remains focused on finalising applications for the 2012-13 session. No tasks associated with the recently commissioned student funding payment review have yet been allocated to staff managing or processing student awards.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-04T17:07:09.54","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278815,"EventID":"S4W-11343","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5080,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-19T17:07:09.963","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-19T09:56:37","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many one bedroom (a) affordable homes and (b) affordable homes for social rent have been (i) started, (ii) approved and (iii) completed in each year since 2007 and how many are planned.\r\n","AnswerText":"Information on approvals, site starts and completions for the Affordable Housing Supply Programme is not held centrally by number of bedrooms.\r\nFuture planning is a strategic decision for local authorities, meeting needs identified through housing need and demand assessments, local housing strategies and strategic housing investment plans. Discussions are currently underway with local authorities to finalise three-year strategic local programmes.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-04T17:07:09.98","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Burgess","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278816,"EventID":"S4W-11346","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5080,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-19T17:07:10.463","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-19T10:57:34.673","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many one bedroom (a) affordable homes and (b) affordable homes for social rent have been (i) started, (ii) approved and (iii) completed in each year since the start of the Affordable Housing Supply Programme and how many are planned.\r\n","AnswerText":"Information on approvals, site starts and completions for the affordable housing supply programme is not held centrally by number of bedrooms.\r\nFuture planning is a strategic decision for local authorities, meeting needs identified through housing need and demand assessments, local housing strategies and strategic housing investment plans. Discussions are currently underway with local authorities to finalise three year strategic local programmes.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-04T17:07:10.477","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Burgess","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278817,"EventID":"S4W-11351","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-19T17:07:10.773","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-19T15:32:26.903","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many meetings officials from the Directorate for Justice have had with organisers of independent custody visiting schemes since May 2007 and on what dates.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-10174 on 2 November 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-04T17:07:10.79","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278818,"EventID":"S4W-11352","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-19T17:07:11.087","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-19T15:32:26.903","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many meetings officials from the Directorate for Justice have had with organisers of independent custody visiting schemes since January 2012 regarding the management of independent custody under the Police and Fire Reform (Scotland) Act 2012 and on what dates.\r\n","AnswerText":"Officials have met organisers of the present custody visiting schemes on five occasions in 2012 to date. These meetings took place on 26 January; 24 February; 27 February; 25 June; and 23 October 2012.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-04T17:07:11.1","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278819,"EventID":"S4W-11353","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-19T17:07:11.397","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-19T15:32:26.903","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government on what date it will make a decision on the operation of the independent custody visiting scheme and when it will make this available to the (a) Scottish Police Authority, (b) chief constable of the Police Service of Scotland and (c) Parliament.","AnswerText":"As I said in response to the member’s question S4W-10175, answered on 2 November 2012, decisions on the administration and operation of the custody visiting scheme will be a matter for the Scottish Police Authority.\r\nAll answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at: \r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-04T17:07:11.413","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278820,"EventID":"S4W-11354","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-19T17:07:11.727","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-19T15:32:26.903","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether representatives of the Scottish Police Authority have participated in meetings between officials from the Directorate for Justice and organisers of independent custody visiting schemes regarding plans for independent custody visiting and, if so, when.\r\n","AnswerText":"No. However, officials held an initial meeting on this issue with newly appointed representatives of the Scottish Police Authority on 21 November 2012.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-04T17:07:11.74","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278845,"EventID":"S4W-11326","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-20T13:56:42.83","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-16T14:35:38","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what action it is taking to promote Cycling Scotland’s Cycle Friendly Communities initiative.\r\n","AnswerText":"Through Transport Scotland grant funding, Cycling Scotland administers and promotes the cycle friendly & sustainable communities fund. The projects funded encourage a shift away from single occupancy car use, a reduction in carbon emissions and an improvement in wellbeing of communities across Scotland by enabling more people to have more opportunities to cycle.\r\nThe fund is promoted by Cycling Scotland through direct mailing to interested bodies, communication through partner organisations and the use of social media.\r\nMore information on the fund is available on Cycling Scotland’s website at: www.cyclefriendlycommunities.co.uk \r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-05T13:56:42.953","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278846,"EventID":"S4W-11327","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-20T13:56:43.313","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-16T14:35:38","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what discussions it has had with Cycling Scotland in the last year in relation to the creation of cycle-friendly communities under its Cycle Friendly Communities initiative.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government, through Transport Scotland, has an observer role on the board of cycling Scotland, where many policy issues are discussed. The board meetings are held quarterly.\r\nFollowing discussions with Highland Perthshire Cycling, East Dunbartonshire Cycle Co-op, Sustrans and Transport Scotland, Cycling Scotland has agreed to carry out exploratory research into the practicalities of cycle friendly communities, including elements such as an award.\r\nAt cycling Scotland’s annual conference in 2011, Highland Perthshire Cycling won the first Cycle Friendly Community of the Year award. This award was based on nominations received for the title and reviewed by an independent panel. The award winners had the opportunity to use this title for all relevant publicity. This year, the annual awards focussed on bikeability Scotland cycle training and outstanding contributions from individuals and schools in this field.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-05T13:56:43.33","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278847,"EventID":"S4W-11328","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-20T13:56:43.627","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-16T14:35:38","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what steps it will take to help facilitate the erection of signs to promote Cycling Scotland's Cycle Friendly Communities initiative.\r\n","AnswerText":"Transport Scotland and Cycling Scotland have discussed signage options; and Cycling Scotland has agreed to carry out exploratory research into the possible establishment of a cycle friendly community award which could be associated with signage.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-05T13:56:43.64","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278848,"EventID":"S4W-11355","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2633,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-20T13:56:43.983","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-19T16:51:10.56","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-09443 by Richard Lochhead on 14 September 2012, whether it has held a meeting with the fishing industry and the main retailers regarding the suspension of Scottish mackerel’s Marine Stewardship Council certificate.\r\n","AnswerText":"A meeting between the fishing industry and the main retailers was scheduled for 5 November. However, since discussions on the mackerel stock between the European Fisheries Commissioner, Maria Damanaki, and the Icelandic, Norwegian and Faroes Fisheries ministers are still on-going, we agreed with the fishing industry and the retailers to postpone the meeting and convene in the new year once those discussions have progressed.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-05T13:56:44","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278849,"EventID":"S4W-11356","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2633,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-20T13:56:44.297","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-19T16:52:29.98","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what communication it has had with the UK Government in the last year regarding Chalara fraxinea.","AnswerText":"Over the past year the Scottish Government (through Forestry Commission Scotland and the SG Plant Health Team) has communicated with the UK Government on Chalara fraxinea, and various other tree health issues, by participating in the Forestry Commission Biosecurity Programme Board and the UK Plant Health Strategy Board. This includes the development of emergency legislation that introduced a prohibition on the import and movement of ash within Great Britain.\r\nThe Scottish Government has participated in the COBR meetings regarding the Chalara outbreak and the ongoing UK Outbreak Management Team on Chalara. It is also working closely with the UK Government on developing a control plan for Chalara and in sharing data regarding the spread of the disease across the British Isles.\r\nIn addition, the Scottish Government, through FCS, has a close working relationship with the DEFRA funded Forest Research team based at Roslin, Midlothian, who have been playing an important role in providing scientific support to FCS and Ministers as the Scottish Government responds to the emergence of Chalara in Scotland.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-05T13:56:44.313","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278850,"EventID":"S4W-11357","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2633,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-20T13:56:44.593","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-19T16:52:29.98","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-10759 by Paul Wheelhouse on 12 November 2012, with which stakeholders the Forestry Commission Scotland undertook awareness raising work.","AnswerText":"Forestry Commission Scotland works with Forest Research to undertake awareness raising work through Forest Health Days, which are open to forest managers, local authority and National Park staff, community groups and others with an interest in woodland management. Since September 2010 there have been eight Forest Health Days in different parts of Scotland. Presentations on tree health have also been made at professional meetings such as the Institute of Chartered Foresters 2012 annual conference. In addition, Forestry Commission Scotland participates in the work of the Forestry Commission’s Biosecurity Programme Board, along with stakeholder representatives from the UK Forest Products Association, Confor, the Timber Trades Federation, the Woodland Trust and the Arboricultural Association.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-05T13:56:44.607","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278851,"EventID":"S4W-11358","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2633,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-20T13:56:44.89","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-19T16:52:29.98","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-10759 by Paul Wheelhouse on 12 November 2012, whether the Forestry Commission Scotland's awareness raising work with staff and stakeholders raised the issue of Chalara fraxinea.\r\n","AnswerText":"The issue of Chalara fraxinea was raised with stakeholders at awareness raising events, such as Forest Health Days, in the context of the range of tree health threats that we are facing. Similar discussions have taken place with staff at management meeting and at Tree Health Champion events.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-05T13:56:44.903","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278852,"EventID":"S4W-11359","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4014,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-20T13:56:45.17","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-20T09:06:08","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many jobs there are in the renewable energy sector, broken down by category.\r\n","AnswerText":"Scottish Renewables estimate that there were 11,136 full time equivalent (FTE) posts directly supported by the renewables industry and its supply chain in 2011-12.\r\nThese are broken down as follows:\r\nSector\r\nFTEs\r\nBioenergy\r\n1,410\r\nGrid\r\n3,223\r\nSolar and Heat Pumps\r\n161\r\nHydro\r\n503\r\nOnshore Wind\r\n2,235\r\nOffshore Wind\r\n943\r\nWave and Tidal\r\n521\r\nWorking across multiple sectors\r\n1,231\r\nHigher and Further Education\r\n757\r\nPublic Sector\r\n152\r\nOf course the sector continues to grow, a fact highlighted by last week’s announcement of a deal with French energy giant Areva that could create up to 750 direct jobs in the East of Scotland.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-05T13:56:45.187","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278853,"EventID":"S4W-11360","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1769,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":75,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-20T13:56:45.497","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-20T09:36:29","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, given the potential impact on costs and employment to Scotland-based companies supplying the oil and gas sector, what discussions it has had with the UK Government regarding the emergency incident in the North Sea on 22 October 2012 in which a Super Puma helicopter was forced to ditch.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has maintained close links with UK Government since the incident to ensure that the offshore industry contingency plans are robust and that mitigation measures are put in place by industry to minimise impacts and safely maintain operations in the North Sea.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-05T13:56:45.513","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278854,"EventID":"S4W-11362","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-20T13:56:45.81","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-20T10:57:15","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what representations it made to support the retention of the CITB Construction Skills Scotland North Office in Inverness, which has closed.","AnswerText":"ConstructionSkills have confirmed that this is a relocation of their office within Inverness rather than a closure. However, I plan to write to the chair of ConstructionSkills to ask for reassurance that it will not impact on their service delivery.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-05T13:56:45.823","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278855,"EventID":"S4W-11363","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":81,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-20T17:01:01.037","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-20T11:55:28","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many further education colleges have arrangements with schools to enable (a) S5 and (b) S6 pupils with additional support needs to study part-time in order to assist with the transition from school.\r\n","AnswerText":"I am informed by the Scottish Funding Council that all incorporated colleges of further education have arrangements with schools which can enable S5 and S6 pupils with additional support needs to study part-time.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-05T17:01:01.083","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278856,"EventID":"S4W-11364","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":81,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-20T17:01:01.55","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-20T11:55:28","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many (a) S5 and (b) S6 pupils with additional support needs have studied part-time at college in each year since 2007, broken down by college.\r\n","AnswerText":"The latest data on students in colleges in Scotland is Scottish Funding Council data for the academic year 2010-11. Table 1 shows the number of part-time S5 and S6 students who are Dominant Programme Group 18 or Extended Learning Support students.\r\nDominant Programme Group 18 (DPG 18) includes programmes which are specifically designed to meet the needs of students with learning difficulties arising from one or more specific categories of disability.\r\nExtended Learning Support (ELS) students study on mainstream courses i.e. not those within DPG 18. However, ELS students also have needs which arise from specific disability categories, and which require additional expenditure on the part of the college.\r\nTable 1: S5 and S6 pupils studying part-time at college who are on a DPG18 course or Extended Learning Support students\r\nCollege\r\n2005-06\r\n2006-07\r\n2007-08\r\n2008-09\r\n2009-10\r\n2010-11\r\nS5\r\nS6\r\nS5\r\nS6\r\nS5\r\nS6\r\nS5\r\nS6\r\nS5\r\nS6\r\nS5\r\nS6\r\nAberdeen College\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n5\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n10\r\n0\r\n15\r\n0\r\nAdam Smith College\r\n20\r\n20\r\n0\r\n0\r\n25\r\n5\r\n0\r\n10\r\n15\r\n10\r\n20\r\n5\r\nAngus College\r\n10\r\n0\r\n15\r\n0\r\n20\r\n5\r\n10\r\n0\r\n20\r\n5\r\n15\r\n5\r\nAnniesland College\r\n65\r\n0\r\n55\r\n5\r\n45\r\n0\r\n115\r\n0\r\n100\r\n135\r\n100\r\n90\r\nAyr College\r\n25\r\n30\r\n30\r\n80\r\n30\r\n85\r\n75\r\n15\r\n70\r\n75\r\n90\r\n90\r\nBanff and Buchan College of Further Education\r\n0\r\n0\r\n5\r\n0\r\n20\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n20\r\n5\r\n10\r\n5\r\nBarony College\r\n0\r\n0\r\n5\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\nBorders College\r\n20\r\n0\r\n15\r\n10\r\n10\r\n0\r\n10\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\nCardonald College\r\n40\r\n50\r\n40\r\n15\r\n50\r\n50\r\n75\r\n35\r\n70\r\n110\r\n120\r\n50\r\nCarnegie College\r\n115\r\n0\r\n90\r\n0\r\n35\r\n5\r\n5\r\n0\r\n10\r\n5\r\n25\r\n10\r\nCentral College of Commerce\r\n0\r\n0\r\n20\r\n5\r\n0\r\n20\r\n20\r\n0\r\n20\r\n25\r\n20\r\n5\r\nClydebank College\r\n5\r\n0\r\n5\r\n0\r\n5\r\n5\r\n0\r\n0\r\n10\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\nCoatbridge College\r\n10\r\n10\r\n10\r\n10\r\n15\r\n10\r\n5\r\n5\r\n30\r\n5\r\n10\r\n15\r\nCumbernauld College\r\n10\r\n0\r\n10\r\n25\r\n30\r\n15\r\n30\r\n25\r\n30\r\n30\r\n20\r\n20\r\nDumfries and Galloway College\r\n10\r\n5\r\n10\r\n0\r\n5\r\n5\r\n10\r\n5\r\n0\r\n10\r\n0\r\n0\r\nDundee College\r\n0\r\n0\r\n45\r\n35\r\n55\r\n35\r\n5\r\n5\r\n10\r\n25\r\n10\r\n35\r\nEdinburgh's Telford College\r\n20\r\n5\r\n5\r\n15\r\n20\r\n20\r\n30\r\n5\r\n5\r\n5\r\n15\r\n10\r\nElmwood College\r\n5\r\n0\r\n30\r\n0\r\n25\r\n5\r\n15\r\n5\r\n15\r\n10\r\n5\r\n5\r\nForth Valley College\r\n30\r\n0\r\n75\r\n10\r\n25\r\n10\r\n40\r\n15\r\n40\r\n20\r\n30\r\n25\r\nGlasgow College of Nautical Studies\r\n0\r\n0\r\n15\r\n0\r\n10\r\n10\r\n25\r\n0\r\n25\r\n0\r\n25\r\n0\r\nGlasgow Metropolitan\r\n40\r\n15\r\n15\r\n15\r\n25\r\n20\r\n0\r\n40\r\n35\r\n30\r\n30\r\n20\r\nInverness College\r\n10\r\n5\r\n15\r\n10\r\n10\r\n15\r\n15\r\n5\r\n15\r\n10\r\n10\r\n15\r\nJames Watt College of Further & Higher Education\r\n25\r\n10\r\n25\r\n20\r\n50\r\n5\r\n20\r\n35\r\n45\r\n15\r\n30\r\n15\r\nJewel and Esk College\r\n30\r\n0\r\n25\r\n0\r\n40\r\n5\r\n40\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n15\r\n5\r\nJohn Wheatley College\r\n30\r\n20\r\n40\r\n10\r\n35\r\n15\r\n50\r\n10\r\n135\r\n55\r\n95\r\n50\r\nKilmarnock College\r\n5\r\n10\r\n10\r\n5\r\n5\r\n0\r\n25\r\n5\r\n70\r\n0\r\n0\r\n5\r\nLangside College\r\n45\r\n15\r\n35\r\n15\r\n15\r\n20\r\n35\r\n30\r\n45\r\n55\r\n35\r\n10\r\nLews Castle College\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n5\r\n0\r\n0\r\n5\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\nMoray College\r\n0\r\n0\r\n5\r\n0\r\n5\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n5\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\nMotherwell College\r\n170\r\n20\r\n105\r\n80\r\n95\r\n120\r\n130\r\n95\r\n100\r\n80\r\n130\r\n135\r\nNorth Glasgow College\r\n30\r\n0\r\n25\r\n10\r\n15\r\n15\r\n35\r\n20\r\n35\r\n15\r\n15\r\n0\r\nOatridge College\r\n0\r\n0\r\n15\r\n0\r\n15\r\n5\r\n20\r\n20\r\n10\r\n10\r\n10\r\n10\r\nOrkney College\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n5\r\n0\r\nPerth College\r\n10\r\n5\r\n5\r\n0\r\n5\r\n0\r\n5\r\n0\r\n0\r\n5\r\n5\r\n5\r\nReid Kerr College\r\n185\r\n105\r\n150\r\n110\r\n95\r\n100\r\n105\r\n85\r\n145\r\n110\r\n125\r\n80\r\nShetland College of Further Education\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\nSouth Lanarkshire College\r\n10\r\n5\r\n20\r\n0\r\n10\r\n0\r\n10\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\nStevenson College Edinburgh\r\n5\r\n0\r\n10\r\n0\r\n10\r\n5\r\n40\r\n15\r\n20\r\n15\r\n10\r\n5\r\nStow College\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n10\r\n10\r\n15\r\n0\r\n5\r\n0\r\nThe North Highland College\r\n5\r\n0\r\n10\r\n5\r\n0\r\n0\r\n5\r\n0\r\n5\r\n5\r\n5\r\n5\r\nWest Lothian College\r\n0\r\n0\r\n20\r\n25\r\n15\r\n10\r\n5\r\n40\r\n25\r\n15\r\n0\r\n0\r\nScotland Total\r\n995\r\n330\r\n1015\r\n525\r\n870\r\n615\r\n1035\r\n555\r\n1210\r\n905\r\n1065\r\n740\r\nSource: Scottish Funding Council\r\nNote: figures have been rounded to the nearest 5, with 0, 1 and 2 being rounded to 0. Figures may not sum to totals due to rounding.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-05T17:01:01.567","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278857,"EventID":"S4W-11365","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":81,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-20T17:01:02.017","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-20T11:55:28","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what arrangements have been introduced by schools to replace any courses formerly offered to pupils with additional support needs by colleges.\r\n","AnswerText":"Colleges provide support to a wide range of students with additional support needs. It is for local authorities to determine and provide the services that are required for their area in light of local needs, circumstances and priorities.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-05T17:01:02.033","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278858,"EventID":"S4W-11366","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-20T17:01:02.453","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-20T14:09:46.08","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on Save the Children's publication, Thrive at Five: Comparative Child Development at School Entry Age, and its implications for how it measures child wellbeing in the early years.\r\n","AnswerText":"This Government is clear that improving the early years experience in Scotland is key to improving outcomes for children and their families. The Save the Children's publication, Thrive at Five: Comparative Child Development at School Entry Age reinforces the importance of our commitment to early intervention in the early years.\r\n\r\nSubject to the consideration of the Children and Young People Bill consultation responses, the Government intends that the Bill contains proposals to define wellbeing for children and young people and a duty to report on outcomes. We are discussing with agencies and the Care Inspectorate how the wellbeing outcomes might be measured and will consider the Save the Children methodology in that context.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-05T17:01:02.47","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Aileen Campbell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278859,"EventID":"S4W-11367","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-20T17:01:02.923","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-20T14:09:46.08","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on the measures in the Child Poverty Act 2010 and the proposed changes to these set out in the UK Government's consultation, Measuring Child Poverty: A consultation on better measures of child poverty, in light of the potential impact on its child poverty strategy.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government’s approach is to tackle the long term drivers of poverty through early intervention and prevention. The solidarity target reflects the importance we attach to reducing income inequality and we are therefore strongly committed to the current income based measures of poverty. That said we welcome all moves to improve our understanding of this complex issue and especially how we might best tackle it through the Child Poverty Strategy for Scotland.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-05T17:01:02.937","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Burgess","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278860,"EventID":"S4W-11368","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-20T17:01:03.407","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-20T14:09:46.08","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what it is doing to tackle the gap in educational attainment between children living in poverty and their wealthier peers.","AnswerText":"Raising attainment for all and closing the attainment gap between children who are most and least advantaged are key priorities for the Scottish Government. International and inspection evidence shows that the most telling conditions for raising attainment are: continuously improving learning and teaching; and a high quality teaching workforce supported by good leadership. Curriculum for Excellence is our platform for improving learning and teaching by providing more coherent and flexible learning, aimed at raising standards, improving knowledge and developing skills for each and every young person. The Scottish Government is also working to ensure that teachers and school leaders have the right skills and experience in the right numbers to deliver improved outcomes for all children and young people, including those who are most disadvantaged.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-05T17:01:03.423","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Burgess","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278861,"EventID":"S4W-11369","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-20T17:01:03.983","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-20T14:09:46.08","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what investment it has made to support parents to engage in their child's early learning and education.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government considers that parents play a vital role in supporting their children’s early learning and education. We are investing £1 million per year until 2014-15 in our highly successful PlayTalkRead campaign which aims to encourage parents and carers to play, talk and read more with their babies and young children to help drive home the importance of positive interaction with their children from day one.\r\nIn addition, our investment of over £1.5 million in 2012/13 in the early years book gifting programme (Bookbug) means that the Scottish book trust provides a range of free book packs for every child in Scotland from birth to Primary one.\r\nAlso, in March 2012, Education Scotland published the resource Every Day’s a Learning Day which is targeted at parents of young children between the ages of birth to two and three to five. The book’s aim is to aid parents and practitioners in learning with young children at home.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-05T17:01:04","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Aileen Campbell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278862,"EventID":"S4W-11370","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-20T17:01:04.53","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-20T14:09:46.08","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how the 2013-14 budget will address child poverty.","AnswerText":"This Government’s approach is to tackle the long term drivers of poverty through early intervention and prevention. As outlined in the Equality Statement published alongside the budget, much of the spending is targeted at people who are vulnerable to poverty and/or living in places of high deprivation.\r\nFor example, the retention of key universal policies, free prescriptions, free higher education, and the council tax freeze, all benefit households on lower incomes. The commitment of £272 million during this parliamentary term to the Early Years Change Fund will deliver prevention and early intervention at a local level, including in relation to the effects of poverty; and in total we are spending around a quarter of a billion pounds over the spending review period on fuel poverty and energy efficiency.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-05T17:01:04.547","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Burgess","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278863,"EventID":"S4W-11371","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4080,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-20T17:01:05.09","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-20T14:47:21.337","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-11002 by John Swinney on 20 November 2012, whether it will provide the information that was requested and confirm when it will announce the three projects that will pilot social impact bonds.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government is looking at a range of options for alternative means of funding public services, in discussion with a range of stakeholders, and announcements will be made as and when appropriate.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-05T17:01:05.107","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278864,"EventID":"S4W-11375","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":131,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-20T17:01:05.607","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-20T14:51:22.517","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its budget for the construction of homes for social rent, including budget revisions, has been in each year from 2007-08.\r\n","AnswerText":"The following table shows planned and actual expenditure specifically in respect of homes for social rent in each year from 2007-08. The figures are part of the Scottish Government’s broader spend on affordable housing supply in each year:\r\n2007-08\r\n(£m)\r\n2008-09\r\n(£m)\r\n2009-10\r\n(£m)\r\n2010-11\r\n(£m)\r\n2011-12\r\n(£m)\r\nPlanned\r\nOutturn\r\nPlanned\r\nOutturn\r\nPlanned\r\nOutturn\r\nPlanned\r\nOutturn\r\nOutturn\r\n412.911\r\n419.800\r\n346.190\r\n388.911\r\n467.304\r\n484.290\r\n339.342\r\n367.248\r\n274.600\r\n\r\nWith the changes to the administration of the programme in 2011-12, there was no planned expenditure for social housing supply in that year.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-05T17:01:05.62","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Burgess","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278876,"EventID":"S4O-01526","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-21T13:02:44.013","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-19T12:15:23.037","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how college reforms will impact on adults with learning difficulties.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-06T13:02:44.513","MeetingDate":"2012-11-28T17:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278877,"EventID":"S4O-01527","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":2595,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-21T13:02:45.76","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-21T11:59:32.283","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its \"Government outcomes\" are for science as noted on page 61 of the Draft Budget 2013-14.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-06T13:02:45.76","MeetingDate":"2012-11-28T17:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278878,"EventID":"S4O-01528","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":4014,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-21T13:02:46.293","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-19T13:22:41.44","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what financial support will be available in 2013-14 for higher and further education students from the most deprived backgrounds.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-06T13:02:46.307","MeetingDate":"2012-11-28T17:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278879,"EventID":"S4O-01529","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":3763,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-21T13:02:46.963","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-21T10:53:24.693","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how the Opportunities for All policy is being implemented in the west of Scotland.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-06T13:02:46.977","MeetingDate":"2012-11-28T17:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278880,"EventID":"S4O-01530","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":5079,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-21T13:02:47.337","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-19T12:15:24.207","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what funding has been allocated for colleges for 2013-14 and 2014-15.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-06T13:02:47.353","MeetingDate":"2012-11-28T17:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278881,"EventID":"S4O-01531","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-21T13:02:48.147","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-19T12:15:24.487","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will increase access to college courses for senior school pupils.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-06T13:02:48.163","MeetingDate":"2012-11-28T17:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278882,"EventID":"S4O-01532","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":2059,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":91,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-21T13:02:49.07","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-19T12:15:24.783","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what steps are being taken to give access to college places to those on waiting lists.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-06T13:02:49.083","MeetingDate":"2012-11-28T17:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278883,"EventID":"S4O-01533","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":5106,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":118,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-21T13:02:49.413","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-19T12:15:25.017","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what is being done to boost co-operation between Scottish universities and their international counterparts to enhance research and student opportunities.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-06T13:02:49.427","MeetingDate":"2012-11-28T17:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278884,"EventID":"S4O-01534","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":5034,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-21T13:02:49.77","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-19T12:15:25.313","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what reduction there has been in the number of college staff in the last year.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-06T13:02:49.787","MeetingDate":"2012-11-28T17:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278885,"EventID":"S4O-01535","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":3758,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":76,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-21T13:02:50.113","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-19T12:15:25.563","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what guidance it provides to local authorities to deliver safe transport routes to schools.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-06T13:02:50.13","MeetingDate":"2012-11-28T17:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278886,"EventID":"S4O-01536","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":1893,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-21T13:02:50.457","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-19T12:15:25.813","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what discussions it has had with Aberdeenshire Council and the Scottish Qualifications Authority about the preparedness of secondary schools for the new curriculum for excellence examinations.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-06T13:02:50.473","MeetingDate":"2012-11-28T17:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278887,"EventID":"S4O-01537","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":5075,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":112,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-21T13:02:50.817","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-19T12:15:26.03","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what plans it has to increase the uptake of foreign language qualifications among university students to increase their employability.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-06T13:02:50.833","MeetingDate":"2012-11-28T17:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278888,"EventID":"S4O-01538","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":5109,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":101,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-21T13:02:51.113","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-21T11:39:05.543","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will consider the fees charged to non-EU students in the context of the forthcoming Post-16 Education Reform Bill.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-06T13:02:51.127","MeetingDate":"2012-11-28T17:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278889,"EventID":"S4O-01539","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":4948,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-21T13:02:51.423","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-19T12:15:26.5","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what information it has on how the number of applications to Scottish universities compares with the rest of the UK.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-06T13:02:51.44","MeetingDate":"2012-11-28T17:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278890,"EventID":"S4O-01540","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":3896,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":97,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-21T13:02:51.86","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-19T12:15:26.733","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether all secondary schools have decided how many subjects pupils will be able to study in S4 and at what stage they will choose these subjects.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-06T13:02:51.86","MeetingDate":"2012-11-28T17:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278891,"EventID":"S4O-01541","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":5059,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-21T13:02:52.203","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-19T12:15:27.013","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what reduction there has been in the number of female college students in the west of Scotland since 2006-07.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-06T13:02:52.22","MeetingDate":"2012-11-28T17:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278892,"EventID":"S4O-01542","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":5074,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":104,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-21T13:02:52.517","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-19T12:15:27.217","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on whether the curriculum for excellence will give young people the values, qualities and skills that they will need to be successful.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-06T13:02:52.533","MeetingDate":"2012-11-28T17:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278893,"EventID":"S4O-01543","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":5042,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-21T13:02:52.83","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-19T12:15:27.42","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether college budgets have been confirmed for 2012-13.","AnswerText":"The budgets which are allocated to individual colleges are a matter for the Scottish Funding Council and not ministers. Information on allocations is available on the Funding Council’s website.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-06T13:02:52.843","MeetingDate":"2012-11-28T17:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278894,"EventID":"S4O-01544","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":77,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-21T13:02:53.14","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-19T12:15:27.67","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what help is available to ensure that children with complex additional support needs reach their full educational potential.","AnswerText":"The Education (Additional Support for Learning) (Scotland) Act 2004 (as amended) places duties on education authorities and other agencies to identify, plan and make provision for the additional support to children and young people who have an additional support need which is causing a barrier to their learning. There are a wide range of factors that may lead to children and young people having a need for additional support, including pupils whose needs are complex or multiple and need significant support from more than one agency.\r\nThe Scottish Government also commissioned an independent report, chaired by Peter Doran, into learning provision for children and young people with complex additional support needs. The Doran report, the Government response and the long term plan for additional support for learning were published on 13 November. Recommendations for government have been accepted either in full or in part, and we will work with partners to ensure delivery.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-06T13:02:53.157","MeetingDate":"2012-11-28T17:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Alasdair Allan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278895,"EventID":"S4O-01545","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":1841,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":120,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-21T13:02:53.563","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-19T12:15:27.95","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what recent discussions it has had with Aberdeen City Council regarding the schools estate.\r\n","AnswerText":"SCOTTISH PARLIAMENT\r\nORAL ANSWER\r\n28 November 2012\r\nIndex Heading: Learning and Justice\r\nMaureen Watt (Aberdeen South and North Kincardine) (Scottish National Party): To ask the Scottish Government what recent discussions it has had with Aberdeen City Council regarding the schools estate.\r\n(S4O-01545)\r\nAlasdair Allan: Scottish Government officials met the then acting Director of Education, Culture and Sport of Aberdeen City Council on 23 July 2012 to discuss a wide range of issues, regarding the school estate.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-06T13:02:53.577","MeetingDate":"2012-11-28T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Alasdair Allan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278896,"EventID":"S4O-01546","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2826,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":84,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-21T13:02:53.89","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-20T15:55:13.523","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what progress there has been with the implementation of the Private Rented Housing (Scotland) Act 2011.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-06T13:02:53.907","MeetingDate":"2012-11-29T17:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278897,"EventID":"S4O-01547","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":86,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-21T13:02:54.17","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-19T12:17:48.427","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what guidance it provides to Scottish Water regarding any problems with the capacity of the sewer network.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-06T13:02:54.187","MeetingDate":"2012-11-29T17:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278898,"EventID":"S4O-01548","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":4951,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-21T13:02:54.53","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-19T12:17:48.66","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what recent discussions it has had with Ofcom regarding the rebranding of commercial radio stations in Scotland and the level of Scotland-specific content that they broadcast.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-06T13:02:54.543","MeetingDate":"2012-11-29T17:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278899,"EventID":"S4O-01549","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1892,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":134,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-21T13:02:54.827","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-21T09:26:24.53","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when it will be in a position to confirm which company will be responsible for trunk road maintenance in south west Scotland for the next contract period.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-06T13:02:54.827","MeetingDate":"2012-11-29T17:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278900,"EventID":"S4O-01551","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":5047,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-21T13:02:55.777","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-19T12:17:49.41","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what recent discussions it has had with the UK Government regarding the impact of the proposals in the Public Service Pensions Bill on pension schemes for which it has responsibility.\r\n","AnswerText":"As the Cabinet Secretary for Finance, Employment and Sustainable Growth, John Swinney made clear in his statement to Parliament on 28 November 2012, that the Scottish Government has engaged in extensive correspondence with the UK Government on this matter in recent months, in order to clarify the flexibilities available to the Scottish Government in reforming public service pensions in Scotland. In addition, the Cabinet Secretary has discussed these issues with the Chief Secretary to the Treasury earlier this month.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-06T13:02:55.793","MeetingDate":"2012-11-29T17:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Derek Mackay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278901,"EventID":"S4O-01553","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1793,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-21T13:02:56.073","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-20T17:15:35.177","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what progress has been made with the development of crofting townships.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-06T13:02:56.09","MeetingDate":"2012-11-29T17:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278902,"EventID":"S4O-01554","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1932,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":117,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-21T13:02:56.387","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-19T12:17:50.16","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what recent discussions it has had with the European Commission regarding the reform of the common agricultural policy.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-06T13:02:56.387","MeetingDate":"2012-11-29T17:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278903,"EventID":"S4O-01555","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2633,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-21T13:02:56.743","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-19T12:17:50.393","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many convictions there have been since 2009 for proxy purchasing of alcohol in Fife.\r\n","AnswerText":"From the available information on the Scottish Government Criminal Proceedings Database, in the Fife Police force area there were 22 convictions in total during the financial years 2009-10 to 2011-12, where the main offence was proxy purchasing of alcohol. Over the same period there were 301 convictions in total across Scotland.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-06T13:02:56.76","MeetingDate":"2012-11-29T17:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278910,"EventID":"S4W-11247","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-21T14:15:52.583","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-15T10:27:29.377","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government which (a) board members and (b) executive directors of NHS Lanarkshire were informed of the contract with Atos Healthcare to deliver personal independence payment assessments prior to it being signed and whether they read the terms and conditions of the contract.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-11254 on 6 December 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-06T14:15:52.63","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278911,"EventID":"S4W-11250","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-21T14:15:53.177","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-15T10:27:29.377","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government who in NHS Lanarkshire signed the contract with Atos Healthcare to deliver personal independence payment assessments.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-11254 on 6 December 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-06T14:15:53.193","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278912,"EventID":"S4W-11252","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-21T14:15:53.693","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-15T10:27:29.377","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it has been provided with a copy of the contract between NHS Lanarkshire and Atos Healthcare, to deliver the personal independence payment assessments of sick and disabled people and, if so, whether it will publish this in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre (SPICe).\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-11254 on 6 December 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-06T14:15:53.707","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278913,"EventID":"S4W-11254","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-21T14:15:54.223","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-15T10:27:29.377","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the nature of the relationship is between NHS Lanarkshire and Salus.\r\n","AnswerText":"Salus is an operational department of NHS Lanarkshire. Salus’ core business is the provision of occupational health services to NHS Lanarkshire staff. In addition, Salus undertakes commercial contracts for the provision of occupational health services to other public and private sector bodies. These contracts, and the detailed arrangements relating to them, are a matter for Salus and NHS Lanarkshire. All surpluses generated by Salus commercial activities are returned to NHS Lanarkshire and used to support service provision. Detailed figures are not held centrally.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-06T14:15:54.237","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278914,"EventID":"S4W-11255","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-21T14:15:54.737","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-15T10:27:29.377","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether any Salus staff are employed by NHS Lanarkshire.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-11254 on 6 December 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-06T14:15:54.753","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278915,"EventID":"S4W-11256","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-21T14:15:55.377","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-15T10:27:29.377","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government which NHS boards, other than NHS Lanarkshire, have a relationship with Salus and what the nature of any such relationship is.\r\n","AnswerText":"It is understood that Salus has and had various arrangements and partnerships with the occupational health services of other NHS boards. The details of these contracting arrangements are a delegated matter for individual NHS boards to manage, and information is not held centrally.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-06T14:15:55.393","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278916,"EventID":"S4W-11257","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-21T14:15:55.877","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-15T10:27:29.377","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government which NHS boards, other than NHS Lanarkshire, have signed a contract with Atos Healthcare to deliver personal independence payment assessments of sick and disabled people that involves Salus.\r\n","AnswerText":"My understanding is that the contract is between Salus and Atos Healthcare. I am not aware that any other NHS board has signed a contract with Atos Healthcare to deliver personal independence payment assessments. Salus may, however, subcontract with other boards to help in the delivery of the contract.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-06T14:15:55.893","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278917,"EventID":"S4W-11258","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-21T14:15:56.377","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-15T10:27:29.377","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the values are of the contracts between (a) NHS Lanarkshire and (b) other NHS boards and Atos Healthcare to deliver personal independence payment assessments.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-11254 on 6 December 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-06T14:15:56.39","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278918,"EventID":"S4W-11260","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-21T14:15:56.89","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-15T10:27:29.377","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on NHS boards contracting with Atos Healthcare to deliver personal independence payment assessments, in light of such assessments being set by the Department of Work and Pensions.\r\n","AnswerText":"This is a matter for individual boards. However, I would expect boards to deliver services to the highest standards.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-06T14:15:56.907","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278919,"EventID":"S4W-11261","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-21T14:15:57.39","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-15T10:27:29.377","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much Salus returned to the NHS in profits in each of the last three years and where the money was allocated. \r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-11254 on 6 December 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-06T14:15:57.407","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278920,"EventID":"S4W-11376","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4939,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":78,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-21T14:15:57.903","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-20T14:53:12.767","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether local authorities will be asked to include a social enterprise adviser as part of the Business Gateway service.\r\n","AnswerText":"Delivery of the business gateway service locally, is the legal responsibility of local authorities. New contractual arrangements for the delivery of that service came into effect on 1 October 2012 which will deliver a nationally consistent universal service supporting start-ups businesses and growth businesses, with scope for local discretion responding to particular needs and opportunities. Last year, the business gateway helped over 11,000 businesses to start up.\r\nThe just enterprise programme, a £3 million business support contract (2011-14) provides start up support, business development support, and learning services to social entrepreneurs and enterprising third sector organisations across Scotland. To date just enterprise has provided support to 1600 enterprising third sector organisations.\r\nJust enterprise complements the economic development infrastructures in Scotland – Scottish enterprise, Highlands and Islands enterprise, business gateway and third sector interfaces. This ensures that services are not duplicated and that organisations are referred to that part of the support infrastructure that can support them best. We also support the social enterprise academy a social business that designs and delivers leadership and enterprise development for people and organisations working for social purpose across Scotland. Its core function and principal business activities are the delivery of accredited learning and development programmes, focusing on three specialist areas: leadership, enterprise and social impact.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-06T14:15:57.92","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278921,"EventID":"S4W-11377","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2826,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":84,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-21T14:15:58.28","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-20T16:09:14.37","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide an update on the implementation of the Canadian guidelines on the clinical, symptomatic definition of myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS), as recommended in the Scottish Public Health Network report, Health Care Needs Assessment of Services for people living with ME-CFS.\r\n","AnswerText":"Since the needs assessment was published, a synthesis of the best available evidence, including evidence drawn from people’s experience, to assist with the differential diagnosis and clinical management in primary care of adults with ME-CFS has been presented in the Scottish Good Practice Statement on ME-CFS, our key document on the management of ME-CFS in primary care.\r\nThe Good Practice Statement sets out Scottish Government’s position on diagnostic criteria for ME-CFS. The statement recognises that a number of definitions have been proposed for ME-CFS, including the Oxford (1991), the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC – Fukuda 1994) the Canadian Consensus Document (2003) and NICE Guideline (2007) and as yet, no one set has been universally agreed.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-06T14:15:58.293","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278922,"EventID":"S4W-11378","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2108,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":141,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-21T14:15:58.59","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-20T16:18:35.35","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what discussions it has had with the (a) Treasury and (b) Bank of England on the division of the UK’s gold reserves in the event of Scotland separating from the rest of the UK.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government engages in discussions with the Bank of England and UK Government on matters of importance to the Scottish economy. The division of UK public sector assets and liabilities would be subject to negotiation at the time of independence.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-06T14:15:58.607","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278923,"EventID":"S4W-11379","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5057,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-21T14:15:59.31","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-20T16:19:30.353","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what ministerial visits have been carried out in (a) Kilmarnock and Irvine Valley, (b) Ayr, (c) East Lothian, (d) Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley, (e) Galloway and West Dumfries, (f) Dumfriesshire, (g) Clydesdale, (h) Ettrick, Roxburgh and Berwickshire and (i) Midlothian South, Tweeddale and Lauderdale since May 2011. \r\n","AnswerText":"The information requested is listed in the following tables.\r\nAlex Salmond MSP\r\nFirst Minister\r\nConstituency\r\nDate\r\nLocation\r\nCarrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley\r\n13-Jun-11\r\nDumfries House\r\nCarrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley\r\n13-Jun-11\r\nMark Hill Windfarm\r\nCarrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley\r\n13-Jun-11\r\nMurray gardens,\r\nGalloway and West Dumfries\r\n08-Aug-11\r\nStranraer\r\nAyr\r\n17-Sep-11\r\nAyr\r\nGalloway and West Dumfries\r\n25-Nov-11\r\nCairnryan\r\nCarrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley\r\n26-Jan-12\r\nMonkton\r\nKilmarnock and Irvine Valley\r\n22-Mar-12\r\nFenwick\r\nCarrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley\r\n03-Apr-12\r\nGirvan\r\nKilmarnock and Irvine Valley\r\n04-Apr-12\r\nKilmarnock\r\nAyr\r\n21-Apr-12\r\nAyr\r\nAyr\r\n21-Apr-12\r\nAyr\r\nCarrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley\r\n26-Jul-12\r\nTurnberry\r\nCarrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley\r\n20 Sept-12\r\nDumfries House\r\nAyr\r\n21-Sept-12\r\nAyr\r\nCarrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley\r\n5-Oct-12\r\nDalmellington\r\nDumfriesshire\r\n5-Oct-12\r\nDumfries\r\nDumfriesshire\r\n5-Oct-12\r\nDumfries\r\nAyr\r\n15-Nov-12\r\nAlloway\r\n\r\nBrian Adam MSP\r\nMinister for Parliamentary Business and Chief Whip\r\nConstituency\r\nDate\r\nLocation\r\nAyr\r\n05-Oct-11\r\nAyr Building\r\n\r\nFiona Hyslop MSP\r\nCabinet Secretary for Culture and External Affairs\r\nConstituency\r\nDate\r\nLocation\r\nCarrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley\r\n31-May-11\r\nDumfries House\r\nGalloway and West Dumfries\r\n08-Aug-11\r\nThe Ryan Centre\r\nGalloway and West Dumfries\r\n09-Aug-11\r\nGlenluce Abbey\r\nGalloway and West Dumfries\r\n09-Aug-11\r\nMoat Brae House\r\nGalloway and West Dumfries\r\n09-Aug-11\r\nNew Luce Memorial Hall\r\nGalloway and West Dumfries\r\n09-Aug-11\r\nThe Whithorn Trust Visitor Centre\r\nMidlothian South, Tweeddale and Lauderdale\r\n14-Oct-11\r\nNational Mining Museum Scotland\r\nDumfriesshire\r\n27-Jan-12\r\nMid Steeple\r\nEast Lothian\r\n15-May-12\r\nEast Fortune Airfield\r\nMidlothian South, Tweeddale and Lauderdale\r\n15-May-12\r\nMavisbank House\r\nEast Lothian\r\n14-Jun-12\r\nThe Prestoungrange Gothenburg\r\nEttrick, Roxburgh and Berwickshire\r\n18-Jun-12\r\nHeritage Hub\r\nMidlothian South, Tweeddale and Lauderdale\r\n17-Sep-12\r\nHeriott Watt University Campus\r\n\r\nJohn Swinney MSP\r\nCabinet Secretary for Finance, Employment and Sustainable Growth\r\nConstituency\r\nDate\r\nLocation\r\nEttrick, Roxburgh and Berwickshire\r\n14-Nov-11\r\nHawick\r\nEast Lothian\r\n13-Jan-12\r\nLoretto High School\r\nCarrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley\r\n15-May-12\r\nTurnberry\r\nCarrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley\r\n07-Jun-12\r\nDundonald\r\nCarrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley\r\n16-Aug-12\r\nGirvan\r\nAyr\r\n16-Aug-12\r\nAyr\r\nEttrick, Roxburgh and Berwickshire \r\n05-Nov-12\r\nHawick\r\nAyr\r\n17-Dec-12\r\nDumfriesshire \r\n\r\nAileen Campbell MSP\r\nMinister for Local Government and Planning\r\nConstituency\r\nDate\r\nLocation\r\nAyr\r\n09-Aug-11\r\nRiverside Church, John Street, Ayr\r\nAyr\r\n09-Aug-11\r\nCouncil HQ, Ayr\r\nCarrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley\r\n09-Aug-11\r\nDumfries House\r\nKilmarnock and Irvine Valley\r\n09-Aug-11\r\nWestern Road, Kilmarnock\r\nKilmarnock and Irvine Valley\r\n09-Aug-11\r\nCouncil HQ, London Road, Kilmarnock\r\nEttrick, Roxburgh and Berwickshire\r\n31-Aug-11\r\nCouncil HQ, Newtown St Boswells\r\nEttrick, Roxburgh and Berwickshire\r\n31-Aug-11\r\nKelso\r\nDumfriesshire\r\n01-Sep-11\r\nCastle Douglas Primary School\r\nDumfriesshire\r\n01-Sep-11\r\nCouncil HQ, English Street, Dumfries\r\nDumfriesshire\r\n01-Sep-11\r\nCrichton Quarter, Dumfries\r\nDumfriesshire\r\n01-Sep-11\r\nGarden Hill Medical Centre, Castle Douglas\r\nDumfriesshire\r\n09-Sep-11\r\nEasterbrook Hall, Dumfries\r\nEttrick, Roxburgh and Berwickshire\r\n01-Oct-11\r\nNewton St Boswells\r\nGalloway and West Dumfries\r\n15-Nov-11\r\nCastle Douglas\r\n\r\nDerek Mackay MSP\r\nMinister for Local Government and Planning\r\nConstituency\r\nDate\r\nLocation\r\nEast Lothian\r\n14-Dec-11\r\nCouncil HQ, Haddington\r\nEast Lothian\r\n14-Dec-11\r\nJohn Gray Centre, Haddington\r\nEast Lothian\r\n14-Dec-11\r\nPenston House, Macmerry\r\nEast Lothian\r\n14-Dec-11\r\nTranent\r\nEttrick, Roxburgh and Berwickshire\r\n16-Jan-12\r\nCouncil HQ, Newtown St Boswells\r\nDumfriesshire\r\n23-Jan-12\r\nCouncil HQ, Dumfries\r\nCarrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley\r\n06-Mar-12\r\nCommunity Centre, Girvan\r\nAyr\r\n19-Jun-12\r\nCouncil HQ, Ayr\r\nKilmarnock and Irvine V","AnswerDate":"2013-03-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-06T14:15:59.31","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278924,"EventID":"S4W-11393","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-21T14:15:59.603","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-21T09:24:27.91","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the fastest rail journey times will be between (a) Glasgow–Aberdeen, (b) Edinburgh–Aberdeen, (c) Aberdeen–Inverness, (d) Glasgow–Inverness and (e) Edinburgh–Inverness in 2024.\r\n","AnswerText":"Journey times for some services operating between Glasgow/Edinburgh and Inverness will be reduced by up to 17 minutes from 9 December 2012. Phase two of the Highland Main Line Improvements Project aims to reduce the journey time further by around 10 minutes in each direction between 2014 and 2019. The long-term goal of the project seeks to achieve a fastest journey time of 2hrs 45 minutes with an average journey time of three hours by 2025.\r\nBoth the Aberdeen to Inverness Rail Improvements Project and the Aberdeen to Central Belt Rail Enhancements Scheme are listed in the Government’s Infrastructure Investment Plan, published in 2011, which states that they will be completed in phases between 2015 and 2030.\r\nThe Aberdeen to Inverness scheme aims to deliver a journey time of around two hours and improved service frequency. The Aberdeen to Central Belt Rail Enhancement scheme aims to deliver a journey time of around two hours between Aberdeen and Edinburgh and 2¼ hours between Aberdeen and Glasgow.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-06T14:15:59.62","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278925,"EventID":"S4W-11394","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-21T14:15:59.98","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-20T16:38:44","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what steps it is taking to promote green space recuperation therapy for people with mental illness.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government recognises that the quality of the physical environment, which includes access to green spaces, has an important role to play in mental health improvement.\r\nWe also know that recovery of those with mental health issues benefits from services that support physical activity and social integration, and support people in a variety of ways including, accessing information and advice, self help approaches, bibliotherapy, counselling and exercise on prescription, using resources such as Steps for Stress and Branching Out.\r\nThe Mental Health Strategy promotes Steps for Stress, which is available as a booklet, relaxation CD and website; all of which provide evidence-based information and practical actions to bolster good mental wellbeing, and which offer easy-to-follow suggestions and tips on sustaining the advice.\r\nBranching Out is a green space and conservation course available for those who use mental health services in seven NHS board areas, and is managed by the Forestry Commission Scotland.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-06T14:15:59.993","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278926,"EventID":"S4W-11395","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-21T14:16:00.387","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-20T16:38:44","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government which NHS boards recommend green space recuperation therapy for people with mental illness.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S3W-11394 on 3 December 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-06T14:16:00.4","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278927,"EventID":"S4W-11396","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-21T14:16:00.697","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-20T22:23:54","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-10857 by Michael Matheson on 16 November 2012, for what reason there are no plans to publish the data underpinning the Healthcare Improvement Scotland report, Update Report on Scottish Pain Management Services.\r\n","AnswerText":"The information requested is being collated. I will write to the member as soon as the information is available and a copy will be placed in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre (Bib. number 54547).\r\nHealthcare Improvement Scotland has also advised that the data relating to NHS board service provision will be made available on the Chronic Pain Managed Knowledge Network website from 7 December 2012.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-06T14:16:00.713","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278928,"EventID":"S4W-11397","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-21T14:16:01.213","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-20T22:23:54","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-10857 by Michael Matheson on 16 November 2012 , whether it will place the data underpinning the Healthcare Improvement Scotland report, Update Report on Scottish Pain Management Services, including the current number of health professionals working with chronic pain and patient waiting lists for first and second appointments, in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre (SPICe).\r\n","AnswerText":"The information requested is being collated. I will write to the member as soon as the information is available and a copy will be placed in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre (Bib. number 54547).\r\nIn addition Healthcare Improvement Scotland has advised that they will be posting the data in relation to NHS board service provision on the Chronic Pain Managed Knowledge Network website.\r\nIn relation to waiting times, I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-10791 on 14 November 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website the search facility for which can be found at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\nInformation Services Division publish national waiting times data on their website which is available at: http://www.isdscotland.org/Publications/index.asp.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-06T14:16:01.213","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278929,"EventID":"S4W-11398","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5041,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-21T16:53:52.637","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-21T09:46:20","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what assessment it has made of Serco’s decision to reduce staffing on Northern Isles ferry services and whether it will seek to discuss the decision with (a) trade unions and (b) Serco.","AnswerText":"Serco’s bid for the Northern Isles contract included a planned revision of staffing numbers which was considered by Transport Scotland’s evaluation team during the tender process.\r\nIt is correctly a matter for the operator, as the employer, and not the Scottish Government, to discuss current staffing levels with the staff concerned and with their trade unions. It is hoped that a positive outcome will be agreed for all involved, which will be beneficial to the needs of the local communities, and Serco’s operational running of the Northern Isles services.\r\nAll the anticipated changes in seafaring staff numbers will be achieved through voluntary arrangements. No compulsory redundancies are proposed.\r\nThese staffing changes will have an immediate positive impact locally in both Orkney and Shetland as the company sets about recruiting both a seasonal and temporary labour pool, which will then be used to provide core crew and succession planning opportunities in the future. Serco will be introducing flexible rosters in line with industry practice and constructive dialogue is continuing between Serco, its staff and trade unions.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-06T16:53:52.667","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278930,"EventID":"S4W-11399","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5041,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-21T16:53:53.383","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-21T09:46:20","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what discussions it had regarding the reduction in catering staff on Northern Isles ferry services with (a) Serco and (b) other bidders during the tendering process for the 2012-18 contract.","AnswerText":"Serco’s staffing plans were detailed in their original bid for taking over the Northern Isles ferry route. This aspect of their bid proposal, along with the rationale behind it, was discussed with Transport Scotland’s evaluation team during the tender process.\r\nTransport Scotland had similar discussions with the other bidders during the same tender process.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-06T16:53:53.4","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278931,"EventID":"S4W-11400","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5041,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-21T16:53:53.667","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-21T09:46:20","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what discussion regarding a reduction in seasonal staffing on Northern Isles ferry services it had with (a) Serco and (b) other bidders during the tendering process for the 2012-18 contract.","AnswerText":"Serco’s staffing plans were detailed in their original bid for taking over the Northern Isles ferry route. This aspect of their bid proposal, along with the rationale behind it, was discussed with Transport Scotland’s evaluation team during the tender process.\r\nTransport Scotland had similar discussions with the other bidders during the same tender process.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-06T16:53:53.68","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278932,"EventID":"S4W-11401","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5041,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-21T16:53:53.947","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-21T09:46:20","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what proportion of the estimated annual value of the 2012-18 contract for Northern Isles ferry services is public subsidy.","AnswerText":"The total estimated value of the Northern Isles contract, as announced by Serco during their stock exchange announcement made in May 2012, is £351 million over six years.\r\nOn 4 May 2012, I announced that the level of Scottish Government subsidy for the Northern Isles ferry service is £243 million over six years. The remaining estimated £108 million will be made up from fares, revenue and other commercial income.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-06T16:53:53.96","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278933,"EventID":"S4W-11402","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5041,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-21T16:53:54.227","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-21T09:46:20","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what regular meetings it has had with representatives of Serco since 2010 to discuss passenger ferry services to the Northern Isles and whether such discussions cover (a) the workforce and (b) passenger safety considerations.\r\n","AnswerText":"Since 2010 there were a number of meetings with all potential operators, including Serco. Since the award of the Northern Isles ferry services contract Transport Scotland staff have held regular contract management meetings with Serco to discuss the operation of the Northern Isles ferry services. These take place every 6-8 weeks and cover all relevant ongoing matters.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-06T16:53:54.243","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278934,"EventID":"S4W-11403","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5041,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-21T16:53:54.553","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-21T09:46:20","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what estimates have been made of the average (a) passenger and (b) freight fare on Northern Isles ferry services in (i) 2012-13, (ii) 2013-14, (iii) 2014-15, (iv) 2015-16, (v) 2016-17 and (vi) 2017-18.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-11404 on 5 December 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-06T16:53:54.57","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278935,"EventID":"S4W-11404","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5041,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-21T16:53:54.85","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-21T09:46:20","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what estimates have been made of the revenues from (a) passenger and (b) freight fares on ferry Northern Isles ferry services in (i) 2012-13, (ii) 2013-14, (iii) 2014-15, (iv) 2015-16, (v) 2016-17 and (vi) 2017-18.\r\n","AnswerText":"As part of Serco’s bid for the Northern Isles ferry service contract, Serco provided estimates of the passenger, vehicle and freight carryings, fares and revenues for each year of the contract. This information is commercially confidential.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-06T16:53:54.867","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278936,"EventID":"S4W-11405","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5041,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-21T16:53:55.147","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-21T09:46:20","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it discussed ferry passenger fare levels with Serco before the announcement of fare rises on the Northern Isles routes from January 2013.","AnswerText":"The 2013 fares increases on the Northern Isles services of 2.8% are in line with the provisions in the Northern Isles ferry service contract entered into on 26 October 2012 and published at:\r\nhttp://www.transportscotland.gov.uk/water/ferries/subsidised/northern-isles-ferry-services. The level of increase is based on the CPI figure for May published in June 2012.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-06T16:53:55.163","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278937,"EventID":"S4W-11406","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3824,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-21T16:53:55.427","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-21T10:59:13.633","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much the 2014 Ryder Cup will contribute to the economy; what impact it will have on (a) ordinary and (b) golf tourism, and what other legacies it expects from the tournament.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Economy is expected to benefit by up to £100 million during the week of the 2014 Ryder Cup. As one of the world’s largest sporting events, the Ryder Cup is broadcast to 183 countries worldwide via a network of 43 broadcasters reaching more than half a billion homes each day of the competition and providing up to £40 million in international media coverage for Scotland.\r\nEach day 45,000 spectators from across the world are expected to attend to watch the best players from Europe and the USA, with more than 250,000 expected over the course of the week.\r\nThis will translate in direct benefits to both regular and golf tourism, specifically for accommodation providers, as well as hospitality, Scottish food and drinks suppliers, travel and transport, other tourism attractions and businesses where visitors are extending their stay in Scotland.\r\nApart from the direct impacts of the event itself, other legacies which will be achieved from the 2014 Ryder Cup include:\r\na strengthened portfolio of annual professional men’s and women’s golf tournaments, resulting from specific investment in this area from 2003-2018\r\nincreased participation and support for ClubGolf, the Scottish Government’s junior golf initiative which aims to give all children in Scotland an introduction to golf by the time they reached nine years of age\r\nopportunities to drive increased inward investment in Scotland through an engagement programme which targets senior business, events and tourism contacts\r\na targeted golf tourism marketing campaign to use the Ryder Cup to promote Scotland as ‘The Home of Golf’ in key domestic and international markets\r\nthe hosting of the 2014 Junior Ryder Cup at Blairgowrie Golf Club, which will showcase the best junior golf talent from the USA and Europe\r\nthe integration of best practice in environmental and sustainability issues which will be delivered across all elements of the staging of the Ryder Cup\r\na range of e-resources will be developed consisting of learning and teaching materials for use by schools as a way of ensuring children are aware of the Ryder Cup and allowing them to get experience of the event\r\nselection of official 2014 Ryder Cup charities who will benefit from association with the event\r\nenhanced local infrastructure, particularly, improved public transport access and amenities providing lasting legacy benefits to local communities in Perth and Kinross.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-06T16:53:55.443","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Shona Robison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278938,"EventID":"S4W-11407","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3824,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-21T16:53:55.723","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-21T10:59:13.633","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will use the 2014 Ryder Cup to promote golf tourism.\r\n","AnswerText":"Staging the Ryder Cup in 2014 will reinforce Scotland’s status as “The Home of Golf” and “The Perfect Stage for events”. The Ryder Cup is one of the largest and most-recognised sporting events in the world, and VisitScotland are capitalising on this unique opportunity with a specific programme of marketing activity designed to encourage more and more visitors - both international and domestic - to come to Scotland.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-06T16:53:55.74","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Shona Robison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278939,"EventID":"S4W-11408","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3824,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-21T16:53:56.003","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-21T10:59:13.633","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will use the 2014 Ryder Cup to promote golf (a) as an activity and (b) to younger people.","AnswerText":"Scotland is acknowledged worldwide as “The Home of Golf” and as part of our bid to host the 2014 Ryder Cup we established the ClubGolf programme, as a lasting legacy.\r\nClubGolf delivers a commitment to introduce every nine year old in Scotland to the game of golf. Since its inception in 2003, over 260,000 schoolchildren have benefitted from participating in the programme. Crucially, through the club structure, ClubGolf is also providing pathways for children to continue to play the game and develop their talent.\r\nThe Scottish Government invests £500,000 per year (delivered through sportscotland) to the ClubGolf initiative.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-06T16:53:56.02","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Shona Robison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278940,"EventID":"S4W-11409","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4016,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":133,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-21T16:53:56.347","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-21T11:11:32","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-10980 by Fergus Ewing on 19 November 2012, whether it is aware of the report, Effects of Industrial wind turbine noise on sleep and health published by Noise and Health, a bimonthly interdisciplinary international journal, and whether it considers that the report constitutes scientific evidence demonstrating a direct link between wind turbines and human health effects.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government is aware of this article, published in the Noise and Health journal.\r\nWith any new or emerging evidence that may have implications for health it is normal practice for the Scottish Government to seek independent expert advice on such matters to ensure that any such claims are appropriately peer reviewed and authenticated.\r\nOfficials review evidence on an ongoing basis in conjunction with colleagues at Health Protection Scotland (HPS). HPS are currently considering the validity of this particular article, particularly within the wider context of scientific opinion.\r\nThe Scottish Government considers that the provisions currently in place in respect of planning and operational noise controls for windfarms provide an appropriate and practical level of public protection from noise concerns arising from the development and operation of windfarms in Scotland.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-06T16:53:56.363","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278941,"EventID":"S4W-11411","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3806,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-21T16:53:56.677","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-21T12:37:40.67","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on the progress being made by NHS boards on increasing insulin pump usage among people up to the age of 18 with insulin-dependent diabetes.","AnswerText":"We have been working closely with NHS boards to ensure that they meet the commitment set out within CEL 4 (2012) to increase the provision of insulin pump therapy to 25% of young people with type 1 diabetes by March 2013.\r\nThe Scottish Diabetes Group has been monitoring progress and it is clear that there has been substantial increase in pump provision across Scotland since December 2011.\r\nReporting arrangements have identified those NHS boards where there remain significant challenges. Those boards have been asked to confirm the local challenges to meeting the commitment and details of how they intend to overcome them.\r\nWe remain determined to make sure that people with type 1 diabetes get the treatment that is right for them as early as possible. Delivering this commitment will help ensure that people with type 1 diabetes receive safe, effective and person centred care.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-06T16:53:56.69","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278942,"EventID":"S4W-11412","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3806,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-21T16:53:57.097","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-21T12:37:40.67","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what measures it is taking to increase the uptake of insulin pumps by people up to the age of 18 with insulin-dependent diabetes.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Chief Executive Letter CEL 4 (2012), published in February 2012, sets out our approach for supporting an increase in access to insulin pump therapy for people of all ages with type 1 diabetes. The CEL is available at:\r\nhttp://www.sehd.scot.nhs.uk/mels/CEL2012_04.pdf.\r\nThe CEL sets out robust monitoring arrangements for tracking boards’ progress and indicates the support that the Scottish Government will provide to boards. We have:\r\nmade £2.5 million worth of insulin pumps and consumables available to NHS Boards;\r\nmade arrangements for a second national insulin pump education day for diabetes services; and\r\noffered further support and advice from national diabetes leads to local services, with a view to supporting them meet the targets.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-06T16:53:57.113","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278943,"EventID":"S4W-11413","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3806,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-21T16:53:57.423","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-21T12:37:40.67","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many (a) adults and (b) children use insulin pumps, broken down by NHS board.","AnswerText":"The information requested is contained within the Scottish Diabetes Survey which was published on 20 August 2012 and is available at the following link: http://www.diabetesinscotland.org.uk/Publications/SDS%202011.pdf.\r\nThe number of (a) adults and (b) children receiving insulin pump therapy in each NHS Board, as of December 2011, is set out in the following table:\r\nNHS Board\r\nNumber of people under 18 on an Insulin Pump\r\nNumber of people over 18 on an Insulin Pump\r\nAyrshire and Arran\r\n18\r\n17\r\nBorders \r\n17\r\n34\r\nDumfries and Galloway \r\n2\r\n21\r\nFife \r\n19\r\n113\r\nForth Valley \r\n12\r\n33\r\nGrampian \r\n22\r\n50\r\nGreater Glasgow and Clyde \r\n50\r\n45\r\nHighland \r\n0\r\n29\r\nLanarkshire \r\n0\r\n56\r\nLothian \r\n39\r\n169\r\nOrkney \r\n4\r\n1\r\nShetland \r\n0\r\n2\r\nTayside \r\n58\r\n72\r\nWestern Isles \r\n0\r\n1\r\nScotland \r\n241\r\n643\r\n\r\nThe progress that NHS boards are making with increasing insulin pump provision against the commitments set out within the Chief Executive Letter CEL 4 (2012) on Insulin Pump Therapy for People with Type 1 Diabetes, will be published soon after March 2013.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-06T16:53:57.44","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278944,"EventID":"S4W-11418","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-21T16:53:57.86","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-21T14:59:30","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many objections were or have been received to applications for wind turbine developments under section 36 of the Electricity Act 1989 in (a) 2008, (b) 2009, (c) 2010, (d) 2011 and (e) 2012.\r\n","AnswerText":"The following is broken down by year of application submission and, for those still under consideration, is subject to change as further representations are received and logged.\r\nDevelopment\r\nStatus\r\nSupporting Representations\r\nObjecting Representations\r\n2008\r\nBlack Law Extension\r\nConsented\r\n0\r\n11\r\nDoronell\r\nConsented\r\n608\r\n635\r\nEarlshaugh\r\nPublic Inquiry\r\n8\r\n509\r\nWhitelee Extension\r\nConsented\r\n2\r\n56\r\n2009\r\nWester Dod (Aikengall II)\r\nMinisterial Consideration\r\n382\r\n103\r\nHarelaw\r\nPublic Inquiry\r\n23\r\n175\r\nKilbruar Extension\r\nConsented\r\n18\r\n3\r\nMillennium Extension\r\nConsented\r\n2\r\n2\r\nNewfield\r\nPublic Inquiry\r\n15\r\n54\r\nViking\r\nConsented\r\n1109\r\n2772\r\nWhitelee Ext Phase 2\r\nConsented\r\n0\r\n0\r\n2010\r\nBraemore\r\nApplication\r\n230\r\n420\r\nGalawhistle\r\nConsented\r\n0\r\n2\r\nKillgallioch\r\nApplication\r\n22\r\n66\r\nMuaitheabhal East Extension\r\nConsented\r\n0\r\n5\r\nRowantree\r\nApplication\r\n4\r\n30\r\nWaterhead Moor\r\nWithdrawn\r\n0\r\n380\r\n2011\r\nAllt Duine\r\nPublic Inquiry\r\n24\r\n139\r\nBeinneun\r\nConsented\r\n1\r\n0\r\nBlack Law Ext Phase 2\r\nApplication\r\n0\r\n328\r\nClyde Extension\r\nApplication\r\n2\r\n5\r\nDruim Ba\r\nPublic Inquiry\r\n437\r\n342\r\nGlenmorrie\r\nApplication\r\n32\r\n209\r\nHarburnhead\r\nApplication\r\n967\r\n511\r\nKype Muir\r\nApplication\r\n12\r\n13\r\nLochluichart Extension\r\nConsented\r\n9\r\n124\r\nMid Hill\r\nApplication\r\n0\r\n4\r\nMiddle Muir\r\nApplication\r\n4\r\n63\r\nSallachy\r\nApplication\r\n72\r\n217\r\nStornoway\r\nConsented\r\n7\r\n11\r\n2012\r\nBhlaraidh\r\nApplication\r\n6\r\n25\r\nBrown Muir\r\nApplication\r\n10\r\n2102\r\nCloich Forest\r\nApplication\r\n1\r\n127\r\nDalnessie\r\nApplication\r\n3\r\n3\r\nFauch Hill\r\nPublic Inquiry\r\n10\r\n85\r\nGlencassley\r\nApplication\r\n5\r\n27\r\nNathro\r\nApplication\r\n6\r\n211\r\nStronelairg\r\nApplication\r\n6\r\n92\r\nWhitelee Ext Phase 3\r\nApplication\r\n13\r\n7\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-06T16:53:57.877","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278958,"EventID":"S4W-11414","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":5059,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-21T16:55:44.367","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-21T12:36:28","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body what the cost is of processing a parliamentary motion.\r\n","AnswerText":"The costs of processing parliamentary motions are largely those attributable to the time of Parliamentary staff in making checks on admissibility, compliance with the relevant guidance and publishing motions in accordance with Standing Orders. \r\nDue to the fact that motions lodged by Members will require different levels of input from Parliamentary staff, it is not possible to be precise about the costs. However, most motions require minimal intervention by staff and on this basis processing costs for motions submitted by e-mail to the Chamber Desk can be estimated at £5.50 for a motion. \r\nThe cost of processing a motion submitted using the self-service system that was developed jointly by the Chamber Desk and BIT and introduced in November 2012, is estimated at £4.50. Since the start of Session 4, around 5,000 motions have been submitted and, given that an increasing number of motions are now being lodged via the self-service system, we would anticipate this leading to a reduction in processing costs. \r\nCosts for the minority of motions that require further work will rise with increasing levels of intervention, which can include a dialogue with Members, but we do not hold information on how many submissions require more than the minimal intervention reflected in these figures or the amounts of extra intervention that can be required.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-06T16:55:44.383","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Scanlon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278968,"EventID":"S4W-11388","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2633,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-22T14:20:05.8","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-20T16:30:19.473","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what action it is taking to promote credit unions as an alternative to pay day loans. \r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government is committed to working with stakeholders, including credit unions, to assist those who are suffering from financial difficulty due, in whole or in part, to high interest credit, particularly pay day loans.\r\nWe recognise that credit unions may be able to offer affordable alternatives to \r\nhigh-interest short-term lenders, and will do all that it can to promote them, where this is appropriate.\r\nWe are committed to continuing our engagement with stakeholders, including credit unions, on the issues of high interest credit.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-07T14:20:05.91","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278969,"EventID":"S4W-11389","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2633,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-22T14:20:06.33","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-20T16:30:19.473","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on the UK Government’s definition of a good quality combined heat and power station as one that reaches a minimum efficiency level of 35%.\r\n","AnswerText":"Stations located anywhere in the UK and which wish to accredit as combined heat and power (CHP) schemes for the purposes of demonstrating eligibility for the additional Renewable Obligation Certificates (ROCs) which are available for renewable CHP schemes must meet the criteria as set out in Guidance Note 44 of the CHP Quality Assurance Standard , available at: www.chpqa.com.\r\nThese criteria enable the calculation of a quality index for CHP schemes, based upon the heat efficiency and power efficiency of the station in question. The calculation also takes into account the electrical capacity of the station and its fuel/technology type.\r\nThe criteria are designed to ensure that all CHP stations larger than one Megawatt (MW) electrical capacity deliver a primary energy saving of at least 10% compared to separate generation of heat and power from the same fuel in order to fully qualify as good quality CHP for all of their output. The 35% overall efficiency requirement is an additional, secondary requirement for stations with an electrical capacity of more than 25 MW, intended to ensure that a minimum quantity of heat (as well as power) is supplied by qualifying stations.\r\nHowever, the Scottish Government is aware of, and welcomes, plans for a forthcoming consultation aimed at strengthening these criteria and ensuring that stations seeking accreditation and CHP status deliver the required energy savings and supply a significant proportion of heat energy.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-07T14:20:06.347","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278970,"EventID":"S4W-11390","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2633,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-22T14:20:06.613","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-20T16:30:19.473","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what steps are being taken in relation to transport in Glasgow to improve air quality ahead of the 2014 Commonwealth Games.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government is working closely with Glasgow City Council, Scottish Environmental Protection Agency and other partners to improve air quality in Glasgow. A number of measures are being implemented to reduce air pollution in the City, including:\r\nA commitment to introduce and enforce Low Emission Zones at the Commonwealth Games venues in 2014; \r\nGrant funding for the introduction of all-electric vehicles, bus quality partnerships and retro-fitting of Particulate Matter Traps (PMTs) on buses to cut particulate matter (PM10); \r\nMonitoring, local air quality management and enforcement of vehicle emissions regulations;\r\nProvision and collation of advice and information through the Scottish Air Quality Website, Scotland’s Environment Web and Scottish Transport Emissions Partnership.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-07T14:20:06.627","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278971,"EventID":"S4W-11391","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2633,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-22T14:20:06.893","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-20T16:30:19.473","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what measures (a) are being taken to ensure that the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow are unaffected by congestion and (b) will be introduced in its revision of the Report on Proposals and Policies in relation to a wider strategy to reduce transport emissions.\r\n","AnswerText":"First, significant investment by the Scottish Government in transport infrastructure projects including the M74 completion project, the Airdrie to Bathgate rail project, the Paisley Corridor Improvements, Fastlink rapid bus transit, and Dalmarnock Station refurbishment will reduce congestion and make public transport an attractive option for those travelling to Commonwealth Games venues. Operational arrangements being put in place by the Games transport partners will also alleviate congestion.\r\nSecondly, a wide range of measure to reduce transport emissions will be explored covering decarbonising vehicles, promoting sustainable communities, engaging with businesses and organisations, and improving road network efficiencies. Further information will be available when the draft Second Report on Proposals and Policies is published.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-07T14:20:06.91","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278972,"EventID":"S4W-11392","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2633,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-22T14:20:07.19","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-20T16:30:19.473","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on using demand management measures as part of a low-carbon transport system.\r\n","AnswerText":"Demand management is one of the options available in managing any transport system. Our low carbon aspirations are currently focussed on technology change and voluntary behaviour change. The former is illustrated by our promotion of low carbon vehicles and intelligent transport systems; the latter by our investment in public transport and active travel.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-07T14:20:07.19","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278973,"EventID":"S4W-11410","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1892,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":134,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-22T14:20:07.487","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-21T11:55:20.623","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it has sought an update of Scottish Natural Heritage's Natural Heritage Indicator N3, Visual influence of built development and land use change, last produced in June 2010, and what the reasons are for its position on this matter.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government is aware that Scottish Natural Heritage is working to update this indicator. The methodology which underpins the indicator is being redeveloped because of changes in the methodology used by the Centre of Ecology and Hydrology to produce Land Cover Map 2000 and Land Cover Map 2007, which inform the indicator.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-07T14:20:07.487","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278974,"EventID":"S4W-11416","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1892,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":134,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-22T14:20:07.797","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-21T11:55:20.623","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on the usefulness of Scottish Natural Heritage’s Natural Heritage Indicator N3, Visual influence of built development and land use change, in establishing a baseline of protected landscapes with the aim of ensuring adequate protection for the natural heritage.\r\n","AnswerText":"This indicator shows the theoretical visibility of built development on land and at sea. As such it is useful as one measure of change in human influence across all of Scotland’s landscapes. It does not focus on protected landscapes.\r\nProtection for the natural heritage is provided by a range of international, national and local designations. More information on these can be found on the Scottish Natural Heritage website under “Protected Areas”.\r\nhttp://www.snh.gov.uk/protecting-scotlands-nature/protected-areas/.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-07T14:20:07.813","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278975,"EventID":"S4W-11417","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1892,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":134,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-22T14:20:08.08","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-21T11:55:20.623","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when Scottish Natural Heritage will publish its phase 2 wild land mapping exercise, which was to have been published in the spring of 2012.\r\n","AnswerText":"Following the consultation by Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) on a map of relative wildness for all of Scotland, discussions are ongoing between SNH and the Scottish Government about next steps. No decision has yet been taken about when any further output from this work will be published.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-07T14:20:08.093","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278976,"EventID":"S4W-11423","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5106,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":118,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-22T14:20:08.377","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-21T17:32:52","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much money is allocated annually to train alcohol counsellors.","AnswerText":"Funding allocations to train alcohol counsellors is not held centrally.\r\nResponsibility is devolved to Alcohol and Drug Partnerships (ADPs) to commission (informed by robust needs assessment) evidence based, person centred and recovery-focused treatment services to meet the needs of their resident populations. Decisions on spend for alcohol and drug services are made locally by the ADPs.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-07T14:20:08.39","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278977,"EventID":"S4W-11424","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5106,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":118,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-22T14:20:08.78","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-21T17:32:52","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many trained alcohol counsellors are working in each local authority area.","AnswerText":"The number of trained alcohol counsellors is not held centrally.\r\nResponsibility is devolved to Alcohol and Drug Partnerships (ADPs) to commission (informed by robust needs assessment) evidence based, person centred and recovery-focused treatment services to meet the needs of their resident populations.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-07T14:20:08.797","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278978,"EventID":"S4W-11425","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5106,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":118,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-22T14:20:09.17","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-21T17:32:52","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether there is a nationally recognised accreditation scheme for alcohol counselling services.","AnswerText":"There is currently no nationally recognised accreditation scheme for alcohol counselling services.\r\nThe UK Health and Social Care Act 2012 asked the Professional Standards Authority (PSA) for Health and Social Care (formerly the Council for Healthcare Regulatory Excellence) to set up a scheme for people working within health and social care who are not required by law to be on one of the registers of the health and social work professional regulators in the UK. This includes counsellors and psychotherapists.\r\nCOSCA (Scotland’s professional body for counselling and psychotherapy) is working towards applying for its register of counsellors and psychotherapists to be accredited by PSA.\r\nThe PSA published its draft standards for consultation (accreditation standards for organisations that hold voluntary registers for health and social care occupations). PSA are currently analysing the responses.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-07T14:20:09.187","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278979,"EventID":"S4W-11426","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5106,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":118,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-22T14:20:09.5","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-21T17:32:52","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what guidelines there are for local authorities or housing associations on allowing priority allocation for veterans who require social housing.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government published a practice guide to social housing allocations in March 2011. This aims to assist local authorities and housing associations to understand their legal requirements and the flexibilities they have in determining priority for their housing. It includes strengthened guidance for social landlords on housing for those leaving the armed forces and veterans, which was revised in consultation with Veterans Scotland. The guide is available on the Scottish Government’s website at: \r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Built-Environment/Housing/16342/management/socialhousingaccess/allocations/Guide \r\nThe answer to question S4W-05689 on 16 March 2012 set out the Scottish Government’s intention to develop additional practical examples of approaches being taken by social landlords in Scotland to support those who have served in the armed forces. These examples are currently being finalised and will be shared with Scottish social landlords shortly.\r\nAll answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-07T14:20:09.513","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Burgess","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278980,"EventID":"S4W-11450","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-22T14:20:09.81","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-22T10:39:44.573","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will uprate the health grant for those affected by thalidomide from the 2010 baseline and, if so, by how much.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government is committed to establishing an appropriate level of funding which ensures the best possible outcome for Scottish Thalidomiders. We are currently working closely with the Department of Health and other devolved administrations to agree the level, and duration of that future funding.\r\nThe Department of Health is currently discussing options with treasury and we hope to make an announcement in the coming weeks.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-07T14:20:09.827","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278981,"EventID":"S4W-11451","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-22T14:20:10.31","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-22T10:39:44.573","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on the call from the Scottish Thalidomide Campaign for an uprating of the health grant for those affected by thalidomide by the cost price index over the last three years from the baseline grant in 2010.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-11450 on 6 December 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-07T14:20:10.327","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278982,"EventID":"S4W-11452","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-22T14:20:10.81","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-22T10:39:44.573","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide permanent health grant support for those affected by thalidomide.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-11450 on 6 December 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-07T14:20:10.823","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278983,"EventID":"S4W-11453","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-22T14:20:11.45","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-22T10:39:44.573","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what information it is awaiting from the UK Government to enable payment of the health grant to those affected by thalidomide.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-11450 on 6 December 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-07T14:20:11.463","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278984,"EventID":"S4W-11454","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-22T14:20:12.073","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-22T10:39:44.573","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when it expects details of the health grant to those affected by thalidomide to be finalised.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-11450 on 6 December 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-07T14:20:12.087","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278985,"EventID":"S4W-11456","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5109,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":101,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-22T14:20:12.96","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-22T12:00:12.93","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many (a) prosecutions and (b) convictions there have been under section (i) 19, (ii) 24 and (iii) 29 of the Animal Health and Welfare (Scotland) Act 2006.","AnswerText":"The available information is given in the following tables:\r\nPeople proceeded against for offences1 under Animal Health and Welfare (Scotland) Act 2006, Sections 19,24,29\r\nSection of Act:\r\n2006-07\r\n2007-08\r\n2008-09\r\n2009-10\r\n2010-11\r\n2011-12\r\nSECTION 19(1)\r\n0\r\n6\r\n19\r\n20\r\n17\r\n13\r\nSECTION 19(2)\r\n2\r\n45\r\n65\r\n110\r\n76\r\n98\r\nSECTION 19(3)\r\n0\r\n1\r\n0\r\n0\r\n1\r\n0\r\nSECTION 24\r\n0\r\n6\r\n7\r\n10\r\n5\r\n10\r\nSECTION 29(1)(A)(B)\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n2\r\n1\r\n2\r\nSECTION 29(2)(A) & (B)\r\n1\r\n8\r\n3\r\n5\r\n2\r\n10\r\nTotal\r\n3\r\n66\r\n94\r\n147\r\n102\r\n133\r\n1. Where main charge.\r\nPeople convicted of offences1 under Animal Health and Welfare (Scotland) Act 2006, Sections 19,24,29\r\nSection of Act:\r\n2006-07\r\n2007-08\r\n2008-09\r\n2009-10\r\n2010-11\r\n2011-12\r\nSECTION 19(1)\r\n0\r\n5\r\n14\r\n17\r\n13\r\n9\r\nSECTION 19(2)\r\n2\r\n38\r\n51\r\n87\r\n59\r\n79\r\nSECTION 19(3)\r\n0\r\n1\r\n0\r\n0\r\n1\r\n0\r\nSECTION 24\r\n0\r\n6\r\n6\r\n8\r\n5\r\n8\r\nSECTION 29(1)(A)(B)\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n1\r\n0\r\n2\r\nSECTION 29(2)(A) & (B)\r\n1\r\n7\r\n2\r\n4\r\n1\r\n8\r\nTotal\r\n3\r\n57\r\n73\r\n117\r\n79\r\n106\r\n1. Where main charge.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-07T14:20:12.977","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278996,"EventID":"S4W-11419","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4934,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-22T17:07:42.607","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-21T17:11:54.123","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-10959 by Paul Wheelhouse on 19 November 2012, what progress has been made on research on the spread of Phytophthora ramorum from larch to native oak trees.\r\n","AnswerText":"Initial work on Phytophthora ramorum by Forest Research involved extensive testing of host tree susceptibility to this disease. This indicated that our native oaks are of low susceptibility. Subsequent field observations throughout the UK have confirmed that even in the worst affected areas native oak has not had any significant level of infection. Those trees showing any sign of damage are very few in number and are thought to represent the tail end of this species’ overall susceptibility.\r\nNo further research on this subject is planned but ongoing aerial and ground-based surveys will continue to monitor disease progression across the range of tree species found in the UK.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-07T17:07:42.717","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278997,"EventID":"S4W-11420","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4934,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-22T17:07:43.183","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-21T17:11:54.123","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what research (a) the Forestry Commission Scotland and (b) Forest Research is carrying out on the threat to native trees of diseases that (i) are present and (ii) might soon arrive.\r\n","AnswerText":"Research into tree diseases is undertaken, on behalf of Forestry Commission Scotland and the other parts of the Forestry Commission, by Forest Research which has sites in Roslin, Midlothian and Farnham, Surrey.\r\nDetails of research programmes aimed at promoting environmentally acceptable measures to prevent and control damage to trees, including native trees, from pests and diseases can be found on the Forestry Commission website at: http://www.forestry.gov.uk/website/forestresearch.nsf/ByUnique/INFD-5STC8A.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-07T17:07:43.2","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278998,"EventID":"S4W-11421","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4934,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-22T17:07:43.51","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-21T17:11:54.123","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what discussions ministers have had with (a) EU officials and (b) the UK Government on tackling pests and diseases arriving in the country through the plant and timber trades.\r\n","AnswerText":"Scottish Ministers have attended EU Agriculture and Fisheries Council meetings where plant health issues have been on the agenda. Through Scottish Government officials there has also been liaison with EU officials on the Review of the EU Plant Health Regime.\r\nI participated in the two recent Cabinet Office Briefing Room meetings on Chalara and wrote to the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs about plant health on 5 November 2012. Scottish Government officials have regular, close engagement with UK officials through participation in UK plant health governance groups and have participated in the development of the Interim Chalara Control Plan, which was published on 6 December 2012 and includes retention of the current ban on the import and movement of ash plants, live trees and seeds into and within the British Isles pending review with the nursery and horticulture sectors in early spring 2013.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-07T17:07:43.527","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":278999,"EventID":"S4W-11455","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-22T17:07:43.807","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-22T11:09:50.03","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it plans to implement deposit and return schemes under the Climate Change (Scotland) Act 2009 in order to achieve its aim of zero waste.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government is committed to pilot deposit return and reverse vending schemes in line with our 2011 Manifesto. Zero Waste Scotland is currently preparing a number of pilots of different schemes which we expect to be announced early next year with monitoring and evaluation due to be completed in early 2014. These pilots will be delivered by agreement with interested parties, without the need to use this legislation.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-07T17:07:43.823","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279000,"EventID":"S4W-11458","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5109,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":101,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-22T17:07:44.15","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-22T12:04:21.673","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what advice the Scottish Medicines Consortium has provided on the effectiveness of homeopathy.\r\n","AnswerText":"Homeopathic products are not within the remit of the Scottish Medicines Consortium (SMC) and therefore the SMC does not provide advice on their effectiveness.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-07T17:07:44.167","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279001,"EventID":"S4W-11459","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-22T17:07:44.463","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-22T12:07:48.817","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what steps it is taking to ensure that lifeline ferry services are not re-tendered every six years.","AnswerText":"I have made a number of recent representations to the European Commission urging them to relax the restrictions currently in place on the length of contracts the Scottish Government can award to ferry operators. As recently as 9 October 2012, I met with a senior representative of the European Commission, in Brussels, to press them again on this issue.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-07T17:07:44.477","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279002,"EventID":"S4W-11460","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-22T17:07:44.76","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-22T12:07:48.817","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether ministers sought permission from the EU before announcing the postponement of the tendering process for the 2013-19 contract for Clyde and Hebrides ferry services.","AnswerText":"The European Commission has been fully briefed on our plans in relation to the timing of the tender for the next Clyde and Hebrides ferry services contract.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-07T17:07:44.773","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279003,"EventID":"S4W-11461","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-22T17:07:45.07","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-22T12:07:48.817","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what discussions it has had in 2012 with (a) European Commission officials and (b) Members of the European Parliament regarding the procurement of ferry services.","AnswerText":"There have been a number of recent meetings and exchanges with European Commission officials regarding the procurement of ferry services, including my meeting with Commission officials on 9 October 2012. There have been no discussions with members of the European Parliament.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-07T17:07:45.087","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279004,"EventID":"S4W-11462","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-22T17:07:45.4","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-22T12:07:48.817","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what discussions it has planned for 2013 with (a) European Commission officials and (b) Members of the European Parliament regarding the procurement of ferry services.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government will continue to proactively engage with European Commission officials on the procurement of ferry services. Currently there are no specific plans to discuss the procurement of ferry services with Members of the European Parliament.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-07T17:07:45.413","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279005,"EventID":"S4W-11463","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-22T17:07:45.727","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-22T12:07:48.817","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what discussions it has planned for 2013 with representatives of private shipping companies regarding the procurement of ferry services.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government will continue to engage with a wide range of stakeholders regarding the procurement of ferry services. Currently there are no specific plans to discuss the procurement of ferry services with representatives of private shipping companies.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-07T17:07:45.743","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279006,"EventID":"S4W-11465","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-22T17:07:46.023","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-22T12:07:48.817","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when ministers next plan to meet representatives of Caledonian MacBrayne to discuss ferry services to the Western Isles.\r\n","AnswerText":"I am planning to meet with the board of David MacBrayne Limited on 22 January 2013. A range of issues will be discussed at that meeting.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-07T17:07:46.037","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279007,"EventID":"S4W-11466","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-22T17:07:46.32","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-22T14:02:50.363","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-10699 by Fergus Ewing on 14 November 2012, whether it will list for each of its organisational support programmes for third sector organisations (a) the amount of funding allocated, (b) what has been spent, (c) what further spending has been committed and (d) what remains to be spent.\r\n","AnswerText":"\r\nSince 2008 we have allocated £31.8 million to the Scottish Investment Fund, this will all be spent by 31 March 2013. There are currently no plans to commit further spending to the fund.\r\nIn 2011, we launched the Just Enterprise business support programme. We awarded a £3 million contract to a third sector consortium to deliver the programme until March 2014.\r\nIn 2011, we allocated £6 million to the Enterprise Growth Fund. All of the funding has been spent. We are currently considering options for committing further funding to support third sector organisational development.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-07T17:07:46.333","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279008,"EventID":"S4W-11467","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-22T17:07:46.71","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-22T14:02:50.363","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-10699 by Fergus Ewing on 14 November 2012, what organisational support programmes are expected to become available to third sector organisations in the current parliamentary session.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government is considering options for further funding support for third sector organisational development. Announcements about any future programmes will be made in due course.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-07T17:07:46.723","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279009,"EventID":"S4W-11468","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-22T17:07:47.007","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-22T14:02:50.363","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-10891 by Nicola Sturgeon on 15 November 2012, what the membership is of the universal credit and welfare reform stakeholder group, both individuals and organisations, and when it will next meet.\r\n","AnswerText":"This stakeholder group was established by the Scottish Government to provide input, advice and expertise on the related subjects of financial inclusion, financial capability, personal budgeting support, financial product development, payment exceptions, digital access and digital participation in relation to welfare reform.\r\n\r\nMembership is drawn from bodies with an interest in these subjects, and in implementation of universal credit in Scotland. This includes the Department for Work and Pensions, COSLA and individual local authorities, government agencies including Accountant in Bankruptcy and Education Scotland, advice services including Citizens Advice Scotland, financial service providers including credit unions, disability rights groups and the social housing sector. The group draws together a broad range of interests to ensure a common understanding of the issues, and provide a forum for sharing best practice and innovative approaches across sectoral boundaries.\r\n\r\nOrganisations represented at the meeting on 26 October were: 1st Alliance Ayrshire Credit Union; Accountant in Bankruptcy; The Action Group; Capability Scotland; Child Poverty Action Group; Citizens Advice Scotland; Dumfries & Galloway Council; Department for Work and Pensions; City of Edinburgh Council; Greater Easterhouse Money Advice Project; Glasgow City Council; Glasgow Housing Association; Money Advice Scotland; Money Advice Service; North Ayrshire Council; North Lanarkshire Council; One Parent Families Scotland; Rights Advice Scotland; Royal National Institute for the Blind; Scottish Federation of Housing Associations; Scottish Government; West Dunbartonshire Council; and Young Scot.\r\nThe group will next meet on 13 December 2012 in Edinburgh.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-07T17:07:47.02","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279010,"EventID":"S4W-11469","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-22T17:07:47.317","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-22T14:02:50.363","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-10695 by Fergus Ewing on 14 November 2012, who attended the credit union stakeholder meeting of 9 November 2012.\r\n","AnswerText":"I can confirm that on 09 November 2012 I met with a number of stakeholders, including a representative from Association of British Credit Unions Ltd (ABCUL), to discuss high interest credit, particularly pay day loans. The attendees were as follows:\r\nYvonne McDermid, Money Advice Scotland \r\nFrank McKillop, Association of British Credit Unions Ltd \r\nSusan McPhee, Citizen’s Advice Scotland\r\nJason Wassell, Consumer Finance Association \r\nJoe Surtees, StepChange Debt Charity (formerly Consumer Credit Counselling Service)\r\nScottish Government:\r\nFiona Malcolm, Third Sector Unit\r\nSharon Bell, AiB\r\nJohn McGowan, AiB\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-07T17:07:47.333","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279011,"EventID":"S4W-11470","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-22T17:07:47.613","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-22T14:02:50.363","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-10695 by Fergus Ewing on 14 November 2012, what was discussed at the credit union stakeholder meeting of 9 November 2012.\r\n","AnswerText":"The remit of the roundtable stakeholder event on 09 November 2012 was to discuss what action can be taken by the Scottish Government to assist those who are suffering from financial difficulty due, in whole or part, to high interest credit, particularly pay day loans. \r\nA number of issues relating to high interest credit were discussed including the publication of Citizen’s Advice Scotland’s report on high interest credit, alternatives to high interest loans, capping the cost of credit and the implementation of a good practice customer charter by the high interest sector’s main trade bodies.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-07T17:07:47.63","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279012,"EventID":"S4W-11471","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-22T17:07:47.91","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-22T14:02:50.363","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-10695 by Fergus Ewing on 14 November 2012, what was decided at the credit union stakeholder meeting of 9 November 2012.\r\n","AnswerText":"I am keen to keep momentum and will continue to work with officials and stakeholders to look into these important issues and the possible solutions. Following the roundtable event on high interest credit, a number of steps were agreed for how we will engage on the issues of high interest credit going forward. These steps include:\r\nThe high interest sector’s main bodies will introduce a Good Practice Customer Charter 26 November 2012. I intend to write to all the payday lending firms in Scotland that we know of to encourage them to comply with this charter.\r\nStepChange Debt Charity (SCDC) believes that there are issues which are going to have an impact on personal finances going forward. I have asked for a letter from SCDC detailing their concerns and, if appropriate, I will write to Lord Freud, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Minister for Welfare Reform).\r\nIt was also suggested that the benefits of saving with credit unions may be promoted to young people through ‘Young Scot’. I have asked officials to engage with ‘Young Scot’ to discuss this proposal further.\r\nBristol University is investigating the high interest market along with the Office of Fair Trading. I have asked officials to meet with the researchers to ascertain whether there is anything specifically the Scottish Government can do to assist this research.\r\nAs stakeholder engagement on these issues is vital, I have requested that a larger stakeholder event be organised for spring 2013.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-07T17:07:47.927","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279013,"EventID":"S4W-11472","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-22T17:07:48.237","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-22T14:02:50.363","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-10695 by Fergus Ewing on 14 November 2012, whether the credit union stakeholder group that first met on 9 November 2012 plans to meet again and, if so, when.\r\n","AnswerText":"I am keen to engage with stakeholders further to discuss these issues and further roundtable events are currently being set up.\r\nAlthough no dates are confirmed at present, officials at Accountant in Bankruptcy will contact stakeholders in the near future to advise them of the dates of these meetings.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-07T17:07:48.253","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279014,"EventID":"S4W-11473","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-22T17:07:48.55","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-22T14:02:50.363","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-10695 by Fergus Ewing on 14 November 2012, whether it will provide additional resources to credit unions to support their development.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government recognises that there are some alternatives to the high interest credit such as those provided by credit unions, and will do all it can to promote these, where this is appropriate.\r\nTherefore, we will continue to work with representatives of credit unions to ensure that we are doing all we can to support and promote them in this area.\r\nAs part of the wider third sector, credit unions will be eligible to apply to any future third sector organisational development funds when these become available.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-07T17:07:48.567","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279015,"EventID":"S4W-11485","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-22T17:07:48.847","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-22T14:56:39.807","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it has received a report from NHS (a) Lothian, (b) Fife and (c) Borders about a shortage of paediatric clinicians and what action it will take to keep services local.\r\n","AnswerText":"Officials meet regularly with representatives from Lothian, Fife and Borders health boards to discuss developments and actions being taken to maintain services.\r\nAt a regular meeting on 23 October, a verbal report was received regarding notification from the Dean of Post Graduate Medicine for the South East of a deterioration in the number of middle grade trainees projected to be available from February 2013. Further information was sought and a report on the emerging situation was passed to the Cabinet Secretary on 7 November.\r\nAs the First Minister reported on 22 November, it has been made clear to the three NHS boards involved that the Scottish Government will support every effort to ensure that the best quality paediatric services are maintained for children across the region.\r\nFollowing a meeting on 20 November with NHS Lothian chief executive Tim Davison, the Cabinet Secretary for Health and Wellbeing allocated up to £100,000 in this financial year with a further £500,000 to be made available over the next two years to support immediate action. This will start with the appointment of four Clinical Fellows to support the resilience of the service. This will be part of a series of actions to support the paediatric and maternity services.\r\nThis funding will also support the launch of a national and international recruitment exercise, so that every effort is made to find suitably qualified permanent staff.\r\nThe Scottish Government is also working with NHS Education Scotland to develop a training programme that increases the number of Advanced Nurse Practitioners working in paediatrics.\r\nPatient safety is a top priority for the Scottish Government and the three NHS boards, who are working with their partners to ensure the continued provision of safe, effective and person-centred healthcare for children across the South East of Scotland.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-07T17:07:48.863","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279016,"EventID":"S4W-11486","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-22T17:07:49.377","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-22T14:56:39.807","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what action the (a) First Minister or (b) Cabinet Secretary for Health and Wellbeing has taken following the First Minister’s comments at First Minister's Questions on 28 June 2012 that “It is clear that the situation that Neil Findlay describes is unsatisfactory. It is to do with difficulties in recruiting paediatric staff. The recruitment process is under way, as is a new training exercise. Those actions are designed to avoid such things happening at St John’s Hospital in the future” (Official Report, c. 10785).","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-11485 on 7 December 2012.\r\nFollowing the period of restricted inpatient services at St John’s Hospital, beginning on 9 July 2012, the unit returned to full operation by the first week in August.\r\nA new training rotation began on 01 August 2012, and trainees returned to support out of hours services at St John’s.\r\nIn late October 2012, at a routine meeting with Scottish Government officials and the South East Heath Boards, an indication was given that gaps were beginning to appear in the middle grade trainee rotas for February 2012.\r\nIn November 2012, following further confirmation of emerging gaps, the Cabinet Secretary for Health and Wellbeing met with NHS Lothian and the Dean of Postgraduate Medicine for the South East and agreed that the Scottish Government would provide funding to support appointments to up to four fixed term Clinical Fellows posts to improve the resilience of children’s services in Lothian and an international recruitment campaign for trained staff to help maintain neonatal and paediatric services across the region.\r\nAll answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-07T17:07:49.393","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279017,"EventID":"S4W-11487","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-22T17:07:49.94","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-22T14:56:39.807","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether any children’s service will be changed in NHS (a) Lothian, (b) Fife and (c) Borders as a result of a shortage of paediatric clinicians and, if so, which service and what the nature of the change will be.\r\n","AnswerText":"No decisions have been taken about changes to children’s services in NHS Lothian, Fife or Borders.\r\nIn developing any proposals for change, health boards would be expected to comply fully with CEL 4(2010) on Informing, Engaging and Consulting People in Developing Health and Community Care Services.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-07T17:07:49.953","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279018,"EventID":"S4W-11488","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-22T17:07:50.423","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-22T14:56:39.807","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many paediatric clinicians are required to cover NHS (a) Lothian, (b)  Fife and (c) Borders; how many are available now, and how many are expected to be available in February 2013.","AnswerText":"The following table shows the numbers of trained staff and senior grade trainees (Whole Time Equivalent) required to run Paediatrics Services in the South East Region.\r\nGrade\r\nStaff Required\r\nCurrently in Post\r\nExpected Number in February 2013\r\nNHS Borders\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nConsultants\r\n7\r\n7\r\n7\r\nAdvanced Nurse Practitioners (ANPs)\r\n7.24\r\n6.5\r\n6.5\r\nSenior grade trainees\r\n5\r\n3\r\n3\r\nNHS Fife\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nConsultants\r\n9\r\n7.7\r\n7.7\r\nAssociate Specialists\r\n3\r\n3\r\n3\r\nANPs\r\n5.71\r\n5.71\r\n6.71\r\nSenior grade trainees\r\n10\r\n8.2\r\n8.1\r\nNHS Lothian \r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nConsultants\r\n46\r\n46\r\n46\r\nAdvanced Neonatal Nurse Practitioners (ANNPs)\r\n4\r\n3\r\n2\r\nAdvanced Paediatric Nurse Practitioners (APNPs)\r\n1\r\n1\r\n1\r\nSenior grade trainees\r\n34\r\n30.1\r\n25.6-25.8\r\n\r\nThe numbers of trainees required for each Board are calculated to allow adequate daytime service, out of hours cover, prospective cover for sickness and study leave and an acceptable standard of training and education.\r\nThese numbers may be supplemented by junior grade trainees who are not able to work without supervision.\r\nThe information shown above is accurate as of 5-12-12, although numbers in post and future predictions will change as staff/trainees notify periods of absence or return from periods out of programme.\r\n\r\nNotes\r\nVariation in Lothian trainee figures caused by uncertainty over whether trainee will return after maternity leave working 0.6/0.7/0.8\r\n\r\nNumbers may go down in Lothian by up to 2.0 WTE should 2 trainees due to achieve Certificate of Completion of Training (CCT) in February/March 2013 be successful in obtaining consultant posts.\r\n\r\n\r\nSCOTTISH GOVERNMENT\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-07T17:07:50.437","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279019,"EventID":"S4W-11489","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-22T17:07:51.233","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-22T14:56:39.807","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether NHS (a) Lothian, (b) Borders and (c) Fife will be required to consult on any changes to paediatric services prior to implementing any changes.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-11487 on 7 December 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-07T17:07:51.25","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279020,"EventID":"S4W-11490","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-22T17:07:51.763","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-22T14:56:39.807","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether the Cabinet Secretary for Health and Wellbeing will be responsible for signing off any proposals for changes to paediatric services in NHS Lothian, Borders and Fife.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-11487 on 7 December 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\nAs set out in CEL 4 (2010), for those changes considered to be major, ministerial approval on the board’s decision will be required.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-07T17:07:51.78","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279021,"EventID":"S4W-11491","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-22T17:07:52.357","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-22T14:56:39.807","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what workforce planning assumptions have been made in each year from 2007-08 for (a) consultant paediatricians and (b) speciality training places in paediatrics.\r\n","AnswerText":"It is the responsibility of NHS boards to plan and deliver clinical services, including paediatrics. However, in preparing their workforce plans, boards are required to consider relevant local issues and demographic changes and assess the resultant demands and implications for service delivery.\r\nPrior to 2009, the annual decisions in respect of the number of trainee places across Scotland for each specialty, including paediatrics, was based on information submitted to the Scottish Government by boards in respect of projected future medical workforce requirements. Trend information on number of leavers and the age profile of the medical establishment was also factored into national modelling.\r\nSince 2009, the Scottish Government has been working in partnership with NHSScotland to move away from a service delivered by trainee doctors to one which is delivered predominantly by trained doctors.\r\nIn 2009, boards were asked to develop models of care to reflect the proposed reduction in trainee doctors under the Reshaping the Medical Workforce Project. They were invited to consider which activities undertaken by trainee doctors were directly service related, were training related and which only a doctor could deliver. Boards were then asked to consider the best way to replace or redesign all of these activities and assess the workload required to be done by doctors, how many and at which grade.\r\nThis information was analysed by the National Reshaping Medical Workforce Project Board, supported by the Reshaping Governance Working Group, and informed advice to Ministers in respect of specialty trainee intake for the years 2010 to 2012 and to give indicative numbers for entry in 2013 and 2014. A working assumption of 1% growth per year was applied to most specialties, including paediatrics, on the basis of predictions for future growth (and the subsequent number of trainees required to supply future consultant requirements).\r\nEvery year since, the working group has liaised with boards and NHS Education for Scotland on projected future medical workforce requirements and reviewed relevant working assumptions, before submitting its recommendations to the project board, which in turn forwards its advice to ministers. To date, the 1% growth assumption has been considered appropriate and been applied in respect of paediatrics.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-07T17:07:52.373","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279022,"EventID":"S4W-11492","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2633,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-22T17:07:52.887","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-22T15:24:34.873","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many criminal trials have been adjourned at Kirkcaldy Sheriff Court because of (a) a crown motion, (b) a defence motion, (c) failure to appear by an accused, (d) failure to appear by a witness, (e) lack of court time and (f) any other reason in the last three years.","AnswerText":"This question relates to operational matters that are the responsibility of the Scottish Court Service (SCS) corporate body. The question has been passed to the Chief Executive of the SCS who will reply in writing.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-07T17:07:52.903","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279023,"EventID":"S4W-11493","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2633,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-22T17:07:53.277","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-22T15:24:34.873","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what analysis there has been of the people who might be affected by the removal of jury trials from Kirkcaldy Sheriff Court and what information it has on the percentage of people attending the court in the last three years who were (a) receiving benefits and (b) in employment.","AnswerText":"This question relates to operational matters that are the responsibility of the Scottish Court Service (SCS) corporate body. The question has been passed to the chief executive of the SCS who will reply in writing.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-07T17:07:53.293","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279024,"EventID":"S4W-11516","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":2,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":85,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-23T11:53:51.643","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-23T11:42:54.95","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what progress has been made on developing a fire and rescue framework for the new Scottish fire and rescue service.\r\n","AnswerText":"I have today launched a consultation on the Fire and Rescue Framework for Scotland 2013 which invites comment on our strategic priorities for the new Scottish Fire and Rescue Service. Copies of the consultation papers will be placed in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre (Bib. Number 54465).\r\nThe draft Fire and Rescue Framework for Scotland 2013 has been prepared in partnership with key stakeholders. The evidence supporting the development of priorities is drawn from recommendations for improvements from a range of publicly available reports, including, for example, the recent best value audits of fire and rescue services and the Galston Mine Inquiry.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-10T11:53:51.83","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Roseanna Cunningham","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279034,"EventID":"S4W-10581","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-23T14:27:11.143","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-25T13:28:11.367","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answers to questions S4W-09412 by Michael Matheson on 19 September 2012 and S4W-05475 by Michael Matheson on 22 February 2012, what activities the study group has undertaken to raise awareness of foetal alcohol harm and enhance the ability of clinicians to recognise and diagnose the condition more effectively, and what documentation arising from these activities is in the public domain. \r\n","AnswerText":"The Foetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) Surveillance Study Group has undertaken various activities to raise awareness of FAS within the health profession and it has enhanced the ability of clinicians to recognise and diagnose the condition more effectively by;\r\nVisiting all maternity and paediatric units in Scotland to talk to all of the paediatricians on the site about the condition.\r\nHolding two national awareness conferences in partnership with the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health. These conferences were mainly attended by midwives and paediatricians with almost 150 attending in total.\r\nContacting all paediatricians via a monthly email to check if they have had any possible cases and to keep the condition high on their agenda.\r\nThe study progresses with two-three cases being reported monthly and a research nurse has been employed for one day a week to carry out site visits to ensure complete data collection.\r\nIt is planned that next year there will be another awareness conference for paediatrics professionals and midwives, however in addition to this, there will also be a FAS conference specifically aimed at raising awareness of the condition among social workers.\r\nPresently this information is not in the public domain, however, child and maternal health division is in the process of redesigning its information pages on the Scottish Government website (www.scotland.gov.uk) and will have information available soon on the FAS study progress.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-10T14:27:11.3","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279035,"EventID":"S4W-10582","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-23T14:27:12.047","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-25T13:28:11.367","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much it invested in nanotechnology in (a) 2010-11 and (b) 2011-12  and is investing in (i) 2012-13 and (ii) 2013-14.\r\n","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-10T14:27:12.047","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279036,"EventID":"S4W-11464","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-23T14:27:12.873","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-22T12:07:48.817","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether the policy statement on its future approach to ferries procurement referred to on page 4 of its Draft Ferries Plan will describe the tendering process that will be used for the 2016-23 Clyde and Hebrides ferry services contract.","AnswerText":"The final Ferries Plan, due to be published before the end of the year, will set out the Scottish Government's plans for the future of ferry services across Scotland until 2022.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-10T14:27:12.89","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279037,"EventID":"S4W-11474","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3824,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-23T14:27:13.653","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-22T14:25:19.587","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many dogs have been microchipped in each year since 2007.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government does not hold this information.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-10T14:27:13.67","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279038,"EventID":"S4W-11475","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3824,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-23T14:27:14.62","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-22T14:25:19.587","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what it is doing to encourage (a) owners and (b) breeders to microchip dogs.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government recognises that microchipping is an effective method of identifying animals and can help re-unite dogs with owners where the dogs have been lost or stolen. This is reflected in Section 5.12 of the Scottish Government’s Code of Practice for the Welfare of Dogs, which is relevant to both owners and breeders and recommends microchipping.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-10T14:27:14.637","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279039,"EventID":"S4W-11476","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3824,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-23T14:27:15.37","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-22T14:25:19.587","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what research it has undertaken since 2010 on the compulsory microchipping of dogs and the cost implications.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has not undertaken any research since 2010 into the compulsory microchipping of dogs and the cost implications.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-10T14:27:15.4","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279040,"EventID":"S4W-11477","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3824,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-23T14:27:15.777","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-22T14:25:19.587","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what discussions it has had with local authorities since 2010 regarding (a) the enforcement of the Control of Dogs (Scotland) Act 2010, (b) the compulsory microchipping of dogs and (c) any other dog welfare legislation and when these took place.\r\n","AnswerText":"Since the Control of Dogs (Scotland) Act 2010 came into force on 26 February 2011, Scottish Government officials have undertaken visits to Aberdeen City Council, Argyll & Bute Council, Dundee Council, Edinburgh Council, Fife Council, Shetland Council, and West Lothian Council. Officials have also met with the National Dog Warden Association (made up of council representatives), and also attended meetings of the Royal Environmental Health Institute of Scotland (REHIS) group. The purpose of these visits was to discuss how councils have gone about implementing the new legislation, to consider whether the legislation is operating as intended, and to considering whether any refinements to the law may be required.\r\nThe Scottish Government has had no discussions with local authorities regarding the compulsory microchipping of dogs or dog welfare legislation since 2010.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-10T14:27:15.79","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279041,"EventID":"S4W-11478","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3824,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-23T14:27:16.323","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-22T14:25:19.587","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the cost is to local authorities of enforcing the Control of Dogs (Scotland) Act 2010 and what its position is on whether local authorities have adequate (a) support and (b) resources to do so.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government does not hold information relating to the enforcement costs incurred by local authorities as a consequence of implementing the 2010 Act. The financial impact on local authorities of the implementing, monitoring and enforcing the new Dog Control Regime will be, to a large extent, dependant on how local authorities make use of the legislation.\r\nInformation provided by local authorities confirmed that a total of 92 Dog Control Notices were served by local authorities during the period 26 February 2011 to \r\n5 March 2012. Based on the number of Dog Control Notices served, we believe that local authorities have adequate support and resources in place to implement the 2010 Act effectively.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-10T14:27:16.337","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279042,"EventID":"S4W-11479","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3824,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-23T14:27:17.197","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-22T14:25:19.587","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it has established a dog control database as referred to in section 8 of the Control of Dogs (Scotland) Act 2010 and, if so, how much this costs to maintain.\r\n","AnswerText":"Under section 4 of the Control of Dogs (Scotland) Act 2010, local authorities are required to keep their own records of dog control notices issued within its area. Section 4 of the Act also places a requirement on local authorities to cooperate and share information with the police and other local authorities regarding the Act. The Scottish Government remains to be convinced of the need for a national database as envisaged by the Act, and we have no plans, at this time, to make use of the enabling power that would allow Scottish Ministers to bring forward an order providing the framework for the establishment of a database.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-10T14:27:17.21","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279043,"EventID":"S4W-11480","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3824,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-23T14:27:18.227","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-22T14:25:19.587","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it plans to introduce any new initiatives to help tackle the rising number of stray dogs.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government have no immediate plans to introduce any new initiatives regarding stray dogs.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-10T14:27:18.257","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279044,"EventID":"S4W-11481","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3824,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-23T14:27:19.287","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-22T14:25:19.587","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it has carried out an assessment of the effect of voluntary microchipping on (a) the control of dangerous dogs and (b) tackling and reducing the number of stray dogs. \r\n","AnswerText":"No assessment has been made; however the Scottish Government recognises that microchipping is an effective method of identifying animals and can help re-unite dogs with owners where the dogs have been lost or stolen. This is reflected in Section 5.12 of the Scottish Government’s Code of Practice for the Welfare of Dogs, which is relevant to both owners and breeders and recommends microchipping.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-10T14:27:19.303","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279045,"EventID":"S4W-11482","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3824,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-23T14:27:19.8","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-22T14:25:19.587","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many (a) permanent full-time jobs and (b) apprenticeships will be (i) created and (ii) offered to local people when Areva opens its wind turbine factory.\r\n","AnswerText":"The announcement made on 19 November stated that the Memorandum of Understanding between AREVA and Scottish Enterprise had the potential to create 750 jobs in Scotland from manufacturing and the supporting supplies chain. Details such as apprenticeships and the recruitment of staff remain under discussion, although we would anticipate that AREVA would, as far as possible, seek to recruit locally.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-10T14:27:19.817","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279046,"EventID":"S4W-11483","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3824,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-23T14:27:20.44","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-22T14:25:19.587","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether Areva will work with local colleges to develop courses relevant to the industry.\r\n","AnswerText":"Scottish Enterprise and Areva will work together collaboratively to explore all opportunities to maximise the level of research and development activity and ensure there are optimal training resources and facilities to support offshore wind manufacturing and construction in Scotland.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-10T14:27:20.457","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279047,"EventID":"S4W-11484","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3824,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-23T14:27:21.063","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-22T14:25:19.587","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what steps it has taken to ensure that Areva will source materials in such a way that it will benefit the local economy.  \r\n","AnswerText":"Under the Memorandum of Understanding, AREVA and Scottish Enterprise will work to develop the supply chain for offshore wind manufacturing and ensuring that the sites under consideration are capable of accommodating supply chain companies.\r\nThe Minister for Energy, Enterprise and Tourism accompanied a delegation of Scottish supply chain companies on a visit to AREVA's facility in Bremerhaven in June 2012. In September 2012, Scottish Development International organised two Scottish supply chain events in conjunction with AREVA held in Aberdeen and Inverness.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-10T14:27:21.08","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279048,"EventID":"S4W-11494","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4016,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":133,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-23T14:27:21.533","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-22T15:36:07.98","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much funding from the Rural Priorities scheme has been allocated to the Scottish Borders region in each year since 2007, broken down by axis (a) 1 and 3 and (b) 2 funding package.\r\n","AnswerText":"The following table provides the value of Rural Priorities Scheme contracts awarded in the Borders region per Axis per year.\r\nAs of 26 November 2012\r\nYear\r\nRural Priorities Funding by Axes\r\nAXIS 1\r\nAXIS 2\r\nAXIS 3\r\n2009\r\n£2,105,634\r\n£10,281,971\r\n£2,245,157\r\n2010\r\n£3,185,839 \r\n£14,827,674\r\n£1,429,670\r\n2011\r\n£1,848,405 \r\n£6,203,802\r\n£642,448\r\n2012\r\n£1,145,361\r\n£5,525,654\r\n£841,326\r\n\r\nThe Rural Priorities Scheme opened to applications in April 2008. Applications were recommended for funding during 2008, however, their contracts did not commence until 2009.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-10T14:27:21.547","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279049,"EventID":"S4W-11495","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3806,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-23T14:27:22.157","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-22T16:00:06.703","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what plans are in place to alleviate any congestion on the single railway line between Inverness and Aberdeen.","AnswerText":"Network Rail is currently undertaking detailed development work on the Aberdeen to Inverness Rail Improvements Project to determine the track and signalling required to alleviate congestion and enhance commuter services on the single railway line.\r\nThe track enhancements may include additional loops, work on the track and structures to deliver line speed improvements and potential double tracking.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-10T14:27:22.173","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279050,"EventID":"S4W-11496","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3806,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-23T14:27:22.813","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-22T16:00:06.703","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-03440 by Keith Brown on 27 October 2011, what technical improvements aim to deliver reduced journey times on lines between Inverness and (a) Aberdeen, (b) Glasgow and (c) Edinburgh.","AnswerText":"The technical improvements required to deliver journey time improvements to the Inverness and Aberdeen and the Highland Central Belt may include additional passing loops, double tracking, signalling enhancements and work on the track and structures to deliver line speed improvements.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-10T14:27:22.827","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279051,"EventID":"S4W-11497","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3806,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-23T14:27:23.42","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-22T16:00:06.703","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government which loops on the Highland main line and the Newburgh line it plans to reinstate and when.\r\n","AnswerText":"Network Rail is currently developing phase two of the Highland Main Line Improvement Project, which aims to deliver infrastructure enhancements. These enhancements may include passing loops at Ballinluig, Newtonmore or Etteridge. A report on the proposals for phase two is expected by summer 2013.\r\nAt present there are no plans to deliver infrastructure improvements to the Newburgh line.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-10T14:27:23.45","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279052,"EventID":"S4W-11499","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3806,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-23T14:27:24.137","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-22T16:00:06.703","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what decisions have been made about Network Rail’s proposals for the upgrade of the Inverness to Aberdeen railway line and what the timeframe is for completion of the upgrade.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Inverness to Aberdeen Rail Improvements project aims to be completed in phases between 2015 and 2030 as specified in the Government’s Infrastructure Investment Plan, published in 2011.\r\nPhase one of the scheme, which is included in the Scottish Minister’s High Level Output Specification, published on 21 June 2012, will deliver enhanced commuter services into both cities and two new railway stations at Dalcross (near Inverness Airport) and Kintore (Aberdeenshire) between 2014 and 2019.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-10T14:27:24.17","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279053,"EventID":"S4W-11500","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3806,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-23T14:27:24.637","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-22T16:00:06.703","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when Dalcross railway station at Inverness Airport will be completed.","AnswerText":"The reopening of Dalcross Station is currently being developed by Network Rail as part of phase one of the Aberdeen to Inverness Rail Improvements Project. The station is scheduled to be delivered between 2014 and 2019 as specified in the Government’s High Level Output Specification, published on 21 June 2012.\r\nWe recognise the economic benefits that a railway station near Inverness airport could deliver to the local community. As such, we will work closely with Network Rail, the Highlands and Islands Transport Partnership and the Highland Council to deliver the station before 2019.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-10T14:27:24.653","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279054,"EventID":"S4W-11501","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5109,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":101,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-23T14:27:25.183","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-22T15:58:32","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S3W-37964 by John Swinney on 15 December 2010, whether the reciprocal rights set out apply to public grant support in addition to public contract opportunities.\r\n","AnswerText":"Grant agreements do not fall within the scope of the World Trade Organisation’s Government Procurement Agreement.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-10T14:27:25.2","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279055,"EventID":"S4W-11502","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2066,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-23T14:27:25.823","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-22T16:29:13.857","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government who the chair is and members are of the independent review examining the scientific case for a proposed special area of conservation in the Sound of Barra.\r\n","AnswerText":"Two well qualified UK marine scientists are undertaking the review. To maintain the independence of the review their identity will not be revealed until they have provided their report to Scottish Ministers.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-10T14:27:25.837","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279056,"EventID":"S4W-11503","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2066,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-23T14:27:26.243","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-22T16:29:13.857","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what organisations and individuals the independent review of the scientific evidence for a proposed special area of conservation for the Sound of Barra will consult.","AnswerText":"The review is primarily desk-based drawing up on scientific evidence submitted through the consultation period, but the reviewers will also visit Scottish Natural Heritage to view the scientific evidence used, and review how it has been used by the case officers to formulate the scientific case for designation of Sound of Barra as a special area of conservation.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-10T14:27:26.26","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279057,"EventID":"S4W-11504","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5009,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-23T14:27:26.883","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-22T16:41:24.37","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what funding it (a) gives and (b) plans to give to support welfare benefit advice services.","AnswerText":"We want a welfare system that reflects Scotland’s values and ensures fair and decent support for all. But the UK Government’s reforms are being introduced against a backdrop of cuts to benefits and these changes will potentially take significant amounts of money out of the pockets of individuals and away from communities in Scotland \r\nMitigating the full impact of the reforms will not be possible; there are consequences outwith our powers. We will however continue to do all we can across the whole Scottish Government to support those in the most need. We currently provide funding to a number of organisations that provide advice services on welfare and benefits. Final decisions on the 2013-14 budgets will be taken once the parliamentary scrutiny process has concluded.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-10T14:27:26.9","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279058,"EventID":"S4W-11505","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1769,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":75,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-23T14:27:27.553","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-23T09:36:47.387","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what support it will give to the 62 people at Comet’s delivery hub in Coatbridge who have lost their jobs and whether it can provide assurances that efforts are being made to secure the jobs at the Comet store in Coatbridge.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government, through Skills Development Scotland, coordinates local response teams under the Partnership Action for Continuing Employment (PACE) initiative to provide tailored help and support for people facing redundancy.\r\nOn 2 November 2012, three partners in Deloitte LLP were appointed as Joint Administrators to manage the affairs, business and property of Comet Group Ltd.\r\nSubsequently, the local PACE representative contacted the Comet Home Delivery Service Centre in Coatbridge to offer PACE support and it was agreed the PACE representative would visit the site on 12 November to provide PACE Guides for distribution to the affected employees.\r\nOn 19 November 2012 62 employees were made redundant and six were retained, four of whom were due to leave on 2 December 2012 with the remaining two due to leave on 5 December 2012.\r\nOn 22 November 2012, for employees facing redundancy in the Coatbridge Comet store, the PACE representative offered PACE support to the store manager who asked the PACE representative to return on 26 November 2012 to provide PACE Guides which were distributed to the employees who were made redundant when the store closed for business on 25 November 2012.\r\nThe offer to provide PACE support on site for Comet employees was made but this was not accepted. It is a matter for employers or administrators, to accept the offer of PACE support and we will therefore continue our work to improve further our links with employers and insolvency practitioners.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-10T14:27:27.587","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279059,"EventID":"S4W-11506","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4016,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":133,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-23T14:27:28.07","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-23T09:39:21.337","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what credible, peer reviewed independent evidence it has received that onshore wind turbines being deployed in Scotland (a) are totally safe to public health, (b) do not adversely impact on tourism, (c) are free of any issues of noise nuisance, (d) do not lessen the amenities for local residents, (e) do not weaken demand for nearby property, (f) do not reduce the price of nearby property, (g) will make a positive difference to global CO2, (h) are receiving the minimum subsidy required to operate and (i) are cost-effective.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government believes that wind energy, appropriately located and subject to a consenting process which takes all relevant issues and evidence fully into account, can play a vital role in helping to meet Scotland’s energy needs in a sustainable, cost effective way. We will always remain willing to consider and respond to any credible, peer reviewed and independent evidence which raises material concerns in any of these areas.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-10T14:27:28.083","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279060,"EventID":"S4W-11512","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1860,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-23T14:27:28.6","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-23T11:01:03.013","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much it pays the Scottish Council for Development and Industry to administer the cities strategy and whether it will provide a breakdown of the administrative costs.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Council for Development of Industry (SCDI) was instrumental in bringing together the cities initially and the cities considered that it would be helpful if the SCDI had an ongoing role in facilitating the Scottish Cities Alliance. SCDI provides the Alliance with independent strategic facilitation. In addition, cities considered that it would be helpful if SCDI had some dedicated capacity to support the delivery of the Alliance’s aims and each city has contributed to this. The Scottish Government has matched the funding provided by the cities with a contribution of £90k (inclusive of VAT) during 2011-12.\r\nThe funding supports two dedicated posts and the costs of operational delivery. \r\nThe SCDI role includes:\r\nSupport to and facilitation of the work of the delivery group and action teams to deliver their objectives as agreed by the leadership group;\r\nEngagement of wider stakeholders across the private sector;\r\nDelivery of a programme of strategic events/forums to further the cities agenda; and\r\nAlignment and collaboration with other relevant stakeholders such as the core cities (in England) and the C40 group of cities (which are a Global group).\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-10T14:27:28.613","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279061,"EventID":"S4W-11514","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1860,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-23T14:27:29.317","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-23T11:16:28.753","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many jobs and how many pipeline jobs will be created as a result of its memorandum of understanding with Areva; what type of jobs; where they will be based, and when they will be created.\r\n","AnswerText":"The announcement made on 19 November 2012 stated that the Memorandum of Understanding between AREVA and Scottish Enterprise had the potential to could create 750 jobs in Scotland from manufacturing and the supporting supply chain. The location and timing of the project is yet to be decided.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-10T14:27:29.347","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279062,"EventID":"S4W-11515","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1860,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-23T14:27:29.783","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-23T11:16:28.753","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what assistance Areva will receive from (a) it and (b) Scottish Enterprise as a result of its memorandum of understanding with the Scottish Government.\r\n","AnswerText":"The MoU has been signed on the basis of exploratory discussions. SE remains in discussions with Areva regarding the level and type of financial assistance that could be offered once the scale and location of the project is known.\r\nOther assistance that is being offered to Areva includes introductions to potential suppliers and customers and facilitating discussions with site owners.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-10T14:27:29.817","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279066,"EventID":"S4W-11517","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":131,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-23T15:48:26.317","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-23T14:00:28","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether its advertising campaigns are broadcast in those areas of Scotland served by ITV (a) Tyne Tees and (b) Border.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government wants to see a Scotland-wide channel three licence, so that viewers in the south of Scotland are able to enjoy the same level of programming about Scotland as those in the northern and central parts of the country. The Scottish Government has consistently made clear to the UK Government the priority it places on achieving this outcome. Therefore, the Scottish Government has welcomed the announcement of the UK Government that Channel three licences will be renewed, subject to negotiations so that viewers in Scotland can receive a television service, similar to the rest of Scotland. I continue to urge the parties concerned to find agreement on this matter.\r\nScottish Government and its framework partners take advice on media planning and buying from Carat Media, our media contractor. Our requirement is always to ensure that our public information advertising reaches the right people at the most cost effective rate. To achieve this we analyse all published data for all aspects of media, such as television, press, outdoor and digital, and negotiate accordingly for each campaign. \r\nIn selecting TV channels, both regionality and audience coverage are taken into account. The published ITV data shows that:\r\nTyne Tees transmits as far north as Berwick-upon-Tweed and it does not officially transmit into Scotland. The total available adult audience for Tyne Tees is 2,164,000 - none of which is attributable to Scotland.\r\nBorder is the ITV region centred in Carlisle covering the border areas of Scotland and England. The total available adult audience for the region is 514,000. Of that, 205,600 adults of the total available audience are resident in Scotland with the remainder being resident in England.\r\nFor these reasons, no Scottish Government advertising campaigns have been broadcast on ITV Tyne Tees or Border to date.\r\nIn addition, Scottish Government campaigns utilise other communications channels to engage target audiences. Borders radio, community stations and local press titles.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-10T15:48:26.427","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279067,"EventID":"S4W-11518","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1860,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-23T15:48:26.787","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-23T14:41:16.937","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what each Highlands and Islands ambulance station's response time was for (a) category A and (b) all emergencies in each of the last 12 months.\r\n","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally by the Scottish Government, this is an operational matter for the Scottish Ambulance Service. However, related performance information held by the Scottish Government is set out below.\r\nIn 2011-12, the national response time target for category A calls (life threatening) across mainland Scotland was that 75% of all incidents should be reached within 8 minutes. The Scottish Ambulance Service reached 73% of category A incidents within 8 minutes across mainland Scotland. Within that, the performance achieved was 69.2% for the NHS Highland area. There is no all emergency target for mainland Scotland for the Scottish Ambulance Service, however the average response time for all emergency incidents was 9.2 minutes across all of Scotland and 9.7 minutes for the NHS Highland area.\r\nIn 2011-12, the national response time target for the island boards was that 55% of all emergency incidents should be reached within eight minutes. Performance for the year was 54.5%.\r\nBoth the Scottish Government and the Scottish Ambulance Service are committed to driving continuous improvement in the care provided to patients. A range of annually agreed targets are the subject of on-going performance management, including the public annual review meeting. The Scottish Ambulance Service is required to account publically for the level of performance it achieves each year through a published annual report.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-10T15:48:26.8","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279068,"EventID":"S4W-11519","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1860,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-23T15:48:27.13","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-23T14:41:16.937","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many shifts per Highlands and Islands ambulance station have been (a) delivered by single crewed ambulances and (b) dropped in the last 12 months.\r\n","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally, this is an operational matter for the Scottish Ambulance Service.\r\nHowever, across Scotland the Scottish Ambulance Service have advised that total incidence of single crewing for July to September 2012 (inclusive) were 516 shifts, representing 1.1% of all shifts that were rostered to be double crewed. Of that total, some of the instances of single crewing occurred due to exceptional circumstances. Exceptional circumstances might, for example, include short notice sickness absence or weather/travel disruption, meaning someone cannot arrive for their shift. Excluding these, the figure for single crewed shifts under non-exceptional circumstances was 0.9% across Scotland.\r\nFor the North Division of the Scottish Ambulance Service, which includes the areas covered by NHS Highland, NHS Grampian, NHS Orkney, NHS Western Isles and NHS Shetland, total incidence of single crewing for July to September 2012 (inclusive) were 168 shifts, representing 1.4% of all shifts that were rostered to be double crewed. Of that total, some of the instances of single crewing occurred due to exceptional circumstances. Excluding these, the figure for single crewed shifts under non-exceptional circumstances was 1.3% across the North operating division.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-10T15:48:27.143","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279069,"EventID":"S4W-11520","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1860,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-23T15:48:27.44","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-23T14:41:16.937","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government for how many dropped shifts per Highlands and Islands ambulance station a risk assessment has been carried out in the last 12 months.\r\n","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally, this is an operational matter for the Scottish Ambulance Service.\r\nI refer the member to the answer to question S4W-09728 on 3 October 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-10T15:48:27.457","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279071,"EventID":"S4T-00144","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":9,"MSPID":3771,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-26T13:43:31.89","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-26T11:46:48.91","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will make representations to BAE Systems on behalf of the Scottish shipyard sector.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-11T13:43:31.923","MeetingDate":"2012-11-27T17:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279072,"EventID":"S4T-00146","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":9,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-26T13:43:32.25","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-26T12:03:08.723","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what changes it will make in relation to people who have been released from prison early and then reoffend before the end of their original sentence.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-11T13:43:32.267","MeetingDate":"2012-11-27T17:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279073,"EventID":"S4F-01012","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":2080,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":87,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-26T12:39:26.313","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-26T09:34:07.27","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what engagements he has planned for the rest of the day.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-11T12:39:26.327","MeetingDate":"2012-11-29T17:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279074,"EventID":"S4F-01016","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":5009,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-26T12:34:00.987","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-26T10:27:17.297","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what issues will be discussed at the next meeting of the Cabinet.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-11T12:34:00.987","MeetingDate":"2012-11-29T17:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279075,"EventID":"S4F-01018","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":3743,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":123,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-26T12:34:01.547","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-26T10:33:13.89","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what plans the Scottish Government has to change the structure of local government.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-11T12:34:01.563","MeetingDate":"2012-11-29T17:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279076,"EventID":"S4F-01021","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-26T12:34:02.437","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-26T11:19:24.667","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what lessons the Scottish Government has learned from the serious incidents in the NHS reported in the BBC Scotland How Safe is Your Hospital? investigation.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-11T12:34:02.453","MeetingDate":"2012-11-29T17:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279077,"EventID":"S4F-01022","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":4976,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-26T12:34:03.043","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-26T11:38:19.63","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister when he will next meet the Secretary of State for Scotland.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-11T12:34:03.06","MeetingDate":"2012-11-29T17:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279078,"EventID":"S4F-01026","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":1841,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":120,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-26T12:34:04.2","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-26T11:48:07.597","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister whether the Scottish Government considers that the Scottish economy is over-reliant on the oil industry.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-11T12:34:04.213","MeetingDate":"2012-11-29T17:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279094,"EventID":"S4W-11535","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4086,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-26T17:09:43.143","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-26T13:10:32.65","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government for what reasons the NHSScotland Chief Executive's Annual Report 2011-12 was published on Saturday, 24 November 2012, and not on a weekday.\r\n","AnswerText":"Publishing the report on Saturday 24 November allowed the Chief Executive to make himself available to field interviews on the report and as such maximise the opportunity to share an awareness of the progress made by NHSScotland over 2011-12.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-11T17:09:43.22","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279095,"EventID":"S4W-11537","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4934,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-26T17:09:43.487","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-26T14:57:41.227","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the consequences would be of its not meeting its target of 10% of journeys being made by bicycle by 2020.","AnswerText":"We are committed to reaching the 10% vision for cycling journeys by 2020. We will do this by working in partnership with local authorities and other key stakeholders such as Sustrans, Cycling Scotland and local community groups. We will also encourage private sector buy-in through the Energy Saving Trust’s low carbon fund which provides loans for cycling facilities in the workplace and through the Healthy Working Lives initiative.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-11T17:09:43.503","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279096,"EventID":"S4W-11538","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4934,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-26T17:09:43.86","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-26T14:57:41.227","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its response is to Cycling Scotland's suggestion that the Minister for Transport and Veterans and local authority heads of transport should hold an annual summit, and what its position is on whether cycling interest groups should be involved.","AnswerText":"My letter of 12 November to the Cross Party Group on Cycling said:\r\n“I welcome the opportunity to speak with elected members of all parties to discuss what more could be done locally to deliver more cycling facilities. Currently, local government officials attend the Cycling Action Plan for Scotland Delivery Forum, Chaired by Cycling Scotland, and I know that Cycling Scotland would welcome representation at a more senior level, both at official and elected member levels. I will ask officials in the Sustainable Transport Team to progress this with Ian Aitken at Cycling Scotland.”\r\nThe current position is that Cycling Scotland will organise this first annual meeting for Summer/Autumn 2013. Other cycling interest groups are represented on the National Cycling Interest Group chaired by Paths for All. This will remain the case. \r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-11T17:09:43.877","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279097,"EventID":"S4W-11539","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4934,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-26T17:09:44.173","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-26T14:57:41.227","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will publish the minutes of the Road Safety Framework Operational Partnership Group meeting of 25 September 2012 and for what reason the most recently published minutes of the Road Safety Strategic Partnership Board are from May 2011.","AnswerText":"The absence from the Transport Scotland (TS) website of more recent minutes of meetings of the Road Safety Strategic Partnership Board was due to an administrative oversight. Minutes of the meetings of 24 January 2012 and \r\n17 May 2012 have now been added to the appropriate page on the TS website. The minutes of the 25 September 2012 joint meeting of the Road Safety Strategic Partnership Board and the Operational Partnership Group will be added to the TS website when it has been approved by .the Road Safety Strategic Partnership Board at its annual general meeting on 5 February 2013.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-11T17:09:44.19","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279098,"EventID":"S4W-11540","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4934,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-26T17:09:44.453","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-26T14:57:41.227","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what encouragement and support it gives to public sector organisations to become Cycling Scotland Cycle Friendly Employers.","AnswerText":"Since 2006, the Scottish Government has awarded Cycling Scotland just over £200,000 for cycling investment in public sector workplaces. In that time, there has been 114 Cycle Friendly Employer Award certificates issued to Scottish public sector employers, representing a total workforce of 71,925 employees.\r\nAlso, Cycling Scotland subsidises adult cycle commuter courses. Employers registered with Healthy Working Lives are asked to pay £100 per course against a retail value of £400. To date, 17 such courses have been delivered to public sector employers.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-11T17:09:44.47","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279099,"EventID":"S4W-11541","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4934,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-26T17:09:44.813","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-26T14:57:41.227","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the timescale is for publication of a progress report on the work being carried out by Transport Scotland on road user hierarchy and liability laws.","AnswerText":"This work is being carried out this year and a report will be sent to the Cycling Action Plan for Scotland Delivery Forum for consideration in early 2013.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-11T17:09:44.827","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279100,"EventID":"S4W-11542","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4934,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-26T17:09:45.093","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-26T14:57:41.227","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what representations the Minister for Transport and Veterans has made to ministers following Cycling Scotland's recommendation that funding for cycle improvements should be sought from budget areas such as health, environment and sport.","AnswerText":"Scottish Ministers are well aware of the benefits of cross-cutting policy work. Over the last two years, Ministers and Transport Scotland officials have had discussions with colleagues in health (including sport), environment and education to discuss how closer working relationships could benefit all of these individual policy areas. Such discussions will continue and will help to inform the refresh of the Cycling Action Plan for Scotland, due to be published in Spring 2013.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-11T17:09:45.11","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279101,"EventID":"S4W-11543","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4934,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-26T17:09:45.373","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-26T14:57:41.227","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide details of the cycling infrastructure projects worth £3.9 million referred to in its news release of 25 November 2012, Swinney outlines further shovel-ready projects.","AnswerText":"Individual project announcements will be made as and when funding becomes available.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-11T17:09:45.39","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279118,"EventID":"S4W-11457","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1845,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-27T13:52:54.39","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-22T12:02:20.337","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what guidance it provides to NHS boards regarding the granting of new pharmacies and the potential impact on the income and sustainability of GP surgeries.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government issued revised Guidance to NHS boards on arrangements for applications to open a community pharmacy in April 2011. The revised guidance (NHS Circular PCA (P) 7 (2011)) was issued following amendments to the NHS (Pharmaceutical Services) (Scotland) Regulations 2009 which determine the application process. The Guidance should be read in conjunction with the requirements of these Regulations.\r\nThe revised guidance can be found on the Scotland’s Health on the Web (SHOW) website at: http://www.show.scot.nhs.uk.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-12T13:52:54.483","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279119,"EventID":"S4W-11507","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":131,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-27T13:52:54.763","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-23T09:43:50.557","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-11127 by Keith Brown on 22 November 2012, how much it spent on (a) the Edinburgh Glasgow Improvement Programme, (b) the Borders Railway project, (c) the Paisley Corridor Improvement project, (d) the Waverley Station Redevelopment and (e) its contribution to the Edinburgh Trams project in 2011-12; from which budget lines, and how much was provided from each budget line.","AnswerText":"The budget for Major Public Transport Projects funds specific commitments including the Borders Railway project, the Paisley Corridor Improvement project, the Waverley Station Redevelopment, the Edinburgh Glasgow Improvement Programme and our contribution to the Edinburgh Trams project. It is managed on a programme basis and is therefore not allocated to specific projects.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-12T13:52:54.78","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279120,"EventID":"S4W-11521","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-27T13:52:55.137","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-26T11:58:34","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the timetable is for the dualling of the A90 Balmedie to Tipperty.\r\n","AnswerText":"The A90 Balmedie to Tipperty scheme will be taken forward in a Non-Profit Distributing Model form of contract alongside the Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route (AWRP).\r\nThe agreed indicative timetable for the combined project is:-:\r\n19 October 2012 – prior information notice published;\r\nEarly 2013 – Hold industry day with potential bidders;\r\nEarly 2013 – Publish Official Journal of the European Union (OJEU) contract notice;\r\nSpring 2013 – Issue invitation to tender;\r\nAutumn 2014 – Award contract / commence works; and\r\nSpring 2018 – Construction completion.\r\nWe will look at opportunities for opening parts of the AWPR / Balmedie to Tipperty project as early as possible to ensure maximum benefit to the people in the North East in advance of the full scheme opening in spring 2018. We will discuss the phasing of these opportunities with tendering parties through the competitive dialogue period when tender documents are issued in spring next year.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-12T13:52:55.153","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279121,"EventID":"S4W-11523","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-27T13:52:55.48","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-26T11:58:34","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the procurement process was for the (a) dualling of and (b) awarding of contracts for the A90 Balmedie to Tipperty.","AnswerText":"The A90 Balmedie to Tipperty scheme will be taken forward in a non-profit distributing model form of contract alongside the Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route (AWPR).\r\nThe agreed indicative timetable for the combined project is:-:\r\n19 October 2012 – Prior information notice published;\r\nEarly 2013 – Hold industry day with potential bidders;\r\nEarly 2013 – Publish Official Journal of the European Union (OJEU) contract notice;\r\nSpring 2013 – Issue invitation to tender;\r\nAutumn 2014 – Award contract / commence works; and\r\nSpring 2018 – Construction completed.\r\nWe will look at opportunities for opening parts of the AWPR / Balmedie to Tipperty project as early as possible to ensure maximum benefit to the people in the north east in advance of the full scheme opening in spring 2018. We will discuss the phasing of these opportunities with tendering parties through the competitive dialogue period when tender documents are issued in spring next year.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-12T13:52:55.497","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279122,"EventID":"S4W-11524","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-27T13:52:55.903","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-26T11:58:34","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when it will publish the outline business case for the Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route.","AnswerText":"As a result of the preparatory work already progressed, two days after the Supreme Court Judgement was handed down a Prior Information Notice was published signalling to the market that we will be seeking expressions of interest from contracting parties early next year with construction to start in 2014. Additionally we have hit the ground running by awarding the supplementary ground investigation contract, both providing tangible evidence of our ability to deliver this much-needed project for the North East.\r\nThe outline business case for the Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route will be agreed between project partners before the contract notice is published in early 2013. The full business case will be agreed prior to contract award which is expected in autumn 2014.\r\nAs we are about to commence the formal procurement of this project, for commercial reasons, it is not intended to publish this Business Case until after the contract for the design, construction, operation and maintenance of this road, has been awarded.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-12T13:52:55.917","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279123,"EventID":"S4W-11525","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-27T13:52:56.433","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-26T11:58:34","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it calculated the updated estimated cost of £693 million for the Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route.","AnswerText":"The estimated total cost of the Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route is £653 million at 2012 prices. The breakdown of how this figure is made up is contained within the answer to question S4W-10756 on 7 November 2012.\r\nAll answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-12T13:52:56.45","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279124,"EventID":"S4W-11526","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-27T13:52:56.807","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-26T11:58:34","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide a breakdown of the cost of completion of each of the elements of the Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route.\r\n","AnswerText":"The estimated total cost of the Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route can be broken down into £245 million for the Northern Leg, £303 million for the Southern Leg and £105 million for the Fastlink section at 2012 prices and excluding VAT.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-12T13:52:56.807","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279125,"EventID":"S4W-11536","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2876,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-27T13:52:57.353","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-26T14:04:38.83","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-07322 by Kenny MacAskill on 6 June 2012 and to the publication of the report, Religiously Aggravated Offending in Scotland 2012, whether it will provide a breakdown of recorded religious hate crimes in 2011-12 expressed as the number of incidents per 1,000 members of each religious affiliation.\r\n","AnswerText":"The report ‘Religiously aggravated offending in Scotland 2011-12 was published on 23 November 2012 and presented information on the number of religious aggravation charges (from section 74 of the Criminal Justice (Scotland) Act 2003) that were reported to the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS) by the police in 2011-12. \r\nThe following table shows religious aggravation charges that were reported to COPFS in 2011-12 for conduct which was derogatory to each religion. The final column presents the number of charges per 1,000 members of each, as recorded in the 2001 census. It is important to note that reported charges only contain information about the nature of the offensive conduct and not about the religious affiliation of the victims of incidents.\r\nTable: Religious aggravation charges derogatory to religions in Scotland in 2011-12 per 1,000 members. \r\nThe religion that conduct was derogatory towards:\r\nNumber of Charges\r\nNumber of Members\r\nCharges per 1,000 Members\r\nChristianity\r\n865\r\n3,294,545\r\n0.3\r\nRoman Catholicism \r\n509\r\n803,732\r\n0.6\r\nProtestantism \r\n353\r\n2,146,251\r\n0.2\r\nJudaism\r\n14\r\n6,448\r\n2.2\r\nIslam\r\n19\r\n42,557\r\n0.4\r\nUnknown\r\n2\r\nN/A\r\nN/A\r\nTable notes: \r\n Information on religious aggravations is taken from Religiously Aggravated Offending in Scotland 2011-12, Scottish Government, available online at: http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2012/11/7685\r\n2 The number of charges refers to the religion that the conduct was derogatory towards and not the number of charges where victims had the relevant affiliation. Information about victims’ religious affiliations are not recorded by the police. \r\n3 There were 876 section 74 charges reported to COPFS in 2011-12 but some charges referred to conduct that was derogatory to more than one religious affiliation.\r\n4 Religious group membership information data are taken from the 2001 census. Available online at: http://scotland.gov.uk/publications/2005/02/20757/53570\r\n5 There are three charges included in the 865 total which referred to conduct which was offensive to Christianity in general and were not directed towards Protestantism or Roman Catholicism. \r\n6 Religious group membership data is based on self-reported affiliation in the 2001 census. Christian denominations are presented in the census under three categories: ‘Roman Catholic’, ‘Church of Scotland’ and ‘other Christian.’ For the purpose of this table only ‘Church of Scotland’ membership has been attributed as ‘Protestant’ because ‘other Christian’ may include a mixture of Protestant and non-Protestant denominations. As a consequence this may lead to an under-reporting of the ‘charges per 1,000 members’ in the Protestant category.\r\nThe Scottish Government has been investing to tackle religious intolerance across Scotland, funding the national Scottish Interfaith Council to promote inter faith dialogue and specific communities, such as the Scottish Council of Jewish Communities, to address the specific needs of these communities. Over 2012-15, the Scottish Government will continue such investment, committing over £5 million from the Equality Fund to organisations tackling racism and religious intolerance and £9 million to tackle sectarianism in our communities.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-12T13:52:57.37","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Roseanna Cunningham","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279126,"EventID":"S4W-11546","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-27T13:52:57.65","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-26T15:29:36.953","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-11185 by Keith Brown on 23 November 2012, when the minutes of the meetings referred to will be made available.\r\n","AnswerText":"The minutes of meetings of the Scottish Partnership Group for High Speed Rail, organised by Transport Scotland, will be published shortly on the Transport Scotland website.\r\nOther meetings have comprised information sharing meetings, seminars and informal meetings or have been organised by other parties who hold minutes of those meetings independently.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-12T13:52:57.667","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown ","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279127,"EventID":"S4W-11547","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-27T13:52:57.977","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-26T15:29:36.953","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-11185 by Keith Brown on 23 November 2012, how many meetings have been held on a similar basis in the last year relating to rail links northwards from (a) Edinburgh and (b) Glasgow.\r\n","AnswerText":"Transport Scotland holds regular discussions relating to rail links northwards from Edinburgh and Glasgow. These typically involve discussion with Network Rail, First ScotRail, Local authorities, Regional Transport Groups, business groups and others. It would be impractical to attempt to capture the full scope of this level of engagement.\r\nThe period referred to also includes the intensive process of consultation supporting the Rail 2014 exercise during which Transport Scotland staff met with many organisations and members of the public during formal structured meetings and open events held at Railway stations.\r\nWith reference to services operating northward from Edinburgh and Glasgow, Transport Scotland staff held open events at Fort William, Inverness, Perth, Dundee, Aberdeen and Stirling stations, and engaged with approximately 1700 passengers/members of the public, encouraging feedback to the Rail 2014 consultation.\r\nRegional Transport Partnership meetings were also held in Dundee, Aberdeen and Inverness. Attendees included:\r\nDundee: Tayside And Central Scotland Transport Partnership, Stirling Council, Perth and Kinross Council, Angus Council, Dundee City Council, Institute of Directors, Tayplan, Stagecoach\r\nAberdeen: North East of Scotland Transport Partnership, Scottish Council for Development Industry (SCDI) Aberdeen, Aberdeen City Council, Aberdeenshire Council, Grampian Regional Equality Council, MS Society Aberdeen, Maureen Watt MSP, Alison McInnes MSP.\r\nInverness: Highlands and Islands Transport Partnership, Highland Council, Inverness Chamber of Commerce, Friends of the Kyle Line, Moray Council, Highlands and Islands Enterprise, Highland Council, Federation of Small Business, Keith and Dufftown Railways, Muirtown Community Council, Argyle and Bute Council, Friends of the Far North line, Highland Cycle Campaign, Elgin Community Council, Scottish Green Party for Highlands and Islands.\r\nOfficial also held separate meetings with Aberdeen and North East Scottish Council for Development Industry (SCDI), SCDI Inverness, Highland and Island Enterprise and Transform Scotland. \r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-12T13:52:57.993","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279128,"EventID":"S4W-11548","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-27T13:52:58.32","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-26T15:29:36.953","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government by what date it expects to have an estimate of the cost and route of a new route between Edinburgh and Glasgow.","AnswerText":"We intend to conduct route appraisal and business case development in 2013. That process will report in 2014.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-12T13:52:58.337","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279129,"EventID":"S4W-11549","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-27T13:52:58.727","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-26T15:29:36.953","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what economic benefit there is for every minute reduction in train journey times between Edinburgh and Glasgow.","AnswerText":"As part of the business case for a high speed rail link between Edinburgh and Glasgow, an assessment of the benefits to Scotland will be undertaken. This work will establish the economic benefit of each minute of journey time saved as a consequence of a high speed journey. We are not able to provide a figure at this stage nor can we use an analogous figure, for illustrative purposes, such as the figure used in appraisal of the Edinburgh Glasgow Improvements Programme since the benefits and values for each project are distinct and are conditional on the assumptions that apply within the business case of each project.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-12T13:52:58.743","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279130,"EventID":"S4W-11550","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-27T13:52:59.053","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-26T15:29:36.953","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what carbon analysis (a) has been done or (b) is proposed regarding the proposed high speed rail link between Edinburgh and Glasgow.","AnswerText":"Initial assessment of the environmental benefits of high speed rail was presented in Fast Track Scotland. However, that analysis was for the construction of an England to Scotland high speed line. Further appraisal of the environmental benefits of an Edinburgh to Glasgow high speed line will be conducted as part of the business case development process, reporting in 2014.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-12T13:52:59.07","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279131,"EventID":"S4W-11551","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-27T13:52:59.38","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-26T15:29:36.953","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, in relation to the proposed high speed rail link between Edinburgh and Glasgow, what equivalent train routes it has studied in order to assess safety, reliability, environmental impact and emissions.\r\n","AnswerText":"These factors will be considered during business case development. That process will report in 2014.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-12T13:52:59.397","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279132,"EventID":"S4W-11552","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-27T13:52:59.693","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-26T15:29:36.953","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-11185 by Keith Brown on 23 November 2012,  which meetings referred to the proposed high speed rail link between Edinburgh and Glasgow in isolation and which referred to it in relation to links to London.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Edinburgh to Glasgow link is an integral part of the development of high speed rail in Scotland which could see both Edinburgh and Glasgow connected to each other as well as independently to the network proposed elsewhere in the UK.\r\nIt was recommended by the then Transport, Infrastructure and Climate Change Committee in 2009 (Report on the inquiry into the potential benefits of high-speed rail services, TIC/S3/09/R) that planning for high speed rail in Scotland should ensure that both Edinburgh and Glasgow were served by high speed rail.  That inquiry heard from many of the organisations which subsequently formed the Scottish Partnership Group for High Speed Rail. Indeed, it was a recommendation of that group that we also considered the possibility of an ‘early win’ from planning for high speed rail in Scotland and investigated the development of and Edinburgh to Glasgow link.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-12T13:52:59.71","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279133,"EventID":"S4W-11553","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-27T13:53:00.037","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-26T15:29:36.953","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, in addition to improved journey times, what steps or measures it has taken to ensure that the proposed high speed rail link between Edinburgh and Glasgow will offer better service, enough seating and luggage storage space, working toilets and efficient heating systems.","AnswerText":"The business case, to report in 2014, will determine the demand for high speed rail between Edinburgh and Glasgow. That will inform future decisions on rolling stock. There is no specification at this time for the design of new rolling stock, which could be used for the Edinburgh to Glasgow service.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-12T13:53:00.053","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279134,"EventID":"S4W-11554","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2066,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-27T13:53:00.38","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-26T15:38:35.38","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many dairy (a) cows and (b) herds there have been in (i) Kintyre, (ii) Gigha, (iii) Cowal, (iv) Bute and (v) Arran since 1983.\r\n","AnswerText":"Data on how many dairy (a) cows and (b) herds there have been in (i) Kintyre, (ii) Gigha, (iii) Cowal, (iv) Bute and (v) Arran since 1983 are contained in tables and placed in the Scottish Parliament’s Reference Centre (SPICe) (Bib number 54543).\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-12T13:53:00.397","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279135,"EventID":"S4W-11555","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2029,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":145,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-27T13:53:00.693","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-26T16:00:39.223","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide a list of people appointed to the boards of public bodies since May 2011, broken down by (a) body and (b) renumeration.","AnswerText":"Details of people appointed to the boards of public bodies since May 2011, broken down by (a) body and (b) remuneration is provided on the Appointed for Scotland website which contains full details of all regulated boards and current board members appointed by Scottish ministers. The link is attached: http://www.appointed-for-scotland.org/About-public-bodies/NDPB-Directory.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-12T13:53:00.707","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279152,"EventID":"S4W-11556","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4939,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":78,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-27T16:50:47.24","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-26T18:13:20","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what representations it has made to the UK Government regarding border inspections in Scotland for products of animal origin from countries outwith the European Union.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government is a signatory to a Service Level Agreement that sets out working arrangements across Great Britain for complying with European Union legislation governing the import of products of animal origin. The other signatories are the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs; the United Kingdom Border Agency; Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs; the Food Standards Agency; the Animal Health and Veterinary Laboratories Agency; and the Welsh Government. The Service Level Agreement includes provision for regular meetings of the signatories to discuss matters of mutual concern.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-12T16:50:47.257","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279153,"EventID":"S4W-11560","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-27T16:50:47.52","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-27T12:39:39","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many applied psychologists there are per 100,000 (a) 0-19, (b) 20-64 and (c) 65-year-olds and over.\r\n","AnswerText":"This information is held in the public domain, and can be found on the NHS Education for Scotland and Information Services Division Psychology Services Workforce Data webpage at:\r\nhttp://www.isdscotland.org/Health-Topics/Workforce/Publications/data-tables.asp?id=924#924.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-12T16:50:47.537","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279154,"EventID":"S4W-11561","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5109,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":101,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-27T16:50:48.003","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-27T13:55:00.45","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what impact the proposals in the Draft Communications Data Bill, which is currently being considered by the UK Parliament, would have on (a) the police service, (b) the judiciary, (c) public record-keeping and (d) other (i) devolved public bodies and (ii) areas of devolved competence in Scotland.\r\n","AnswerText":"The purpose of the proposed legislation is to ensure that law enforcement and other agencies across the UK can continue to obtain the information they require in order to investigate crime and planned acts of terrorism. As is currently the case, all public authority requests for communications data can be subject to inspection by the Interception of Communications Commissioner’s Office. The Scottish Government has made clear to the UK Government that there should be strict conditions in place to safeguard the right to privacy under Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-12T16:50:48.02","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279155,"EventID":"S4W-11563","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5057,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-27T16:50:48.287","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-27T14:04:49.33","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether the Scottish Funding Council has applied for European Structural Funds Priority 5 Employability Pipeline funding for 2013-14 and what the reasons are for its position on this matter.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Funding Council (SFC) has not applied for European Structural Funds Priority 5 Employability Funding for 2013-14. The European Social Programme is recycling limited underspends within sectors. The resources available could not fully fund an extension to the current SFC project. As no underspends had been identified from the college sector, SFC concluded it was not in a position to make effective use of the very limited funds that would have been available.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-12T16:50:48.3","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angela Constance","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279156,"EventID":"S4W-11564","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2610,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-27T16:50:48.567","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-27T14:14:16.53","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what procedures are in place to ensure accountability for funding that it provides to organisations.\r\n","AnswerText":"Public sector organisations are held to account via annual reports and accounts, which are laid before the parliament. Accounts are normally subject to audit by the Auditor General and all public sector organisations are subject to examination by the Auditor General into the economy, efficiency and effectiveness with which they have used their resources in discharging their functions. In addition, where Accountable Officers have been designated by the Permanent Secretary in his/her role as Principal Accountable Officer for the Scottish Administration, the Accountable Officers have a personal responsibility to the Parliament for the propriety and regularity of the public finances of the organisations and ensuring that the resources of the organisations are used economically, efficiently and effectively.\r\nFunding provided to organisations outwith the public sector is subject to legally enforceable conditions of grant, including requirements for written statements of compliance and the provision of access to the Scottish Government’s Internal Audit Division and the Auditor General.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-12T16:50:48.567","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279165,"EventID":"S4O-01556","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":77,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-28T13:17:45.653","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-26T12:19:51.797","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when it will publish its proposals for the third national planning framework.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-13T13:17:45.787","MeetingDate":"2012-12-05T17:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279166,"EventID":"S4O-01557","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":2633,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-28T13:17:46.16","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-26T12:19:52.187","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when it expects Scottish Enterprise to decide on the location of the Areva turbine site.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-13T13:17:46.177","MeetingDate":"2012-12-05T17:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279167,"EventID":"S4O-01558","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":4939,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":78,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-28T13:17:46.597","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-26T12:19:52.433","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when it last met Falkirk Council and what matters were discussed.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-13T13:17:46.613","MeetingDate":"2012-12-05T17:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279168,"EventID":"S4O-01559","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":2674,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":99,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-28T13:17:46.957","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-26T12:19:52.717","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what progress it has made in helping communities to benefit from the use of renewables.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-13T13:17:46.973","MeetingDate":"2012-12-05T17:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279169,"EventID":"S4O-01560","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":3907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":135,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-28T13:17:47.283","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-26T12:19:52.967","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what it is doing to develop cooperative businesses.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-13T13:17:47.3","MeetingDate":"2012-12-05T17:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279170,"EventID":"S4O-01561","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":1742,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-28T13:17:47.567","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-26T12:19:53.2","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what response it has received from the UK Government to its recent call for an immediate targeted boost to capital investment.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-13T13:17:47.58","MeetingDate":"2012-12-05T17:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279171,"EventID":"S4O-01562","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-28T13:17:47.86","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-26T12:19:53.497","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it ensures that companies setting up or expanding activities in Scotland comply with the conditions attached to any financial assistance it has granted.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-13T13:17:47.877","MeetingDate":"2012-12-05T17:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279172,"EventID":"S4O-01563","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":138,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-28T13:17:48.19","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-26T12:19:53.76","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what steps it is taking to boost manufacturing employment and output.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-13T13:17:48.203","MeetingDate":"2012-12-05T17:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279173,"EventID":"S4O-01564","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":1893,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-28T13:17:48.533","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-26T12:19:54.103","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, in light of the reported 1.3% fall in sales in October 2012, whether it will reconsider the public health levy.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-13T13:17:48.547","MeetingDate":"2012-12-05T17:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279174,"EventID":"S4O-01566","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":5074,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":104,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-28T13:17:48.83","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-26T12:19:54.557","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask Scottish Government what its response is to the Scottish Enterprise report, Spends & Trends UKCS 2012-2016.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-13T13:17:48.843","MeetingDate":"2012-12-05T17:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279175,"EventID":"S4O-01567","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-28T13:17:49.157","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-26T12:19:54.773","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when the energy academy will begin its work.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-13T13:17:49.173","MeetingDate":"2012-12-05T17:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279176,"EventID":"S4O-01568","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":4956,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":106,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-28T13:17:49.547","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-26T12:19:55.07","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when it last met the City of Edinburgh Council to discuss the impact of PPP/PFI on its budget.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-13T13:17:49.563","MeetingDate":"2012-12-05T17:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279177,"EventID":"S4O-01569","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":5060,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-28T13:17:49.873","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-26T12:19:55.353","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much it plans to spend on economic development in Paisley. \r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-13T13:17:49.89","MeetingDate":"2012-12-05T17:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279178,"EventID":"S4O-01570","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":1759,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-28T13:17:50.153","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-28T09:40:34.273","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what support it is giving to the development of employment across all ages in rural areas.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-13T13:17:50.153","MeetingDate":"2012-12-05T17:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279179,"EventID":"S4O-01571","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":86,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-28T13:17:50.437","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-26T12:19:55.803","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what discussions it has had with Glasgow City Council concerning the local government finance settlement for 2013-14.\r\n","AnswerText":"I have not had any recent direct discussions with Glasgow City Council about the 2013-14 local government finance settlement but I wrote to the COSLA President, copied to all local authority leaders, on 20 September 2012 and announced the provisional allocations for next year to Parliament on 27 November 2012.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-13T13:17:50.467","MeetingDate":"2012-12-05T17:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279180,"EventID":"S4O-01572","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":2010,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":137,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-28T13:17:50.78","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-28T11:47:29.163","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the outstanding financial liability for all local authorities is of PPP/PFI contracts.\r\n","AnswerText":"The total contracted unitary charge payments in respect of all ongoing local authority PPP/PFI projects from 2013-14 onwards is estimated to be £13.4 billion.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-13T13:17:50.793","MeetingDate":"2012-12-05T17:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279181,"EventID":"S4O-01573","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":2610,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-28T13:17:51.123","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-27T13:27:32.377","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what recent discussions it has had with local authorities in Central Scotland regarding improving employment opportunities. \r\n","AnswerText":"Ministers regularly meet with local authorities across Scotland to discuss a range of issues including supporting economic growth. For example, amongst other meetings last month, the Minister for Planning and Local Government met with North Lanarkshire Council and also attended the annual conference of the Scottish Local Authorities Economic Development Group exploring the contribution local authorities make to growth and employment opportunities.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-13T13:17:51.123","MeetingDate":"2012-12-05T17:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279182,"EventID":"S4O-01574","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":3758,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":76,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-28T13:17:51.42","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-26T12:19:56.647","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what it considers the economic impact will be of the proposed merger between AG Barr and Britvic.","AnswerText":"Both A G Barr Plc and Britvic Plc provided details in a Joint Statement on 14 November 2012 on the terms of a recommended all share merger. That document suggests that the merger will create one of the leading soft drinks companies in Europe, which will be headquartered in Scotland. \r\nThe government will wish to work closely with any new merged company as it does currently with AG Barr.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-13T13:17:51.433","MeetingDate":"2012-12-05T17:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279183,"EventID":"S4O-01575","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-28T13:17:51.747","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-26T12:19:56.897","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether the business rates incentivisation scheme will allow a local authority to retain 50% of any additional non-domestic rates that it raises beyond a set annual target.\r\n","AnswerText":"The business rates incentivisation scheme allows local authorities to retain 50% of any additional non-domestic rates income over and above their agreed annual targets. The 2012-13 targets are currently subject to review and final agreement with COSLA.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-13T13:17:51.747","MeetingDate":"2012-12-05T17:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Derek Mackay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279184,"EventID":"S4O-01576","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1860,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-28T13:17:52.073","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-28T10:58:10.587","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many Scottish food and drink products have protected geographical indication status. \r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-13T13:17:52.09","MeetingDate":"2012-12-06T17:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279185,"EventID":"S4O-01577","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":3824,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-28T13:17:52.4","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-28T10:20:58.04","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what new responsibilities are outlined in the Water Resources (Scotland) Bill for Scottish Water relating to sewage treatment plants. \r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-13T13:17:52.417","MeetingDate":"2012-12-06T17:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279186,"EventID":"S4O-01578","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":3759,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":80,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-28T13:17:53.323","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-26T12:21:06.55","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what action it is taking in Lanarkshire to reduce crime.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-13T13:17:53.337","MeetingDate":"2012-12-06T17:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279187,"EventID":"S4O-01579","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":81,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-28T13:17:53.617","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-26T12:21:06.847","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many wards were closed and patients were affected by norovirus outbreaks in hospitals in November 2012.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-13T13:17:53.633","MeetingDate":"2012-12-06T17:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279188,"EventID":"S4O-01582","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":5109,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":101,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-28T13:17:53.947","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-28T11:24:16.587","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how the number of Lothian and Borders Police officers compares with the number in quarter one of 2007.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-13T13:17:53.96","MeetingDate":"2012-12-06T17:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279189,"EventID":"S4O-01583","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2033,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":132,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-28T13:17:54.227","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-26T12:21:07.813","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on the recent ISD Emergency Department Activity and Waiting Times report, which states that seven NHS boards did not meet the four-hour accident and emergency waiting times standard in any month between June and September 2012.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-13T13:17:54.243","MeetingDate":"2012-12-06T17:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279190,"EventID":"S4O-01584","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2059,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":91,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-28T13:17:54.54","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-26T12:21:08.047","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what action is being taken to monitor the fairness and transparency of pharmacy applications and appeals.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-13T13:17:54.553","MeetingDate":"2012-12-06T17:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279191,"EventID":"S4O-01585","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":3129,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":83,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-28T13:17:54.833","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-28T10:26:59.76","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when plans to collate and share best practice in relation to the local scrutiny of police and fire services will be available.\r\n","AnswerText":"Draft guidance on good scrutiny and engagement practice in relation to police and fire reform was published for consultation this morning.\r\nThe guidance has been developed in collaboration with key partners, including COSLA, and benefits from the experiences of 23 local authorities trialling the new arrangements all across Scotland.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-13T13:17:54.85","MeetingDate":"2012-12-06T17:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279204,"EventID":"S4W-11544","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5009,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-28T13:59:12.5","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-26T15:12:12.713","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government for each of the projects referred to in its news release of 9 March 2012, Shovel ready projects, which have (a) started, and what the source of the funding was, (b) been delayed because of a lack of suitable planning permissions, (c) been included in its news release of 25 November 2012, Swinney outlines further shovel-ready projects, and under what heading and (d) been removed from the list and for what reason.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government published a list of Shovel Ready projects requiring £302 million in March 2012 in advance of the 2012 UK Budget. The Shovel Ready list was then updated in November 2012 in advance of the UK Autumn Statement with projects requiring £820 million of capital funding.\r\nDespite capital allocations made available through the recent UK Autumn Statement (of £394.1m in total over three years), the Scottish Government’s real terms capital DEL budget will still decrease by 25.9% over the four years of the UK Spending Review from 2010-11 to 2014-15.\r\nThe information relating to the list of Shovel Ready projects published on 9 March 2012 that you request is contained in the following table. Some of these projects received funding via the £105 million stimulus announcement that the Scottish Government made in June 2012 to boost jobs and the economic recovery. By accelerating the programme of capital investment we were taking action where the UK Government was failing to\r\n\r\nProject Name\r\na)Project started and source of funding\r\nb)Project delayed because of a lack of suitable planning permission\r\nc)Project included in news release 25 November 2012 and sector heading\r\nd)Project removed from the list and reason\r\nUllapool Pier- Passenger access system, traffic management, new berthing dolphin and replacement linkspan\r\n£4m\r\nYes\r\nProject has proceeded to design & development stage with 75% funding from Transport Scotland.\r\nNo\r\nNo\r\nYes\r\nA limited option has been identified with Ullapool Harbour Trust.  Transport Scotland has re-prioritised this and this will now be funded through their current spending review budgets.\r\n\r\nGourock-Dunoon shore side infrastructure £2m\r\n\r\nNo\r\n\r\nNo\r\n\r\nYes\r\nTransport: Ferry port infrastructure\r\n\r\n\r\nNot applicable\r\nKennacraig Phase 2,\r\n£4m\r\nYes\r\nThe £105m capital funded package of economic stimulus for 2012-13 as announced 27 June 2012.\r\nNo\r\nNot applicable\r\nNot applicable\r\n\r\nA96 Threapland, £6m\r\n\r\nNo\r\n\r\nNo\r\n\r\nYes Transport\r\n\r\n\r\nNot applicable\r\n\r\nA68 Pathhead to Tynehead Junction, £6m\r\n\r\nNo\r\n\r\nNo\r\n\r\nYes Transport\r\n\r\n\r\nNot applicable\r\nA95 Lackgie, £4m\r\nNo\r\nNo\r\nYes Transport\r\n\r\nNot applicable\r\nA702 Candymill Bend and Edmonstone Brae, £4m\r\nNo\r\nNo\r\nYes Transport\r\nNot applicable\r\nA737 Head Street Roundabout, £1.5m\r\nNo\r\nNo\r\nNo\r\nYes\r\nTransport Scotland are re-visiting the benefits of this scheme.\r\n\r\nA876 Kincardine Bridge Refurbishment, £14m\r\nNo\r\nNo\r\nNo\r\nYes\r\n\r\nThis has been put on hold until after the completion of the new Forth Replacement Crossing.\r\n\r\nA75 Hardgrove to Kinmount, £10m\r\nYes The £105m capital funded package of economic stimulus for 2012-13 as announced 27 June 2012.\r\nNo\r\nNot applicable\r\nNot applicable\r\nM8 M73 M74 Motorway Improvements: Advance Public Utilities, £37.8m\r\nYes Funded from repayment of Business Stream loan.\r\nNo\r\nNot applicable\r\nNot applicable\r\nHealth Maintenance to ensure assets are safe, effective and person centred, £50m\r\nNo Only £15m could be funded by way of the £105m capital funded package of economic stimulus for 2012-13 as announced 27 June 2012.\r\nNot applicable\r\nYes  Health\r\nNot applicable\r\nAccelerating Schools for the Future – worth £30.8m\r\nYes Scotland’s Schools for the Future Programme will deliver 12 more schools than the 55 initially envisaged.\r\n£80 million was brought forward from future years in the Draft Budget 2013-14 to accelerate delivery of secondary schools in the third and final phase of the programme.\r\nNot applicable\r\nNot applicable\r\nNot applicable\r\nUniversity projects worth £35m including:  University of Glasgow - Centre for Virology Research; University of Dundee - Phases 2 and 3 - refurbishment of Duncan of Jordanstone; University of Abertay / Dundee College - Dundee Academy of Sport; University of Edinburgh - Centre for Humanities and Social Sciences.\r\nNo\r\nOnly £1.5m could be funded for West Highland College by way of the £105m capital funded package of economic stimulus for 2012-13 as announced 27 June 2012.\r\nNo\r\nCollege projects: targeted investment i","AnswerDate":"2012-12-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-13T13:59:12.58","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279205,"EventID":"S4W-11545","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5009,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-28T13:59:13.017","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-26T15:12:12.713","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide details of what schemes will be included in the (a) cycling infrastructure, (b) ferry port infrastructure, (c) canal infrastructure, (d) Highlands and Islands Enterprise economic development, (e) Scottish Enterprise economic development, (f) VisitScotland, investment in visitor infrastructure, (g) forestry, access, road infrastructure and buildings refurbishment, (h) national parks, developing the rural economy, (i) Scottish Court Service, estate improvement, essential maintenance and statutory compliance, (j) work to Historic Scotland’s estate, (k) National Museums of Scotland, maintenance, (l) Creative Scotland, grants programme, (m) college, targeted investment in priority estates, (n) national sporting facility and (o) community hub investment projects referred to in its news release of 25 November 2012, Swinney outlines further shovel-ready projects.\r\n","AnswerText":"Further details relating to these schemes are as follows:\t\r\n(a) Cycling infrastructure: \r\nInvestment in infrastructure that will extend safe cycling routes in different regions of Scotland and encourage active travel, tourism and commuting to school by bike.\r\n(b) Ferry port infrastructure: \r\nEssential port infrastructure improvements required to ensure the safe operation of the ferry services.\r\n(c) Canal infrastructure\r\nInvestment in a range of projects that will stimulate regeneration and improve tourism and the visitor experience across our canal network.\r\n(d) Highlands and Islands Enterprise economic development:\r\nVarious projects to provide infrastructure, services, access and support to business and communities that will provide economic development opportunities across the Highlands and Islands.\r\n(e) Scottish Enterprise economic development: \r\nVarious projects to provide infrastructure, services, access and support to business that will provide economic development opportunities across the country.\r\n(f) VisitScotland, investment in visitor infrastructure: \r\nInvestment in VisitScotland’s Glasgow Visitor Information Centre and the network of Visitor Information Centres across the country, which provide information to visitors and act as development hubs for the visitor economy in rural areas, towns and cities.\r\n(g) Forestry, access, road infrastructure and buildings refurbishment:\r\nA range of projects promoting access, through paths and road infrastructure, and refurbishment of key buildings.\r\n(h) National parks, developing the rural economy: \r\nA range of projects in the Cairngorms and Loch Lomond National Parks aimed at facilitating improvements to visitor infrastructure and buildings, and developing community projects.\r\n(i) Scottish Court Service, estate improvement, essential maintenance and statutory compliance: \r\nProjects focusing on essential estate maintenance and compliance, and estate improvements at Airdrie and Aberdeen, as well as civil court reform and carbon reduction.\r\n(j) Work to Historic Scotland’s estate:\r\nVarious conservation and repair works to Historic Scotland’s estate including investment in new visitor facilities.\r\n(k) National Museums of Scotland, maintenance:\r\nBacklog maintenance and energy improvement projects across the National Museums of Scotland estate.\r\n(l) Creative Scotland, grants programme:\r\nGrants programmes for improvements to local and regional culture and arts infrastructure across Scotland.\r\n(m) College, targeted investment in priority estates:\r\nProjects to develop those college estates currently in the poorest condition.\r\n(n) National sporting facility:\r\nThis commitment aims to support the delivery of facilities that play an important role in the player pathway and allow our top athletes to prepare for competing successfully on the international stage. These facilities build on existing provision and contribute to creating a lasting legacy from the 2014 Commonwealth Games.\r\n(o) Community hub investment projects:\r\nProjects to promote community access to sports and physical activities across Scotland.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-13T13:59:13.03","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279206,"EventID":"S4W-11557","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1759,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-28T13:59:13.61","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-27T10:24:27.987","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what plans it has to reduce carbon emissions caused by commercial vehicles.\r\n","AnswerText":"A wide range of Scottish Government transport policy initiatives are currently underway in line with the objectives set out in the Report on Proposals and Policies. The first report, published in March 2011, sets out the strategic approach to reaching the Scottish annual emissions abatement targets for the period 2010-2022. This work includes:\r\npromotion of fuel-efficient driving;\r\ndevelopment of new networks such as E-cosse to develop the strategic direction towards widespread uptake of electric vehicles, including vans; \r\nthe Scottish Green Bus Fund incentivises the purchase of low carbon vehicles by providing funding towards the price difference between said vehicles and its diesel equivalent; and \r\non-going work with the freight sector around modal shift including:\r\npartnership working with freight stakeholders on the Scottish Freight and Logistics Advisory Group;\r\nprovision of the Freight Best Practice Programme; and\r\nsupport for freight mode shift grants.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-13T13:59:13.623","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279207,"EventID":"S4W-11558","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1759,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-28T13:59:13.907","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-27T10:24:27.987","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it promote alternatives to road transport for commercial goods, to help reduce carbon emissions.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government works in partnership with freight stakeholders through the Scottish Freight and Logistics Advisory Group to address a range of issues, including carbon reduction. This includes subgroups considering climate change; and the movement of goods from road to rail.\r\nAdditionally the Scottish Government runs the web based Freight Best Practice Programme which has the aim of reducing the logistic sector’s carbon emissions. It provides a range of free material, including case studies on moving goods by rail or water.\r\nThe Scottish Government also operates four freight mode shift grant schemes, which encourage modal shift of freight from road to rail or water thereby reducing emissions.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-13T13:59:13.92","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279208,"EventID":"S4W-11559","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1759,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-28T13:59:14.17","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-27T10:24:27.987","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it factors commercial vehicle emissions into its carbon emissions targets.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Climate Change (Scotland) Act requires the Net Scottish Emissions Account to include emissions and sinks from all existing anthropogenic activity in Scotland, (together with a “Scottish share” of greenhouse gas emissions from international shipping and international aviation). The transport emissions total reported for Scotland in the Greenhouse Gas Inventories for England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, published annually by AEA, therefore includes an estimate of emissions arising from commercial vehicles. Changes to emissions from these vehicles thus affect Scotland’s performance against its emissions targets.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-13T13:59:14.187","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279209,"EventID":"S4W-11565","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-28T13:59:14.513","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-27T15:30:28.583","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how the NHS is delivering an integrated response to patients with both mental and physical healthcare needs.\r\n","AnswerText":"NHS Scotland ensures the delivery of integrated care and support in accordance with clinical guidelines and which meets the individually assessed needs of patients based on appropriate assessment and intervention tailored to achieve the best possible outcomes.\r\nThe recently published Mental Health Strategy highlights the poorer outcomes that people with co-occurring physical and mental health problems experience. We made a specific commitment to work with the Royal College of General Practitioners and other partners, to increase the number of people with long term conditions with co-occurring depression or anxiety who are receiving appropriate care and treatment for their mental illness. \r\nWe recognise that the recovery of people with more severe mental illnesses also benefits from access to services that support physical activity and social integration. A standardised assessment tool and a pathway for brief advice and brief intervention have been developed for use by primary care teams, to assess and improve levels of physical activity in the community. These tools and pathways are being integrated into existing Keep Well pathways.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-13T13:59:14.53","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279210,"EventID":"S4W-11566","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-28T13:59:15.09","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-27T15:30:28.583","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government which Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network (SIGN) guidelines recommend psychological input where appropriate for patients with long-term conditions.","AnswerText":"SIGN has published a range of evidence based clinical practice guidelines for NHS Scotland which is available on their website:\r\n(http://www.sign.ac.uk/index.html).\r\nPsychological input may be suitable for a number of conditions and where there is evidence to support this in the treatment of people with long-term conditions. Individual SIGN guidelines will make such recommendations where it is appropriate to do so.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-13T13:59:15.107","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279211,"EventID":"S4W-11567","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-28T13:59:15.637","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-27T15:30:28.583","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what is being done to help build mental health skills in primary care and other health service settings.","AnswerText":"NHS Education for Scotland (NES) leads workforce development, education and training for NHS Scotland in line with the Scottish Government’s quality strategy ambitions for the delivery of safe, effective and person-centred care for the people of Scotland.\r\nWe are working very closely with NES to deliver the government’s new mental health strategy and related ongoing programme of work to develop the skills and expertise of staff in mental health, primary care and other settings. Examples include:\r\nWork to support development of the mental health nursing workforce through development of competency frameworks and embedding recovery focussed practice;\r\nMajor programme of work to support the whole mental health workforce to increase access to psychological therapies and interventions; providing a range of multi-disciplinary staff with low to high intensity training across services such as addictions, forensic, general and older adults and trauma;\r\nTraining to enhance the skills and knowledge of staff in specialist children’s services to deliver psychosocial interventions for improving physical health;\r\nDelivery, with the Scottish Social Services Council, of the Promoting Excellence framework for improving the skills and knowledge of all health and social services staff working with people with dementia including through education and training, and creating infrastructures and partnerships to ensure sustainability.\r\nWe are also advancing commitments in the mental health strategy to:\r\nWork with the Royal College of GPs and Health and Social Care Alliance Scotland to increase local knowledge of social prescribing and self help opportunities, recognising primary care and particularly GPs have a key role to play in signposting people to such services;\r\nWork with NHS boards and partners to more effectively link work on alcohol and depression and other mental health problems to improve identification and treatment, with a particular focus on primary care;\r\nIdentify and better respond to trauma and distress in primary care settings.\r\nWe are also maintaining a focus on the former HEAT target that delivered our commitment to train 50% of all frontline, primary care, accident and emergency and substance misuse staff in suicide prevention awareness training. \r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-13T13:59:15.653","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279212,"EventID":"S4W-11568","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-28T13:59:16.15","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-27T15:30:28.583","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the unmet need is in terms of mental health patients.\r\n","AnswerText":"The indications are that clinicians in primary care in Scotland have been very effective in closing the treatment gap for patients with depression, but we recognise further work is needed in all settings to tackle this challenge. We will work with the Royal College of GPs and other partners to increase the number of people with long term conditions with a co-morbidity of depression or anxiety who are receiving appropriate care and treatment for their mental illness.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-13T13:59:16.167","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279213,"EventID":"S4W-11569","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-28T13:59:16.947","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-27T15:30:28.583","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what percentage of the population has a mental illness.","AnswerText":"Information on patients with a mental illness admitted as inpatient, and treatments at outpatient clinics is routinely collected by NHS Scotland, as are contacts with GP services.\r\nIt is generally acknowledged however that that a large number of people with for example conditions such as anxiety and depression will remain unrecognised and untreated. For this reason, it is not possible to state with any confidence the number of people in Scotland who have a mental illness.\r\nInformation about people’s own perception and experience of their mental health are included within the Scottish Health Survey publications which can be found at: http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Statistics/Browse/Health/scottish-health-survey/Publications#a1.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-13T13:59:16.947","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279214,"EventID":"S4W-11570","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-28T13:59:17.43","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-27T15:30:28.583","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what percentage of NHS expenditure is related to mental health.","AnswerText":"The percentage of NHS expenditure related to mental health for the period 2011-12 is shown in the following table:\r\nFinancial Year\r\nMental health expenditure1 (£000)\r\nNHS expenditure2 (£000)\r\nPercentage of NHS expenditure2 related to mental health\r\n2011-12\r\n877,034\r\n7,198,030\r\n12.18%\r\nNotes:\r\nMental health expenditure is recorded in the Costs Book (Report R340) within Hospital, Community and Resource Transfer data for the 14 geographic NHS boards, the State Hospital and the Golden Jubilee National Hospital.\r\nNHS expenditure is recorded in the Costs Book (Report R300) and has been restricted to Hospital, Community and Resource Transfer data to give a more accurate comparison against mental health expenditure. NHS expenditure is also restricted here to the 14 geographic NHS boards, the State Hospital and the Golden Jubilee National Hospital for the same reason.\r\nSource: ISD Scotland, Scottish Health Service Costs (Ref: IR2012-02113)\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-13T13:59:17.447","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279215,"EventID":"S4W-11571","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-28T13:59:17.93","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-27T15:30:28.583","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether patients with medically unexplained symptoms are routinely referred to mental health services.","AnswerText":"Referral to mental health services for those with medically unexplained symptoms will be on the basis of assessed needs, in consultation with the individual and where appropriate the family and other carers.\r\nHolistic multi-agency and multi-disciplinary assessment of need will inform a regularly reviewed individual care plan which sets out appropriate treatment and interventions and the roles and responsibilities of all individuals and agencies involved.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-13T13:59:17.947","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279216,"EventID":"S4W-11572","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-28T13:59:18.49","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-27T15:30:28.583","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the percentage success rate is of (a) psychiatric and (b) psychological treatment for patients with depression.","AnswerText":"Clinicians working with individuals will use outcome measures to help assess progress. However, this information is not held centrally.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-13T13:59:18.49","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279217,"EventID":"S4W-11573","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-28T13:59:19.367","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-27T15:30:28.583","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what is being done to ensure early (a) diagnosis of and (b) intervention for mental illness.","AnswerText":"Better recognition and treatment of mental illness has been a long-standing priority for the Scottish Government, with a focus on depression and dementia. In the Mental Health Strategy we highlight early detection of psychosis, and intervention for first episode psychosis which provides better outcomes for individuals. Early intervention teams provide the necessary support and treatment for those who have had a first episode of psychosis, and aim to reduce relapse and admission times, improving clinical and social outcomes such as employment, education and training.\r\nWe made a commitment to identifying the key components that need to be in place within mental health services, to enable early intervention services to respond to first episode psychosis, and encourage adoption of first episode psychosis teams where that is a sensible local decision.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-13T13:59:19.38","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279218,"EventID":"S4W-11574","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-28T13:59:20.363","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-27T15:30:28.583","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether mental health is a core component in the training of GPs.","AnswerText":"All GPs are trained to manage and treat people with mental illness as part of their core competencies and are supported by a range of multi-disciplinary professionals.\r\nThe GP curriculum places a great deal of importance on the continuous improvement of skills and patient centred practice to improve the recognition and effective management of people with mental illness.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-13T13:59:20.38","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279219,"EventID":"S4W-11575","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-28T13:59:21.22","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-27T15:30:28.583","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what is being done to raise awareness of mental health issues in all NHS boards.\r\n","AnswerText":"Raising awareness of mental health issues in all NHS boards will be achieved through delivery of the Scottish Government’s new “Mental Health Strategy which was published on 13 August 2012. This brings our mental health improvement work and work to improve mental health services together for the first time in a single strategy.\r\nWe will work closely with our partners, including the NHS, local authorities, the third sector and service users and carers to successfully deliver the strategy. To support this, we will put in place arrangements to co-ordinate, monitor and performance manage progress on the national commitments outlined in the strategy.\r\nThis will include continuation of the twice yearly performance reviews with each NHS board where local progress on delivering improvements is reviewed; providing on-going support for the use of continuous quality improvement approaches; and further development of the mental health bench-marking toolkit.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-13T13:59:21.237","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279220,"EventID":"S4W-11576","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-28T13:59:22.203","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-27T15:30:28.583","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many vacancies there are in each NHS board for (a) psychologists and (b) psychiatrists.\r\n","AnswerText":"The data for Psychologist vacancies is held in the public domain, and can be found on the NHS Education for Scotland – Information Services Division (ISD) Psychology Services Workforce Data webpage at:\r\nhttp://www.isdscotland.org/Health-Topics/Workforce/Publications/data-tables.asp?id=924#924.\r\nThe data for consultant psychiatrist vacancies is also in the public domain, on the ISD website and can be found at the link below to the consultants vacancies table:\r\nhttp://www.isdscotland.org/Health-Topics/Workforce/Publications/2012-11-27/Consultant_Vacancies_S2012.xls?8253986\r\nIt should be noted that this table only shows vacancy data for consultant psychiatrists. Information on vacancies for other psychiatrists is not collected centrally.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-13T13:59:22.22","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279221,"EventID":"S4W-11577","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-28T13:59:23.063","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-27T15:30:28.583","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-10769 by Michael Matheson on 13 November 2012, for what reason there was a 5.4% reduction in whole-time equivalent clinical staff employed in psychology services for people aged over 65 between 30 June 2011 and 30 June 2012.\r\n","AnswerText":"NHS boards work at all times to ensure good quality psychological care is delivered by qualified staff which meets the needs of individuals in their local areas.\r\nThe 5.4% reduction represents two whole time equivalent staff across all professional groups. Variations can occur in staffing levels across NHS board psychology services due to the differences in how these services are tailored to meet local need across Scotland, and normal fluctuations in the recruitment and retention of staff.\r\nThe Scottish Government is committed to delivering faster access to psychological therapies for those with mental illness and we have already seen improvements in service delivery through the on-going work of NHS Education Scotland to assess and develop workforce capacity to ensure a range of staff are equipped to deliver psychological therapies as part of their clinical practice.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-13T13:59:23.077","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279222,"EventID":"S4W-11585","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2066,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-28T13:59:23.92","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-27T16:26:26.627","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much it paid in subsidy on publicly-funded vehicle service on the Gourock-Dunoon ferry service in each of the last 10 years in which it was in operation.\r\n","AnswerText":"Subsidy paid by the Scottish Executive and Scottish Government in respect of the Gourock-Dunoon route to Caledonian MacBrayne Ltd from 2001 to 2007 and to Cowal Ferries Ltd from 2007 to 2011 was only provided for the transport of passengers.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-13T13:59:23.937","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279223,"EventID":"S4W-11586","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-28T13:59:24.577","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-28T09:42:52.213","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4F-00909 by Alex Salmond on 25 October 2012 (Official Report, c.12688), whether it will provide a breakdown by company of each of the 11,000 jobs \"employed directly in renewable energy across Scotland\".\r\n","AnswerText":"Information is not available in the format requested. I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-11359 on 6 December 2012, which provides a breakdown by sector of the estimated 11,136 jobs supported by the renewables industry and its supply chain in 2011-12. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-13T13:59:24.59","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279224,"EventID":"S4W-11587","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1841,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":120,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-28T13:59:24.92","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-28T10:28:27","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many people have been convicted for failing to pay a fine in the last five years.","AnswerText":"Sentencing is made independently of government and Scottish Government does not hold all the information requested relating to the enforcement of fines.\r\nThe Scottish Court Service is responsible for enforcing court fines, fiscal penalties and antisocial behaviour fixed penalty notices. Their fines enforcement officers have a range of sanctions available to them to ensure that offenders cannot avoid the penalty and are encouraged to make prompt payment. These sanctions include deduction from benefit, arrestment of earnings and bank accounts and seizure of vehicles. Where people are unable to pay, the court may impose a supervised attendance order or a custodial sentence as an alternative sanction. Imprisonment is only used as a last resort when all other options have been exhausted.\r\nInformation on enforcement action carried out by the Scottish Court Service, including the number of supervised attendance orders imposed, is available in the Scottish Court Service quarterly fines report:\r\nhttp://www.scotcourts.gov.uk/about-the-scottish-court-service/reports-data\r\nInformation on the number of prison receptions for fine default is available in Table A.15 of the Scottish Government Prison statistics and population projections Scotland statistical report:\r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2012/06/6972/21\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-13T13:59:24.933","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279225,"EventID":"S4W-11589","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1841,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":120,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-28T13:59:25.217","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-28T10:28:27","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many (a) men and (b) women convicted for failing to pay a fine have been given a custodial sentence in the last five years.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-11587 on 13 December 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-13T13:59:25.217","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279226,"EventID":"S4W-11591","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1841,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":120,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-28T13:59:25.543","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-28T10:28:27","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many people convicted for failing to pay a fine aged (a) under 21, (b) 21 to 35 and (c) over 35 have been given a custodial sentence in the last five years.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-11587 on 13 December 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at: \r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-13T13:59:25.557","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279227,"EventID":"S4W-11595","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":2,"MSPID":4948,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-28T14:02:55.483","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-28T11:53:53.073","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, following the introduction of the Energy Bill by the UK Government, what its position is in relation to the proposals for electricity market reform.\r\n","AnswerText":"The UK Government’s Electricity Market Reform (EMR) programme today reached an important milestone with the introduction of the UK Energy Bill into the UK Parliament. The UK coalition Government has also recently reached the agreement level of market support available for low carbon electricity investment which will be set at £7.6 billion in 2020. The Bill sets out a clear statutory role for Scottish Ministers in designing and delivering the key EMR mechanisms.\r\nThe EMR reforms are fundamental to the energy sector both in Scotland and the rest of the UK. Scottish Ministers are determined the EMR will maintain the considerable momentum in the energy sector industry in Scotland and provide confidence to developers and investors both in established energy companies and new market entrants in Scotland. We are also clear that the EMR must deliver targeted and effective support to the renewable energy and Carbon Capture and Storage technologies, where Scotland has unique natural resources and strong industry opportunity and capability. The EMR must be capable of replicating the effective and targeted support the Renewables Obligation (RO) delivers to accelerate development and deployment of renewable technologies both in Scotland and the rest of the UK.\r\nWe are working closely with the UK Government to deliver a coherent and seamless set of market reforms, with a robust and enduring role for Scottish Ministers. We will continue to do so to ensure the effectiveness of the EMR framework. Meanwhile, we intend to defer making a decision on whether, and to what extent, the RO Scotland should be closed to new renewable generation from 2017.\r\nWe are also now working with the UK Government in a range of other areas, including assessing barriers to deployment facing developers in the Western Isles, Shetland and the Orkneys and possible solutions to mitigate the impact of high transmission charging in each of the main Scottish island groups.\r\nThe full Scottish Government response to each of the provisions set out in the Bill is available on the Scottish Government’s website at the following link: \r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Business-Industry/Energy/Infrastructure/Grid-Connections/EMR-consultation-UK\r\nI have placed a copy of the documents in the Scottish Parliament’s Reference Centre (Bib number 54528).\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-13T14:02:55.497","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279228,"EventID":"S4W-11596","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":2,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":85,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-28T14:02:55.827","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-28T12:02:09","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what plans it has to introduce satellite tracking of offenders in Scotland.","AnswerText":"On 21 September 2012, the Scottish Government entered into a new electronic monitoring contract with G4S to provide electronic monitoring of offenders in Scotland from 1 April 2013. That contract will for the first time give the Scottish Government the capability to GPS track (satellite track) offenders.\r\nGPS tracking has considerable potential and we are keen to explore what it can offer to the justice system in Scotland. The Scottish Government intend to issue a consultation paper on the use of GPS by summer 2013.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-11-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-13T14:02:55.84","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279242,"EventID":"S4W-11427","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-28T17:38:27.623","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-22T10:06:16.593","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what information it has on whether the remit of the Health Research Authority of the NHS in the rest of the UK to improve the speed at which health research is approved will be beneficial to researchers in Scotland.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Health Research Authority (HRA) is a NHS organisation established as a Special Health Authority to protect and promote the interests of patients and the public in health research in England.\r\nScotland has a very efficient NHS research approval systems, and the Scottish Government's Chief Scientist Office is a member of the HRA Collaboration and Development Steering Group, that was established to lead on projects for improvement in the research journey.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-13T17:38:27.64","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279243,"EventID":"S4W-11428","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-28T17:38:27.983","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-22T10:06:16.593","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when it decided to merge Health Protection Scotland and the Information Services Division and what benefits it expects from this.\r\n","AnswerText":"This is not a matter for the Scottish Government. It is a decision for the board of NHS National Services Scotland (NSS). However, the proposed merger was discussed with the Minister for Public Health at the NSS Annual Review 2012.\r\nHealth Protection Scotland (HPS) and Information Services Division (ISD) have been part of the same organisation since their predecessors were brought together under the Common Services Agency (CSA) in 1974.\r\nThe CSA now operates as NHS National Services Scotland (NSS), which delivers a wide range of services to the rest of NHS Scotland. In line with national policy to reduce the number of senior managers in the NHS, NSS is proposing to reduce the number of senior managers within HPS and ISD, and bring them under one director.\r\nCustomers will continue to receive quality public health and information services. The changes will improve transparency and collaboration between the two areas and so offer customers a better service, especially in the area of public health information. NSS will also be better placed to anticipate and develop new services to help support Scotland’s health.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-13T17:38:28","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279244,"EventID":"S4W-11430","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-28T17:38:28.373","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-22T10:06:16.593","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many cases of NDM-1 infection reported since 2010 have not been associated with international travel.\r\n","AnswerText":"One case of NDM-1 with no obvious international travel history has been reported since 2010 (and since this organism emerged).\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-13T17:38:28.39","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279245,"EventID":"S4W-11431","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-28T17:38:28.733","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-22T10:06:16.593","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what guidance it has issued on NDM-1 infection and when.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-11253 on 28 November 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-13T17:38:28.747","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279246,"EventID":"S4W-11432","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-28T17:38:29.077","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-22T10:06:16.593","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what methodology the Scottish Medicines Consortium uses to factor modifiers into its appraisal process. \r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Medicines Consortium (SMC) has developed modifiers which allow greater flexibility in its decision making to allow consideration of additional factors in certain circumstances when the pharmaceutical company has submitted a robust case. These may allow the SMC to accept either more uncertainty in the health economic case or a higher cost per quality adjusted life year.\r\nFurther information on how these might apply in the SMC appraisal process is set out on the SMC website. A link is attached: \r\nhttp://www.scottishmedicines.org.uk/About_SMC/Policy_Statements/SMC_Modifiersused_in_Appraising_New_Medicines \r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-13T17:38:29.09","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279247,"EventID":"S4W-11433","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-28T17:38:29.403","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-22T10:06:16.593","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the terms of reference are of the Scottish Medicines Consortium's Patient and Public Involvement Group; who the group's members are, and what method was used to appoint them.\r\n","AnswerText":"The role of the SMC's Patient and Public Involvement Group are articulated on the SMC website. A link is attached:\r\nhttp://www.scottishmedicines.org.uk/Public_Involvement/Role_of_Patient_and_Public_Involvement_Group.\r\nThe current Patient and Public Involvement Group members are listed on the SMC website. A link is attached:\r\nhttp://www.scottishmedicines.org.uk/Public_Involvement/Who_We_Are.\r\nPatient and Public Involvement Group members are recruited from the general public and are normally appointed for three years. Further information on how to apply for vacancies are set out on the SMC website. A link is attached:\r\nhttp://www.scottishmedicines.org.uk/Public_Involvement/PAPIG/PAPIG_Recruitment.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-13T17:38:29.42","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279248,"EventID":"S4W-11435","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-28T17:38:29.73","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-22T10:06:16.593","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what methodology the Scottish Medicines Consortium uses to factor the views of (a) the Patient and Public Involvement Group and (b) patients' interest groups into its appraisal process.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Patient and Public Involvement Group (PAPIG) has three public partners who are members of the Scottish Medicines Consortium and contribute to the decision making. Where there are Patient Interest Group submissions for medicines under assessment, these are included in the meeting papers sent to all members and one of the public partners presents a summary of the Patient Interest Group submissions verbally to the committee at the monthly SMC meeting. Further information on these arrangements are set out on the SMC website. A link is attached:\r\nhttp://www.scottishmedicines.org.uk/Public_Involvement/SMC_Explained/Further_Reading.\r\nThe SMC website provides information on how patient interest groups can participate in the SMC appraisal arrangements. A link is attached:\r\nhttp://www.scottishmedicines.org.uk/Public_Involvement/Template_and_Guidance_Documents. \r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-13T17:38:29.747","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279249,"EventID":"S4W-11437","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-28T17:38:30.073","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-22T10:06:16.593","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what recent assessment it has made of equity of access to orphan medicines between each NHS board and the rest of the (a) UK and (b) EU.\r\n","AnswerText":"Orphan medicines which have been accepted for use by the Scottish Medicines Consortium (SMC) are available to prescribers within NHSScotland in accordance with clinical need.\r\nWhere the SMC have not accepted a medicine, NHS boards are not expected to make it routinely available.\r\nThe Scottish Government has not undertaken an assessment of equity of access to orphan medicines between each NHS Board and the rest of (a) UK and (b) EU.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-13T17:38:30.09","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279250,"EventID":"S4W-11438","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-28T17:38:30.4","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-22T10:06:16.593","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much the NHS has spent on (a) orphan, (b) branded medicines and (c) other medicines in each of the last five years. \r\n","AnswerText":"Figures relating to spend on orphan drugs can not be provided from data held centrally. The spend relating to branded and other medicines in each of the last five years can be found in the following table.\r\nFigures relate mainly to primary care prescribing and dispensing, although some items may have been prescribed in a hospital setting.\r\nTable 1: The Gross Ingredient Cost for branded and other medicines by financial year\r\nFinancial Year\r\nGross Ingredient Cost for branded medicines\r\n(£)\r\nGross Ingredient Cost for other medicines\r\n(£)\r\n2007-08\r\n655,571,686\r\n320,767,706\r\n2008-09\r\n679,948,596\r\n298,452,575\r\n2009-10\r\n679,010,792\r\n313,885,277\r\n2010-11\r\n688,802,382\r\n314,958,464\r\n2011-12\r\n688,372,203\r\n329,802,195\r\nSource: Prescribing Information System.\r\nFurther information on Prescribing can be found on the following ISD website:\r\nhttp://www.isdscotland.org/Health-Topics/Prescribing-and-Medicines/.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-13T17:38:30.417","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279251,"EventID":"S4W-11439","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-28T17:38:30.76","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-22T10:06:16.593","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what cost per quality-adjusted life year the Scottish Medicines Consortium considers acceptable.\r\n","AnswerText":"The SMC published a policy statement which clarified how it uses a tool called the Quality Adjusted Life Year (QALY) as part of its decision-making as to whether or not a medicine is value for money for the NHS in Scotland.\r\nThe QALY is not the only criteria for decision-making. QALYs are an important tool in assessing the benefits of a medicine but the decision on whether to accept a medicine for use is a wider judgment on its clinical and cost-effectiveness. A link to the statement on the SMC website is attached:\r\nhttp://www.scottishmedicines.org.uk/About_SMC/Policy_Statements/A_Guide_to_Quality_Adjusted_Life_Years.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-13T17:38:30.777","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279252,"EventID":"S4W-11440","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-28T17:38:31.087","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-22T10:06:16.593","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how NHS boards’ compliance with guidance on access to new medicines is monitored.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government monitoring of implementation of the Scottish Government guidance CEL 17 (2010) and subsequent related guidance published in 2011 and 2012 is on-going.\r\nThe recently announced New Medicines Review to assess the current systems for making new medicines available across NHSScotland will include a strand of work to look at every aspect of the introduction of new medicines from national advice through to local decision-making to establish whether any further improvements can be made.\r\nThe review also captures the need to assess NHS boards’ compliance with the current guidance in relation to the introduction and availability of newly licensed medicines.\r\nAny recommendations made as a result of the review will be considered early next year.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-13T17:38:31.103","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279253,"EventID":"S4W-11441","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-28T17:38:31.43","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-22T10:06:16.593","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether the Strategic Engagement Group referred to in Health and Wealth in Scotland: A Statement of Intent for Innovation in Health, has been established and what its terms of reference are.\r\n","AnswerText":"The remit of the Medicines Strategic Engagement Group is currently being considered in the context of the role and remit for the new Innovation Partnership Board which will meet for the first time on 17 December 2012.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-13T17:38:31.43","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279254,"EventID":"S4W-11442","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-28T17:38:31.76","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-22T10:06:16.593","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what discussions it had at (a) official and (b) ministerial level with the UK Government before it closed the (i) Glasgow Caledonian, (ii) Dundee and (iii) Stirling midwifery schools.\r\n","AnswerText":"Nursing and Midwifery Pre-Registration Education in Scotland is a devolved matter falling within the remit of the Scottish Government.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-13T17:38:31.773","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279255,"EventID":"S4W-11443","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-28T17:38:32.087","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-22T10:06:16.593","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what discussions it had at (a) official and (b) ministerial level with the UK Government before making the decision to reduce the nursing student intake in each of the last two years.\r\n","AnswerText":"Nursing and Midwifery pre-registration education in Scotland is a devolved matter falling within the remit of the Scottish Government.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-13T17:38:32.103","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279256,"EventID":"S4W-11444","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-28T17:38:32.477","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-22T10:06:16.593","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what risk assessment was carried out of the impact on each university school of nursing and midwifery before making the decision to (a) close the (i) Glasgow Caledonian, (ii) Dundee and (iii) Stirling midwifery schools and (b) reduce the nursing student intake in each of the last two years.\r\n","AnswerText":"Recommendations regarding the numbers of commissioned places for nursing and midwifery education and training are made by Scottish Ministers on an annual basis and aim to ensure that the right number of nursing and midwifery students are being trained for our NHS. The decision to move to three pre-registration education midwifery education providers aimed to ensure a sustainable national model of pre-registration midwifery education provision and to further develop centres of excellence with a strong research and post graduate presence.\r\nMechanisms were agreed with relevant Universities to manage the impact of changes in intakes to pre-registration nursing and midwifery programmes; and to enable the transition to three pre-registration midwifery education providers. The Universities not selected to provide pre-registration midwifery education programmes were able to recruit additional nursing students; additional funding was also provided to Universities to expand the provision of post-registration education for NHS board nurses and midwives.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-13T17:38:32.493","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279257,"EventID":"S4W-11445","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-28T17:38:32.897","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-22T10:06:16.593","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many students enrolling at each university nursing school in each of the last five years were from (a) Scotland, (b) the rest of the UK, (c) the rest of the EU and (d) non-EU countries.\r\n","AnswerText":"The numbers of students enrolling at each university nursing school in each of the last five years that were from (a) Scotland, (b) the rest of the UK, (c) the rest of the EU and (d) non-EU countries are detailed in the following tables:\r\n2007\r\nHEI\r\nCountry of Birth\r\nRest of EU\r\nNon-EU\r\nRest of UK\r\nScotland\r\nTotal\r\nNapier\r\n19\r\n23\r\n64\r\n366\r\n472\r\nGCU\r\n6\r\n15\r\n37\r\n411\r\n469\r\nRGU\r\n9\r\n11\r\n22\r\n231\r\n273\r\nDundee\r\n12\r\n8\r\n49\r\n402\r\n471\r\nStirling\r\n9\r\n14\r\n42\r\n269\r\n334\r\nUWS\r\n8\r\n14\r\n47\r\n778\r\n847\r\nTotal\r\n63\r\n85\r\n261\r\n2,457\r\n2,866\r\n2008\r\nHEI\r\nCountry of Birth\r\nRest of EU\r\nNon-EU\r\nRest of UK\r\nScotland\r\nTotal\r\nNapier\r\n18\r\n29\r\n56\r\n388\r\n491\r\nGCU\r\n5\r\n27\r\n28\r\n464\r\n524\r\nRGU\r\n1\r\n11\r\n27\r\n199\r\n238\r\nDundee\r\n7\r\n6\r\n40\r\n369\r\n422\r\nStirling\r\n4\r\n13\r\n33\r\n293\r\n343\r\nUWS\r\n5\r\n12\r\n64\r\n708\r\n789\r\nTotal\r\n40\r\n98\r\n248\r\n2,421\r\n2,807\r\n2009\r\nHEI\r\nCountry of Birth\r\nRest of EU\r\nNon-EU\r\nRest of UK\r\nScotland\r\nTotal\r\nNapier\r\n32\r\n28\r\n79\r\n421\r\n560\r\nGCU\r\n6\r\n27\r\n21\r\n508\r\n562\r\nRGU\r\n7\r\n10\r\n23\r\n222\r\n262\r\nDundee\r\n14\r\n14\r\n34\r\n368\r\n430\r\nStirling\r\n8\r\n21\r\n31\r\n308\r\n368\r\nUWS\r\n12\r\n16\r\n50\r\n709\r\n787\r\nTotal\r\n79\r\n116\r\n238\r\n2,536\r\n2,969\r\n\r\n2010\r\nHEI\r\nCountry of Birth\r\nRest of EU\r\nNon-EU\r\nRest of UK\r\nScotland\r\nTotal\r\nNapier\r\n35\r\n33\r\n78\r\n386\r\n532\r\nGCU\r\n14\r\n36\r\n29\r\n454\r\n533\r\nRGU\r\n18\r\n9\r\n24\r\n242\r\n293\r\nDundee\r\n19\r\n9\r\n45\r\n337\r\n410\r\nStirling\r\n15\r\n18\r\n12\r\n337\r\n382\r\nUWS\r\n13\r\n8\r\n6\r\n735\r\n762\r\nTotal\r\n114\r\n113\r\n194\r\n2,491\r\n2,912\r\n2011\r\nHEI\r\nCountry of Birth\r\nRest of EU\r\nNon-EU\r\nRest of UK\r\nScotland\r\nTotal\r\nNapier\r\n33\r\n43\r\n66\r\n359\r\n501\r\nGCU\r\n12\r\n21\r\n27\r\n376\r\n436\r\nRGU\r\n9\r\n9\r\n21\r\n235\r\n274\r\nDundee\r\n17\r\n15\r\n52\r\n294\r\n378\r\nStirling\r\n9\r\n19\r\n17\r\n256\r\n301\r\nUWS\r\n6\r\n10\r\n2\r\n654\r\n672\r\nTotal\r\n86\r\n117\r\n185\r\n2174\r\n2562\r\nSource: Data from NHS Education for Scotland.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-13T17:38:32.913","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279258,"EventID":"S4W-11446","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-28T17:38:33.35","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-22T10:06:16.593","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many students have enrolled at each university nursing school in each of the last five years and what the attrition rate has been.\r\n","AnswerText":"The total number of students enrolled at each of the university nursing schools in each of the last five years and the attrition rates for those cohorts completing in each of the last five years are as detailed in the following tables:\r\nEnrolled\r\nNapier\r\nGCU\r\nRGU\r\nDundee\r\nStirling\r\nUWS\r\n2007\r\n472\r\n469\r\n273\r\n471\r\n334\r\n847\r\n2008\r\n491\r\n524\r\n238\r\n422\r\n343\r\n789\r\n2009\r\n560\r\n562\r\n262\r\n430\r\n368\r\n787\r\n2010\r\n532\r\n533\r\n293\r\n410\r\n382\r\n762\r\n2011\r\n501\r\n436\r\n274\r\n378\r\n301\r\n672\r\n\r\nAttrition rate, year commencing\r\nNapier\r\nGCU\r\nRGU\r\nDundee\r\nStirling\r\nUWS\r\n2003\r\n30%\r\n22%\r\n38%\r\n34%\r\n26%\r\n26%\r\n2004\r\n29%\r\n23%\r\n40%\r\n38%\r\n28%\r\n26%\r\n2005\r\n28%\r\n25%\r\n39%\r\n37%\r\n34%\r\n30%\r\n2006\r\n30%\r\n25%\r\n38%\r\n30%\r\n40%\r\n29%\r\n2007\r\n29%\r\n25%\r\n34%\r\n38%\r\n25%\r\n37%\r\nSource: Data from NHS Education for Scotland.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-13T17:38:33.367","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279259,"EventID":"S4W-11448","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-28T17:38:33.77","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-22T10:06:16.593","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what assessment it has made of the impact on the recruitment of specialist nurses in (a) neonatal paediatrics and (b) other specialisms of the reduction in the nursing student intake in the last two years.\r\n","AnswerText":"Since 2009, there has been an increase in the number of qualified nurses graduating because more students than ever before are successfully completing their studies. The student intake is set every year to make sure we have the right number of nurses and midwives for the future.\r\nThe number of Clinical Nurse Specialists (CNS) has increased in recent years as detailed in the following table.\r\nSpecialist\r\n2009\r\n2012\r\nAll CNS\r\n1,460\r\n2,048\r\nNeonatal CNS\r\n6\r\n24\r\nPaediatrics CNS\r\n27\r\n45\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-13T17:38:33.787","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279260,"EventID":"S4W-11449","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-28T17:38:34.147","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-22T10:06:16.593","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many nurses have gone on to train as health visitors in each of the last five years.\r\n","AnswerText":"The number of nurses or midwives who completed the Specialist Community Public Health Nurse/Health Visiting course in each of the last five years is shown in the following table.\r\nYear\r\nCompletions\r\n2007\r\n67\r\n2008\r\n63\r\n2009\r\n43\r\n2010\r\n57\r\n2011\r\n61\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-13T17:38:34.16","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279261,"EventID":"S4W-11578","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-28T17:38:34.55","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-27T15:21:40","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many independent reviews such as that to examine the scientific case for a special area of conservation in the Sound of Barra have taken place in each year since 2007 and for what geographical areas.\r\n","AnswerText":"Tavish Scott (Shetland Islands) (Scottish Liberal Democrats): To ask the Scottish Government how many independent reviews such as that to examine the scientific case for a special area of conservation in the Sound of Barra have taken place in each year since 2007 and for what geographical areas.\r\n(S4W-11578)\r\nPaul Wheelhouse: There have been no independent reviews of this type before.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-13T17:38:34.567","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279262,"EventID":"S4W-11579","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-28T17:38:34.91","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-27T15:21:40","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the basis is of the independent review to examine the scientific case for a special area of conservation in the Sound of Barra and what the reason is for choosing this rather than other areas.\r\n","AnswerText":"The consultation produced a significant number of scientific objections and we saw value in reviewing the scientific evidence.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-13T17:38:34.927","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279263,"EventID":"S4W-11580","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-28T17:38:35.317","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-27T15:21:40","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what (a) non-governmental and (b) other organisations (i) have been and (ii) are involved in reviewing the scientific case for a special area of conservation in the Sound of Barra.","AnswerText":"Scottish Natural Heritage has an independent scientific committee which reviews any protected area proposals before they are submitted to Scottish Ministers.\r\nThose who responded to the public consultation also had the opportunity to review the scientific case. Details of the consultees and their responses are in the consultation report, which can be found at: http://www.snh.gov.uk/protecting-scotlands-nature/protected-areas/site-consultations/sound-of-barra/\r\nThe independent review is being undertaken by two well qualified marine scientists and they are also reviewing the scientific case.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-13T17:38:35.33","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279264,"EventID":"S4W-11581","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-28T17:38:35.69","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-27T15:21:40","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether the independent review to examine the scientific case for a special area of conservation in the Sound of Barra will reconsider any aspect of socioeconomic impact on the area or the non-science-based objections by members of the local communities.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Lappel Bank judgement of the European Court of Justice has made it clear that the designation decision must be based on the scientific evidence only. If designated, any future management will take full account of the social, economic, and cultural requirements.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-13T17:38:35.707","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279265,"EventID":"S4W-11582","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-28T17:38:36.063","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-27T15:21:40","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when the independent review to examine the scientific case for a special area of conservation in the Sound of Barra will be completed; when a decision will be taken on the designation, and what impact the independent review has had on the timescale.\r\n","AnswerText":"The independent review will be completed by the end of 2012 with a decision to be made as soon as possible after receipt. The decision to conduct an independent review will have delayed the decision on whether or not Sound of Barra will be designated as a SAC. However given the significant number of scientific objections it was felt that the delay could be justified so as to ensure that all stakeholders could have confidence in the decision being based on sound science.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-13T17:38:36.08","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279266,"EventID":"S4W-11583","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-28T17:38:36.393","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-27T15:21:40","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether the independent review to examine the scientific case for a special area of conservation (SAC) in the Sound of Barra will set a precedent for future SAC designations and what the reason is for its position on this matter.\r\n","AnswerText":"The merits of every proposal for a special area of conservation are considered on an individual basis. As part of that process the potential need for an independent review will be considered.\r\nI refer the member to the answer to question S4W-11584 on 11 December 2012 regarding the decision to use an independent review for Sound of Barra.\r\nAll answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-13T17:38:36.407","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279267,"EventID":"S4W-11584","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-28T17:38:36.737","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-27T15:21:40","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government for what reason the initial scientific case for a special area of conservation (SAC) in the Sound of Barra was not considered to be sufficient to make a decision on designation and whether there are plans to revisit any of the existing marine SAC designations to ensure that the same issues did not arise in relation to their scientific cases.","AnswerText":"Scottish Ministers considered the scientific case worthy of public consultation in August 2011. Having completed the consultation process, Scottish Natural Heritage has recommended the designation. However in light of the volume of scientific objections received, Scottish Ministers considered it appropriate to seek an independent view of the scientific evidence supporting the case for designation, before making their final decision. There are no plans to revisit any existing designations.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-13T17:38:36.737","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279268,"EventID":"S4W-11594","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5059,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-28T17:38:37.063","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-28T11:35:24.437","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many empty (a) council and (b) social houses there are, also broken down by local authority.\r\n","AnswerText":"The following table shows the number of local authority and registered social landlord (RSL) owned lettable dwellings which had been void for 6 months or more as at 31 March 2012.\r\nLocal Authority\r\n(a) Local Authority owned\r\nRSL\r\n(b) Total Social Sector\r\nScotland\r\n843\r\n592\r\n1,435\r\nAberdeen City\r\n15\r\n5\r\n20\r\nAberdeenshire\r\n5\r\n2\r\n7\r\nAngus\r\n49\r\n14\r\n63\r\nArgyll & Bute\r\nna\r\n36\r\n36\r\nClackmannanshire\r\n2\r\n1\r\n3\r\nDumfries & Galloway\r\nna\r\n2\r\n2\r\nDundee City\r\n40\r\n1\r\n41\r\nEast Ayrshire\r\n72\r\n4\r\n76\r\nEast Dunbartonshire\r\n4\r\n0\r\n4\r\nEast Lothian\r\n0\r\n1\r\n1\r\nEast Renfrewshire\r\n28\r\n2\r\n30\r\nEdinburgh, City of\r\n0\r\n7\r\n7\r\nEilean Siar\r\nna\r\n0\r\n0\r\nFalkirk\r\n30\r\n4\r\n34\r\nFife\r\n111\r\n4\r\n115\r\nGlasgow City\r\nna\r\n339\r\n339\r\nHighland\r\n3\r\n20\r\n23\r\nInverclyde\r\nna\r\n114\r\n114\r\nMidlothian\r\n1\r\n0\r\n1\r\nMoray\r\n0\r\n1\r\n1\r\nNorth Ayrshire\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\nNorth Lanarkshire\r\n4\r\n1\r\n5\r\nOrkney Islands\r\n3\r\n0\r\n3\r\nPerth & Kinross\r\n0\r\n4\r\n4\r\nRenfrewshire\r\n154\r\n2\r\n156\r\nScottish Borders\r\nna\r\n26\r\n26\r\nShetland Islands\r\n1\r\n0\r\n1\r\nSouth Ayrshire\r\n18\r\n0\r\n18\r\nSouth Lanarkshire\r\n19\r\n0\r\n19\r\nStirling\r\n8\r\n0\r\n8\r\nWest Dunbartonshire\r\n266\r\n1\r\n267\r\nWest Lothian\r\n10\r\n1\r\n11\r\nFollowing housing stock transfers there is no local authority housing stock in Argyll & Bute, Dumfries & Galloway, Eilean Siar, Glasgow City, Inverclyde or Scottish Borders.\r\nFigures for local authority owned voids include a number of dwellings which are identified as low demand. The RSL figures do not include these.\r\nSource: Local authority owned - Stock2 returns by local authorities to the Scottish Government, Communities Analytical Services (Housing Statistics). RSL owned - The Scottish Housing Regulator Registered Social Landlord Annual Performance and Statistical Return 2011-12\r\nThe table excludes unlettable dwellings, many of which are awaiting demolition or rehabilitation and so are not available for letting.\r\nThe figures used differ from the estimates of empty dwellings available from the council tax database which are used for council tax purposes. The council tax database was recently used to answer a similar question – S4W-10614 on \r\n15 November 2012 – as this asked for figures for all sectors (including the private sector). However the council tax database cannot provide a breakdown of council and social housing and so it has not been used in this case.\r\nThe data sources will differ. Empty properties identified in the council tax database are those which receive a discount as being classed as unoccupied. The properties identified in the table above are those which are identified as unoccupied for 6 months or more, and these may or may not be considered as empty homes for the purposes of council tax discount. \r\nAll answers to written Parliamentary Questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at;\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-13T17:38:37.077","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Burgess","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279269,"EventID":"S4W-11602","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5057,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-28T17:38:37.36","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-28T15:26:34.837","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many police support staff there were in (a) each police force, (b) the Scottish Crime and Drug Enforcement Agency and (c) the Scottish Police Services Authority on 30 September 2012.","AnswerText":"Police staff play a critical role in the success of Scottish policing, and supporting the delivery of crucial frontline services, and will continue to do so in the future. The number of police support staff that are full time equivalent (FTE) on 30 September 2012 are given in the following table. Operational decisions about levels of police support staff are a matter for chief constables, the SPSA and SCDEA.\r\nNumber of police support staff (FTE) on 30 September 2012\r\nPolice Authority\r\nNumber of FTE police support staff\r\nCentral\r\n308\r\nDumfries & Galloway\r\n222\r\nFife\r\n385\r\nGrampian\r\n634\r\nLothian & Borders\r\n1,038\r\nNorthern\r\n322\r\nStrathclyde\r\n2,325\r\nTayside\r\n464\r\nSPSA\r\n1,124\r\nSCDEA\r\n134\r\nScotland\r\n6,955\r\nNotes: \r\n1. Figures are expressed in terms of full-time equivalent (FTE) police support staff, rounded to the nearest whole number.\r\n2 Scotland totals may not equal the sum of the parts due to rounding.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-13T17:38:37.373","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279270,"EventID":"S4W-11597","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4086,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-29T14:17:55.393","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-28T15:23:30.523","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what consideration the Scottish Medicines Consortium has given to the introduction of Kalydeco as a treatment for cystic fibrosis.","AnswerText":"The SMC will publish advice on the clinical and cost-effectiveness of Ivacaftor (Kalydeco) on 14 January 2013. A link to the forthcoming submissions section of the SMC website is attached:\r\nhttp://www.scottishmedicines.org.uk/SMC_Advice/Forthcoming_Submissions/ivacaftor_Kalydeco \r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-14T14:17:55.75","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279271,"EventID":"S4W-11598","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4086,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-29T14:17:56.233","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-28T15:23:30.523","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what contact the Scottish Medicines Consortium has had with the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) concerning Kalydeco.","AnswerText":"Scotland has its own robust arrangements for appraising the clinical and cost-effectiveness of newly licensed medicines through SMC and Healthcare Improvement Scotland and therefore there is no requirement for the SMC to contact NICE concerning Ivacaftor (Kalydeco).\r\nThe SMC is scheduled to publish advice on the clinical and cost-effectiveness of Ivacaftor (Kalydeco) on 14 January 2013. NICE has not scheduled a single or multiple technology appraisal of this medicine.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-14T14:17:56.25","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279272,"EventID":"S4W-11599","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4086,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-29T14:17:56.5","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-28T15:23:30.523","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the benefits of Kalydeco are in the treatment of cystic fibrosis.","AnswerText":"Scotland has its own robust arrangements for appraising the clinical and cost-effectiveness of newly licensed medicines through the Scottish Medicines Consortium (SMC) and Healthcare Improvement Scotland. The processes of these organisations operate independently from the Scottish Government.\r\nThe SMC will publish advice on Ivacaftor (Kalydeco) on 14 January 2013. A link to the forthcoming submissions section of the SMC website is attached:\r\nhttp://www.scottishmedicines.org.uk/SMC_Advice/Forthcoming_Submissions/ivacaftor_Kalydeco \r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-14T14:17:56.513","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279273,"EventID":"S4W-11600","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4086,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-29T14:17:56.75","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-28T15:23:30.523","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on whether Kalydeco should be available for the treatment of cystic fibrosis.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government is committed to patients in Scotland receiving medicines of established cost-effectiveness and therapeutic value.\r\nScotland has its own robust arrangements for appraising the clinical and cost-effectiveness of newly licensed medicines through the Scottish Medicines Consortium (SMC) and Healthcare Improvement Scotland. The processes of these organisations operate independently from the Scottish Government.\r\nThe SMC will publish advice on Ivacaftor (Kalydeco) on 14 January 2013. A link to the forthcoming submissions section of the SMC website is attached:\r\nhttp://www.scottishmedicines.org.uk/SMC_Advice/Forthcoming_Submissions/ivacaftor_Kalydeco \r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-14T14:17:56.763","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279274,"EventID":"S4W-11601","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1866,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-29T14:17:57.013","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-28T15:18:26","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to John Swinney's statement on 28 November 2012 (Official Report, c. 14011), what assessment the cabinet secretary has made of the impact of early retirement, particularly among those on higher salaries, on the sustainability of public sector pension funds.\r\n","AnswerText":"Early retirement for most of the main schemes for which Scottish Ministers have a responsibility is cost neutral, with the cost being met by either individual scheme members through an actuarial reduced pension, or by scheme employers who pay the difference between the actuarial reduced pension and the level of accrued benefits.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-14T14:17:57.013","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279275,"EventID":"S4W-11603","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-29T14:17:57.31","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-29T08:39:04","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-11052 by Alex Neil on 22 November 2012, whether it will provide a breakdown by NHS board of the 10,300 outstanding equal pay claims.\r\n","AnswerText":"The number of outstanding equal pay claims is now 10,035, which are broken down by NHS board in the following table. It should be noted that at present the cases are being dealt with on a pan Scotland basis.\r\nHealth Board\r\nClaims\r\nNHS Ayrshire and Arran\r\n1,704\r\nNHS Borders\r\n16\r\nNHS Dumfries and Galloway\r\n197\r\nNHS Fife\r\n518\r\nNHS Forth Valley \r\n394\r\nNHS Grampian\r\n127\r\nNHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde \r\n4,140\r\nNHS Highland\r\n303\r\nNHS Lanarkshire\r\n816\r\nNHS Lothian\r\n1,632\r\nNHS Orkney\r\n1\r\nNHS Shetland\r\n2\r\nNHS Tayside\r\n117\r\nNHS Western Isles\r\n8\r\nNHS National Services Scotland\r\n21\r\nScottish Ambulance Service\r\n1\r\nState Hospital \r\n34\r\nTOTAL\r\n10,035\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-14T14:17:57.31","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279276,"EventID":"S4W-11604","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-29T14:17:57.78","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-29T08:39:04","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-11052 by Alex Neil on 22 November 2012, in which financial year it anticipates settling the 10,300 outstanding NHS pay claims.\r\n","AnswerText":"The position remains that claims still do not provide sufficient detail about the comparator jobs to allow an estimate to be made of the likelihood of the success of the claims or of any financial impact that they may have. Until such time as the claimants identify the comparator(s) upon whom they rely and the contract term which they say is unequal, no consideration can be given to settlement.\r\nThe NHS Scotland Central Legal Office and Equal Pay Unit are continuing to monitor the progress of all equal pay claims in NHS Scotland as well as developments relating to NHS equal pay claims elsewhere that may further inform the position. They continue to advise that it is not possible to provide any estimated settlement date at this stage because of the lack of information available.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-14T14:17:57.793","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279277,"EventID":"S4W-11605","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-29T14:17:58.263","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-29T08:39:04","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-11052 by Alex Neil on 22 November 2012, what developments it is awaiting relating to NHS equal pay claims elsewhere.","AnswerText":"As there are no further NHS ‘test’ cases being run in England, NHS Scotland is not awaiting any developments in other part of the United Kingdom. However as the Scottish legal system/Employment Tribunal Office will take account of any Employment Appeal Tribunal (EAT) decision in England, as an EAT decision is binding in the Scottish legal system, the Central Legal Office continue to monitor the position in other parts of the United Kingdom.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-14T14:17:58.263","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279278,"EventID":"S4W-11606","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4016,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":133,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-29T14:17:58.76","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-29T10:53:07.56","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much debt (a) is owed by each (i) police force and (ii) fire and rescue service and (b) will be transferred to the (i) Scottish Police Authority and (ii) Scottish Fire and Rescue Service in April 2013.","AnswerText":"The liability for the repayment of all debt outstanding at the transfer date will be met by the new bodies. The current level of funding for repayment of the debt will also transfer to the Scottish Police Authority and the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service.\r\nThe latest published information is for 2010-11, taken from the Scottish Government’s Capital Expenditure Report 2010-11, Annex D, Table D7. No values are available for Fife or Dumfries and Galloway whose police and fire debt and interest is included in the total council values. The following is the link to the publication:\r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Government/local-government/17999/LACapital/capitalmonitoring\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-14T14:17:58.777","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279279,"EventID":"S4W-11607","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4016,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":133,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-29T14:17:59.103","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-29T10:53:07.56","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much each (a) police force and (b) fire and rescue service spent on interest due on any outstanding debt in 2011-12.","AnswerText":"The latest published information is for 2010-11, taken from the Scottish Government’s Capital Expenditure Report 2010-11, Annex C, Tables C5 and C6. No values are available for Fife Council nor Dumfries and Galloway Council whose police and fire debt and interest is included in the total council values.\r\nThe following is the link to the publication:\r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Government/local-government/17999/LACapital/capitalmonitoring\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-14T14:17:59.12","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279280,"EventID":"S4W-11608","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-29T14:17:59.417","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-29T11:45:55.77","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether a private landowner is obligated by law to remove giant hogweed.","AnswerText":"There is no general legal obligation on land owners or occupiers to remove giant hogweed.\r\nIn certain circumstances it is possible to require specific land owners or occupiers to take action. Scottish Ministers, the Scottish Environment Protection Agency, Scottish Natural Heritage and Forestry Commissioners can create Species Control Orders using powers contained in the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, if a voluntary approach to controlling invasive non-native species has failed. Such an order could require a land owner or occupier to remove giant hogweed, although the powers have not yet been used.\r\nAlternatively, local authorities can use powers contained in the Town and Country Planning (Scotland) Act 1997 to address circumstances where they consider the condition of a piece of land adversely affects local amenity. In addition local authorities can use powers contained in the Environmental Protection Act 1990 to require action where they consider the state of premises to be prejudicial to health.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-14T14:17:59.433","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279281,"EventID":"S4W-11609","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3806,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-29T14:17:59.73","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-29T12:43:19.253","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what plans it has to make insulin pump therapy mandatory in the curriculum for specialist (a) nurses and (b) registrars.\r\n","AnswerText":"The content of the nursing and postgraduate medical training curricula is the responsibility of the relevant Royal Colleges, and it is for these bodies to keep curricula under regular review to ensure these remain relevant and appropriate for the safe and effective training and development of practitioners in training.\r\nCurrent curricula already encompasses the knowledge and skills needed to be able to begin to assess and initiate management of patients presenting with diabetes-related conditions, and the principles of diabetes management, including commonly used insulin regimens and therapy.\r\nIn support of our ambition to deliver world class diabetes care, we have set NHS Scotland boards clear targets to ensure people living with type 1 diabetes get appropriate access to insulin pump therapy, and are monitoring progress regularly. As part of co-ordinated action, a national insulin pump study day for NHS Scotland staff has been scheduled for spring 2013.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-14T14:17:59.743","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279282,"EventID":"S4W-11610","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3806,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-29T14:18:00.133","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-29T12:43:19.253","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what discussions it has had with NHS boards to place insulin pumps and consumables on the Drug Tariff.\r\n","AnswerText":"A Short Life Working Group, consisting of key representatives from Health boards, Information Services Division, and Scottish Government, was established in January 2012 to investigate the implications of introducing both insulin pumps and consumables onto the Drug Tariff.\r\nAs £2.5 million of funding was secured to increase insulin pump provision in March 2012, it was agreed that this work stream be re-visited at a later date. This was to allow the CEL 04 (2012) to embed into the service. This would also allow more accurate information to be collected to consider the impact on services of placing insulin pumps and the associated consumables on the Drug Tariff. It is anticipated this further work will commence in April 2013.\r\nPlacing insulin pumps and consumables onto the Drug Tariff is one of two options to assist NHS boards in meeting the costs of insulin pump therapy to boards. The other avenue being investigated is reviewing the NHS Scotland contract for insulin pumps. A meeting has been set for 13 December 2012 with national procurement colleagues to explore this possibility further.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-14T14:18:00.15","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279283,"EventID":"S4W-11626","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5034,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-29T14:18:00.477","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-29T13:00:20","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government who owns the property occupied by the Scottish Legal Aid Board in Drumsheugh Gardens, Edinburgh.\r\n","AnswerText":"The owners of the property occupied by the Scottish Legal Aid Board in Drumsheugh Gardens, Edinburgh is Emlick and Mitchell LLP, 41 Charlotte Square, Edinburgh, EH2 4HQ.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-14T14:18:00.493","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279296,"EventID":"S4W-11627","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4947,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-29T16:54:49.313","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-29T14:06:20.397","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much the (a) Chief Constable of the Scottish Police Service and (b) Chair of the Scottish Police Authority have spent on legal advice in relation to their roles and responsibilities under the new national police service.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government does not hold this information. This is a matter for the Chief Constable of the Police Service of Scotland and the Chair of the Scottish Police Authority.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-14T16:54:49.483","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279297,"EventID":"S4W-11628","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4947,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-29T16:54:49.797","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-29T14:07:01.897","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether the (a) Chief Constable of the Police Service of Scotland and (b) Chair of the Scottish Police Authority consulted ministers or officials prior to seeking legal advice in relation to their role and responsibilities under the new national police service.\r\n","AnswerText":"No.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-14T16:54:49.813","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279298,"EventID":"S4W-11629","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4947,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-29T16:54:50.11","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-29T14:07:01.897","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether ministers or officials authorised the (a) Chief Constable of the Police Service of Scotland and (b) Chair of the Scottish Police Authority to seek legal advice in relation to their roles and responsibilities under the new national police service and, if so, what guidance was given on who could be consulted and the costs that could be incurred.","AnswerText":"No.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-14T16:54:50.123","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279299,"EventID":"S4W-11630","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4947,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-29T16:54:50.373","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-29T14:07:01.897","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much public money the (a) Chief Constable of the Police Service of Scotland and (b) Chair of the Scottish Police Authority has been spent seeking legal advice in relation to their roles and responsibilities under the new Scottish Police Service.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government does not hold this information. This is a matter for the Chief Constable of the Police Service of Scotland and the Chair of the Scottish Police Authority.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-14T16:54:50.39","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279300,"EventID":"S4W-11631","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4947,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-11-29T16:54:50.623","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-29T14:07:01.897","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what steps it will take to ensure that senior public officials are provided with sufficient information about their job role and responsibilities to obviate the need to seek legal advice at public expense on such matters.","AnswerText":"The statutory responsibilities of public bodies are set out in their founding legislation. The application pack for public appointments for senior public sector posts includes information on the background and functions of the public body and the skills, knowledge and experience required for the role being advertised. All public appointees are provided with induction which covers their roles and responsibilities. All public bodies are required to agree a framework document which, amongst other things, sets out the respective roles and responsibilities of the Chair, the Chief Executive and the Scottish Government.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-14T16:54:50.64","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279312,"EventID":"S4W-10720","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-03T14:21:42.283","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-30T16:32:32.127","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the change in funding for each university nursing department (a) is in 2012-13 and (b) will be in 2013-14 as a result of the reduction in the student nursing intake in 2010-11 and 2011-12 and how many redundancies each institution expects.\r\n","AnswerText":"The funding for each nursing school for 2011-12 and 2012-13 is detailed below for comparison. As the intakes for 2013-14 have yet to be decided there are no figures for that academic year.\r\nYear\r\nInstitution\r\nTotal funding\r\n2011-12\r\nDundee\r\n7,526,720\r\n\r\nEdinburgh Napier\r\n10,877,280\r\n\r\nGlasgow Caledonian\r\n9,687,040\r\n\r\nRobert Gordon\r\n5,332,000\r\n\r\nStirling\r\n6,749,280\r\n\r\nWest of Scotland\r\n15,170,400\r\nTotal\r\n\r\n£55,342,720\r\n2012-13\r\nDundee\r\n7,736,256\r\n\r\nEdinburgh Napier\r\n11,179,476\r\n\r\nGlasgow Caledonian\r\n9,970,686\r\n\r\nRobert Gordon\r\n5,487,174\r\n\r\nStirling\r\n6,923,070\r\n\r\nWest of Scotland\r\n15,655,662\r\nTotal\r\n\r\n£56,952,324\r\nData from the Scottish Funding Council \r\n\r\nUniversities are independent bodies and they manage their own resources, including their staffing requirements for future academic years.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-17T14:21:42.313","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279313,"EventID":"S4W-10722","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-03T14:21:42.673","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-30T16:32:32.127","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many posts were lost following the closure of the (a) Glasgow Caledonian, (b) Dundee and (c) Stirling midwifery schools.\r\n","AnswerText":"Glasgow Caledonian, Dundee and Stirling Universities have advised that there have been no posts lost as a result of them no longer accepting students onto their pre-registration midwifery programmes.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-17T14:21:42.69","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279314,"EventID":"S4W-10723","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-03T14:21:43.017","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-30T16:32:32.127","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, in light of the planned reduction in NHS FYO1 posts, what reductions there will be in the intake of (a) students from Scotland, (b) non fee-paying students, (c) fee-paying students from the rest of the UK and (d) students from outwith the EU in each of the next three years.\r\n","AnswerText":"There is no planned reduction in NHS FY01 posts.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-17T14:21:43.033","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279315,"EventID":"S4W-10724","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-03T14:21:43.36","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-10-30T16:32:32.127","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what information has been provided to medical school students regarding the planned reductions in training posts at FY01, FY02 and ST grades.\r\n","AnswerText":"There is no planned reduction in NHS FY01 or FY02 posts. However, a fundamental part of the Reshaping the Medical Workforce Project, is consideration of the number of specialty trainee posts available each year. This consideration has, over the last four years, resulted in a reduction of over 200 places on the training establishment in Scotland aimed at helping Scotland’s move from a service delivered by trainee doctors to a service delivered predominantly by trained doctors.\r\nIn relation to the provision of information to medical school students, the Scottish Medical Training website is the official website for the application and recruitment process for foundation and specialty training in Scotland and is maintained by NHS Education for Scotland, the body responsible for the commissioning, delivery and quality management of postgraduate medical education in Scotland. The website contains a wealth of information for those interested in undertaking post-graduate medical training in Scotland, including information about the training posts available. Vacancy information in respect of next year’s specialty training is available at:\r\nhttp://www.scotmt.scot.nhs.uk/applying-to-specialty-training-(hospital).aspx .\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-17T14:21:43.377","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279316,"EventID":"S4W-11611","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-03T14:21:43.687","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-29T13:03:04.037","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what information it has on any third sector organisations receiving Scottish Government funding that would need to know before 31 December 2012 whether the funding will be renewed or extended beyond 31 March 2013 so as not to have to issue three-month redundancy notices to staff supported by such funding.\r\n","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally. \r\nThe Scottish Government supports the third sector to play a full role in meeting the Scottish Government’s purpose and also to make an important contribution to public service reform.\r\nA variety of funding approaches are taken and although the three year funding approach is most common, short term funding also has an important role to play in terms of encouraging innovation. All funding, however, is time limited and subject to the ongoing achievement of outcomes.\r\nThe environment is fast changing and there needs to be flexibility to focus funding appropriately. Wherever possible, the Scottish Government will notify the outcome of funding applications well in advance of the start of the funding year, preferably giving at least three months notice.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-17T14:21:43.703","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279317,"EventID":"S4W-11612","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-03T14:21:44.047","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-29T13:03:04.037","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what risk assessment it has made of the effect on recruitment for third sector organisations receiving Scottish Government funding that will cease in under six months.","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally. Such a risk assessment would normally be for the relevant organisations to undertake. Business support for third sector organisations is available through the local Third Sector Interfaces and Just Enterprise.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-17T14:21:44.063","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279318,"EventID":"S4W-11613","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-03T14:21:44.373","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-29T13:03:04.037","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government (a) how many and (b) what third sector organisations have been given less than 13 weeks' notice of the renewal, extension or cessation of funding in each of the last four years.\r\n","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally.\r\nI refer the member to the answer to question S4W-11611 on 13 December 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-17T14:21:44.39","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279319,"EventID":"S4W-11614","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-03T14:21:44.717","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-29T13:03:04.037","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it has considered ensuring that third sector organisations are never given less than six months' notice of the cessation of any Scottish Government funding that they are receiving.","AnswerText":"We will always endeavour to give as much notice as is practicable, but there are no plans to extend notice of cessation of funding to six months in every case.\r\nI refer the member to the answer to question S4W-11611 on 13 December 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-17T14:21:44.733","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279320,"EventID":"S4W-11615","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-03T14:21:45.06","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-29T13:05:29.427","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what progress has been made in achieving the five recommendations on forensic paediatric services in respect of (a) child sexual abuse and (b) child physical abuse and neglect that are contained in the report, Forensic Paediatrics: A Report by the Short Life Working Group.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Report on Forensic Paediatrics in Scotland was published on \r\n21 November 2012. The recommendations contained in the report will be progressed within the Scottish Government work programme to improve the consistency of healthcare and forensic medical services in Scotland. This will include oversight and co-ordination arrangements, the development and implementation of proposals for a national approach to address possible future developments of the service, and oversight of the Forensic Paediatrics in Scotland Report.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-17T14:21:45.077","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279321,"EventID":"S4W-11617","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-03T14:21:45.403","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-29T13:05:29.427","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what progress has been made in achieving the recommendations on forensic paediatric services in respect of (a) workforce sustainability training, (b) training and skills of (i) paediatricians and (ii) forensic physicians and (c) governance, data collection and activity that are contained in the report, Forensic Paediatrics: A Report by the Short Life Working Group.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-11615 on 13 December 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-17T14:21:45.403","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279322,"EventID":"S4W-11618","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-03T14:21:45.747","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-29T13:05:29.427","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many doctors in forensic paediatrics at levels (a) ST6, (b) ST7 and (c) ST8 there (a) were in 2010-11 and (b) are currently.\r\n","AnswerText":"The specific information requested is not available centrally.\r\nFurthermore, “forensic paediatrics” is not a recognised sub-specialty training programme within the current educational training programme. Those wishing to specialise in forensic paediatrics will usually train in community child health, which includes training in child protection and which may include an element of specialist training in forensic paediatrics. Others will train in general paediatrics.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-17T14:21:45.747","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279323,"EventID":"S4W-11619","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-03T14:21:46.073","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-29T13:05:29.427","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many forensic paediatric specialist doctors are expected to retire in the next five years, broken down by year.\r\n","AnswerText":"This is a matter for individual Health boards. The information is not held centrally.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-17T14:21:46.09","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279324,"EventID":"S4W-11624","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-03T14:21:46.417","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-29T13:05:57.66","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-10963 by Alex Neil on 29 November 2012, how many patients have been affected by the use of (a) off licence and (b) unlicensed prescription medicines by the NHS in the last two years for which information is available.\r\n","AnswerText":"As stated in my answer to question S4W-10963, medicine safety issues are subject matters of the Human Medicines Regulations 2012 and are currently reserved issues.\r\nThe Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency which is the UK government agency responsible for the regulation of medicinal products and medical devices, does collect information on adverse drug reactions, including those relating to off licence use, via their yellow card reporting system.\r\nHowever, the system does not distinguish whether or not the medicine has been used on an unlicensed or off-label basis. Likewise, the NHS Information centre also has a system for collecting data, in their case from hospital admissions/episodes, and their system also does not distinguish between licensed and non-licensed use. Further information on the yellow card scheme is available at:\r\nhttps://yellowcard.mhra.gov.uk.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-17T14:21:46.433","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279325,"EventID":"S4W-11625","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-03T14:21:46.76","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-29T13:05:57.66","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-10963 by Alex Neil on 29 November 2012,  what steps the Patient Safety Programme is taking to examine any adverse effects of the (a) off licence and (b) unlicensed use of prescription medicines by the NHS.\r\n","AnswerText":"As stated in my answer to question S4W-10963, medicine safety issues are subject matters of the Human Medicines Regulations 2012 and are currently reserved issues. The Scottish Patient Safety Programme has no plans to examine any adverse effects of the (a) off licence and (b) unlicensed use of prescription medicines by the NHS.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-17T14:21:46.777","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279326,"EventID":"S4W-11632","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2678,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-03T14:21:47.12","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-29T16:17:55.99","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it considers that Schedule 8 of the Public Services Reform (Scotland) Act 2010 should be amended to include local authorities.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government does not propose to amend the Public Services Reform (Scotland) Act 2010 in this way.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-17T14:21:47.137","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279327,"EventID":"S4W-11633","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1866,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-03T14:21:49.337","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-03T09:02:14.903","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it will address the change from disability living allowance to personal independence payments for holders of concessionary bus passes.\r\n","AnswerText":"We are working with the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) to ensure that appropriate passporting links between Personal Independence Payment (PIP) and eligibility for concessionary travel, under the national concessionary travel scheme for older and disabled people, can be established. We are awaiting further statistical information and final PIP assessment criteria from DWP before decisions can be made about new arrangements. We expect to receive this information later in December.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-17T14:21:49.35","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279328,"EventID":"S4W-11634","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-03T14:21:49.693","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-03T09:04:58.243","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many students aged (a) 16 to 19 and (b) 20 to 25 were enrolled in colleges in (i) Aberdeen and (ii) Aberdeenshire in each of the last five years.\r\n","AnswerText":"The latest data on students in colleges in Scotland is Scottish Funding Council data for 2010-11.\r\nStudents (FTEs) enrolled in colleges in Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire by age\r\nColleges\r\nAge\r\n2006-07\r\n2007-08\r\n2008-09\r\n2009-10\r\n2010-11\r\nAberdeen College                                  \r\n \r\n \r\n16-19\r\n3,850\r\n3,880\r\n3,995\r\n3,960\r\n3,895\r\n20-25\r\n1,765\r\n1,745\r\n1,695\r\n1,700\r\n1,840\r\nTotal 16-25\r\n5,615\r\n5,625\r\n5,690\r\n5,660\r\n5,740\r\nBanff and Buchan College of Further Education     \r\n \r\n16-19\r\n1,020\r\n1,025\r\n1,080\r\n1,045\r\n1,075\r\n20-25\r\n260\r\n285\r\n305\r\n350\r\n340\r\nTotal 16-25\r\n1,280\r\n1,310\r\n1,385\r\n1,395\r\n1,415\r\nAberdeen and Aberdeenshire students\r\n \r\n16-19\r\n4,870\r\n4,905\r\n5,070\r\n5,005\r\n4,970\r\n20-25\r\n2,025\r\n2,030\r\n2,000\r\n2,050\r\n2,185\r\nTotal 16-25\r\n6,895\r\n6,940\r\n7,075\r\n7,055\r\n7,155\r\nSource: Scottish Funding Council.\r\nFTEs = Full-time equivalents.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-17T14:21:49.71","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279329,"EventID":"S4W-11636","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-03T14:21:50.02","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-03T09:04:58.243","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much has been spent per head of population on large road projects in the north east compared with the national average in each of the last five years.","AnswerText":"Since 2007 this government has invested over £2.5 billion to maintain and improve the trunk road network. During that time over £743 million has been invested in trunk roads in the North East which has enabled the delivery of schemes such as the A96 Fochabers to Mosstodloch Bypass which has reduced congestion, enhanced safety and improved journey times. Information which sets out annual trunk road spend per head of population is not held centrally.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-17T14:21:50.053","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279330,"EventID":"S4W-11637","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1845,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-03T14:21:50.397","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-03T09:11:06.847","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many cleaning staff have been directly employed by the NHS in each year since 1999, broken down by NHS board.\r\n","AnswerText":"The tables and links show the numbers of cleaning staff directly employed by NHS boards from 1996 to 2012 both in relation to whole time equivalent (WTE) and headcount.\r\nThe tables are available from the Scottish Parliament Information Centre (SPICe) \r\n(Bib. Number 54580). Tables 1 and 2 of that data provide staffing numbers as at \r\n30 September from 2007 to 2012. These figures include domestic supervisors and domestic managers. WTE data for the years 2007 to 2012 are presented in Table 1, and headcount data for the years 2007 to 2012 are presented in Table 2.\r\nSome care should be taken in comparing pre and post 2007 data. The published NHS Scotland Workforce Information changed during January 2008 (presenting data at 30 September 2007) to reflect the introduction of Agenda for Change (AfC) a new pay, terms and conditions package covering all non medical and dental staff in NHS Scotland. Assimilating staff on to this new system did involve re-classification of many staff, and for this reason the statistics pre and post 2007 are not comparable.\r\nThe links below provide data on staffing numbers as at 30 September from 1996 to 2006. WTE data for the years 1996 to 2006 are presented in the first link and headcount data for the years 1996 to 2006 are presented in the second link:\r\nhttp://www.isdscotland.org/Health-Topics/Workforce/Historic-Data/WFG01_HB_REG.xls\r\nhttp://www.isdscotland.org/Health-Topics/Workforce/Historic-Data/WFG02_HB_REG.xls\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-17T14:21:50.41","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279331,"EventID":"S4W-11638","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1845,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-03T14:21:50.723","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-03T09:11:06.847","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what information it has on how many veterans have received priority NHS treatment in each year since 2007.\r\n","AnswerText":"Data on the number of veterans receiving priority treatment are not routinely collected or held by the Scottish Government. We continue to work closely with NHS Scotland and other health service providers to ensure our priority treatment commitment for Armed Forces veterans with health conditions related to their service is delivered.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-17T14:21:50.74","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279332,"EventID":"S4W-11639","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1845,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-03T14:21:51.037","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-03T09:11:06.847","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many care home places have been available in each year since 2007, broken down by NHS board.\r\n","AnswerText":"The following table shows the number of care home places available in each NHS board at 31 March each year:\r\nTable: Care Homes Places at 31st March, by NHS Board, 2007 - 2012\r\nNHS Board\r\n2007\r\n2008\r\n2009\r\n2010\r\n2011\r\n2012\r\nAyrshire & Arran\r\n3,007\r\n3,180\r\n3,169\r\n3,366\r\n3,377\r\n3,457\r\nBorders\r\n964\r\n886\r\n895\r\n875\r\n874\r\n870\r\nDumfries & Galloway\r\n1,296\r\n1,337\r\n1,329\r\n1,379\r\n1,277\r\n1,288\r\nFife\r\n2,742\r\n2,826\r\n2,890\r\n3,013\r\n2,974\r\n2,988\r\nForth Valley\r\n2,145\r\n2,202\r\n2,216\r\n2,281\r\n2,229\r\n2,269\r\nGrampian\r\n4,816\r\n4,900\r\n5,037\r\n4,906\r\n4,732\r\n4,735\r\nGreater Glasgow & Clyde\r\n9,666\r\n9,661\r\n9,767\r\n9,925\r\n9,819\r\n9,852\r\nHighland\r\n3,120\r\n3,029\r\n3,020\r\n2,893\r\n2,868\r\n2,824\r\nLanarkshire\r\n4,560\r\n4,684\r\n4,643\r\n4,731\r\n4,349\r\n4,273\r\nLothian\r\n5,774\r\n5,725\r\n5,803\r\n5,804\r\n5,687\r\n5,576\r\nOrkney\r\n138\r\n137\r\n138\r\n140\r\n133\r\n117\r\nShetland\r\n158\r\n153\r\n153\r\n154\r\n171\r\n171\r\nTayside\r\n4,032\r\n4,103\r\n4,121\r\n4,193\r\n4,101\r\n4,168\r\nWestern Isles\r\n235\r\n226\r\n226\r\n227\r\n219\r\n219\r\nScotland\r\n42,653\r\n43,049\r\n43,407\r\n43,887\r\n42,810\r\n42,807\r\nSource: ISD Scotland: Scottish Care Homes Census\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-17T14:21:51.05","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279333,"EventID":"S4W-11642","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5009,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-03T14:21:51.347","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-03T09:15:04.61","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will publish a draft Marriage and Civil Partnership Bill for consultation before the end of 2012 and, if not, when it will publish it.","AnswerText":"The consultation on the draft Bill was published on 12 December 2012 and can be found at http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2012/12/9433.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-17T14:21:51.363","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279343,"EventID":"S4T-00150","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":9,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-03T13:29:54.197","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-03T11:32:00.537","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many people appeared in court without legal representation on 3 December 2012 as a result of protest action by defence solicitors in Aberdeen, Forfar, Arbroath, Dundee, Perth, Alloa, Falkirk and Dunfermline.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-17T13:29:54.213","MeetingDate":"2012-12-04T17:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279344,"EventID":"S4T-00151","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":9,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-03T13:29:54.51","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-03T11:45:34.29","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what it is doing to ensure that NHS boards do not manipulate waiting time figures in order to meet targets.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-17T13:29:54.523","MeetingDate":"2012-12-04T17:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279345,"EventID":"S4F-01032","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":4976,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-03T13:05:06.43","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-29T14:09:53.943","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister when he will next meet the Prime Minister.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-17T13:05:06.57","MeetingDate":"2012-12-06T17:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279346,"EventID":"S4F-01034","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-03T13:40:04.473","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-03T10:02:17.557","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what action the Scottish Government will take following the recent Supreme Court ruling relating to the Mental Health (Care and Treatment) (Scotland) Act 2003.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-17T13:40:04.487","MeetingDate":"2012-12-06T17:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279347,"EventID":"S4F-01039","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-03T13:05:07.333","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-03T10:18:33.127","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what the maximum time is that a patient has waited beyond the cancer waiting times targets in 2012.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-17T13:05:07.333","MeetingDate":"2012-12-06T17:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279348,"EventID":"S4F-01048","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":2892,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-03T13:05:08.003","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-03T11:56:49.913","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what impact the autumn budget statement will have on Scotland.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-17T13:05:08.02","MeetingDate":"2012-12-06T17:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279349,"EventID":"S4F-01049","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":4955,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":105,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-03T13:40:09.293","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-03T11:57:06.29","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what steps the Scottish Government is taking to ensure that the transport network is prepared for winter.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-17T13:40:09.307","MeetingDate":"2012-12-06T17:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279350,"EventID":"S4F-01050","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":2080,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":87,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-03T13:05:08.317","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-03T11:00:31.407","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what engagements he has planned for the rest of the day.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-17T13:05:08.333","MeetingDate":"2012-12-06T17:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279351,"EventID":"S4W-11527","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1986,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":142,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-03T17:06:42.967","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-26T13:04:26.837","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the membership will be of the expert group announced in its news release of 5 October 2012, Expert group to examine opiate replacements.","AnswerText":"Information on the independent expert group on opiate replacement therapies and its activities is publicly available on the Drugs Strategy Delivery Commission’s website: http://drugsstrategydeliverycommission.ning.com/.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-17T17:06:43.077","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Roseanna Cunningham","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279352,"EventID":"S4W-11528","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1986,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":142,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-03T17:06:44.123","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-26T13:04:26.837","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government who will supply secretariat support to the expert group announced in its news release of 5 October 2012, Expert group to examine opiate replacements.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to the question S4W-11527 on 13 December 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-17T17:06:44.137","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Roseanna Cunningham","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279353,"EventID":"S4W-11529","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1986,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":142,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-03T17:06:44.42","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-26T13:04:26.837","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether the expert group announced in its news release of 5 October 2012, Expert group to examine opiate replacements, will accept external written submissions to support evidence gathering.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-11527 on 13 December 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-17T17:06:44.433","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Roseanna Cunningham","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279354,"EventID":"S4W-11530","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1986,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":142,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-03T17:06:45.01","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-26T13:04:26.837","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether the expert group announced in its news release of 5 October 2012, Expert group to examine opiate replacements, will accept external oral submissions to support evidence gathering.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-11527 on 13 December 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-17T17:06:45.027","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Roseanna Cunningham","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279355,"EventID":"S4W-11531","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1986,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":142,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-03T17:06:45.34","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-26T13:04:26.837","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what success outcomes for (a) patients and (b) society the expert group announced in its news release of 5 October 2012, Expert group to examine opiate replacements, will consider; how these outcomes relate to recovery, and how they will be (i) monitored, (ii) recorded and (iii) published to identify whether the Road to Recovery is successful.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-11527 on 13 December 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-17T17:06:45.353","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Roseanna Cunningham","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279356,"EventID":"S4W-11533","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1986,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":142,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-03T17:06:45.637","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-26T13:04:26.837","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what critical appraisal methodology the expert group announced in its news release of 5 October 2012, Expert group to examine opiate replacements, will use and whether the graded evidence will be published when the report is concluded.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-11527 on 13 December 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-17T17:06:45.65","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Roseanna Cunningham","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279357,"EventID":"S4W-11534","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1986,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":142,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-03T17:06:46.26","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-26T13:04:26.837","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when the report by the expert group announced in its news release of 5 October 2012, Expert group to examine opiate replacements, is due to be published.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-11527 on 13 December 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-17T17:06:46.273","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Roseanna Cunningham","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279358,"EventID":"S4W-11640","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2059,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":91,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-03T17:06:46.54","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-03T09:13:18.53","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the value is of contracts tendered to private companies for car park management in the last five years, also broken down by (a) company and (b) project.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has no locus in such issues, and therefore does not collate associated information. This is a matter for the contracting bodies.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-17T17:06:46.557","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279359,"EventID":"S4W-11643","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4086,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-03T17:06:46.853","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-03T13:23:45.1","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many lives were saved by administering naloxone to people who had overdosed on drugs in (a) 2008-09, (b) 2009-10, (c) 2010-11 and (d) 2011-12.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-09418 on 20 September 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-17T17:06:46.867","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Roseanna Cunningham","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279360,"EventID":"S4W-11644","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4086,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-03T17:06:47.43","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-03T13:23:45.1","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many accident and emergency incidents the Scottish Ambulance Service attended in (a) 2009-10, (b) 2010-11 and (c) 2011-12.","AnswerText":"The number of accident and emergency incidents the Scottish Ambulance Service attended each year was as follows:\r\n2009-10\r\n608,833\r\n2010-11\r\n613,132\r\n2011-12\r\n620,760\r\nThis information is published annually in the Information Services Division Scotland Cost Book and can be found at http://www.isdscotland.org/.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-17T17:06:47.443","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279361,"EventID":"S4W-11645","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4086,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-03T17:06:47.727","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-03T13:23:45.1","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many people have consulted a GP or a practice-employed nurse for a sleep disorder in each year since 2009-10.","AnswerText":"There are no centrally collected figures which count the number of people consulting a GP or a practice-employed nurse for sleep disorders. However, estimates are available from a small sample of general practices in Scotland taking part in the Practice Team Information (PTI) scheme (Table 1).\r\nTaking account of the sample size, the best estimate of the number of patients who had a face-to-face consultation with a GP or practice nurse in Scotland because of sleep disorders each year ranges from 48 thousand in 2009-10 to 40 thousand in 2011-12. However, taking account of the sample methodology, the conclusion is that the figures have not shown a statistically significant change between the years.\r\nPatients exclusively treated by specialist services or outwith primary care are not included in these figures. People with sleep disorders who did not consult during the year are not included. The figures represent the number of consultations for sleep disorders and are not a valid measure of the total prevalence of sleep disorders in Scotland.\r\nTable 1 – Estimated numbers of patients in Scotland consulting a GP or practice nurse1 for sleep disorders2, with corresponding 95% confidence intervals3; for financial years 2009-10 to 2011-124\r\nFinancial year\r\n(ending 31 March)\r\nEstimated number of patients consulting in Scotland\r\n95% Confidence Interval\r\n2009-10\r\n48,070\r\n(39,200 - 56,950)\r\n2010-11\r\n44,190\r\n(35,540 - 52,850)\r\n2011-12\r\n40,170\r\n(31,490 - 48,860)\r\nEstimates of patients consulting are based on the number of people with a face-to-face contact with either a GP or a practice-employed nurse in practices participating in Practice Team Information (PTI). This sample of Scottish general practices covers the full range of age, sex, deprivation and urban/rural classes existing in Scotland.\r\nTo be included in these figures patients had at least one contact where a sleep disorder was indicated as (one of) the reason(s) for that contact in that year. Sleep disorders are defined by the following Read codes:\r\nFy0..    Sleep disorders (including all child codes)\r\nE274.   Non-organic sleep disorders (including all child codes)\r\nEu51.   [X]Nonorganic sleep disorders (including all child codes)\r\nH5B..    Sleep apnoea (including child code)\r\nR005.   [D]Sleep disturbances (including all child codes)\r\nAs the estimates are based on data from a sample of practices, 95% confidence intervals are included to indicate the accuracy of these estimates. \r\nThe sample included 60, 59 and 59 PTI practices that submitted complete GP and practice nurse data for the years ending 31 March 2010 to 2012 respectively. \r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-17T17:06:47.727","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279362,"EventID":"S4W-11646","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4086,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-03T17:06:48.303","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-03T13:23:45.1","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many people have consulted a GP practice for sleep apnoea in each year since 2008-09.","AnswerText":"There are no centrally collected figures which count the number of people consulting a GP practice for sleep apnoea. However, estimates are available from a sample of general practices in Scotland taking part in the Practice Team Information (PTI) scheme (Table 1).\r\nTaking account of the sample size, the best estimate of the number of patients who had a face-to-face consultation with a GP practice in Scotland because of sleep apnoea each year varied between 2,400 and 2,900 (Table 1). However, taking account of the sample methodology, the conclusion is that the figures have not shown a statistically significant change between the years. \r\nPatients exclusively treated by specialist services or outwith primary care are not included in these figures. People with sleep apnoea who did not consult during the year are not included. The figures represent the number of consultations for sleep apnoea and are not a valid measure of the total prevalence of sleep apnoea in Scotland. \r\nTable 1 – Estimated numbers of patients in Scotland consulting a GP or practice nurse1 for Sleep Apnoea2, with corresponding 95% confidence intervals3; for financial years 2008-09 to 2011-124\r\nFinancial year\r\n(ending 31 March)\r\nEstimated number of patients consulting in Scotland\r\n95% Confidence Interval\r\n2008-09\r\n2,390\r\n(1,750 - 3,040)\r\n2009-10\r\n2,720\r\n(1,990 - 3,450)\r\n2010-11\r\n2,910\r\n(2,170 - 3,650)\r\n2011-12\r\n2,590\r\n(1,880 - 3,300)\r\nEstimates of patients consulting are based on the number of people with a face-to-face contact with either a GP or a practice-employed nurse in practices participating in Practice Team Information (PTI). This sample of Scottish general practices covers the full range of age, sex, deprivation and urban/rural classes existing in Scotland.\r\nTo be included in these figures patients had at least one contact where ‘Sleep Apnoea’ was indicated as (one of) the reason(s) for that contact in that year. Sleep Apnoea is defined by the following Read codes:\r\nFy03.\tSleep apnoea\r\nFy04.\tSleep-related respiratory failure\r\nH5B..\tSleep apnoea\r\nH5B0.\tObstructive sleep apnoea\r\nR0051\t[D]Insomnia with sleep apnoea\r\nR0053\t[D]Hypersomnia with sleep apnoea\r\n\r\nAs the estimates are based on data from a sample of practices, 95% confidence intervals are included to indicate the accuracy of these estimates. \r\nThe sample included 58, 60, 59 and 59 PTI practices that submitted complete GP and practice nurse data for the years ending 31 March 2009 to 2012 respectively. \r\nThe NHS Choices website states that Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA) is relatively common and affects more men than women. In the UK, it is estimated that around 4 in 100 middle-aged men and 2 in 100 middle-aged women have OSA. Studies have also shown that 60% of people over 65 years old have OSA. The condition often goes undiagnosed, and it is estimated that up to 5% of adults have undiagnosed OSA.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-17T17:06:48.303","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279363,"EventID":"S4W-11647","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4086,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-03T17:06:48.63","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-03T13:23:45.1","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the 28-day hospital readmission rate following discharge from a mental health specialty was for patients aged (a) under 18, (b) 19 to 44, (c) 45 to 64 and (d) 65 and over in each of the last three years, broken down by NHS board.","AnswerText":"The following table shows the latest figures for the number of discharges from mental health hospitals (SMR04) that have a subsequent readmission to a mental health hospital within 28 days.\r\n\r\n\r\n2009-10\r\n2010-11\r\n2011-12 1\r\nNHS Board of Residence and Age Group\r\nNumber  of readmissions\r\n% of all discharges\r\nNumber  of readmissions\r\n% of all discharges\r\nNumber  of readmissions\r\n% of all discharges\r\nAyrshire and Arran\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nUnder 18\r\n*\r\n8.7\r\n*\r\n13\r\n-\r\n-\r\n18 to 44\r\n71\r\n13.0\r\n52\r\n10.6\r\n-\r\n-\r\n45 to 64\r\n32\r\n9.6\r\n29\r\n8.4\r\n-\r\n-\r\n65 and over\r\n12\r\n5.2\r\n9\r\n3.6\r\n-\r\n-\r\nBorders\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nUnder 18\r\n*\r\n10\r\n-\r\n-\r\n*\r\n10.0\r\n18 to 44\r\n21\r\n12.7\r\n15\r\n10.9\r\n18\r\n13.3\r\n45 to 64\r\n13\r\n13.5\r\n10\r\n11.8\r\n9\r\n10.8\r\n65 and over\r\n5\r\n4.8\r\n*\r\n2.6\r\n*\r\n2.6\r\nFife \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nUnder 18\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n18 to 44\r\n65\r\n13.6\r\n55\r\n12.9\r\n62\r\n13.9\r\n45 to 64\r\n37\r\n12.8\r\n32\r\n13.6\r\n35\r\n12.5\r\n65 and over\r\n28\r\n10.4\r\n16\r\n5.9\r\n16\r\n5.9\r\nGreater Glasgow and Clyde\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nUnder 18\r\n7\r\n13.2\r\n*\r\n6.4\r\n*\r\n2.5\r\n18 to 44\r\n207\r\n11.4\r\n145\r\n9.3\r\n152\r\n10.0\r\n45 to 64\r\n113\r\n9.8\r\n79\r\n8.3\r\n90\r\n9.0\r\n65 and over\r\n52\r\n5.8\r\n41\r\n5.1\r\n29\r\n3.9\r\n\r\n2009-10\r\n\r\n2010-11\r\n\r\n2011-12 1\r\n\r\nNHS Board of Residence and Age Group\r\nNumber  of readmissions\r\n% of all discharges\r\nNumber  of readmissions\r\n% of all discharges\r\nNumber  of readmissions\r\n% of all discharges\r\nHighland \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nUnder 18\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n*\r\n14.3\r\n18 to 44\r\n37\r\n9.6\r\n42\r\n10.3\r\n35\r\n8.3\r\n45 to 64\r\n17\r\n6.5\r\n22\r\n6.8\r\n23\r\n7.2\r\n65 and over\r\n14\r\n5.2\r\n13\r\n4.6\r\n16\r\n6.0\r\nLanarkshire\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nUnder 18\r\n*\r\n9.7\r\n*\r\n13.8\r\n*\r\n8.9\r\n18 to 44\r\n77\r\n9.9\r\n89\r\n11.8\r\n75\r\n10.1\r\n45 to 64\r\n47\r\n10.1\r\n48\r\n10.4\r\n40\r\n9.1\r\n65 and over\r\n27\r\n7.0\r\n22\r\n6.9\r\n15\r\n4.8\r\nGrampian\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nUnder 18\r\n*\r\n11.8\r\n*\r\n12.5\r\n*\r\n18.2\r\n18 to 44\r\n53\r\n12.1\r\n70\r\n13.8\r\n84\r\n15.2\r\n45 to 64\r\n52\r\n13.8\r\n41\r\n11.9\r\n60\r\n15.5\r\n65 and over\r\n35\r\n8.4\r\n31\r\n7.5\r\n22\r\n5.6\r\nOrkney\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nUnder 18\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n18 to 44\r\n*\r\n20.0\r\n*\r\n7.7\r\n*\r\n9.1\r\n45 to 64\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n*\r\n10.0\r\n65 and over\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\nLothian\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nUnder 18\r\n10\r\n21.3\r\n6\r\n10.9\r\n6\r\n10.2\r\n18 to 44\r\n104\r\n11.2\r\n105\r\n11.2\r\n109\r\n11.0\r\n45 to 64\r\n57\r\n9.3\r\n61\r\n10.1\r\n61\r\n9.7\r\n65 and over\r\n39\r\n6.1\r\n50\r\n8.1\r\n28\r\n4.6\r\nTayside\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nUnder 18\r\n-\r\n-\r\n*\r\n4.8\r\n*\r\n13.6\r\n18 to 44\r\n84\r\n12.4\r\n71\r\n11.3\r\n60\r\n11.0\r\n45 to 64\r\n33\r\n8.0\r\n26\r\n7.0\r\n45\r\n11.7\r\n65 and over\r\n35\r\n7.8\r\n23\r\n6.2\r\n33\r\n8.1\r\nForth Valley \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nUnder 18\r\n*\r\n10.0\r\n-\r\n-\r\n*\r\n14.3\r\n18 to 44\r\n58\r\n15.3\r\n52\r\n14.1\r\n36\r\n10.3\r\n45 to 64\r\n12\r\n6.8\r\n12\r\n6.3\r\n14\r\n7.3\r\n65 and over\r\n10\r\n5.1\r\n9\r\n4.4\r\n6\r\n2.8\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n\r\n\r\n2009-10\r\n\r\n2010-11\r\n\r\n2011-12 1\r\n\r\nNHS Board of Residence and Age Group\r\nNumber  of readmissions\r\n% of all discharges\r\nNumber  of readmissions\r\n% of all discharges\r\nNumber  of readmissions\r\n% of all discharges\r\nWestern Isles\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nUnder 18\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n18 to 44\r\n-\r\n-\r\n*\r\n8.0\r\n*\r\n*\r\n45 to 64\r\n*\r\n15.0\r\n*\r\n18.2\r\n*\r\n14.3\r\n65 and over\r\n*\r\n17.4\r\n*\r\n5.6\r\n-\r\n-\r\nDumfries and Galloway\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nUnder 18\r\n*\r\n25.0\r\n*\r\n12.5\r\n*\r\n14.3\r\n18 to 44\r\n22\r\n11.3\r\n38\r\n18.3\r\n23\r\n13.9\r\n45 to 64\r\n20\r\n14.1\r\n22\r\n15.0\r\n11\r\n9.8\r\n65 and over\r\n11\r\n9.2\r\n11\r\n8.3\r\n17\r\n15.7\r\nShetland\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nUnder 18\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n18 to 44\r\n-\r\n-\r\n*\r\n6.3\r\n-\r\n-\r\n45 to 64\r\n-\r\n-\r\n*\r\n28.6\r\n-\r\n-\r\n65 and over\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\nNotes:\r\nIt should be noted that due to the implementation of a new patient management system, information for NHS Ayrshire and Arran for the year to 31 March 2012, is not available\r\n*Indicates values that have been suppressed due to the potential risk of disclosure\r\nThese statistics are derived from data collected from psychiatric hospitals (SMR04) in Scotland.\r\nThese statistics are based on continuous stays of treatment in the same hospital and specialty and may be made up of one or more episodes.\r\nDays to readmission are calculated from the day of discharge for one stay to the day of admission for a subsequent stay.\r\nReadmission rates should interpreted with caution","AnswerDate":"2012-12-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-17T17:06:48.647","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279364,"EventID":"S4W-11648","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1986,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":142,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-03T17:06:48.957","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-11-26T13:04:26.837","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will list the opiate replacements that will be reviewed by the expert group announced in its news release of 5 October 2012, Expert group to examine opiate replacements.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-11527 on 13 December 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-17T17:06:48.973","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Roseanna Cunningham","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279365,"EventID":"S4W-11649","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4080,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-03T17:06:49.24","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-03T14:34:27.883","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many cases of animal cruelty have been recorded in each year since 2008-09 and how many were successfully prosecuted, broken down by police force area.\r\n","AnswerText":"Please note that police recorded crime statistics are not directly comparable with statistics on action taken against offenders, as one offence may lead to several persons being charged. Equally, an offender may be charged with several offences. In addition, an offence could be recorded in one financial year, but action could be taken in another.\r\nThe offence categories included in these tables all involve cruelty to animals. However, other offence categories exist that will include small proportions of animal cruelty offences.\r\nOffences of animal cruelty recorded by the police, 2008-09 to 2011-12, broken down by police force area\r\nCruelty to animals (excluding dogs) including killing and maiming cattle\r\n \r\n2008-09\r\n2009-10\r\n2010-11\r\n2011-12\r\nCentral\r\n3\r\n7\r\n2\r\n0\r\nDumfries and Galloway\r\n3\r\n5\r\n1\r\n5\r\nFife\r\n0\r\n1\r\n4\r\n15\r\nGrampian\r\n6\r\n2\r\n0\r\n3\r\nLothian and Borders\r\n15\r\n8\r\n6\r\n6\r\nNorthern\r\n45\r\n5\r\n4\r\n5\r\nStrathclyde\r\n10\r\n6\r\n4\r\n4\r\nTayside\r\n4\r\n3\r\n1\r\n2\r\nScotland\r\n86\r\n37\r\n22\r\n40\r\nSource: Scottish Government Recorded Crime in Scotland.\r\n\r\nCruelty to dogs\r\n \r\n2008-09\r\n2009-10\r\n2010-11\r\n2011-12\r\nCentral\r\n1\r\n9\r\n4\r\n14\r\nDumfries and Galloway\r\n5\r\n0\r\n1\r\n3\r\nFife\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n1\r\nGrampian\r\n5\r\n5\r\n6\r\n10\r\nLothian and Borders\r\n11\r\n3\r\n11\r\n21\r\nNorthern\r\n0\r\n1\r\n0\r\n2\r\nStrathclyde\r\n6\r\n6\r\n3\r\n2\r\nTayside\r\n0\r\n4\r\n4\r\n3\r\nScotland\r\n28\r\n28\r\n29\r\n56\r\nSource: Scottish Government Recorded Crime in Scotland.\r\n\r\nCruelty to wild animals\r\n \r\n2008-09\r\n2009-10\r\n2010-11\r\n2011-12\r\nCentral\r\n6\r\n2\r\n3\r\n7\r\nDumfries and Galloway\r\n2\r\n2\r\n3\r\n1\r\nFife\r\n2\r\n2\r\n0\r\n1\r\nGrampian\r\n8\r\n8\r\n14\r\n8\r\nLothian and Borders\r\n0\r\n6\r\n3\r\n3\r\nNorthern\r\n1\r\n0\r\n8\r\n4\r\nStrathclyde\r\n1\r\n1\r\n4\r\n0\r\nTayside\r\n0\r\n6\r\n5\r\n2\r\nScotland\r\n20\r\n27\r\n40\r\n26\r\nSource: Scottish Government Recorded Crime in Scotland.\r\n\r\nTotal offences of animal cruelty\r\n \r\n2008-09\r\n2009-10\r\n2010-11\r\n2011-12\r\nCentral\r\n10\r\n18\r\n9\r\n21\r\nDumfries and Galloway\r\n10\r\n7\r\n5\r\n9\r\nFife\r\n2\r\n3\r\n4\r\n17\r\nGrampian\r\n19\r\n15\r\n20\r\n21\r\nLothian and Borders\r\n26\r\n17\r\n20\r\n30\r\nNorthern\r\n46\r\n6\r\n12\r\n11\r\nStrathclyde\r\n17\r\n13\r\n11\r\n6\r\nTayside\r\n4\r\n13\r\n10\r\n7\r\nScotland\r\n134\r\n92\r\n91\r\n122\r\nSource: Scottish Government Recorded Crime in Scotland.\r\nPeople prosecuted for offences of cruelty to animals, 2008-09 to 2011-12, broken down by police force area\r\n\r\nCruelty to animals including killing and maiming cattle1,2\r\n \r\n2008-09\r\n2009-10\r\n2010-11\r\n2011-12\r\nCentral:\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\n \r\nNot Guilty\r\n1\r\n1\r\n1\r\n2\r\nGuilty\r\n4\r\n13\r\n7\r\n7\r\nDumfries and Galloway:\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nNot Guilty\r\n3\r\n3\r\n1\r\n1\r\nGuilty\r\n4\r\n11\r\n5\r\n10\r\nFife:\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\n \r\nNot Guilty\r\n0\r\n0\r\n4\r\n2\r\nGuilty\r\n2\r\n5\r\n5\r\n4\r\nGrampian:\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nNot Guilty\r\n4\r\n1\r\n0\r\n3\r\nGuilty\r\n6\r\n7\r\n5\r\n6\r\nLothian and Borders:\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\n \r\nNot Guilty\r\n2\r\n3\r\n7\r\n3\r\nGuilty\r\n9\r\n10\r\n14\r\n15\r\nNorthern:\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nNot Guilty\r\n0\r\n2\r\n2\r\n1\r\nGuilty\r\n7\r\n7\r\n7\r\n1\r\nStrathclyde:\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\n \r\nNot Guilty\r\n9\r\n16\r\n8\r\n10\r\nGuilty\r\n37\r\n55\r\n34\r\n50\r\nTayside:\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nNot Guilty\r\n1\r\n1\r\n0\r\n3\r\nGuilty\r\n4\r\n1\r\n2\r\n3\r\nUnknown:\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nNot Guilty\r\n1\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\nScotland \r\n94\r\n136\r\n102\r\n121\r\nSource: Scottish Government: Criminal Proceedings in Scotland.\r\n\r\nCruelty to wild animals1\r\n \r\n2008-09\r\n2009-10\r\n2010-11\r\n2011-12\r\nCentral:\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\n \r\nGuilty\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n2\r\nDumfries and Galloway:\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nGuilty\r\n2\r\n1\r\n1\r\n0\r\nFife:\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\nGrampian:\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\n \r\nGuilty\r\n1\r\n2\r\n0\r\n1\r\nLothianandBorders;\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nNot Guilty\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\n1\r\nNorthern:\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\n \r\nNot Guilty\r\n1\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\nGuilty\r\n1\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\nStrathclyde:\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nNot Guilty\r\n0\r\n1\r\n0\r\n0\r\nGuilty\r\n3\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\nTayside:\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\n \r\nGuilty\r\n1\r\n0\r\n1\r\n0\r\nScotland\r\n9\r\n4\r\n2\r\n4\r\nSource: Scottish Government: Criminal Proceedings in Scotland.\r\n\r\nTotal number of people prosecuted for animal cruelty1,2\r\n \r\n2008-09\r\n2009-10\r\n2010-11\r\n2011-12\r\nCentral:\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nNot Guilty\r\n1\r\n1\r\n1\r\n2\r\nGuilty\r\n4\r\n13\r\n7\r\n9\r\nDumfries and Galloway:\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\n \r\nNot Guilty\r\n3\r\n3\r\n1\r\n1\r\nGuilty\r\n6\r\n12\r\n6\r\n10\r\nFife:\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nNot Guilty\r\n0\r\n0\r\n4\r\n2\r\nGuilty\r\n2\r\n5\r\n5\r\n4\r\nGrampian:\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\n \r\nNot Guilty\r\n4\r\n1\r\n0\r\n3\r\nGuilty\r\n7\r\n9\r\n5\r\n7\r\nLothian and Borders:\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nNot Guilty\r\n2\r\n3\r\n7\r\n4\r\nGuil","AnswerDate":"2012-12-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-17T17:06:49.253","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279366,"EventID":"S4W-11650","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4080,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-03T17:06:49.55","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-03T14:34:27.883","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many people have been fined under the Licensing (Scotland) Act 2005 for selling alcohol to a person who is drunk.\r\n","AnswerText":"From 2009 to 2012, five people received fiscal fines where the main offence was the sale of alcohol to a drunk person under section 113 of the Licensing (Scotland) Act 2005 (1 in 2009-10, 2 in 2010-11, and 2 in 2011-12). Data is available from 2009 onwards, as the offences section of the Act came into force on 1st Sept 2009\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-17T17:06:49.567","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279367,"EventID":"S4W-11651","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4080,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-03T17:06:49.88","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-03T14:34:27.883","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what percentage of prisoners serving a sentence for knife offences has previously been to prison for knife offences.\r\n","AnswerText":"I have asked Colin McConnell, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service, to respond. His response is as follows:\r\nThe information requested is shown in the following tables: \r\nPrisoners convicted of the main crime of possessing an offensive weapon or having in a public place an article with a blade or point: at 31 March 2012\r\n\r\n\r\nPossession of an offensive weapon\r\n57\r\nHaving in a public place an article with a blade or point\r\n157\r\n\r\nNumber with previous custodial convictions\r\n\r\nNo conviction for crime in these categories\r\n1\r\nPrevious conviction for crime in these categories\r\n201\r\nNo custodial conviction since 2000\r\n12\r\nSource: Scottish Government Justice Analytical Services, data derived from the Scottish Prison Service PR2 management information system\r\nNotes:\r\n1. For persons convicted of more than one criminal act, the main crime or offence is the most serious, assumed to be that for which the longest sentence was imposed. The figures above will therefore not include convictions for more serious crimes which involved the use of a knife. \r\n2. The figures shown are drawn a live administrative IT system, and although care is taken when processing and analysing the data, they are subject to the inaccuracies inherent in any large scale recording system. So while the statistics shown have been checked as far as practicable, they should be regarded as approximate and not necessarily accurate to the last whole number shown. The statistics are also updated and quality assured on an on-going basis, and the figures shown here may therefore differ slightly from those produced previously.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-17T17:06:49.893","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279368,"EventID":"S4W-11652","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4080,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-03T17:06:50.173","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-03T14:34:27.883","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many prisoners have worked in Scottish Prison Service Industries production workshops in the last year.\r\n","AnswerText":"I have asked Colin McConnell, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service (SPS), to respond. His response is as follows:\r\n“Attendance at SPS Industries production workshops is recorded on the Prisoner Records system (PR2), however the system is designed to record the number of purposeful activity hours across the SPS under the general heading of Scheduled Activity. This is recorded on PR2 across a number of differing workparties covering production, skills, services and placements.\r\nHowever at present the reporting processes are unable to differentiate between these workparties for determining prisoner attendance.\r\nThe amount of hours a prisoner is engaged in purposeful activity hours varies depending on individual prisoner needs and therefore would be different per prisoner and would vary on a weekly basis. Also remand and civil prisoners and those excluded on medical grounds are not legally obliged to undertake work.”\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-17T17:06:50.19","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279369,"EventID":"S4W-11653","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4080,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-03T17:06:50.47","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-03T14:34:27.883","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many hours per week on average prisoners spend working.\r\n","AnswerText":"I have asked Colin McConnell, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service, to respond. His response is as follows:\r\nThe amount of hours a prisoner is engaged in purposeful activity hours varies depending on individual prisoner needs and therefore would be different per prisoner and would vary on a weekly basis. Also remand and civil prisoners and those excluded on medical grounds are not legally obliged to undertake work.\r\nNotwithstanding the above and based on the average prison population for 2012-13, from the period 1 April 2012 to 31 October 2012, sentenced prisoners spent on average 21 hours per week undertaking purposeful activity.\r\nPurposeful Activities includes:\r\nWork\r\nVocational Training\r\nEducation\r\nProgrammes and Approved Activities\r\nSocial Care\r\nLinks Services\r\nOther Interventions\r\nPhysical Education\r\nAddictions support/counselling.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-17T17:06:50.487","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279370,"EventID":"S4W-11654","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4080,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-03T17:06:51.127","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-03T14:34:27.883","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many individuals have disputed information from a criminal record check carried out by Disclosure Scotland since 2010, broken down by whether the dispute was based on (a) identity, (b) accuracy or (c) irrelevancy.","AnswerText":"The information is provided in the Disclosure Scotland Annual Report and Annual Accounts that is laid before the Scottish Parliament by Scottish Ministers in October each year. Copies are available in the Scottish Parliament’s Reference Centre, SPICe.\r\nThe Disclosure Scotland Annual Report and Annual Accounts for 2009-10 (Bib number 51957) show the information at page 22. The Disclosure Scotland Annual Report and Annual Accounts for 2010-11 (Bib number 53384) has the information at page 11. The Disclosure Scotland Annual Report and Annual Accounts for 2011-12 (Bib number 54332) has the information at pages 12 and 13.\r\nThe Annual Reports and Annual Accounts for the years 2009-10, 2010-11 and \r\n2011-12 are also published on the Disclosure Scotland website at: http://www.disclosurescotland.co.uk/publications/documents/DSAnnualReportandAccounts20092010.pdf;\r\nhttp://www.disclosurescotland.co.uk/publications/documents/DisclosureScotlandAnnual_Report_2011.pdf; and\r\nhttp://www.disclosurescotland.co.uk/publications/documents/DisclosureScotlandAnnualReportfinal31August2012assignedbyAuditScotland_000.pdf.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-17T17:06:51.143","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Aileen Campbell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279381,"EventID":"S4W-11656","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4086,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-04T13:45:38.46","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-04T09:24:40.87","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when it will publish the responses to its consultation on maintenance of land on private housing estates and what further action it will take on the issue.\r\n","AnswerText":"We are aiming to publish the consultation responses early in the New Year. We will outline the next steps around the same time.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-18T13:45:38.537","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Roseanna Cunningham","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279382,"EventID":"S4W-11657","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1775,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":146,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-04T13:45:39.147","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-04T11:54:20.967","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether the transfer of a child to a more expensive nursery can be facilitated by a parental top-up.","AnswerText":"Local government has a duty to secure free pre-school provision for all eligible children in their area. Decisions on individual nursery placements are taken locally and are a matter for local authorities.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-18T13:45:39.147","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Aileen Campbell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279383,"EventID":"S4W-11658","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4956,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":106,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-04T13:45:39.473","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-04T11:55:12.487","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many alcohol-related incidents on trains have been recorded (a) in the last year and (b) since the ban on alcohol on train services between 21.00 and 10.00 was introduced.","AnswerText":"Transport Scotland does not hold these figures. The alcohol restrictions were introduced by ScotRail with a soft introduction on 20 July 2012 prior to being fully rolled out in August 2012 in response to concerns from the travelling public about anti-social behaviour on trains and calls from the Scottish Government for action.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-18T13:45:39.49","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279398,"EventID":"S4W-11659","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2876,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-04T17:10:55.617","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-04T13:30:41.323","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-10484 by Michael Russell on 29 November 2012, how many students were eligible to pay the graduate endowment on graduating in (a) 2003-04, (b) 2004-05, (c) 2005-06 and (d) 2006-07.\r\n","AnswerText":"The following table shows the number of students that were eligible to pay the graduate endowment, broken down by the year they graduated. These figures do not include students who have deferred their payments while they complete a postgraduate course.\r\nYear of graduation\r\nNumber of students\r\n2003-04\r\n1,021\r\n2004-05\r\n8,728\r\n2005-06\r\n11,821\r\n2006-07\r\n1,492\r\nThere are an additional 470 students who graduated between 2003-04 and 2006-07 and are eligible to pay the fee but it was not possible to determine their exact year of graduation.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-18T17:10:55.85","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279399,"EventID":"S4W-11660","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4086,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-04T17:10:56.177","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-04T14:29:28.48","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many people were referred for a single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) scan in (a) 2009-10, (b) 2010-11 and (c) 2011-12.\r\n","AnswerText":"The information requested is not available centrally.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-18T17:10:56.193","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279400,"EventID":"S4W-11661","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4086,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-04T17:10:56.52","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-04T14:29:28.48","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many people are waiting for a single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) scan at the Southern General Hospital in Glasgow.\r\n","AnswerText":"The specific information requested is not available centrally.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-18T17:10:56.537","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279401,"EventID":"S4W-11662","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4086,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-04T17:10:56.91","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-04T14:29:28.48","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what measures it has taken to ensure a continuation of service for patients awaiting a single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) scan at the Southern General Hospital in Glasgow until NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde's faulty scanner is repaired.","AnswerText":"The provision of local healthcare services is primarily a matter for NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde.\r\nNHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde has assured us that patients who require a routine brain scan have been re-routed to other hospitals within the board area. The board advise us that there is cohort of 57 patients who will require a NeuroSPECT scan as part of their epilepsy pathway, although not all are ready for scanning at this point in time as there are a number of processes to go through before patients are clinically ready. This is a highly specialised service, provided by no other facilities in the UK.\r\nThe fault that has occurred with the scanner in Glasgow is unprecedented and the manufacturers have sent an engineer from central Europe to work on a solution. I understand that progress is being made and the board advise us that scanning will commence this week.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-18T17:10:56.927","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279402,"EventID":"S4W-11663","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4014,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-04T17:10:57.207","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-04T14:45:15","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many inspections of school buses have been carried out by the Vehicle and Operator Services Agency in each year since 2003.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-11664 on 18 December 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-18T17:10:57.223","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279403,"EventID":"S4W-11664","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4014,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-04T17:10:57.487","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-04T14:45:15","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many random spot checks on school buses have been carried out by the Vehicle and Operator Services Agency in each year since 2003 and how many buses failed.\r\n","AnswerText":"Ensuring the safety and roadworthiness of vehicles is a reserved matter. It is the responsibility of The Vehicle and Operator Services Agency (VOSA) to enforce these standards, ensuring the compliance of operators and drivers and supporting the independent Traffic Commissioners. Web-links to relevant VOSA effectiveness reports are provided below. These provide annual data on associated checks carried out in Scotland but the data is not disaggregated at the level of school buses.\r\nhttp://www.dft.gov.uk/vosa/publications/corporatereports/2010-2011reportsuite/corporatereports-2010-2011vosaeffectivenessreport.htm\r\nhttp://www.dft.gov.uk/vosa/corporatereports-2009-2010vosaeffectivenessreport.htm\r\nhttp://www.vosa.gov.uk/vosa/repository/2008%20-%202009%20Effectiveness%20Report.pdf\r\nhttp://www.dft.gov.uk/vosa/repository/VOSA%202007-08%20Effectiveness%20report%20with%20links.pdf\r\nhttp://www.dft.gov.uk/vosa/repository/Effectiveness%20Report%202006%2007%20.pdf \r\nhttp://www.dft.gov.uk/vosa/repository/2005%20-%202006%20VOSA%20Effectiveness%20Report.pdf\r\nhttp://www.dft.gov.uk/vosa/repository/2004%20-%202005%20VOSA%20Effectiveness%20Report.pdf\r\nhttp://www.dft.gov.uk/vosa/repository/2003%20-%202004%20VOSA%20Effectiveness%20Report.pdf\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-18T17:10:57.503","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279404,"EventID":"S4W-11666","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4014,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-04T17:10:57.783","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-04T14:45:15","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many random spot checks on school buses have been carried out by each local authority in each year since 1999.\r\n","AnswerText":"Ensuring the safety and roadworthiness of vehicles is a reserved matter. It is the responsibility of The Vehicle and Operator Services Agency (VOSA) to enforce these standards, ensuring the compliance of operators and drivers and supporting the independent Traffic Commissioners.\r\nVOSA carry out an annual inspection on vehicles to ensure that they are free from defect and roadworthy. In addition, VOSA undertakes random spot checks on vehicles at unannounced locations. Some local authorities in Scotland also carry out such checks themselves. Associated statistical information is not held centrally at this level of detail.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-18T17:10:57.8","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279405,"EventID":"S4W-11667","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4014,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-04T17:10:58.063","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-04T14:45:15","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what strategy is being developed by the Police Service of Scotland to ensure the safety of children on school buses. \r\n","AnswerText":"Ensuring the safety and roadworthiness of vehicles is a reserved matter. It is the responsibility of The Vehicle and Operator Services Agency (VOSA) to enforce these standards, ensuring the compliance of operators and drivers and supporting the independent Traffic Commissioners.\r\nThe Police support VOSA in this role and will investigate any concerns made known or identified regarding vehicle roadworthiness and safety and will take any necessary action.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-18T17:10:58.08","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279406,"EventID":"S4W-11668","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1892,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":134,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-04T17:10:58.36","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-04T15:47:49.4","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much funding from the Rural Priorities scheme has been allocated to each Regional Proposal Assessment Committee region in each year since 2007, broken down by axis.","AnswerText":"Funds are not allocated to the Regional Priority Assessment Committee (RPAC) regions, rather the RPACs themselves recommend projects to be allocated funds. This is done based on the score that each project has been judged fit to receive by the individual case officers based on a set criteria.\r\nThe threshold score that projects need to achieve to be recommended for funding by the RPACs is guided by the National Priority Assessment Committee (NPAC) who agree a threshold score based on the number of projects received, the total amount of funding being sought by those projects and how much funding remains.\r\nThe breakdown of funds awarded by the regions per year and by axis is as follows based on agreed contracts, (the current SRDP only commenced in 2008 and any approvals in 2008 are included in 2009 as contracts were issued in that year):\r\nRPAC Region\r\nAxis\r\n2009\r\n2010\r\n2011\r\n2012\r\nArgyll\r\n1\r\n £992,831.66 \r\n£842,723.05 \r\n£1,031,020.81 \r\n £513,896.50 \r\n \r\n2\r\n£12,801,051.49\r\n£6,258,090.31\r\n£6,597,236.67 \r\n£ 4,574,166.54 \r\n \r\n3\r\n £2,405,849.48 \r\n £999,837.07 \r\n £483,248.26 \r\n £299,841.50 \r\nAyrshire\r\n1\r\n £3,906,694.49 \r\n£4,508,143.90 \r\n£5,972,853.74 \r\n £3,865,290.12 \r\n \r\n2\r\n £4,095,519.66 \r\n£2,658,558.72 \r\n£3,604,107.47 \r\n£2,925,101.67 \r\n \r\n3\r\n£1,082,416.45 \r\n£883,048.20 \r\n£2,525,976.41 \r\n£153,871.50 \r\nBorders\r\n1\r\n£2,316,594.53 \r\n£4,357,512.26 \r\n£1,894,203.24 \r\n£1,381,373.03 \r\n \r\n2\r\n£14,093,441.76 \r\n£14,055,390.79 \r\n£5,565,436.65 \r\n£4,871,578.65 \r\n \r\n3\r\n£3,043,464.03 \r\n£2,062,801.41 \r\n£1,414,385.76 \r\n£523,846.19 \r\nClyde Valley\r\n1\r\n£1,614,633.21 \r\n£4,408,907.58 \r\n£2,417,794.59 \r\n£2,831,201.88 \r\n \r\n2\r\n£2,686,104.79 \r\n£3,983,691.58 \r\n£2,114,302.30 \r\n£1,981,354.35 \r\n \r\n3\r\n£377,069.61 \r\n£1,209,926.47 \r\n£389,374.67 \r\n£207,994.63 \r\nDumfries & Galloway\r\n1\r\n£13,038,255.33 \r\n£14,338,699.57 \r\n£10,593,005.97 \r\n£5,641,888.00 \r\n \r\n2\r\n£11,240,978.33 \r\n£9,951,260.64 \r\n£5,043,267.64 \r\n£3,601,209.98 \r\n \r\n3\r\n £1,532,497.35 \r\n£695,863.67 \r\n£1,308,488.73 \r\n £81,217.25 \r\nForth\r\n1\r\n£3,880,309.92 \r\n£4,978,286.13 \r\n£3,555,561.11 \r\n£478,826.85 \r\n \r\n2\r\n£5,920,164.28 \r\n£7,076,829.87 \r\n£3,901,569.50 \r\n£3,031,125.66 \r\n \r\n3\r\n£3,780,914.87 \r\n£5,227,978.62 \r\n£992,386.66 \r\n£2,592,359.88 \r\nGrampian\r\n1\r\n£12,082,793.78 \r\n£5,881,136.34 \r\n£2,783,623.01 \r\n£460,324.87 \r\n \r\n2\r\n£33,397,902.93 \r\n£24,384,431.73 \r\n£12,156,432.66 \r\n£8,614,982.56 \r\n \r\n3\r\n£3,751,362.35 \r\n£2,578,004.67 \r\n£315,404.11 \r\n£500,637.13 \r\nHighland\r\n1\r\n£3,249,431.32 \r\n£5,241,960.85 \r\n£1,458,423.81 \r\n£449,615.41 \r\n \r\n2\r\n£24,723,935.52 \r\n£28,825,022.50 \r\n£19,812,169.81 \r\n£19,196,589.55 \r\n \r\n3\r\n£5,777,945.63 \r\n£3,876,302.89 \r\n£2,310,317.95 \r\n£1,029,851.94 \r\nNorthern Isles\r\n1\r\n£1,900,888.49 \r\n£2,014,080.86 \r\n£1,205,995.74 \r\n£890,192.27 \r\n \r\n2\r\n£9,056,969.02 \r\n£3,830,848.96 \r\n£3,537,276.49 \r\n£2,287,185.62 \r\n \r\n3\r\n£3,771,902.15 \r\n£2,696,784.90 \r\n£186,976.46 \r\n \r\nOuter Hebrides\r\n1\r\n£46,897.80 \r\n£18,921.00 \r\n£6,498.21 \r\n \r\n \r\n2\r\n£2,857,168.29 \r\n£1,395,023.22 \r\n£2,647,865.65 \r\n £3,653,288.35 \r\n \r\n3\r\n£474,059.06 \r\n£1,458,591.67 \r\n£266,921.83 \r\n£145,194.50 \r\nTayside\r\n1\r\n£9,108,190.55 \r\n£5,197,583.22 \r\n£3,354,578.19 \r\n£612,461.05 \r\n \r\n2\r\n£6,275,693.38 \r\n£6,711,851.14 \r\n£6,253,524.71 \r\n£4,150,172.14 \r\n \r\n3\r\n£3,610,624.50 \r\n£1,613,894.80 \r\n£2,383,434.69 \r\n£663,638.56\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-18T17:10:58.377","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279407,"EventID":"S4W-11669","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":131,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-04T17:10:58.657","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-04T15:59:46.043","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether the provisions in the Criminal Justice and Licensing (Scotland) Act 2010 regarding the offence of stalking have been enacted and, if not, when they will come into effect.","AnswerText":"The offence of stalking, at section 39 of the Criminal Justice and Licensing (Scotland) Act 2010, came into effect on 13 December 2010.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-18T17:10:58.673","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279408,"EventID":"S4W-11670","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2610,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-04T17:10:59.017","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-04T16:05:19.69","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what action it is taking in relation to the report on the future of the Scottish economy by the Ernst & Young ITEM Club. \r\n","AnswerText":"The Ernst and Young ITEM Club forecasts that the Scottish economy will contract by 0.1% this year compared to a contraction of 0.2% for the UK economy as a whole and that the recovery will continue to be weak next year.\r\nThe Scottish Government continues to focus extra resource and effort on priority areas to support output and employment, with a particular emphasis on boosting public sector capital investment; taking action to tackle unemployment, particularly youth unemployment; and enhancing economic confidence by encouraging private sector investment and providing security to Scottish households.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-18T17:10:59.017","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279409,"EventID":"S4W-11671","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1845,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-04T17:10:59.297","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-04T16:06:57.463","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the average waiting time to receive a hearing aid has been in each year since 2007, broken down by NHS board.\r\n","AnswerText":"Audiology Services is included in the Scottish Government’s target that no patient should wait more than 18 weeks from a GP referral to start of treatment since the end of 2011.\r\nInformation on Audiology services is collected on an aggregated form. Consequently, it is not possible to provide the information requested. However, information on the median wait from referral to assessment, assessment to fitting of a hearing aid and from referral to a one stop clinic in each financial year from July 2009 (first published data) to 31 September 2012 (latest available published data), by NHS board is provided in the following table.\r\nNationally collected waiting times information for Audiology services is relatively new data and figures should be treated with caution. ISD continue to work with NHS boards to improve data quality.\r\nExperienced Waiting Time from Referral to Audiology Assessment\r\nNHS Board\r\nJuly 2009-Mar 2010 \r\n(Weeks)\r\nApril 2010 – Mar 2011\r\n(Weeks)\r\nApr 2011-Mar 2012\r\n(Weeks)\r\nApr 2012-Sep 2012 \r\n(Weeks)\r\nAyrshire and Arran\r\nx\r\nx\r\n9(a)\r\n6\r\nBorders\r\n14\r\n7\r\n7\r\n8\r\nDumfries and Galloway\r\n1(b)\r\n10\r\n4\r\n4\r\nFife\r\n10(c)\r\n7\r\n5\r\n5\r\nForth Valley\r\n9(d)\r\n23(d)\r\n10\r\n15\r\nGrampian\r\n7\r\n7\r\n7\r\n8\r\nGreater Glasgow and Clyde\r\n5(e)\r\n6(e)\r\n6\r\n4\r\nHighland\r\n6(f)\r\n11(f)\r\n6\r\n3\r\nLanarkshire\r\nx\r\n4(g)\r\n3\r\n6(h)\r\nLothian\r\n12(i)\r\n6(i)\r\n7\r\n6\r\nOrkney\r\n3\r\n2\r\n2\r\n2\r\nShetland\r\n3\r\n7\r\n8\r\n7\r\nTayside\r\nx\r\n5(j)\r\n5\r\n4\r\nWestern Isles\r\nx\r\n28(k)\r\n6\r\n5\r\n\r\nMedian Waiting Time from Assessment to Fitting of Hearing Aid from Each Financial Year from July 2009 to September 2012\r\nNHS Board\r\nJuly 2009-Mar 2010 \r\n(Weeks)\r\nApril 2010 – Mar 2011\r\n(Weeks)\r\nApr 2011-Mar 2012\r\n(Weeks)\r\nApr 2012-Sep 2012 \r\n(Weeks)\r\nAyrshire and Arran\r\nx\r\nx\r\n6(a)\r\n7\r\nBorders\r\n6\r\n6\r\n4\r\n6\r\nDumfries and Galloway\r\n8(b)\r\n6\r\n6\r\n7\r\nFife\r\n0(c)\r\n6\r\n2\r\n2\r\nForth Valley\r\n4(d)\r\n0(d)\r\n1\r\n0\r\nGrampian\r\n9\r\n8\r\n7\r\n7\r\nGreater Glasgow and Clyde(d)\r\n4(e)\r\n5(e)\r\n5\r\n4\r\nHighland\r\n6(f)\r\n6(f)\r\n4\r\n4\r\nLanarkshire\r\n4(g)\r\n4(g)\r\n3\r\n4\r\nLothian\r\n11(i)\r\n16(i)\r\n8\r\n7\r\nOrkney\r\n3\r\n3\r\n3\r\n3\r\nShetland\r\n4\r\n6\r\n7\r\n5\r\nTayside\r\nx\r\n5(j)\r\n5\r\n4\r\nWestern Isles\r\nx\r\n28(k)\r\n6\r\n5\r\n\r\nMedian Waiting Time (Weeks) from Referral to One-Stop Clinic\r\nNHS Board\r\nJuly 2011-Mar 2010 \r\n(Weeks)\r\nApril 2010 – Mar 2011\r\n(Weeks)\r\nApr 2011-Mar 2012\r\n(Weeks)\r\nAyrshire and Arran\r\n..\r\nSP\r\nSP\r\nBorders\r\n7\r\n5\r\n13\r\nDumfries and Galloway(a)\r\nx\r\nx\r\nx\r\nFife\r\n13\r\n12\r\n13\r\nForth Valley\r\nx\r\n18(l)\r\n24\r\nGrampian\r\nSP\r\nSP\r\nSP\r\nGreater Glasgow and Clyde\r\nSP\r\nSP\r\nSP\r\nHighland\r\nx\r\n9\r\n9\r\nLanarkshire\r\nx\r\nx\r\nx\r\nLothian\r\nx\r\n7(m)\r\n7\r\nOrkney\r\nSP\r\nSP\r\nSP\r\nShetland\r\nx\r\nx\r\nx\r\nTayside\r\n36\r\n14\r\n13\r\nWestern Isles(i)\r\nx\r\nx\r\nx\r\nSource: ISD Scotland.\r\nNotes:\r\na. Data not available until January 2012\r\nb. Data not available for until December 2009.\r\nc. Data not available from December 2009 to March 2010\r\nd. Data not available from March 2010 to June 2010\r\ne. Data for Clyde sites not available until June 2011.\r\nf. Data not available from October 2009 to December 2009 and from February 2010 to April 2010.  \r\ng. Data not available until January 2010 and from April 2010 to May 2010 \r\nh. Data not available from July 2012 to September 2012\r\nI. Data not available from January 2010 to September 2010\r\nj. Data not available until April 2010. Data for adult patients only (not paediatric patients) available in June 2010 \r\nk. Data not available until July 2010\r\nl. One-stop data first submitted in November 2011\r\nm. One-stop data first submitted in February 2012.\r\n.. data not available due to system issues.\r\nx One-stop service, not provided.\r\nSP Service provided but data not available.\r\n\r\n\r\nSCOTTISH GOVERNMENT\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-18T17:10:59.313","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279410,"EventID":"S4W-11672","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1845,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-04T17:10:59.61","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-04T16:06:57.463","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on increasing  the speed limit for heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) to 50 mph.\r\n","AnswerText":"We currently have no plans to implement an increase in speed limits for HGVs on Scotland’s single carriageway roads from 40mph to 50mph. However, members of the A9 Safety Group have called for consideration of a trial of increased speed limits for HGVs on this particular route. Further information will be made available in the New Year.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-18T17:10:59.623","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279411,"EventID":"S4W-11673","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1845,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-04T17:10:59.907","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-04T16:06:57.463","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much (a) it and (b) its agencies have spent in each year since 2007 on hiring so-called celebrities to (i) chair conferences or meetings and (ii) appear in public information broadcasts. \r\n","AnswerText":"For the purposes of the question, I have taken “so-called celebrities” to mean public figures.\r\na.) i) Departments and agencies of the Scottish Government on occasion hire public figures to chair conferences. On these occasions, the fees paid to the conference chair would be part of the overall costs of arranging the conference.\r\na.) ii) The Scottish Government used Elaine C Smith to record the voice for public information advice to Scots through the sustained period of severe winter weather in 2009-2010. I refer the member to the answer to question S3W-30710 on \r\n22 January 2010.\r\nb.) i) & ii) Non Departmental Public Bodies and Government agencies are responsible for managing their own budgets.\r\nAll answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-18T17:10:59.92","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279412,"EventID":"S4W-11674","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1845,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-04T17:11:00.203","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-04T16:06:57.463","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it promotes the tourism potential of ski centres.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government is determined to maximise tourist growth and draw new visitors to Scotland and adventure activity has been indentified as an area of tourism with great growth potential in the industry-led “Tourism Scotland 2020” strategy. We recognise that the promotion of snow sports and our ski centres is one way to do this and, with 2013 having been designated the Year of Natural Scotland, we have a great opportunity to promote snowsports in Scotland.\r\nVisitScotland is a member of the Snowsports Scotland Marketing Group (SSMG) and assists the group in producing and implementing an annual marketing plan. SSMG has also recently been awarded £24,000 from the VisitScotland Growth Fund to support its ‘Getting Started’ initiative on World Snow Day to encourage participation in snowsports in Scotland.\r\nWe are working closely and collectively with the centres, our enterprise agencies, sportscotland and VisitScotland to enable this important sector of our tourism industry to benefit from a more focussed and strategic support structure. That process has included a series of meetings with the centres. I have personally met with the ski centres on three occasions since taking up the role as the Minister for Energy, Enterprise and Tourism. The first meeting took place on 24 October 2011 to provide me with the opportunity to hear first hand, what the centres’ expectations and aspirations are for the industry’s future development are.\r\nI have also chaired a meeting on 24 May 2012, following the 2011-12 season, at the Lecht Snowsports Centre. The most recent engagement took place on 3 October 2012 when I met with representatives from the BBC, STV and the centres to explore how information on winter sports is publicised in the broadcast media, how information could be shared between the centres and broadcasters and the potential for improving information on snow conditions to allow snowsports enthusiasts to plan excursions more effectively, thereby increasing participation.\r\nI also plan to show the Scottish Government’s support for snowsports in Scotland next month when I visit one of the ski centres to acknowledge the hard work being done to encourage snowsport participants of all levels to make the most of Scotland’s ski centres.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-18T17:11:00.217","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279413,"EventID":"S4W-11675","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1845,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-04T17:11:00.497","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-04T16:06:57.463","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what support it gives to school pupils who want to learn to ski at centres in Scotland.\r\n","AnswerText":"Through the Active Schools programme and in partnership with Snowsport Scotland, school children are able to access a range of opportunities to learn to ski. This has seen a steady increase in the number of school age pupils skiing.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-18T17:11:00.497","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Shona Robison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279414,"EventID":"S4W-11676","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1845,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-04T17:11:00.827","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-04T16:06:57.463","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what support it provides to help develop winter sports facilities.\r\n","AnswerText":"All Scottish Government funding to support the development of sports facilities is routed through sportscotland. I have asked the Chief Executive of sportscotland to write to the member outlining the detail of support given to develop winter sports facilities in Scotland.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-18T17:11:00.84","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Shona Robison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279425,"EventID":"S4O-01588","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":5042,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-05T13:24:39.847","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-03T12:07:30.407","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will ensure that 24-hour public access to local police stations continues where it already exists.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-19T13:24:39.893","MeetingDate":"2012-12-12T17:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279426,"EventID":"S4O-01589","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":5059,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-05T13:24:40.237","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-03T12:07:34.493","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on prisoners being issued with contracts for father and child visits.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-19T13:24:40.237","MeetingDate":"2012-12-12T17:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279427,"EventID":"S4O-01590","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":2134,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":82,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-05T13:24:40.517","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-03T12:07:36.32","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what progress is being made in tackling sectarianism.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-19T13:24:40.53","MeetingDate":"2012-12-12T13:49:15.51","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279428,"EventID":"S4O-01591","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":3771,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-05T13:24:40.843","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-05T11:23:38.257","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it will continue to address gun crime in light of a 50% reduction in firearms offences over the last five years.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-19T13:24:40.86","MeetingDate":"2012-12-12T17:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279429,"EventID":"S4O-01592","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":3763,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-05T13:24:41.187","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-04T14:13:17.68","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what action it is taking to promote the use of community service orders.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-19T13:24:41.187","MeetingDate":"2012-12-12T17:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279430,"EventID":"S4O-01593","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":2673,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":114,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-05T13:24:41.513","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-05T10:51:58.403","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when it will introduce its consultation on the licensing of air weapons.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-19T13:24:41.53","MeetingDate":"2012-12-12T17:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279431,"EventID":"S4O-01594","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-05T13:24:41.81","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-03T12:07:42.357","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many fiscal direct penalties have been discharged without having been fully paid since 2009.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-19T13:24:41.827","MeetingDate":"2012-12-12T17:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279433,"EventID":"S4O-01596","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":2345,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":128,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-05T13:24:42.45","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-05T10:27:24.643","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the impact of court closures, as proposed by the Scottish Court Service in its consultation, Shaping Scotland's Court Service, will be on Ayr Sheriff Court.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-19T13:24:42.467","MeetingDate":"2012-12-12T17:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279434,"EventID":"S4O-01597","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":2010,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":137,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-05T13:24:42.763","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-03T13:15:06.227","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what discussions it has had with the Law Society of Scotland about reform of the time bar.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-19T13:24:42.777","MeetingDate":"2012-12-12T17:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279435,"EventID":"S4O-01598","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":2674,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":99,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-05T13:24:43.137","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-03T12:09:15.49","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its estimate is of the value of aquaculture to the economy and the Highland economy in particular.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-19T13:24:43.153","MeetingDate":"2012-12-12T17:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279436,"EventID":"S4O-01599","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":1866,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-05T13:24:43.45","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-03T12:09:15.707","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will meet the remaining annual emissions targets set out in the Climate Change (Annual Targets) (Scotland) Order 2010.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-19T13:24:43.463","MeetingDate":"2012-12-12T17:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279437,"EventID":"S4O-01600","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-05T13:24:43.823","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-03T12:09:15.99","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when it last met representatives of NFU Scotland and what issues were discussed.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-19T13:24:43.84","MeetingDate":"2012-12-12T17:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279438,"EventID":"S4O-01601","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":1893,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-05T13:24:44.37","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-03T12:09:16.393","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what steps it will take to assist farmers who continue to be affected by extremely wet soil conditions.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-19T13:24:44.383","MeetingDate":"2012-12-12T17:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279439,"EventID":"S4O-01602","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":2615,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":143,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-05T13:24:44.713","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-03T12:09:16.69","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the environmental benefits will be for Scotland of the Green Investment Bank.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-19T13:24:44.713","MeetingDate":"2012-12-12T17:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279440,"EventID":"S4O-01603","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":3745,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":122,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-05T13:24:45.023","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-03T12:09:16.877","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what discussions it has had with Forestry Commission Scotland and NFU Scotland regarding tree planting on prime arable land.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-19T13:24:45.023","MeetingDate":"2012-12-12T17:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279441,"EventID":"S4O-01604","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":4014,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-05T13:24:45.307","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-03T12:09:17.097","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what support it is providing to councils to bring forward investment in flood defence schemes.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-19T13:24:45.32","MeetingDate":"2012-12-12T17:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279442,"EventID":"S4O-01605","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":1926,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":119,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-05T13:24:45.617","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-03T12:09:17.33","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what it is doing to encourage recycling in Aberdeen.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government encourages recycling in Aberdeen in the same way that we encourage recycling across the whole of Scotland.\r\nWhether you’re a business or householder, the biggest encouragement to recycle is the availability of a high quality recycling service. This is why we introduced regulations earlier this year to stimulate the roll out of new recycling services to businesses and households across Scotland.\r\nIn support of these regulations, a broad program of technical and financial assistance is being provided to businesses and local authorities by Zero Waste Scotland, including the further £1.2 million that I recently announced to support improvements to household waste recycling centres and for improving glass collections.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-19T13:24:45.617","MeetingDate":"2012-12-12T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279443,"EventID":"S4O-01606","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":5107,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":124,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-05T13:24:45.943","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-03T12:09:17.597","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what progress is being made under the common agricultural policy reform process on agreeing practical greening measures that could be implemented in Scotland.\r\n","AnswerText":"Greening continues to be discussed in council and in the European Parliament and considerable progress has been made to get the European Commission’s draft proposals towards a form that could work in Scotland and elsewhere in Europe. However, there is still more to be done before we can be sure that Greening will deliver the environmental benefits that we want whilst not having any unintended consequences in Scotland.\r\nMost recently agriculture ministers have discussed the idea of “equivalence” in October’s council. This is the idea that other measures may be able to substitute for the Commission’s three standard measures. This is potentially an attractive idea but we must also ensure that the other elements of greening are suitable for Scottish farming.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-19T13:24:45.96","MeetingDate":"2012-12-12T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279444,"EventID":"S4O-01607","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":136,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-05T13:24:46.227","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-03T12:09:17.847","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what support will be given to new entrant farmers during the transition to area payments under common agricultural policy reform.\r\n","AnswerText":"Scottish Government is fighting the cause of new entrants in the ongoing CAP negotiations to ensure that they are properly catered for from day one of the new CAP regime.\r\nThis includes measures to ensure new entrants are allocated payment entitlements and that the value of these entitlements means they are not disadvantaged by the transition to area based payments.\r\nI recently set-up a New Entrants Panel to consider and advise me on the needs of Scotland’s new entrants, they will be keeping a close eye on the CAP developments.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-19T13:24:46.24","MeetingDate":"2012-12-12T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279445,"EventID":"S4O-01608","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":3061,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-05T13:24:46.63","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-03T12:09:51.4","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what information it has on any increase in calls and approaches to organisations that support survivors of childhood sexual abuse following the recent revelations about Jimmy Savile.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-19T13:24:46.647","MeetingDate":"2012-12-13T17:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279446,"EventID":"S4O-01609","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1943,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-05T13:24:46.96","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-03T12:09:51.65","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what communication it has had from the UK Government regarding European funding available to small and medium-sized enterprises.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-19T13:24:46.973","MeetingDate":"2012-12-13T17:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279447,"EventID":"S4O-01610","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2610,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-05T13:24:47.24","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-04T16:06:04.44","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what plans it has in place to ensure equality of treatment and diversity with regard to the public appointments that it makes.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-19T13:24:47.24","MeetingDate":"2012-12-13T17:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279448,"EventID":"S4O-01611","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1986,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":142,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-05T13:24:47.52","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-03T12:09:52.103","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when the Cabinet Secretary for Health and Wellbeing last met Healthcare Improvement Scotland and what was discussed.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-19T13:24:47.537","MeetingDate":"2012-12-13T17:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279449,"EventID":"S4O-01612","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":4938,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-05T13:24:47.817","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-03T12:09:52.353","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what steps it is taking to help homeless people during the festive period.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-19T13:24:47.817","MeetingDate":"2012-12-13T17:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279450,"EventID":"S4O-01613","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2595,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-05T13:24:48.083","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-03T12:09:52.57","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when it will next meet Scottish Enterprise.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-19T13:24:48.097","MeetingDate":"2012-12-13T17:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279451,"EventID":"S4O-01614","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":5057,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-05T13:24:48.38","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-05T09:45:57.22","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what action is being taken to replace substandard road markings on the A75 and A76 trunk roads.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-19T13:24:48.393","MeetingDate":"2012-12-13T17:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279452,"EventID":"S4O-01615","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":125,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-05T13:24:48.66","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-03T12:09:53.117","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what impact the Chancellor’s Autumn Statement will have on the Scottish budget.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-19T13:24:48.673","MeetingDate":"2012-12-13T17:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279453,"EventID":"S4O-01616","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2876,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-05T13:24:49.017","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-05T11:46:00.203","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on Scotland Excel's consultation on a proposed national framework for residential children’s care services.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-19T13:24:49.033","MeetingDate":"2012-12-13T17:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279454,"EventID":"S4O-01617","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1769,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":75,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-05T13:24:49.313","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-03T12:09:53.96","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what assistance it can give to North Lanarkshire Council to avoid reductions in jobs, services and amenities.","AnswerText":"Despite the UK Government’s cuts to the Scottish Budget, this government has provided all councils including North Lanarkshire with fair finance settlements to provide services and amenities for their communities and will continue to do so in 2013-14.\r\nAdditionally since 2007 North Lanarkshire has benefitted from £17.5 million in Regional Selective Assistance which has created 2,673 new jobs and safeguarded 1,119, as well as receiving assistance from various funding streams put in place to support Youth Employment including; Opportunities for All, the Third Sector Challenge Fund and European Structural Funds.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-19T13:24:49.33","MeetingDate":"2012-12-13T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Derek Mackay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279455,"EventID":"S4W-11677","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1845,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-05T14:01:47.25","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-04T16:31:27.19","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many people have been prosecuted for assaulting an NHS employee under regulations introduced in 2007 to extend the Emergency Workers (Scotland) Act 2005.\r\n","AnswerText":"The available information is given in the following table.\r\nThe Emergency Workers (Scotland)Act 2005 was introduced in May 2005 and offences committed after this date can be prosecuted under this legislation. As the information in the following table is based on date of verdict or sentence, this is the probable reason for the rise in cases shown in the table from 2005-06 to 2006-07. The legislation was extended in April 2008 to provide doctors, nurses and midwives with protection from obstruction or hindrance whenever they are on duty. These cases would be prosecuted under Section 1(1), which may explain the rise in cases in Section 1(1) from 2008-09 to 2009-10.\r\nPersons proceeded against in Scottish Courts for offences under the Emergency Workers (Scotland)Act 20051,2, 2005-06 to 2011-12\r\nOffence\r\n2005-06\r\n2006-07\r\n2007-08\r\n2008-09\r\n2009-10\r\n2010-11\r\n2011-12\r\nSection 1(1)3\r\n12\r\n47\r\n44\r\n76\r\n117\r\n140\r\n164\r\nSection 2(1)4\r\n14\r\n78\r\n96\r\n79\r\n39\r\n42\r\n34\r\nSection 3(1)5\r\n0\r\n3\r\n2\r\n4\r\n2\r\n5\r\n1\r\nSection 5(1)6\r\n31\r\n84\r\n145\r\n150\r\n132\r\n149\r\n172\r\nTotal\r\n57\r\n212\r\n287\r\n309\r\n290\r\n336\r\n371\r\n1. Where main offence.\r\n2. NHS workers cannot be separately identified from other emergency workers.\r\n3. Assaulting or impeding certain providers of emergency services. Includes constables, memberof the fire brigade, person acting for the Scottish Ambulance Service Board and (from April 2008) registered medical practitioners, nurses and midwives.\r\n4. Assaulting or impeding certain emergency workers responding to emergency circumstances. Includes prison officers, members of Her Majesties Coastguard, members of the crew of a vessel operated by the Royal National Lifeboat Institution, social workers, mental health officers and (until April 2008) registered medical practitioners, registered nurses, registered midwives.\r\n5. Assaulting or impeding persons assisting emergency workers.\r\n6. Assaulting or impeding health workers in hospital premises. Includes a registered medical practitioner, a registered nurse, a registered midwife, a person acting for the Scottish Ambulance Service Board.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-19T14:01:47.267","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279456,"EventID":"S4W-11678","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3896,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":97,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-05T14:01:47.687","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-05T08:56:46.29","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what estimates it has of the annual running costs of operating a new tax system in an independent Scotland. \r\n","AnswerText":"There are a number of variables that could affect the annual running costs for operating a new tax system in an independent Scotland. The Scottish Government will publish estimates in due course.\r\nWe will always seek to maximise efficiency, reducing the costs of tax collection to both taxpayers and the Government through modernising and streamlining tax legislation and administration. Under the new powers given in the Scotland Act 2012, we have proposed the introduction of the Land and Buildings Transaction Tax and a new Scottish Landfill Tax. As announced in June 2012, our estimate is that the administrative cost of collecting these taxes through Revenue Scotland will be at least 25 per cent less than the cost of asking HMRC to continue to collect Stamp Duty Land Tax and the current Landfill Tax in Scotland after April 2015.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-19T14:01:47.703","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279457,"EventID":"S4W-11690","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2678,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-05T14:01:48.157","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-05T09:50:57.753","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether any (a) minister or (b) official has visited (i) Switzerland, (ii) Norway, (iii) Sweden or (iv) Denmark since 2007.","AnswerText":"Yes. The number of journeys made by ministers to these countries is included in the information which is proactively published in each year since 2007 on the Scottish Government website which is updated on a regular basis and I attach a link: \r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/About/People/14944/travel/visitsoverseas\r\nThe number of journeys made by officials to these countries in each year since 2003 is set out in the following table:\r\n\r\n2003-04\r\n2004-05\r\n2005-06\r\n2006-07\r\n2007-08\r\n2008-09\r\n2009-10\r\n2010-11\r\n2011\r\n-12\r\n2012-13 (Nov)\r\nSwitzerland\r\n3\r\n2\r\n2\r\n9\r\n5\r\n12\r\n13\r\n9\r\n11\r\n9\r\nNorway\r\n13\r\n11\r\n48\r\n25\r\n32\r\n38\r\n36\r\n33\r\n20\r\n26\r\nSweden\r\n12\r\n8\r\n8\r\n12\r\n9\r\n8\r\n31\r\n1\r\n9\r\n6\r\nDenmark\r\n4\r\n17\r\n22\r\n19\r\n16\r\n43\r\n47\r\n40\r\n19\r\n10\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-19T14:01:48.157","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279458,"EventID":"S4W-11691","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2678,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-05T14:01:48.47","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-05T09:50:57.753","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether the Deputy First Minister has visited (a) Switzerland, (b) Norway, (c) Sweden or (d) Denmark since 2007.","AnswerText":"No. The Scottish Government proactively publishes information on overseas visits carried out by Scottish Government Ministers on the Scottish Government website which is updated on a regular basis and I attach a link: \r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/About/People/14944/travel/visitsoverseas\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-19T14:01:48.47","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279459,"EventID":"S4W-11692","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-05T14:01:48.81","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-05T10:02:48.027","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what support it is providing to local authorities in the north east to (a) maintain and (b) improve the transport network, in light of assessments that substantial investment is required in repairs.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government is providing local government in Scotland with almost £11 billion in 2012-13, which together with capital funding represents a greater share of the Scottish budget than it was in 2007-08. The vast majority of the funding, including that for roads maintenance, is being provided by means of a block grant. It is the responsibility of each local authority to allocate the total financial resources available to it on the basis of local needs and priorities having first fulfilled its statutory obligations and the jointly agreed set of national and local priorities including the Scottish Government’s key strategic objectives. The allocations for each local authority for 2012-13 can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Government/local-government/17999/11203/LGFC3-2012.\r\nFurthermore, the National Road Maintenance Review has set out how all 33 road authorities across Scotland can work in collaboration to make road maintenance more efficient, ensuring Scotland’s roads remain a key facilitator of economic growth.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-19T14:01:48.827","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279460,"EventID":"S4W-11695","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3745,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":122,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-05T14:01:49.233","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-05T10:35:40.857","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to its news release of 7 November 2012, Number of Scottish Businesses Increase, how many of the new businesses that accounted for the 10% increase recorded between March 2011 and March 2012 are in receipt of a reduction in rates under the small business bonus scheme.\r\n","AnswerText":"Information on how many new businesses opened between March 2011 and March 2012 qualify for the Small Business Bonus Scheme is not held.\r\nHowever, official statistics published on 24 October 2012 show that over 89,000 commercial premises are now in receipt of Small Business Bonus Scheme, which is an increase of almost 4,000 premises.\r\nThe Scottish Government has committed to continue the Small Business Bonus Scheme for the lifetime of the current parliament.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-19T14:01:49.25","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279461,"EventID":"S4W-11696","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5079,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-05T14:01:49.623","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-05T11:01:11.55","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many (a) oncologists and (b) specialist cancer nurses the NHS has employed in each year since 2007.\r\n","AnswerText":"The number of a) oncologists and b) specialist cancer nurses employed in NHS Scotland each year since 2007 are shown in the following tables:\r\nTable 1. The number of Medical and Clinical Oncologist staff in post in NHS Scotland (WTE)\r\nWTE\r\nSep-07\r\nSep-08\r\nSep-09\r\nSep-10\r\nMar-11\r\nJun-11\r\nSep-11\r\nDec-11\r\nMar-12\r\nJun-12\r\nSep-12\r\nOncology\r\n71.3\r\n98.8\r\n55.3\r\n89.6\r\n92.0\r\n91.6\r\n91.1\r\n91.1\r\n90.0\r\n89.6\r\n89.9\r\nSource: ISD Scotland\r\nNotes: \r\n1. Figures include Medical and Clinical Oncologists\r\nTable 2. The number of Medical and Clinical oncologist staff in post in NHS Scotland (Headcount)\r\nHeadcount\r\nSep-07\r\nSep-08\r\nSep-09\r\nSep-10\r\nMar-11\r\nJun-11\r\nSep-11\r\nDec-11\r\nMar-12\r\nJun-12\r\nSep-12\r\nOncology\r\n77\r\n108\r\n61\r\n98\r\n101\r\n99\r\n101\r\n100\r\n99\r\n98\r\n98\r\nSource: ISD Scotland\r\nNotes: \r\n1. Figures include Medical and Clinical Oncologists\r\nDuring July 2008 medical and dental information was migrated from the MEDMAN web based system to the Scottish Workforce Information Standard System (SWISS). This alignment provided the opportunity to capture all NHS Scotland staff in post information in the one system, which has resulted in more robust information being captured and reported.  \r\nTable 3. The number of specialist cancer nurses in post in NHS Scotland (WTE)\r\n\r\n\r\nWTE\r\nSep-07\r\nSep-08\r\nSep-09\r\nSep-10\r\nSep-11\r\nSep-12\r\nCancer\r\n173.9\r\n165.2\r\n170.0\r\n182.6\r\n245.1\r\n242.8\r\nSource: ISD Scotland\r\nTable 4. The number of specialist cancer nurses in post in NHS Scotland (Headcount)\r\n\r\n\r\nHeadcount\r\nSep-07\r\nSep-08\r\nSep-09\r\nSep-10\r\nSep-11\r\nSep-12\r\nCancer\r\n189\r\n180\r\n187\r\n198\r\n271\r\n269\r\nSource: ISD Scotland\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-19T14:01:49.64","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279462,"EventID":"S4W-11697","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5079,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-05T14:01:50.043","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-05T11:01:11.55","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many vacancies for consultant oncologists the NHS has advertised in each year since 2007 and how many posts have been filled.\r\n","AnswerText":"The information requested on how many of the posts have been filled is not held centrally. Vacancy figures as reported on the ISD Scotland website are given in the following tables. The total number of consultant oncologist vacancies in NHS Scotland whole time equivalent (WTE) and headcount are shown in tables 1 and 2.\r\nTable 1. Total Vacancies in NHS Scotland for Oncologists (WTE)\r\n\r\nSep-07\r\nSep-08\r\nSep-09\r\nSep-10\r\nMar-11\r\nJun-11\r\nSep-11\r\nDec-11\r\nMar-12\r\nJun-12\r\nSep-12\r\nOncology\r\n7.0\r\n2.0\r\n3.0\r\n2.0\r\n1.6\r\n2.2\r\n1.0\r\n1.0\r\n4.0\r\n3.0\r\n5.0\r\nSource: ISD Scotland\r\nNotes: \r\n1. Figures include Medical and Clinical Oncologists\r\nTable 2. Total Vacancies in NHS Scotland for Oncologists (Headcount)\r\n\r\nSep-07\r\nSep-08\r\nSep-09\r\nSep-10\r\nMar-11\r\nJun-11\r\nSep-11\r\nDec-11\r\nMar-12\r\nJun-12\r\nSep-12\r\nOncology\r\n7\r\n2\r\n3\r\n2\r\n2\r\n3\r\n1\r\n1\r\n4\r\n3\r\n5\r\nSource: ISD Scotland\r\nNotes:\r\n1. Figures include Medical and Clinical Oncologists\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-19T14:01:50.043","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279463,"EventID":"S4W-11698","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5079,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-05T14:01:50.387","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-05T11:01:11.55","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many vacancies there are for consultant oncologists in each NHS board.\r\n","AnswerText":"The total number of consultant oncologist vacancies in NHS Scotland whole time equivalent (WTE) and headcount as at 30 September 2012 is shown in the following table.\r\nTable 1. Total Vacancies as at 30th September 2012\r\n \r\nNHS Board\r\nOncology\r\nTotal Vacancies (WTE)\r\nTotal Vacancies (Headcount)\r\nNHS Ayrshire & Arran\r\n0\r\n0\r\nNHS Borders\r\n0\r\n0\r\nNHS Dumfries & Galloway\r\n0\r\n0\r\nNHS Fife\r\n0\r\n0\r\nNHS Forth Valley\r\n0\r\n0\r\nNHS Grampian\r\n2\r\n2\r\nNHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde\r\n2\r\n2\r\nNHS Highland\r\n0\r\n0\r\nNHS Lanarkshire\r\n0\r\n0\r\nNHS Lothian\r\n1\r\n1\r\nNHS Orkney\r\n0\r\n0\r\nNHS Shetland\r\n0\r\n0\r\nNHS Tayside\r\n0\r\n0\r\nNHS Western Isles\r\n0\r\n0\r\nScotland Total\r\n5\r\n5\r\nSource: ISD Scotland\r\nNotes: \r\n1. Figures include Medical and Clinical Oncologists\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-19T14:01:50.403","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279485,"EventID":"S4W-11679","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5009,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-05T16:57:59.697","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-05T09:17:56.117","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the statement by John Swinney on 27 November 2012 (Official Report, c. 13912), what categories of resources will be added to local authority revenues in addition to the provisional funding allocations.\r\n","AnswerText":"Any changes to the provisional funding allocations for local government for 2013-14 announced to Parliament on 27 November 2012, such as the transfer of resources from the Department of Work and Pensions for the devolved social fund programme which is subject to final agreement with COSLA, will be confirmed to Parliament as part of the normal budget process.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-19T16:57:59.743","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279486,"EventID":"S4W-11680","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5009,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-05T16:58:00.027","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-05T09:17:56.117","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the statement by John Swinney on 27 November 2012 (Official Report, c. 13912), when it will inform (a) local authorities and (b) the Parliament of how much additional revenue support each council will receive in 2013-14 from the (i) £70 million available to freeze the council tax, (ii) £39 million for teacher commitments and (iii) funding floor system to keep all councils above 85% of the per capita average.\r\n","AnswerText":"The distributions of the £70 million for the council tax freeze and the £25 million to deliver the Scottish Government’s commitment for the 85% per capita floor, which was implemented as part of the 2012-15 settlement following Spending Review 2011, are both separately identifiable within the 2013-14 provisional revenue allocations published in Local Government Finance Circular 5/2012*. The £39 million for the teacher commitments is included within the 2013-14 general revenue funding allocations in column nine of Annex B of the Local Government Finance Circular 5/2012.\r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Government/local-government/17999/11203/LGFC-5-2012\r\nAs part of the established practice agreed with COSLA, three year settlements, including the floors, are not reopened during the period of the Spending Review except for  agreed additions or reductions in funding.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-19T16:58:00.04","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279487,"EventID":"S4W-11681","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5009,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-05T16:58:00.307","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-05T09:17:56.117","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the statement by John Swinney on 27 November 2012 (Official Report, c. 13912), whether it will publish a table of the average per capita provisional funding allocations for each local authority and what percentage this represents of the average per capita for Scotland (a) using the latest population figures and (b) amended to assume that no council receives more than 115% in line with Mr Swinney's statement of 8 December 2011 (Official Report, c. 4537)\r\n","AnswerText":"Additional funding of £25 million to deliver on the Scottish Government’s commitment to introduce a 85% per capita funding floor was included in the local authority allocations in each year covering the 2012-15 settlement period following Spending Review 2011. That funding remains in the provisional settlement allocations which I confirmed to Parliament on 27 November 2012 and is separately identifiable in Annex B of Local Government Finance Circular 5/2012.\r\nIn line with established practice agreed with COSLA, three year settlements, including the floors, are not reopened during the period of the Spending Review except for additions or reductions in funding.\r\nFollowing the transfer of police and fire funding from 2013-14 it is not possible to provide a comparable table of the per capita funding allocations for the implementation of the 85% funding floor.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-19T16:58:00.323","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279488,"EventID":"S4W-11683","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5009,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-05T16:58:00.587","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-05T09:17:56.117","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the statement by John Swinney on 8 December 2011 (Official Report, c. 4537), what progress has been made on implementing the business rates incentivisation scheme; what the latest estimate is of the impact of the scheme, and which local authorities it expects will exceed their targets for the scheme in 2012-13.\r\n","AnswerText":"The business rates incentivisation scheme was introduced on 1 April 2012. The impact of the scheme and the local authorities that exceed their targets will not be known until the final 2012-13 non domestic rate income returns are received.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-19T16:58:00.603","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279489,"EventID":"S4W-11687","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5009,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-05T16:58:00.867","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-05T09:17:56.117","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what proportion of the increase in business rates income outlined in the 2013-14 draft budget will come from local authorities that exceed their business rates incentivisation scheme targets and whether the retention by local authorities of their share is reflected in table 12.01 of the draft budget document.\r\n","AnswerText":"The non domestic rates income (NDRI) shown in the 2013-14 draft budget is our best estimate of what will be collected in 2013-14 taking into account the normal inflationary increase associated with matching the English poundage, business growth, the differing impact of appeals in each year, prior year adjustments and income from the public health supplement and the reform of empty property rates relief.\r\nAny income as a result of local authorities exceeding their business rates incentivisation scheme targets will be over and above the NDRI in the draft budget and will not be known until the final non domestic rate income returns for that year are received.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-19T16:58:00.883","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279490,"EventID":"S4W-11688","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5009,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-05T16:58:01.15","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-05T09:17:56.117","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its definition is of the phrase \"the post-Christie agenda\", used in its document, Single Outcome Agreements, Guide to Community Planning Partnerships.\r\n","AnswerText":"The “post-Christie agenda” means planning and delivering public services in line with the approach set out in the Scottish Government’s response to the Report of the Commission on the Future Delivery of Public Services that was led by the late Dr Campbell Christie. That response was published on 21 September 2011 and can be found at\r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2011/09/21104740/0. In that context, and as agreed by the National Community Planning Group, the Guidance on Single Outcome Agreements asks community planning partnerships to show how their approach to the delivery of improved outcomes aligns with the four pillars of public service reform: prevention, local integration and partnership, investment in people and performance improvement.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-19T16:58:01.163","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279491,"EventID":"S4W-11689","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5009,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-05T16:58:01.43","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-05T09:17:56.117","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it plans to provide additional guidance to community planning partnerships on the process required to reach single outcome agreements.\r\n","AnswerText":"Guidance to community planning partnerships on the scope and content of their new Single Outcome Agreements (SOAs), including the timetable for their submission and agreement with the Scottish Government, was published on 4 December 2012 and is available on the Scottish Government website at http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Government/local-government/CP/SOA2012/SOA2012.\r\nThere are no plans for the issue of further formal written guidance to CPPs on preparation of their new SOAs. Instead, as stated in the guidance published on 4 December, the Scottish Government has offered to provide practical advice and support to CPPs to help them prepare their new SOAs.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-19T16:58:01.447","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279492,"EventID":"S4W-11699","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-05T16:58:01.697","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-05T12:21:19.29","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what reviews have been carried out to ensure that intensive rehabilitation services are fit for purpose.\r\n","AnswerText":"It is for NHS boards to ensure that the rehabilitation services they provide are appropriate in their intensity and duration.\r\nThe Scottish Government’s Rehabilitation Framework encourages NHS boards to ensure that as well as providing intensive rehabilitation where appropriate, \r\nre-ablement services are also available and provided where appropriate.\r\nWe have established a Centre of Excellence in Rehabilitation and Re-ablement Research at Strathclyde University. The Centre will work with researchers and practitioners from the NHS and social care across Scotland to strengthen the evidence base, further evaluate and support the development of rehabilitation and re-ablement services.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-19T16:58:01.71","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279493,"EventID":"S4W-11700","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-05T16:58:02.193","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-05T12:21:19.29","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what is being done to integrate physical activity into (a) primary care and (b) mental health services.\r\n","AnswerText":"We are working closely with NHS Health Scotland, The Royal College of General Practitioners and NHS Education for Scotland to integrate physical activity into a routine part of primary care. A brief advice and interventions pilot will commence next year. There will be 19 sites joining the pilot between January to March 2013 and the Scottish Government has provided £100,000 to support this project.\r\nWe are also aware regular physical activity improves mental health outcomes. The linked contribution answers for S4W-11701 and S4W-11702 on 13 December 2012 provide a response on action by the Scottish Government with physical activity in mental health services.\r\nAll answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-19T16:58:02.21","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Shona Robison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279494,"EventID":"S4W-11701","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-05T16:58:02.677","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-05T12:21:19.29","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much funding it allocates to organisations involved in supporting physical activity for mental health patients.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government sets national policy direction for mental health and provides funding to NHS boards and local authorities to support implementation of policy. The management of local actions in implementing national policy, and decisions on local service planning and delivery, spending priorities, and the contribution of the voluntary sector in this, is the responsibility of relevant local agencies.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-19T16:58:02.693","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279495,"EventID":"S4W-11702","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-05T16:58:03.16","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-05T12:21:19.29","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what information it has on how many GPs prescribe physical activity to support mental health patients.\r\n","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally.\r\nWe will work with partners, including the Royal College of General Practitioners and Health and Social Care Alliance Scotland, to increase local knowledge of social prescribing opportunities, including through new technologies which support resources that connect existing sources of support and make local information easy to find. We will also raise awareness through local health improvement networks, of the benefits of such approaches.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-19T16:58:03.177","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279496,"EventID":"S4W-11703","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5079,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-05T16:58:03.647","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-05T12:23:42.607","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what communication it has had with the Israeli (a) Government or (b) Embassy following the recent visit to Edinburgh of the Israeli Ambassador to the UK and what meetings or contact have taken place or been arranged by the Minister for Enterprise, Energy and Tourism or his officials.\r\n","AnswerText":"The First Minister held a courtesy meeting with Mr Daniel Taub, Israel’s Ambassador to the UK on 24 October. The Minister for Energy, Enterprise and Tourism, Fergus Ewing met with Noah Shani, the Israeli Embassy’s Minister for Trade and Economic Affairs in London on 13 November, before the recent escalation in violence. I also met with Mr Manuel Hassassian, the Palestinian Ambassador on 15 November to discuss the ongoing situation in the Middle East and how Scotland and Palestine can forge closer links.\r\nThe Scottish Government currently has no contracts with Israel suppliers and we have no plans to visit Israel in the near future.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-19T16:58:03.66","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Humza Yousaf","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279497,"EventID":"S4W-11704","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3896,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":97,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-05T16:58:03.927","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-05T12:50:55.543","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide a breakdown of the buildings in its estate by energy performance certificate rating.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-04170 on 7 December 2011. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\nThe Scottish Government is committed to improving the environmental performance of its estate and this is reflected in its success in achieving the Carbon Trust Standard award during 2012.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-19T16:58:03.94","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279498,"EventID":"S4W-11705","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3896,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":97,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-05T16:58:04.237","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-05T12:50:55.543","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government (a) how many and (b) what percentage of buildings occupied by it and its agencies have microgeneration technologies installed.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-04170 on 7 December 2011. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\nThe three buildings on the Scottish Government estate that have microgeneration technologies (solar water heating) represent 4.8% of the 63 buildings where the Scottish Government is the sole or major occupier.\r\nWe will continue to keep under review opportunities for further use of micro generation technologies where environmental and cost benefits would result. \r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-19T16:58:04.253","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279499,"EventID":"S4W-11706","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3896,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":97,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-05T16:58:04.55","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-05T12:50:55.543","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government (a) how many and (b) what percentage of buildings occupied by it and its agencies are carbon neutral.\r\n","AnswerText":"There is no single definition of carbon neutral. \r\nIn October 2009 the Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) published\r\nthe following definition of carbon neutrality:\r\n“Carbon neutral means that through a transparent process of calculating emissions, reducing those emissions and offsetting residual emissions – net carbon emissions equal zero”.\r\nWhile the Scottish Government’s estate does not include any buildings that meet this definition, the Scottish Government is actively working towards a reduction in the emissions from its buildings through the Transforming Our Workplace programme, through the implementation of a programme of energy efficiency projects and an updating of its Carbon Management Plan.\r\nFrom April 2013, the Scottish Government, as part of the wider Scottish public sector, will be supplied with electricity by EDF Energy. This new contract, like the current contract with Scottish Power and Scottish and Southern Energy, provides 100% renewable energy. \r\nInformation relating to the carbon status of buildings occupied by agencies is not held centrally.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-19T16:58:04.567","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279500,"EventID":"S4W-11707","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3896,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":97,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-05T16:58:04.863","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-05T12:50:55.543","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what discussions took place with ministerial counterparts in other parts of the UK before the Minister for Youth Employment represented the UK at the Education, Youth, Culture and Sport Council meeting on 27 November 2012.\r\n","AnswerText":"Decisions on ministerial attendance and representation at council meetings are taken on a case-by-case basis by the lead UK Government Minister. Rt Michael Gove MP, Secretary of State for Education wrote to me to confirm that I would represent the UK at the Education, Youth, Culture and Sport Council meeting on 27 November 2012.The Department for Education officials then held discussions with Scottish Government officials about my contribution at the Council meeting.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-19T16:58:04.877","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angela Constance","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279501,"EventID":"S4W-11708","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3896,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":97,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-05T16:58:05.173","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-05T12:50:55.543","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what aspects of youth employment policy from other UK jurisdictions were promoted by the Minister for Youth Employment when representing the UK at the Education, Youth, Culture and Sport Council meeting on 27 November 2012.\r\n","AnswerText":"My contribution at the Education, Youth, Culture and Sport Council on 27 November 2012 focused on structured arrangements in the UK and in Scotland for supporting and enabling representative groups of young people to have their say in decisions. I highlighted that the British Youth Council has been awarded funding by the Department for Education to promote the voice of young people, and that the Scottish Government is funding national youth organisations, including the Scottish Youth Parliament and Young Scot, to enable young people to make informed choices and decisions about issues affecting them.\r\nI stressed my commitment that young people in Scotland from every background should have a voice in policy debates about their future and that I have engaged with diverse groups of young people on how to tackle youth unemployment. Specifically, I referred to the national youth summit on 5 December 2012 at which I and five other Scottish Government Ministers were joined by over 100 young people at different stages of unemployment and training to discuss what more they think needs to be done to support youth employment.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-19T16:58:05.19","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angela Constance","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279502,"EventID":"S4W-11709","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2108,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":141,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-05T16:58:05.597","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-05T13:22:10.147","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-11378 by John Swinney on 29 November 2012, what contact it has had with the Bank of England in the last year regarding the possible division of UK public sector assets and liabilities in the event of Scotland separating from the rest of the UK, broken down by (a) date, (b) means of contact and (c) which ministers took part.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-11378 on 29 November 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-19T16:58:05.61","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279503,"EventID":"S4W-11710","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2108,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":141,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-05T16:58:05.89","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-05T13:22:10.147","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-11378 by John Swinney on 29 November 2012, what contact it has had with the UK Government in the last year on the possible division of UK public sector assets in the event of Scotland separating from the rest of the UK, broken down by (a) date, (b) means of contact and (c) which ministers took part.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-11378 on 29 November 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-19T16:58:05.907","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279504,"EventID":"S4W-11711","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-05T16:58:06.203","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-05T14:30:29.407","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many patients were removed from the cancer waiting time targets due to death in each of the last two years and how many of those were beyond the 62-day target.","AnswerText":"The number of patients who died before treatment and were therefore excluded from the cancer access targets in 2010 was 241 and in 2011 was 259 representing 1.2% of the total number of patients in the targets in each year.\r\nThere are no centrally held data on whether death occurred before or beyond the target treatment date nor on the cause of death, which may have been unrelated to the cancer.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-19T16:58:06.22","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279505,"EventID":"S4W-11720","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5009,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-05T16:58:06.517","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-05T16:00:05.397","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-11504 by Nicola Sturgeon on 3 December 2012, to what organisations that provide advice services on welfare and benefits it provides funding; how much funding it is providing in 2012-13, and from which budget line.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government is doing what it can within our current powers to tackle poverty and inequality and have sought to maximise household incomes and put plans in place to mitigate the impact of welfare reform. Within my portfolio there are a range of interventions which both directly and indirectly provide advice on financial issues such as welfare and benefits. For example we are providing up to £450,000 for Macmillan Cancer Support in 2012-13 for their benefits advice service and up to £375,000 to the Child Poverty Action Group in 2012-13 to provide training to front line agencies to allow them to provide advice to low income households on a variety of financial and benefits related issues.\r\nThe Access to Justice project in the Making Justice Work programme is directed at better co-ordination and prioritisation of advice funding, seeking to develop a more efficient and cost effective approach to public sector funding of advice services. The project is currently mapping the range of information and advice services that receive public sector funding and why, covering advice on areas of law such as housing, welfare benefits, debt and consumer issues. I would be happy to provide details to the member once this review has been completed.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-19T16:58:06.53","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279511,"EventID":"S4W-11693","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2633,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-06T13:45:30.213","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-05T10:21:26.937","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much it paid out (a) nationally and (b) in Fife for the (i) mortgage to rent scheme and (ii) the mortgage to shared equity scheme under the Home Owners Support Fund.\r\n","AnswerText":"Details for the last two financial years are as follows:\r\n\r\n2010-2011\r\n2011-2012\r\n\r\nNATIONAL\r\nFIFE COUNCIL AREA\r\nNATIONAL\r\nFIFE COUNCIL AREA\r\nMortgage to Rent\r\n£19.9m\r\n£1.55m \r\n£14.3m\r\n£0.7m\r\nMortgage to Shared Equity\r\n£0.2m\r\n£0.05m\r\n£0.1m\r\n0m\r\nTotal\r\n£20.1m\r\n£1.6m\r\n£14.4m\r\n£0.7m\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-20T13:45:30.32","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Burgess","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279512,"EventID":"S4W-11694","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2633,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-06T13:45:30.897","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-05T10:21:26.937","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the (a) demand, (b) uptake and (c) capacity was of the (i) mortgage to rent scheme and (ii) mortgage to shared equity scheme (A) nationally and (B) in Fife under the Home Owners Support Fund.\r\n","AnswerText":"Details for the past two financial years are as follows:\r\n\r\n2010-2011\r\n2011-2012\r\n\r\nNATIONAL\r\nFIFE  COUNCIL  AREA\r\nNATIONAL\r\nFIFE  COUNCIL  AREA\r\nNumber of Applications\r\n739\r\n68\r\n889\r\n74\r\nCompleted Mortgage To Rent\r\n368\r\n36\r\n322\r\n16\r\nCompleted Mortgage To Shared Equity\r\n6\r\n2\r\n3\r\n0\r\nThe capacity of the schemes is determined by a mixture of the available budget, the number of applications and the value of each application.\r\nThe outturn figures for the Home Owners’ Support Fund for the past two years are as follows:\r\n2010-2011\t£20.1 million\r\n2011-2012\t£14.4 million\r\nThe Home Owners’ Support Fund budget for 2012-2013 is £10 million.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-20T13:45:30.913","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Burgess","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279513,"EventID":"S4W-11721","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5106,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":118,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-06T13:45:31.257","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-05T16:09:11.863","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many fines the Traffic Commissioner for Scotland has issued to bus companies in the last year.","AnswerText":"The fines referred to are penalties imposed under section 39 of the Transport (Scotland) Act 2001. For the financial year 2011-2012, there was one penalty of £750 imposed (on one operator only). For the financial year to-date, there has been one penalty of £2250 imposed (also on one operator only).\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-20T13:45:31.273","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279514,"EventID":"S4W-11722","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5106,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":118,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-06T13:45:31.6","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-05T16:09:11.863","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what fines can be imposed on bus companies in respect of services not running on time.","AnswerText":"Section 39 of the Transport (Scotland) Act 2001 specifies the only power available to the Traffic Commissioner, which is to impose a financial penalty on any operator not running services on time. The maximum amount is £550 per vehicle multiplied by the level of authorisation on the licence.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-20T13:45:31.617","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279515,"EventID":"S4W-11723","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5106,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":118,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-06T13:45:31.96","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-05T16:09:11.863","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what powers it has in relation to the Traffic Commissioner for Scotland.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Traffic Commissioner is an independent regulator appointed under the Public Passenger Vehicles Act 1981 and undertakes the functions prescribed by statute, including Acts and Regulations of the Scottish Parliament.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-20T13:45:31.973","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279516,"EventID":"S4W-11724","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5106,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":118,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-06T13:45:32.287","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-05T16:09:11.863","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what powers it has in relation to setting fines for bus companies.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government is responsible for collecting any penalties imposed by the Traffic Commissioner and could ask the Scottish Parliament to amend the amount of the penalty or its formula.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-20T13:45:32.303","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279517,"EventID":"S4W-11725","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5106,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":118,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-06T13:45:32.63","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-05T16:09:11.863","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether running a set number of buses per hour is an allowed alternative to setting timetables.","AnswerText":"Yes; it is open to an operator to register “frequent services”. Frequent services are defined at Paragraph 10 of the Schedule to SSI 2001 No. 219, The Public Service Vehicles (Registration of Local Services) (Scotland) Regulations 2001, as routes on which “the service interval is 10 minutes or less”. These are further defined in the Traffic Commissioner’s Practice Direction on Standards for Local Bus Services as: “Six or more buses will depart within any period of 60 minutes and the interval between consecutive buses will not exceed 15 minutes”.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-20T13:45:32.647","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279518,"EventID":"S4W-11726","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5106,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":118,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-06T13:45:32.957","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-05T16:09:11.863","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what leeway the Traffic Commissioner for Scotland gives to bus operators that experience delays due to circumstances outwith their control.","AnswerText":"The Traffic Commissioner is obliged by law to consider the responses of operators to any departure from the registered times or routes and whether such responses amount to reasonable excuse. A penalty will only be imposed if the Traffic Commissioner is satisfied that the operator has not presented a reasonable excuse.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-20T13:45:32.973","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279519,"EventID":"S4W-11727","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2066,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-06T13:45:33.3","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-05T16:22:11.733","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-10906 by Paul Wheelhouse on 20 November 2012, whether it will address the issue raised in the question as to which of the proposals in the Report on Proposals and Policies will be adopted.","AnswerText":"The draft Second Report on Proposals and Policies currently under development will set out our proposals and policies for meeting our greenhouse gas emission reduction targets for the period 2013 to 2027. The draft report will be laid in Parliament in early 2013. Parliament will have the opportunity to comment on which proposals should be adopted during the consultation period.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-20T13:45:33.317","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279520,"EventID":"S4W-11728","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2066,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-06T13:45:33.627","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-05T16:22:11.733","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when Scottish Greenhouse Gas Emissions 2011 will be published.","AnswerText":"Scottish Greenhouse Gas Emissions 2011 will be published in June 2013. The exact publication date will be available by May 2013 on the Scottish Government website at:\r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Statistics/Search/Forthcoming.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-20T13:45:33.643","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279521,"EventID":"S4W-11734","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4086,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-06T13:45:34.017","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-05T17:08:57.11","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many operations have been postponed in each NHS board area in the last three years and for what reasons.","AnswerText":"The specific information is not available centrally as it is not possible to identify operations cancelled for non-clinical reasons.\r\nInformation although limited, is available on the number of hospital stays where operation/procedure was not carried out following admission. This information is for the financial years 2009-10, 2010-11 and 2011-12 is provided in the following tables.\r\nOperations may be cancelled due to a number of reasons such as particularly high levels of emergency admissions, staff sickness, patient is unfit for treatment on admission or the patient has failed to follow pre-admission advice such as fasting before admission.\r\nThe total number of hospital stays and the number of inpatient and day case hospital stays where a cancelled operations or procedure not being carried out has been recorded for 2009-10 by NHS board\r\nNHS Board of Treatment\r\nTotal Number of Stays\r\nThe Number of Hospital Stays Where A Cancelled Operation/Procedure Not Carried Out\r\nRate\r\n(%)\r\nScotland \r\n1,159,536\r\n17,004\r\n1.5\r\nNHS Ayrshire & Arran\r\n88,367\r\n1,444\r\n1.6\r\nNHS Borders\r\n21,712\r\n147\r\n0.7\r\nNHS Dumfries & Galloway\r\n31,886\r\n614\r\n1.9\r\nNHS Fife\r\n60,320\r\n934\r\n1.5\r\nNHS Forth Valley \r\n38,169\r\n145\r\n0.4\r\nNHS Grampian\r\n107,411\r\n1,775\r\n1.7\r\nNHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde\r\n352,762\r\n5,244\r\n1.5\r\nNHS Highland\r\n60,339\r\n913\r\n1.5\r\nNHS Lanarkshire\r\n119,962\r\n2,469\r\n2.1\r\nNHS Lothian\r\n166,723\r\n1,625\r\n1.0\r\nNHS Orkney Islands\r\n4,463\r\n46\r\n1.0\r\nNHS Shetland Islands\r\n4,139\r\n76\r\n1.8\r\nNHS Tayside\r\n78,895\r\n871\r\n1.1\r\nNHS Western Isles\r\n6,347\r\n67\r\n1.1\r\nGolden Jubilee\r\n18,041\r\n634\r\n3.5\r\nThe total number of hospital stays and the number of inpatient and day case hospital stays where a cancelled operations or procedure not being carried out has been recorded for 2010-11 by NHS board\r\nNHS Board of Treatment\r\nTotal Number of Stays\r\nThe Number of Hospital Stays Where A Cancelled Operation/Procedure Not Carried Out\r\nRate\r\n(%)\r\nScotland \r\n1,154,012\r\n16,498\r\n1.4\r\nNHS Ayrshire & Arran\r\n89,821\r\n1,422\r\n1.6\r\nNHS Borders\r\n22,296\r\n153\r\n0.7\r\nNHS Dumfries & Galloway\r\n31,567\r\n607\r\n1.9\r\nNHS Fife\r\n57,757\r\n962\r\n1.7\r\nNHS Forth Valley \r\n37,399\r\n148\r\n0.4\r\nNHS Grampian\r\n105,666\r\n1,732\r\n1.6\r\nNHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde\r\n361,020\r\n5,048\r\n1.4\r\nNHS Highland\r\n58,263\r\n812\r\n1.4\r\nNHS Lanarkshire\r\n115,386\r\n2,380\r\n2.1\r\nNHS Lothian\r\n163,419\r\n1,543\r\n0.9\r\nNHS Orkney Islands\r\n4,981\r\n43\r\n0.9\r\nNHS Shetland Islands\r\n4,152\r\n55\r\n1.3\r\nNHS Tayside\r\n79,441\r\n1,019\r\n1.3\r\nNHS Western Isles\r\n5,763\r\n68\r\n1.2\r\nGolden Jubilee\r\n17,081\r\n506\r\n3.0\r\nThe total number of hospital stays and the number of inpatient and day case hospital stays where a cancelled operations or procedure not being carried out has been recorded for 2011-12 by NHS board\r\nNHS Board of Treatment\r\nTotal Number of Stays\r\nThe Number of Hospital Stays Where A Cancelled Operation/Procedure Not Carried Out\r\nRate\r\n(%)\r\nScotland \r\n1,169,030\r\n16,563\r\n1.4\r\nNHS Ayrshire & Arran\r\n89,618\r\n1,383\r\n1.5\r\nNHS Borders\r\n23,223\r\n181\r\n0.8\r\nNHS Dumfries & Galloway\r\n31,141\r\n597\r\n1.9\r\nNHS Fife\r\n57,410\r\n997\r\n1.7\r\nNHS Forth Valley \r\n37,928\r\n136\r\n0.4\r\nNHS Grampian\r\n107,756\r\n1,603\r\n1.5\r\nNHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde\r\n367,182\r\n4,833\r\n1.3\r\nNHS Highland\r\n56,119\r\n752\r\n1.3\r\nNHS Lanarkshire\r\n118,700\r\n2,608\r\n2.2\r\nNHS Lothian\r\n168,236\r\n1,784\r\n1.1\r\nNHS Orkney Islands\r\n4,981\r\n66\r\n1.3\r\nNHS Shetland Islands\r\n4,570\r\n65\r\n1.4\r\nNHS Tayside\r\n80,072\r\n925\r\n1.2\r\nNHS Western Isles\r\n5,502\r\n75\r\n1.4\r\nGolden Jubilee\r\n16,592\r\n558\r\n3.4\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-20T13:45:34.033","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279522,"EventID":"S4W-11735","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4086,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-06T13:45:34.407","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-05T17:08:57.11","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government on how many occasions operating theatres have been forced to close in the last three years; for what reasons, and how many theatre hours have been lost, broken down by NHS board.\r\n","AnswerText":"The information requested is not collected centrally.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-20T13:45:34.423","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279523,"EventID":"S4W-11737","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-06T13:45:34.737","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-06T08:39:27.157","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it plans to look into the past activities of the Consulting Association and their impact on employment in Scotland.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has no plans to look into the past activities of the Consulting Association and their impact on employment in Scotland. The company has already been the subject of a successful investigation by the Information Commissioner’s Office resulting in a penalty being imposed for a breach of the Data Protection Act.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-20T13:45:34.75","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279524,"EventID":"S4W-11738","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-06T13:45:35.11","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-06T08:39:27.157","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what information it has on how many Scottish construction workers were on the blacklist operated by the Consulting Association.","AnswerText":"We do not hold this information. The ICO assumed control of the Consulting Association’s database and are operating a telephone service for people to check whether information about them was held on it. This service is being run until related employment tribunal hearings are concluded. At that stage the ICO will decide whether to continue the service.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-20T13:45:35.127","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279525,"EventID":"S4W-11739","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-06T13:45:35.61","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-06T08:39:27.157","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what information it has on how many companies that operate in Scotland were listed on the Consulting Association's database.","AnswerText":"We do not hold this information. The ICO published details of construction companies which subscribed to the Consulting Association on their website. This list can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.ico.gov.uk/news/current_topics/consulting_association.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-20T13:45:35.623","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279526,"EventID":"S4W-11740","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-06T13:45:35.983","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-06T08:39:27.157","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many of the companies listed on the recovered Consulting Association's database (a) are engaged in or (b) have been awarded Scottish Government contracts or subcontracts since 2007 and what the value is of any such contracts.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-10877 on 18 December 2012. Information is not held centrally on the award and value of subcontracts awarded to companies named by the Information Commissioner’s Office as companies which subscribed to the Consulting Association.\r\nAll answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-20T13:45:36","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279527,"EventID":"S4W-11741","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-06T13:45:36.297","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-06T08:39:27.157","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what action it is taking in light of the reports about blacklisting in the construction industry.","AnswerText":"Companies which are awarded public contracts are expected to maintain high standards of business and professional conduct. Companies’ suitability and their compliance with all relevant legal obligations are considered on a case by case basis prior to the award of every high value public contract.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-20T13:45:36.31","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279528,"EventID":"S4W-11742","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-06T13:45:36.607","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-06T08:39:27.157","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will commission an independent report to determine whether or not blacklisting is continuing in the construction industry.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has no plans to commission an independent report to determine whether blacklist is continuing in the construction sector. The House of Commons Scottish Affairs Committee is currently carrying out an inquiry. The findings of this inquiry, which the chairman said is to determine the scale of the problem and what is being done to eradicate it, will facilitate further areas of investigation.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-20T13:45:36.623","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279529,"EventID":"S4W-11743","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-06T13:45:36.903","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-06T09:07:51.927","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on whether there will be sufficient staffing to provide out of hours cover across the NHS over the 2012-13 Christmas and New Year period.\r\n","AnswerText":"NHS boards plan the staffing levels required to meet predicted demand throughout the year. The winter presents additional challenges and the Scottish Government has a well established process in place to support NHS Scotland to prepare for the winter period. \r\nThis year’s “Preparing for Winter Guidance” was circulated to NHS board Chief Executives on 16 October 2012 and copied to a range of partners who play a critical role in supporting the delivery of NHS services over the winter period.\r\nThe guidance focuses on supporting NHS boards to make efficient utilisation of capacity and to optimise patient flow from point of admission through to point of discharge. It sets out a number of priority actions, including agreeing on staff rotas in November for the fortnight in which the two festive holiday periods occur to match projected peaks in demand. These rotas should include services that support the management of inpatient pathways, (e.g.) diagnostics, pharmacy, phlebotomy, Allied Health Professions(AHPs), Infection Protection Control Team, etc. It also asks NHS boards to ensure that appropriate medical staff is available, and that AHP rotas are structured, to facilitate the discharging of patients throughout weekends and the fortnight in which the two festive holiday periods occur in order to maximise capacity.\r\nAs part of their winter planning arrangements NHS boards conduct a primary care out-of hours self-assessment to ensure that primary care services are fully sustained over the winter period and especially around the Christmas and New Year period.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-20T13:45:36.92","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279530,"EventID":"S4W-11744","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-06T13:45:37.45","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-06T09:07:51.927","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what discussions it has had with NHS boards regarding staff cover over the 2012-13 Christmas and New Year period.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has supported NHS boards, throughout the year to develop and refine their winter plans for 2012-13. As part of this process, the Scottish Government held a national winter planning meeting and two regional winter planning events with NHS boards to review last years winter and to make preparations for this winter, including discussions on staff cover.\r\nWinter preparations have been discussed with the chairs of all NHS boards at our monthly meetings. The NHS Scotland chief executive has also held discussions with NHS board chief executives.\r\nThe Scottish Government issued “Preparing for Winter Guidance” to NHS board chief executives on 16 October 2012.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-20T13:45:37.467","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279531,"EventID":"S4W-11745","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-06T13:45:38.107","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-06T09:07:51.927","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether any consultant-led clinics will be cancelled over the 2012-13 Christmas and New Year period.\r\n","AnswerText":"It is for individual NHS boards to plan how their services are going to be provided for over the holiday period to ensure that patients have no delay in their care.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-20T13:45:38.12","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279532,"EventID":"S4W-11746","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3806,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-06T13:45:38.917","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-06T09:57:28.133","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on proposals to increase heavy goods vehicle (HGV) speed limits.","AnswerText":"Road Safety is a priority for the Scottish Government. There are currently no plans to increase either national speed limits in Scotland or the maximum speed by class of vehicle. We are aware of arguments about driver frustration leading to unsafe overtaking of slow-moving HGVs and “platooning”. However, there is currently no hard evidence to suggest that increasing speed limits of HGVs would solve these problems and increase road safety.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-20T13:45:38.933","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279533,"EventID":"S4W-11747","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3806,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-06T13:45:39.337","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-06T09:57:28.133","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what discussions it has had with the UK Government regarding proposals to increase heavy goods vehicle (HGV) speed limits.","AnswerText":"Powers to set national speed limits and maximum speed by class of vehicle were devolved to the Scottish Parliament under the Scotland Act 2012. Since then, we have had no discussion with the UK Government regarding proposals to increase speed limits for HGVs.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-20T13:45:39.353","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279534,"EventID":"S4W-11748","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3806,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-06T13:45:39.727","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-06T09:57:28.133","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what plans it has to consult stakeholders regarding increasing speed limits for heavy goods vehicles (HGV).","AnswerText":"We have no plans to consult as this is not a current policy proposal. We have ongoing informal dialogue with stakeholders and organisations. One example is the A9 Safety Group. This includes representation from the Road Haulage Association, which has proposed trialling an increase from 40mph to 50mph for HGVs on the A9.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-20T13:45:39.743","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279535,"EventID":"S4W-11749","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3806,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-06T13:45:40.117","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-06T09:57:28.133","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what research has been commissioned in Scotland regarding heavy goods vehicle (HGV) speed limits.","AnswerText":"Transport Scotland has used computer-simulated traffic modelling of the A9 to inform accident prediction techniques. This indicated that a higher HGV speed limit, on its own, would lead to a slight increase accidents involving death and injury. This research pertained to the A9 only and the findings would not necessarily be the same for other roads in Scotland.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-20T13:45:40.133","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279536,"EventID":"S4W-11750","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3806,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-06T13:45:40.523","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-06T09:57:28.133","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what advice it has received regarding the road safety considerations of having different heavy goods vehicle (HGV) speed limits in Scotland and England.\r\n","AnswerText":"We have neither sought nor received any advice on having different HGV speed limits in Scotland and England. We sought powers to be able set our own national speed limits in Scotland and to set maximum speed of vehicles in Scotland based on the roads, policies and aspirations for Scotland and not to have these imposed on us by a UK Government.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-20T13:45:40.54","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279537,"EventID":"S4W-11751","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4016,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":133,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-06T13:45:40.93","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-06T11:05:18.66","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what action it will take in the event of an unresolved dispute between the Chief Constable of the Police Service of Scotland and the Chair of the Scottish Police Authority regarding (a) who is responsible for the heads of backroom functions and (b) any other application of the Police and Fire Reform (Scotland) Act 2012.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Police and Fire Reform (Scotland) Act 2012 sets out clear roles and responsibilities for the Scottish Police Authority and the Chief Constable of the Police Service of Scotland. It is for them, not Ministers, to decide how best to fulfil those responsibilities.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-20T13:45:40.943","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279538,"EventID":"S4W-11755","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":2,"MSPID":4940,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-06T14:22:38.083","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-06T14:14:45.657","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will report on the outcome of the recent British-Irish Council Summit.\r\n","AnswerText":"On 26 November 2012, the nineteenth meeting of the British-Irish Council was held in Cardiff, Wales. We had a successful meeting attended by ministers from all eight member administrations. The Deputy First Minister, the Minister for Children and Young People and I represented the Scottish Government.\r\nThe meeting began with a discussion on current economic developments and the measures being taken by each administration to tackle these issues. More specifically, delegates focussed on administrations’ respective efforts to stimulate the economy through the utilisation of well managed and coordinated programmes of capital investment. The Scottish Government asserted that the three-pronged approach being taken in Scotland, which focuses on boosting public sector capital investment; taking action to tackle unemployment and, in particular, youth unemployment; and enhancing economic confidence by encouraging private sector investment and providing security to Scottish households, is crucial to securing future prosperity for the people of Scotland. The Deputy First Minister called on the UK Government to provide a much needed stimulus to the economy through increases to capital investment.\r\nThe Council then welcomed a paper on Early Years policy, with all council members recognising the importance of continuing in efforts to do everything possible to protect and nurture our children and give them the best possible start in life. The Minister for Children and Young People made clear the projected benefits, both social and economic, in taking a strong collaborative approach with local authorities and health and social service providers to deliver support to parents throughout the key formative years of their children’s development.\r\nIn line with discussions held at previous summits on youth employment and its particular significance to both the contemporary and future economic and social climate, delegates noted the latest relevant data provided in a report to the Council. It was agreed that such data should be supplied at every summit meeting as a supporting element of the now substantive agenda item on the economy.\r\nThe council noted the ongoing collaborative engagement of administrations through the various policy workstreams. Members agreed that final proposals for a new workstream on creative industries, to be chaired by Jersey, should be consolidated into a report to be presented to the council at the next summit.\r\nMembers also acknowledged the progress of the Standing Secretariat in this first year since their having been established in Edinburgh and agreed that the Secretariat should continue to report to the Council on the actions that they undertake in providing support to Senior Coordinators and Workstreams.\r\nThe Communiqué that was issued by the British-Irish Council after the meeting can be found on the Secretariat website at:\r\nhttp://www.britishirishcouncil.org/sites/default/files/19%20-%20Nineteenth%20Summit%20-%20Cardiff%20-%2026%20November%202012%20.pdf.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-20T14:22:38.13","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop ","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279539,"EventID":"S4W-11752","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5079,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-06T16:58:11.5","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-06T14:07:47.487","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many (a) women and (b) couples wait longer than 12 months for fertility treatment, broken down by NHS board.\r\n","AnswerText":"This information is not currently collected centrally.\r\nThe Scottish Government is committed to a maximum 12 month waiting time for IVF, and has recently announced investment of £12 million over the next three years to help NHS boards meet this commitment, for eligible patients, by 31 March 2015.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-20T16:58:11.533","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279540,"EventID":"S4W-11753","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5107,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":124,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-06T16:58:11.83","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-06T14:09:05.26","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what provisions are made for adults wishing to learn the Scots language.\r\n","AnswerText":"There are opportunities for adults to learn Scots and learn about Scots at higher education, community level and on-line. The best source of information on this is the website of the Scots Language Centre.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-20T16:58:11.843","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alasdair Allan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279541,"EventID":"S4W-11754","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5107,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":124,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-06T16:58:12.11","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-06T14:09:05.26","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it plans to introduce Scots language qualifications so that adult learners can demonstrate to employers that they have achieved a certain level of Scots.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Qualifications Authority is responsible for qualifications in Scotland. The Scottish Qualifications Authority is currently developing a new award for Scottish Studies and in this it will consider the place and use of Scots. This award will also be available to adults.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-20T16:58:12.127","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alasdair Allan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279542,"EventID":"S4W-11756","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4934,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-06T16:58:12.407","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-06T14:20:28.4","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether a carbon impact assessment was carried out as part of its travel agreement with EasyJet.\r\n","AnswerText":"As there has been no change to Scottish Government travel policy, no carbon impact assessment was carried out. Scottish Government travel policy continues to reinforce the view that staff must consider if their journey is actually necessary (whether video-conferencing is a viable alternative). If there is the need to travel then staff are advised to use the train on the UK mainland. Air travel should only be taken where this is the most cost-effective and time-efficient method.\r\nExpotel has confirmed that their deal offers sustainability benefits in that by using the latest technology, operating efficiently and filling the majority of seats, an easyJet passenger’s carbon footprint is 22% less than a passenger on a traditional airline, flying the same aircraft on the same route.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-20T16:58:12.423","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279543,"EventID":"S4W-11757","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4934,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-06T16:58:12.72","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-06T14:20:28.4","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what routes are covered by its travel agreement with EasyJet.","AnswerText":"The contract between Expotel Ltd and easyJet allows for travel to and from Edinburgh; Glasgow; Aberdeen; or Inverness and London Gatwick; Stansted; or Luton.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-20T16:58:12.733","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279544,"EventID":"S4W-11758","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4934,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-06T16:58:13.047","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-06T14:20:28.4","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether its travel agreement with EasyJet was the result of a competitive process and whether it has any similar arrangements with rail companies.","AnswerText":"There is no contract in place between the Scottish Government and easyJet. The contract agreement is between Expotel Ltd and easyJet. There was no obligation on Expotel to abide by the Public Contracts (Scotland) Regulations 2012 and, as such, undertake a competitive tender exercise. Expotel already have deals in place for the east coast main line and also with hotel groups throughout the UK.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-20T16:58:13.06","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279545,"EventID":"S4W-11759","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4934,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-06T16:58:13.357","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-06T14:20:28.4","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what policies it has to encourage low-carbon travel by its employees and other public sector workers.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government’s Travel Strategy (2011-16):\r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/About/Information/travel-strategy, focuses on sustainable business travel, which is essential to allow the Scottish Government to carry out its business across Scotland and to meet its ambitious emissions targets. The strategy includes targets relating to both business travel emissions and to sustainable travel practices and commits the Scottish Government to developing carbon targets related to staff commuting.\r\nThe strategy is supported by an annual action plan which sets out the actions that will be undertaken in order to achieve the Scottish Government’s targets. The action plan promotes the use of public transport and in particular, where reasonable, the use of rail for journeys from Scotland to London. The strategy includes a travel hierarchy that encourages staff to adopt more sustainable travel practices. The first option in the travel hierarchy is that, where possible, staff should avoid travelling - through the use of technologies such as video and telephone conferencing - but where travel is unavoidable they should next consider sustainable travel options such as walking, cycling and public transport.\r\nIt is recognised that in some cases travel by air will be necessary. In May 2010, the Scottish Government signed up to the World Wildlife Fund One in Five Challenge which commits participants to cut their business flights by 20% within five years and we are on target to achieve this. Over the four-year period 2007-08 to 2011-12, the Scottish Government reduced its annual expenditure on air travel from £2.0 million to £1.3 million, a reduction of £0.7 million, or 35%, per annum.\r\nThe Scottish Government supports the wider public sector’s efforts to tackle climate change emissions in a range of ways. These include publishing guidance to assist public bodies in relation to their duties under the Climate Change Act to contribute to carbon emissions reduction targets; working with the sector to provide strategic leadership and direction, and through supporting the development of the Sustainable Scotland Network to support best-practice, performance improvement and capacity building in key areas of sustainability and climate change.\r\nTransport Scotland funds the Energy Savings Trust to offer information to organisations on how to cut travel costs and emissions, which is on the Choose Another Way website:\r\nhttp://www.chooseanotherway.com/. The Trust is also funded to offer Low Carbon Transport Loans and fuel efficient driving training.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-20T16:58:13.373","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279546,"EventID":"S4W-11760","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4934,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-06T16:58:13.64","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-06T14:20:28.4","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on Transform Scotland's report, On track for business: Why Scottish businesses should try the train.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government notes Transform Scotland’s report and its emphasis on the potential benefits relating to the use of travel by train by businesses. The Scottish Government’s Travel Strategy (2011-16) Annual Action Plan promotes the use of public transport and in particular, where reasonable, the use of rail for journeys from Scotland to London.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-20T16:58:13.653","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279547,"EventID":"S4W-11761","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5079,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-06T16:58:13.937","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-06T14:31:11.737","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many of (a) its and (b) its agencies' employees are offered private health insurance as part of their remuneration package, broken down by (i) directorate and (ii) agency.\r\n","AnswerText":"Employees of the Scottish Government and senior civil servants are not offered private health insurance as part of their remuneration package.\r\nScottish Government is defined for these purposes as the core directorates, and the following agencies and associated departments:\r\nScottish Public Pensions Agency\r\nStudent Awards Agency for Scotland\r\nDisclosure Scotland\r\nNational Records of Scotland\r\nEducation Scotland\r\nAccountant in Bankruptcy\r\nOffice of the Scottish Charities Regulator\r\nTransport Scotland \r\nScottish Housing Regulator.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-20T16:58:13.95","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279548,"EventID":"S4W-11762","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-06T16:58:14.247","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-06T14:51:02.653","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether its decision to amend section 16 of the Prisoners and Criminal Proceedings (Scotland) Act 1993 was taken in response to advice from the Lord President.\r\n","AnswerText":"We have decided to clarify the law concerning consecutive sentencing for offenders who commit a further offence having been released from prison prior to their sentence end date following some concerns being expressed that the law in this area is not as clear as it could be. We have made the Lord President aware of our plans.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-20T16:58:14.263","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279549,"EventID":"S4W-11763","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-06T16:58:14.573","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-06T14:51:02.653","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether the decision to amend section 16 of the Prisoners and Criminal Proceedings (Scotland) Act 1993 was prompted by concerns arising from a particular case or cases.","AnswerText":"We have decided to clarify the law concerning consecutive sentencing for offenders who commit a further offence having been released from prison prior to their sentence end date following general concerns being expressed by justice stakeholders that the law in this area is not as clear as it could be.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-20T16:58:14.59","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279550,"EventID":"S4W-11764","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-06T16:58:14.887","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-06T14:51:02.653","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whom it consulted before deciding to amend section 16 of the Prisoners and Criminal Proceedings (Scotland) Act 1993. \r\n","AnswerText":"Our proposed changes to the law in this area will clarify the existing powers of courts in the area of consecutive sentencing. As such, they will not represent a change in sentencing policy and we do not plan to consult formally, though we will consider carefully views offered as part of the Parliamentary scrutiny of the provisions in due course.\r\nWe have discussed our plans with a number of justice stakeholders, including the Crown Office, Scottish Prison Service and judicial representatives.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-20T16:58:14.903","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279551,"EventID":"S4W-11765","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-06T16:58:15.23","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-06T14:51:02.653","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will publish the results of any consultation that was held prior to deciding to amend section 16 of the Prisoners and Criminal Proceedings (Scotland) Act 1993.\r\n","AnswerText":"Our proposed changes to the law in this area will clarify the existing powers of courts in the area of consecutive sentencing. As such, they will not represent a change in sentencing policy and we do not plan to consult formally on these. We have already discussed our plans with a number of justice stakeholders. We will consider carefully views offered as part of the Parliamentary scrutiny of the provisions in due course.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-20T16:58:15.247","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279552,"EventID":"S4W-11767","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-06T16:58:15.603","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-06T14:51:02.653","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government for what reason it changed the key performance indicator for sheriff court trials from the percentage completed within 20 to within 26 weeks, and whether any further changes are planned.\r\n","AnswerText":"This question relates to operational matters that are the responsibility of the Scottish Court Service (SCS) corporate body. The question has been passed to the chief executive of the SCS who will reply in writing.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-20T16:58:15.62","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279553,"EventID":"S4W-11768","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1893,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-06T16:58:15.917","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-06T16:06:22.37","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what plans it has to publish a five-year strategy for engagement between Scotland and Japan.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government is very pleased with the long and positive relationship we have built with Japan, who has been an important trading partner for Scotland for many years. In 2010, Scottish exports to Japan were valued at £295 million. Last month the Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and the Environment undertook a visit to Japan with a delegation of 20 Scottish food and drink companies for an in-market workshop, promoting the best of Scottish food and drink.\r\nToday we have 65 Japanese companies in Scotland employing approximately 5,000 people in a range of sectors. Recently we have seen a significant build up of activity between Scotland and Japan in the area of renewable energy and this is welcomed. This includes the announcement by Mitisubishi Heavy Industries in December 2010 of their plans to invest up to £100 million in a new research centre focusing on offshore wind turbine technologies in Scotland. \r\nWe are committed to delivering maximum value for Scotland through our overseas engagement which is guided by our International Framework, published on \r\n23 October this year. We have no plans at the present time to publish a specific engagement strategy between Scotland and Japan.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-20T16:58:15.933","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Humza Yousaf","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279567,"EventID":"S4W-11718","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2029,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":145,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-07T15:51:00.857","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-05T15:42:47.547","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether the hardship fund for victims of crime announced by the UK Government will be available to victims of crime in Scotland.","AnswerText":"No. The specific hardship fund announced by the UK Government is not part of the statutory Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme and is available only to victims in England and Wales who meet the specific eligibility criteria.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-21T15:51:00.933","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279568,"EventID":"S4W-11719","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2029,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":145,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-07T15:51:01.387","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-05T15:42:47.547","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether there will be a Scottish hardship fund for victims of crime.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government already provides direct funding to Victim Support Scotland to maintain a Victims’ Fund, which provides direct assistance to victims of crime. We will be bringing forward shortly, within the Victims and Witnesses Bill, proposals for a victim surcharge to require offenders to contribute towards an additional source of revenue to meet the immediate needs of victims of crime. Following completion of work on the Victims and Witnesses Bill, we intend to consult on proposals for a Scottish Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme. The consultation will seek views on how compensation might better meet the immediate needs of victims.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-21T15:51:01.403","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279569,"EventID":"S4W-11729","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2633,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-07T15:51:01.683","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-05T17:01:16.53","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what independent testing has been carried out to evaluate the risk of injury to birds and other animals from (a) Larsen Mate and (b) Elgeeco cage traps.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government are not aware that any independent testing of the welfare impacts of these traps has yet been carried out since 2009 when these traps were first used in Scotland. The Scottish Government are also not aware of any evidence of adverse welfare impacts of these traps. Some conservation and animal welfare organisations do have concerns about the potential welfare impacts and so Scottish Natural Heritage intend to commission independent research in 2013 to gather objective evidence in this respect.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-21T15:51:01.7","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279570,"EventID":"S4W-11730","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2633,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-07T15:51:01.95","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-05T17:01:16.53","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what independent testing has been carried out to evaluate the impact of (a) Larsen Mate and (b) Elgeeco cage traps on (i) protected species and (ii) species not targeted by the devices.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-11729 on 21 December 2012. The Scottish Government are similarly not aware of any independent testing of the impact of these traps on protected species or any non-target species. Scottish Natural Heritage also intend to commission independent research in 2013 to gather objective evidence in this respect.\r\nIt is the responsibility of any operator of any trap to ensure that they are not used in such a way so as to likely catch any protected species other than those specified under a specific or general licence. Intentionally or recklessly catching any protected species that is not covered by a specific or general licence is an offence. \r\nAll answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-21T15:51:01.963","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279571,"EventID":"S4W-11731","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2633,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-07T15:51:02.23","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-05T17:01:16.53","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what provision must be made for (a) food, (b) water and (c) shelter for (i) birds and (ii) other animals caught by a (A) Larsen Mate and (B) Elgeeco cage trap before a general licence for its use can be granted.\r\n","AnswerText":"No such provision is currently (or has previously been) made for any animals caught by any trap under the general licence.\r\nScottish Natural Heritage is proposing to work with practitioners to develop a code of practice for use of traps under general licence during 2013. The Code of Practice will provide detail on trap design and use and will aim to ensure greater clarity about what general licences do and how they are used. It is likely that issues such as this will be covered in the development of the code.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-21T15:51:02.243","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279572,"EventID":"S4W-11732","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2633,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-07T15:51:02.493","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-05T17:01:16.53","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on issuing general licences for untested cage traps.\r\n","AnswerText":"Species licensing functions, including the issue of General Licences was delegated to SNH in July 2011.\r\nThe general licences list the types of traps that can be used for the purposes set out in the licence. SNH policy is that decisions made about the inclusion or exclusion of certain traps should be evidence-based. Where the available evidence is not available, Scottish Natural Heritage will commission research to provide evidence.\r\nLarsen Mate and Elgeeco cage traps, have been used in Scotland since 2009, and in the absence of any evidence indicating adverse welfare effects, Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) believe that it would be disproportionate to prohibit the use of these traps. SNH propose to rigorously and independently test these traps in 2013. If evidence does come to light indicating that they pose unacceptable risks, then any General Licence permitting their use could be revoked at any time.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-21T15:51:02.51","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279573,"EventID":"S4W-11733","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2633,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-07T15:51:02.79","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-05T17:01:16.53","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether independent evidence establishing a need to supplement a trap with a (a) Larsen Mate and (b) Elgeeco cage trap is required before a general licence for its use can be granted.\r\n","AnswerText":"No such evidence is required. It is the responsibility of anyone using a general licence to be satisfied that their actions are compliant with the terms of that licence. Scottish Natural Heritage proposes to work with practitioners in 2013 to develop a Code of Practice for use of traps under general licence. The Code of Practice will provide detail on trap design and use and will aim to ensure greater clarity about what general licences do and how they are used. It is likely that issues such as this will be covered in the development of the code.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-21T15:51:02.807","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279574,"EventID":"S4W-11769","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5042,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-07T15:51:03.12","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-06T16:27:59.94","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-08924 by Kenny MacAskill on 20 August 2012, on what date it will report the findings of the consultation that closed on 6 June 2011.","AnswerText":"We are aiming to publish the consultation responses in the New Year. We will outline the next steps around the same time.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-21T15:51:03.133","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279575,"EventID":"S4W-11770","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2892,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-07T15:51:03.43","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-06T17:26:22.453","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-08874 by Nicola Sturgeon on 15 August 2012, what the reasons are for its position on this matter.","AnswerText":"Reasons are given in paragraphs 4.20 and 4.21 of the consultation on the draft Marriage and Civil Partnership (Scotland) Bill:\r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2012/12/9433/272396.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-21T15:51:03.43","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279576,"EventID":"S4W-11771","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2892,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-07T15:51:03.79","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-06T17:26:22.453","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-08874 by Nicola Sturgeon on 15 August 2012, whether it considers that, following the legalisation of same-sex marriage, denial of the option of civil partnership to mixed-sex couples would not constitute discrimination on grounds of sexual orientation and what the reasons are for its position on this matter.","AnswerText":"We do not intend to introduce civil partnership for opposite sex couples.  Reasons are given in paragraphs 4.20 and 4.21 of the consultation on the draft Marriage and Civil Partnership (Scotland) Bill:\r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2012/12/9433/272396.\r\nWe do not consider this represents unlawful discrimination. Marriage will continue to be open to opposite sex couples. This is in line with Article 12 of the European Convention on Human Rights which provides that “men and women of marriageable age have the right to marry and to found a family, according to the national laws governing the exercise of this right”.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-21T15:51:03.79","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279577,"EventID":"S4W-11772","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1866,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-07T15:51:04.053","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-07T08:53:02.973","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether the tenant information pack required under the Private Rented Housing (Scotland) Act 2011 will include certification of the last electrical inspection of the property and details of any residual-current device installed.\r\n","AnswerText":"There is no legal requirement for a landlord to provide such information. However, a private landlord will have the ability to include an electrical safety certificate or details of any residual-current device within the tenant information pack.\r\nThe tenant information pack will inform tenants that their landlord must ensure that any electrical installations and appliances provided within a privately rented property are in reasonable repair and proper working order. This is a requirement linked to meeting the repairing standard set out in the Housing (Scotland) Act 2006.\r\nThe pack will highlight the Electrical Safety Council suggestion that the best way for landlords to meet their statutory obligations is to undertake portable appliance testing at suitable intervals. The pack will also signpost tenants and landlords to further information on this within the Health and Safety Executive website.\r\nSubject to Parliament agreeing the necessary secondary legislation early next year, we aim to introduce the legal requirement to issue a tenant information pack from 1 May 2013.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-21T15:51:04.07","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Burgess","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279578,"EventID":"S4W-11774","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-07T15:51:04.35","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-07T09:41:32.833","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many rail services between (a) Glasgow and Inverness and (b) Edinburgh and Inverness will have a 17-minute reduction in journey time from 9 December 2012; on what days and at what times these services operate, and what percentage of all services between Glasgow and Edinburgh and Inverness this represents.\r\n","AnswerText":"The following tables show details of the rail services operating between Glasgow and Edinburgh and Inverness which have journey time reductions which were introduced in the Winter 2012 timetable on 9 December 2012. In answer to your question, table 2 details one Sunday service which has a 17 minute reduction. In finalising the timetable changes we have also delivered another Sunday service which is 18 minutes faster.\r\nThe tables also give the information you requested in S4W-11775 and table 5 shows that we have improved journey times for 70% of all services operating over seven days between Glasgow and Edinburgh and Inverness.  More than a third of services are now more than 5 minutes faster.\r\nTogether with the 2 extra services, each way, delivered in December 2011, these journey time improvements complete phase one of the Highland Main Line improvements project. Phase 2 will deliver further journey time improvements and extra services between 2014 and 2019 as specified in the High Level Output Specification (HLOS) published on 21 June 2012.\r\nHML Journey Time Reductions\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\na) Between Glasgow and Inverness\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nTable 1\r\n\r\n\r\nMonday - Saturday services\r\n\r\n\r\nDepart Inverness\r\nArrive Glasgow\r\nJourney time reduction from December 2012\r\n\r\nDepart Glasgow\r\nArrive Inverness\r\n06:50\r\n10:14\r\n08:45\r\n12:09\r\n14:49\r\n18:09\r\n15:53\r\n19:16\r\n18:46\r\n22:20\r\n1 - 5 mins\r\n \r\n10:41\r\n14:10\r\n \r\n13:41\r\n16:54\r\n \r\n17:41\r\n21:01\r\n \r\n19:41\r\n23:10\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n17:30\r\n20:45\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n6 - 10mins\r\n \r\n07:10\r\n10:26\r\n \r\n08:41\r\n11:57\r\n \r\n15:10\r\n18:21\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n12:53\r\n16:14\r\n11 - 16 mins\r\n \r\n18:11\r\n21:26\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nTable 2\r\n\r\n\r\nSunday services\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nDepart Inverness\r\nArrive Glasgow\r\nJourney time reduction from December 2012\r\n\r\nDepart Glasgow\r\nArrive Inverness\r\n13:30\r\n18:12\r\n1 - 5 mins\r\n \r\n14:40\r\n17:45\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n10:50\r\n14:11\r\n12:45\r\n15:58\r\n16:24\r\n19:41\r\n6 - 10mins\r\n \r\n13:45\r\n17:27\r\n \r\n18:10\r\n21:24\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n11 - 16 mins\r\n \r\n15:45\r\n19:05\r\n \r\n \r\n17 mins\r\n \r\n09:37\r\n12:57\r\n18:51\r\n22:18\r\n18 mins\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nb) Between Edinburgh and Inverness\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nTable 3\r\n\r\n\r\nMonday – Saturday services\r\n\r\n\r\nDepart Inverness\r\nArrive Edinburgh\r\nJourney time reduction from December 2012\r\n\r\nDepart Edinburgh\r\nArrive Inverness\r\n06:50\r\n10:02\r\n15:53\r\n19:21\r\n18:46\r\n22:19\r\n1 – 5 mins\r\n \r\n10:36\r\n14:10\r\nE Coast\r\n16:32\r\n20:06\r\n \r\n17:42\r\n21:01\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n12:53\r\n16:22\r\n17:30\r\n21:20\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n6 – 10mins\r\n \r\n06:33\r\n10:26\r\n \r\n08:35\r\n11:57\r\n \r\n13:36\r\n16:54\r\n \r\n14:35\r\n18:21\r\n \r\n19:44\r\n23:10\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n\r\nTable 4\r\n \r\n \r\nSunday services\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nDepart Inverness\r\nArrive Edinburgh\r\nJourney time reduction from December 2012\r\n \r\nDepart Edinburgh\r\nArrive Inverness\r\n13:30\r\n16:44\r\n15:22\r\n18:36\r\n18:51\r\n22:19\r\n1 - 5 mins\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n10:50\r\n14:12\r\n6 - 10 mins\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n11 - 16 mins\r\n \r\n09:33\r\n12:57\r\n \r\n13:56\r\n17:27\r\n \r\n15:50\r\n19:05\r\nE Coast\r\n16:31\r\n20:08\r\n\r\nTable 5\r\nOut of 266 services over 7 days between Glasgow and Edinburgh and Inverness\r\nNumber\r\nPercentage\r\nCumulative Percentage\r\n \r\n18 minutes faster\r\n1\r\n0.4%\r\n0.4%\r\n \r\n17 minutes faster\r\n1\r\n0.4%\r\n0.8%\r\n \r\n11-16 minutes faster\r\n17\r\n6.4%\r\n7.2%\r\n \r\n6-10 minutes faster\r\n72\r\n27.1%\r\n34.3%\r\n \r\n1-5 minutes faster\r\n95\r\n35.7%\r\n70.0%\r\n \r\n \r\n186\r\n \r\n \r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-21T15:51:04.367","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279579,"EventID":"S4W-11775","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-07T15:51:04.68","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-07T09:41:32.833","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many rail services between (a) Glasgow and Inverness and (b) Edinburgh and Inverness will have a reduction in journey time of less than 17 minutes from 9 December 2012; on what days and at what times these services operate, and what percentage of all services between Glasgow and Edinburgh and Inverness this represents.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-11774 on 24 December 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-21T15:51:04.693","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279580,"EventID":"S4W-11776","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2633,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-07T15:51:05.07","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-07T10:56:22.22","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when it will have completed the 2012 single farm payments to farmers.\r\n","AnswerText":"As at 19 December, we paid 88% of expected claims, equating to some 16,590 farmers and a total of £382 million by value. In comparison with 2011, this is a 3% improvement in the number of farmers paid. This means some 2,300 claims are still to be processed. My officials are working through these outstanding claims with the aim of paying valid claims as soon as possible. I cannot give a firm date when this work will be completed because that depends on individual circumstances and payment cannot be made until all scheme eligibility checks have been completed. Based on our past experience, however, it is likely to be around March 2013.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-21T15:51:05.083","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279581,"EventID":"S4W-11777","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":138,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-07T15:51:05.333","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-07T13:35:10.34","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-07334 by Richard Lochhead on 7 June 2012, whether it will act to ban the training of dogs using electronic shock collars following the review by the Companion Animal Welfare Council on research into banning such collars published in Veterinary Record.\r\n","AnswerText":"Neither the CAWC report nor the Defra research referred to in SW-07334 have provided clear objective evidence that electronic training aids cause long-term harm to dog welfare when used appropriately. A ban on electronic training aids cannot, therefore, be justified on welfare grounds at this time.\r\nHowever, we fully support the work that Defra is undertaking with the Electronic Collar Manufacturers Association to draw up guidance for dog owners and trainers advising how to use e-collars properly. We also support Defra’s work with the UK Department for Business, Innovation and Skills to develop a manufacturers’ charter to make sure any e-collars on sale are made to high standards.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-21T15:51:05.35","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279582,"EventID":"S4W-11778","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":125,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-07T15:51:05.817","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-07T15:18:00.52","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-08584 by Richard Lochhead on 1 August 2012, how many local authorities provide a food waste recycling service and how many are preparing to do so in 2013.","AnswerText":"Currently, 17 local authorities provide a household food waste collection service. Six of these local authorities offer a service covering all households, whilst the remainder offer a partial service. Six of the councils currently operating a partial service have plans to extend coverage in 2013.\r\nAt this time a further seven local authorities plan to introduce household food waste collections in 2013.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-21T15:51:05.833","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279592,"EventID":"S4W-11784","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":2,"MSPID":2615,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":143,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-10T12:42:43.433","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-10T11:49:19.873","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what information it can provide regarding the Cabinet Secretary for Education and Lifelong Learning’s recent visit to Malawi.\r\n","AnswerText":"I visited Malawi from 28 October 2012 – 3 November 2012. The main purpose of my visit was to strengthen and renew the relationship between the Scottish Government and the Government of Malawi which is particularly important as we approach the bicentenary of the birth of Dr David Livingstone next year.\r\nMy official visit began on Sunday 28 October 2012 when I attended an informal briefing with the British High Commissioner.\r\nOn Monday 29 October 2012, I visited New State House Primary School in Lilongwe to observe a Scottish Government funded project. During the visit, I launched the extension of a digital learning programme and had the pleasure of presenting new iPad devices to a class of young learners. The Scottish Government provided £285,000 of funding to language learning specialists, Eurotalk, in 2010 to deliver a wide range of primary education through interactive digital software to 30 rural schools in Malawi. New State House Primary has 1275 children with 16 teachers – highlighting the education challenges facing Malawi including a lack of teachers, which Scotland is helping to tackle.\r\nLater that morning I travelled to State House to meet with Her Excellency President Joyce Banda, to reinforce the bond of friendship between Scotland and Malawi. I presented Her Excellency with a letter from the First Minister inviting her to visit Scotland in 2013 for the David Livingstone Bicentenary Celebrations.\r\nPresident Banda welcomed my announcement that the Scottish Government will provide £100,000 for David Livingstone Bicentenary Scholarships in Malawi. This will fund 50 postgraduate scholarships in priority areas highlighted by the Government of Malawi, to provide more opportunities for women and young people in Malawi, to enhance their knowledge and skills.\r\nIn the evening, I attended a round table meeting with Government of Malawi Ministers from the offices of Foreign Affairs; Education; Environment and Climate Change; and Energy. We discussed areas of policy priorities for the Government of Malawi and how the Scottish Government’s International Development Fund and other Scottish support can align with those. Also present were representatives from the British High Commission and the Department for International Development (DFID).\r\nI took a tour of the Scottish Government funded JANEEMO project and associated permaculture demonstration training centre on Tuesday 30 October 2012 and planted a Msangu tree, known locally as “the magic tree”, as it is renowned for its resistance to drought, its nitrogen-fixing properties, and for protecting soil.\r\nI then opened a round table meeting of the Malawi Renewable Energy Acceleration Programme (MREAP). Reaffirming that Scotland will assist Malawi to develop a renewable energy strategy – with one energy and one climate change policy expert from the Scottish Government seconded to Malawi from next year to support the work of the Government of Malawi in this field. This initiative follows discussions between Scottish and Malawian Environment Ministers at the Rio+20 Conference in June 2012.\r\nI travelled to the British High Commission in the afternoon to attend a round table meeting with Education Non Governmental Organisations (NGOs) and the Malawi Education Minister. We discussed the scope for greater collaboration within the education sector in Malawi. I indicated that I was keen to develop a “strategic partnership for education” between Scotland and Malawi, with some specific areas for collaboration identified, including on school inspection and improvement.\r\n\r\nThat evening I hosted the Malawi-Scotland Partnership (MaSP) Board Members’ dinner. I underlined the Scottish Government’s commitment to supporting development through civic society initiatives and emphasised the partnership and reciprocal nature of Scotland’s relationship with Malawi.\r\nIn Dedza, on Wednesday 31 October 2012, I visited a school participating in a district level performance enhancement programme, part of a Link","AnswerDate":"2012-12-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-24T12:42:43.557","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279593,"EventID":"S4W-11779","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2108,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":141,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-10T14:21:01.16","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-07T15:34:31.48","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it remains its position that a Scotland separated from the rest of the United Kingdom would form a formal currency union with the remaining members of the United Kingdom and, if so, what (a) discussions it has had and (b) agreement it has reached on this issue in the last 12 months and with whom, broken down by (i) date, (ii) means of contact and (iii) ministers involved.","AnswerText":"Scottish Ministers have outlined that their proposal is to retain sterling as part of a formal monetary union with the rest of the UK.\r\nThe Fiscal Commission Working Group is continuing its work to oversee the development of a robust macroeconomic and fiscal framework for an independent Scotland, and will be publishing recommendations in the New Year.\r\nUnder the Edinburgh Agreement, the Scottish and UK Governments are committed to continue to work together constructively in the light of the outcome of the referendum, whatever it is, in the best interests of the people of Scotland and of the rest of the United Kingdom.\r\nThe Scottish Government engages in discussions with key stakeholders on a regular basis about matters of relevance to Scotland.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279594,"EventID":"S4W-11780","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2615,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":143,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-10T14:21:01.613","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-07T16:16:01.76","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what revenue was earned from international students attending Scottish universities in (a) 2010-11 and (b) 2011-12.\r\n","AnswerText":"Scottish HEIs received £305.5 million in fee income from non-EU international students in 2010-11. Some universities will also have received income from post-graduate EU students, but this information is not held centrally.\r\nThis is the latest available data. Figures for 2011-12 will not be published by the Higher Education Statistics Agency until May 2013.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279595,"EventID":"S4W-11781","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-10T14:21:01.94","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-10T08:55:28.717","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when it will implement an employer support grant for supported workplace workers who have been made redundant. \r\n","AnswerText":"I will make an announcement in Parliament on 18 December to provide details of financial support that will be put in place to help redundant Remploy workers to enter new employment.\r\nAt the present time, this scheme will be available only to disabled ex-Remploy workers but should any other supported businesses close during the period of the scheme, I will consider each case on its own merit.\r\nA review of all Scotland’s supported businesses is underway and we hope that this process will assist them to strengthen their long-term viability where necessary.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279596,"EventID":"S4W-11782","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-10T14:21:02.47","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-10T08:55:28.717","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will establish a permanent supported workplaces taskforce consisting of the Council of Economic Advisors, trade unions, cooperatives and private sector expertise to help find a sustainable future for supported workplaces.\r\n","AnswerText":"On 29 November the Scottish Parliament voted in favour of the set-up of a supported workplaces task force.\r\nA review of all Scotland’s supported businesses is currently underway and will conclude by March 2013. It is my intention that the group will be in place in time to consider the findings of the review.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279597,"EventID":"S4W-11783","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2010,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":137,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-10T14:21:02.97","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-10T09:57:45.61","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the outstanding PPP/PFI liability is for each local authority.\r\n","AnswerText":"This information is available from the Scottish Government website under “Unitary Payment Charges” by way of the following link www.scotland.gov.uk. \r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279598,"EventID":"S4W-11785","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2033,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":132,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-10T14:21:03.39","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-10T12:04:11.26","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much it has spent on the promotion of (a) Gaelic, (b) the Scots language and (c) other indigenous languages in each year from 2007-08, broken down by category of expenditure.\r\n","AnswerText":"Iain Gray (East Lothian) (Scottish Labour): To ask the Scottish Government how much it has spent on the promotion of (a) Gaelic, (b) the Scots language and (c) other indigenous languages in each year from 2007-08, broken down by category of expenditure.\r\n(S4W-11785)\r\nAlasdair Allan: In the following table we have listed the amounts spent by the Scottish Government on Gaelic and Scots broken down by categories of expenditure.\r\nGaelic and Scots Spend since 2007\r\nBody / Area of Expenditure\r\n2007-08\r\n \r\n2008-09\r\n2009-10\r\n2010-11\r\n2011-12\r\n2012-13\r\nMG ALBA\r\n£11.9m\r\n£12.4m\r\n£12.4m\r\n£12.4m\r\n£11.8m\r\n£11.8m\r\nBòrd na Gidhlig\r\n£4.459m\r\n£5.459m \r\n£5.459m\r\n \r\n£5.459m\r\n \r\n£5.150m\r\n \r\n£5.150m\r\n \r\nGaelic Education\r\n£6.141m\r\n£6.641m\r\n£8.941m\r\n£8.150m\r\n£7.565m\r\n£7.930m\r\nGaelicSpend\r\n£22.5m\r\n£24.5m\r\n£26.8m\r\n£26.009m\r\n£24.635m\r\n£25.0m\r\nScottish Language Dictionaries\r\n£0\r\n£0\r\n£200k\r\n£200k\r\n£200k\r\n£200k\r\nScots Language Centre\r\n£0\r\n£0\r\n£70k\r\n£70k\r\n£70k\r\n£70k\r\nScots\r\nDevelopment \r\nFund\r\n£0\r\n£0\r\n£30k\r\n£30k\r\n£0\r\n£0\r\nScots Spend\r\n£0\r\n£0\r\n£300k\r\n£300k\r\n£270k\r\n£270k\r\n* The Scottish Government also supports various services using British Sign Language but figures are not held centrally.\r\n** The Scottish Government also spends significant funds on the English language. This information also is not held centrally.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alasdair Allan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279608,"EventID":"S4W-11788","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":2,"MSPID":4940,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-10T14:52:46.833","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-10T14:49:13.217","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what information it can provide regarding the Cabinet Secretary for Culture and External Affairs recent visit to India.\r\n","AnswerText":"I visited India from 26 October to 1 November 2012 spending time in Delhi and Jodhpur.\r\nIndia is a priority country for the Scottish Government’s international engagement. The strategic aims of the visit were to develop Scotland and India’s bilateral relationship in terms of trade and investment, education, culture, tourism and government. Specifically to: promote business links between India and Scotland; develop deeper relationships with existing and potential key investors; connect and supporting cultural activity that celebrates and develops links between India and Scotland, helping to develop greater trade links and inward investment; develop a closer relationship between the Scottish and Indian Governments heritage bodies (Historic Scotland and the Archaeological Survey of India) to promote the sharing of technical expertise; develop links between educational institutes in India and Scotland; promote Scotland’s strengths in innovation and education; promote Scotland as a place to visit and develop a closer relationship with the Indian Government\r\nOn 27 October 2012, I had a high level business meeting with India’s newest Global Scot, Mr SK Munjal, Chairman of the Hero Group. At the meeting we discussed HERO’s continued commitment to working in Scotland and their future business plans.\r\nI then met with the Director General of the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) - an autonomous organisation affiliated to the Indian Ministry of External Affairs. At the meeting they discussed areas to develop Scotland and India’s cultural collaborative relationship, such as by encouraging more Indian artists to perform in Edinburgh’s Festivals. I then attended a lunch (facilitated by ICCR) with leading members of the Indian cultural sector, including Pratibha Prahlad, Director of the Delhi International Arts Festival and Shashi Tharoor, who was subsequently appointed Minister for Human Resource Development.\r\n\r\nLater that day I met with the British High Commissioner to discuss issues of interest regarding Scotland and India’s bi-lateral relationship. \r\nOn 28 October 2012, I travelled to Jodhpur in Rajasthan to witness the signing of a historic three - year agreement between Celtic Connections and the Jodhpur RIFF (Rajasthan International Folk Festival). The reciprocal performing arrangement will enable Scottish and Indian musicians to showcase their work internationally. Indian musicians will perform at Celtic Connections in January 2014, the year of the Commonwealth Games.\r\nDuring the festival, I supported Scottish musicians who were performing and met with the patron of the festival – His Highness Maharaja Gaj Singh II of Marwar-Jodhpur. I also visited a local Rajasthani village to learn about the impact of a ‘water harvesting’ project run by the Jal Bhagirathi Foundation to provide clean drinking water to villages in the region. I shared information about the innovative working taking place in Scotland in relation to the ‘Scotland as the hydro nation’.\r\nOn 30 October 2012, I returned to Delhi and visited a local school where I met with young people who are participating in Scottish Opera’s ‘Friendship Oratorio Project’. The project will unite 100 young people and emerging artists from seven Commonwealth countries who will develop their own stories about what friendship means to them. In India, they are working with the Tehelka Foundation - an organisation who aim to empower disadvantaged young people through arts education. The Friendship Oratorio will be performed in Scotland in 2014 as Glasgow gears up to host the Commonwealth Games.\r\nLater that evening, I raised the profile of Scottish Dance Theatre’s first tour of India, by attending their performance as part of the Delhi International Arts Festival. Alongside the Director of the Indian Council of Cultural Relations, the British High Commissioner and the Artistic Director of the Delhi International Arts Festival, I congratulated the performers and highlighted Scotland’s bu","AnswerDate":"2012-12-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-24T14:52:46.847","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279609,"EventID":"S4T-00158","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":9,"MSPID":1961,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-10T13:35:03.17","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-06T16:48:51.877","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide details of the severance package agreed with the Chief Executive of Creative Scotland, Andrew Dixon, in light of his announcement that he is to leave the organisation in January 2013.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-24T13:35:03.183","MeetingDate":"2012-12-11T13:49:15.51","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279610,"EventID":"S4T-00160","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":9,"MSPID":2633,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-10T13:35:03.84","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-10T10:13:26.757","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on the reported increase in unconventional gas exploration.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-24T13:35:03.853","MeetingDate":"2012-12-11T13:49:15.51","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279611,"EventID":"S4T-00162","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":9,"MSPID":5110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":89,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-10T13:35:05.367","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-10T10:36:17.907","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what impact the Jobcentre Plus system of encouraging work experience is having on its policies that support people into paid employment.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-24T13:35:05.383","MeetingDate":"2012-12-11T13:49:15.51","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279612,"EventID":"S4F-01051","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":4976,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-10T13:34:19.773","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-07T14:33:22.06","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister when he will next meet the Prime Minister.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-24T13:34:19.913","MeetingDate":"2012-12-13T13:49:15.51","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279613,"EventID":"S4F-01052","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":2080,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":87,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-10T13:34:21.007","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-10T09:46:32.39","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what engagements he has planned for the rest of the day. \r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-24T13:34:21.023","MeetingDate":"2012-12-13T13:49:15.51","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279614,"EventID":"S4F-01053","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":5009,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-10T13:34:21.427","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-10T10:09:37.16","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what issues will be discussed at the next meeting of the Cabinet.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-24T13:34:21.443","MeetingDate":"2012-12-13T13:49:15.51","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279615,"EventID":"S4F-01056","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":136,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-10T13:34:22.647","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-10T10:28:01.107","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what the Scottish Government's position is on the legalisation of drugs given the potential impact on its justice and health policies. \r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-24T13:34:22.66","MeetingDate":"2012-12-13T13:49:15.51","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279616,"EventID":"S4F-01062","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":138,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-10T13:34:24.877","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-10T11:30:52.127","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what impact the Scottish Government expects the additional capital resources announced in the Autumn Statement to have on Scottish employment.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-24T13:34:24.89","MeetingDate":"2012-12-13T13:49:15.51","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279617,"EventID":"S4F-01069","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":2108,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":141,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-10T13:34:39.98","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-10T12:00:18.197","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister, in light of reported comments by the chair of the independent Fiscal Commission, Sir Crawford Beveridge, what the Scottish Government’s position is on fiscal control and financial regulation in the event of Scotland separating from the rest of the UK.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":"2012-12-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-24T13:34:39.993","MeetingDate":"2012-12-13T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279618,"EventID":"S4W-11787","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":131,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-10T17:00:12.657","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-10T13:24:27.063","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many applications were made to Disclosure Scotland regarding people employed as Father Christmas and his assistants prior to Christmas (a) 2009, (b) 2010 and (c) 2011.\r\n","AnswerText":"Elaine Murray (Dumfriesshire) (Scottish Labour): To ask the Scottish Government how many applications were made to Disclosure Scotland regarding people employed as Father Christmas and his assistants prior to Christmas (a) 2009, (b) 2010 and (c) 2011.\r\n(S4W-11787)\r\nAileen Campbell: For the years in question, Disclosure Scotland has been able to identify the following number of applications from people being employed in the role of Father Christmas and his assistants. In 2009, 44 applications; in 2010, 18 applications; and in 2011, 27 applications.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Aileen Campbell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279619,"EventID":"S4W-11789","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3061,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-10T17:00:13.17","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-10T14:55:43.903","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many (a) courts have been affected and (b) cases have been delayed by strike action by solicitors in November and December 2012.\r\n","AnswerText":"This question relates to operational matters that are the responsibility of the Scottish Court Service (SCS) corporate body. The question has been passed to the chief executive of the SCS who will reply in writing.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279620,"EventID":"S4W-11791","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4934,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-10T17:00:13.607","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-10T15:24:51.47","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what actions it has taken since March 2012 to expand the use of 20 mph zones in (a) residential and (b) shopping streets.","AnswerText":"Scotland’s Road Safety Framework to 2020 includes a commitment to “Encourage local authorities to consider 20 mph zones in all residential areas”, but also says that we will “encourage and support the use of intelligence-led road safety targeting.” Transport Scotland is therefore assisting City of Edinburgh Council with the evaluation of its 20 mph zone pilot scheme in South Central Edinburgh, which has designated all side streets, and some of the main routes in the area as 20 mph. The final report on the project is due to be completed in summer 2013, and Transport Scotland hopes to use this evidence to encourage local authorities across Scotland to consider wider use of 20 mph zones.\r\nIn 2011, the UK Government relaxed the signing requirements for 20 mph zones and some local authorities in Scotland have taken advantage of the relaxation to apply for authorisations to implement 20 mph zones without physical measures. We are now looking at ways in which the administrative process by which such orders are granted can be streamlined.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279651,"EventID":"S4W-11801","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":5106,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":118,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-11T17:07:32.02","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-11T14:51:46.273","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body what it is doing to publicise the (a) work, (b) meetings and (c) video archive footage of committees and to make it more accessible online to the general public.\r\n","AnswerText":"All committees have a dedicated webpage, where all meeting papers and reports are published as well as background information and other appropriate content. Committee agendas are published in the Business Bulletin and are also highlighted on the home page of the Parliament’s website. Work is currently underway to review the content of the website to make it more engaging and easier to find. Committee work is promoted on the home page of the website and increasingly other social media channels.\r\nThe Parliament has recently launched a Facebook page. We have used this to promote committee inquiries, and to encourage direct interaction with the public by asking for their views on specific matters. \r\n \r\nThis approach is also being taken on Twitter. With over 10,000 followers the corporate account is an effective means of publicising parliamentary business and widening our reach. There are also currently 5 committees with their own feeds, which are used to provide regular updates about the work of the committee, including links to the website, relevant parliamentary papers and live and archive video feeds. \r\n \r\nIn addition to the recent work on YouTube outlined in response to S4W-11802, the content has also been organised into “playlists” to make it easier for users to browse the channel. These are broken down by committee to enable visitors to quickly go to the committee of choice and see what videos are available to watch.\r\n \r\nThe Conveners Group recently endorsed an approach to promoting the work of committees through the media. This includes having tailored media plans for each committee and promoting the committees’ work through news releases, use of embargoes, case studies, video clips and high profile witnesses. \r\nCommittees are also supported to undertake fact-finding visits, external meetings and events which are all designed to improve levels of engagement with, and knowledge of, committee work. Other methods of engagement include the use of community outreach sessions and activities in schools and more recently the establishment of a ‘Parliament Day’ initiative which was built around an external committee meeting.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-21T17:07:32","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Stewart (on behalf of the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body):","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279652,"EventID":"S4W-11802","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":5106,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":118,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-11T17:07:32.783","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-11T14:51:46.273","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body what plans it has to make its online video archive more accessible to the general public. \r\n","AnswerText":"Currently the online video archive on www.scottish.parliament.tv is available 24 hours after each Chamber or committee meeting and we regularly tweet direct links to archive and live video feed. Video currently remains available from the archive site for one calendar month. Each committee has its own section which includes all available archived videos. We are in the process of adding clear links to these from the committee web pages.\r\n \r\nIn addition since September 2012, all parliamentary videos are added to the Parliament’s YouTube channel. The Parliament’s web team is currently working to improve the channel’s accessibility, and have started to add appropriate descriptions and metadata which will make the specific videos as well as the YouTube channel easier to find. There are clear links back to the Parliament’s website and Parliament.tv on the channel home page in order to improve access to all our parliamentary information. By adding content to YouTube we will be facilitating re-use of our videos both by the Parliament on our other online channels, and by other organisations and networks.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-21T17:07:32","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Stewart (on behalf of the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body):","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279653,"EventID":"S4W-11793","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":86,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-11T17:08:11.347","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-11T12:46:16.257","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it has received legal advice concerning the position of an independent Scotland in the European Union, as announced by the Deputy First Minister in her statement on 23 October 2012 (Official Report, c.12408).\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-12099 on 23 January 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279654,"EventID":"S4W-11794","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2610,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-11T17:08:11.94","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-11T13:32:45.49","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on the introduction of genetically modified food production.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government maintains a precautionary approach to the production of genetically modified food and will continue to defend the integrity of our own food and drink sector by continuing to oppose the cultivation of GM crops in Scotland. In addition, there is no evidence of either a drive from retailers to sell genetically modified food, or a demand from consumers to buy it.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279655,"EventID":"S4W-11795","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-11T17:08:12.377","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-11T14:14:24.18","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-10835 by Paul Wheelhouse on 12 November 2012, what progress has been made on securing the £200 million per annum funding to improve the energy efficiency of Scotland’s homes and tackle fuel poverty.","AnswerText":"From 2013-14 the Scottish Government will make available £65 million for the National Retrofit Programme (NRP). In addition we anticipate that contributions from the utility companies will bring the total investment to around £200 million. We are continuing to have discussions with the six obligated suppliers to ensure Scotland gets its fair share of their investment.\r\nOur recent announcement of the successful NRP “go early” pilots demonstrates that positive activity is underway even before the April opening of the scheme. Scottish Government funding of £3.5 million is levering in almost £13 million in energy company funds as part of contracts with Councils and Housing Associations worth £27 million. As well as protecting an estimated 150 jobs over the winter. These pilots will improve the energy efficiency of 2,200 homes.\r\nOfficials also continue to have discussions with local authorities and COSLA about the arrangements for next financial year. The pilot schemes demonstrate positive Council engagement and we would encourage authorities to continue to develop their plans for next year and their constructive dialogue with energy companies.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Burgess","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279656,"EventID":"S4W-11796","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4014,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-11T17:08:12.813","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-11T14:27:20.917","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many flood mitigation issues have been identified by local authorities.\r\n","AnswerText":"The National Flood Risk Assessment published in December 2011 revealed that around 125,000 properties in Scotland are at risk from flooding; this represents one in 22 homes and one in 13 businesses.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279657,"EventID":"S4W-11797","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4014,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-11T17:08:13.19","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-11T14:27:20.917","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many local authorities have requested assistance to implement flood defence schemes.","AnswerText":"Funding for flood risk management is included in the General Capital Grant to Local authorities and is valued at £42 million per annum in each year of the current spending review. In agreement with COSLA it was separately identified, and local authorities can now bid for funding for flood protection schemes in excess of £2 million. Eight local authorities submitted applications in the first round; only three of which met the funding criteria agreed by COSLA and the Scottish Government. The three schemes with the estimated costs at the time of application are:\r\nHighland - River Ness (Tidal Section) Flood Prevention Scheme (£22 million)\r\nMoray - Forres (River Findhorn & Pilmuir) Flood Prevention Schemes (£44 million)\r\nScottish Borders - Galashiels (Plumtree, Wilderhaugh & Netherdale) Flood Prevention Scheme (£3.6 million)\r\nA further round will be announced in 2013.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279658,"EventID":"S4W-11798","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4014,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-11T17:08:13.517","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-11T14:27:20.917","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what assessment it has made of flooding risks to communities. \r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Environmental Protection Agency (SEPA) published the first ever National Flood Risk Assessment (NFRA) in December 2011. The NFRA pulls together all the latest information relating to the sources and impacts of flooding, and is a major step forward in understanding the risk of flooding across the whole of Scotland. This is the first step in delivering a new risk-based approach to flood management in Scotland. The assessment covered flooding from rivers, groundwater and the sea, as well as flooding caused when heavy rainfall cannot enter the drainage system or the river network. The likelihood of flooding was considered alongside the estimated impact on people, the economy and the environment. This combined understanding of where flooding is likely to occur and the impact when it does, will allow us to target efforts in managing the future risks to people and property.\r\nBased on the National Flood Risk Assessment, SEPA has identified 243 Potentially Vulnerable Areas (PVAs) where the potential impact of flooding is sufficient to justify further assessment and appraisal of flood risk management actions. The setting of objectives and appraisal of actions within the PVAs will form the basis on which local authorities, Scottish Water and SEPA develop long-term and sustainable flood risk management plans.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279659,"EventID":"S4W-11799","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4014,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-11T17:08:13.86","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-11T14:27:20.917","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much funding it has made available to local authorities to build flood defence schemes in each year since 1999.","AnswerText":"The Flood and Coast Protection budgets for 2001-02 to 2007-08 as detailed in the Spring Budget Revision each year are:\r\nYear*\r\nBudget (£m)\r\n2001-02\r\n0.6\r\n2002-03\r\n              1.2\r\n2003-04\r\n2.0\r\n2004-05\r\n 10.8\r\n2005-06\r\n6.4\r\n2006-07\r\n14.8\r\n2007-08\r\n38.9\r\n* No information is available for earlier years.\r\nIn order to provide local authorities with the maximum flexibility, specific funding for flood/coast protection was replaced in 2008 with a General Capital Grant. Following representations from local authorities about funding of large scale flood protection schemes, the Scottish Government and COSLA agreed that for the 2012-15 spending review period, the flooding component of the general capital grant should be targeted towards major projects. The distribution of this is being agreed between COSLA and the Scottish Government.\r\nLocal authorities can apply for this funding on the basis of criteria agreed by the Scottish Government and COSLA. A total of £73 million was available in this spending review period, on top of the £53 million funding that was allocated to existing projects and included within local authorities’ General Capital Grant allocations. Local authorities are free to allocate additional resources to flooding from within the overall funding provided to them by the Scottish Government and from within their own resources.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279660,"EventID":"S4W-11803","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3806,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-11T17:08:14.373","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-11T16:07:30.66","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-11413 by Michael Matheson on 3 December 2012, what percentage of (a) adults and (b) children with type 1 diabetes uses insulin pumps, broken down by NHS board.\r\n","AnswerText":"The information requested is contained within the Scottish Diabetes Survey which was published on 20 August 2012 and is available at the following link: http://www.diabetesinscotland.org.uk/Publications/SDS%202011.pdf.\r\nThe percentage of (a) adults and (b) children with type 1 diabetes receiving insulin pump therapy in each NHS Board, as of December 2011, is set out in the following table:\r\nNHS Board\r\nNumber of people under 18 on an insulin pump\r\nPercentage of under 18 Type 1 population on an insulin pump\r\nNumber of people over 18 on an insulin pump\r\nPercentage of over 18 Type 1 population on an insulin pump\r\nNHS Ayrshire and Arran\r\n29\r\n11.33%\r\n28\r\n1.41%\r\nNHS Borders\r\n19\r\n26.39%\r\n33\r\n6.06%\r\nNHS Dumfries and Galloway\r\n5\r\n6.25%\r\n24\r\n2.69%\r\nNHS Fife\r\n31\r\n17.32%\r\n108\r\n6.18%\r\nNHS Forth Valley\r\n14\r\n7.95%\r\n46\r\n3.17%\r\nNHS Grampian\r\n32\r\n9.94%\r\n57\r\n2.09%\r\nNHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde\r\n68\r\n11.76%\r\n71\r\n1.26%\r\nNHS Highland\r\n4\r\n1.90%\r\n37\r\n2.36%\r\nNHS Lanarkshire\r\n5\r\n1.25%\r\n57\r\n1.81%\r\nNHS Lothian\r\n54\r\n13.17%\r\n202\r\n5.23%\r\nNHS Orkney\r\n3\r\n20.00%\r\n2\r\n1.90%\r\nNHS Shetland\r\n2\r\n11.76%\r\n3\r\n2.75%\r\nNHS Tayside\r\n68\r\n33.01%\r\n82\r\n4.91%\r\nNHS Western Isles\r\n0\r\n0.00%\r\n2\r\n1.18%\r\nScotland\r\n334\r\n11.36%\r\n752\r\n2.94%\r\nThe progress that NHS boards are making with increasing insulin pump provision against the commitments set out within the Chief Executive Letter CEL 4 (2012) on Insulin Pump Therapy for People with Type 1 Diabetes, will be published soon after March 2013.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279661,"EventID":"S4W-11804","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3806,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-11T17:08:14.733","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-11T16:07:30.66","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when the new rolling stock required to deliver journey time improvements on the Highland main line will be introduced.","AnswerText":"Bidders of the new ScotRail franchise will be asked to set out their strategy for procuring, leasing, cascading and refurbishing rolling stock. As part of the specification for the new franchise, bidders will also be asked to demonstrate how they will improve the comfort and suitability of trains operating on longer distance routes such as the Highland Main Line.\r\nThe first phase of the Highland Main Line improvements has been completed delivering two extra trains per day each way from December 2011 and journey time improvements of up to 17 minutes from December 2012. Network Rail is expected to deliver a report on proposals for phase two by summer 2013.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279662,"EventID":"S4W-11805","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-12T13:45:50.197","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-11T16:22:05.947","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when the project to dual the Kincraig to Dalraddy section of the A9 was first added to its capital spending programme; what changes have since been made to its place in the programme; when the detailed design work will be completed, and by what date it will be shovel-ready.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Cabinet Secretary for Infrastructure and Capital Investment announced the intention to start construction on a dual carriageway between Kincraig and Dalraddy on 26 June 2012.\r\nDesign work is now underway with the intention of publishing draft orders in summer 2013. Construction is programmed to start 2015-16.\r\nNo changes have been made to the programme since that announcement.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279663,"EventID":"S4W-11806","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-12T13:45:51.14","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-11T17:21:40.453","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what steps it has taken to ensure that all clinical portals meet the standard in Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights as underpinned by the judgement in I v Finland (20511/03).\r\n","AnswerText":"European Court of Human Rights Judgment 20511/03 makes clear the measures that need to be in place to protect the confidentiality of health data relating to staff as well as patients. In relation to clinical portals, health boards have chosen solutions with comprehensive access permissions and audit trails.\r\nFurthermore, the Scottish Government has funded a national contract for a privacy breach detection tool that can work across multiple applications. This tool is already operational in some boards, and due to be released in all the territorial boards. These technical measures are backed up with an overall policy on accessing records on patients and staff, as well as training and guidance.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279664,"EventID":"S4W-11807","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-12T13:45:51.51","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-11T17:21:40.453","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether NHS (a) Ayrshire and Arran, (b) Highland, (c) Grampian, (d) Forth Valley, (e) Shetland and (f) Western Isles has a clinical portal and, if not, when it will have one.\r\n","AnswerText":"NHS Ayrshire and Arran, Grampian, Forth Valley and Western Isles all have advanced plans for making the clinical portal priority information available to frontline staff during 2013.\r\nNHS Highland and Shetland are still considering their options based on the experiences of other boards.\r\nThe eHealth Strategy commits that by 2014 all territorial Health boards will be using clinical portals (or electronic windows to information) and the priority items agreed by clinicians will be available at the point of care. This commitment is on track for successful delivery.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279665,"EventID":"S4W-11808","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-12T13:45:52.03","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-11T17:21:40.453","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on the practice by NHS boards to print off every email that is regarded as important.  \r\n","AnswerText":"NHSScotland is committed in its eHealth Strategy to a “paper-light” approach to information and records management and in time to eliminate paper based exchanges between care providers.\r\nThe preference is for email to be managed digitally while it is in the mailbox and digitally when it is moved out of the mailbox and into the corporate or clinical records system. However, there are particular business transactions where this is not practical and printing is the only option. Record managers in each board provide advice in such circumstances.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279666,"EventID":"S4W-11809","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-12T13:45:52.447","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-11T17:21:40.453","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether any contracts with private providers of security to NHS boards are required to meet the higher standard contained in Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights as underpinned by the judgement in I v Finland (20511/03) or the lower compliance standard of the US Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act.\r\n","AnswerText":"Health boards in NHSScotland are obliged to comply with the Data Protection Act (DPA) and the European Convention on Human Rights. Some boards already purchase professional services and equipment from a range of private commercial security providers to ensure that Principle 7 of DPA can be demonstrated.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279667,"EventID":"S4W-11810","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-12T13:45:52.927","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-11T17:21:40.453","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what steps it is taking to support the use of Internet Protocol version 6 in the (a) public and (b) private sector.\r\n","AnswerText":"Scottish Government is in the process of procuring a public sector wide broadband services contract. Referred to as the Scottish Wide Area Network (SWAN) programme it will be a “dual stacked” communications system. This means that as SWAN delivers network services, it will be able to support applications which use either IPv4 or IPv6 addressing concurrently. When considering new services and applications, the ability to provide a migration path from IPv4 to IPv6 or go straight to IPv6 is an important consideration.\r\nThe Scottish Government is currently not involved in taking steps to support the use of Internet Protocol version 6 in the private sector.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279668,"EventID":"S4W-11811","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-12T13:45:53.29","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-11T17:21:40.453","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what steps it has taken (a) generally and (b) as part of the recent negotiations on the GP contract to ensure that every primary care practice has online functionality for patients.\r\n","AnswerText":"All GP practices in Scotland have access to IT systems that can provide online services for patients. England is pursuing this work through proposed changes to GP contracts, but in Scotland this is being delivered through the person-centred eHealth Strategy, which will encourage GP practices to switch on this functionality, and to focus initially on booking appointments and ordering repeat prescriptions.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279669,"EventID":"S4W-11812","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4934,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-12T13:45:53.643","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-11T17:23:14.25","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when it will publish the (a) plans and (b) timescale for phase two of the Highland Main Line Improvement Project; what the estimated cost of the project is, and how many jobs it will create.\r\n","AnswerText":" \r\nAlison Johnstone (Lothian) (Scottish Green Party): To ask the Scottish Government when it will publish the (a) plans and (b) timescale for phase two of the Highland Main Line Improvement Project; what the estimated cost of the project is, and how many jobs it will create.\r\n \r\n(S4W-11812)\r\nKeith Brown:-The 2012 High Level Output Specification states that phase two of the project will be delivered in control period five (2014-2019). Due to the complexity of this project, detailed analysis must first be undertaken to ensure that the aspirations of stakeholders are achieved. Network Rail is expected to deliver a report on options for phase two by summer 2013.\r\nThe overall cost of the Highland Main Line project is between £250 million and £600 million, as published in 2011 in the government’s Infrastructure Investment Plan. More accurate information on the project will be available when we receive the report from Network Rail.\r\nThe first phase of the Highland Main Line improvements has been completed delivering two extra trains per day each way from December 2011 and journey time improvements of up to 18 minutes from December 2012.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279670,"EventID":"S4O-01619","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-12T13:48:01.393","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-12T11:22:25.43","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its reasons are for not changing the regulations governing new pharmacy applications to allow a NHS board to consider any applications submitted rather than applications in sequence.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-26T13:48:01.487","MeetingDate":"2012-12-19T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279671,"EventID":"S4O-01620","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":5041,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-12T13:48:02.61","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-10T12:10:01.067","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when it last met representatives of NHS Lanarkshire and what issues were discussed.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-26T13:48:02.627","MeetingDate":"2012-12-19T13:49:15.51","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279672,"EventID":"S4O-01621","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":1882,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":129,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-12T13:48:02.89","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-10T12:10:01.283","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what key issues were raised by the Cabinet Secretary for Health and Wellbeing at NHS Ayrshire and Arran’s annual board review meeting on 17 December 2012.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-26T13:48:02.907","MeetingDate":"2012-12-19T13:49:15.51","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279673,"EventID":"S4O-01622","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":1845,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-12T13:48:03.267","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-10T12:10:01.55","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government which NHS infrastructure projects in Grampian will proceed following the extra capital funding announced in the Autumn Statement.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-26T13:48:03.28","MeetingDate":"2012-12-19T13:49:15.51","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279674,"EventID":"S4O-01623","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":125,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-12T13:48:03.623","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-10T12:10:01.783","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on whether its policies and priorities for the health service are being undermined by UK Government policies.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-26T13:48:03.657","MeetingDate":"2012-12-19T13:49:15.51","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279675,"EventID":"S4O-01624","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":4955,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":105,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-12T13:48:04.123","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-10T12:10:02.05","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what recent discussions it has had with community pharmacy representatives on the future of pharmaceutical care.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-26T13:48:04.14","MeetingDate":"2012-12-19T13:49:15.51","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279676,"EventID":"S4O-01625","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":3101,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-12T13:48:04.39","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-10T12:10:02.237","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what recent discussions it has had with NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde regarding its waiting times data.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-26T13:48:04.403","MeetingDate":"2012-12-19T13:49:15.51","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279677,"EventID":"S4O-01626","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":3763,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-12T13:48:04.653","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-10T14:02:57.093","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what action it is taking to assist people with visual impairments.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-26T13:48:04.67","MeetingDate":"2012-12-19T13:49:15.51","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279678,"EventID":"S4O-01627","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":4939,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":78,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-12T13:48:04.967","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-10T12:10:02.657","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what progress has been made in rolling out the Childsmile service to schools and nurseries in the NHS Forth Valley area.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-26T13:48:04.98","MeetingDate":"2012-12-19T13:49:15.51","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279679,"EventID":"S4O-01628","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":2615,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":143,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-12T13:48:05.23","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-10T12:10:02.86","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what plans it has to tackle smoking.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-26T13:48:05.247","MeetingDate":"2012-12-19T13:49:15.51","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279680,"EventID":"S4O-01629","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":5074,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":104,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-12T13:48:05.48","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-10T12:10:03.047","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what actions are required to reduce health inequalities.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-26T13:48:05.497","MeetingDate":"2012-12-19T13:49:15.51","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279681,"EventID":"S4O-01630","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":2059,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":91,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-12T13:48:05.747","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-10T12:10:03.233","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what consideration it has given to the availability of drugs to treat cystic fibrosis.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-26T13:48:05.76","MeetingDate":"2012-12-19T13:49:15.51","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279682,"EventID":"S4O-01631","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":3907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":135,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-12T13:48:06.027","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-10T12:10:03.453","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it monitors and reviews the cost to the NHS of prescriptions issued by GP surgeries.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-26T13:48:06.043","MeetingDate":"2012-12-19T13:49:15.51","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279684,"EventID":"S4O-01632","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":1893,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-12T13:48:06.293","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-10T12:10:03.64","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what progress it has made on considering the adoption of the 111 telephone number for non-emergency healthcare services.","AnswerText":"Consideration for the adoption of the “111” number, for access to non-emergency healthcare services in Scotland is ongoing. As members will appreciate, it is important to ensure decisions affecting access to NHS services are based on the best available evidence and informed by engagement with stakeholders.\r\nShould it be adopted, this number would replace the existing number for NHS 24. As members may be aware, the two key benefits for patients would be that the number is memorable and would be free to call from both a mobile phone and a landline.\r\nI expect to be in a position to make an announcement on this early in the New year and I will ensure members, including Mr Johnstone, are updated at that time.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-26T13:48:06.307","MeetingDate":"2012-12-19T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279686,"EventID":"S4O-01633","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":5034,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-12T13:48:06.697","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-10T12:10:03.827","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what recent discussions it has had with NHS Tayside about waiting times.","AnswerText":"The Health Directorate meets with all boards, including NHS Tayside on a regular basis to discuss waiting times.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-26T13:48:06.713","MeetingDate":"2012-12-19T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279688,"EventID":"S4O-01634","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":4956,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":106,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-12T13:48:06.977","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-10T12:10:04.03","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what discussions it has had with NHS Lothian and the City of Edinburgh Council regarding the delivery of the North West Edinburgh Partnership Centre. \r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has had no specific discussions with NHS Lothian and the City of Edinburgh Council regarding the delivery of the North West Edinburgh Partnership Centre. The Scottish Government continues to engage with NHS Lothian regarding the development of its investment programme.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-26T13:48:06.993","MeetingDate":"2012-12-19T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279690,"EventID":"S4O-01635","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":2345,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":128,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-12T13:48:07.617","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-11T10:13:17.113","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what recent discussions it has had with NHS Ayrshire and Arran.","AnswerText":"As Mr Scott knows, I chaired the board’s annual review in Kilmarnock on Monday. This covered many issues of importance to local people, as outlined in my earlier response to Adam Ingram.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-26T13:48:07.633","MeetingDate":"2012-12-19T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279692,"EventID":"S4O-01636","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":4951,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-12T13:48:08.133","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-10T12:10:04.453","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what benefits it considers single-bed hospital wards will bring to patient care and wellbeing.","AnswerText":"The provision of single room patient accommodation will bring a number of improvements to patient care and well being, including better infection control, reduced length of stay, reduction in the incidence of medical errors, improved patient satisfaction, and flexibility in the use of accommodation as well as improved privacy and dignity.\r\nIn addition, single room provision will give NHS boards more flexibility to manage its accommodation and help to avoid the need to shuffle patients to keep multi-bedded rooms single sex.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-26T13:48:08.147","MeetingDate":"2012-12-19T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279694,"EventID":"S4O-01638","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1860,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-12T13:48:08.6","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-12T10:52:28.467","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when it will announce its plans for the Highlands and Islands superfast broadband pilot.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-26T13:48:08.617","MeetingDate":"2012-12-20T13:49:15.51","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279696,"EventID":"S4O-01639","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":5075,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":112,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-12T13:48:09.037","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-10T12:10:23.67","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it guarantees fair access to the grid and the right to choose independent connection providers for built and planned renewable installations.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-26T13:48:09.053","MeetingDate":"2012-12-20T13:49:15.51","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279697,"EventID":"S4O-01640","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":3743,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":123,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-12T13:48:09.333","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-10T12:10:23.873","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it ensures that Disclosure Scotland covers all relevant aspects of society.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-26T13:48:09.35","MeetingDate":"2012-12-20T13:49:15.51","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279698,"EventID":"S4O-01641","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":131,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-12T13:48:09.66","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-10T12:10:24.093","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what proportion of the Barnett consequentials arising from the Autumn Statement it will allocate to affordable housing.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-26T13:48:09.677","MeetingDate":"2012-12-20T13:49:15.51","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279699,"EventID":"S4O-01642","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":86,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-12T13:48:10.13","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-10T12:10:24.343","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the most recent discussions are that it has had with the UK Government to discuss the future of Remploy in Scotland. \r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-26T13:48:10.143","MeetingDate":"2012-12-20T13:49:15.51","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279700,"EventID":"S4O-01643","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":5106,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":118,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-12T13:48:10.533","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-10T12:10:24.607","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what recent discussions it has had with Aberdeen City Council regarding the proposed third Don crossing. ","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-26T13:48:10.55","MeetingDate":"2012-12-20T13:49:15.51","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279701,"EventID":"S4O-01644","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":4947,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-12T13:48:10.847","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-11T16:43:50.157","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what benefits specialist domestic abuse courts bring to victims.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-26T13:48:10.863","MeetingDate":"2012-12-20T13:49:15.51","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279702,"EventID":"S4O-01645","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2673,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":114,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-12T13:48:11.113","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-12T10:57:25.453","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what recent discussions it has had with the Secretary of State for Defence regarding the establishment of a multi-role brigade at RAF Leuchars, given the importance of these proposals to the local community.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-26T13:48:11.127","MeetingDate":"2012-12-20T13:49:15.51","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279703,"EventID":"S4O-01646","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1793,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-12T13:48:11.457","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-11T15:25:43.517","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what recent representations it has made to BBC Scotland regarding job losses in its Highlands and Islands service.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-26T13:48:11.47","MeetingDate":"2012-12-20T13:49:15.51","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279704,"EventID":"S4O-01647","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":5060,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-12T13:48:11.72","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-10T12:10:25.48","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many direct weekday train services between 9.00 am and 5.00 pm there are from Paisley Gilmour Street to Ayr and how many there were prior to the recent timetable change.\r\n","AnswerText":"There were eighteen direct weekday services between 09:00 and 17:00 hours from Paisley Gilmour Street to Ayr in the December 2011 timetable. There are ten direct weekday services between 09:00 and 17:00 hours from Paisley Gilmour Street to Ayr in the December 2012 timetable. In addition, there are eight services from 09:00 to 17:00 hours from Paisley Gilmour Street to Ayr with an interchange at Irvine.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-26T13:48:11.737","MeetingDate":"2012-12-20T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279714,"EventID":"S4W-11792","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3896,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":97,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-12T16:58:51.043","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-11T08:52:17.11","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what steps it took to resolve the industrial dispute involving Serco NorthLink, the RMT union and the Northern Isles ferries between the issue being raised (a) by Tavish Scott MSP during First Minister's Questions (FMQ) on 1 November 2012 and by Liam McArthur MSP during FMQ on 6 December 2012 and (b) by Liam McArthur MSP on 6 December and the end of day on 12 December.","AnswerText":"The industrial dispute between the RMT union and Serco NorthLink Ferries was rightly a matter to be resolved through negotiation between the two parties. However, from 31 October 2012 - the point at which the RMT announced their intention to ballot members – Transport Scotland officials were in regular contact with the ferry operator in order to ensure that a resolution was being actively sought. \r\nFollowing the announcement on 3 December 2012 of the RMT’s intention to hold a strike, officials kept up daily contact with the Serco NorthLink Managing Director, Stuart Garrett. In addition, on 7 December 2012 I spoke by phone on a number of occasions with both Mr Garrett and with the RMT’s Secretary General, Bob Crow. I urged both parties to continue to work towards a solution which would avoid any disruption to these lifeline services, particularly given the approaching Christmas and New Year holidays. I also spoke to other trade union interests during that time. I updated parliament on the background to the dispute in my Ministerial Statement on 13 December 2012.\r\nI welcome the news that the planned strike action has been suspended following positive discussions between the parties and hope that the ongoing dialogue will bring this dispute to a successful conclusion with no further impact on the communities served by Serco NorthLink Ferries.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279716,"EventID":"S4W-11815","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3759,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":80,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-12T16:58:51.433","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-12T12:13:35.54","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what criteria Home Energy Scotland uses to categorise storage heaters as a form of central heating under the Energy Assistance Package.\r\n","AnswerText":"The term \"electric storage heater\" is defined in the Home Energy Assistance Scheme (Scotland) Regulations 2009 (as in force) and includes:\r\na free-standing storage heater;\r\nan electric fan-assisted storage warm air system;\r\nan electric wired underfloor heating system, set in a solid floor or floors; or\r\nan electric ceiling heating system.\r\nThe regulations also require that, to constitute a central heating system for the purposes of the Energy Assistance Package, there need to be a series of electric storage heaters controlled from one central point providing warmth to two or more rooms in the dwelling. So, for example, a single storage heater would not constitute a central heating system.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279718,"EventID":"S4W-11816","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":77,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-12T16:58:51.79","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-12T12:40:14.917","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what assessment it has made of the impact of the UK Government’s proposed underoccupancy penalty on the socially rented sector in Scotland.\r\n","AnswerText":"Our latest estimate of the overall impact is that:\r\n105,000 households will be affected by the under occupancy penalty.\r\nOf these, 83,000 will be under-occupying by one bedroom and the remaining 22,000 by two or more rooms.\r\nWith around 586,000 households in the social rented sector, we therefore estimate that 18% of all households in the sector will be affected.\r\nThe average weekly loss in 2012-13 prices will be between £11 and £12 per week.\r\nEach of the following published papers provides detailed analysis on the underoccupancy penalty:-\r\nInitial impact assessment of the under occupation policy, including the availability of alternative accommodation.\r\nAnalysis of the potential impact on different types of social landlord, household and area.\r\nScenario modelling and economic impacts of the under occupation policy in Scotland.\r\nThese, together with other analytical papers on housing benefit reform, are available at:\r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Built-Environment/Housing/supply-demand/chma/Benefitchanges.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Burgess","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279719,"EventID":"S4W-11817","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2678,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-12T16:58:52.26","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-12T13:58:20.257","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, following the comments by the Deputy First Minister in the news release of 11 May 2012, NHS Lothian Report, what action it has taken in relation to staff allegations of bullying and harassment by the Executive Team of the Scottish Ambulance Service.\r\n","AnswerText":"As I have previously stated I want a zero tolerance approach to bullying and harassment in NHSScotland. I expect all allegations of bullying and harassment to be fully investigated in line with the Preventing and Dealing with Bullying and Harassment PIN Policy published in December 2011.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279720,"EventID":"S4W-11822","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1893,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-12T16:58:52.617","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-12T15:21:20.523","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much it cost to develop the private landlord registration scheme.\r\n","AnswerText":"Responsibility for administration of the Landlord Registration Scheme rests with Local Authorities. To help meet the start up costs associated with delivery of the scheme, the Scottish Government made a total of £5.2 million of grant funding available to local authorities between February 2006 and March 2008.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Burgess","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279721,"EventID":"S4W-11823","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1893,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-12T16:58:52.883","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-12T15:21:20.523","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much it costs to administer the private landlord registration scheme.\r\n","AnswerText":"It is not possible to provide an exact figure for the total annual running costs of the landlord registration scheme as responsibility for administration of the scheme rests with local authorities. The Scottish Government provides the national Landlord Registration website and enables transfer of online fee payments from landlords to local authorities. The cost for these services for 2011-12 was £293,000.\r\nThe 2011 independent review of landlord registration carried out by DTZ Consultants reported that, for some local authorities, the costs of administering and enforcing landlord registration are absorbed by the wider department from which it is administered. The Review found that only 13 of 24 local authorities who responded to questions on fee administration were able to provide an indication of the total budget provided for landlord registration.\r\nA stakeholder working group has been established to develop an action plan to address the review’s recommendations. As part of this process, the group will review whether the cost of administering the scheme is accurately reflected in the current fee structure.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Burgess","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279722,"EventID":"S4W-11824","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1893,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-12T16:58:53.133","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-12T15:21:20.523","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much has been paid in fees by private landlords since the private landlord registration scheme was introduced.\r\n","AnswerText":"Since 2006, £11.2 million has been paid by landlords making online fee payments to local authorities. There are approximately 197,709 approved landlord registrations in Scotland. Each landlord is obliged to pay a registration fee of £55 every three years and an additional £11 for every property they let.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Burgess","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279723,"EventID":"S4W-11825","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1893,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-12T16:58:53.383","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-12T15:22:07.367","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many prosecutions there have been for breaches of the private landlord registration scheme.\r\n","AnswerText":"Responsibility for administration of the Landlord Registration scheme rests with local authorities. The Scottish Government monitors local authority Landlord Registration enforcement activity, and since January 2011 there have been 11 cases reported to the procurator fiscal. We do not, however, hold information on number of prosecutions.\r\nLocal authorities undertake a range of work to pro-actively enforce Landlord Registration and improve standards. For example, in 2012, there have been 4,137 late application fees applied, 411 rent penalty notices served and 40 landlords have been refused registration.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Burgess","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279724,"EventID":"S4W-11826","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1775,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":146,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-12T16:58:53.633","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-12T15:37:13.12","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what funding is available for start-up training providers.\r\n","AnswerText":"Business Gateway is the key delivery channel offering a first point of contact for all publicly funded advice to potential start-up, early stage and established businesses in Scotland. Responsibility for its delivery was transferred to local authorities as part of the 2007 enterprise network reforms, recognising their key role in growing local economies, supporting local businesses and ensuring good integration with other local authority services.\r\nOnce established, training providers can bid on an annual basis to Skills Development Scotland (SDS) to deliver national training programmes. SDS is obliged to adhere to the procurement policy guidance provided by the Scottish Government’s Scottish Procurement Commercial Directorate (SPCD) when commissioning.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angela Constance","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279725,"EventID":"S4W-11827","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1775,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":146,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-12T16:58:53.927","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-12T15:38:53.96","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what recent discussions it has had with the housebuilding sector on how to increase the supply of private sector housing for older people.\r\n","AnswerText":"The housebuilding industry body Homes for Scotland is represented on the working group established to support development of Age, Home and Community: A Strategy for Housing for Scotland's Older People: 2012 - 2021, published in December 2011, and its subsequent delivery.\r\nMinisters and officials meet regularly with Homes for Scotland and other representatives of the housebuilding industry to discuss a range of issues of relevance to housing supply.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Burgess","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279726,"EventID":"S4W-11828","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1775,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":146,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-12T16:58:54.193","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-12T15:38:53.96","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what guidance it provides to local authorities regarding the provision of affordable housing as part of new specialist housing developments for older people.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Housing (Scotland) Act 2001 places a statutory requirement on local authorities to prepare a local housing strategy (LHS) supported by a housing need and demand assessment (HNDA). The Scottish Government provides both HNDA and LHS guidance which makes clear the need to quantify and fully consider the specific needs of older people.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Burgess","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279727,"EventID":"S4W-11836","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2678,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-13T09:36:20.413","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-12T17:06:06.423","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-08947 by Alex Neil on 13 September 2012, when the consultation document setting out its overall approach to the implementation of EU Directive 2011/24 on the Application of Patients’ Rights in Cross-border Healthcare will be issued.   \r\n","AnswerText":"My officials are working closely with the UK Government’s Department of Health and the other devolved administrations so that, where it can be achieved, a consistent approach is taken in transposing the European Cross-border Healthcare Directive into domestic legislation throughout the UK. This includes the timetable for consultation.\r\nAll four UK administrations planned to launch their consultations on the implementation of the Directive in the autumn, but due to the NHS reform proposals in England and the need for further discussions with the European Commission on the terms of the Directive, this has not proved possible.\r\nHowever, the Scottish consultation document will now issue early in 2013 and I will ensure that a copy is placed with the Scottish Parliament Information Centre (SPICe).\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-12-27T09:36:20.46","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279728,"EventID":"S4O-01618","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":138,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-13T11:45:22.993","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-10T12:10:00.567","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the reduction has been in the number of hospital acquired infections in the NHS Ayrshire and Arran area since May 2007.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-10T11:45:23.057","MeetingDate":"2012-12-19T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279732,"EventID":"S4W-11837","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4086,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-13T13:50:46.85","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-13T09:18:19.827","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the average cost to the NHS is of a week’s stay in an acute hospital bed.","AnswerText":"The average cost per inpatient week at an NHS Scotland hospital, for acute specialties, in 2011-12 was £4,390. This is based on the hospital costs of the \r\n14 territorial boards in NHS Scotland and the National Waiting Times Centre Special Board.\r\nSource: ISD Scotland, Scottish Health Service Costs 2011-12, Scottish Financial Return (SFR) 5.3 Inpatients\r\nRef: IR2012-02245\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279733,"EventID":"S4W-11838","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4086,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-13T13:50:47.333","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-13T09:18:19.827","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many delayed discharges there have been in each NHS board area in each of the last 10 years.","AnswerText":"Figures showing the number of NHS delayed discharges can be found in \r\nTables 1 and 2.\r\nTable 1: Number of NHS Delayed Discharges1 by NHS board; October 2003 to October 2012\r\n\r\nOct 20032\r\nOct 2004\r\nOct 2005\r\nOct 2006\r\nOct 2007\r\nOct 2008\r\nOct 2009\r\nOct 2010\r\nOct 2011\r\nOct 20123\r\nScotland\r\n2170\r\n1798\r\n1576\r\n1327\r\n1008\r\n678\r\n662\r\n776\r\n675\r\n777\r\nAyrshire & Arran\r\n174\r\n135\r\n153\r\n132\r\n75\r\n54\r\n48\r\n47\r\n55\r\n33\r\nBorders\r\n61\r\n40\r\n37\r\n15\r\n13\r\n10\r\n26\r\n52\r\n9\r\n9\r\nFife\r\n123\r\n133\r\n91\r\n93\r\n146\r\n73\r\n72\r\n103\r\n56\r\n69\r\nLanarkshire\r\n133\r\n107\r\n98\r\n74\r\n84\r\n43\r\n59\r\n54\r\n75\r\n100\r\nGrampian\r\n254\r\n255\r\n211\r\n156\r\n116\r\n52\r\n30\r\n37\r\n32\r\n90\r\nOrkney\r\n2\r\n2\r\n9\r\n4\r\n \r\n \r\n2\r\n3\r\n \r\n \r\nLothian\r\n410\r\n395\r\n257\r\n255\r\n146\r\n118\r\n75\r\n77\r\n90\r\n107\r\nTayside\r\n170\r\n114\r\n113\r\n133\r\n125\r\n81\r\n40\r\n57\r\n59\r\n68\r\nForth Valley\r\n126\r\n106\r\n116\r\n82\r\n33\r\n39\r\n34\r\n48\r\n36\r\n50\r\nWestern Isles\r\n8\r\n21\r\n21\r\n6\r\n9\r\n2\r\n1\r\n7\r\n \r\n3\r\nDumfries & Galloway\r\n8\r\n14\r\n15\r\n8\r\n7\r\n5\r\n4\r\n11\r\n7\r\n6\r\nShetland\r\n5\r\n2\r\n1\r\n2\r\n4\r\n2\r\n1\r\n \r\n2\r\n1\r\n\r\nOld configuration NHS Boards4\r\n\r\nArgyll & Clyde\r\n281\r\n184\r\n141\r\n184\r\nx\r\nx\r\nx\r\nx\r\nx\r\nx\r\nGreater Glasgow\r\n341\r\n221\r\n224\r\n160\r\nx\r\nx\r\nx\r\nx\r\nx\r\nx\r\nHighland\r\n74\r\n69\r\n89\r\n23\r\nx\r\nx\r\nx\r\nx\r\nx\r\nx\r\n  Reconfigured NHS Boards4\r\nGreater Glasgow & Clyde\r\nx\r\nx\r\nx\r\nx\r\n198\r\n162\r\n210\r\n233\r\n218\r\n199\r\nHighland (reconfigured)\r\nx\r\nx\r\nx\r\nx\r\n52\r\n37\r\n60\r\n47\r\n36\r\n42\r\n\r\n\r\nTable 2: Number of NHS Delayed Discharges1 over the standard maximum delay of six weeks by NHS board; October 2003 to October 2012\r\n\r\nOct 20032\r\nOct 2004\r\nOct 2005\r\nOct 2006\r\nOct 2007\r\nOct 2008\r\nOct 2009\r\nOct 2010\r\nOct 2011\r\nOct 2012\r\nScotland\r\n1327\r\n1018\r\n875\r\n679\r\n425\r\n91\r\n94\r\n128\r\n69\r\n95\r\nAyrshire & Arran\r\n131\r\n87\r\n109\r\n78\r\n40\r\n12\r\n \r\n1\r\n2\r\n0\r\nBorders\r\n33\r\n24\r\n28\r\n9\r\n5\r\n4\r\n1\r\n14\r\n \r\n0\r\nFife\r\n88\r\n82\r\n63\r\n37\r\n87\r\n \r\n \r\n26\r\n8\r\n5\r\nLanarkshire\r\n68\r\n44\r\n36\r\n34\r\n29\r\n \r\n8\r\n1\r\n4\r\n15\r\nGrampian\r\n132\r\n147\r\n128\r\n88\r\n48\r\n \r\n3\r\n2\r\n2\r\n4\r\nOrkney\r\n2\r\n1\r\n5\r\n4\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nLothian\r\n257\r\n195\r\n96\r\n119\r\n55\r\n27\r\n12\r\n9\r\n17\r\n21\r\nTayside\r\n99\r\n51\r\n49\r\n61\r\n49\r\n8\r\n2\r\n1\r\n5\r\n3\r\nForth Valley\r\n90\r\n72\r\n69\r\n53\r\n15\r\n9\r\n1\r\n9\r\n4\r\n27\r\nWestern Isles\r\n6\r\n17\r\n17\r\n4\r\n5\r\n \r\n1\r\n2\r\n \r\n0\r\nDumfries & Galloway\r\n1\r\n3\r\n3\r\n3\r\n1\r\n4\r\n \r\n4\r\n1\r\n3\r\nShetland\r\n3\r\n2\r\n1\r\n \r\n2\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n1\r\nOld configuration NHS Boards3\r\nArgyll & Clyde\r\n204\r\n137\r\n90\r\n113\r\nx\r\nx\r\nx\r\nx\r\nx\r\nx\r\nGreater Glasgow\r\n165\r\n102\r\n122\r\n63\r\nx\r\nx\r\nx\r\nx\r\nx\r\nx\r\nHighland\r\n48\r\n54\r\n59\r\n13\r\nx\r\nx\r\nx\r\nx\r\nx\r\nx\r\nReconfigured NHS Boards3\r\nGreater Glasgow & Clyde\r\nx\r\nx\r\nx\r\nx\r\n76\r\n21\r\n44\r\n43\r\n22\r\n5\r\nHighland (reconfigured)\r\nx\r\nx\r\nx\r\nx\r\n13\r\n6\r\n22\r\n16\r\n4\r\n11\r\nSource: ISD Scotland Delayed Discharge Census\r\n1.\t Excludes code 9 delays (where the standard maximum of 6 weeks delay does not apply)\r\n2.\tPrior to July 2004 patients delayed by the Adults with Incapacity Act were recorded under code 51 (legal delays). These cannot be removed and are therefore counted in the October 2003 figures. \r\n3.\tNHS Argyll & Clyde was dissolved on 31st March 2006. With effect from 1 April 2006, the council area of Argyll & Bute is included in a now enlarged NHS Highland area. Meanwhile, the rest of the former NHS Argyll & Clyde area is now under the responsibility of an enlarged NHS Greater Glasgow (now renamed NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde).\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279734,"EventID":"S4W-11839","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4086,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-13T13:50:47.69","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-13T09:18:19.827","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what progress it is making on reducing the number of delayed discharges from hospital.\r\n","AnswerText":"The latest census of delayed discharges in Scotland (October 2012) showed there were 95 patients delayed for longer than the agreed maximum discharge planning period of six weeks. This compares with 679 patients delayed for more than six weeks at October 2006.\r\nWe have agreed revised targets to ensure no-one is inappropriately delayed for longer than four weeks by April 2013 and by more than two weeks by April 2015. We continue to work with NHS boards and local authorities to make sure patients are not delayed in hospital any longer than necessary when their treatment is complete. \r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279735,"EventID":"S4W-11840","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4086,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-13T13:50:47.987","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-13T09:18:19.827","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the cost to the NHS is of an unplanned acute admission to hospital.\r\n","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279736,"EventID":"S4W-11841","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4086,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-13T13:50:48.317","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-13T09:18:19.827","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what cost estimate it uses in health service planning for (a) NHS treatment, (b) admission to hospital and (c) hospital bed occupancy.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government uses a range of cost estimates from the Scottish Health Service Costs (known as the Costs Book) for planning purposes. This is the official source of published cost information for NHSScotland and is available on the ISD’s website. Detailed health service planning is also carried out locally by NHS boards.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279737,"EventID":"S4W-11842","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4086,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-13T13:50:48.627","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-13T09:18:19.827","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many unplanned emergency admissions there have been to NHS hospitals in each of the last 10 years and how many were by (a) older people, (b) disabled people and (c) children.","AnswerText":"The following table shows the number of emergency admissions to NHS hospitals over the last ten available years for (a) Older people aged 65 and over and (b) children aged 0 to 14. The table also shows the number of emergency admissions as a rate per 1,000 population\r\nInformation on patient disability is not routinely collected on central hospital admissions data returns.\r\nNumber and rate of Emergency Admissions to NHS Hospitals in Scotland; financial years ending 31 March 2003 to 2012\r\nYear\r\nOlder People\r\nChildren\r\n(aged 65+)\r\nRate per 1,000 Population\r\n(aged 0 to 14)\r\nRate per 1,000 Population\r\n2002-03\r\n186,064\r\n228.9\r\n51,344\r\n57.7\r\n2003-04\r\n189,929\r\n231.9\r\n52,643\r\n60.0\r\n2004-05\r\n191,883\r\n232.1\r\n54,356\r\n62.3\r\n2005-06\r\n193,565\r\n232.3\r\n56,735\r\n65.6\r\n2006-07\r\n203,472\r\n242.8\r\n56,868\r\n66.4\r\n2007-08\r\n209,233\r\n247.4\r\n58,171\r\n68.3\r\n2008-09\r\n216,501\r\n252.8\r\n57,870\r\n68.1\r\n2009-10\r\n213,366\r\n245.7\r\n57,439\r\n67.5\r\n2010-11p\r\n218,713\r\n248.7\r\n54,411\r\n63.9\r\n2011-12p\r\n225,678\r\n252.9\r\n54,363\r\n63.7\r\nSource:ISD Scotland SMR01 linked catalogue.\r\np - provisional\r\nThis and further emergency admissions information is published under the Inpatient and Day Case Activity sub-topic of ISD’s Acute Hospital Care publication.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279738,"EventID":"S4W-11843","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4086,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-13T13:50:48.94","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-13T09:18:19.827","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much change fund funding has been allocated since its introduction and whether it will provide a list of recipients.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has committed over £500 million to three Change Funds over the three year Spending Review period running between 2012-13 and 2014-15, covering Older People, Early Years and Reducing Reoffending.\r\nThe Reshaping Care for Older People Change Fund is allocated to health and social care partnerships via the NHS board, on a formula basis agreed between COSLA and the Scottish Government. £70 million was allocated at the inception of the Fund in 2011-12. A further £80 million was allocated in 2012-13. The following table sets out allocations for both years by NHS boards, and by partnerships within NHS board areas.\r\nNHS Board\r\nPartnership\r\n£m\r\n(2011-12)\r\n£m\r\n(2012-13)\r\n£m\r\n(total)\r\nAyrshire & Arran\r\nEast Ayrshire\r\n1.648\r\n1.883\r\n3.531\r\nNorth Ayrshire\r\n1.960\r\n2.240\r\n4.200\r\nSouth Ayrshire\r\n1.890\r\n2.160\r\n4.050\r\n \r\n5.498\r\n6.283\r\n11.781\r\nBorders\r\nScottish Borders\r\n1.729\r\n1.976\r\n3.705\r\nDumfries & Galloway\r\nDumfries & Galloway\r\n2.561\r\n2.927\r\n5.488\r\nFife\r\nFife\r\n4.899\r\n5.599\r\n10.498\r\nForth Valley\r\nClackmannanshire\r\n0.593\r\n0.678\r\n1.271\r\nFalkirk\r\n1.885\r\n2.154\r\n4.039\r\nStirling\r\n1.156\r\n1.321\r\n2.477\r\n \r\n3.634\r\n4.153\r\n7.787\r\nGrampian\r\nAberdeen City\r\n2.739\r\n3.129\r\n5.868\r\nAberdeenshire\r\n2.837\r\n3.243\r\n6.080\r\nMoray\r\n1.187\r\n1.357\r\n2.544\r\n \r\n6.763\r\n7.729\r\n14.492\r\nGreater Glasgow & Clyde\r\nWest Dunbartonshire\r\n1.209\r\n1.382\r\n2.591\r\nEast Dunbartonshire\r\n1.219\r\n1.392\r\n2.611\r\nEast Renfrewshire\r\n1.116\r\n1.276\r\n2.392\r\nGlasgow City\r\n7.918\r\n9.049\r\n16.967\r\nInverclyde\r\n1.228\r\n1.404\r\n2.632\r\nRenfrewshire\r\n2.109\r\n2.410\r\n4.519\r\n \r\n14.799\r\n16.913\r\n31.712\r\nHighland\r\nArgyll & Bute\r\n1.710\r\n1.954\r\n3.664\r\nHighland\r\n3.425\r\n3.915\r\n7.340\r\n \r\n5.135\r\n5.869\r\n11.004\r\nLanarkshire\r\nNorth Lanarkshire\r\n3.838\r\n4.386\r\n8.224\r\nSouth Lanarkshire\r\n4.021\r\n4.596\r\n8.617\r\n \r\n7.859\r\n8.982\r\n16.841\r\nLothian\r\nEast Lothian\r\n1.256\r\n1.435\r\n2.691\r\nEdinburgh, City of\r\n6.013\r\n6.872\r\n12.885\r\nMidlothian\r\n0.977\r\n1.116\r\n2.093\r\nWest Lothian\r\n1.501\r\n1.716\r\n3.217\r\n \r\n9.747\r\n11.139\r\n20.886\r\nOrkney\r\nOrkney Islands\r\n0.321\r\n0.367\r\n0.688\r\nShetland\r\nShetland Islands\r\n0.328\r\n0.375\r\n0.703\r\nTayside\r\nAngus\r\n1.691\r\n1.933\r\n3.624\r\nDundee City\r\n2.232\r\n2.551\r\n4.783\r\nPerth & Kinross\r\n2.273\r\n2.597\r\n4.870\r\n \r\n6.196\r\n7.081\r\n13.277\r\nWestern Isles\r\nEilean Siar\r\n0.531\r\n0.607\r\n1.138\r\nScotland\r\n \r\n70.000\r\n80.000\r\n150.000\r\nThe answer to question S4W-10139 on 7 November 2012 sets out the contributions to the Early Years Change Fund by the Scottish Government, NHS and local government, including information held centrally on allocation.\r\nThe year 1 tranche of Reducing Reoffending Change Fund grants were issued on \r\n19 October 2012, totalling £1.5 million, for use in 2012-13. Full details of grants for Year one are available on the Scottish Government website at: \r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/News/Releases/2012/10/changefund19102012.\r\nAll answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279739,"EventID":"S4W-11844","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4086,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-13T13:50:49.237","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-13T09:18:19.827","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what progress it is making on redesigning services providing care to (a) older people, (b) disabled people and (c) children using change fund funding.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Joint Improvement Team has published a mid-year review of the Reshaping Care for Older People Change Fund which is available at:http://www.jitscotland.org.uk/action-areas/reshaping-care-for-older-people/change-fund-plans/. \r\nThe fund focuses on improving outcomes for older adults, many of whom have long term conditions, complex support needs and disabilities. In line with the Scottish Government's proposals for the integration of adult health and social care, the future Change Fund to 2015 will be explicitly linked to delivery of joint commissioning strategies.\r\nThe purpose of the Early Years Change Fund is to support the vision and priorities of the Early Years Taskforce to deliver transformational change in the early years, and redesign of local services may be part of that. Any redesign of services as a result of the Early Years Change Fund will take place at a local level and will be supported by the work of the Early Years Collaborative, launched in October 2012 and of the Early Years Practice Development Team, appointed in November 2012.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279740,"EventID":"S4W-11845","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4086,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-13T13:50:49.58","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-13T09:18:19.827","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what estimate it uses for planning purposes of the average cost of supporting an (a) older and (b) disabled person to continue living at home rather than go into care.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government uses the following figures in comparing costs of care for older people:\r\nGeriatric long stay hospital bed - £50,700 per annum\r\nCare home with nursing care - £29,400 per annum\r\nCare home excluding nursing - £25,300 per annum\r\nHome care - £7,000 per annum \r\nThe actual costs of care for both older people and disabled people will vary depending on the level of assessed needs.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279741,"EventID":"S4W-11846","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4086,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-13T13:50:49.983","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-13T09:18:19.827","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what research it has commissioned on the comparative costs of care for older people (a) at home, (b) in a care home and (c) in an acute hospital.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has not commissioned any specific research on the comparative costs of care for older people. However, information on the cost of care in hospitals, care homes and at home is available from a range of official statistical returns.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279742,"EventID":"S4W-11847","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4086,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-13T13:50:50.36","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-13T09:18:19.827","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what expenditure (a) it has and (b) local authorities have made in each of the last 10 years on aids and adaptations to the homes of (i) older and (ii) disabled people to allow them to stay at home.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government provided an additional £5 million to local authorities during 2005-06 specifically to help reduce waiting lists and support improvements in equipment and adaptation service delivery, choice and quality.\r\nFigures for the total Scottish Government and local authority spend on equipment and adaptations are not held centrally. Funding for social care, which includes the provision of equipment, is provided to local authorities by means of a block grant. It is the responsibility of each local authority to allocate these resources on the basis of local needs and priorities.\r\nFunding for adaptations is dependent on property tenure and is either provided by way of a Private Sector Housing Grant, housing association adaptations funding or, from the local authority housing budget. It is not, therefore possible to quantify the total spend on adaptations across all tenures.\r\nThe Adaptations Working Group completed its final reports in November 2012. It has made a number of recommendations on the future organisation and funding of adaptations across all housing tenures. The Minister for Housing and Welfare has agreed that these should be taken forward, and a formal Scottish Government response will be published in early 2013.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279743,"EventID":"S4W-11848","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4086,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-13T13:50:50.657","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-13T09:18:19.827","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many homes of (a) older and (b) disabled people have been adapted in each of the last 10 years.","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279744,"EventID":"S4W-11849","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4086,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-13T13:50:50.983","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-13T09:18:19.827","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many acute NHS hospital beds have been allocated for (a) geriatric and (b) paediatric services in each of the last 10 years.","AnswerText":"The number of average available staffed beds allocated to (a) geriatric and (b) paediatric specialties is shown in the following table.\r\nAverage Available Staffed Beds in Geriatric1 and Paediatric2 Specialties in NHS Hospitals in NHS Scotland; financial years ending 31 March 2003 to 2012.\r\nFinancial Year Ending 31st March\r\nGeriatric Specialties\r\nPaediatric Specialties\r\n2003\r\n10,919\r\n875\r\n2004\r\n10,619\r\n868\r\n2005\r\n10,075\r\n820\r\n2006\r\n9,670\r\n838\r\n2007\r\n9,121\r\n822\r\n2008\r\n8,824\r\n801\r\n2009\r\n8,524\r\n793\r\n2010\r\n8,010\r\n766\r\n2011\r\n7,683\r\n781\r\n2012\r\n7,500\r\n775\r\nSource:ISD Scotland ISD(S)1\r\n1 - Geriatric specialties comprise;\r\n            Geriatric Medicine (including Geriatric Long Stay)\r\n            Psychiatry of Old Age\r\n2 - Paediatric specialties comprise;\r\n            Surgical Paediatrics\r\n            Medical Paediatrics\r\n            Paediatric Dentistry\r\n            Child Psychiatry\r\nThis and further beds information is published under the Beds sub-topic of ISD’s Acute Hospital Care publication.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279745,"EventID":"S4W-11850","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4086,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-13T13:50:51.293","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-13T09:18:19.827","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the expenditure has been on talking therapies for patients with medically unexplained symptoms in each of the last 10 years.\r\n","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279746,"EventID":"S4W-11851","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4086,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-13T13:50:51.637","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-13T09:18:19.827","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what assessment it has made of the benefits of talking therapies in the treatment of people with medically unexplained symptoms and the impact on (a) available NHS resources and (b) the economy.\r\n","AnswerText":"Healthcare Improvement Scotland (HIS) published the Stepped care for functional neurological symptoms report and recommendations in February 2012. The HIS report makes a number of recommendations about the management of functional neurological symptoms.\r\nOne of these recommendations is that a substantial number of patients will benefit from a brief low cost intervention from a therapist specifically trained in the treatment of functional neurological symptoms. No assessment has been made of the impact of the recommendation on available NHS resources or the economy. However, the report recommends that should NHS boards decide to adopt the approach, it should be evaluated for effectiveness and cost effectiveness.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279747,"EventID":"S4W-11852","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4086,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-13T13:50:51.933","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-13T09:18:19.827","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many patients have undertaken talking therapies on the NHS for medically unexplained symptoms in each of the last 10 years.\r\n","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279748,"EventID":"S4W-11853","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5034,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-13T13:50:52.263","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-13T10:55:08.27","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-10915 by Aileen Campbell on 21 November 2012, whether it will provide the information that was requested.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the letter issued on 19 December 2012 informing her that the answer given to S4W-10915 was a duplicate answer to that in S4W-10928. The answer to S4W-10915 should have read:\r\nThe Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service have an operational database which can identify specific criminal offences. However, any offences which could constitute “child abuse” and “child sexual exploitation” could be charged under a number of different criminal offences, both at common law and under statute.\r\nIt is therefore, not possible to identify the number of prosecutions there have been which relate to child abuse and child sexual exploitation. Similarly, it is not possible to determine whether an offence was committed as part of ritual abuse or whether there is any link to religion without checking the specific details of an individual case.\r\nThe official record has now been corrected.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Aileen Campbell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279749,"EventID":"S4W-11854","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5106,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":118,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-13T13:50:52.573","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-13T11:04:44.18","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what information it has on how many people in Scotland under 25 are in receipt of housing benefit and how many of them have dependent children.\r\n","AnswerText":"There are an estimated 34,880 households in Scotland in receipt of housing benefit where the main claimant is under 25 years of age. Of these, an estimated 17,100 (49%) have dependent children.\r\nAs housing benefit is currently reserved to the UK Government, these estimates use datasets provided to the Scottish Government by the UK Department for Work and Pensions.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Burgess","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279750,"EventID":"S4W-11855","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3763,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-13T13:50:52.917","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-13T11:57:53.51","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many women have been diagnosed with asbestos-related conditions in each of the last five years, broken down by NHS board.\r\n","AnswerText":"It is not possible to answer the question fully from central records. It is likely that asbestos related conditions may have been diagnosed in a range of clinical settings (e.g. Primary Care, by a GP; or Secondary Care, at an outpatient appointment clinic or after admission to hospital).\r\nThe following table shows the number of first hospital admissions with asbestos-related conditions for each of the last five financial years, broken down by NHS Board of residence.\r\nNumber of women with a first hospital admission1 for an asbestos-related condition2 in each of the last five financial years; by NHS board of residence.\r\nHealth Board of Residence\r\n2007-08\r\n2008-09\r\n2009-10\r\n2010-11\r\n2011-12\r\nNHS Ayrshire and Arran\r\n4\r\n4\r\n3\r\n1\r\n2\r\nNHS Borders\r\n-\r\n-\r\n1\r\n-\r\n-\r\nNHS Dumfries and Galloway\r\n1\r\n2\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\nNHS Fife\r\n4\r\n4\r\n-\r\n3\r\n3\r\nNHS Forth Valley\r\n2\r\n2\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\nNHS Grampian\r\n1\r\n3\r\n3\r\n5\r\n1\r\nNHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde\r\n13\r\n14\r\n21\r\n26\r\n23\r\nNHS Highland\r\n2\r\n-\r\n5\r\n5\r\n-\r\nNHS Lanarkshire\r\n1\r\n5\r\n5\r\n4\r\n4\r\nNHS Lothian\r\n1\r\n5\r\n8\r\n2\r\n3\r\nNHS Orkney Islands\r\n-\r\n-\r\n1\r\n-\r\n-\r\nNHS Shetland Islands\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n1\r\n-\r\nNHS Tayside\r\n3\r\n3\r\n2\r\n2\r\n-\r\nNHS Western Isles\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\nOther3\r\n1\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n1\r\nScotland\r\n33\r\n57\r\n49\r\n49\r\n37\r\nSource:ISD Scotland SMR01.\r\nNotes:\r\n1. Incidence count looks for a patient’s first admission with the specified diagnosis within a given time period. The incidence table is based on a 5 year incidence look back period.\r\n2. Asbestos related conditions have been identified where the following ICD10 diagnostic codes appear on patients’ hospital records:\r\nJ61 - Pneumoconiosis due to asbestos and other mineral fibres\r\nC45 – Mesothelioma\r\nJ92.0 - Pleural plaque with presence of asbestos\r\n3. Other includes unknown, England/Wales/Northern Ireland, outside the UK, no fixed abode.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":true},{"UniqueID":279751,"EventID":"S4W-11867","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":2,"MSPID":2675,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":93,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-13T15:27:51.317","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-13T14:38:58.263","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what progress has been made on establishing a marine protected area network in Scottish inshore waters and offshore region to meet the duties in section 103 of the Marine (Scotland) Act 2010 and section 124 of the Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009.","AnswerText":"Today I am laying a Report to the Scottish Parliament on progress on the development of a Marine Protected Area (MPA) network, as required under Section 103 of the Marine (Scotland) Act 2010 and Section 124 of the Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009. It reports on which sites are currently included in the network and outlines progress on Nature Conservation MPAs, Historic MPAs, and Demonstration and Research MPAs.\r\nScottish Natural Heritage and the Joint Nature Conservation Committee recently submitted advice on Nature Conservation MPA proposals in Scotland’s seas to complete the network. The advice includes 33 MPA proposals for consideration, along with four search locations that are the subject of further scientific work. This represents an important milestone in establishing an MPA network and is the basis for our Report to Parliament. \r\nScotland’s seas are extraordinary, and we are only just starting to get to know what is in them and how much we rely on them.\r\nOur seas provide indirect and direct services, such as providing nurseries and feeding grounds for species critical to the marine ecosystem many of which are commercial stocks. Healthy seas assist in protecting us from climate change by absorbing CO2. Kelp and seagrass forests and offshore reefs help reduce the impacts of storms by acting as a physical buffer. So it is important not just to protect rare, threatened or declining, or nationally representative species and habitats for their own sake, but also for these benefits we take for granted.\r\nI want the protection of these services and Scotland’s marine environment to mean something. Protecting rare, representative and productive species and habitats on the basis of sound science means we can keep on getting these benefits and enjoying the rich diversity of life in the waters around us.\r\nSince 2007 we have had much more of a focus on marine conservation. We have been able to protect important marine habitats for seabirds. 11 Special Areas of Conservation have been designated in Scottish offshore waters, one of which is the largest marine protected area in the European Union.\r\nThe Marine (Scotland) Act in 2010 delivered new powers to protect other habitats and species of national and international importance through the designation of MPAs.\r\nWe are working hard to achieve a well managed MPA network by 2016.\r\nThe network currently includes 45 Special Protection Areas for seabirds, 46 Special Areas of Conservation and 61 Sites of Special Scientific Interest in Scottish waters and another 8 fisheries management measures contribute to the wider aims of a MPA network. Scottish Natural Heritage and the Joint Nature Conservation Committee are also progressing work to complete the identification of Special Areas of Conservation and Special Protection Areas in the marine environment to deliver our obligations under European legislation.\r\nThe next step is to go to consultation on a number of proposals, and we aim to time this with the consultations on the draft National Marine Plan and draft sectoral marine plans for offshore renewable energy. \r\nFor further details on the identification of Nature Conservation MPAs, Scottish Natural Heritage and Joint Nature Conservation Committee’s Advice to the Scottish Government on the Selection of Nature Conservation Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) and the Development of the Scottish MPA Network is now available on the Scottish Natural Heritage and Joint Nature Conservation Committee websites.\r\nMPAs can also add to the protection of Scotland’s outstanding marine cultural heritage through Historic MPAs for the protection of historical sea-wrecks. Historic Scotland is identifying Historic MPAs to deliver another part of the Marine (Scotland) Act.\r\nI would like to take the opportunity to thank everyone who has been involved in the last two years to get to where we are today. I look forward to continuing to work with all of you as we move towards designation and management of Marine Protected","AnswerDate":"2012-12-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-10T15:27:51.377","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279752,"EventID":"S4W-11829","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-13T17:00:12.943","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-12T16:44:02.633","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many NHS boards have asked for advice on whether a proposal for a service change should be classified as major change, as set out under the guidance, CEL 4 (2010), Informing, Engaging and Consulting People in Developing Health and Community Care Services, and how many it has designated as such, broken down by proposal.\r\n","AnswerText":"Scottish Government officials regularly discuss service redesign proposals, including their consistency with national guidance, policies and frameworks, with all territorial NHS boards. As informed by such dialogue with the Scottish Government and Scottish Health Council, boards often determine themselves that certain service proposals are “major” and proceed accordingly.\r\nSince the CEL 4 (2010) Guidance issued, the Scottish Government has designated two proposals as major: the Community Maternity Unit at Inverclyde Royal Hospital and NHS Grampian’s maternity services review.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279753,"EventID":"S4W-11831","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-13T17:00:13.443","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-12T16:44:02.633","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many major service changes proposals made under the guidance, CEL 4 (2010), Informing, Engaging and Consulting People in Developing Health and Community Care Services, it has approved and (a) have been and (b) are subject to an independent scrutiny panel, broken down by proposal.\r\n","AnswerText":"Since the Scottish Government’s CEL 4 (2010) Guidance issued, two major service change proposals have been approved by ministers, NHS Grampian’s Maternity Services proposals and NHS Dumfries and Galloway’s proposals for the new Royal Infirmary in Dumfries. None have been or are currently subject to independent scrutiny.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279754,"EventID":"S4W-11832","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-13T17:00:13.94","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-12T16:44:02.633","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what criteria it uses to determine whether a proposal for a service change made under  the guidance, CEL 4 (2010), Informing, Engaging and Consulting People in Developing Health and Community Care Services, should be classified as major change.\r\n","AnswerText":"This is ultimately a matter for ministerial discretion, based on a range of factors such as the potential number of local people or patients affected, and consequences for local access to NHS services. The Scottish Health Council provides detailed guidance to NHS boards on considering whether service proposals may be major or not. This can be accessed on the Council’s website at:\r\nhttp://www.scottishhealthcouncil.org/publications/guidance.aspx.’\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279755,"EventID":"S4W-11834","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-13T17:00:14.473","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-12T16:44:02.633","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what criteria it uses to determine whether a proposal for a service change made under  the guidance, CEL 4 (2010), Informing, Engaging and Consulting People in Developing Health and Community Care Services, should be subject to an independent scrutiny panel. \r\n","AnswerText":"This is ultimately a matter for ministerial discretion, based on a range of factors. Ministers may decide to establish an Independent Scrutiny Panel to assess the safety, sustainability, evidence base and value for money of proposals. The Panel will seek to ensure that proposals are robust, person-centred and consistent with clinical evidence and/or best practice, national policy and that all practical options have been considered. Ministers have been consistently clear that independent scrutiny will be deployed where, in their view, the benefits outweigh the costs.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279756,"EventID":"S4W-11835","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-13T17:00:14.957","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-12T16:44:02.633","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what support it has given to NHS boards in delivering formal option appraisals made under the guidance, CEL 4 (2010), Informing, Engaging and Consulting People in Developing Health and Community Care Services.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government’s CEL 4 (2010) Guidance is clear about the key reference material to assist boards in delivering effective and appropriate options appraisal, including the Scottish Capital Investment Manual, HM Treasury Green Book, and Scottish Health Council advice on the public engagement aspects of options appraisal, which can be accessed on the Council’s website at:\r\nhttp://www.scottishhealthcouncil.org/publications/guidance.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279757,"EventID":"S4W-11873","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1845,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-13T17:00:15.377","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-13T15:50:43.297","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what plans it has to improve awareness and treatment of obstructive sleep apnoea and find out how many people have been diagnosed with the condition.","AnswerText":"In relation to the first part of the question, I refer the member to the answer to questions S4W-10425, S4W-10426 and S4W-10428 on 2 November 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\nThe Scottish Government has no current plans to determine how many people have been diagnosed with sleep apnoea.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279758,"EventID":"S4W-11874","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1845,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-13T17:00:15.75","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-13T15:50:43.297","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many road accidents have been recorded as caused by drivers falling asleep at the wheel as a result of obstructive sleep apnoea in each year since 1999.\r\n","AnswerText":"This information is not collected centrally.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279769,"EventID":"S4O-01637","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":77,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-13T17:11:47.38","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-10T12:10:04.67","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when it last met NHS Lanarkshire.","AnswerText":"Scottish Ministers and officials regularly meet with representatives of all Health boards, including NHS Lanarkshire.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-10T17:11:47.443","MeetingDate":"2012-12-19T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279770,"EventID":"S4W-11876","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":2,"MSPID":4940,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-14T09:36:44.223","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-14T09:02:22.093","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when the Registrar General will publish the results from the 2011 Census.\r\n","AnswerText":"Scotland’s Census 2011: Release 1A is published today (Laying number: SG/2012/254). This report presents the first results from the 2011 Census in Scotland, which was held on 27 March 2011. The statistics provide estimates of the usually resident population of Scotland on Census Day broken down by age and sex along with estimates of the total usually resident population in each council area. A copy of the report is available in the Scottish Parliament Reference Centre (Bib. number 54593), or from the Scotland’s Census website at:\r\nwww.scotlandscensus.gov.uk.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-11T09:36:44.3","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279771,"EventID":"S4W-11875","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2610,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-14T11:04:28.337","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-13T16:44:07.143","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when the results from the 2011 Census will be available.  \r\n","AnswerText":"Scotland’s Census 2011: Release 1A is published today (Laying number: SG/2012/254). This report presents the first results from the 2011 Census in Scotland, which was held on 27 March 2011. The statistics provide estimates of the usually resident population of Scotland on Census Day broken down by age and sex along with estimates of the total usually resident population in each council area. A copy of the report is available in the Scottish Parliament Reference Centre (Bib. number 54593), or from the Scotland’s Census website at:\r\nwww.scotlandscensus.gov.uk.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279772,"EventID":"S4W-11856","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-14T13:01:17.823","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-13T13:45:40.687","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4O-01594 by Kenny MacAskill on 12 December 2012 (Official Report, c.14637), on what basis it has calculated that 78% of the fines imposed in 2009-10 have been, or are on track to be, paid.\r\n","AnswerText":"The latest quarterly fines report published by the Scottish Court Service reports that 78% of the total value of Fiscal direct penalties imposed in 2009-10 has either been paid or is on track to be paid. This is an increase of 3 percentage points on the rates as at 12 July 2012.\r\nAs the report states; Fiscal direct penalties include Fiscal fines, Fiscal compensation orders and the monetary amount of Fiscal combined offers. The total value of Fiscal direct penalties to be paid is minus any discharges. As the Scottish Court Service report states, fines can be discharged for a number of reasons and can be discharged following part-payment.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-23T13:01:17.947","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279773,"EventID":"S4W-11857","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-14T13:01:18.54","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-13T13:45:40.687","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4O-01594 by Kenny MacAskill on 12 December 2012 (Official Report, c.14637), what powers currently held by the Department of Work and Pensions it considers would help it improve the collection of fiscal direct penalties.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Court Service (SCS) is responsible for collecting unpaid fines and penalties in Scotland and to do so often requires them to access information about a known offender held by other public sector bodies.\r\nThe Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) require an information sharing gateway to be in place before they will allow other public sector organisations direct access to the information they hold. The SCS has been working with the DWP for some time now to secure direct access and provide them with the same rights and access to information which is already afforded to fines enforcement teams in England and Wales.\r\nI have written to the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions requesting that SCS urgently be afforded direct access to DWP information systems.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-23T13:01:18.557","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279774,"EventID":"S4W-11858","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-14T13:01:19.163","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-13T13:45:40.687","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many fiscal direct penalties have been discharged due to the death of the alleged offender in each year since 2009.\r\n","AnswerText":"This question relates to operational matters that are the responsibility of the Scottish Court Service (SCS) corporate body. The question has been passed to the chide Executive of the SCS who will reply in writing within twenty days.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-23T13:01:19.18","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279775,"EventID":"S4W-11859","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-14T13:01:19.6","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-13T13:45:40.687","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many fiscal direct penalties have been discharged due to them being (a) refused, (b) recalled and (c) withdrawn in each year since 2009. \r\n","AnswerText":"This question relates to operation matters that are the responsibility of the Scottish Court Service (SCS) corporate body. The question has been passed to the chide Executive of the SCS who will reply in writing within twenty days.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-23T13:01:19.617","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279776,"EventID":"S4W-11862","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-14T13:01:19.943","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-13T13:45:40.687","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many fiscal direct penalties have been discharged due to the alleged offender being given a (a) supervised attendance order, (b) community service or payback order and (c) prison sentence in relation to the offence in each year since 2009.\r\n","AnswerText":"This question relates to operation matters that are the responsibility of the Scottish Court Service (SCS) corporate body. The question has been passed to the chide Executive of the SCS who will reply in writing within twenty days.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-23T13:01:19.96","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279777,"EventID":"S4W-11863","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-14T13:01:20.507","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-13T13:45:40.687","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many fiscal direct penalties have been discharged due to the alleged offender being given a (a) supervised attendance order, (b) community service or payback order and (c) prison sentence in relation to a separate offence in each year since 2009.\r\n","AnswerText":"This question relates to operation matters that are the responsibility of the Scottish Court Service (SCS) corporate body. The question has been passed to the chief executive of the SCS who will reply in writing within twenty days.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-23T13:01:20.507","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279778,"EventID":"S4W-11864","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-14T13:01:21.363","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-13T13:45:40.687","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many fiscal direct penalties have been discharged due to the alleged offender being given a (a) supervised attendance order, (b) community service or payback order and (c) prison sentence in relation to a person's failure to pay such penalties in each year since 2009.\r\n","AnswerText":"This question relates to operational matters that are the responsibility of the Scottish Court Service (SCS) corporate body. The question has been passed to the chief executive of the SCS who will reply in writing within twenty days.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-23T13:01:21.38","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279779,"EventID":"S4W-11865","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-14T13:01:21.707","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-13T13:45:40.687","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether the Scottish Court Service uses (a) seizure of vehicle, (b) earning arrestment, (c) deduction of benefit and (d) arrestment of funds orders to secure payment of fiscal direct penalties.\r\n","AnswerText":"This question relates to operation matters that are the responsibility of the Scottish Court Service (SCS) corporate body. The question has been passed to the chide Executive of the SCS who will reply in writing within twenty days.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-23T13:01:21.723","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279780,"EventID":"S4W-11866","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-14T13:01:22.033","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-13T13:45:40.687","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government which parts of the declaration of income form must be completed by an alleged offender who has accepted a fiscal direct penalty and whether completion of the form is mandatory.\r\n","AnswerText":"This question relates to operation matters that are the responsibility of the Scottish Court Service (SCS) corporate body. The question has been passed to the chide Executive of the SCS who will reply in writing within twenty days.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-23T13:01:22.05","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279781,"EventID":"S4W-11877","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":81,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-14T13:01:22.347","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-14T09:03:39.74","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-11364 by Michael Russell on 13 December 2012, when the 2011-12 figures for S5 and S6 pupils studying part-time on Dominant Programme Group 18 courses or as Extended Learning Support students will be made available. \r\n","AnswerText":"2011-12 college data will be published in March 2013 by the Scottish Funding Council.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-23T13:01:22.36","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279782,"EventID":"S4W-11878","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":81,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-14T13:01:22.657","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-14T09:03:39.74","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-11364 by Michael Russell on 13 December 2012, how many S5 and S6 pupils are currently studying part-time at college on Dominant Programme Group courses or as Extended Learning Support students.\r\n","AnswerText":"Michael Russell: I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-11364 on 13 December 2012 provided figures on these students using the most up-to-date data available. The latest available data is for 2010-11. The 2011-12 data will be published in March 2013 by the Scottish Funding Council.\r\nAll answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-23T13:01:22.673","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279783,"EventID":"S4W-11879","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-14T13:01:23","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-14T09:08:42.027","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what measures are being taken to improve awareness of childhood cancers among parents and families.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government established a paediatric cancer Managed Service Network in 2011 with funding from the National Delivery Plan for Children and Young People’s Specialist Services (NDP) to ensure that children and young people with a diagnosis of cancer attain the best possible outcomes, have access to appropriate specialist services, as locally as possible that are both safe and sustainable and that the pathway of care is as equitable as possible.\r\nChildren’s cancer services were identified as a priority for investment during the development of the NDP. The NDP was published in January 2009 and £32 million was allocated to improve a number of specialist services. Over the three years of the NDP £5.4 million was allocated to paediatric cancer with £3.2 million recurring year on year from 2011.\r\nThe managed service network for children and young people with cancer provides a range of information and resources to GPs and health professionals and information for parents and families. In addition, we are working with the Teenage Cancer Trust on their schools education programme to raise awareness of cancer among children and young people. The guidance on children unable to attend school due to ill-health which contains advice on the duty to provide education to children, wherever they are, if they are unable to attend school due to ill-health is currently being reviewed with a view to new guidance being published later this year.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-23T13:01:23.017","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279784,"EventID":"S4W-11880","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-14T13:01:23.517","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-14T09:08:42.027","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what measures are being taken to improve awareness of childhood cancers among (a) GPs and (b) health professionals.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-11879 on 22 January 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-23T13:01:23.53","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279785,"EventID":"S4W-11882","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-14T13:01:24.047","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-14T09:08:42.027","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what initiatives it funds to support the families of children with cancer. ","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-11879 on 22 January 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-23T13:01:24.063","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279786,"EventID":"S4W-11883","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-14T13:01:24.577","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-14T09:08:42.027","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much has been invested in support programmes for families of children with cancer in each year since 2008.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-11879 on 22 January 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-23T13:01:24.593","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279787,"EventID":"S4W-11884","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-14T13:01:25.077","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-14T09:08:42.027","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what steps are in place to ensure that children undergoing treatment for cancer have access to learning facilities and materials. ","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-11879 on 22 January 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-23T13:01:25.09","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279788,"EventID":"S4W-11885","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-14T13:01:25.59","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-14T09:08:42.027","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the availability of access to proton therapy at hospitals is, broken down by NHS board.\r\n","AnswerText":"Proton beam therapy is currently provided by only a small number of treatment centres in the world. Access to high energy proton beam therapy for all appropriate patients in Scotland is managed through an agreed and confirmed referral pathway, through the UK panel on proton beam therapy. 15 patients from across Scotland were referred for proton beam therapy between 2008 and 2012. Due to the small number, data cannot be provided on a board-by-board basis due to patient confidentiality.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-23T13:01:25.607","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279789,"EventID":"S4W-11886","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-14T13:01:26.12","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-14T09:08:42.027","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether an assessment of the benefits of proton therapy for childhood cancers has been carried out. \r\n","AnswerText":"The Department of Health published proposals in October 2012 for the NHS to invest £250 million in building proton beam therapy facilities at the Christie Hospital in Manchester and University College London Hospital, to develop a UK proton beam therapy service. This summarises the evidence of benefits of proton therapy: http://www.dh.gov.uk/health/2012/10/proton-beam-therapy/.\r\nWith regard to current patients, due to the small numbers involved arrangements are in place on a UK-wide basis to collect, collate and report on outcomes for all UK patients, including children, who access proton beam therapy. The audit is ongoing, and it is expected that, given the long-term outcomes being measured, meaningful outcomes data will be available in 5 to 10 years.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-23T13:01:26.137","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279794,"EventID":"S4W-11887","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2108,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":141,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-14T16:09:02.847","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-14T13:27:35.543","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on a fiscal stabilisation pact with the United Kingdom in the event of a Scotland separated from the rest of the United Kingdom using Sterling and what (a) discussions it has had and (b) agreement it has reached in this regard with the (i) UK Government and (ii) Bank of England, by what means contact was made, on what dates and which ministers took part.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Fiscal Commission Working Group is continuing its work to oversee the development of a robust macroeconomic and fiscal framework for an independent Scotland, and will be publishing its recommendations shortly.\r\nScottish Ministers recognise the importance of operating within a robust fiscal framework. An independent Scotland would retain the flexibility, fiscal freedom and responsibility for setting taxes and economic policy in the best interests of the Scottish economy within a sustainable framework. Scotland will have no difficulty adhering to fiscal discipline within a Sterling Zone because it is committed to maintaining its record of responsible management of public finances and it is in a stronger financial position than the UK as whole.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-23T16:09:02.893","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279795,"EventID":"S4W-11888","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-14T15:37:17.077","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-14T13:47:42.76","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many alleged offenders have been taken to court because of a failure to pay a fiscal direct penalty in each year since 2009.\r\n","AnswerText":"This question relates to operation matters that are the responsibility of the Scottish Court Service (SCS) corporate body. The question has been passed to the chide Executive of the SCS who will reply in writing within twenty days.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-23T15:37:17.093","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279806,"EventID":"S4W-11655","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-17T14:10:12.093","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-03T17:14:19.71","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the membership is of its stakeholder group discussing the future of the 2014-20 European Structural Funds and rural and fisheries programmes for Scotland.","AnswerText":"A wide range of stakeholders are involved in developing the approach to Structural, Rural and Fisheries Fund programmes for 2014-20. Each Fund has its own consultation arrangements; and the Funds collectively have a reference group comprising COSLA, the enterprise agencies, Environment Link and the National Farmers Union Scotland. This group helps to set the strategic direction and content of the programmes, and also to determine the most appropriate method for wider consultation.\r\nThe Scottish Government recently held three public events, in Inverness, Perth and Glasgow, to discuss plans for the funds. These were attended by over 200 individuals and organisations from a very wide range of sectors; and the full material is available for viewing and further comments online to encourage wider engagement.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-24T14:10:12.123","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279807,"EventID":"S4W-11868","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1759,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-17T14:10:12.637","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-13T15:17:41.837","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what strategies are in place to ensure that Scotland’s ecosystems are resilient to attacks by novel pathogens.\r\n","AnswerText":"The two principle strategies in place to ensure that Scotland’s ecosystems are resilient to attacks by novel pathogens are:-\r\nThe Invasive Non-Native Species Framework Strategy for Great Britain, which is carried forward in Scotland by a Scottish Working Group;\r\nThe Plant Health regime. Plant health controls in Scotland are based on the EU Plant Health Regime. This is set out in the EU Plant Health Directive, 2000/29/EC and adopted into Scottish legislation through the Plant Health (Scotland) Order 2005. The Directive and Order set out detailed requirements for many plant species entering or moving within the Community and are regularly amended to keep these controls up to date.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-24T14:10:12.653","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279808,"EventID":"S4W-11869","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1759,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-17T14:10:13.027","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-13T15:17:41.837","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what funding is available to ensure that Scotland’s ecosystems are resilient to the effects of future perturbations, such as climate change.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government and partners undertake a wide range of actions help to ensure that Scotland's ecosystems are resilient, including\r\nreducing other pressures on ecosystems, such as pollution and invasive non-native species;\r\nMaking space for natural processes, for example on coasts and floodplains;\r\nEnhancing opportunities for species to disperse by reducing habitat fragmentation; and improving habitat management and enhancing habitat diversity. \r\nFunding available to support these actions includes.\r\nThe Scotland Rural Development Programme (SRDP) is the main source of Government (and EU) funding for rural land management, including management to maintain and restore ecosystems such as woodlands, peatlands, grasslands and wetlands, and tackling existing pressures such as controlling invasive non-native species. This includes funding for improving the condition of designated sites, an important part of Scotland’s ecosystems.  It also includes Forestry Challenge Funds administered by Forestry Commission Scotland. \r\nScottish Natural Heritage grants provides funding for actions, not funded through the SRDP, that aim to get more people and communities actively involved in and caring for Scotland's ecosystems. Priorities include better planning and management of landscapes, better wildlife management and better management and use of natural resources.\r\nFunding from Scottish Government and SEPA (The Water Environment Fund) supports the restoration of catchments from the source, down through rivers, lochs, floodplains into the estuaries and out to sea. This work enhances the resilience of freshwater ecosystems. \r\nFunding for peatland restoration. From October 2012 new funding from Scottish Government was made available as part of the Government’s Green Stimulus package to support plans to restore Scotland's peatlands. \r\nThe Central Scotland Green Network Development fund, provided jointly by Forestry Commission Scotland and Scottish Natural Heritage, supports actions to improve the quality and connectivity of the green network including woodland creation, enhancement or management, and the development of integrated habitat networks, which will enhance the resilience of ecosystems in Central Scotland.\r\nLIFE+ Nature and Biodiversity is a European Union fund providing support for environmental and nature conservation projects throughout the European Union. It supports large scale projects in Scotland that contribute to the implementation of the European Union's Birds and Habitats Directives and halting biodiversity loss. Some support is also available through EU Structural Funds. There will be a new programme and priorities for European funding from 2014. \r\nOther funding available that supports actions which improve ecosystem resilience in Scotland includes the Heritage Lottery Fund, Landfill Tax Credit Scheme, BIFFA Award, WREN Biodiversity Action Fund and various charitable trusts.\r\nPublic bodies including Forest Enterprise Scotland, Scottish Natural Heritage and local authorities use their own budgets to support the management of public land, including the National Forest Estate, National Nature Reserves, local nature reserves and parks, in ways that enhance ecosystem resilience to climate change. \r\nEnvironmental NGOs, through member subscriptions and donations (as well as funding from sources mentioned above), support the management of their own wildlife reserves which help ecosystem resilience. Living Landscapes and Futurescapes are flagship initiatives of the Scottish Wildlife Trust and the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds, aimed at ecosystem restoration on a landscape-scale. \r\nPrivate businesses provide funding that enhances ecosystem resilience through support for environmental NGOs, through making space for habitats as part of new developments, and through investing in managing their own land and estates (as well as using funding from SRDP and other sources).\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-24T14:10:13.043","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279809,"EventID":"S4W-11870","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1759,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-17T14:10:13.403","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-13T15:17:41.837","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what steps it is taking to ensure that its implementation of the reformed common agricultural policy delivers healthy, resilient agricultural ecosystems in addition to food production.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government’s Land Use Strategy sets out the importance of applying an ecosystems approach to policy making and we aim to do that as we develop future CAP Pillar 1 and Pillar 2 systems. We support the principle of greening the CAP and we are actively negotiating for Greening measures that provide genuine public benefits without stifling farmers’ productive capacity. It is also essential that Scottish farmers are adequately rewarded for the environmental and other benefits they provide. We are therefore arguing strenuously for a fairer share of CAP Pillar 1 and Pillar 2 budgets as Scotland currently receives the 4th lowest Pillar 1 and lowest Pillar 2 per hectare share in Europe.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-24T14:10:13.417","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279810,"EventID":"S4W-11871","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1759,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-17T14:10:13.807","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-13T15:17:41.837","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how the forthcoming National Planning Framework 3 and the revised Scottish Planning Policy will ensure that Scotland's ecosystems can continue to provide the services on which the economy depends.\r\n","AnswerText":"The National Planning Framework (NPF) and Scottish Planning Policy (SPP) play key roles in delivering economic growth in a balanced and sustainable way. We are currently considering responses to the engagement on potential revisions to both documents.\r\nThe findings of the statutory strategic environmental assessment will be set out in an environmental report, which will be published for public consultation alongside the main issues report for Scotland’s third NPF and the Draft SPP in March 2013.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-24T14:10:13.823","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Derek Mackay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279811,"EventID":"S4W-11872","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1759,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-17T14:10:14.15","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-13T15:17:41.837","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when it will start reporting on the health of Scotland’s ecosystems using the suite of ecosystem health indicators developed by Scottish Natural Heritage.\r\n","AnswerText":"Scottish Natural Heritage already publishes a report on the Scottish Natural Capital Asset index annually. This is a good indicator of change in the quality and value of Scotland's ecosystems at a national level.\r\nThe Scottish Government’s consultation paper published in June 2012 on the Scottish Biodiversity Strategy, “the 2020 Challenge for Scotland’s Biodiversity”, calls for a suite of ecosystem health indicators to help guide adaptive management. This suite of indicators will be finalised once the revised Strategy is published, with preparatory work already underway.\r\nThe ecosystem health indicators will be used both to inform priorities for action and also to assess progress in delivery of the Scottish Biodiversity Strategy, at a river catchment or regional scale. We plan to adopt the suite of indicators in 2013, with analysis of data and publication of assessments soon thereafter.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-24T14:10:14.167","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279812,"EventID":"S4W-11889","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2108,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":141,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-17T14:10:14.463","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-14T15:32:33.123","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the statement by the Deputy First Minister on 13 December 2012 (Official Report, c.14759), whether it is its intention to negotiate an opt-out from the European single currency in the event of Scotland separating from the rest of the United Kingdom.\r\n","AnswerText":"Scottish Government policy is to retain Sterling and not join the Euro. For any country to adopt the Euro it would be required to meet certain criteria, including being a member of the European Exchange Rate Mechanism (ERM) for two years. Participation in the ERM is entirely voluntary and countries which do not join the ERM cannot join the Euro.\r\nFollowing a ‘yes’ vote in 2014, a process of negotiation will take place with the UK government on the transfer of powers to an independent Scottish Parliament. The Scottish Government has made clear that it expects Scotland’s transition from membership of the EU as part of the UK to membership as an independent member state to be negotiated from a position within the EU. This has long been made clear by the Scottish Government in Choosing Scotland’s Future in 2007, in Your Scotland, Your Voice in 2009 and in Your Scotland, Your Referendum in 2012.\r\nUnder paragraph 30 of the Edinburgh Agreement the UK Government and the Scottish Government have committed to continue to work together constructively in the light of the outcome of the Referendum, whatever it is, in the best interests of the people of Scotland and of the rest of the United Kingdom.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-24T14:10:14.48","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279813,"EventID":"S4W-11890","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":86,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-17T14:10:14.837","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-14T16:08:19.697","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the statement by the Deputy First Minister on 13 December 2012 (Official Report, c.14759), whether it is its intention to negotiate an opt-out from the Schengen Agreement in the event of Scotland separating from the rest of the United Kingdom.\r\n","AnswerText":"Scottish Ministers have outlined their intention to remain as part of the common travel area and outside Schengen, in an independent Scotland. Following a ‘yes’ vote in 2014, a process of negotiation will take place with the UK government on the transfer of powers to an independent Scottish Parliament. In parallel to negotiations with the UK government, it would be our intention to negotiate the terms of an independent Scotland’s continuing membership of the EU. This has long been made clear by the Scottish Government in Choosing Scotland’s Future in 2007, in Your Scotland, Your Voice in 2009 and in Your Scotland, Your Referendum in 2012.\r\nUnder paragraph 30 of the Edinburgh Agreement the UK Government and the Scottish Government have committed to continue to work together constructively in the light of the outcome of the Referendum, whatever it is, in the best interests of the people of Scotland and of the rest of the United Kingdom.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-24T14:10:14.853","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279814,"EventID":"S4W-11891","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4016,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":133,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-17T14:10:15.227","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-14T16:52:18.48","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many of the racist incidents recorded by the police from 2004 to 2012 were against police officers.\r\n","AnswerText":"Information held centrally on the number of racist incidents recorded by the police cannot identify the occupation of a victim of a racist incident and therefore racist incidents against police officers cannot be identified separately.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-24T14:10:15.243","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279815,"EventID":"S4W-11892","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4016,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":133,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-17T14:10:15.743","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-14T16:52:18.48","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what discussions or other communications it has had with the International Olympic Committee, the British Olympic Association or any other Olympic organisation about the creation of a Scottish Olympic team.\r\n","AnswerText":"The International Olympic Committee has confirmed to sportscotland that under the Olympic Charter, National Olympic Committee recognition can only be granted when an independent State is recognised by the international community.\r\nWe will publish our detailed proposals in the coming months which will outline Scotland’s participation as an independent nation in international sporting events such as the Olympics – as of course we already do in many disciplines, including football, rugby and the whole range of sports which will be represented by Team Scotland in next year’s Commonwealth Games.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-03-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-24T14:10:15.757","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Shona Robison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279816,"EventID":"S4W-11893","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3896,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":97,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-17T14:10:16.07","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-17T08:51:07.043","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what biomass electricity generating plants have been built in Scotland and how much government subsidy they have received.\r\n","AnswerText":"There are four biomass power stations currently operating in Scotland, listed in the following table.\r\nOperator\r\nLocation\r\nDetails\r\nFunding Support\r\nDate Funding Awarded\r\nBalcas\r\nInvergordon\r\n\r\n8.8 MW combined heat and power (CHP) station, fuelled by wood chips\r\n\r\nGrant of £5.5 million from Highlands and Islands Enterprise\r\nOctober 2006\r\nE.ON UK Ltd\r\nLockerbie\r\n\r\n46 MW CHP station, fuelled by wood chips and sawmill co-products\r\n\r\nGrant of £18 million from UK Government’s Bioenergy Energy Capital Grants Scheme\r\n2004\r\nUnited Paper Mills\r\nIrvine\r\n26 MW, CHP station, fuelled by paper mill residues\r\n\r\nGrant of £10 million (Regional Selective Assistance) from Scottish Enterprise\r\nOctober 2006\r\nEPRL\r\n\r\nWestfield, Fife\r\n\r\n12.5 MW, fuelled by chicken litter\r\nNone\r\nN/A\r\n\r\nThese stations are accredited under the Renewables Obligation (Scotland) mechanism, and are awarded Renewables Obligation Certificates in respect of any eligible power which they generate.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-24T14:10:16.087","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279817,"EventID":"S4W-11894","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3896,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":97,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-17T14:10:16.443","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-17T08:51:07.043","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many biomass plants have a method of recovering the heat produced by burning materials; how many of these are used to provide heating in the surrounding area, and how many properties are served by each.\r\n","AnswerText":"The station at Lockerbie provides heat to a local timber and saw mill business, while the station at Invergordon uses the heat produced to dry wood pellets at the site. The station at Irvine uses the heat for the operation of the paper mill and other onsite operations.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-24T14:10:16.46","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279818,"EventID":"S4W-11895","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3896,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":97,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-17T14:10:17.023","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-17T08:51:07.043","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much it has cost to install district heating systems in the areas neighbouring biomass plants, broken down by plant.\r\n","AnswerText":"There are currently no district heating systems in the areas neighbouring biomass plants. \r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-24T14:10:17.037","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279819,"EventID":"S4W-11896","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2059,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":91,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-17T14:10:17.413","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-17T08:52:32.517","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the value is of contracts issued to private companies for NHS car park management in the last five years, broken down by (a) company and (b) project.\r\n","AnswerText":"Car parking charges at NHSScotland operated car parks was abolished with effect from 31 December 2008, although that did not end the duty of NHS boards to manage their car parking appropriately. For most NHS boards, this is managed in-house. There are three NHS boards which use or have used contracts to manage their car parking and the value of those contracts is given in the following table.\r\nNHS Board\r\nCompany/Contract\r\n2007-08\r\n£k\r\n2008-09\r\n£k\r\n2009-10\r\n£k\r\n2010-11\r\n£k\r\n2011-12\r\n£k\r\nGrampian\r\nVinci Park Limited - Aberdeen Royal Infirmary until 5 October 2008\r\n221.8\r\n114.2\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\nGreater Glasgow and Clyde\r\nCP Plus Limited - Parking covered by the NHS board parking management policy\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\n-\r\nTayside\r\nTown and City Parking Limited -\r\nPerth Royal Infirmary\r\n4.2\r\n8.6\r\n21.7\r\n21.7\r\n21.7\r\nNotes\r\nInformation supplied by NHS boards and does not include the three PFI/PPP contracts at the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, Glasgow Royal Infirmary and Ninewells Hospital, Dundee.\r\nNHS Grampian ended the contract on 5 October 2008 and its car parking is now managed \r\nin-house.\r\nNHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde is currently tendering its car parking management contract; publication of the contract costs may prejudice the outcome that process.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-24T14:10:17.427","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279820,"EventID":"S4W-11897","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2059,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":91,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-17T14:10:17.77","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-17T08:52:32.517","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what representations it has made to NHS boards regarding car park management.\r\n","AnswerText":"When parking charges at NHSScotland operated car parking were abolished with effect from 31 December 2008, instructions were issued for NHS boards to ensure that car parking is managed appropriately and the parking needs of patients, visitors and staff is balanced.\r\nSince then, Scottish Government officials continue to work with NHS boards to ensure that remains the position.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-24T14:10:17.787","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279821,"EventID":"S4W-11898","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-17T14:10:18.207","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-17T08:54:10.38","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it checks how much corporation tax is paid by companies that are awarded public sector contracts.\r\n","AnswerText":"No, however the Scottish Government’s standard Pre-Qualification Questionnaire requires companies bidding for public contracts to disclose if they have failed to comply with their statutory obligations relating to the payments of taxes. Companies which have not fulfilled their obligations relating to the payment of taxes under the law of the United Kingdom or in the relevant state in which the company is established may be excluded from bidding for public contracts.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-24T14:10:18.223","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279822,"EventID":"S4W-11899","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5079,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-17T14:10:18.567","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-17T09:21:12.563","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what contribution it makes to the costs of training for those participating in the Department for Work and Pensions Work Programme.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has given Work Programme contracted service providers complete autonomy to decide how best to support participants. The Scottish Government does not contribute to the costs of training for those participating in the Work Programme, instead focussing its funding on individuals prior to Work Programme eligibility.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-24T14:10:18.583","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angela Constance","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279823,"EventID":"S4W-11900","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5079,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-17T14:10:18.877","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-17T09:21:12.563","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what correspondence or discussions it has had with the (a) Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) and (b) Scotland Office about the budget for training as part of the DWP Work Programme.   \r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government (SG) employability funding is focussed on the period of unemployment prior to eligibility for the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) Work Programme. This approach ensures that there is no duplication of funding between SG and DWP for support for unemployed people in Scotland. This policy has been made clear to DWP officials.\r\nThe policies relating to employability training programmes and associated budgets will be jointly monitored over time through ministerial dialogue at the Scottish Employability Forum.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-24T14:10:18.893","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angela Constance","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279824,"EventID":"S4W-11901","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5079,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-17T14:10:19.317","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-17T09:21:12.563","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what assistance its agencies provide to support training for long-term unemployed people engaged in the Department for Work and Pensions Work Programme.\r\n","AnswerText":"In order to avoid duplication of funding for single episodes of learning, and in order to maximise the number of individuals supported, Scottish Government Agencies do not fund training for long term unemployed people already engaged in the Department for Work and Pensions Work Programme.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-24T14:10:19.33","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angela Constance","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279825,"EventID":"S4W-11902","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5057,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-17T14:10:19.737","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-17T10:02:43.423","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide the (a) times, (b) dates and (c) details of meetings that have taken place between the chair of the Scottish Police Authority and representatives of unions.\r\n\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government do not hold the information requested. Meetings between the chair of the Scottish Police Authority and the representative unions are a matter for the Scottish Police Authority.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-24T14:10:19.753","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279826,"EventID":"S4W-11903","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-17T14:10:20.047","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-17T11:49:51.89","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government on how many occasions since April 2007 courts have allowed offenders subject to electronic monitoring to specify a place of restriction other than their home address.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally.\r\nElectronic monitoring curfew conditions are set by courts, and the court can request a criminal justice social work assessment of an individual’s circumstances prior to imposing this sentence. The offender must consent to the imposition of the order, or the court can consider an alternative sentence, and the offender has the opportunity to contribute to the assessment prior to curfew conditions being set.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-24T14:10:20.063","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279827,"EventID":"S4W-11904","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-17T14:10:20.39","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-17T11:49:51.89","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government on how many occasions since April 2007 courts have allowed offenders subject to electronic monitoring to specify hours of restriction.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally.\r\nElectronic monitoring curfew conditions are set by courts, and the court can request a criminal justice social work assessment of an individual’s circumstances prior to imposing this sentence. The offender must consent to the imposition of the order, or the court can consider an alternative sentence, and the offender has the opportunity to contribute to the assessment prior to curfew conditions being set.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-24T14:10:20.407","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279828,"EventID":"S4W-11905","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-17T14:10:20.72","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-17T11:49:51.89","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what guidance it has given to the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service regarding electronic monitoring and the consideration of an offender’s employment status.","AnswerText":"The Restriction of Liberty Orders and Electronic Monitoring in the High Court, Sheriff Courts and Stipendiary Magistrates Court Handbook, originally issued in 2002, was revised in February 2004 to reflect a change in legislation. This handbook provides information on electronic monitoring and what information is available to the sentencer, such as the offender’s working hours, prior to imposing such a sentence.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-24T14:10:20.733","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279829,"EventID":"S4W-11906","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-17T14:10:21.03","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-17T11:49:51.89","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what alternatives are available to offenders subject to electronic monitoring whose employment opportunities would be affected by such a sentence.","AnswerText":"Courts are free to take into account the individual circumstances of the cases before them and can consider issues such as employment conditions or prospects when imposing a sentence, setting curfew hours to take account of these issues, if appropriate. Furthermore, they can consider applications to vary electronic monitoring curfew conditions if an offender's circumstances change.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-24T14:10:21.047","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279830,"EventID":"S4T-00172","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":9,"MSPID":4014,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-17T13:10:54.883","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-17T10:21:54.93","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what provisions it is making with local authorities for the allocation of the additional £1 million for musical instrument tuition in schools.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-24T13:10:54.913","MeetingDate":"2012-12-18T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279831,"EventID":"S4T-00181","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":9,"MSPID":2675,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":93,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-17T13:11:03.463","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-17T11:42:57.287","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what it is doing to reinforce sea defences following the recent severe weather.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-24T13:11:03.477","MeetingDate":"2012-12-18T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279832,"EventID":"S4F-01070","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":4976,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-17T12:54:14.203","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-13T16:23:56.643","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister when he will next meet the Secretary of State for Scotland.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-24T12:54:14.533","MeetingDate":"2012-12-20T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279833,"EventID":"S4F-01073","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":2080,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":87,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-17T12:54:15.61","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-17T09:47:43.527","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what engagements he has planned for the rest of the day\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-24T12:54:15.623","MeetingDate":"2012-12-20T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279834,"EventID":"S4F-01074","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-17T12:54:15.937","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-17T10:33:17.06","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what action is being taken to minimise disruption from industrial action over the festive season.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-24T12:54:15.953","MeetingDate":"2012-12-20T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279835,"EventID":"S4F-01079","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":5009,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-17T12:54:17.887","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-17T10:50:06.457","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what issues will be discussed at the next meeting of the Cabinet.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-24T12:54:17.903","MeetingDate":"2012-12-20T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279836,"EventID":"S4F-01080","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":2673,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":114,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-17T12:54:18.197","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-17T11:05:16.557","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what discussions the Scottish Government has had with the UK Government regarding the Scottish Government's submission to the EU on minimum pricing for alcohol.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-24T12:54:18.213","MeetingDate":"2012-12-20T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279837,"EventID":"S4F-01084","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":131,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-17T12:54:19.477","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-17T11:30:12.69","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what the Scottish Government's position is on Shelter Scotland's claim that one in four people believe they are \"one pay cheque away\" from losing their home.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-24T12:54:19.493","MeetingDate":"2012-12-20T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279838,"EventID":"S4W-11907","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4086,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-17T16:45:41.973","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-17T11:51:55.443","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many (a) farming and (b) other commercial lets are not subject to electrical safety standards.","AnswerText":"This information is not held by the Scottish Government.\r\nElectrical safety standards normally apply to all farms and commercial lets due to them generally being places of work to which the health and safety at work legislation applies. This legislation, which is reserved to the UK Government, places a duty on employers and the self-employed to ensure their work places are safe. This includes taking precautions against the risk of death or injury from electricity.\r\nHowever, in general where new buildings are constructed or new work is carried out to existing properties, Scottish building regulations apply. There are electrical safety standards within these regulations. The intention of these regulations is to provide buildings with new electrical installations that are safe and this supports the health and safety legislation that applies when a building is used as a place of work. It should be noted that the building regulations exempt certain types of low-risk agricultural buildings, for example, those that are not normally frequented by people.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-24T16:45:42.05","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Derek Mackay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279839,"EventID":"S4W-11908","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2876,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-17T16:45:42.41","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-17T12:12:13.62","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what plans it has to improve the diagnosis of vertebral fractures.","AnswerText":"Whilst vertebral fractures are one of the most common fracture types related to osteoporosis, a significant proportion do not come to clinical attention on account of several factors, including:\r\nThe nature of the clinical presentation of vertebral fracture (around 50% are pain free; many are not related to trauma including falls);\r\nVertebral fractures are not always consistently identified on X-Rays;\r\nThe clinical relevance of vertebral fracture may be overlooked.\r\nFracture Liaison Services and Dual-energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DXA) Services in some NHS boards are using DXA to identify vertebral fractures. In addition, the Scottish Government’s Scottish Orthopaedic Services Development Group is taking forward wider work to redesign pathways for patients with non-operative fractures.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-24T16:45:42.427","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279840,"EventID":"S4W-11909","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2876,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-17T16:45:42.753","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-17T12:12:13.62","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government  how many patients have received fracture-preventing medications in each of the last three years, also broken down by (a) gender, (b) age and (c) NHS board.\r\n","AnswerText":"Information on the prescribing of fracture preventing medications has been provided in the following tables.\r\nThe data provided is based on prescribing and dispensing within primary care.\r\n2009-10\r\nPrescribing Health Board\r\nGender\r\nAge\r\n0-4\r\n5-14\r\n15-24\r\n25-44\r\n45-64\r\n65-74\r\n75-84\r\n85+\r\nAll Ages\r\nNHS Ayrshire and Arran\r\nFemales\r\n*\r\n*\r\n11\r\n118\r\n1,768\r\n2,368\r\n2,503\r\n1,080\r\n7,849\r\nNHS Ayrshire and Arran\r\nMales\r\n*\r\n*\r\n8\r\n62\r\n425\r\n474\r\n420\r\n130\r\n1,520\r\nNHS Borders\r\nFemales\r\n*\r\n*\r\n*\r\n29\r\n358\r\n571\r\n781\r\n448\r\n2,188\r\nNHS Borders\r\nMales\r\n*\r\n*\r\n*\r\n18\r\n104\r\n117\r\n155\r\n53\r\n448\r\nNHS Dumfries and Galloway\r\nFemales\r\n*\r\n*\r\n*\r\n45\r\n536\r\n883\r\n1,150\r\n509\r\n3,126\r\nNHS Dumfries and Galloway\r\nMales\r\n*\r\n*\r\n*\r\n18\r\n188\r\n201\r\n227\r\n72\r\n710\r\nNHS Fife\r\nFemales\r\n*\r\n*\r\n5\r\n82\r\n1,231\r\n2,077\r\n2,565\r\n1,226\r\n7,186\r\nNHS Fife\r\nMales\r\n*\r\n*\r\n5\r\n41\r\n267\r\n424\r\n477\r\n174\r\n1,389\r\nNHS Forth Valley\r\nFemales\r\n*\r\n*\r\n7\r\n97\r\n1,026\r\n1,394\r\n1,582\r\n758\r\n4,864\r\nNHS Forth Valley\r\nMales\r\n*\r\n*\r\n*\r\n39\r\n237\r\n278\r\n276\r\n108\r\n940\r\nNHS Grampian\r\nFemales\r\n*\r\n*\r\n6\r\n73\r\n1,388\r\n2,351\r\n2,955\r\n1,367\r\n8,142\r\nNHS Grampian\r\nMales\r\n*\r\n*\r\n*\r\n48\r\n345\r\n440\r\n494\r\n178\r\n1,506\r\nNHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde\r\nFemales\r\n*\r\n*\r\n20\r\n191\r\n3,760\r\n6,608\r\n8,547\r\n3,920\r\n23,050\r\nNHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde\r\nMales\r\n*\r\n*\r\n12\r\n129\r\n1,193\r\n1,378\r\n1,382\r\n458\r\n4,556\r\nNHS Highland\r\nFemales\r\n*\r\n*\r\n6\r\n49\r\n958\r\n1,473\r\n1,872\r\n905\r\n5,263\r\nNHS Highland\r\nMales\r\n*\r\n*\r\n6\r\n30\r\n258\r\n272\r\n365\r\n137\r\n1,068\r\nNHS Lanarkshire\r\nFemales\r\n*\r\n*\r\n6\r\n168\r\n2,344\r\n3,496\r\n3,598\r\n1,442\r\n11,054\r\nNHS Lanarkshire\r\nMales\r\n*\r\n*\r\n6\r\n64\r\n518\r\n584\r\n548\r\n169\r\n1,889\r\nNHS Lothian\r\nFemales\r\n*\r\n*\r\n13\r\n180\r\n2,290\r\n3,232\r\n4,186\r\n2,115\r\n12,016\r\nNHS Lothian\r\nMales\r\n*\r\n*\r\n15\r\n110\r\n628\r\n739\r\n736\r\n262\r\n2,490\r\nNHS Orkney\r\nFemales\r\n*\r\n*\r\n*\r\n*\r\n87\r\n115\r\n114\r\n44\r\n360\r\nNHS Orkney\r\nMales\r\n*\r\n*\r\n*\r\n*\r\n32\r\n22\r\n20\r\n5\r\n83\r\nNHS Shetland\r\nFemales\r\n*\r\n*\r\n*\r\n13\r\n73\r\n107\r\n110\r\n55\r\n359\r\nNHS Shetland\r\nMales\r\n*\r\n*\r\n*\r\n6\r\n24\r\n22\r\n24\r\n6\r\n83\r\nNHS Tayside\r\nFemales\r\n*\r\n*\r\n13\r\n81\r\n1,166\r\n1,713\r\n2,350\r\n1,193\r\n6,516\r\nNHS Tayside\r\nMales\r\n*\r\n*\r\n6\r\n71\r\n301\r\n382\r\n419\r\n141\r\n1,321\r\nNHS Western Isles\r\nFemales\r\n*\r\n*\r\n*\r\n5\r\n87\r\n159\r\n197\r\n92\r\n541\r\nNHS Western Isles\r\nMales\r\n*\r\n*\r\n*\r\n*\r\n34\r\n33\r\n33\r\n6\r\n110\r\nScotland Total\r\n\r\n110,627\r\nData Source:  Prescribing Information System, ISD Scotland (Extracted 09/01/2013).\r\nNotes:\r\n1. Where There Are Less Than five Patients This Is Denoted As An Asterix In Order To Protect Patient Confidentiality.\r\n2. Individual Patients Can Only Be Identified From Prescriptions That Include A Valid Community Health Index Number.\r\n\r\n2010-11\r\nPrescribing Health Board\r\nGender\r\nAge\r\n0-4\r\n5-14\r\n15-24\r\n25-44\r\n45-64\r\n65-74\r\n75-84\r\n85+\r\nAll Ages\r\nNHS Ayrshire and Arran\r\nFemales\r\n*\r\n*\r\n9\r\n104\r\n1,904\r\n2,446\r\n2,636\r\n1,200\r\n8,300\r\nNHS Ayrshire and Arran\r\nMales\r\n*\r\n*\r\n7\r\n67\r\n441\r\n508\r\n466\r\n146\r\n1,635\r\nNHS Borders\r\nFemales\r\n*\r\n*\r\n*\r\n21\r\n335\r\n527\r\n749\r\n487\r\n2,120\r\nNHS Borders\r\nMales\r\n*\r\n*\r\n*\r\n14\r\n90\r\n112\r\n157\r\n60\r\n438\r\nNHS Dumfries and Galloway\r\nFemales\r\n*\r\n*\r\n*\r\n35\r\n553\r\n879\r\n1,173\r\n560\r\n3,202\r\nNHS Dumfries and Galloway\r\nMales\r\n*\r\n*\r\n*\r\n17\r\n186\r\n222\r\n232\r\n89\r\n749\r\nNHS Fife\r\nFemales\r\n*\r\n*\r\n*\r\n68\r\n1,278\r\n2,022\r\n2,543\r\n1,313\r\n7,228\r\nNHS Fife\r\nMales\r\n*\r\n*\r\n5\r\n35\r\n266\r\n425\r\n451\r\n186\r\n1,368\r\nNHS Forth Valley\r\nFemales\r\n*\r\n*\r\n5\r\n92\r\n1,018\r\n1,339\r\n1,656\r\n801\r\n4,911\r\nNHS Forth Valley\r\nMales\r\n*\r\n*\r\n*\r\n38\r\n230\r\n289\r\n289\r\n127\r\n974\r\nNHS Grampian\r\nFemales\r\n*\r\n*\r\n6\r\n58\r\n1,353\r\n2,368\r\n3,081\r\n1,526\r\n8,394\r\nNHS Grampian\r\nMales\r\n*\r\n*\r\n*\r\n57\r\n346\r\n434\r\n496\r\n197\r\n1,532\r\nNHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde\r\nFemales\r\n*\r\n*\r\n11\r\n195\r\n3,698\r\n6,327\r\n8,510\r\n4,166\r\n22,910\r\nNHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde\r\nMales\r\n*\r\n*\r\n12\r\n113\r\n1,229\r\n1,426\r\n1,451\r\n546\r\n4,781\r\nNHS Highland\r\nFemales\r\n*\r\n*\r\n*\r\n43\r\n948\r\n1,466\r\n1,852\r\n916\r\n5,228\r\nNHS Highland\r\nMales\r\n*\r\n*\r\n*\r\n41\r\n269\r\n282\r\n358\r\n136\r\n1,090\r\nNHS Lanarkshire\r\nFemales\r\n*\r\n*\r\n7\r\n144\r\n2,231\r\n3,351\r\n3,587\r\n1,522\r\n10,842\r\nNHS Lanarkshire\r\nMales\r\n*\r\n*\r\n*\r\n64\r\n503\r\n567\r\n560\r\n188\r\n1,884\r\nNHS Lothian\r\nFemales\r\n*\r\n*\r\n15\r\n174\r\n2,309\r\n3,254\r\n4,329\r\n2,227\r\n12,308\r\nNHS Lothian\r\nMales\r\n*\r\n*\r\n16\r\n114\r\n669\r\n74","AnswerDate":"2013-01-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-24T16:45:42.77","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279841,"EventID":"S4W-11910","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2876,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-17T16:45:43.127","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-17T12:12:13.62","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what plans it has to increase the uptake of fracture-preventing medications.\r\n","AnswerText":"The National Osteoporosis Service in Scotland continues to work with clinicians within NHS boards, including fracture liaison nurses, to deliver education sessions for people with recently diagnosed osteoporosis. These sessions include the provision of information about the benefits of fracture preventing medications and provides an opportunity for attendees to ask questions.\r\nThe decision whether to prescribe a specific drug for a patient’s condition is based on individual patient need and is a matter for the clinical judgement of the clinician, in consultation with the patient, informed by advice and guidance about the drug.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-24T16:45:43.143","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279842,"EventID":"S4W-11911","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2134,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":82,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-17T16:45:43.44","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-17T13:14:40.78","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when it will legislate to replace the council tax with a local income tax.\r\n","AnswerText":"Ministers consider the council tax to be unfair and have committed to freezing the tax for the duration of this Parliament to support hard pressed households. The Scottish Government will consult with others to produce a fairer local tax based on ability to pay later in this Parliament.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-24T16:45:43.457","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279843,"EventID":"S4W-11912","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2134,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":82,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-17T16:45:43.783","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-17T13:14:40.78","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it plans to amend the council tax prior to introducing a local income tax.\r\n","AnswerText":"Ministers consider the council tax to be unfair and have committed to freezing the tax for the duration of this Parliament to support hard pressed households. The Scottish Government will consult with others to produce a fairer local tax based on ability to pay later in this Parliament. In the meantime, we are taking forward a number of changes to council tax. The recent Local Government Finance (Unoccupied Properties etc.) (Scotland) Bill 2012 allows variations of council tax levels to encourage better use of long term empty properties. Regulations to implement these changes are currently being considered by Parliament.\r\nThe Council Tax Reduction (Scotland) Regulations 2012 and the Council Tax Reduction (State Pension Credit) (Scotland) Regulations 2012 will also introduce new reductions offering support to those currently entitled to Council Tax Benefit from 1 April this year.\r\nFinally, ministers will also bring forward proposals to further exempt some students from council tax as set out in our Manifesto.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-24T16:45:43.783","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279844,"EventID":"S4W-11913","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2678,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-17T16:45:44.11","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-17T13:24:57.657","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it will respond to the Healthcare Improvement Scotland report, Attention Deficit and Hyperkinetic Disorders Services Over Scotland: Final Report.","AnswerText":"We welcome this report and are pleased to see that Healthcare Improvement Scotland (HIS) acknowledge the commitment we have made through the Mental Health Strategy (http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2012/08/9714), to “undertake work to develop appropriate specialist capacity in respect of developmental disorders as well as improving awareness in general settings. As part of this work we will review the need for specialist inpatient services within Scotland” (Commitment 33).\r\nIn developing specialist capability in respect of developmental disorders we will along with our partners consider the contents of the report and if appropriate engage with HIS. We would also expect NHS boards to consider the contents of the report when they are redesigning or making provision of services to meet the needs of their local population.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-24T16:45:44.143","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279845,"EventID":"S4W-11914","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2678,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-17T16:45:44.517","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-17T13:31:56.613","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, following reports of a seriously ill baby having to wait 12 hours in the accident and emergency department at the Heartlands Hospital in Birmingham because no paediatric beds were available in the UK, how it will ensure that NHS Scotland has an adequate provision of paediatric beds.","AnswerText":"Paediatric Intensive Care services are nationally commissioned by NHS National Services Scotland National Services Division (NSD) on behalf of all NHS boards. NSD monitors service provision to ensure that there is sufficient capacity to manage periods of surge, for example during winter months.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-24T16:45:44.533","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279846,"EventID":"S4W-11915","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2876,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-17T16:45:44.843","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-17T13:55:14.773","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government (a) how many and (b) what percentage of people have had one or more dental examinations in the last (i) 6, (ii) 12, (iii) 18 and (iv) 24 months, broken down by (A) NHS board, (B) gender and (C) age.","AnswerText":"The information requested will be available from Scottish Parliament Information Centre (SPICe) under (Bib. number 54676).\r\nThe tables provide information on the number and percentage of adults (18 years old and over) who have had one or more dental examinations in the last 6, 12, 18 and 24 months by NHS board, gender and age group.\r\nNational Services Scotland (NSS) extract this information from the NHS general dental services payment system (MIDAS). Since no fee is payable for routine examinations for children, information on examinations for children is not recorded in the MIDAS system (and a claim for such cannot be made by the dentist) unless the examination has been carried out specifically for orthodontic purposes or has been necessitated by trauma.\r\nTherefore, routine child examinations are not covered by this data system and are not collected centrally. Dentists are expected to provide the full range of treatment available for children under capitation arrangements, and there is only a small number of items of service for children for which dentists make individual and specific claims through MIDAS (as is required for adults).\r\nFor the reason stated above, the information previously provided in the answer to question S4W-11148 on 22 November 2012 has been amended to include only information on the number and percentage of adults (18 years old and over) who have had two or more dental examinations in each of the last three years by NHS board, gender and age group and this will also be available from SPICe (Bib. number 54501).\r\nThe next set of National Statistics on Registration and Participation which provides an overview of the proportion of children and adults registered with dentists – but not frequency of treatment – is scheduled for publication by NSS in March 2013.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-24T16:45:44.86","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279869,"EventID":"S4W-11916","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2033,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":132,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-18T13:50:17.01","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-17T17:20:13.527","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when it last met the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs to discuss joint working on plant health strategies.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Minister for Environment and Climate Change participated in two recent COBR meetings on Chalara and he also wrote to the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs about plant health on 5 November 2012.\r\nScottish Government officials have also been liaising with UK officials over the development of the GB Interim Chalara Control Plan and on other plant health issues through participation in the UK plant health governance groups.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-25T13:50:17.167","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279870,"EventID":"S4W-11917","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-18T13:50:17.447","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-18T09:17:41.06","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what discussions the Cabinet Secretary for Education and Lifelong Learning has had with Queen Margaret University regarding its decision to pursue compulsory staff redundancies.\r\n","AnswerText":"I sought information on the issue from the Principal of Queen Margaret University in December 2012 as a result of an approach from the trade unions and that information was provided.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-25T13:50:17.463","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279871,"EventID":"S4W-11918","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-18T13:50:17.757","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-18T09:17:41.06","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when the Cabinet Secretary for Education and Lifelong Learning last met representatives of Queen Margaret University and what issues were discussed.","AnswerText":"I meet with representatives of all Scottish universities on a regular basis, including Queen Margaret University, to discuss a variety of issues.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-25T13:50:17.757","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279872,"EventID":"S4W-11919","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5047,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":10,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-18T13:50:18.07","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-18T09:40:04.677","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what projects or initiatives to provide legal advice to people facing property repossession or homelessness in Glasgow the Scottish Legal Aid Board has funded from its 2012-15 budget.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government does not hold those details centrally. Information from the Scottish Legal Aid Board shows that the organisation funds legal assistance for people facing repossession and/or homelessness via both the civil legal assistance scheme and grant funding.\r\nThe civil legal assistance scheme (Advice and Assistance and Civil Legal Aid) pays for solicitors in private practices or law centres to provide advice and representation to eligible people across Scotland, including assistance for repossession and homelessness. In 2011-12, £549,468 was paid in civil legal assistance payments to firms in Glasgow for assistance provided on repossession and homelessness. This was the greatest spend on these categories in any local authority area.\r\nIn addition, the following initiatives have been allocated funding from the 2012-2015 Grant Funds:\r\nCastlemilk Law & Money Advice Centre’s Housing Debt and Employment Project (period April-September 2012) \r\nDrumchapel Law and Money Advice Centre’s Glasgow and Dumbarton Court Representation Unit (period April-September 2012) \r\nCastlemilk Law & Money Advice Centre (October 2012 - March 2015). Details at http://www.slab.org.uk/public/civil/Othersourcesofhelp/.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-25T13:50:18.07","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279873,"EventID":"S4W-11920","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2610,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-18T13:50:18.367","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-18T10:56:18.393","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what action it will take regarding air pollution levels at Scotland's main railway stations following the publication of a recent Network Rail study on the matter.","AnswerText":"The publication of their Strategic Business Plan earlier this month, is Network Rail's opportunity to set out its plans for the railways in Scotland during 2014-2019, including responding to the specification set out by the Transport Minister Keith Brown during his rail statement to Parliament last summer. We will continue to work with Office of Rail Regulation (ORR) and Network Rail to ensure that the interests of users, taxpayers and wider stakeholders in Scotland are reflected in the final determinations for 2014 to 2019, which will be made later this year.\r\nIn the revisions to Scottish Ministers Guidance to ORR published in July 2012, we have stated that regulatory processes and frameworks support, and do not act as a barrier to the effective stewardship of the natural environment for which Network Rail is responsible.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-25T13:50:18.383","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279874,"EventID":"S4W-11921","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-18T10:53:54.543","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-18T11:47:31.71","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-11036 by Michael Matheson on 22 November 2012, what information it has regarding whether additional processes were introduced by the (a) Medical and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency and (b) Commission on Human Medicines to ensure the quality, efficacy and safety of the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine in light of the litigation initiated between 1992 and 2003 regarding its safety.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government does not hold this information.\r\nThe Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) is the government agency that has responsibility for the regulation of medicinal products including vaccines in the UK. The MHRA has robust procedures in place to continually review the safety of vaccines on an on-going basis and where any new evidence is presented, the Scottish Government will consider this as a priority. Further safety information can be obtained from www.mhra.gov.uk.","AnswerDate":"2013-01-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279875,"EventID":"S4W-11922","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5054,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-18T16:53:00.44","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-18T14:32:16.85","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-10877 by John Swinney on 18 December 2012, which of the companies awarded contracts by (a) it and (b) its agencies since 2007 have been named by the Information Commissioner’s Office as subscribing to the Consulting Association; on what basis it concluded that there is no evidence of the use of blacklisting in relation to these contracts, and how it ensures that companies that are awarded such contracts maintain high standards of business and professional conduct when delivering them.\r\n","AnswerText":"Since 2007, the Scottish Government and its agencies have awarded contracts to the following companies named by, or associated with companies named by, the Information Commissioner's Office as subscribing to the Consulting Association: Amec Group Limited; Amey OW Limited; Amey Infrastructure Services Limited; Amey Roads (North Lanarkshire) Limited; Bailey Maintenance; Balfour Beatty Construction Limited; Balfour Beatty Civil Engineering Limited; BAM Nuttall Limited; Carillion Construction; Laing O'Rourke; Morrison Construction; Forth Crossing Bridge Constructors joint venture; Skanska Construction UK Limited; Sir Robert McAlpine Limited; Norwest Holst Limited. We are not aware of any evidence to suggest that blacklisting has been used in connection with the performance of any of these contracts. Companies are required to comply with standards of business and professional conduct as specified in the contract.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-25T16:53:00.453","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279876,"EventID":"S4W-11923","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-18T16:53:00.813","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-18T15:19:05.113","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many farmers have not received their single farm payments due in December 2012.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Single Farm Payment Scheme (SFPS) does not have a date set in legislation when payments must be made, rather a payment window that, for each scheme year, opens on 1 December 2012 and closes on 30 June 2013 the following year, in accordance the European regulation that governs the scheme. Providing all eligibility checks are completed satisfactorily and payment is made within that window, settlement of claims cannot be classed as overdue or late. The issue of compensation raised in question S4W-11925, answered on 25 January 2013, therefore, does not arise. Nevertheless, we aim to serve the best interests of the agricultural sector as a whole by paying claims in full at the earliest possible date: if necessary, allocating additional resources to ensure that this happens, as was the case this year given the impact on farmers of the adverse weather. Over the last six years, we have paid at least 70% of claims within the first few days of the opening of the payment window and in the same period have, on average, paid around 95% cent of claims by 31 December. To date, under the 2012 scheme, we have settled over 18,000 claims, representing 97% of potential beneficiaries, and provided total funding of £430 million.\r\nAll answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-25T16:53:00.83","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279877,"EventID":"S4W-11924","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-18T16:53:01.17","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-18T15:19:05.113","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many farmers have not yet received their 2012 single farm payments as a result of clerical errors.\r\n","AnswerText":"I regret that the various pieces of information required to answer this question are either not held in a readily accessible form or not held at all. My officials have examined what would be required to extract the basic information, review the relevant claims, and compile a result. This would involve creating specific computer interrogation and reviewing individual claims. My officials have estimated that this would cost around £1200 or twice the disproportionate cost threshold (£600). However, I refer the member to the answer to question \r\nS4W-11923 on 25 January 2013 that is available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\n http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-25T16:53:01.17","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279878,"EventID":"S4W-11925","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-18T16:53:01.577","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-18T15:19:05.113","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what compensation will be offered to farmers who incur costs while waiting for single farm payments that are delayed through no fault of their own.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-11923 on 25 January 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-25T16:53:01.593","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279879,"EventID":"S4W-11927","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-18T16:53:01.95","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-18T15:19:05.113","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much notice farmers are given if their December single farm payments are delayed due to administrative errors.\r\n","AnswerText":"I regret that the various pieces of information required to answer this question are either not held in a readily accessible form or not held at all. My officials have examined what would be required to extract the basic information, review the relevant claims, and compile a result. This would involve creating specific computer interrogation and reviewing individual claims. My officials have estimated that this would cost around £1200 or twice the disproportionate cost threshold (£600). However, I refer the member to the answer to question \r\nS4W-11923 answered on 25 January 2013 that is available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\n http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-25T16:53:01.967","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279880,"EventID":"S4W-11928","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-18T16:53:02.373","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-18T15:19:05.113","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many farmers have had their single farm payments delayed in two successive years through no fault of their own.\r\n","AnswerText":"The European Commission has legislated for a payment window that opens on 1 December 2012 and closes on 30 June 2013. Payments are made within this window and cannot be classed as late. The Scottish Government has a good record of performance in making all payments well before the closing date. Farmers are paid as eligibility checks are completed and for individual farmers this stage will be reached at a different date within each scheme year. I regret that the various pieces of information required to answer this question are either not held in a readily accessible form or not held at all. My officials have examined what would be required to extract the basic information, review the relevant claims, and compile a result. This would involve creating specific computer interrogation and reviewing individual claims. My officials have estimated that this would cost around £1200 or twice the disproportionate cost threshold (£600). However, I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-11923 on 25 January 2013 that is available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\n http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-25T16:53:02.39","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279881,"EventID":"S4W-11929","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4939,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":78,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-18T16:53:02.717","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-18T15:29:48.68","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what recent progress has been made in developing a dryport in Central Scotland to allow sustainable urban distribution of goods and the shift of goods from road to rail and water.\r\n","AnswerText":"The South East of Scotland Transport Partnership and the Transport Research Institute were the Scottish partners in an EU funded initiative to study the role dryports can play in maximising the capacity and efficiency of sea ports, whilst also shifting traffic from road and onto rail or inland waterways. This three year project is now concluded and a report was published in June 2012. A link to the dryport webpage is http://www.dryport.org/.\r\nThe development of a dryport in Central Scotland would be driven by the commercial sector. We are unaware of any intention by the logistics sector to build a dryport at the current time.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-25T16:53:02.73","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279882,"EventID":"S4W-11930","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4939,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":78,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-18T16:53:03.027","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-18T15:29:48.68","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will consider giving supermarkets that contribute toward business improvement districts dispensation from the public health levy.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has no plans to exclude premises within business improvement districts from payment of the public health supplement.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-25T16:53:03.043","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279883,"EventID":"S4W-11931","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4939,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":78,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-18T16:53:03.323","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-18T15:29:48.68","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what recent progress has been made in encouraging local authority pension funds to invest in affordable and social housing.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-09429 on 20 September 2012, the Scottish Government has continued in discussion with a range of parties interested in providing pension fund and institutional investment for housing in Scotland.\r\nThis includes Falkirk Council, who recently advised that they are in a position to discuss how their interest in applying their pension funds for housing might be supported. Scottish Government officials are scheduled to meet with Falkirk next month.\r\nAll answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-25T16:53:03.34","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Burgess","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279884,"EventID":"S4W-11932","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4939,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":78,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-18T16:53:03.62","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-18T15:29:48.68","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on ship-to-ship oil transfers.\r\n","AnswerText":"This is a matter of considerable public interest in Scotland. The Scottish Government recognises that ship-to-ship transfer of oil as cargo is an internationally recognised practice that is important to the shipping industry and has an excellent safety record in UK waters but we remain vigilant to the need to ensure the highest standards of protection for our marine environment.\r\nScottish Ministers have previously requested devolution of the Secretary of State’s powers to control, by regulations, the ship-to-ship transfer of oil as cargo in Scottish waters. We continue to believe there is a very valid case for Scottish Ministers to have a clearly defined role in the consenting process for any programmes of ship-to-ship transfers in waters adjacent to Scotland given the Scottish Government’s responsibility for environment protection in Scotland.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-25T16:53:03.637","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279896,"EventID":"S4W-11955","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":2,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":85,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-19T09:39:59.51","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-19T08:38:08.34","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when it will publish the consultation paper on redesigning community justice structures.\r\n","AnswerText":"The consultation paper “Redesigning the community justice system” will be published today. It has been developed with input from key stakeholders, including COSLA and the Association of Directors of Social Work (ADSW), and sets out three options for reforming the existing arrangements to establish a more effective system, with strong leadership and accountability, to reduce rates of reoffending.\r\nThe three options are:\r\nOption A: An enhanced Community Justice Authority (CJA) model, where changes are made to CJA membership and functions.\r\nOption B: A local authority model, where local authorities assume responsibility for the strategic planning, design and delivery of offender services in the community.\r\nOption C: A single service model, where a new national social work-led service for community justice (separate to and sitting alongside the Scottish Prison Service) is established.\r\nThe consultation will run from 20 December 2012 until 30 April 2013. During this period we plan to hold a series of consultation events across Scotland, open to both practitioners and members of the public, to discuss what should replace the current arrangements. Further details on the dates and locations will be published shortly on the Scottish Government website: www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Justice/public-safety/offender-management. A copy of the consultation has been placed in the Scottish Parliament’s Reference Centre (SPICe) (Bib number 54554)\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-12-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-28T09:39:59.59","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279898,"EventID":"S4O-01649","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":4955,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":105,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-19T13:47:32.933","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-17T12:06:02.563","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what scope there is for capital investment by Scottish Water to prevent flooding to properties that are not included on its internal flood register.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-28T13:47:32.963","MeetingDate":"2013-01-09T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279899,"EventID":"S4O-01650","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":1742,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-19T13:47:33.26","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-17T12:06:03.047","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what progress is being made on construction of the Forth Replacement Crossing.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-28T13:47:33.277","MeetingDate":"2013-01-09T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279900,"EventID":"S4O-01651","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":5106,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":118,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-19T13:47:33.65","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-17T12:06:03.25","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when it last met Aberdeen City Council to discuss infrastructure investment.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-28T13:47:33.667","MeetingDate":"2013-01-09T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279901,"EventID":"S4O-01652","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":5060,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-19T13:47:34.023","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-17T12:06:03.517","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what analysis it has made of the benefits of creating an investment zone in Renfrewshire.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-28T13:47:34.04","MeetingDate":"2013-01-09T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279902,"EventID":"S4O-01653","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-19T13:47:34.32","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-17T12:06:03.717","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what progress it is making in tackling fuel poverty.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-28T13:47:34.337","MeetingDate":"2013-01-09T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279903,"EventID":"S4O-01654","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":3824,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-19T13:47:34.68","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-17T13:40:16.27","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how changes to Nomenclature of Units of Territorial Statistics boundaries will affect European Structural Fund allocations.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-28T13:47:34.68","MeetingDate":"2013-01-09T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279904,"EventID":"S4O-01655","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-19T13:47:34.977","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-17T12:06:04.233","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what recent discussions it has had with the A9 Safety Group on speed limits for HGVs on the A9. \r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-28T13:47:34.99","MeetingDate":"2013-01-09T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279905,"EventID":"S4O-01656","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":4938,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-19T13:47:35.303","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-17T12:06:04.497","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what incentives or help it will provide to companies wishing to invest in the regeneration of Ravenscraig in order to speed up the project.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-28T13:47:35.32","MeetingDate":"2013-01-09T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279906,"EventID":"S4O-01657","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":2108,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":141,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-19T13:47:35.583","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-17T12:06:04.733","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much of the £7 million available in the second round of the Housebuilding Infrastructure Loan Fund has been allocated.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Housebuilding Infrastructure Loan Fund is a key part of the Government’s package of measures to support sustainable economic growth and to increase housing supply across all tenures.\r\nWe are currently considering the applications received to the second round of the Housebuilding Infrastructure Loan Fund and are aiming to announce allocations shortly.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-28T13:47:35.6","MeetingDate":"2013-01-09T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Burgess","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279907,"EventID":"S4O-01658","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":2595,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-19T13:47:35.897","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-17T12:06:04.967","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the value has been in 2012-13 of non-profit distribution-financed capital investment.","AnswerText":"The total value of those non-profit distributing projects (NPD) which have entered procurement or have entered development through the hub programme in 2012-13 to date, is approximately £442 million. Further projects expected to enter procurement between now and the end of 2012-13 have an estimated capital value of £691 million, taking the total to over £1 billion for the year.\r\nOur £2.5 billion NPD project pipeline is one of the largest investment programmes of its kind in Europe. There are already around £1 billion of NPD projects in procurement, and the additional projects that I have referred to which are coming forward between now and the end of  2012-13 will take this figure to well over £1.5 billion.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-28T13:47:35.913","MeetingDate":"2013-01-09T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279908,"EventID":"S4O-01659","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":2010,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":137,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-19T13:47:36.207","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-19T11:04:29.027","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it will build on Scotland's relationship with China.","AnswerText":"On 4 December 2012 the Scottish Government published Working with China, our new target driven high level strategy for engagement which sets out the Scottish Government’s ambitions in developing Scotland’s relationship with China over the next five years.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-28T13:47:36.223","MeetingDate":"2013-01-09T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Humza Yousaf","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279909,"EventID":"S4O-01660","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":4086,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-19T13:47:36.537","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-17T12:06:43.14","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the benefits are of Historic Scotland’s Inventory of Historic Battlefields.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-28T13:47:36.55","MeetingDate":"2013-01-09T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279910,"EventID":"S4O-01661","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-19T13:47:36.847","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-17T12:06:43.36","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how its digital participation strategy will benefit people in Midlothian.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-28T13:47:36.863","MeetingDate":"2013-01-09T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279911,"EventID":"S4O-01662","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":1866,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-19T13:47:37.177","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-17T12:06:43.593","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what cultural legacy the Cabinet Secretary for Culture and External Affairs expects for the Lothians following the 2014 Commonwealth Games.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-28T13:47:37.19","MeetingDate":"2013-01-09T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279912,"EventID":"S4O-01663","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":125,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-19T13:47:37.503","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-17T12:06:43.857","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what it is doing to support National Performing Companies and cultural collections.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-28T13:47:37.52","MeetingDate":"2013-01-09T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279913,"EventID":"S4O-01664","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":1882,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":129,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-19T13:47:38.3","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-17T12:06:44.153","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it is developing the ancestry theme for Homecoming Scotland 2014 and how it is supporting cultural events that promote and celebrate Robert the Bruce connections.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-28T13:47:38.313","MeetingDate":"2013-01-09T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279914,"EventID":"S4O-01665","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":3745,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":122,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-19T13:47:38.673","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-17T12:06:44.437","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what support is available for museums and galleries that are registered charities.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-28T13:47:38.69","MeetingDate":"2013-01-09T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279915,"EventID":"S4O-01666","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":5042,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-19T13:47:38.97","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-17T12:06:44.683","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its priorities are for culture and external affairs in 2013.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-28T13:47:38.97","MeetingDate":"2013-01-09T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279916,"EventID":"S4O-01667","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":4951,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-19T13:47:39.28","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-17T12:06:44.933","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when Creative Scotland will appoint a new chief executive.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-28T13:47:39.297","MeetingDate":"2013-01-09T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279917,"EventID":"S4O-01668","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":5,"MSPID":1892,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":134,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-19T13:47:39.593","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-19T09:33:14.553","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its plans are for Shambellie House and grounds in the event of the National Museums of Scotland confirming its decision to close the National Museum of Costume. \r\n","AnswerText":"As I said during the members’ business debate on 21 November 2012, the Scottish Government is open to suitable proposals about the future use of Shambellie House from the local community or wider Dumfries and Galloway region, should National Museums Scotland decide to cease operations at the site.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-28T13:47:39.61","MeetingDate":"2013-01-09T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279918,"EventID":"S4O-01669","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2487,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-19T13:47:39.92","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-17T12:07:22.563","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what consideration it is giving to the public health implications of the recently published Energy Action Scotland discussion paper, The Relationship Between Fuel Poverty and Health.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-28T13:47:39.937","MeetingDate":"2013-01-10T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279919,"EventID":"S4O-01670","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1986,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":142,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-19T13:47:40.28","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-17T12:07:22.797","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when the Cabinet Secretary for Justice last met the chief executive of the Scottish Court Service and what was discussed.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-28T13:47:40.297","MeetingDate":"2013-01-10T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279920,"EventID":"S4O-01671","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":3763,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-19T13:47:40.593","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-17T12:07:23.123","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its 2013 economic outlook is for West Scotland.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-28T13:47:40.607","MeetingDate":"2013-01-10T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279921,"EventID":"S4O-01672","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-19T13:47:40.92","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-18T13:35:17.297","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when the Cabinet Secretary for Health and Wellbeing last met the chief executive officers of NHS boards.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-28T13:47:40.933","MeetingDate":"2013-01-10T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279922,"EventID":"S4O-01673","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":5059,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":16,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-19T13:47:41.277","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-17T12:07:24.53","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it plans to make prison visiting times child-friendly.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-28T13:47:41.293","MeetingDate":"2013-01-10T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279923,"EventID":"S4O-01674","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":138,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-19T13:47:41.607","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-17T12:07:24.747","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what progress is being made on developing grassroots football.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-28T13:47:41.62","MeetingDate":"2013-01-10T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279924,"EventID":"S4O-01675","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1778,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":110,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-19T13:47:41.98","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-17T12:07:25.027","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when it last met representatives of NHS Fife.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-28T13:47:41.997","MeetingDate":"2013-01-10T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279925,"EventID":"S4O-01676","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1793,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-19T13:47:42.293","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-18T16:26:12.463","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how schools, colleges and universities are promoting Scottish literature.\r\n","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-28T13:47:42.307","MeetingDate":"2013-01-10T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279926,"EventID":"S4O-01677","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1769,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":75,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-19T13:47:42.603","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-17T12:07:25.557","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what value it places on the views of local communities and local authorities in relation to planning decisions.","AnswerText":"","AnswerDate":null,"AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-28T13:47:42.62","MeetingDate":"2013-01-10T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279927,"EventID":"S4O-01678","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2159,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":88,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-19T13:47:42.9","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-17T12:07:25.793","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what support it can provide for open space areas throughout the Glasgow Provan constituency.\r\n","AnswerText":"There is a range of support available to protect and enhance areas of open space.\r\nIn developing the proposed Community Empowerment and Renewal Bill the Scottish Government is also considering a range of measures to help communities deal effectively with empty and unused property in their areas.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-28T13:47:42.917","MeetingDate":"2013-01-10T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Derek Mackay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279928,"EventID":"S4W-11933","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4947,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-19T16:48:50.55","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-18T15:57:40.5","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what advice it will provide to the Police Service of Scotland regarding the training of police officers from overseas.","AnswerText":"The provision of training to police officers from overseas is currently a matter for the Scottish Police Services Authority and will be for the Scottish Police Authority to consider after 1 April 2013.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-28T16:48:50.58","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279929,"EventID":"S4W-11934","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4947,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-19T16:48:50.877","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-18T15:57:40.5","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it is informed when the Scottish Police College is involved in training police officers from overseas.\r\n","AnswerText":"There is no requirement for the Scottish Police College to inform the Scottish Government when it is involved in the training of police officers from overseas.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-28T16:48:50.893","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279930,"EventID":"S4W-11935","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4947,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-19T16:48:51.19","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-18T15:57:40.5","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what involvement it has in encouraging overseas authorities to send senior police officers for training at the Scottish Police College.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Police College is internationally recognised as a centre of learning excellence. The Scottish Government supports the aims of the College but does not have a specific role in encouraging overseas authorities to send senior police officers for training at the College.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-28T16:48:51.203","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279931,"EventID":"S4W-11936","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4947,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-19T16:48:51.487","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-18T15:57:40.5","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what powers it has to prevent the Scottish Police College from training police officers from regimes that contravene international law and human rights.\r\n","AnswerText":"The provision of training by the Scottish Police College is a matter for the Scottish Police Services Authority.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-28T16:48:51.5","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279932,"EventID":"S4W-11937","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4947,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-19T16:48:51.797","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-18T15:57:40.5","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much the Scottish Police College charges for training police officers from overseas.","AnswerText":"The provision of training to police officers from overseas is a matter for the Scottish Police Services Authority.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-28T16:48:51.813","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279933,"EventID":"S4W-11938","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2610,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-19T16:48:52.11","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-18T16:10:18.447","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what recent discussions it has had with (a) Ofgem and (b) the UK Government regarding the impact on consumers of rising energy costs.\r\n","AnswerText":"Scottish Ministers and Scottish Government officials have regular and on-going discussions with Ofgem and the UK Government’s Department of Energy and Climate Change on a range of energy issues, including what more can be done to mitigate the impact of rising energy costs on consumers.\r\nRecent discussions have been:\r\na) The Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Infrastructure, Investment and Cities, Nicola Sturgeon, formally responded to Ofgem’s consultation on its updated domestic proposals under its Retail Market Review on 16 December 2012.\r\nI also formally responded to Ofgem’s consultation on its updated proposals for businesses on 19 December 2012.\r\nWe will continue to liaise with Ofgem on its proposals for both domestic and non-domestic consumers as it moves toward implementation.\r\nScottish Government officials have also liaised with Ofgem on the Energy Best Deal Plus pilot project which was a project delivered in summer 2012 by Citizens Advice Scotland (CAS), funded by the six major energy suppliers. Scottish Government officials worked closely with CAS to deliver the pilot. Its aim was to support vulnerable customers by helping them identify the best tariff for them and by referring them for any energy efficiency measures or financial support available to them from their supplier.\r\nThe Scottish Government fully supports the aims of this project and we are currently working with CAS and the energy suppliers to seek financial support for the full roll-out of the project across Scotland.\r\nb) Scottish Government officials are involved in on-going discussions with officials from the UK Department of Energy & Climate Change on matters relating to Electricity Market Reform and the Energy Bill, including proposed amendments to the Energy Bill covering measures to get consumers on the lowest tariff. The Scottish Government will continue to press the UK Government to ensure that it uses the Energy Bill to help consumers get simpler and cheaper tariffs.\r\nOn 24 January 2013, the Minister for Housing & Welfare, Margaret Burgess, jointly hosted an energy summit in Scotland with UK Ministers, with participation from representatives from the major energy companies and voluntary sector organisations, to promote the successful development of the National Retrofit Scheme in Scotland, to seek further solutions to issues such as rising energy costs, to increase protection for vulnerable consumers and to ensure effective delivery of the Energy Company Obligation in Scotland. It was further noted that, unlike England and Wales, Scotland will be retaining the current definition of fuel poverty following advice from the independent Fuel Poverty Forum, which allows us to focus our efforts on addressing the causes and reducing the impact of fuel poverty. \r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-28T16:48:52.123","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279934,"EventID":"S4W-11939","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3896,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":97,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-19T16:48:52.42","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-18T16:11:08.117","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it plans to consider whether the charitable activities of independent schools should entitle them to relief on non-domestic rates payments.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government published a consultation paper \"Supporting Business, Promoting Growth\" on non-domestic rates on 27 November 2012. This paper poses questions about all current rate reliefs funded by the Scottish Government, which includes charitable relief awarded to independent schools. The consultation closes on 22 February 2013, and its findings will inform future rating policy.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-28T16:48:52.437","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279935,"EventID":"S4W-11941","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-19T16:48:52.763","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-18T16:29:19.293","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what consultation there has been on the proposed closure of HMP Cornton Vale other than the road show with staff and agencies providing services to the prison.\r\n","AnswerText":"I have asked Colin McConnell, chief executive of the Scottish Prison Service (SPS), to respond. His response is as follows:\r\n“Following the recommendations in the report of the Commission on Women Offenders the SPS consulted nationally over last summer on the proposal for the future management of women offenders in custody. Stakeholders and those with an interest in women offenders generally were all given the opportunity to input.”\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-28T16:48:52.78","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279936,"EventID":"S4W-11942","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-19T16:48:53.233","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-18T16:29:19.293","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what risk assessment it has carried out of the effect of the proposed closure of HMP Cornton Vale on agencies in Forth Valley and the Lothians that provide it with services.\r\n","AnswerText":"I have asked Colin McConnell, chief executive of the Scottish Prison Service (SPS), to respond. His response is as follows:\r\n“As announced by the Cabinet Secretary for Justice on 29 October 2012, the SPS is now developing plans for an improved regime for women offenders. The planning will take full account of the services and interventions required to support the particular needs of women offenders and identify how these will be delivered in order to achieve the best outcomes for the women.”\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-28T16:48:53.247","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279937,"EventID":"S4W-11943","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-19T16:48:53.683","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-18T16:29:19.293","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what assessment it has made of the effect of the proposed closure of HMP Cornton Vale on staff who may have to travel to Inverclyde or Saughton.\r\n","AnswerText":"I have asked Colin McConnell, chief executive of the Scottish Prison Service (SPS), to respond. His response is as follows:\r\n“SPS consulted widely on the proposal for the future of HMP Cornton Vale in line with the recommendations of the Commission on Women Offenders. Staff were also given the opportunity to input.”\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-28T16:48:53.7","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279938,"EventID":"S4W-11944","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-19T16:48:54.153","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-18T16:29:19.293","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what assessment it has made of the effect of a transfer of long-term prisoners as a result of the proposed closure of HMP Cornton Vale on programmes addressing their reoffending delivered by (a) Scottish Prison Service staff and (b) outside agencies.\r\n","AnswerText":"I have asked Colin McConnell, chief executive of the Scottish Prison Service (SPS), to respond. His response is as follows:\r\n“As announced by the Cabinet Secretary for Justice on 29 October 2012, the SPS is now developing plans for an improved regime for women offenders. The planning will take full account of the required supports for all women offenders including how these interventions will be delivered in order to secure the best outcomes for the women.”\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-28T16:48:54.17","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279939,"EventID":"S4W-11945","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-19T16:48:54.62","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-18T16:29:19.293","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what economic input will be lost to the Stirling area as a result of the proposed closure of HMP Cornton Vale.\r\n","AnswerText":"I have asked Colin McConnell, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service (SPS), to respond. His response is as follows:\r\n“As announced by the Cabinet Secretary for Justice on 29 October 2012, the SPS is now developing plans for an improved regime for women offenders. The planning will take full account of all the implications of the agreed policy.”\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-28T16:48:54.637","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279940,"EventID":"S4W-11946","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-19T16:48:55.12","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-18T16:29:19.293","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what steps it has taken to reduce the number of women offenders (a) on remand, (b) on sentences of six months and less where the primary offence is drugs other than those at the 218 Time Out centre, (c) in custody who have a primary alcohol problem and (d) in custody who have a communication difficulty.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government set up the Commission on Women Offenders (the Commission) to look at all areas concerning women offenders involved in the criminal justice system in Scotland. We have been addressing the recommendations made by the Commission since the publication of its report in April 2012. A number of activities undertaken in response to the Commission’s recommendations will support a reduction of the number of women offenders taken into remand or on short term sentences, where other options are appropriate.\r\nFor example, potential sites for the Community Justice Centre (CJC) pilot referenced in the Commission’s report are in the process of being identified at the moment. These pilot projects are scheduled to be in place over 2013 - 2014 and will provide support mechanisms which will promote a viable alternative to the use of remand when dealing with women accused of lower level offences and to the imposition of a short term custodial sentence when a sheriff feels that this would be appropriate.  The CJC model offers the opportunity to deal with issues that can contribute to the offending behaviours of women offenders through a holistic, multi – disciplinary approach, delivering services appropriate to local needs and building on existing local good practice, rather than through a generic model.\r\nThe new electronic monitoring contract, which starts on 1 April 2013, offers the opportunity to pilot the use of satellite tracking (GPS) technology, which has not previously been available for the monitoring of offenders in a non – custodial setting. It is our intention to trial this technology, initially in cases where monitoring is given following sentencing. This technology offers the possibility, if its effectiveness is established, to extend its use in a further pilot of cases where bail could be used as an alternative to remand.\r\nOther developments will provide courts with information and alternative sentences which will assist them in considering sentencing.\r\nThe Commission recognised that the profile of women offenders generally differs greatly from that of male offenders, and that women offenders tend to be characterised by a range of multiple and complex needs. When preparing the criminal justice social work report, social workers must take these needs into consideration. It is then a matter for the court to decide the appropriate penalty, determined by the specific circumstances of the case, including whether the offender is affected by problems with substance or alcohol misuse. \r\nSince the introduction of the community payback order in February 2011, sheriffs now have the option to refer women offenders affected by substance and/or \r\nalcohol misuse to appropriate services that will help to address addictions issues, as part of a community based sentence. In 2011 – 2012, approximately 14% of the total of the 10,228 CPOs commenced were served on women offenders. An evaluation of the use of CPOs will deliver its initial findings in autumn 2013.\r\nWhere the court considers that a custodial sentence is appropriate, responses are in place to address the individual needs of an offender, whether in relation to addiction issues, or communication issues.\r\nThe responsibility and accountability for the provision of health care services to prisoners transferred from the Scottish Prison Service (SPS) to the National Health Service (NHS) on 1 November 2011. This includes the provision of alcohol and enhanced addiction casework Services, and these are now provided by the respective local health boards.\r\nThe SPS is responsible for the delivery of group-based approved activities that aim to provide education and awareness about the consequences of problematic drug and alcohol use and to increase motivation to change. In addition, prison staff also deliver the substance related offending behaviour programme (SROBP) which addresses alcohol and drug related behaviour. The SROBP is currently run in 9 SPS establishments, including HMP/","AnswerDate":"2013-01-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-28T16:48:55.137","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279941,"EventID":"S4W-11947","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-19T16:48:55.633","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-18T16:29:19.293","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it is implementing the recommendations of the Commission on Women Offenders to reduce the number of admissions to prison of women on (a) remand and (b) short-term sentences.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government’s official response to the Commission on Women Offenders (the Commission) report indicated its support for the Commission’s aim to reduce the numbers of women put on remand, or given short term sentences, where appropriate and robust alternatives could be made available.\r\nWe accepted the recommendation of the Commission that bail supervision schemes should be made available consistently across Scotland. Work carried out by the Scottish Government’s Justice Analytical Services has identified a number of key characteristics of the successful operation of bail supervision schemes, and in light of these findings work is in hand to enable corresponding best practice to be provided across the country. We remain committed to working with criminal justice partners and others in the wider public and third sectors to deliver these services consistently.\r\nPotential sites for the Community Justice Centre (CJC) pilot referenced in the Commission’s report are in the process of being identified at the moment. They will provide a viable alternative to the use of remand when dealing with women accused of lower level offences, and to the imposition of a short term custodial sentence to those women convicted of an offence, when a sheriff feels that this would be appropriate.  The CJC model offers the opportunity to deal with issues that can contribute to the offending behaviours of women offenders through a holistic, multi – disciplinary approach, delivering services appropriate to local needs and building on existing local good practice. We see the use of the CJC model as central to the successful delivery of many of the recommendations contained in the Commission’s report.\r\nThe Commission recognised that the profile of women offenders generally differs greatly from that of male offenders, and those women offenders tend to be characterised by a range of multiple and complex needs. When preparing the Criminal Justice Social Work Report (CJSWR), social workers must take these needs into consideration. It is then a matter for the court to decide the appropriate penalty, determined by the specific circumstances of the case, including whether the offender is affected by problems with substance or alcohol misuse.\r\nThe Commission’s report saw mentoring support as a key positive contributor in helping women offenders to address their offending behaviours and, ultimately, desist from crime. The Reducing Reoffending Change Fund (RRCF) is worth over £7.5 million between 2012 – 2015 and is one of three Change Funds that will be used to support the Scottish Government’s focus on preventative spend. The RRCF will be used to enhance the delivery of existing mentoring initiatives, and also to develop new mentoring initiatives for offenders across Scotland through the use of Public Social Partnerships between public sector and Third Sector organisations. Women offenders have been identified (alongside prolific male offenders) as the primary demographic to receive support. Fourteen of the twenty – nine initiatives that received Year one funding through RRCF will work with women offenders, and received £639,000 of the initial £1.5 million awarded.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-28T16:48:55.65","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279942,"EventID":"S4W-11948","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-19T16:48:56.087","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-18T16:29:19.293","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it will ensure continuity of medical treatment for women offenders who have started treatment in HMP Cornton Vale if the prison is closed.","AnswerText":"I have asked Colin McConnell, chief executive of the Scottish Prison Service (SPS), to respond. His response is as follows:\r\n“As announced by the Cabinet Secretary for Justice on 29 October 2012, the SPS is now developing plans for an improved regime for women offenders. The planning will take full account of all the implications of the agreed policy and will fully involve everyone with an interest, including the appropriate health boards. Medical treatment in prisons is currently provided nationally by the NHS and this provision will continue.”\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-28T16:48:56.103","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279943,"EventID":"S4W-11949","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-19T16:48:56.477","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-18T16:29:19.293","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much it plans to spend on Peebles, Bruce and Younger halls in HMP Cornton Vale and for what reason.","AnswerText":"I have asked Colin McConnell, chief executive of the Scottish Prison Service (SPS), to respond. His response is as follows:\r\n“SPS is committing a significant investment to improve the quality of facilities at HMP & YOI Cornton Vale pending the full implementation of its long term plans for women offenders announced by the Cabinet Secretary for Justice on 29 October 2012.\r\nImprovements to Peebles, Bruce and Younger are currently anticipated to cost £2.177 million. This work takes account of the views of the Commission on Women Offenders and the helpful feedback from Hugh Monro, the Chief Inspector of Prisons that improvements to HMP and YOI Cornton Vale should continue pending the availability of a replacement facility.”\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-28T16:48:56.493","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279944,"EventID":"S4W-11950","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-19T16:48:56.837","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-19T08:35:43.317","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much (a) the Scottish Government and (b) each local authority recouped from the reserves of each (i) police force and (ii) fire and rescue service board for 2011-12.\r\n","AnswerText":"Responsibility and management of reserves for 2011-12 were a matter for the police authorities and fire and rescue service boards and their constituent local authorities.\r\nReserves will be recovered from police authorities and fire boards when they are wound up after the end of the current financial year.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-28T16:48:56.853","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279945,"EventID":"S4W-11951","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-19T16:48:57.197","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-19T08:35:43.317","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much it estimates (a) the Scottish Government and (b) each local authority will recoup from the reserves of each (i) police force and (ii) fire and rescue service board for 2012-13.\r\n","AnswerText":"Information on the final amount of reserves that the Scottish Government and local authorities may expect to receive from police authorities and fire and rescue service boards for 2012-13 will not be available until after the end of the current financial year.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-28T16:48:57.21","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279946,"EventID":"S4W-11952","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-19T16:48:57.507","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-19T08:36:36.163","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the (a) budgeted and (b) final cost was of the (i) Update Report on Scottish Pain Management Services, published by Health Improvement Scotland on 26 October 2012, and (ii) the data report published on 7 December 2012.\r\n","AnswerText":"The update report (October 2012) and subsequent additional data (December 2012) were planned and accounted for within Healthcare Improvement Scotland’s overall budget and did not require any additional or external funding. There were no publication costs for either report as they are electronic publications.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-28T16:48:57.523","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279947,"EventID":"S4W-11953","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-19T16:48:58.053","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-19T08:37:17.91","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when it (a) received and (b) will publish the evaluation report on the NHS board elections pilot.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government received the Final Report of the Statutory Evaluation into Health Board Elections and Alternative Pilots on 11 December 2012 from the London School of Economics. On 20 December 2012 the report and its supporting documents were placed in Scottish Parliament Information Centre and published on the Scottish Government website. The web links below will allow access to the documents.\r\n1\tHealth Board Elections and Alternative Pilots: Final Report of the Statutory \tEvaluation\r\n\thttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2012/12/8580\r\n2.\tHealth Board Elections and Alternative Pilots: Research Findings Summary\r\n\thttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2012/12/1328\r\n3.\tHealth Board Elections and Alternative Pilots: Literature Review\r\n\thttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2012/12/3926 \r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-28T16:48:58.07","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279948,"EventID":"S4W-11956","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4934,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-19T16:48:58.567","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-19T09:55:43.733","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on the training contract between the Scottish Police College and the Maldives Police Service.\r\n","AnswerText":"The training contract between the Scottish Police College and the Maldives Police Service is a matter for the Scottish Police Services Authority.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-28T16:48:58.583","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279949,"EventID":"S4W-11957","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4934,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-19T16:48:58.88","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-19T09:55:43.733","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether concerns have been raised with it about the effectiveness of the training provided to the Maldives Police Service by the Scottish Police College.","AnswerText":"No concerns have been raised with the Scottish Government on the effectiveness of the training provided to the Maldives Police Service by the Scottish Police College.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-28T16:48:58.897","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279950,"EventID":"S4W-11958","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4934,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-19T16:48:59.177","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-19T09:55:43.733","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how training courses delivered by the Scottish Police College are evaluated for effectiveness.","AnswerText":"The evaluation of training delivered by the Scottish Police College is a matter for the Scottish Police Services Authority.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-28T16:48:59.193","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279951,"EventID":"S4W-11959","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4934,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-19T16:48:59.503","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-19T09:55:43.733","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what criteria the Scottish Police College uses when deciding whether to deliver training for clients.","AnswerText":"The delivery of training by the Scottish Police College is a matter for the Scottish Police Services Authority.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-28T16:48:59.52","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279952,"EventID":"S4W-11960","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4934,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-19T16:48:59.783","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-19T09:55:43.733","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it has made representations to the Foreign and Commonwealth Office about the Scottish Police College's training for the Maldives Police Service.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has not made any representations to the Foreign and Commonwealth Office about the Scottish Police College's training for the Maldives Police Service.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-28T16:48:59.8","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279953,"EventID":"S4W-11961","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5041,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-19T16:49:00.08","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-19T10:06:38.5","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its policy is on the use of zero-hours contracts by private companies contracted by it to provide public services.","AnswerText":"The terms and conditions that a contractor agrees with its employees are primarily a matter for the parties concerned.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-28T16:49:00.097","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279954,"EventID":"S4W-11962","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5041,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-19T16:49:00.393","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-19T10:06:38.5","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it will ensure that private companies contracted by Transport Scotland honour agreements that it has with recognised trade unions.","AnswerText":"Employment relations between employers and trade unions are a matter for the parties concerned and those parties are bound by their legal obligations and any agreements between them.\r\nThe Scottish Government expects companies which are awarded public contracts to maintain high standards of business and professional conduct. Transport Scotland considers any suppliers’ suitability and compliance with all relevant legal obligations on a case-by-case basis before they are invited to tender for any major contracts.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-28T16:49:00.41","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279955,"EventID":"S4W-11963","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5041,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-19T16:49:00.72","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-19T10:06:38.5","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it holds regular discussions with the UK Government regarding the tax arrangements of companies bidding to provide public services in Scotland.","AnswerText":"Scottish Government officials have regular discussions with their UK Government counterparts regarding procurement matters. We will monitor progress to implement the announcement in the Chancellor of the Exchequer’s Autumn Statement that the Cabinet Office and HMRC will consult on the use of the procurement process to deter tax avoidance and evasion.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-28T16:49:00.737","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279956,"EventID":"S4W-11964","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":5041,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-19T16:49:01.017","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-19T10:06:38.5","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its policy is on the use of offshore tax havens by companies (a) bidding for or (b) contracted to run public services in Scotland.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government’s standard pre-qualification questionnaire requires companies bidding for public contracts to disclose if they have failed to comply with their statutory obligations relating to the payment of taxes. Companies which have not fulfilled their obligations relating to the payment of taxes under the law of the United Kingdom or in the relevant state in which the company is established may be excluded from bidding for public contracts.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-28T16:49:01.033","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279957,"EventID":"S4W-11965","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":86,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-19T16:49:01.297","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-19T10:22:01","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what measures it will put in place to ensure that appropriate parliamentary scrutiny of the enhanced security budget for the 2014 Commonwealth Games can take place.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government currently updates the Scottish Parliament in a number of ways on progress with planning for the 2014 Commonwealth Games. As Minister for Commonwealth Games and Sport I regularly meet with party spokespeople, and provide updates to the Public Audit Committee and Audit Scotland. However, any decisions on further Parliamentary scrutiny of any issue is a matter for the Scottish Parliament. The governance arrangements for Government assurance and scrutiny of the safety and security arrangements for the 2014 Commonwealth Games, including the enhanced security budget, were made available in SPICe (Bib. number 11965) on 18 December 2012.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-28T16:49:01.313","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Shona Robison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279958,"EventID":"S4W-11966","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":86,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-19T16:49:01.673","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-19T10:22:01","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether its plans for security for the 2014 Commonwealth Games are costed at £90 million.","AnswerText":"Based on lessons learned from the London Olympic Games, and a review led by Glasgow 2014 Organising Committee and Strathclyde Police, the Scottish Government and Chief Constable Stephen House have agreed that a safe and secure Commonwealth Games can be delivered within a budget of £90 million.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-28T16:49:01.687","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Shona Robison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279959,"EventID":"S4W-11967","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":86,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-19T16:49:02.157","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-19T10:22:01","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it has contingency funds in place should the budget for security at the 2014 Commonwealth Games exceed the amount allocated.\r\n","AnswerText":"Contingency funds together with a Scottish Government Special Reserve exist within the wider 2014 Commonwealth Games budget to support the management of both known and unforeseen cost pressures which may emerge in lead up to the games.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-28T16:49:02.173","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Shona Robison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279960,"EventID":"S4W-11968","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":86,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-19T16:49:02.5","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-19T10:22:01","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government which ministers will have responsibility for monitoring the budget for the 2014 Commonwealth Games.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Minister for Commonwealth Games and Sport has lead responsibility within the Scottish Government on all matters related to the delivery of the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games. The Glasgow 2014 Strategic Group has a formal role in approving the Games Budget and monitoring annual expenditure. There are distinct arrangements for monitoring the security budget; in relation to which Stephen House, Chief Constable of Police Scotland, has assumed primary responsibility for the delivery of the overall safety and security for the Games, including the budget. Scottish Ministers will monitor these arrangements via the new Governance structures outlined in the document placed in SPICe (Bib number 54597) on 18 December 2012.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-28T16:49:02.517","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Shona Robison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279961,"EventID":"S4W-11969","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":86,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-19T16:49:03","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-19T10:22:01","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what reporting mechanisms the Chief Constable will work to in relation to security for the 2014 Commonwealth Games.","AnswerText":"The document placed in SPICe (Bib. number 54597) on 18 December 2012 describes the new Governance structures which Police Scotland will work within in delivering the safety and security aspects of the 2014 Commonwealth Games. The chief constable will attend meetings of the strategic group, chaired by the First Minister, to update on all aspects of security planning to the games partners.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-28T16:49:03.013","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Shona Robison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279962,"EventID":"S4W-11970","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2610,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-19T16:49:03.343","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-19T11:13:33.81","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how Scottish Enterprise evaluates its current planned activities.  \r\n","AnswerText":"This is an operational matter for Scottish Enterprise. I will ask its chief executive to reply to you.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-28T16:49:03.357","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279963,"EventID":"S4W-11971","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":131,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-19T16:49:03.67","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-19T11:19:11.223","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-08399 by Keith Brown on 27 July 2012, when construction of the A75 Hardgrove to Kinmount improvement scheme will start.\r\n","AnswerText":"Construction works are anticipated to start on the A75 Hardgrove to Kinmount improvement scheme by April 2013.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-28T16:49:03.687","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279964,"EventID":"S4W-11972","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-19T16:49:04.043","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-19T11:58:17.28","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what action it is taking to increase the supply of (a) junior doctors and (b) middle grade doctors, following reports by NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde of difficulties with recruitment in 2012 and anticipated in the future.\r\n","AnswerText":"In terms of recruitment into foundation and front line specialty training programme posts for 2013, we have maintained intake numbers at 2012 levels. While data for recruitment into foundation posts for 2013 will not be available for some time, recruitment into specialty training within the West Deanery, which encompasses NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, shows an overall fill rate of 84%. As normal, unfilled vacancies will be passed back to individual boards to recruit locally.\r\n It is important to emphasise that in planning their rotas individual boards should take proper account of the need to balance these with a mix of training and service posts to ensure safe and effective care is provided at all times. We have been assured by NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde that it is pursuing a range of options to avoid repetition of their 2012 difficulties, and I have requested that my officials stay in regular contact with the board as we move towards the August 2013 changeover period.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-28T16:49:04.06","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279965,"EventID":"S4W-11973","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2610,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-19T16:49:04.56","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-19T14:53:38.723","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how Scottish Enterprise appraises its stakeholder engagement in relation to (a) single outcome agreements and (b) its business plan.","AnswerText":"This is an operational matter for Scottish Enterprise. I will ask its chief executive to reply to you.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-28T16:49:04.56","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279966,"EventID":"S4W-11974","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":2610,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-19T16:49:04.887","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-19T14:53:38.723","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body what it has done to tackle smoking on parliamentary premises.\r\n","AnswerText":"The SPCB has a smoke-free policy applying to all of our enclosed workplaces and restricting smoking to the designated areas detailed in the policy. If anyone wishes to complain about the policy not being adhered to, they should express their concerns in the first instance to the Facilities Management Helpdesk on extension 85100 or by contacting Visitor Services staff in the case of members of the public. Any complaints logged will be referred to the Health and Safety Adviser for investigation and further action as appropriate.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-28T16:49:04.903","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Linda Fabiani (on behalf of the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body):","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279967,"EventID":"S4W-11975","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2108,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":141,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-19T16:49:05.213","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-19T15:55:30.78","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what institution will act as (a) lender of last resort and (b) financial regulator in the event of Scotland separating from the rest of the UK and what agreement has been reached with the institution in this regard.","AnswerText":"As I set out in my speech to the David Hume Institute on 2 February 2012, our proposal is to maintain the Bank of England as the central bank as part of a formal monetary union.\r\nThe Fiscal Commission Working Group is continuing its work to oversee the development of a robust macroeconomic and fiscal framework for an independent Scotland, which includes proposals for financial stability, and will be publishing its recommendations shortly.\r\nUnder the Edinburgh Agreement, the Scottish and UK Governments are committed to continue to work together constructively in the light of the outcome of the referendum, whatever it is, in the best interests of the people of Scotland and of the rest of the United Kingdom. The Scottish Government engages in discussions with the UK Government and UK bodies on a regular basis about matters of relevance to Scotland.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-28T16:49:05.23","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279968,"EventID":"S4W-11976","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2033,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":132,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-19T16:49:05.713","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-19T16:13:03","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how onshore gas extraction fits into its energy strategy.\r\n","AnswerText":"Scotland’s energy needs are set out in our Draft Energy Generation Policy Statement – which sets out the pathway to a low carbon generation mix in Scotland, supported by a diverse portfolio of energy sources to reflect the breadth of Scotland’s energy resources and ensure security of our energy supply. As part of that, the Scottish Government is open to onshore gas extraction, which, along with all other energy production in Scotland is subjected to a rigorous regulatory regime to ensure it is sourced and produced with due regard to the environment .Onshore gas is a valuable national resource which can play a part in Scotland’s energy mix. The Scottish Government therefore works closely with the UK Government on the licencing of onshore gas extraction in Scotland and with Scottish Environmental Protection Agency on the regulation of unconventional gas in Scotland.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-28T16:49:05.73","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279991,"EventID":"S4W-11713","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-20T13:57:37.267","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-05T15:37:31.98","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-11030 by Alex Neil on 22 November 2012, whether it is carrying out a review of the use of the Liverpool care pathway by NHS boards.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has no plans for a review of the use of the Liverpool Care Pathway by NHS boards.\r\nWe are in close contact with our Department of Health counterparts concerning their review, and will study their findings carefully for relevance to Scotland.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-29T13:57:37.33","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279992,"EventID":"S4W-11715","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-20T13:57:37.673","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-05T15:37:31.98","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what percentage of deaths took place in (a) hospitals, (b) care homes or hospices and (c) at home in each of the last four years for which information is available.\r\n","AnswerText":"The types of place of death that are shown are the most relevant of the ones for which statistics can be produced from the categories that are used to classify the place of death.\r\nPercentages of deaths registered in Scotland, by place of death\r\n\r\nPlace of death\r\nYear of registration of death\r\n\r\n2008\r\n2009\r\n2010\r\n2011\r\nNHS hospital\r\n57.5%\r\n56.9%\r\n56.1%\r\n54.5%\r\nCare home, hospice and certain other institutions 1\r\n19.0%\r\n19.7%\r\n20.1%\r\n20.7%\r\nAt person's own home\r\n20.0%\r\n20.0%\r\n20.4%\r\n21.5%\r\nOther places 2\r\n3.5%\r\n3.4%\r\n3.4%\r\n3.3%\r\nAll\r\n100%\r\n100%\r\n100%\r\n100%\r\n1 - Relatively few of the deaths in this category occur in institutions other than care homes or hospices (but the precise number is not easily determined).\r\n2 - Including, for example, deaths in someone else's home, on the roads, in shopping centres and recreational areas, etc. \r\n\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-29T13:57:37.69","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279993,"EventID":"S4W-11716","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-20T13:57:37.987","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-05T15:37:31.98","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what steps it takes to ensure that patients and families are always consulted before a do not attempt cardiopulmonary resuscitation instruction is added to a medical record, other than issuing guidance and providing information leaflets.\r\n","AnswerText":"The role of the Scottish Government in such matters is to set out policies and guidance for NHS boards to implement.\r\nWhen considering a Do Not Attempt Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (DNACPR) instruction, we expect the clinicians responsible for a patient’s care to follow the guidance set out in the NHSScotland Do Not Attempt Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (DNACPR) Integrated Adult Policy (2010). The policy encourages communication with the patient and their relevant others if CPR is judged to be appropriate should cardio-respiratory arrest occur.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-29T13:57:38","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279994,"EventID":"S4W-11717","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-20T13:57:38.313","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-05T15:37:31.98","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what progress the NHS is making in moving toward a no fault compensation scheme.\r\n","AnswerText":"A consultation (http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2012/08/4456) to seek wider views on the No-fault Compensation Review Group’s recommendations and to help in our understanding of the potential implications of introducing a no-fault compensation scheme in Scotland ran from August to end November 2012.\r\nThe responses to the consultation are currently being analysed. The report of the analysis and the Scottish Government response will be issued as soon as possible.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-29T13:57:38.33","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279995,"EventID":"S4W-11977","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4086,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-20T13:57:38.657","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-19T16:24:15","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what legal requirements there are for local authorities to consider planning applications for housing developments in relation to their impact on local health services.\r\n","AnswerText":"There are no statutory requirements to consult health authorities on applications for planning permission.\r\nThe health boards are specified as key agencies for development planning and so are obliged to engage in the development plan process. Health boards are therefore involved in the planning process at the earliest stage, when land for housing is being identified through the development plan.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-29T13:57:38.673","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Derek Mackay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279996,"EventID":"S4W-11978","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4086,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-20T13:57:38.983","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-19T16:24:15","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether there is a legal requirement for a transplant patient to be informed prior to the operation of any risk associated with an organ as a result of the donor’s (a) health or (b) lifestyle.\r\n","AnswerText":"There is no legal requirement for a transplant patient to be informed of the risks with donated organs as a result of a donors health or lifestyle. Guidelines on this are provided in Guidelines for Consent for Solid Organ Transplantation, published in March 2011.\r\nThe guidelines are available at www.nhsbt.nhs.uk/pdf/guidelines_for_consent.pdf.\r\nIn the field of organ donation/transplantation each and every donor/recipient combination represents a balance of risk between the benefit of transplant and the risks associated with a particular organ and the transplant surgery. The decision to proceed with a transplant is ultimately down to the recipient and the transplant surgeon. A transplant surgeon and recipient may decide to go ahead with a procedure if they decide that the risk associated with potential transmission of infection or malignancy is outweighed by the risk of not being allocated an organ in time.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-29T13:57:39","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279997,"EventID":"S4W-11979","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-20T13:57:39.267","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-20T09:17:41.017","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when it will announce the continuation of the support grant for those affected by thalidomide.","AnswerText":"On 20 December 2012, we committed to provide £14.2 million over the next 10 years to help support the 58 known thalidomide survivors in Scotland.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-29T13:57:39.28","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279998,"EventID":"S4W-11980","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-20T13:57:39.763","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-20T10:55:50.83","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on whether neonicotinoids are harmful to insect pollinators such as honey bees and bumble bees and on what basis.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government takes this issue seriously. All agricultural pesticides are strictly regulated, based on independent scientific consideration. The Scottish Government’s scientific advice comes from SASA (Science and Advice for Scottish Agriculture) and from the independent UK Advisory Committee on Pesticides (ACP). Our position is kept under constant review as new scientific evidence becomes available.\r\nWe welcome the publication of the European Food Safety Authority’s (EFSA) new study into the risks associated with neonicotinoids and bees.\r\nThe ACP will review EFSA’s new evidence and their advice will then be considered by Ministers. Restrictions on the use of neonicotinoids can be brought in if these are considered necessary.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-29T13:57:39.78","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":279999,"EventID":"S4W-11981","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-20T13:57:40.093","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-20T10:55:50.83","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it has discussed with the researchers the implications of their findings that neonicotinoids have an adverse effect on bumble bees.","AnswerText":"Scottish Government staff are in contact with researchers on the Insect Pollinators Initiative (IPI) which is a research initiative led by the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC). The IPI aims to aid understanding and mitigation of the biological and environmental factors that adversely affect insect pollinators. The Scottish Government contributed £0.5m of co-funding.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-29T13:57:40.107","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280000,"EventID":"S4W-11982","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-20T13:57:40.437","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-20T10:55:50.83","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government with what scientists it has discussed neonicotinoids.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government’s position on all pesticides is based on scientific advice from SASA (Science and Advice for Scottish Agriculture), and from the UK’s independent Advisory Committee on Pesticides. \r\nScottish Government staff have discussed issues relating specifically to neonicotinoids with scientists involved in the insect pollinators initiative and other researchers at Scottish academic institutions.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-29T13:57:40.45","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280001,"EventID":"S4W-11983","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-20T13:57:40.763","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-20T10:55:50.83","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what advice has been given to farmers regarding the prophylactic use of neonicotinoids on oilseed rape.","AnswerText":"The Code of Practice for Using Plant Protection Products in Scotland is an important source of practical advice for the safe use of pesticides for farmers and all other professional users of pesticides.\r\nUnder a Scottish Government funded budget, staff at Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC) have provided extensive advice to farmers on the use of neonicotinoids on oilseed rape.\r\nAs well as being strongly advised to follow label recommendations, farmers have been given advice on threshold limits, best time of day for their application, notifying beekeepers prior to their use, avoid spills of seed and carry a kit to clear up any spills that do occur. Farmers have also been advised to ensure any dust is retained in the seed product packaging, and if a pneumatic drill is used for planting ensure any dust is vented into the seedbed and not the atmosphere.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-29T13:57:40.777","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280002,"EventID":"S4W-11984","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-20T13:57:41.09","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-20T10:55:50.83","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government by how much the oilseed rape crop yield decreases if neonicotinoids are not used as a seed treatment.","AnswerText":"Neonicotinoid seed treatments are aimed at two groups of pests on oilseed rape.\r\nEstimating an average oilseed rape crop yield loss from feeding damage caused by various flea beetle species is difficult. The impact of damage on crop establishment depends on how favourable crop growth conditions are at the time of sowing.\r\nAphids which transmit turnip yellow virus when feeding are the second pest target for seed treatments. Estimates of yield loss indicate that at an individual crop level impact on yield can be up to 30%.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-29T13:57:41.107","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280003,"EventID":"S4W-11985","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-20T13:57:41.417","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-20T10:55:50.83","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the cost to farmers is of sowing oilseed rape treated with neonicotinoids.","AnswerText":"The cost to farmers of neonicotinoid treatment of oilseed rape seed is equivalent to approximately £25 per hectare sown. This does not include the cost of the seed, or other costs of sowing such as labour and machinery.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-29T13:57:41.433","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280004,"EventID":"S4W-11986","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-20T13:57:41.747","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-20T11:11:09.553","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what assessment it has made of the risks of a poorer outcome in bowel cancer for patients who are not treated within the 62-day cancer target.","AnswerText":"Tumour types differ in biological behaviour and characteristics (including the rate at which they spread) and there is lack of direct clinical evidence to suggest that treatment within 62 days of a referral or 31 days of a decision to treat influences survival outcomes in all cancer cases. However, data indicate that the earlier a cancer is diagnosed, the greater the chance of longer survival. For patients who progress from Stage 1 colorectal cancer to Stage 2 colorectal cancer, percentage \r\n5-year survival falls from 93% to 77%. For patients who progress from stage 2 to stage 3 the corresponding fall in estimated 5-year survival is from 77% to 47% and similarly for a patient who progresses from stage 3 to stage 4, the estimated five year survival falls from 47% to 7%.\r\nWhilst there is no centrally held data to demonstrate a direct relationship between compliance with cancer access standards and stage of diagnosis, the Detect Cancer Early Programme aims to ensure that those patients requiring the most urgent treatment have swift access to the full range of services they need from the NHS. Additional treatment capacity is being made available from the £30 million funding behind this programme in order that cancer access standards can continue to be met.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-29T13:57:41.76","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280005,"EventID":"S4W-11987","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-20T13:57:42.073","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-20T11:11:09.553","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the increased risks are of a poorer outcome for a patient with bowel cancer resulting from delays of more than two months from referral to treatment.\r\n","AnswerText":"Tumour types differ in biological behaviour and characteristics (including the rate at which they spread) and there is a lack of clinical evidence to suggest that treatment within 62 days of referral or 31 days of a decision to treat influences survival outcomes in all cancer cases. However, data indicate that the earlier a cancer is diagnosed, the greater the chance of longer survival. This is the rationale behind the Scottish Government’s Detect Cancer Early Programme. Whilst there is no centrally held data to demonstrate a direct relationship between stage of diagnosis and compliance with cancer access standards, the Detect Cancer Early Programme aims to ensure that those patients requiring the most urgent treatment have swift access to the full range of services they need from the NHS. Additional treatment capacity is being made available from the £30 million funding behind this programme in order that cancer access standards can continue to be met.\r\nHowever, we know that awaiting the results of cancer tests and awaiting treatment for cancer is an anxious time for patients and families and the introduction of cancer access standards and improvement in performance against these standards will help reduce this period of anxiety.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-29T13:57:42.09","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280006,"EventID":"S4W-11988","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-20T13:57:42.447","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-20T11:11:09.553","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it is monitoring the outcomes for patients who are subject to a breach of the (a) 62-day target from referral to treatment or (b) 31-day outpatient to treatment target for all cancer types other than early prostate cancer and ductal carcinoma in situ breast cancer.","AnswerText":"There is no centrally held information to facilitate monitoring of outcomes for patients diagnosed with cancer who breach the cancer access targets, nor is there centrally held information on the relationship between cancer stage and point of treatment on cancer access pathway. Survival rates by stage of cancer vary between tumour types but, in general, increased five year survival rates tend to occur in patients whose cancer is diagnosed and treated at an earlier stage.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-29T13:57:42.463","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280007,"EventID":"S4W-11989","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-20T13:57:42.853","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-20T11:11:40.79","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its positon is on people making individual patient treatment requests having their waiting time \"clocks\" reset to zero rather than stopped.\r\n","AnswerText":"The rules around waiting time clock adjustments or resets are set out in The Patient Rights (Treatment Time Guarantee) (Scotland) Regulations 2012.\r\nAny patient requests would be covered by patient advised unavailability. Boards are required to explain to the patient the full impact of the consequence of any such request on their waiting time clock and follow this up in writing.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-29T13:57:42.853","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280008,"EventID":"S4W-11990","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-20T13:57:43.29","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-20T11:11:40.79","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it has issued guidance to NHS boards regarding not offering patients an alternative locally based appointment if the date of the appointment would result in a breach of the waiting times guarantee and, if so, which boards and when.\r\n","AnswerText":"This issue is covered in guidance issued by the Scottish Government in August 2012 in relation to the treatment time guarantee and also on NHS Scotland waiting time guidance. These documents are available at the following links:\r\nwww.sehd.scot.nhs.uk/mels/CEL2012_32.pdf \r\nwww.sehd.scot.nhs.uk/mels/CEL2012_33.pdf.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-29T13:57:43.307","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280009,"EventID":"S4W-11991","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-20T13:57:43.663","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-20T11:12:33.04","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when it will abolish (a) means testing and (b) disease-specific inclusions for registration for free prescriptions under the minor ailments scheme.\r\n","AnswerText":"As stated in previous answers to similar parliamentary questions lodged by the member on this subject, the current policy is to maintain eligibility for the same cohorts of patients who would have been eligible for free prescriptions prior to abolition.\r\nThe minor ailment service (MAS), available through community pharmacies, is specifically designed to help address health inequalities by increasing access to both advice and treatment for common conditions for particularly vulnerable groups in our society without the need to see their GP. There are no plans to extend MAS to additional groups at this time.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-29T13:57:43.68","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280010,"EventID":"S4W-11992","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-20T13:57:44.07","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-20T11:12:33.04","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it plans to introduce free dentistry services and spectacles.","AnswerText":"Free NHS dental treatment and vouchers towards the cost of glasses are available to people in receipt of income support, pension credit guarantee credit, income-based jobseeker’s allowance, income-related employment and support allowance, people entitled to, or named on, an NHS tax credit exemption certificate or those named on a valid HC2 certificate for full help with health costs under the NHS low income scheme.\r\nIn addition children under 18 years of age, those aged 18 in full-time education, pregnant women and nursing mothers are automatically entitled to free NHS dental treatment.\r\nWhile children under 16 years of age, those aged 16, 17 or 18 in full-time education and those prescribed complex lenses are automatically entitled to an optical voucher towards the cost of glasses or contact lenses.\r\nAn optical voucher can cover the full cost of glasses up to the voucher value or the patient can choose to put the voucher towards a more expensive pair of their choice.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-29T13:57:44.1","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280011,"EventID":"S4W-11993","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-20T13:57:44.477","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-20T11:12:33.04","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the cost of patient copayments for NHS dentistry was in the last year for which information is available.\r\n","AnswerText":"Territorial NHS boards reported income of £64.001 million from General Dental Services in their audited annual accounts for the financial year ending 31 March 2012.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-29T13:57:44.49","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280012,"EventID":"S4W-11994","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-20T13:57:44.82","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-20T11:12:33.04","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, in relation to free eye tests, what the cost has been in each of the last four years (a) in total (b) for routine tests and (c) for repeat tests where a clinical need was identified.\r\n","AnswerText":"The following table shows the value of payments made to optometrists by NHSScotland for NHS eye examinations in the previous four financial years. \r\n\r\n2008-09\r\n2009-10\r\n2010-11\r\n2011-12\r\n\r\n£\r\n£\r\n£\r\n£\r\n(a) All NHS eye examinations\r\n63,113,027\r\n67,003,546\r\n66,699,953\r\n70,827,008\r\n(b) Primary NHS eye examinations\r\n61,059,149\r\n64,468,607\r\n60,219,510\r\n64,103,341\r\n(c) Supplementary NHS eye examinations\r\n2,053,878\r\n2,534,939\r\n6,480,444\r\n6,723,667\r\nSource: OPTIX database, figures provided by Information Services Division.\r\nNotes:\r\n1. A primary NHS examination is defined as an initial eye examination.\r\n2. A supplementary NHS eye examination is defined as an additional eye examination when required for specific conditions.\r\n3. The values presented above are based on payments made in each month of the financial years in question and do not include subsequent refunds, late claims or corrections to these payments.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-29T13:57:44.833","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280013,"EventID":"S4W-11995","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-20T13:57:45.257","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-20T11:12:33.04","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what its evidence base is for the frequency of routine free eye tests and for free eye tests for people with (a) diabetes, (b) glaucoma and (c) other conditions.\r\n","AnswerText":"The previous NHS sight test in Scotland was replaced by a new NHS eye examination on 1 April 2006. The NHS eye examination is tailored to meet the needs of the patient, taking into account their history and symptoms. This examination is called a “primary eye examination” and includes certain mandatory tests and procedures as well as patient specific tests and procedures depending on the patient’s age or presenting signs/symptoms.\r\nPatients can receive a free primary eye examination at certain defined intervals, which are based on the patient’s age or medical condition. These intervals are set down in the National Health Service (General Ophthalmic Services) (Scotland) Regulations 2006 (“the 2006 Regulations”).\r\nThe frequency of eye examinations is based on a Memorandum of Understanding agreed with the ophthalmic profession in 2002 on the frequency of NHS sight tests. The frequencies of eye examinations currently in place are based on best practice and advice from the profession.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-29T13:57:45.27","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280014,"EventID":"S4W-11996","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-20T13:57:45.647","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-20T12:42:14.71","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide continuing assistance for those affected by thalidomide for the next 10 years.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-11979 on 9 January 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-29T13:57:45.66","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280022,"EventID":"S4W-11998","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-20T16:54:21.5","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-20T14:32:37.607","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what savings target has been set for the Police Service of Scotland in 2013-14.","AnswerText":"The draft budget for the Scottish Police Authority, as set out in the Scottish Government's Draft Budget 2013-14 and laid in Parliament on 20 September 2012, reflects savings expected through Police Reform of £42 million in 2013-14. To support the delivery of the savings expected in 2013-14 and those for future years resource is being made available within the police central government budget.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-29T16:54:21.733","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280023,"EventID":"S4W-11999","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-20T16:54:22.11","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-20T14:32:37.607","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what plans there are for an external survey of public satisfaction with the Police Service of Scotland.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government will undertake the next Scottish Crime and Justice Survey in 2014-15. This survey, as in previous years, will collect information about people’s experiences of, and attitudes on, a range of crime and justice related issues, including interaction with the police. The timing of the survey will allow experiences of the initial period of the Police Service of Scotland to be assessed.\r\nThe Police Service of Scotland is also considering its own internal approach to performance measurement, which is expected to include public satisfaction surveys as an integral component of that approach.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-29T16:54:22.123","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280024,"EventID":"S4W-12000","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-20T16:54:22.437","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-20T14:33:15.707","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many times the Ministerial Taskforce on Health Inequalities has met since May 2007. ","AnswerText":"The Ministerial Task Force on Health Inequalities is a short life working group set up to address inequalities in health which prevent Scotland and its people reaching their full potential. Since May 2007 the Task Force has convened on three occasions; in 2007, 2010 and 2012. To date, the group has held a total of 12 meetings.\r\nIn 2007-08, the Task Force met on the following dates: \r\n3 October 2007\r\n7 November 2007\r\n5 December 2007\r\n9 January 2008\r\n6 February 2008\r\n5 March 2008\r\n2 April 2008\r\n7 May 2008\r\n\r\nThe report of the Task Force Equally Well, was published in June 2008.\r\nIn response to a recommendation in Equally Well that the Task Force should be reconvened in 2010 to review progress against its recommendations, three meetings were held on the following dates:\r\n12 January 2010\r\n3 March 2010\r\n13 April 2010\r\n\r\nThe review to Equally Well was published in June 2010.\r\nFollowing the 2010 Review, the Task Force has again been reconvened and the first meeting took place on 29 November 2012. It is expected to report in the summer of 2013.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-29T16:54:22.453","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280025,"EventID":"S4W-12001","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-20T16:54:22.937","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-20T14:32:37.607","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what consultation has taken place on using 101 as a national telephone number for non-emergency calls to the police and what the implications are of such a change for local civilian staff.","AnswerText":"The development of plans for the introduction of the new 101 non-emergency number is being taken forward by the Police Service of Scotland. The Scottish Government does not, therefore, hold the information requested.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-29T16:54:22.953","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280026,"EventID":"S4W-12002","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-20T16:54:23.263","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-20T14:32:37.607","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government when the Police Service of Scotland will decide whether to adopt the regulations affecting the transfer of officers adopted by the Northern Constabulary.","AnswerText":"From 1 April, 2013, the transfer policy for officers to vacancies within the service will be a matter for the Police Service to determine.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-29T16:54:23.28","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280027,"EventID":"S4W-12003","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-20T16:54:23.607","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-20T14:32:37.607","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government for what reason the Northern Isles and Western Isles are not included in the introduction of 43 ward plans by the Police Service of Scotland.","AnswerText":"The Police Service of Scotland announced on 16 November 2012 that every council ward in Scotland will have its own annual local policing plan in order to deliver greater accountability to its local communities at a local level and to better serve their needs.\r\nThis will result in 353 ward level policing plans being prepared across Scotland, including those wards in the Northern and Western Isles.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-29T16:54:23.623","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280028,"EventID":"S4W-12004","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-20T16:54:23.997","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-20T14:32:37.607","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government where the (a) human resources and (b) finance function of the Northern Constabulary will be carried out once the Police Service of Scotland comes into operation.\r\n","AnswerText":"This is a matter for the Scottish Police Authority and the Police Service of Scotland.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-29T16:54:24.013","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280029,"EventID":"S4W-12005","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":98,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-20T16:54:24.357","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-20T14:32:37.607","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many voluntary redundancies in each police force have been agreed in the current financial year and how many are pending prior to 1 April 2013.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government does not hold the information requested. This is a matter for the Police Authorities.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-29T16:54:24.37","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280030,"EventID":"S4W-12018","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4016,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":133,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-20T16:54:24.713","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-20T15:05:54.343","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-11751 by Kenny MacAskill on 20 December 2012, which states that \"the Police and Fire Reform (Scotland) Act 2012 sets out clear roles and responsibilities for the Scottish Police Authority and the Chief Constable of the Police Service of Scotland\" for what reason there is an ongoing dispute between the Chief Constable and Scottish Police Authority Chair over their roles and responsibilities.\r\n","AnswerText":"At the third meeting of the Scottish Police Authority on 18 January 2013, the principles for how eight key corporate services will be organised was approved by the Scottish Police Authority.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-29T16:54:24.747","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280032,"EventID":"S4W-12006","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-21T13:44:49.863","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-20T14:46:30.74","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what contracts it has awarded to supported businesses since May 2007.","AnswerText":"From May 2007 the Scottish government has spent around £96K with supported businesses. Two contracts remain in force (laundry services and signage) with the possibility of further spend.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-30T13:44:49.94","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280033,"EventID":"S4W-12007","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-21T13:44:50.407","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-20T14:46:30.74","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what action it has taken since 2007 to support Remploy factories.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government is committed to a consistent, person centred approach to supporting disabled people who want to work. We recognise that supported businesses in Scotland make a significant contribution to this in Scotland, both as a stepping stone towards mainstream employment and for those who feel unable to progress.\r\nOngoing viability of these businesses is key and since 2007, the Scottish Government has undertaken a range of actions to support all Scotland’s supported businesses. These include:\r\nThe Sustainable Procurement Action Plan, launched in October 2009, advises Scottish public bodies that they should aim to have a strategy for awarding at least one contract with a Supported Business or Factory. The plan also encourages buyers to consider community benefit clauses that may be included in contracts.\r\nA number of events have been held to inform public sector buyers about procurement using Article 19, and the development of a brochure for buyers setting out the goods and services available through Scotland’s supported businesses. An updated brochure is currently in production. \r\nThe establishment of a new reserved framework for supported businesses.\r\nRemploy have worked closely with the Scottish Government in promotion activity throughout this time and are part of the reserved framework.\r\nA Procurement Reform Bill will be introduced during the lifetime of this Parliament. The consultation on the Bill included questions regarding additional actions to promote greater use of supported businesses by the public sector.\r\nSince the announcement in March of 2012 that Remploy would lose all Department for Work and Pensions funding by 2014, I have chaired a Stakeholder Group to consider what actions can be taken to support the continuation of jobs for Remploy staff, either within businesses undertaking the work previously done by the Remploy factories, or in new employment.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-30T13:44:50.423","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280034,"EventID":"S4W-12008","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-21T13:44:50.893","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-20T14:46:30.74","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what progress the public sector has made since May 2007 regarding the use of reserved contracts for supported factories and businesses.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government launched a reserved framework agreement for supported businesses in September 2012. The framework is designed to cover a broad range of goods and services that Scotland’s supported businesses can provide. As at 16 January 2013, 18 contracts have been placed by 14 public bodies with seven supported businesses. The total spent so far against these contracts is £72K.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-30T13:44:50.907","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280035,"EventID":"S4W-12009","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-21T13:44:51.36","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-20T14:46:30.74","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government for what reason \"Single Outcome Agreements do not provide robust evidence of progress in reducing health inequalities\" as noted in the Audit Scotland report, Health Inequalities in Scotland.","AnswerText":"The need to improve single outcome agreements (SOAs) was identified by the joint Scottish Government and COSLA review of community planning and SOAs last year. Addressing this is a key element of action being taken forward to implement the conclusions of that review as set out in the Scottish Government and COSLA Statement of Ambition published on 15 March 2012, which can be found on the Scottish Government website at:\r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Government/local-government/CP/soa.\r\nThe aims of the review included identifying actions to secure that SOAs demonstrate the local response to the Commission on the Future Delivery of Public Services and the objectives of the public services reform programme, in particular through a focus on integration and prevention.\r\nThe actions to implement the review’s conclusions include the Scottish Government and COSLA having agreed new guidance to community planning partnerships on the scope and content of SOAs, which was published on 4 December 2012 and can be found on the Scottish Government website at:\r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Government/local-government/CP/SOA2012/SOA2012.\r\nThe guidance reflects the approach agreed by the National Community Planning Group that was set up following the review. It includes a requirement for SOAs to have a sharp focus on six key priorities, including health inequalities; to include plans on prevention and on local integration and partnership; and to use an evidence-based approach with clear performance commitments. The six key priorities are all important in tackling inequalities, and the new SOAs are to have a clear strategic focus on how for each priority local inequalities of outcome will be reduced. CPPs have been asked to submit drafts of new SOAs that reflect the guidance to the Scottish Government by 1 April 2013 for final agreement by 28 June 2013.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-30T13:44:51.377","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280036,"EventID":"S4W-12010","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-21T13:44:51.813","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-20T14:46:30.74","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what evidence there is of the impact of its initiatives to date aimed at reducing health inequalities.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government publish an annual report of headline indicators of health inequalities.\r\nResults from the fifth annual update, published in October 2012 show a narrowing in relation to low birth weight rates and a narrowing in the rates of death from coronary heart disease.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-30T13:44:51.827","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280037,"EventID":"S4W-12011","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-21T13:44:52.28","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-20T14:46:30.74","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it will ensure that hydraulic fracturing does not lead to contamination of (a) ground water or (b) surface water.\r\n","AnswerText":"Any proposed hydraulic fracturing would involve the high pressure injection of water, often including additives, down a borehole. A SEPA licence under the Water Environment (Controlled Activities) Regulations 2011 would be required to carry out this activity. SEPA would only issue a licence for this activity where appropriate information from the applicant had been received to demonstrate that any injection would not lead to unacceptable impacts on groundwater or surface waters. For example, operators would be required to provide details of the chemical additives contained in drilling and fracturing fluids, and the borehole to be used for fracturing would have to be of a suitable construction and integrity.\r\nSEPA would also require monitoring of the fracturing operations and the surrounding groundwater and surface waters, and SEPA would audit the results. Baseline monitoring prior to any development taking place would be an essential requirement.\r\nLow permeability layers are commonly found in the subsurface which restrict the flow of groundwater between aquifers. This means that there can be several distinct aquifers in any given location. SEPA would take this into account when considering if the injection of fracturing fluids would have unacceptable impact on groundwater and surface waters, especially with respect to the protection of public and private water supplies.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-30T13:44:52.297","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280038,"EventID":"S4W-12012","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-21T13:44:52.78","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-20T14:46:30.74","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how additives used in the hydraulic fracturing process can be guaranteed not to spread contamination from one area of ground water to another.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-12011 on 30 January 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-30T13:44:52.797","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280039,"EventID":"S4W-12013","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-21T13:44:53.263","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-20T14:46:30.74","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether all aquifers are linked and, if so, how contamination can be contained in one area with no impact on the public water supply.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-12011 on 30 January 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-30T13:44:53.28","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280040,"EventID":"S4W-12014","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-21T13:44:53.793","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-20T14:46:30.74","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it can ensure that contaminants used in the hydraulic fracturing process do not flow into an aquifer used for drinking water.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-12011 on 30 January 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-30T13:44:53.793","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280041,"EventID":"S4W-12016","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-21T13:44:54.247","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-20T14:46:30.74","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what action it is taking in response to the reported increase in the number of retail outlets selling so-called legal highs.","AnswerText":"Legal highs or Novel/New Psychoactive Substances (NPS) as they are also known, are substances which produce similar effects to illegal drugs, but that are not controlled under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971.\r\nThe Scottish Government takes the issue of drugs and the damage caused to communities and individuals extremely seriously and is committed to tackling the problem. The police in Scotland are committed to gathering, collating and analysing all intelligence relating to the production, trafficking and sale of drugs in Scotland, including NPS.\r\nThere is no other definitive legislation outwith the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 and temporary class drug order that uniquely deals with the supply of NPS. However, police in Scotland together with partners are exploring other legislative options, such as trading standards powers.\r\nThe Scottish Government continues to share information and analysis on NPS and emerging trends, with partners in Scotland and at the UK level, including the Home Office, forensic early warning system. The Scottish Government will continue to work with the Home Office and the police in Scotland to understand more about the use and supply of the substances and options to tackle their supply.\r\nThe Scottish Government is also working to ensure that information on the dangers of these harmful substances is available across Scotland. The Know the Score website and helpline, offering advice on drugs and their risks was updated to include information on NPS. The Choices for Life website for young people, part of the substance misuse education programme for Scottish schoolchildren funded by the Scottish Government and delivered by the Scottish Crime and Drugs Enforcement Agency, also contains information and advice on these substances.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-30T13:44:54.26","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Roseanna Cunningham","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280042,"EventID":"S4W-12017","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-21T13:44:54.887","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-20T14:46:30.74","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether the (a) sale and (b) consumption of so-called legal highs is legal in Scotland.","AnswerText":"Legal highs or Novel/New Psychoactive Substances (NPS) as they are also known, are substances which produce similar effects to illegal drugs, but that are not controlled under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971.\r\nSome NPS substances have been found to contain drugs controlled under the Misuse of Drugs Act.\r\nThe Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 is reserved to the UK Government.  In response to the availability of NPS, the Home Office introduced a new temporary class drug order (15 November 2011). See Home office website:\r\nhttp://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/drugs/drug-law/temporary-class-drug-orders/.\r\nThere is no other definitive legislation outwith the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 and temporary class drug order that uniquely deals with the supply of NPS. However, police in Scotland together with partners are exploring other legislative options, such as trading standards powers.\r\nThe Scottish Government will continue to work with the Home Office and the police in Scotland to understand more about the use and supply of these substances and options to tackle their supply.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-30T13:44:54.947","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Roseanna Cunningham","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280043,"EventID":"S4W-12019","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2633,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-21T13:44:55.43","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-20T16:31:44.537","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many (a) internships and (b) work experience places it has awarded in each year since 1999.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-08723 on 20 August 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at: \r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\nThe Scottish Government does not run a formal internship programme. We have previously participated in two schemes which could be considered similar to internships in nature. These were:\r\nBetween 2002 and 2009 the Scottish Government offered summer diversity placements through an outreach programme with Scottish colleges and universities offering a six week work placement within the organisation - these were funded opportunities. Between 15 and 25 placements were offered each year.\r\nAs a government department, we participated in the UK Civil Service Fast Stream Summer Diversity Internship scheme between 2008 and 2011, offering two places per year (eight in total).\r\nAlthough we don't run a formal scheme, we do offer informal student placements to both graduates and undergraduates in response to approaches from students and colleges/universities seeking opportunities within the Scottish Government, these can be both paid and unpaid placements.  Details of these placements are reported in the answer referenced above for the period April 2008 to March 2012.\r\nWith regards to work experience opportunities, the Scottish Government offers informal school age work experience placements, details of which are reported in the answer referenced for the period April 2008 to March 2012.\r\nFor both categories, data for earlier years are not held centrally. Data for the current year has not yet been collated.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-30T13:44:55.447","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280044,"EventID":"S4W-12020","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2633,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-21T13:44:55.82","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-20T16:31:44.537","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much Marine Scotland has spent on (a) staff redundancies, (b) staff costs and (c) research in each year since its establishment.\r\n","AnswerText":"The amount spent by Marine Scotland on staff redundancies, staff costs and research since its establishment are outlined in the following table:-\r\n \r\n2009-10\r\n2010-11\r\n2011-12\r\n \r\n£000\r\n£000\r\n£000\r\nStaff Redundancies\r\n0\r\n0\r\n0\r\nStaff Costs\r\n27,381\r\n28,269\r\n27,147\r\nResearch\r\n    3,582\r\n4,999\r\n4,023\r\n\r\nThe research figures relate to pure research projects and do not include spend incurred carrying out statutory and regulatory functions and other operational science activities.\r\nIn total Marine Scotland spends around £18 million annually on science related activity which includes the operation of two research vessels at a cost of £5 million per annum. In addition significant work has been undertaken enhancing scientific research capacity and capability through large scale capital investment, including the building of a replacement fisheries veterinary aquarium, the Ellis building, at a cost of £15 million.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-30T13:44:55.837","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280045,"EventID":"S4W-12022","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2633,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-21T13:44:56.133","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-20T16:31:44.537","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what Marine Scotland's staff (a) budget and (b) complement has been in each year since its establishment.","AnswerText":"Marine Scotland’s planned staff budget and staff complement in each year since its establishment are listed in the following tables:-\r\n \r\n2009-10\r\n2010-11\r\n2011-12\r\n2012-13\r\n \r\n£000\r\n£000\r\n£000\r\n£000\r\nStaff Budget\r\n26,683\r\n27,882\r\n28,927\r\n28,328\r\n \r\n2009-10 (1 )\r\n2010-11 ( 2 )\r\n2011-12\r\n2012-13\r\nStaff Complement\r\n725\r\n 758\r\n727 \r\n698 \r\nNotes:\r\n1. The 2009-10 figure is the March 2010 headcount figure. 2009-10 was a year of transition as the resources and functions of predecessor bodies were being integrated throughout the year.\r\n2. In 2010-11 the staff complement was increased temporarily to take account of revised marine crewing arrangements resulting from a restructuring of marine vessel management. \r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-30T13:44:56.15","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280046,"EventID":"S4W-12023","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2108,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":141,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-21T13:44:56.633","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-20T16:54:39.907","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government, in the event of Scotland separating from the rest of the United Kingdom, what conditions it expects that the UK Government or the Bank of England would attach to a formal currency pact with Scotland; whether any conditions would be unacceptable to the Scottish Government, and what contingency would exist for such a case.","AnswerText":"The Fiscal Commission Working Group is continuing its work to oversee the development of a robust macroeconomic and fiscal framework for an independent Scotland, and will be publishing its recommendations shortly.\r\nUnder the Edinburgh Agreement, the Scottish and UK Governments are committed to continue to work together constructively in the light of the outcome of the referendum, whatever it is, in the best interests of the people of Scotland and of the rest of the United Kingdom.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-30T13:44:56.647","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280047,"EventID":"S4W-12024","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-21T13:44:57.397","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-21T08:43:06","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the level of alcohol consumption was in (a) 2007, (b) 2008, (c) 2009, (d) 2010 and (e) 2011 as measured by (i) alcohol duty clearances, (ii) the Scottish Health Survey and (iii) retail sales data.\r\n","AnswerText":"The level of alcohol consumption/sales is estimated from various sources. Information on alcohol duty clearances can be found on the following link: https://www.uktradeinfo.com/Statistics/Pages/TaxAndDutybulletins.aspx. The Alcohol Factsheet March 2012 table 2.1 shows data relating to alcohol clearances for calendar years 1994 to 2011. Table 2.2 shows data relating to pure alcohol clearances by type from 1986-87 to 2010-11. These figures are on a UK basis. Data for Scotland is not identified separately other than for whisky. Information for whisky produced in Scotland in quantities released for consumption and revenue can be found on the Alcohol Bulletin November 2012 table 9 for calendar years 1994 to 2011.\r\nInformation on alcohol consumption can be found in the Scottish Health Survey. The latest (2011) data is available from the following link: http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2012/09/7854 at chapter 3. \r\nData for 2008, 2009 and 2010 can be found at: http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Statistics/Browse/Health/scottish-health-survey/Publications; no data is available for 2007.\r\nInformation on retail sales data in Scotland can be found at: http://www.healthscotland.com/uploads/documents/19333-sales%20dataset1994-2011_Off-tradeexcludesdiscount%20retailers_082012.xls. This shows levels of retail alcohol sales data in Scotland from 1994 to 2011 (no data is available for 1996-99). The data has been supplied to NHS Health Scotland by Nielsen/CGA.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-30T13:44:57.413","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280048,"EventID":"S4W-12025","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-21T13:44:58.41","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-21T08:43:06","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what percentage reduction in alcohol consumption it expects to achieve from the introduction of a 50 pence per unit minimum price of alcohol and how this compares with the reduction in alcohol consumption between 2009 and 2011 recorded in Monitoring and Evaluating Scotland's Alcohol Strategy: Second Annual Report.\r\n","AnswerText":"In the Monitoring and Evaluating Scotland’s Alcohol Strategy: 2nd Annual Report, analysis of the most recent data shows that per adult sales decreased by 5% between 2009 and 2011 (two year time period). This is a total reduction across adult sales and is not broken down by drinker type. The report does not estimate what impact the reduction in sales has had on harm. Caution is required when considering changes in alcohol sales over such short time periods; it is generally considered good practice to assess trends over as long a time series as the data allows. On this basis, alcohol sales have increased by 10% since 1994.\r\nThe Scottish Government is committed to introducing minimum unit pricing in order to help tackle alcohol misuse in Scotland. A key component of minimum unit pricing is that it targets a reduction in consumption of alcohol which is cheap relative to its strength. This is significant because it is these alcoholic products which are favoured and consumed by hazardous and harmful drinkers. Minimum unit pricing would, therefore, affect hazardous and harmful drinkers more than moderate drinkers, in terms of the amount they drink, how much they spend and how much they benefit from reductions in harm.\r\nThe University of Sheffield modelling estimates that a 50p minimum unit price will result in a reduction in overall alcohol consumption of 5.7% per annum. This is allocated differentially over drinker type with moderate drinkers estimated to reduce alcohol consumption by 2.8%, hazardous drinkers by 4.8%, and harmful drinkers by 10.7%.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-30T13:44:58.443","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280049,"EventID":"S4W-12026","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-21T13:44:59.393","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-21T08:43:06","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many lives have been saved as a result of the reduction in alcohol consumption of 5% between 2009 and 2011 as recorded in Monitoring and Evaluating Scotland's Alcohol Strategy: Second Annual Report.\r\n","AnswerText":"It is not possible to estimate any reduction in deaths due to the reported reduction in consumption in the Monitoring and Evaluating Scotland’s Alcohol Strategy: second Annual Report as the impact on the number of deaths may take a number of years to become apparent.\r\nInformation on total alcohol-related deaths can be found at: http://www.gro-scotland.gov.uk/statistics/theme/vital-events/deaths/alcohol-related/index.html.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-30T13:44:59.427","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280050,"EventID":"S4W-12027","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-21T13:45:00.44","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-21T08:43:06","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the cost saving was to the public sector as a result of the reduction in alcohol consumption of 5% between 2009 and 2011 as recorded in Monitoring and Evaluating Scotland's Alcohol Strategy: Second Annual Report.\r\n","AnswerText":"Data is not available estimating the cost saving to the public sector as a result of the reported reduction in consumption in the Monitoring and Evaluating Scotland’s Alcohol Strategy: second Annual Report.\r\nThe University of Sheffield modelling estimates that a 50 pence minimum unit price will result in a reduction in the value of harm of £64 million in year one with a reduction in the cumulative discounted value of harm of £942 million over ten years.  his is allocated differentially over drinker type with a reduction in the value of harm for moderate drinkers of £9.3 million in year one and a cumulative discounted value of harm reduction over ten years of £147 million; for hazardous drinkers, a reduction of £10.1 million in year one and a cumulative discounted value of harm reduction over ten years of £235 million; for harmful drinkers, a reduction of £44.5 million in year one and a cumulative discounted value of harm reduction over ten years of £558 million.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-30T13:45:00.453","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280051,"EventID":"S4W-12028","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-21T13:45:00.987","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-21T08:43:06","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the reduction in alcohol-related hospital admissions has been as a result of the reduction in alcohol consumption of 5% between 2009 and 2011 reported in Monitoring and Evaluating Scotland's Alcohol Strategy: Second Annual Report.","AnswerText":"Information on total alcohol-related hospital admissions can be found in the following report, Alcohol-related Hospital Statistics Report 2012 which is available on the following link: http://www.isdscotland.org/Health-Topics/Drugs-and-Alcohol-Misuse/Publications/2012-05-29/2012-05-29-alcoholhospitalstats2012-report.pdf.\r\nThe Monitoring and Evaluating Scotland’s Alcohol Strategy: second Annual Report does not estimate what impact the reduction in sales has had on harm, and sales data cannot be broken down by drinker type (moderate, hazardous or harmful).\r\nThe Scottish Government is committed to introducing minimum unit pricing in order to help tackle alcohol misuse in Scotland. A key component of minimum unit pricing is that it targets a reduction in consumption of alcohol which is cheap relative to its strength. This is significant because it is these alcoholic products which are favoured and consumed by hazardous and harmful drinkers. Minimum unit pricing would, therefore, affect hazardous and harmful drinkers more than moderate drinkers, in terms of the amount they drink, how much they spend and how much they benefit from reductions in harm.\r\nThe University of Sheffield modelling estimates that a 50 pence minimum unit price will result in a reduction in hospital admissions of 1,600 in year one, rising to 6,500 per annum in year ten of the policy. This is allocated differentially over drinker type with hospital admissions for moderate drinkers estimated to reduce by 400 in year one, rising to 700 per annum in year ten of the policy; a reduction of 500 in year one for hazardous drinkers, rising to 2,100 per annum in year ten; and a reduction of 700 in year one for harmful drinkers, rising to 3,600 per annum in year ten.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-30T13:45:01","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280052,"EventID":"S4W-12029","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-21T13:45:01.577","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-21T08:43:06","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the reduction in alcohol-related deaths has been as a result of the reduction in alcohol consumption of 5% between 2009 and 2011 as reported in Monitoring and Evaluating Scotland's Alcohol Strategy: Second Annual Report.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-12026 on 28 January 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-30T13:45:01.593","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280053,"EventID":"S4W-12030","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-21T13:45:02.123","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-21T08:43:06","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the reduction in absenteeism from work has been as a result of the reduction in alcohol consumption of 5% between 2009 and 2011 reported in Monitoring and Evaluating Scotland's Alcohol Strategy: Second Annual Report.\r\n","AnswerText":"Data is not available estimating the reduction in absenteeism from work as a result of the reported reduction in consumption in the Monitoring and Evaluating Scotland’s Alcohol Strategy: Second Annual Report.\r\nThe University of Sheffield modelling estimates that a 50 pence minimum unit price will result in a reduction in absence days of 32,300 per annum. This is allocated differentially over drinker type with absence days for moderate drinkers estimated to reduce by 11,000 per annum, for hazardous drinkers by 8,900 per annum, and for harmful drinkers by 12,200 per annum.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-30T13:45:02.14","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280054,"EventID":"S4W-12031","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-21T13:45:02.653","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-21T08:43:06","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the reduction in unemployment due to alcohol problems has been as a result of the reduction in alcohol consumption of 5% between 2009 and 2011 reported in Monitoring and Evaluating Scotland's Alcohol Strategy: Second Annual Report.","AnswerText":"Data is not available estimating the reduction in unemployment as a result of the reported reduction in consumption in the Monitoring and Evaluating Scotland’s Alcohol Strategy: Second Annual Report.\r\nThe University of Sheffield modelling estimates that a 50 pence minimum unit price will result in 1,300 fewer unemployed per annum, and this comes solely from the harmful drinker type category.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-30T13:45:02.67","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280055,"EventID":"S4W-12032","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-21T13:45:03.327","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-21T08:43:06","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the reduction in alcohol-related crime has been as a result of the reduction in alcohol consumption of 5% between 2009 and 2011 reported in Monitoring and Evaluating Scotland's Alcohol Strategy: Second Annual Report.\r\n","AnswerText":"Information on recorded crimes in Scotland can be found via the following link:\r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Statistics/Browse/Crime-Justice/PubRecordedCrime.\r\nThe Monitoring and Evaluating Scotland’s Alcohol Strategy: Second Annual Report does not estimate what impact the reduction in sales has had on crime.\r\nThe Scottish Government is committed to introducing minimum unit pricing in order to help tackle alcohol misuse in Scotland. A key component of minimum unit pricing is that it targets a reduction in consumption of alcohol which is cheap relative to its strength. This is significant because it is these alcoholic products which are favoured and consumed by hazardous and harmful drinkers.  Minimum unit pricing would, therefore, affect hazardous and harmful drinkers more than moderate drinkers, in terms of the amount they drink, how much they spend and how much they benefit from reductions in harm.\r\nThe University of Sheffield modelling estimates that a 50 pence minimum unit price will result in a reduction in total crimes of 3,500 per annum. This is allocated differentially over drinker type with total crimes for moderate drinkers estimated to reduce by 800 per annum, for hazardous drinkers by 900 per annum, and for harmful drinkers by 1,700 per annum.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-30T13:45:03.373","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280056,"EventID":"S4W-12033","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-21T13:45:03.903","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-21T08:43:06","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the impact on health-related quality of life has been as a result of the reduction in alcohol consumption of 5% between 2009 and 2011 reported in Monitoring and Evaluating Scotland's Alcohol Strategy: Second Annual Report.\r\n","AnswerText":"Data is not available estimating the impact on health-related quality of life as a result of the reported reduction in consumption in the Monitoring and Evaluating Scotland’s Alcohol Strategy:Second Annual Report.\r\nThe University of Sheffield modelling estimates that a 50 pence minimum unit price will result in a saving of health quality adjusted life years of 300 in year one and a cumulative saving of 9,800 in the first ten years of the policy. This is allocated differentially over drinker type with a saving of health quality adjusted life years for moderate drinkers of 100 in year one and a cumulative saving of 2,100 in the first ten years of the policy; a saving for hazardous drinkers of 100 in year one and 3,500 in the first ten years of the policy; and a saving for harmful drinkers of 100 in year one and 4,200 in the first ten years of the policy.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-30T13:45:03.917","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280057,"EventID":"S4W-12034","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-21T13:45:04.637","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-21T08:43:06","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what savings have been made on the direct costs of crime as a result of the reduction in alcohol consumption of 5% between 2009 and 2011 reported in Monitoring and Evaluating Scotland's Alcohol Strategy: Second Annual Report.\r\n","AnswerText":"Data is not available estimating the savings on the direct cost of crime as a result of the reported reduction in consumption in the Monitoring and Evaluating Scotland’s Alcohol Strategy: Second Annual Report.\r\nThe University of Sheffield modelling estimates that a 50p minimum unit price will result in a reduction of direct crime costs of £2.9 million in year one and a reduction of £24 million in the cumulative discounted value over ten years. This is allocated differentially over drinker type with a reduction in direct crime costs for moderate drinkers of £0.7 million in year one and a reduction of £6 million in the cumulative discounted value over ten years; a reduction of £0.8 million for hazardous drinkers in year one and a reduction of £6 million in the cumulative discounted value over ten years; a reduction of £1.3 million for harmful drinkers in year one and a reduction of £11 million in the cumulative discounted value over ten years.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-30T13:45:04.65","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280058,"EventID":"S4W-12035","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-21T13:45:05.993","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-21T08:43:06","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what impact there has been on the quality-adjusted life years lost by victims of crime as a result of the reduction in alcohol consumption of 5% between 2009 and 2011 reported in Monitoring and Evaluating Scotland's Alcohol Strategy: Second Annual Report.","AnswerText":"Data is not available estimating the impact on quality-adjusted life years lost by victims of crime as a result of the reported reduction in consumption in the Monitoring and Evaluating Scotland’s Alcohol Strategy: Second Annual Report.\r\nThe University of Sheffield modelling estimates that a 50 pence minimum unit price will result in a reduction in the value of crime quality adjusted life years of £2.2 million in year one with a cumulative discounted value of £20 million over ten years. This is allocated differentially over drinker type with a reduction in the value of crime quality adjusted life years for moderate drinkers of £0.6 million in year one and a cumulative discounted value of harm reduction over ten years of £6 million; for hazardous drinkers, a reduction of £0.6 million in year one and a cumulative discounted value of harm reduction over ten years of £6 million; for harmful drinkers, a reduction of £0.9 million in year one and a cumulative discounted value of harm reduction over ten years of £8 million.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-30T13:45:06.01","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280059,"EventID":"S4W-12036","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-21T13:45:06.57","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-21T08:43:06","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the financial value of harm reduction has been as a result of the reduction in alcohol consumption of 5% between 2009 and 2011 reported in Monitoring and Evaluating Scotland's Alcohol Strategy: Second Annual Report.\r\n","AnswerText":"Data is not available estimating the financial value of harm reduction as a result of the reported reduction in consumption in the Monitoring and Evaluating Scotland’s Alcohol Strategy: Second Annual Report.\r\nThe University of Sheffield modelling estimates that a 50 pence minimum unit price will result in a reduction in the value of harm of £64 million in year one with a reduction in the cumulative discounted value of harm of £942 million over ten years. This is allocated differentially over drinker type with a reduction in the value of harm for moderate drinkers of £9.3 million in year one and a cumulative discounted value of harm reduction over ten years of £147 million; for hazardous drinkers, a reduction of £10.1 million in year one and a cumulative discounted value of harm reduction over ten years of £235 million; for harmful drinkers, a reduction of £44.5 million in year one and a cumulative discounted value of harm reduction over ten years of £558 million.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-30T13:45:06.587","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Matheson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280060,"EventID":"S4W-12037","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":140,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-21T13:45:07.163","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-21T08:43:06","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it plans to ask the University of Sheffield to provide an update of its alcohol minimum price modelling research to take into account the most recent data included in Monitoring and Evaluating Scotland's Alcohol Strategy: Second Annual Report.","AnswerText":"There are no plans for the Scottish Government to update the modelling carried out by the University of Sheffield. The most recent report on the modelling was published in January 2012 and contained the most up to date data available at that time, and on which the Parliament passed the Alcohol (Minimum Pricing) (Scotland) Act 2012.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-30T13:45:07.18","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280061,"EventID":"S4W-12038","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-21T13:45:07.88","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-21T08:51:03.527","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what chemical additives are used in the hydraulic fracturing process.\r\n","AnswerText":"Fracturing fluids would consist primarily of water but would also include a variety of additives. The number of chemicals used would vary depending on the conditions of the specific well being fractured. Operators would have to provide details of the chemical additives contained in drilling and fracturing fluids which SEPA would use in their examination of any application to ensure that substances involved are of a type and concentration that would not cause pollution of the water environment.\r\nWhilst site specific, a list of the most commonly used chemicals in shale gas fracking in the US can be found at:\r\nhttp://fracfocus.org/chemical-use/what-chemicals-are-used.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-30T13:45:07.897","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280062,"EventID":"S4W-12039","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":11,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-21T13:45:08.583","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-21T08:51:35.427","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how the abstracted flowback water that contains naturally occurring bicarbonates, sulphates, chlorides of sodium and potassium and radionuclides is dealt with during hydraulic fracturing.\r\n","AnswerText":"The production of “flow-back” fluid from hydraulic fracturing is a mining waste activity. These activities would be controlled through planning permission for the site through an agreed waste management plan. Operators would need to have a waste management plan in place, and to be able to demonstrate to planning authorities how they would store and dispose of wastes safely without causing pollution to the environment. This would include a requirement to have a CAR authorisation for any discharge of any pollutants to the water environment.\r\nIt is likely that the fluids that might flow back to the surface after hydraulic fracturing would also contain naturally occurring radioactive materials (NORM). The production of oil and gas is classed as a NORM Industrial Activity for which the Radioactive Substances Act 1993 (RSA93) provides threshold values for radioactive concentration. If the fluid is above the relevant threshold values then it would be classed as radioactive waste and would be subject to the requirements of RSA93.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-30T13:45:08.597","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280063,"EventID":"S4W-12040","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1759,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-21T13:45:09.177","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-21T09:50:27.473","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many sites of special scientific interest are in an unfavourable condition due to damage caused by deer.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Natural Heritage Site Condition Monitoring programme is used to assess condition on designated sites, including Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs). It records the impact of herbivores, including deer, sheep, cattle, hares and rabbits, but does not distinguish the impact of deer from other herbivores. Of the 957 SSSIs which could potentially suffer impacts by herbivores, 248 have been assessed as being in unfavourable condition due, wholly or partially, to the impact of herbivores.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-30T13:45:09.19","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280064,"EventID":"S4W-12041","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1759,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-21T13:45:09.58","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-21T09:50:27.473","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether Scottish Natural Heritage provides an annual report regarding the condition of protected sites and, if so, whether this includes an analysis of factors that might limit their improvement.\r\n","AnswerText":"Details about the condition of protected sites, including an analysis of unfavourable conditions and remedial action, is published annually by Scottish Natural Heritage as part of its official statistical publications. Information is available in the document The Official Statistic 2012 at: http://www.snh.gov.uk/publications-data-and-research/official-statistics/official-stats/sites-favourable/\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-30T13:45:09.597","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280065,"EventID":"S4W-12042","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1759,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-21T13:45:09.893","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-21T09:50:27.473","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much public money was spent on deer fencing in each of the last 10 years, broken down by (a) organisation and (b) source of funding.\r\n","AnswerText":"Committed spending on deer fencing is set out in the following tables:\r\n(a) Organisation\r\n\r\nSG*\r\n(£)\r\nFCS*\r\n(£)\r\nFES (1)*\r\n(£)\r\nSNH*\r\n(£)\r\nTotal\r\n(£)\r\n2003\r\n47,884\r\n153,270\r\n354,500\r\n16,143\r\n571,797\r\n2004\r\n20,584\r\n410,207\r\n327,500\r\n11,147\r\n769,438\r\n2005\r\n8,321\r\n936,327\r\n453,400\r\n16,307\r\n1,414,355\r\n2006\r\n26,864\r\n1,939,691\r\n463,000\r\n12,545\r\n2,442,100\r\n2007\r\n15,357\r\n1,694,402\r\n476,700\r\n57,415\r\n2,243,874\r\n2008\r\n270,714\r\n661,264\r\n491,900\r\n54,317\r\n1,478,195\r\n2009\r\n298,285\r\n434,804\r\n557,800\r\n25,510\r\n1,316,399\r\n2010\r\n2,100,189\r\nNil\r\n1,324,700\r\n15,200\r\n3,440,089\r\n2011\r\n3,614,213\r\n28,004\r\n894,300\r\n6,853\r\n4,543,370\r\n2012\r\n3,617,743\r\nNil\r\n1,491,600\r\n18,109\r\n5,127,452\r\nTotal\r\n10,020,154\r\n6,257,969\r\n6,835,400\r\n233,546\r\n23,347,069\r\n* Scottish Government, Forestry Commission Scotland, Forest Enterprise Scotland, Scottish National Heritage\r\n(b) Source of funding\r\n\r\nSRDP\r\nSFGS (2)\r\n(£)\r\nFES\r\nDirect\r\nExpenditure\r\n(£)\r\nSRDP\r\nRP (3)\r\n(£)\r\nLegacy Agri Environment Schemes\r\n(£)\r\nSNH MA & NNR (4)\r\n(£)\r\nTotal\r\n(£)\r\n2003\r\n153,270\r\n354,500\r\nNil\r\n47,884\r\n16,143\r\n571,797\r\n2004\r\n410,207\r\n327,500\r\nNil\r\n20,584\r\n11,147\r\n769,438\r\n2005\r\n936,327\r\n453,400\r\nNil\r\n8,321\r\n16,307\r\n1,414,355\r\n2006\r\n1,939,691\r\n463,000\r\nNil\r\n26,864\r\n12,545\r\n2,442,100\r\n2007\r\n1,694,402\r\n476,700\r\nNil\r\n15,357\r\n57,415\r\n2,243,874\r\n2008\r\n661,264\r\n491,900\r\n261,858\r\n8,856\r\n54,317\r\n1,478,195\r\n2009\r\n434,804\r\n557,800\r\n286,879\r\n11,406\r\n25,510\r\n1,316,399\r\n2010\r\nNil\r\n1,324,700\r\n2,091,996 \r\n8,193\r\n15,200\r\n3,440,089\r\n2011\r\n28,004\r\n894,300\r\n3,612,196 \r\n2,017\r\n6,853\r\n4,543,370\r\n2012\r\nNil\r\n1,491,600\r\n3,617,743 \r\nNil\r\n18,109\r\n5,127,452\r\nTotal\r\n6,257,969\r\n6,835,400\r\n9,870,672\r\n149,482\r\n233,546\r\n23,347,069\r\n(1) Figures for 2003 – 2008 are an estimate as expenditure for deer fencing was not identified separately within Forest Enterprise Scotland accounts.\r\n(2) Scottish Forest Grants Scheme.\r\n(3) Rural Priorities Scheme – the value of funding is based on SG committed expenditure, based in turn on information provided by successful applicants. Payments to beneficiaries are made on a reimbursement basis.\r\n(4) Scottish National Heritage expenditure on management agreements made under Section 15 of The Countryside Act 1968 (as amended) and expenditure on National Nature Reserves.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-30T13:45:09.91","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280066,"EventID":"S4W-12043","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1759,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-21T13:45:10.25","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-21T09:50:27.473","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether the Forestry Commission Scotland publishes an annual report that itemises its spending on land management.\r\n","AnswerText":"Details of Forestry Commission Scotland’s spending on land management, in relation to the National Forest Estate, is provided in their annual report and accounts. This is published on the internet at: http://www.forestry.gov.uk/forestry/infd-6ahms9 The information given is detailed in the “statement of comprehensive net expenditure” on page 144.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-30T13:45:10.267","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Paul Wheelhouse","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280067,"EventID":"S4W-12044","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1759,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":15,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-21T13:45:10.563","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-21T09:58:51.243","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what resources will be allocated to the Police Service of Scotland in relation to (a) the killing of birds of prey and (b) tackling other wildlife crime.\r\n","AnswerText":"It will be a matter for the Chief Constable to decide how best to deploy the resources available to him, including wildlife crime.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-02-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-30T13:45:10.58","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280068,"EventID":"S4W-12045","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3061,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-21T13:45:10.86","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-21T11:44:14.567","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government whether it plans to review the recommended separation distance between wind turbines and the edge of cities, towns and villages contained in the Scottish Planning Policy.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government will consider all relevant matters in the current review of Scottish Planning Policy. The document is being reviewed as a whole, not on a topic-by-topic basis. This means looking at the connections between policy topics and taking an integrated approach.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-30T13:45:10.877","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Derek Mackay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280069,"EventID":"S4W-12046","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3061,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":9,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-21T13:45:11.233","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-21T11:44:14.567","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the scientific basis is for the recommended separation distance between wind turbines and the edge of cities, towns and villages contained in the Scottish Planning Policy and when this was last reviewed.\r\n","AnswerText":"The scientific basis for the recommended separation distance is that in relation to settlements, wind turbine development at a distance of up to 2 km is likely to be a prominent feature in an open landscape. This was first set out in Guidelines on the Environmental Impacts of Windfarms and Small Scale Hydroelectric Schemes (Scottish Natural Heritage), February 2001. The criterion was then set out in Planning Advice Note 45 (2002) (since superseded). The criterion was later adopted in a review of Scottish Planning Policy (SPP) on Renewable Energy in 2007 and continued in the consolidated SPP in 2010.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-30T13:45:11.25","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Derek Mackay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280070,"EventID":"S4W-12049","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4014,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-21T15:35:51.61","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-21T15:21:40.703","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many calls have been received by the pilot confidential alert line for NHS staff.\r\n","AnswerText":"We are in the process of procuring a service provider for the national confidential alert line for NHSScotland staff. It is envisaged that the line will be operational in the Spring of 2013.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-30T15:35:51.687","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280071,"EventID":"S4W-12050","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4014,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2012-12-21T15:35:52.14","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-21T15:21:40.703","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what action has been taken to promote the pilot confidential alert line for NHS staff.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-12049 on 28 January 2012. Promotion of the alert line will be included in the contract with the provider.\r\nAll answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-30T15:35:52.157","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280086,"EventID":"S4W-12057","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4016,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":133,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-03T13:16:46.257","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-21T18:19:51","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how it is ensuring that local authorities are meeting their obligation under the Criminal Procedure (Scotland) Act 1995 to consult on the nature of unpaid work carried out by people subject to community payback orders.","AnswerText":"Section 227ZM of the Criminal Procedure (Scotland) Act 1995 places a statutory duty on local authorities to provide an annual report to the Scottish Ministers about the operation of Community Payback Orders within their area. Scottish Ministers are then required to publish and lay before the Scottish Parliament a report that collates and summarises the information provided to them by local authorities.\r\nGuidance was issued by the Scottish Government in relation to the content of these annual reports, advising local authorities to include information on activities carried out to consult communities on the nature of unpaid work to be undertaken by those on Community Payback Orders. \r\nA summary of the first set of local authority annual reports, covering the period 1 April 2011 to 31 March 2012, was laid before Parliament on 21 December 2012 and published on the Scottish Government website on the same day. Copies are available in the Scottish Parliament’s Reference Centre (SPICe) (Bib No. 54621).\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-31T13:16:46.27","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280087,"EventID":"S4W-12059","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1845,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-03T13:16:46.753","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-21T16:34:39","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many civil servants are working on preparations for the independence referendum.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Elections and Referendum Team are responsible, among other things, for preparations for the independence referendum. This team consists of seven civil servants. Where appropriate, they seek input from colleagues in other parts of the organisation.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-31T13:16:46.77","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280088,"EventID":"S4W-12060","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1845,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-03T13:16:47.13","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-21T16:34:39","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many hours civil servants have worked on preparing briefing papers for ministers on the independence referendum.\r\n","AnswerText":"Civil servants assist Scottish Ministers in delivering the Government’s priorities, which were set out by the First Minister in his statement on the Programme for Government on Tuesday 5 September 2012. The commitments in the Programme for Government include a referendum on independence as well as others including better regulation, adult health and criminal justice. Civil servants provide support on all aspects of Scottish Government work, as and when required. This includes preparing briefing for ministers as one of many core tasks. The number of hours spent on each individual commitment is not separately recorded.\r\nThe Programme for Government can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/About/Performance/programme-for-government.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-31T13:16:47.143","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280089,"EventID":"S4W-12061","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1845,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-03T13:16:47.427","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-21T16:34:39","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what the cost has been of civil servants' work on preparing for the independence referendum.\r\n","AnswerText":"Details of staff working in the Scottish Government’s Elections and Constitution Division, whose work includes policy on elections, legislation and electronic counting systems for local government elections, as well as the new provisions in the Scotland Act 2012 and the referendum, have already been published at: http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/constitution/About/constitution-SG-staffing.\r\nThe actual salary cost for the Elections and Constitution Division in 2011-12 was £441,308, less than 1% of the total salary cost for the core Scottish Government in the same year.\r\nAs part of their normal duties, civil servants provide support on all aspects of the Scottish Government’s work, as and when required, including on preparations for the independence referendum.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-31T13:16:47.44","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280090,"EventID":"S4W-12062","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4014,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-03T13:16:47.753","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-29T15:11:14","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many documents it has lost since 2007. \r\n","AnswerText":"Since 2007, the Scottish Government has lost 7 documents.\r\nThe Scottish Government generally (but not exclusively) defines a data “loss” as being an incident where official information has inadvertently or deliberately left Scottish Government premises or its network without authorisation and where control of that data has been lost. This definition is reflected in the answer above.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-31T13:16:47.77","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280091,"EventID":"S4W-12063","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4014,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":13,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-03T13:16:48.08","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-29T15:11:14","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many reports its directorates have made of lost documents since 2007.\r\n","AnswerText":"Scottish Government directorates have made six reports of lost documents since 2007.\r\nThis answer is related to that provided to S4W-12062 on 28 January 2013, which states that seven documents were lost during the same timeframe. One report was related to the loss of two separate documents.\r\nAll answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-31T13:16:48.097","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280092,"EventID":"S4W-12064","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1845,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-03T13:16:48.58","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-23T14:11:13","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how much has been spent on NHS administration in each year since 1999, broken down by NHS board.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-04773 on 19 January 2012 for a breakdown of hospital and community administration costs by health board and which defines administration reporting, for years ending 31 March 1999 to 2011. All answers to parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:\r\nhttp://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.\r\nThere has been a steady increase in the coverage of the costs book in terms of the costs being included as administration costs such that, in 2010-11, 94% of costs were analysed whereas in 1999-2000, 62% of costs were covered. This means that costs are now analysed which were not previously reported, so the figures are not directly comparable with those published in previous years.\r\nDue to changes in the way administration costs are reported, for example admin costs for a number of functions such as pharmacy, catering, property maintenance and transport which previously were omitted, are now classified as administration, are another reason why figures are not directly comparable on a year to year basis.\r\nOther significant changes which have been made over the years include:\r\n2008-09 - costs of the board’s health promotion and health education functions were included in administration costs for the first time;\r\n2006-07 - NHS Argyll and Clyde was dissolved and the functions were transferred to NHS Highland and NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (previously NHS Greater Glasgow);\r\n2003-04 - Boards central function costs which are reported in note 6 of the Annual Accounts which were included in the Costs Book for the first time (approximately £70 million).\r\nThe 2009-10 figures for NHS Lanarkshire and for NHS Tayside were re-stated in Scottish Health Service Costs, year ended 31 March 2011. The 2008-09 figure for NHS Dumfries and Galloway was re-stated in Scottish Health Service Costs, year ended 31 March 2010.\r\nThere was an exceptional item in 2009-10 accounts of NHS GG&C which means the 2009-10 figure is not comparable since additional items were included in the 2011 admin costs that were not included in 2010. If you adjust for this additional £25m relating to NHS GG&C in 2009-10, the overall administration costs for NHS Scotland actually reduce in 2010-11.\r\nThe administration costs for hospital and community services provided by the 14 Territorial Boards, the Golden Jubilee National Hospital and the State Hospital for 2011-12 are detailed in the following table:\r\n\r\nAdministration costs1 by Health Board, year ending 31 March 2012\r\nHealth Board\r\n2011-12\r\n\r\n£000\r\nNHS Ayrshire & Arran\r\n52,305\r\nNHS Borders\r\n12,622\r\nState Hospital\r\n4,053\r\nGolden Jubilee\r\n7,277\r\nNHS Fife\r\n39,091\r\nNHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde\r\n197,741\r\nNHS Highland\r\n43,241\r\nNHS Lanarkshire\r\n68,115\r\nNHS Grampian\r\n58,217\r\nNHS Orkney\r\n6,190\r\nNHS Lothian\r\n91,124\r\nNHS Tayside\r\n65,399\r\nNHS Forth Valley\r\n34,724\r\nNHS Western Isles\r\n6,458\r\nNHS Dumfries & Galloway\r\n18,843\r\nNHS Shetland\r\n4,250\r\nScotland\r\n709,648\r\nSource: ISD Scotland, Scottish Health Service Costs\r\nNotes:\r\n\r\n1. Administration Costs include staff and supplies costs.\r\n2. The figures include the administration costs of the Board central functions (as reported in Note 6 of Board annual accounts).\r\n\r\n\r\nSCOTTISH GOVERNMENT\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-31T13:16:48.597","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":280093,"EventID":"S4W-12065","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1845,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":14,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2013-01-03T13:16:48.893","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-12-23T14:11:13","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government what (a) discussions and (b) meetings ministers have had regarding the future of the National Lottery in an independent Scotland.\r\n","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government engages in discussions with a wide range of stakeholders about matters of importance to Scotland’s people and communities. An independent Scotland will continue to have a lottery and lottery infrastructure.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2013-01-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2013-01-31T13:16:48.907","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":292882,"EventID":"S4W-08737","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3812,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":12,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2014-03-13T17:28:21.11","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-07-16T12:16:56.25","Title":"To ask the Scottish Government how many activity agreements each local authority will provide in the next three years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Government how many activity agreements each local authority will provide in the next three years.\r\n","AnswerText":"Activity agreements are offered on the basis of an assessment of a young person’s needs. Local partnerships engage with all young people to ensure they continue to participate in learning upon leaving school. This includes considering whether activity agreements would be the correct option for them. Therefore, specific targets on the number delivered in each area are not set in advance.\r\n","AnswerDate":"2012-08-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2014-03-27T17:28:22.47","MeetingDate":"2011-01-01T17:30:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Angela Constance","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false},{"UniqueID":306933,"EventID":"S4F-00621","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":136,"ApprovedDate":"2012-05-14T15:48:31.113","SubmissionDateTime":"2012-04-23T11:44:00","Title":"","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what the Scottish Government's position is on televising court proceedings.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government supports openness and transparency in the administration of justice, but the specific circumstances in which court proceedings may be televised is a matter for the Lord President.","AnswerDate":"2012-04-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2012-04-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":"2012-04-26T00:00:00","AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Salmond","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":false,"CrossPartySupport":false,"RegisteredInterest":false}]